NTUC Income 350 run ...

While some of my runners' friends as well some bloggers' that I known in KL were doing the Nike We Run Half-Marathon on 10 April, I was back to participate in another half-marathon, which is the NTUC Income 350 Run. This was quite a popular run in Singapore and is one of the top running events here. I missed the 10KM run last year due to family commitments but I was glad I make it for the run this year. However, it was not an easy run for me as I was 'injured' with slight pains at both of my heels before the run. It could be due to one of the shoes or sandals that I wore and without resting my feet well, the aches seems didn't go away for 2 weeks. And I thought I can sustained the run with these minor pain.

It was also kinda sacrifice for me as I didn't go back to JB last weekend, as well as slept early at 8pm on a Saturday evening and woke up at 2.30am on a Sunday morning to catch the shuttle bus, which ferried us to the F1 Building where the run was held there. There was another disappointment, besides my aching heels as the shuttle bus was full and latecomers like me gotta stand. Luckily, it was just a 30 mins ride. I was early when I reached there and together with my fellow runner, we decided to 'chop' the first pen or wave one where we can start first.  There were lots of serious runners in  this wave it seems!! Looks scary !! LOL

Walking to the F1 Building after alighting from the bus

The early birds doing their warm up at 4am

Getting ready to go into the start line in order to start first. It was opened at 4.30am.

The route for the half-marathon

The starting was not too bad as I ran comfortably till the 3km-4km mark where there was a steep climb to the Nicoll Highway and Mountbatten Road. Other than that, it was a good run as the route was flat, though I dislike the narrow path near Tanjung Rhu, as well mixing with other public joggers and cyclist later on. I thought the organizer should close off the route from the public.

At East Coast Park and running to Marina Barrage and Gardens By The Bay

Overall, it was a well organised event as hydration points were available almost every 2-3 KMs and bananas were available too. However, after running for about 10KM, my heels started to feel very painful and I gotta stop and asked for heat rub from the volunteers. The heat rubs works for a while but the pain was really irritating. Initially, I was feeling good for this run and could have got a better timing but at times, I gotta stop to walk and do some stretching of my feet. I resorted to run and walk.

I am always happy to see the 15KM mark which is a milestone to me. 

It was a beautiful though warm and humid morning.

Nice to see the 20KM mark... somehow I felt their distance to be much longer... my GPS watch already showing 21KM+ now.. LOL 

I was glad to complete the race despite running with pain. It was really terrible after I completed the run and I gotta seek medical attention after I got home.

This is my first finisher tee ... how sweet!

It was a nice black Mizuno dry-fit t-shirt!

Proud of the finisher tee and the medal. 

It was a good run overall but I am still disappointed I didn't finish the race below the 3 hour mark. Probably the heels pain also slow me down but I still need to work on my endurance. However, I guess I have improved in this run. 

My next run would be the Sundown Marathon on 28 May and I will start training for it next week, after my heels are healed. For this week, I will just workout at the gym and relax, and maybe shop for a new pair of shoes. Btw, I rewarded myself with the below at the French table later of the day. :)

Winding down with a pot of Earl Grey Tea

Pasta with fried chicken

Have a good week!