I Did It

This is the most important post.

Let start from current state. My ankles are aching, shin muscle very tight.
Left knee is slightly swollen. Right knee is sore. Thighs are surprinsingly least affected, Hip muscles and abs were the ones that are aching.

I didn't even know I had abs. Muahahahaha...

I officially look like a tapir now, basically I have 2 colour tones.

Lets reverse course and start from 5pm this morning.

0445, Started to take a walk down to the starting point. Was walking with the competitive runners from the hotel so felt like a superstar in the morning.

0500, cleared my bladder for last time after drinking almost 2 litres in the last 18 hrs. Reached the gate barrier of the entrance to the start point and met my old OCS buddy. Haha. He used to hate running and he still hates it but running to train/test endurance.

0530, We are off.... Adamant to endure I do not start too fast, 8km/hr was my optimal race pace, but it also meant that the whole world was overtaking me like crazy. To the new runner, just ignore them okay.

0600, People have started to walk as we moved into the Beach Rd Golden Mile stretch. Pace was really comfortabel and the weather was good. The route was almost totally flat and easy to just move along.

0640, Saw a familiar face, It is one of the LTA in my reservist unit. ran up to say hi and then slowed back down to my 8km pace again. Checking my nike+, i realised it just died on me. First Powergel went into the stomach... it is supposed to last me till Bedok Jetty

0715, ECP... Haha, the previous weekend when I did the ECP run, I thought it wasnt easy. My main intention was to reach ECP without any real effort so that I can focus on completing the 19km there. Met the VJ HnF oldies. They are enjoying their run... Oh yah, and the angmoh with his cowbell.

Okay, then I started to look track of time. Fueled up on another powergel and by now have already mastered the long lost art of drinking on the moved with a plastic cup. haha.
When the turnaround point reached, I was surprised how afr ahead it was from my practise run, that almost makes it another 2 km longer. Stole a GU gel and didnt like it (Orange Flavour) it was stickier but I could feel my legs getting heavy, seems like my 4 sachets of Powergel wouldnt be enough so I gamely took one. I pulled out my Salonpas spray and started to spray on my ankles and shins and kness which have began to throb and feel numb.

By now, the 8km/hr pace is already good enough to overtake slow movers. But my respect as there are also many other s who are pushing a faster relentless pace.

Went into Area B which indicates the ending of the ECP journey. Powergel again and another liberal spray of Salonpas.. my lifesaver. it numbed off my knee.

From this point onwards, 29km - 33km, I did my final mindless "look at the road and run" and made it to the first of the stadium u-turns. I stopped for a water break completely and regret it.
My legs stopped moving and cramped up. Every movement of my left leg sent a shock up to my gluteals and lower back. I was shocked. Is this the fabled wall? Was thinking that it will have come earlier.Maybe 25-226km mark,but I think again and thought to myself. This on its own is a major achievement. I have never ran almost 4 hrs non-stop and covered 33km.

The 2 stadium loops were a torture. Please do a major rethink on the route as it is really not-inspiring at all to know that you are going to run 2-3km to be just 100m closer to your end point.

I dunno how, By walking and very slow jog, I managhed to finish the 2 loops, At some point of time, I really couldnt feel my legs and was wondering why it is still moving.Geylang then just before Lavender, I saw a sign " GO SUPER DAD". I knew it wasnt from my kids or wife. But still, it moved me close to tears. I kept telling myself.. perservere... it is 6km more to go. Even if you are to drag yourself there, you are going to finish the marathon.

Everything was a blank from there. I rem running up the 300m slope behind Golden Mile. I rem walking and kicking out my leg just to make it move. I rem splashing water on myself up to a point where my socks were soaked.. Then I saw the flyer, and the national day grandstand.

Come-on Jeff, Run to the finish... U can do it. I picked up myself and deliberately pumped my arms and legs to move, Esplanade came and before I knew it, It was time.

TIME TO SAVOUR THE MOMENT!!! I AM A FINISHER!!! I CAN FRIGGIN FINISH A MARATHON!!!! 100m, 75m I saw Cohen Elicia and Mum, 50m, All blank.. 25m. My arms were up to my chest in a clenched fist and pumping.

I DID IT!!!! It showed 6:04 on the clock, but I am sure it was under 6hrs as I waited ~5mins to start in the beginning..