Sundown 10.5km Team Challenge

It was exciting to be part of Singapore's first large scale night race. Was there to do the 10.5 1/4 marathon team challenge. Me and team mates were at Tampines MRT at around 5:30pm. (There is SBS Bus 29 from Tampines Interchange to Changi Village). It was raining then in Tampines.

Had dinner at Food Junction. At the Tampines Bus Interchange, met 2 guys from KL, Malaysia, Steven and Victor. They are both taking part in the Ultra. Steven said his furthest run was 140km+ in 26hrs+. Wah. . . . Steven said Singapore runs are much better organised than Msia ones (even the KL Marathon is not well organised) and Victor added that here, the finishers' tee and medals are nice. Steven said quite a number of M'sians are taking part in the Ultra and 42km Marathon.

Took the Bus 29 from Tampines. Ride was longer than the 30mins stated on the SD website. Reached Changi Village Bus Terminal at 7:25pm. Walking around the hawker centre not knowing where is the bridge that crosses over to the start point. Dark. Somemore, asked 3 different groups and they also don't know. Finally found someone unknown to us that did (and his friend was in a good mood to say, 'shouldn't be telling our competitors the way to the start line'). Me *blur* *blur*

Finally found the very narrow bridge. We deposited the bags at baggage deposit. Went to the porta-loos. Got a green light stick. Then headed over to the open field. Had a cup of 100Plus at the water point tent. Did a little stretching. Met an ex-colleague LHX who is running in the team category for PwC. Nice black PwC running vest. Met Kayano, Sealboon and said hello to Ripley who called out to me.

Run started at 8:23pm per my watch (most likely my watch is slow). Initially, at the start line, didn't realise the wire stretching overhead after the Start arch was the RFID reader. (Sotong, in the past only use Champion chip). Wah, most people start off at fast pace. But then again, see people start walking before the 1km mark. One camper shouted "1km to go" and I muttered, "ya, right". Saw planes landing up close. I enjoy looking at planes and it was nice. Reminded me of the 2007 Real Run which also passed by the Changi airport. I saw the ultra runners too. Some chose to brisk walk, some jogged with a haversack. Awesome, seeing those who are attempting 2x the marathon! The run from Start to midway point along the road was okay. 1st water point was at 4km mark (there was only 1 distance marker along the entire 10.5km route??). Plain Ice Mountain water only. After U-turn there were the wires to read the time at the 5.25km mark.

On the return, we ran along the park connector. This part later was not a good experience. I know I was the last 15% of runners, but don't understand why some girls (sorry, it was at least 3 pairs of girls along the route) like to run together at the same pace on the narrow path and block the whole pavement. Sigh. But some runners came from behind and squeezed through between them and I just followed suit. Unfortunately, my left calf (just below the back of my left knee starting feeling the onset of cramp from Changi Beach). The last 1-1.5km was strange. We walk & ran on the park connector and saw people fishing, having BBQ (aiyo, the smell of BBQ meat + otah). But some of the public were great, they called out encouragement to runners. Looking at my watch, I knew I had passed the 1:20 time. Was wondering how much further to go. I wanted to complete 10.5km within 1:25 (personal target) and time was moving on. Suddenly, there were girls in red SD tees, shouting and whistling. Shouting 'almost there' and then saw the Finish arch. Wanted to chiong the arch but my left calf cramped and I had to cross the finish at a very slow jog. Should have photos at finish line as there were a few camera flashes and no one was blocking me.

Result: End Timing: 01:24:18. 5.25km Timing: 42:34. Pace was avg 8min/km (84mins/10.5km) My team total time was 04:56:54. I was the slowest runner (as expected). And slow_runner was the fastest team runner :D

After crossing the line, walked with cramps on my left calf. Grabbed a can of 100Plus and a bottle of Ice Mountain water. Someone passed me a finishers' medal after marking and dirtying my Bib with a black marker. Drank a mouthful of water, and then downed the whole can of cold 100Plus. Ahhhh......feels good.

Went to collect my finishers' tee. Wah piang. No more XS or S. Only M. Someone took down my Bib number and my request for size 's' and said it will be mailed to my home (should I be upset at the delay getting my Finishers' Tee or be pleased they will mail me my choice of size?) Walked out and saw the sgRunners booth. Saw philip at the laptop and introduced myself. He was alone. Took my leave to look for slow_runner. Didn't see slow_runner and so went for my free ice-cream cone. Nice.

Me and slow_runner

Later met slow_runner who had collected my bag for me. Walked to Bus terminal. Caught the 109 bus back to Sengkang. 34mins later, I got out of the bus opposite my flat. After settling down, I ate a bowl of cornflakes with milk. Just felt like eating something.

Now, it is 12:35am. The 42km marathoners are on their way. It was a nice experience personally, running in the cool of the night. There was no rain during the run and no puddles of water on the route. I'd say I had a good experience. Would probably do it again next year, if race is around. Time to sleep as my hair has dried and got to wake up to bring the kids for their Kids Run at the Padang - less than 7 hours to go.

Excited?

Woke up at 3:48am. The word Sundown came to my sleepy head when I woke up. Sigh. . .how can be excited over a 10km run?

PAssion Run Race Pack collection

Another busy day tomorrow. Noon time PAssion Run Race pack collection. Afternoon rest. Evening early dinner and then 8:30pm 10.5km Sundown night run.

Hope can sleep well. Today has been a very, very tiring and stressful day at work. Instead of taking MRT from Raffles Place to Outram Park (to SGH for visitation), ended up at Dhoby Ghaut before realised I was going wrong way. Must rest.

6km Field Test of Sundown Vest

Well, collected the goodie bag this morning with 2 sgRunners. The contents like some sgRunners have said, is a little disappointing. They also said if I wanted to change my XS (extra small per sizing chart) vest, got to come back between 7-9pm on Sunday.

Reached home 4pm+. Cut the tag and put on the SD Adidas vest. It is very body hugging but fitting. It feels light. Decided to go for a 5-7km run in it to give the vest a field test. (The best way to test a vest is to use it out of the bag and run in it).

Finished 6km in 42min (7min/km). Comments on the vest:

1) It does feel a bit like 'recycled paper' to the touch as half_timer commented but it is light when worn. Vest feels better as one starts perspiring.

2) Size 'XS' is very body hugging. I just have to treat it like a compression vest as Kayano told me. But it fits!

3) No chance of nipple burn if you get a very fitting body hugging size like me :)

4) But it does not wick sweat!!! After 3km, I felt a patch of water (a) below my chest and above my waist as well as (b) behind almost my entire back. This is a disaster. Perhaps it was too body hugging. Perhaps it is because it is so humid and balmy as it rained over Sengkang in mid-afternoon b.

5) I like the design. Refreshing.

The effect of 6km is not indicative of someone using it for 42km. But a running vest that does not wick sweat effectively for someone like me who sweats profusely on a humid day, I think it has failed it's basic function.

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.

Lion City Marathon

Lion City is tentatively delayed to 12 October.

I hope the new charity run and Real Run, both tentatively in October don't clash. *Fingers crossed*

Quick short one

Came back later than hoped. But wanted to run a little. Reached SK MRT and saw it wasn't raining. Yippee. Quickly reached home, changed and out the door.

Ran 4km (2 loops of 2km). Didn't have time for longer distance as got an appointment at 8:30pm. Took 26mins and 20 secs, average pace of 6:35min/km. Way too fast consdiering I've been doing around 8min/km in recent weeks. Just 4km but I finished the run very breathless. Looks like next run will be Sunday evening or on Public Holiday. . .but I need to clock at least one LSD before Sundown and before SCSM 08 registration starts. Got to know if I should sign up for 10km or 21km for SCSM 08.

Mini problem

Man, I've got a problem.

Today, Thursday. Last run was on Monday. Tomorrow night, something on. Saturday morning 2 exams. Sunday morning, have to leave home by 8:20am. Wondering how to squeeze in weekly run. . . . .Perhaps have to be a weekend evening.

Another run within 1 days. . .

I decided I will run tonight (Monday) despite running 5 km on Sunday evening.

Tonight I did 7.11km in 57mins (7.59min/km) which is faster than I imagined. I feel okay, maybe a little thirsty. Tomorrow, have dinner appointment with slow_runner. Life's getting busy. I shall recall what jodan said to me some time back, that is he runs whenever he can and not just at fixed days or times. I shall do the same :)

Short and Quick

Went for a 1 loop 5km run. No LSD because of the wet pavements past 2 mornings. Decide to just run when can.

Goodness. Since doing early morning LSDs the past few weeks, have not run on Sunday evenings for quite long. But everyone seems to be running hard and fast (faster than me anyway). Be they male or female, young or old, chubby or chunky, all are getting fast. Anyway, I should not worry about pace now as trying to build up stamina to eventually run 21km, hopefully at end of this year. :)

Nature decides? Part II

Woke up this morning late. But doesn't matter, cos the pavement was even wetter than yesterday. Well, no run then.

Yesterday, the doctor measured my blood pressure at 110/80. She said it was good.

Nature decides?

Woke up early. Saw the pavements are wet. It must have rained last night.

Well, no LSD for today. Think also a good time later to see my doc for my 6-monthly screening. Next few Saturdays are really, really packed!

2 days after and legs still sakit

Sunday morning to Tuesday night.

My inner thighs below the groin still aching. Even walking straight. 17km like this. 21km. . . . . . .

17.10 km - another step towards 21km?

Started out at 5:30am sharp. Some who know me will say I am crazy. This morning I was concerned whether I should do more than 10km as I did 7km on Thursday morning, May Day.

After so many months, decided to strap on the HRM chest strap. I actually did not bother with it for some time due to the hassle and how it slips so easily if I were to bend down or lift up my arms or something. But I was curious to know if there is any change in my HR after months of slowing pace but extending distance of run.

The HRM showed 118bpm when I started out and after a few steps, 148. So far quite promising. I recalled in initial days, the thing read 138 at start and after a few steps, 156 or something.

The first loop (5km), I managed to keep the HR below 162 at an avg pace of around 8.10min/km.

The second loop (same 5km loop), I probably picked up pace + the heart was pumping harder due to tiredness. The HRM reading went up to 168max during 2nd loop. I completed the 10km in 1:21 which is slightly above 8min/km. But must say, still quite happy with how I managed to capped the max heart rate though I walked more.

On the third 5km loop, I went to the new Anchorvale CC toilet for water stop. After 11km, decided I needed water cause the mouth was starting to get very sticky and feeling very thirsty. 5 mins but feeling much better after the rest and water stop. For the 3rd 5km loop, the maxed heart rate went up to 176bpm. I was also feeling more tired, legs and right knee starting to pain. I walked a lot more. Finished the 15km in 2hour 2mins. Thus exceeding my targeted 8min/km.

Decided to risk running the smaller 2km loop in front of my place just to push the distance a bit. What a torture, the last 2km despite walking slightly over 60% of 2km. I was feeling the sun, my knee was starting to ache, my running posture changed and I realised I was starting to under-pronate instead of overpronating or placing my foot neutrally. Wanted to sustain a slow jog for 1km but just could not. Finished my last 2km in 18mins+, which is avg pace of 9min/km reflecting the amount of walking.

Finished the 17.10km run at 7:48:27am, 2 hour 18mins 27 secs (Avg Pace of 8.10min/km), 1475 calories according to the Polar watch (not sure how accurate that is), Avg HR of 159bpm and HR range from 118bpm - 180bpm.




I think the days of hitting max HR of 202 to 218 should be over. Hopefully, that is a good sign.

Will I be able to do 21km by July 2008? Not sure, but will try to increase mileage. For this week, first time my weekly mileage has totalled 24.10km. But, if like this morning I had to do 21km, I would have walked most of the balance 4km. Mentally this morning, was telling myself if I can't do 21km in 3hrs, I probably should not sign up for 21km. I started at 5:30am, nice and cool. For AHM and SCSM, the 21km starts off at 7:15am or 7:30am. It would be blazing hot well before I even run half the 21km. This morning, after 7:30am, I was baked for 19mins for the last 2km. Terrible heat this morning.

Now, got headache, even after a 1 1/2 hr nap this afternoon. And my nose if running and I still have a headache. Will scale down a bit next week. But legs feel much better than the first time I did 15.85km. No cramping. Probably because the route is much flatter than running up and down Upper Serangoon Road.

2 1/2 months more to complete a 21km run. . .

May Day Run

Well, it's almost 1 year since I picked up jogging again.

Woke up like past 6:30am and feeling so sleepy. But it is a holiday today. Decided to wake up and change. Have been eating lots of ice-cream recently and only running once a week is like not a good formula.

Started at 7am. Did my 5km and followed by a 2km loop. Finished the 7km in 51:26. Avg pace of 7min 20sec/km. Ran a bit too fast at the beginning and was feeling breathless early on. Well, back to feasting later . . .since I had a light breakfast after the run just now. :D