One Year Five Marathons

On 16 of October 2016 I ran my first marathon, Melbourne Marathon. After months of training, running 5 half-marathons, sidetracking injuries and sicknesses I've finally done it... and got totally hooked.

With this one run I realised that the marathon is unlike any other shorter distance. Yes you still need all the muscles, but in the end it is all up to your head. Because inevitably at some point your body is going to use any possible reason and excuse to stop, and it's only up to you whether you're going to give up or not.
I really like that kind of confrontation. Me vs. myself. The ultimate insight into my own powers, strengths and abilities. Why it's so important to me? Probably because, like many others, I don't believe I can. On a daily basis I don't really see what I am capable of. I doubt and fear, procrastinate and feel guilty. Running a marathon gives me that simple, black and white answer - Yes, I can. or No, not now.

This is what I've learned after my first marathon, and that's why a few weeks later I signed up for my second one, and that is definitely why my new year's resolution was to run 4 (or 5) marathons in a year.
It's been a long and bumpy ride so far. I've learned a lot about running, about myself, about my family and friends. Because yes, running a marathon is great, and yes, it gives you that black and white answer, but before you even get there, you spend hours and hours training - in pouring rain or scorching sun; in the wind outside or on a treadmill; at sunrise or late at night; squeezing some runs during lunch breaks; when kids are at school or at birthday parties, or playdates; trading Sunday breakfast waffles for a long, sweaty and painful run; crying after first 3km and singing after 15; smiling to people or shouting swear words; believing and doubting.

What I discovered is that the challenge of running a marathon is not just running it on the day. It starts months before, when you decide to do it and begin your training. There come days when you agree with yourself and your body, and days when you fight, and work hard for every step and every kilometre. Whether it's pain or doubt, they're never easy to overcome, but every time I do, I get rewarded by better and stronger me, and by learning more about myself. Actually running a marathon is just a final challenge, and finishing it - a final reward after this whole marathon training journey. Journey to really know and feel myself. Nothing else gives me that immediate and direct insight and I really, really love it. Don't you?

My challenges so far:

Melbourne Marathon 2016 - After 6 months of training, torn calf muscle, ITBS, horrible long runs and totally wanting to quit at 36km mark (Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne) I was crying happy tears at the finish line. Could not believe I did it! I felt invincible.

Singapore Marathon 2016 - I think I had a moment of blackout when I was signing up. Running another marathon in less than 2 months after my first! I didn't really thought it through. It was my hardest marathon so far. The heat, the humidity, not enough training... I wanted to quit after every single step past 15km. It wasn't just a fight, it was a war, but I won, speeding up to the finish line like there's no tomorrow. My slowest marathon ever but the one that I am most proud of.

Seoul Marathon 2017 - 4 months of proper training, perfect temperature, beautiful location... I was in the zone. Loved every minute of it (well, maybe except that part between 37-40km).

Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2017 - In the heat again, after only 2 months of training and with a painful sciatica just days before. Surprisingly found a lot of strength on the day as I was looking forward to start way overdue family holidays after the race. I was happy-tired and with enough power to finish strong, and cheer up others on the course.

Kuching Marathon 2017 - I wasn't even training properly for it. It was so cold in Melbourne... had to fight with my lazy self for every run, but months in the gym, and 4 marathons ran already allowed me to go through this one rather smooth.

4th one this calendar year (and 6th in total) is in 2 weeks... and guess what? I still doubt whether I can do it.
I'm going to find out soon.