Michelle Lee Matias: Virtual TCS New York Marathon 2021 Runner
The 2021 TCS New York City Marathon will commemorate the race’s 50th running with runners from all over the world participating both in person and virtually. The virtual run powered by Strava will take place from October 23 through November 7.
Together with New Balance Philippines, the Takbo.ph team, is excited to be part of it!
Get to know our runner: Michelle Lee Matias.
Michelle is a TAKBO.PH contributor. She’s a fulltime mom, enjoys the outdoors, and takes part in several outreach activities through Project Lingap. She’s training to run 26.2 miles (42KM) in this year’s VIRTUAL TCS NYCM (New York City Marathon) 2021 – Run for the Medal Category!
She will be running her first ever marathon this weekend.
How and why did you start running?
I started running last year as an active rest day activity for a two-week program from a famous fitness YouTuber.
Looking back, I was running when I was in my 20s but I was not as regular and as serious as I am now. Twice a week was good enough for me then and I thought it was pretty okay.
How did you train for the marathon ?
I follow a training plan suggested by my friend-turned-coach Jinoe of Takbo.ph. Although I was already doing daily exercise for at least an hour, my Sunday mornings suddenly got filled by hours and hours of running.
Basically in the last three months, my weekdays alternated between run and bike days. The runs are at most 10k while the bike is for at least an hour. The Sundays are for the long runs, which started with 15k until I got to 35k over the course of 16 weeks or so.
Check out Marathon Training Programs for Every Runner here.
How has training been going ?
It would be crazy if I would say it is all rainbows and butterflies. There were long run Sundays when I was really out of it like I can barely finish my target distance. However, recently, I am very grateful to God that I am hitting my targets both in pace for my weekday runs, and distance for my weekend long runs.
What has been the most surprising thing to you about marathon training?
I did not know that training for a marathon requires a lot of time. Like a LOT! It is like dedicating 4 months (or more) of daily work just to get yourself ready for race day.
And yes, I was surprised at how much more mental it is than just physical training. I was surprised at how awesome and strong our legs and bodies are, but I am more surprised at how much our minds can push us to make us do more than we think we can. Running does make you stronger, not just physically but mentally as well.
What does a normal recovery day look like for you?
A recovery day would be biking at a very easy pace for about an hour. I also take this time to sleep in more. I would also make sure that if something is hurting in my legs or feet, I “ice” and give it some TLC. I also do a total recovery day, which is a Saturday for me just so I could be prepared for the next day’s (Sunday) long run.
What is your main goal on marathon day?
My main goal is just to finish the 42k strong. This is my first time so I do not want to give myself target times just yet. I just want to make sure that I would enjoy the course and celebrate with my family and friends waiting at the finish line.
What are you most excited for during the run?
I am most excited spending time thinking about the people who I would like to represent: anybody who would like to challenge themselves of something that they think they can never achieve. These include moms like me, the women in their late 30s or 40s who think that running a marathon is something that they cannot do anymore even if they want to.
I will also definitely be excited about the people who will be with me on the run, may they be physically and personally present, or those who have been supporting me from afar. And yes, my family and friends who will be waiting for me at the finish line is an exciting sight. I can’t wait to cry tears of pain and joy, all for God’s glory!
Good luck on your first marathon! We will be cheering for you all the way and we will see you at the finish line!
About The Author
ChicksNiManok
Que Gavan, known as ChicksNiManok in the running community, is the better half of the brains behind Takbo.ph (registered and managed by Runningpeak Event Management and Services). You can also read more of her homeschool family adventures in FilipinoHomeschooler(dot)com.