Shout Outs Eighty Four

I don’t really know where to start. The most unprepared and unplanned race in my entire endurance sports history (so far) has been done. I guess I could say that I’ve won the battle against myself, completing the whole 84km on foot, in a beautiful little country known as Singapore.

However, it would never be materialized without supports from family and friends, so I’m dedicating this entry to all of you.

To my lovely wife and daughter, who had to live a weekend on their own without me being around as I normally do. Yeah, I’m a weekend husband/daddy so my weekends are always special. Thanks, love you both so much.

To Shaqi, who gave me the opportunity to run with his 42km marathon bib number. Without it, I won’t even make myself available in Singapore. I really hope you recover fast with your injury bro. I dedicated one loop of a marathon for you bro. Thanks a lot.

To Ian, who has offered me his help for many times in making sure I get the license (i.e. race bib) to run at the Singapore Sundown event. You’ve been very supportive, thanks bro.

To our King Mambo, Shakhir. What a pleasure to know that finally you could make it to Sundown. Thanks for the lift from JB to Changi. Also thanks to Alwin and Dett who gave me some final encouragements while I was busy changing into my running gear inside the car.

Also, big thanks to Rais who has helped not only me, but many other running friends for the race bib collection and distribution.

Thanks also to Azam (Kash’s brother) who helped to hold my race bib at the start line, and for helping me with transportation and accommodation issues after the race.

And to the buddies that I met at the start of the run who I’m sorry I can’t chat much before the race (because I was already late), thanks for your last encouragements. Also to some friends who were willing to wait until the end of the race just to see us cross the finishing line. Among those at the race site that I can vividly remember were Syah, Nadia, Yim, Khairul Anuar, Dett, Alwin, Shakhir, Zaki, Ijam, Tey and urgghh... I can’t recall any others. Sorry if I’ve missed anybody.

And to those who wrote on my FB wall, thanks so much. Sorry I can’t access FB from the office, so responses might be well delayed. And to those that I’ve missed, thanks so much for your encouragements too. Though your names are not mentioned here, but I have you guys near to my heart.

Not forgetting to the race organizers and also to the wonderful volunteers alongside the race course. You guys did a very good job that has set a high standard in running race organizations. There’s plenty of things we can learn from this superbly done event.

Second before last, congratulations to all friends who participated in Singapore Sundown marathon, let it be in 10km, 21km, or 42km categories. You all did an awesome job. Well done!

Last but not least, this special shout outs go to all Ultramarathon finishers especially to our two ultra queens, Haza and Kash. Also to some other running bloggers like Dr. Pui San, Yip and ZulHassan who were also there battling the 84km. There were also some other Malaysian runners like those from Chap Ayam Runners or Pacesetters Malaysia that I am yet to know them, but anyway, ultra congratulations to all of you. You all did very well indeed.

I’ll share my whole experience during the Sundown marathon in another longer rambling episode after I’m done with today’s work (or maybe tomorrow). Yup, I’m back in the office today (forgot to apply leave, duh!).