...Chinese Mp3 humming away ... it's 6.20am. The morning started with Weetabix Oatibix and Muller Omega 3 strawberry yogurt. Oh ya... the harden banana flavoured PowerBar. (BTW when did I become such a sport freak?)
On my way to the tube, striking a fatty pose! (I have to admit these pictures just ain't that flattering at all... but they are the only ones I had. Do bear with me if the horrid impact may lingers after this posting!! Even I am horrified by these pictures.)
At Blackheath, walking towards the starting line ...
I called my mom after taking this picture to give her well-wishing for her birthday. My dad was so excited for some reasons, but it was nice to hear that...Unfortunately, I had the blue starting point, while Sarah, Lindsay, Nat and Lau all started at red. We had to part our way ...
Sea of runners and their supporters...
Trunks load of runners' bags ... and the anxious moment before the race starts at 9.45am. (I was in line for anxiety urge release!)
At the starting line... I was relegated to stage 7 starting point as I put 5 hours finishing time during signing up ... big mistake!
Me at the starting point. With Ceria...
At mile 4-7, being ahead of time, I began to interact with the crowds, high fiving (with Ceria's free hand) to all the kids that had their hands up! But it proved to be too much effort for I started to pant really heavily after a while! Stopped I do to conserve energy for the race instead.At mile 12.5, half way into the race. It was an amazing sight to run in the middle of Tower Bridge at that hour. The bridge has never looked as good as this! Interestingly, there were two runners that whipped out their disposable camera nonchalantly taking pictures of themselves with the crowd behind them. I thought that was creative!
(sorry it is taken with my phone camera, hence the distortion of the picture!)
More of Tower Bridge when I ran pass underneath it ...
Me desperately trying to capture me on the bridge ... (again unflattering shot!)
Mile 19 was where it hit me hardest! Instead of 10min/mile, I took 20 mins, with longer interval of walking. Maybe I missed everyone along the way, everyone that was supposed to come cheer for me. It was just draining physically and mentally to motivate yourself then. I missed calculated my carbo boom that by mile 17 I had finished all my supplies. Many crazy thoughts ran through my head...
Suddenly I heard this voice from afar, "Jackie! Jackie! Jackie!" in a Spanish accent... It was GAbi! Finally someone I know! (ya after 20miles of running) It was so so sweet to see him there... I was like "take a picture of me" He managed to snap a shot with me trailing away ...
Then on, I was just driven by the newfound spur and the adrenaline rush from the cheering and encouraging crowd of London city, despite the horrible weather! It was hailing and then heavy rain falling. But those energy was like super power.In my head, each mile mark I see would mean one less mile to the finishing line...
At 200m away from the finishing mark, I told myself I would never do this again. I would never put myself through this again...
Then after 4:30:59, I CROSSED the finishing line .... I did it!
Hey I did it! If I can run this one, why not another marathon? I know. I am insane.
Me at the end of the race... with my medal.
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