It was never going to be easy. When Yi Chuen and Kenny came to stay over at my place last night the possibility of not sleeping very much was very high. Indeed, we probably manage to sleep close to midnight while waking up at 0345hrs. And so we made our way down. Didn't get off to a very good start with some conflict over the meeting and all but eventually we trudged down to the start line. Though we all flagged off together, it was evident that we'd soon break off into smaller groups.
While Heng, Yi Chuen, Shaun and Hui Yang started off strongly, Brent and I slowly dropped back with Kenny heading to the toilet after about 2km before joining his arty friends. And so, in the wee hours of the morning we just maintained a comfortable pace, taking extra effort not to push too hard at the start. As we finally turned out of the Marina South area (which was about 8km?), we were feeling great and started picking up the pace a little as we headed off on the 2nd part of our long journey toward East Coast Park. Everything was going well as we passed Yi Chuen and Hui Yang at the Esplanade. We went past Heng at about 20km or so and caught up with Shaun at about 23-24km. So Shaun joined our mini group as we made our way to the 26km turning point. East Coast was mentally and physically challenging because we have run it SO MANY TIMES you know how far you have to run and it's quite far to say the least not to mention boring. We were all quite fun until the 30km part when we took turns to feel cramps coming along then we started stretching at regular intervals. Still we managed to get out of East Coast towards Fort Road (which was at about 32km) and that was when everything started setting in. The heat, fatigue and getting a bit out of breath so slowed down considerably. Managed to perservere on to 35km before Shaun started having problems. Looked like he was gonna collapse but no worries! We just walked the remainder of the distance. How romannnticcc we were contemplating holding hands and kissing when we crossed the finish line but decided against it in the end =P
In the end, it was incredible when you cross the finish line and you wonder how you managed to travel so far as well as the pain and the companionship. So we struggled back to the baggage point and got our stuff, met up with Brent before heading back to find Kenny who finished came in fastest amongst all of us (spirit of the SAF hahaha). We then waited for Yi Chuen to come in before finally meeting up with everyone at the baggage point. Then we met up and went to eat la mian xiao long bao!
Right now, I truly feel like dying yet elated. A million thanks to all those who encouraged me and were mentally there for me every step of the way! =] As well as my parents and sis who came down to the finishing point. I love all of you! Would never have completed it on my own. It just goes to show that your first marathon is really nothing about timing. Well, unless I get conned again, it'll be my last full marathon. But then again, we get conned very easily. Btw, this entire marathon thing? It's all Yi Chuen's fault =P
While Heng, Yi Chuen, Shaun and Hui Yang started off strongly, Brent and I slowly dropped back with Kenny heading to the toilet after about 2km before joining his arty friends. And so, in the wee hours of the morning we just maintained a comfortable pace, taking extra effort not to push too hard at the start. As we finally turned out of the Marina South area (which was about 8km?), we were feeling great and started picking up the pace a little as we headed off on the 2nd part of our long journey toward East Coast Park. Everything was going well as we passed Yi Chuen and Hui Yang at the Esplanade. We went past Heng at about 20km or so and caught up with Shaun at about 23-24km. So Shaun joined our mini group as we made our way to the 26km turning point. East Coast was mentally and physically challenging because we have run it SO MANY TIMES you know how far you have to run and it's quite far to say the least not to mention boring. We were all quite fun until the 30km part when we took turns to feel cramps coming along then we started stretching at regular intervals. Still we managed to get out of East Coast towards Fort Road (which was at about 32km) and that was when everything started setting in. The heat, fatigue and getting a bit out of breath so slowed down considerably. Managed to perservere on to 35km before Shaun started having problems. Looked like he was gonna collapse but no worries! We just walked the remainder of the distance. How romannnticcc we were contemplating holding hands and kissing when we crossed the finish line but decided against it in the end =P
In the end, it was incredible when you cross the finish line and you wonder how you managed to travel so far as well as the pain and the companionship. So we struggled back to the baggage point and got our stuff, met up with Brent before heading back to find Kenny who finished came in fastest amongst all of us (spirit of the SAF hahaha). We then waited for Yi Chuen to come in before finally meeting up with everyone at the baggage point. Then we met up and went to eat la mian xiao long bao!
Right now, I truly feel like dying yet elated. A million thanks to all those who encouraged me and were mentally there for me every step of the way! =] As well as my parents and sis who came down to the finishing point. I love all of you! Would never have completed it on my own. It just goes to show that your first marathon is really nothing about timing. Well, unless I get conned again, it'll be my last full marathon. But then again, we get conned very easily. Btw, this entire marathon thing? It's all Yi Chuen's fault =P