This year's Beijing Marathon was postponed to November 3rd, which was great for someone as lazy as me, as it allowed me to avoid the hottest part of the summer. To be honest, I only started increasing my mileage in September to prepare for the Beijing Marathon. My usual monthly mileage was around 120 kilometers, but it increased to 150 kilometers in August, 200 kilometers in September, and 230 kilometers in October, gradually increasing each month.                    

Previously, I would just run 10 kilometers daily and occasionally a half marathon, with the longest run before a race being around 30 kilometers. When my friends learned about my plan to break 3:30 at the Beijing Marathon, they all offered advice. Besides increasing mileage, they suggested mixed aerobic runs, interval training, a long run every weekend, and strength training. Honestly, I was really resistant to these. But when I thought about my goal and analyzed my past running performance, I realized that without training, I wouldn't be able to break the 3:30 barrier.                    

After making up my mind, I targeted a 15-kilometer mixed aerobic run once a week, sometimes substituting it with interval training. Speaking of intervals, they are so tough~~~ It was really hard for me~~~~ Besides the daily 10-15 kilometer runs, the long weekend runs were also essential. Fortunately, I had a group of like-minded friends, and we would run together every weekend, making it feel less tiring, haha~~
                   

Just before the Beijing Marathon lottery, I learned that there would be a half marathon organized by the Athletics Association in Changying, right near my home. I thought it was a great opportunity for a pre-race training run, so I signed up without hesitation. Although my summer training felt good, I wasn't sure if I could break the 1:40 barrier in a race (my previous half marathon PB was 1:42). My running buddies were optimistic and believed I could do it. On the day of the Changying Half Marathon, the weather was clear and the temperature was comfortable. After taking photos with my friends, I entered the preparation area early. As the starting gun fired, I ran with the crowd. I completed the first 10 kilometers at an average pace of 4:36 per kilometer. The fast start caused me to slow down a bit in the last few kilometers. Fortunately, I managed to hold on and finished in 1:38:13, setting a new PB and placing 7th among women (with a cash prize).                    

This half marathon gave me more confidence in breaking 3:30 at the Beijing Marathon two weeks later.                    

Thinking about the possibility of setting a new PB on the Beijing Marathon course, I couldn't help but want to look my best. I chose two outfits for the pre-race photos and spent two hours braiding my hair into cool dreadlocks to match my stylish clothes.                    

With my friends' encouragement and my own determination, I kept moving towards the finish line. During this process, I thought about giving up more than once. But then I remembered the two months of hard training and the goal I had announced to my running group. I had to keep going. My friends had prepared private supplies for me, and drinking the Red Bull and Yakult they provided gave me a boost of energy. Thank you to everyone who helped me with the private supplies; it was a great effort.                    

The second wall hit at 37 kilometers. My legs felt heavy, and I could barely move. The distance between me and the 3:30 pacer had shrunk from 200 meters to less than 50 meters. Fortunately, my friends kept encouraging me. After taking my last energy gel, I silently told myself: 'Only 5 kilometers left, you must hold on.' Luckily, I didn't give up. With a strong sense of determination, I gradually overcame the wall, my steps became lighter, and my pace returned to around 4:55 per kilometer, slowly widening the gap with the 3:30 pacer.                    

As I rounded the final bend, I could see the inflatable arch and the finish line clock in the distance. Watching the other runners sprint, I also picked up my pace. 300 meters... 200 meters... 100 meters... 50 meters... When I crossed the finish line and stopped my watch, the time was 3:29:19. I finally broke 3:30. Tears of joy filled my eyes. These were not tears of pain but of relief and accomplishment. I had worked so hard for this day, and I did it.                    

After the race, my running group celebrated my achievement of breaking 3:30. I was very happy and shared my experiences and feelings about the Beijing Marathon with everyone. Listening to their stories about the race, I also reminisced about my own 42 kilometers, each one extraordinary.