Have you ever been labeled as weak, slow, or someone not good at sports? I have. For most of my life, I carried those labels, and they weighed me down. But deep down, I always wanted to change that, to prove to myself and the world that I could be strong, fast, and capable. 2023 has been a year of ups and downs, just like any other, but it brought one thing that kept me sane, motivated, and disciplined – the dream of running a marathon.
My journey into the world of fitness began last February when I took the plunge into Muay Thai. Legend Thai Boxing Gym in the heart of Bangkok became my sanctuary. Those early days were not about running; it was all about mastering the art of eight limbs. I knew nothing about running, except for the 5-minute warm-up laps inside the gym. That was it.
But fate had different plans for me. One day, my manager casually mentioned that he was preparing for a half marathon in April. As he embarked on his journey, I couldn't help but be tempted. The thought of running a marathon, of joining the ranks of those who had accomplished that extraordinary feat, was irresistible. My manager shared details about the Bangkok Marathon 2023, which was set for November 19th. Without a second thought, I signed up. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.
Lumphini Park, a beautiful oasis nestled in the heart of Bangkok, became my training ground. It boasts a track of 2.5 kilometers, and my first attempt to complete just one lap felt like conquering a mountain. My brain couldn't help but calculate the number of laps I would need to run to finish a marathon – more than eight seemed impossible.
But I was determined. With 12 weeks to go, I devised a training schedule that incorporated running, Muay Thai, and those crucial rest days (which I admit I didn't always follow religiously). The journey was marked with both highs and lows, as practice runs pushed me to my limits. I gradually increased my distance and worked on improving my pace. My goal was clear: I aimed to complete the marathon in under 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The first time I reached the 10k mark, I was over the moon. To go from not being able to complete a single lap (2.5 kilometers) to running 10 kilometers in just five weeks was an incredible achievement. It was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction.
Running has taught me something invaluable about the human body – its incredible ability to adapt when you push your limits. I was once a heavy smoker, and now I'm a runner. The transformation has left me in awe of what my body can achieve.
Now, running 3-4 times a week has become a norm. Saturdays are reserved for long runs, and I've pushed myself to a maximum of 15 kilometers, a milestone that fills me with pride.
As I stand on the brink of my first marathon, I am a bundle of emotions. There's excitement, certainly, but also a touch of nervousness. After all, it's my very first marathon, and it's happening right here in Bangkok, the city I've called home for the past six years. It's also the first country I've lived in outside my homeland.
If you're reading this and contemplating whether to run a marathon, my advice is simple: go for it. Yes, there's pain involved in running, but the entire journey will leave you feeling proud, fit, and maybe even a little lighter (I've shed 10 kilograms since starting Muay Thai in February).
I can't wait for the marathon, and I'm already planning where my next run will be. Keep visiting us to follow my marathon journey. As much as it's about the destination, the journey itself is a rewarding adventure that will leave you amazed at what you can achieve.
So, if I can go from being labeled weak, slow, and a non-athlete to preparing for a marathon, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Your journey is waiting, and I hope my story inspires you to embark on your own. Remember, it's not about where you start; it's about where you're determined to finish.
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