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.