runlikejo

[runlikejo]

CIM: THE BEGINNING

How did I get here? It seems surreal. Yet here I am, writing about my first marathon. 

Last year, without prior running experience, I decided to run in the California International Marathon (CIM). 

Someone once told me that if you’re serious about something, take action, and that’s exactly what I did. I registered for my first marathon in March, splurged on legit running shoes, Nuun, GU chews, hydration belt, high-performance socks, and signed up for 17 weeks of training with Fleet Feet Sports. Seems extreme doesn’t it? But I was determined to make it across the finish line in one piece.

BEFORE

BQ/CARB-LOADING/PR/RICE/TAPER/TEMPO/THE WALL/VO2: What in the world?! I had no idea I was going to take an academic course on running but there was a lot I didn’t know.

DURING

To be honest, I lost motivation to train in September and was not prepared for my run in October at the San Jose Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon. I slacked off everyday and until Sunday rolled around. I did my best during my Sunday long runs and vowed that I would do better but never did. A month before show time my group was scheduled to run 17 miles, which is expected at that time, but I was not ready. For for the first time in all my training I felt that I couldn’t go through with the CIM. Those 17 miles were torture. At mile 3, I knew it was going to be a tough day; by mile 13, my feet, calfs, knees, and upper thighs were in complete agony. I wanted to quit. 

That was the last long run I participated in before the CIM.

CIM: SHOW TIME

December 3rd finally came and I was full of mixed feelings. Part of my was thrilled and the other was numb. So many people in my life knew I was going to run and I felt the pressure to perform well, secretly knowing that I wouldn't. But the day came and I had to show up. 

MILE 1-13: It was cold but I couldn't believe I was doing it. My body and mind were sound and I managed to get a PR! (Oct 2:38:49 - Dec 2:21:20)

MILE 14 - 20: OH, SO THIS IS THE WALL... It’s a bit early though?

MILE 21 - 26.2: I’m not getting any faster but lets finish what I started! Why is my arm still cold? 

AFTER

5 hours later, well 5:18:02 to be exact, I did it, I really did it. 26.2 miles of bliss, fear, pain, and growth. You want to know the craziest part of it all? Signed up for round two, CIM 2018. 

“That was such a high. I don’t know why anyone does drugs.” - Meredith Grey.