Yesterday had me running my first half for the year (and most likely my last one for the year too). The weather was 35 degrees C and the humidity at 63% (I am talking 6 a.m). It was not an easy run. Even at 4:30 when the race was flagged off, it was hot and stuffy without even the slightest whiff of a breeze (even though the initial stretch was along the beach).
I tried desperately to keep my pace just under 7'00" the whole time in order to get to the finish line in under 150 minutes and thereby PB. And I did manage that more or less for the first 15 kilometers. In fact when I reached the halfway point at 1:12, I actually kidded myself into thinking it was possible. But with the rising sun, it got exceedingly tough and I had to stop at every aid station to hydrate and sip on electrolytes (which made me want to pee - to add to my misery).
At around the 16k mark (after several why-am-I-doing-this-moments) I actually got to my give-up point. Its true what you read - long distance running actually has nothing to do with how physically able you are. It is really all about your mind. Ten thousand stories I had to tell myself to just get one foot in front of the other. (Perhaps in another post I'll retell them). Honestly its a miracle I got to the finish line.
Turning that last corner and seeing the giant red clock hanging in front of you a mere hundred meters away is an indescribable feeling. Its over. You're done. From nowhere there is a surge of energy that just takes you forward. I always love sprinting that last 100 meters or so. Its worth it. Even if it means not feeling anything waist below for a while after that.
Post race it was nice catching up with some of my running buddies and the personalized medals were a nice touch too!
Even though I was 4 minutes away from a PB, I was still damn kicked with my time and the fact that I pushed myself through it. I know I gave it my all and thats all I could ask for. Everytime I run, I'm just trying to beat myself. So theres always a next time and theres always scope to win - whether its at an event or otherwise.
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