23. Finish a Marathon

Completed: 12/08/2013

 

After the race

26.2 miles: the distance that a day-runner named Pheidippides ran from the Battle of Marathon back to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. After he uttered the news, this fellow died. Now, this historic run is commemorated in an organized race that happens numerous times throughout the year all over the world, which hopefully don't result in the same ending that happened to Pheidippides. Many gather to put their minds and bodies to the test in hopes of accomplishing what less than one percent of the world's population has achieved, and to live on to tell the tale of their momentous feat. 

When I completed the Great Aloha Run a while back in a better time than the goal I had set for myself, I thought that I would be done with running. Eight miles felt like a long distance to me. But those who heard of my accomplishment asked if I would ever do a marathon. My answer at that time was an adamant no, but I'll admit the idea lingered in my head.

I heard from another friend that there was a deep early bird kama'aina (local resident) discount of $1 per mile for a grand total of $26.20 to enter the marathon, which was hard to pass up. I also toyed with the idea during the time I was coming up with my bucket list, thinking that finishing a marathon would be a great addition to my bucket list repertoire. All this, along with encouragement from friends and peers, finally tipped me in favor of deciding to give it a go.

In January 2013, I registered for the 41st annual Honolulu Marathon, thinking that there was no better time than now to get it underway. I was still young and it would be around the time I would finish my master's program, so I saw it as a graduation present to myself. I began to research training tips since I knew that putting my body through all this stress would require as much preparation as possible to minimize injury.

February 2013 came along and I went to look for a pair of running shoes. At the Running Room, I was able to find a nice pair of New Balance shoes that incorporated the Vibram minimalist technology. They were not only lightweight, but contoured to the natural formation of my feet. Happy with my purchase, I decided to give my shoes a try for a short jog. Unfortunately, I think improper training for the Great Aloha Run left me with a bum left knee that started acting up when I picked up running again. I would only run for a very short distance and feel what I would later self-diagnose as IT band pain since it was located in the outer side of my knee. 

I decided to take time off to allow my knees some rest before starting up training, but time flew by and it was already July/August. I tried to take up running again, and my knees seemed to be doing all right, though once in a while I could feel the pain coming on. I also tried to research stretching techniques or ways to prevent this pain from flaring up, bought myself a pair of inserts to provide more cushioning for my knees, and began taking glucosamine pills to preserve the cartilage in my knees. Although I incorporated these various measures in my training program, my knee pain was always either almost onset or would be too much to bear in my training since. But because I had committed myself to the marathon, I decided to continue on track for it.

My training schedule was fashioned after this website. Some IT-specific stretches that I felt helped me were crossing one foot in front of the other and bending over to give the legs a nice stretch. Lifting one leg and bending the other up and down at the knee aimed to build the knee muscles since stabilization is important in running. There was also other ways to build the leg muscles near the groin and on the outer hips. I also read to start up some marathon habits and to stick with them so that the body becomes conditioned. This meant eating the same foods for breakfast, running with the same pair of shoes (of course keeping track of mileage run in the shoes so they wouldn't be too worn out), and using the same foods to nourish the body along the trail (gel packs are popular; I stuck with trusty Kirkland Signature trail mix and water to make sure that I replenished the salts and sugars in my body).

In my training, I will admit that I got lazy about October. I had a cousin from Canada visiting and traveled to Orlando for a week, so those took precedence and I neglected the running. This was not a smart idea since I don't think I was able to get my body back up to that conditioned state afterwards to continue with the training. Also, my longest run ended up being only 18 miles, with only one practice with the next highest mileage of 16 miles. If I had a do over, I would definitely focus on increasing the mileage gradually and giving my body more opportunities to become accustomed to greater mileage.

I did taper off and carb up in the weeks preceding the big day and made sure I had everything ready. I got a good night's rest two days prior, which I read is when it really counts, and was able to get in some more zzz's the night before. Day of, I woke up at 2:45am to get ready. I got to the start line where Queen meets Ala Moana Blvd at about 4:15am. I used the restroom twice and stretched before the race started. It was awesome seeing the sea of participants. There was definitely a mix of nerves and adrenaline going on that morning.

At the start line hours before the sun came up

Fireworks were shot off right before the 5:00 starting sound. Headed towards downtown, turning up by Murphy's Bar. There were employees who were cheering us on. Went back up to King Street, passing by the Honolulu City Lights and onto Kapiolani Blvd to Piikoi St. Veered back to Ala Moana Blvd towards Waikiki. Then to Kapiolani Park and up some hill. I actually felt pretty good since I wasn't exerting too much energy and I felt like the impact on my knees and feet weren't too bad since I was running quite laterally without much bounce and with short strides. But I could feel the knee pain coming on. Right as we got onto Kalanianaole Hwy, I think I gave in to my knee pain and I had to walk the rest of the way. I was quite bummed that I wasn't able to get farther than that, as my goal was to at least jog half of the marathon. Just have to accept that things panned out the way they did. I was able to keep up a pace of 20-minute miles until about mile 20, when I slowed down. Mile 23-24 was the most brutal when I was on the brink of a breaking point. I'm glad I was able to call Jack and have him talk to me to pull be through the next mile and then some. By then, I was recuperated enough to finish off the rest of the race. After 7:18:39, I crossed the finish line. I'm proud that I pushed myself through and completed the marathon, though I kind of wonder if I can achieve the 6-hour time goal that I set for myself if I were to attempt it again sometime in the future.

Throngs of people waiting for the gun

Noteworthy things about the marathon: 

-The experience that others have, which shows in their ability to pace themselves. Slow and steady wins the race, especially at a distance of 26.2 miles. The marathon is a very humbling experience not only by the diverse ages and sizes of participants who beat you, but the internal challenge of overcoming all the pain that takes every ounce of your mental being. Not that it surprised me, but I was beat out by an amputee and lots of old people. And although these participants were walking, I think it took them lots of courage to attempt the marathon: a young Japanese man with bowed legs, a very old, frail looking Japanese man with such determination to truck along, military wearing their packs. I also saw an old man wearing a shirt listing all the years since the 70s he has participated in the marathon as well as corresponding quit times. His latest was back in 2011, when he exited at over 10 hours. I really hope this turned out to be his year.

-There was even a contestant from Extreme Weight Loss. The 4 ft 5 in gal from Kentucky ran alongside coach Chris Powell. I distinctly remember her getting past me. Later would I realize that she was an almost celebrity. And to think that I was that close to Chris Powell...

-Running a marathon in the proper footwear and attire is important to prevent pain and nuisances that come from forming blisters, chafing, and other running-related conditions. But that doesn't deter some people from having a good time. Case in point: man with a tuba decorated like Big Bird, another man in a traditional Japanese kimono and wooden clogs leading a small group of men with his chants, Japanese groups wearing clown afros, balloons, and birds on their heads. Also saw someone running barefoot. Wonder how he fared.

-The race would be a much more miserable experience without the band of volunteers and spectators along the route who motivated runners. Volunteers passing out water, vaseline, gel packs, sponges, giving high-fives all the while shouting words of encouragement certainly boosted my energy. Roadside support from residents and others who had signs, clapped, passed out candies, pretzels, snacks, gatorade, water, and other goodies; others shooting their water hoses to relieve runners for a bit from the unrelenting sun; a lady at one of the bus stops playing her accordian and jingling along with bells attached to her ankles by Christmas ribbon; a middle-aged band of men playing a concert; houses with sound systems hooked up outside to blast music for us...it was all so great to take in. 

-Although I was in much pain from about mile 20, the last kilometer felt like hell. Kapiolani Park as the end destination is deceiving when you see it in sight, but realize that the official finish is at the other end of the park. Where others get their burst of energy when the finish is in sight, my knee was dying and killing my spirit too. 

-Get a massage after the marathon. I didn't take advantage of the free massages at the finish line, but I did get personal massages from Jack's mom with Chinese medicine later that day as well as the next day from Jack. I attribute my not-so-terrible healing experience to their efforts. Thanks for the love!
-Feet got swollen, one toenail got detached. Physically spent, but glad to say I did it.

All in all, I would definitely say it is an experience that I'm glad I went through. I really should thank my family and Jack's for supporting my efforts, as well as friends for their encouragement. As for if I would do it again, probably not, but  it would be interesting to see if I can meet my personal goal of sub-six hours.

22. Complete my Master's Degree

Complete: 12/05/2013
 

Official diploma



Although the official conclusion to this semester is not until Commencement on December 21, 2013, I'm checking it off early because this date is when I turned in the last class paper I will ever write at the last class session of my grad school career.

College is a privilege that some may have the means to take advantage of or overlook as an opportunity worth undertaking. For me, pursuing college was to show my immigrant parents, who came and worked hard in blue collar work to give me a better life that their years of enduring long, hard hours so that they could provide a comfortable lifestyle for me, was not for naught.

I was lucky enough to find the means to fully fund my undergraduate degree through scholarships. It was during my years in college that I found my true passion and career path: within student affairs. I had joined an honor society called Golden Key in my sophomore year, and enjoyed my experience both as a general member and serving on the executive board. In fact, I chose to stay on after I graduated as an advisor to continue my involvement with this group.

This and other experiences I had that enhanced my undergraduate experience motivated me to remain at my University after graduation and start my career there. My current position is a perfect fit for me at the moment. My responsibilities include organizing college events, overseeing our college's ambassador program and scholarship recipients, and assisting students in whatever ways our office can to navigate college and/or enhance their undergraduate experience. 

Since I knew that I want to stay at my alma mater and establish my career in higher education, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in Educational Administration, with an emphasis in Higher Education. Tuition is free for employees, so why not? Again, I was fortunate to again not have to pay much out of my own pocket for my graduate degree. In three years' time, I have taken twelve classes that taught me about the history and finances of higher education, student development, leadership in higher education, the physical environment and how that can influence students' experiences in higher education, and even a course devoted to community colleges. 

I hope that my family is proud. I thank them, especially my sister, for providing me the guidance and helping me develop the character traits needed to persevere and excel in school. I am also fortunate for the mentors, advisors, professors, and peers who helped me figure out what it was that I wanted to do with my life. I am also grateful for all the wonderful students and colleagues that I work with, whom continue to inspire me and motivate me in my work in higher education.