running alck

Date: 6th December 2009 (Sunday)

Time: 5.30am Full Marathon

Exactly 8 days ago, I completed my first full marathon!

I must say it was a great run and I have been on Marathon-high since then. The thought of running such a long distance had never crossed my mind a year ago, not to even mention completing 42.195km distance! Today, my completion of a full marathon is an accomplishment in my personal sports portfolio as well as an achievement before I reach another milestone in my life.

The preparation work for the marathon is not an easy feat. To run an injury-free marathon (apart from getting the right pair of running shoes and socks), we have to train our body to adapt to long distance running. This also means chalking up running mileage over time.  Training in the last minute is a No No! At least 3 months have to be catered for the training.  In order to do this, a lot of effort has to be put in.

First of all, we need to be disciplined to carry out the running regime. Then, we have to devote time to each running session and be very determined to complete whatever distance we set out for that day.  In the beginning of the training, the distance we started out could be achievable,  for eg. 10km. We did not have to cater so much time for running after a tiring day at work. However, the mileage accumulation is gradual and the running distance has to increase over time. Closer to the marathon date, it is best to achieve at least 40km per week. Very often, we find ourselves running distance (for eg. 25km, 28km, 30km etc) which we were not accustomed to. More time and even lots more determination are required for each running session.

I know there are many people (regardless of first-time marathonners or seasoned runners) who really train hard for this marathon. I got to take my hat off to them. I’m embarassed to say my training was not consistent due to other commitments as well. Apart from attending Body Attack classes which help in cardio,  I used the Borneo 1/2 Marathon and GE women 10k as part of my training regime. My real hard work only started in November when I ran about 40km each week. The furthest distance I ever ran before the marathon is 28km and God Bless Me, I took 4 hours to complete the distance.  The aftermath was me getting a very tanned complexion and abrasion at the underarm.

Boy, I was so glad everything goes pretty well for my marathon except the sleep deficiency on the eve.

The flag off time for full marathon was 5.30am, so I made it a point to sleep early the night before. It was tough overcoming the excitment and yet trying hard not to keep myself awake. I was drifting in and out of dreams, fully awake even before the alarm clock rang at 3am. My mum, not knowing that the run flag off time was 2.5 hour  later, asked me why I did not get myself enough sleep before the run. Haha! I could not sleep anyway.

As bus services to bring us to the Start Point were available at the SRC, I bought a bus ticket with pick up time point at YCK Stadium (only 15 mins walk from my place) and pick up time at 4.30am. When I made my way to the stadium, I could see other runners making their way there as well. It was quite exciting seeing everyone gather for the same event. As what the person who sold the ticket to me said, the seats were enough for the ticket holders. Thank goodness I found a seat comfortably and blasted my friend with 7 smses (because I was just too excited). The bus ride took 30 mins due to minor traffic congestion along the way. I bet people in the cars were all going to the same place.

It was a sea of blue when we reached the Start Point. How exciting to see everyone so ready for the run! I got a volunteer by the name of Liyana to help me pin the motivational slogan on my back. It says ‘Push Me but don’t make me fall’.

My motivational slogan

This slogan really helped me all the way! I received both verbal and physical pushes as I ran. Haha!

The long queue for bag deposit caught me by surprise. No doubt there were 4 segments (represented by different colour) for bag deposit,  the queue unexpectedly took about 30mins.

The run had already flagged off by the time I was ready to cross over to the Start Point. As there were so many participants, it also took me a while more to reach the Start Point.

My strategy to completing the marathon as fast as I could was to runthe first 21km like what I did for AHM and Borneo 1/2 marathon. The first 10km was really a task of overtaking and overtaking. There were times when I had to jog very slowly because everyone ran at different pace. Things turned a little better when we reached ECP. There was more room to squeeze through when everyone was into the first 21km. A guy ran up to me and said he like my motivational slogan. Haha! I didn’t think anyone will even notice it though I have been reading others’ while running behind them. Something short and sweet like ‘Push Me’ should be easily captured. Haha!

Before I reached my 21km mark, I already saw Alvin (aka alck) running back on the other side. I hesitated shouting out to him but still did it. He was shocked that I could still spot him amongst so many other runners. That’s the only time we saw each other. How ironical.

My 21km was completed in about 2 hr 20mins, according to my watch.  I started walking after feeling a little more relieved crossing the half-way mark. A guy pushed me on my back. As if my start button was pressed on, I continued running even though I only walked for less than 20 seconds. Along the way, I met my colleague who ran past me and I never saw him again. I also met a friend whom I have not seen for ages. The 21km-30km stretch suddenly became a ‘meet your friend’ session. I guess that was also because I started running slower. There’s this funny guy who caught me walking twice and he also pushed me twice. His first push spurred me to run even faster than him but I was punctured until he came from behind and pushed me again. In fact, it was pretty stressful running back in the ECP stretch. I dared not walk much. Hahaha! A caucasian woman also gave me a physical push at the 30km mark and another lady was cheering me on too.

It was a total relief seeing the 30km mark. According to my watch, my timing was 3h and 37mins when I crossed the 30km mark. I initially thought that I can meet the sub-5h timing if I continued running like that but I was wrong! The crux of the run was actually from 30km onwards. I started walking and the inertia to start running was tremendous. The other runners were too tired to push me as well. The only person who could push me is none other than myself. Mental strength is important but I do seriously think physical endurance is even more important. Without stamina and physical strength, one’s body could hardly push beyond 30km.  All thanks to my regular GX cross-training that I was able to push myself beyond limits.  To be honest, my legs were so tired that I asked why I subject myself to such torture. The last 10km was never ending although I know I was every step closer to the finishing line. The 2 U-turns in the last 10km worsened my agony. Before each turn, I saw many people running back. Despite knowing that I was not the last, I couldn’t help but to wonder if I was really the last. When I u-turned back, I saw even more people behind me. They were either walking or jogging at a slow pace. Worse, I saw several men and yes only men (no offence) trying all ways and means to overcome their cramps. Some were stretching their calves with the help of the kerb, a few were already lying at the bus stop, some were sitting by the road side, a few attempted climbing some short botak (bald) trees to do whatever they could to relieve their cramps etc. Hilarious sights but no matter what, they were already half winners when they had the courage to sign up for this amazing 42.195km.

My colleague who also joined the run, overheard a lady passer-by telling her baby,” Look at these people. You will never run so much in your life.” It was really encouraging to see some passer-bys join the supporter’s role. Every clap and cheer from them was a morale booster. I thought I have not made a wrong choice by joining the full marathon after all. Even when we ran along Geylang Road (on the way back to city), some car owners unwound their windows and applauded for us.  Even their children looked on in curiosity. Instead of cursing at us for causing the traffic jam (due to road closure), they gave us their utmost encouragement even though it might only be a clap. I decided not to let myself down by walking the remaining journey. I pushed myself on and adopted the run-and-walk approach. Every sight of distance marker was a sign of relief. Haha!

At about 11am, the sun was so hot. In fact, we should already count our blessing that the weather was extremely kind to us on the race day. It was cloudy most of the time until 11am. At that time, I also finally reached the ever-so-familiar F1 pit. Nothing could deter me any further from reaching the End Point. On my run home, I saw another friend whom I thought is aiming for sub-5h timing. He unfortunately experienced knee pain, another common fear for long distance runners. I was really thankful that I had not experienced muscle cramps, knee pain or ITB pull (something which I experienced during training) throughout the marathon.

A man in yellow came from behind and told me that before he could push me, I had already started running. He had no chance to push me at all. That was hilarious but it really boils down to the fact that the push button is in us and no one else can push us as much as we push ourselves on.

I still walked a bit despite I was near the End Point (at the Esplanade). Looking at my watch, I knew I already cannot run below 5hr and 30mins. No matter what, my timing was certainly sub-6hour and not to much disappointment, I finally completed my marathon in 5 hour and 34mins (6 seconds after 5h and 33mins but hey, what’s the big difference right?). One word to describe my feeling then – finally!

Finally – I could stop running.

Finally – I could rest.

Finally – I could truly call myself a marathonner.

Finally – I completed a milestone in life.

Finally – I could share my full marathon experience with non-marathonner friends.

Finally – I deserved a finisher medal that engraves 42.195km.

Finally and finally, it was a sigh of relief!

Many smses poured in. I ran with my hp but could only afford time to text SP to get the camera ready for my run-home. She missed me nonetheless.

Luckily, I saw the photographer who was about to miss me just as well. I intentionally raised my arms and smiled at him.

*click*

 This is one of the best finishing shots I ever have. A very proud moment indeed.

Accompanying this souvenior from SCM, I also earned myself a finisher medal and a finisher tee.

1. Sufficient distance markers ( I saw distance markers for every km, after the 6km marker. Although I missed out the 41km marker, I knew it has to be there. Perhaps I was too drained to notice it.)
2. Sufficient water points. Non-carbonated 100 plus was served, which could be better than the gassy carbonated one. The 100 plus was a tad too diluted though.
3. First aid points.
4. Road closure was well done, thus ensuring safety of the runners.
5. There was much fanfare for the run event. It still pales in comparison with AHM, nevertheless, we have to give a thumbs up to the supporters along ECP. The volunteers also did a good job. In particular, I saw a caucasian guy thrice – first time at the starting point of ECP, second time at the ending point of ECP and third time at the last 5km mark. He cheered us on and still thanked me for choosing to run instead of walking.
6. Ample mineral water and 100 plus at the post-run carnival. No limitation to hydration at the end of the run.
7. Free distribution of Nature Valley Bars. Put back all the calories burnt.
8. Interesting post-run carnival. Best one I have seen so far.
9. There’s this volunteer who pinned my motivational slogan at the back of my tee. Her name is Liyana if I did not get it wrongly. Thanks.
10. As I ran along the way, a few runners pushed me (both physically and verbally). Thanks.
11. The weather was good. As I did not run fast, I had to endure the after-1030 sun but I must say the overall weather was good.
12. At the end of the route, the pathway was clear of supporters. Finishers could only walk straight ahead to collect the medal and finisher tee. I think that was organised as tired runners did not have to avoid colliding with the supporters or on-lookers.
13. There was a massage tent but I did not get to enjoy the benefit. The waiting time was 2 hours.
14. There was a kids dash. It’s kinda interesting to rope your kids in.
15. The early race pack collection was organised.  There was a counter for us to check if our champion chip works. I was one of the lucky 8000 participants who managed to successfully eballot. It was a good idea to incoporate this in the 8th SCSM Anniversary Special.

Some improvements could still be made:

a. There is a shortage of deep heat. I was not in need of it but after the 30km mark, I wanted to try and see if it really helped. To my disappointment, there was only a drop left. No doubt it cooled my muscles a little, I decided not to get anymore deep heat. Along the route, I saw many runners trying to squeeze the last bit of deep heat off the volunteer’s hands.  I understand that there is never enough deep heat but the organiser could perhaps inform runners to prepare their own. This could be particularly useful to first-timers like us because some of us could really think the supply of deep heat is always a surplus.

b. I have not tried the energy gel before but I was told that it should be distributed at the start of the water point instead of at the end of the water station since it has to be consumed with water. Distributing it before the water point could save runners some time of running back to the water point. Another school of thought could also be that the runners can hold the energy gel until the next water point.

c. As AHM has already set the benchmark, I was expecting more cheer leaders especially at the F1 pit. The fanfare was lacking – no motivational slogans or cheer leaders.

d. There were too many U-turns in the route. Try to reduce them.

e. The bag deposit was taking way too long. I reached at 5am and by the time the deposit was done, it was almost 5.30am already.

f. The running tee design was quite nice but the armholes was not design-friendly to long distance runners. The cutting of the armhole was in maximum contact with the underarms, thus easily result in underarm abrasion.

g. The faster marathonners had a hard time squeezing through the leisure half marathonners when the route merged. Perhaps the organiser can consider improving the route next year.

h. The bus service at YCK SRC pick up point was great but at other places like Jurong and CCK, it was disappointing. Alck bought the 4am bus ticket at Jurong pick up point and in contrary to what the ticket seller told me, he had no seat at all. Then over at CCK, my colleague bought the 4.30am bus ticket and had to stand all the way from CCK to the Start Point just as well. What made things worse is that bus was so full. Despite the passengers trying to create enough standing space for everyone, the bus still could not ferry everyone. (It could also pose a danger for standing passengers.) A pathetic guy ‘pleaded’ with the bus driver not to leave him there but was still shut off. The bus also arrived the Start Point late in the end. In such situation, we do not blame the bus drivers but instead the coordinator should pay more attention. No doubt 10-15% extra seats were catered for every chartered bus, every ticket holders (especially those who have purchased their tickets earlier) should be entitled to a seat. Give priority to those who have stipulated the correct pick up time. And if the response was overwhelming, consider chartering another bus. Otherwise, sell the exact no. of bus seats.

For every running event, there are bound to be some hiccups. As long as the overall organising was good and the runners gather great feeling after the run, we should really give the organiser a pat on their shoulder.

Right after I complete my marathon, I told my friends that I am not ever going to join another marathon. SP said I will definitely join again despite saying that, and she’s absolutely right! I’m already looking forward to my next marathon in 2010.

Here are some happy moments taken post-run.

Be prepared for the aftermath.

It could get quite bad. Even flipping myself in bed was painful but I stood up strong again after 2 days.

I hope this modest post from a first-timer can inspire more to take up the marathon challenge next year.