Common Talk Weeklyshuang yu zhou kan
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Countdown begins
November 19, 2003
By Angela Lehmann

The countdown is on. Along beach and around lake, up hill and through streets runners are beginning to prepare for next years' Xiamen International Marathon. In 2003, its inaugaural year, the race day attracted over 12,000 participants with next year gearing up to even bigger and better. March 27th might still seem like a distant thought but if you have made the decision to run the full 42 kilometres, now is the time to be getting serious about your training.

The experts say that a training schedule is important. This should take into account your personal level of fitness. Be realistic, they say overdoing it at first doesn’t help the body or your confidence levels. It may be that your first steps to running a marathon are walking! If you are already a regular runner you should have a degree of fitness on your side. Start by gradually building up your distances, aiming for your longest run around New Year.

It could be a good idea to convince a friend to run with you. This helps with motivation and you can talk along the way. Running at ‘conversation pace’is the best way of knowing you are not trying too hard.

Most importantly, smile. It might seem daunting now but the sense of achievement as your friends watch you cross the finishing line will make it all worthwhile!

Don't forget the race day also includes a 5km and 10 km race for those of us who aren't quite made of marathon material!

For more details about the Xiamen International Marathon including registration details, log on to the website www.xmim.com.