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"Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic" |
BACK TO BASIC
I realised that since I started
running (full) marathons, I have gotten complacent and comfortable with running
long and slow. Then I started running ultra-marathons which the pace is even
slower than marathon races. You need to run efficiently but not necessarily
fast. I didn’t find the need to work on my speed like running on a track and
doing intervals speed workouts (I have yet to run on a track). But after
another failed attempt to finish sub-5 at SCKLM last year (5:20), I knew I
needed to work on my speed which I have neglected in my running. So, I decided
to join half marathon category with a goal to finish sub-2. I did it once at Seremban Half Marathon 2013 which I
crossed the finish line right on the dot in 1:59’59”.
TRAINING
Training has gone well building
up to race day. Started training since the start of the year with average
mileage of 40km per week. 10k runs on weekdays after work and longer runs over
the weekends. Mixed it around with trail running and hiking to lessen the
impact on joints but we all know the real reason as Kilian Jornet once said
“flat is boring”.
RACE DAY : 0530 START (8/4/2018 SUN)
I was excited to be running for
the first time with Boy (Mahzan) who was going to be my pacer and a frequent
sub-2 finisher. Flag off was at 5.30 a.m. and straight out of the gate, we
quickly settled in our stride with me leading and cutting our way through the
crowd for the first 5k. Boy said we were going too fast as the adrenaline rush
got the best of me, he quickly took pacing duty onwards. Pace was good. Timing
was good. Legs were good. Everything was good (so far).
What is every runner’s worst
nightmare during a race? Yes, taking care of business in the porta-potty. At
KM12, mother nature called and I had to do exactly that. Thank goodness I was
the first person to use that particular Superman-changing-room as toilet papers
were still wrapped in plastic and there was no funky smell (sorry next person
though J).
I’d already conceded that I would not get my sub-2 finish today, so I told Boy
to go ahead and get that sub-2 finish for us. I kept looking at my watch
counting the seconds and minutes. I had lost seven minutes.
Grumpy stomach gone, chugged down
two cups of water and off I went. I kept running a 5:30 pace and started to estimate
my finishing time, it was still possible! I picked up the pace, skipped the
last two water stations and in the last KM sighed a huge relieve when I spotted
the 2:00 hour pacers. I crossed the finishing line with 44 seconds to spare and
the biggest smile on my face. Alhamdullilah.
Always finish strong in a race
because you will never know the outcome. And I’m glad I did. Congratulations to SCKLM on their 10th anniversary marathon and all finishers. See you
again next year and if you read this till the end, thank you!
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With my boy, Boy. |
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Supporting her on her 10k run. Congrats sayang! Maybe one day we'll run a marathon together. |
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Signed off |
