SunnyInNorway

Every runner harbors a goal, be it completing a first 5K or 10K, a full marathon, or a trail run.

For someone like me, who adores running and marathons, achieving a half marathon in 1 hour and 30 minutes represents an insurmountable peak—seemingly unattainable yet irresistibly tempting.

Benefitting from perfect conditions at the 2024 OSLO Half Marathon, where the weather and my form were both on point, I completed the race in my personal best time of 1 hour 29 minutes and 39 seconds. The joy of that moment was beyond words.

Despite the Oslo Half Marathon’s notable inclines—similar to previous years with a gradual ascent in the first five kilometers and a continuous rise for about three kilometers after the 15-kilometer mark, totaling over 160 meters of elevation—I was filled with excitement and pressure from the moment I decided to tackle this challenge. Achieving a 4 minutes and 15 seconds per kilometer pace was no easy task for me.

This year, as I dedicated myself to the training plan “315” for the Amsterdam Marathon in October, I found encouragement in a mid-training mini-test that required completing a half marathon within 1 hour and 30 minutes. It made me realize that such a time wasn’t out of reach.

On the morning of the race, I devised a running strategy based on the track layout: average a pace of 415-425 for the first three kilometers, maintain 405-410 through the middle 15 kilometers, and push to 415 or faster for the final stretch. If all went well, I aimed to complete the 21.1 kilometers in about 1 hour and 28 minutes.

However, I significantly slowed down during the 17-18 kilometer uphill section, missing the anticipated 410 pace, though the rest went quite well.

Standing in the first lineup, the thrilling background music and countdown accelerated my heartbeat as if syncing with my anxiety.

Months of training filled with long runs, interval sprints, threshold runs, and strength exercises—even through the coldest mornings—had prepared me well. This race was the moment to validate all my efforts.

The race began with a bang, and amidst the fervor of fellow runners, I knew I had to manage my starting pace carefully. Too fast could deplete my stamina in the latter half, and too cautious might cost me the achievement of my goal.

“Stay calm, keep the pace,” I reminded myself during the first five kilometers as my watch beeped each kilometer, guiding my speed. Surrounded by the sounds of other runners and cheers from the crowd, I entered a runner’s internal monologue.

As I consumed energy gels and transitioned through varying terrains, the middle section of the race became a battle with myself. Maintaining a steady pace through kilometers 9 to 15 was crucial; a failure here could jeopardize the entire race.

Despite feeling the onset of fatigue and muscle soreness, I continued to push through, adjusting my breathing and stride to conserve energy.

The final stretch was not just a physical challenge but a psychological battle. “Hold on, just a few more kilometers,” I repeated internally. With each step closer to the finish, my resolve strengthened.

When I finally saw the finish line, a surge of exhilaration overwhelmed me. I sprinted with the last of my energy, crossing the finish line in 1 hour 29 minutes and 42 seconds—a moment of immense relief and satisfaction.

Achieving this iconic sub-1:30 half marathon time not only filled me with pride but also deepened my appreciation for the journey of running—a dialogue with oneself through physical challenges and mental fortitude.

“Running demands relentless effort,” a friend once said, “You reap what you sow.”

Perry

2024.09.25