Rest, Resume, Recognise

After 2 approximately 60km weeks and a satisfying 15km race, I decided on the need for a deserving break. 

It is deserving because of the greater volume that I had handled during those 2 weeks, during which I also ran 2 races - Run for Life 2014 and Race Against Cancer 2014. It was needed because I was gradually starting to feel lethargic when I awoke in the mornings, and sleeping much longer durations when I did not set an alarm.

The week-long break consisted of easy running throughout, averaging about 5:15-45/km. I finished off the runs with strides just to loosen the legs. In addition, a session of swimming and some strength workouts were done to give the legs a rest from the running motion.

As of today (11th August), I am resuming the running workouts. Hoping to generally cover a tempo, a fartlek/interval/hill session and a long run weekly, throwing in a session or two of core work and a session of strength training. Of course, due to existing circumstances as a student, these may not always be possible. Furthermore, even if it is, I'll strive to learn to err on the side of caution with regard to overtraining/injury.

That, I did not do today as I did my first tempo on the treadmill. After strength work and easy running yesterday, I concluded with gentle uphill strides. During my 2nd stride, I felt a sudden pain in my right quad. It seemed like a mild strain, caused by the uneven uphill ground. I immediately decided to stop the strides and rest the night.

This morning, I awoke with still a mild remnant of the pain in the right quad. I was considering postponing the workout. While doing my Experiencing God bible study this morning, this verse (Ephesians 3:20) struck me

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."

I sensed a prompting to run, regardless of my concern, as an act of obedience - acknowledging that going alongside faith, against common logic, is recognised. I prepared, against common logic.

It can be controversial in acknowledging the cause of an outcome when we do what we want, against logic, while feeling that God was leading us that manner. For today, however, I choose to acknowledge that I was blessed with God's protection as I did my 7km tempo in 29:15. It was paced progressively, it felt easy, I felt I could have nailed a sub-41:30 10km under the treadmill conditions (1% gradient). Yet I strongly believed it was a matter of obedience to what I felt God initially led me to do. 

There is much feeling in what I did today. Perhaps the only more objective aspect, though vague in itself, was the verse Ephesians 3:20. There may be a multitude of explanations, but I choose to acknowledge Him.

Race Against Cancer 2014

This was a race that was high up on my priority list because of the cause it advocated. Personal experience, complemented with what I've been learning in school, highlighted the need for cancer awareness for early detection and treatment (or prevention).

Merely two weeks ago, on 19th July, was the 10km Run for Life 2014, also at ECP. Come 3rd August, I was going to run the 15km - to be the longest race that I would run since Race Against Cancer 2013 where I also participated in the 15km distance.

After arriving about 20 minutes before 7.15am (the official flag-off for the 15km), we hurriedly deposited our belongings before finding the others. Met Wen Shien and passed Sean Joseph's (who overslept) race pack before regrouping with the 94s from Bartley. Not all of us were running the 15km and after a quick prayer, the few of us went in.

The race started early, perhaps 7.13am, according to my watch. I was still making my way towards the front of the start pen when the emcee announced that flag-off was about to begin in 15 seconds. Having only managed to start around 15m from the front, it was a good 20+ seconds after flag-off before I crossed the start. The plan was conservative for this race - begin slow (4:30 for the first km) before trying to speed up a little.

Having crossed the start later than hoped for (5-10 seconds), the route was understandably crowded with runners that start off way too quickly for their ability. I didn't intend to waste vital energy forcing a 4:30 km by compensating for the slow start, instead running by a 4:30 effort wherever I could, passing the 1km marker in 4:47. The route cleared after the 1km mark, and I crossed the 2km marker in about 9:12. I did not think I was running that fast however, so perhaps the marker was slightly misplaced (40m short?). 

En route to the 3km marker, which was passed in 13:06 (the marker possibly misplaced - I certainly wasn't running a sub-4min km), I grabbed hydration - carefully, with both hands - after noticing two runners ahead miss their cups from the volunteers. Unlike a majority of previous races that I've participated in, the volunteers here actually held out cups for runners. Yet due to the speed most runners were moving at, the volunteers often got wet from the "splash" as runners collected their cups. I tried my best to be gentle to avoid getting the volunteers drenched. I ensured I obtained hydration at every point (consistently about 2km apart) - important for this longer distance.

After the first U-turn, I caught sight of Bryan, then Andrew, then Wenshien. Noticing friends along the way is always an encouraging experience. Shortly after, I passed the 4km marker in 17+. Then the 5km in 21:40 or so. It was around that point (5km was near the Cable Ski park) that I overtook the lead female (I was not aware at that time). The route then began to quieten tremendously after I passed the the lagoon.

Just around Angsana Green, now in 9th place.
Credit to Pixelated (Yeo Kim Song).

I passed runners gradually as I clung on to my pace. On every occasion, I'd casually glance across, checking to see if they wore a race bib. A majority, in fact, seemed to just be casual runners embarking on their Sunday run. I suspected I was in a good position, perhaps top 15, and this was pleasantly confirmed when a Caucasian running in the opposite direction (not a race participant) informed me I was in 9th place around the 7km mark. From here on - it was to be a quiet journey. 

Alone - around the 9km mark at the National Sailing Centre.
Credit to the Race Against Cancer 2014 - Photos Facebook page. 

Subsequently, I passed the National Sailing Centre. The quiet journey had only begun to be quieter as I ploughed my way through the NSRCC stretch. I saw a Gurkha returning (after the final U-turn), before I caught sight of a Caucasian, Colin Tung, then two Caucasians running alongside. I passed the 10km marker in about 43:50. After two other runners, I noticed Eugene(from Delta)! He was in 8th, but easily one to two minutes ahead of me - I had no hope of catching him unless he slowed tremendously. 

After I made the final U-turn and headed back, I then caught sight of the lead female and another male (10th) in the distance. They were possibly a few hundred metres back so I knew my spot was safe unless I was to slow immensely. 

I probably did slow a little. I caught sight of the 13km marker just as my clock ticked 58. Sub-8 for the final 2km to get 1:05+. Somewhat resigned to fate and fatigue, yet still glad to meet my estimate of a 1:06, I slowed a little. Definitely not too much however, because I passed the 14km in slightly above 1:02. Yet the final 1km was probably longer than the distance markers indicated. The long home straight was empty, save Eugene way ahead. The long home straight was arduous as well. I crossed the finish just as the clock ticked past 1:07:00. Nett time was around 1:06:45 on my watch.

The home stretch. Credit to Lifestyle1881.

My first top 10 finish :) However, this race had a low participation
rate due to other races taking place on the same day.
Nonetheless, this marks more than a 7min improvement since RAC 2012.

Overall, this race held much motivation for me - first in the cause, second in the enjoyment of running. It was encouraging knowing that friends from all around - army, school, church - were running alongside.

Me, Andrew, a fellow Delta dragon (after I disrupted), Eugene.
Eugene and I finished 8th and 9th respectively.

LKC Medicine. M2s from 4th August 2014.

Frontline Youth from Bartley. Take a close look at my medal (;

For more