The Full Marathon is the last on my "To Do Races" list.
Much as I dislike running, this is a race that I have to do. =p
Am I glad with the timing? Well....NO!!!
Am I glad that I completed the race? Hell....YES!!!
I know that many marathoners dislike walkers like me, (Got a lot of feedback from the ultra-marathoners during the race.) but I won't let those negative comments deprive myself from enjoying the completion of the race.
The end results is even sweeter.
No cramps, No abrasions, No blisters and No black toes.
Hopefully I won't have DOMS and everything will be perfect. =D
Now for the race report.
Hitched a ride from Patricklsp and we were at the event site at around 10.30pm.
Thanks, Patrick. =)
Trying something new for this race.
My improvised Wright-Injinji Socks. =D
After my DNF during "Let's Take A Walk" last December, I am not keen to get blisters again.
Coated my feet with a thick layer of Vaseline before putting on 2 pairs of socks.
I will be wearing my K14 for this race, after figuring out what went wrong during AHM last year.
Prep for the race before depositing my bag at the Baggage Deposit Counter.
To make this race an enjoyable experience, I am ready to go kiasu.
1) Vaseline to prevent chafing at the armpits.
2) Shades, in case of rain.
3) Halo Headband
4) UD race belt (1 pouch for gels, 1 pouch for phone cum MP3 player)
5) Fanny pouch for extra gels and basic emergency kit)
6) 2XU Long Compression Tights
7) Insect Repellant
Met Donna and we proceed to the Start Line together.
ST and Tao were right behind us.
11:59pm, the horn sounds and off we go.
Haha... no anxiety, no BIG moment feeling... Is this good or bad? =D
In the first km, I was feeling good and I start to run away from the three ladies.
I know this is not good, but somehow I just do not know how to slow down.
The trio eventually overtook at the 1km mark.
The first water point is at the 4km mark.
There are only 2 tables available.
Aiyoh, why do they never learn their lesson?
There was a lot of feedback last year about the insufficient tables at the first few aid stations.
The volunteers has a hard time coping with the flood of runners getting to their drinks.
It makes more sense to have longer rows of tables at the first few aid stations and shorter rows of tables thereafter as the runners would have spread out after the first 10km.
Slowly see the 4:30, , 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 pacers ran past me.
Demoralising man... =D
But what more can I expect when my training mileage looks like a hard boiled egg. =p
Swollen hands after 5km.
Trying something new for this race.
My improvised Wright-Injinji Socks. =D
After my DNF during "Let's Take A Walk" last December, I am not keen to get blisters again.
Coated my feet with a thick layer of Vaseline before putting on 2 pairs of socks.
I will be wearing my K14 for this race, after figuring out what went wrong during AHM last year.
Prep for the race before depositing my bag at the Baggage Deposit Counter.
To make this race an enjoyable experience, I am ready to go kiasu.
1) Vaseline to prevent chafing at the armpits.
2) Shades, in case of rain.
3) Halo Headband
4) UD race belt (1 pouch for gels, 1 pouch for phone cum MP3 player)
5) Fanny pouch for extra gels and basic emergency kit)
6) 2XU Long Compression Tights
7) Insect Repellant
Met Donna and we proceed to the Start Line together.
ST and Tao were right behind us.
11:59pm, the horn sounds and off we go.
Haha... no anxiety, no BIG moment feeling... Is this good or bad? =D
In the first km, I was feeling good and I start to run away from the three ladies.
I know this is not good, but somehow I just do not know how to slow down.
The trio eventually overtook at the 1km mark.
The first water point is at the 4km mark.
There are only 2 tables available.
Aiyoh, why do they never learn their lesson?
There was a lot of feedback last year about the insufficient tables at the first few aid stations.
The volunteers has a hard time coping with the flood of runners getting to their drinks.
It makes more sense to have longer rows of tables at the first few aid stations and shorter rows of tables thereafter as the runners would have spread out after the first 10km.
Slowly see the 4:30, , 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 pacers ran past me.
Demoralising man... =D
But what more can I expect when my training mileage looks like a hard boiled egg. =p
Swollen hands after 5km.
This was the first time I had swollen hands and it felt really uncomfortable.
The rest of the race, I was raising my arms occasionally to ease the pain.
Caught KenMailBox1 resting at one of the Changi Coastal Road bench.
The chap is doing his 2nd loop and is taking a rest. Well done, man.
At the 9km mark, I was feeling good and I was estimating that I should be able to complete the race within 7 hours.
Stop at 10km to chit chat with Raphael and Cherylene.
HUGE Mistake for the day.
The momentum is totally gone.
With the engine coming to a full stop, things are a whole lot tougher.
Not long after, BFG caught up with me.
We chat about his Bintan Tri experience.
Got to know from him that Bintan Tri slow finishers do not get finisher's medal?!?!
DISCRIMINATION!!!
Oh well, that is another race. Won't let the new finding affect me. =D
Now I just need to finish THIS race. =D
After a while, I feel the need to walk, so I told BFG to go ahead.
Nice talking to you, BFG. =D
Things got real tough after 15km, the legs are aching and I am starting to wonder if I can carry on for another 27km.
Oh boy, this is one of the toughest run I have ever encountered.
Somehow, last year's AHM dun seems so bad anymore.
The rest of the race, I was raising my arms occasionally to ease the pain.
Caught KenMailBox1 resting at one of the Changi Coastal Road bench.
The chap is doing his 2nd loop and is taking a rest. Well done, man.
At the 9km mark, I was feeling good and I was estimating that I should be able to complete the race within 7 hours.
Stop at 10km to chit chat with Raphael and Cherylene.
HUGE Mistake for the day.
The momentum is totally gone.
With the engine coming to a full stop, things are a whole lot tougher.
Not long after, BFG caught up with me.
We chat about his Bintan Tri experience.
Got to know from him that Bintan Tri slow finishers do not get finisher's medal?!?!
DISCRIMINATION!!!
Oh well, that is another race. Won't let the new finding affect me. =D
Now I just need to finish THIS race. =D
After a while, I feel the need to walk, so I told BFG to go ahead.
Nice talking to you, BFG. =D
Things got real tough after 15km, the legs are aching and I am starting to wonder if I can carry on for another 27km.
Oh boy, this is one of the toughest run I have ever encountered.
Somehow, last year's AHM dun seems so bad anymore.
Pushing on, I am glad that the 2XU is working great.
It really relieve the legs of the pain and aches.
But it brought on a whole new set of problems.
I realised that I could not hold my water intake and feel the need to relieve myself a kilometer after every water point.
In East Coast Park, it is not a huge problem, but once the route goes out of East Coast Park, I know I am in BIG trouble.
Took my first rest at the 16km mark.
Took the time to check myself out.
Everything seems to be A-okay...
It really relieve the legs of the pain and aches.
But it brought on a whole new set of problems.
I realised that I could not hold my water intake and feel the need to relieve myself a kilometer after every water point.
In East Coast Park, it is not a huge problem, but once the route goes out of East Coast Park, I know I am in BIG trouble.
Took my first rest at the 16km mark.
Took the time to check myself out.
Everything seems to be A-okay...
Other than the swollen hands, the thighs, calves and feet ain't giving me any problems. *Cross fingers*
At the 18km mark, Kelvin and Desmond shouted out for me coming from the return leg.
They told me that there is no timing mat at the Big Splash U-turn.
Kelvin and Desmond tempted me to turn around early, but I know I won't be at peace with myself if I cheated, so I bid them goodbye and soldier on. =)
Did the U-turn at Big Splash.
While running towards the 21km mark, saw Prata running with a huge plastic bag at blazing speed.
Geez...dun tell me he is covering the marathon distance as a supporter!
Just before the 21km mark, Alck caught up with me.
He is doing his second loop of his second Sundown Marathon. Well done, mate.
He is encountering some pain and has decided to walk for the next half-marathon distance.
Personal Note : Worse 21km ever ran/walk.
At the 18km mark, Kelvin and Desmond shouted out for me coming from the return leg.
They told me that there is no timing mat at the Big Splash U-turn.
Kelvin and Desmond tempted me to turn around early, but I know I won't be at peace with myself if I cheated, so I bid them goodbye and soldier on. =)
Did the U-turn at Big Splash.
While running towards the 21km mark, saw Prata running with a huge plastic bag at blazing speed.
Geez...dun tell me he is covering the marathon distance as a supporter!
Just before the 21km mark, Alck caught up with me.
He is doing his second loop of his second Sundown Marathon. Well done, mate.
He is encountering some pain and has decided to walk for the next half-marathon distance.
Personal Note : Worse 21km ever ran/walk.
Reset my expectation to do a sub-9hr now.
At the pace I am going, Sub 8:30 feels highly attainable.
Since Alck's pace is comfortable for me, I decided to walk and chat with him.
Crossing the bridge into Kembangan Park Connector is like deja vu for me.
This was the route I took many moons ago in my attempt to cycle home from East Coast Park using the Park Connectors.
I know where the subsequent bridges and slopes are and the thought do not appeal to me at all.
Chatting with Alck distract me a lot from those negative thoughts.
Reached the first SGRunners support station in Kembangan PCN.
Waved hi and goodbye, only to be stopped for a photo. =)
HoHoRunner mentioned "You must try this!".
I relented and took the drink.
Aah...it is barley! Thanks, guys!
Moving on, we soon hit the second support station at Bedok Town Park.
While I treated myself to the longans, Alck decided to carry on. Thanks for the company, Alck.
Ohh...got to add...with company, the distance markers seems to pass by relatively fast. =)
Before moving on, DreamRunner insisted that I take a sng pao along. Thanks, guys!
Moving on, it is Bedok Reservoir.
Walking in the loose sand is tough, hopefully we do not need to cover three quarters of the loop.
(Served me right for not studying the route map. =p)
Met Yankee and Fennel at BR.
Walked together for a while before they decided to carry on running.
Stopping for a toliet break, I decided to have a rest at the bench.
Unknowingly, I dozed off!!!
Got woken up by a shout "Daniel! Daniel!"
Looking around I do not see anyone.
Okay, I am spooked.
"Behind you lah".
Turning around, I still see no one.
My blood starts to run cold.
Looking around I do not see anyone.
Okay, I am spooked.
"Behind you lah".
Turning around, I still see no one.
My blood starts to run cold.
"Right behind you!"
This time, I jumped up and looked around.
Ahh... It is Kelvin standing outside the toilet.
This is his pit stop where he got a change of clothes and socks.
Thanks for waking me up.
If not, I am pretty certain that I will be seeing daylight when I wake up. =)
Moving on, I am looking forward to see the guys at the Tampines Shell support station.
Passing Tampines Central, I am hoping that they are still there. (It is almost 7am.)
Seeing the Shell station but not seeing the support table, I start feeling down.
Can't blame them though.
It has been an extremely long night.
Imagine my delight when I spotted them further down the PCN...
My first thoughts?
This time, I jumped up and looked around.
Ahh... It is Kelvin standing outside the toilet.
This is his pit stop where he got a change of clothes and socks.
Thanks for waking me up.
If not, I am pretty certain that I will be seeing daylight when I wake up. =)
Moving on, I am looking forward to see the guys at the Tampines Shell support station.
Passing Tampines Central, I am hoping that they are still there. (It is almost 7am.)
Seeing the Shell station but not seeing the support table, I start feeling down.
Can't blame them though.
It has been an extremely long night.
Imagine my delight when I spotted them further down the PCN...
My first thoughts?
I want to hug each and everyone of you.
You guys are angels!!!
Had a cup of black coffee and a bar of Snickers before moving on.
Hoplng passed me another Snickers for me to conquer the Loyang slopes.
"Eat this before the slope and you can chiong up the slope" Hoplng said.
Thanks for everything, guys.
Immediately after the support table, I found the legs to run till the bridge.
Hmm... maybe race organisers can seriously consider offering black coffee at aid stations in the future. =p
Met Burnz in Pasir Ris PCN.
How this guy train for the Ultra and study for his exams, I got no clue.
Kudos to you, mate.
Moving on, I reached Pasir Ris Drive 3.
Brokie house is straight ahead.
Had a cup of black coffee and a bar of Snickers before moving on.
Hoplng passed me another Snickers for me to conquer the Loyang slopes.
"Eat this before the slope and you can chiong up the slope" Hoplng said.
Thanks for everything, guys.
Immediately after the support table, I found the legs to run till the bridge.
Hmm... maybe race organisers can seriously consider offering black coffee at aid stations in the future. =p
Met Burnz in Pasir Ris PCN.
How this guy train for the Ultra and study for his exams, I got no clue.
Kudos to you, mate.
Moving on, I reached Pasir Ris Drive 3.
Brokie house is straight ahead.
Hmm... will she be offering her BHB like what she did during LTAW last year.
Sadly, she is not at the bus stop. =(
Hehe, I admit...I am asking for too much. *Smack head* =p
Just before the Loyang slope, I am surprised to see that the Kembangan support team has shifted base here!
You guys are wonderful.
Had a milo before moving on.
While sipping on my Milo, Piglet asked "How many marathons have u done?"
Was met with a raised eyebrow when I answered "First Marathon"
"But I thought you did races like HIM", she said.
"Oh...that is different", I responded. =p
LT readily agreed with me.
Keke, being one of my loyal blog readers, LT knows how I train for races. =D =p
Geez, My experience for my 40km Route March is much better than this. =D
The pace is a lot faster as well.
Haha... if only I was 15 years younger. =p
Up till this point, the legs is just aching, there is no cry for CounterPain. which I find surprising. =p
Must go for Recovery Ride to loosen the muscles on Monday though.
After conquering the Pasir Ris slope, we turned into Loyang Ave.
I thought it should be easier from now on, cos it is mostly downhills or gentle slopes.
How wrong can I get?
The last 4km turned out to be the hardest part of the whole race.
One really need that mental strength to pull it through.
The end seems so near, yet the Finish Line seems so unreachable.
8 am, my Garmin decided to call it a day.
Darn, why do Garmin battery test have to be that accurate.
How I wish FR405 could just last an hour more. =(
I am walking blind now. =(
Sadly, she is not at the bus stop. =(
Hehe, I admit...I am asking for too much. *Smack head* =p
Just before the Loyang slope, I am surprised to see that the Kembangan support team has shifted base here!
You guys are wonderful.
Had a milo before moving on.
While sipping on my Milo, Piglet asked "How many marathons have u done?"
Was met with a raised eyebrow when I answered "First Marathon"
"But I thought you did races like HIM", she said.
"Oh...that is different", I responded. =p
LT readily agreed with me.
Keke, being one of my loyal blog readers, LT knows how I train for races. =D =p
Geez, My experience for my 40km Route March is much better than this. =D
The pace is a lot faster as well.
Haha... if only I was 15 years younger. =p
Up till this point, the legs is just aching, there is no cry for CounterPain. which I find surprising. =p
Must go for Recovery Ride to loosen the muscles on Monday though.
After conquering the Pasir Ris slope, we turned into Loyang Ave.
I thought it should be easier from now on, cos it is mostly downhills or gentle slopes.
How wrong can I get?
The last 4km turned out to be the hardest part of the whole race.
One really need that mental strength to pull it through.
The end seems so near, yet the Finish Line seems so unreachable.
8 am, my Garmin decided to call it a day.
Darn, why do Garmin battery test have to be that accurate.
How I wish FR405 could just last an hour more. =(
I am walking blind now. =(
Past Hendon Camp, a "Run to Eat" supporter told me 1km more.
Less than 100m away, a volunteer told me "Sir, 800m more"
Oh boy, how I wish they never tell me the distance left.
It does nothing but to disappoint you.
I know the final distance is probably 2km more.
Every building ahead looks like the Civil Service Club, so it is demoralising to know that CSC is a few blocks more. *Cry*
This last stretch of the marathon is getting really tough.
Was glad when the "real" Civil Service Club came into view.
Walking along, I hit the pedestrian bridge.
Wondering if the finishers would be kind enough to let me through first, I was surprised to find out that I had to make a huge detour reach the Finish Line.
"So near yet so far" has never sounds much clearer till now!!!
You can see the Finish Line across the bridge!
Making the final 400m walk, Zco ran past and shouted "Come on, Jodan!"
Thanks, mate. I shall try to walk this out. =D
Cos I fear I cramp if I run. =p
50m from the Finish Line, ST and LT were there to urge me on.
Haha, the Too Family seems to be everywhere along the course today. =D
Picking up courage, I make an easy 50m run to the Finish Line.
Lifting my arms up high, I wanted to have a nice photo taken of my first and last Full Marathon. =)
Proceed to collect the Finisher medal and Finisher Tee, before going to Changi Village for a well deserved breakfast with the Too Family.
After breakfast, LT gave me a lift to Pasir Ris where I took a bus home.
Thanks, LT.
7 comments:
Congrates to your first 42km! Do a few more times, i am sure you will get better...with abit more run mileage....:)
Well done, Jodan! Like many others, I didn't know this was your first marathon! Another down on the to-do list. What's next, my friend?
Well done. You strategise well for this despite your low mileage. Don't be bothered by the comments on the forum. There will always be people who think differently and have their own opinions. To a certain I agree with some of the sentiment - what actually get me and I guess the other people in the forum - those who sign up and don't even bother to train for me treating it as a fun event. However, what is impt is that you know you have put in effort to do this and you know that this is not a fun thing. You may not have sufficient running mileage but all the cycling are also part of the training. To me it is not what timing we finish but how we finish and whether in our heart we know we deserve to wear that finisher tee. And for you, certainly you deserve it!
bro,
dun bother by others comment. there are time whereby, we know in our heart we had done well.. I am proud of you that you din tempted to take the short cut during SD.
when we finished the race, only you know that you either deserves it or not.
dun give up, we shall meet each other in the big DOT M event soon.
Thanks, Kops... We shall see, we shall see. =D
Thanks, BFG. =D
Keke...All items in the to-do list are checked liao.
What's next? Dunno leh. =p
Thanks, Tekko!!! =)
Sometimes I do feel embarrassed that I only do runs during races to prep.
But my knees can't take too much pounding.
Glad you guys understand. =)
Thanks!
Thanks, Burnz. =)
Hehe... first thought when Kelvin and Desmond mentioned that?
I wanna smacked their heads. =D
Especially since this is Kelvin's first marathon as well.
Big DOT M?
Hmm... tempted but not really tempted...if you know what I mean. =p
Well done Daniel, as I read your blog, I can feel the pain & anguish during your run but also your joy at the end. You are ready for the next one, walk/run strategy dun matter, as long as you take part.. you the man.
Thanks, Sywog. =)
Post a Comment