PJ Half Marathon 2011

Last Sunday, 30th October 2011, was the PJ Half Marathon sponsored by The Star, a local newspaper. This is my 5th half marathon, so far since I started running this year. Since it has only been two weeks since the Putrajaya Half Marathon, I did not do much running in between. Just a couple 10k easy runs in between the two runs. I was more worried of injuring myself than anything, so I did more strength training workouts. And lots of stretching. To be honest, I felt quite lazy a few days before this race. Maybe I was just tired from all the preparation and also work has been quite hectic of late. I knew then I had to psyche myself up and be mentally prepared for the race. I find that nerves and determination are equally important to "train" as well as the physical aspect of running. In fact, long runs alone are best for me to mentally prepare myself for the actual race day itself.

Anyway, reporting time at the stadium was at 6am so I woke up just before 5am to get ready. I had a small serving of cereal and got ready with the usual gear (clean clothes, towels and power gels). I got to the stadium on time but traffic was really bad. In the stadium, it was not really properly indicated where the starting line was because I couldn't see the banner up. So naturally, I just followed the crowd and got in line when I heard the organisers on the loudspeaker. Oddly enough, this is the only race I have been to with no proper announcement. There was just one really soft "get ready" and a few seconds later the shot was fired! I could hear gasps of confusion around me but then I was just laughing to myself.

So off everyone went, I am not sure how many runners there were. It was a humid morning and the weather just got even hotter. We were running along the Federal Highway and over flyovers headed to the airport in Subang Jaya. I swear when I saw those flyovers, my heart skipped a couple of beats and a group sigh could be heard. Hahahaha in hindsight, I can laugh now, but back then, I was thinking "Oh boy, this will definitely test me". I think the heat in this run was worse than the Putrajaya run 2 weeks ago. It was good that we had 5 sponge stations because every 3 - 4 km I would feel really dehydrated and unmotivated. When I was in the race, I felt like I was performing my lousiest ever as I was walking a few times in between (20 feet or so) after the 14km mark. It really felt never ending and it was so hot. Running against the sun the last 6km did not help and my eyes were practically shut! I thought for sure my timing will be really bad. The last 3km I was on my own most of the time. That looked really bad. All I wanted to do then was finish the race, get a shower and sleep! I think I went a bit off because I somehow had Christmas carols stuck in my head and I started humming "the little drummer boy". Oh well, its almost December anyway :p

I finally saw the stadium in sight after what seemed like eternity. As all typical runners, upon seeing the finish line, everyone will just give it their all and dash. So dash I did. I was given a finisher medal and checked my time, 2:24! My best time so far for a Half Marathon! I was so surprised, I couldn't believe it :)

Unfortunately, there was no goodie bag or food/fruits at the finish line, which I find unusual. There was a milo stand and 100 plus. So off I went, feeling happy and sunburnt. I'm happy with my result, and will definitely train harder and smarter for my next run :)