In the MBC entertainment program ‘I Live Alone’ (directed by Heo Hang, Kang Ji-hee, Park Soo-bin, Lee Kyung-eun, and Moon Ki-young) that aired on the 22nd, Kian84 was shown challenging the ‘New York Marathon’.
Kian84, who succeeded in completing the full course for the first time in his life at the Cheongju Marathon a year ago, gained confidence and took on the challenge of running the full marathon for the second time with the goal of ‘completion within 4 hours’. The place he participated in was the ‘New York Marathon’, which boasts the largest scale among the world’s six major marathons. The enormous scale of the scene, where over 60,000 people gathered, surprised everyone.
Kian84, who has been practicing systematically for a year to keep his promise to himself, set off with a signal and his own goal. He greeted and smiled at the cheering citizens, then found his pace, increased his speed, and began to get ahead of the runners.
However, despite the exciting start, I quickly encountered the limits of my physical strength as I passed the 20km section. In addition, Gian 84 eventually collapsed at the 31km mark after passing the uphill section called the ’Bridge of Death’. As he struggled to get up, completely exhausted due to exhaustion of stamina, a runner running with crutches came into view. Seeing the runners doing their best regardless of the situation, Kian84 expressed his feelings at the time, saying, “I was in a position where I was full. I think I ran harder.”
Gian84, who ran a lonely fight against himself, poured out his last strength at the sight of Korean residents cheering him on at the finish line, saying, “You can do it, Gian84!” The sight of Gian 84, who ran wearing the Taegeukgi given to him by a Korean citizen and finally succeeded in completing the race, was touching. He expressed his thoughts at the time, saying, “I felt strangely moved when I unfurled the Taegeukgi even though I was neither a member of the national team nor an Olympic athlete.” Kian84’s record was ‘4 hours, 48 minutes and 16 seconds.’
Kian84 said about running, “It’s what allows me to find myself completely,” and predicted that he will continue to run for his goal.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun
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What are some essential tips for preparing for a marathon as an amateur runner?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Marathon Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent episode of MBC’s ‘I Live Alone,’ in which Kian84 faced an incredible challenge by participating in the New York Marathon. What were your initial thoughts on his decision to attempt such a monumental race?
Marathon Expert: Thank you for having me! Kian84’s decision to run the New York Marathon is quite inspiring. The New York Marathon is not just a race; it’s an iconic event in the running world. With over 60,000 participants, it’s a monumental challenge, especially for someone like Kian84, who was running a full marathon for only the second time.
Time.news Editor: Indeed! He completed his first full marathon just a year ago at the Cheongju Marathon. What do you think were the key factors that allowed him to take on such an ambitious goal this time around?
Marathon Expert: Training is vital for marathon preparation, and Kian84 reportedly spent a year preparing systematically. This kind of dedication is crucial, especially for an event of this scale. Additionally, developing mental resilience plays a significant role; it’s not just about physical capacity but also about believing in oneself and pushing through challenges.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned mental resilience. Could you elaborate on how it impacts a runner’s performance in a marathon?
Marathon Expert: Absolutely! Mental resilience helps runners to cope with pain, fatigue, and the psychological barriers that arise during long races. It’s what keeps them going when their bodies start to scream for rest. Runners often hit a “wall” around the 20-mile mark, and having a strong mental game can determine whether they finish strong or struggle to complete the race. For someone like Kian84, these mental strategies are just as important as physical training.
Time.news Editor: Kian84’s goal was to complete the marathon in under four hours. How significant is that time for an amateur runner?
Marathon Expert: Completing a marathon in under four hours is a commendable goal for an amateur. It requires a consistent pace of about 9 minutes and 9 seconds per mile, which is quite challenging for many. Achieving such a time shows not only good fitness levels but also excellent preparation and race strategy. For Kian84, aiming for this time indicates his serious commitment and growth as a marathoner.
Time.news Editor: With such a large gathering at the marathon, how does the atmosphere influence the runners’ experiences?
Marathon Expert: The atmosphere at events like the New York Marathon is electric! The cheers from the crowd and the camaraderie among runners create a motivating environment. Many participants feed off this energy, which can significantly enhance their performance. It’s often said that the spirit of the marathon is as important as the race itself. The experience of running alongside thousands of others, all striving for their own personal challenges, can be incredibly uplifting.
Time.news Editor: Kian84 managed to push himself in front of the cameras and took the challenge head-on. What message do you think his journey sends to viewers and potential marathon runners?
Marathon Expert: Kian84’s journey showcases the power of resilience, determination, and the importance of setting personal goals. His story can serve as an inspiration for many who may think that such challenges are beyond their reach. It sends a strong message that with commitment and hard work, significant achievements are possible. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, anyone can work toward their goals, just like Kian84 did!
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. It’s a pleasure to speak with you about the inspiring journey of Kian84 and the world of marathon running. We look forward to seeing more stories that motivate us all!
Marathon Expert: Thank you. I’m glad to be part of this discussion. Let’s keep inspiring each other to push beyond our limits!