24:09

…was my timing in the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge which was held yesterday evening.

Shorter distance
The race distance was 5.6km, which sparked my interest because I have never run a short distance race before this. Having said that, race was more "corporate" in nature, in that it would have probably been too expensive for the average individual to sign-up for the race, unlike the more "public" races like the Singapore International Marathon, or the Sheares Bridge Marathon. As such, despite the lure of the shorter distance, I wouldn't have signed-up for the race out of my own accord if my firm wasn't paying the entry fee.

There were other reasons why I was interested in the shorter distance. Physically, the 5.6km race would place a high demand on your anaerobic fitness. The physical pain and stress on the body for a shorter distance is felt almost immediately after the start of the race and can be quite severe and intense, resulting in a mental strain and constant battle between the mind and the body. One is never truly comfortable at any point in the race. From my personal experience of time trials in the past, my breathing would be close to the point of wheezing during the half-way point onwards. But, as the saying goes- pain is only temporary; glory is forever.


Race Day
We were given special dispensation to leave the office earlier to get ourselves ready, and to head early to the starting line. A large contingent of 61 participants represented the firm. We were also provided with Dri Fit Nike vests- white colour for the women, and bright orange colour (not dissimilar to the Oranje of the Dutch football team) with the firm's logo.

Due to the close proximity of our office to the Padang (the scene of the Singapore International Marathon over the years), we walked/jogged there as a form of warm-up. When we arrived, the scene was not dissimilar to what we have experienced in the past with the Singapore International Marathon- runners in full gear walking around, tents of various companies/sponsors, music blaring, baggage area, t-shirt collection area, and so forth. The race was due to start at 6:00pm and we had arrived by 5:00pm- with an hour to kill, many were already starting with their stretching. Being an experienced racer (insert cough here!) I chose instead to sit down and relax, and just soak up the atmosphere of the event- the usual buzz experienced in the race.

Because it was more a corporate event, most runners sported their company's designated "uniforms"- in the form of vests or t-shirts with their company's logo on it. Some merely had the logos, others were further accompanied by further motivational statements.

By 5:30pm we made our way to the starting line/gantry, which is on the opposite of the usual starting line/gantry of the Singapore International Marathon. I positioned myself at the 3rd row from the front, which was already packed with runners, mainly Caucasians. As is the case with most races, I heard the usual banter common amongst runners- "how was your training this year? What's your mileage? What's your projected finishing time?" accompanied by the usual answers- some playing up their chances, others downplaying theirs. I also began stretching and doing some warm-ups.

About 10 minutes before the start, we were greeted by Colette Wong- she used to read the sports news on Sportscenter Asia on ESPN but I don't know what has become of her- until now! As if she isn't already so, she looks even better in person. She proceeded with the usual welcoming address (I was consuming a Power Gel at that point), introducing the representatives of the sponsors, and thanking them. Apparently it was a record turnout with 13,000 participants.

The skies looked threatening at this point. It was getting dark (even at 5:50pm) and a torrential downpour seemed imminent. But, as it turned out, the heavens held on.


Race
With the customary horn signalling the start of the race, we sprinted like bats out of hell! I began to feel the pace almost immediately as my breathing became heavy and sweating very apparent especially at my forehead, chest and forearms.

A host of runners overtook me within the 1st kilometre- and I thought I was already running pretty hard! Nonetheless, I wasn't going to be sucked in to a pace I could not reasonably hold for the next 4.6 kilometres or so, so I kept at my own pace. Although it was already hard, I felt alright- my strides were light, my form was good- my shoulders were relaxed and my body upright, as I hopped away.

Before I knew it, it was already time to make the u-turn back. It was at that point when I was seized my side stitches on both sides of my abdomen, just below the ribcage! I slowed down and tightened my abs, and breathed through my belly, which helped alleviate the pain, but only to a certain extent. It was also at that point that the pain became more apparent- my legs were beginning to feel heavier with the build-up of lactic acid; the breathing increasingly laboured as the pace began to take its toll on my body; the shoulders tensing up. As expected, the wheezing came soon after- i.e. a hard breathing followed by a high-pitched follow-through (HUH-ih!). A few runners overtook me as I slowed. By then it was all about maintaining what was left of my pace as I barely hung on to my sanity when my mind began to tell me to stop due to the ever-increasing pain. My mind drifted briefly to Sally Robbins, the Australian rower, who was involved in an infamous incident in the 2004 Olympics final. Her team was in a comfortable second with 400 metres to go before she dropped her oar, allowing it to drag in the water, appeared to collapse and laid back on teammate Julia Wilson's lap. Australia, consequently, finished fourth. Robbins was accused of mental weaknesss and publicly humiliated in the Australian media as "Lay-down Sally". Obviously, I didn't want to be known as that.

I tried to think positive thoughts at that point "running good, Jus, almost near the finishing line; you're a smooth runner".

Then came the sign that was heaven to me- "600 metres left". I knew then I was near the finishing line and increased my pace again, and I tried to ignore the side stitches which were literally stabbing my at this point. I pumped my arms, increased my leg turnover, gritted my teeth, grimacing as I ran down the final hundred metres, and finally passing the finishing line gantry. Stopped my watch. Looked at the timing which read- 24:09.

Post race
It took me a few minutes to catch my breath as I made my way to the Goodie Bag and t-shirt collection tent. The "goodies" in the Goodie Bag consisted of- just the t-shirt and a small tub of sunblock lotion! Gosh, what happened to the rest?

I headed to the finishing line, and hung around to see the other participants coming in.

Thereafter my colleagues gathered at a certain spot within the Padang and took a few photos. Some of us headed to the Funan IT Mall thereafter for some drinks.


Conclusion
With the (lack of proper and specific) training I had, I was satisfied with my timing, which translated to an approximate pacing of 4:18 per km. It is also only my 2nd race of the year. The first one was the New Year Run held at Lake Gardens by Der Pacemakers, so it's been 5 months. I have been running on the treadmills and attending spinning classes mostly, and barely did any running on the roads. So it is not too bad, considering.

Having said that, my fitness is not as bad as the first half of 2006. I guess I'm in a low-maintenance phase at the moment. If everything goes to plan, then I would probably have more time come August when my classes start.