OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016

"If you are losing faith in human nature, 

go out and watch a marathon"

Kathrine Switzer

women's marathoning pioneer

They called it the Sundown Marathon, but I ran until the sunrise haha!

And so, my craziness brought me to my forth full marathon - OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016. The thought of doing a full marathon has been kicking into myself for some time; sort of an item to click off from your bucket list. In 2012, I took part in my very first race - the Chiba Aqualine Marathon. That was my maiden experience running in a race, and what a way to kick it off by doing a full marathon. Till now, I don't know what made me signed up for that hahaha! Believe it or not, the time I recorded back then - 5 hours 34 minutes 35 seconds still remain my personal best.

Two more runs followed after that - the 2014 edition of the Chiba Aqualine Marathon and the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS 2015) last year. The former was a forgettable one, as I missed the cut-off time midway through the race and did not able to complete the run. I must say however, the time limit for marathons in Japan are stricter, usually they are between 6 to 6.5 hours. 

That bad experience did not stop my pursue for more runs. Last year, I ran a marathon for the first time in Singapore and phewwww it was pure torturous, especially when you think of running under the blazing tropical sun at noon without much shades. Nevertheless, I'm glad I managed to complete the run just outside the 6-hour mark.

One main reason of me signing up for Sundown was because it's held at night. Yes, it sounds interesting to run under the dark sky isn't it? I wasn't sure how my body is going to react; whether or not my biological clock will be confused middle of the run, when I should be on my bed counting the sheep lol! Plus, I did not clock up a single night runs on the build-up to the marathon. All these unknown add-ups actually made it intriguing and I was really looking forward to having a good run.

The calm before the storm.

The flag-off for the full marathon is at 12:30 a.m. and I made myself arrive at the venue just before 11. I had a short walk around the sports village and dropped by at the hydration station to gulp several cups of 100 Plus to keep myself hydrated in the humid running condition. Once I was done going around the place, I dropped my belongings at the bag deposit counter and spend a good fifteen minutes doing pre-run warm-up and stretches. The bee-line to the starting pen has started to form by this time. As I came out from the toilet break, I found out that it's just about 20 minutes before the flag-off and I made my way to the starting pen. 

Thirty minutes into the midnight, more than 5,000 runners for the full-marathon were flag-off, starting our very long journey ahead. The first kilometre was really crowded, as everyone was full of energy and adrenaline. In fact, I even saw some were sprinting already. What were they thinking? This is a 42.195 kilometre run, not a 100-meter dash lol! I started off rather conservatively, maintaining my pace until...

To my horror, when I saw the first climb of the course - the almost 1-km climb up to Shears Bridge. I didn't really do the homework of studying the race course; I only browse through the map, to roughly get a general idea of how the race course will be. But definitely not this one. Nevertheless, I did not stop my run; I slowed my pace slightly during this climb.

At around the 6km mark, we entered the major stretch of the course - the East Coast Park (ECP). I was expecting that the sea breeze from the sea will do us favour during our run, but unfortunately there were minimal wind that night. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of this long stretch as you have to keep focussed on going straight along the mostly narrow paths. The ECP stretch this time was way longer than SCMS 2015. I was constantly asking myself when were we going to make that U-turn to return to the CBD.

The condition began to feel more and more humid, as the race wore on. By this time, everyone's motivation turned to the hydration stations. More runners started to have random pit-stops behind the bushes to answer the call of nature. 

Mid-way through the ECP, I started to felt nauseous and my stomach was not feeling good - something between taking some wrong food pre-run. Not a pleasant sign, I told myself, especially when I have another half of the total distance ahead of me. I was still running at a considerably pace up to this point that I thought, maybe, maybe that I can get a sub-6 timing this time. However, it was around this time that the 5-hour pacers from Team FatBird overtook me. Considering my poor body condition, I did not want to take risk, and decided to play safe and maintain my momentum instead of chasing over the pacers group.

It was like a game between cat and mouse; as I alternated small runs and walking from this point onward. The banana and energy gel station came later than I anticipated, nevertheless I was glad it came as I started to feel hungry. When you have been running for such a long distance, you will feel that you body is telling you that are glycogen-depleted. And when that happens, dizziness and pain will start to kick in. The best counter-measure is to fuel consistently before you reach that stage. And to stop at every water station to make sure you don't get dehydrated. 

After several kilometres under such condition, and having the 5.5-hour pacers overtook me during this painful period, I started to feel better, to my relief. We exited the ECP around the 30-kilometer mark. While people would usually hit the wall by this time, my strategy when running a full marathon was to keep a commendable pace at the first half, conserve some energy at the middle part and increase my pace towards the end. It works most of the time for me. It gives you a hero-like feeling when you are running pass people who are walking like zombies when you reach this stage of the run. The scene is just like a sea of walking dead lol!

Beautiful night view to compensate the sweat and blood (literally) endured throughout the journey.

My two most memorable scenes from the marathon this time came in the final 5 kilometre of the race. First was the pleasant surprise of a group wearing bright green t-shirts at the entrance of the Marina Barrage bridge, who offered not only food and drinks, but energetic cheerleaders to fuel and motivate the runners. I later found out that they are the Kikikukiki (K5) Runners. The lychee jelly that I managed to grab from them was one of the best I've ever tasted. A big thank you to all who volunteered at the booth. 

When my spirit was lifted after leaving the group, it took a 180-degree turn the next moment. We were made to run through the infamous Marina Barrage slope. "Like seriously??!" I said out in shock, that the runner next to me overheard and looked to me haha! It was indeed a big ask for all of us to run up this killer stretch when our legs are already under such pain. Most people, including myself decided to walk up around the loop to conserve whatever energy remaining in us for the final few kilometres. 

However, during our run along the Gardens By The Bay, I heard someone was whistling from behind. I thought it was the 6-hour pacers, and thought I may be overtaken by them eventually. But no, it was some random runner, who whistled and kept telling everyone stuff like "don't walk, keep running!" and "don't walk, lets make small runs until 40!" It indeed worked wonders, and I tried my best not to stop and continued to run, no matter how slow it was. 

It was nothing more than a series of arguments between the part of your brain that wants to stop and the part that wants to keep going. I made sure the latter had the last words. The pain is just temporary, my body is in control, and I told my legs to shut up. I know I will be kicking at myself for not clocking a better time at the end of the run for not pushing myself to the limit.

It was another couple of kilometres until the finishing line and my body felt quite good. A quick check at the time with one of the volunteers and I knew my target of achieving a sub-6 time was possible. That's the time to give all out. But there's one final climb - the Bayfront Bridge. Right immediately after I got to the highest point of the bridge, I started my final push. 

Soon afterwards, I saw the signboard written with "LAST 500 METERS". It was this moment that I know, the long journey was finally coming to an end. I started my dash when I saw the glimpse of the finishing arch looking right in front of me. Towards the last 200 meters, I sprinted so fast that everyone must have thought I've turned nuts hahaha! Crossed the line with a my right fist punching up the air, it was mission accomplished. 

Like Meb Keflezighi, the U.S. Olympic marathoner once said, "Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best."

This is where the long journey will come to an end.

I quickly moved to one corner to catch my breather, before collecting my medals and finisher t-shirt, as well as a banana and ice-cold 100 Plus. I requested for two cans and the staff was kind enough to gave to me. The walk to the bag deposit counter, though it was less than 200 meters, felt like 200 kilometres. The aching and muscle pain was bad. Looking around, everyone was walking like penguins, so I was not that weird after all haha! I had to slowly pull myself, one step at a time, until I got to the deposit counter to retrieve my bag. 

All in all, running a night race for the first time is an unique experience. Though the weather is hot and humid, with some killer climbs and sharp turns, the garden-like beauty and nice scenery managed to distract and take away the pain and cramps from the runners. And of course, the magnificent cheers from the enthusiastic volunteers who continued to cheer for the runners all night. I'm not sure where they got all their energy from at the wee hours of the morning, but those guys were simply amazing. Also, not forgetting the lady in white t-shirt at the ECP who cheered for us. She was standing there alone, but I cannot forget her genuine smile while gesturing us to keep going. I actually saw her again after the U-turn on our way back to the CBD area. 

The locations of the hydration stations was not bad, and ice-cold 100 Plus was available at most of these hydration joints to quench our thirst as well as to cold down our body. It was one of the thing that actually kept me going haha! Nevertheless, I am sure most runners would appreciate that the frequency is increased towards the second half of the race.

Another full marathon completed, already looking forward to the next one!

Few improvements from my race this time is, my muscle pain isn't that bad. I still remember clearly upon completing my first marathon, I could hardly walk. Even taking the staircase requires me to hold onto the handrail. Worse than the elderly lol! And no black toenails this time, and minimal blisters. However, I had some chaffing around my armpit and thigh area, which is something new. I had my compression tights on, but those chaffing still happened. Some post-mortem to be done there I guess lol! And of course, to train properly for my next marathon because the longest run I had done prior to this race was about 10 kilometres (like only once? lol!)

Once I got home, most people would have just grab a shower and head to the bed. And what did I do? Showered and head straight to work. Not bad eh?

Vesak Celebration In Singapore

"Peace comes from within.  

Do not seek it without."

Gautama Buddha

Beautiful flowers with messages for offerings.

Vesak is regarded as the most significant day of the year in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated by Buddhist all over the world. The day commemorates the three momentous events in Buddha's life - his birth, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana, and his death. 

The exact date of Vesak however, varies according to the various lunar calendars (Buddhist calendar, Chinese lunar calendar, Western Gregorian calendar, etc.) used in different traditions. Theravada countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka still uses the Buddhist calendar in their daily life. It means this calendar is widely used in their school, news, official documents, etc. In Singapore, Vesak Day usually falls in the month of May, on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

Large tent just at the exit of MRT Aljunied station for the Vesak Day 2015 celebration.

Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) is a non-profit Buddhist organisation, officially established on 1 January 1989. It is affiliated to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) that follows the Tibetan Buddhist lineage of Lama Tsong Khapa.

A Buddha statue surrounded with flowers and oil lamps for offering.

The lighting of a candle or an oil lamp represents the light of wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance.

Another way to pay homage to the Buddha is by  presenting symbolic tokens to the 21 Taras.

Lotus candles are also part of the offerings.

Another common ritual is the bathing to the infant Buddha statue. This ritual highlights a universal message that "it's easy to wash away physical dirt but it's much more difficult to cleanse one's 'inner dirt' of greed, anger and ignorance."

Devotees receiving auspicious blessings from Khen Rinpoche.

Vesak Day is a day of immense joy, peace and reflection. On this day, devout Buddhists and followers alike congregate at their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial, where the Buddhist flag will be hoisted, and hymns sung in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). Devotees often bring simple offerings of flowers, lotus-shaped candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of their spiritual teacher. These symbolic offerings remind followers that life too, is subject to decay and destruction when the offering burns out or wilts away.  

Buddhists believe that performing good deeds on Vesak Day will multiply merit many times over. Buddhist youth sometimes organise mass blood donations at hospitals, while general rites and rituals practiced on Vesak Day include chanting of mantras; releasing of caged birds and animals; having vegetarian meals; and "bathing" a Buddha statue, a reference to the legend of the child Buddha being showered with the waters of nine dragons soon after birth. These acts of generosity observed by the Buddhist temples are also known as Dana. 

  The magnificent 50 by 30 foot thangka (a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, or silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala) of Amitabha Buddha Pure Land, which was displayed for all to see. It is said that anyone who merely sees the image of Amitabha accumulates vast merits and collects positive imprints. The merit that one accumulates by offering to and circumambulating a holy object is considerably greater.

  This bathing ritual is done in hope that the devotees will eliminate all evil thoughts, cultivate good deeds and help save all living beings.

  A Kuan Yin statue in a beautiful decorated pond.

  13-centimetre tall miniature stupa that contains microfilm rolls bearing thousands of the Four Dharmakaya Relic Mantras.

This reminds me of the movie "The Little Buddha". Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum are written in Sanskrit on the outside of these prayer wheel.

Mantras written on the Buddhist flags.

The Amitabha Buddhist Centre held its Vesak Day celebration recently at the Aljunied MRT open ground. I took this once-a-year opportunity to experience the uniquely extensive and vibrant festival in this part of the world. There were various events organised at this celebration, which included paying homage to the Buddha with an array of offerings, dedicating pujas (merits) towards one's own wishes and aspirations, circumambulating the thangka with light offerings, receiving Auspicious blessings, hearing the Dharma talk by the Buddhist monk, taking precepts, etc.

Most statues of the Lord Buddha are illuminated on Vesak Day, and the celebrations conclude with a candlelight procession through the streets. The Buddhist community in Singapore is made up of various sectors, each of them offering variant ways of celebrating the occasion - The Mahayana or "Greater Way" constitutes mainly Chinese Singaporeans and form the majority of Buddhists here, while the Mahayana strain of Buddhism arrived on these shores in 1884 through individual missionaries from China's southern province. 

Devotees holding lotus-lamp before they begin the circumambulation procession after the Dharma talk.

Led by the chief monk, they night procession of circumambulation with light offerings is believe to give everyone inconceivable meris.

  The rest of the devotees joins the night procession circumambulating the Amitabha Buddha as well as all the holy objects three times.

The central pillar of Mahayana Buddhism is that Nirvana can be obtained not just through self-perseverance but also through the help of bodhisattvas or "enlightened ones". One such bodhisattva highly regarded in Singapore is Guanyin, the "Goddess of Mercy". Mahayana Buddhist temples in Singapore like the Phor Kark See Temple on Bright Hill Road, practise the "three-step, one-bow" ritual on Vesak Day, where devotees take steps on both knees, bowing at every third step as they pray for world peace, personal blessings and repentance. The exhausting two-hour procession actually begins 24 hours before, when many would reserve a place in the procession, sometimes with only a small tissue packet.

Meanwhile another main variant of Buddhism is Theravada Buddhism, with a focus on seeking one's own path to salvation. Mainly practised by Singapore's Sri Lankan and Burmese communities, the Burmese Buddhist Temple at Geylang and the Sri Lankaramaya Temple at St Michael's Road practise a ritual of cooking a pot of rice in milk on Vesak Day, reminiscent of Buddha's last meal before his long fast toward enlightenment.

There you go, a short recollection of my Vesak Day celebration experience in Singapore. Thank you for reading.

Fantastic Hospitality At Torasan's Minshuku Kanda

"In the cherry blossom's shade 

there's no such thing as a stranger."

Kobayashi Issa

Kanda Guesthouse.

In the past 4 years or so, I had participated actively as the tourism ambassador for Chiba prefecture. They gave us this title called the Chiba Kun Ambassador, and each year, there are about 20 foreign students and professionals who are selected to be the ambassador. Basically, Chiba Kun is a red mystical creature (although it is always mistaken for a dog) that is the mascot for the prefecture.

Each year, there are 4 prefecture-sponsored tours planned for us, which include cultural workshops and visits to famous spots in Chiba. We will then use these experiences to promote Chiba prefecture's attractions, such as popular tourist spots, cuisine, daily life, etc. in our own words via blogs and other social media medium like Facebook and Twitter.

The room which I shared with Zach, another ambassador from Wisconsin, US.

The best thing about this tours is that, one of them will be an overnight tour, which to me is the highlight of the whole year. This overnight tour was first introduced in 2013 and the second time was in November 2014, during the third tour of the year. Here, the ambassadors got the chance to stay in a traditional Japanese guesthouse and experience the local way of living as well as the sumptuous food.

Our stay this time was at Minshuku Kanda. "Minshuku literally means guesthouse. This guesthouse is owned by Mr Ezawa, but is more well known among the locals as Torasan. One amazing thing about our stay is that Torasan and his wife personally prepared the dinner and the breakfast for us. Needless to say, the home-cooked meals were just simply awesome!

Torasan, happily showing us his catch of the day.

The giant plate of sashimi that made everyone go woooww!!

Full course dinner. Nomnomnom.

Satisfied faces after our fantastic dinner.

When we were back from Aqua Place, a spa in the Hotel Mikazuki (which was by the way, has several different indoor and outdoor baths, where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean and sunset), we noticed Torasan was busy grilling the seafood for our dinner. Once everything was ready, we started the feast together! The thing that got everyone's attention the most was definitely the enormous plate of sashimi, which was complete with red seabream's (tai) head and tail. The fresh sashimi was just orgasmic! The rest in the menu was great as well, as they were freshly caught and delivered from the nearby port earlier in the morning.

After our dinner, Torasan prepared a surprise for us. We helped him to arrange hundreds of cut bamboos along the beach and lighted them up to form several beautiful shapes, including a heart shape and also the head that resembles Chiba Kun! Added with the refreshing sea breeze and soothing sound of the flapping waves, it was a great way to end our long day in Katsuura.

The sky was so clear, that we managed to catch beautiful stars at the sky.

Does this look like the head of Chiba Kun?

But wait... 

Just when we thought it was time to call it a day, Torasan has other ideas. He had another story-telling session with us hahaha! During the pillow-talk session (but without any pillows lol!), he shared to us that how he used to work as a train operator and had experienced operating all the JR lines in Chiba. That is something quite cool, isn't it? He also didn't miss out on taking a pick on today's operators who drive the bullet train, because everything is automated and even a monkey can drive a shinkansen, according to Torasan hahaha! 

Story telling session for all of us hahaha! (photo credit: Tomohiro Kurihara)

Souvenir exchanged and took a group photo with Torasan.

This is from the ambassadors for Torasan.

At the end of the session, we handed him a card with hand-written messages by all of us. And in return, he gave us a token of appreciation as well, in which I was the representative to accept the card, which was written with the words, 

「渚の竹灯り　愛と平和とおもいやり　とらさんより」

"At the bamboo lights by the water edge; Love and peace and compassion; From Torasan"

Breakfast the next morning. So healthy yet delicious!

One last group shot before we bid farewell (photo credit: Ayako Uchiyama).

The next day, we were served with another meal of sumptuous breakfast. Although they were just simple food, the personal touch on each and every dishes made us felt the warmth of the host - Torasan, his wife and the staffs. Before we left, we had a group photo with Torasan as well as the tour guides who brought us to the Katsuura port, morning market and also the nearby shrine.

Next time if you are visiting Katsuura, you should know where to spend your night at.

P/S: Torasan blogged about our trip to his guesthouse here.

※ INFORMATION ※
Minshuku Kanda (民宿神田)
Owner: Mr Ezawa (江沢 修), nickname: Torasan (通称 : とらさん)
Address: 818-19 Tona, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture, 299-5225 Japan (千葉県勝浦市墨名818-19)
Check-in Time: 15:00   Check-out Time: 10:00
Number of Rooms: 8 rooms (for 30 people)
Room Rates: 8,000 yen per night / person (including 2 meals)
Room Amenities: TV, cooler, heater, wired LAN cable
Other Amenities: Hot bath pool, barbeque garden, 1-minute walk to the beach, morning market
Website: http://www.kandamaru.com/ (Japanese only)
Tel: 04-7073-1554
Parking: Available
Access: Train: From JR Katsuura station (JR勝浦駅), walk for approximately 5 minutes.

Celebrating The Extraordinary - 28th SEA Games 2015

"It's never meant to be easy 

when you're trying to be more than ordinary."

Celebrating the Extraordinary

The main venue for the SEA Games 2015 - the brand new Singapore National Stadium.

My recent vivid memories about the SEA Games was the grandstand finish of 111 gold medals by Team Malaysia at the 21st edition in 2001, when Malaysia last played host, and also defending the gold medal in men's football event at Jakarta in 2011. Being a sports avid, I never had a chance to watch the event live. It was all seen though the TV screen down the years.

But this year, in 2015, I finally broke that duck by watching it live from the Singapore National Stadium. What made it even more special is that I saw two golden returns from our national hero - Nauraj Singh Randhawa (high jump) and Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin (discus throw). Both of them, favourites for their respective events, did not disappoint the small contingent of Malaysian supporters and their coaches.

What's more special is to watch them competing together with their family members, and we joined together in giving motivational cheers to these boys. Here are some shots I managed to capture at my first SEA Games experience.

This world-class stadium hosts a few sports such as athletics, soccer, as well as the opening and closing ceremony.

Billboard of the games mascot in different kinds of sports. There are 36 sports contested at the 28th SEA Games this time.

The 55,000 capacity National Stadium has a retractable seating capability making it the only stadium in the world custom-designed to host a multitude of events such as rugby, cricket, football, athletics, concerts, family entertainment shows, national and community events. 

The 19.2 meters high cauldron, which was lit by Singapore's favourite football son, Fandi Ahmad and his son, Irfan Fandi. This elegant sculptural showpiece incorporates the thematic essence of the SEA Games and its primary design motif of the show - The DNA

Flags of the 11 participating nations at the SEA Games.

Happening at the sidelines of the venues, the SEA Games Carnival is perfect to keep the visitors and the family entertained.

Another section of the sports village at Sports Hub.

Here you are, the mascot for the 28th SEA Games - Nila. The name finds its roots from Sang Nila Utama, the founder of Singapore.

Looks familiar? Getting free Milo drinks from the iconic green van.

Meanwhile, back in the stadium, the Malaysian coach giving some tips to the national discus throw athletic.



Congratulatory hug from the coach after the gold medal was confirmed.

Irfan led from the start and did not disappoint with a gold in his event.

Celebrating his victory with the supporters.

At another corner, the parents of our national high jumper, Nauraj was there to cheer him up too.

Clearing 2.13 meters at his second attempt.

The medals and mascot for the podium finishers.

Khairy was there to present the medals to the winners.

Tears of joy from a Mom. Irfan was surprised to see his Mom there, who kept her presence at the stadium from her son.

Both Malaysian athletes in the high jump event finished on the podium.

A great moment to hear the Negaraku played at the Singapore National Stadium.

And again, our Sports Minister was there to present the medals to the winners.

Khairy even took a selfie with our golden boys hahaha!

Ehh, see who I bumped into.

I guess all sports avid in Malaysia will know this familiar face - Dato' Sieh Kok Chi, who has been the Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malaysia since 1992 and still going strong at the golden age of 76. He used to be a national water polo representative at the SEAP Games in 1965, 1967 and 1969.

Also managed to have a photo with our national high jump athlete, Nauraj Singh Randhawa. He is certainly a new star in high jump after Loo Kum Zee and Lee Hup Wei, and lets hope we can see he can do us proud in the Asian Games and possibly, Olympic Games as well!

The local crowd cheering the home team at one of the tracks event. Three more days to go until we reach the end of the SEA Games!

Thanks for reading.