respect the marathon at all times
Despite having been running for a while, with not much mileage and a slow pace, Haoran's mom, who has only participated in half marathons, has signed up for her first full marathon!
Black Cat's quote: 'Marathon is not everything. We have work, life, poetry, and distant places, and we also have home.'
She chose the Haikou Marathon in her hometown for her first full marathon because it not only involves work and personal interests but also holds the most romantic poetry and distant places. Most importantly, it allows her to return home.
After signing up, Haoran's mom trained actively in the cold winter days of Beijing. The result was a steady pace of around 6 minutes per kilometer. She thought that with more than a month left for training, finishing the marathon within 4:30 should be no problem.
Before the Spring Festival, I traveled back to my hometown with my parents and child. With two elderly parents and a mischievous kid, the month-long self-driving trip left me with no extra energy or time for running. Zero mileage for a month, and I gained 8 pounds. With the race approaching, my fitness level regressed significantly.
My friends advised me to give up on this race. But I was unwilling and somewhat hopeful: I had only run 10 kilometers before participating in a half marathon and managed to finish. Now, having run so many half marathons with a steady pace, could I not finish 42 kilometers in 6 hours?
Due to the hot weather and the long duration of the race, I didn't let little Hu Haoran participate. I only brought him to the event to join in the excitement. He was extremely happy and excited.
Before starting, I told myself: Run slowly and enjoy every scene that holds childhood memories! Even if you cry, you must crawl to the finish line!
In the first 5 kilometers, I maintained a 6-minute pace. The intensity of the March sun in Hainan was beyond imagination. After 5 kilometers, my heart rate started to soar, and I had to slow down repeatedly. I couldn't appreciate the coconut wind and sea charm, nor did I care where the photographers were. I just wanted to find a cool, shady place to run.
At the 10-kilometer mark, the porridge I had at 5 AM was long gone, and my stomach was trembling with hunger. I craved Wenchang chicken, Dongshan lamb, Hainan noodles, Qingbuliang, coconut water, and Dad's tea... At the first supply station, I gulped down four bananas in one go.
After passing the halfway mark, I truly experienced what it means to be disheartened. The sun was roasting me, and I was sweating profusely. Along the way, I saw many runners who had collapsed from heatstroke, waiting for emergency aid. My heart rate soared with the temperature, my hands gradually went numb, and my fingers swelled like sausages. Who am I? Where am I? Why did I sign up for this damn marathon? The freezing winter of Beijing didn't deter me, but the scorching sun of Hainan broke me. As my body continued to show signs of distress, I decided to quit the race after careful consideration.
A. Always have respect for the marathon. Rigorous pre-race training is crucial. Also, make sure to prepare scientifically and thoroughly before the race.
B. If your body shows signs of distress during the race, don't push yourself. We aim to run safely for a lifetime, not just one race. Although I regret not finishing, I am still proud. This marathon has made my hometown memories even more interesting.
C. When the pacer crossed the finish line, I thought the runners behind would give up. But I was moved to see them gritting their teeth and crossing the finish line one after another. Although their times were invalid, they were all heroes in their own right.
D. The Haikou Marathon is not a high-level event and has many shortcomings. Thank you for protecting the excitement of the Haikou Marathon with me. Thank you for accompanying the Haikou Marathon as it grows. I look forward to it earning the title of a gold medal event soon. I love you all!
E. Running a marathon has different meanings for everyone. Some pursue results, some focus on participation, some constantly surpass themselves, some test their willpower, some run to lose weight, some enjoy the marathon atmosphere, some use marathons to travel, and some run to meet people they want to see...Do not judge a hero by success or failure! I believe every marathon runner will gain a lot. Just run!
F. The sea is still the same sea, the coconut grove is still the same grove, the clock tower is still the same tower, the old street is still the same street. The once young girl now has a little Haoran under her knees, but is she still the same as before? May you return as a young girl after half a lifetime of wandering!
G. I truly felt the positive energy of the running community. After the race, Haoran's mom received countless affirmations, encouragements, and consolations from Codoon friends. I am grateful! Rest assured, I will become more resilient. See you on other race tracks in the future.
The race notes of marathon experts are certainly worth learning from. I hope that as a novice marathon runner, my blood-and-sweat experience can also provide some help to those eager to start their marathon journey.
Haoran's mom, it's my first time signing up for a race. Do you have any tips for me?
Before the marathon:
Not only should you have a passion for marathons,
rigorous training and thorough preparation are crucial.
During the marathon:
Test your willpower to the fullest!
Enjoy the marathon to the fullest!
After the marathon:
Go see the people you want to see!
Go eat the food you want to eat!
Go see the scenery you want to see!
Come to the ends of the earth! Here, it's spring all year round! Looking forward to seeing you at the 2020 Haikou Marathon!
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Written by|Haoran's Mom
Photos| Haikou Marathon Official Website/Haoran's Mom/Codoon Friends
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