Updates on My Sporting Condition & Boston Marathon 2012

I have decided to run in the Berlin Marathon on 30 September. This is a world-class full marathon, where the world-record was set before. This course is pancake-flat, punctuated with key landmarks of this city with a rich history. Many attempt their Boston Qualifying (BQ) timings to qualify for the oldest marathon in the world. Expect a wide and deep field of marathoners who edge around 3 hours and less.

I am healing well from my stress fracture of my left metatarsal. There is no tenderness to the touch. I can put my weight on one foot when I go on tip-toe. Because of my heavy work travel in recent weeks, I can only get my sports-doctor’s review after the race.

My strategy for the race is: COMPLETE THE RACE COMFORTABLY, AND EARN MY MEDAL AND T-SHIRT. I will endeavour to enjoy the race with my friends, a team comprising military-officers (in the reserves). Chances for a PB is bleak, although if I pace well enough, I might hover around a decent 4 hours. I crossed the line in 2010 in the rainy and cold conditions in 3:37 (a far cry from my sub-3:30 race in 2011). If I can run well with minimal running (but with a strong base of core strengthening, swimming and cycling), I should be quite pleased with myself. Focus and resolve will be my values I will engage on my quest for 42.195K excellence. Toes crossed for mild weather. It should be an engaging and entertaining run.

Rebuilding The Foundation Piece By Piece

You can tear down a building yet leave behind the foundations? The foundation stone is the starting point of a building. Once you lay it, it becomes the origin of a house. When you get injured, your body breaks down in order to prepare the raw materials to rebuild itself. Little is wasted, and cells are constantly being deconstructed so as to reconstruct new cells and tissues. Our bodies are conservative and creative in how it manages its energy systems and nutrients.

Having been injured for a few weeks and finally having it diagnosed, I am thick in the midst of healing my foot. My stress fracture is contained for now, while I refrain from high impact-based activities (like running) in order to let the fractured bone seal up and become stronger. I am disciplined about doing my rehabilitation exercises, for complete inactivity will mean a loss of aerobic fitness and muscular endurance. I have refocused on energies on strengthening my core, supporting muscles of my foot, and low-impact aerobic activities (riding and swimming). I am gaining muscle mass and feeling stronger in my limbs. My swim strokes are more certain and I am activating the correct muscles for each specific sporting activity.

I will be reevaluated in five weeks’ time. I have renounced my chance to race in Berlin, but will assume the role of spectator. I will not take the risk of injuring myself again. Instead, I intend to return stronger and fitter to running. I have a good chance to do the Singapore Marathon, and train for next year’s Ironman triathlon. With my strong and reliable foundation of consistent aerobic and endurance training, I am sanguine about my recovery.

Leadership Lessons: How do you respond to an over-haul of your body? How do you reinvent yourself? How much patience do you exercise in the rebuilding process? How constructive are you when you are reconstructing yourself?