Let me start by saying that for my 9th marathon, I achieved my worst timing for a day time marathon! I completed it in 5:10. Am I upset? No. This is because I sort of expected it. No, I am not trying to give excuses for my "bad" timing but as I complete more and more marathons, perspectives start to change.
When I did my first marathon, my objective was to complete it. I did it in 5:45. After knowing that I could complete a marathon, timing became important. I put my mind to training, adhering to a strict training regime. My timings improved tremendously and I achieved my best timing of 4:25 in 2009. One year after my first marathon.
As I "progressed", timing became less important. What became more important for me in marathoning was to enjoy the whole experience, enjoy the company of fellow runners and to complete it injury free so that life can go on as normal the next day.
Well, I achieved exactly that. The interesting thing was I started the race with pain at my left hamstring and calf which was bugging me for a few months. However, by the end of 5 hours, I completed the marathon with these pains disappearing. It was unreal. Throughout the marathon, I was focusing on running in such a way that the pain was not aggravated and I could finish the race. The unintended outcome was that marathon turned out to be a 5 hour physiotherapy session for my left hamstring and calf and I was healed by the end of the marathon!
In short, I completed the race in a better state than I began!
My perspective in marathoning is mirrored in my perspective of life. Having achieved a certain degree of stability and success in my career, it is no longer about outdoing myself. It is more about completing every day, week, month and year well so that I can face another day, week, month and year well....
Life is indeed a marathon. Some people achieve great success at the cost of permanent injuries to self and others. I choose to complete each mile in a marathon well and live to run many more :-)
Well the best part for me in this year's marathon occurred after the race. My wife surprised me with a post marathon treat. She got me Cakes, Coffee, Flower and even a voucher for a session of sports massage. Now that is better than a personal best :-)
Next Race: Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon! This is going to be a challenging one. My objective is not to be picked up by the sweeper bus!
