7.5.18

This was my third consecutive half-marathon with Income Eco Run, which was organised by NTUC Income. It was also my fourth run with them, having did my 10KM on my inaugural run. Thus, this is the marathon I almost joined annually for the past 4 years as well as the most runs I did with the same event. What impressed me most with this run was it is the most affordable among all the running events in SG, well-organised, lots of hydration points with bananas and gels given out even for a HM and finisher-tee. This was also my first run of the year after 'considered' recovered from my plantar faccittis (Heel pain) injury.


My third HM medal from Income Eco run!
I gotta woke up at 2.30am on a Sunday morning in order to board their shuttle bus. That means I gotta sleep at 7.30pm in order to have enough rest for the run. After a simple breakfast of a protein shake and two wheat buns, I started out around 3.15am. It was a 20 min walk from my home to the MRT station to board the bus but I took a cab instead, as I don't feel like walking in the early morning. Once I am on the bus, it pass by some of my running lanes around the neighbourhood and I was tellling to myself, well, that's my preparations. Anyway, I didn't really prepared well for this HM and it was one of the toughest HM for me!


Reached the F1 Pit building at 4am and the run starts at 5am. All folks slowly walking in.


Some thought its a good idea to clear the bladder first 
 
I was at the pen which was not opened yet. 

At the first pen and selfie with my running buddy, Ravi.
The starting of the run was smooth and I found myself following a group of 2:45 hours pacers. I thought its a good idea to follow them since I will be slow anyway, due to lack to training. However, my short evening runs of 6-7 KM training doesn't really help me much as I 'hit the wall' after 6KM. I was worried that I might not complete the race as when I look ahead, there are still 15KM ahead!! The pacers were slowly leaving me behind and I decided to relax by going to the loo at a nearby toilet. I took a GU gel later at 8KM and started to run slowly combined with brisk walk. It helps me a bit as I seems regained some energy but it was a struggle all along till the finished line.  *phew*

This was taken around 12KM where we are on the way to Gardens by the Bay from East Coast Park and Stadium.

My mood always lightens up when I see the 15KM signage, which means I am into my last quarter of the run.

The last 3 KM seems longer than usual or maybe it's just me! from 17KM to 18KM seems short but 18KM to 19KM was like forever! Anyway, I recorded 21.91KM in my GPS and most of folks also commented it seems longer than 21.1KM. However, I was glad that I managed to finish the run! It was also a humid run!

My sweet finisher tee!

Yours truly in action, nearing the finish line.