My first race was in 2009. I trained pretty hard. But not good enough as I only ran for the first half and struggled very hard on my second half as the pain in my knee was killing me. It's a torture, especially under the scorching sun. And my body arched for the next few days. I experienced hell. My timing was 5 hrs 50 minutes. Not a bad timing for a first timer. The finishing medal made me proud as it's a race against myself. It's a race to prove the impossible is just a statement. It's mind over matter. For 2009, I won.
Next come 2010. I trained very hard. Regularly and diligently. I started as early as 4 months before the actual race. I lost 6kg from 76 to 70. My waist size shrunk from 33 to 29. I felt very good about my new, slimmed look and trimmed body, though some concerned colleagues, friends and neighbors thought that I have some health complication. I am quick to re-assure them that I am healthy and is a deliberated act to prepare for my marathon ran. (76 kg body is too heavy for the 42km race!) I was ready to cross the finishing line at under 5 hours. Unfortunately, I screwed it up and forgot to collect my race pack. In the end, I decided to gave it a go for 2010. For this stupidity, I lost in 2011 to my evil self. This mean it was a 1-1 draw. My only consolation was I felt very good about my new and healthy look. I looked younger. I am much more alert and confidence.
Finally, it's 2011. I am contemplating should I enroll this year as my knee problem is not getting any better. My heart said Yes but my evil brain said No. After some internal struggle, I signed it up on 6/24. One day after the registration was opened on 6/23. I guess the main motivation for me now is not running another Marathon. I have already done it. For now, it's more for my health. My training for 2011 marathon has started. This rigorous and regular training will keep me fit and strong. I am much more conscious of what goes into my body. Today, I swam 50 lapses in a swimming pool. In the midst of my swim, I have this sudden thought.
Staying healthy is being socially responsible and my basic responsibility to my family.
For 2011 SC marathon, I hope to drop my weigh further to 65 kg. And I want to do it under 5 hours. I am 39 year old now. I want to participate in as many marathon as my body can take it. One day, I hope to ran a marathon with my wife and two daughters, Filomena and Cordelia whom are 7 and 9 respectively. I'm looking forward to this day.
Cheers OKY
