Gonna Miss It

Year 2009 so far was quite a meaningful year in my little athletic history as I expanded my fitness envelop further. The main two big ones I did was the KL International Marathon and Desaru Long Distance Triathlon.

As for the triathlon, yes I did a few Olympic distance triathlons before setting my legs into the “long distance” (or some say the half-Ironman distance) league. So, I pretty much know how much more I have to put up with the training and roughly what to expect during the race, as compared relatively to the Olympic distances.

However, a totally different story was for my maiden marathon attempt. I never joined any run races (other than those that I had to run during triathlon races) before, and I was never a good runner either, short or long distance. But, for the sake of wanting to experience it by myself, I signed up and trained as much as I could for it.

Come race day, I crossed the finished line. I’m not sure whether the knee and foot pain I get during the race can be considered as injury. I hope not, because it subsided after few days. So, I was happy to say I finished the marathon, injury free.

I still remember that right after that KL marathon, some of us were already planning to do another marathon this year and it would be the one organized at Singapore by Standard Chartered. I was also eager to do another marathon (at that time lah). It gives a sense of accomplishment that is indescribable. You have to run it (the marathon), to know it.

And this coming Sunday morning, thousands and thousands of people from many countries around the world will flood Singapore in their running attires, to run another marathon (or half-marathon) in their life.

Me? Nah, I’m gonna miss it this time.

Initially it was due to limited funding situation I had. Hence, with the decision of not attempting the Singapore marathon, I did not train for it.

Just two weeks ago, a friend offered me a free race bib to run the marathon, and all the goodies and medal will be mine. For free!!! Yeah, I’m not kidding. I still remember a little bit the SMS to me:

“Nik, the race bib is yours if you want it. You can keep the medal and everything else. Let me know if you are interested. Come run with us!”

(Note: To my friend, thanks so much for the offer. I really appreciate it)

But, I turned the offer down.

Why?

Even for such an offer that might be the one and only chance in my lifetime to run the well organized Singapore marathon without the need to pay the registration fee, I still opted not to risk having a bad legs injury if I attempt to run and walk the 42km distance.

Knowing myself very well, I know I will push myself for a new marathon Personal Best (PB) timing.

And knowing how less I run nowadays, I WILL have some kind of injury if I attempt it.

Yes, I race only for fun. But fun for me here means to be able to cross the finish line with the best effort I could put, upon clocking enough training mileage.

I don’t want to get injured now (and ever), as I have a big plans in 2010, and even a bigger plan in February 2011, InsyaAllah.

So, missing out Singapore marathon is not a big deal for me, as there will be another one next year (hopefully). Plus, I got this Salomon x-trail run on the same day. I’m gonna have fun!

To all friends and readers who will be doing Singapore marathon or half-marathon runs this weekend;

Be safe while travelling,
Enjoy the race
Good Luck and All The Best!

Just to share few photos that I took when I joined some friends doing their 16km LSD run, two weeks ago. I was quite busy last week to write much, so, just photos this time around.

13 sizer Vs. 8 sizer

Starting out from Kiara Park at around 7.20am.

The first long gradient we had to climb, just besides the entrance of Kiara Hill which is on the left side. To the right is the KLGCC.

Patriotic graffiti.

Time to kill time.

Just after passing the equestrian club, we passed the National Science Center with its unique architecture.

The sweaty mister cameraman.

Now I’m not sure whether Ian is training for marathon or training for photography.

Taking a break at Petronas Hartamas. This is our standard leak-and-refill station. Kash first decided to just u-turn here, but she changed her mind and we all went running further up until the Hartamas condominium area for the u-turn. Making the initial plan of 13km LSD into 16km LSD.

On our way back, we chose to run through the equestrian club, where there was a passage to get back into Kiara Hill.

I think it was a 2hrs run for me (including the warm up run time in the park). Another great LSD workout, especially for three of them who will be running 42km in Singapore this weekend. I just ran it for my endurance fitness maintenance.
All the best for Singapore marathon guys!