365 : #272

"Running takes balls. Other sports just play with them."

I read this somewhere and I kinda agree to it. Running a marathon challenges me inside out. It takes courage, discipline, commitment and pain - mentally and physically. Deciding to run my first half marathon is crazy because I really started "falling in love" to run was less than a year. I still can remember vividly the very start I decided to take up the challenge in running a marathon, I can barely finish a solid 1km, was panting breathlessly. I was gonna give up in running. 

It happen the same on the very day of my first half marathon in Kuala Lumpur. Gun shot! Bad feeling came when was ONLY my 2km, couldn't breathe properly, having sinus plus the bad weather, it rained and hazy at the same time really kills me. I prayed.
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At the point 8km things worsen, my stomach aches badly, I have this all the time even training. I was making myself to persevere through but at the same time, my mind went " Why did you even do this?". Kept telling myself I'm halfway there and do not give up. I prayed again.

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15.5km. I was totally exhausted. My body was screaming for rescue. Every slope was a real challenge to me. My body was in control, taking over the mind. The only motivation I have was looking forward for the next water station. It was painful mentally at this time, mentally felt running far but in fact every time I see the distance signboard it changes only 0.5km.

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At 18km. I nearly gave up. I prayed even harder that God will provide me ultra strength. I felt motivated when the Group of runners was singing ''I'm coming home, coming home, tell the world I'm coming home.'' I thought I'm reaching the finishing line very soon but it was still 2.6km more. Kinda disappointed when I saw the signboard showing 18.5km only. Was pushing myself way hard.

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At 20km, finally I can see the finishing line in 1.1km more. My heart was so relieved but physically I couldn't push much but I did sprint all my way there and finish it in 2hrs 25mins.

Pain is temporary but the feeling is extremely satisfying. All glory to Him again!