Singapore Marathon

Well, here we go again! The Singapore Marathon 2006. This Sunday, 3rd December. In the last 3 years at least, this event has been fully registered. This year alone, I'm made to understand that 30,000 people will be running in the various events. That is a massive number, even though the Shears Marathon held earlier sometime in August (if I'm correct) attracted a record 65,000 participants. As far as I'm concerned, this the Everest, the Mecca of all races I participate in, in a given year. It's a very well-organised event, probably a world class event that is the closest to Malaysia which I can afford to go to at this time. The pre-race expos (although i think that there won't be any this year, which is a great pity, because part of the experience would be attending the expos as well), post-race expos, make it a truly enjoyable event. It is a great way to end my running year (although I've only started running "seriously" in June of this year- I was a slave to a prick of a boss and subjected to incessant verbal abuse, shredding my self-confidence to bits- I have since (thankfully) left the organisation for my sanity, but I'm digressing here!); and it is a "prelude" if you like, to the races in January/February 2007. I've been pretty committed to training specifically for this event,and one might argue that I'm putting all my eggs in one basket, but the way I see it, this is something to look forward to; it represents a tangible goal/aim to achieve. The workouts and races I have done were designed, at least in my mind, towards running a good race this Sunday. Hell, I've also been watching my food intake, trying to eat healthy carbs (no point have oily fried kuey teow), and limiting bad oils and fats. I think I've been pretty damn disciplined in that sense. After this race, I can't wait to eat some greasy foods and just hang back for a few weeks, running as I feel, and not have a structured program.


Brief History of me running in Singapore

I ran my 1st one in 2004. 2004 was a year of "running breakthrough"- I was beginning to run seriously, my mileage had increased significantly, my social group expanded considerably when I met other runners who were as nuts about running as me. I ran the 21km, and finished just over 1:36. Lovely experience.

2005- Ran a fair bit in 2005, at least up to around June. After that, running took a back seat. Planning for my wedding, having my wedding, going on honeymoon, moving in to my apartment, settling into my new job etc meant that I ran very little in the 2nd half of 2005. Thinking I had enough time, I also procrastinated in signing up for the 21k. When I finally wanted to sign up, it was too late- registration had closed! I asked around to see if there were people who were selling their 21k entries- unfortunately, there were none. But, my friend Tey Eng Tiong had a 42k bib to sell to me- his bib. He couldn't make it to Singapore because he had to cover the SEA Games which was held around the same time as the Singapore Marathon. Desperate to be part of the atmosphere, and with any lack of proper (specific) training for the marathon, I agreed and ran the full distance. It was a very painful experience, and I really suffered after 30k. I completed the race in 4:32, going away with respect for the distance. My legs were so tired after the race; even a post race massage at the designated tent (and sitting in the bath for a solid 40 minutes) did little do ease the pain. I was hobbling for a while after the race. Theoretically, I always knew that one had to train for the marathon. Now, from my own practical experience, I can tell you that one has to train specifically for the marathon if one harbours any hope of finishing in a decent time. Of course, if you're extremely talented, then that is another matter.


Travel plan to Singapore and projected time

I'll be going to Singapore by bus. With First Coach, I'll be departing from Bangsar at 7pm today. ETA Singapore- 12am. I plan to sleep in late, and want to get in at least 10 hours of sleep. 11-12pm-ish I'll be having my brunch (carbs), then will head to Marina Mandarin Hotel to collect my race pack. 3-4pm-ish I plan to watch Casino Royale. After the movie, dinner (another carb-fest), before heading back to the hotel around 8pm, and bed-time by 930pm-ish. Sunday morning- race.

Projected time- I'm not sure yet. There are so many factors that can contribute to a good/bad race but obviously, the plan is to run as quickly as I can for 21k! will hang around for a bit after the race. Then, hantam some unhealthy food!

Other than that- I've no plan to do any shopping because I'm financially f**ked. But that's another story. The less I know/see anything on sale in Singapore, the better.


Workouts for remainder of the week

Wednesday- 3k (very easy), 12 x 100 meter strides; massage
Thursday- no running; massage; pasta

No more running for me. I might do a very light 5-10 minute jog on Saturday if I can.

Lastly, good luck to those running in Singapore!