The Journey to Tokyo Marathon 2016: The Lottery

Tokyo Marathon is one of my race wishlist, but I didn't plan to join in 2016. I was just encouraged by my runner friend to join the 2016 lottery.So I signed up on the first few days of the registration, not thinking much about whether I want to get a slot to this race because of the burden of expenses.

Run + Travel: The Angkor Empire Marathon 2015

Official Time: 05:43:01

I didn't beat my best time.

It was sad. But there's really nothing to expect. I didn't do anything new with my training, so beating my time will be out of luck. Anyway, I am still happy because I'm injured free, I still felt strong after the race, and I made it to the cut-off of 6 hours.

Run + Travel: Traveling to Siem Reap Tonight

No more training this week!

Work has been hell since Monday. But I'm glad that I was allowed to take a leave for my first out-of-the-country race - The Angkorwat Marathon! Weee.. I'm excited!

Lazy Not Allowed

This has been our last long-slow distance run for Angkorwat Marathon on August 9:

Distance: 15km
Pace: 8:00/km
Duration: 2:00:++
Location: BGC
Buddy: ajta

I finally got a hand strap for my GoPro and today I tried bringing it with me during our last long-slow distance training for Angkorwat Marathon on August 9. This marathon event is known for majestic views of temples as a very nice background in pictures while we run. I actually convince myself to buy GoPro for this purpose.

So today, I made a trial run with it with my running buddy as model. Apologies, as I do not know how to edit videos. But I still want to capture this once in a lifetime experience to run a full marathon in Angkorwat.

I'm excited now! (^_^)

My Period Will Not Stop My Workout

Distance: 5km
Pace: 6:34/km
Duration: 32:52
Location: Treadmill
Buddy: Myself

Core Workout [3 sets]
Knee Crunches 15x
High Leg 15x
Pendulum Leg Swing 15x
Bridge with leg extension 30secs per leg
Half Plank 1min

Tonight, I was doing my usual gym routine as part of weekday marathon training. Though this is already the start of tapering weeks, I still have to push myself as there are few days left to the race day. 

This is one of many disadvantages of being a woman that I cannot avoid. I believe, like any muscle in our body, this is one aspect a woman should also include in her training - how to survive a workout and a marathon race even while having her period.

A lot of times that this happened to me, yet I can't say that I have mastered it. I actually avoid the situation when possible. But when it's not like today, I have to think very hard how I want to get into the body condition that I needed for the marathon, so I get my body follow what is being required. It will just be an hour in the gym that I needed to endure anyway.

I'm still alive!

Gloomy Longest Slow Distance for Angkorwat Marathon [August 9]

Distance: 28km
Pace: Never Mind
Duration: 4:3+:++
Location: BGC
Buddy: AJTA

The rain last night threatened this training to be cancelled. But in my mind, I am determined to run and push myself. My running buddy even said that she will not run the Angkorwat Marathon, if we will not be able to run this morning.

Here it goes again. The circumstances is telling me to quit real soon. I could have just look for another running buddy, but it's not that easy in real sense. And it's not something that can be planned.

I really don't know what to expect in Angkorwat and then after that race. What's my plan? Nothing at this point, except for 2 more races I will join in September. Other than that, all are just idea like joining Corregidor Half Marathon, Subic Marathon, and 1-2 Milo provincial race next year.

People who aren't runners say that running is "just a hobby". Because probably, they see it as something that doesn't make one successful in terms of universal definition of success. I cannot accept that statement, though everyone is entitled to their personal opinion. But honestly, it made me doubtful about my goal clarity. Am I just challenging the status quo because I do not like to be called a conformist?

Training 42Km (07222015) >> Angkorwat Marathon [August 9]

Distance: 8km
Pace: 6:57/km
Duration: 55:36
Location: Treadmill
Buddy: myself

I was dragging myself this morning to pack my gym clothes and the need to workout won. After a week of no activity, I finally made it to the gym.

Week after week, I am becoming more lazy with running. I felt like I am cheating on it. Yet, I don't want and have no plans of leaving it. Is it because I have already reached the peak of my craze about the sport? Or it is because of the threats that my running buddy often talks about retiring from marathon training because of her personal life projects? I know that I could not possibly train and motivate myself to run farther.

All of these things, honestly made me re-think about my life plans. I want to set aside marathon goals for a while, to do other things. But I am scared that I may never be able to come back to it and lose this only one thing that is making sense to me at this time.

Angkorwat Marathon will be my first out-of-the-country race, and I am not excited about it. Because this may be the end.