My First Full Marathon at Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2017

Did some last minute shopping at the expo, bought some gels and also signed up for another HM at the 2XU booth. They were giving out free singlets to the first 1000 runners who signed up on the spot. Come on, how can we resist free stuffs? #kiasu #bestmarketingstrategy

Went home, unpacked the racepack (contained the usual freebies: GP batteries, Salonpas sticker, SCKLM towel, bib, and jersey) and got everything ready by the bedside.

Tried to sleep very hard at 10pm but failed, kept tossing around; butterflies in the stomach; couldn’t stop thinking of the articles, tips and advises on running. It felt like I was sitting for an exam the next day!

Tried to release a big one but only did a number 1.

Took the LRT to Masjid Jamek. Complementary ride courtesy of SCKLM. Was lucky since the station I boarded the LRT at was one of the chosen stations to ferry SCKLM participants to race venue, happens to be just behind my house (O thank you Running God!).

After 45 minutes and multiple stops, finally reached the station. Followed the crowd to the race venue. Went straight to baggage drop as it was half hour away from flag off. Annoyed to see such a long line, waited at least 20 minutes until bag was safely deposited, which means I have only 10 minutes to warm up and get to the starting pen.

Tried pinning my energy gels(2 packs) onto my jersey/pants but failed, pin was too small and fragile, held them in my palms instead.

Stereo was blasting boom boom pow by Black Eyed Peas to keep the runners pumped up; announcer initiated the 10 seconds countdown, and soon we were off!

I kept calm, started with a 7:30 pace. At times intimidated by faster runners who kept taking over me.

I was used to hearing music on my runs but this time since I wanted to savour every moment of a FM, I ditched my earphones and phone. I was focused on my run. (Truth is my BT earphones’ batteries can’t last for 2.5 hours and I didn’t want to carry extra stuff with me during the run and hence ditched it)

KM8, as we passed by a hotel, a pretty lady passed by(supposedly just finished work) and one of the runners started cat calling and we all laughed.

KM13, one runner tripped and fell. He quickly got up without any assistance and everybody started cheering and applauded.

KM18, plasters on my nipples started to come off and since I was wearing a size bigger(L was larger than I thought), this point onwards the jersey kept rubbing against my nipples. Oh so gonna feel it later…

KM21, completed half marathon in 2:30 + hours. Another 21KM to go…

KM23, one female runner started clucking like a rooster. It was 6:50am and probably it was her bodies’ internal alarm clock telling her it’s time to wake up. Everybody just stared at her and thought she was out of her mind.

KM30, we passed an arch with the words “run for a reason” and we were given these green colour wristbands with that tagline. Probably to separate runners who did actually pass the 30KM mark from those who did not.

They say you will usually hit the wall at this point. It was my first time running more than 21KM at this point and I was glad I did not meet the wall. Even if I did, I’m sure I’m able to climb over it. #viperchallenge

KM34, killer stretch at Jalan Tijani/Tuanku. I remember the street name because the houses mansions along this street are huge! The housing compound was huge and the houses was almost 3, 4, 5 stories high!

Not to forget the slopes on this road too, longest and steepest slope. Didn’t stop running but just slowed down a little and pushed really hard.

Can’t remember which part onwards but they started giving out these orange flavoured energy gel and I must say it was sooooooooo tasty! Read from the articles that we should never mix different running gels but it was the last 7KM or so and decided to just wing it.

KM39, legs started feeling really pain, lucky no cramps but hamstrings were definitely feeling uncomfortable. If I pushed any harder, confirm will cramp.

Along the way I only stopped at water stations to drink and never stopped mid-run. I consumed the water / isotonic drink, threw the cups into the bin, chilled for 5 seconds, and off I went!

KM41, only 1km left and was struggling. Kept on pushing and weaved pass runners from the other categories. Was panting hard and my hands were doing this cycling motion, somehow helped me to continue pushing. THIS WAS THE LONGEST 1KM OF MY LIFE!

500m…

400m…

300m…

200m…

100m…

Finally, I have completed 42KM.

Tried to smile and pose for the cameras at the finishing line knowing my face will still turn out like S**T.

As soon as I crossed the finishing line, I felt a sense of accomplishment, I have conquered the world. Not to mention the pain I felt in my legs, I couldn’t walk properly and was limping. People were asking me whether I was okay and whether I wanted a massage. I told them I was fine, I just needed to walk it off. #macamyestapibukan #egotoobig

Also, it started raining after that. Thank you Rain God for letting me cross the finishing line before finally pouring.

Collected my finisher medal, shirt and goodies. Walked really slowly under the rain to baggage claim area. Waited in the long and never-ending line for almost half hour before managing to collect baggage. I hope the organisers can improve this, baggage claim was such a hassle!

Saw that I had 7 missed calls from my friends, they took part in the 10KM category and were waiting for me. Met up with them near the iconic flag pole at Dataran Merdeka. Took some pictures and then we went for breakfast at Chee Chiong Gai (Petaling Street China Town).

I will be preparing for my next FM in November for the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2017. In between, I have also taken part in all 3 of The Performance Series Malaysia runs(21KM of course) and will tell you about it soon. Until then, happy running!