Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008

Note 1: This update was done LATE at night,. Sorry if there are any typos, grammatical error or anything !#@$#$%#$%.
Note 2: Some pictures are courtesy of Pueh Tian. Thanks Pueh Tian for the lovely photos!.

Firstly, I've changed my blog layout to 1 post per page and used lower quality pictures for faster load times. I'm still testing so hope you guys will bear with STREAMYX and photobucket hosting site.

I’m not good at writing a running report so bear with me if I am not as detailed. I will try my best to remember my running experience in my half marathon.

5th December 2008 – Friday: The Journey

It was 5th of December, the day where William, Frank and I would be leaving for Singapore on First Coach bus. I woke up around 6.50am, showered and was on the way to the First Coach station near 1 Utama. As I was not familiar with the station, I couldn’t find the place when I first got there but after calling Frank, I manage to spot it. It was kinda dark so it was hard to look out for it initially

After waiting for about 10 minutes, I saw William walking into the lounge area . We decided to grab a sausage bun while waiting for Frank. Soon after, Frank arrived and we proceeded with our check-in at the bus reception counter. We received free coupons to redeem free coffee at the lounge but we only manage to have a few sips as it was really hot and the bus was about to depart. We ditched our drinks and quickly boarded the bus. The funny thing was, after boarding the bus, I saw an aunty holding her cup of coffee with a plastic lid like those you would find in a McDonald takeaway.

The bus fare for the entire trip is RM115 (to and fro Singapore), pre-booked of course. The First Coach bus was really spacious. I don’t know how it will be compared to Aeroline but for me, there was ample of leg room and they even have individual LCD screens for your entertainment. Pretty much the same one you would find on an airplane but slightly bigger. While on the bus, I manage to watch the famous Singapore movie “I am not stupid 2”. The movie was really good and had a lot of real life elements in it, which makes it sad at some parts of the show.

The bus stopped at Pagoh rest station and we had 20 minutes before we continue our journey. First carbo loading for the day :D

Finally, we are entering the land of the kiasu. Seriously, is Singapore that Kiasu? May be it has been stereotyped for some known reason.

Once we arrived at Novena (a sports shopping complex), we proceeded to the Expo to collect our race kits. I wanted to take picture while we were on our way there but they don’t allow any usage of camera while at the MRT stations. Seriously, more like Kiasi to me lor. WTF can cameras do? Expose the MRT security? Gun in a camera? Oh sure, a mini shotgun can be in a SLR zooming lens form; very dangerous indeed.

Once at the Expo, we made our way to the race collection kit area and boy, the Expo is HUGE. Trust me, if you were there, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is NOTHING compared to the Singapore Expo. There was a queue for each running category but it only took us about 20 minutes at most to collect our race kits. As Frank and William are running in different categories(Full marathon and 10KM respectively), I proceeded to the half marathon section to collect my own race kit. According to Frank's friend, Ben, he said that the first day of the race kit collection, the queue was like 4 hours long! Whoa.

Me at the half marathon area

Frank in the Full marathon area

I double checked the items and tested the Championchip at the test area before meeting up with William and Frank.

Before coming to Singapore, Frank and I ordered this Memorabilia thing by the same company that manufactures the medals for the Standard Chartered Singapore marathon. It was basically a keychain and a hand phone charm.

Finally, we are done! Collected and checked our race kits and we can finally get some rest by checking into the hotel.

We took a cab straight from the Expo to Beach Hotel near Bugis where the taxi fare did cost quite abit – 16.80SGD.

Checking in procedure was simple as Frank booked the hotel way back in September( Many thanks Frank). It was 160SGD a night and my room is shared between Frank and Chee Kong. Yes, 3 person in a room but trust me, the hotel isn’t all too shabby. The room facility is pretty complete; you have a single and queen size bed, a mini fridge (no drinks but bottles of mineral water were provided), a 14” TV, a hair dryer, a CLEAN bathroom(no bathtub of course) and a electric kettle for boiling water.

Once we were done with our luggage and resting for a couple of minutes, it was time to fuel up again…our stomachs of course! Yes, a MOS burger virgin…I haven’t tasted burgers from MOS burgers before so I don’t want to miss this opportunity. Frank and William were sort of explaining to me what this MOS burger was all about along the way. This is what I ordered.

The burger is small...I mean...really small.

Pretty unique huh? Rice bun :D

With that done, we proceeded to Orchard Road...SHOPPING TIME! We followed William to help his friend buy an IPHONE. After that, we walked around Orchard road again and stopped by Marriott hotel to freshen up ourselves. If I'm not mistaken, everytime when I'm at Orchard Road area, my friends and I will always stop by this hotel to use the washroom HAHA.

Edible Chocolate house =)

For dinner, we ate at Spageddies! The place was PACKED but we manage to get seated after waiting for a few minutes. Without future ado, the pictures!

With our stomachs filled, we continued with some window shopping. Well, I didn’t plan to buy anything but I stumbled across this cool Nike Running vest…. Which says “HAD ENOUGH YET” and the back was a Nike logo with the word “RUN”.

The front of the vest

NO, I AM NOT PEEING. I repeat, this is a changing room!

Frank had some Nike discount voucher so me and William bought the same running vest like tshirt with 20% discount – 38.40SGD if I'm not mistaken. From here on, we made our way back to the MRT station.

Finally arrived at BUGIS. We went back to the hotel, showered and….WENT FOR KUAY CHAP!

6^th December 2008 – Saturday: Saddening news, gloomy morning.

I received a SMS in the middle of the night, around 12.58am but I was too tired to check. I woke up around 8.00am or so, only to be stunned by the message.

“Andrew, Mindy here..Robert passd away dis aftanoon in his home due 2 heart attack..Heard frm Jac u r in S’pore, wil let u noe d details once confirmed”

My heart sank. I mean, for real…this can’t be happening. The man whom I called Godpa is gone. It’s even harder to swallow when I just spoke to him on facebook a few weeks back when I was in Wimbledon, UK. Furthermore, before I came to Singapore, I sent an email to him on THURSDAY, 4^th of December 2008 with some latest pictures of me and my girlfriend as it’s been awhile since he last saw me. I also told him that I was going to Singapore for my half marathon and given him my contact number.

Though I was still in a daze, I received another sms by Mindy for Faith’s sisters contact numbers. Faith is my Godpa’s wife. I gave Flora, Faith’s sister a call to ask about the situation. The wake is at St. Stephen church, 30 Sallim Road and the nearest MRT station is Aljunied station, about 3 stops away from Bugis MRT. Once I have that confirmed, I quickly prepare my running vest with the bib and my Championchip for the run.

All that came in the bag

My name is printed on the bib...cool stuff wei

The Championchip

Once done, I followed Frank to meet up with Chee Kong and Pueh Tian for some breakfast nearby.

After an awesome breakfast, we made our way to the Singapore Flyer. We bought tickets to board the flyer, which in my humble opinion was kind of a wasted thing to do. Firstly, it was 29.50SGD and to make matters worse, there wasn’t really any nice view except for the two durians A.K.A Esplanade.

Me, William, Frank and Pueh Tian.

The only nice view was the stupid durians.

In the cabin :)

That done, we walked towards Marina shopping centre for lunch.

Roast Pork Claypot rice

I didn’t really have the appetite to eat but I have to eat well before my half marathon. After that, I went on my own way to St. Stephen church around 2.30pm. Once I arrived at the church, I saw Faith…gave her a hug for consolation. I was actually afraid to walk up towards the coffin. I didn’t want to accept the truth and I wish I could just wake up from this nightmare. As soon as I saw his face, I couldn’t hold back my tears.

I spent a few hours chatting with Faith and told her that I will stay back till Monday. The rest of the SHY Choir (St. Henry's Youth) will be coming down to Singapore for the funeral as well. I told Faith that I had to head back to the hotel to have an early rest for my run and one of her relative, Gabriel (hope its spelt this way) was kind enough to send me to the Aljunied MRT station in his modified Honda Jazz, yes, with Turbo. I got back to the Hotel, showered and proceeded for dinner with William at a nearby restaurant.

7^th December 2008 – Sunday: Race day

Frank was waking up at 1.00am or so while I told him I’ve set my alarm at 2.30am. I woke up around 2.30am as planned and quickly prepared myself for the race. Had my 1 of my Nature’s Valley Honey and Oat bars, 1 chocolate bun and 1 cup of Oldtown Coffee. I showered and got ready for the race. I was REALLY excited. I saw how Frank was preparing for his full marathon…I was amazed at what had to be done. It’s not as simple as just putting your vest and run. You also have to take note of CHAFING! That is why after I saw what frank did, I did the same =P. Well, I basically taped my nipples to prevent nipple bleed. Don’t laugh as it's not a laughing matter.

All prepared!

Jeff, Frank, Me and Chee Kong

We left Beach hotel at 4.00am to meet up with Lynn and her friend, Chin Chin at Swiss Hotel.

It was my first time meeting Lynn although we’re working in the same company. Well, not really my fault because I was in Wimbledon for 6 freaking weeks haha. So we introduced ourselves and took a group photo before the big race!

We made our way to the starting point for the full marathon. As Frank, Lynn, Chin Chin and some other friends made their way into the Sub 4 hour pen, I wished them good luck. By 5.30am, the full marathon event started with a loud air horn and yes, they are punctual! 5.30am means 5.30am.

William and I walked back to the mobile toilet area to ease ourselves again. We had to wait for around 20 minutes in the queue and there were still A LOT of full marathon runners queuing up. That done, we just chilled under some giant poster to wait for my half marathon (6.30am) and for William’s 10KM (7.30am). 5.50am, and I had the urge to use the washroom again, this time, I found a toilet area at the basement carpark =) not many people knew about it so I didn’t have to wait. After clearing my tank again, I told William about the new found toilet area incase he had to go again and proceeded with some stretches and warm up. As it was 6.20am, William accompanied me to the starting point and wished me good luck. I was very nervous as I was alone, running my first half marathon. I didn’t know what to expect. I made my way through the crowd, trying to inch my way to somewhere around the front.

The clock was 6.30am and off we went! Shaky start at first as it was really crowded but I slow jogged my way and remembering what Frank told me to do, I saw the red timing mat and gave it a couple of good steps to make sure I “clocked in”. The starting point was at Esplanade Drive. As I didn’t train properly for a 21.1KM, I tried my best to maintain pace by keeping it slow as I don’t even know how I will perform my first 10KM into the run. To my surprise, I manage to start off at a very comfortable pace where I can run and still talk( well according to my running sifu, that should be the pace?) . I tried pacing a few runners that were about the same speed as me and it did help. I maintained pace and soon found the 1KM mark! I checked my watch and saw 7mins XX seconds. Quite slow, I know but I’m running a 21.1KM, I’m not really worried about time but I am worried if I can finish the distance by running!. Without bothering much, I continued telling myself to control speed and breathing rhythm.

It was indeed a new experience for me and no matter where you are, they were many people around, running through the city from Raffles Quay till Robinson Road. I think it’s good for the mind; at least you won’t know how bad you are doing haha! Not long later, I made my way back to Esplanade Bridge where the 10KM category was about to start. Cheers could be heard and that upped my spirit without a doubt. I was concentrating so hard that I hardly noticed my surroundings. I had no idea what building I was passing by nor the name of the road.

All I remembered was looking at my watch and it was already 1 hour 4minutes. Although I haven’t felt like I was going to run out of steam, I took my Powergel (Vanilla 0mg Caffeine) and downed it with some water. Still not knowing the distance I’ve ran, I maintained my pace because it was a long stretch before the turning point at Fort Road. It was at this point where I saw the red mat again. It is to make sure all the runners are running on the designated route and not cheat :)

Again, I’m don’t know the place when I saw the 15KM mark, but I was really happy. I mean, not knowing the distance, I kept on running and without proper training, I have ran 15KM non-stop. It was the furthest distance I have ever run. With the new born achievement, my adrenaline got pumped up with excitement. I carried on running till I saw the 17KM mark.

That was when my legs were starting to take its toll and my legs were starting to get some cramps. I have never really experienced cramps from running so my mind was going "God, not now!". I didn’t really know what to do but I actually tried slowing down but that didn’t help much. Hesitantly, I had to stop and start walking to ease the pain. I looked at my watch and walked for exactly 1 minute before I continued running again. To my horror, my legs felt so heavy. My momentum just simply died off but I kept telling myself, I can do it! It’s all in my mind!.

Though I manage to bring myself to a slow run, cramps hit me again. And here I am thinking, I have just passed the 17KM mark. Why the cramps now? Although I was walking, I was walking at a fast. Not long after, I saw a nearby 24 Hours Drive-Thru McDonald! I saw some runners going towards it as well but not many. I was looking for the restroom with this lady. We walked towards the back only to find out that it was only the playground for children and quickly proceed to the front cashiers.

Lady at the cashier: “Wow…marathon ah?”

Me: “Yeah…sorry but where is the washroom?”

Lady at the cashier: “Oh, its just on your right” *while pointing the direction*

Me and the other lady runner hastily made our way towards the washroom. Surprisingly, there was no queue at the wall urinal section so I went for it. Just as I was about to clear my tank, I saw BLOOD at the urinal. No. it was not mine and without giving it much thought I just eased myself and quickly got back on to the road.

With a mixture of walking and running, I soon find myself at some familiar sights! Singapore Flyer! According to Frank on Saturday, this is where we will be running by and close to the finishing line. My motivation some how got a kicked in the butt and I started running again. This time, manage to run a longer distance before I had to stop due to cramps.

With every single step, my cramp was getting worse. It was so bad till at some point, I had to stop completely. I saw what some other runners were doing so I follow suit - Stretching. It did help but the cramps were already doing its damage.

I tried my best to push myself to that I could finish within 3 hours and each time I look at my watch, I was starting to worry. It was about 2 hours 45 minutes and I still have may be about 2KM to go.

Finally, I arrived at the Esplanade Bridge again! I remember it was the last area before the finishing area. Just before the last corner towards the finishing line, I saw Pueh Tian and I lifted my hand with my LIVESTRONG! Wristband. He saw and snapped this lovely picture which I find it motivating for me. I don’t mean that I’m vain but it’s me doing my first half marathon.

With all remaining energy left in me, I gave it a last push towards the finishing line. Cheers and music were getting louder as I was getting closer to the finishing line. I saw the red mat and with my arms up in the air signaling YES! I’ve done it! I proudly crossed the finishing line by running and clocking 03:01:22 on my watch.

As soon as I crossed the finishing line, my legs were seriously giving up on me and I had to sit down. 2 medical girls were attending to my cramps IMMEDIATELY. Talk about good service haha. After a few minutes, I manage to regain composure and made my way to collect my medal. In order to receive our medal, we have to de-chip the Championchip from our shoe...OMG the pain when I was bending over. NO PAIN! NO GAIN! hahaha.

With that done, I spotted my first friend, Ken Tan, who was previously working at Axon Solutions as well. He did well, clocking at 2 hours 45minutes I think. We tried looking for another friend Mitch but no luck. I bid him farewell to look for the rest of the gang.

I roamed around like a lost child haha! However I spotted the Adidas booth and they had some free photograph taking session going on. I queued up and took my proudest moments

Not soon after, I spotted Jeff! I told him about the Adidas photo taking thingy and he took a personal and group shot!.

After that, we tried looking for the rest and finally, we met up with Frank, Lynn, Chin Chin, Shih Ming and the other running friends whom I’ve seen their faces from previous running events but don’t know their names. I apologize for that. We chatted for awhile before bidding farewell to them and headed back to the hotel. Till the next running event my friends!

I went back to the hotel with Frank while Chee Kong and Jeff went off on their own to somewhere. Me and Frank was abit blur with their sudden disappearance but anyway, we dragged our asses back to the hotel.

Our belongings were with Pueh Tian and we couldn’t find him after the run so we kindly asked the receptionist if we could have the spare key to enter our room first. With the spare key, we got into our room and what a sign of relief and disbelief for me! I have just ran 21.1KM!

Soon, Chee Kong and the rest came back to the hotel. I helped Frank and Chee Kong to take their finisher vest photo!

We rested, showered and proceeded with the check out with a group photo.

I enjoyed this run very much and have learnt many new things. Most importantly, I dedicate this run to my Godfather, Robert Phang who is now with the Lord Almighty. May you rest in peace Godpa. I love you and will miss you always.