The true test of self-awareness begins only when you’re in a relationship. I can honestly say this because in all dating occasions, we’ll be spending most of the time with our partner, either doing things together or having an intimate talk. With our senses (thoughts and physical contact) being focused on our partner, it’s hard to be engaged with our internal thoughts at any point of time.

3 years into the relationship, I’m blessed that being consciously aware of feelings and thoughts of myself and my partner, has helped me overcome difficult moments in my relationship. So I hope by sharing some of the things I have learned from my awareness experience would benefit those who wants to have a happier and stronger relationships.

But before reading further, please take note that this article doesn’t define me as a relationship guru or a relationship expert adviser. Even if I do, I would have gotten my 3rd side income job as a relationship consultant. This article is solely base on my personal experience and the practices/learnings that I have read from various research.

Below are the list of things that awareness has helped me in my relationship areas.

Awareness has helped me :

* * *

1. To Understand Why I Demand Things From My Partner

At many situations, I found myself giving instructions to my partner, and requesting a few favours from him. Even with the simplest things such as asking him to fetch me from Point A to Point B, taking out the trash, and many others may seemed like a thing that I should be doing myself, but after being too comfortable and too used to this habit, it became a natural thing to do.

At most times, my partner gladly obliged to my request, but some other times, he seemed distant from my never ending request, and when he doesn’t fulfil those requests, I become too emotional and will start overthinking and overreacting. This can last from days and weeks, which is quite depressing. Thoughts like : “Doesn’t he love me anymore?”, “Doesn’t he care for me?” “Next time marry liao, and he don’t help me, I think I will have a fail marriage leh.”

Yes, I know. These thoughts may seem ridiculous, but forgive my female hormones, they allowed me to think this way.

To be honest, I do feel bad for my partner sometimes for being too “demanding”, but I have no idea why I have such habit of being so “demanding”. Only after a friend of his, Derrick Tan, introduced this “5 Love Language” survey to us, I became more aware of why I behave that way. With my “Act of Service” as my highest score of my love language, this explains why I was so “demanding” of my partner, solely because I can never trust the words of a man until I see actions from him. This enlightened me on a whole new level and helped me to understand the intentions on why I want my partner to do certain things. Because for him to do even the simplest things for me, like washing the dishes, would means so much love to me.

2. To Prevent Hurting My Partner Feelings With My Hurtful Words

At any bringe of the moment during an argument, when emotions are high, and I couldn’t think straight, the tendency for me to lash out words as a last straw of defence is very high. And most of the time, these were harshful words to hurt my partner, sometimes intentionally.

I was aware that they were words that were gonna hurt, but when I reflected on why I intentionally used them against him, it was maybe because if my partner had spoken a little different to me, things would have been different. Maybe if my partner had spoken in a softer tone, or structured his words to sound much pleasant to the ears unlike the usual negative, full-of-himself, and judgemental opinions, I wouldn’t have reacted like a grenade.

But then again, you can’t fight fire with fire. If I backlash him with hurtful words, it’s either he will feel hurt, or he will counter attack me with even nasty words to hurt me. So, instead of changing his pattern of communication, I decided to stay as fucking calm as possible even when I want to throw a table across his face.

To prevent this from happening, especially during heated arguments, I tried to learn how to take DEEP breaths before saying anything. It helps me to compose my mind and acknowledge the words that I actually wanted to say to him, which may sound like : “I don’t think you care”, “It’s not like you care anymore”, “You never put enough effort in the relationship”, “You never tried anything new, you’re such a boring person”.

I would then take a step back and analyse if by saying these words, will it be :

- Beneficial to my partner and I?

- Will it help to solve the problem?

If the answer is no to the above, it becomes easier for me to talk to my partner about the problem in a gentler and kinder manner. The breathing is helpful as it gives me more time to think through my words and allow me some time to process the consequences on what’s gonna happen if I say those words to my partner.

3. To Know That I’m Wrong and How I Shouldn’t Be a Bitch Sometimes

Sometimes I feel bad for my partner, because I know I can be a nuisance sometimes, trying to cook up some drama just because he didn’t give in to me, or I was just acting too much like a kid.

Being aware and reflecting on the reason why my partner is mad at me is a pretty tough thing to do. The typical stereotype will always say that females always act in a way that a man has to always guess on what they did wrong. Unfortunately, man also has this same issue too. They won’t tell you their feelings, and what went wrong, and what you did wrong. Thus, it requires lots of patience and thinking especially when your partner doesn’t tell you why he was upset with you in the first place. Nevertheless, simple things that I have observe and take note of are the tone of his voice, body language, and the sudden change of his behaviour. If anything of these symptoms arises, it’s clearly to say that, it’s either I’m wrong, or it’s just not his day.

Knowing I’m wrong is fine, but it won’t do much help if I don’t apologize. Although it can be hard sometimes, especially when you know that you’re not in the wrong, and it’s even harder to mutter the word “sorry” because it somehow hurts your ego or pride. However, I would rather let it hurt my ego, rather than let my relationship end because of it.

So at times, when I was about to say sorry, I felt like my heart went through a bypass surgery. My organs felt like they were about to explode, I felt like I rather ran a full marathon than say sorry, I felt someone blasted my skull with a Kar98k, and I would rather slam a table at my partner face than say sorry. But in the end, I still said “sorry”.

I’m also aware of these kind of emotions and discomfort feeling arises from time to time, but I’m learning how to be okay with that feeling. Because I know many “sorries” would save me from ending a beautiful relationship in the future.

4. To Communicate My Objectives / Intentions to My Partner Better, Without Blowing Up Like a Cannonball

Fights and arguments never end because we have expectations on our partner. It’s even worse when our partner doesn’t know what are our expectations and intentions are. Our partner may not know this, as we ourselves, gets too engross into arguing with them, that we fail to remind them on our objectives and intentions, and the reason why we’re so mad at them for not fulfilling our expectations.

Many times, I told myself that I mustn’t have expectations, but us being humans, it just pops out of nowhere like a pimple on your face. So, yes, I do have expectations. In fact, in my opinion, it’s actually healthy to have expectations because it shows that you want to improve your relationship and you want to be happy with your partner.

During most of our misunderstandings and when he’s displeased with me for something, I would remind him again why I did XYZ in a kind, gentler manner. “I hope you could help me do XYZ because I was hoping we could finish it together faster, so we can watch a movie later”, “The reason why we came to this restaurant that you find it disgusting, because I know this was your favourite food, but I fail to realize on how bad it was L.”, “I wanted us to come here even though it’s quite far, because I thought it would be romantic to spend time with you alone.”

Maybe once our partners know our true intentions and objectives (in a sincere and gentler way), that they wouldn’t be so mad/annoyed at us afterall? So far in my experience, it does help. Because it helps balance out on what he wants, and what I want in a relationship.

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Self-Awareness in a relationship has great benefits to both parties, but it will not be easy if one of our partner is lacking of it or does not have any knowledge/practice of it.

If you think awareness has helped you in your relationship, do share in what situation did it help you during the most difficult times?

1. Went for a Year End Road Trip

Ending and celebrating year 2017 and 2018 with a trip down North, Penang – Kedah – Perak, and lastly Kuala Lumpur with someone special.

2. Celebrated 1 Year Working Anniversary at Interbase

1 year went by in a blink of an eye, and many interesting things happened during this challenging phase. Feeling all the more blessed for “accidentally” finding my current job, and hoping things stay positive, challenging and interesting as long as I’m here.

3. Celebrated Our 2 Years Anniversary

Time doesn’t define how strong our relationship is, but being with him has made me changed as a person during this duration of our relationship. I realized I was more health conscious about my diet and exercises. I try to make my facts clear with solid statements, and try not to assume (let me emphasize on the word “TRY”. Haha). I was more caring as a person to those around me, as he is to me.

4. Became a Swimming Teacher

I have always wanted to do this for a very long time– since my university days, but I guess the assignments, club societies and D2Y got me all caught up, leaving no place for me to think about it. However, during the journey of achieving it, I was totally in doubt when I failed my swimming competency test. I left my wondering dreams for a little while, while I try to work out a backup plan to feed my dreams until one day, again, I “accidentally” met a swimming coach who is looking for someone like me. Looking back, I really thank myself for signing up for this, although it’s slightly uncomfortable at difficult times, but good things will always take place when you work hard for something good you believe in.

5. First Bestie to Be Off the Market

Happy for my uni bestie, Hoh Sheng Ying, to finally found her happily ever after. Getting together for assignments, uni trips, and the frequent driving trips to send you home, has been a wonderful memory of us growing up together. Seeing you being sent away, ensured me that your husband could give you that happiness you deserve for a very long time.

I think I’m at that phase where all your enemies, childhood friends, cousins, someone-from-uni-you-used-to-know, are getting married and you will start to feel like : Dam, where is this phase leading me to?

6. Went Rock Climbing and First Time Training to Be a Belayer

My boyfriend re-introduce me to rock climbing, and I’m quite hooked after a few tries of this sport. Special thanks to Derrick Tan for the special tips and lessons on the belaying techniques. I’m still pretty scared of heights though (I have trust issues with the rope… and my boyfriend as a belayer haha… just jk).

7. Completed My First Full Marathon

This was the ultimate physical and mental challenge that I have been waiting for all my life (SCMKL'18 & PBIM'18). I grew up as a short distance runner back in secondary school, and I asked myself, how far can my body take? Is it ever possible for my body to complete a long distance run? How is it like to run a marathon?

Making this decision to conquer the state of impossibilities was the biggest impact in my life. It taught me lessons of perseverance, mental and physical discipline, and most importantly, mindfulness and awareness of the body and the mind.

The shortest answer to my above questions : Anything impossible can be accomplished as long as you conditioned your body and mind to do it.

8. Travelled to Jeju Island

It was originally planned to be an advance birthday surprise for my boyfriend, but of course, he was unaware of it. The highlight of the trip was the hike up to South Korea’s highest mountain – Mt.Hallasan, because hiking was his favourite activity. It was also a training prior to our Mt.Kinabalu expedition. Besides the hike, we had fun driving around Jeju for the first time. The Love Land Park was surprisingly intriguing. And, I almost got caught by a traffic police for driving illegally (yikes!).

9. Passed my Lifesaving Bronze Medallion Test

After months of physical and mental training, the efforts really paid off. The moment where I dived into the pool at the sound of the whistle, made me questioned myself, “Why am I even doing this?”

A really common question, but throughout the whole lonely swimming process, I thought about the kids, my family and friends, my boyfriend, and myself.

10. First Time Voting and a Change of Government

It’s pretty clear what the millennials want, and all they want is change. I’m fortunate and glad that we are part of this new change in history.

11. Finished Reading a Book After 2 Years

The lack of discipline and motivation resulted to 2 years of procrastination to complete this book. This is really bad, as I reflected back; because how am I supposed to gain more insights and knowledge in the future if I lacked so much discipline to read? Selling this book at RM10 at Carousel if you’re interested. It’ll be free for those who treat me to lunch ;)

12. Attended My First Cultural Malay Wedding

I was really there, can you spot me?

13. Took Laughing Gas

When I took it for the first time, I didn’t really laugh. It’s quite depressing to know that when the moment “arises”, I shed tears more than I laugh. May be due to stress and pressure at the time when this happens. But rest assured, it wasn’t something harmful when I did this.

14. Welcome Back Sara

I threw a prank to get everyone together to announce my “red bomb”. Unfortunately, to their disappointment, it wasn’t. Haha… It was a celebration for Ooi Shin Yee’s birthday and also to welcome Sara back to Malaysia.

15. Did My first Open Water Swim

It was a teaser to my triathlon training. Once at Putrajaya Lake, and my second at Port Dickson beach. The fear of what lies underneath the water still scares me. But it’s something that I have to overcome if I ever want to do a triathlon in the future.

16. Getaway Trip to Cherating

A getaway trip together with Sara to Cherat to spend some long lost friendship times. Touched a turtle and saw fireflies up closed for the first time. Will gonna miss the times we spent together.

17 Became an Aunty

I always wanted to have my own family one day, but looks like my sister beat me to it. Baby boy, Aiden, is well and healthy. I’m starting to have a certain liking towards babies recently though, but… hahahaha (refer picture below).

18. Did FB Live Bidding

Came out from my comfort zone to become a 1-hour online salesperson. It was the challenge that sparks the interest in me to just do it. Up till now I still haven’t watched the live bidding video yet, and I don’t think I plan to watch it, ever. Let’s just keep it buried deep down in the history of Facebook forever ya.

19. Did Discovery Scuba Diving

After attending discovery scuba diving, I conclude that if “swimming” and “scuba diving” are two real people, they won’t be good friends, because the breathing method is so different! And if anything goes wrong in the deep while scuba diving, it’s really GG.com. Can’t wait to take the full scuba diving course together with Tan Kai Lin next year!

20. Visited Fraser Hill & Went Water Rafting at Gopeng with My Swim Team

Just a quick getaway from the city and more bonding time with my swimming family.

21. Visited Kota Kinabalu and Conquered Mt.Kinabalu for the First Time

The main highlight of the trip was paragliding and the climb to Mt.Kinabalu. It was a tough climb, but Laban Rata and the peak was the most memorable one. I still remembered being too bold, climbing through the darkness alone during the trip up to the peak at 2am++. I was ahead from the rest of the groups and it was pitch dark and quiet. A sense of fear struck me when I stopped to look around, finding out that there’s no one around me. I was scared due to safety and survival reasons (I had no water with me), but when I look up at the skies, the stars ensured me that I was gonna be fine. And sure enough, I was.

22. Attended BYFG as a Participant

I thought it would be great to finally enjoy the games just for once, but in actual fact, I think running a half marathon also not that tiring (insert crying emoji here). I personally enjoyed the Bludgers role in Quidditch, and the good old match of Captain Ball.

23. Second Work Outstation Trip to Penang

Not sure if it’s a coincidence. My last company trip was also to Penang in conjunction of the Penang Bridge Marathon. This time, it’s also in Penang— and it’ll be a frequent one too. I guess the Penang spirit will forever be with me.

24. Attended MSTA Swimming Course

Once in awhile, it’s good to have similar minded people to reenergize you and remind you the purpose of your passion. Being surrounded by a group of positive swimming teachers during the 5-days swimming course was truly eye opening and inspiring at the same time. I hope we will continue to inspire and create a better good of future individuals, not only in terms of swimming, but as a adult too.

25. Solo Trip to Bangkok

I decided, that every year from now, I will take a solo trip every once a year before my birthday for these 3 purposes :

a) S – to Self-align my goals and directions in life

b) P – to Practice spiritual-cultivation through personal reflection and trusting my consciousness and thoughts in an unknown environment. Praying and giving thanks to the people who have surrounded my life

c) A – to Appreciate myself and to enjoy more “me” times.

Enjoyed a 7 days relaxing trip at Bangkok. Must give special thanks to Eng, my guardian angel for taking good care of me. No matter where I am, I always feel blessed to have you. Really happy to be able to catch up with you again even though it was a short while. Completed my first international half-marathon overseas. After that, I was reunited with my badass bestie, Heng Yean Lynn, to enjoy the rest of the Bangkok trip.

Today, I turned 26.

27th November 2018

I woke up to the sound of the thunder. The clock dimly showed “6.10am”.

Loki barged in to my room and gave a sloppy kiss on my lips. My legs and arms were feeling slightly sore as I stretched to another comfortable position, also trying to move away from Loki’s sloppy kisses. The rain was beating down so heavily, that the noise outside the roof caught me awake for a little while before I dozed off. Not less than 10 minutes later, another sound of lightning greeted my ears. This time, it jolted me awake in my bed. The familiar sounds of the rain and lightning reminded me of something. It’s a bit weird for something like that to happen to me, but for sure, nothing like this is as normal for someone who joined the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM). Because the first thing that came to my mind was the night I ran a marathon in a thunderstorm. 

* * *

Race Day

It was my 2nd attempt at a full marathon, and I wanted to complete this last leg of my running hobby at this iconic Penang Bridge before moving on to triathlon training. 

I couldn’t sleep much the night before the run. Despite a satisfying carbo load few hours before, the freezing aircond and bed-sharing with 2 more of my roomates on a King size bed is not something my body and mind was familiar with. Waking up 11.45am was also slightly too early for me, even when the flag off time was 1.30am. Even so, my roommates were all up and ready to head for war, while I was trying to convince my brain that I wasn’t sleepy. 

Few minutes before the flag off, I inch my way through the crowd to the front of the starting line (it was also my first time being so up closed to the starting line), passing through grandpa’s and grandma’s that looked like they have done this a million times and they can outbeat me anytime. This is it. My heart silently spoke to me. If this is your last, make it your personal best! My brain, on the other hand, was pretty logical. If you could make this your best, that Suunto Sparta Sport Watch will be yours! Sounds pretty convincing and rewarding right? 

BANG! 

My legs started to leap forward, one step after another.

And so, the race begins! 

The 42km Journey

At KM1- KM3, my heart and brain was still stuck with the “BEAT YOUR PERSONAL BEST” mindset. I was pacing myself with the 5:30 pacers. Yixuan on the other hand, disappeared through the crowd in front. My mind didn’t stay at the personal best mindset for long because at KM4, my heart was already cursing. WHERE ON EARTH IS THE WATER STATION?! My body knew this situation very well, as it clearly reminded it of Newton Challenge 2017. I also foresaw this to happen after hearing so many rumours about the water shortage from my friends who had joined PBIM before. Luckily enough, my body was trained during the last few weeks to not “die” when there’s no water. The air was still and slightly humid, and I was secretly hoping that it could rain. Nevertheless, I was still able to keep pace with the 5:30 pacers. 

At KM5, when I was almost at the brim of dehydration, the water station appeared! And it was really chaotic. 5k of dehydrated runners charged right at the water station, grabbing anything in sight to quench their thirst. Some even grabbing the whole bottle of 1.5 litre of water and run. Now I know why and how this water shortage problem exists every year. 

Between KM6-KM16, I tried to keep myself entertained by reciting the multiplication timetable while trying to stop myself from asking : WHERE THE HELL IS THE BLOODY BRIDGE?! I PAID TO RUN ON A BRIDGE, NOT A FREAKING HIGHWAY! But it only helped me until the fifth multiplication. I tried to think about my other aspects of life, like work, relationship, etc. but it seems like my life is all sorted out and had nothing much to think about. Lol. I had no idea how am I going to keep myself entertained till the end of the race, but I was literally screaming (in my heart) : NEVER AGAIN. NO MORE MARATHONS! 

Only at KM17.5, I finally stepped foot on the iconic Penang Bridge! It felt really magical and unbelievable. Some runners even purposely stopped to take a quick snapshot of the bridge, but me on the other hand, kept moving. I was really far behind from the 5:30 pacers, but I tried not to let the 6:00 pacers catch up to me. At this point, my foot was starting to slightly hurt, but I tried to not pay too much attention to it. I could hear a few thunders not far away, and the cloud seems much darker than the night sky. Somehow, I kinda regretted not making my wish cleared enough; because the rain looks like it was never going to stop. Sky, when I said I wanted it to rain, I meant to rain for a while, not all night!! 

At KM21, it really rained. Damn. This law of attraction theory actually works. But a few minutes later, the sky started pouring like it had lost control of its cloud bladder. The chilling rain made me more awake than ever, but the wind and the lightning made me slightly worried about my safety. Many runners started moving towards the Bridge divider, trying to shelter themselves from the rain and wind as much as possible. The rain only got heavier and heavier even until KM35, and it started to hurt like a motherfucker as if there was someone throwing rocks at you. It was so freaking cold that my nose started running as well. I had to run slightly faster to keep my body warmed up. One good thing about the rain though, that it didn’t made me feel dehydrated. In actual fact, I was too hydrated that I actually have to pee. I was thinking to pee while I ran, but my bladder system wouldn’t let and Mother Nature refuses me to do so as the rain started to slow down into a drizzle. Damn. Why do you always have to eavesdrop Mother Nature?! 

The rain and lightning never stopped until KM37, but most of the runners just kept moving. For runners at my pace, we were roughly running around 3hours in the thunderstorm. It felt like swimming, just that we were actually running, so I called it : Land Swim.

At KM37, I promised my legs that I would allowed it to walk after reaching this milestone, but I was really working hard to lose track of the 6:00 pacers. So I made another promise to my legs that I will reward it with a good massage after the run. It was still slightly drizzling, but the damage has been done as I was already all soaked in rain water. My iPhone 5C can finally rest in peace because it's far beyond savable looking at how soaking wet it is.

At KM40, the 6:00 pacers caught up to me. Fuck. Somehow, I regretted going to the loo earlier. Dammit. I should have just peed while I run! I could see buildings from afar but wasn't sure if it was the finishing point. Is that Queensbay Mall?! Why the flying fark it’s so farking far?! 

At KM41, fuckity fuck fark farrrrrrrrrrrrrrkkkk! If you have heard of Aerosmith singing in high pitch, just imagine my foot was actually screaming in that same tone, just that it was done so in silence. My legs were fine, but my foot wasn't.

When I finally reached the finishing line, I was slightly disappointed that I missed my personal best by 1.52 minutes. I just wanted to take in the disappointment into my heart and mind, but the tiredness was more overwhelming than my disappointment. 

But what matters the most, is that I completed my 2nd full marathon injury free!

The full marathon squad with our finisher medals!

The medal can glow in the dark! Pretty cool! Ok lah, the additional RM10 for this is worth it.

* * *

Overview 

Overall, it was a very different experience completing this final leg of my marathon. Comparing to my first marathon, this experience was more memorable to me because :

1. There was a mixture of fear and worry during the run (due to lightning and hypothermia)

2. I was completing the race all by my own

3. First time in all my running experience, that I actually used a loo in a middle of the run

4. Completing the top 3 running events in Malaysia (SCMKL, PBIM, and KIM)

5. It was much harder to train prior to my 2nd attempt of full marathon

6. 2 weeks before the run, my favourite running shoe got stolen/missing which further demotivates me 

Looking back, I think my mind and body really deserve my salute and respect for braving through the sweat, rain, thunder/lightning, cold, demotivated feelings, and lost. Really salute and respect to all the runners out there who braved through the bad weather to complete the full marathon! And to the person who stole my running shoes, FUCK YOU. 

However, particularly for the PBIM experience, it’s a running event that is a must-try for all runners, but it’s not something that I would return to year after year. It’s an average budgeted event, not many water stations, and even their checkpoint wristband turns out to be a hairband. I mean, what am I supposed to do with the hairband after that, tie my hair? 

Below are my scores and verdicts on my whole experience : 

Price : ★★★★☆ 

RM100 for a full marathon experience on the iconic Penang Bridge is pretty much at the market rate. RM10 more expensive than SCMKL, but with the additional RM10 paid, I wish they could at least do better with their water stations. 

Race Pack Collection : ★★★★★ 

Unfortunately, I didn’t collect the race kit myself this time. So I trust that the process was good, if it wasn’t, my friends would have complained. Also, good because they have numerous RPEC dates to ease crowding and last minute collection. 

Set Up, Event & Program Flow : ★★★☆☆ 

Flagged off started on time, but this time no fireworks or confetti popping compared to previous years (that’s why I said, it’s so budgeted until that extend lol). However, at one point where it started raining heavily and there was lightning, there was no precaution given and no announcements were made to cancel the event. I was questioning myself how would the organizers deal with the situation if someone dies from lightning strike. It would be pretty bad. 

Additionally, finisher recovery collection booth was pretty bad. I was exhausted and my feet was pretty much in pain, but the collection was slow and we had to queue for at least 10-15 minutes to collect the finisher medal and goodie bag! The queue started out with 10 lanes, which ended up squeezing into 4 lanes, plus the marshal had to direct which lane goes first. I almost wanted to rage, and I knew there were a lot of impatient and exhausted runners feeling the same way as me because they were all getting pushy. 

Parking : ★☆☆☆☆ 

I think parking would have been extremely difficult that time round because all roads leading to Queensbay Mall are off limits. It’s either you come earlier or you walk farther, which is at least 5km away from the starting point. Plus, there is no shuttle bus to the starting line (previous years they have it). 

Running Route Difficulty : ★☆☆☆☆ 

Easy. Not much steep inclination. Out of 100%, there was only about 5% of incline which is the tip of the Penang Bridge. Even so, it wasn’t that difficult to run. 

Water & Carbo Stations : ★★★☆☆ 

They should really do much better in the water station. If it wasn’t for the rain, I think the dehydration would be much worse. They should put at least a few more stations during the beginning route (recommended for 1 water station for every 3km), so that the runner bodies won’t go into shock and caused a commotion in the first water station (which is at the 5km). I really pity the volunteers who were at the first water station, as all the thirsty runners were snatching and grabbing on to waters as if they were about to die. Plus, usually there would be a long stretch of table for runners to go to, but there were only 2 short tables, and everyone was cramming into the table for water. Carb station was good and abundant. Bananas and gels was also served. 

First Aiders : ★★★★★ 

Good! Almost every station has medics, and they even provide ice packs to all runners! ABUNDANT of ice packs (which is extremely rare and difficult to keep)!! 

Route Marshals & Volunteers : ★★★★☆ 

For them to be able to work under the rain and to serve the runners, I think that’s good enough for me. I saw one volunteer even giving out extra raincoats to the runners. Although not much excitement and encouragement like those cheerleading squads, they had done a pretty decent job on the road. 

Overall Rating : 3.25 / 5

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