Join Andrew as he shares his thrilling journey toward marathon mastery in Gyeongju, South Korea. Hear about the highs and lows of training, battling injuries and the challenges posed by the humid summer. Discover useful running vocabulary and idioms that bring his experiences to life. Andrew's reflections on perseverance and passion in the face of adversity will inspire any listener. Get ready to hit the ground running with engaging discussions that enhance your English skills while exploring the world of fitness!
Andrew discusses overcoming various challenges like injuries and weather while passionately preparing for his upcoming marathon in Gyeongju.
The episode emphasizes the balance between ambition and self-care, reflecting on the significance of mental resilience in athletic training.
Deep dives
Passion for Marathon Running
Running is presented as a significant passion and hobby, particularly the marathon distance. The speaker recounts the exhilarating experience of completing his first marathon in Chuncheon, South Korea, in 2019, finishing with a commendable time of three hours and seven minutes. After a long hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, he resumed marathon running and achieved a personal victory by completing the Seoul International Marathon in March 2024 with a sub-three-hour finish. This experience solidified his love for marathons and left him motivated to set new goals for future races.
Challenges of Training
The training journey leading up to the Gyeongju International Marathon is marked by a series of highs and lows, especially during the oppressive summer months. Running in July became particularly difficult due to extreme heat and heavy monsoon rains, which severely limited access to suitable training routes in Seoul. Despite these challenges, the speaker managed to log over 450 kilometers of running that month, demonstrating resilience and determination. However, he notes that the conditions forced him to be creative in finding safe running paths, often resulting in runs in crowded parks or even back and forth on short stretches of road.
Injury Struggles
Injuries emerged as significant hurdles during the training block, beginning with pain in the left Achilles tendon after returning from visits to Canada and Japan. The speaker initially pushed through the discomfort, adhering to his training schedule in preparation for the marathon, but wisely recognized that overexertion might worsen his condition. Despite some positive training sessions, a new injury surfaced on his right knee, which raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming marathon. This ongoing cycle of injury management emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body in the pursuit of athletic goals.
Mental Resilience and Future Goals
As the marathon date approaches, the speaker reflects on his mental resilience in overcoming setbacks while maintaining fitness. He expresses excitement about pushing his limits further, aiming for a sub-2:55 finish, despite acknowledging the physical challenges he's been facing. Throughout the narrative, he conveys a deep passion for running, revealing how each race and training session contributes to his growth as an athlete. The need for balance between ambition and self-care is underlined, as he prioritizes his long-term aspirations and health over a single race performance.
1.
Journey to Marathon Mastery: Training Challenges and Aspirations
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the highs and lows of preparing for his next race in Gyeongju, South Korea. Along the way, he reflects on how running has impacted his life, and he discusses trying to overcome challenges like injuries and tough weather conditions.
What you'll learn:
Listening practice: Improve your English by following along as Andrew talks about his passion for running.
Vocabulary building: Learn useful terms related to fitness and running, like "training block," "runner’s knee," and "PR" (personal record).
Idioms and expressions: Learn new idioms such as “hit a wall” and “tough it out,” and see how they’re used in real-life situations.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
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