Maybank Bali Marathon 2017

A few weeks ago, Maybank Bali Marathon announced that they are looking for three runners to be Bali Marathon Heroes. The objective is to give those three official training program (aside from running kit and a GPS watch!) so that their stories can inspire others. 

You were asked to upload a 60 second video explaining the reason "Why should you be selected."

This is my take; Tressabel's Road to MBM2017 - that I submitted for "The Upgrader" category (One who wants to do his or her first ever Full Marathon) if you want to have a look.

After the committee contacted me to arrange an interview via Skype, I could not sleep for two days! But all I ever think about was my four friends who have been struggling hard with terminal illness. And I can only hope, the next coming weeks of training will "entertain" them enough to believe that there are people out there who care. No matter how hard the training will be, I know it's nothing compare to what they are dealing with.

This post is to announce how grateful I am to be selected. The road will be tough as the Race Director told me "A Full Marathon is a world away from a Half Marathon. But I wont' spill you all the surprises."

And I trust him. 

Prayers, please beautiful people. For me, and most especially the four friends of mine who have promised me that "We will be watching."

To God be the glory.

Congratulations to all of our #RoadtoMBM2017 finalists! Thank you for all of your effort and enthusiasm, it is uplifting to see a group of runners who are passionate about the sport, about pushing their limits, and about helping others. We are excited to be part of your #MBM2017 journey and we can't wait to see you on the starting line.
It was very difficult for the committee to decide on only three #MBM2017 hero, but after many deliberations the selection has been confirmed. They were selected because of their self-discipline, drive, passion for others, and single-minded commitment to a cause.
Runners, please welcome the #MBM2017 hero:
The Starter : @irwinpermata
The Upgrader : @tressabelhutasoit
The Elite : @iq3aladil

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!

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.

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

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.
 

Running Tips(s): Another 500 Metres and take it from there

After trying hard not to give up on running for the last two years, I decided to run "out of my comfort 5K to 7K runs".

It just happened a few weeks ago when I lace my shoes up and a subtle voice echoes "Look, just try to run another 500 meters after your 7K, and take it from there."

It seems like a lazy idea at first but I actually tried it!

"Another 500 meters, girl..." I whispered to myself the moment my running apps told me that I have completed my 7K.

"And take it from there..."

And you know what, I stopped at 12K!

My 10K time is 1:08, then I went very slow for next 2K. It is not the fastest timing at the end but boy was I proud! Simply because I did not stop.

Finishing a 12K has made me feel confident to train harder for my first half marathon!

And what comes after that run? Now my comfort run is elevated to become a 7K-10K long.

Do you have any running tip(s) you want to share?

  

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