SUNDOWN was the culmination of my 18-week training programme and I tried to stick to it as much as possible. Although I skipped a few of the shorter runs in the weekdays, I completed most of the long weekend runs. I felt prepared and confident on race day, and I thought I would be able to complete it within 5 hours quite comfortably... Boy was I wrong.
Being my first race, I asked for advice and read some articles on how to plan the run so that I can complete the race in a decent time without cramping. There were many views - start slow and pick up pace later; split your run into segments taking intermediate breaks to stretch and walk; maintain a constant and comfortable pace; or run the first half based on timing and the second half on 'feel'. If I had never run a marathon before, how do I know what to 'feel' in the 2nd half. I decided to take the most straight forward plan, maintain a constant and comfortable pace throughout.
The AAA Team before Start of Race
Ready to Kick-Ass
Thumbs up before race
First 21km was quite a breeze actually. Route was flat, sea breeze blowing at your face, cheers from the campers along East Coast, Chancho running beside and setting the pace... I was really enjoying it and felt I had the energy to pull through the second half. But everything changed after crossing the first overhead bridge to the Siglap park connector. Suddenly the air became still and surroundings dark. It felt like I just crossed the bridge linking heaven to hell. At around 28km, Chris suggested that we should stop for a good long stretch at the 30km check point but at that time I was wondering if I could last another 2km as I felt my legs starting to cramp up. I decided to stop not long after to stretch before it got any worse. That was the last time I saw Chris. From the 30km mark, it was stop and go for the rest of the run. I finished the race in 5hr 22min and was quite disappointed I couldn't break 5hrs. In fact, I crossed the finish line feeling more relieved that the pain was finally over rather than the joy one should feel after completing a marathon. I wished I had the energy to congratulate all who came in before and after me and give Peng a big hug and kiss at the finish, but I do apologise if I was just complaining all the way about the run and being such a wet blanket.
2 days later, while I continue to feel the sores in my legs, the feeling of accomplishment began to set in and hey, you know what...I actually completed my first marathon.
Will I do Stand Chart end of the year? Well, Impossible is Nothing...Right?
