Today marked another great achievement in my life for the early of 2009, where I could not believe that I could complete a 30km marathon. It was held by Pacesetters Athletic Club Malaysia and sponsored by Great Eastern <Life Is Great>.
There were only 2 distance categories, 20km and 30km. Being a beginner to marathon, a few running buddies and myself decided to register for 20km. Most of us have done only 10km or maximum 12km for marathons so far. Unfortunately, we were told that the registration for 20km was full by the time we submitted our registration. So, in order to run with 'Numbers', we went ahead to register for 30km but keep our options flexible by either going for 20km or 30km as the day arrives. The only disadvantage to run for 20km despite being registered as 30km runner is - no medals and certification will be given. We were okie with the options and started the outdoor running practice two weeks continously with no fail.
When they day arrived, we challenged ourselves to run for 30km. I started with a very high positive spirit and when I mark the 10th km, I checked my timing. Yeah! I have improved from my previous 10km timing. The last was 1hr 25 mins and this time was 1 hr 13mins. And then, here comes the challenge. The route we went through today was very tough (see the map to find out more - we need to cut through Bukit Tunku in both ways!)and adding on to the challenge, we are running with all serious and regular runners. You can't believe how easy is this 30km meant to them.
Motivation gets lower as I was near to 20km. My Adidas running shoe can no longer give me the support I need for my legs. And every step became so heavy. Soon, the spirit went down so low that I am thinking for every way to end the run. Every single step I made is nothing but PAIN!!!
My running buddy Jian...stopped and waited for me. I told him that I do not think I can finish this run anymore and asked them to please go ahead with the run. He did not give up on me and continued to walk at my pace instead. And, I nearly tear when I hear him saying - We will not leave you behind..We will finish this run together...Keep going!!! Awww....It really glued to my mind that I cannot give up ...This run is no Joke! You can't imagine what I went through...Nina and Jian was trying their best to cheer me up with every single thing that I like ---hahaha---you can hear --Lena!! Teh Ais!! Lena!! Nasi Kandar!! Lena-- Nasi Lemak!! None of this can put a smile on my face! :P
After 4 hours and 43mins, I had made it to finishing line with these bunch of buddies + Pat who waited for us for about 2.5hrs at the finishing line!! It had brought me a journey of sweet and bitter but most importantly it tells me how true can this quote from Adidas can be ---- Together, Impossible is Nothing.
30KM! We made it!
Thank You Buddies!
Comments
Well done! Keep running! :)