SCKLM2012…
My 1st overseas marathon that I never thought I would do in my
life. And what else can be more
exciting than traveling with my bunch of Freaks. We were so excited as we
countdown the days to jet off to Kuala Lumpur. Behind the excitement, I was a
bit nervous and worried as I was totally not prepared and training was only
once, which was a week prior to the event. I told myself not to set any
expectation and just enjoy the run, burn the KL road..
We
arrived at noon and proceeded to Madam Kwan, our lunch venue in KLCC chosen by
Selly for the authentic local Malaysian food. We did a bit of Freaks Family
bonding and how I wish the whole members are all here, which I know it’s impossible…
It’s also a pleasure to meet Razif in person for the 1st
time who joined us
for lunch. That's nice of him.
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| - Carbo-loading !! - |
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| - Tom yam soup to compliment the main dish - |
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| - A meal is not complete without some desserts - |
After
the fulfilling good lunch, we headed to the race pack collection. I could feel
the heat is on with preparations were all setting up in the venue. I saw many
familiar faces that I felt I was at home back in Singapore.
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| - Collection of race-pack - |
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| - Posing at the start/finish point - |
Headed
to check in to the hotel which was about 5 minutes’ walk away from the venue. We felt so tired and decided to get a quick nap before we meet for
our carbo dinner loading at the nearby ‘warong’
in Masjid India.
After
dinner, it was an early preparation for the next day. Kamisah and myself
decided to turn in early. Unfortunately, my sleep was interrupted due to the
hypers runners that were rocking the CITIN MASJID JAMEK with doors slamming,
energetic voices and feet stamping. I wish for sleeping pills to knock me off .…
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| - The room - |
Morning
alarm went off and we were so ready to start. We stepped out in the drizzle and
my thought were with the full marathon Freaks who have started their run at
430am. Could it be another repeat history of Sundown event for them, running in
the rain? Fortunately it was a light one that finally stopped when we were in
the starting pen. The half marathon crowd was not so hyper, probably too early for
some I guess. My heartbeat went fast each time when I looked at the Malaysia's Big Ben and said some prayers to calm myself down.
I
told myself to relax and make this run a leisure, stress free .....
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| - Before the start of the run - |
Gun
shot was heard and off we go .....
The 1st sight I saw ahead was a slight uphill and I recalled the
veterans mentioned to expect few uphills along the route. I told myself to just focus on
the run and looked ahead. Roads were uneven at times and I almost twisted my
ankle as I stepped into a pothole. So much of looking ahead that I forgot to watch
out the uneven roads, hence I start to put my vision on both areas. I felt
strained on my calves for the first 3km but I knew it’s a struggle especially when I am out of runs for long time.
I keep telling myself don’t
give up and push while I can.
I skipped the 1st
water point and ran maintaining my comfort pace of 7mins/km. Bladder finally
ask for mercy to let go and I mumbled to myself not to think about it as there
were no portable toilets seen. I diverted my focus each time, think about my kids and
mom and if I can make this in less than 3 hours. Whenever there’s an uphill, I thought positively ; it’s a breeze when going downhill so take the chance to speed.
I was so happy each time there’s
a water point with soak sponges..
Damn! Singapore should have this with the hot
weather. I got addicted with the sponge showered myself and felt so refreshing.
It really felt so good. At 15km mark, I looked at the watch. I decided to
challenge myself to reach the finishing point below 2hr 45. I got mentally
prepared and drive myself to reach the target. It would be an achievement if I
can go below that timing. To focus was tough, as my body were trying to get complacent
and relax. I got pressured when I see the full marathoners merging and I told
myself I should start my engine moving faster. The supporters at the finishing end were very
supportive with motivation boards and banners that kept me going. I just had to
do it and when I saw the timeboard it was 2:34:09. I sped up before the time
change to 2:35:00.
And I did with a timing of 2:34:33 .... !!!
Tears
welled up and never expect I did it after a long absence.. It was such a sweet memories in KL..
Thank
you to all Freaks who did well in this run for all the fun and moral supports..
U GUYS DID ROCK KL ..... !!
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| - A great achievement for myself !! - |
