This weekend I participated in my first ever full 42kms marathon . The longest distance that I had done in training was 30 kms, so I knew the last 12kms were going to be tough - and that is where I hit the wall, as you can see from my times on the attached link. (I started 6 minutes after it commenced)
It was not an easy run, but I was buoyed on by many friends who braved the wind & rain to give support - I saw Kunix three times, Spencer & Yuri twice, Nic, Mori, Martin, Miwa and know that others were there too. I was also motivated by the generous donations from many friends towards the Lung Cancer charity that I chose (although disappointed that wealthier others did not contribute). My Grandfather died from lung cancer and so when times got tough, I thought of him, a WWII veteran and the bravest person I have ever known.
My other motivation was my music, good old rock with a bit of cheese thrown in, including the Rocky soundtrack. Sometimes a good song really lifts you and I pick up speed. At one time I had just seen Nic and his gf sporting a banner with my name, I could see Asakusa temple ahead, and then Vangelis (Chariots of fire) came on my ipod, I waltzed the next 3mins 34 seconds.
This marathon has really inspired me to make sure I continue to stay fit, and ensure that it wont be my last