Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2012 Race Review

Jogging track in Fermont, San Francisco. It was cold & raining during my visit. Didn't run, but took a picture. 

I came back from a US trip on the 26 Nov, visited San Francisco & Las Vegas. The Standard Chartered run falls on the 2 Dec, without training during the last two weeks, it was going to be tough.

As usual the 10km run within Sentosa is quite tough, but i'm ready for it as this is the 2nd time running this course. The part i hated most is running at the sentosa underground carpark (about 1km+), with the car engines running, i'm kind of out of breath, hoping to get out as soon as possible.

Overall it was a challenging course, i do not want to run the same course again next year.

 medal for this year

the race result is out within a day.

A total of 7462 finished the race, at 2:27 it is considered slow (due to the tough course), however this time is within the top 20%.

Runs for 2012, sundown, safra army half marathon, adidas kings of the roads and finally standard chartered

 completed 10 years of distance running, i'm taking a break from standard chartered as i intend to run overseas.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011 Race Review

in my 9 years of running, this is the toughest half marathon (with the slowest timing), partly due to the hilly terrain

First of all, this race is an unfortunate one. We lost a young man, Malcom Sng, 22 years old collasped upon crossing the finishing line during the half marathon. He passed away in the hospital an hour later.

He is a respected runner, from the news, this is his second half marathon. He had signed up for the army half marathon in Sept. When he crossed the finishing time, the clock was 1 hr 53 mins. For a new runner it is not easy to run at this speed.

Race Review

The race starts at 6:30am on Sentosa island. I moved towards the front with my running mate Roland, about 100m from the start line. Before the start, i'm not as excited as it used to be (mainly because i had achieved my target of running a half marathon under 2 hrs, back in Sept this year). Having recovered from a cough this week, plus an ongoing knee problem together with the lack of training, i don't intend to push too hard during the run. The longest training run was just 2.8km x 4, around 11.2km (i had to walk in the last 2km because of slight pain in the right knee)

Before the run, was informed of the 8 uphills in Sentosa island itself, and i'm ready for it, after 3-4km into the race i'm starting to feel slight strain. This course is challenging indeed. The worst part was towards the 8-9km mark, we were running into an underground bus interchange, it was hard to breath inside, lack of oxygen, that stretch was around 1.5km. With the bus engines running.. it was hard, there was a driver standing beside the road, smoking! When i ran pass him, i had to inhale his 2nd hand smoke...! I just wanted to get out of this tunnel.

For the 10km within Sentosa, i took around 1 hr. Then my speed started to drop. For the remaining 11km to the finish, i had to stop, stretch & walk (due to my knee). Finally crossing the finish line in 2hrs 25 mins. The slowest time for a half marathon, 12% for the overall finishers (which i was quite amazed), i was really slow in this run.

In the reports, it mentioned there are 19,700 runners in the half marathon. The official results are out, 13,862 finished the half. That's only 70%.

We do not have 5km and kids dash numbers.

From official site: marathonsingapore.com

Finishers

Full Marathon	15,343
Half Marathon	13,862
10km	12,047
10km Wheelchair	6
Ekiden	722

20,000 signed up for full, and 19,700 for half.

the 3 half marathon medals, Sundown Marathon (May), SAFRA Army Half (Sept) and the Standard Chartered Half (Dec)

Paula Radcliffe How to Run Book review

How to Run by Paula Radcliffe

2 weeks ago i borrowed the new book from the library, Paula Radcliffe How to Run. This book was published earlier this year. A highly recommended book, with interesting tips, recommendation and advice from Paula. It's like having Paula as a running coach.

i would recommend runners to check out this book. She is a highly competitive runner with world record marathon time under her belt, she shared some very good knowledge in the book. For us, we are just reading for more understanding and see how it can be applied to our own races.

gaining an edge

The importance of your state of mind in determing the outcome of a race can't be overestimated

in the zone

mind games

The importance of your mind in determing the outcome of a race is critical. Learn to lift yourself to the next level by increasing your mental strength

Safra Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2011 Review

Joined the men's open, the field as compared to Sundown half marathon runners are much faster & stronger. Sundown half marathon runners are more recreational i guess.

A great day, I had finally acheived the goal of running a half marathon in under 2 hrs. Well 1hr 59 mins! Since 2004 when i did a half marathon, it had been 7 years! A happy day indeed.

the 20th year, 70k runners signed up for the race

The race flag off at 5:15am. My goal was to run within 2 hrs 10mins. I didn't really put in much effort before the race, the most i did in a training run was around 10km, we are supposed to do 2 sets of 5.6km (11.2km total) but it was cancelled on both occasion because of rain. Knowing there was an uphill at Fort Canning Road, the race course is much more challenging than Sundown Marathon. I didn't have much expectation, RELAX, just here to enjoy the run, once the race started i stick with my running mate Hong (he was having slight flu), a better runner than me, my goal was to keep in pace with him. His endurance and stamina drop slightly as he didn't really prepared for this race.

At 6km mark the time was 34mins, within the 6mins pace (what we usually did in training). At 7km it was 40mins. I checked my watch again at 9km, it was 51 mins. At 10km mark the time was 57 mins. After which i didn't check my watch that often, at around 13-14km, i stopped and stretch my right leg for around 20-30 sec. There was slight strain in my right knee again (the usual problem). The weather helps, it was still early in the morning and there was no heat. Looking in front of me, there are really a lot of superb runners in Singapore, only experience runners with certain mileage in training can run under a 6 mins pace, i was trying to keep up with this group of runners.

We carried on running, at 18 km mark it was 1 hr 40 mins. At 19km, i took a cool water sponge and wet my neck & shoulders, it kind of lower down my body temperature. I knew i can make it within 2hrs, today is the day! 20 mins to cover 3km, that's not too difficult. Slight pain in my right knee again, but i just pick up pace and forget about the pain (when you don't think about it, hopefully it will go away). In the last 3.1km, i was running at 4 min 28 sec per km.

Finally 1hr 59 mins! I joined the under 2 hrs group after 8 years and on the 7 attempt!
2004 SCSM at 2 hrs 9 mins, 2006 SCSM at 2 hrs 13 mins, 2008 SCSM at 2 hrs 13 mins,
2009 Safra at 2 hrs 18 mins, 2010 Sundown at 2:06 mins, 2011 recent Sundown at 2:06 mins

Running towards the line at the gun time of 2 hrs, i'm at the most right behind (half covered), this is the only picture. These guys running within 2hrs are all good runners.
Photo by runevent shots

results from runpix, comparing with sundown runpix, the experience & serious runners are mostly here :)

increased my pace in the last 3 km, overtook almost 150 runners (learning from the earlier sundown experience, i need to run faster in the last few kilometers in order to get under 2 hrs)


Overall it was very well orgainized (the army guys always did a good job). Each water point was having sufficent guys (mend by each combat unit). The cheering, local bands, belly dancers gave the much needed motiviation and inspiration. The only thing to note on the aid stations was that they should use deep heat instead of having the spraying stuff (like those used in soccer match, not much use for me).

The last time i ran in the army half was back in 2009, comparing it with the Sunday run, they had made a huge improvement in overall logistic, race route (less uphill) and support, and the best is i got a PB :)

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011

The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore is here again. It will be open for registration tomorrow 23 Jun. For those who intended to sign up, please do so and take advantage of the early bird. The early bird offer is valid from 23 Jun to 20 July 2011, last year, all the slots were taken during the early bird period.


Categories

Full Marathon early bird offer $75 (15% less for cardholders at $63.75)
Half Marathon $58 ($49.30)
10km Men/Women/Wheelchair $50 (42.50)
5km Fun Run $20 (N.A)
Kids Dash 750m $18 (15.30)
Ekiden -42.195km $300 ($255)

I'm surprised when i saw the fees for this year full marathon $75 (for early bird offer)! With standard chartered credit card (15% off), it will be $63.75.

Last year i paid $38.25 for the full marathon (using standard chartered credit card). An increase of 40%!! WOW. For me & my friends we will just sign up for the half. Kind of disappointed to see the increasing fees, a few years from now, i'm not surprise to see $100 for full marathon.

After last year run, I have decided not to run a full in SC. The 10km & half marathon runners merged at Sheares Bridge and basically you have to walk with them. It is frustrating if you have a time goal, having come so far to reach 37km ... and ended up walking with the rest. It was only in the last 2km, you get to run to the finish. Precious time were wasted :(

Last year 60k signed up (from the previous 50k) and this year they intended to get 70k participants.

Race Review for 2010 Full Marathon
SCMS Race Review 2010

This will be the 9th year since my first 10km in SCSM. My recommendation for those who are running full marathon:

1. Prepare yourself. Train in the heat. (last year the race starts at 5am and at around 10am the temperature was at 35C) . Can you run in the heat for the last stretch? It can be quite painful & stressful.

2. Are you aiming for a PB? If you intend to do a personal best, SCMS might not be suitable. You will probably be slowed down by others near the finishing. Last year, I have to walk for about 2km at around 37km mark. I finished in less under 5 hrs, it could be better.

Running Motivation

About 10 days to the Sundown Marathon, everything is progressing smoothly, did a few session with my training mates. A week ago i came across this clip of Heather Dorniden from the University of Minnesota races the 600m at the Big 10 Indoor Track Championships. I noticed there was blood on her face, from the fall, but she just gave her all in the race.

It reminded us as runners, our training over the years, the dedication needed just for that special day.



a special clip, you just need that something extra in every race :)

End of the year

Last night, received a message from my running mate Roland who just came back from Chiang Mai, Thailand. He had just completed the Chiang Mai Marathon 2010 with a personal best of 4 hr 5 mins. That is amazing for a 58 years old, the other guy Chin (53 years old) finished with a PB too at 3 hrs 43 mins.

Having trained so hard and frequent for this race, the flat terrain and good weather (15C) at 4am played a part, they achieved the goal they set for themselves.

Next year, just plan to sign up for half marathon in Singapore.

Happy New Year, have a great year ahead.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010

5am at the start line.

Copyright by Anthony Quek

Beautiful Christmas lightings, switched on just for the full marathoners.

Cute little toddler in the Kids Dash, a future runner :)

Copyright from MCYSingapore

The Penguins of Madagascar cheering for half marathon runners at Sentosa

Came across a few pictures of the Sunday event from flickr, there are hundreds more, I had choosen these 4 nice pictures for the blog. They are copyrights to their respect owners.

The Christmas lighting along Orchard was what we experience on that day, wonderful & stunning. A great welcome before we started our 42km run.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 Race Review

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Medal 2010

Medal showing CK Tang building at Orchard Road, Sentosa starting point for the half marathon runners and the Singapore flyer.

Completed my 5th full marathon on Sunday, finished with a personal best. I'm glad that I managed to cut around 30 mins off my 2009 timing and achieved a PB, with the goal of finally finishing a marathon under 5 hrs.

The race starts at 5am, wake up at 2:30 am had my breakfast at 3am. Left home at 3:30am, took a cab down to Orchard with 2 other friends. We are about 45mins before the start just went to the toilets in Orchard.

Standing under the Christmas lights at Orchard was wonderful, in the last 5 mins to the start time, the music Final Countdown was being played. Looking at the lights I recalled the training and the build up to this marathon, wishes my friend good luck, we start to walk towards the start line.

Sticking to my marathon pace everything was good, after running 4km into Chinatown area, saw the 5:15 official pacers in front, overtook them shortly. At around 8 km mark I saw the 5 hrs marathon pacers in front about 500m, overtook them.

A Caucasian runner dressed as superman shouted to the pacers "Is this the 4:45 pacers?"

One of the pacer replied " No, 5 hrs pacers, if you want to catch them you got to fly in front."

In order to run under 5 hrs, it is important not to let the 5:15 & 5 hrs pacers overtook me.

After running 12-13km, we moved into East Coast Park, I told myself to maintain my pace and survive this East Coast route (mentally I'm prepared as we had run in Newton 30km), 13km into the Park, come out at 28km (a big loop). At 14km, the medic provided deep heat, I applied on my right knees, it did help to ease some pain.

Along the way at 20 -22km, I met my friend Hong, catching up from behind, he told me he started 30mins late as his bib number was in the 6hrs pen, "good work, very good pace, keep going" we encouraged one other and he overtook me. Shortly I met my friend Adam at the East Coast Lagoon 23km, the one-armed runner (1armrunner.blogspot.com), he was struggling, we encouraged each other and I just moved ahead.

Seeing the 28km mark I survived the East Coast road, people around me are feeling the strain & stress. My pace slowed, however I continued running. 29km, 30km, 31km, looking forward to see the distance marker and knowing I'm closer to the finish....

At 30km upslope at the Marine Bay Golf course, my friend James run from behind and called me, he was in very good pace, we jog together for a while complaining of the weather, it was about 35 degrees now.. it is hard to run in this weather. But we pushed on and I tell him to go ahead.

31km, 32km, 33km, the distance marker was a welcoming sign now, was running for almost 4 hrs and I knew I can improve on my 2009 timing. There are still some strength in me, my knees are alright, the biggest discomfort was the hot weather. Finally reached 35km, finishing soon, been running for about 35km, the ambulance siren was all around me, that is the only sound I heard.

At 37 km we had to run uphill on the Sheares Brigde, this is it, just walked for the next 2km. The 10km & half-marathon runners blocked the whole lane, there is no way to carry on running now, I'm just too tired too. The 10km runners had just ran 5km, half marathon runners about 3-4km to finish when all of us reached the bridge creating a huge bottleneck, I had run for more than 35km, damn and now we are in this big jam. I saw suffering and pain around me, the super hot weather at around 10am was hard to bear, everyone had their heads down.

Finally upon seeing the 40km sign, I started to run again, but just 5 mins into the run my left thigh cramped. It was bad... walk for 5 mins or so and I carry on running. The finishing was near, today I will achieved a personal best.

Everyone was blocking my way. Both 10km & half marathon runners, I pushed my way, elbowed to the finish line.. 2km more.. and last 1km. Waka Waka was played near the finished line, you can hear the cheering (reminded me of Newton run), the final push and it was all over.

Crossed the finish line. VICTORY! DAMN 42.195km.

This will be my last full marathon in Standard Chartered, the race course is no longer good to run in my opinion. The orgainser was more interested to make a profit with increase participants rather than for us runners, an increase of 10k to 60k this year.

today's ST

"There's a lot of potential to grow this race. I think maybe 60,000 is not the limit" Teo Ser Luck, MCYS Senior Parliamentray Secratary, he ran in 10km.


"But so far so good. It was great weather, a great crowd and the mood was good, so it's been a wonderful morning." Comminity Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan who ran 10km.

The organiser will like to take into consideration of the followings for some improvements:

60k runners was definitely too large.

At 37km we had to run uphill at ECP and faced a bottleneck. For runners (full marathon) with bag deposit, they had to walk 2km to collect their bags at F1 pit. Full marathon runners walked 2km after finishing, while the others had their bags at the Padang (at the finish).This was poor planning.

Athens Classic Marathon 2010 Commemorative Medal

The golden ribbon with the distance printed from 1km to 42.195km, medal showing Phidippides running with a shield. With a shield?


On Friday, I received this commemorative medal via mail. In celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of the legend of marathon. I had thought of going to Greece, Athens to run a marathon, a long trip there will include a few days of sight-seeing, a trip there was estimated to cost more than S$5,000.

This year 2010 will be a significant year to run a marathon no matter where we are. A celebration of the spirit of Phidippides.

A little booket with 8 pages on the history of marathon. Medal on a display stand. Actual color of the medal.

A picture of the The Athens Classic Marathon Medal 2010 (gold & silver)
Athens Classic Marathon Medal 2010

Race Plan in less than 10 days

With the given route map from the event book, runners can work out their own race plan. You will know what to expect along the route and don't get any surprise if things don't turn out your way, example no more water (this did happened in the Newton Run), no more power gel which happened last year.

This year the number of full marathon runners reach an all year high of 19,000! So it is important to take care of yourself and be prepared.

At the start of the race, the first few water points are usually welcoming sight to runners, everyone will rush towards it, if you have a time goal, it is better to skip them, from my personal experience. Time spend on each water point is about 20-30 secs per.

Water point
Between 2-3km (skip)
between 4-5km (skip)
7km (optional)
9km (take)
Between 11-12km (optional)
13km (opt)
14km Banana (skip) The bananas are provided too early
15km
Near to 18km
Near to 19km
Before 20km (water & gel) take the gel!
Prepare to eat the gel at around 22km with water pt coming.
Between 23-24km
After 26km (take)
Bet 28km - 29km (take)
At 32km (take) Muscle Rub
Don't miss the last few water points, it is near the finish and runners will be very tired by then, some refreshment can do wonders now!
Near 33km (take)
At 35km (take)
39km (last water point)

IMPT: Dont skip the water point at 33, 35 & 39km.

Counting down, less than 10 days before the big challenge.

Race Pack Collection 22 Nov

Collected the race pack at Expo on Monday afternoon, no waiting needed on the last day for collection, simple and fast. Here are some pictures taken.

Sundown Marathon 2011

Notice the adidas logo has been removed for the 2011 promotion poster, I wonder if there will be a new sponser after 3 years, this is the normal practice to a change in sponsorship every 3 years.

Received an email today, on the registration for Sundown Marathon at the 2010 Sports and Fitness Expo to be held from 19 - 22 November. It is the same date for the collection of the race pack for Standard Chartered Marathon. Received 2 messages from my runner friends today on whether to sign up, with the coming marathon to plan for in the next 2 weeks, I will probably not worry about this.

Having took part in 3 consecutive Sundown races, was rather disappointed when I see there is another price increment on the race fees. Well, all the race fees are increasing every year, 10% at least, as a matter of fact a runner will not complain on the price if he is running, else just skip it. But I can sense that for the last few years, organizing a race is a big business, with probably good profit. Example is this year Standard Chartered race increase to 60k, up from 50k in 2009. And the plan is to increase to 100k participants in the next few years.

In the recent Great Eastern 2010, there are a record of 10k runners, but only around 4,200 finished the race, the rest are DNF and DNS. Just purely marketing & promotion strategy for the brand to show how successful the race was. It is not recommened to sign up for a race without proper training.


Great Eastern Women 10k
www.women10k.com

DNF - Did not finish
DNS - Did not start

Borneo International Marathon 2011

The Borneo International Marathon 2011 is now open for registration. A week ago, I came to know about this race from my running mates and they were talking about sigining up. Currently was deciding if I will go for the 1st international race in May next year.

It will be exactly 4 weeks before the full marathon, will see how it goes with training now at the final stage.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010

SCMS released the official route map today. The youtube clip was uploaded a few hours ago.



Taking note of the water power, gel station and medical tent, we can just work out our own running plan.

Will probably sign up the half-marathon next year as the route looks interesting, running about 9 km inside Universal Studio park.

Clip has been removed by user 18 Nov Update

Marathon Training

The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy
& the editors of Runner's World

After the 30km run, I have reduced my training, just did 1 run on Monday this week. With the Indonesia jungle burning season here again (Enraged), we had PSI of more than 100 (unhealthy Level) on Thursday and Friday, I'm just finding excuses not to go out for a workout, even our professional soccer match was cancelled to protect the players' health. At the moment, I was reading the above book borrowed from library, the author Mark has run 5 Bostons, an interesting book poking at runners and at the same time with lots of insights.

At 6:20am this morning (Saturday) my running mates & I went for a 20km run, from our area to Mandai Zoo. Along the route, came across a squirrel, a large adult wild boar dashing across the road and a family of monkeys. Due to my long rest days, I was feeling strain on my right knee in the last 4-5km. It was a tough workout, and my knee pain is back again, will see how it goes, with 1 month more to the full marathon in December.

New Asics 1150 Gel purchased on Friday

On Friday, I purchase a new pair of running shoes and switched to Asics. My existing New Balance has covered more than 550km almost 600km it is time to replace it with another pair. For the first time I will be using asics, started off with New Balance and later Mizuno. Well I am sure this is a good shoe, good review, within budget and recommeded by my training mate.

Till the next post, hope my knee will be alright after resting for a few days.

Running

copyright by dictybloke

At the midpoint of my marathon training program, 2 weeks ago I read a book by Amby Burfoot, The Runner's Guide to the meaning of Life. Winner of 1968 Boston Marathon. This book is supposed to be one of the five best books on running.

A passage from the book, I would like to share with everyone...

We are meant to run, and we do so naturally when left to our own devices. Watch a group of children on the playground, in your backyard, or wherever they come together. When they play games like tag, they run for a while, with squeals of obvious delight, and then rest until they are recovered again. Run and rest, run and rest. It is the perfect exercise program because it is coded in our genes. It is what our forefathers did millions of years ago.


First we try to run faster. Then we try to run harder. Then we learn to accept ourselves and our limitations, and at last, we can appreciate the time joy and meaning of running.
- From the Runner's Guide to the meaning of life.

Marathon Medals in 8 yrs

26.2 miles (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009) This is my favourite as this picture span across 5 years, an approximate of 169km covered on race day, plus a few thousand kilometers in training run.

The toughest was 2008 Sundown Marathon, completed the race under a Cat 1 thunderstorm in the early morning. Runners were told to take shelter in nearby bus stops, but most of us just ran towards the finish line in the last few kilometers. Stopping and taking a break is not an option, not even in a storm.

Singapore Sundown Marathon 2008, 2009, 2010

The end of Singapore Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon from 2002-2009.
Medals shown here are from 2003-2009

This is the 8th year of distance running, had ran thousand of kilometers in training over the years. Shown here are Sundown Marathon and Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon medals.

Early this week, a good friend Steven captured these pictures to be used as stock photos. Every medal tells a story, facing the unknown, the struggle, the setbacks, the pain, the fear, the satisfaction... hopefully all runners can enjoy their run, it is not necessary to be the fastest, importantly, upon crossing the finish line, you knew you had gave your best.

Mile
1. Hello Start Line - Goodbye Doubt
2. Goodbye Fear
3. Hello Spectators - Goodbye Nerves
4. Hello Little Water Cups - Goodbye Anxiety
5. Goodbye Uncertainty
6. Hello Headwind - Goodbye Good Enough
7. Hello Cold - Goodbye Cynicism
8. Hello Warm Numbness - Goodbye Pain
9. Hello Don't Stop Now - Goodbye Arrogance
10. Hello Pounding Heart - Goodbye Overconfidence
11. Goodbye Giving Up
12. Goodbye the Easy Way Out
13. Hello Halfway Point - Goodbye Obstacles
14. Goodbye Pessimism
15. Goodbye Comfort Zone
16. Goodbye Apathy
17. Goodbye Cramping
18. Goodbye Coasting
19. Hello Wall. Goodbye Ego
20. Goodbye Struggle
21. Goodbye Demons
22. Goodbye Weakness
23. Hello Adoring Fans. Goodbye Previous Best
24. Goodbye Limitations
25. Hello Almost There- Goodbye Disbelief
26. Hello Finish Line - Goodbye Old Me

from the ad of ING New York City Marathon

Steven is an assigned official photographer for the coming Youth Olympic. For the latest photos updates in the coming month: AsianPhotosArts

More interesting & latest YOG updates! Till next post.

关于跑步 - About Running

Recently, finished reading a book in Chinese, 关于跑步, a runner friend lend me this book. In English translation - What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. The author wrote this book between summer 2005 to autumn 2006.

The book was written by an award winning Japanese author by the name 村上春树. Haruki Murakami, winner of the Yomiuri Prize for Literature. The original book was published in Japan by Bungei Shunju Ltd, Japan. The Chinese translation is in complex/traditional character only. No problem with that, although we are using simplified character in Singapore.

In the book, the author talks about running his first marathon in Athens following the route of Phidippides, qualifiying for the prestigious Boston Marathon, ran in the Japan ultramarathon of 100 km without walking within a cutoff time of 11 hrs plus, and marathons both in US & Japan. After a long running career, he took part in the Ironman. He mentioned about his training program, from running 6 days a week (1o km per session) to running 7 days a week. Progressive monthly increament, covering a total distance of 260 km, 310 km, 350 km per month. Also thoughts on distance running and the mental & phyiscal aspects of running long distances.

In the last sentence, the author talked about the pride of running a marathon without walking a single step, he achieved that in all the marathons he finished, not walking a single step no matter how painful it was, even in the 100 km race.

This is what he wish to have on his tombstone.

至少到最後都沒有用走的

At least, till the end I didn't walk.

For experienced runners, this can be a goal to achieve in the 26.2 miles race. No walking (maybe just during drinking) and running the full distance. I'm certain to use this as a motivation in the coming race in a few months time.

the book has this quote (not from the author):
Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.


Earlier post:
Marathon Medals

Running 84Km? How do you train yourself?

On Sunday night, a friend called and told me he had an announcement to make. Announcement? He had set the goal of running the Sundown 84km Ultramarathon next year, end May. He had completed 2 Sundown full marathon over 3 years, a 3 times marathon finisher.

Looking at this year stats - There are 592 registered for the Sundown ultramarathon. 61 were non-starters, 381 finishers and 150 DNFs. So 64% will get to cross the finish line, as compared to the usual marathon between 70-80% finisher.

How do you carry on running/walking when you had just completed a full marathon?

I guess the most important factor will be the mental side, which will help one to pull through this distance. There are runners who gave up at the 70km mark this year, it is just too painful to carry on, and they came to realize that the pride of finishing is no longer important when they put their whole health at risk. A guy who quit at the 55km mark mentioned that he took 5 months to build up to the race, did a multiple runs of 40km and above. However on actual day, he experienced pain and was forced to give up.

To cover 84km is double the commitment of finishing a marathon in my opinion. Careful planning, diet, training and race day conditions are all factors needed to finish this distance.

On the race itself, runners usually has their team of helpers (friends), who will assist them in gels, drinks and snacks. They will usually change into a new pair of running shoes, fresh running attire after finishing the first round, 42km. Something like a refueling station.

This year a 60 years old Taiwanese man (with 20 years running experience) finished the 84km running backwards in less than 13 hrs. The winner was a Korean, Jae Duk Sim, 42 yrs old finishing in a record time of 6 hrs 18 mins. Average runner will probably take 11 hrs or more.

It take years to build up and maintain a certain fitness, as one became more experience in running. A distance runner usually reaches his peak after 30 years old.

Wish my friend the best of luck, may he achieve his dream & accomplish his goal.

DNF- Did not finish.