Going For My Second

Eventhough you won’t be able to think properly like a normal human being after your legs have been pounding the tarmac for hours, it’s ironic enough to say that it is the mental power that will push you to the finish line. As important as it is to prepare our physics with the sufficient amount of training, I believe it is also important to feed our mind with the vision of the race itself.

Visualize how would it be standing with the crowd prior to the start of the marathon.

Visualize how would you run the first half, and the second half of your marathon.

Finally, visualize how would you cross the finish line, with both arms in the air, and with the biggest smile you could ever put on your face. Limping or not, that’s not the issue.

In sports psychology, they call it visualization.

And that’s just what I’m going to do, 24 hours before the marathon. This is my final preparation. To feed as much as mental images of how I want to do my second marathon. The instant source? From internet of course. We have YouTube and some other stuffs, very useful, very motivational and inspirational. It doesn’t matter if you are not a pro runner, or if you are not a sub 4 hours marathon runner, but I believe one would need a very strong mind to achieve what many other people are only able to dream.

And it’s difficult to live without being asked about targets. And mine this time, still remain the same as the other races I did before, which is to complete the race, injury free. Plus, I want to be able to put my biggest smile as I cross the finish line, no matter what the timing will be.

During the marathon this time, I will be gauging on my pain thresholds as well. On my first marathon last year, I started to feel the pain at the bottom of my feet at 18km and that was very early. As I went along, the knees started to be affected by the pain, and that was where it felt like forever to come to the next kilometer distance marker. That was the point where walking took over the running. I hope this time I can run more, with lesser pain.

My journey is still long, my ambition is still big, and I hope with that in mind, I can cross my second marathon finishing line, smiling.

To all friends taking part in the marathon, in the 21km, 7.7km or even in the 5km categories, hope to see you there at Putrajaya. I wish you all will have an injury free race, and most importantly don’t forget to have fun.

For first timers, don’t worry so much. Believe in yourself and remember, we are doing what others could only dream. That already, is a winning point for you.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL RUNNERS AT PUTRAJAYA!