My First Ever Marathon Experience

Yes I participated in the Putrajaya Night Run, the inaugural night marathon held in Malaysia on 6th Feb 2010!

Well, since this is my first marathon and I know my physical strength damn well, I only chose to take part in the 7.7km run (the shortest amongst 3 categories - 7.7km, 21km, 42km).

 

Route map for 7.7km (and 5km for aged 18 and below). Seems short on the map but in fact, it is not!

My only aim was to complete the race and not pass out halfway through the run. Haha. There were instances where I felt so exhausted and I wanted to stop and just walk, but my friend's words keep voicing in my head: No you have to continue running and you don't stop; Once you stop you wouldn't wanna run anymore". And I don't have my iPod with me, which kinda decreases the motivation to move forward too!

The race started and ended at Palace of Justice. After making the big U turn (as you can see from the map), I was really exhausted. At that moment, I felt a sight pain at the sole of my right foot - it was like a nerve pull or something. Maybe I didn't warm up properly. But Palace of Justice is within sight. So I told myself: Okay, I can see the dome of the building, the finishing line is not too far away... keep moving, keep moving...And then finally I saw the finishing line...

For a beginner like me, I was so happy to find out that I am amongst the Top 400 Finishers to complete the race! (I am No. 308). Hence I received a medal! Ahh... a sense of accomplishment! This is my first ever medal associated with a sports event since I was a fat geek in high school; never an athlete.

Next marathon: Energizer Night Race on 26th March. 10km for that!