The start was not as exciting as StanChart's, but what the heck. After flag off, I set into a 6:10min/km pace, a comfortable doable pace for 42km. The high humidity had me perspiring so much for the first 5km that I started to panic: I don't want to lose so much salt and water so early, invitation for cramps later! But well, I can do nothing about the humidity. Just concentrate on my breathing and putting my foot forward landing as mid/fore foot as possible.
Entering into ECP, my socks started to get wet. No good. There is nothing that I can do about this either, but it adds another panic factor. The short uphills were fun, as I accelerated up and controlling the downhill speed. Soon the fun stopped, another problem surfaced. My knees are in pain.
I had no choice but to slow down further, taking my time during drinks stations and awarding myself a toilet break. My mind is succumbing to all the negatives, my high perspiration, fear of cramps, wet socks and knee pain. Not sure what was my pace then, but i'm sure it was pretty slow. This lasted a good 10kms!
Forcing my body into maintaining the speed, however slow, and keeping my mind on overtaking a friend easily 1km ahead of me, everything somehow just settled into place. Perspiration was still high, but there was the occasional sea breeze which was a relief. The cramps which I usually suffer after 25km didn't set in. The wet socks didn't cause blisters. The pain in my knees disappeared.
I started to pick up speed at the 28km, at the NSRCC stretch in ECP. Paced a ang-moh for 1-2kms, then not sure he lost me or I lost him. Regardless, I'm starting to cruise at a constant speed.
The onset of the so-called runner's high at 32km was both a surprise and comfort. 32km was the supposed hit-the-wall mark, but I'm experiencing the high! It means that my body is doing well. Reminded myself that I need to moderate my intensity level regardless of the high lest I hit the so-feared cramps or lose the high. I ensured I stop at water points, and stopped for a short stretch whenever required.
38km, the first signs of cramps appeared. I quickly pulled aside to stretch. No way I'm allowing cramps to thwart my sub-5hr target. Turning into Aviation Road for the last 3kms, I picked up more speed, overtaking at least a dozen of people. I think I was running at nearly 6min/km pace.
I almost had no more energy for the last km. Forced my mind into the narrow vision, picturing my typical StanChart Esplanade Bridge run-up to the FINISH, I pushed forward. Keeping pace with another runner, I also notice another runner behind me catching up. Round the first bend, a warm breeze hit me. A cool breeze would have been so much better. Never mind, picked up more speed. Overtaking the first runner. From the corner of my eye, I saw someone tried to catch up. I just ran faster, not caring about others; It's my race against myself.Round the last bend, only 200m left. More speed. My mind went into a blank. There's no more pain. Just me and my breathing. A final burst at 100m saw me cross the FINISH. It's a sub-5hr. The time is still too near to the 5hr mark, but it's a Personal Best nonetheless. :)
