After having started the year on a rolling high, already breaking several PBs and enroute to breaking a few more, the accident was like being knocked down by an anvil dropped from nowhere. Until now, I still wonder if it's a nightmare that I'll eventually wake up from.
21 December 2011
From Osim To StanChart. And cheers to my 4-part fracture and a brand new year!
Thanks to all for the congratulatory notes that I've received for completing the marathon. I'm certainly very happy that I've fulfilled my promise to myself and friends. I have conquered the 42.195km.
8 December 2011
Aldric's Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011
Aldric recounts his Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011 experience...
I never had a good run in my previous Stanchart participation. Back then in 2007, I DNF’ed because I couldn’t bring myself to cramp to the finish. In the slightly recent 2008, I was DSQ’ed as one of the kind marshals directed me for an earlier u-turn at ECP. I must look terrible in such a way that she wanted to help me end my misery earlier.
Fast forward to 3 years later and the good ole’ recalcitrant me was standing at the start line for 2011 edition. This time, I wasn’t excitable compared to the ‘07/’08. I was at peace and was waiting for race to commence. I was simply glad to be ready for this year’s marathon as the finish line has eluded me time and time again. There was a target that I wanted to achieve and believed that it shouldn’t be a huge ask.
I never had a good run in my previous Stanchart participation. Back then in 2007, I DNF’ed because I couldn’t bring myself to cramp to the finish. In the slightly recent 2008, I was DSQ’ed as one of the kind marshals directed me for an earlier u-turn at ECP. I must look terrible in such a way that she wanted to help me end my misery earlier.
Fast forward to 3 years later and the good ole’ recalcitrant me was standing at the start line for 2011 edition. This time, I wasn’t excitable compared to the ‘07/’08. I was at peace and was waiting for race to commence. I was simply glad to be ready for this year’s marathon as the finish line has eluded me time and time again. There was a target that I wanted to achieve and believed that it shouldn’t be a huge ask.
4 December 2011
Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011
It is finally done. The results itself is not fantastic, but the entire experience is.
Pre-race 1 day. First time that I prepared the bib, all my gels and attire in the morning. In the afternoon, bought bread for breakfast. Later the evening decided that I'll walk to the starting line, if there is no rain. Set my alarm for 3am and slept at about 10pm.
Pre-race Race Day. It was a super cool morning, due to the rain the day before. Started out at about 3:35am. On the way, I did a few mini warm up runs crossing roads and chasing after the green man. Arrived nearby Mandarin Hotel at 4:10am. Doesn't seemed crowded yet.
This year, they only had one pen for 4-6 hour marathoners. I'm not too sure where to park myself, but since I was early, I ended up in the 1st half of the pen. As 5am nears, everyone started moving forward, and I ended up even further in front. Fish, this position is perhaps for the 4hr peeps. Never mind.
Pre-race 1 day. First time that I prepared the bib, all my gels and attire in the morning. In the afternoon, bought bread for breakfast. Later the evening decided that I'll walk to the starting line, if there is no rain. Set my alarm for 3am and slept at about 10pm.
Pre-race Race Day. It was a super cool morning, due to the rain the day before. Started out at about 3:35am. On the way, I did a few mini warm up runs crossing roads and chasing after the green man. Arrived nearby Mandarin Hotel at 4:10am. Doesn't seemed crowded yet.
This year, they only had one pen for 4-6 hour marathoners. I'm not too sure where to park myself, but since I was early, I ended up in the 1st half of the pen. As 5am nears, everyone started moving forward, and I ended up even further in front. Fish, this position is perhaps for the 4hr peeps. Never mind.
22 November 2011
Let's Beat Pain To The FINISH!
Just a dozen more days from the race. I've got no more advice to give. So what is this post about? Well, it's about me and my final preparations, sort of.
Two weeks ago, I have clocked 35+km weekly mileage. Last week to today, hardly 20km. And I'm not yet tapering. I just couldn't find the motivation to train, to run. Well, such situation happens, and what am I to do about it? Nothing. Really, I can do nothing much about it. Perhaps reminding myself not to think too much about missing my runs, and not think about how painful it will be come 4 Dec. To just focus on self-belief.
I have just checked out the race route. It is the same route as last year's. Even so, I still exclaimed at the fact that it is only halfway at the ECP U-turn!!! What the fish! Run from Orchard Road to F2 and it's only 21km??!!! Why am I punishing myself this way? LOL!
How about race day morning itself? How am I getting myself to the start point? Should I take the train? Or shall I do an estimated 40min walk to Orchard? Still thinking... something to get my mind off my not running.
I know it will be all ok. Typically it will be ok soon. I mean my feeling down. It's just not a good feeling going through it. And perhaps I'm just anxious to experience my final few good feeling runs before the race. My ultimate essential must-have item going into any major race. It's my confidence boost.
So, how are your final preparations? Regardless the distance that you are running, and your reasons for running, just plan to go out there to enjoy the entire process. Yes, it can be painful. But yes too, you can engage the pain, and emerge stronger. I'll see you at the FINISH.
30 October 2011
Newton 30km Challenge 2011
Regardless of all my preparations and apparent confidence, I had major doubts doing this race. I have only ran two 10kms and only clocked once a 30+km weekly mileage. I'm only confident of completing 15km, maybe 20km if I push myself really hard. Why do I choose the mountain of a 30km to mark my re-entry back into racing?
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