The Full Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Experience

Chew Yi Heng goes for broke at the 2018 SCSM and returns to tell the tale.

- Chew Yi Heng

Just less than two months ago my multisport season ended early after finishing the 2018 City 60 Duathlon on a high. But what followed was a twist of events that led to my extended off-season comprising of lush morning jogs and the occasional social trot and coffee - morphing dramatically into an intense 42-day marathon training program after I was lucky enough to pick up a full marathon race slot from an online contest.

Ever since my first attempt at the Full Marathon distance at Sundown 2016 armed with some measly run mileage that even weekend warriors would frown upon, I swore to myself that I would not attempt another one anytime soon. But somehow the positively toxic nature of our endurance sports community clouded my mind once again surrounded by other likeminded individuals with a penchant for suffering in the wee hours of the morning.

"30 SECONDS!"

I finished lacing up my racers -the On Running Cloudflash and let out a chuckle as I soaked in some of that pre-race banter with a two of my running mates. Alongside me was Yu Rong, one of my team mates from the NTU Cross Country Team who was having a crack at his first full marathon and Edwin, a friend who was very much wiser than either one of us by opting for the half marathon.

"WE'RE OFF!"

The air horn blared for our wave and situated at the rear of Pen B we found ourselves doing the penguin shuffle to the start line as we waited for those at the front to set off. I felt a light stir in my stomach but shrugged it off as passing gas and after shuffling through to find some breathing space, Edwin gave us a nod of the head and set off at a brisk pace to conquer his half. It was a totally different start for me and Yu Rong as we decided to adopt a much more conservative approach to tackle the long road ahead.