Painful run - The Southern Ridge

I had sign up for the Standard Chartered marathon at the end of the year. This would be my first time to run 21km, since I was able to 'escape' during my army time. Well, couldn't believe i actually sign up. But since it is free (company sponsored la!!), may as well go and give myself a challenge.

Started running last month with a few colleagues up to the Kent Ridge Park. Its a nice and cooling place to run with all the trees around you. Given that its a ridge, it not going to be a smooth ride through. The up slope part is horrible, with some place near 45 degree. With the park connector built recently, Kent Ridge park is connected all the way to Mount Faber, which collectively called the Southern Ridge. There are 2 designer bridge connector along the way - Alexandra Arch and Henderson Waves.
(The pictures are from Npark websites, www.nparks.gov.sg)

Ok.. so much for the introduction. Today my colleagues are not free, so I decided to run myself. I had decided that in order for me to complete the 21Km run in a piece, I should run consistently. Well, at least once a week for my case, though the recommended training program should be 2-3 times a week!!

At least, I still have my taichi and tennis to supplement my training la (hope they help!!!). I missed my last week running session as the weather was so unpredictable recently. So although today is still cloudy, I took the chance to run or I will miss another week of run.

So I started running from South Bouna Vista road, up Kent Ridge Park, across Alexandra Arch, up Telok Blangah Hill, across Henderson Waves and finally up to Mount Faber. Ok, its a long run and its a pain up slope run. Guess missing one week of run really affect my body. On the return trip, I knees start to signal problems from my old injury. And I had problem running when reached Telok Blangah Hill. All the down slope and up slope is making the injury worse. Gosh, its a long way back. So try to do some stretching and massaging my right knee to ease some pain but it wasn't effective.

Guess what, I only could do brisk walking from Telok Blangah Hill all the way back to Science Park 2. Its already 7 plus when I reached South Bouna Vista Road and sun already set. Those driving along the road must be thinking what an idiot walking along this ulu forest road man!! At least I was able to get back to office and change. With no money and handphone with me, I just had to bear the pain and walk and walk.......

Guess the strain will take a few days to heal. Will have to limp for awhile then!

So lesson learned: Running cosistently is important, and don't over stress if your body can't take it, especially you have weak knees!!