Training for 42.195

As we edge closer to SCSM 07, which is once a year 42km event locally. A lot of hype have been surrounding about how to train for the event.

If you Google/search on the Internet on training for Marathon, there are many school of thoughts and many strategy to tackle the distance. As a whole, there are no right or wrong method, depending on which angles are you looking at. It is sad to say, some folks just couldn't take it that others have different opinion as he/she does. What is good for you doesn't mean is gonna work for other.

I am no longer a beginner that striving for my first 42km. I won't be training like someone new. I am not an elite, therefore i don't train like an advanced runner. I am a seasoned, mid of the pack runner. Apart from reading up and getting to know other runners(of similar standard), how they train for the event. I train in moderation which i feel is just about right for my needs.

I train with different group of runners on different occasion. I am glad that some want to run together with me to prepare for the event. At the minimum, i feel good that my enthusiasm and consistency in training is rubbing off to some of the folks around. On the other side of the coin, i want to share that it is tiring for me to train with others. Some of you, might have experience my complains and disappointment before. It is not easy to please anyone. As much as i want to properly train for the event, i too has to think of other runners.

At times i want to run, eg in the rain, but with so many people around i just have to stop, seek shelter, cancel or cut short the run. Also i have to reduce the intensity of my workout on many occasion so that others can manage to do it. It is frustrating to say the least and still there are folks that complain about intensity. To make matter worse, these folks that complains are not newbie but experience runners.

At times, it is disappointing and demoralising to heard negative remarks. I try to take it in good faith and move along. Sometime it is difficult to ignore and i have to ask myself. Why am i getting such remarks? If i am to train by myself(like the beginning), whereby i choose my date/time/venue/distance etc on my accord and do whatever i want to. How nice will there be. Why am i doing thing and subject myself to all these unnecessary comment/remarks?

I understand being human and living in our environment, complain is an avenue whereby you let out the steam. Complain after complain, next session still see you back at the same training ground. Like a friend recently posted. Human Is Fan Jian! I am willing to share what i have learnt/experienced, likewise i appreciate if you can spare a thought next time you run with a group. It is not about yourself, it is about the group. We start together and end together(hopefully), if not at least go makan together(it time permits)!