Daily Life: SCMHK 2018 Review

Before I totally forget about my SCMHK 2018 run, better pen it down.

Pre-race: I did not get the ballot first time round n was put on waiting list. I was fortunate that someone did not take the ballot so was able to given the chance so i took it. Unfortunately I was down with cough for a good 2 weeks before the race. Too many people in office coughing away for the past 3 months so its a miracle I could survive so long. Still I finish my medication 2 day before the race I decided not to put too much hope in this A race. I was surprised to see 2 more friends n fellow runners on the same flight to HK with me. we took Cathay Pacific friday midnight flight which was delayed from 12.30am to 2.30am Sat morning. Anyway arrived at HK around 5am n on way to race collection area with another friend from Malaysia

Race collection day: There is a long queue outside the kowloon swimming pool which is for runners who did not received the collection letter. Since my friend n I have the collection letter, the boy scout on duty (they are the helpers for that day) guided us to the correct queue n we collected our race bib n bag < 20mins. very fast. Since my friend also made some keychain purchase earlier so went to queue again to collect the purchase. After race pack collection done, we went for lunch before i went back to check in to my hotel (panda's hostel) which is directly next to the start point. A pleasure surprise was another friend n his wife is also staying same hotel n same floor directly opp to my room. They were out on sat with another group of friends n will meet later after the race.

Race day: My friend n I met at 6.15am n went straight to the bag deposit lorry. During the race pack collection each runner is given a race deposit bag indicating which lorry no to go to deposit the bag. The volunteers only allow those race deposit bag to go into the lorry. I rather like this system as everyone just put their belongings into the bag n go to the designated lorry no. so simple unlike that we see in SCMSG n Yolo run which baggage deposit is a big turn-off (nightmare for all). We see other running groups from SG like F1 runners n others at the waiting line. My friend n I are both in marathon wave 2 which start at 7.00am. There is the marathon challenge (start 6.10am n marathon wave 1 (start 6.35am). Hong Kong this year is not too cold (17-19 degree) so no need to wear running jacket. Just a long sleeve with coffee n tea running club t-shirt. I choose the running club t-shirt as its yellow in color so will be bright enough. I did not know that SCMHK 2018 offical t-shirt color is also yellow in color.

Race itself: We move from waiting line to start line 10 mins before the start n flag off at 7am sharp. My friend start to run ahead of me n I ask him to go ahead. I just continue to run slowly n picking up pace slowly. Heard my name being called n saw 2 friends running. After a short 'jia you' went ahead. at 1km its a slope up to expressway. some runners went over to the right to take a pee. First u-turn at CP1 which is along the west kowloon highway

I reach the first water point n grab some water n sports drink. Their sports drink from watson is in a small self-container n the volunteers keep shouting encouraging words to all runners either in cantonese or english. Each water point is well spread with plain water 2 tables, 2 tables of sports drink, 2 tables of plain water n other 2 tables of sports drink. The tables are well spread. After the first water point, decided to go to toilet to pee first before going up the stonecutters bridge. Not too crowded at the toilet but already the toilet bowl is full. guess someone shit badly that day... After the bridge its into the Nam Wan tunnel towards the CP2 near Tsing Ma bridge. Saw some friends on the opp side who are going to CP3. Continue to run at a good pace 5.50-6.20 towards CP3 which is north west tsing yi interchange. Continue running towards another bridge where CP4 Tsing Long highway is. There are additional food points of cut banana n chocolate nuggets on the tray. Took half banana n 1 chocolate nugget n continue on towards CP4. Saw more friends running towards CP4 while I was running towards Tsing Kwai highway.

Legs started to get a little heavy n light cough so pace down. By the time I am on Tsing Kwai highway its 30k so took my only gel n continue slowly. It has been down-slope towards western harbour tunnel after CP4 so its easy to pick up speed. once inside the tunnel, nike being the offiical sponsor of the event, had its logo put on projectors n shown on the sides. I continue to maintain running form though pace drop down to 7.5min/k. Its up/down inside the tunnel but still continue. By the time I am out of the tunnel, I have been running non-stop for 4hrs which i thought should be enough time for me to complete. The last 10k saw me going though the connaught road west flyover n construction of the high speed rail station from HK to Shenzhen. My pace at this point is 7.9-8.5min/k n did not go up till the very end when entering into causeway bay. Its the final stretch with many supporters on the sides n photographers so run on n slowly increase pace to around 6min/k. Give it my all around 1K from finish line to finish at 4hrs 40mins. its not my PB but I am happy with the results.

Post race: Collect the finisher medal (only 42K have) n onto collect the bag deposit. went over to see my friend n other friends who also took part in the run. They all got PB with 1 qualifying for Boston woman category.

Looking back I am very fortunate indeed as for the past 2 sundays before the race I am involved in 3 races of various distance (8k to 40K) plus was coughing away before n during the race. I also at each water points (total of 14) took water n sports drink, banana n chocolate nugget so did not need to bring water along). I will not recommend going if sick as too dangerous N no, I will not tag my friends in this posting. You know who u are n I am glad to have met u during/before/after the race. Till SCMHK 2019, will have to do more speedwork n slope training n less races in 2018.

Daily Life: New timing for 42k marathon

Yes. After 1 year of training I managed with the grace of God moved my 42K timing in cold weather to 4hrs 37mins during the Tokyo marathon 2017.

The run was on Feb 26 2017 n the temperature during the run is around 6 degree. Its cold but the engine is moving very well. I was wearing my full thermal long sleeves n pants follow with a run 350 singlet n mizuno shorts. This layer wear of wearing prevent me from getting too cold during the run. The sun did came up during the run so it warm the body to a comfortable level. The 2017 edition saw the change in running route so do notice that there are more up/down slopes. I also found out that I will need to carry proper food with me as I was hungry during the 14K mark which prevent me from moving faster since I fear that I will use up too much energy.

I also just recovered from cold so was coughing at some stages in the run. Have to wait to find the first water stations n hydrate frequently n correctly. I did well to take 1-2 cups of Pocari Sweat then follow with 1 cup of plain water at each drink station. At the food stations, i also took 1/2 banana n some salt tablets.

The GPS did not accurately take the distance but I am ok with the pace I am doing.

SCMHK 2015

This year was the first time I tried running a cold weather marathon in sandals. I tried it for the skyhawk 21K run so no much issues.

By wearing socks and changing my sandals to those cheap one (a pair for S$30), its the cheapest racing equipment I have.

The route also changed with the ending along causeway bay, Hennessy road before ending at Victoria park. The slight change in route allows more runners to be on the road and allow us to run faster but the problem still remains where we turn into Victoria park from Hennessy road, there is a MTR exit and elderly folks don't brother and cross. I heard some runners run into them and cause injury.

Since I was alone, I was running more slowly this time and did not break my PB of 4.33. Its ok given i am running in new equipment so next year got chance to move up to break PB. My timing for SCMHK 2015 is 5hrs16mins

Daily Life: Chiang Mai Marathon 2014 results

Second time running in Chiang mai Marathon 2014. The route is 1 km short of 42K so despite taking a faster timing, I will not use it as its not full 42.195K distance. 

The route is the same except start/finish is at 3 kings monument. Its around 800M from the original start/finish point. 

Next year being the 10th year of the run, will go for it one last time.  

Daily Life: Standard Chartered Marathon Bangkok 2014 results

Completed my 42K for Standard Chartered Marathon Bangkok 2014. The results is not bad. managed to keep within the sub 5 club.

Daily Life: Day One at Siem Reap

Normally I will start posting from my trip from SG to Siem Reap but this time I recognize there is no much to write on the SG trip to Siem Reap on friday as my flight was delayed from 4.50pm to 6.30pm. The reason for the delay is due to plane issue. So by the time i arrived at Siem Reap, its already 8pm local time. Cambodia is 1 hr behind SG time.

Went over to airport taxi counter to take a cab from airport to Angkor holiday hotel. The cost is 7USD. Though there is a cheaper 2USD motor-cycle ride but decided against it since already too late and already feeling tired.

Angkor Holiday hotel is along National road no.6 which is highway to Cambodia capital. So getting to it is very fast (10 mins). I booked another hotel initially but the hotel underwent renovation so have to change to this hotel instead. Agoda agreed to refund me the difference so i pay the same price i booked for the earlier hotel. Angkor Holiday hotel gave me a bigger room too so instead of a singles room, mine has a king sized bed and a single queen sized bed. After unpacking, i went for a shower and went straight to sleep.

Day one in Siem reap was started with breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. Its buffet so decided to eat more and skip lunch instead. After a hearty breakfast, walk to the race pack collection at Apsara Angkor Resort & Conference. Its a short walk from Angkor holiday to Apsara Angkor. The weather is not too hot yet in the morning so its ok to walk.

The names of all the registered runners are on the billboard so just go to look for name at the 42K category men, get the volunteer to write down the bib number and go to the room get the race pack. there is also an area to check on the timing chip (its to be put on the shoe laces and need to returned at the end)

Collected Bib and went back to hotel for some rest before going for dinner. Before going to hotel, went to Lucky mall which is few steps away from my hotel to grab items for tomorrow run.

Dinner was at Curry walla but chose kumer food instead of indian food. will try indian food after the run on sunday. :)

Daily Life: Borneo Marathon 2014

Personal experience at Borneo Marathon 2014

This is not my first time taking part in Borneo marathon as was there last year for FM. But this year do not see many familiar faces at the race. Could be due to the long weekend or other races but only managed to see Mohan before the race begins.

The race route remains mostly the same as last year as so i thought until 20 mins before start of the FM flag off are we told that the FM will start outside of the stadium. Last year was inside Likas stadium. At 3am sharp, the FM was flagged off. since the beginning is the same, decided to go slow. During the warmup session, my left knee cap starts to hurt a little so thought go slow is a better choice.  From Likas stadium, run pass the sabah trade centre towards atkinson clock tower. Suddenly need to visit the toilet so went for the water/aid station after padang merdeka. As there is a stretch which is not well-lighted, got a runner hit the depression on road but thankfully no injury. Still too early in the race.

With excess water out of the system, feel like a bird and started running a little faster. Between karamunsing complex and kian kok school, there is a slope that will turn into the expressway. I attempted to relax my head/arms and take shorter steps to save energy while maintaining my pace. It proves critical later. After Kian Kok school water point, I started to take 100 plus mix with water from my hydration bag. I train with my hydration bag so top it up the day before with plain water. It proves to be a difference as the race progresses. After the school, it's back towards likas stadium. By this time the 21K runners are just arriving at the stadium with some of them cheering us on.

After likas stadium, its towards Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) the water/Aid  points are spaced 2KM apart from each other with one table plain water, one table 100 plus, one table plain water, last table 100 plus. I do like this arrangement as no need to have mix-up of 100 plus and plain water. Reminds me of SCMHK and SCMTW water point stations setup. The volunteers also shouted out earlier what they are holding so just go to the one needed will do. Inside UMS is the in-famous UMS hills which is needed to clear before can go out of the campus. So i went into my same method for clearing the expressway earlier. This time I was traveling up the hills while other runners walked up. For every up hill, there is a down hill so i was in a better position to travel down faster. No need to have brakes since pace is comfortable and relaxed. In my mind, I was telling myself to continue moving despite the slopes. After 4 hills later, I was out of UMS and toward 1 Borneo shopping mall. The bulk of the FM runners are just entering UMS so gave them some claps to push them on. I also saw the morning light on the horizon so think that with my pace, i should be able to aim for either 5 and below. The route remains the same until the u-turn last year. this year u-turn is near the industrial estate which is some distance from the previous u-turn point.

My heart nearly sink as a result but since already clear so much, no way i will stop. From the beginning of the race, I had split the race into 4 parts of 10K each so its easier to encourage oneself. After the U-turn, its 31K (i think, cannot remember) so just press on. The sun is up and behind me. From then on, I was splitting the distance further into 2K each and will see my sportstracker app at 34K to see if i am still on target or not. The 34K mark is outside 1 Borneo shopping mall and the app shows i just took 3hrs 53mins, which means i have 1hr to clear 8K as long as i continue my pace. With determination to make this my run my PB its a do or die trying from then on.

As its return journey back pass UMS, the HM runners are coming out walking so have to ignore them and continue. To make things worse, the water stations has run out of paper cups so it's drink from the bottle which i took some slip of 100 plus and mix with my hydration bag water. it continued to the end of the race with the last 2 drink station completed no more water and with the morning sun up, i pity those running without any hydration belts, bottles or whatever. The junction after the city mosque remains jam with cars and the traffic police this time round stopped the traffic on both sides so we can cross and go towards Likas stadium. No increase in pace but have to say 'excuse me, make way' for those walkers as i run past them.

At the stadium, there are some extra cheering local running group. One runner ran pass me and stopped outside the stadium. I have to tell him the end point is inside the stadium, not outside. I was already running on empty and was increasing my pace to finish it. so close yet so far. My torchlight which i attached to my hydration bag came out at this point n i have to hold the torchlight in its porch while i dash to the finish. As quickly as it started, it ended when i cross the finish line. I stopped my app and it reads 4hrs 57mins. guess I was too wasted to jump up so just save the record first and go to the FM area where they served iced milo, orange juice, eggs, toasted bread. Had the ice cold milo and orange juice. Heard on the PA, the champion for FM open female is from Singapore.

I think the reason for a better run this time could be a combination of reasons below.
1) Familiar with the route for most of it
2) Taking of Durian cake with banana the day before. provides the stored energy without the need for gel until the 34K
3) 5 hours sleep the night before
4) Cool May weather. The morning weather was cooling
5) More hill training at Upper pierce and BTH

For whatever reasons, just love getting a PB for humid weather so the training pays off. :)

Daily Life: Post Borneo Marathon results

Yesterday the results for the Borneo Marathon 2013 was released. I did not have time to go in take a look until today. To my pleasure surprise, i broke my own PB again. for 42K I did a 5hrs 26mins vs my previous PB of 5hrs 31mins done during SCMS 2012. Its a small step towards my goal of 5hrs.

I should continue to enjoy my runs n less focus on the PB. :)

Daily Life: Borneo Marathon 2013

Time really flies and its been a while since i updated my blog. Its understanding since i spend much of my time updating my facebook.

Just yesterday i came back from Kota Kinabalu for the Borneo marathon 2013. It was supposed to be in May but as there was the election, the run has to be postponed. I flew from SG to KK on thursday n was on the same flight with fellow runner, Linclon. We stayed at different hotel but we went exploring the town together while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive on Friday night. The town is very small n can be completed by walking. Going out to other parts of KK will require taxi but still manageable

I went to collect the race pack on Friday n met with Paul Lee who is the secretary of the Borneo Marathon committee. Linclon did raise the concern of the raising airport fees to Paul. He also mentioned to tied with the rest of the Singapore key running group like Team Fatbird so to promote the event even better in SG.Looks like a win-win situation between both side

The whole of Sat was spend exploring other parts of the town like the Signal hill, backpacker area and managed to catch a movie. After that is sleep time to prepare for the Sunday morning run. The run was from 3am with a cut-off timing of 6 1/2 hours. The route was changed from last year and we are expected to see hills with various degree during the run. The run in the beginning was mostly flat with only the up to expressway got a little slope. Then from city mosque onwards, there are small slopes with the more steeper ones at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah roundabout. I have to slow down as don't want to waste too much energy running up slopes with still another 20 odd km to run. By the time I went out of the loop, its 24K. Then one more slope from 1 Borneo shopping mall to BCCM Sepangar Church which is the 30K turnabout. There I saw many fellow runners both from SG to MY running back. I too pick up my pace and run all the way back pass Menara tun Mustapha. There i saw a fellow barefoot runner and we have a good pacing session until I overtook her n she wish me luck to carry on.

I only managed a 5hrs 27mins run n with the excellent weather, was looking for under 5hrs. Looks like i have more training with hills for the upcoming Chiang Mai marathon. Think i met more runners during this run than others. Mike from HK, Oliver from Sabah (He is a 70 year old n is walking instead of running but don't be fooled by his walk. he can walk much faster than most of us running. He is also taking part in the Craze Ultra later in Sept 2013). Linclon, Doris Teo, Eric Tee, Kim Lai, Teck Hock are fellow runners from I.M.D running but i never got a chance to catch up with their until during the marathon. Also saw fellow barefoot runners from Ipoh n KL.

I did not have much cramps unlike previous 42K runs as on friday n sat mornings i was having running session with Linclon.Not much long distance but it helps to keep the body adjusted to the running tempo. Think i will attempt the same for the AHM. short distance with slow speed. Who knows, maybe i will get a PB for 21K. I also takes more bananas before, during n after the marathon which may have allowed my body to react better n prevent buildup of the acid during the run.

One funny thing is many people including fellow runners and helpers are surprised that people can run in sandals. Earlier in the race I thought i am the only runner running in sandals then as the run progressed then i saw other barefoot runners running. Fellow runners are more supportive n respect that I am running in sandals. Looks like i have something more to prove n if i can run as fast as one in shoes, then it proves that barefoot running at least in Asia will continue to grow. :)

Daily Life: 2XU Compression Run 2013

Today is the 2XU compression Run 2013 and I took part in the 21K category. As focus for this year is on 21K and above, i trained running fast on my 8-9k runs on daily basis. I also focus more on eating right the night before the race n on the day of the race itself.

My diet will include a banana, a cup of yoghurt and a glass of plain water after dinner on the night before race and same items for the race itself with the additional of bread since i need some cabo to fuel my run.

I prepared all my items the day before the race and its the first time i running with the Nathan hydration bag. I did not fill in any water as i still got some water left over from the previous week trail run. As the distance is 21K, i packed only 1 sports gel for the 15k mark. I managed to wake up early today with enough sleep the night before. The booking of the taxi is also fast and i reach the start point at around 4am. I have lots of time to do my warm-up and do my warm-up runs around the start point. its part of my focus to run better this year also.

The run started on time at 5.30am from the F1 race track and takes us around the stadium walk, tanjong rhu park connector and marina barrage before ending back at the F1 race track. During the 15k mark, there was banana and sports gel provided so i decided to grab some instead of using my own. bad mistake. The gel is covered with gel (it's not torn but suspected got another packet leaked). i was also unable to tear the package due to the gel and my wet hands. its only until i reach the 16k water point did i manage to clean the gel package of its gel and tear it open to consume the much needed gel inside.

I have my thanks to my hydration bag as i did not stop for any drinking station except for the 15k & 16k ones to do the above. I didn't put any sports drink into the hydration bag: only plain water mixed with the elete electrolyte i bought in Jan. it has no taste beyond water taste and did not stain my hydration bag which is important.

Another important news is the timing i got is 2:23 when i cross the finish line. Little did i realize that is my PB as my last 21k was at 2:40 which means i improved another 17mins. its not a lot but its a step closer of realizing my goal of 2hrs for 21K runs.

Daily Life: SCMS 2012

The SCMS 2012 will be the last marathon for me for year 2012. Being the last marathon, I prepared as usual using previous setup. A meal of 2 bananas, yoghurt and subway for dinner and the same setup for breakfast on the day of the run. I also tried to sleep earlier than usual (8.30 to 9.30). This will allow me to sleep at least 5 hours as i need to wake up before 2.30am on Dec 4.

The MRT are running from 2am so was able to reach the starting point at 4am. This is important as i will able do warm-up before the starting run of 5am. The run route remains the same but I was not in the best of health to be running. i had a run of sore throat 2 days before as my air-con was not working. The mosquito was bitting me so I was not sleeping well. But i still continue to run all the way until i reach the east coast park where my cough got worse so i have to take slower steps.

I continue until I went out of East Coast park which is the 29KM mark. Its around 8.45am. With a band of 5 hours mark on my hand, i reckon i will be able to run without 2 hours to the end point which i tried to do so. It looks to be a good idea as many runners are already walking due to the morning heat. The heartbreak bridge remains to challenge me as its the end and as before, i conquered it with many runners walking.Towards the end i was running towards the end point as its getting hot and the only way out is to complete the race.

At the end, i crossed the mark at 5.31 but on the facebook tracking, it shows 5:25. If its 5:25, it will be my Personal Best as i never before for my 10years of running reach below 5:30. In any case, its a good run and I will continue to challenge it next year on.

Daily Life: Changing to Chi Running

Recently my company got a trainer on chi running to teach those interested to take up chi running. The total participants is about 12, not a lot of given that the lesson is conducted after work near the park connector. Most people will love to get out of office after office hours.

In any case, Chi running focus on the running form & breathing. There is little difference between Chi walking or running except for the speed taken. Chi walking is within 120 metronome while running is within 170 to 175 depending on the runner's height. I must admit it takes a while to get use to this form of running and to take things further, i change to run in barefoot. I started running only with my running socks but as there is lots of small foreign objects on the park connector path, my socks gets dirty after that plus i had a hard time to avoid them as there is no protection. The good thing out of it is my running stride gets smaller and i can feel my running as my feet impact on the ground.

I since bought a pair of aqua socks from Army market for S$23 after some reviews and runners running with them on the Runner's world forum. Yes, its more for people taking water sports and does no have any form of protection. But the whole idea is to have some small form of protection of the elements when running on the road and it does have the thin rubber difference. It still takes time to get use to it as I have to avoid landing on the heel. As i can feel my feet impact, i can adjust my running stride and form as i progress. Now I impact on the whole feet and i running small stride. My knee no longer feels the pain after a run and my legs no longer has any muscle ache. ( that is provided that i run correctly, it not the muscle ache will still be there)

I have been practicing Chi running for the past 3 weeks and move from 2K to 9K on runs once every 2 days. The results are good & encouraging for now. I will have to move up the distance to 20K to better prepare for my upcoming KL 42K marathon.

Daily Life: Results from my 21k Run350 Run

Just 3 week ago I went for the Run350 21k run. After the long hard run I throw away my BIB tag as it is wet and I thought no need anymore. How wrong I am.

3 days after the event, the results are posted on the Run350 website and I went in to take a look at my results. It prompt for my BIB number which I did not remember. There is no option to key in either NRIC or passport no so I am struck. Only this week did i remember that my colleague went to call up Run350 earlier before the race and asked for the number. Before I called, I went to the website to confirm there is no other way to get the BIB no. The hotline was re-activated and I made the call to get the BIB no. The customer service was kind enough to look up the database and let me know my BIB no within 10 mins.

I was surprised by the results. For 21k, I took 2hours 48mins. That is the standard timing I had for my 21K runs. The results are within my expectations as I run to keep fit not to kill myself. Given that my left knee cap gave me issues early in the race and I was able to run complete without any further issues for the remaining is a blessing.

I will have to train harder for the upcoming KL 42k marathon though. It will be the first full marathon for the year and it will determine if I take part in the Penang or Chiang Mai full marathons.

Daily Life: Safra 21K Marathon

Today I was one of the 70,000 runners at Safra Marathon. How many of the 70,000 are 21K runners I do not know but one thing is for sure, there is a lot of runners at the 21K category. With my experience at the KL marathon, I decided to do the same for my meals, that is one day before the event, yoghurt after dinner and yoghurt before the event itself. I also take a cup of plain water before the run and was glad to do it. I will explain later why.

This run was also different as from July to Sept, I did not have any time to do my runs though i managed to find time to go for my badminton & swimming. So i thought I will walk for the duration of the run but guess things will work out right. We started on the dot at 5.15am and run though the CBD area like usual but with more turns. Then we entered into ECP to the Marina barrage. That was still early in the morning so its very dark. The road will lead to Tanjong Ru and it was dark with one section of the run we have to move slowly as there is still constructions and there is only one opening. Imagine 20,000 runners (example) moving through the opening and u will know how slow it will become. I did not take any walk for the first 5K as the morning cup provides me the water needed. Its important as I know from experience that taking water too early will cost me my run.

I also try to take only one cup of water mix with one cup of 100 plus. This is to reduce the sodium intake. at the 13K mark the helpers were giving out banana and it is good that I took one. It helped me clear the remaining distance without any water intake until the 15k mark. The worst part of my run was the uphill at Fort canning park. I had just taken my gel and in need of some water intake so I did a slow slow run up. My legs are cramping but i flatly refuse to give up after all, I had went pass 16K worth of hell distance so no point giving up at this point. The run from chinatown to the finish line was uneventful. There are not too many supporters like what i saw in the Standard Chartered Marathons. I refuse to run fast and continue at my own pace. My legs are cramping so if i run fast, i will 'kill' my run instantly.

I finish the run at around 2.47.01. Not too bad since i did not have runs after my June Marathon. I took a picture of myself after i reached home around 9am. Since i know that my aunt have bought breakfast for me, i decided not to indulge in Macdonalds big breakfast like what i did after previous SAFRA marathons

Daily Life: My worst Marathon so far

Yesterday was the standard chartered marathon 2010 and its the worst marathon so far I joined since 2002. Worst not because the route was changed nor was too sunny. Worst because its the first time I had to visit the washroom to shit. It happened around the 15k mark after I entered into the East Coast Park.

The route was diverted to be away from the washrooms so I had to walk from 15k to the 22k mark before I saw the toilet. Before that all trees so don't think I want to do my 'business' among nature. There were many runners who like me, visit the washroom to pee or shit. After clearing my 'business' and a couple rounds of 100 plus n plain water to replenish the salt lost, I managed to continue slowly until the marina water reservoir.Its the first time I run there and before that was the construction road path linking the reservoir to the east coast park.There are no shade and its 9.30am in the morning sun.






The last 4k was hell as we run up the ECP against traffic (moving towards Sentosa) to the F1 race track. Its a steep road up and by then I am too tired to continue. With last ounce of energy, I started running from the 40k mark towards finish point. I know the pic is too small but I was punching my arms up in the air as I cross the finishing point. The timing was not good but given that at 15k mark I nearly decided to throw in the towel due to stomachache, I think it is effort well done. I will only train more and move to do more up hill training, in fact, I think I have found the route from my home to my office will do as it goes pass the steep road at lorong chuan to AMK ave 1.

Daily Life: AHM 2010

I am just back from my Army Half Marathon so feels to update my blog. We started running from 5.15am this morning and completed around 7.53am. For me, its been 2 years since I last took part in 21K runs so this is a good chance to test for my 42k run later this year (Dec 2010)

It's the first run across the newly opened Marina Bay Sands Resort and the route is a refreshing one vs the previous times. Since I have been running regularly this year, my running speed was a little faster and i do not tired easily. But as I just recovered from flu, halfway though around the 6-7k mark, I have a blocked nose,I only went to the toilet at East Coast park since I need to 'let some water' out also.

On the whole, the run was good and I am already planning for my build-up training for my 42K. If there are any runners out there, Cheers and see u at the end point at Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2010.

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.

Daily Life: 08 Jun 2008

Today was a crazy day. I actually woke up late... Yes. I know it is a sunday But I was supposed to go for my passion run.

Anyway, I managed to leave home @ 7am, managed to get a cab and reach there 2 minutes the start of the men's open 10km wave 1. (the men's open 15km is supposed to start from 6.30 to 7.15). I ran all the way from 7.30, hoping to catch-up and boy was it tiring...

I was sweating all over until no more sweat.... my clothes were all wet plus by the time finish, my legs finally gave way the the end and the paramedic was on hand to give me some heat rub. My leg were clamping up.

It was a good run and having completed 15km without much stopping to walk is a small step for me. I just have to trained harder for my upcoming 24km singapore bay run (also known as Shears Bridge run or Army half marathon (AHM). Once i get my hands on the pictures, will upload