SCKLM 2010

27th June, 2010

...this was where it all began. My very 1st running adventures started here at Dataran Merdeka.

Last year : 10km run
This year : 21km (Half Marathon)
Next year : Dunno yet.

D-day has finally arrived, sooner or later. Set the alarm at 3 a.m. Can't say I woke up to the alarm clock then as I was wide awake all the time because I couldn't sleep at all. (pre race symptom). Had my signature running breakfast of coffee and 3 slices of bread. Left home at 4 a.m sharp. Herman was looking forward to this event, his 1st 21km. Reached Padang Merbok at 4.45am. Started to drizzle.

We took the umbrella to the venue and deposited it at the baggage area. (in the end we have to forget it due to long queue and considered it as a donation). 

   

We were called to gather at the waiting area at 5.30 a.m. Yeah...everything seem so familiar to me now, even my feeling of excitement.  This was where it all began...the same crowd, the same atmosphere, the same clock tower and even the same smell of Dataran Merdeka (just kiddin). Only this time, I'm proud to be standing amongst the half marathoners. Feeling sleepy, I consoled myself that it'll all be over in 3 hrs. I did it once before surely I can do it again and besides I carbo loaded so much these past 2 days, I needed to get it out of my system. I looked at Herman and he looks cool, calm and all smiles. Obviously, he doesn't know yet what comes after 21km (**the pain**)

Gun off at 6.15 a.m. Wanted to start slowly but I tell you these HM  runners are an eager lot. They started fast and I follow suit (like crazy).

1st water station at 4 km. Gladly stopped and took 2 cups at a time. One to drink and another to wash face (to wake up). I was feeling nauseous from 1km to 8km. My breakfast was threatening to erupt from my mouth. At one time I nearly vomited. I drank more water, burped a  few times and things got better. Phew! Finally, problem solved and my food stayed in my tummy.

By the way...where's Herman??? That fellow said he'll run with me and now totally left me behind!!

Then at 13km, heheh...I spotted him walking. We chatted and he said 'tiring lah'. I told him to sponge himself and that it'll help.

13km to 15km we were friends and foes at the same time. I overtook him and he overtook me in turn (many times over) but it was fun.

16km. Problem started for Herman. He told me he had to walk as both his legs were about to cramp. From this point he walked his way till the end. I continued my slow jog alternating with walk breaks.

Finally, 21km. The end.

My finished time : 2 hrs 56mins (I clipped  5mins off from my PNM) A PB for me and I ranked at 534.
Herman finished time : 2 hrs 59min. His PB at the moment and ranked 2125.

Half Marathon : Total 3763 runners (2878 - M) and (885 - W)

I took 1 power gel at the start, ate 1 banana at 10.5 km, another gel at 15km and another banana at 17km and stopped at all water station. I liked water station and really needed the water.

SCKLM2010 came and went but the memories of it lives on and it has left it's mark on me physically. I got 3 black toes, during PNM I got 2 black toes. The thing is this - I wore the same socks and shoes as I did at PNM. Big mistake. I should have known better. I bought a new pair of shoes NB1604 a month ago but didn't quite break in it yet. Should have bought the shoes sooner. Besides that, blisters on my left foot and my right foot swelled up 1/2 size bigger. My whole body ached and every steps I took are painful  and my right big toe are throbbing with pain. Guess there won't be any gym for 1 whole month.

Note : The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy - Rule 1.4 - Black toenails are badges of  honor. So, have no fear and keep on running.

The Finisher Medal

The 21km Route Map