Monday, December 04, 2006 @ 5:18 PM
Another race without sleep from the previous night, it wasn't because i was too excited for the race, just that the time i had to wake up yesterday was the time i normally sleep! I wasn't sure if my body could take it without any sleep at all coz this time is not 21km anymore..its a freaking 42.195km!
During the race:
The race started at 6am sharp. Most people started off slow so as to pace themselves through out the race, some couldn't stop talking with their friends and most of us were trying to remain focus.
The route towards Marina South was quite relaxing, i actually enjoy running early in the morning before the sun comes out!
The best thing on that day was the good weather. If the sun rose when i reached East Coast, i will have a hard time running. In other words, i tried my best not to reach there too late to avoid the heat. But in the end, the weather turned out so good and it was cloudy through out the whole event, there's even a slight drizzle in the end.
I planned to walk when i hit the 30km mark and no matter what, no stopping before 21km! I checked my timing at 21km, faster than the recent Ahm by 2mins..quite happy with it but was worried if i had gone too fast for the first half.
When i reached the 30th km, which was at East Coast Park, i convinced myself to continue till 35km before i walk. The route i dislike most was at the East Coast Park, the road surface was quite rough which pressure my knee even more.
Regretted bringing my ipod along and not using it, i thought i could listen to some music to kill boredom but turned out that noise pollution was the last thing i want. At that point of time i had no mood for anything.
The last 10km was the toughest of all, my speed was almost equivalent to fast-paced walk but i tried my best to continue till the end. At the 35km, something terrible happened, the blister on my left toe burst, ouch. I had a feeling it was blood flowing out and it was EXTREMELY painful! Indeed i was right, my left shoes have shades of red on the side. I then ran in an awakard manner and endure the pain through every step. Yes, every single step i took was painful, the only thing i looked forward to was to see the next distance reached on the signboard (and the finishing line of coz).
Other than the burst blister, my waist and right knee started to hurt again. Thank god, Deep Heat was provided at certain medical checkpoints during the race so i grabbed every opportunity and asked for the rub to apply on legs. The rub works wonders, it gives a cooling effect which helps me to forget abt the aches as i ran. If its not for the Deep Heat, i wouldn't have continue running with those aches on my calfs, thighs and waist.
Halfway through the route, there were many families and friends holding banners to support their loved ones, really very sweet of them to make their way down early in the morning, taking the free bus service which stops at certain places just to cheer them on.
The rest of the runners are great too, we gave encouragement when we passed by each other. Trust me, those encouragement really helps alot..We high-fives each other, shared Deep Heat and telling each other never give up!
The best moment of the run was the last km. My eyes were almost filled with tears when i saw the finishing line. Cheerleaders, uncle, aunties, kids and other participants cheered us on and i took up speed and CHIONG AH~!!! (not forgetting to pose for the photos..ahaha)
In the end, i ran 42km without stopping. I proved to myself that things are possible if you put ur mind, heart and soul into it. I reached my target and finish it with a timing of 4 hrs 53 mins, YAY!!
Finishing a marathon is something which i've always wanted and i'm proud to say that I'VE DONE IT!!
**Thanks Junjie and Bobbi to come down and gave support! Realli appreciate it!!!**
