Joined this event because of MR25 invitation. I am not a speedster but I thought since this year, I am going to improve on my speed, I might as well see where I am standing.
The competition is at the stadium, so runners will gather at home of the atheletics track ( aka Kallang Practice Track) for reporting, getting the bib before being ushered into the National stadium for the real track events. It was my first time taking part in a real track and field as I was never that sporty since young. The sign up was through the Macritchie Runners 25 group which I joined since 2021. Was quite shocked at myself for being able to go into this club. It was one dream when I first started out running as my speed and breath was not able to catch up.
Getting my bib
So a group of us went for it, the Macritchie Runners ladies are very strong and fast. We have 6 of us joining the events. Four did the 1.5Km track and other ladies did the relay. As I am not very sure of the passing baton rules for relay. I did not join that and went for just the 1.5km run as fast as you can event.
Reporting
at the HOA
The were already a lot of people at the reporting area and that was when I realise there were many veteran running groups in Singapore. We get ready at the track and later report to call room one which is the underpass from the tracks to the National Stadium. And then at the final call room inside the stadium. It was really quite something, as if we are real athletes competing in SEA games. We were briefed of the rules and dos and donts, then shown to the start line. We had to paste number stickers on both sides of our shorts so that the judges can catch the timing. It was really quite exciting, I also realise that the track shoes are much thinner than usual shoes. Luckily I did not wear my vibrams.
The Run
Call Room 1
Call Room 2
So it was me , Wang Li, Itsuko and another french lady at the start line. As we flag off, Wang Li went so fast infront we counldn’t catch up. At first, I was the third, Itsuko and then the French lady. But at the last lap the French lady overtook me. I couldn’t feel my lungs at all then. Finally when it finished, I could feel the whole body pumping and the breath was almost not there.
We were quickly ushered back to the call room 2 where our bags were, the next relay was already taking place. The girls also rushed for the next event so we didnt have much cameo.
with the very fast Wang Li
After thoughts
Rushing off to the relay
Running has never been my sports and also speed work. I was glad to have this opportunity and also eye opener for me. It not I probably waste another Thursday night drinking. Some sort of competition is always good I guess.