This race has been by toughest and longest race so far. I have never been running more than 22km, and this race hit 25.72km. Before the race, I fell sick, downed with throat infection and fever. I thought I won't be going to make it for the race, but thank God, my condition was better and just felt some throat irritation, so I would be still able to run.
On Sunday morning 26 Sept 2010, with little bit of sore throat & dryness, I went the starting line and started slowly. I had to run slower than my usual pace as I have yet to fully recover and need to conserve energy for the longest run. My aim was just to complete the race, no aim on time nor medal. The route was indeed like roller coasters, going up & down, at times I just didn't want to look ahead for the jialat continuous uphill! To distract my attention, I looked at the opposite road where the fast runners already made the 1st u-turn. To entertain myself, I searched for familiar faces and cheered for them :)
At the 1st u-turn still feel ok, until the junction where the 12km turned right/25km went straight, this was were the "pain" started. Still managed to run without stopping, crossing the 2nd u-turn, then after the 2nd u-turn somewhere near Esso station, the blazing sun burning my back. This was were the real pain started. It was not about the route, it was the heat that kills. At 2okm mark, I was no longer able to endure the heat and started to mix with walk and run. The hydration belt I brought along was really a life saver! At the final 2km, apparently I was already dragging my feet on the ground. Reaching nearer to the finishing line, people starting to cheer and encouraging us, finally I completed my longest run with 3:25 hours. The worst time I'd ever got but I was so happy that I managed to complete and received my finisher tee! The bonus was I still able to get a medal.
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This race, definitely is my toughest race and most unforgettable race. My buddy collapsed in the race and being sent to hospital, but to God's grace, my buddy is allright and was discharged from the hospital. I really thank God that all of us are safe and sound. Though it was a long and tiring day for us, I believe there must be a purpose of what happened, to make us be more prepared in future races, or in our life, to become a stronger person and be a person with faith.
