Today, I attempted to run a half marathon again, which is the long run of this week’s training plan on Nike Run Club. The last time I ran this distance was at the Run To Live Race on March 9, 2025, so it has been around two months since I last ran this distance. I opted for a slower recovery run effort, maintaining a pace of around 7:30 minutes per km consistently throughout the run. There wasn’t much mental or physical strain. My only concern was that I started the run a bit late in the evening, around 7 p.m., and finished at around 9:45 p.m. I was wearing TheGis rashguard, which is perfect for this kind of run and this weather. I nibbled on the Gu Energy Gel Cola Flavored; I should have taken a salt pill or two beforehand, though.

The total distance of the run was 22.6 km and took 2 hours and 45 minutes, which is definitely longer than my usual 21 km that I’ve done before. I miss these kinds of long runs where I have more time to focus on myself and get lost in the run (mentally, of course).

This run not only provided the physical training aspect but also toughened my mental strength. It reminded me to tackle something challenging, choosing to do what’s right instead of what’s easy, and embracing the idea of delayed gratification—that good feeling you carry after the run that lingers even into the next day. I’m glad and proud of myself for starting and finishing this run despite having some doubts at the beginning. This run made me a better runner, a better athlete, and a better person.