I started running with the intent to improve my aerobic performance for badminton. However, at this point in my life, running has taken over as the main sport in my life. And this past year, 2012, is when it happened.
In the latter half of 2011 I started casually jogging around a track that was across the street from my office in Saigon. On my first day of running and walking, I wasn’t sure if I could complete one lap of 250 meters. However, I surprised myself and was able to do it.
It took me six months to work up to running 5km nonstop. On February 23rd, 2012, I finally accomplished this feat, the day before my 29th birthday. On February 27th was the first time I timed my run and started recording times and distances to track my performance. I continued tracking times and distances for the rest of the year.
So here are a few stats from the data in 2012, the year I became a runner:
- Total recorded distance (actual higher): 492 miles (792km)
- Longest run: 13.2 miles (21.3km)
- Fastest time: 7:30 per mile for 3 miles (~4:40 per km for 4.8km)
As we’re getting into this new year of 2013, I’m happy to say that I’m going stronger than ever. I’ve registered for a half marathon here in Eugene, and I’m thinking about running the Seattle half marathon at the end of the year as well. My goal is to run a full marathon in 2014.
I’ve gotten this far with the support and encouragement of numerous friends and family. Thank you; you know who you are.
Congratulations. I won’t say I’ve got the bug because it’s still a bit of a chore with me but I’ve stuck with my treadmill work and it’s making a big difference to me. I’ve lost 11 kilos which has been great – sadly I’m still lugging round 115 of them so I still take a bit of moving but I’m trying to do at least 15 ks a week. I normally try and do 3ks – running two and a fast walk for one in between. The difference in energy levels, after 6-7 months is really starting to make a difference and the weight is steadily failling off after a Christmas blip.
I’m hoping that one day I’ll be light enough to make this more fun – but compared to dieting it’s far more acceptable. Now I spend half an hour in the evening doing my 3-4k most nights of the week.
In Asia it’s too hot to move a lot of the time so basically I have had to come up with a system to use up some calories and give my heart a work out. This appears to be working.
Hey Steve, I know what you mean about being in Asia. For years in Vietnam I barely exercised at all. It was actually a co worker at my office who was jogging around the track a bit after work that inspired me to see if I could too. It’s only gotten better from then. And, as you know, this running also helped me kick smoking for good.
Excellent work on your running and let’s meet in Phu Quoc in 2014 for the half marathon!
So what you’re trying to say it, it was a great year. Best of luck in making 2013 equally impressive.
Good luck in Eugene! I’m doing Portland this year and it’ll be my first time in Oregon.
Awesome. I haven’t checked out the Portland marathon yet, but I’ll check it out after I get the Eugene half marathon under my belt.
I began to run in 2012 as well, and am currently training for a half marathon in several weeks. I’m no where near prepared, but I’m trying anyways! How have you been getting ready for the half marathon in Eugene?
Which half marathon are you training for? Here in Eugene, I just run a lot on the paths around town. I found a training schedule for a half marathon online and edited a bit to suit my own needs. Also, I’ve been doing some core workouts to help with my running too. They aren’t too strenuous either, check them out: http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/fast-abs?page=2
I’m doing the NYC half. I found a training program as well, but had to change it a bit due to time constraints. I can only run outside on the weekends because during the week I don’t get out of work until after its dark and the paths by me are not lit and there are wild animals occasionally. Not something I want to risk, haha. I’ll take a look at that training site as well, thanks!