There am I... finally did my first half-marathon and in addition, I did it in the wee hours where everybody were in deep slumber. The flag-off time was 12.01am but it was delay to almost 12.30am. Overall, it was a nice experience especially when we passed by the various scenic night views like Gardens by the Bay, MBS, Sports Hub, Marina Barrage, Fullerton Hotel and the Singapore Flyer.
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The running singlet for this year's event and my BIB |
However, though I'm not a good runner, I was not really in my personal best and it was quite a struggle for me, especially after 7KM. I was feeling tired by then where during my trainings, I still can managed to complete 10KM before feeling the strained. Thus, it was run and walk all the way till the end. I was so jubilated when I saw the 21KM mark and later the finishing line. It was like a dream come true to be able to complete a 21.1KM race. I never thought I will do a HM! I was then running the most from 2KM to 5KM early last year!
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The big banner that greeted us |
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It was almost 11pm + when I reached there and what a crowd at the F1 Pit area |
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More and more crowds waiting to start the run. There were also some nice booths around which I don't have the time to visit. |
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Looking up, the beautiful and illuminating Singapore Flyer is like a big jewel ring! |
The start of the run was fine with me as I can ran the first 5KM comfortably although while nearing the first 2KM, we encountered the
killer stretch already as it was leading to Shears bridge. A lot of folks were walking here and I thought it's better I walked too in order to conserve energy. I continue to run though I stopped during the hydration points but somehow, I was tired after 7KM and though I tried to run, my body seems telling me to stop and walk. There was a lot of folks walking too...hahaha...
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My colleague and I ... nearing 16KM with 5KM left ... phew ...what a relief. |
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The medal I have been waiting for ... so sweet to complete my maiden HM. |
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Folks resting at the race village at 3-4am as besides cabs,there are no public transports. I guess they waited till 5am for the MRT and buses to start operations. As for me, I booked a ticket earlier for their shuttle service to fetch me to the nearby MRT from my home. Had a big breakfast in McD before going home to rest. |
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Me and my colleague posing with our medals. |
I think I needed to further improve my run in this HM category with more trainings, learn running techniques, workout my leg muscles (I had a light cramp after 15KM) , improve my endurance and mental power. After all, it was a good experience and a very well organised event. I will be back with another HM, likely Standard Chartered. :)
Oh... I was kinda hungry the whole of Sunday somehow and after having chicken rice for lunch at 2pm, I had a
Shokado Wazen bento at 5pm. OK la... reward myself.
My ex-teacher also took part in this marathon
ReplyDeleteHe is an athletics coach
DeleteLibby - wow...He must be running the full marathon which finished in sunrise.
Deletewell done well done and a pat on the shoulder.. i am sure there will be more to come after your maiden HM run.. and of course people are improving right, you started with 5km then 10km and now 21km, so next year you will be running a full marathon 42km, and then slowly ultra marathon beyond the 100km mark!! :)
ReplyDeleteSK - Thanks! I take it a step at a time. I am still not that good in HM and need to train and participate in more events. Doing FM will be overwhelming for now.. hahhha...
Deletehmmm i think probably it's the time problem.. i bet you train after work which is like evening, but now you are running at midnight, maybe you are still not used to this and actually feeling sleepy?? hahaha.. anyway, i guess with this maiden run, you actually gained experience and you know where you should improve or strengthen, we can see you giving yourself a good analysis :)
ReplyDeleteSK- Well, maybe as these are sleeping hours! Even my colleague didn't perform as well and I see a lot of folks walk more than run. However, I needed to improve on certain aspects.
Deletehahaha, maybe you have used up lots of energy completing that HM run hence you have been hungry the whole day.. totally understandable and your body was telling you to replenish food.. eih, that bento looks little, was that enough actually?? or later around 8pm you went for supper?? hehehe :p
ReplyDeleteSK - Yeah, you are right. In the morning, I quickly gobbled up the entire MCD breakfast. Then I yearn for chicken rice (maybe my body needed carbs). I also finished the bento but still feels hungry. So, i got a big bun for supper with a protein shake. I am hungry now after commenting on all the blogs and comments...hahahah
DeleteEat protein lah for recovery, to assist muscle repair.
DeleteCarbs good before a race.
Lol
Yes Lina - I am taking a protein supplement as well as eggs. Getting better now. :)
DeleteWell done handsome! You can do even better for next round. The journey to a 1000 miles begins with the first step.
ReplyDeleteTo get motivation and guidelines for self training, just read & follow Lina's blog postings which inspired me to hike mountains instead.
Thanks TM. I am following Lina's as well as other runners blogs. :)
DeleteCongrats! Sure deserves a special celebration after that.
ReplyDeleteThanks STP.
DeleteWell done on the run.. Wow, 21KM !! Geng.. I don't think I can do 2 KM also.. I walk up the stairs also "chuen hei" already..
ReplyDeleteI think I 1km also cannot...xp
DeleteThanks Princess and Xiao Ying ... Both of you sure can ..just need training. Remember I mentioned I only ran 2KM last year...!
DeleteCongrats on your maiden HM.
ReplyDeleteFor future runs, to avoid cramps, you should also look into proper hydration and pacing. A too fast a pace may also trigger cramps and the fact that you're running in a hot condition and may sweat excessively makes you lose salt more.
Lina - thanks for the advice. Will look into this in my training.
DeleteWell done... Congratulations...
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon.
DeleteCongrats and saw the beautiful finisher medal
ReplyDeleteThanks Yee Ling. Yes, the medal was nice compared to previous years' medals.
DeleteWell done, Chris! Can get lots of advice and tips from Lina :)
ReplyDeletePhong - thanks! Yup, been trying to learn from the seasoned runners.
Deletewow, you are really into marathon right now! I see you joining these events once every fortnightly
ReplyDeleteKen - Just picking up la..hahaha
DeleteLast time in school we run 2.4km only
ReplyDeleteLibby - Me too ..around that distance.
DeleteIt must an experience to run at wee hour!!
ReplyDeleteRose - It's a new experience for me but I love the night sceneries!! It was beautiful!
DeleteSaw in Your FB. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kucing!
Delete