Yesterday, we unofficially completed our marathon training program with the last long run - a 10 miler. Now all that remains are a couple of during the week runs of 5/4 miles. Then, next sunday is the big one - 26.2 miles of running fun!!!!
Looking back, I must say that the last 6 months have been some of the greatest for me yet! In June, when we started the training, the only thing I had on my mind was "how the hell is it possible? how the hell can I run 26.2 miles, when I cant even do 4 without needing life support?" But Coach Tom sounded extremely confident of converting a bunch of non-runners into endurance runners fit enough to COMPLETE a marathon! So I decided to believe him, and go with the flow!
And how things have been flowing!!! It is pretty amazing to see yourself grow as a runner with every week, get fitter, trimmer, and stronger! Each one of us, 30 odd people, has lost a substantial amount of weight, all of us are looking healthier, and happier! In fact, comparing my photo before the training, and right now, I cant imagine 6 months of hard work can work such wonders!
The whole group has developed a great sense of camaraderie, each one cheering the others, and urging them on. There have been so many instances during the long run, where each one of us has started thinking of stopping, but has been egged and pushed by the others to go on and complete the run. It was most evident during the half marathon, where everyone was happy not only with his/her own finishing time, but also was ecstatic with what the others had achieved. Some runners completed the half marathon enduring pain and injury, and were acknowledged by everyone as great inspiration!!
It has been a wonderful and enriching experience, not only by doing something so different and physically demanding, but also sharing the experience along with so many others!
Now comes the best part.........heres wishing good luck and "cool runnings" to all!!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Monday, October 31, 2005
My most determined run yet!
With my knee hurting, I always knew the last practice run was going to be tougher than all others! It turned out to be exactly that! Also, the cold weather didnt help much.
Though we were technically running an hour later due to end of daylight savings, it was still too cold.
Sarika had come to assist the Asha volunteers at the water stops. I decided not to run with the knee brace right from the start, so had Sarika keep the brace with her. Unfortunately, she ended up managing the 2 mile water stop, so had to wait till the last 2 miles to get the knee brace (since we were doing 10 up and 10 down)!!:D
Around the 10 mile/11 mile mark, my knee started hurting. But it was bearable pain, and I absolutely HAD to complete this run! So I carried on. Ended up consuming 3 packets of Goo on the way!!
Overall, I would rate this as my most determined and most satisfying run yet. It tapering time now, so the next 3 weeks would be low mileage weeks.....and then the big one on the 20th of Nov!!! Cant wait for it!!
Though we were technically running an hour later due to end of daylight savings, it was still too cold.
Sarika had come to assist the Asha volunteers at the water stops. I decided not to run with the knee brace right from the start, so had Sarika keep the brace with her. Unfortunately, she ended up managing the 2 mile water stop, so had to wait till the last 2 miles to get the knee brace (since we were doing 10 up and 10 down)!!:D
Around the 10 mile/11 mile mark, my knee started hurting. But it was bearable pain, and I absolutely HAD to complete this run! So I carried on. Ended up consuming 3 packets of Goo on the way!!
Overall, I would rate this as my most determined and most satisfying run yet. It tapering time now, so the next 3 weeks would be low mileage weeks.....and then the big one on the 20th of Nov!!! Cant wait for it!!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
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