I can run, lah!

I am never the person at who signs up for work social events, but having moved to Singapore and trying new things this year I signed up for the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge held in Singapore on 19 April 2012 at 6pm.

The run is an annual series of 5.63 km road footrace owned and operated by JP Morgan Chase, with an intended focus on promoting "fitness in the workplace". Teams are organized by company or organization, and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation makes charitable donations proportional to the number of participants.

Dineish enjoys running and I consider him a seasonal runner, who trains religiously and competes in at least 2 marathons and several other events during the year. So with that hanging over my head, I often find myself in a awkward position when people assume I'm a regular too. But here's the thing, I can't run for peanuts!

When we were going out early on in our relationship, Dineish once told me he would love for us to be that couple who go on runs together and enjoy being fit. That has always stuck in my head. He does so much for me and having passed my CA, I thought now is a good time to try these new things and give back to him. I'm glad I tried :) Although, I bought his average time down by a fair bit and I am so lucky to have ran next to him every step of the way!

Training regime

I signed up through my company with 40 others and eagerly awaited for the big day. I didn't know how others would fair on the day, but during lunch I notice many of them ducking away to the gym for their workouts. I did nothing. Well actually, a month before the event one night after work Dineish and I went for an evening 'run' and I could barely do more than 200m! That was it and that one nught was all I had to go off - at that rate I bet you I would still be out there 12 hours later, haha!! I secretly set my target to beat the grandma at work because she told everyone she was walking...

I have a fairly good diet and have lost about 4kgs having moved to Singapore, so I thought I looked good when trying to run in front of the mirror in my Infor t-shirt.

On the day

I drank plenty of water and had rice and fish for lunch; carb-loading is essential to last these runs so I am told. I snacked on fruits and around 4:30pm I went and got changed before the ladies' got packed with all the excited aunties in the office! I didn't know how to mentally prepare, let alone physically and got really nervous because I started imaging myself passing out or giving up during the course. I messaged Dineish and told him where to meet and joined my excited team down stairs to walk over to the Esplanade where the start line was.

Infor before the run

At the start

Walking over I realized the entire island got into this, so many people in company t-shirts everywhere. It was organized chaos and everyone was pumped. I could hear the running music getting louder and really work me up. I have been to so many events to cheer on Dineish, but I tell you its NOT the same as competing/participating. My blood was rushing and I, for the first time, thought to myself, why I never got into this earlier. The excitement was overwhelming and if you know me, I get excited and walk around with an amazed face. I really enjoyed the moment!

Once we joined the thousand of other red bid runners (who are apart of the professional category), I was like OMGosh, this is really happening! I'm going to run with all these hardcores and never ran any faster than I did back at primary during cross country training (I was always with the last group). After some more cheesy group photos, I casually ditched my team to find Dineish and that was a mission on its own. I thought I wouldn't find him because there was so many people I couldn't spot him anywhere!! About 20 mins before the start, I saw Dineish walking towards me and I was so relieved. Thinking back now, I know I wouldn't have achieved the time I did if he wasn't there pushing me along.

We found each other - my bib - sea of runners - me!

GO!

It took almost 2 mins to pass the starting line and the first km was bearable, I could keep up with crown and mainly Dineish. The expected bottle-necks around corners and pavements gave me time to catch my breath, but after that my legs started to give way having not trained before and forgetting to stretch before the race :|

As we jogged slowly passed the first water station to the 2km mark, the first guy was on his way back to the finish line (all within about 18 mins). That guy was still running as though this was literally a walk the the park, breathing through his nose and a constant stride. I on the other hand resorted to the walk some run a bit approach, breathing heavily and stopped talking to Dineish because otherwise I would die of suffocation, lol!!

The next 2 k's were worse, because my legs started feeling like jelly and I just could run any more than a few metres at a time. I found it difficult watching the returning runner who passed the turn around point because I couldn't believe I still had to make my way towards it before actually coming back down this path again. But believe it or not, there were thousands of others behind me and many along side me battling or going at my pace. I thought that I would give up at this point, but I was surprised at how my mind told me I could keep going. If I trained just a little bit, I am sure my legs wouldn't feel as bad - honestly, that is all I think I need to do! Its amazing how you're body can react in such unusual situations. I also think that the atmosphere itself is motivation to keep at it; all the people, supporters, music and the fact that every step is only going to get you closer to the finish is all you need! I am never going to be a record holder, or even someone who does this distance in less than 30 mins, but I think this will motivate me to stay fit for my family and myself. It will give me confidence in achieving other things I think I can't.

Me at half way, make up still stayed - Dineish leading the way

Dineish was the best running partner for me. It didn't bother him that he wasn't running with people at his pace (he would be around the sub-30 mark for sure), he was really happy to be running with me. I felt so bad and told him to run off, but secretly I wanted him by my side. I hope I for filled his dream to run with his wife and we do it again!

Thanks again babe for introducing me to these fun runs xx

Last 400m

When we turned into the finishing strip, Dineish told me only 400m to go and boy looking at the finish line that was the longest 400m I have ever seen!! To be honest, I don'think I even knew what 400m looked like until that day. I drive a lot and 1 km in the car is nothing, but on foot...!!? I wonder how Dineish brings himself to do marathons over and over again. I admire the patience and will power runners have in that manner - I don't have it at all. Always wanting things done in a jiffy, running to the end was a battle because I ran out of strength in my legs even though I had the stamina to do it.

Crossing the line

We both crossed the line in 49:48 mins and I was so relieved. I can't believe I ran 5.6 km without giving up! It wasn't easy for me, but it has motivated me to do it all over again. Its been 2 days now and as I write this at midnight, my thighs still have a slight pain, but I am proud of it! I never thought I would run in my life, for fun at least!! Haha!!

I would encourage everyone who hasn't to give it a shot! What do you have to lose? Go for it and don't worry where you end up on the results chart. You will have so much fun and feel a great sense of achievement. And did I mention you get a finishers tee?

Next year I'm trying for a sub-45min - go me!

Final result

           At the end enjoying a drink and banana - my 1st legit finisher's tee (all these years I have been wearing Dineish's!)