Daily Life: Standard Chartered Marathon 2009

It's been 3 years since i last took part in the standard chartered marathon. It requires constant training and discipline to wake up very early 3.30am on the day of race, spend cab money to go there and then run like hell, bearing pain all the way until the race ends and later in the first week.

But today, I took part once again in the race as my colleague was not able to attend so ask me if i wish to take part. I started training early but in-regular and i pay the price later in the day. My brother was kind enough to give me a ride to city hall in the morning. (I paid a token of S$10 for the fuel)

The race started at 5.30am and with 50,000 runners this year round, all i see is people and more people at the start line. The first 10k was running as usual. With 50,000 running feet, it generate enough momentum to carry me through. Halfway between 13K and 16K mark, I run into my NS CSM. I did not know he got run and we talked a little before each moving on. The next 15k was hell, I was getting drenched in sweat and in need of salt but i continue to run at a lower pace. By the 28k mark, my ankle is so painful that i cannot continue for a while so i started walking onwards for the next 8k. By the time I left east coast park, it is already 10am. This time i ran with my iphone so i can keep track of the time and take some photos on the way.

The 11am to 12am sun was killing, Singapore weather is hot and humid. I feel sticky all over and wants to fall out around the 34k mark but since I already clear so much and with many runners moving to the side to warm-up and walkers become more, I grin and started jogging. Ignoring my ankle pain, I continue until the 38k mark and took a breather.

At the F1 circuit with another 4k more, I started to jogged and was glad for the effort. I started moving ahead of the walking pack and move past pacers which i have earlier marked. There were many nice girls running and wanted to move closer to them to chat. But since this is a race and the afternoon sun is getting louder, I decided to move on. By the time I reach the finish line, its 12.18pm.

Its a very fulfilling journey and glad to know that there are many more runners now than before. Even though many walked, their momentum carried me through. My knee and ankle are so painful that walking up and down stairs become a challenge. All during the run, my stomach also gives me a lot of problem, I have to let off gas while running (to the horror of the one running behind me). My ASCIS shoes which has serviced me since 2001 for all my marathons finally give way after the finish point. It has served me well and I will continue to purchase ASCIS shoes or New Balance depending on whether they have for flat foot.