Number game - my GE run of 2017

Looking back, I did my first GE run in 2009, at age 35.  I was probably the slimmest and fittest at that point in time.  My problem is consistency; I gained some weight, then lost them again in 2013, and then ballooned in the early 40s.

I decided to do something about it (again) in June, and aimed to do GE 21km by year end.  I also told myself that this time around, I must turn it into a long term habit.  At my heaviest in Jun this year, I am almost 58kg.  In late July, 4 of us (Ginny, Joc, Lili) signed up for GE run on it's launch day.   After one month of picking up exercising slowly, I realised that 21km is not realistic, so together with Lili, we signed up for 10km.  Ginny signed up for 21km, and Joc for 5 (but she was not in town to join the run  on race day).

My training picked up as the months went by.  I realised my 2009 time of 63mins is not achievable already.  So I aimed for 69mins, which is 10% deterioration over 8 years.

GE runs have always been one of the better organised events compared to other runs.   This year, it's overall well done again.  I have nothing to complain about.  The only bad reviews were launch day queue and payment confusion, and the 9+am kids run that was in limbo and then cancelled due to darkening skies and eventual heavy rain.

6am: walk from Marina Bay grandstand to starting point at Flyers


Flagged off at 6.30am at Flyers.

7.45am, back at Marine Bay grandstand carnival area:
67mins for Lili and 69mins for me.  Yeh!!




2 weeks before the run, I had a "bright idea".  I thought that it was be a great surprise for Lili if Bernard can come cheer her at the 8 to 9km point.  She had been feeling down.  Also, it shouldn't be too much a problem to just wake up (very) early for one Sunday morning.  Firstly, I casually reminded WK that I will be running in a fortnight's time.  He enthusiastically initiated to bring Lynn there to experience the event.  So I told him I will contact Bernard to see if he wants to join the both of them, so that he (Bernard) has company.

Then I texted Bernard, to invite him to join Wk and Lynn, explaining to him that the purpose is to give Lili a nice surprise.  He replied that he will think about it and let me know.  However, I then learn from Lili that Bernard may be away on biz trip.

One weekend before the race, I got Lynn to help me with doing 3 cheer posters.  Not knowing the exact date of Bernard's travel dates, I sent him pictures of the posters, to jio him to join.  He replied to say he can't.

Well, finally on the morning itself, I messaged Lili to tell her that I have a surprise for her, that WK and Lynn will be cheering her along the 9km spot.  But WK didn't see her run by, and Lili did not see/stop for them either.  Well I can only say, these 2 don't have chemistry.

I can't help but feel regrettable that the surprise failed.  I can only give myself a pat on my own shoulder for at least trying, that the "stun" that turned a BFF event into a family + acquaintances (we met WK's friend and sat together for breakfast) event was with very good intentions in the first place.

Well, there's always next year!  And my aim? 21km!!

Ginny came in 8.10am with a timing of 2hr 55mins.  Her poster read "Ginny U can do it".
Lili's read "Lili U r my Champion".
As for me, its "Mummy Quick, We need breakfast".



Here is a photo of me stopping at opp MBFC (after Red dot Museum and before Promontory), at 8+km, for a picture with my cheer leaders.  Thanks WK and Lynn!!
The runners with pink balloons were the 1-hr pacers.


My sweetie eating her favourite carnival junk - candy floss.