March 19, 2011

Nine weeks and counting

It's March 19th, which means that in exactly 63 days, I'll be lining up with about 2000 other masochistically inclined runner folk on the Great Wall of China at Huangyaguan, east of Beijing. I'll be pushing off for 21.1kms along the Wall and around the nearby villages as I participate in the Great Wall 1/2 Marathon. It's been in the works for about a month now, and I've corralled about 13 others to hop on a plane on the 20th of May so we can trash our knees, legs and, most likely, our resolve in an attempt to run in what's been dubbed one of the best destination marathons in the world.

I'd heard about the race shortly after coming to China last year. I had high hopes of participating last year, but between my residence out in the boondocks of the greater Dalian area, the brutal winter, a lack of fellow participants and no way of organizing things from Daheishi, I just didn't do anything to get ready. And, I guess the whole 6.5 weeks of holidays last year prevented me from winning the award of Mr. Svelte 2010. But it's a new year, I'm training regularly (even when under the weather from various malaises), and I've convinced a crew to join me. Sometimes our Saturday runs are limited in numbers, but I know that the massive omelette which awaits me after every long run on Saturday makes the outings worth it. Today, it was 14kms plus a couple of add-on hills to get the quads ready. And I added borscht to my already awesome post-run brunch. So, it's official... Great Wall 1/2 Marathon 2011 is a go.

The training is even more worth it when you're treated that night to an amazing sushi dinner and a fantastic massage and it's all paid for by a delightful person. La dolce vita.

T

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