For long-distance running athletes, going the extra mile is not just a race won but a life changed.
Running stands out as a sport where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can participate and therein lies the beauty of participating in a running competition – it’s the competitors; as each runner harbours their own unique and inspiring tale.
Whether it’s a triumphant recovery from cancer or the pursuit of personal milestones, every participant brings their own compelling story to the race.
It can even be an individual suffering from depression, using running as a means to find their footing in life and gain a sense of accomplishment.
In this regard, running goes beyond just a mere hobby or sport, because to many around the world, it can either be life changing or even, lifesaving.
As someone who is deeply involved in the world of fitness, running has become an integral part of my daily life. However, the journey is far from smooth sailing.
The starting line
Prior to embracing my fitness journey, I distinctly remember stepping back from applying to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) due to my lack of confidence.
The idea of achieving a qualifying time for the 2.4 kilometres (km) run seemed unattainable, leading me to withdraw from something that felt beyond my capabilities.
It marked the closest I ever came to considering running, and in the years that followed, there were no signs indicating my involvement in such an activity.
After shedding weight during the pandemic however, I discovered a new passion for competitive events.
Encouraged by my success at the Spartan Stadion in Johor and the Deka Fit in Kuching, I took a leap and registered for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.
The doubt that once plagued me turned into belief as I signed up for the half marathon, embracing a challenge I wouldn’t have dared to take on years ago.
Following months of dedicated training and numerous practice runs covering the same distance, my evolution from novice to seasoned runner was complete, as I succeeded in achieving a personal best time of 2:05.47s.
In May, I aimed to surpass my record during the Sundown Marathon in Singapore but narrowly missed my goal, completing the race in 2:09.08s. Despite hitting the runner’s wall, I persevered, overcame the challenge, and successfully crossed the finish line unscathed.
Going the extra mile
I recently participated in the half marathon at the 15th Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) alongside fellow Bruneians, Malaysians, and international runners at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event was a significant part of my competition schedule, which also included Spartan races and other long-distance running events.
It also marked my second international race, broadening my running experience beyond the five races I have finished in Singapore, spanning from five to 21km.
In the lead-up to the race, I diligently trained, incorporating a daily 5km treadmill run into my morning routine.
I also attended fitness classes integrating running and floor exercises, making sure that I spent at least half an hour on the treadmill before stepping out.
My training regimen also involved outdoor runs of 5km or more, sometimes enduring challenging weather conditions to adapt to various environments.
Meanwhile, BandarKu Ceria meetings and interval sessions with my running companions became crucial for building my mileage, refining my breathing, and perfecting my technique.
The competition day followed a familiar routine: waking up in the pre-dawn darkness, meticulously preparing with energy gels and hydration mix, a brief walk to the venue, a stop at the baggage deposit area, and finally, making my way to the start pen.
I have zipped past streets of Kuala Lumpur before, notably around the Bukit Bintang area, but this race marked uncharted territory in terms of distance.
It felt fitting that my running journey led me to a city I frequently visit but even in a familiar setting, the excitement of standing among tens of thousands of runners who share the same passion is palpable.
Finishing strong
As the race arch, adorned with the official timekeeper, came into view, the moment we had all been anticipating for months finally arrived.
Surrounded by fellow passionate runners in a discipline I deeply admire, heightened by my participation in various competitions, it felt like a perfectly scripted scene.
As I reached the halfway mark, memories of my last marathon in Singapore last May flooded my mind, particularly the daunting runner’s wall, a challenge familiar to long-distance runners.
Worried about succumbing to fatigue, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in excellent condition, free from the struggles that had previously forced me to slow down.
With just a few kilometres left to the finish line, my smartwatch indicated I was on pace to achieve a new personal best.
This ignited a fresh surge of motivation, propelling me to pick up my pace and chase after my new goal.
With just two kilometres left, it would have taken a monumental collapse, like walking to the finish line or my legs completely giving up, to prevent me from achieving this feat.
Having secured my personal best, my immediate goal shifted to finishing under the two-hour mark – a target made even more attainable with every stride.
Approaching the final turn of the 21.1km course, I summoned every ounce of energy, sprinting the last 500 metres, fuelled by the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Finally, I crossed the finish line at 1:58:56s. It not only marked my fastest performance in this distance but also in my entire life, erasing the record set when I made my half marathon debut, less than a year ago. – Fadhil Yunus
