Completed my longest practice ever this morning! Ran about 24k, walked for about 10 min at 3/4 of the way and tried taking in a pack of power gel. My energy level seemed to have replenished somewhat as I didn’t feel the hunger towards the end like last week, but the joints on my left toes started to hurt at the end, otherwise I could probably run a little further still (but definitely not another 18k ?).
During the run, I constantly question myself why I put myself up to such turmoil?! I thought about my UW’s pastor’s recent update announcing his victory over cancer after months of battling the disease, that boosted my energy level a little. I thought about my late uncle who was defeated by cancer last Spring, he told me how he used to jog with aunt along the (artificial) river near their apartment. I also remembered the stranger I met after finishing my half marathon in Toronto in Oct., she completed 2 marathons without a true reason, but her rewarding smile told me that all the sweat that went into her prior training was totally worth it. I also recited this bible verse many times: “Those who hope in the Lord will never grow weary. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will RUN and not grow weary, they will WALK and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Here’s my strategy going into running my 1st marathon next Sunday:
- adjust my sleep schedule to wake up at around 4am
- rest more and hope my toes would recover in time
- do a couple of short light runs
- buy more power gels
