No. 9 & No.14...

By Frank

Almost a year ago, I did my 9th marathon at the Macau Marathon 2009 which happen to be also my first official oversea marathon (Singapore not included). The result stands as my current personal best. And not only that, my friends all did wonderfully with Keat Seong running his first sub 4 hours marathon and Lynn running her half marathon personal best. Looking back at it now, everything of it came gushing back like a huge tidal wave. I really train for it, run my legs and life out for it and returned with almost a fond memory from the entire trip, not only from the race but the holiday with my friends. My 9th remains currently my best marathon but how I wish I can go back in time a year ago to have this trip repeated for I regret that I did not have something else done.

Memories of No. 9...

A year down the road, today I'm looking at my 14th marathon which will be the inaugural Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 happening this coming weekend (5 December 2010). A whole new sponsor, they promised a new route. Lots of marathoners were taken by it, and in the end, only a quarter of the route will be new, being Orchard Road where the start is, and the Sands Casino area. Nicoll Highway, East Coast Park and certainly The Padang where the end is, will still be part of it. And the best part, half marathoners will be running into Sentosa Island and the marathoners not. Such sad case indeed.

However, the above isn't the main reason that I'm not looking forward to it. Back in year 2008, when it was still known as Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008, though I ran a decent time, I had a nightmarish run. Myself and a good friend of mine agreed to pace each other hoping to finish the marathon in our best possible time. We started well together but my friend began to fall back after a quarter distance into it. I tried to pull my friend but by the third quarter, my friend asked me to go head. I won't forget that faithful moment when I had to choose to whether to wait or let my friend go. I chose the latter when a a message was passed down. I regretted with my decision that day, and probably till now too. Upon completion of my run, I waited and waited impatiently and finally was relieved to see my friend completing the run, though in difficulty, pain and sadness.

That unfaithful moment still remain fresh in me. The first time agreeing to pace a friend, I failed to do so and even failed in taking care of my good friend. Since then, I have not pace anyone.

Though I will be returning to the Singapore Marathon this year, all I can say is that I'm running as part of my training regime for my century distance. After all, I've registered for it and no point backing out now since transportation and accomodation has already been purchased. A quick splash and dash trip with Poh Seng, Keat Seong and Jennifer, I just want to get this over as fast as possible.

My 1st, 5th, 9th, 14th or any marathon that lies ahead, I would probably say now that my 9th was the one that I want to repeat it again should time travel is a thing to be made. Given the chance, I would want to relive the entire trip and to rectify the things I've done wrong, or perhaps not done at all.