I collect my rack pack on 19-Feb. Content is very simple, just an event-tee, event brochure, a flyer, timing chip, baggage bag and the year of rabbit medal.
The weather in Hong Kong is cold, estimated to be 12 degree with rain. I did not bring any long sleeve clothes. I will use a HKU-100 t-shirt, 2XU long compression tight, running cap and ASICS gelfeather.
I prepared 4 packs of gel, a tiger palm rub and 4 capsules of electrolyte.
I am on the second group of full marathon which started at 6:45am. I was wearing a disposable raincoat at the starting line. The temperature feels ok. Just before it starts, there was some very very light drizzle. I am not sure what is the best "clothing" strategy. But anyway, just before the start, I took off the raincoat and dump it to the side.
In the first 3km, there is a light drizzle which was worrying cos I threw away my raincoat already! I was having my 80/20 run/walk in the first couple of km, keeping an average pace of 6:50. When arriving to the foot of the Stonecutter Bridge, I switch to brisk walk up the bridge. My 10km time is 1hr7mins which is typical. So, nothing unusual. But when I arrive the Tsing-Ma bridge, I feel different. Usually, I will start to get tire and can only have 50/50 run/walk. However, I feel very good, I continue my 80/20 run/walk without any issue. I realize that I will have my personal best. I continue to push and finish the half-way mark at 2hr21mins, a personal best for half marathon! There are several splits that I was running below 6:00 pace!
After passing the half-way point, I know I cannot keep the 80/20. I switch to more walking than running but still make stretches of 100-250m run. I was able to keep a good pace of averaged 8mins. Even after the cross-harbour tunnel, I still feel ok and able to run the downslopes at good pace.
After the last bridge, I try to switch to 100% run but the muscle cramp up. I mix brisk walk with short stretch of run and able to sprint on the last 100m. Overall chip time is 5:06:10 which is my personal best. It was 18 minutes faster than my previous best (2008 HK marathon 5:24:09).
