Singapore Marathon 3 December 2006

I have talked the talk... and now I have ran the run. 21.1km. The crisp Sunday morning air was perfect; the light drizzle midway spurred me on, each raindrop pricking my searing skin like needles; and the cheering at the finishing line was like lightning that coursed through my aching limbs. Did it in 2hrs and 33mins, about 6 mins better than my previous AHM timing. Next time will be better! I've done it once, and now have done it twice... the next time will only get easier. AND faster.

2) My stupid mp3 player died on me, when it was only 3km into the run. The fast-paced, pulsating and exhilarating beats sputtered its last dying notes way before i even got into my running rhythm. Movement without music... note-unworthy. My standard running inspiration... drowned out in a cacophony of aches and pains, and more importantly, self-doubt... But i kept apace, even when my legs stopped listening to the head, because it WAS easier to move than to stop..... Dumped my mp3 player in the CityLink bin, too distraught by its failures to render it a second chance......

My first Standard Chartered Run.... the first of many many more to come. My mum actually came down to support me, unfortunately didn't manage to catch her as i crossed the finish line. Guess I was just concentrating on the medal... the special one that stated unabashedly that even though i was placed 2000+ in my category, i was still a winner...

Saw this chap who was running, his inspiration for running was that he used to be 94000g... even now, i weigh in much more than he did at his 'peak'. Dunno whether to be proud, or pissed actually. Apparently fat people not capable of running marathons. When some of my friends heard that i was running, they went "YOU??? ARE YOU SURE?????!?" with that shocked, sneering-down-the-nose look. Would love to say that i ran this race to show myself that i could... Part of me secretly taking a shot back at those people, and say "There! I DID it! and I'll do it again and again until you accept that I AM better than you think I am!"

Friend asked me today if i wanted her finisher's t-shirt, since by the time she came in, all her sizes were gone, and only XXLs were left. Sorely tempted... but definitely not. This is a shirt i cannot wear. The honour does not belong to me... yet. The giddy anticipation for next year, when i finally take the big step and sign up for the full, will keep me going. Donning that shirt when i finally achieved it will be the icing on the kueh lapis... every layer a symbol of a year of discipline in exercising, eating and mental endurance; a transformation from butter and fats into a solid, confident delicacy! haha! ok ok, gone too far with the cake analogy...

Alright, will take a break here. Got plenty more to update in my next post... Thanksgiving turkey, Volunteering, and others... Who says that life in Singapore is Boring? NOT me! at least no longer...