Spirits are High, Despite Quiet Finish Line

KOMPAS/DANU KUSWORO

Thousands of participants ran at the starting point for the Borobudur Marathon 2019 in the Lumbini Park area, the Borobudur Temple complex, Magelang, Central Java, Sunday (17/10/2019). This seventh marathon was attended by 10,900 participants from various countries.

For those who are used to running long distances, like in a marathon, the first few kilometers from the starting line is no problem. The feet are still light, the air is still cool and they are still surrounded by many fellow runners. The real challenge of a marathon is still far ahead. Only those who can get through the “running wall” will reach the finish line.

Tiredness will begin to creep in over the next dozen or several dozen kilometers. The heart rate increases, the leg muscles become tight, the breath becomes shorter, and the throat becomes dry. If so, it is better to slow to a rapid walk or stop for a moment. The signals the body is sending must not be ignored so as to avoid injury.

This is what Dyah Ayu Rahma Wulan, a 29-year-old from Blitar, East Java, experienced when she finished running a half marathon at the 2019 Borobudur Marathon. It\'s okay to walk. The important thing is that she can finish race safely, with her health.

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“One of the toughest sections is at kilometer 17, which is uphill. I was exhausted from kilometer 20 to kilometer 21. Walking even a kilometer seemed very long,“ Dyah said on Thursday (29/10/2020), recalling last year’s run.

Her mental strength was tested at the time. However, the enthusiastic cheers of the residents lining the route and her fellow runners motivated Dyah. She started running again and managed to finish the half marathon with the record time of 3 hours and 25 minutes.

One of the toughest sections is at kilometer 17, which is uphill.

"I\'m a snail. I wasn’t aiming for a PB (personal best), let alone the [medal] podium. The important thing was my spirit to finish and get "PB", or "photo banyak” [lots of photos],” she chuckled.

KOMPAS/DANU KUSWORO

Runners showed various expressions at the finish line at Lumbini Park, Borobudur Temple complex, Magelang, Central Java, Sunday, November 17 2019.

Dyah will again run the half marathon at this year’s Borobudur Marathon. She will join 9,000 other runners in Indonesia and several other countries in the event, which takes place virtually on 15 Nov. 2020. In addition to the full marathon and half marathon, the event also offers a 10K run and a friendly run of 3.5 kilometers.

Coach’s guidance

Together with her friends in the Patria Run group, Dyah is training for the Borobudur Marathon under the guidance of her coach. She runs three times a week, covering 5 kilometers in a 30-minute run every day.

Meanwhile, 46-year-old banker Kankan Iskandar from Tasikmalaya, West Java, will run the full marathon at this year’s Borobudur Marathon. He has trained hard to improve his physical condition so he can run the 42.195-kilometer race. He wants to be better prepared both physically and mentally than he was when he ran his first full marathon two years ago, when he finished the 2018 Borobudur Marathon with a time of 6 hours and 10 minutes.

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"I did not prepare properly then. Finishing under the cutoff time was a miracle. At this year’s Borobudur Marathon, I want to finish under 5 hours,” he said.

Kankan has taken his training more seriously after his first marathon. An acquaintance introduced a trainer for him and his fellow runners in a Tasikmalaya running community. Their training results are more measurable than before. He has followed all the coach’s directions. His endurance has now increased, and he has even has mastered his running technique.

I did not prepare properly then. Finishing under the cutoff time was a miracle.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Residents offer watermelons and bananas to marathon runners participating in the Borobudur Marathon 2019 powered by Bank Jateng who crossed Pletukan Hamlet, Sidoagung Village, Tempuran, Magelang, Central Java, Sunday (17/11/2019).

Arief Gustav Verdito, a 23-year-old doctor in Yogyakarta, will also run a full marathon this year. Unlike Kankan and Dyah, he trained on his own, without a coach. He learned online, referred to fellow runners, and took short classes on running techniques.

"The [foundational technique] for running correctly must be applied first. If we run the right way, our movements will be efficient. This saves our stamina,” he said.

The Borobudur Marathon 2020 will be his second time running a full marathon. Arief evaluated himself after running his first training marathon earlier this month. He still needs more endurance, as he felt exhausted at kilometer 35.

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Arief is motivated to continue his training. His goal is to cover 42.195 kilometers without stopping.

"After evaluating myself, what I need is to train my [mental strength] so it doesn’t falter. The important thing is how to stay resilient while running, but not push myself [too hard],” he said.

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KOMPAS/SEKAR GANDHAWANGI

A number of Jakarta residents exercise at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Thursday (29/10/2020) morning.

Joy

Running instructor Anggia Silalahi posted to the Borobudur Marathon’s Instagram account on Sunday (25/10/2020) that practice runs must be accompanied by exercises for improving flexibility, mobility, and the core muscles. Warming up thoroughly should not be neglected.

"Everything needs to be trained [together] because our bodies are a single unit. Core training is necessary because it determines our strength and joy when running,” he said.

Anggia emphasized that runners should be sensitive to their physical condition. If they grew tired, runners should not push themselves for prestige. Physical injuries could occur if the body was pushed too hard, and running would no longer be fun.

Moh Reza, a 28-year-old private employee in Jakarta, is also training on his own to run a half marathon next month. Just like Arief, he is learning from the internet as well as his friends in the local running community.

Everything needs to be trained [together] because our bodies are a single unit.

His goal this time around is to outdo his personal best in the half marathon of 2 hours and 4 minutes. He trains by running four times a week, and is closely watching his diet and nutritional intake.

"Actually, a real race would be more exciting than virtual running. The Borobudur Marathon is fun because there is direct support from the local people and [fellow runners],” said Reza, recalling the atmosphere of the Borobudur Marathon and how tired he felt, but how he drew energy from the hospitality of the local residents.

Reaching the finish line this year will not be met with a euphoric crowd because of the Covid-19 health protocols. The runners’ spirits are still high for the Borobudur Marathon 2020, even though it will be quiet at the finish line.