runner promotion diary what is worth obsessing about long distance running
Running doesn't require a companion, nor does it need a special venue like playing tennis. All you need is a pair of running shoes.
Long-distance running isn't about defeating others; your only opponent is yourself. It doesn't involve anyone else, but you will be in a constant internal struggle: Am I stronger than last time? Pushing yourself to the limit again and again is the essence of running.
----Haruki Murakami
I copied this passage from a book, and I often use it to answer the question from people around me: 'What's so fascinating about running?' Perhaps Mr. Murakami's words perfectly explain the greatest advantage and endless charm of long-distance running: convenience and the challenge of surpassing oneself! Here, I share my own sports stories and insights with everyone.
1. Love at First Sight with 'Miss Codoon'
Coming from a rural area in Hunan, I developed a good physical condition from climbing mountains and crossing rivers since childhood. In middle and high school, I excelled in sports like basketball, soccer, badminton, and running, and was recognized as the 'muscle man and sports expert' among my peers. In college, I joined the athletics team and persisted in long-distance running training for a year during my spare time. I could complete a 5KM armed cross-country run (with full gear weighing about 20KG) in around 20 minutes. From that time on, I was confident in my physical fitness and endurance, never willing to admit defeat.
As I entered my 30s, with a stable family and a career on the rise, I devoted 70% of my energy to my career. The former sports expert gradually became a 'homebody.' The slowly bulging belly and steadily increasing weight pushed me unknowingly into the threshold of 'middle age,' while my complacent mindset made my expectations of my physical condition far from reality. I remember last August, during a unit training session, one of the tasks was a 3KM test. Confidently, I collapsed at the finish line with severe back pain. Seeing my colleagues easily complete the run and recalling my previous bragging, I just wanted to find a hole to hide in!
The stubbornness in the Hunanese character drove me to the track that evening, where I soon spotted the familiar figure of 'Bayern' (a colleague's nickname). After a brief stretch, I joined him. 'Ding dong, you have run 15KM, taking 67 minutes and 30 seconds. The last kilometer took 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Great job,' said Miss Codoon's voice unexpectedly. During our post-run chat, while admiring Bayern's excellent athletic ability, I quickly grew fond of this simple and practical sports app. Little did I know that my bond with Codoon would deepen, making it an essential part of my life.
2. The Fearless First 'Half Marathon'
By the end of August, after installing Codoon, I frequently felt the urge to exercise. Running 5K and 10K, I went further and faster, gradually regaining my confidence. Especially after sharing my running data on social media, it satisfied my little vanity. By chance, I joined my current running group and met a bunch of 'crazies' in others' eyes.
Seeing them discuss half marathons and full marathons daily, I got tempted. The 'Taiyuan Marathon' was set to start on September 13th. If 50-year-olds could finish it, why couldn't I? Despite the seniors in the group advising me to progress gradually and taking my 'bold words' as motivational, I stubbornly prepared. I ran 10K on the 1st and 2nd, 15K on Victory Day morning, 6K on the 5th, and 10K on the 11th (I couldn't run from the 6th to the 10th due to other commitments). I prepared in isolation, without consulting the seniors or asking anyone to accompany me, determined to prove myself.
The 'Taiyuan Marathon' arrived on September 13th. At Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, I ran with determination. The first 10K was easy, but from 10-15K, I felt parched. Without support staff, the water I had placed along the route was picked up by sanitation workers (one bottle cost 3 yuan, but they took it for the 3-cent bottle, which was frustrating!). Exhausted and tempted to quit, my persistence kept me moving forward. After 15K, due to my weight, unsuitable shoes (I weighed 84KG and didn't have professional running shoes), and accumulated fatigue, my left ankle and shin started protesting. Ignoring the pain, I pushed on. At 18, 19, 20K, when Miss Codoon announced I had completed my goal (21.5K), I finally stopped, earning my first marathon medal. However, the physical toll hit me before I could enjoy the victory. My left ankle hurt so much I couldn't stand, and my left shin was in agony. I collapsed on the track, and a colleague had to carry me back to the dorm, where I even experienced hematuria.
Later, discussing with the group, I learned that my rapid increase in exercise was too much for my body to handle. Inadequate hydration before and during the run led to dehydration. My weight and unsuitable shoes put too much strain on my ankles. Incorrect running posture increased the load on my knees and ankles. Marathon running isn't just about persistence; scientific training and adequate preparation are essential. Otherwise, it leads to poor performance and injuries. Although I succeeded in this reckless 'challenge,' it left a lasting injury on my ankle.
3. From 'Love at First Sight' to 'Indispensable'
They say persistence is key in sports, and many people give up after a short burst of enthusiasm. But I had a different experience. In college, I resisted running during training and thought I couldn't stick to it. But I came to accept and love it from the bottom of my heart. After the 'Taiyuan Marathon,' under the group leader's guidance, we found a good running route along the Chan River. The group ran a 'half marathon' almost every week, and I never missed a session. Sometimes, when the pain was too much, I took painkillers. On September 20th, our 'five-member team' accompanied the leader to complete his first 'full marathon'—42.2KM at the Beijing Marathon, finishing in 3 hours and 30 minutes. We were in awe and celebrated with drinks, jokingly asking, 'Do you love me?' which became an inside joke.
In September, I ran 150K, and in October, 210K. My half marathon pace improved from 5 minutes 24 seconds to 5 minutes, 4 minutes 44 seconds, and finally stabilized at around 98 minutes. After 400KM of training, I faced my first full marathon: the 'Shanghai Marathon' on November 8th. Initially planning to accompany Bayern for his first full marathon, I ended up completing it myself in 3 hours and 40 minutes. Despite inadequate nutrition making me feel faint in the last few kilometers, I persevered and finished, giving myself a pat on the back. Gradually, I became a 'scenery' for others, and running became an integral part of my life. I participated in almost every official event, filling a cabinet with medals, proudly showing them off.
Once, the leader said, 'If I don't run, I suddenly don't know what to do,' and we joked that he was 'running crazy.' But aren't we the same? We've abandoned many bad habits, cultivated a green hobby, developed an optimistic mindset, built a healthy body, and influenced a group of sports-loving friends. More and more people joined us, and our social media was filled with youthful vitality. My partner also stood by my side, becoming a loyal fan and a beautiful card in the group. We exercise together, encourage each other, cherish our health, and love each other dearly!
Some say the farther you run, the closer you get to your heart. I believe I'm gradually getting closer to my inner self, reaching a place of inner peace. Running has changed my mindset and my life. I'm grateful it brought me to you at the most splendid time of my life! I love sports, and I love Codoon!
(This is a runner's promotion story from my partner, narrated by him and edited by me.)