it's within: April 2015

Ben and I were keen on creating our tradition of running in the annual Run 350 (see last year's report here). Not only was this race well organised, it was also amazingly affordable ($20 for the 10km due to the loyalty rate and our nEbO memberships).

The preceding two weeks before 5th April were marred by injury for me. I could not find a suitable diagnosis for the pain that I had been experiencing between my 3rd and 4th metatarsophalangeal joints on my left leg. The possible differentials (Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia) for pain occurring in that region did not follow my pattern of pain nor the onset of injury. Furthermore, though rest enabled pain relief, return to activity the few days before the race resulted in rapid onset of the pain yet again. I was utterly frustrated.

Through this all, I was certain God was there and God had allowed this to happen for a reason. I vividly recall my brief but fervent prayer on surrender, with particular reference to my interest (more than that, my lifestyle) in running. Thereafter, the injury struck the subsequent day. Fast forward to the night before race day however, I had decided that I was going to run this as I wanted to accompany Ben. Likewise, two weeks ago, I had ran Carnival Run 2015 in spite of the pre-existing pain.

Come race day, the routine was straightforward. Except that I decided to include a pastry for breakfast (instead of the fool-proof cereal). Ben was able to get the car hence he dropped by my place before we headed off to find parking at Suntec (with some less acceptable driving manoeuvres en route). Thereafter, we hurriedly jogged to the race pen as it was fast approaching 6.30am. In fact, we probably made it into the race pen around 6.23am and thereafter uttered a short prayer. Upon flag off, there was a wait of slightly past a minute before we managed to cross the start line.

There was a huge crowd of runners ahead of us. This meant the initial two minutes or so were spent rigorously weaving through other runners before we managed to settle into a stable rhythm. Our plan was to finish the first 5km before running the remaining portion of the race hard. We were certainly looking for a negative split compared to last year's poor pacing (first 5km was fast, remainder was slower - race wasn't a complete 10km distance either). The first few km passes us by quickly. Distance markers did come slightly early, but thankfully I had my Garmin.

There wasn't anything particularly notable, save for the occasion we saw a runner we had run alongside in last year's edition as well! The Caucasian man was easily a hundred metres ahead when we caught sight of him in the second half of the race. Our goal was to gradually close the gap and overtake him. We probably achieved this more quickly than expected as he was slowing while we had managed to speed up mildly. Thereafter, we continually tried to find targets to lure towards us.

Honestly, I don't remember much else. I knew my foot was feeling fine today - that made me immensely thankful as I was able to run alongside Ben. The motion of running did feel a little more foreign, granting the fact that I had barely managed any runs in the preceding 2 weeks. Cardiovascularly however, it was well within control, probably around an easy run effort.

As we neared the final straight, we sped up, arms swinging harder. We crossed the line together once again. Thereafter, medal collection, a nice massage and a brief chat with Dr Mok regarding balancing studies, running and the other aspects.