Couldn't hit target but managed 18.35km

Had a nap and started my run at 5pm. Still bright and sunny (and I forgot the suntan lotion). I had bough GU Gel from GNC and brought along one packet. I decided to run the 7km Sengkang East loop and if I could do 3 rounds, that would be 21km.

After completing the first 7km loop, I started on the 2nd loop. Family went biking cum short jog around the nearby CC. I dopped by the CC toilet at my 8km mark to use the toilet, drink water and consume the gel. 1st time taking gel. Vanilla Bean flavour, quite nice. Another mouthful of water, then I started off on the 2nd loop.

Somehow, I think I drank too many mouthfuls of water because the stitch stuck. Had to stetch my right hand upwards, walked more. 2nd loop wasn't so smooth. Towards the 2nd part of the 2nd 7km loop, legs didn't feel good. Right knee (outer right side) started aching. Thighs felt tight. I was wondering if I should cut my target. Was thinking I should just add the 5km loop onto the 14km and clock 19km, some progress towards my 21km target. 2 weeks ago, I did 17.10km and was mentally calculating that 10% increment of the 17.10km should be about 19km.

After the 2nd loop and 14km completed, I started on my 3rd loop. At the 15km mark, I pop into the CC toilet for the toilet and some water. After, that, I started out of the CC wondering if I should do the 5km loop or the 7km loop.

Well, 1/2km on, I felt my left calf starting to cramp and decided to walk. After walking some distance, tried to jog a bit but felt the cramp coming. Had to walk and walk and walk and walk. Decided to cut short. Did a detour as per the mapmyrun map. Completed 18.35km (furthest ever in my life) in 2:30:20, avg 8.10min/km (7.34km/hr) pace.



Walking almost 3km due to cramping calves (ya, the right one started to cramp towards the end too) is no fun. It seems 15km is my cramping threshold. I can't imagine the 'fun' of walking 6km in the morning sun due to cramps if I am doing 21km for an event. Not the nicest way to get a tan (or sunburnt). I feel I can sign up for 21km for SCSM 2008 when registration opens in June or July. I would have to be mentally prepared to DNF if the cramp or stitches get to bad. But, I think can give it a shot. I still have time to build up the stamina and resistance since SCSM is only in December 08.