freeminder: MRC 10K Charity Run 2015

Just received this today, 6th Apr. 2015

I thought I hate running and marathon, but there I was again, running another 10K marathon, for charity. This time I was in alone, for my loyal partner in crime was injured, on her knee. She was there to support and of course, to drive me there, on a motorbike, which I obviously don't have a license, to avoid traffic. Very useful, since as usual, I woke up late, and reached Likas Sports Complex just a minute before the event started. Marched in together with TYT's group. Hmmm, so VIP.

So, I went in with a purpose in mind, to beat a person at the finishing line. Call it unreasonable grudge, but I am not into people who love to boast and downing others.

Enough with that nonsense. The marathon was flagged off at around 6.25am by Sabah TYT. I was somewhere at the center of the crowd, I had to very slowly move toward the stadium exit. The run started in Likas Stadium, exiting through the main entrance facing badminton complex, towards Wisma Perindustrian roundabout, along Tg. Lipat road towards Tun Mustapha building, turning back towards the same route at Yayasan Sabah roundabout, and back to Likas Stadium. Attired with the event's official shirt, my badminton shorts and shoes, I tried to maintain the pace, not wanting to slow down at any where along the run, which, thankfully, I managed to do despite several temptations from my complaining body to stop or just walk. My friend's support was so crucial, along the way I had this ringing in my head "Never stop or slow down, you are strong and you can definitely do it." That was more or less what she always told me in any run or marathon we participate. I need that motivation for running long distance because it wasn't where I place my passion in.

I managed to overtake a few friends, those I noticed, and maybe few more that I didn't notice. I just focused on my breathing, and way ahead in front of me, towards the finishing line. I didn't really look at others, it was a challenge I put on myself. I really love Datuk Nicol David's quote "You can't beat your best." That is exactly what I aim to do, in everything, especially in sports. Never is too late for anything.

I stopped twice at water stations to top up my energy, with 100plus. About less than a kilometer towards the finishing line, I increased the speed and sprinted off, overtaking a few more, and touched the finish line. My friend who was waiting at the finish line told me I managed to squeeze into first 80 finisher. That was out of 2,400 participants. It was an achievement, all right, since until last Sunday, I actually never had my running practice or long distance run in months. I really thank God for giving me strength to do this.

Upon finishing, I collected my certificate and drinks. There was no medal yet, that would be distributed on Monday, 5th April 2015.