26.2 Miles

I have around five months to prepare my body for this. The training plan does not require me to run everyday but I am advised to convince my mind every single day. Every minute, every second. And most strongly during the race.
Grading up from 10K to 21K was not easy but I took it quite well. However, from 21K to 42K means way more that just "double up the amount."

"How do people do it and actually be addicted to it? I mean 42, 195 Kms?!"
What do they mean by "You will know the best and the worst in you during that  first Full Marathon."
"What it I cannot finish it?"
"Some might pee themselves?!"
"What if I die in KM 41? Or worse, KM 42?"
"Do I really need to do this?" 


I am so looking forward to answer the questions myself.

ps: If you are with me, you may want to follow this training plan and read this article on What to expect on your first Marathon. Eeks!

Describe this word to me: Home

My take: A place where you can be your true-self and just so comfortable in your own skin. It can be a group of friends, it can be your significant other, it can literally be your house with your dogs making continuous mess.

But it surely is the only place you want to be when things are good, and most especially when things are bad.

What's yours definition?

PS: Merry Christmas and Happy 2017!

My Christmas present from myself (ha!) It gives me mood swings alright.

2XU Compression Run

Last one for the 2016 road, baby!
I cannot describe this enough. Looking back, I would never imagine this can actually be a new addiction.  But today, I am starting my Full Marathon preparation! 
Foremost gratitude to my God, family and friends, and my partner who's been a huge moral support.
He was the one convincing me with his words "I know you will soon be a Marathoner."
And he said that when I was only training for my 10Ks! 
Wish me all the strength in the world for my next goal, please. 
     

Alam Sutra 27 November 2016

Jakarta Marathon 2016

Just a few days before race day, I know that my temperature has not been normal. All feverish and nausea with throbbing headache all day long. But I refused to stop myself from this race that I have signed up for.

After taking antibiotics and paracetamols for three days, I decided to just... do it.

"My siblings, Mom, Ompung (Grandma), my best friend, my in laws are going to be there at the finish line."I told myself as I pull my compression socks to my knees. 

Finishing 7 minutes slower than your previous personal best hurts. But I have learned to see every race that you completed as a PB. Why? First, the route is different. The weather, and the local people are too. I was spoiled with Ubud views in Lari Masuk Desa, and the cheering Balinese dancers in Maybank Bali Marathon. The 25KM long views in Lake Toba? Gosh, that one is a must to repeat.

I did not have those aforementioned perks in this race. To make things harder for mental endurance, there were not that many supporters cheering for you too. Some even honk you from their car even they have been informed about the road closure days before.

But you cannot expect a race to be "perfect" as per your liking, yes? Because, just like in the race of life, perfection is non existing. You need to allow the imperfection mold you. And if you are lucky, it brings out something in you that you never know you have.

In my case: apparently running 21KM under the rain is the best cure of all.

My siblings and cousin completed the 5K. I did the Half Marathon.

Entering the finish line drenched in sweats and rain. I remember thinking about doing a Full Marathon right at that moment.

Membawa Tuhan Dalam Sampul

Puisi ini saya tulis di tahun 2011.
Dan sayangnya, masih berlaku disaat ini.

Membawa Tuhan dalam Sampul

Ketika pemberontakkan semakin kehilangan muaranya

Ketika berita dan wacana lebih banyak memekakan telinga daripada menyercahkan harap

Saya memilih untuk membaca puisi-puisi tua, bermimpi masih ada negeri dongeng dengan kerubim dan tetua bijaksana di alamnya...

Ketika Tuhan dibawa-bawa

Untuk menjadi sampul pembenaran sebuah tindak anarki

Saya memilih untuk mendengarkan Dia lewat desir angin, melihat Dia di mata anak kecil saat mengagumi kupu-kupu, dan mengartikan gerimis sebagai airmataNya

Dia bilang, saya harus berdoa bagi yang mengkhianati saya

Dia bilang, saya harus sodorkan pipi yang lain saat ditampar

Dia bilang untuk tetap percaya dan jangan takut walau saya sedang melewati lembah kekelaman Dia yang Esa. Yang Maha.

Kalau Dia kuasa berkata seperti itu

Apakah mungkin Dia perlu lagi dibela?

February 2011

Androgynous

Just trying out a new look.

Have you tried an androgynous style? I am leaning into it but as I still enjoy being all girly and feminine, I do not want to overdo it.

I am so touched by how many people get isnpired by my style and sometimes some of them try to pull off a style the minute I shared about them. Thank you beautiful people.

My fashion-stylist friend told me that the first thing to take note is to know your body, do not force a style. You can get inspired by so many things around you but if you immediately copy them as soon as a trend comes in a hashtag, you might end up looking not as best. My legs are short, but I have a small waist so I can wear a high waist pants to create an illusion of longer legs. Minus looking bulky because my body frame is small.

My cheeks are chubby, so my big and frizzy hair will make it worse. Hence, the short cut.

PS: Do you think this look suits any body type?

Before the Flood

Text from YouTube:

Join Leonardo DiCaprio as he explores the topic of climate change, and discovers what must be done today to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet.
➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
➡ Get the soundtrack on iTunes: http://apple.co/2e6e9dq
➡ Discover your climate impact: http://carbotax.org/
➡ Learn more & take action: http://on.natgeo.com/2eWxnkW

Watch an exclusive sneak peek of MARS: https://youtu.be/CNkcgUuubIE

Act Now #BeforeTheFlood:
For every use of #BeforeTheFlood across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram between October 24 – November 18, 21st Century Fox and National Geographic will together donate $1 to Pristine Seas and $1 to the Wildlife Conservation Society, up to $50,000 to each organization.

About Before the Flood:
Before the Flood, directed by Fisher Stevens, captures a three-year personal journey alongside Academy Award-winning actor and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio as he interviews individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations who provide unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today and in the future to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet.

Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite
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Twitter: http://bit.ly/NatGeoTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/NatGeoInsta

About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.

Before the Flood - Full Movie | National Geographic
https://youtu.be/90CkXVF-Q8M

The one question I will ask my future man

If someday I will walk down the aisle and wed myself to the one I want, I am going to ask him this question.

Honest Pie-Chart

Mari Andrew

The day I bid an emotional goodbye to Nike.

Is when I met Asics DynaFlyte.

I tried Asics on my fun 5K run in Bali Triathlon. Then, I took them for my Half Marathon run in Maybank Bali Marathon.

You've guessed it right that it was also the pair that supported me to conquer my 25 Half Ultra. In which I came is as 8th in Female categories!

Its FlyteFoam really supports my ankles and reduce shocks to your legs. And tho I still have to deal with my shin splints every now and then, it was no longer as bad as it used to be.

What are your runners?

ps: Yes, you can buy them too. Stealth marketing is one of my thing. 

Samosir Lake Toba Ultra (Half) Marathon

But no, there's nothing half about 25K! Especially with the elevation and the rocky road from KM12 to KM19!

When I realized my pace has dropped (free-falling from my Bali Marathon 6'29) to 7'30, I decided to just "Dance my way through it."

No point of dreading it. The elevations kill and I should not be too hard on myself. So dance, I did.

To my surprise, the official time result showed me that even though it was not my PB record, I came in 8th for Female category and 48th in general!

I thank my good Lord for this blessing. A year ago, I could not even imagine running a 10K.

There are so many stories for this trip alone but for now, I can only show you some images. The rest will follow.

Dance my way through it!

For my Dad who did not get to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary (in  Sept)

That.Finish.Line

Things been a little bit overwhelming for me the past month, so I thought I would share some "feel-good" pictures here on this post.

Thankful for my health and the people around me.

 For my first movie that won an award. Thank you God!

Additional family member! #adoptdonotshop

Still hunting for the perfect painting but I am happy with what I have now.

My first of many to come Half Marathons.

Raising an Olympian

"Do you want me to hide?"

Girl Emojis

I always love Always' campaigns.
Participate in this campaign by posting #always #rewritetherules #girlemojis and mention what type of girl emojis that you want to see.

#Bringbackmyspeech

I am the last person to say a thing or two about politics. But I know a little about this subject. For speeches, someone's expression can be easily read. Michelle Obama appears so natural here as words flowing from that smiley face. 

In creative writing, you can see it in the way some phrases are forced to be used in a paragraph. Or how topics and structures can be too similar.

Funny to watch tho.

Dear wounded warriors,
Now I am questioning myself why I haven't done enough with my life.

Sincerely,
Tressabel Hutasoit

Something Bittersweet for the weekend

And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulder...

Invictus

Will forever be my favorite Poem:

 

INVICTUS

 

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance 

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. 

 

William Ernest Henley

 

 

 

Training for Ultra Marathon

I am stiff as a board! But as yoga will help me do better in breathing techniques, I will keep doing this until every bend and every twist will no longer kill me.

Namaste, I guess.

ps: Benefits of Yoga for Runners

Pretending it was all ok

Best pace for short run

Another step(s) closer to Ultra

So, this happened.

What's the trick this time? 

Train with someone with a better pace than you. My running partner runs at 6'45 and my best record was 7'10 (comfort zone at 7'30, lazy mode at 7'45). 

So when we run together, I pushed my self to stay at my best, and even better! At the end of the run, I could not believe myself that I can manage to run in that pace all 17K through.

PS: I lost one toe nail.

Training to be Ultra Crazy

Since I managed to not die on this hilly 12K run last May: Lari Masuk Desa, I suddenly feel that I need to convince myself about my first half marathon.

But, I missed the registration for Bali Marathon (booooo to self!), and the closest thing I have in the country is... an Ultra Marathon of 25K in September!

"Suddenly" I found myself registered for the race and now panicking! What was I thinking? I cannot do 25K! And it is an ULTRA; the trek will be hilly and hard and it's basically a trail run!

Fortunately my two Marathon runner friends (like 10 half Marathons a year kinda people) convinced me that with proper training, my body will be able to do it. 

"It is your mind that needs convincing." she said.

Last weekend, I did a 10K run on Saturday at 7:10 pace. And on Sunday, I ran a 15K!! My pace was slower in 15K (7:20) but it was such a new found glory! I never thought that I could do that and now I know that I can, I cannot wait to run farther!

My training game is still long and far but now I feel that my mentality is at a much better stage.

Also, I am training with Nike Zoom Pegasus 32 and I recently learned that compression socks are helpful for me in running a longer distance. No more shin problems!


Any of you training with the same type of shoes or running gear? If not, please share with me what's your fave gears are and why.
 

Fool for Love

Just cause :-)

You in Five Words

The past month, I was in this intersection in my career life. After a long thought, I finally made up my mind last week. Disappointing a few, and being questioned by some, I have given my best decision on which road I am taking.

It is funny how things will try to distract you from fulfilling your true destiny. And I know how far I am from my true calling. But at least, today, I know I am not making myself any further from it.

Oh, remember this "You in Five Words" post from two years ago? I tried asking myself again then compare it with my previous answers.

The titles I am giving myself today are:

Writer

Dog(s)-Mama

Movie Maker

Lover

Runner

And I am gratefully accepting the changes. 
There are three new ones and I can examine them as simple as:

Movie Maker- As a rookie, I think I did a good job and I worked with a well-oiled team. When I was working on my movie script, I was in 99% of self-doubt. But that changed immediately as soon as I submitted them.

Lover- This is a significant change to "Selfish." It was easy, you know, to be selfish and take no one's opinion into your consideration in making life decisions. But I what good would I be if I do not love others?

Runner-"In your mind, you are a Kenyan." is written in one Marathon signage.  I know that my pace is nowhere near them. But this running journey has brought me to realize that my strength is in my endurance. I am training for longer runs now. As in... Ultra Marathon. It freaks me out. To the smallest nerves. But that is how I know that I should do it.

Did you write your own"You in Five Words."? Any changes?
  

Best Short- Viewers Choice

"In every victory, let it be said on me. That my source of strength, my source of hope, is in Christ alone."

Some details and photos coming soon, but this one is to show you how grateful I am (and the team) for  this award. Not bad for a rookie script writer, yes?
The team who have worked hard for this movie are the best treasures I found this year!

ps: For those who have not seen the movie, I need to share that at the moment we have taken the videos from the internet for further promotion and possibilities of submitting it for other competitions.