While it is not my first time taking part in a marathon, this year's race marked a special moment as this was the first time I am doing it with a companion, not just any but my other half. After some deliberation due to injuries and lack of training time, we decided to register for the full 42.195 km race.

What does it take to run a full marathon? 

It takes more than just strong physical fitness but rather mental strength and determination. It really sounds a lot easier to type it out here than to rough it out on the roads. Having participated in races and spoken to many, I believe every runner has his or her own personal motivation to run a gruelling race as such. Trust me, it is a painful experience and some call the marathon one of the 'make or break' tests in life. It either makes you stronger or you simply succumb to the easier way out and give up, not forgetting all types of flowery excuses one can cook up.

Why do it?

Both of us are plagued with injuries due to previous sporting activities and lack of proper training due to our working schedules. It seemed like the most ridiculous agenda on our to-do list for the month of December when it is the holiday and festive season and what we should be doing is probably wine and dine. Blessed with flat-feet, running long distances is a nemesis but hey, do you not feel doubly good when you defy surrounding assumptions that you are not going to make it?

The first time I completed a marathon, I told myself I will never do it again in my life. Oh well, I am holding on to another finisher medal and tee. Was it however just the pursuit of that rewarding experience that made us do it?

The journey

The DJs and speakers were louder than the air horn but we got it when people were flagged off in waves towards the starting point. It is time to RUN!

The first 10 - 15 km of the race would be a breather to most full marathon runners, especially if you are well-hydrated and carbo-loaded. Personally I dread the 15-20 km stretch where you are just thinking, 'Damn, why am I paying money to suffer this pain?!' because it gets boring and mundane. 

When you hit the 20-21 km mark, you would be thinking. 'Why din't I just sign up for the half marathon and I would be done now!' but no, you are only halfway there. Quite frankly, I hate the 21-29 km stretch because you are just running it for the sake of covering that distance.

After the 37 km mark, they stopped showing the distance covered but rather in a count-down fashion the distance to finishing line. You would realise most people are walking or limping like us by now.

Is marathon-running the proxy to reflection of life?

Believe it or not, running a marathon feels like going through a life cycle. Life undoubtedly has its ups and downs but it depends on you to decide the turning point. Like a marathon, I hold strongly the principles of sustainability in all aspects of life, for the truth is, there is no short-cut to success. 

Life has not been the most fantastic over the last few years but what I do have is this one lady who stood by me every moment. She has never once forsaken me during the extreme lows of my life and conversely accompanied me through the darkest days. The support we have for each other is like that rendered during the race where we ran, walked and limped our way through 42km. 

Thank you for everything.

Nothing tasted as sweet as crossing the finishing line together and sealing a personal victory with a much deserved kiss.