Real Run 2010

Just completed my 4th RealRun. As usual, it was done with great friends. Everything was pretty much the same as previous years in terms of location and route. The only change was the swap of start times for the 10 and 15km categories. This year, the organisers decided start 15km race (7am) before the 10 km race (7.30am). I guess they had intended for the runners of the longer distance to avoid the sun as much as possible.

I did not manage a PB this year completing the race in 1:27. Initially, I thought I was on my way for a PB having clocked around 51 min at the 10km mark. However, somehow, I started to slack at the beach. It did not help that for the first time in 4 years that I could not avoid the incoming wave and got both shoes wet.

On the whole, I found this run a well-organised and enjoyable one.

RealRun has always been special to me as this was the first ever organised race that I participated when I took up running in 2007 and have not missed one ever since.

Next Race: Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore.

Looking Forward

The best way to overcome post-race depression is to have something big to look forward to.

Other than RealRun 2010 which will happen this coming Sunday, I have 2 big races that I really look forward to.

The first would be the "new" Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore. The start point is suppose to be Orchard Road and the end point the Padang. This is the first time that a marathon in Singapore has a different start and end point (similar to HK marathon).

The other race that I am really really looking forward to would be my first race in 2011. That is the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to be held on 20 Feb 2010. This will be my second attempt at the most painful full marathon I have ever participated.

What makes this race sweeter is the fact that there was overwhelming response and registration was closed as soon as it was open. I was indeed fortunate to a get a race slot.

Now I feel so much better..... haha....

Post-Race Depression

Two days after having a blast at TNF100 and I am feeling depressed. I have always wondered if a condition as "Post-Race Depression" existed.

Usually, after a race (especially a tough one) that I have thoroughly enjoyed, I will feel pretty high. I guess this is what the literature calls the "Runners' High". However, the day after, I will feel lost and empty.

I did some online search and realised this is quite a common phenomenon and it is really called Post-race depression! Exact same words!

According to some online forums, running and completing a race boost one's endomorphins and makes one feel good. However, in the next couple of days, the endomorphins dissipate and makes one feel down.

Maybe this explains why I am always looking forward to challenging yet achievable races to join, so that I can experience the "high". I remember writing in an earlier blog entry I don't understand why I keep signing up for marathons and races (especially overseas ones) incurring the costs (regstration fees, flights, hotels) along the way, when I know that I will end up being in pain for the next couple of days.

Well, I guess the answer is obvious now. I have been chasing after the high at the end of every race.... only to feel the low at the end of it.

Hmmm... can this be liken to a drug addiction?

I take comfort in the fact that this "addiction" is relatively a good one as it keeps me fit and healthy. I guess it becomes bad when I become obsessed with it. As the saying goes, maintaining moderation and balance is key!

Found some interesting resources to deal with the issue:

http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/marathon/recovery.asp

http://blog.foodservicewarehouse.com/pursuing-the-dream/tag/post-race-depression/