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?