Reflection on Std Chart Marathon 2009

I ran the Std Chart Marathon last Sunday (6/12), and completed the race in 4hr 0 min 31 sec. This is my personal best timing ever. The last time I clocked such timing was in 1996, when I was 27 years old, and presumably at the peak of my fitness. Even then, that timing was 4hr 15min. Therefore, I was overjoyed this time round.

I run for R & R (Relax and Reflect) reasons. As my work requires discipline on time management, therefore I run whenever the day's work is over, and relax my mind (and soul) and keep my BMI within healthy range.

As my foot pound on the road, it also gave me an opportunity to reflect on issues of my life (family, work, finances etc). Every race, I learnt something.

Lesson 1: Subtle and gradual improvement produce unexpectedly great results

I am 40 years old now. Never in my wildest dream I can imagine I can be as fit as when I was 27. This year, I do my runs consistently and systematically increase the milage gradually. I don't run wth a watch, therefore it allows me to pay close attention to my heart beats and foot strikes.

Without me knowing, my body has build up more muscles and my pain thrashold has increased. Without me knowing, my foot strikes have become more productive and efficient. Without me knowing, my lungs have become more effective in processing the oxygen intake.

Interestingly, as I was at the 32km mark (McDonalds - Stadium Road), i thought my foot strikes were slower than last year; and was a little discouraged because more runners seem to overtake me rather than I overtake them. I talked to myself: "Well, stop comparing, just do it and finished the race".

At the 42km mark (Singapore Cricket Club), I saw the clock flashed: 3 hr 59 min 10sec! I ran the last 195m with all my breath and crossed the finishing line clocking 4hr 00 min 31sec. I was overjoy!

I learnt that our conscious self will sometimes (or rather in most times) make us believe that we can't, and subconciously limits our life on the real world. With gradual and consistent preparation and work, improvement will come subtly, and yield results we never dream we are capable of.

Join me at the starting line next year.

*special thanks to my racing partners for 2009

a. New Balance 383

b. Brooks Racer ST 3