Note: This race review is dedicated to those slow runners (7.3 min/km or more) and with knee pains, like myself, who want to try a FM but are holding back. However, please read with an objective mindset. What works for me may not work for you.

I was never keen to run a Full Marathon (FM). I do not consider myself an avid runner. So I believed that half marathon is the farthest distance I will run. Also, I have knee pains, which usually come in when I reach the 6 – 7 km mark. Running with knee pains in a full marathon is to me, at that time, was unthinkable.

Why I ran a FM?

Frankly, I was inspired by the late Uncle Chan. If Uncle Chan, despite starting late in running but completed numerous marathons before his passing, surely I should attempt at least once in my lifetime? Also, for a strenuous activity like FM, it is better that I should try it now rather than later, as I am already in my mid 40s. Who knows what happens in the future?

Why SCSM?

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is the best race in Singapore if you want to attempt the HM/FM. It is well organized and is the only IAAF Gold Label Road Race in Singapore. It is the only race where you can run in locations usually not quite possible as major road closures are planned and approved. It was also the race where I first did my half marathon in 2017. So it makes sense to do my maiden FM in SCSM after 2 years.

Set Realistic Goals

As a slow runner, I have to set realistic goals. I did not want to set high expectations to stress myself during the run. Enjoy the run, don’t feel stress!

Goal #1: Complete the Marathon, regardless of timing

Goal #2: Complete the Marathon within cut-off time of 7:30 hr

Goal #3: Complete the Marathon in less than 7 hrs.

But most importantly, my priority is: Go home safely with no injuries, regardless if I am able to complete the FM. It is all right to DNF. At most, try again the next time.

Considerations

Full marathon is twice the distance of half marathon. So running a FM will need more than just running regularly. I need to condition myself for the gruelling distance. I need to consider factors such as hydration, refuel needs, apparels and even the meals to take before the FM. Most importantly, I need to find out how to arrest my knee pains when the first symptoms surfaced and prevent muscle cramps along the run. Thus, I started training as early as August not only for endurance, but also to find out the solutions to each of the factors mentioned above.

Dealing with Knee Pain

I tried a few methods to prevent knee pains during running. This included doing stretching or exercises recommended by the ‘experts’ in Youtube and advice from runners. I also tried wearing knee guards during my runs, in the hope that the added stability and said improved blood circulation will alleviate this problem. 

From my 4 months of evaluation, I found this works for me:

1) During the first symptom of knee pain, slow down and stop. Do not go on running.

2) Perform both quad stretching and calf stretching. I put more emphasis on quad stretch as it is an effective way to prevent knee pain.

You may read here for more information: https://www.knee-pain-explained.com/quadricep-stretches.html

3) I usually take a minute or so to perform the above stretching during each stoppages before I continue running. And once I hit 7 km, the frequency of these stoppages actually increases.

4) It will be difficult to regain my momentum if I am running at a fast pace after so many breaks. Hence I decided to reduce my pace so that I will have no issue to resume my pace after each stop. For a 10 km run, I am able to run at 7 min/km. For the purpose of the FM, I actually deliberately slowed to 8.4 min/km. It is a ‘stroll in the park’ pace. 

In summary, once you encounter knee pains, stop and perform stretching immediately. Do not wait till another few hundred meters as the pain will probably worsens. 

Training Regime

I am not a keen runner, so I decided to train just twice a week – a short run (3 – 5 km) during weekday and a long run during weekend. For the long run, I planned to progressively increase my mileage by 7 km after every 3 weeks. This worked out that I would have the endurance to manage at least 28 km run 2 weeks before the SCSM. The last 2 weeks were for my body to rest and I covered only short runs in order not to lose the momentum.

From what I understand from veteran runners, I believe that my training regime was not adequate for the FM. Many advocated running at least 3 times a week and hitting a weekly mileage of at least 40  – 60 km. Their training also included short sprints to build up core muscles. Some also signed up for long distance races leading up to SCSM as part of their preparation. 

I had derived at mine so that I do not lose interest along the way. Base on experience, I will definitely suffered ‘burn-out’ if I over pushed myself. In my opinion, there is no ‘best training plan’, as this really depends on individual’s discipline, interest and what he/she wants to achieve in the FM.

Energy Replenishment

Energy gels had always been recommended to be consumed during runs as a mean of taking in carbohydrates. During my training, I consumed 1 packet at every 7 km (45 mins interval). During the FM, I found the most effective replenishment is actually the consumption of real food, such as banana. My stomach ‘crunched’ when I reached 23 km mark and could hardly continue until I ate bananas available at the next hydration station. It is difficult to go on with an empty stomach and I think no gel, which is chemically derived, can overcome this.

Water and isotonic drinks were provided during the run. Personally, I prefer the isotonic drink as it is important to replace loss of electrolytes to prevent cramps. Drinking too much water makes my stomach ‘bloated’ and uncomfortable to run.

You may read up here: https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20814001/marathon-race-day-nutrition-and-hydration/

Pre-Marathon Diet

It is important as the race day looms near, you have decided on a diet or meals which provide you the nutrition you need. I did not specifically have a special pre-marathon diet as I am very particular about my food!

However, I do ensure I do not consume spicy food or curry at least one day before the race. On actual race day, I will take rice as I found it was able to sustain me from going hungry early. Again, diet and meals are individual’s preference. A top local runner claims he consumes a lot of pizzas and pasta just before his marathon!

You may read up here: https://www.healthxchange.sg/food-nutrition/food-tips/what-eat-before-during-after-race

Apparels

Singapore’s weather is hot and humid. You need to be comfortable with what you are wearing during the race. When I started participating in races, I wore mostly shirts with sleeves. As I progress on, I now wear singlets as they allow heat to dissipate and thus keep my body cooler during the run. Marathon is a long distance. Wear the attire which suits you best and you have to determine this during your training.

Do not feel pressured to wear the event shirt. Many of these shirts are not dri-fit. Look at those elite runners – how many of them actually wear the event shirts?

SCSM 2019

This year is the first time SCSM is organized as an evening race. One of the reasons I read is the Sports Officials and IRONMAN Asia are trying to get SCSM listed as one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

The event spanned across 3 days:

Day 1 (29 Nov) – The Kid’s Dash category

Day 2 (30 Nov) – The HM, FM and Ekiden categories

Day 3 (1 Dec) – The 5 km and 10 km categories

The FM race route was similar to last year’s edition, bringing the runners through the Central Business District, West Coast Highway, East Coast Park, Marina Bay Golf Course and finally finished at the Float @ Marina Bay. 

Apart from the CBD area where there were pockets of spectators cheering on the runners, many parts of the route were rather monotonous. This is not new to local runners and I wondered how this can be improved.

Plus Points

1) Bag deposits and retrieval were efficient. A big transparent bag, which was included in the race pack, was used to store our possessions. All we need was paste the bib sticker onto the bag and hand it over to the crew. 

2) Provision of hydration was adequate at every 2 km of the route. All stations provided water and most provided 100Plus as well.

3) There were many medical aid stations along the route which could provide needed medical attention to the runners if necessary.

4) Portable lights were used to provide additional light to some parts of the routes which were not well lit.

5) Performers were engaged to hype up the atmosphere throughout the run. Some even continued to perform for us slower runners to the tune of 1 am. 

Photo source: Singapore Marathon Facebook

Minus Points

1) The flag off times for half and full marathons were the same, resulting in congestion even though it was a rolling start. In my opinion, the HM and FM runners could each have started off one hour apart.

2) The Security Officers at the race village were rather strict when they told runners to vacate from the premises. While I understand they wanted to clear the area to prepare for Sunday morning’s runs, I felt they could have handled things better. The runners had just completed a grueling long distance race and naturally needed space to rest. Perhaps a separate tent/area could have been setup where the runners can comfortably rest.

Feedback from Public

There have been much backlash from the general public who were affected by the road closures. Perhaps IRONMAN Asia or the relevant authorities could have been more effective in communicating these road closures before the race. It is not easy to have a race in the heart of the city, passing the iconic landmarks and at the same time, ensuring minimal disruptions and inconvenience to the road users. This is a fine balancing act which the authorities have to consider before giving the green light for an evening race.

My Finishing Time

I completed my first FM in 7:34:31 hr, exceeding the cut-off time by 4 mins.

Although this is not a good result to shout aloud, I took pride that I completed the FM and it was definitely a memorable experience for me. As one veteran runner puts it: “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

I thus conclude by saying that if doing a full marathon is your dream and if it is within your means, albeit you may have certain constraints, do really consider how to achieve that dream by finding solutions to remove your constraints.

This year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon was a different experience as it was an evening race, all my previous SCSM I’ve ever participated in were morning races. Didn’t really know about such an improvement of the bib technology that it provide real time live tracking of all runners with a valid bib! ? I’m really super impress with the mobile app as it was damn awesome for stalking your crush, your ex, your frenemy. But it’s a good app for family members or friends who want to agak the finishing time of the runners to fetch then home or find their location and cheer for them along the route ?

Race expo was from 27th November till 30th November at Marina Bay Sands Expo, I went with Yi Qing and Eleanor on Thursday evening after work. It was a swift collection because on the spot they issued the race bib and tag it to your particulars.

What I like most was the many nice Instagramable photo opportunities around ? There’s the usual merchandise for sale and many booths from the exhibitors and the sponsors. After running the Tokyo Marathon this year, I felt that SCSM isnt comparable as it’s a larger scale of everything there.

I would highly recommend all runners to try a marathon in Japan as I had my best experiences of race Expo as well as race experience in Japan for Tokyo Marathon earlier this year and Osaka Marathon 2 years back ❤ It was 42.195km of supporters and entertainment along the route. Looking forward to running Nagoya Women’s Marathon there next year, I’m lucky enough to get the ballot ?

Still a long way for Singapore to go if they wanted to be in the list of the World’s most prestigious marathon. But Singapore is awesome as well and can really see that there’s lots of improvements and effort from Ironman this year. At least in my opinion, SCSM was better than Blacksmore Sydney Marathon and Gold Coast Marathon I’d participated in, it’s only their colder temperature’s a selling point. Shall try a race in Europe some day ❤

There were plenty of categories for SCSM. There’s the kids dash, Ekiden, full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km categories. I’d actually signed up for 2 event categories but after the half marathon I felt unwell to go for the 10km the next day. Always listen to your body and I seriously don’t want in my running life to trouble any of the medics on duty.

Thanks to Jeff and Fannie for tompang me to town area on race day. Traffic was slow in town and also traffic jams everywhere. Close both eyes will also know SCSM confirm kena plenty of complains from many people, whether be it drivers or commuters because bus routes affected or even tourist who stayed at nearby hotels because of the road block/road closure.
(Credits: Mothership SG, read the full post Here)

It was also super difficult for Jeff to find parking. We were pretty late due to the super snail pace traffic. Willis’s barang barang was all with me as he got work prior to the race. I went to Millennia Walk to meet Willis as he still needs to change his clothes. We used the toilet in Millennia Walk as we expected it will be long queue at the portable loos at race site but amazingly when we reached the race site at F1 Pit Building, there wasn’t any queue at all.

Theres security bag check before we can enter F1 Pit Building. Bag deposit before and collection after the race was swift and there’s no waiting time at all ? By the time we were ready to enter the pen, it was exactly 6pm, time for flag off.

Had been lazing around lazy to run after Oxfitt Run a few weeks back, guess I was drained like a flat battery that needs a longer time to recharge. In preparation for my Oxfitt pacing duty I ran a record high of 220km that month which even for my own race I also didn’t train as hard ? I know with the “flat battery”, I’m in no condition to run a good race. I was in Pen F with Willis, I guess it’s because we registered using the U Run All Access credits and it was reflected as corporate slot.

It was damn amazing, out of so many thousands of runners, I spotted Yi Qing when Willis and I just entered the pen. As we were damn late already, Willis and I were quite far behind but we managed to “excuse me” squeeze our way to find her ?

Flag off was at 6pm but by the time I started running it was already 6.40pm. My battery level from green bar turns to red with the waiting ? It would be great to have volunteers around beside the start pen with trash bags for runners to throw away their bottles, food packaging etc so runners won’t be littering(Japan have volunteers with trash bags for runners to dispose their rubbish, can learn from the good ones ma) Singapore is a clean and green city eh ?

Was reminded of the marathons I had in Japan. Though I was in the Pen alphabet like super far behind, but it was just a single wave flag off and runners didn’t need to wait for long. But well, this is Singapore and land area is very limited. Even with the so many waves of flag off, it was still damn jam. I felt that Full Marathon and half Marathon shouldn’t flag off together, maybe the full marathon can flag off an hour earlier so that it will not be so jam. I couldn’t run at my own pace and it was too crowded, I told Yi Qing that it was like all of the runners were running together at a same pace.

It was Yi Qing’s first full marathon and we ran together for about the first 10km of the race before we ran off. Parts of the run we lost Willis as he thought we were behind of him but actually we were ahead of him, he used the mobile app to track us then realised we were actually ahead and caught up with us shortly.

I didn’t had a good run honestly because there was just too many runners along the entire route. Can’t have the chance to overtake unless I’m slim enough to pass the A4 paper challenge ? It’s only at the later part of the run that there’s some space available for breathing.

There were a few splash points along the route and quite a few medic tents. I gotten a glove with ice and it was so shiok and last me for like 10 minutes. Willis got his one ring to rule the world for a few moments ?

Atmosphere along the route was much better and more lively with more spectators and supporters than the past races. There’s extreme effort by Ironman to include plenty of entertainments along the route, there’s Elvis, Michael Jackson, there’s even Opera, the Chinese Tong Tong Qiang and Cultural Malay music. The most popular one I think is these two sexy dancers ?:

There were plenty of hydration points along the route, and I noticed the hydration points were much longer. Most of the hydration points provides both 100 plus and water. But the cups were all over the floor, it looks terrible. It’s a mass littering, the fine city hopefully will not fine runners at marathon period ? Just hope the clean up will be thorough after the marathon.

Theres’s gel station, banana and biscuits! Though the biscuits isn’t very yummy but really an effort better than no biscuits lah, but maybe next time can offer kueh lapis or curry puffs will be awesome! Let foreign runners experience some food that locals eat ma ?

All year round it’s humid, very humid or super duper humid in Singapore ? I felt very suffocating with so many runners and I really don’t have any fresh air at all ? The air isn’t very nice especially in the later part of the run when everyone is sweaty and smelly including me ?

Then it comes to the point that separates the full and half marathon runners, I think it would be a better option to put numbers 42km and 21km instead of words. Was glad that I chose to run half marathon category ? I think the route is pretty clear with the directions board.

And soon enough, we complete the race! Received a beautiful medal and took super cold towel, it’s super shiok and I felt super refreshed and clean ❤ Also gotten a bottle of water, a can of 100 Plus, a packet of chips and a banana ? Didn’t really explore the race village after that as it was late already and I thought I should go back and prepare for my next days 10km race, furthermore, Willis have to wake up early for work the next day.

It was so tedious to go back home from F1 Pit Building after the race, the road was blocked as it was part of the route for the marathoners. We need to walk over to Singapore flyer and take the overhead bridge over to the other side to get to Promenade Station, it was super crowded, and to our horror, the escalator that was going down suddenly stopped! And there was a burnt smell. But a few moments later, we still continue using the not functioning escalator by walking down. Just hope that it will not suddenly explode or collapsed and grind us up like minced meat. Preferred the race to end at Padang or The float actually as it’s easier to access MRT station. Willis offered to send me home by Grab but I thought it will be expensive at this timing and with the many road closure, we need to walk quite far to let Grab reach us as well.

It was an awesome MRT ride journey as we passengers engaged with casual conversation with us about the race and congratulating us. But when we reached Bishan and was supposed to transfer to another MRT line, I felt very dizzy and we exited the station. I think it might be way past dinner time and I had my last meal at about 1pm. Well, since 3 plus start preparing for the race so where got time to eat? Willis went to the 7-11 to buy Milo for me and I felt better after some rest. Still, eventually took Grab home and decided to forgo the 10km run the next day.

(Me in Skechers Razor 3, available in stores soon!)