SCSM 07

Completed my first official half marathon (under my own name & without taking cab) last sunday. Overall it was a good run and the trainings I've put in paid off. Managed to shave almost 30 min off my AHM timing by clocking in 2:24 (self-timed and not too far off).

Felt horrible the morning before leaving for the race, lau sai twice even before stepping out of the house. Most likely due to over-binging in Bintan over the weekend. Must seriously allow for quality rest time and proper diet before a long distance event in the future.

After meeting up with TCM and gf in front of Park Royal hotel @ Beach Rd, took a brisk walk to the start line at the Esplanade bridge. Alas, at the starting line, tide began to rise and dam threatened to breach. Couldn't find an appropriate tree or bush as the first part of the race was in the CBD. Finally, reached first water point at 3km mark and decided to queue for the toilet. Long wait but quick dump, i stopped my timer during this pit stop. Hence, my official timing was 10min more.

Resumed my run, lost a bit of momentum for the next 2km but slowly picked up pace again after the 10km mark (1hr:10min). Race discipline this time was to take long fast strides when I need to walk but I couldn't maintain my hydration discipline and still took too much fluid at almost every water points. However, no stitches experienced.

There were a lot of bottlenecks along the way and I did spend considerable amount of effort to zip-zag through the crowd. Finally saw Janice at the last water point, followed her pace all the way back to the Padang. Found some reserved energy somewhere and did a sprint down the last 100m stretch.

Felt good and strong for this race, completed with no complaint or groans from the body. Must step up training now for my next first FULL marathon.