Another row entry in my life

ITV4 broadcasted the 23rd Marathon des Sables earlier this evening showcasing a few of the runner pairs who were flying the British flag proud. I came to know about this event earlier this year when a colleague told me about some bloke that he knew who trained for 2 years prior to it, and 2 runners losing their lives in 2007. Frankly I am quite proud of my London marathon achievement this year, although it was easily eclipsed by another friend who is part of the elite 50 mile (80.4672km!!!) club, but Marathon des Sables is seriously crazy when you actually watch it in action - 156 miles across the Sahara desert, across flat plains, 1000m mountains and sand dunes, in 6 days. To make it even more challenging, all runners are to carry their personal belongings and food throughout the course. Some of the 800 runners from 32 countries are probably professionals, but the obviously highlighted very ordinary people like myself. Suddenly the BUPA 10km run next weekend and 10km NIKE run in Aug seems ordinary to the extreme. I feeling ashamed but I am really considering...if this is going to be my ultimate challenge to my limits and endurance...I am seriously contemplating...

On a similar note, there are still places for the 2 above, do join me if you can.

The excitement, pain, euphoria and aftermath

I still walk like a crab after a day and half on completion of my 4th marathon; my 1st in London. I did not sleep well again the night before and was probably too excited leading up to the big day. Weather at the start couldn't be any better, with the sun warming up the morning chills. Greenwich park was packed with runners, families and friends alike, all eager to contribute and share a bit of the amazing atmosphere that this event has stirred up the entire city on a lazy Sunday morning. Not wanting to be too far behind the starting blocks, I only did 10min of warm-ups before I parted with Jiamin and 'fought' my way to the starting point (I still ended up crossing the start line 10 min after the first runner sprinted off). The course was excellent, mostly flat roads, with a few gentle slopes breaking the norm, that loops round Greenwich/Tower Bridge/Canary Wharf/Embankment/Buckingham Palace.

It was a comfortable initial 20km and I really started to warm into the rays of the piercing sun. The graph shows that my best 5km timings was when I turned from Tower Bridge to Wapping. That was also when the weather turned for the worse and it started to pour with significant headwinds as well. That really broke my momentum and by the time I reach the 20mile point, my hands were so numbed from the cold that I couldn't feel my fingers.

The last 6 miles was probably the longest that I have run, but the cheers and encouragement from the crowd was simply fantastic and that really helped to push me on all the way to the finishing point along Green Park/St James Park(My expression in the photo tells it all - Photo courtesy of Tyom). I also said to myself that I wasn't going to fall behind 'Mr Juggler' who was literally juggling 3 balls from start to finish - as we were perpetually running side by side for a good 3 miles! Crossing the finishing line was simply amazing although seeing 'Mr Borat' with his costume after put a very bad after-taste to the entire thing (he was wearing the infamous green suspender/thongs, and his modesty was barely covered!).


All in all, I was really happy that I was only 2 min off my target time of 3.30hr (PB), and achieving my 2nd objective of not stopping at all throughout the journey. As of today, I have raised £1471 for PlantLife and £195 for WaterAid, and hopefully, can see a few more quid to come in from anyone who has missed the my initial donation drive (Click on the right to donate online). I was extremely glad to see the guys from Multimap turning up to show their support at Embankment as well even though the weather wasn't at its best. And most important of all, to thank my girlfriend who surprised me by turning up from New York the day before my run to continue her endless support of what I do; and spending the weekend with me even though she is so busy with her work across the Atlantic.

As of now, my pain continues, but my thought ponders on my next run now that I have ticked London marathon off my list...

Race day ahead

Tomorrow is race day - one that I have been looking forward to since I confirmed my running place 3 months ago. Haven't been quite myself this week after a pretty tough launch of my project on Thursday in quite 'Murphy's Law' circumstances. Just glad that the team got over it and I face my 2nd "high" of the week. Stocked up on more bananas and energy gels whilst collecting my race day tag, as well as new pair of shorts and socks to make me feel falsely good about myself. Weather forecasts point to a chilly and rainy day tomorrow, which everyone in London probably had a preview this afternoon during a period of intense rain and hail.

The surprise of the day came when my girlfriend mysteriously turned up from New York at the lunch whom some friends have arranged. Apparently it was all 'planned' and she really surprised me but was definitely a very good surprise! I feel much better with her around, especially since she missed my last marathon in Singapore couple of years back.

Expecting a blistery 26 miles ahead, but will definitely enjoy every moment of the journey and looking forward to enjoying a good pint of Guinness in a nearby pub. Do look out for me if you are anywhere along the route and give me your encouragement to get me the end point at Buckingham Palace. See ya!

Adopting another charity

After managing to raise the target for PlantLife, I decide to try my luck to try soliciting for additional sponsorship from friends and colleagues who might still be interested to support me for my run. Naturally I chose WaterAid as the charity as it was my first choice charity when I decided to run the marathon back at the beginning of the year, but they ran out of golden bond places then. I have set myself a target to raise £300, not a lot as I do not want to over-promise and under deliver. I still hope to grab the senior management folks in my company to help with my cause, and convince a few others who have not be too convinced with my primary charity in the first round.

12 days and counting...

As the run beckons, I am suddenly feeling both nervous and excited, but very much looking forward to it at the same time. After 3 months of training, with the addition abstinence off alcohol, I think I am in relatively good shape barring any last minute injuries. Will be reducing the intensity of my runs as the big day gets nearer but probably go for my last 2 hour run this weekend.

The good news is that I have achieved my target (overachieved!) of raising £1300 for Plantlife, all thanks to my family, friends and colleagues who have been ever so supportive and encouraging throughout this period. Hopefully I can see a few of them along the route cheering me on, which to me, will be the absolute icing on the cake on top of my aim to do a PB.

Almost there but missing the social life

Another very good day for my fund raising - £1150!!! Just £150 away from the target that I have set out at the beginning. I will be over the moon if Multimap decides to match what I have raised and promise I will push myself all the way to the 3.30hr mark that I have set myself that happens. (Although I will still be pushing myself real hard for my PB)

On a sidenote, I can't wait for the run to be over as I have been missing out some of the finer enjoyments in life. Last week, it was the blues session, and tonight, had to miss the curry and champagne session that my team are enjoying in Brick Lane. Suddenly I am very looking forward to the trip to Guinness factory in Dublin come end of May.

Bought a new pair of Mizuno from Run and Become on my walk back from office to home as my daily runs are wearing thin my current Asics. Highly recommended specialist shop if you want some expert advice and opportunity to try them on before you buy.

Another milestone to my goal

My sponsorship amount crept past the magical £1,000 mark today, less than £300 away from the target that I have set out to raise at the beginning of this journey. All thanks to some wonderful family, friends and colleagues at work for their kind support, although quietly I will still be hoping to "stalk" a few more bigwigs to pitch in. Also hoping that my request to my company to match the amount raised will be approved by the management team in their meeting tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

As for my training, there hasn't been much progress for this week as I have been staying back in office much later than I would like over the past few days. Gave myself an off day yesterday as well to watch Liverpool play Inter Milan, at least it was worth it in the end, although at one point, I did start to doze off. Goes to show how "exciting" pool can get at times, or maybe I was just too tired... 

Past 50% mark, major milestone

The sponsorship amount quietly crept past the 50% mark that I have set myself to raise for this run, all thanks to those that have been so supportive of my goal. With less than 5 weeks to go, it is time to step up on my fund raising efforts and push myself further in the training. Will be pushing for an extra early run tomorrow before heading out to Stratford upon Avon with friends. Especially looking forward to a night at the Blues Bar on Sunday with mates.

A day of rest

BBC said it was going to snow tonight, and as usual, there was not a single fleck of white in sight. Decided to take a break tonight from running to give my knees some rest before resuming again tomorrow. Six Sigma report came back with more edits to make, oh well...

Painful day

My old problem played up on me this morning as I went for my usual "4 London Parks" run, having to stop several times as the pain on my right knee became unbearable at times. Eventually I cut short my run by halving the route around Hyde Park and staggered back to Victoria Nero in about 75min. Bought 30 capsules of Glucosamine + Chondroitin from Boots, hopefully it can help to repair the cartilage faster.

First attempt at half marathon

Glorious weather today, with clear blue sky. Seems like a good day for my first training attempt at the halfway point of the full journey. Wind was slightly too strong for my liking as I moved comfortably into my first 2km point at Battersea Park, where there was a race going on at the same time (was offered liquid as I passed by the drinks station only for her to withdraw the offer at the last minute when she realised that I did not have a racing number). After a short unexpected visit to the loo in the park, I continued on across Vauxhall, by MI6 building, behind St Thomas hospital, London Eye, Oxo Tower, Tate Modern (the new outdoor exhibit is up!), Mr Livingston's office and across Tower Bridge. By this time, I was about 12km into my run and had to struggle slightly at various stages mainly due to the strong headwind + tourists who can't seem to work out where they are walking! 

From the U-turn at Tower Bridge, I continued on the other side of the river passing Tower of London, Old Billingsgate Market, along Black Friars, Somerset House, Embankment towards Parliament Sq. My last stretch along St James park mimics the last 800m of the actual race although I had to improvise on doing a slight detour to Lambeth Bridge along Millbank, Tate Britain before ending back in Pimlico. Took 1.46 to complete about 20.6km, quite disappointed with the timings, but I have to admit it was tougher than I expected and my steps were becoming smaller towards the last 5km. The strong winds did not help and again, had problems sweating but I hope to improve further in the next 2 weeks. I will try to do another 18km tomorrow if my legs allow.

Thank you to those who have generously sponsored me so far! You are incredible and your donations will keep me going to the finishing line.

What your donations can help Plantlife to achieve

Today I finally took the plunge to setup my donation page on Justgiving and kick off 6 weeks of various efforts to try to raise funds for the wonderful people at Plantlife. Nick helped to "morph" my promotional picture to go inline with the theme of my fund raising efforts and the rest was up to me to setup the page proper.

I realised Plantlife conservation charity is very different from a charity that many are used to (i.e. Charities that deals and help with humans in a very physical way), and therefore thought it might be worthwhile to give all prospective donors an idea of what each quid donated towards the organisation can help.

£10 would enable us to survey plants
The Common Plants Survey is the only national annual plant survey in the UK and provides information on the health of our countryside. Your donation could enable a volunteer to undertake the Common Plants Survey, by providing them with support and materials.

£20 could buy equipment for volunteers

Your donation could support the work of our Flora Guardians, our volunteer team who undertake plant protection all year round and enable us to provide them with the equipment they need. £20 would buy a mattock for breaking up hard ground.

£35 could help save peat bogs
94% of raised peat bogs have been lost from the UK and rare plants and animals that depend on them are being squeezed out. Your donation could support our campaigning for an end to peat-digging in the UK.

£50 could help create a nature reserve
Plantlife owns and protects over 4,900 acres in the UK through our nature reserves. It costs approximately £3,000 per acre to buy land. Your donation could help us to continue our programme of expanding the area we look after and therefore the plants and habitats we can protect.

£100 could fund a conservation work-day
In the 23 Plantlife nature reserves around the country, we rely on the help of volunteers to undertake a lot of the work to protect vulnerable wild plants. Your donation could provide tools and cover the expenses of a whole day of volunteering for a small group of people.

£500 could help restore plant habitats
Your donation could allow a site where a rare species is on the brink of extinction to be rescued, using a range of methods to recreate endangered habitat.

This may all sound very UK to any who do not live in this country, but you will be glad to find out that Plantlife has an extensive global footprint around the world and has close working relationships with many International networks to ensure this cause is very much not lost out of UK.

I sincerely hope you can help me towards this cause and I will dig deep by training over 3 months and aiming for a best personal timing on 13 April 2008 - 3 years after my last marathon journey. Remember, every little counts towards the cause!

Thank you.

All images © Plantlife

Having trouble...to sweat

Had my longest run for my training today, about 17km altogether on a scenic route across 4 central London parks - starting with Battersea Park, followed by Hyde Park, across Green Park and ending with St James Park. Considering it was slightly sunny, it really bugs me that I still did not have a single drop of sweat after 1.21 hrs of running! I am really annoyed...

Surprise trip to NYC, Central Park - Been there and done it

Made a surprise trip to New York City last weekend, surprising my girlfriend at her door for our 10 year anniversary together. I created a mosaic pictorial using shots taken over the past 10 years onto Moo cards. Centerpiece obviously was my "masterpiece drawing" and contained nicely in a mahogany frame. At least she likes it and did not trash it into the recycling bin outside the apartment :0)

Even though it was the middle of New York winter, I had to complete my plan to run round Central park. The morning of the run was bone chilling freezing temperature and I was so wrong to think that my new Adidas long sleeve Climacool top was to protect me from the elements. 10km into my run, I was still freezing like crazy, not a drip of sweat, and hands felt like they have been chilled in a freezer for the past 40min. It had started to feel quite awkward that I ended up altering my return route and head towards "Pick-A-Bagel" along 77-78th St by Lex. Nothing beats an "everything bagel" after a good morning run, especially after I just managed to do a loop round (almost) Central Park, something that I have almost wanted to do since I first visited NYC 3 years back.

Get ready for London Marathon

Very good news today for me, as I am finally allocated a golden bond place with Plantlife. I have to admit I was not familiar with this charity before, but after reading and finding out more, I think the organisation is really different from the normal charities that many will relate to. It may mean that donations will not be as forthcoming as it is not a 'normal' charity that deals with poeple, but I am even more determined to raise above the amount that I need. At the end of the day, I think the cause is as big as an organisation that is trying to eradicate the world of Malaria.

It has been 3 years since my last marathon in Singapore, and there will be plenty of tough training ahead, but somehow I am so determined to run this marathon assuming that my knees do not give up on me on the big day. 1 month and 27 days left to the big day, stayed tuned to this page for my training updates and I hope you can support me by donating generously in the coming weeks.