No longer a marathon virgin.

I've finally achieved my long term goal - to complete a 42.195km full marathon.

From the good old track events to full marathon, it has been a journey. If you are not aware, I usually compete at most, 10km races. Only early this year I did 21km at Putrajaya Marathon 2010 to gear me up for Standard Chartered's defining 42km full marathon.

Finishing a marathon is an accomplishment that less than 1% of all the people in the world can say they have achieved. Glad to be included in that 1% :). Unlike many activities, training for a marathon is a serious business. Failure to train properly could jeopardize completion of the race and also risk serious injury. I've been training constantly but last week Wednesday, I was infected by a type of viral infection in my nerves resulting in extreme pain and many small blisters called shingles. In Chinese, we address this condition as 'sang seh' or 'snake growth'. I had injection and additional traditional Chinese way of curing the condition. Some of the procedure of the traditional method somehow creates doubt, but anyhow, I did recover. I had funny stuffs applied on the affected area and the pungent sulphur powder is one of them. Anyone who has shingles are advised to seek medical attention immediately because this condition could be fatal.

The crucial week before marathon was supposed to be packed with training but my condition has forced me to rest at home :(.

Grateful I recovered on time.

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My equipments for the race :).

Firstly, I've to say well done to Standard Chartered for organizing this major marathon! It is well organized and it has been a delightful experience all morning long :).

It was rather hilarious to see so many runners pissing at bushes along the running route, if you weren't aware, they have mobile toilets located at certain distances. Probably they can't hold on :p.

Sadly, I heard a very very tragic news. Someone actually passed away running in this morning. He is addressed as Lim and only in his 20s but passed away after having seizure. Deepest condolence to Lim. Read further.

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To those who intend to complete full marathon in times to come, it's a grueling task but it's achievable. With proper training, good nutrition and pre-race rest, you'll be good to go. Take my words, it's a whole lot of mental strength and endurance.

It inspires me seeing people running fueled by the people they love, they people they dearly missed (from passing away). It definitely gives that extra boost. So what fuels you? :)

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Woke up at 3am and drove over to Dataran Merdeka.

The flag off of the race is 5am. Minutes before the flag off, it started pouring. We were all wet even before starting to run :(.

This is me, before fighting through all the fatigue and running the longest distance I've ever ran :).

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The tips given by Fabio and Kok Yik for the race is hydrate sufficiently and run slow, no rush :). Indeed, I find the tips useful.

42km is bloody far. (click to enlarge)


The last final dash to the finishing line.

Coincidently saw Kevin at the finishing line! He competed in 21km Half Marathon :).

Ah, the extrinsic satisfaction from completing the marathon :).

Now, I dare say that I'm finally, a marathon runner. 5hours 16mins was my time, off my initial target of below 5 hours :\.

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Last but not least, much special thanks to Ms. Standard Chartered employee/vampire porn fan/detailed analyst for making a memorable day, more memorable :).