Finishing that first Marathon

The Tagalogs have a saying for it: “Isang tulog na lang!”

Well, that is two more winks if you could still get some now that the big day is almost there.

Today, I’d like to connect with those who will be attempting to run and finish their first marathon, me included. I’ve gathered these pointers from talking to those who had ‘been there done that.’

With so many people giving me advices, although well meaning, I have to sift the wheat from tares.

John Pages, a few days back, in his column, shared some quotations to encourage marathoners. I went through the quotations and was very thankful for the words of wisdom from those who have done it.

I remember Millet Chiongbian saying in one of those running clinics that the actual marathon is 90 percent mental. I’ve committed some of the quotations I like and will recite them aloud during the race to encourage myself.

You may hear me sing some hymns too. If I could still mumble or sing, during the race, I’m still okay. Please don’t call the ambulance yet!

Now here’s some of the pointers I gathered. The comments are mine.

1. By this time, do nothing that will make you sore. The days of hard training is over, it’s time to heal.

2. Review the route and commit it to memory. I was told to envision striding to the finish with my arms raised in triumph. I’ve done that many times already!

3. During this week - carbo load – eat more carbo and drinking lots of fluid.

4. This one I got from a friend. Check out the weather forecast. The forecast this Sunday is overcast (with cloud cover); temperature will be high of 29 degrees Celsius and low of 23 degrees. Heat index is at 32 degrees. In other words, the weather would be ideal. I wouldn’t bet, however, on forecasts. What I’m saying is just be prepared for anything on Sunday.

5. Make checklist of things. You should have the timing chip, race number, sports gel, cap, sunglasses, etc. in your booty. You should have kept that chip in a safety deposit box after you’ve received the race packet. Don’t forget where you put it. Remember, no chip, no time.

6. Arrange for transpo to and from the race. I’ve requested my wife to drive me to IT Park at 3:30 am and pick me up later, hopefully before noon! The noon pick-up presents no problem but I think I have to buy her a box of dark chocolate to convince her to wake up very early Sunday morning.

7. Run your own race. Starting slow is the only way to start and finish a marathon for the first time. I’ll be starting slow and the first 2 to 3K will be my warm-up. I’ll also do walk intervals to check my condition. I’ve planned walk intervals after every third water station. When I get out of SRP, for the grueling last 16K, I’ll check what’s left of my tank to make sure I could still run. If not, then I’ll walk!

You probably have been reading so many pointers already. Whatever you have been reading, or not been reading, just don’t forget to use a little common sense during the race and I guess that would be enough to finish that first marathon!

See you all at the carbo loading party tonight. Good luck and God bless to all of us.

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My family would like to express our condolence to Raffy Uytiepo whose aunt passed away a few days ago in Manila. Raffy had to rush to Manila yesterday to be with his family but will be back tomorrow, in time, for the race on Sunday.

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