A sad sad first-timer in a marathon

Couldn't find my boss and was preparing to run the race myself at around 2230hrs last evening. Then someone called out to me and ha, my old old JC classmate Mr Taiyao. Saw his racing tag and was wondering how he got his English name 'Nicholas', only to realise that his friend couldn't make it and that he is running on his behalf.

With that, we talked non-stop till the race started and chatted incessantly for the first 6km, till we realised that we were behind time (50min for first 6km wasn't my idea of pacing). Then we picked up speed and unfortunately, our dear teacher dropped out after 12km leaving me alone *sob

Nevermind, I plowed on by myself and really enjoyed the cheers from the weekend campers along the East Coast Park. I was a little disappointed on the realisation that the 14km mark signified only a third of the race. Pushing on and left ECP at the 22km mark and we had to get through the first on the many overhead bridges. Definitely, the pace dropped and that was when I had cramps in my thighs, calves, hamstrings and even feet all at once.

It was only the 24km mark at Kemblangan Station and I had to walk from then on. It wasn't my expected kind of race and I started questioning how I signed up a full marathon when I can't finish it. The word 'MARATHON' became a monster and I was sure I'd forever be traumatised by it.

With only $10 in my pocket, I knew that I could never take a cab from there and so fast marched my way out. Saw Junjie and Zhiren at the 30km mark and yeah, sorry to disappoint you 2. It wasn't any good and I only managed to run again in the final 1.5km. By then, it was already pouring and it wasn't a time I can be proud of.

Guess I wasn't prepared enough. I only ran the max of 12km and that's how I got my cramps from 24km out. took another 3 hours to cover the next 16km before I started jogging again. Haiz... I promise to do better in Stand Chart during year-end. In the mean time, I have to massage my legs and admire the finisher's T and medal. lolz