SSBR & AHM

So the SAFRA Singapore Bridge Run and Army Half Marathon was held today. I have not been running for about 2 months now. Only went for 2 jogs recently. Was recovering from the previous run. Also recovering from a cough and cold. Had sprain my left thumb (carrying the little ones) “Crushed” my right knuckles when I slam it in a door. Knees still hurt slightly and I had put on tons of weight. Well that’s my excuse.

More on the run. As usual I prepared the night before, but was in a rush and I forgot to pack my energy packs for the half way point. Since I had not really trained for it I figured to aim for a 3hr finish for the Half Marathon (21km) The only thing good about the day was when I woke up at 3am it felt good. I guess that was about it. I even forgot to take a picture of my number tag until after the race here it is after the race.

The race would start at 5.15am. I got out of bed had my breakfast and arrived at the Padang around 4.15am Just enough time for me to warm up a bit before the run. We were punctually set off at 5.15am by the Chief of Army. Besides the half Marathon there was the 10km run and 5km fun run. All in 70,000 people took part from what the organisers were saying. It is definitely a Bridge Run as this year we covered 3 bridges – Helix Bridge at Marina Bay Sands (that was short and steep), Benjamin Sheares Bridge (that was long and steep) and Nicoll Highway Bridge (that was heck of a long and gradual) I started slow. Well actually not that slow since I did 10km in 1hr 15 mins which I felt was a little fast. Slowed down after that I figured once I reach the half way point at 12 km I would stop and walk the rest of the way in but 12km came and I still felt good, in 2 hrs I was at the 15km mark and still shuffling along. So I told myself ok lets see how far I can go. 2hr 30 mins into the race and I was at the 18km mark. It was only after the 19km mark that my knee started to hurt a little and I slow down to a walk and enjoyed my banana as well. Thank goodness there were plenty of banana stations else without my energy boost I may not have made it back since I was getting hungry as well. Finally took off again and managed to shuffle my way back to the finishing line just under 3hrs. Mission Accomplished.

What I really like about the run was the signage they were big and clear and easy to spot so you knew how far you had run. The water points were ok they tried to spread it out which was good. Banana stations were wonderful I think there were about 3 or 4 of those and I took one whenever I could. Salonplas was one of the sponsors and they had people stationed along the route about 5 or 6 stations where you could get some spray on and I think they really helped. I like the finisher’s medal as it had the Marina Bay Sands hotel on it. The first race to run across the Bay !! Now on to the next race really need to train up for the REAL Run.