My hometown is in Linyou County, Shaanxi Province. Here, the mountains are beautiful, the waters are abundant, and the historical and cultural heritage is profound. It was once a summer resort visited by emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties more than 20 times. The county's annual average temperature is 9.3°C, making it a comfortable place to live for up to 7 months a year, earning it the title of a national 'Natural Oxygen Bar'.

Due to the unique 'Jiucheng Palace' historical culture and climate characteristics, along with the comprehensive progress of Linyou County's social economy, on June 10, 2018, a half-marathon themed 'Passionate Marathon, Summer Resort Jiucheng Palace' was held in Linyou County. The event significantly boosted Linyou's popularity and influence. After the Linyou Half Marathon, a group of young people started running in the county town. I inadvertently joined them, and from then on, a 'Linyou Man' runner emerged, undeterred by the cold or heat, overcoming numerous difficulties, embodying and spreading the marathon spirit of perseverance and never giving up, running and writing his own life of struggle. 

First Encounter with Running: Anxious and Fearful

My initial motivation for running was to lose weight and strengthen my body. As a man nearing fifty, my weight of 82 kilograms had been stable for over 10 years, and my middle-aged, overweight physique seemed unsuitable for running. However, around this time last year, I noticed some health issues; I had difficulty breathing while sleeping and sometimes worried, 'Will I die in my sleep one day?' Therefore, finding a proper weight loss method became urgent, and running was my first choice to try.

But after deciding to run, a series of doubts followed: 'Can someone my age run?' 'What if running severely damages my knees?' 'Can I stick with it?' 'Will people laugh at me if I run slowly?' These thoughts made me anxious and uneasy. However, after persisting for a month, I felt pretty good. I started with 5 to 7 kilometers, taking about 40 minutes to an hour. After two months, a miracle happened: my weight dropped below 80 kilograms. Every breathless and sweaty run yielded the desired results. Thus, all doubts and anxieties became 'clouds,' and I couldn't help but run on the road, heading towards the distance... 

A Chance Encounter with Codoon, Running Wildly

On the evening of July 1, 2018, after dinner, I went out for a run and met Teacher Wei from the 'Jiucheng Palace Qilin Running Group.' I asked her for advice and shared her joy and experience of running. She took my phone, downloaded the 'Codoon' app for me, helped me install and register it, and taught me how to use it. After two days of 'research,' I set my nickname as 'Linyou Man' and my personal signature as 'A snail wants to sprint, even at seventy, still wild. Participation is key, cheering and accompanying everyone. Let's get excited, let's run...,'

On the morning of July 3 at 5:30, I used 'Codoon' to record my running track for the first time, running 6 kilometers in 45 minutes and 57 seconds, with an average pace of 7 minutes and 39 seconds per kilometer. Honestly, over the past year, I am very grateful to 'Codoon.' I have learned and gained a lot here. First, all my running gear was purchased through 'Codoon.' Second, I shared the experiences of running experts from all over the country, joined many running groups, and followed their leaders and good runners, sharing their running knowledge and joy. Third, I learned from the free tutorials on 'Codoon,' scientifically stretching and exercising. Fourth, I used the online race feature to set goals for myself, striving to participate in all online races and completing them despite any difficulties. According to the 'Codoon' app, as of 6 PM today, I have run, walked, and cycled for a total of 236 days, covering 1777.83 kilometers (including 1382 kilometers of running), and earned 167 race medals and 100 honor badges. 

Emerging Talent, Fulfilling the Half-Marathon Dream

Everyone knows that a marathon is a high-load, high-intensity, long-distance competitive sport, and a high-risk event that requires good physical condition, typically suited for professional athletes. For ordinary people like us, participating in a marathon is like a 'fantasy,' something we dare not even think about. However, starting last October, the running group members began trying to participate in half-marathons in nearby cities, opening a new chapter in our running journey. But for me, I didn't dare to try, mainly because of my heavy weight and lack of running volume. The success of my running friends in their races motivated me, and I secretly resolved to give it a try.

At the beginning of this year, I planned to participate in the Linyou County Half Marathon. Getting up to run at 5 AM or running alone at 10 PM became a part of my life. Without determination and self-discipline, it wouldn't be possible. Secondly, scientific training is essential. As an amateur runner, it's crucial to learn some scientific running knowledge. Therefore, terms like pace, stretching, easy run, interval run, core strength training, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, etc., must be somewhat understood and combined with your actual running to ensure scientific training, prevent injuries, and truly achieve 'injury-free running for life.' Thirdly, ensuring a safe race completion is vital. I am someone who pursues perfection in life and career, never taking unprepared actions. Before and after registering for the marathon, without experience, supplies, or support, I tried running a half-marathon twice, maintaining a steady pace of over 6 minutes per kilometer, and completed both trials within two hours and twenty minutes, which boosted my confidence in participating in the race. On June 16 this year, I officially participated in the Linyou County Half Marathon in Shaanxi Province. It was my first marathon and a home game. I initially planned to conservatively finish in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but the result was pleasantly surprising; I completed it safely in 2:17:32. 

A year of running practice has taught me that to truly become a runner, you must first have perseverance and determination. Regardless of the time or place, as long as you move your feet and progress gradually, you can burn fat, relax muscles, and enhance physical fitness. Secondly, you must have a scientific and reasonable running plan and goals. Running may seem simple, but it requires reasonable arrangements based on your physical condition. Additionally, you need to invest in yourself, have professional running gear, and your favorite drink. Of course, my first choice is 'Yibao' because pure water is the best choice for replenishing body functions during running.

A year of running practice has taught me that runners are not afraid of loneliness and can handle everything alone. Over the past year, I have taken my running shoes and run wherever I go. Whether it's the streets of the county town or city at dawn, the riverbank trail of the Weihe River at dusk, the asphalt roads of Guanping New District at midnight, the winding mountain paths, or the deserted fields, my figure and sweat are everywhere. Every sound of my shoes rubbing against the ground is a conversation with myself, every breathless moment is a beautiful symphony, and every training process has become a way to relieve stress and an exhilarating enjoyment.

A year of running practice has taught me that runners are people who love life. I love the morning light and evening sunset in my hometown. I love the drizzling rain and heavy snow in my hometown. I love the running friends who accompany me and the family who support me. I love the Dushui River in my hometown, which flows tirelessly all year round. I also love the solitude of running alone, the excitement of running alone, and the joy of running with a group. I love the marathon in my hometown, which has brought this city to life.

Life is finite, but running is endless. Although I am at an age where I understand the destiny, I am willing to spend my limited life with my running friends, carrying 'Yibao' and 'Codoon,' measuring the earth with my feet, feeling the joy of running with my heart, and seeing the distant scenery in my heart with my eyes.

This year is truly worth remembering!