Hello there, fellow traveler on this wild journey called life! Or, in my case, on this wild journey called… a very, very busy running calendar. You know those moments when life throws you a delightful curveball, and suddenly your perfectly laid plans take an unexpected, exhilarating detour? Well, grab a cup of kopi, because that's pretty much the story of how I found myself toeing the starting line of the Maybank Bali Marathon 2025.
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| Maybank Marathon 2025 |
Truth be told, the Maybank Bali Marathon wasn't initially in my grand scheme of things. My 2025 calendar was already looking a tad ambitious, some might say borderline certifiably insane. We're talking: UI Trail Race (42K marathon trail, EG 2500m, on August 3rd – more dirt, more fun!), Dieng Trail Run (60K ultra trail, EG 4000m, on August 10th – just a week after UI? Why not!), then BDG Ultra (100K ultra trail, EG 6125m, on September 13th – the big one, my debut 100K.)
Yes, a glance at that list confirms I might have a slight problem. But hey, it's a good problem, right? Then, like a refreshing breeze on a particularly sweaty training run, an Instagram campaign from Pelita Air swooped into my feed on July 18th. "Yuk, ikutan Maybank Marathon 2025 #KeBaliLariBarengPelita," it cheerfully announced, offering free flights and running slots.
Now, Bali, you see, holds a special place in my runner's heart. It's truly my second home for running. There's always a new story unfolding there, a new personal best waiting to be shattered. Every step on that magical island feels infused with an extra surge of energy. So, when the possibility of another run there, with the added magic carpet ride courtesy of Pelita Air, presented itself, how could I resist? Especially when I knew this particular marathon could serve as a crucial piece of my preparation.
My motivation was crystal clear, and I shared it in my campaign entry on July 24th: "Ini peak training saya buat debut lari ultra trail 100K, tiga minggu setelahnya! Momen krusial buat uji fisik dan mental. Semoga saya bisa dapat slot Marathon!" Because clearly, my schedule wasn't already ambitious enough, so adding a full marathon three weeks before my first 100K ultra felt like a perfectly logical, albeit slightly mad, decision.
And then, the Instagram Stories arrived. On August 6th, the news dropped: I got the marathon ticket and flight ticket from Pelita Air! Suddenly, the unexpected became gloriously real. My dream got wings, as I put it, to fly high.
Work, Wings, and Wonders
My journey with Pelita Air truly started with a seamless experience. Leaving from the comfortable confines of T3 CGK, I indulged in some 'Work From Cafe' time, balancing CEO duties with my ultra/marathon dreams – a modern-day tightrope walk, if you will. Pelita Air’s on-time schedule is a lifesaver for my packed calendar, ensuring I can plan my next steps, whether it's another meeting or another long run. No delays, just peace of mind.
And on the plane? A sweet surprise! USB and power plugs at every seat. This meant 'Work From Airplane' (WFA) was officially in session, charging devices and tackling tasks at 30,000 feet. Looking out at the clouds, Bali felt so close, not just geographically, but as a place where dreams and hopes take flight. That unique nervous excitement only runners know? It was definitely buzzing beside me in the window seat.
Touching down on the Island of Gods, that familiar Bali energy hits you instantly. The warm air, the friendly smiles, the calming incense – it’s pure bliss. Straight from the airport, it was off to the Maybank Marathon race pack pickup. Holding my '42.195K' bib in my hands, I felt that classic mix of emotions: "Okay, this is happening!" quickly followed by a healthy dose of "Uh oh, why did I sign up for this?" Haha! But deep down, I knew it was all part of the big, beautiful, slightly bonkers plan.
A Strategic Pace and a Surprise PB
My goal for the Maybank Marathon 2025 was clear-cut, born from past marathon lessons and the looming 100K ultra: a fun, cramp-free run. This was my crucial peak training, a rehearsal for the even bigger challenge ahead. My strategy was simple: maintain a 'fun run' effort, listening to my body. After 30km, I deliberately eased my pace, ensuring I'd finish strong and, crucially, cramp-free.
The Maybank Marathon route, as always, was both breathtaking and challenging. Running through those Balinese landscapes, past traditional villages, always reminds me that life, much like a marathon course, has its ups and downs, its rolling hills and flat stretches. But you just keep moving forward. It was the perfect mental and physical test for the 100K ahead, a final check-in with my body and mind.
And the best part? A second personal best! Yes, a second PB, achieved while actively trying to "take it easy." Who knew "taking it easy" could be so fast? 😉 It was a total surprise and the absolute cherry on top of an already incredible day. This experience taught me, once again, about understanding my limits, finding joy in the process, and being kind to my body while still achieving incredible things.
A huge thanks to Pelita Air for quite literally flying me into this adventure. You truly gave my aspirations wings, ensuring I landed ready to chase these wild dreams.
Resilience, Limits, and Trusting the Process
For me, running is far more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It’s a profound lesson in life: about resilience when your legs feel like jelly, about pushing limits you thought were insurmountable, and about trusting the process, even when the finish line feels miles away. This journey, from a spontaneous Instagram entry to a surprise PB and crucial peak training, embodies all of that.
The true victory isn't always the time on the clock or the medal around your neck, but the growth and insights gained along the way. It’s the camaraderie with fellow runners, the shared suffering that somehow binds us, and the quiet appreciation for those who cheer you on.
A Dream with Wings, a Story to Tell
So, there you have it. My unexpected, exhilarating, and incredibly rewarding journey to the Maybank Bali Marathon 2025. It’s a story about embracing unexpected opportunities, even when your calendar looks like a runner's fever dream. It’s about crafting a story, balancing ambition and passion, and appreciating every piece – from on-time flights with power plugs to stunning race routes – that helps us 'fly high' in all parts of life.
This entire experience, propelled by the generosity of Pelita Air, has been a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when you open yourself up to the unexpected and commit to keep moving forward, no matter the terrain. Semoga semesta merestui! 🙏🏼
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