Running on halon

Way to Lucca Half Marathon

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:56:12 +0000

It might be the effect of this sort of post-30 menopause, but by now, staying still makes us sick. We needed something before the Berlin Marathon in September, so here we are: May 8, 2022 — Lucca Half Marathon.

Recovery from the Marathon Link to heading

Even though several months have passed, I remember very clearly the interminable time it took to recover my pre-race form. The marathon is truly exhausting. I managed to run 5 kilometers after two weeks, at a ridiculous speed and with inhuman effort. Over the following month, I managed to reach a good pace, but still below my previous times. After a medically required two-month break and another month of training, I finally returned to my previous form. All in all, 4 months — an eternity that makes clear the effect of a marathon on an untrained body.

My First Marathon

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I love Rome. Even though I’d been there many times, that day everything was different — the entire city center was closed off for us. It had something strange about it.

5:50 AM. Dawn was breaking as an enormous crowd began to converge under the Colosseum, still lit by the night lights. Despite the presence of more than 7,000 runners, the atmosphere felt calm and relaxed.

I felt a range of emotions, with anxiety inevitably gaining the upper hand. There was only one goal: reach the end, no matter what. I think that if I hadn’t managed to finish, I would never have attempted such a feat again.

Marathon Preparation - Last Update

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Marathon is officially 3 days and a handful of hours away. Preparation is now over, and I’m taking it easy to recover energy for the big day.

The Wall Link to heading

A month ago, I did my longest training run ahead of the race: 36 km, starting at 5 in the morning. Three hours and forty minutes of athletic endeavor and an excellent test run.

Marathon Preparation: Second Update

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Finally, the die is cast. After an endless ordeal, I’ve completed my registration — the race will take place on September 19, 2021 at 5 AM! Dropping out now would mean losing the registration fee, and that would be anything but acceptable.

Running costs Link to heading

Naively, at first glance, running might seem like the cheapest of sports. After all, what does it involve? You put on a pair of shoes, go out, and run. But the situation flips when you move from running to running well.

Marathon Preparation: First Update

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Progress Update Link to heading

As of today, it’s been just over two months since I started training. In such a short time, I think I’ve achieved more than satisfactory results. From the runner’s diary, here are the first and latest training sessions:

Date	Distance	Pace	Elevation
16/05	11.85	6:10	60
09/03	12.06	8:22	0

It looks like the classic example of beginner improvement, but it’s still remarkable. I’ve managed to maintain fairly consistent training despite working all nights. I train early in the morning, around 5, as soon as I get back from work — exhausted from the whole day. This makes me think that in a situation of complete rest, I’ll be able to perform much better.

The 30-Year Crisis

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The 30-year crisis is something I think everyone goes through, even though explaining it is far from easy. It’s not as predictable as the midlife crisis, the one around 40 — the one that ideally brings you closer to the day of your death than to the day of your birth. Still, it’s perceived as a turning point, especially for people like me who had one at 20, one at 25, and who knows how many more will come.