The race started at 2.30am. Jumped out of bed at 12.30am after 3hrs of sleep. Going to try a few new stuff today; using the experimental leg cream, wearing SKIN and having durian before the event.
Walked via the highway to Queensway Mall. Did some light stretching while waiting for the VIP’s arrival. I estimated that there were only about 300 of us attempting the full marathon, so decided to stay right at the back; reasoning that there will not be anybody overtaking me then, but I overtaking others. I was both right and wrong.
The flag off was like KL’s, very low key…no elaborated count down, simply “pop” & “go” ! The first few hundred meters were great as the later runners cheered us off. Targeted to maintain even pace of 6 - 6.30mins/km if possible and hope to finish in 5hrs. Took it easy in 1st 2K and was within the targeted time from 3k to 14k. Was feeling good and decided to ram up a little to below 6min pace.
The weather was fantastic, couldn’t have asked for better; felt like it’s going to rain anytime. I like the route; mostly flat with maybe 8 to 10 nos of slopes with low gradient. Felt good to run across the Penang Bridge for the 1st time especially with the song “Don’t Stop the Music” in my ears…gets really pumped up!
Too bad can’t see anything out in the sea as it was pitch dark but enjoyed the cool breeze blowing on my face. Then suddenly about 20-30 runners overtook me! They look super fit, must have missed the starting time. The U-Turn was at the toll gate and seems to take ages to arrive. Haven’t catch sight of the “botak” at this point of time.
After the U-Turn, felt some pull in right hamstring thus slow down a little just to be safe. At one point felt a little light headed….is it dehydration?...stroke?...finally settled with lack of sleep. Mid way through the bridge, met up with all the half-marathoners….and it was a sea of orange! Lots of them were walking and had a good time picking them off! …surely a morale booster : )
After the bridge, we branched into different direction; half to the left and full to the right. Suddenly, there were only a few poor struggling souls on this long and wide road in the cool darkness under the orange street lights….fatigue was beginning to make its presence felt. Hit above 7min pace from 30k onwards and only managed an occasional sub 7min pace. Spirit was at rock bottom at 33k…where is the u-turn!!! Then finally spotted the botak Rhino coming from the opposite direction at 34K, he was suffering from leg cramps….believed he would die-die charge home…...and that’s what he did! : )
U-Turn at the 35K was a relief and met the sea of green this time at 39K….the bubbling carefree young fun runners that dashed around like deer in the African plains certainly brought back the colors and helps energies our weary bodies and minds. By now, the sky was getting brighter which means that I am in danger of not achieving my target; decided not to watch the time after 38k so as not to be over pressurized by timing ….then some people sitting along the road near Eastin Hotel were shouting “come on! You can make it for sub 5!”. So picked up my pace the best I could and cheong to the finish line…with just over a minute to spare : )
Lessons Learned:
1) No more durain before run, bad for digestion
2) Either the cream or SKIN works; no cramps throughout
3) Need more conditioning to achieve better results
Would certainly come back again next year if possible!
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