Going into this year's final marathon, my longest "training" run was the 10 Oct Newton 30km Race. And seriously, my training only started in November after my Bangkok getaway. With only 4 weeks to ramp up, I wasn't sure if my targets can be met. Anyhow, I kept telling myself that regardless what happens, just enjoy the runs, long or short, easy or difficult. Keep the feeling good, and don't get too stuck up over mileage or physical readiness. (Disclaimer: I don't encourage newbie marathoners to try this. You'll more likely end up in more pain than you can imagine during the race.)
For this race, there were a few things which were only decided at the very last minute:
1. Shoes. I was split between my adidas Mana and Asics DS Trainer. In the end I chose the adidas; it's not as stable for my flat feet, but it's lighter weight and more suited for mid/fore foot stride.
2. Socks. I was afraid of wet socks which may lead to blisters. Went with something different, and it's low-rise.
3. Deep heat. Only once before (a few years back) I rubbed deep heat just before the race, to warm up my body. Recently read in the newspapers that it may help warm up the muscles. So, while at the starting line, I rubbed it on.
The horn blew and the race started, so did my problems. I had applied deep heat on my chest, and as I perspired, the combination caused intense heat! And I made the mistake of wiping my face of perspiration, the remnants of the cream went onto my face and cause it to heat up too. I had to stop at every water point for the first 15kms to wash my hands and face. I couldn't concentrate on my running, I couldn't concentrate on my breathing. I'm just hot everywhere; Everything is going wrong. Thoughts of not completing cross my mind.
Into ECP at the 14km mark, the lead pack of elite men runners were already making their way out of ECP. 15km, Mok Ying Ren passed by with the elite women runners. I was more than 10km behind them; They were damn fast.
Alrighty, I finally managed to rid myself of the irritating effects of the cream, and concentrate on the race itself. First target, get to the U-turn point. There were a few small up-slopes, and as usual, I derive some fun from increasing my speed and overtaking people. Then, a nagging discomfort on my left heel surfaced. I've got no idea what it is, didn't want to stop to investigate too. As long as it's not getting worse, it's bearable.
20km, just before the U-turn, my timing split tells me that I'm doing ok, which was a surprise given the terrible start. But I also know that I'm heading into uncharted territory (my Nov training only gotten me to 23km), fatigue will start to set in too. Then I realised that looking at other runners would help to distract my mind.
Frankly, everything between 20-30km is a blur now. I guess I was successful in distracting myself. Anyway, the next target was met, I had exited from ECP.
12km left to go. The 30km split is very decent, similar to the timing I clocked for the Newton Race. I know it's now within reach. Keep focused.
It was certainly no fun running the connecting 3km between ECP and the yet-to-be-opened Gardens By The Bay. The paved road is hard, there's hardly any shade, and there are no water points in sight. Just construction sites or waste land on either sides.
Finally, at the Gardens' water point, not wanting to stop for too long, I gave some cursory attention to the left-heel discomfort. Saw nothing major, so just swipe off some sand from my ankle and head off. Enjoying the scenery from the Garden, it will certainly be a new spot to take nice pictures of the skyline when it opens in 2011.
The thought of walking crossed several times. I had at least 15 mins of buffer time and still can achieve a new PB. "No, no, you have come thus far and you want to settle for less?" And pushed on I did.
37km, exiting from Marina South, choas; Runners from all three categories merged into the 2 closed lanes of the expressway, and a major up-slope is nearing. Walkers everywhere, walking abreast and chatting. I had to weave through the crowd and interrupting several weather chats. Ok, I admit that I was irritated: I don't need this man-made obstacle to slow me down now. Then again, they are innocent too.
Cleared the slope (with some parts walking) and back to ground level, I can resume running normally again. Round the bend just outside the Flyer, 2km left. Time to pick up some pace. At the Esplanade, 1km left; A lady walking near me as I passed remarked the fact to her friend. Increased pace, but not too fast, the darn bridge coming up is pretty long.
Into the home stretch, I had my fastest sprint. My legs just carried me through the FINISH. SHOIK!
PS1. About the matter of my left-heel, it was a blister; caused by constant friction with my shoes. My usual socks are higher-rise than this pair that I wore.
PS2. No regrets with the adidas. I had to constantly adjust my landing and stride, but at least it discourages me from running too slowly.
For this race, there were a few things which were only decided at the very last minute:
1. Shoes. I was split between my adidas Mana and Asics DS Trainer. In the end I chose the adidas; it's not as stable for my flat feet, but it's lighter weight and more suited for mid/fore foot stride.
2. Socks. I was afraid of wet socks which may lead to blisters. Went with something different, and it's low-rise.
3. Deep heat. Only once before (a few years back) I rubbed deep heat just before the race, to warm up my body. Recently read in the newspapers that it may help warm up the muscles. So, while at the starting line, I rubbed it on.
The horn blew and the race started, so did my problems. I had applied deep heat on my chest, and as I perspired, the combination caused intense heat! And I made the mistake of wiping my face of perspiration, the remnants of the cream went onto my face and cause it to heat up too. I had to stop at every water point for the first 15kms to wash my hands and face. I couldn't concentrate on my running, I couldn't concentrate on my breathing. I'm just hot everywhere; Everything is going wrong. Thoughts of not completing cross my mind.
Into ECP at the 14km mark, the lead pack of elite men runners were already making their way out of ECP. 15km, Mok Ying Ren passed by with the elite women runners. I was more than 10km behind them; They were damn fast.
Alrighty, I finally managed to rid myself of the irritating effects of the cream, and concentrate on the race itself. First target, get to the U-turn point. There were a few small up-slopes, and as usual, I derive some fun from increasing my speed and overtaking people. Then, a nagging discomfort on my left heel surfaced. I've got no idea what it is, didn't want to stop to investigate too. As long as it's not getting worse, it's bearable.
20km, just before the U-turn, my timing split tells me that I'm doing ok, which was a surprise given the terrible start. But I also know that I'm heading into uncharted territory (my Nov training only gotten me to 23km), fatigue will start to set in too. Then I realised that looking at other runners would help to distract my mind.
Frankly, everything between 20-30km is a blur now. I guess I was successful in distracting myself. Anyway, the next target was met, I had exited from ECP.
12km left to go. The 30km split is very decent, similar to the timing I clocked for the Newton Race. I know it's now within reach. Keep focused.
It was certainly no fun running the connecting 3km between ECP and the yet-to-be-opened Gardens By The Bay. The paved road is hard, there's hardly any shade, and there are no water points in sight. Just construction sites or waste land on either sides.
Finally, at the Gardens' water point, not wanting to stop for too long, I gave some cursory attention to the left-heel discomfort. Saw nothing major, so just swipe off some sand from my ankle and head off. Enjoying the scenery from the Garden, it will certainly be a new spot to take nice pictures of the skyline when it opens in 2011.
The thought of walking crossed several times. I had at least 15 mins of buffer time and still can achieve a new PB. "No, no, you have come thus far and you want to settle for less?" And pushed on I did.
37km, exiting from Marina South, choas; Runners from all three categories merged into the 2 closed lanes of the expressway, and a major up-slope is nearing. Walkers everywhere, walking abreast and chatting. I had to weave through the crowd and interrupting several weather chats. Ok, I admit that I was irritated: I don't need this man-made obstacle to slow me down now. Then again, they are innocent too.
Cleared the slope (with some parts walking) and back to ground level, I can resume running normally again. Round the bend just outside the Flyer, 2km left. Time to pick up some pace. At the Esplanade, 1km left; A lady walking near me as I passed remarked the fact to her friend. Increased pace, but not too fast, the darn bridge coming up is pretty long.
Into the home stretch, I had my fastest sprint. My legs just carried me through the FINISH. SHOIK!
PS1. About the matter of my left-heel, it was a blister; caused by constant friction with my shoes. My usual socks are higher-rise than this pair that I wore.
PS2. No regrets with the adidas. I had to constantly adjust my landing and stride, but at least it discourages me from running too slowly.
