Just want to give thanks to all those people who have supported me in one way or another. To Kenny and Wanzi, thanks for accompanying me for the 20km run back in East Coast, the effort have not been forgotten.
Similarly to those people who have supported or sms me before the race, I am equally pleased to receive a supporting message from u! Thanks for making the effort!
Well, I woke up at around 3.30am on my big day, 4th of Dec, the day whereby I was enthusiastic and passionate in running my big race- 42.195km. Because of the time constraints due to examination, the training that I received was not well adequate. I have only covered a distance slightly more than half of this race-25km. But still, it was a moment that I have been waiting for.......
A couple of years ago (around 3-4), I couldn't compete in the race because of my carelessness- in which I sprained my ankle, and subsequently during the 2 year, I couldn’t compete again because I have to go to New Zealand trip for training purposes as a soldier, as part of SUMAN warrior. Well, I really treasured the time spend in NEW Zealand, nice environment coupled with memories, but the feeling of missing all the important half marathon races (21km) was a bit depressing.
After drinking my cup of tea, I went downstairs when the sky was still dark and the wind was still as silence filled the air. I checked the time, it was only 3.55 am. Boy, it was still early! As I embarked on the route that I have planned out, that is to my friend's house first den to Jurong stadium. A merc cab, stop in front of me. Wow, I am lucky isn't it? =P
As we reached esplanade, my heart was a bit jittery over the race. I even have to go to the loo twice. As all the runners started to fill up the spaces for the race, the atmosphere is so different! It is such a rare sight to see so many runners gathering to run so early in the morning. Some of the gals were even just clad in 2 pieces, just for this run. As the final countdown song was played, there were only 5 mins left to the start of the run.
The next thing I know, I have had started running. It was really a matter of self control and exertion for me to take this race easy. There has always been a tendency for me to push myself beyond the limit, racing and speeding at the start of the race. But TODAY!!! NO NO!! I can't do that because it is a long race that I have had to compete. Ran with one of my army friend till the 6km and we splited up after that. However I have to note that, the feeling of a running partner, a friend beside u is really encouraging. I was running slightly faster after the 6km mark because I reckon that I was too slow. As I reached the 16km mark, I envision that my friends were there to support me. Ran slightly faster. Nope, not much supporter there. Therefore I continue to run and run and run. As I started to feel the fatigue from running after covering a distance of 21km. But with my supporters perhaps just around the corner, I decided not to give up this running speed. Furthermore, I get to eat a banana at around the 26km mark.
However, my training only covered me physically and psychologically till the 25km mark. By this period, I was already half gone. However, the feeling that my supporters would be at the 27km mark spur me on. I can’t stop now!! I must endure and continue to run. Gosh, I reached the 27km mark, but nobody was there!!! Well, I believe that they must be at the 33km mark.
At this juncture, I was already very tired physically and psychologically. A lot of tots suddenly engulfed and filled my mind. Derrick’s prayer- my supporters and the dedication of this run to god. One-third of the race more to go, I believe that it shouldn’t be an issue. Therefore I tried to control my breathing and started to run slowly, I started to walk at every 1km -2 km interval after 34 km. I was almost gone. =P Couldn’t really controls my leg muscles, heart beat or my breathing.
As I was running to my 37 km mark, suddenly I saw my 3 dear friends!! MY SUPPORTERS!!! THEY ARE HERE!!! I finally found them!! Hahaha.. Yenleng, Ivan and MISS Teo. Yeah yeah yeah!!! Thanks for coming, dear friends. Really appreciate it lots.
Think they have to wake up very early, around 7.30am; this is early from their usual routine considered the fact that it is the holiday now. That was one of the effort that I appreciate. Secondly, the location that they choose to support me was apparently, some mosquito-infested areas, which results in them being bitten terribly. (Not very sure on this though, coz I didn’t stay at that area for too long). But in returns, they get to see cute gals, cute guys and some other sight. Like the guy whose clothes were filled with blood due to nipple abrasion
Anyway, the end results of the marathon. 4hrs 47mins, 2 shirts, 1 shoes bag, satisfaction, and 3 wonderful supporters in my life.
Thanks for coming!! Hope u all would have a great holiday ahead! =P
