Sundown Marathon 2011

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.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010

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.

Sundown Marathon 2010

I did all the prep, including purposefully going to town to have a pasta lunch and drinking salt-water 2 days before the race.

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. :)

The OSIM Frog

Life has been pretty different since I've taken up the challenge to attempt a Triathlon several months ago. There's the time spent on training, making new friends and a whole new view of work-life-balance.

Having to train 3-4 days a week with each session lasting 2-3 hours is not easy to maintain. There are always times when I ask myself if what I'm doing is worthwhile, and what is it for? I don't have an answer now, and I don't think I'll have answer later. At least I know I'm enjoying the entire process, the process of training and sufferring and then enjoying the race day high.

OSIM was a wash-out. Bad weather caused the organisers to cut the race short, even shorter than the sprint. The transition area was also a muddy mess, literally. This is my first major race, and my first DNS. A major disappointment.

I had to have something to fill for the missing gap, to remedy the disappointment. I found The Frog Race, a charity run-swim-run. It was to be held at ECP with an open water swim, but they moved it to NTU later, with the swim at the SRC pool.

I guess I completed the race ok. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Biscuit was also there to support and take pictures.

History Lesson 3

About 12 years ago...

Einstein, photons, light, wave theory and particle theory intrigued me. Something funny though I thought, why should wave and particle theories have to co-exist to explain the characteristics of light? If there is an universal theory as Einstein has envisioned, shouldn't there be just one theory that explains light itself?

Is there such a unified theory for light now? I don't know. But if there still isn't, here are my ideas:

Particle theory should hypothetically able to encompass all of light's characteristics. Photons are particles with mass, however negligible. Due to their free running nature, unlike electrons, and with such a small mass, enables them to travel in what we now refer to as light-speed. All particles have a natural frequency, and this determines the radioactivity of the photon itself. It vibrates as it travels through space, and coupled with the tremendous velocity, emits electric and magnetic fields, which we now know as EM waves.

All right... then what this there within this freak idea that can explain how light penetrates transparent matter but not opaque ones? What about reflection?... Got to think more. Thinking since 1 decade ago...