GCM - Part 2

And so, the run started. Am indeed glad and thankful that the weather is good though a bit windy for the 1st 5km. At least I'm seeing some blue sky, just a slight drizzle. Other than that, it was perfectly fine. Soon, we're at Surfers Paradise. A route which I enjoyed the most. Enjoying the breeze, running along the beach....it's heavenly!

What really amazed me was everyone is running fast!!! That is like a "by default speed". The first u-turn point was around 13km mark. I reckon that at the speed that I'm running, there should be quite a lot of runners around me if I were to run in SG. But what I'm seeing is, the majority comes from 3hr-3.30hr!! Even the Japanese ah-mmph and ah-pek is faster than me!! Haiz...I decided not to look at the people around me. I should just look at the sea, the building the people who's cheering.

1st half of the route done and we're passing by the start point again before we proceed to run along side some residential area. 32km mark, things started to turn a bit ugly. Apart from the sore muscles which is expected, there's pain at the top of my right feet. Never encounter such pain before. Started to do a bit of walk/run. Making thing worst....I'm feeling hungry!! haah.... Sports drink is diluted. Finished 2 packet of power gel, no food given!! Aiyoh...got to tahan a bit liao.

Feet is getting more and more painful but the run has to go on. All the ah-mmph and ah-pek is long gone way in front :( At 39km, though feet is in pain, I was mentally boosted again when someone overtook me whom I reckon that he is no younger than 70 years old, running with his grandaugther, bearing a photo at the back of his shirt with a word written "I run in memory of xxxx". The granddaughter having the same saying "I run in memory of my grandma". I can see that he's in pain, he' struggling. But he was power-walking. I was still running together with them till 41km. The marshall and all the spectators was giving us all a thumbs-up at this time with 1km to go. No matter how painful, I'll have to run till the finish. Hearing more and more cheering as I slowly make my way to the finished line......

It is done!!! Chip time of 5:37. I am on cloud-9, happy, satisfied.....runners will know...the feeling is simply amazing :) Met up with JC and proceed to the coach pickup and guess what. With those sore muscle and painful feet, we waited for almost an hour for the pickup!! Reached the hotel, check on the damage - no abrasion, no blister but ended up with a red and swollen feet... BUT it is still a good and enjoyable race after all....:)

So people, for those who's considering GCM, here's some facts for you to consider:

- route is not flat like roti prata. There are a bit of short, mild humps here and there but should not do you any damage
- Sports drink is diluted. You can prepare your own drink and place it at designated water station
- Cooling weather. Not too cold, not too hot

VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED RACE