What A Run To End The Year

This is by far the best run of my life; the 42 km marathon on 6 Dec, that is. The race was indeed gruelling, especially from the 30 km mark and it was certainly mind over body to the end.

Picked up by Chua at 0345 hrs and together with Eddie and Chua's 14-year old son who was going for 10 km as replacement, we arrived at the start-point very early. Did longer than normal warming up, we were flagged-off by Minister George Yeo at 0530 hrs. This 42 km alone, attracted some 17,000 runners and in all, this year's event garnered more than 52,000 runners in 10km, 21km and 42km. Little wonder, this is Asia's grandest and biggest marathon event.

The first 20km run was not too bad for me, maintained a steady pace throughout. What inspired most when I saw a man who was pushing his wife or sister on the wheelchair. He actually passed me around the 20km mark, we applauded...boy, he was running the 42 km and it must have taken alot out from him. After the break at 25km, I saw him taking a longer breather, passed him but I am confident he will finish this race with his wife or sister on the high.

Fatigue and cramp on both my legs started to work on me near the 30 km, I screeched to a halt at some point to stretch and to apply ointment to soothe the pain on the legs. From there on, it was walk, stretch & run and the whole routine was repeated throughout. Giving up was never on my mind, never for this run was pledged for the cancer cause. I won't give up despite the fatigue and pain, "think of the cancer patients, this is nothing", I told myself and pressed on, I did.

I didn't want to know the time, didn't want to ask either but just concentrated on pushing ahead. At the final turn to Padang, some 200 m to the finishing line, I saw the timer which showed, 5 hrs 14 mins plus...and admittedly, I was excited with the time as I thought I should do between 5 hrs 30 mins to 45 mins. I drew out my last burst of energy, accelerated despite the pain and cramp on the legs to the finishing. The clock showed 5 hrs 15 mins 1 sec which was my gun time but my chip time was 5 hr 9 mins 5 secs. I was totally bowled over with such good timing in my first 42 km run for an old man, the greatest present for the year.

In this run, I raised about S$4,200 for the Singapore Cancer Society and I must thank all my friends and colleagues for their supports and kind contributions to this worthy cause. This run and the better than expected timing could not be made possible without drawing inspiration from fund raising event, 'die-die must finish' mission for me. Also, I have to thank two of my running buddies, Chua and Eddie who chipped their fair share too. We didn't disappoint, the three muskesteers completed the 42 km and 'mission accomplished'. The bar has been raised for next year, I have already set my sight to come under 5 hours.

Three cheers, hip...hip...hip, horray, hip...hip...hip, horray, hip...hip...hip, hooray!!!

Run For Hope; Run For Cause

Long distance run has never been my favourite, but after last year's (2008) Standard Chartered Marathon where I clocked to my delight, a little over 53 minutes in my 10 km run (the longest run for me by far), I was inspired to aim for 42 km in 2009 Stanchart Marathon.

First, I have to thank my company, New Century for turning my nondescript life around when we enrolled in Stanchart Marathon in 2007 as a corporate event. I have not been doing any form of exercise for more than 10 years and to get started in my first attempt at the 10 km run was indeed intimidating I must admit. But after completing my first 10 km event in 2007 after a long long lapse and in good time too (surprise, surprise), I was more than fired-up to work hard to better my last timing and one thing led to another, improving my distance from 10km to 15 km to 21 km and finally, the mother of event, the 42 km. Save for 42 km, I had already completed 10 km, 15 km and 21 km all within 2009.

Then, I have my friends to thank for the inspiration of sorts. Long Chua, the seasoned marathoner who is going for his third 42 km run this year and next year (2010), he is upping his ante by competing in the 'mind-over-matter' 84 km ultra marathon and also our usual running buddy, Eddie Tang (the three musketeers) who have been training regularly with me since beginning of this year. Keppel Bay Club and Mt Faber have almost become our regular turf. Winnie too, as much as she has been inspired by me, I am equally inspired by her. She has just started to put on her running shoes late last year only; admittedly her vast improvement in a short span of time did drive up my male ego to do the unthinkable distance, that is.

This year, I am pleased to learn we have about 25 participants from my company competing in various events. Long Chua, Eddie Tang and even my nephew will join me in the 42 km event whereas, Winnie has decided to concentrate in 10 km but next year, she has promised to cover 21 km. This, I will personally see to it.

I have decided in this gruelling 42 km, I must run for a cause, a good cause that can benefit & give hope to others and really, there is no better cause other than raising funds from colleagues, friends and even members of the public for the long suffering cancer patients. I have chosen Singapore Cancer Society to be the beneficiary.

I have a 6 hours target in this event but the 6 hours that I have to endure under the sorching run means nothing to the cancer patients who have to undergo many rounds of painful treatment and not knowing whether for sure, they will overcome the battle at the end of the day. There are the true heroes in every sense.

I really hope I can reach out to many friends to help chip in something from their pockets to help the cancer warriors in their vigorous battle with the disease. We can all play our part for the unfortunate ones.

Last but not the least, I am dedicating this run to my three good friends who had unfortunately succumbed to cancer not very long ago. Chee Keong, Jaslyn and Gabrielle, I know you have already found peace somewhere up there and you'll always be remembered forever and ever.