okay maybe i dont have talent but at least i tried
The beauty of Jiangnan is silent and subtle, gentle and bright. With withered vines, old trees, small bridges, and flowing water, only by experiencing it in person can one truly appreciate its softness.
Around this time last year, I just started running. Watching my friends step onto the beautiful track made me really envious. I never expected that this year, I would also be standing on the track of the Sakura Marathon.
Winter Training Preparation
After returning from the Guangzhou Marathon, I kept my spirits up and diligently followed Brother Guai's training schedule, preparing for three months of winter training to face the big test of the Wuxi Marathon.
Winter in Shanghai is either rainy or smoggy, so most of the time I had to complete my training in the gym. I used to post my training schedule for two reasons: one, to provide a reference for everyone's daily training, and two, to encourage mutual supervision of my execution.
Training was indeed tough. I almost fell several times during interval runs on the treadmill and experienced the despair of running for 150 minutes on the machine. However, the sense of accomplishment after training is truly indescribable.
Pre-Race Venue
Three months flew by, and finally, we broke through the winter gloom and welcomed the season of the Sakura Marathon.
A week before the race, I couldn't contain my excitement and nervousness, much like the big exams during my student days. I, who always had pre-exam syndrome, was so nervous that I lost sleep for several days.
Many people asked me, since I trained so seriously, what was my goal for this race?
I had run two marathons before. The first time, I wasn't well-prepared, and the second time, I encountered my menstrual period. Strictly speaking, I hadn't really 'run' a marathon; I finished both races by alternating between running and walking after 25km.
So, I didn't dare to say lightly what kind of result I could achieve. I really had no confidence. My goal was just to finish the race, even if it meant running at a very slow pace, rather than walking.
Whether it's the course or various details, the Wuxi Marathon has always had a great reputation. That's why I chose the Wuxi Marathon as the location for my 'big test.'
A week before the race, the organizing committee sent various warm reminder messages, continuing until the day of the race.
Early Saturday morning, I took the high-speed train to Wuxi and finally arrived at the venue. The venue was neatly and orderly arranged, and the volunteers were enthusiastic and well-trained. The signs were very clear, and there were volunteers at every spot.
Upon entering the venue, there were even volunteers handing out snowflake crisps, which were super delicious.
Unfortunately, there was a lot of trash on the ground. I hope runners can cherish the venue and lighten the workload of the staff.
When putting on the armband and cutting off the excess part, a cute volunteer asked me: 'Do you want it to look nice or be comfortable?'
After hesitating for a moment, I chose the nice-looking option. The difference was that the nice-looking one had edges cut by the volunteer, while the comfortable one was round.
After putting on the armband and touring the venue, I met Big Brother Squid, ate the much-anticipated Wuxi soup dumplings, and went back to the hotel early to wash up and rest.
By the way, the field of rapeseed flowers next to the exhibition was particularly beautiful.
Sakura Marathon Race Day
Before 5:30, I woke up naturally without waiting for the alarm. After washing up, packing, and having breakfast, I headed to the starting point with my friends.
Finally, I stood on the track of the big test. Like exams, marathons are actually very fair. The effort you put in during training is reflected in the race. Although some objective factors can affect the race results, the outcome is usually not too surprising or disappointing.
*Caught on camera looking bewildered before the race
Since I was placed in Zone F, I started half an hour later than the gun time. After starting, I kept bumping into other runners. The track was beautiful but indeed very narrow, so much so that even at 15km, I was still constantly saying 'excuse me' to other runners.
Due to my lack of race experience and considering that my pace would likely drop in the second half, I planned to run the first half marathon at a pace of around 5:20, from the half marathon to 35km at a pace of 5:30, and the last part at a pace of 6:00.
The weather on race day was sunny. Even before starting, I could feel the warm sunlight, which made me a bit worried. The weather was perfect for an outing but not ideal for a personal best. Plus, starting half an hour late meant I was already under the scorching sun before finishing the half marathon.
*Running relatively easily in the first half
After the half marathon, there were significantly fewer people, and the track became more spacious. For full marathon runners, the race had just begun. Before the race, my friend Jianzi gave me a piece of advice: 'As long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you'll eventually reach the finish line.'
During the run, my mind was filled with countless thoughts, but the most recurring one was 'persist!' I had to persist; otherwise, all the winter training would be in vain. This belief carried me past 33km, and I couldn't help but feel a bit happy. I had never run this long in previous races, and I was maintaining the expected pace. However, I still didn't fully understand my body's condition, which was gradually reaching its breaking point.
*Too tired to interact with the photographer
At 34km, my legs suddenly felt too heavy to lift. I truly understood what it meant to feel like carrying lead. My pace dropped to over 7 minutes per kilometer. Coupled with the scorching sun and insufficient hydration, my heart rate soared. Despite gritting my teeth, I couldn't pick up the pace and started walking. I drank a lot of water and watched as many runners I had overtaken earlier passed me. Helplessly, I told myself: 'I'm sorry, I really tried my best, even though there were only 7km left.'
There are things I want to do but lack the ability.
There are things I want to do well but lack the experience.
There are things I want to do perfectly but have limited capability.
*This was the most despairing moment of the run
In the end, I finished the race by alternating between running and walking. Although I achieved a personal best, I was far from my goal of breaking 4 hours and didn't manage to 'run' the entire marathon as I had hoped.
I crossed the finish line quietly by myself, seeing many people excitedly taking photos to commemorate the moment. I was genuinely happy for them.
Many people think that completing a full marathon is an achievement in itself and worth celebrating. However, for me, it's not. It's like a final exam; you put in the effort to study and feel you've prepared well, but the results fall far short of your expectations, even if you've improved compared to the previous term.
Ultimately, it still comes down to insufficient training. I'll take it as an experience. For me, the coming days will require more aerobic training and leg strength training.
Only those who put in serious effort have the right to be disappointed. I haven't earned that right yet. A clumsy bird needs to start flying early. I have no talent, and I haven't given it my all.
Post-Race Reflection
I am grateful to every cheering spectator on the track, every runner who patted my shoulder and encouraged me, and my friends who showed concern for me immediately. Although I hit a wall, I was still very happy. I will continue to work hard and run towards my goal.
*A greeting from a new German colleague before the race
I am thankful to Big Brother Squid for guiding me when I was at my lowest, making me suddenly see the light. More and more so-called serious runners pursue personal bests in races, believing that results are a measure of training effectiveness. However, scientific training and execution are fundamental, and injury-free progression is the most important. What stays with me is the love for running and the sincere sharing of experiences from my friends. Thank you all again, and let's continue to work hard together!
The Wuxi Marathon is just the endpoint of this race for me, but it is destined to be the starting point for my tomorrow. I firmly believe that hard work will eventually yield the results you desire.
I will work even harder. Go, Weiwei Chao!