Yet another race one week after Powerman 2011. This time, it’s the land of good food in Malaysia, Penang!
The last time I did Penang Bridge Marathon was back in 2008. Then 2009, I did the Bangkok Marathon, which was on the same day as Penang Bridge Marathon. 2010, I thought I wanted to do the Bangkok marathon again, but couldn’t book a cheap flight, hence I missed both Bangkok and Penang Bridge Marathon. This year, I thought I should just give Bangkok Marathon a miss and signed up for Penang Bridge Marathon. (Anyway, due to flood issue, Bangkok Marathon 2011 has been postponed to February 2012)
First thing I arrive Penang is to collect my race entry pack from the collection centre. The organiser did a good job on this part. The booth was well spread out and the queue for each category wasn’t too long. My was a slight delay due to the race pack was initially couriered to me, but I wasn’t at home to sign the package. Hence the parcel was being sent back to the organiser.
After collection of race pack, it was carbo loading time! Not a difficult task being in a land of good food. Had my favorite stop-over at Genting Cafe, Island Glate for my Penang food fix. Duck-egg Char Kuey Teow, Penang Chee Cheong Fun, Hokkien Noodles, braised pork leg rice…. And off to rest for the early race next day.
The half marathon flag off at 3am. Not too bad considering that the full marathon starts at even earlier time at 2am. Originally wanted to be at starting point at least 30min before race start, but due to my friend’s delay, I had to half walk half jog to the starting point. Luckily I arrive just in time for the race to be flagged off. I told my friend shouldn’t be too slack to get to the starting point next time, to avoid the final rush to the starting point.
The starting point was narrow and I hate how I needed to dodge so many people to get a clear way in front to run. It wasn’t until entering Penang Bridge that I managed to get out from the crowded pack.
The run along the bridge was windy but not as cool. I was quite surprise at how fast my body was being heated up so badly. I kept telling myself that it’s only 21km and all this would be finished around 2 hours.
After the U-turn at the other end of the bridge, my time stated about 1 hour into the race. Just nice there’s a water station not far after that. I pop my power gel with the water, and continue on with my run. After the midway point of the bridge, my stomach started to feel hungry…. I was thinking that this is not right. I just had power gel not too long ago. Stomach grumbling become stronger toward exiting the bridge. I had to slow down a bit as it’s taken too much energy away from me. The water starting before exiting the bridge saved my life for awhile. At least the water helps to suppress the hunger.
Upon exiting the bridge, there’s about another 4km towards the finishing line. I talked myself into thinking that that’s about another 3.5 loops around Taman Tun Park. I could do it easily. I kept the momentum on until i finished the race at about 2hr14min finishing time. Somehow didn’t want to push all the way for this race as I kept reminding myself that I’m running full marathon in 2 weeks time in Singapore.
Quite satisfied with the race overall. The organiser did a fairly good job. (although I heard there’re some screw-up at the water station at the later stage for the full marathon runners and their finishers’ t-shirt distribution). I hope the organisers will look into the glitches and improve the race for next year’s event.
So, 2 races done, 2 more to go. Looking forward for this Sunday’s We Run KL 2011 10km run. Just nice for me to taper down for Singapore Marathon.
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