The incredible experience at Score Marathon









Words fall short to describe the joy I experienced when I crossed the finish line at 7:34AM on Sunday morning.


It was much more than just a run. This was my second marathon, though technically it was a Half Marathon ("HM") as I completed 21 km (a Full Marathon is 42 km).

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Having accepted the HM challenge early this year, I have been preparing for it since then.


As I am turning 45 this quarter, nothing is better than adopting a disciplined and healthy lifestyle to build the necessary stamina for this milestone. This commitment required me to go to bed early since morning runs work best for me.


Runners can’t rely on running alone; a holistic training routine that includes stretching, strength training, and cardio exercises is essential.

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I only started to pursue running 3 years ago, upon only lasted 4 minutes on the treadmill during my medical check up. My doctor enlightened me the importance of training my legs as among the elderlies, it is very common that the legs get weaken the earliest when we age. It wasn’t easy when I first started, I could not even catch my breath after 3 minutes.


My perseverance and efforts slowly paid off.
Looking back, it would be highly surreal to me that I could complete a 21km run.

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I often share my running routine on Instagram stories. Experiencing the great benefits of daily exercise, I hope to inspire my family and friends to do the same.

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I am thrilled to have encouraged my sister, Nicole, to join me. She signed up for her first 10 km run, and her 8-year-old son completed a 5 km run.
They both had a fantastic experience, and Nicole told me she wants to aim for 21 km next.

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01.
Aging can be managed well

With a better diet and disciplined training, my body responded much better compared to my first HM 11 months ago. Age is just a number, and this adage may be true.
 

02.
Commitment to meditation


With the run scheduled to start at 4:30 AM, we needed to leave home by 3:15 AM, which meant waking up at 2:30 AM. Despite turning off the lights at 8:30 PM for at least 6 hours of sleep, I was still awake past 11 PM due to excitement. I realized I need more serenity and zen to manage this better.

03.
Excitement at the start line

The atmosphere was amazing, with passionate runners, cheerleaders, and drum rolls.

04.
Influencing others


As a runner, I feel a mission to inspire more people to take up running. Experiencing the joy and accomplishment of a marathon could lead to a decrease in reckless behaviors like those of "Mat Rempits" (illegal motorcycle racers) as running provides similar excitement without risking lives.

05.
Humility and patience on the track

It takes humility to cover each meter of the 21 km, totaling about 35,000 steps.



Running has brought so much positivity into my life, and I believe it can do the same for you.

 

Whether you're looking to improve your health, find a new way to challenge yourself, or simply experience the thrill of crossing a finish line, running offers countless benefits.

Thank you for reading this far. It would bring me great joy if I have influenced you even a little. If you're up for a run date, I would be happy to meet you at Lake Garden on a Saturday morning.


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Best wishes,
Huay Ping


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