Training Paradise

I have recently begun pre-training training for the Great Wall Marathon that I will be taking part in next year. By next year I mean in over one year. I need to get into a training routine before the summer months hit or I will give up. I know myself.

I am incapable of finding motivation to run in the morning. It also happens to be a Chinese habit to exercise in the evening. This means that massive amounts of people are at the track every night. I used to think that Chinese athletes were so good because of the astounding Chinese work ethic. I am now convinced that any Average Wang can find it advantageous to train here. Here’s a list why: 

• -          Between smog and people walking the track with cigarettes in hand, you just might develop lungs of steel.

Beibei is not as bad as Beijing.
Picture from AP

• -          The bikes circling the track make for great competition while working on sprints.
• -          Weaving through constantly moving people is perfect for agility training.
• -          If you’re like me, and get bored running for long distances, the exercise outfits will keep you constantly entertained.

Matching: Necessity; Ruffles: Optional; Heels: Not as rare as they should be  

• -          The lack of outdoor lighting is great motivation for eating more carrots, and therefore being all-around more attentive to diet.
• -          Basketballs and soccer balls rolling in front of you are guaranteed. This works attentiveness and leaping skills.  *If you leap with your right foot the first time, be sure to leap left the next.

I sometimes like to pretend I'm Mario.

For those of you not training in China: Best of luck. You have some tough competition. See you on the wall.