Since last July, I have been train for minimumlist shoes/ barefoot for over a year. I decided transfer to pure barefoot after this May's Sundown Marathon. I'v been tired of high intensity workouts such as intervals, and found that I lacking of base build. I'v failed to reach 90% base run during previous training. I thought it a good idea to make my pace slower by barefoot running, and improve feet strength at the same time. Till August I'v been fully transfer to barefoot running, and the pace was slow enough. But the bad side is my weekly milage could hardly achieve 40km+, due to the much higher stress accumulated on my feet and calves.
I decide to run the 1st half marathon before the race. I'v dare not set a goal for new PR, because I'd just failed a time trial 1 month ago (I did 2:12 for HM). I just wish to complete the race in 2hrs. As my children grew up, I took them to more activitied during weekends. The day before race I brought them to the Kite Festivel @ Marina bay. I'v also checked the road conition there...I felt asleep very quickly @ 11pm that night after a hard day's play with my children. And woke up @ 3am the race day. I ate two slices of bread, and drunk ~400ml water. Took 2 bottles (12oz each) of energy drink as race supply, I caught a cab in front of my flat. I reached Fullerton Hotel @4:10 and checked in my bagage @4:30 after unload my stomach completely. I felt I could fight for a run. Then made way to starting point @ Esplandae bridge.
Unlike last year (flagged off 15min earlier), this year flagged off right on time (5:15am). Weather was cool, I made a very slow start up (~7:00/km @ 1st km) as a warm up. I never did prior run warm up and stretches. Then I geared up to my target pace (5:40/km) progressively (till 3km mark). I maintained this staedy pace perfectly and kept running in the middle of 2hrs pace until 15km. Most of road condition was acceptable until we passed Marina Barage. I have to slow down and watch for every step in the dark to avoid stepping into something sharp. Soon we reached Kalang park connector, the road wass good again and the scene was beatiful. We saw Mraina Bay skyline again! Another challenge was Nicol Highway, the road condition is unpleasant and wore out my sole soon. I even felt there going to be blisters on left sole and decided to finish the race before it was too late. I speeded up a little bit and left the 2hrs paces behind me after 15km mark.
I was surprised to find that not much sweat and heat accumualtion this year! The weather was perfect for a race. Even though we loop round filly Fort Canning Park, I did not slow down my pace. The last mile mark passed quickly, I'm sure there should be short of distance after 18km becaue the race report said I'd run a insanely high speed of 4:00/km pace. I'v measure the last part from 20km mark, found it was 400m shrot for the last 1.1km. Most people said their GPS clock 400m~800m shorter and I thoguht it made sense. I finished 1:52:03 as a new PB which should have been 1:56~1:58. I did not made full effort for the run so that I sprunt with 2:20/km pace at Padang. I'v passed 79 runners and only 7 passed me @ last 3km, I ranked top 10% among the runners, 1% drop from last year. It seemed most people made their PR too.
Aside from the short of distance. It was a overall a well arranged event. A whole new route, with beautifull scenary. Good road closure, even at the heart of the city (though most motorist had complained). Very sufficient hydration station alogn the route (though I never use them). Very ensusiated cheerleaders. Efficient bagage check-in and toilets. Last and most important, no more boring ECP run, no more leg broken Benjamin Shears Bri.dge.
I'v achieve my goal, 1st barefoot half marathon. No blisters, steady pace, 2nd half faster, finish line sprint, PR. I'v got all I want. How could I complain? Just start my next dream, 1st barefoot marathon this Dec.
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