Singapore Half-Marathon 2005

Work work work
Immediately after my 2-week mandate leave, there was an ISO audit and compliance deliverables, which took up 12 hours daily. While the audit was expected, the other wasn't. Singapore Marathon was not in my mind. I contemplated of foregoing the event since I may not meet the work deadline, no transportation back and low mileage.

In the end, my sister-in-law's family decided to join us for the Singapore trip. SIL's husband drove like a Formula 1 driver. He drove the Toyota Innova at a constant speed of 150km/hr even overtook a police car! Took less than3.5 hours to reach the Tuas border.

The Singapore map I bought 2 years ago was extremely useful. Reached SuntecCity at 1 p.m. The Sports Expo was full of Pacesetter members donning the trademark bright yellow T-shirt. I felt a sense of pride to be associated with the fellow Malaysian runners.

Nice Climalite
The staff manning the counters were well trained and courteous. Collected a shoe bag with a nice Adidas blue Climalite vest. I now have 3 vests: Nike, NB and Adidas - all from race events! Bought the shuttle bus ticket at $3. Hive of activities going on. Observe with awe a 6-year-old girl doing 20-feet rock climbing. Couldn't stay long as my nieces were waiting on the ground floor.

SIL and spouse being devote gamblers asked me to find a 4-D shop as they have just visited the Fountain of Fortune and wanted to buy my bib number. A salesman told us to try Peninsular Plaza. After walking for hours, I rested my legs by sitting on a walkway. Mee Peng came out from a shop and exclaimed "Look WHO IS HERE!". It was Dr. Jamie! We greeted each other and it was good to see him. We have been SMSing each other since our journey from KL.
Finally, we left the city center and drove towards Woodlands where we stayed in my cousin-in-law’s place for the night.

3:40 a.m.
Was up at 3:40 a.m. I had pre-packed all the necessities in individual transparent zipper plastic bags: PowerBar, multi-vits, cereal, Vaseline, Counterpain, contact lenses etc. Wore the Brooks Forza for the first time.We just missed the 5 a.m. shuttle bus from Woodlands stadium by seconds and had to wait for the 5:30 a.m. one.

Samba
Reached the Esplanade Bridge around 6 a.m. Aiya! The Full Marathoners have just taken off! The MC psyched the runners up with a barrage of disco beats and inspiring statements. My thoughts were with first-timer Ben and veteran Jamie.

Within minutes, the half-marathoners assembled inside the pen. I try to look for a familiar face but found none. I was calm. With the ever-motivating MC hyping the kind of music that makes you think that this is indeed "the greatest race on earth", I was eager to take-off.

Go!
My start was charged with adrenaline, I ran the first 2km in sub-12 minutes.
There were so many water stations – every 2km. The 500 ml water bottles were in a way wasted as many just had a few gulps and threw the rest away. Perhaps, the water manufacturer could come up with 250-300ml water bottles specifically for race events – the size you find in Spritzer’s Soda Pop. Noticeably missing were sponge stations. I find cold sponging helps to dissipate heat from the head and alleviate sore muscles.

This is one race where you are never alone. There were runners everywhere: front, back, side and opposite. Most of the roads U-turn back hence you’ll see runners from the opposite direction. Initially, I ran on the right side of the road to catch a glimpse of the returning runners but stop soon after I felt dizzy.

10 km
The distance markers were displayed at every km. Even the water stations had “….150m to water station” signboards. The Marshals were doing a fantastic job. Instructions were non-ambiguous and crystal clear “Runners move to your left!!! (when we approach a left turning bottle neck).….10k Runners U-turn to your RIGHT, the REST go straight!”. I reached the 10km mark in 1:04:37, which was 1-2 minutes behind my usual split. From here onwards, I struggled to maintain a sub-7min/km pace.

The sun was rising from the East Coast. Even though this is my 5th half-marathon, experience itself cannot save me from the lack of training. I drank as much water as my stomach could hold without feeling bloated.

I took the Lime PowerGel at the 12th km. Exiting Marina South, coming back to the Esplanade Bridge, there were many SLR photographers and almost non-existent cheerleaders. If I am not mistaken, there was only one pom-pom group. Since the bibs are only place in front and none at the back, it was difficult to correlate your position or pacing with the other runners. There was no human yardstick.

After the bridge, I kept looking in front for the final U-turn; many have made their turn. The sun was now up and blazing directly on my face. I saw Wan the ex-Pacesetter president from the opposite direction. Participants will have no way of cheating by shortcutting across the cone divider because the Champion Chip sensor mat is located at every U-turn.

Final U-turn
At last, the last turn, the last hurrah. I have reserved some energy to attack from this point. It is the 17 km mark. Time 1:55:32. I started to pick up speed and overtook runner after runner. But alas! My right (again) calf twitched. I slowed down immediately. When the drink stations came, I took my time to drink and walk at least 20 seconds. Initially, I was targeting a sub 2:20 finish, and then I move it to 2:25. It is still possible, so I thought.

Longest 3 kms.
When I saw the 18th km signboard, I said to myself, it is only 3kms away why can’t my legs move. By now the spasms are sporadic. My thought now was to save my right leg from a major cramp. In the final kilometer back to the Esplanade Bridge I walk-run. There was a young sweet female Marshal who yelled “Common, u can MAKE it, the finishing line is just after the Bridge (Andarson Bridge)”. Made a right turn from the Esplanade Bridge to the second bridge. After crossing it, there were scores of spectators on both sides of the road applauding their friends and love ones to the finish. I could see the distance markers 300m….200m ….100m….

Despite the attention, for every right stride I made the cramp attacked my lower thigh and upper calf. I was limping to the finish. I looked at the giant stopwatch it was displaying 2:29:50…51..52...53…. I just want to beat the gun time of sub 2:30.

I finished with an official Chip Time/Gun Time 2:29:13 / 2:29:58. The last 3km split times: 8:44; 8:48 and 9:13. My Timex stopwatch clocked 2:29:15. Accurate timing.

Rehydrate
Behind the finishing line, runners can enjoy “all you can drink” session in an enclosed area. I drank 2 cans of 100 Plus and a bottle of water. The 100 Plus somehow tasted saltier and tastier than the ones I drank last night. I greedily grabbed 3 more cans, one stuffed to my back pocket and 2 bottles of water! I had a feeling there will be no drinks outside the cordoned area and Mee Peng was probably thirsty waiting under the hot sun.

Returned the Champion Chip and collected the medal. After cooling off under the ceiling fan tent, it was time we made our way back to Woodlands. With so much hydration, I felt perfectly fine.

MRT
We boarded the MRT at City Hall. I was carrying a backpack and a water bottle. As the train moved from station to station, I leaned against the pole and coolly drank my water. I notice the other passengers were observing me and I soon realize why when I read the warning “no drinking FINE $500”.

I developed motion sickness in the train, the same experience I had after driving home from the Putrajaya Half-Marathon. Luckily I did not throw up. Maybe I should bring my blood pressure monitor next time.

Nutshell
I may not be the type of runner who would travel long distances to participate a race. However, I always enjoy the experience of running in new venues and routes. Running is another form of Traveling. The journey can be mystifying.

PJ Half-Marathon

Exactly a year ago, I pondered if I could survive my first 21km race, the PJ Half-Marathon. Coming into the same race this year, I wondered if I could repeat the feat by qualifying this time since the PJ Half is not full 21kms but 19.5km. I also wanted to erase the disappointment of being mistimed last year despite finishing 2:13.

After PutraJaya run, I took it easy to rest the legs and did only one 15-min light running. A blogger called the back-to-back Putrajaya and PJ half-marathon run “The double Jaya Run”. Indeed it was a double “jaya” and double happiness run for this blogger.

Carbo overload
The night before the race, it was again my niece birthday held in the afternoon. Unlike last year, this time I took the greasy cake, fried chicken, fried sotong, chips, noodles etc.... I made sure I was stuffed by eating Hor Fun (noodles) at 9 p.m.

Woke up at 4:30 a.m with a headache. Took half powerbar, 2 bananas, cereal drink and 2 vitamin pills. I am still keeping the opened Putrajaya powergel in the fridge! Consumed it once I reached the Stadium carpark.
Met Kenneth Teh (PM20) at the road junction. Haven't seen him for quite awhile. Incidentally, he was also the first person I met last year. We met our opposite neighbour, Mrs. Su who was running the 5km category. She finished the Putrajaya 21km in 2:15 in the senior category a remarkable timing considering she is a busy mother with 4 children.

Off we go...
I started off quickly with no feet problems experienced in Putrajaya but had an unexpected urge to urinate despite visiting the washroom just 15 minutes ago (prostate gland enlargement?). Maybe it is due to anxiety but I did drink quite a fair bit of water in the morning.

I reached the first waterstation right before the Motorola flyover in 22+ mins, which was 2 mins faster than last year. U turn back on the other side, there were many familiar runners from the Putrajaya run. I recognized them from the rear and side profile but not the face. This is because during a run, one normally doesn’t get to see the runner face to face!

Ponytail girl, Adidas man, Bidor Kaki and Slim Orange Lady were all there and we seem to share the same pace. After I overtook Ponytail girl, it began to drizzle. Alamak! Would this be my first time racing under the rain? It was almost 7a.m and chilly.

Raindrops keep falling on my head…
Just as I approached the Subang airport flyover, the rain got heavier. I ran a little faster to induce more body heat negating the coldness. By now, my hair was dripping and shoes soaked. I decided not to lap (press buttons) on my Timex watch as it had a problem of hanging/reseting under wet conditions.


12 km
The distance markers were completely missing until km 12. Time was 77 mins. No race plan no target checkpoints just run to the best of my ability so I told myself. The new flyover under construction last year was ready this year for the runners to tackle its gradient.
After passing the Subang roundabout, I saw Kenneth on the opposite road, it was the same place I saw Newton last year. I waved and gave him a thumbs-up. I should be making a U-turn soon at the Aerobridge so I thought but to my chagrin, the U-turn was right at the end of Terminal 3 roundabout! The route is now at least 1.5km longer!

Habis, habis my 2-3 minute gain is completely wiped out by this longer route.

16 km
Reached the km 16 marker in 1:45+. I did a quick arithmetic; to finish 2:15 I need to run the last 5kms within 30mins i.e. 6mins/km. It was mission impossible and my only hope was the distance marker was inaccurate.

I put up a challenge and increased pace. Then I saw the new daunting flyover again and people walking on it. This was the turning point of the race.
At the crest of the flyover, I gazed far ahead to locate the final left junction turn to Kelana Jaya. When I could not see it, I lost hope.

Chopsticks
My stamina was dead.
Though my legs had no muscle pull or cramps, they were as stiff as chopsticks. Out of the blue, an orange angel appeared. It was Slim Orange Lady (SOL), she had been following or pacing behind me for the last 8-10kms! SOL seemed to adopt the Galloway’s walk-run strategy. In the last 3 kms, we exchanged leads 6-7 times until it became embarrassing. I almost wanted to chat with her since we were running side by side. I wanted to tell her I wasn’t competing with her but merely trying to survive. Maybe she thinks the same?
I was running so slowly until a smart Mat Salleh’s fast walking equaled my slow run. (Perhaps I should walk more often but Ben says, “It is a sin”.)

Angel speed
Finally, we came to the Kelana Jaya junction, from here onwards SOL took off. I started walking too after observing the Mat Salleh’s speed walking.
Coming into the stadium, it was rather quiet, overtook one runner and sprinted the last 100 meters.

Wan the ex-Pacesetter President waiting at the finishing line whom at first I thought was a race official, handed me a 30km Pacesetter race application form which initially I thought was some certificate!

There was no official to take my position. According to Mee Peng, the moment the 2:15 qualifying time ended, the race officials just left the finishing line. I completed the race in 2:26:49.
Traffic control could be improved with road closure as 99 percent of the time we were running along with the traffic. I fear somebody may get hurt one day.

Keep trying
This is my 4th Half-Marathon. For the 2nd year running, I failed to qualify for the PJ Half. This is the only race event I fail to meet the qualifying mark. Regardless of age group, the PJ Half-Marathon organizers fix the qualifying time of 2:15 for all categories.

On the positive side, my legs were stronger this time and perhaps with higher mileage I may one day conquer the 2:15 barrier.

Putrajaya Half-Marathon

This inaugural run was held on Sept 11, the 3rd anniversary of the 911 incident. I am beginning to like half-marathons because it challenges my fear of enduring and completing the distance. After running twice in this category, my apprehension seems to have lessened and this translates to unhealthy low mileage and irregular long runs. Such laziness does not augur well to race preparation.

Training

I only did 2 LSD (long slow distance), if one can consider them as long runs: 90 mins and 83mins a week before the race covering distances of 13 and 11 kms respectively. Compared to KLIM 2005 training, I was practically running every session between 70-100 mins.

4 days before the race, I went to the gym to do some light workout. There was this new “step machine” that simulates the leg running motion and it was perfect since it was impactless. I spent 20 minutes on it and later learn to regret it!

Race day

Set my alarm clock at 4a.m but woke up at 2:50 a.m. due to a very dry throat. Rolled on the bed for the next hour and finally got up. Left home at 5:45 a.m. This would be Mee Peng’s first visit to Putrajaya.

4 Toilets and 60 Angry Runners

As usual, once I reach the site I looked for the washroom. Went to the mosque but was not allowed entry and was directed to the starting line. To my horror, there were only 4 mobile toilets: 2 for Men and 2 for Women! The queue was 15 runners long! Why do the organizers keep repeating the same mistakes? For heavens sake, there are 8,000 participants not including non-runners in this major event. Don’t they do capacity planning?

An official saw the situation and came over to inform the runners to go to the basement food court, as there are more toilets there. This responsible official instead got cursed by an impatient runner who replied, “Why the fxxk didn’t you tell us earlier?!”. I honestly think it was no fault of the helpful official but that of higher authority.

Putra Bridge

As I entered the barricade, I could hear people complaining about the toilet allocation. Moved right to the back to get some air. Look around for familiar faces then Jamie appeared and said “Ah! PM members come lets take some photos”. Draco and Ronnie join in the group photo. Tey who was sporting a new digital camera, seems to be having a whale of a time photographing the event.

The PAIN

A few PMs (Pacemakers) were heard saying “Easy run ya, take it easy only lah…”. The gunshot fired and PM1 scamper to the front while we laughed. I kept to the left most side of the 3-lane road. Everybody seems to be starting at a faster than normal pace. After 100 meters, something was not right. Both my legs were aching! My toes and forefeet felt sore – a result of the gym workout on the new step machine that I have mentioned earlier! In fact, sporadic parts of my legs felt lethargic. I have never felt this way so early in a race before.

Kilometer 1

The km distance markers were informative. I clocked 5:46mins in the first km and told myself to slowdown, as this is not a 10k race coupled with the unpredictable leg condition.

A senior veteran runner probably in his early 50s stopped a passing ambulance and asked for oxygen. I was afraid he might be suffering from a heart attack or some other ailment.

Bouncing Distraction

Somewhere after km 4, the route u turn and I ran the opposite direction where I could see the tail end of the runners. There were 2 attractive Chinese lady runners pacing together, one of them had her front bouncing up and down. It was obvious enough for the guys on my side of the road to start ogling and teasing. {Later Mee Peng relayed to me (I missed the scene) she saw it herself at the finishing line where everybody including the religious ones stared at her low cut vest and wondered if she deliberately choose not to wear a sports bra or was she actually braless?}

By 8 a.m. the sun had risen from the East. Though it was not blazing hot, the barren land with no trees or highland offers no shade or scenery for the runners. The numerous solid steel bridges looked a bit odd in an area where development is not fully materialized.
Fortunately, water stations were located at close intervals of 3-4 kms. After learning my lesson from the KLIM 2005 run, I made sure I hydrate at every drink stop.

My legs were not moving as comfortably as I would have expected. The nagging aches were a nuisance. I was not relishing this race.

Tried to look for pacer(s) to change the boredom. Found a ponytail and D004. D004 seems like a steady pacer. Ponytail was faster and soon I lost sight of her. D004 was agile on the uphill where I lost ground despite my efforts to close the gap going down the slope. I use such mind tactics to maintain pace.

Mid-race

There were a few of us treading leads: The Bidor kaki runner, a red vest “Taipei” Marathoner, 2 balding grey hair muscular senior veteran pacing together, a plump loud Grunter his rhythmic "Er!.... Er!.... Er!" sounded as if he is being whipped to run, a lady running with full-sized headphones like the ones found in studio recording. Next time I will bring my Sennheiser. There was this strange male Malay runner with long curly hair right down to his waist! He used only one pin on his back bib. I think he is the same eccentric runner whom I have seen in other races wearing jeans and boots but always finish strongly but why is he walking this time?

Worse than double hill

The route was undulating. I have no idea what terrain was in front of me – difficult to sustain a pace. There were so many types of uphill! Some steep, some long, some 270 degrees highway slopes; you name it Putrajaya has it.

In my opinion, this kind of route is excellent for training but tormenting for racing. I clocked 63mins at the 10th kilometer mark, which was consistent with KLIM 2005.

Last 4 kms

Ponytail who lead earlier, reappeared and seemed to have slowed down. Slowly I overtook her and had a feeling I could finish strongly but it was otherwise.

The last 2 uphills were the killer. The circular Persiaran Sultan Salehuddin gradual uphill final stretch seems endless. I could hardly move a step further. My blood pressure must have measured an all time high. At least 15 runners overtook me in the final 2kms. Headphone lady was back, easily overtook me. The headphones had a charging effect on her. I just could not muster any more energy. I grimaced and wondered how does one complete a full 42-km marathon?

1 km to the finishing line, there was yet another water station. I excused myself to stop not so much to grab a drink but to rest! Continued slogging and heard somebody exclaimed “Oi! Faster! Faster!” it was Ben walking back to his car, managed to slur a few words to ask what was his timing of which he replied 1:48. A few 100 meters further Jamie shouted “Alrite Cheong, go for it!” I gulped and uttered “dying…”. Saw Justin who also cheered me on.

Manage to overtake 2 A-group runners and sprinted the last 50 meters. For the first time, I raised my arms in relief to commemorate the end of a tough race. The official shooed me away when I tried to ask for my position since PM website request for such results. I finished 2:19:36.

Overall

I must admit this is one heck of an arduous run. 1.5 hours after the run, while I was driving around SEA Park, PJ looking for a coffee shop to have breakfast I suddenly felt nauseous and wanted to throw up. It was close to noon – I have not eaten. After a bowl of low shee fun (noodles) and cold shower, I recovered.

Read somewhere “No Pain No Gain. Pain is my friend”. It better be right because PJ Half-Marathon is the following Sunday.