Sunday 30k

I completed Sunday's 30k with a greater respect for the distance (and beyond).

I arrived at the traffic light junction on Jalan Parlimen- the one where you make a right turn into the Bukit Aman area- at 530am. The group had already started! I waited some 5 minutes waiting for the crowd to clear before finally heading into the car park. I honked at Kenny Tan who was at the tail end of the group. He had also started late. When he saw me he decided to turn around and wait for me instead. After parking my car, I got out and saw that Chen was late as well. Ronnie and pm21 were there, handing out ribbons for those of us who were late. Nice of him! Thanks Ronnie.

Chen was still getting ready and told us to go ahead, which me and Kenny promptly did. We started 10-15 minutes after everyone had, so we had some catching up to do.

The 1st 10k was fairly uneventful. Kenny was giving me a summary on a Bollywood movie he watched the night before (in which he went to bed only at 1am) while we were negotiating Kenny Hills. At the rolling hills near Sri Hartamas, Jamie shouted out and we ran together. Time passed as we chatted away. The Penguins were there too, and I chatted with some of them. p1, p2, and p11, if I recall.

The 2nd 10k wasn't too bad, either, although the fatigue was begining to kick in. More ominously, Jamie and Kenny were getting stronger as I weakened.

The final 10k was bad, especially after I crossed the Jalan Duta road passing the tennis stadium. My mind was weakening, creating all sorts of excuse to stop. I plodded along as long as I could. The last few ks were just torturous. I was reduced to a Big-Walk style of shuffling/running.

I managed to arrive back at Bukit Aman in a time of 3:05, which is about a 6 min plus per km pace. I've learnt some valuable lessons from the run. Pacing is absolutely essential, for one thing. I will definitely run the same distance (or more, if my body can take it) next week. Dr Jamie, you are the man. Tey Eng Tiong, you are the man. All who have completed the marathon, I bow before you. The distance must be respected.

I was pooped after the run. Hung out at the breakfast area for a while before meeting my parents for breakfast in Old Town. After that I went home and crashed for a good 3 hours. I woke up with my legs sore, and spent the rest of the day replenshing. I consumed quite a fair bit of protein, and my legs feel ok now. I can definitely run today.