Today marks another milestone in the long, colorful history of running : Dec. 2, 2012 – Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS).
I’m going nostalgic over it. I ran 42.195KM in last year’s edition. It was my first time to join a full marathon event abroad, and my first to cover such distance without the presence of any of my teammates. I intended to run it that way, for I wanted to test my WILLPOWER so badly. ‘What the mind conceives, the body achieves’…on with it! I registered as soon as SCMS started accepting runners for the 2011 ed. I had my flights and hotel accommodation booked, as well. I invested on this test. I had to finish it no matter how crazy it sounded. I posted it in Facebook, not for the bragging rights, but to challenge myself even more. Failure was never an option.
I have a way of working on and around my goals, but at that time, it wasn’t working. If it wasn’t working in a certain area of my life, then I would have to compensate the need to accomplish something – running did it for me without fail. I was certain to beat all doubts in my head.
SCMS 2011 – From Orchard – East Coast Park – Raffles Blvd – Padang
Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 – I spent only half of the day in the office. I had a late afternoon flight to catch at NAIA Terminal 2, and a carbo-loading dinner waiting for me in Pasir Ris, SG. The dinner was hosted by Ate Emma – whose friendship I cherish for two decades and counting.
I checked-in at Concorde Hotel Orchard Road around 11PM. Staying in my friends’ flat meant that they would also need to wake up at wee hours of the morning, so I opted to stay in a hotel near the START line (Ngee Ann City, Orchard). Five things about Concorde: spacious room, courteous staff, good food, location, and competitive rates. Adrenaline and dopamine fueled my excitement. I can’t wait to start the next fun-filled day with my long-time friends.
Concorde Hotel Orchard – my home away from home for two nights
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 – It was never too early to give myself a small reward for being gutsy enough to join SCMS. It was a breakfast treat – the best strawberry pancakes via room service!
Concorde Hotel Orchard serves one of the best strawberry pancakes in town.
Right on time, 10AM – my SG-based soul sister Atty. Cashmere fetched me from the hotel, and we headed straight to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) for the Race Entry Pack Collection (REPC). With almost 60K runners, the REPC that morning was surprisingly hassle-free! We still had time to do a little shopping before we met up with Renchie to lunch. We were greeted with fine dining at Sky on 57, and the best aerial view of Metro Singapore at the SkyPark.
Best friends from Bukluran days! =)
New form of liquid therapy. This sumptuous soup is served with a shot of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Superb! =)
Kuya Renchie conquered his fear of heights! – MBS Skypark / View Deck
Singapore Flyer – view from the SkyPark
Esplanade on a cloudy day.
Another tourist attraction coming to life…
The day didn’t end at MBS. It started to rain again at 3PM, and I was thinking – here’s another epic run waiting to happen, a full marathon in the rain. Cashmere probably noticed that I was beginning to feel the pressure. The remedy: we went to another shopping destination – Takashimaya, later to be joined by the lovely couple Kris and Jenny-Vi. Good conversation over Korean food – we called it dinner! Cashmere accompanied me back to the hotel. She asked for my after-race (kikay) kit and promised to cheer for me at the Finish line. At 8PM, it was ‘goodnight, Orchard’.
NOW the RUNNING PART…
Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 – My day started at 2AM. A bit before 5AM, I was one with the crowd as we cheered at the START line. No time pressure, I told myself, finish it!
SG has a relatively flat terrain and warm climate – same as Metro Manila…but humidity in SG was a major factor. I didn’t expect that level of humidity. After KM5, I felt that my body fluids were gone. At KM23, East Coast Park – I saw a number of runners down to their knees, agonizing in pain called cramps. It was shocking. At KM31, I thought it was the FINISH line for some distance categories, as the crowd was thick. It wasn’t a finish line, it was the MEDICS area. I passed by and saw a lot of people lying on stretchers. They were so pale. It gave me ‘The Chill’.
At KM32, I noticed edema (water) in my fingers. All 10 were swollen already and started to numb. I knew it was temporary, but I didn’t want to risk it – not being able to finish the marathon. I didn’t fly all the way to SG to DNF (Did Not Finish – a term use in running. It means ‘dropping out of the race’). I had to lower my pride. I knew at that moment, I wouldn’t be able to beat my time at MIM (Manila International Marathon). I had to walk all the way to the FINISH line. The good thing about it was, I had my cellphone-camera with me.
The course wasn’t all pretty as I reached the FINISH line. Runners dropping out of the race in pain, assisted by the paramedics and race marshalls – it was a common, disheartening scenario. I continued to pray. The race became my metaphor. I set goals to achieve…then what? I realized that I didn’t want to go through the rest of my life, not like this – ALONE! Pride had no room at that moment. I was confronted by my metaphor. I knew there was something out there for me, which was more than running and chasing goals left and right. I knew it all along.
START Line – Ngee Ann City
7KM na lang! =)
Scenic race route: it was like touring SG by foot
Imposing view of Marina Bay Sands; runners trudging under the scorching heat of the sun
My favorite shot during the race – an SCMS official photo
Finish! =)
One for the bucket list! =)
After-race-treats! =)
Atty. Cashmere waited for me at the FINISH line. She knew that I would have a tough time negotiating the impact of SG’s natural humidity. She didn’t bother to tell me before hand; it might be quite discouraging. She also knew I would get through it – come hell and high waters. (Thank you, sis! You’ve got faith in me! Thank you for supporting me all the way! It meant a lot.)
That same day at 5PM, I was already in Changi Airport, bound for Manila. This was, indeed, one for the bucket list.
Wait, there’s more! I managed to shop online for an original DVD as soon as the official SCMS announcement came out. Addict! =) This one is for my (future) children.
Talk about drafting a personal history…
meowthmoments 