#42running42

#42running42

爸，我做到了。两年前我又开始跑步了，起初真的很难可是我没有放弃。今年12月3日，我成功跑完42km。

On a physical level, nothing is more demanding than a 42km Full Marathon race for me. Cos there was a time I have been advised by doctors to give up running all together. But I did it!

I think this is has to be the longest personal project I have embarked on, a 2-year training starting Jan 2016. Gearing towards the finale on 3 Dec 2017 where I challenged my first Full Marathon (42km).

Training was going on well and my runs were progressing fine all until May this year, when I had to undergo a totally unforeseen retinal detachment surgery and I was out for 5 months from May to Sep, not running a single step. I seriously thought that my dream is once again gone and everything seems bleak and down. 1.5 years of training all wasted, it was like tripping just before the finishing line and got to be taken out.

Thank God for amazing support from friends all around me. 2 brothers from my cell group decided to sign up for the FM race just to show their support, thinking that even if I cannot run and fulfill my dream, at least they can help me fulfill it. But their support spurred me on and provided that additional push of faith in myself and I started to pick it up in Oct. It was tough, running less than 2km in my first run after 5 month’s break, my knees were pain and I was totally out of breath. To keep the long story short, I pushed on and eventually managed to clear two 10-12km run before the race day.

 

All these could not be possible without the greatest supporter I have, my wife. Right from the beginning she has never doubted me, always encouraging me, even when I had my surgery, she was reassuring me that I can still run after the recovery. She has more faith than I had in myself. Just like the bible says, “when one man finds a wife, he obtains a good thing.” I truly believe I have obtained the best thing in life when I married her.

Fast forward, I am a proud winner of my personal dream, to complete a Full Marathon. Will I do it again? YES!
Don’t ask me why, but running has not just become a way of exercise, but it has become a way of discipline and constant reminder that God is good in my life. A reminder of all the love and support I have received. A reminder that I can fulfill any dreams if I can just believe.

#42running42

OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017

Review

So it is the largest night run of the year – OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017. Together with Andy (@sengkangbabies) & Nick (@nickpan.runs), the 3 Daddies completed our individual categories with pride.

Andy took on the crown of the race, running his maiden Full Marathon (42.195km) and completing it within 6 hours! Super inspired by our Marathon Dad!
Nick added the jewel for us, running in the 10km race and did his Personal Best under 50mins! He is now the official Flash Dad among us!

And me? I took on the Half Marathon (21.1km) and did pretty well too. Completing in 2 hours 19mins, not my best but second best, so still an awesome result.

With around 27,000 runners coming together for this year’s Sundown Run, it was truly a #SleepCanWait testimonial. But probably one of the biggest highlight for me was to be one of the 12 Sundown Ambassadors, helping to raise funds for my chosen beneficiary – Beat’Abox Group Pte Ltd (@beataboxsg).

There were a lot of great ideas from the Organizing Committee, but some times the saying is true – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. In conjunction with the organizer’s effort to cut down on wastage (uncollected bibs), they introduced the idea of printing running bib on-demand. This created quite an uproar with the participants who for some waited more than 2 hours just to collect their race pack, some even in the rain (as collection was done in the open carpark area behind F1 Pit Building).

By God’s grace, I wasn’t able to make it for Day 1 collection and went on Day 2 instead. The situation was slightly better and I spent about 50 mins to get my race pack.

One important life lesson I learnt while queuing for the race pack.
True sportsmanship doesn’t start on the race day, it is in our daily behaviours.
I know the participants have the right to be angry for waiting in the drizzle, for the long queue, for the insufficient collection counters, etc. But some of them were outright rude and uncalled for when they started to be angry towards the part-timers who worked equally hard to make things right.

So for the records .. a big THANK YOU to all the part-timers who assisted in any way, from collection to actual day.

The place was readied for the fringe events and sponsors are getting ready for the runners and supporters.

Despite the admin issues, the crowd was happy to enjoy a great night of fun and laughter.

A selfie with my running buddies for the night before the race.

One other privilege of being an Ambassador, we did not need to queue to enter the start pen. We were ushered from the side and went straight to the front. Quite an entry but quite intimidating too, especially when we see all the professional runners standing a few feet away.

It was a cool night, the 3 of us tried to stay together and pace each other, but I guess we sort of went solo after the 10km mark. I was trying to stay at my pace of 7mins/km.

The route was pretty ok, except for the last 3km when we had to run up the Sheares Bridge, that was the killer for most of us. I can practically see everyone walking at some point of the bridge. That stretch probably cost me to lose a few minutes of time, if not I may be able to meet my target of 2 hours 15mins.

Water points were well placed and sufficient. Given the experience of the organizing company, I guess this could be the minimum. However, the distribution of the bananas was not clearly indicated. It was done at the 9km mark, and after the race quite a few runners commented that they didn’t see it at all. I remembered it was under the Helix Bridge and the place was a bit dark. Maybe more lights and even a flashing sign would be good.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the run and the beautiful sceneries along the way .

 

I had a good sleep after the race =)

Thanks to Sundown Marathon for the opportunity to be part of your 10th year anniversary run. I have to say in all honesty, regardless of the areas that were dissatisfactory, the run was a success!

Looking forward to 2018!

Safari Run 2017 & Marina Run 2017

The races started for 2017! In a span of a week, I participated in both Safari Run 2017 & Marina Run 2017.

Safari Run was pretty memorable, since this is the first official 10km race my wife joined me in running. She has never ran in an organised race longer than a 7km route. Thanks to sponsored tickets, we were able to do so as a couple.

 

Waking up at 5am, reaching Singapore Zoo at 6am, I have to thank my wife for being the best recreational companion for me. The route was simple, 2 rounds around the park, roads were pretty clear and wide. Kless commented that the animal poop ranked by smelliest were – deer, rhino, elephant. I guessed that was what motivated her to run faster and get our of the place as soon as possible.

Water points were adequate and well planned. We had a great run, especially not all the time we get to run a scenic venue like the Singapore Zoo. Companionship played a great part too. Looking forward to more runs with my wife!

**************************************************************************************************

I did my 3rd Half Marathon since last August at this year’s Marina Run 2017.

Not fully prepared even though I have been running quite frequently. I think my muscles are quite tensed and tight. The first 5km was tough, as my left shin was feeling the pain (fingers-crossed that it is not splints), probably just some muscle swelling. Other thing I did wrongly was not to eat a light dinner before the run. I was afraid of stomach upset cos the few days before the run, I was suffering from stomach flu. Reminder to stock up some energy bars.

By the way, it was my first run with the 2XU MCS (Muscle Containment Stamping) tights. Feels good and it really provide a considerable amount of compression around the calf and quads area, reducing muscle oscillation and damage. A great investment for running.

This is my first time running in Marina Run, and also my first time running along the long East Coast Park stretch (gave me a good preview of what to expect for my Full Marathon with SCM2017).

First up, the baggage drop was relatively small with only 2 counters for Men’s 21km runners. And the young staff were not exactly friendly, when I was collecting my bag after the race, standing there for 5mins pointing out my bib number for collection, they simply ignored me until I seriously thought I was transparent. Maybe it’s good to have some more senior staff to be around, especially after a run, runners tend to be tired and running out of patience. Or maybe it’s just me.

Secondly, the isotonic drinks available at certain points were super diluted. I was reminded of my army days when we were given “colored water”. No taste just color.

Thirdly, and probably the most amusing part, along the ECP stretch, some parts were really dark, but there were no traffic marshals to guide the runners, especially when the tracks were not fully closed off (public users are running, cycling, rollerblading all over the same tracks). Then when I passed by a very bright stretch, I saw one of the traffic marshals standing under the lamp post with his traffic guiding stick. What for? And the road marshals were not enough, a few occasions I saw some runners squatting by the road sides trying to catch their breath. Can the organisers please look into this?

Having say all, not all was bad. I have always enjoyed running at the Marina area, the view and the breeze makes the run that extra enjoyable.

So after 2:22:56 (my second best timing), I crossed the finishing line with pride once again. Not about the timing, but every race is a race to prove that I am a finisher. Never give up!

Next race will be Sundown Marathon! Another Half Marathon waiting for me. I need to strengthen my leg muscles for this!

Sundown Marathon Singapore 2017

[Giveaway]

Have you signed up for the biggest night run in Singapore? What are you waiting for?

#SundownMarathon #SleepCanWait #1NightRun

What is your hashtag for running? For me, it will be #42running42 because this year will be the year for me to finally run in a Full Marathon before I officially turn 43.

And I am running in the Half Marathon for SDM2017, in preparation for my personal goal. Whatever goal you may have, here are some of the reasons you should not miss this year’s Sundown Marathon.

1. This year (2017) is the 10th edition of Asia’s largest night run, OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017 returns to its fundamental ethos of challenging you to sacrifice sleep, run through the night and beat the sunrise.
2. The magic when you run at night – You see the lights in the dark (fellow runners with different goals on the same journey). You smell the scent of the fresh night breeze (mixed with your sweat and even tears). You touch the coolness of the air (each stride of the way).
3. You will receive the most exclusive 2017 race singlet and race entitlements that is only offered for the 10th edition.
4. You can boast about being part of the largest night race in Asia.

So wait no more!

Sign up now with my exclusive code (SDM2017ISAIAH10) and get the final chance to enjoy a 10% discount, until Feb 28.

Wait a moment! All good things doesn’t just end with a discount!

GIVEAWAY!

I am giving away 2 FREE slots to 2 winners! You can choose any category you want (valid for all individual categories).
Follow the instructions below and stand a chance to run with me and thousand others in this year’s Sundown Marathon 2017!

The giveaway will run from today till 9 Feb 2017, 10pm. All the best runners!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Running in 2016

17 races (fun and competitive). Total of 186.45km (this is the races I have run in this year). From the Jan-Dec, the total distance covered was 709.45km. In October Challenge (a one month min. 5km daily challenge), I ran 203.05km.

My girls asked me why do I run so much? Why do I like to run? Friends around me questioned why do I pay so much to join the races when I can run for free if I truly like to run?

To be honest, running is not my favourite sports. Coupled with my flat-foot condition, running was never an easy task. The fact was I quitted running more than 6 years back when my last run was a 10km race in SCMS 2009. After that race, I injured my left knee and after a series of X-rays, MRIs, Physio, what the doctor told me was to stop running. My dream of completing a Full Marathon (42km) was dashed and life went on.

What changed my mind was a family tragic that happened in 2014, my dad suddenly passed away. His death was so sudden, we were all caught surprised and none of us had a proper chance to even say goodbye. This incident taught me a huge life lesson – stay fit for your family. From then on, I purpose in my heart to stay fit, not just for myself, but just so that I can stay healthy and alive to enjoy my time with my wife and children. To be able to see my girls grow up, be married, have their own kids, etc.

So in 2016, I finally picked up the dream of running again. I will turn 42 in Dec 2016. I told myself that I can once again fulfil the Full Marathon (42km) dream. I will pace myself, start slow and small, get myself running again in 2016, then in Dec 2017, before I officially turn 43, I will complete the 42km Full Marathon race.
#42running42

So why do I run?
There are 2 parts to that question. One, to keep fit for my family & to fulfil my 42km dream. Two, I want to show my girls the power of determination and discipline, although I may be older now, and I am not as strong as before, but if I am determined to fulfil something, plus discipline to do it, I can achieve it!

Why do I need to pay and run in races?
Simple, I join the races to get the medals. Because the medals served as a reminder and encouragement to myself that I can moving step-by-step towards my dream. Setting a target without interim success points is just a bit too difficult to achieve. Plus running in a proper race will give me the experience to understand what to expect when the time comes for the 42km.

As I look back this year, I thank many different ones who have come along my running journey and gave me a pat on the shoulder, ran with me, cheered me on. This year’s journey all started when my running “shifu” Benjamin, asked me to join him in the Compressport Rail Corridor Run. It will be the last time any organiser will plan a race along this railway corridor and after that, it will be closed in preparation for future development. And from here, the rest is history. Back then my timing for completing 10km was 1hr 33mins 11secs (I was just glad to finish).

Met up with Daddy Blogger (Steven) in one of the fun runs.

With Church members.

The happiest run is when my family joined me in this year’s Sundown Run. We did a 5km fun run together, and Joey completed it with me, jogging for most of the entire race. So proud of her!

Then in October, inspired by another Daddy Blogger (Nick), I embarked on a one-month challenge to run at least 5km a day, rain or shine, day or night. Initially the runs were quite okay, until the second week, tired legs, aching backs, and worst of all, finding time to run, all these were becoming serious considering factors for me to quit. Thankfully, for a super supportive wife, she will do her best to arrange everything else at home or at work, so that I can have no excuse but to fulfil my challenge. And I did it! Thanks to all my friends who lent me your support on IG, FB or when you met me during that month.

    

    

    

    

    

    

Some of the more memorable runs I have participated this year.

The Performance Series – Singapore’s 1st Race Series
A total of 5 races (10km) across Singapore.
Race #1 - Coney Island / Punggol Waterway
Race #2 - Jurong Lake
Race #3 - Gardens By The Bay
Race #4 - Bedok Reservoir
Race #5 - Kranji Farm

After completing the 5 races, the medals can be used to form the map of Singapore.

Race #5 at Kranji Farm was my last run in 2016, a 10km race. Since the first 10km in Jan, I have ran another 9 more 10km race, and on my final and 10th 10km race, I broke my Personal Best (PB) at 55mins 46secs. That is a 37mins 25secs improvement. Nothing is impossible!

 

I was prepared to run any Half Marathon (21km) this year, but I tried and ran in the Army Half and Standard Chartered (SCMS). To put into perspective, the last time I ran in a HM, my timing was about 3hrs (that is almost 8 years back). For the Army Half, I was expecting myself to finish within 3.5hrs, my target was 3hrs. And I completed in 2hrs 26mins 25secs.

SCMS was like my mid-year exam. If I can do well, then I am on par to do well next December for my FM.
PTL! I ran 2hrs 17mins 26secs, even better than Army Half.

All these unexpected good results (for an amateur), enhanced my belief that hard work pays off.

Thankful to end the year well. On to more runs in 2017, better timing (I pray), and more discipline and determination.