Monday, June 19, 2006
pj half
18 June 2006
i did not prepare for this race.
no long runs, in fact did not run much at all.
was contemplating not to go for the race.
just in case, set alarm for 5.15am.
woke up to turn off the noisy alarm and continue to sleep.
woke up 5.40am, decided to go for race.
i am late, panic, panic panic.
drove fast and furious.
reached around 6.20am, holding on to my keys, powerbar and water.
look for Cheong to pace with and his wife (Mee Peng) to safekeep my keys.
cannot find them, more panic, did not eat powerbar yet.
heard the gun, oh shit.
threw away the bottle of water, what a waste i thought,
holding on to powerbar and keys.
spotted Mee Peng taking pictures, quickly pass her the powerbar and keys,
phew what a relieve. spotted Cheong, yes, someone to pace and chat with.
in terms of training, or in our case lack of it, Cheong and i were in the same boat.
after 26 minutes only then realized i have not started my stop watch.
therefore my eventual finish time is a close estimate.
Cheong stomach discomfort after 5-6 km, slowed down, asked me to go ahead.
i plodded along alone.
no problems with any water stations and sponging stations.
plenty of water, 100plus and sponges, volunteers were cheerful and fast.
throughout the race i was running at a comfortable pace
i was afraid of getting cramps and not able to finish the race
spotted so many friends they were running the opposite side of the road already on the way back
only when i reached the u-turn i realized how far ahead they were
met tey at the flyover, good samaritan tey was helping someone that had fainted
a police vehicle stopped to assist, i plodded on
after the flyover my thighs feel like gonna cramp.
i started walk / run and by now realized and disappointed that i would not be able to qualify
but what to expect with not much training and going at comfortable pace
was hoping that cheong would catch up and at least have good company
but cheong was not in sight, hope he is alright
the walk / run helped, i did not get any cramps
the stadium as the finishing is a good idea
no muddy fields, sense of grandeur
eventually finished in around 2:23
unlike most races, pj half did not give extra time for 'old' fellas like me to qualify
one qualifying time for all ie. 2 hours 15 minutes
anyway no regrets going for this race
race was well organized and goodie bag was much better than expected
traffic control can be better as there were a few places not manned
congrats to all that improved their timings or had won a medal or simply enjoyed a good run.
