Author: Christine Wong

I was all excited at 4,30 yesterday evening and went to collect my race pack with Jhum. Jhum has been working with me for the last 5 years. I managed to convince him to cancel his dental appointment. I queued in line and picked up the race kit. I went through it and was like a little girl opening a Christmas present. I came home, and rushed for Zumba and then showered and started to get the things ready for today. If not for your advise, I would be running around trying to get the stuff together. I reached a 5am and it was amazing watching the sun come up and the people start trickling in. I made sure I tied my timing chip to my shoe lace and even had time to get coffee from Costa. We chatted with the runners and took photos and then got so excited when they started to flag off the 10K, after the track was cleared we got ready to Go..

I told Jhum not to wait for me and he went off, I took my time, running and walking. The smile on my face when  saw 1KM, and the 2KM, had some water from the aid station and even walked passed Healthpoint, our parking area and finally back to the route, 3KM, 4KM and run all the way to the finishing line. Jhum was waiting at the line and took my picture. The amazing feeling, the basking in my achievement. I was nervous but you prepared me mentally and I knew what to expect. Wow!!!

About 2.5 KM, I think my right side of my chest started to hurt, I strapped my phone and car keys too tight, so I released and I felt better.

Thank you for sharing this with me and thank you for encouraging and inspiring me. It took me a long time but I finally did it for me.

This was my first ever half marathon, So I want to be light on any firm conclusions. I learned a lot today-mostly about myself and pushing my limits, so without further ado, let’s dive into the recap.

So after dreaming that I kept missing the race and waking up in a panic, my alarm finally went off at 3.15am. Race day morning was incredibly nerve-wracking! I was up way earlier than I needed to be. I forced some peanut butter and bread and some coffee down, while my stomach felt like it was flipping over.

The race started sharp at 6am (however, it could have been better if it started earlier at 5am) I was so lucky and blessed to have my hubby running with me. (He is in the running for Husband of the Year Award) Lined up at the start with my hubby, looking around at all these rugged, athletic, accomplished runners, I thought I was going to throw up. We heard the official- counting down and we all started shuffling. “I can’t believe I’m about to run 21km- A half Marathon. This is insane,” were my last words before we took off running and I was soon running along with my hubby, trying to soak it all in!

The beginning of the race was pretty crowded. Started down a side road and turned onto busy main road. The route led us into the city. There were aid stations about every 4 km. Sponges, energy drinks and water and bananas were generously provided by the organisers. My only real complaint about the route is that, runners were running along side with the traffic. There were marshals, traffic police, volunteers on standby, however, the route was pretty busy streets in the city (Flag off at 5 am could have been better, lesser traffic, can avoid the hot sun too) We crossed numerous streets amd traffic police were there to stop traffic. Volunteers at the aid stations were great and cheered us on. Otherwise, there  really were no spectators or supporters!

I was enjoying the crowds and crusing along happily putting no thoughts into what lay ahead. All I thought about was how this was my day! I had done the hard work and deserved to be there and it was absolutely spendid. Then I see the big hill coming up and felt like I could take on anything the world through at me. The route literally went up that hill so I mean it was right in my path. It wasn’t that steep but it just kept going. I noticed a lot of runners had to stop and walk at this point. My hubby kept telling me…….”just clear the hill because it’s all downhill from here”. After that Everest level climb to base camp, we come to a water station.

When I started the race, I was ecstatic (thoughts included:- This is incredible, I feel great! and “Why don’t I do marathons all the time?”) But let me assure you, by 15 km or 16 km, those thoughts were long gone…replacement thoughts: “WOW- my freaking body freaking hurts!) LOL

My runner friend- Jenn Lai did advised and told me “Stay hydrated” and say your mantra- 5 km, 5 km, 5 km, 5 km and before you know it, you have already reached the finish line!” That is when I had to have the inner pep talk to keep it going. I stopped and walked a bit at every aid station. Mostly so I could drink. I tried to pretend that I was a professional and run through and drink at the first aid station and almost died due to drowning, so I accepted that I lack a certain coordination and just walked through the rest.

About 17 km my lower legs felt fatigued. My legs became heavy. It was then I understood the mental aspect of endurance running- I would have to dig deep within myself to reach the finish line. Then came 18 km, my toes threatened to cramp so I wiggled them before each foot hit the ground again. My hips tightened. My shoulders tensed. I had become hyper-aware of each and every body part, those parts that hurt as well as those parts that didn’t. I shrank into my head, slowed to walk, and tried to imagine a pain worse than what I was feeling during this 18 km. I couldn’t think of one.. Then, hubby’s voice alerted me..”Almost there…..we are almost there!!”

Our final KM and I will have a finished! The true moment where I realize no matter how bad I may hurt, no matter how tired I am, I will be crossing the finish line-and more awesome- side by side with my hubby. Just run! Just run! It’s a personal taste of freedom only a runner knows when you have crossed the hump and will know that you finished the race! Grinning like an idiot and just loving every second of it and yet letting every second go by in a blur. All I know at that point was just to keep running and have my time! My hubby kept saying, “We are almost there! You are almost there!” I was staring at the finish line maybe 100 metres away and I never had such an urge in my life to just stop and walk….BUT NO WAY IN HELL was I going to give up now! At this point, I was just hoping I didn’t trip there at the end. I crossed the line and for the first time in my life I felt truly victorious! I finished in 3:23. So I think I need to step up my game. Now excuse me while I go do the happy pappy dance!

OVERALL:-

Overall this was a great race. It started on time (however, it could have been even better if started earlier), was well organised, had a nice route (hopefully, the next time- a full road closure would be better). Water and energy drinks about every 4 km and awesome volunteers. I was particularly impressed with the amount of manpower/ traffic police invested to make sure there was help when needed. It was enjoyabable to run on the road that we drive on every day. You can’t run freely in Kuala Lumpur roads without running the risk of getting run over or arrested for insanity! LOL

I might have crossed the finish line of HSN21KM Half Marathon, but I accomplished so much more! I pushed my limits and got to know myself. I am gonna cherish my finisher’s medal as if it were an Olympic Gold Medal, wear my 21 km finisher’s T-shirt every where and be all around obnoxious about a week..Then, I will chill out and begin to think about what my next endeavor might be……

So dear runners, If I can do it! YOU CAN DO IT! JUST RUN!!!! 

Race day is almost here!

I can feel the butterflies in my tummy, my heart is already beating faster than usual, and I feel a little nervous thinking about how I am going to run the race set before me. I am feeling excited, nervous and a little apprehensive.

Well, whatever it is.. here are some things I am gonna do this week:-

1. RELAX :- One of the best things I can do right now is chill. This week is about rest and short easy runs to stay loose.
2. SLEEP :- I have found (anecdotally) that your most important night’s sleep could be 2-3 nights before the marathon/half marathon, so stockpile!
3. EAT SMART :- I’m probably used to eating whatever I want during training. Hmmm…I will lay off that second dinner or late night snack this week, I will not gorge myself. I will avoid high fibre foods or anything fried. I will only eat predictable food that won’t upset my digestive system.
4. I WILL CARRY A WATER BOTTLE :- I will be sipping water during the day and will monitor my pee to stay hydrated. Seriously! Urine too yellow? Drink more! Crystal clear? Back off! I’m looking for a lemonade shade….LOL
5. GET OFF MY FEET :- Now isn’t the time to tackle that home project or explore a new hiking route. I am just going to do my normal routine, but will get off my feet whenever possible. I will also run according to my training plan and relax.
6. TRY NOTHING NEW :- Race week isn’t the time to try new shoes, a new hydration strategy or a new racing shirt! If it hasn’t been tested (from gear to food), don’t try, don’t change.
7. REFLECT :- Whatever my goals, whatever the outcome, I have worked hard to get here! I will do my best, I won’t quit and I will take pride knowing I am going to embark on this awesome journey!!

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much my mind affects my running. And how the heck I will survive my first half marathon for HSN21km on the 8 October, 2016. The way I feel on race day can have a huge impact on how I do overall!

Marathon signs, they are everywhere at races. Before you start, at the porta porties, aid stations, finish line and after party! So, for today, I am taking a break from normal training talk for just a little bit of fun!

Do you pay attention to signs while running?

Then, I thought to myself……..Don’t be worried lah, if I see a lot of people passing me by…I will just have to remember, the story about the tortoise and the hare…LOL

Hmmmm…you know, life is toooooo short to be afraid to do things!  I don’t want regrets. One day, I won’t be able to run. But today I can…..and I will!!

Am I brave? Brave enough to tackle a race? Any distance? Strong enough not to bail at the starting line? It takes courage to line up to run a race…….

So, When I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon, I thought I was crazy…Insane……What the heck was I thinking? Just because I’ve run half dozen or so races, I all of a sudden think I’m qualified to run a half marathon? Absolutely not!! Does it scare me??? YES!!! But I’m going to do it anyway! See you at HSN21km on the 8 October, 2016 at Dataran Merdeka.

My best friend, Melissa Pragasam

Needless to say, my emotions are kicking into overdrive at this point. I woke up this morning and started crying….Yeah, as if my pet cat died or something…..but I do not even have a pet cat……Hmmmm…. Yeah, crying for NO REASON AT ALL! I can’t stop picturing the race. I am completely distracted 100% of the time because I am in Half Marathon Mode!! Ohhhhhhh…my inner crazies and voices in my head are having lots of conversations lately…..Here’s some of it:-

• I am feeling ANXIOUS :- 8 October, 2016 is just two weeks away, which at times feels like it’s right around the conner and other times feels like it’s still a far- off date. Part of me wants another full month to train but another, bigger part of me wants to run this thing tomorrow!
• I am feeling NERVOUS :- Ohhhhhhh..yeahhh…Obviously, I think this is the strongest emotion I am feeling right now. I’m nervous my stomach won’t be strong shape on race day. I’m nervous I won’t sleep the night before the race. I’m nervous I’ll forget something. I’m nervous I won’t be able to stick with my goal pace. I’m nervous about the course. I’m nervous about the hills. I’m nervous I am not going to make everyone proud. Hmmmm…Yeah….I’m kind of nervous.
• I am feeling DISTRACTED :- It’s amazing I am able to get work done during the day. All I really want to be doing is going out for a run/ training or I want to talk to anyone who will listen about training.
• I am feeling PREPARED :- Most of my marathoner friends keep saying ‘trust your training, Chrisy!’ I know I have it in me to bang out 21 km.
• I am feeling EXCITED :- Obviously, right?? I’m going to run HSN21km- Half marathon for the first time!
• I am feeling HUMBLE :- Being HSN21km’s official blogger. It’s mind blowing to be able to embark my first ever half marathon for Hari Sukan Malaysia, 8 October 2016 at Dataran Merdeka.
• I am feeling PROUD :- regardless of what happens on race day, I am proud to be part of HSN21KM. I am proud of the effort I’ve put forth and I’m proud of my unwavering dedication to my cause and to my training.

The next few days are going to be a little crazy, I predict. I will probably cry a lot in anticipation, because I am a basket case..So for now, Hubby and I decided to take our parents and children for a short getaway this weekend to Penang Island to chill out with my BFF and her family..just to get things out from my mind for a while…

The mind of a runner is a wonderful but at the same time terrifying thing! Don’t believe me? Well, here is my story:-

My favourite part about racing is shockingly, not the running part but the habits I form before and after the races that makes me feel like I’m part of a tribe of sorts. A tribe of crazy people who wake up at 3 a.m to run as fast as I can for a certain distance, all to receive a medal. There’s also the really cool part of donating to charity and running for a cause, just like AXA Hearts in Action!

Anyways, the rituals- it’s having enough sleep the night before, the drinking of lot of water, the carb-heavy meal and the coffee in the morning. It’s the encouraging text message, and the scrambling to find parking and use of pinning of the bibs that keep me coming back, race after race.

However, this definitely wasn’t the race I was hoping for and not the recap I really wanted to write, but sometimes races don’t go the way we’d hoped.

I woke up with a rumbly stomach but managed to eat and chalked it up to race day jitters. My hubby and Amisha-my 2nd daughter, aged 11 and I ran the AXA Hearts in Action @ Cyberjaya. Mia and my hubby ran the 6 km, while I ran 12 km. It was indeed awesome to see father and daughter running together- it helped each other push a little bit harder.

The event started with a warm up Zumba session by Celebrity Fitness-which mostly none of the participants could follow their moves and techniques. However, it was fun, shaking, bouncing, wiggling around with over 5000 participants. At 6.45 am, the 12 km runners were all ready at the starting line- we were briefed by the Emcee and the race director. However, the briefing was unclear and blurry. To what I have observed, this race had many first timers/ beginners. Let me also give you a picture of the course….downhill…..downhill……….wind at your back……..slight uphills…turn around, Go into the tunnel…..U- Turn and run back up those damn hills…

The food trucks and tents were located right next to the start/finish all awaiting the finishers. Downside- the porta potties. Not that there’s much of a chance for them to the upside, but the lines were long and they were far from clean and sanitary- flip side:- desperate times calls for desperate measures.

The Atmosphere:- One of the best feelings is standing at the start line. You can feel the energy pulse through the crowd. It’s positive. It’s upbeat. It’s anxious. And it’s awesome!

Race:- I am not being dramatic when I say this, but I was so impressed by those running around (and past) me. It was hot, humid and hilly, but even though it was evidence we were all struggling , everyone pushed on.At 3 km, it appeared that some runners for the 6 km run somewhere along the route, someone took a wrong turn and all the other 6 km runners followed! A police traffic had to come to the rescue to re-direct the 6 km runners back to their original route. My poor little girl and hubby had to run an extra 1 km due to this technical error. Runners were running practically everywhere-left side of the road, right side of the road, in the middle of the road…ah yo yo yo yo….To make matters worst, cars, buses, motorcycles were zooming by ourside too….

Water station:- There were 3 water stations for the 12 km route. However sad to say that it was badly manned. Volunteers did not know what to do, how to handle the crowd. The paper cups were just stacked up and runners had to pour their own water into the cups- imagine a scene from a cartoon where lots of kites flying up above the sky..well, instead of kites- it was paper cups flying all around….I skipped two water stations due to the chaos – afraid of wasting time, precious minutes……

Then my thoughts started to ponder and wonder……RUN……FOREST……RUN!!! And you know what happened next? My endomondo stopped and said…..You have reached your destination and goal- 12 km but when I looked ahead, I noticed a sign that said 1 km to go (the one and only sign)…..I was just tiny bit delirious.(overall total distance 12.7 km)

What perhaps wasn’t so positive (but ultimately maybe is in the hands of the organisers- lack of proper signages/ marker course/ directions/ marshalls) or should I say, they were extremely non-existance!

Now, its not like I was the only runner out there suffering. Everyone I passed or passed me was working so incredibly hard. There were no smiles, laughter or jokes. It was all hard work.

We’ve all had them. They are inevitable. A part of life. Sometimes for no reason at all. Nothing to point to. Or everything to point to! THE BAD RUN! We hate it but it’s bound to happen from time to time. Try to remember you are not alone.Sometimes focus on the end game. Be present. The bad runs build our true strength. As in life, when you have tough days, tough experiences, learn how to see the big picture. Bottom line? Learn from the run (Organisers as well as runners) Embrace the suck! and kick your next run in the teeth!

Stay healthy, and there will be future races and for every bad race, there will surely be some great ones!