Carnival Run 2015

As Ben and I were planning to participate in the annual Run350, we decided a small tune-up race to help us gauge how fast we'd like to run would be beneficial. Having heard of, yet having never attempted the Saturday Parkruns @ ECP, I was keen on that; until I heard about Carnival Run.

One of the perks of this race was first the chance to run at Bedok Reservoir - a fresh backdrop for me. In addition, there were prizes for the top 20 of each open gender category. Held on 21st March 2015, it was near yet not too near to Run350 (6th April 2015), hence we promptly registered.

Just 2 days before the race, I encountered some pain between my 3rd and 4th metatarsalphalangeal joints after running in tight-fitting shoes. The next morning, another short run made this worse. Some research suggested it was metatarsalgia. This was particularly concerning, yet I knew ultimately I wanted God to direct me to what I was to do - be it rest or race. Just the day before, in the pink of health, I had prayed about surrendering all. Right then, this was an aspect I needed to surrender.

Race day arrived and this was to be my first evening run in a long while, with the flag-off scheduled at 6pm. I departed from home at around 4.25pm, reaching Bedok Reservoir by 5.10. Unfortunately, I had dropped off a few bus stops ahead, hence took the time to walk over. Furthermore, I still felt the pain in my MTP joints. I dropped my bag in Ben's car before both of us did a short 5min warm up, after which we headed to the start pen as it was getting a little crowded. We politely inched forward till about 5m from the start and were subsequently flagged off promptly at 6.00pm.

Spotted, probably having crossed the start line in just under 10 seconds. Credit to Running Shots.

There were easily 60 people in front of me when I crossed the line. Thankfully, there was a fairly clear path on the right, hence passing was smooth and no jostling occurred. After just under 300m, we made a left turn that would take us uphill. Thereafter, another left turn took us up an even steeper hill. I was probably reduced to a 4:40 pace at the steepest inclines. I quickly caught sight of Vivian Tang and Tony Seakins (nearly 3 times my age!), two prominent runners who've frequented the podiums in their respective categories, within about 20m of me. I knew I would register a decent time if I could stick with Vivian, as I wasn't certain if Tony could be caught.

After we rose to the peak, then came the decline that negated all our vertical pursuits. I tried to run as smoothly as possible while listening to my leg. It was certainly a very quick downhill but thankfully, my leg seemed perfectly fine, probably due to the adrenaline. I noticed the 1km marker fly by in around 3:25, though Garmin (in which I placed more of my trust on this occasion) suggested we had only run about 0.85km. As I had regulated my effort and was comfortable, I wasn't at all worried if the pace was too quick. Thereafter, we proceeded from tarmac to the trail section.

As the gloomy skies were rapidly darkening in threat of a thunderstorm (thank goodness it never happened), the winds were pretty strong as well. I had tucked in nicely behind Vivian, obtaining as much cover as I could from her small figure. Tony was still within sight, though had possibly moved to about 40m ahead of me. Vivian led me past the 2km marker before she seemed to slow mildly, after which I decided to overtake her.

All this while, I was catching runners who had started out more rapidly than what they could probably manage. Tony was a good distance ahead and he was my goal. I knew that with his wealth of experience, he would be likely to be the perfect candidate to trail if I wanted a well-paced race. We entered a section of tarmac once again, relieving my legs. Running on the trail certainly had not been easy due to the lack of traction.

It was between the 2 and 3km mark that I gradually felt the fatigue setting in. I was still constantly overtaking other runners. Having been used to the more gradual progression of the longer distances that I was more used to running, I had to constantly remind myself not to relax on the pace. Indeed, the race passed really quickly as before long, the end point seemed noticeable across the waters.

We returned to the trail section of the route slightly before the 4km mark. At this point of time, I had drew nearer to Tony, who was possibly a mere 15m ahead now. I reminded myself to just focus on my effort, as I was confident that unless he picked up his pace, I would catch him. And indeed I did, somewhere past the 4km marker. Nonetheless, all this while, he paced himself the most consistently as both of us, throughout the race, were constantly overtaking other runners.

Who was next? Up ahead, with her bike escort riding beside her, was Vanja Cnops. Just a week ago I had caught up with this lady less than 1km from the finish of the 10.5km race during the North East Compressport Run 2015. I wasn't sure if I would repeat that episode, but I certainly wanted to try. The race was quickly concluding as every step took me significantly closer to the end point and to her. With perhaps 600m to spare, I caught her and moved ahead smoothly. She turned. I wondered if she realised I was the same individual - and possibly the only one - that caught up with her just a week ago. Nonetheless, as a guy, I was no threat to her 1st placed finish in the Women's open category.

A few hundred from the finish. Credit to Running Kaki.

I looked ahead, but the nearest guy in sight was possibly 60m ahead, certainly too far to be caught with just a few hundred metres remaining. The race felt like it would end so quickly. I saw the clock tick past the 18s. Nothing surprising, considering no pace work done at all and my conservative approach which probably helped me finish strongly. I saw two volunteers preparing the tape - not for me but for Vanja of course - and pointing me towards the right end of the finish line. The sub-20 was secured as I kicked through just as the clock struck 19:30. It suddenly dawned on me that I never once was troubled by foot pain - praise God.

100m from the finish, supposedly. Credit to Running Shots.

I wasn't expecting a top-20 finish (though I had my eyes on it while registering), considering how I noticed a staggering amount of individuals ahead of me in the first few hundred metres. I was quite certain that I hadn't actually managed to overtake about 40 of them. Surprisingly, I was directed to a desk to record down my personal details. This probably reinvigorated me as within tens of seconds, I felt fresh, keen to get moving. Shortly after, Vanja, Tony and thereafter, Vivian streamed in. I noticed I was 19th on the list. That was close.

19:19, 19th.

A close inspection reveals 20 on stage, though only 19 are runners... I may have just missed the prize presentation.
Credit to Carnival Run's Facebook page.

It seems like I had totally forgotten that there was a prize presentation. Or rather, I only expected podium finishers to be receiving it personally on stage. Hence, just minutes before 7.00pm, Ben and I decided we'd make a move for a sumptuous dinner at Old Airport Road. Oh well, first time having the chance to go on stage and I forsook it. Yet missing this opportunity absolutely nailed my initial intentions when I started taking running seriously. I set out to run, not for personal reward or prideful achievement, but to devote whatever my God-given talent may be, for His and my pleasure.

Garmin data made possible once again, thanks friends!

I thank God for the company of my brother in Christ :)

And just about four weeks after the race came the cheque :) I've decided to donate the cash to Jacq in support of her fundraising project for Residences@St George's. Check out her cause here.

The first time I've received a monetary reward - and all shall be devoted to God.