SONGKHLA MARATHON 2011 – A SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Songkhla Marathon 2011 has never been in my running calendar until I saw that posting in Facebook. But there is this inner voice ‘urging’ me to be part of this running event. And so, I asked CC Choi and Khairul Annuar to put me in the loop.

Things do happen for a reason. I didn’t have much time to train and with Zero mileage, I totally rely on my mental strength instead of physical fitness. He has always been an angel looking over me. I know I’m going to be fine as he will (as usual) give me his full blessing.

Despite having bought and packed the Power Gel and some Peanut Chocolate nuggets, I left the entire supply behind and only realized it at the Puduraya Bus terminal! How am I going to survive that 6 hours or more on the road without any supplement back up?

With only a bar of Kit Kat chocolate that I bought at a stall in Puduraya, I hold on to it like a lifeline. I can survive the first 10km without any food and pray hard for some miracle. Sighted a 7-Eleven store at km11 and quickly dashed in to grab 5 Milo nuggets. With that, I ate the Kit Kat chocolate as my breakfast. I drank at every water stations located at every 2km.

Then, at km16, I felt a sharp pain at the inner side of my right knee. The pain got worst with every pounding. I have to change my strategy from running for a distance of 3 lamp posts and walk for 1 lamp post to running 1 lamp post and walk for 3 lamp posts instead to reduce the pounding or risk further injury.

After making the U-turn at km21 at the end of the bridge, I had done 2hours 46mins. Will I be able to make it back in 6 hours? Can I complete the race? I wanted to but I’m in doubt. The thought of not being able to finish put me in low spirit. Each step became heavier. At km22, I told myself that I must do something and make a decision. To quit and climb onto the pick-up truck (as there were a handful of marathoners already gave up) or I must bounce back quickly.

The weather has been really kind to me. At km 24, I decided to continue with the ‘journey’ and walk all the way to the finish line. For the next 18km, I power walk all the way counting down every kilometer. I re-live his famous phrase during his life time, ‘take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Keep repeating until you feel good and give yourself a smile.’

Finally, after a long 6 hours and 21 minutes I made it to the finish line! Thank you my dearest friend for ‘walking’ along with me. We know you are in HIS good hand and you will always have a special place in our heart. I fully dedicate the 42km in your memory and may you rest in peace, my dearest friend.

(Special thanks to Tey Eng Tiong for the photos)