Full Marathon is classified as an extreme sport. A person is not fit for a participation in Full marathon, if running is considered only as 'running'. It's a complete experience, a path to salvation. A path, where you come across your emotional and physical limitations. You have to deal with them right there and then. Some runners break down in this process, but go back happy thinking that atleast they dared to dream. Some do manage to overcome their limitations and hit the finishing line, immerging a better person. These thoughts are not applicable to professionals, who run for fame and money. Its valid only for amateurs, who run for no reason but only because their heart says so. They know they will go back empty handed, but only after they have won their own little battle.
02 Dec 2007, 5:30 AM, Esplanade, Singapore : A total of 40,000 people participated in the event, out of which 12,000 runners were to give a shot at 42k, out of which 2500 were overseas' runners, and I was one of them. The stage couldn't be bigger then this. This was my first full marathon. Slightly nervous, since I was not really sure what pain and stress I was about to go thru. As the gun went off, somewhere in the back of my mind a thought crossed my mind that I will be running for next 5-6 hours.
0k-10km; 1:06 : The first lap was very comfortable. Route took us across the Business district, Marina Bay. I was still in awe of the enormity of the event. This time around, the timing did not matter. I just wanted to finish the event without any injury. I wanted to enjoy each moment. The scenic beauty and greenery around kept the tempo going.
10k-20k, 1:10 : The next lap took us thru the Dome type structure of Esplanade, Huge towers of Suntec. The view around was just getting better but the best was yet to come. I was able to maintain a consistent speed, though I was not really sure what was in store. Across the tall towers I saw the sun rising. Uptill 20k was a known territory for me, since I had done 7 half marathons. The interesting section was yet to come.
20k-30k, 1:20 : We entered in one of the most beautiful running track in the world, the East Coast Park. It is an 11k long beach road, running parallel to the silver white beach. In mornings and evening the place is crowded with people doing cycling, roller skating, eating in some of the finest sea food restaurants, even camping over night. Around 25k, the fatigue was setting in slowly. Evenly spread water junctions were a big help in keeping hydrated. Two more hours to go..!! I tried to keep my mind off such thoughts by admiring the ships anchored in the sea. I could see a few runners pulling out due to muscle cramps, shivers...Well no one said its going to be easy.
30k-40k, 1:32 : This is perhaps the most difficult lap, where muscles can snap and spirits can break. To add on to hurdles, the Sun is also the strongest. In Marathon parlance, runners can 'hit the wall'. I was managing a smooth pace, though I could feel the fatigue in thighs and pain in knees. But I knew I had the chance to reach the finishing line. The course continued on the beautiful East Coast Park. Families picnicking & cheering the runners, school bands, cheer groups were making the run very interesting. Around the 36k, I realised all was not fun. I was finding it difficult to lift the legs. After over 4 hours of pounding on the road, my feet were completely numb. One of the runner was being carried on a stretcher, into the ambulance....Well no one said its going to be easy.
40k-42.195k, 0:18:30 : This is the most spiritual lap for any marathoner. Any doubts about finishing the race are laid to rest, replace by euphoria. The sight of 40k mark pumped in some Adrenalin. My pace started increasing, body was completely numb. Cheering was getting louder for the runners. I felt as fresh as I did when the race had begun. With finishing line just 100m away, I slowed down. I wanted to cherish every second. At 05:28:18, I finally crossed the line. After reaching into the holding area, I just sat on the ground. I could finally feel the aches, the cuts and bruises on my body. While lying on the ground, I looked up and smiled........Well no one said its going to be easy, but then no one said its going to be impossible...!!
