SCSM 2009 - 6 December

Done SCSM yesterday. I did not train for this year, so I walked most of the time to avoid my legs getting cramp. I applied Mr. Joint few times and the heat balm did not work at all. I just didn't feel anything. Last year's Tiger Balm was good. The weather was good. Very cooling. Saw the elite team two times. Their strides were long, light and fast. They looked like they were flying! The team alpha, Luke Kibet won the race for the second time. He finished with a new record - 2:11:24!

I feel like eating anything since yesterday, getting hungry easily. Bro said we had burnt all the energy. So, our body is telling us to replenish. Later I will buy a sumptuous meal to reward myself.. hahaha.. Had a good rest yesterday. Now I am fully recharged tho legs are still sour. Today in office as usual.

This will be my last time to participate in SCSM. 3 years into marathon & 1 year for half, I think it is time to rest.

Marathon Enthusiasts

I used to run quite often but due to legs injury in Dec 2008, I have stopped running long distance since then. Two days ago, Soon Ying invited me to join them for a run near Commonwealth. I was hesitating because I scared my legs would pain again. Since the sky was dark, I was praying that it would rain so that I can avoid.. hahaha.. 

Anway, we gathered at Commonwealth mrt as starting point. We jogged by Margaret Drive till the tunnel parallel to Alexandra Road, went to private residential area and back to Margaret Drive. The distance was 7km. Luckily there was only slight pain on my left shin. 

I am glad that I went.  At least, I know I can go up to 7km now. Besides, I got to know this group of marathon enthusiasts. It is wonderful that people not knowing each other and share the same interest meet to enjoy together :)

Completed Full

This year marathon was bad for me. All the while, I knew my left leg is having problem. So, my initial plan was to do half marathon. I was doing fine for the first 21km which I clocked at 2hours 20mins. Then I went further till 23km and my left leg started to pain. So I started walking and thinking to stop but somehow I kept walking till km 32. I got 3 packets of energy bars and I took one. I kept walking fast till km 35. From there on, my left leg was half cramp. I was doing stretching almost every 10mins till 40km. I almost wanted to give up but then I have covered 90% of it. I should not give up unless my left leg totally fail.

At the final 100m, there were many finishers-cum-supports encouraging us. I ran until the finishing line. Finally, completed at 6hours 15mins. Well, I am not proud of myself not because of the timing but I am the cause of my left leg to be in pain.

Yesterday, I can't walk much. Sitting down or lying on bed most of the time. Today, I feel much better. Maybe I had a good rest last night from 8:30pm to 7:30am today..hahaha.. Now I can walk a little bit faster. But don't think I can go up/down the stairs....... Luckily, escalaters and lifts are widely available in SG!

At F1 stop pit, it was a great to see all the Ferrari cars lining in a row like greeting all the marathoners. They have models from past and present. It is held from Dec 6 till 8 by Hong Seh Motors, local importer of Ferrari and Maserati. BTW, entrance fee is $5 but for marathoners, it was free yesterday ;)

P/S: Bro completed in 4hours 36mins! Kudos to him!

SCSM 2008 - 7 December

Three years ago, my first time to witness bro approaching finishing line for SCSM 2005. He was running for 42.2km. It was inspiring. Then I said to myself that one day I will complete 42.2km too. When SCSM opened for registration in 2006, I signed up for 21.1km and completed. Then year 2007, I signed up for 42.2 and completed in 5hours 47mins. For this year, I still signed up for full marathon but I will only run half. My legs are giving me some problems for the past one month. Partly due to too much jogging and torn shoes. So, I do not want to strain more.

I got my Race Entry pack yesterday. This year the color for female top is navy blue. For male, the color still the same. My year 2007 top still intact in the plastic bag in my wardrobe. Year 2008's will be in my wardrobe too. Same as last year, this year SCSM, I will be wearing the old top - year 2006.

Am I ready for the run?

http://www.singaporemarathon.com/en/

Marina Barrage, finally!

Three years of construction with S$230 million investment - A reservoir in the city, turning sea water to become fresh water. That sounds sophiticated. I always wanted to go Marina Barrage since it launched on Nov 1st 2008. Either something was up on that day or we lost our way. Finally today I went there. Left my block around 8:35am with bro jogged all the way there. We went by Bukit Merah to Chinatown and turned towards CBD then Marina South. Along Marina South, we asked for direction. The journey there was dusty because of Marina Sands construction. Imagine, heavy vehicles in and out from the contruction sites. I guess that's why this year Standard Chartered marathon has chosen different route.

We reached there around 10am, it was sunny and hot. No doubt, the architecture and view are beautiful. Drawbacks are no water dispenser nor vending machine, toilet seat was broken, no proper signage outside the main entrance. One good point is the high frequency of chartered bus from Marina South mrt.

After almost a month, now I have been to Marina Barrage. I would not be going again in the near future until things are much settle there.

Some pics I downloaded from internet: