Ho ho ho... Thank you Google Reader.
If not for Google Reader, I would have missed out on this run as I have not log on to SGRunners for ages.
Visit the Facebook Event for more information.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207322452313
Let's just pray that I will be able to attend the event.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010
Early Happy New Year, Everyone!!!
Haha, just an entry to note down my New Year Resolutions.
1) Hope that Shannon will get into the school of her (parents') choice.
2) Get my weight below 90kg
3) Complete a marathon below 7 hours
Haha, just an entry to note down my New Year Resolutions.
1) Hope that Shannon will get into the school of her (parents') choice.
2) Get my weight below 90kg
3) Complete a marathon below 7 hours
Monday, December 14, 2009
Cycling 13th December 2009
Wednesday, 9th December 2009 - 39.14km
Sunday, 13th December 2009 - 71.47km
Just when I thought I wanted to go for a blogging break, I am back to write this entry.
Cos... This is my avenue to vent my frustration!!!
Yes... Encountered some unpleasantries during this morning ride which literally spoilt my day.
Read On...
Waking up at 6am, I made my way to Mandai Shell to join the Breakfast Group.
I managed to catch the group just as they flowed out of Old Mandai Road. =)
Keke, looks like most of the riders are taking the shortcut today.
Reached Mandai Shell, we took a short break before we start on our way again.
For most of the journey, I was the last front quartet rider till Neo Tiew Road where the rest of the group caught up with me.
Another break at end of Lim Chu Kang Road and we are on our way again.
The pace was steady till we made a left turn into Jln Buroh.
Along Jln Buroh, it becomes a "Free-for-All'.
Pace stepped up a few notches and some riders got dropped.
I was glad I was able to keep pace with them during the first two flyover.
As a rider mentioned "Get dropped and you lost them forever".
Up the third and last flyover, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to keep up the tempo.
I did it! But I lost them on the straight after Merz Point. =(
Was saved by the next traffic light though. =D
At the Clementi Road-West Coast Road traffic junction, the pace went berserk.
I just keep pushing myself to keep pace.
Up West Coast Flyover we went and it was drafting time.
Single file is the order of the day.
A container truck went past and I saw a Raleigh rider dropped out of the draft and tried to draft the truck.
Crazy lor. U can probably take the truck's draft if the truck is starting off from a stationary position, not when the truck is travelling at probably 70-80kmh.
Raleigh joined the group and started to drop places.
Soon, Raleigh was riding rear, just behind me.
After another kilometer, Raleigh recovered and started to move up, but was unsuccessful.
He tried to squeeze in front of me and I allow him to do so.
Nearing Brani Gate, he dropped out of the draft and I sped up to cover the gap.
Suddenly, he wanted to squeeze into the draft again.
Always the gentleman, I allow him to do so. Again....
A decision which I truly regretted.
Less than 10 seconds into the draft , he sat up and rode hands free.
It is only then I realised that we are no longer in the draft.
WTF!!!!!
I pushed up my pace to try and re-join the pack.
The effort is futile.
The draft pace is 42kmh.
To have a chance of catching up, I would have to crank up my pace by at least 4kmh.
After a long draft ride, it is next to impossible.
I let out a LOUD yell!!!
My day is spoilt.
Riding slowly, I let Raleigh caught up with me.
When he did, I just told him "You spoilt my day"
To which he responded "What did I do?"
I told him "If you have no intention of staying in the draft, please do not cut in"
All I got was a disgusted look.
Stopping at the traffic junction before Amoy Street, the rider beside me queried
"Have you ever tried kicking down a HDB door and see if it will come off its hinges?"
"No..." I replied. "I dun think any of the HDB doors will ever give way, they are sturdy."
"Look at those powerful legs. =p" came the answer "A few weeks ago, I saw the yellow bike and the rear hydration system, I went... Oh no... You were riding in front and all of us are just trying to catch up!"
I was a bit confused, but at a later stage, I recalled the incident.
The day I was with a flat Garmin ForeRunner and a flat cyclometer. =p Oppss..... =p
Stopping by the Juice Bar, I happened to sit at the table beside the Raleigh rider.
Tried to catch his attention a couple of times, but he just ignored me.
Finally, I tap him on his shoulder and let him know why I think he should not have done what he did just now.
Again, came the disgusted look and a reply "Because I Can"
Having encountered such a lad... I decided to let the matter rest. No point teaching this young kid about cycling etiquette.
I do believe in karma...
What goes around comes around.
Sunday, 13th December 2009 - 71.47km
Just when I thought I wanted to go for a blogging break, I am back to write this entry.
Cos... This is my avenue to vent my frustration!!!
Yes... Encountered some unpleasantries during this morning ride which literally spoilt my day.
Read On...
Waking up at 6am, I made my way to Mandai Shell to join the Breakfast Group.
I managed to catch the group just as they flowed out of Old Mandai Road. =)
Keke, looks like most of the riders are taking the shortcut today.
Reached Mandai Shell, we took a short break before we start on our way again.
For most of the journey, I was the last front quartet rider till Neo Tiew Road where the rest of the group caught up with me.
Another break at end of Lim Chu Kang Road and we are on our way again.
The pace was steady till we made a left turn into Jln Buroh.
Along Jln Buroh, it becomes a "Free-for-All'.
Pace stepped up a few notches and some riders got dropped.
I was glad I was able to keep pace with them during the first two flyover.
As a rider mentioned "Get dropped and you lost them forever".
Up the third and last flyover, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to keep up the tempo.
I did it! But I lost them on the straight after Merz Point. =(
Was saved by the next traffic light though. =D
At the Clementi Road-West Coast Road traffic junction, the pace went berserk.
I just keep pushing myself to keep pace.
Up West Coast Flyover we went and it was drafting time.
Single file is the order of the day.
A container truck went past and I saw a Raleigh rider dropped out of the draft and tried to draft the truck.
Crazy lor. U can probably take the truck's draft if the truck is starting off from a stationary position, not when the truck is travelling at probably 70-80kmh.
Raleigh joined the group and started to drop places.
Soon, Raleigh was riding rear, just behind me.
After another kilometer, Raleigh recovered and started to move up, but was unsuccessful.
He tried to squeeze in front of me and I allow him to do so.
Nearing Brani Gate, he dropped out of the draft and I sped up to cover the gap.
Suddenly, he wanted to squeeze into the draft again.
Always the gentleman, I allow him to do so. Again....
A decision which I truly regretted.
Less than 10 seconds into the draft , he sat up and rode hands free.
It is only then I realised that we are no longer in the draft.
WTF!!!!!
I pushed up my pace to try and re-join the pack.
The effort is futile.
The draft pace is 42kmh.
To have a chance of catching up, I would have to crank up my pace by at least 4kmh.
After a long draft ride, it is next to impossible.
I let out a LOUD yell!!!
My day is spoilt.
Riding slowly, I let Raleigh caught up with me.
When he did, I just told him "You spoilt my day"
To which he responded "What did I do?"
I told him "If you have no intention of staying in the draft, please do not cut in"
All I got was a disgusted look.
Stopping at the traffic junction before Amoy Street, the rider beside me queried
"Have you ever tried kicking down a HDB door and see if it will come off its hinges?"
"No..." I replied. "I dun think any of the HDB doors will ever give way, they are sturdy."
"Look at those powerful legs. =p" came the answer "A few weeks ago, I saw the yellow bike and the rear hydration system, I went... Oh no... You were riding in front and all of us are just trying to catch up!"
I was a bit confused, but at a later stage, I recalled the incident.
The day I was with a flat Garmin ForeRunner and a flat cyclometer. =p Oppss..... =p
Stopping by the Juice Bar, I happened to sit at the table beside the Raleigh rider.
Tried to catch his attention a couple of times, but he just ignored me.
Finally, I tap him on his shoulder and let him know why I think he should not have done what he did just now.
Again, came the disgusted look and a reply "Because I Can"
Having encountered such a lad... I decided to let the matter rest. No point teaching this young kid about cycling etiquette.
I do believe in karma...
What goes around comes around.
Friday, December 11, 2009
DARE TO DREAM
First and foremost, I am taking a hiatus from my training logs.
There probably won't be any more training logs till the end of the year.
This training log first started cos I wanna to do a SCSM Full Marathon and I wanna be sure I am committed to the cause.
Things has now come full circle after 3 long years...
I have finally completed what I have planned to do back in December 2006.
I have been through a lot these 3 years, made a lot of friends, learn a ton of stuff, a whole lot of life experiences beyond the Singapore Rat Race.
A few dreams were born and accomplished.
In fact, I have completed a lot more than what I have set out to do.
From dreaming to become a marathoner, I ended up becoming a biathlete, a triathlete and a Half-Ironman and finally a marathoner.
It was a roller coaster ride, but it is well worth it, that is when you sit back and start to savour all those precious moments...
I guess what we really need is to challenge ourselves.
Dare ourselves to do things that we thought is impossible.
Make the Impossible POSSIBLE.
DARE TO DREAM...
"Contestant XXX, Daniel Cheng from Singapore, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN"
I guess all these started from the moment we logged into Facebook right after SCSM.
The first post that pops out in our News Feed is that of Kah Han's completion of his maiden Ironman in IMWA. Well done, bro!
It set a few minds spinning.
Some of us has started setting our target : IMWA 2010.
I know it won't be tough for STP, but it will be a tough target for me.
A target that I hope to accomplish.
I know I can do it.
It will take a lot of training...
No more slacking.
I cannot do an IM if I train like what I did for SCSM.
SCSM is definitely the turning point for me.
I did not cramped, blistered or hit the wall during Sundown, so I guess I did not really get to the savour the true spirit of a marathon.
Now that I have a Half-Ironman and two marathons in the bag, it is time to look ahead.
I have to start running.... I know I keep saying this, but if I were to LIVE THE DREAM, I have to Run Run Run...
Training will start.... but not now... =P
Remind me again, folks when 2010 is here... =)
There probably won't be any more training logs till the end of the year.
This training log first started cos I wanna to do a SCSM Full Marathon and I wanna be sure I am committed to the cause.
Things has now come full circle after 3 long years...
I have finally completed what I have planned to do back in December 2006.
I have been through a lot these 3 years, made a lot of friends, learn a ton of stuff, a whole lot of life experiences beyond the Singapore Rat Race.
A few dreams were born and accomplished.
In fact, I have completed a lot more than what I have set out to do.
From dreaming to become a marathoner, I ended up becoming a biathlete, a triathlete and a Half-Ironman and finally a marathoner.
It was a roller coaster ride, but it is well worth it, that is when you sit back and start to savour all those precious moments...
I guess what we really need is to challenge ourselves.
Dare ourselves to do things that we thought is impossible.
Make the Impossible POSSIBLE.
DARE TO DREAM...
"Contestant XXX, Daniel Cheng from Singapore, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN"
I guess all these started from the moment we logged into Facebook right after SCSM.
The first post that pops out in our News Feed is that of Kah Han's completion of his maiden Ironman in IMWA. Well done, bro!
It set a few minds spinning.
Some of us has started setting our target : IMWA 2010.
I know it won't be tough for STP, but it will be a tough target for me.
A target that I hope to accomplish.
I know I can do it.
It will take a lot of training...
No more slacking.
I cannot do an IM if I train like what I did for SCSM.
SCSM is definitely the turning point for me.
I did not cramped, blistered or hit the wall during Sundown, so I guess I did not really get to the savour the true spirit of a marathon.
Now that I have a Half-Ironman and two marathons in the bag, it is time to look ahead.
I have to start running.... I know I keep saying this, but if I were to LIVE THE DREAM, I have to Run Run Run...
Training will start.... but not now... =P
Remind me again, folks when 2010 is here... =)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Post SCSM
Haha... just an insight to what I did before, during and after the race.
I had the most no-no dinner the night before a major race.
I dun think anyone would have done that.
But that is just me. =p
My idea of carbo-loading is to have a huge mutton mutarbak with lots of curry.
Will it causes a stomach upset?
Think I know my body well enough.
Coffee and pre-race anxiety will always flush the system clean before the race.
Good old body. =D
Using the same tried and tested equipment for my Sundown Marathon, I was hoping that all will go well.
I was not disappointed.
2XU and K14 combined well for me to finish comfortably.
Starting 25 mins after the race start has its advantages.
There isn't the human crowd at any place of time to speak of.
Being a plodder, you are almost certain to have a wide berth of space from start to end.
During the race, I did not use any MP3 player.
This is a first for me for a major race.
I guess it kinda help...
For once, I did not look at the other side of the road for familiar faces.
Kinda too ashamed.
But the very few places where both sides of the marathon crossed path also help me to just look ahead. =D
I realised that I am doing exactly what I did at AHM.
No game plan before the race.
Strategise as the race proceed...
It kinda works...
38km....
This is becoming a very significant number for me.
This is the distance that almost broke me.
How did I feel when I "quitted"?
I feel shitty, but not totally down.
I guess that is a little part of the reason why I am able to continue.
I just felt that I should feel good that I have come so far...
Hitting the 40km mark, the spirits literally soar.
Any kinda of pain after that mark literally become insignificiant.
It is hard to describe the feeling when I turn round the corner and see the Finishing Straight.
You just wanna pump your hands in the air and say I did it.
I came 42km... Now it is just 195m more to go.
Crossing the Finish Line, you are elated, you are overjoyed.
You had that smile that tells you that it is a job well done.
Maybe not a good race in the eyes of other people, but hey I dun run the race for others, I ran the race for myself.
I completed the race and that is something that no one can take away from me.
This race literally wipe out any bad notion that I have about marathons, about running.
I guess this will be a turning point.
This has to be a turning point.
I have learned so so much during the race.
This is my most enjoyable race yet.
Not even Aviva IM 70.3 Singapore or Sundown Marathon can compare to this.
I am sure glad that I signed up for the race, even though initially it is just to complete some unfinished business.
I never ever thought that I will be able to say this.
But yeah, now I can finally believe that I can probably do a sub-7 or eventually a sub-6 hours for a marathon.
Any further than that, I shall leave it for the future to decide. =D
So yeah, SCSM 2009 will not be my last marathon... There will be more marathons to come for Jodan Daniel. =D
GAMBATTE!!!
P.S. All of the above comments are written while Jodan is still drunk. Drunk from Runner's High. =D
I had the most no-no dinner the night before a major race.
I dun think anyone would have done that.
But that is just me. =p
My idea of carbo-loading is to have a huge mutton mutarbak with lots of curry.
Will it causes a stomach upset?
Think I know my body well enough.
Coffee and pre-race anxiety will always flush the system clean before the race.
Good old body. =D
Using the same tried and tested equipment for my Sundown Marathon, I was hoping that all will go well.
I was not disappointed.
2XU and K14 combined well for me to finish comfortably.
Starting 25 mins after the race start has its advantages.
There isn't the human crowd at any place of time to speak of.
Being a plodder, you are almost certain to have a wide berth of space from start to end.
During the race, I did not use any MP3 player.
This is a first for me for a major race.
I guess it kinda help...
For once, I did not look at the other side of the road for familiar faces.
Kinda too ashamed.
But the very few places where both sides of the marathon crossed path also help me to just look ahead. =D
I realised that I am doing exactly what I did at AHM.
No game plan before the race.
Strategise as the race proceed...
It kinda works...
38km....
This is becoming a very significant number for me.
This is the distance that almost broke me.
How did I feel when I "quitted"?
I feel shitty, but not totally down.
I guess that is a little part of the reason why I am able to continue.
I just felt that I should feel good that I have come so far...
Hitting the 40km mark, the spirits literally soar.
Any kinda of pain after that mark literally become insignificiant.
It is hard to describe the feeling when I turn round the corner and see the Finishing Straight.
You just wanna pump your hands in the air and say I did it.
I came 42km... Now it is just 195m more to go.
Crossing the Finish Line, you are elated, you are overjoyed.
You had that smile that tells you that it is a job well done.
Maybe not a good race in the eyes of other people, but hey I dun run the race for others, I ran the race for myself.
I completed the race and that is something that no one can take away from me.
This race literally wipe out any bad notion that I have about marathons, about running.
I guess this will be a turning point.
This has to be a turning point.
I have learned so so much during the race.
This is my most enjoyable race yet.
Not even Aviva IM 70.3 Singapore or Sundown Marathon can compare to this.
I am sure glad that I signed up for the race, even though initially it is just to complete some unfinished business.
I never ever thought that I will be able to say this.
But yeah, now I can finally believe that I can probably do a sub-7 or eventually a sub-6 hours for a marathon.
Any further than that, I shall leave it for the future to decide. =D
So yeah, SCSM 2009 will not be my last marathon... There will be more marathons to come for Jodan Daniel. =D
GAMBATTE!!!
P.S. All of the above comments are written while Jodan is still drunk. Drunk from Runner's High. =D
Monday, December 7, 2009
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
With a lack of training, I am not sure if I should attend the race.
Having pulled a 12-hour shift and reaching home at 2300 on the eve of the race, makes skipping the race even more tempting.
===========================================
Waking up after a 3hrs sleep, I prep for the marathon and made my way down for pick-up by Supcon! Thanks, mate!
After taking a huge dump, I reached the race site at 5:55am.
The race has started 25 mins ago.
Overheard someone mentioned that they are opening the Start Line till 6am for Full Marathoners.
Phew...
The announcer is commenting "Run your own race. Be back by cut-off time. Cut-off time is 1:30pm"
WHAT??? That sure is sneaky... So when did cut-off time comes into the picture?
Got into a comfortable pace really quick.
Atomic caught me while I am running passing the Start Line. The Half Marathon is starting soon... Phew Phew Phew...
Manage to hold the pace for 4km. Cool...
I guess the combined 240km ride over the past week really helps.
Things were looking cheery. I am still holding a good pace along Nicoll Highway.
I am waiting for the pain to kick in anytime after 8km, but it never came.
I dun feel hungry at all, thus I decided to hold back my gel intake till 10km.
Running into East Coast Road, I know what I am in for.
How I struggled through the very same stretch last week on a bike, I am doing this again today on my feet.
The thought of the in and out route of East Coast Park soon give way to the fun of overtaking and being overtaken by a few groups of runners.
This race I am not equipped with any MP3 player and being too "ashamed" to see who is running on the other side of the running route seems to help in keeping a good pace. =D
Was crossing the 18km mark, when someone shouted "Jodan"!
Haha, it is Tao. She is 6km ahead of me. =)
Keke... where is Yankee ah? =D
"Jia you jia you" came the encouragement.
Thanks, Tao!!!
When I was near National Sailing Center, I was surprised that the U-turn is further ahead.
Hmm... the full stretch to Car Park H is definitely longer than a kilometer.
Was relieved that the turning point was mid-way through the stretch.
As expected, there is no timing mat at this U-turn.
Haha... reliving the night of Sundown. You can cheat but you will know it yourself.
Saw the Polar van, so I knew that the Power Up Station is near.
But the station were nowhere near the car park...
Was glad to retrieve my power gel, given the fact that two years ago they ran out of Power gels for the plodders.
Just before I approached Car Park F2, I see the last marathon couple.
A RAV4 designated as Rear Escort stop behind them and asked if they wanna continue.
I think they replied "Yes" and the official came down to negotiate. =D
I cannot remember the actual time, probably 4 hours after marathon start.
So I guess the cut-off time is really in play.
Crossing the Half Marathon is where the fun really starts. =D
I did not do a PB for the distance, but I did not do a PW either.
And the timing is pretty close to my 1st HM timing of 3:15h.
The legs are still feeling good, which I still believe is due to the 240km bike ride. =D
Out of the blue, I worked out a new strategy.
If I can maintain a brisk walking pace of 10min/km, I can complete the marathon in 7 hours.
7 hours!!! That will better my last marathon timing by 2 hours.
With that thought in mind, it was party time. =D
I still can run, but every now and then I can feel a pull on the right calf if I run.
Kilometer after kilometer, I am achieving my target time even with the drink station and toilet breaks.
7hrs looks like a reality after 10km of brisk walking, lifting up the spirits. =)
30km is the location of the next timing mat.
Hmm... I guess it is a timing mat for every 10km?
At this point, I am starting to wonder how I will fare if I had done more bike rides prior to the race.
How would run training helps? 6hrs or less? =D=D=D=D
Ohh... another thing that did not came to bite me in the ass.
The knees did not pose a problem.
Haha... thanks to 2XU compression, I think it definitely helps.
For a plodder, any little bit of technology definitely work wonders. =)
Running towards Singapore Indoor Stadium, I was surprised to see both Kallang McDonalds and KFC are closed for business.
Hmm... does the event compensate them for the loss of business?
I never seen any fast food restaurants closed for business even for half a day, especially not on a Sunday.
Am pretty sure that there will not be a timing mat at the SIS U-turn point, prompted a group of 3 to cut across the road onto the other side to continue on their journey.
Was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the 35km timing mat is there!
Hopefully someone has told the 2 guys and 1 gal about the timing mat.
Would be a waste if they complete their marathon without crossing that timing mat.
BFF sms-ed me to congratulate me on completing the marathon.
Sorry to disappoint, I am plodding on. =D
Called BFF to chat, told her it will take only another 1.5 hours more.
I should be back by 7 hrs. =D
Crossing the 36km within 6hrs. COOL BANANAS!!!
6 more km.
Unfortunately, things started falling apart.....
Just at the KPE entrance, I saw the Rear Escort again on the opposite side of the road.
This time round, there is no negotiation.
A trio was entering the road towards the National Stadium Cooling Zone when the official requested them to go straight down towards Nicoll Highway.
I guess the plan is for the rear runners to complete the marathon, but they have to take a shortcut through Nicoll Highway and Republic Avenue.
Phew... I just made the cut. =D
Decided to take a breather at the bus stop.
My very first stop... =D
The eyes started to close...
Not too sure if it is the lack of sleep or fatigue...
Images of Sundown Marathon at Bedok Park started to drift in as I dozed off.
Fortunately, I woke up after 5 mins of rest.
Have to reset expectation to 7:30hrs. Should still be achievable.
Sadly things dun always turn out the ways you want it to be.
I started to prop up the lamp posts once every hundred meters or so. =S
Something I am definitely not used to, cos I never believe that propping up lamp posts work.
But right now, any little relief I can find, I will grab it.
Walking along Crawford Street, the Rear Escort drove past with Sweeper Bus 5 (SB5) in tow.
No way I am going up the bus...
I am only 4km away from the Finish. No way I am going to quit right here right now.
Strangely the passengers in the bus looks pretty cheerful. Not in pain or sad.
Maybe they are volunteers?
100m later, at the Crawford Road-Republic Avenue traffic junction, the resolve is broken.
There is no way I can complete this marathon....
Not too sure if it is the sight of Sweeper Bus 5 that broke the will to continue.
Hmmm... let's rephrase.
Sweeper Bus 5 is the reason I din wanna continue. =D
Close near yet so far. The truth is definitely hard to swallow.
The phrase "There is also another race" does not cut it.
Not after plodding through 38km...
Sitting down under the bridge, I waited for SB6 to pick me up.
The medical team gal came over to check on me.
Told her I am fine, just that the legs do not wanna continue.
She keep persuading me to continue.
Haha... the most ironic thing?
The other medical team guy came over and told me that SB6 should not be far behind. =S
Tried walking but keep giving up after a few steps.
The mind is willing? But the legs are broken?
All I can feel is needles at the sole of both feet.
After almost half an hour wait, the bus still did not materialise.
Taking a look around, none of the runners who were sitting with me were there anymore.
Even the guy who was lying down flat on the road for the past 10mins is moving on.
Kinda sad that I do not have the resolve to continue.
Seeing the guy walked up the slope and with more encouragement from the medical team gal, I decided to prod on...
Hey, this is not as bad as it seems!
Just then BFF called to check on my status.
She was surprised that I was still plodding on.
Her incentive?
If I complete this marathon, she will do the next SCSM Full Marathon with me. =D
Her words of encouragement helps plenty too.
Thanks, BFF!!!
As I am nearing the F1 pits, the phrase came to mind.
"Pain is temporary, Quitting lasts forever"
I am sure glad I din quit just now.
Oh wait, I did quit but SB6 was missing.
So no transport, must continue.
Anyway, it is definitely a blessing in disguise that SB6 went MIA.
Walking into the F1 straight, I am getting a bit anxious.
I cannot see the drink station ahead, although the sign is there.
Have they pack up and left? I truly need those last 2 cups of water to keep me going.
Phew, my anxiety are unfounded.
I am looking at the wrong side of the lanes.
Turning round the bend is the sign "2km to go".
I CAN DO IT!!!
Distance markers went missing after that, but it does not matter. =D
Walking down the Finishing Straight is definitely the sweetest moment.
4km ago, I would never had thought I would see the Finish Line.
The commentators are looking at every runner's bib and announcing their names as they run/walk past. =D
"Look at the concentration on Daniel's face. He is not looking left, not looking right, just straight ahead at the Finish Line." =d
I regret not High5-ing the two commentators.
Crossed the line in a time of 8:15:59h.
Way beyond the timing I have expected at 36km, but completion is definitely sweet. =)
A runner is taking off their Championchip at the Finish Line.
I guess he were not aware that it is a disposable Championchip.
Two of us are telling him that we are not required to return the chip, but he looked more confused, so we let him be.
Collecting the Finisher Tee and medal, I proceed to the Dr. Joint tent to have a muscle rub before proceeding to collect my belongings.
At the baggage tent, I commented to another finisher "Why do we sign up to torture ourselves?" =)
His reply "Yeah, and I did that 5 times. =)"
Just before he left, he left a word of caution "Be careful, running marathons is addictive." =D
Having pulled a 12-hour shift and reaching home at 2300 on the eve of the race, makes skipping the race even more tempting.
===========================================
Waking up after a 3hrs sleep, I prep for the marathon and made my way down for pick-up by Supcon! Thanks, mate!
After taking a huge dump, I reached the race site at 5:55am.
The race has started 25 mins ago.
Overheard someone mentioned that they are opening the Start Line till 6am for Full Marathoners.
Phew...
The announcer is commenting "Run your own race. Be back by cut-off time. Cut-off time is 1:30pm"
WHAT??? That sure is sneaky... So when did cut-off time comes into the picture?
Got into a comfortable pace really quick.
Atomic caught me while I am running passing the Start Line. The Half Marathon is starting soon... Phew Phew Phew...
Manage to hold the pace for 4km. Cool...
I guess the combined 240km ride over the past week really helps.
Things were looking cheery. I am still holding a good pace along Nicoll Highway.
I am waiting for the pain to kick in anytime after 8km, but it never came.
I dun feel hungry at all, thus I decided to hold back my gel intake till 10km.
Running into East Coast Road, I know what I am in for.
How I struggled through the very same stretch last week on a bike, I am doing this again today on my feet.
The thought of the in and out route of East Coast Park soon give way to the fun of overtaking and being overtaken by a few groups of runners.
This race I am not equipped with any MP3 player and being too "ashamed" to see who is running on the other side of the running route seems to help in keeping a good pace. =D
Was crossing the 18km mark, when someone shouted "Jodan"!
Haha, it is Tao. She is 6km ahead of me. =)
Keke... where is Yankee ah? =D
"Jia you jia you" came the encouragement.
Thanks, Tao!!!
When I was near National Sailing Center, I was surprised that the U-turn is further ahead.
Hmm... the full stretch to Car Park H is definitely longer than a kilometer.
Was relieved that the turning point was mid-way through the stretch.
As expected, there is no timing mat at this U-turn.
Haha... reliving the night of Sundown. You can cheat but you will know it yourself.
Saw the Polar van, so I knew that the Power Up Station is near.
But the station were nowhere near the car park...
Was glad to retrieve my power gel, given the fact that two years ago they ran out of Power gels for the plodders.
Just before I approached Car Park F2, I see the last marathon couple.
A RAV4 designated as Rear Escort stop behind them and asked if they wanna continue.
I think they replied "Yes" and the official came down to negotiate. =D
I cannot remember the actual time, probably 4 hours after marathon start.
So I guess the cut-off time is really in play.
Crossing the Half Marathon is where the fun really starts. =D
I did not do a PB for the distance, but I did not do a PW either.
And the timing is pretty close to my 1st HM timing of 3:15h.
The legs are still feeling good, which I still believe is due to the 240km bike ride. =D
Out of the blue, I worked out a new strategy.
If I can maintain a brisk walking pace of 10min/km, I can complete the marathon in 7 hours.
7 hours!!! That will better my last marathon timing by 2 hours.
With that thought in mind, it was party time. =D
I still can run, but every now and then I can feel a pull on the right calf if I run.
Kilometer after kilometer, I am achieving my target time even with the drink station and toilet breaks.
7hrs looks like a reality after 10km of brisk walking, lifting up the spirits. =)
30km is the location of the next timing mat.
Hmm... I guess it is a timing mat for every 10km?
At this point, I am starting to wonder how I will fare if I had done more bike rides prior to the race.
How would run training helps? 6hrs or less? =D=D=D=D
Ohh... another thing that did not came to bite me in the ass.
The knees did not pose a problem.
Haha... thanks to 2XU compression, I think it definitely helps.
For a plodder, any little bit of technology definitely work wonders. =)
Running towards Singapore Indoor Stadium, I was surprised to see both Kallang McDonalds and KFC are closed for business.
Hmm... does the event compensate them for the loss of business?
I never seen any fast food restaurants closed for business even for half a day, especially not on a Sunday.
Am pretty sure that there will not be a timing mat at the SIS U-turn point, prompted a group of 3 to cut across the road onto the other side to continue on their journey.
Was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the 35km timing mat is there!
Hopefully someone has told the 2 guys and 1 gal about the timing mat.
Would be a waste if they complete their marathon without crossing that timing mat.
BFF sms-ed me to congratulate me on completing the marathon.
Sorry to disappoint, I am plodding on. =D
Called BFF to chat, told her it will take only another 1.5 hours more.
I should be back by 7 hrs. =D
Crossing the 36km within 6hrs. COOL BANANAS!!!
6 more km.
Unfortunately, things started falling apart.....
Just at the KPE entrance, I saw the Rear Escort again on the opposite side of the road.
This time round, there is no negotiation.
A trio was entering the road towards the National Stadium Cooling Zone when the official requested them to go straight down towards Nicoll Highway.
I guess the plan is for the rear runners to complete the marathon, but they have to take a shortcut through Nicoll Highway and Republic Avenue.
Phew... I just made the cut. =D
Decided to take a breather at the bus stop.
My very first stop... =D
The eyes started to close...
Not too sure if it is the lack of sleep or fatigue...
Images of Sundown Marathon at Bedok Park started to drift in as I dozed off.
Fortunately, I woke up after 5 mins of rest.
Have to reset expectation to 7:30hrs. Should still be achievable.
Sadly things dun always turn out the ways you want it to be.
I started to prop up the lamp posts once every hundred meters or so. =S
Something I am definitely not used to, cos I never believe that propping up lamp posts work.
But right now, any little relief I can find, I will grab it.
Walking along Crawford Street, the Rear Escort drove past with Sweeper Bus 5 (SB5) in tow.
No way I am going up the bus...
I am only 4km away from the Finish. No way I am going to quit right here right now.
Strangely the passengers in the bus looks pretty cheerful. Not in pain or sad.
Maybe they are volunteers?
100m later, at the Crawford Road-Republic Avenue traffic junction, the resolve is broken.
There is no way I can complete this marathon....
Not too sure if it is the sight of Sweeper Bus 5 that broke the will to continue.
Hmmm... let's rephrase.
Sweeper Bus 5 is the reason I din wanna continue. =D
Close near yet so far. The truth is definitely hard to swallow.
The phrase "There is also another race" does not cut it.
Not after plodding through 38km...
Sitting down under the bridge, I waited for SB6 to pick me up.
The medical team gal came over to check on me.
Told her I am fine, just that the legs do not wanna continue.
She keep persuading me to continue.
Haha... the most ironic thing?
The other medical team guy came over and told me that SB6 should not be far behind. =S
Tried walking but keep giving up after a few steps.
The mind is willing? But the legs are broken?
All I can feel is needles at the sole of both feet.
After almost half an hour wait, the bus still did not materialise.
Taking a look around, none of the runners who were sitting with me were there anymore.
Even the guy who was lying down flat on the road for the past 10mins is moving on.
Kinda sad that I do not have the resolve to continue.
Seeing the guy walked up the slope and with more encouragement from the medical team gal, I decided to prod on...
Hey, this is not as bad as it seems!
Just then BFF called to check on my status.
She was surprised that I was still plodding on.
Her incentive?
If I complete this marathon, she will do the next SCSM Full Marathon with me. =D
Her words of encouragement helps plenty too.
Thanks, BFF!!!
As I am nearing the F1 pits, the phrase came to mind.
"Pain is temporary, Quitting lasts forever"
I am sure glad I din quit just now.
Oh wait, I did quit but SB6 was missing.
So no transport, must continue.
Anyway, it is definitely a blessing in disguise that SB6 went MIA.
Walking into the F1 straight, I am getting a bit anxious.
I cannot see the drink station ahead, although the sign is there.
Have they pack up and left? I truly need those last 2 cups of water to keep me going.
Phew, my anxiety are unfounded.
I am looking at the wrong side of the lanes.
Turning round the bend is the sign "2km to go".
I CAN DO IT!!!
Distance markers went missing after that, but it does not matter. =D
Walking down the Finishing Straight is definitely the sweetest moment.
4km ago, I would never had thought I would see the Finish Line.
The commentators are looking at every runner's bib and announcing their names as they run/walk past. =D
"Look at the concentration on Daniel's face. He is not looking left, not looking right, just straight ahead at the Finish Line." =d
I regret not High5-ing the two commentators.
Crossed the line in a time of 8:15:59h.
Way beyond the timing I have expected at 36km, but completion is definitely sweet. =)
A runner is taking off their Championchip at the Finish Line.
I guess he were not aware that it is a disposable Championchip.
Two of us are telling him that we are not required to return the chip, but he looked more confused, so we let him be.
Collecting the Finisher Tee and medal, I proceed to the Dr. Joint tent to have a muscle rub before proceeding to collect my belongings.
At the baggage tent, I commented to another finisher "Why do we sign up to torture ourselves?" =)
His reply "Yeah, and I did that 5 times. =)"
Just before he left, he left a word of caution "Be careful, running marathons is addictive." =D
Singapore Marathon Results
Page 603 of Page 631
12057 of 12085 Men's Open Full Marathon Finisher (Last 0.0023%)
10072 of 10094 Men's Singapore Full Marathon Finisher (Last 0.0022%)
Gun Start Time - 05:29:53
Chip Start Time - 05:57:18
Check Point 10km - 01:50:47
Check Point 21km - 03:51:11
Check Point 30km - 05:31:10
Check Point 32.5km - 06:00:25
Chip Finish Time - 08:15:56
Gun Finish Time - 08:43:21
12057 of 12085 Men's Open Full Marathon Finisher (Last 0.0023%)
10072 of 10094 Men's Singapore Full Marathon Finisher (Last 0.0022%)
Gun Start Time - 05:29:53
Chip Start Time - 05:57:18
Check Point 10km - 01:50:47
Check Point 21km - 03:51:11
Check Point 30km - 05:31:10
Check Point 32.5km - 06:00:25
Chip Finish Time - 08:15:56
Gun Finish Time - 08:43:21
Friday, December 4, 2009
IMWA 2009 Preview
Pretty surprising statistics...
Extracted from Official Ironman website.
This Saturday’s race has attracted yet another record field, with 1,307 individuals and 111 teams ready to take on a flat and fast Busselton course, topped off with expected temperatures of 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), and the potential for some howling headwinds throughout the day.
A third of this year’s field are international entrants, representing 40 nations. Leading the international charge is Singapore (102 entrants), closely followed by the US (83 entrants).
This year’s event will feature:
• Total Competitors : 1307
• 1,025 male and 282 female competitors
• 480 Ironman “first-timers”
• 918 Ironman Western Australia first-timers
• 22 local Busselton entrants
• 28 people lining up for their sixth Ironman Western Australia
Which means that most competitors will do IMWA only once?
Costs is the primary factor, I guess?
918 out of 1307 competitors mean the 70% of the field are IMWA first timers.
Extracted from Official Ironman website.
This Saturday’s race has attracted yet another record field, with 1,307 individuals and 111 teams ready to take on a flat and fast Busselton course, topped off with expected temperatures of 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), and the potential for some howling headwinds throughout the day.
A third of this year’s field are international entrants, representing 40 nations. Leading the international charge is Singapore (102 entrants), closely followed by the US (83 entrants).
This year’s event will feature:
• Total Competitors : 1307
• 1,025 male and 282 female competitors
• 480 Ironman “first-timers”
• 918 Ironman Western Australia first-timers
• 22 local Busselton entrants
• 28 people lining up for their sixth Ironman Western Australia
Which means that most competitors will do IMWA only once?
Costs is the primary factor, I guess?
918 out of 1307 competitors mean the 70% of the field are IMWA first timers.
Ironman Austria 2010
Year after year, this is the fastest sign-up IM race.
So if you are really interested, grab the chance.
Extracted from Official IM website.
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/austria/50-charity-slots-available-on-december-11?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ironman%2Ftopstories+%28Ironman.com+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Gmail
Christmas is close and, as a special present for those who couldn't enter Ironman Austria 2010 in July, race organizers are offering another chance to sign up for the race. On December 11, 2009, registration will open again and there will be 50 slots available.
The 2010 event, which takes place on July 5, 2010, filled in just 26 minutes. The new round of slots will cost €450, of which €50 will be donated to charity.
Registration will open on www.ironmanaustria.com at 11 AM CET on December 11 and closes when all available entry slots have been sold.
So if you are really interested, grab the chance.
Extracted from Official IM website.
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/austria/50-charity-slots-available-on-december-11?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ironman%2Ftopstories+%28Ironman.com+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Gmail
Christmas is close and, as a special present for those who couldn't enter Ironman Austria 2010 in July, race organizers are offering another chance to sign up for the race. On December 11, 2009, registration will open again and there will be 50 slots available.
The 2010 event, which takes place on July 5, 2010, filled in just 26 minutes. The new round of slots will cost €450, of which €50 will be donated to charity.
Registration will open on www.ironmanaustria.com at 11 AM CET on December 11 and closes when all available entry slots have been sold.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Mum Mummy
Mum Mummy
Mum Mummy
Mummy Bring Me Dinosaur
Mum Mum Mummy Mummy Mum Mum Mummy
Mum Mum Mummy Mum Mummy
Mum Mummy
Mummy Bring Me Dinosaur
Mum Mum Mummy Mummy Mum Mum Mummy
Mum Mum Mummy Mum Mummy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)