2nd time running this event. First time wearing my long tights for a marathon race. As usual, fuel belt with 1 water bottle and 5 power bar gel. This time round, I also brought 2/3 bar of Boost chocolate.
Prepare myself after dinner. Left home at around 1950 hrs. The race flag off at 2000 hrs, 2 hours earlier compare to last year.
Oh man, at Changi Coastal road 1km before turning into Aviation Park road which lead into Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) its bumper to bumper traffic. Cars and buses were waiting to drive into CEC. As i turn left into Aviation Park road, its 1 long bumper to bumper traffic in. There were cars parking at the side of the Aviation Park road and its 3km to the starting point.
My first thought was that since the cars are parked till here, then there is no more parking space at CEC. So i parked behind the last car and planned to walk 3km to the CEC. But after a while, after 42km, i would still need to walk another 3km to get to my car. So i decided to take risk and drove in in the hope of finding a parking space. There should be 10km drivers driving off after their race at 1800 hrs.
Drove the 3km in and with the road marshallers help, managed to park the car. Got changed and get myself prepared. It was already over 2130hrs by the time i left the car to walk to the starting point.
Soaked in the race carnival atomsphere and get myself into the starting pen. Aiming for a sub 6 as usual, if not at least a PB.
Race started off a few minutes after 2000 hrs and started the long 6 hours jog/walk into the night. The strategy is to stop at every water point (2km apart). Ate 1 power bar gel every hour and the Boost chocolate some where in between 25km to 35km mark.
Did 14km to 15km within first 2 hours.
Loose a bit of steam after 19km mark and did plenty of walking till about 22km. Managed a timing of 2:54 for the first 21km. Ate 1 piece of boost chocolate there.
After 27km mark, took a short 100+ break at the punggol runners support station manned by Simon and Angela. Ate one power bar gel there.
Took the second piece of boost chocolate at 28km mark which was on the 4 hour mark. Failed to hit 30km for 4 hours. This would means that it is not really possible for me to do a sub 6.
Was doing a jog/walk for the rest of the 12km and took my last gel at the 35km (5 hours) mark. This is the first time i managed to jog quite a distance compare to last time where i would be doing lots of walking. Did not use my deep heat for today race also. Not sure whether the long tights play a part.
Finally, crossed the finish line at 6:05 hr. About 19 minutes faster than last year. No sign of Kim Cheow and Soo. No reply from them also. Collected finisher medal and T. Look for a spot to watch about 20 minutes of the Champion League final. Barcelona was already 3-1 against Man U and there were no further goals.
Walked around the runner village and left the place around 0500 hrs. Bought minced meat noodles at Kopitiam square for breakfast. Reach home, eat, wash up, de-kit and hit the bed at around 0655 hrs.
Champion League Final, Barcelona vs Man U
Finisher T and finisher medal.
