I've been sort of looking forward to this race; First, to verify that my PB at last year's StanChart is no accident. Second, to validate results of 5 months of training towards an even better time. Perhaps also because the intention for this race as only a checkpoint and training towards the Gold Coast, I'm not too sure how to focus my mind for it.
The preparation and lead up to the race was good, though Passion Run didn't turn up as good as I would wanted it to be, but it serves as a prelude to what happened.
Then, there is my usual "What shoe to wear?" question. I was tempted to try my new shoes, but it was 2 days before race day when a persistent aching pain in my feet helped decide that I'll go with my 7 month-old Asics trainers. It's not the lightest of my running shoes, but it provides enough support and cushioning for my flat feet.
The race started off well. My striding became more comfortable as the kilometres pass. At the 5km mark, I noticed more people overtaking me, but I resisted following them and kept to my pace. Indeed, nearing the 10km mark, I started to overtake some of the earlier folks. This means that I'm keeping to my targeted 6min/km pace.
Not sure if it's due to the gel that I've just consumed, or indeed I'm going into the zone, I entered into one of my best cruise ever. Steps felt super effortless, breathing controlled and feeling good overall. I thought to myself, if this continues, I won't need Gold Coast to hit my target.
15km, toilet ahead, I took a leak. Needed it since 1 hr ago. Knowing that it's slight downhill after the toilet, it'll help me regain the speed that I was doing.
Everything was a blur after the toilet break. Things started to fail. First, the Z-monster hit me. Creeping up was my feet crying out for me to stop running. I can fight back pain and continue on, but provided I'm awake enough. Ok, let's compromise, at least make it properly to 30km. "This is training, remember? Gold Coast is your target, not this."
21km, a decent split for a sub-5. But I was losing my battle with sleep and pain. The 30km mark was too far away. After checking in at the timing zone after the U-turn, I had to walk a bit. My feet were screaming for me to stop the constant pounding. They were even asking me not to walk. They just wanted rest. They were in pain, not just the pain incurred in the last 2hrs, but pain accumulated from since I started my 20km runs in March. I already had a warning from my feet last week after Passion Run. And of course I was yawning incessantly and uncontrollably.
The dilemma: Remember the spirit of the marathon? Remember the words printed at the back of your singlet? Remember to beat pain to the FINISH? Bear in mind that you were in pain for 1 entire month in 2006 unable to even walk properly after your first half marathon. Bear in mind that Gold Coast is just 1 month away. Bear in mind that you don't want to inflict yourself with any permanent injury.
Walking and running a little here and there, I struggled with the dilemma for the next 5kms. I knew what I should be choosing, but it just felt not right. Then, I stole a 3min lay-down on a bench near Bedok Jetty, kicking off my darn(1) shoes to relieve my feet of its prison. Heaven. That sealed it. I'll make sure there'll be no permanent hell for me to bear after the race, but I'll do what I can to respectfully complete the race.
I started to chart the distances which I'll try running. Followed by walking. Then running... It worked. Yes, it was difficult and painful to restart running, but once I was into my typical striding after 100 metres, I would be fine. But I limit myself to run no more than 1km at a go. And when I walked, I totally ignored all cries and encouragement from supporters and volunteers to run.
The plan went well. It got me out of East Coast at least. And I thought, "why not just run all the way?" "Ok, you have gone through all the thinking, just stick to the plan!" And stuck to it, I did. Changi Coast Road, let's conquer it km by km. Run 1km, walk 1km.
Last few metres of the coast road, and just about to turn to the final 3+km of Aviation Road. Do I have enough to run all of it? "Let's give it a shot, but remember to listen to your feet!"
Starting off slowly. I did not (need to) stop. Feet and legs aching, but not in pain. Breathing controlled. Gaining speed little by little. Into my final burst. FINISHed.
Took off my shoes and socks immediately after crossing the finishing line. Heaven once again. Now, how to tackle Gold Coast after today?
(1) There is nothing wrong with the shoes, the pair of shoes are fine. It's just that my feet rather not be wearing any shoes then.
