My running journey started in 2016, and, like many first-time marathoners, I remember thinking I wasn’t starting from square one because I played sports growing up, but I also didn’t realize how much of an ego I had. I thought, ‘I know how to run,’ but my technique was awful, and my technical side and attention to detail needed a lot of work! I ran my first half-marathon just two weeks before my first full marathon. Not the ideal training plan, but I got to the finish line, and that was all that mattered at the time. I wasn’t focused on time or technique back then; I just wanted to see how far I could push myself.
Practical Tip #1: If you’re considering your first marathon, give yourself more time between a half-marathon and a full one—ideally at least 8-12 weeks. It allows your body to adjust and recover properly, reducing the risk of injury.
After that, the idea of going further fascinated me, so I set my sights on a 50km ultramarathon. Somehow, in 2017, I managed to cross that finish line too. My training was far from ideal, and I remember feeling absolutely broken by the end. But I was healthy, and that success fueled my curiosity to keep going.
Practical Tip #2: When preparing for an ultramarathon, make sure you increase your weekly mileage gradually—ideally by no more than 10% each week. This helps your body adapt to the increased distance and stress.
2019 brought me face-to-face with my toughest challenge yet: a 100km ultramarathon. It was a day of highs and lows, and around the 40km mark, I knew something was wrong. I hurt myself but decided to push on. I kept running—or maybe it was more like limping—until I reached 96.6 km before my body had enough. I didn’t finish that day, but giving up is only true if you don’t come back to finish what you started. I knew I’d be back.
Practical Tip #3: Listen to your body. It’s tempting to push through pain, but knowing when to stop can prevent long-term injuries. Sometimes, the smartest decision is to take a break and come back stronger.
Then, life threw its own curveball—COVID hit, and my plans to return to the race had to be postponed. But in 2022, I decided to tackle a 50km race again. This time, I finished almost two hours faster than I had before, a sign that even if life has its detours, progress still happens.
Practical Tip #4: Setbacks are part of the journey. Use them as opportunities to reassess your training, focus on weak areas, and come back better prepared. Progress isn’t always linear, but consistency pays off.
In 2023, I registered again for the 100km ultramarathon, but work commitments delayed my entry until 2024. Finally, this past October of 2024, I stood at the starting line of the very same 100km TransJeju race where I had faced defeat in 2019. This time, I finished—crossing that line felt like closing a chapter that had remained open for far too long. It wasn’t about beating my old time; it was about finishing what I started and honoring the journey.
Practical Tip #5: Returning to a race where you once DNF’d (Did Not Finish) is incredibly powerful. It’s not just about redemption, but about proving to yourself that persistence and resilience matter more than any temporary setback.
As I continue my journey, I’ll be updating this blog with what I’m going through, both the triumphs and the challenges. I haven’t always focused on the technical aspects of running or been systematic in my approach, but I want to use this space to work on my weaknesses and grow as a runner. The road is long, but I’m still moving, one step at a time.
Practical Tip #6: Document your highs, lows, and everything in between. Tracking your progress helps you see how far you’ve come and gives you valuable insights into what works best for your training and mindset.
For me, I will be updating this blog as a running journal.
Peace Be The Journey,
-Ace
One Way Grit 