“Last week was incredible!” I wish I could start every Monday with the same sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Of course, life has its ups and downs, but Week 32 was definitely an “up.” The biggest highlight? I completed my 35 km training run as part of my marathon training plan for the race at the end of August. What a relief!

Honestly, I haven’t been following my plan as consistently as I intended when I created it back in April. I think part of the reason was overconfidence — after finishing my first full marathon in Xiamen this January, I assumed the second one would feel easier.

But here’s the truth about running: the first 3 km will always torture! And to run a full marathon will always demand serious preparation. My original 16-week plan was essential for my first race, especially after that brutal 30 km run on a windy December evening last year.

This time, I tackled my longest run before the marathon — 35 km marathon training run in the summer heat. I started at 6 a.m., but those last 2 km felt endless. My body ached, my mind wanted to quit, but I pushed through. Crossing that invisible finish line in training gave me a sense of achievement that words can’t fully describe. You have to survive the torture to truly feel how blessed life already is.

Beyond running, the week was productive and balanced. I woke up every day at 5:30 a.m., stuck to my morning rituals — exercise, reading, journaling, and a healthy homemade breakfast — and even made progress on business development by completing one task each weekday. Small steps, but they matter.

I’m proud of last week. I’m grateful to myself. And I’m ready for the next one.

How was your week? Follow Falls to share the journey and live the inspired life you want. See you out there.