Keep on Running.... Keep on Running.

Woke up to a brand new day while most of Singapore are still in their dreams.... it feels good to have a headstart. But the purpose of waking up earlier this morning, as you know, is for the Army Half Marathon 2004. I have a friend who also ran the 21km.... Mr. Riccardo Tan (picture below), my primary and secondary classmate, now a regular with the Air Force. However, we ran for different categories and started at different time. With so many runners, it is difficult to take note of each other and run side-by-side and possibly cross the finish line together. It does bring comfort, thought, to have a friend to go for the run together, running that same distance and that same route.... and then meeting up at the end point to congratulate each other.


My aim of not slowing down to walk is achieved, but that does not contribute to a faster timing (which I thought would). In fact, I completed the run in 2hr 29 minutes.... about 15 minutes slower than my first AHM last year. Riccardo ran better and finished in 2 hrs 23 minutes which is reasonably well for a first-timer. Congratulations again, mate!

I couldn't say whether this year's run or last year's is more difficult.... Last year, while I finished sooner, I walked quite a distance. and this year, while I finished later, I am able to muster some strength to keep running or jogging. I think I have such thoughts last year.... Towards the 5km mark, I was asking myself, "Why the hell am I putting myself through this?". At the 8km mark, 50th minute, I thought of how I am going to handle Singapore Marathon later this year and why the hell did I sign for that. But after that, it was all "Keep running! Keep running!" And really this reflects how most of us react when doing something new or not normally done.... initially, it could be painful.... adapting, learning. Although some of us can handle this well, it is human nature to find this process unbearable.... With patience and persistence, all these can be conquered and goals be achieved. You heard of this somewhere, didn't you.... but to experience it before any important opportunity walks out of your door is such a privilige.

Up next would be the Johor-Singapore 2nd Link Bridge Run. This time, it will be a fun run just to admire the scenery of the 2nd Link and introduce my girlfriend to long-distance running. If time allows, Singapore tallest vertical marathon at 73-storey Swissotel The Stamford, Southeast Asia's tallest hotel, would be next. If not, it will be the Singapore Marathon to summarise the fruitful year.