My road to 42.195 -- Part 2. Learn to run

What I learned from 跑步重點指導 was the basic concepts techniques of running, that all runner should know. I realized one run per week was only sufficient to maintain my current status from inclining. I need to run at least 3 runs to improve my cariovascular capability. So I followed its instruction to run 4 times to accumulate 30pts per week (The pts was rated with running distance and timing. For example, 13min for 1.6km got 2pts, while 32min for 8km got 30pts). My weekly milage at that time was less than 15km. And soon the JP Morgan race day came and I finished with good timing (32:46), 2 more minutes faster than I expected. That is my first achievement. I was a kind of enjoying the run, and seeking for the next goal.
I found SGRunners forum by internet searching, only to iscover there were so many running events each month in S'pore. One interested me most was Mizuno Mt. Faber Run (10km) held one month later (Jun. 13). It was a ideal goal after 5km. I signed up despite its hilly terrain. And I soon increased my weekly milage over 20km. I also searched in the internet and local library for a real training plan. Brain Training For Runners came to my sight. I had no idea of "brain training", to me, it was just a concrete training plan (the half of book are training plans ranging from 5k to marathon), what I need urgently. Soon I worked out my personal plan referred from it. And classified my weekly 4 runs to Interval, Tempo, LSD (long slow distance), together they would build up my endurance, stamina, and speed. I also tried noticed running form was essential for running, and added core training, cross training and running drills to my plan. I never found it so easy to expand my long run distance after breaking 5k's barrier, I reached 10k 1week after JP Morgan, reached 15k the next week. Then, there came the Mizuno Mt. Faber Run, again I finished 53:38 among the top 10% runners.

One week before Mizuno run, the inaugural Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 opened its registration. I wodered if this year end marathon should be my next target. Finally I mae up my mind if I can finish 20k that weeks long run I would sign up full marathon. Before that, my LSD had reached to 17km. I started ~10pm that Saturday night aftermy baby sleeping. With Matt Fitzgerald's help, I achieved the goal within 2hrs8min. No doubt I send myself to to marathon starting line.

My road to 42.195 -- Part 1. The starting line

I'm now standing at the starting line, to finish my very first marathon, the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010. There is only one month to go. I never dreamed to be a runner eight months ago, nor even a marathoner.

I was 36 then, the longest run was 1,500m run done in the unversity 14 years ago. And I never run over that in my life. I used to be a 4x100m sprinter at school. I was a kind of casual runner relied on my talent only, never took serious training. I liked to finish the run in a short period. I could not bear the bitterness of long time to reach the finish line.

I received my biennial medical report early this year. Again, the colesterol was above the normal level, like last time. I hate my life style, like a machine, eworking, eating and sleeping. I used to manage to swim 2~3 times a week after last check, but finally gave up because the venue is not convenient. This time I felt a change were mandated. So a couple of days later, when one of my collegue called me to join the JP Morgan Corporate challenge (5.6km). I signed up without hesitation.

5k is the 1st step for all runners as later I knew. I put it as my target and decided to training for it in a month (the race date is May 6). Following Sunday (Mar. 28) morning I started my first long run in Pasir Ris Park. It was a hard begining (I expected, and that is why I always rejected to take long run), I felt exhausted only after half way, and wanted to give up the rest of run. The good new was I finished the 5k run in a hour without a break of walk. But when I was about to finish I was almost about to fell down. Anyway it was a good begining.

I was running idiot at that time and only repeated the training on weekends. For the following 3 weeks, I run the same route, ended up with same head dizziness and feet fatigue. That was not enjoyable. Until oneday I found a book for beginer runners, 跑步重點指導, wrote by a Japanese veteran runner Yamaji. Following the instruction, I began to run regularly and train seriously.

Why I become a marathoner in S'pore

1, Good enviroment in S'pore, good air quality.
2, Convenient fascilities in S'pore, PCN net work (http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parkconnectors&Itemid=74) for pedestrians, runners, cyclists, roller skaters...
3, Good running culture in S'pore, tons of running events to take in part (http://sgrunners.com/blog/2010-race-calendar/).
4, Friendly tropical weather, always summer, no need to invest for apparels for different seasons.
5, High working intensity in S'pore deteriorates health. High meical expense and insurance cost. Running is a high efficient and low cost way to keep fit.
6, I reside in HDB flats and nearest swimming pool is 2km away, cycling on the road has safty concerns.
7, I'v finished 20km long run in ~2hrs within 2 months from I starting to run.
8, I duly resolved my knee injury and left less barrier and sufficient time for marathon training(4 months ).
9, My wife supports me.

There is Chinese saying best describes my situation: 天时，地利，人和. That means doing the right thing at right time, right place, with right person. I think that is what I'm doing now.