Army Half Marathon, 21 km (04.09.2011)

This was one special race for me. This was the race that I achieved my PB for 21 km last year at 1:56. Inherently, I was under pressure to better my time. To manage my own expectations, I actually revisited the quote that I put up to explain why I named my blog "I am not a Jogger".

"If you were motivated enough to train for and participate in an organized running event, then you were a runner. Anyone willing to risk public failure in order to be a part of the running community--no matter what his or her pace per mile might be--was a runner. I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway. - Quoted from RW Magazine"

It might sound very emotional, but thats how each and every race can be. Each and every race has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me! Sometimes I ask myself why do I want to put myself through such stress. As though my life is not stressful enough.

To be honest, I was concerned and I was preparing myself for disappointment that whatever the race turned out to be, just enjoy the race, the route, as well as the company. Its the enjoyment that counts... yeah... like real.

To make matters worse, I discovered one the night before the race that I have been issued a wrong bib... a bib carrying someone else's name. I tried calling the person on the mobile number stated on the bib hoping to return him his bib but he did not answer the call... oh well... I thought it was not a good sign for the race.

Therefore, I decided to run the race with the wrong bib, which means I will not be having an official timing, and really simply enjoy the race.

Well, everything turned out fine at the race. The race was superbly organised, the route was new and nice and most importantly, I ACHIEVED MY PERSONAL BEST!!!!!

As can be expected, I was ecstatic! I really could not believe that I could better my PB, having been disappointed at the 2 previous 21km races. I actually completed the race in 1:52!

Really happy with my timing. Now, I just want to busk in the moment... till the next race....


Next race: North Face 100 (50km Duo) and Real Run (21km). Made a mistake signing up to the races back to back on a Saturday and Sunday... crazy!