Sunday, December 13, 2009

全馬拉松賽跑: 心力 / Running a Full Marathon: Mental Strength

People often assume running a full-marathon is like running two half-marathons consecutively: 42.2 kilometres = 21.1 K + 21.1 K. It's not exactly how I look at a race. The problem with the equal split is that by the time I finish the first 21.2 K, my natural reaction will be: Now I have to do it all over again!

To me, 42.2 K = 32 K + 10.2 K

I usually run my first 32 K at my target pace. But for the last 10 K, exhaustion, cramps and all kinds of physical limitations will creep in. That's when the mental strength kicks in. An athlete with good mental training will be able to draw deep from his/her physically depleted "well" to find the necessary energy and will to go on. It is not easy, but it can be done. So far, I have managed to finish all my full- and half-marathon races without a DNF (did not finish).

Wellness = Physical health + Mental health

Strength = Physical strength + Mental strength

4 comments:

The inner space said...

There was a point when the energy stored at the muscles were done and the body started draining source from your liver. It causing stomach upset and side effects,Athletes suffering a lot during this transition period. Beyond that mostly could finish the marathon without DNF.

Haricot 微豆 said...

Space: You are right. The state of total glycogen exhaustion is called "hitting the wall". The idea is to train the body to push the "wall" farther back. Regular nutrient in-take during the race is also important to sustain the muscles.

史哥魯的天空 said...

我也認同這個方程式,但是對那撞牆的時間仍未能掌握

Haricot 微豆 said...

Squall:

>> .... 但是對那撞牆的時間仍未能掌握

Each person is different, I guess you will find out :)

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