By Frank
84KM, double of the marathon distance is the furthest I ran so far and I did it twice. The North Face 100 Solo is in my to do list but sadly, I failed to qualify for it this year. Still fighting to get myself in, last week came the chance for me to topple off the 84KM distance.
A few days just before the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2010, I've received news that the Sundown event for next year will be divided into 2, the regular marathon and the ultra marathon. And the ultra marathon will undergo an upgrade to 100KM and scheduled to be held on 25 June 2011, a month after the marathon. I was thrilled! I know my source is reliable and by night time, it came true. Newsletter were sent out to past participants e-mails and soon, Facebook was flooded with it.
As of 19 November 2010, my new chapter in my running career started. In a matter of minutes, I was registered. 100KM, a century distance is on my to do list for the year 2011, and will be my Class A race. Completing this new distance is my main goal, qualifying for The North Face 100 Solo will be my secondary. Personally for me, the distance is doable especially on the road. But please be advice that this isn't the case for everyone. One shouldn't try this distance if they have yet to complete any distance above the marathon. And Sundown's game isn't on the easy side. One really have to fight the sleepiness to complete it. It takes physical and mental strength to run this tough and probably boring distance too.
And if any of the above mentioned has decided to register for the race, probably now it's a good time to think about training. It's about slightly more than 6 months till the race, and hope is still there provided discipline and sacrifices is part of the training regime. Unofficially, Penang Bridge International Marathon 2010 was the beginning of my training though it didn't go down well. But at least it redefine my mental strength and my pain barrier which I'm willing to undergo.
Training for an ultra isn't all about running. It's a total body workout if you ask me. Just keep running normal maintaining the usual weekly mileage averaging about 60KM to 70KM. But do try to run at least two or three times super long runs at the peak of training. That's the tip from my really strong ultra marathoner friend and I found it really useful without having to put my body into serious torture. Then beside running, resistance training will be really helpful too. Upper body and core strength is really essential when tackling the distance, and I do hope to get some actual packs out from my abdominal area (talk about serious thick skin here).
To be honest, I'm kind of disappointed that Jamie and Lawrence decided not to run it. I know they can do it, but I respect their decision for they have analyse through it wisely. I'm still pinning my hope on Yip though, though earlier news from him is that he won't be participating. But knowing him, he might just reconsider. And also Chin Chin and Poh Seng who personally I think, they are ready for it. But I"ll let them decide. They know themselves best. I do not know who will be my training mates this time, but I'm keeping my fingers and toes cross that I will find some that will go the distance with me, if not accompany me.
84KM, double of the marathon distance is the furthest I ran so far and I did it twice. The North Face 100 Solo is in my to do list but sadly, I failed to qualify for it this year. Still fighting to get myself in, last week came the chance for me to topple off the 84KM distance.
A few days just before the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2010, I've received news that the Sundown event for next year will be divided into 2, the regular marathon and the ultra marathon. And the ultra marathon will undergo an upgrade to 100KM and scheduled to be held on 25 June 2011, a month after the marathon. I was thrilled! I know my source is reliable and by night time, it came true. Newsletter were sent out to past participants e-mails and soon, Facebook was flooded with it.
As of 19 November 2010, my new chapter in my running career started. In a matter of minutes, I was registered. 100KM, a century distance is on my to do list for the year 2011, and will be my Class A race. Completing this new distance is my main goal, qualifying for The North Face 100 Solo will be my secondary. Personally for me, the distance is doable especially on the road. But please be advice that this isn't the case for everyone. One shouldn't try this distance if they have yet to complete any distance above the marathon. And Sundown's game isn't on the easy side. One really have to fight the sleepiness to complete it. It takes physical and mental strength to run this tough and probably boring distance too.
And if any of the above mentioned has decided to register for the race, probably now it's a good time to think about training. It's about slightly more than 6 months till the race, and hope is still there provided discipline and sacrifices is part of the training regime. Unofficially, Penang Bridge International Marathon 2010 was the beginning of my training though it didn't go down well. But at least it redefine my mental strength and my pain barrier which I'm willing to undergo.
Training for an ultra isn't all about running. It's a total body workout if you ask me. Just keep running normal maintaining the usual weekly mileage averaging about 60KM to 70KM. But do try to run at least two or three times super long runs at the peak of training. That's the tip from my really strong ultra marathoner friend and I found it really useful without having to put my body into serious torture. Then beside running, resistance training will be really helpful too. Upper body and core strength is really essential when tackling the distance, and I do hope to get some actual packs out from my abdominal area (talk about serious thick skin here).
To be honest, I'm kind of disappointed that Jamie and Lawrence decided not to run it. I know they can do it, but I respect their decision for they have analyse through it wisely. I'm still pinning my hope on Yip though, though earlier news from him is that he won't be participating. But knowing him, he might just reconsider. And also Chin Chin and Poh Seng who personally I think, they are ready for it. But I"ll let them decide. They know themselves best. I do not know who will be my training mates this time, but I'm keeping my fingers and toes cross that I will find some that will go the distance with me, if not accompany me.
And with the race committed, it's now goodbye again to all those delicious food. :(
6 comments:
aiyo Frank, you so lean already.
Congrats on making the decision for the next leap. All the best in your training.
Isn't it the opposite? By committing to the race and the training, you can eat whatever you want? Hahah. My philosophy anyway, I'm not saying that it's the right way to go.
Wow 100km, that's a courageous commitment. All the best.
Kash: Lean isn't the most appopriate word. Skinny is more like it. Hahaha... Thanks for the encouragement.
Kevin: Will eat, will whack, but in a healthy way. 100KM only mah. Will be over in about 4 hours. Oh wait, this is running. *gulps*
Hi Frank... so the secret is to maintain 60k to 70k per week plus 2 to 3 super long runs? Thanks for the tips! But wait... must do body-work-out also, must sacrifice food too... oh no...
100KM is hard core, I might wanna try the 21.6km next year on Penang bridge.
Your bro.... if you don't mind me being a rookie... note my name down to be one of your training mate... Not that i'm going to join any race but it would be superb to train along experienced runner like you..
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