William Chong

To complete a 21km halfmarathon, most people need to train.

(Insert spiritual growth analogy here.)

The good thing is I’ve found a training schedule to adhere to here.

And to prove that it’s not impossible, I’ve actually been running at the first week’s schedule for the past two weeks now, just so I could test my motivation and ability to commit alongside 40-hour work week, preparing family dinners, going out to homegroups and practices, church, play, teaching and any time I have left. My motivation is still there, in part because I’ve found great ways to pass the running time. An iPod + the latest sermon podcasts + Bob Kauflin hymns, that’s gonna be a pretty exciting staple (for now at least).

Today’s 25-minute set was pretty good. I put on the pace a bit (for my standards anyways) for the first 5 minutes, and was really getting into some Peter Somervell remixes – had no issues whatsoever with the running rhythm…

… and then a 50-year-old lady in full sports-kit glory slipped past me like the breeze.

How did she do this? How trained-up was she? Did she use exercise pills? How did I get beaten by a grandmother?

I think it goes to show that it’s very much an uphill battle.

The rest of the week there’s a couple of 25-minute ones, a 60-minute for Saturday which my fashion model friend has kindly offered to be a training buddy, and two 20-minute ones. And that’s just the first week.

If you haven’t considered supporting my efforts, please think about the NZ Heart Foundation. I know it’s a while away but it’s for a good cause, plus it’ll mean I can’t pike out! Check out my HeartRacer page and show your support.

Training Record:

12.8.08 – Route – 5:30pm – 24:38:88 – Jog

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