Reflection on Army Half Marathon 09

I've just did my 1st half-marathon. Army Half Marathon at the esplanade, self-claimed to be Singapore's largest running event. Not much of the 'runner's high' but I sure received lots of abrasion and sore muscles. To be frank, I was rather confident of my ability to complete the 21km distance as this served as a warm-up and a gauge for the ultimate challenge for me - Dec's Standard Chartered Full Marathon. From my performance today, guessed I seriously need to buckle up and pull up my socks. Time taken for this race - Approximately 2hrs 45mins.

The race flagged off at about 5.30am at the esplanade bridge near Fullerton Hotel. Trying to adopt a steady and easy rhythm early in the race, I tried to mentally control my breathing/drop my shoulders/keep my posture upright/lift my legs as we turned towards the ECP highway. A funny sight I've observed was that many supposedly male runners ran towards the forested area along the highway to 'relieve' themselves. A case of over-hydration?

The ECP route was also rather challenging as it was a uphill road and I struggled to keep my running rhythm.

Next we move in towards FORT Rd -> East Coast Park

The challenges posed here were a many. The first is the narrowing running path as we moved from the luxury of a 3 lane highway on ECP to a single lane jogging track along East Coast Park. The second is the cluster of 'walkers' who block the lane, forcing many overtakers to cut in and out dangerously around the poorly lit track which is also the last challenge. After the U-turn at the end of the park, i stopped near the toilet to ease my bladder. Bad move! As I struggled to regain my pace and I've lost sight of my friend Ke Ming who started the race with me.

Soon the day broke as we cruised into Tanjung Rhu -> Nicoll Highway

Yipee! More water points around here. After a sip or two of 100plus, I felt my pace slacken more rapidly and I struggled to lift my feet. At around the Nicoll highway, I chanced upon a casualty - bad cramps. I stopped and rendered my help in the form of providing some tiger balm rub which he appreciated.

As we headed towards the start of the F1 race course, I met up with my friend and guess what? More water points! And last 3Km left.

When I saw the esplanade, I was over-joyed! Because I've thought that the ending point was over at the end of the bridge which was not the case. It was at least 600m away ... at the padang! But as I sped towards the last 100m, the feeling that came over me was again out of this world. A kind of accomplishment of sorts! The plus point- we can finally get our medal, get the 'salonpas' treatment and then get the hell out of here and back to bed! Yawns .. only 3hrs or so last night!