We are the plodders of the world!
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the plodders-
We are the plodders
No time for losers
'Cause we are the plodders- of the world!
Sung to the tune of Queen's "We are the champions"
Smole and I made this song up the very first time we ran long enough to feel bored -- it was a 13.5km training run at East Coast Park -- back then, the plan was to work up to where we could run for "two hours or so". Today, we ran for five hours and fifty-four minutes. What a long way we've come.
Of course it hurt. My ITB gave way at the 18km mark. There was a sharp pain and the knee just stopped being able to bend. I popped two ponstans, two panadols, and hobbled on, and waited for the painkillers to kick in.
Thank God for painkillers and deep heat and painkiller gel and friends who wait at the 33km mark and a buddy who inspires; but most of all, for the cool weather today and the strength to run.
The psychological turning point for me came at the U-turn at East Coast (27.5km mark). From then on, we were on our way back, and we had Jamie Oliver to look forward to at the 33km mark. It was so good to see her. We stopped for about 5-10 minutes, and she ran with us to Fort Road. That was possibly the most light-hearted stretch of the race.
From then on, it was sheer grit. Step by step, psych-ing myself with "Pain is Nothing"; "Pain is Nothing"; "Pain is Nothing". It was only at the 37km mark that I felt somewhat confident that we would finish, and I started crafting a post for this blog. This was the post I crafted in my head:
"ITBS and fatigue, I laugh at your face!
But now I succumb to my bed."
It is probably indicative of my frame of mind then. ;)
I was so happy when I ran under the Esplanade bridge and someone shouted: "400m more!" and there were photographers and supporters and I knew I would finish that I just about teared up. Turning that corner and seeing the finishing line, looking at Smole and pointing and smiling, and finally, running, running, hand-in-hand to the finish, a dream come true.
Perhaps we are champions after all. :)
7 comments:
Horray! Congrats that you completed your first marathon! :)
Perhaps we are champions after all
Indeed.
well done! finishing is everything in life... many start and fall by the wayside: some get distracted, others just plain give up...
but you have battled the elements... fought through the pain... and emerged victorious...
congratulations MN...
Congratulations, Mis Nomer! I really thought the ITB was going to prevent you from doing this, but you are clearly a champion. The image of you and your good friend holding hands across the finish line just brought tears to my eyes. Prayers for a speedy recovery. You are my hero. :-)
I have no doubt that you will complete. Congratulations for being a marathoner. Well Done!
For the entire of this week, no matter how painful it is, do some form of light exercises to aid the recovery process. Swimming, cycling, stretching or brisk walking will help. Just don't sit and let your muscle "freeze" up!
Seeya and look forward to the next race.:)
photos, please!!
well done, mis_nomer! :)
go for a recovery swim or a sports massage if you can :)
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