Aranda May Day Run 2015

I chanced upon this event and noting it's cost and how it suited my schedule, I didn't hesitate before signing up. Perhaps the only push factor was the mild inconvenience of registration - having to mail payment.

This was to be the first of a series of races - not all of running nature - that I would embark on in the month of May. For this event, I was hoping to experiment with a racing strategy (and tactics if possible) - and perhaps snatch a podium finish if competition allowed, due to the small scale of this event. Nonetheless, this was not an important race and I intended to include an extended warm-up (and a cool down if circumstances permitted). With regard to race strategy, I was hoping to attempt an even split for this distance (slightly under 5.5km~) as in my only other 5km race (Carnival Run 2015), I had ran a negative split.

Alas, when I arrived at the race venue, I saw the large group of F1 runners. Having seen them compete in other running events, I identified a couple of them whose abilities definitely surpassed mine. I was hoping that there were some whose ability levels matched mine, thus providing some competition. After registration, I proceeded to do an extended warm-up, covering a portion of the race route.

With just under 10 minutes to go, I used the restroom then headed to the start line. I was feeling a little fatigued and certainly soaked with perspiration from the warm-up.The group of about 80 of us was then flagged off at 8.00am. 

I took awhile before finding some empty space in the first hundred metres, by then I noticed a few prominent F1 runners in the distance, together with other fellow runners who I suspected would quickly slow. My beliefs were quickly confirmed as I found myself overtaking some runners, with only three F1 runners ahead. Running alongside me was Lexxus Tan, the coach of F1 runners, who was obviously relaxed. Looking back, he was perhaps making an assessment of me - aspects such as smoothness, breathing etc. After just a few hundred metres with me, he then sped up to join his other runners while I continued, alone.

As I took a look at the four runners ahead, I was certain three of them were certainly faster runners than I was. I knew a podium finish wasn't possible unless one blew up. There was an F1 runner who didn't strike me as particularly quick, yet he certainly ran his first km rapidly, sticking to Jacky Ong, the eventual champion.

My FR15 beeped 3:49 at the first km. That was a little faster than what I wanted and I wasn't quick confident of keeping pace. Nonetheless, this race was all about experimentation. Unfortunately, I didn't have anyone near me to "race", thus the next aim was to work on pacing and get in a workout. As the kms went by, I proceeded to overtake the slowing F1 runner (not unexpectedly), though I myself was slowing too. I did feel some discomfort around my lateral abdominal region, probably attributed to my musculature not being accustomed to the pace that my cardiovascular system was prepared to handle. This forced me to ease off the pace a little, explaining the unfortunate 4:00 5th km.

All this while, the other F1 runners had extended their leads. Lexxus ran with the eventual runner-up, constantly looking back - probably watching out for me while spurring his trainee (who seemed to be struggling a little) on. Lexxus eventually (deliberately) crossed the finish just a second after his trainee, while I finished in 4th. Thereafter, I proceeded for a short break and some hydration before heading out for a cool down.

At the finish. Credit to Aranda Country Club

The event concluded with a pleasant reception at Aranda Country Club, including a brilliant lucky draw with 20 prizes (bearing in mind there were only 80+ runners) and certifications of achievement for every runner. The podium finishes for both genders were fully snatched up by the F1 runners. Overall, this was a simple yet well organised race. My takeaways extended beyond the goodie bag, the reception or the certificate, but included aspects on race strategy. I believe an even pace is certainly possible (as long as I work my core). Furthermore, experimentation with an extended warm-up and cool down suggested that I could afford to shorten my warm-up duration for a race of this distance. Certainly a race I'll be looking forward to support once again :)

Strava data.