Impossible is Nothing - One kilometre to the finish line, I cheered on some schoolgirls whom had resorted to walking. Come on, last kilometre!, and they ran with me to the end. And then down yonder I spotted an elderly man with white hair, in a hunched position, easily 60years of age, but he was still jogging. I applauded him, gave him a thumbs and cheered him on.

Running a 10km race on a Sunday morning is not only about how fast you can run. It brings out the best in everyone whom dares hand in the registration form. Determination gets them to the finish line. And here I salute the veterans. Would I even be half as able as them when it's my turn? I wonder...

PRE-RACE THOUGHTS

Why do I do this again? - Haha.. so much for my pre-race thoughts. Mentally NOT prepared. Physically, hope I can last it out. Wonder if my training during my gym's Body Challenge would help at all. Oh well, time to find out!

I recalled last year I was looking like a lost puppy, waiting for Irizan to show up with my racing numbers. So this year, I made sure I got my numbers from MC. Thanks a lot, gal!

RACE DAY

Shit happens - Was it coz I woke up earlier than usual? I didn't eat much the previous day, but I realleee needed to poo.. NOW! Not funny having to look for a public loo before 7am! Sigh..

Helm's Deep? - Spotted Ronnie at the Starting Line. Looked like he was leading the warriors into battle with running shoes! Haha.. Spirits soaring high, the sun had just peeked from behind the clouds, lighting the way for the warriors. Soon the enemy would be defeated in an ambush. You could cut the tension with a knife. Everyone awaited the moment with great anxiousness. After a short war cry, the crowd cheered and we braced ourselves for the battle ahead.

4km down = 24:00 - Slowly but surely, I ticked off the opposition, one by one. Size does not matter. Four down, six more to go before I can return home with my precioussssss medal. Was surprised I was keeping at 6min/km pace. Should I slow down? Wondered if I would run out of steam at the end. I marked a few Orcs up yonder to creep up on and pounce! They won't know what hit them. Muahahahhahaaaaaaa

Oasis - Time to pounced on them salt lickers. My own throat was getting hoarse so I grabbed a quick swab. *burp* damn carbonated drinks! Onto my next target. Foreign troops on wheels had begun their assault, emitting nauseous fumes in atteampt to weaken us. They will not have us! StormTroopers in white intervened and held them back at intervals. Saluted them for their efforts and I was on my way. Where are they my precioussssss?

Up and down the rolling hills - Mother Nature did a good job fending off Zeus, God of Thunder. Humidity level checked in an optimal level, kind to us mortals today. We did not want to worry about the weather. Hills attempt to destroy the weak but they will not have me. Shortened my stride and chugged my way up the hill. Lesser mortals had begun to walk. They were beginning to tire, but singing to myself help.

Don't stop moving baby, don't stop! - track from Body Combat 18

The hill almost had me, but I was determined. Stopped to walk for a few steps before I resumed running. My legs felt like lead. They did not feel like they belonged to me. Have to regain control. Head up, shoulders back and I urged myself further. Defeated a few more Orcs along the way, though I knew they would set for me again. I hurried along. We are getting nearer my precioussss...

Final assault - Soon the troops on wheels were barred from our territory. They were no longer a threat. The last uphill climb was the last of my worries. The crowd began to thicken, reuniting with other mortals whom were set out on a shorter route. We would unite, be stronger in our final journey home. The celebrations would soon begin. The glory. The pain, the suffering would soon be forgotten. We will rejoice, and I will soon have my preciousssss.

Glory! - The crowd roared as I entered the tunnel to the Colliseum. A great boost to my flailing energy level. I spotted the last Orc in front yet I could chase no more. Kept my pace and made sure I was not to be ambushed at the last minute. The Finish Line was in sight! As I crossed the Finish Line, a humble servant handed me invitation to meet with Saruman. It was he whom would conceed defeat and hand over my preciousssssss.

Reunion - Twas time to meet up withe Fellowship Runners of KLCC, regular running buddies of azwar's website and VVIPs, gym friends galore and couple of other stragglers. We celebrated our triumphal success and basked in all its glory.

The spirit of the Fellowship lives on!

Xtra! xtra! Read all about it! : [azwar] [terence] [jamie]