Im a darn proud finisher and a first timer for the 21km marathon. The amount of sheer determination, endurance, sweat, aches, pain have been fully paid off knowing i have met my personal target in terms of timing and my 2011 ambition.
I definitely know where my limits are, and was not prepared to jog the entire 21km. my gym routine of cardiovascular exercises and endurance training helped but not enough to see thru outdoors jogging. However i easily pushed myself beyond the 12 km by simply using my comfortable jogging pace, but soon after hitting the slip road leading to ECP, it snapped my core energy. My breakfast consisting of a banana has been burnt away.
Then, all i could think of was isotonic drink, growling hunger and “get me outta this heat”. As i looked beyond the highway, i knew i cannot jog it out, my calves and thighs were tightening up and somehow i felt my morale dropping. I did my utmost best to focus on what matters most and started brisk walking. Sugar rush from the energy bar helped but not enough to boost my energy level. I could only depend on my mental power and avoid looking ahead as it already seemed like a never ending stretch.
Water was helpful thru out the initial journey but as i hit the 16 km (near slip road to singapore flyer), all i needed was an isotonic drink before I descended the highway, thank the angels, as i managed to claims two cups of iced cold 100 plus. It was the tastiest drink ever!!!
The remaining journey was a blur of aches and pains from my bunion on right foot as well as blisters. I did what i can to brisk walk as comfortably as i can. The sun was shining high by then which added into my list of aches and pains. Urgh!
The final stretches along esplanade, fullerton hotel and padang was beyond agonising. I felt like my destination was beyond my grasp. It seems further than what i remember. I know its my negativity. Banishing it was tough, but seeing the encouraging spectators and volunteers lifted my spirits to keep going faster…and safely
At the corner of esplanade, many fellow runners were clearly and obviously giving their everything to make their timing. I was so close now, i had to give it all. I decided to jog the fastest i can at the final 500 m. i saw the finishing clock, it said 3hr45min, i must not hit beyond 3hr46min. Ignoring all aches and pains, i trudged thru And i did it! I raised my arms high as i crossed the line…i am a finisher!!! I completed 21km!!!
As proud and excited i was, i felt more of exhaustion and hunger. I saw my friend who arrived 3 min earlier than me, and we walked to collect our deserving medals. 
We started 645am together, we jogged together for the entire sentosa routes, we parted at the highway, and we made it together by 1015am.
Life is really what u make out of it. I made it as a first timer. So can u!!!
Well done my dear friend!