dalian marathon not every first time needs to be remembered

Looking through Codoon's exercise records, I've been running for almost three years, covering 6900 kilometers, and posting over 500 updates in the fitness circle. To others, I might seem like an experienced runner. So when new running friends plan to run a marathon, they often consult me about gear and training plans. I pretend to be serious and share my 'experience,' but I never give perfunctory advice. I carefully research and ask the experts before giving 'theoretical' suggestions.

This year, our running group formed a team to run the Dalian Marathon. As usual, I consulted the experts and set a 'theoretical' training plan for myself. The first phase went well, with three 30+ kilometer LSD runs completed in March. However, by mid-April, I entered a fatigue period and started to feel mentally exhausted from running. I didn't dare to rest completely, leading to a vicious cycle of worsening condition as the race day approached.

Although my physical condition wasn't great, I still followed the plan to supplement with sugar, carbs, and other energy sources in the week before the race. My ultimate goal was to respect the course and finish safely.

Thanks to Bmai for providing the racing gear. I broke in the new clothes before the race and made some adjustments to avoid looking too masculine. However, the photos proved that I still looked quite manly. Although the Dalian Marathon has been held for 30 years, its commercial operations are relatively conservative. There was no large expo for gear distribution, but the service was commendable. A volunteer patiently helped a lady with her watch data transfer issue for half an hour until it was resolved.

On race day, the organizing committee provided free buses and subways for participants, which was very considerate. Since it was my first full marathon, I started in Zone D with Coach Wang and Haibo. After meeting up with Chun Chun and Coach Bao, we reached the starting point. The timing board showed that four and a half minutes had passed since the gun went off. We planned to run the first ten kilometers at a pace of six minutes per kilometer, so I followed Coach Wang and his group closely to maintain control.

As we ran, I heard someone calling my name. I looked around and realized that Coach Wang and his group were no longer in sight. Later, I found out that Coach Bao and Haibo had gone to the restroom (trust me, they don't have kidney issues), and Coach Wang and Chun Chun had stopped at a supply station, causing us to get separated.

By this time, I had run about ten kilometers. I recalled the race map and knew there wouldn't be any major slopes before the 25-kilometer mark. I slightly increased my pace but kept reminding myself to stay controlled. The route had continuous gentle slopes. The first issue occurred around the 18-kilometer mark, where my legs started to feel heavy and swollen, just like during training. I kept encouraging myself, thinking it would get better after adjusting for a kilometer. At this moment, Chun Chun caught up with me and said, 'You're running too fast; we've been chasing you all the way.'

I didn't even want to open my mouth. Seeing my poor condition, Chun Chun went to the supply station to get water and a banana for me. She ran with me for about a kilometer before apologizing and saying she needed to rejoin her group. I waved goodbye and signaled her to run ahead. I tried not to think about my swollen legs. At this point, I suddenly thought of Deadpool. I wondered what idiom could describe the feeling of being torn between moving forward and giving up. Before I found an answer, I reached the half-marathon split point. For a moment, I considered following the half-marathon runners, but my feet kept moving forward. How annoying.

My legs started to feel heavy again, this time in my calves. I looked ahead and saw a significant slope. Checking my watch, I realized it wasn't the notorious slope after the 25-kilometer mark yet. I quickly consumed an energy gel, feeling uncomfortable with the sticky residue on my hands. During training, I had done a fair amount of hill running, so after completing the 25-kilometer slope, I didn't feel much. Recalling the map, I knew there would be back-and-forth sections around the 30-kilometer mark. Seeing others running back, I told myself they might have skipped a loop. Later, while icing my feet, a guy told me he had been following my pace from the 30-kilometer mark and found it steady until he hit 35 kilometers and then crashed.

From the 36-kilometer mark, I started to feel disappointed seeing empty supply tables. The sun was scorching my shoulders, and I hoped the next supply station would have water. More and more people began walking or sitting, waiting for the rescue bus. I tried not to look at them, fearing their discouragement would affect me. To my dismay, there was still no water at the 38-kilometer mark. Once again, I thought of Deadpool and wondered what term could describe the feeling of being torn between persistence and giving up.

Checking my watch, I realized the chance of finishing within four hours was diminishing. Regardless, I aimed to reach the 40-kilometer mark. Seeing another empty table, I gave up resisting and followed my inner voice, stopping with numb legs. After finally getting some supplies and drinking a lot, I started chatting with fellow walkers. The 4:30 pacer passed by and encouraged me, calling me 'Bmai youth.' I could only respond with a 'hehe' internally. Checking the time, it was 4:21. Since the pacer started earlier, I still had hope for a 4:30 finish. Crossing the finish line and stopping my watch, I was surprised to see my math skills were good: 4:29.

Well, it's over. Time to move on. Thanks to those who deserve it, and a bit of self-contempt. At least the photos turned out well.