The SCMS 2010 - Truly a race like no other...

Alright, the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 is definitely one of the many things that made my 2010 memorable.

Even before the start of 2010, I was already decided to sign up for the SCMS run. Initially, the plan was to do the Standard Chartered run in Hong Kong, but that didn’t push through. The one in SG was more achievable since it gave me almost an entire year to prepare. Haha!

When CebuPac had a seat sale in February, I took advantage of it and booked for a December 3 flight. Thankfully, the SCMS run sched was already available and it fit the schedule I was eyeing for the trip. I got a really good deal, too! P4,300 for a Manila-SG-Manila fare!!!

The registration for the run was set to open in May and was supposed to be open until September. Kamusta naman?! Within a month, all the slots for the half-marathon have been filled. Wow!!! It’s a good thing I was set on joining the run. Otherwise, I would have really bopped my head really hard. Haha! LA-based friend Jimmy was also planning to join the run, but there were no more slots by the time he decided to sign up. Ugh! Too bad. It would’ve been awesome to meet up with him in SG, since we always only see each other in Pinas. Haha! Oh well, maybe next time.

I was really, really impressed with how well the race was organized. Sure, I’ve had good experiences with local race organizers but I wanted to see how different SG will be. The SCMS race organizers didn’t disappoint. Except for the directions to the race pack collection area (which was a bit difficult to locate), everything went smoothly. The only registration was perfect. I got text messages from SG reminding me about the run. Race pack distribution was quick and organized. They even got the MRT to open earlier for the half-marathoners!!!

The SCMS 2010 is definitely a good start for destination racing.

The Preparations
I tried to follow a half-marathon training plan from Hal Higdon, but I failed because the training plan was devoted to running. I just couldn't give up Toby's spinning, Reagan's street dance and Lex's/Pio's yoga. Hehe! But the entire year has been peppered with runs. In addition to the hamster time on the treadmill at GG, I was able to join 10 organized runs prior to the SCMS run.

I started the year with a 10K at the Condura Run, then the 15K at the Green Miles Run, before going crazy and signing up for my first 21K at the Nature Valley Run. Initially, I wanted the SCMS to be my first 21K but after doing the 15K at Unilab, it seemed like it was only natural to sign up for a half-marathon. Two more half-marathons followed after - the PIDM and the Rexona Men - but I didn't pressure myself in both runs. Hence, the 3-hour run time. Hehe!

It was the last two runs before the SCMS - Unilab and BGC Run - that encouraged me to try to perform better at the SCMS run after achieving PRs at both runs. I wasn't even aiming for a PR, so the PRs were a nice surprise. Haha!

However, days before the SCMS race, I fell sick. The sudden change in Philippine weather gave me cough and colds. I was feeling feverish days before the run. I also got worried because I know how hot it is in Singapore. I was afraid that the hot/cold weather would make me sicker. And it did. I doubled my multi-vitamins intake. I drank lots of Biogesic.
And even if I was close to accepting that I would already have a 3:15 run time for my half-marathon, I was still very much determined to go. Hehe!

First, I am in love with Singapore. I will never tire of the city. Many would say it's strict and boring. Not for me. I love everything about it. Second, I have many friends in the Lion City and I have Manila friends who are doing the SCMS run. I realized that I already have several friends in SG when I started having a difficult time booking dinners and meetups. Haha! But I really, really had a good time seeing (almost) everyone. The fact that my Twitter buddies also flew to SG for the run was also a good motivator for me to just be happy with the run. We were all excited to do the run, and it turned out to be more than what we expected. Third, andun na ko, eh. Wala ng urungan. Wag ng maginarte. So deadma na kung ma-dead, but there is no way I won't be boarding the SG-bound flight of CebuPac on Dec. 3. Hahaha!

Other preparations were the usual - carbo loading two days before the run, energy gels for the race, my running getup, run playlist, and sunblock. Haha! I wasn't sure on whether I should bring Hanschen with me during the run. Having him with me meant slowing down because I would definitely stop to take photos. Not bringing him on the other hand might mean missing several good photo ops.

I chose not to bring Hanschen. There were many nice photo ops, but I don’t regret not having Hanschen with me.

The Race Day Route

I stayed with Twitter buddy/fellow half-marathoner Marl at his hotel the night before the run. It was Marl's first time in SG, and I sort of became his local guide. Hehe! Plus, I was too OC for the race details so I already studied how we'd get to the starting point.

We got up at 4AM. I had about 5 hours of sleep. It wasn't enough, but the excitement brought by the reality that I was going to run in a different country was more than enough for me to get up and get ready. Around 4:30AM, we met up with Migs outside the hotel. He was just staying at a nearby hotel. We then walked to the MRT station to catch the first train at 5:25.

I love how the SCMS organizers got the MRT to open earlier than the usual to transport the half-marathoners. I love how the departure and arrival time of the train at each station was indicated in the schedule. Haha! I was pretty excited when the train arrived at our station and saw that a lot of runners. You can tell who the Pinoys are because they are the ones holding a camera taking snapshots of everything. For a moment, I was sort of wishing that I brought Hanschen. Hehe! I quickly forgot about that when the train arrived at Outram Park and I was greeted by a huge volume of runners who were making their way to the red line to get to the Harbour Front station. Nothing could get you more psyched for the run. You could feel energy in the air. And when we arrived at the Harbour Front station, runners everywhere. We made our way to the starting line- Sentosa Bridge.

Our race started at 6:30. Compared to the Philippine races, this one had less fanfare. There was a DJ and there was music but it was different. A minute before the race, music was turned off and it was only the sound of a horn that

I have to say that the half-marathon route was the best!!! The first eight kilometers covered Sentosa and (drumroll please!) Universal Studios!!! I didn't get to go visit USS (no more tickets for that weekend, boo!) so I'm thankful that it was part of the race.

Things got a little more challenging when we exited Vivo City and made our way to expressway. The sun was up and if not for the few buildings along the expressroad which blocked the sun every so often, I would have fainted. Haha! It was just sooo humid! That's one thing (if not the only) I don't like about SG. Heck, even the marathon winner had the same comment. And weather has a huge impact on one's performance. I was taking more walking breaks, and I could feel dehydration. I didn't want to take too much of 100Plus drink too because I know it's bad for my uric acid level. LOL! I pushed myself again when we reached the 18KM mark. After the turn at Esplanade, I was happiest when I saw that there was just 1 more km to go. I slowed down a bit just to make sure I look proper when I arrive at Hahaha!

I called Kym who was taking photos of the event to tell him I was on my last 2KM. I didn't see him though when I approached the finish line. He didn't see me either. LOL! Marathon photos are available but it costs SG $40 for one photo!!! Haha!

After crossing the finish line, we were directed towards a queue where the medal was given. It's the most beautiful medal!!! I'm so proud.

I gave Kym a call to ask where he was and we met up for post-run photos. I am really, really, really grateful to Kym for being there for taking photos of the event! I met up with Marlon, too. Also met up with Edsel who finished the 21K, 42K finishers Jamie and Ian (JB was still running when I saw Jamie and Ian), and Sef who did the 10K.

After post-run photos, I headed home. The train ride was quite challenging not because it was packed but because I was just really tired. I already sat down on the floor of the train because I my legs were about to give in. Kym and I met up at Simei and we took the bus. We passed by the hawker food stall to buy some lunch. When we got home though, we were surprised to find that Jo Ann prepared a feast! Sinigang, steamed fish, hipon and chicken! It was the perfect meal after a grueling run.

However, there was another surprise for me when I woke up from my afternoon siesta. Haha!

The Post Run
Following the feast of Jo Ann, I went into the room to take a quick nap. As soon as my back touched the comfy bed, I was asleep. Haha! That’s how tired I was. I got up around 3PM when Jo Ann (or was it Rejoy) woke me up so we can head out and do some exploring. Haha! I was half-awake when I stepped out of the room. Rejoy was eating and when I saw a small cake, I asked, "O ano iyan?" I realized that it was afor me when when I saw the banner "Congrats Gelo Belo!" (Belo from Vicky Belo because allegedly, I lost much weight. Hehe!) They got me flowers, as well! I was really, really, really touched by the sweet gesture of my dear friends! It was just too sweeeet!!!

In the evening, it was part 2 of the post-SCMS celebration. It began with pre-drinks drinks with the Twitter gang. Edsel got a room at the Marina Bay Sands (Awesome hotel!!! The room, the view! Ugh! Super!!!) I invited Cyp and Jon to go to the pre-party party so I can introduce them to SG-based runners Edsel and Ian. By the time we left MBS, I had a good buzz (I think everyone did. Haha!) and I was ready for a night of dancing. From there, we headed to Zirca which apparently turns into a "happy" place on Sunday night. Had fun with the guys. We had so much fun, that we left the place past 4 in the morning, headed straight to the nearby Mcdonald's for breakfast before heading home!!! Hongsoyo lang.

If there is one word to describe the SCMS experience - EPIC!!!

I hope it becomes a tradition, and I could probably aspire for the Standard Chartered runs in Kuala Lumpur and the Hong Kong runs. Hehe!

It was truly a race like no other.

Rest of the photos are on my Facebook page. Hehe!

Gone for the weekend...

to run...

It's the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) 2010, and I'm going to run the half-marathon.

Never in the past 30 years of my existence did I think I would be doing half-marathons.

I'm really excited.

SCMS is my 1st international run.
SCMS is my 4th half-marathon.
SCMS is the 11th organized race I will be joining this year.

Wish me luck, please. :)

The coming weekend is one of the highlights of my 2010.

Doing my first half-marathon...

I did my first half-marathon today. Nature Valley Run at the Fort.

Despite all odds (not having enough training, sick with cough and colds, the terrible humid weather), I managed to cross the finish line.

That's good enough for me. For now. Haha!

Deciding to do the 21K
How did I end up doing the 21K anyway? Early this year, my goal was to do my first 21K at the Standard Chartered Run in Singapore this December. I thought that the Singapore run would be a great way to do my first 21K. I wasn't really planning on doing a half-marathon before that, until the day I registered for the Nature Valley Run.

The two Sundays before I signed up for the Nature Valley Run, I did the 15K for the Mizuno and the 16K for the Earth Run. Before this, I did the 15K of The Green Miles Run.

For the Nature Valley Run, the distances were 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K. I intended to sign up for the 10K. But when I was already at the Timex store submitting the reg forms for me, running buddy I-van, and friends Engel, Monet, Anthony, and Nino, I found myself deciding to challenge myself by signing up for the 21K.

It's true what they say. Your body can tell you whether you're ready for something or not. I guess that includes running.

And then there's the ego factor. After doing a number of 15Ks, it just feels logical that the next step should be to take the next longer distance - the 21K.

Wait, does this mean that I'll be doing a full marathon anytime soon? No. That's for sure. The plan is to get used to the new distance first, and then let's see in 2011. Hahaha!

Race day
The race day didn't come without any panic moments.

Days before today, I knew my body's not that conditioned to run because of cough and colds. Blame it on the maddening heat that the city has been experiencing these past couple of days (weeks?).

It doesn't help that while it's scorching hot outside the office, it's freezing cold at work. Very bad combination. That sort of led to the cough and the colds.

Then, I didn't get to do much gym time. Two weeks before the run, I was able to do a 12K and some cardio on the following days. A week before the run, I was only able to do a 10K and that's it.

When the race day finally arrived, I was both excited and scared of it.

I was finding comfort in knowing that running buddy I-van would be there, and that I must cross the finish line because he and I would have our traditional post-run photo shoot. Hahaha!

But 20 minutes before the run, there was no sign of I-van. I was starting to worry. A couple of minutes later, I had accepted that I-van wasn't going to show up. First time. (To be fair to my friend, he was really sorry that his alarm didn't go off, and we just agreed to do another run. But I have to say I really missed the post-run tradition. Haha!)

After calling JB and asking him whether I could leave my stuff with him, I quickly walked to where he was parked and left my stuff in his car. (Thanks, JB! Sorry for the hassle.)

I brought out the shirt I bought specifically for this run and changed into it. I figured that if I'm not going to finish the run with a good time, I might as well look nice when I cross the finish line.

So during the run, in a sea of Nature Valley singlets and a couple of race shirts, I was a scandalous neon green shirt. Wahahaha!

The run
Gun start was at 5:15.

I got in the starting line five to ten minutes before the start. That gave me a few minutes to do some stretching and psyching. I think JB made his way to the front of the pack, while I chose to stay in the back.

The race route was shown onscreen, and afterwards it was time for the run.

I had a pretty good start. When I reached the 5K mark, I checked my time and I was happy to see that I was still well within my average time for 5K.

The downhill began after that. Hahaha!

As with previous runs, the Buendia flyover was part of the route. Having ran there before, I was quite familiar with how to handle that part of the race. What made it difficult for me during this run was the Buendia flyover was in the 8K-9K(?) leg of the run. This means that by the time I got there, the sun was already up and with no shade and hardly any breeze, it was really challenging. I just pushed myself to finish it quickly.

After surpassing the Buendia flyover, the next portion was the one leading to Bayani Road. I was having a really difficult time by then. When I checked my time after I crossed the 15K marker, I saw that I had already taken a little over 2 hours. Eeep! Not good at all given that I finish the 15K usually around 1:49.

But I was really tired, and I was coughing every so often. The result was me doing long walks. I'd run half a kilometer and then walk the other half. And if it weren't for some people who "inspired" me to keep on going, I would have probably taken longer walks. Hehe!

I was extremely happy when I crossed the 19K marker. I could do it. I knew I could. A little pushing, some good music, and I was soon nearing the finish line.

Seeing familiar faces really helped. I saw my HS classmate Joel, who finished way ahead of me. And then I saw JB and Sef who both gave encouraging words, "Finish strong. You can do it." I, on the other hand, gave my profuse apologies for making them wait. Hehe.

A little more, and the finish line was in sight. When I saw the time was already approaching the 3 hour mark, I mustered all the strength left in me and ran.

Originally, I planned on finishing the race in 2:45. But in the latter part of the run, I knew it wasn't going to happen so I thought that the next best thing was to finish under 3 hours.

If my computations are correct, I should have finished around 2:59 something. Hahaha! Super slow, but at least, I met my objective of finishing before the 3-hour mark. Hehehe!

The good thing about this is that I can keep on improving myself in this distance. So come the 21K in Singapore this December, I hope to finally meet my goal of 2:45 for the 21K. Or who knows, I may even finish at 2:30.

The good stuff
I really like the Fort as a race venue. Despite being familiar with the possible routes (which aren't that many), I always enjoy running around the Bonifacio Global City.

One of the super good things about the Nature Valley Run were the abundance of water stations. In fact, it wasn't just water. My fave sports drink 100Plus was also a sponsor of the run, and they served the drink at the drinking stations. There was a water station at almost every kilometer, and what's super about this is that they didn't run out of any drinks.

The freebies were quite good, as well. Aside from the Nature Valley loot bag (granola bar, towel, finisher's shirt, banana, running guide), all 21K finishers received a pint of Haagen Daz ice cream. Seriously.

As soon as I crossed the finish line, I went straight for the ice cream. Hahaha! But I found it too sweet. I only took a few scoops, and then I gave the rest to Jonjon and Engel.

My favorites were the Photovendo booth and the 21K finisher's medal. The good thing about finishing when almost everyone was done is that the line at the Photovendo booth was already short. Engel, Jonjon and I didn't have to wait that long to get our souvenir photos.

The finisher's medal, on the other hand, is a really great souvenir. I would definitely hang it at my office cubicle. Two years ago, I did my first run at the Fort, too. It was for the UN Paa-bilisan run, which was sponsored by the company I work for. I didn't think that I would one day be doing a half-marathon. And when I realize that, I just feel happy.

Lastly, the best reward for having completed the race was completely non-race related. Hahaha! Engel, Jonjon and I decided to head to Market, Market to have brunch. When we got to Serendra, Jonjon had to go to the restroom. Engel and I say by the bench near Sentro and waited for usual.

As usual, we people watched and checked out the crowd. Every so often, Engel would say, "Market ko yan," referring to a certain guy. From a distance, I saw this cute guy approaching. He was tall, wearing a pair of shades, and carried a long sleeved shirt. I told Engel, "Market ko yan."

The guy was heading our way, and when he was up close, that's when we saw that it was Akihiro Sato. Haha! Kamusta naman?!

I've been wanting to have a photo taken with him, but I haven't had the chance until today. I see him all the time at the gym, but I'm not stupid to forego my gym membership just so I can have a photo with him. Hahaha!

Anyway, when Akihiro approached the girl sitting a few feet away from us (his handler probably?), Jonjon and I approached him and shamelessly asked for his photo. Wahahaha! Deadma na. It was still early, and there weren't that many people in Serendra yet so we didn't have to worry about being judged. Hahaha! Besides, other people followed suit when they saw that these three guys were really kapal to approach Akihiro. Hahaha!

If all 21Ks would finish like this, please sign me up already for the next one. Haha!

That's it. Till the next run.