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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I’m entering a half-marathon this year.

Huh? Are you kidding me?

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No joke. With the encouragement of a friend, I signed up to train for and participate in the 2008 Auckland Marathon. I’ve been slowly easing myself into regular running again, and thought it’d be a good goal to complete a 21km course on the 2nd of November, 2008.

Most of you who have seen me in real life know that I’m definitely not built to be a harrier. In fact, on fun runs I’m used to being overtaken by 10 to 12-year-olds with gangly legs and Energizer-bunny endurance. But that’s not going to stop me from giving it a go this year!

I’ll try and write up as much of the interesting thoughts that float through my mind as I hit the pavement, train up and try to complete the circuit without passing out. Expect anything from pictures, to devotionals I do on the run, musical tastes, headphone mechanics and updates to my training schedule (and whether I stick to it).

In return, it’d be great if some of you could put through a donation or two at my HeartRacer page and make a difference that’s close to home – donating to the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand. If you can’t afford it, that’s OK: prayer and support are just as valuable for everyone involved.

I’ve thrown down the gauntlet – bring it on!

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Wanna get involved? Click through to my HeartRacer page here: http://www.heartracer.org.nz/williamchong/

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