SCSM 2009 (Half Marathon)

Pre-Run Prep

I had signed up for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 (SCSM) -- the Half 21.1K distance -- quite early this year within the first week or so once registration opened. I had set a target to complete it within 3 hrs which seemed a fair and achievable target. I had scheduled a few built up runs to this like the Nike 10K and the 15K REAL run. It was good preparation but I had my tonsil removal operation 1 month before this run (just directly after the REAL run) and was out of action for 2 weeks. On top of that just as I was recovering from the op, I sprained my right ankle while ironing clothes (don't ask) another week of rest, which left only 1 week before the big race. It would be my longest run in over 15 years I think the longest run I ever did was a 3/4 marathon when they had those long long long long ago. (still got my finisher's mug lying around somewhere -- they gave mugs instead of medals in the old days …) So collected the race pack (very fast and simple love it) and for this year the missus and me decided to check into a hotel so that it was easier to get to the event. Night before I did my normal pre-run ritual of laying out my gear and accessories and did my final pre-run check :- running shorts, running vest, number tag pin on, socks both left and right ones, pair of shoes laces undone, race chip, food for breakfast, pre-run drinks, watch, deep heat rub and of course my lucky lucky lucky underwear. With that done I WAS ALL SET !!

D-Day

I woke up just in time to see the flag off for the Full Marathoners from my hotel window. Did the 3 “S” ritual that every male human does in the morning : Shower, Shit and Shave. Changed into my gear did my warm up prep and I was off to the start line. Weather forecast was rain but in the end it was a beautiful day for a run.

The race route started on Esplanade Drive near Fullerton Hotel, down to MAS building turn off to Marina South and loop back towards Benjamin Sheares Bridge (major uphill climb !!) down to Suntec's Fountain of Wealth and out pass the F1 pit buildings, turn onto Nicoll Highway down to Mountbatten where we made the U-turn at the Swimming Pool, cut into the National Stadium, back out onto Nicoll Highway, onto the actually F1 starting grid lane, pass the Singapore Flyer under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, pass Esplanade Building, turn off to Anderson Bridge (Singapore's oldest bridge I believe) and finally end at the Padang in front of City Hall. Now isn't that the most scenic race route ever !!

At 6.45am we were flagged off. Down Shenton Way we went me and 12,499 other half Marathoners and the Christmas lights were still on which made for a very nice start. My good deed for the day happened here when I reminded a fellow runner that his laces were undone ... and no it was not to overtake him (that's a real low blow) I caught a glimpse of the elite full marathon runners as I made my way to the F1 pit buildings could just see the top 2 running onto the track. The other top 8 or so runners were behind all of them were definitely in a league of their own. All Africans.

I hit the 10K mark at 1hr 10 mins, and I was feeling better as the race went on, the first 5K was a little tough which is normal for me I do take some time to get into the ‘flow’. By the time I hit the 12K mark I knew the missus was awake and having breakfast. Some runner than passed me and practically shouted at me ‘I like your shoes!’ got a fright of my life there. At the Mountbatten turn I ran into a friend who was volunteering as a Road Marshall was he surprised to see me but at least he gave me some encouragement. (later I found out another lady I knew was also a volunteer on the 10K route) Next stop was the National Stadium turn as I entered passing the MacDonalds and KFC outlets, I suddenly felt hungry. What luck the next water point had FOOD !! Banana’s !! I would like to say that the SCSM has one of the best water points ever, it’s long and they have enough volunteers to man them. So I grabbed my drink and a banana and the problem I have here is that I have not mastered the art of eating a banana on the run. Got to practice this more often maybe even upgrade to eating Chicken Rice on the trot. At the 15K mark I caught up with the 2hr 30 min pacer. There were these volunteers who would run the pace for you and as long as you follow them you would reach your target time. I actually passed Mr Pacer !! But it was at the 18/19 K point that fatigue starts to set in. I found this part the toughest and it was also started to get crowded it was around the F1 track area as the main full marathoners and 10K runners were all converging together with the half marathoners. Then THERE HE WAS --- SPIDERMAN !! Could you believe it it was the black suit Spiderman. (Venom for all you comic fans) I think he probably gave me some motivation as I knew the guy under the mask was an elderly chap (first met him when I did the Vertical Marathon last year) I pressed on and continued to the 20K mark where Mr Pacer came back and took over. I basically followed him all the way in. Just as you pass Anderson Bridge there was just one more right turn and it was the home stretch to the finishing line. It was at this point that I slowed a bit as I looked out for my ‘Official Photographer’ but I could not spot her. I think I was probably too damn shack at this point to even notice if she was waving or not. An elephant could have stood beside me and I probably would not have noticed. But she did spot me thank goodness. Last year I ran the 10K and same thing did not get a photo of me finishing by the organisers camera man as I was blocked by everyone, so this year I got my own ‘personal photographer’. With a final surge and a raised left arm I crossed the finishing line. I finished in a gun time of 2hr 30min 02sec (chip time – 2hr 28min 39sec) – woo hoo I was pleased with the time and it was within my target.

I knew a few other friends who were running at least 1 in the full and 1 in the 10K while the bulk of them were running in the half at least 6 well it should have been 7 but she injured herself and so was there to lend her support as my ‘official photographer’. Besides the 1 volunteer I saw, I only met 1 other person and that was it with 50,000 people running all events and more volunteers and spectators it was like finding a wet hanky in a washing machine.

Post-Run

It really felt good to complete the run. The usual body aches were there and I knew it was probably going to get worst the next day so after I showered I did apply cold sprays and joint rubs for my legs and knees. It was also during my shower that I realized that the run cause some abrasions to my nipple and groin area, lucky for me only those 2 areas and my underarms were fine. I think I have got to get some cream if I am to do longer runs. So after my rub down and cool down I put a medicated plaster on my left shoulder as it hurt a little never felt that kind of hurt in a run before guess it must be due to the strain of raising my arm at the finishing line. (note to self never raise arm at finishing line again)

It’s been 24 hrs after the race and I am still pump I feel like I could go out and do another round. My legs did not hurt as bad as I expected. The soreness was fading. As I write this on the 2 day after my run I am almost back to normal. only the tights and 1 little toe still hurts.

Before I got to the pics of me at the SCSM just a little summary of what was good and what was not.

PROS

- The Water points, much better than other runs.

- Pacers who help you achieve your target times.

- Volunteers who were all along the route to encourage you.

- Love the Carnival at the Padang

- The ease of signing up, collection and finishing.

CONS

- Getting abrasions I really hate them.

- The mass orgy that happens at the end of the run.

- Runners who use pace watches that go beep beep and very loud and irritating intervals.

- Runners who do not have the simple courtesy to throw their drinks cups to the side instead of right in the middle of the race route.

SO now its photo time taken by “my official photographer” :)

That’s ME finishing the race check out the time and guess what it’s snowing in Singapore !!

Finally its over rested a bit before I took this picture you can just make out the finishing line behind me.

Trying to figure out which is which.

 

Finally the close up of the my half marathon finisher medal and my number tag quick quick go buy 4-D or 5-D.