ViiYRiiS

I’ve been studying up for this certification while I’m in grad school for exercise science/kinesiology. Post-grad, I’ll be working on the gaining internships and experience in the clinical fields of exercise science with the goal to attain the clinical certifications with ACSM, and ultimately become a certified exercise physiologist.

Boy was I scared! I had been running 5Ks and short races with NYRR, and tried my best to run at least 4mi every other day. When race day finally came, I was happy to have a support system (two friends from my volleyball league came out to cheer me on, and even made me a sign!) when I just planned to run alone and simply for myself. I made sure to concentrate the end-goal and keep a good pace (not pushing too hard until the final mile or two), with a focus on breath control and hydration timing; my technique was to break the race down and remember that I was actually running four 5Ks back-to-back, with a final dash-to-the-finish distance at the end—I’d imagine a meter split into quarters, and each quarter had three portions that “lit” green as I passed each mile marker, as to keep track and motivate myself with internal conversations and pep talks to continue (“If you can get halfway through, what makes you think you can’t finish this race?!”).

My goal for my very first “half-mary” was to hit a sub-2hr, but as I got toward the end, I saw the clock running down towards 2:05:00… so I dashed as hard as I could, even with a creeping “charlie horse” on my left leg, to make that time. Boy, did I leap through the gate! Afterward, my two friends hugged me (I was able to spot them three times along the race route); one even said that at each point he saw me, I appeared undaunted, without sweat, and made it look effortless. Afterwards, we chased after a typical sand volleyball pick-up game with friends post-high carb brunch (as a self-proclaimed volleyball addict, it’s hard to keep away).

My advice to runners approaching their first half-marathon: definitely fit in as much early-morning training as you can (get your body accustomed to the long duration of runs at the same time of the day. Also, be sure to warm up pre-race and post-run stretch) engaging your muscles will signal your body to pump blood to those sites and keep it “fed” with oxygen while clearing out byproducts for optimum performance. Be sure to take advantage of those water stations, too! I alternated between water and electrolyte solution (a.k.a., Gatorade and the sorts), as to avoid gastric irritation and cramps.

All in all, remind yourself that you will do your best, and push to your limits… at the very least, you’ll learn how to break them.

2012 AUG 15 WED
The smell and feel of a brisk breeze after a hard rainfall

2012 AUG 16 THU
Enjoying a story from an animated series, even when the convoluted plot lines all end with an ex machina approach

2012 Aug 17 FRI
Joining our family dog Leiya in a cuddle when she lays next to me out of the blue

2012 Aug 18 SAT
Finding solace in the company of good friends I haven’t seen for a long while

2012 Aug 19 SUN
Running past my intended goal of the day, without regrets

2012 AUG 20 MON
Knowing there will always be a way to resolve any problem, no matter how insurmountable it may be—go toe-to-toe and match the difficulty with your desire to find the solution

2012 AUG 21 TUE
Finding the perfect hair product to keep my intended hairstyle intact

2012 AUG 22 WED
Catching the train before it leaves the station (and leaves me late!)

2012 AUG 23 THU
Inside jokes among “younger” family members

2012 AUG 24 FRI
Being a “big brother” to nephew that I haven’t seen for years

2012 AUG 25 SAT
Celebrating a friend’s big move from home

2012 AUG 26 SUN
Trying my best, even if it’s not good enough… yet. (volleyball tryouts, I will dominate you—next season! =p)

2012 AUG 27 MON
Relearning school subjects I’ve forgotten, but enjoyed gushing about to my (just as geeky) friends

2012 AUG 28 TUE
Reminded how wise and patient my mother is with everything and everyone in life