16 August 2009. 5.30am. Esplanade Bridge. Start Point. 21km lies in wait.
Gosh! It was on Friday night, when a friend told me she's going to join in the Army Half Marathon that I decided to go for it as well. Been tinkering with the thought of participating in some long distance running. This is my chance. Heck la, just go for it. After all, I have been running 10km at times on the treadmill. Time to test myself.
It was a struggle to get up at 4.15am. I consider that the toughest part, making up your mind to go for the run, getting up so early in the morning and transporting myself there. Half the battle won. Lucky, my uncle also decided to join me. He who was boasting he can do a Standard Chartered Marathon, decided to join me for the 21km. His first 21km. My third 21km.
Flags down, and we are off. The long ardous road ahead. But hey, there are thousands of bodies running together with me! Lots of motivation to run. Bodies in all shapes and sizes. There are some really lean machines, some out of shape ones... But all can run. From Esplandade Bridge, turn at One Raffles Quay, on the ECP, onto Sheares Bridge, exit Fort Road, all the way into East Coast Park, U-turn.... back out...Mountbatton Road, down Stadium Walk, Nicoll Highway, Esplande Bridge and finally, Padang... Sounds long eh?
By the time i was into my 13-14km, my thighs started to stiffen and cramp. Gosh... I was only at East Coast Park... Already I see those African Blacks making U-turns and exiting from ECP. They are damn fast. By the time i was at Mountbatton, I started walking running. My uncle forge ahead all the way. Soon I lost him. I was alone. But hey, I'm with thousands! There are lots of fit young girls.
Cheekily, I started to run beside any girl that I can find. Pace with them. Haha. That's one tactic in running. Running beside them and pace with them. That way, I can't lose face by giving up. But many times, the girls just forge ahead and left me behind. So sad. :(
Anyway, got to experience standing on the F1 Race Track, seeing the grandstand and probably what the F1 drivers will feel come September.
Finally, I ended the race. 2hours 40mins it read. Not too bad I guess. My uncle came in at 2hr 20mins. Very good for a 46 year old veteran.
The rest of the day was agony. Slept few times. Back ache, thighs ache, foot sore. Took me 2 days to recover.
Looking back, I'm proud to say I can still finish a half marathon.
Keep it up Qing Hui!
21km and counting...
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