[Running] Tokyo Marathon 2014 and some

Sometime back in 2013. Some friends and I had this idea to join a marathon overseas. I've heard so many good reviews about Tokyo Marathon, so we just had to try our luck and ballot.
And... we were the lucky 30,000 out of the 300k who applied. The race was 10 times over subscribed.

Next step was finding accommodation and booking the flight tickets. I landed up choosing a place near the end point, partly because I had no intention to travel back to the heart of Tokyo limping and in pain. 

So from September 2013, all the way to February 2014, the day finally arrived to head up to Tokyo.

The Boyfriend graciously accompanied me to be my cheer squad and support for this race...*awwwww* We flew up with Delta, and I was presently surprised by the service and in-flight entertainment. I think partly because I've been flying budget for pretty much all my holidays.
The 5plus hour flight just zoomed by...

Landed up Narita Airport, and waiting to board the Airport Limousine Bus.

Onward to Odaiba! 

I arranged for the data card to be delivered to the hotel too. Google maps was my best friend for this trip. 

It doesn't look like it, but it was freaking cold at 3-4°C. Yup,softshell, long sleeves and a scarf. Not enough... 

The sun sets pretty early during this time of the year. By 6pm, it's almost completely dark. 

 In the background, Palette Town and the ferries wheel that was once the biggest in the world. 

Giant Gundam statue. This mall has nothing diving related in it. But loads of shopping. Despite the misleading name, Mall, you're forgiven for your awesome shops. 

Ramen at the foodcourt as our first meal in Tokyo. Nice hot ramen. Even the Ramen in the foodcourts are good! 

Checking out the Gundam figurine displays 

Day 2: Disney Land

After dinner and collecting the race pack, we headed to check out the rest of Odaiba. Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge

Day 4: Shinjuku, checking out the start point and Shibuya 

That's me playing with the sludge. Still contemplating running the marathon. It was cold, and I wasn't really sure if I was up to it. 

Hachiko Crossing. Where movies are filmed. 

Tokyo Tower. Built in the 1950s, and replicated after the Eiffel Tower, this one's taller. 

 So about the time I bought the tickets to head up, my camera decided that it should fall to its death. (thankfully from about elbow height to the floor and not out the window) So everything on out from here was from the phone.

The view along with coffee with a view.

So Saturday was spent resting, taking a long walk and finally getting down to doing a acclimatisation run. It was still really cold and windy. 

Somehow or rather, I managed to drag myself down to the start line. Maybe meeting with some fellow Singaporeans who were running the marathon inspired me and assured me it wouldn't be too bad. 

My get up. Shorts over leggings, baselayer, windbreaker, buff around my neck to keep it warm (I have asthma), gloves, and leg warmers.

Unlike the other marathons I've been to, this race started at 9:10am. This was my 5th marathon, and honestly, not enough training, especially towards the last 2 weeks where I had been working late on most nights.

I entered the start pen all zipped up at around 8:40am, waiting amongst other freezing runners. Some had raincoats and plastic bags on. Usually, people ditch these plastic coats once they are warm enough, and were on their way.

Must-haves: Gloves and heatpack at the startline.

Eventually, I crossed the start point at around 9:20am. A relatively flat terrain route, I passed by many of the local attractions from the Senso-ji temple, Tokyo Tower apparently (I must have been too tired), Imperial Palace and many others.

As I've been told, this event, the whole city comes together to support the runners. Shop owners bring out some of their goodies to feed us starving marathoners, community groups do the cheers, the mascots and costumes etc.

The roads were also surprisingly clean. Cups were thrown mostly in the rubbish collection points, and I saw people picking up the wrappers from the ground and ditch them aside to prevent others from tripping over.

Eventually, 5hours and 45minutes later. I crossed the finish line. It wasn't as good as I had hoped for since it was better weather to run in than in Singapore. But for me, it was just a tad too cold. There was one point where snow fell from the sky too. Quite a sight, but not perfect for the cold-weather-phobic me.

42.195km later.

Needless to say, I spent the rest of the evening sleeping.

Day 6 was spent at Disney Sea with many stops to sit down and rest and hydrate. 

Japan, you can sure I'll be back!

Phi Phi Island, Thailand - My Birthday

 I've dived around Phi Phi Island before, but for the boyfriend here, he has always been curious about the sites here. I'm not much of person who likes touristy beach areas with the pubs and bars, which Phi Phi Island really is just that. If you like the beach and party scene, this place will really suit you. 

Unfortunately, I've cut out drinking almost entirely. They say exercise is for people who can't handle drugs and alcohol. I'm kinda just like that.

And...the mandatory photo if you're in any part of Thailand that has a beach resort. 

Aside from the sun, sand, and bars, the massages are awesome, and there's some nice crags to climb. I was concerned whether it'd be like Krabi - Tonsai & Railay areas which aren't that built up. It is always important to bring the right luggage especially when you've got heavy gear in tow. My roller luggage did just fine here. 

Taking a long long walk from the resort to the crag in the background just to take a look on the first day.

A map of Phi Phi Island. It's pretty congested with people and the paths are not all that wide. But it takes about half hour to walk from one end to the other. 

Day 2 & 3 - 6 dives + 1 night dive, and a very naggy dive computer. 

Let's go diving! 

 Lots of stonefish at the dive sites. So better watch out! 

Walking back to the dive shop. We dived with Blue View Divers, and highly recommend if you're thinking of linking up with a dive shop before heading over. 

We didn't get to go out to King Cruiser Wreck and Hin Daeng & Muang because on our last day of diving, the waves were just really too choppy, so the trip was called off. Oh well, guess that's just another reason to take a break. 

All in all, with pretty decent lodging - air con, bed and hot showers are a luxury for me, oh and a TV. We spent most of our night watching not-so-old movies. We paid about S$120 per night per. We have our full set of gear, so we got extra discount :D 

Anyhow, diving in Phi Phi, the rates are controlled. 

Drying out the 'laundry' 

Since we couldn't go out to dive, we decided to go climbing instead. Lots of 5Cs and 6As. 

We got a guide anyhow, because we didn't know the area, although we could have just rented the rope and quick draws. I think the guide had a super relaxed day out.

Sometimes I wish the bf could take more flattering photos of me...

 Well, we all have to eat right? Supposedly the best Padthai noodles on Phi Phi. Looked a bit dodgy at first, but this came highly recommended from our dive guide. Portions are big too! 

Ok, I'm not much of a foodie, so this is about as much as I can do to describe it. 

Taken from about 25metres up. Phi Phi Island, till we meet again!