My first “ultra” run

This is the last sport check list item in 2017 to be cleared, and it’s a huge one too. People say close it with a bang. So I guess this is mine for 2017.

Usually I plan my sport till mid year and leave the second half for the non-sport resolution but I notice that I was slacking off, really, in 2016. So I’m trying to spread it out till end of year.

As I’m going to the event in my head the image of Valkyrie from Thor Ragnarok saying “Here we go” is getting stronger.

Pre-race thought

In my checklist, besides gears, there are others like nervous or excitement, which seems taking turns.

Preparation is something I always feel not there yet, but I take it that life is like that too. Sometimes you just need to dive in head first. Although having enough preparation will make you more confident and less injury.

Oh right.. To my friends who are taking JLPT, let’s do our best. I’ll contribute my “JLPT”.

My friend said take it easy, one kilometer at a time, which I’ll say that to myself. Many times later.

Post-race thought

I feel cheated! Because I signed up for 42.195km but it seems not only me who has distance discrepancy

Will I run full marathon again? Maybe.. I’ll give another thought after recovery

I’ll skip the drama before the race, as my running buddy like to say, every run is unique by itself. And the drama is part of the bundle.

From the start, I told myself that I don’t need to rush, it’s really tempting to run faster when the road is clear, or sucked by people around you. This is my race not theirs. So, no matter how tempting it is, stick to your plan. And it did work! Despite few stitches I had after 30km mark. I stopped for stretch and put some Salonpas. As saying said, don’t forget to sharpen your weapon.

What stressed me was to reach the 38+km before 12:30, as it was stated the cut off timing. After experiencing drama in the morning, I only flagged off around 6+. But maybe that stress gave me an extra push?

And, I did shout to 41km sign, how I love to see it. Hah!

Although I just barely made it to the finish line, the silver lining is I have the photographer to take few nice shots for me (or at least I thought so :D)

Never try, never know. And I tried.

2 bananas, 6 Gu gels, 1 Wieder jelly, 1 Gu Chomp, few Face ID problems, and countless 100Plus Active and water.. (incl trips to toilet) later, I crossed the finish line.

Yes, this post is half written pre-race and the other half is post-race. I can’t possibly write while running, right?