I will be 60 this year, the year of the Dragon, and I am yet to run my first full marathon. I started running at 50 and I got stuck with 10-kilometer runs for nine years. Last year, I broke the 10-kilometer streak with my first 10 miler or 16-kilometer run (31st Yakult Run). Also, early this year, I did the 24-kilometer scenic but challenging Cebu Marathon run. It occurred to me that I should “up” my standards and aim to do a full marathon (at least once in my life). So, I got a coach (Miguel Lopez) to help me with it.
I had always been running at intervals -one minute run and one minute walk- until my coach said I should do three minute runs (to which I objected at first, of course). However, now he wants me to do a continuous three-kilometer run (what??). I never ran as much in my entire life, and yet, he thinks I am not running enough.
My coach gave me a program (which I don’t totally follow). And I argue against him. I guess I am not an easy student.
As I ran my second 10-miler in the West Philippine Sea run held yesterday, July 7, 2024, I asked myself, why am I doing this? Then, my reasons crystalized: foremost of which is vanity (I don’t want to get fat); second, I want to be healthy and live long (because if you have a special child, you want to live long); and third, it’s actually fun and the energy of a run (because of the rush of the adrenalin in all the runners, which can be in thousands) is euphoric.
In any case, this year, I registered for the TBR (the Bull Runner) Dream Marathon 2025. So, I should be able to do my first marathon early next year, God willing. I am still mulling at which international marathon to aim for. My conditions: no strict cut off, and it should be scenic and fun. Any suggestions?
In any case, I need to lose a few more pounds and gain more muscle (and do more distance, per my coach). On the other hand, my coach has to be more patient (and strategic) with me. But more importantly, I need to keep running!
Good luck to my knees. (I will buy more running shoes!).
#runningonmy60th, fitness, marathon, marathon-training, running, training