No matter when, never live in someone else's world, but strive to live in the way you want.                

               

Because that way of living, which belongs only to yourself, is the most precious. Thinking back on it later will always bring a smile to your face.                

               

               

Unknowingly, it's been three months since I left the Magic City.After living in Shanghai for several years,in this city,everywherebears the marks ofmyfootprints.

This is where my running life began. Visiting this familiar yet strange city as a tourist feels easy and carefree, with a unique flavor.

When it comes to the Shanghai Marathon, some people always say, 'You're so lucky, you get a spot every year.'

Actually, my luck isn't about getting a spot in the Shanghai Marathon,but rather that I accidentally hit the qualifying time in the 2018 Shanghai Marathon,which allowed me to confidently secure a spot for the 2019 Shanghai Marathon without worrying about the quota.

For most girls, the time left for exercise each day is very limited. Besides the annoying monthly period and the busy weekly work life, we need time to dress up, enjoy food, and relax...

Looking at my running volume this year, my monthly mileage averages around 150KM, mostly consisting of 45-60 minutes of aerobic weight-loss jogging.

In September,due to work reasons,I adjustedmyexercise time,changing fromafternoon or evening workouts to morning runs at 5-6 AM, running 4-5 times a week unless there are special circumstances,resting for 3-4 days during my period.

Besides that,I also do some yoga stretches and bodyweight strength training every week to make my muscles tighter and more elastic.

This lifestyle isn't specifically to prepare for the Shanghai Marathon,but maintaining a regular, continuous routine of sleep, diet, and exercise might be my secret to successfully 'fighting' the Shanghai Marathon.

The Shanghai Marathon arrived as scheduled,on the wayto the Magic City,I had a premonition that I would achieve a personal best this time.

Not because I trained particularly hard, but because I was 2 pounds lighter than when I achieved a personal best of 3:36 in Chongqing earlier this year. Calculating this, running a full marathon should reduce some energy loss, and my performance should improve.

The day before the race, I picked up my race kit, took photos, and had a gathering, not missing a single thing.

On race day, I arrived at the starting point early and took photos with friends.Old Yan said,'Judging by your condition today, you should be able to run under 3:40.'

As someone who likes to 'throw smoke bombs' regularly, I could only respond nonchalantly:Running a qualifying time is good enough for me~

I have to say, the Shanghai Marathon course is really 'hot,'attracting top runners from all over to witness its beauty.Being in Zone A with all the top runners,I was immediately teased by Squid and 13 after the start:'You're not running under 3:00, get out of the way!'

I couldn't help but laugh: 'In this hot weather, you guysare amazingif you can break 3!'

In the first few kilometers, there were indeed a lot of people. Running a bit faster would mean stepping on the heels of the person in front. To avoid affecting the top runners' personal bests, I wandered slowly behind.

At 27 degrees, the Shanghai Marathon made people sweat like rain right from the start.To stay steady and avoid accidents,from5 kilometers, I started stopping for water, replenishing salt pills and energy gels every 5 kilometers along the way.

Since I rarely do long slow distance (LSD) training, I anticipated that my pace would drop after 25 kilometers.

Checking the time at the halfway point, I estimated that running a qualifying time shouldn't be a problem, so I continued running by feel.

Unknowingly, I ran to 30 kilometers in one go and surprisingly didn't feel that tired?Only my gluteus maximus felt a bit sore~

From 30 to 35 kilometers, I felt a bit fatigued and dehydrated. I am really grateful to the volunteers on the roadside for providing us with 'lifesaving water.'

After passing 35 kilometers, I still felt good, with no pain and no collapse.Checking the time again,as long as I could maintain a pace not slower than 5:45, it seemed I could still achieve a personal best?!

Running a marathon alone is truly an emotional self-dialogue.If you can't be alone with yourself and find something to do during the boring last few kilometers, your mental willpower can easily collapse.

Some people recall their past struggles and efforts in the last few kilometers;

some people relax and enjoy the scenery and fellow runners in the last few kilometers;

I'm different,'With sunglasses on, I love no one.' I kept calculating my finish time and performing various inner dramas, hinting and encouraging myself,Come on!Ican do it!

Just like that, I chatted with myself for 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 23 seconds, safely completing my fourth Shanghai Marathon, luckily achieving a qualifying time again and setting a new personal best by two minutes.

People often ask me:'Running is already very boring, how can you run for so long without getting bored?'

Yes, running is very boring,and many times I don't know what the point of persisting in running is, butsometimesthings that seem meaninglessactually turn out to be very meaningful.

Running is like the 'drink more hot water' often mentioned by straight men. It doesn't have an immediate, miraculous effect, nor does it have much taste,but a cup of hot water can always warm you up when you're cold and nourish your whole body from the inside out when you're weak. Persisting in it makes life seem more 'nourishing' than before.

As for whether I can run under 3:30?

I think, as long as I take it step by step,next year I can run 3:29~