Six weeks into my marathon training program, I am still feeling pumped up and mentally agile which I reckon is a good sign that things are going as well as they should. My legs however are starting to feel a bit tighter and more fatigued from the increased mileage. Most training programs including Hal Higdon’s popular Novice 1 program suggest a four-day a week run but I’ve only committed to three. It’s a schedule that I feel works best for me as any more than that is too taxing on my body. I would want to prevent injuries and still be able to balance work, rest and maintain a bit of social life. Cross-training like walking, cycling or swimming is also suggested but I’m barely doing any except for tennis on the occasional Sundays with a few work colleagues.
My diet hasn’t changed much but I’m certainly eating more carbs even on non-running days. This is to store the extra glycogen which apparently is the body’s main and preferable source of energy for endurance activities. I will not delve into the science of it because frankly I just believe whatever Google tells me these days. Hence, despite the higher mileage, my weight is not necessarily falling. Odd but something I need to learn to be ok with. Heavier but stronger.
One notable lifestyle change I’ve made was sleeping early on Friday nights so I could wake up at 5am for my Saturday long runs. I may have to progressively wake up earlier later on once my long runs also become progressively longer. This means I’ve had and will have to say no to Friday night out invites because my training demands more rest. Saturdays have become a bit of a write off too because running in Singapore’s hot and humid conditions drains energy and all I want to do after my run is sleep.
As much as possible, I try not to buy into the hype of going after the most advanced running gears because they cost a fortune. I use my Fitbit Inspire 2 that I bought on clearance sale six months ago to monitor my pace and heart rate. My daily runners in rotation are the Asics Novablast 3, Nike Pegasus 40 and Vomero 17 – all bought at significant discounts. I am not a fan of the Novablast since I seem to get shin splints after running in them so I rarely pick them out. I use the Vomero for my long runs as the bounce and cushioning are much better than the Peg. It’s likely going to be my race day shoes too. No fancy carbon plates for me. Admittedly, I sometimes could not help but indulge in a cute running top or shorts thinking that if I look good and feel good, then I’ll run just as good. It’s my placebo. Anyway, anything that which inspires is good because running is damn hard! Even my Spotify playlist is a mixed bag of song choices that only aims to boost confidence during my runs, Skusta Clee’s Lagabog included because those lyrics are poetry, albeit gutter poetry.
As a final point to this update, my next long run is scheduled in two weeks in my hometown. A few friends and I have signed up for the Great T’nalak Run – described as an inaugural running event in my region paving way for a potential world accreditation as an international marathon in 2027 and onwards. Exciting times ahead for my beloved hometown! It will be a very special race.
P.S. I don’t know how many of these updates I’ll write. It could be the only one or one of many. We shall see.
Cheering for you from this side of the world! 💪✨
Thank you Tin! Means a lot kasi minsan napapaisip na ko ano ba tong pinasok ko 😂