Office worker Jeong Hyeon-seong (31) started running to lose weight in 2018. As the daughter ran hard, the father said, “Why not try running a full marathon?” In March 2019, he attempted the 42.195km full course for the first time at the Seoul Marathon and Donga Marathon, and achieved ‘330’ (recorded under 3 hours and 30 minutes) by recording 3 hours, 26 minutes and 51 seconds. Ms. Jeong took third place in the 100km women’s division of the Seoul 100K (Seoul International Ultra Trail Running Competition), which ended on the 20th of last month. The time was recorded at 18 hours, 17 minutes and 52 seconds on the course starting from Seoul Plaza and passing through Inwangsan Mountain, Bukaksan Mountain, Seoul Dullegil (Bukhansan Mountain, Dobongsan Mountain, Bulamsan Mountain, Achasan Mountain), Han River, and Cheonggyecheon Stream. Mr. Jeong is now attracting attention as a rising star in the trail running world.
“When I was in college, no matter what I did, I often felt like I was in a fog. The future isn’t certain. But when it comes to running, you get results as much as you put in the effort. The distance is set, and if you run any distance without giving up, you can complete it. I really liked that feeling. “As I ran, my thoughts changed positively.”
![[양종구의 100세 시대 건강법]“When you run 100km up a mountain, your body is exhausted, but the sense of accomplishment is the best.”](https://dimg.donga.com/wps/NEWS/IMAGE/2024/11/07/130386811.1.jpg "[양종구의 100세 시대 건강법]“When you run 100km up a mountain, your body is exhausted, but the sense of accomplishment is the best.”")
Ms. Jeong participated in the White Trail Inje 12km held in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do in January 2019 as training and took first place in the women’s division with a time of 1 hour, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. He even won on his first attempt at trail running. And in May of that year, I attempted my first 100km run at the TNF100 Korea Trail Running Competition and completed it in 24 hours
“During my first 100km challenge, there were about 30km left and I couldn’t run. I had to walk because I had a problem with the iliotibial band in my left thigh. Because it was night, I turned on the head lantern and walked while looking at the ground. When I looked ahead, I saw a large mountain. Suddenly I started vomiting. It felt like my body was telling me it couldn’t go any further as I had to climb the difficult uphill again. I quietly closed my eyes and rested for a while. Then I started again and eventually finished the race on foot. “At that moment, I felt like I had the whole world.”
I fell in love with the fun of running up the mountain. In the mountains, you can’t take your eyes off the running track. You have to be very tense. Because you could get hurt. I liked that tension. When climbing uphill, you can walk slowly and enjoy nature, including trees, flowers, streams, and rocks. I enjoyed the fun of running downhill at speed. Mr. Jeong expressed this by saying, “I feel joy when I go downhill.” When running 100km up a mountain, you must allocate your physical strength well considering the altitude and distance you will climb. It was also very interesting. The sense of accomplishment upon completing the race is indescribable.
In October 2019, I again completed 100km at the Trans Jeju Trail Running Competition. Just when I was getting a taste for trail running, competitions disappeared due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in 2020, so I had to run alone. Although the competition was no longer held, there were no restrictions on running on mountains or roads.
The competition began again in 2022 and participation began. While running 10 to 50 km, I completed the Trans Jeju 100 km twice in a row until last year. The best record for 100km was 16 hours, 24 minutes and 18 seconds set last year.
This year, I won a place in major competitions. Wonju Trail Running WTR SALOMON GTNS 50km 3rd place (8 hours 32 minutes 28 seconds), 1st Daegwallyeong Trail Run 42km 3rd place (5 hours 26 minutes 11 seconds), ROKA Trail Running 10.1 miles (about 16.3km) 2nd place ( 2 hours 8 minutes 40 seconds), and took third place in the Seoul 100K 100km.
“I was a little disappointed during the Seoul 100K this year. I could have reduced it by an hour… . Due to muscle overuse, both hamstrings were damaged and I also had pain in my left knee. I taped it beforehand, but it didn’t help. I thought I needed to prepare more thoroughly.”
Mr. Jeong, who runs every early morning, often does bodyweight training using his own body weight to prevent injuries. Build core muscles through squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. I am also working hard to shorten my personal best record for the full marathon course. Her personal best record is 3 hours, 21 minutes and 18 seconds set at the Donga Marathon in March this year, and she is running with the goal of achieving a ‘single’ (under 3 hours and 10 minutes). He said, “Even in the mountains, you have to be good at running on the roads to run well. “I increase my speed on the road,” he said. When I asked him, ‘Aren’t you pushing your body too hard?’ he smiled brightly and said, “It’s the energy of my life.”
-
- great
- 0dog
-
- I’m sad
- 0dog
-
- I’m angry
- 0dog
-
- I recommend it
- dog
Hot news now
It sounds like you’re recounting an inspiring story about a trail runner who experienced significant challenges and triumphs in their running journey. The individual, Mr. Jeong, has not only completed multiple 100km races but has also achieved impressive records in various competitions despite facing injuries and setbacks.
From the struggles of overcoming physical pain and mental obstacles during long-distance runs to finding joy in the beauty of nature and the thrill of running downhill, there’s a strong sense of passion and determination reflected in his experience. His commitment to training, including bodyweight exercises and marathon preparation, coupled with a positive outlook on his running endeavors, underscores the dedication it takes to excel in such demanding sports.
Moreover, the narrative evokes a sense of resilience, as Mr. Jeong adapts to situations like the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to run alone when competitions were canceled, showcasing a deep love for the activity itself.
His drive to improve personal records and the exhilaration he feels even when faced with challenges emphasizes the transformative power of sports and the personal growth that can come from pushing one’s limits. Would you like to focus on a specific aspect of this story or further explore related themes?