anjirine is all in

we were awaken by the alarm clock at 4.30 am, with barely 4 hours of sleep. our intention was to arrive early, for hydration, porta-potty session(s), before the flag off at 7.15 am. the complimentary shuttle bus service from city hall wasn’t fully occupied and it was still dark when we arrived at the race site, 10 minutes to 6 am.

the starting point was a 1-km walk from the race village, and runners were treated to plain water before entering the start pen. we made it to the first wave, and were flagged off 3 minutes earlier than the scheduled start time.

hydration stations were located every 1.5 km, with alternating stations of both plain water and 100 plus. the distance markers were well placed in every km. i have acquired the habit, to count down on the remaining km left, in a way to keep me sane.

the weather was excruciatingly hot, and the water had been snapped up quickly by the runners in the first and second waves. one of my friends from the 3rd wave feedback on the shortage of water / cups in some of the hydration stations. the hot spots were the stretch along nicoll highway and the f1 pitstop, where my running pace was reduced to a stroll. i’m thankful to the volunteers from the opposite direction, who were busy distributing drinks to the almost dehydrated runners towards the end of the singapore flyer.

no doubt the weather is beyond the control of the organizer, it would have been great if the race can start earlier, or to prepare water sprinkler stations along the hot spots. a wet and cold towel would be most welcome at the finishing point.

i concluded the run with a blister on my toe, aching feet and back. i was aiming for a 2-hour, but considering the unforgiving weather, lack of proper rest and training, the additional 6 minutes is only a small penalty.

another 2 weeks of conditioning before my first half-marathon. the race will start at 5.30 am, and assuming i am to complete the race within 3 hours, the hot spot at the f1 pitstop will be avoided! 😉