Few friends and I joined Vietnam Mountain Marathon over this weekend and it’s kind of special for me. Because there are many first about this event, first trail run event, first overseas sport event, first time to Hanoi and Sa Pa, first sport trip with friends and first half marathon distance for trail. So, it’s really memorable.
Although I (tried to) ran regularly preparing myself for this event, but it still wasn’t enough. As a result, when I poked myself at random place, most likely it’s a sore spot. #IDidNotSignUpForThis
You can check out the route in Vietnam Mountain Marathon website. To me, the highlight of the 21km is the first 7km stretch is a climb, second 7km is descend and last 7km is steep climb then (almost) flat to the finish line
So, during the climb I have plenty of time talking to myself (ha!)
1. What goes up, there will go down
And same thing goes, when goes down, will have time to go up. That’s the fun part than flat, right?
My motto, climb is okay, down is not okay. I stumped my toes, both left and right this time, so the down part is killing me. Uphill is tiring, but I kinda enjoy taking one step after another, and figuring out where to step and so on. I feel like I’m training to be a ninja. Just need to give me a shuriken to throw. #kidding
2. Just one more step
Sometimes I take my own sweet time to put one step. My butt is hurting, my legs are screaming, my heart is racing, but my brain and hands are having fun #weird
3. The only one you race with is yourself
Looking up and seeing people up there sometimes can be demoralizing, but it gives me a sense of relief too, that’s where I’ll go too. Don’t rush yourself. #OTOT = own time, own target.
Lastly, I’m so glad that I don’t do this alone. There are many times that having friends around gave you extra boost of energy. I think I’d give up halfway without them.
How about you? What do you tell yourself when you see a hill?
Bonus: here is the photo of the last hill (Mt. Silverstone) to the finish line
And to myself, next time, please practice more