Project 84 ended successfully just slightly more than a month ago and here I am announcing yet another project of mine. Project DREAM wasn't suppose to start until next year as it's going to be one extremely tough objective to meet. Unlike Project 84 which is just to complete the distance, Project DREAM will see me trying to fulfill my marathon dream, something which I can only dream for now.
Running a marathon is something I really love to do. I compete against myself to prove to myself that I am capable of doing it. I know I'm able to complete it, but one question remains. How fast can I complete it? This is where Project DREAM comes in, to complete a marathon in my wildest timing. Far from my current personal best of 04:04:44 clocked in the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2008, it's a time that I have no chance to achieve in the coming couple of months. Not to mention, I have yet to run a sub 4 marathon. But one thing for sure is that I got to believe that I can, and to train really smart for it.
1 July 2009 is the date I started. I started off with my diet, implementing on a food ban. I was indulging with all sort of food after completing my 84KM adventure. With all the good food in, it's time now to start eating healthy again. Speed is one element that I do not practice while training for my runs. But this time, I have no choice, and speed requires a strong pumping heart. I would really need one to achieve my marathon dream and that is where I hope a healthy diet will help me achieve. A new diet, new training regime and a new mindset with all the past experiences is what I'm looking for.
Reason I'm bringing forward this project of mine is because I would like to jump into the dualthon then the triathlon scene soon before competing in the IronMan, provided I can pick up swimming. Yeap, that will see yet another project of mine. For some of you who might have known, I have just purchased a road bike. A mid range competition road bike from Merida call the Merida Road Race 905-Com. Yeap, I'm back in the saddle after laying off for more than 10 years although in a slightly different way.
My new ride...And with this new bike, I am able to train differently yet still maintaining my fitness level after suffering from injury during the recent Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2009. An update on it, I'm currently out of the running scene. Am recovering well, but it's a slow process. I even have sold 2 of my running bibs for 2 upcoming races in this couple of weeks. I hope to return in 3 weeks time for the 2009 edition of the Shape & Men's Health Run. But in the mean time, I will compete in a 160KM bike ride in the state of Perak in 2 weeks time. Maybe not a really wise decision, but I'm just there to soak up on fun and experiences.
After all these blabbering, what is my marathon dream? I will sign off with a cliffhanger here as I will only reveal it a week before the Macau Marathon 2009 in the first wek of December, where it will be my ultimate test of strength and speed. 5 months is all I have to make this a reality. In the mean time, wish me luck.
13 comments:
It's great to read out your project. It is even inspiring me.
wah compete ? :)shouldn't be a prop for you... i just hope to complete ..fingers cross..ahahha.. enjoy your new toy!! :)
wow! cool bike u hv Frank! Im sure your DREAM will become reality in no time.
THG loves Merida!! N welcome to the Merida gang haha.... Have fun in century ride with the THG ya!
Keep me update,miss u guys. Cant wait for u guys to come Macau
Frank, sudah kena racun .
Hi Frank, Am quite new to yr blog! Best wishes on yr recovery. I am new to running and Tris and learning the importance of nutrition ... Dunno if it was you at Edwin's shop looking for a helmet the other day but I am so bad at faces(especially without yr running togs). All the very best in yr projects.
Cheers
Paul
Rising Sun: Thanks. Just sharing my everyday journey as a casual athlete here.
LG: My competition days are long over. I'm just here to compete againt myself. Well, you continue to inspire and motivate me OK, just like how you did in my Project 84. :)
Dr Ray: Haha... Not only THG loves Merida, my wallet does too. Though not really a "branded" bike, I'm actually happy with my purchase. Yes, I will really have "fun" in Century Ride. Notice the inverted comas. Haha...
Mich: Indeed! No antidote some more.
Paul: Yikes... I'm being recognised in public. Haha... Yes, it was indeed me at Edwin's shop on Saturday hunting for a helmet though I left empty handed. Welcome to the running world and hope to bump into you again.
Frank, Merida bikes r not 'branded' but it serves the owners well. one does not really need a branded bike to do well in cycling races,it's all in the ability of the racer,like u said in facebook;technology makes up only 10% of the individuals' capability.I rode my merida for 2 full years and brought me many happy memories such like outcycled many so-called branded bikes in the market. Never be ashamed of the ability of Merida bikes.
Frank, no worries, u made a good purchase!
Frank. Its good to read you are taking up triathlon. I started moving from running to tri in the last 6 months & will be doing my first individual OD this weekend in PD. I am using a vintage steel bike that cost less than RM500 - 30 years ago. It is actually a weight lifting machine on wheels whenever I ride with ppl with the branded bikes, they do give me a frown.....but I really dont care as it really train my engine!
The cross training you get from swimming, cycling will definitely help with improving running endurance & speed. As a result, I manage a 15min PB in the recent SCKLM vs. 2008 Singapore Mar.
Hope to meet you offline one day & all the best in your recovery & century ride.
Oh yes! Another Ironman coming up! Langkawi is waiting....
Bring your bike to PD and ride along in the tri! Soak up the tri energy!
Dr Ray: Thanks for agreeing with me. In fact, I rode a RM300 mountain bike during my competitive days and too has brought me good memories with it. Though no longer has the capability to pedal as hard as before, this Merida will do just fine for me.
Cheong: Well done! All the best in your triathlon debut this weekend. Good to hear that your vintage bike is serving you well. As the old saying goes, "Why replace it when it's still working?".
Tomatoman: I don't even know if I can pick up swimming, therefore it will be a long journey towards the triathlon scene, not to mention Ironman. For now, I just got to work towards achieving my marathon dream first.
Nice bike, Frank! Good to see you take on a new challenge. I must take a pic of both of ours and post in our blog.
Bro, that's a great ride. See u in century. Did my first mara & next will be my first century. Hopefully u defined "FUN" as :)
Tweet: Thanks. No problem. Let's take the pic at Ipoh.
wcr1414: Hey... Yeah, my fun is in inverted comas. Haha... Do come say "Hi" if you spot me.
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