My Seoul Marathon 2015 Result is a DNS!

Be careful what you wished for. You just might get it.

I have been training for the Seoul Marathon since December 2014. I trained like I have never trained before. That is because, the Seoul Marathon has a cut off time of 5 hours. I haven’t ran a 5-hour marathon before. My PR is at 5:08 during the Borneo International Marathon in 2012.

To make a sub-5 marathon finish, I have to maintain a pace of 11:30 per mile. The training plan I have been following requires me to keep a pace of 11:00 for a 4:48 finish. This is where I would struggle. By the time, I get to 15 miles for a long run, I can longer keep an 11:00/mile pace. It has been going like this for 4 straight weeks with less than a month to go.

Each long run ends in frustration. I tried adjusting the route to lessen some up hills. I also adjusted the time where I would run. But I have never been close to the 11:00/mi pace when I hit past 15 miles.

During these long runs, I started doubting myself if I can finish the Seoul Marathon within the cut off time. I would dream of getting carried away by the sweeper van. It does not look good at all. I would just be thankful for the consolation of having the chance to run on the streets of Seoul.

I was wishing to get an injury or other reasons not to race. Maybe that will be less painful than getting swept by the bus. I was also thinking of running a shorter distance. But there is no half marathon, only a 10K. Still it was an option. I was getting scared and I was finding reasons not to run the Seoul Marathon.

With two weeks to go, I adjusted my training further. I lowered my pace to be within 11:30/mi. I got more sleep. I took energy gels for long runs. I even prayed a lot longer. It gave me some boost of confidence that I can meet the cut-off. I was running between 11:20-11:25/mi during my last long run with some juice left for a final stretch.

With a week to go. I felt I was ready for the marathon. I had a few more runs to taper for the final week.  I got myself ready for the big day.

However, 2 days before our departure date to Seoul, Gab developed a slight fever. We gave paracetamol as prescribed by his pediatrician. We let him have some rest and hoped for the best. His temperature would go down to normal. Then, it would go back up to 38.

With less than 12 hours before we depart for Seoul, Gab’s fever never backed down. He was still not feeling well and even reached 39. Quennie and I decided to rebook our trip to Seoul to another date.

It is not what I wished for. I was hoping that I still got to run the race and face the challenge.

As I write this, Gab is still having a fever. He feels sad too that he is sick. My goal now is for Gab to get better. If the energy gels that I bought could help, I would gladly give him a dosage. I pray that he will be better and our future trip to Seoul will be a great family day.

My dream of finishing the Seoul Marathon just melted. And some people are worth melting for.

Get well soon Gab.