Seizure

"Every man dies. Not every man really lives."

Braveheart

Believe

This too shall pass. 

Sublime Point, Leura.

Lincoln's Rock, Wentworth Falls.

Race Against Hunger 2016

This seemed like a wonderfully timed race. It was adequately far out from IVP (and time trials), it gave me some time to work on faster running and it was just before the onset of a very hectic Paediatric posting. An important element included the cause - all collections from registration fees were to be contributed to the United Nations World Food Programme.

I was also expecting a fast course around Gardens By the Bay. Then I found out that the route was a little more challenging than I had expected.

There were two loops up and down the Marina Barrage. In addition, due to numerous construction activities, there were many turns that would be effective in breaking momentum. Furthermore, there were two narrow hairpin turns to be made, within a matter of about 10m, which would definitely cost a couple of a seconds.

On race day, the sky was overcast and a drizzle had began by the time I arrived at the starting venue. Thankfully, it did not progress! With the monsoon season providing (nearly) daily downpours, we were fortunate that the race was not cancelled or delayed.

Hold up please. Credit to Pink Apple Events.

It was a very small race. I did see a few familiar faces. I caught up with Desmond at the start pen. From my estimates, there were barely a few hundred runners. There was an awful amount of space right at the front. I did notice a few fast looking individuals. I was hoping that I could tag along to someone running a sub-39. The race began.

A lead pack of about 5 runners sped off into the front. A few others ran in isolation, ahead of me. I plodded along at a safe pace, probably around 4min/km. I slowly caught on to a few runners, but a sizeable group was still in the lead pack. I found myself running along, certainly not what I was hoping for.

After the initial few km, a runner in green was beginning to fall back. He was never within the lead pack in the first place. Slowly but surely I knew I was catching him. Eventually, I did pass him as we climbed the first loop of Marina Barrage. I was still pretty comfortable.

Thereafter, I found myself running alone. Yet I was joined by an event cyclist, whom I was extremely thankful for. As to why he decided to provide me with company, I had no idea. I was certainly not within the podium placings.

Eventually came the U-turn as I ran against the runners heading out. It was a very scattered field, yet I appreciated the shouts of encouragement en route. My cyclist was reminding runners to keep to their lefts. As I looked at the distance markers and the time on my watch, I was wondering whether a sub-39 was possible. Nonetheless, I acknowledged that my Garmin was tracking a distance that fell slightly short of the distance markers, hence an accurate distance was slightly questionable.

It wasn't long before the second loop of Marina Barrage was to be ascended. The mentality by this time was a little aggressive as I tackled the uphill and tried my best to work hard during the descent. I was getting really uncomfortable now, yet more accustomed to the rapid breathing due to the recent track workouts that I had just started.

It wasn't a particularly glorious finish however. No massive kick that I executed, as the route veered off to the left and I wasn't too prepared for that. Upon crossing the Finish, volunteers got me to write down my details and I realised I placed 6th.

Sorry just gotta say that these are appletising. Credit to Pink Apple (hah hah) Events. 

This was a race that I began slightly conservatively, thus enabling me to run a convincing negative split, with the second half at a pace appropriate for a sub-39 timing. Seems like it eluded me this time, but I know with the upcoming race-pace sessions in store, it'll come (barring any disaster).

The "1.32km" is probably closer to 1.8k. That's pretty acceptably paced.

Strava data available here!

Being Mortal

The answer, he believed, is that we all seek a cause beyond ourselves. This was, to him, an intrinsic human need. The cause could be large (family, country, principle) or small (a building project, the care of a pet). The important thing was that, in ascribing value to the cause and seeing it worth making sacrifices for, we give our lives meaning.

Being Mortal (2014)

Atul Gawande

In progress

MR-25's Progressive Run (35km). Part thereof. Credit to Chan Chai Hui.

ECP Parkrun #124. Poor race! Where's the sharpness.

Lacking.

Hopefully good health returns as I race the Race Against Hunger 10k the coming Saturday.

MR-25 Elite Selection Trial 2016 (10km)

Agonising.

I had never felt so slow moving uphill. But perseverance through the pain was exactly what I needed.

I met Kasi before flag-off and chatted with some of the MR25 guys. Though this time trial was targeted for club members, it was open to the public to join in. I liked the idea of having company on this time trial as it meant I was more likely to produce a fast workout.

Before the trial on the trail. Credit to Chan Chai Hui.

My plan was to run a sub-45 as a conservative goal, since I had never raced this out and back route. I was also keeping an eye for the sub-43 that was the qualifying time for the Men's Open category. In addition, recognising the route, I knew a negative-split would be ideal as the return would be slightly less challenging than the outgoing course.

Upon flag off, the leaders (Mahendran, Thomas, Chuan Heng etc) went out fast and I tried to be cautious with the pacing. Nonetheless, in retrospect I should have ran a little slower. I passed a few runners, thereafter I ran alongside Suriya as another runner, Jun Wei passed us. I stuck with Suriya for a decent duration, though he eventually finished way ahead in a wonderfully paced run. I was feeling the discomfort pretty early into the race, not aided by the tiring 23~km run just two days ago.

I actually passed Suriya for a moment as we exited the trail onto the tarmac and towards Ranger Station. I could hear him breathing, a little more rapidly than me yet that was deceiving. As we manoeuvred the rocky portions past Ranger Station towards the U-turn, a gap started to form. Meanwhile, I saw the leaders returning. Thomas led, followed by Chuan Heng and a few others.

I made the U-turn at 21:15. I wasn't feeling comfortable at all. I suspected the sub-43 may be out of reach, though I recognised that the return leg of the route was slightly less challenging.

Nonetheless, my legs were challenged whenever we hit the slopes. On the flats, it felt fine, my breathing was reasonable (in my opinion). However, the uphills were agonising. I felt like I was slowing to a crawl (though a reasonably fast one, for a crawl). The descents helped me catch my breath, yet my downhill form certainly deserved some room for improvement.

I realised as the run progressed that though I was breathing pretty rapidly, I wasn't getting too tired. Yet the technicalities made it hard to speed up. In addition, the human barriers required some weaving around. I greatly appreciate the considerate individuals that kept to the left (though admittedly, not all did, either due to ignorance or indifference).

As we were about 1km out from the Finish (based on a rough estimate), I glance at my watch and noticed a high 38:XX. It was then that I realised the sub-43 goal was actually within reach. Driving my arms as I climbed the final ascent, it was time to speed up. Yet the intermittent crowds after the trail weren't helping.

Daylight. Credit to Chan Chai Hui.

I passed the canoe sheds with about a minute plus to spare. I was then pretty convinced all I needed to do was to keep on my feet, be careful with the downhill and the bridge and surely the sub-43 was in the bag.

After rounding the final bend. Credit to Sebastian Goh.

Indeed it was. 42:45. 6th overall.

Kasi finished his race in just above 47. Thomas led from start to finish in a time of 41:19. Suriya ran an amazing negative split, finishing second in 41:32. A few others broke 42 as well.

The first 10 finishers.

My takeaways would first be non-physiological, instead psychological. I still struggle with pushing myself hard as there is the dilemma of training versus performance. On one hand, I know that to obtain ideal physiological training stimulus, I can often run my races slower to improve and to recover adequately. Yet I also desire to occasionally work on my psychological tenacity while pushing beyond ideal physical stimulus. In my race and training schedule filled with spontaneity, it is difficult to determine when it is time to run to the red zone and when to run optimally.

Another point for improvement is my pacing on this route. Though I have negative split most flatter road races, this was disappointing. Despite deceiving halfway splits of 21:15/21:30, the second half was slightly easier. My perception of an ideal split would have been 21:25/21:00. 

Nonetheless, it was a good stimulus to cap off a pretty exhausting week. What's next - I shall see.

Strava data available here :)

Run at SUTD 2016

This was a good opportunity for exposure to the track and to racing on the track.

Furthermore, all registration fees (reasonable at $10) would be going to charity - specifically the Singapore Disability Sports Council.

Important as well was the fact that the location was suited to my agenda.

The competitive category consisted of a small field. I immediately picked out Joo Ern and Karthic. I didn't notice anyone else of too much relevance in the remaining 20-30. Said a quick hello to Joo Ern and then it wasn't long till we were flagged off.

I started off slower than both of them. Two others had sped off to a quick start, though I was certain they would falter as they didn't appear to be in the best of shape (yet looks can deceive). I knew that I had to keep Joo and Karthic within my sights, yet was also keen to run this in appropriate intensity to make it a decent workout - not a killer one.

It wasn't long till I reigned both of them in. Karthic was sitting behind Joo; at once I knew it was likely he was keen to sit and only kick at the end. Meanwhile, I continued behind steadily. I heard Joo's breathing but Karthic was silent.

Joo began to slow the pace. Marginally. Yet it was noticeable - in fact it felt like a jog. I was breathing at a similar rate I would do my long runs in. I was content however, as Garmin indicated we were still running at a pace that would provide me with a decent workout.

It wasn't long before anyone sticking with us faded (considering we were slowing as well) and anyone ahead was caught. After about 7-8 laps into the race, I knew it was time to speed up a little - just to test Joo and check Karthic's tactics.

I surged a little - Joo didn't seem to stick. Karthic however,  followed my moves. Joo was a middle distance specialist so I certainly wasn't about to stick around for his kick, therefore I sped up marginally - though nothing too taxing. From a 4:05 3rd km we ran a 3:51 4th km. I didn't know where Joo was at this point of time but I knew he was not near enough to be heard.

Just two of us left. For now.

The plan for the final two laps was to first make sure I don't get caught by Joo and next, try to respond to Karthic who had no reason not to out-kick me. He was still sticking behind me on lap 11, but he surged into the lead once we hit the bell.

I didn't muster up a very good response because I felt to follow him demanded a pace I couldn't sustain for the entire final lap. His lead had grown into a good 50-odd metres at the 200 mark. It was then that I heard cheers and I knew Joo was behind and closing. The race - my race - was now on.

I had no visual of him. I gradually heard the footsteps and the audible breathing. I then attacked the track yet stayed in control. As we veered off towards the finish 'route' that was demarcated near lane 8, I knew he was getting very close yet I played the boundaries of the route - indicated by cones.

I finished in 18:33:XX. He crossed the line in 18:33:XX. I placed second, to Karthic.

He was evidently spent as he grasped his knees. Karthic had arguably split a sub-70 final lap in an excruciating slow race (by his standards). Joo (after catching his breath) mentioned how he deliberately tried to slow the race down as he knew he had the kick. Thankfully I didn't play into his hands, making an appropriate move slightly after the halfway point to grow a gap.

Tactically, it was extremely satisfying to have finished the race just milliseconds ahead of my fellow competitor. I could easily expand much more energy and place second by a larger margin, but this wasn't about the times, it was about racing. Perhaps another enjoyable and tactfully executed race would be the Otter Run 2016, having surged into second place barely 500m from the finish.

There were prizes for the top 3 competitors. However, none of the cash was going to myself - a commitment I had pertaining to all financial rewards from my racing. God's blessings would be channelled to bless others.

Photo credits: Frasers Centrepoint Limited

Sub 1:20 final 400 :) Strava data available here.

Salomon X-Trail Run 2016

I had signed up (impulsively) with Alvin after we were informed of a discount code ($25!), a substantial reduction from the original $60. I had varying intentions at that point - either run a good trail race (I was expecting a largely road race, based on some reviews of previous editions) or run it with him.

Having had some shin issues in the preceding few weeks, I had given up my race slot to Lester. However, I reclaimed it after the doctor assured me I could run. No need for any rest. At all.

Come race day, I met Alvin (late!) and we headed off to the race venue. Definitely a small event but there were recognisable speedy runners. We also met Chuan Heng at the site. I was confident he would secure a podium finish.

Upon flag-off, it was quite a shock. We were running through a muddy construction region (not made any better with the torrential, continual downpour the day before). I suspected we were in for quite a trail.

The route didn't get much better. I definitely have to credit the organisers for delivering such a thrilling experience across the route. While we could have easily been running on tarmac, we were directed to run parallel - along the ditches, gravel, grass and mud. It was truly maximising any trail that runners could come across.

Around the 2km-3km mark, the route took us to a pretty wet grass field. I was having some fun (genuine fun, having decided my shoes - thankfully I had the foresight to wear an old pair just in case - couldn't get much dirtier than they already were). With all this terrain around and Alvin alongside breathing noticeably, I knew the initial plan of securing a PB for him was highly unlikely.

I really have to commend the organisers on their choice of the route. As I reflect upon it, I really think it was very creative. Finding a trail to run across where roads were abounding.

Nonetheless, there were some more hazardous areas. Towards the 7-8km mark, after spending some time in Coney Island and exiting thereafter, we were directed along a "breakwater" just beside the sea (yes, amazingly). This portion was pretty rocky and we were running diagonally. Perhaps that's where the term rock and roll comes from. Seems like Alvin's ankle rolled a little and got a little shocked there. While that was taking some time manifest, we were still weaving and dodging overlying branches as we scampered through a portion of foliage.

Outside, as the shock caught up with the ankle, we decided it was best to walk (he insisted that he could complete the route - I was prepared to DNF if necessary). No running at all. Now that takes some discipline. Imagine photographers along the way - you have to walk. 1km to the finish - you choose to walk. With the finish line in sight - you still force yourself to walk. After the finish, I got ice for him.

Well this certainly wasn't the most satisfying race. Nonetheless, it was pretty fun (and I was glad to hear the day after that Alvin's ankle was fine). What a thrill. What a trail.

Strava data available here!

Crack

I hope not.

Update 5 October 2016 - Cleared!

Asics City Relay Singapore 2016

Free slot earned from a simple contest! The requirements: post a 5km run and the fastest 12 earn a slot. In fact, it a little too much of a hassle to dedicate a run just for the contest, hence I cropped out my fastest 5km of a 14km~ run ;)

How best can I find the fastest 5km split in this varied course?

I started the day tutoring the P4s at BCCS. Thereafter came an enjoyable lunch with Wen Shien and Ben. I headed home feeling a little dreary - yet it was too late to get a nap. The afternoon passed quickly and it was time to head over to the Singapore Sports Hub.

With a friendly bunch - Wei Hsien, Alex and Eugene - we were the third team that was formed from the giveaway contest. Wei Hsien suggested we target a sub-3 performance. I knew that I could produce a sub-4min/km performance on my leg barring disaster in my legs. 

Beginnings. Credit to Asics City Relay's Facebook page.

I was off to a flying start as I happened to be positioned pretty near the front. However, I didn't keep it up for long, settling into a pace that felt like a trudge after the first two hundred. This meant I would be passed by so many at the start, leaving me more to catch as the race progressed. I was feeling pretty flat and the scorching weather despite the 6pm flag-off wasn't helping. Nonetheless, I know it was best I stay conservative.

Round 1. Credit to Running Shots.

It wasn't exactly an exciting route - two routes around the vicinity of the Singapore Sports Hub. There were numerous twists and turns, though no major elevation changes. As the race progressed, I found myself quickly catching hold of the many that surpassed me. For all those females that passed me - sorry but I didn't spot any that I reckoned wouldn't be overtaken by the time I was done with my race.

Sure enough, I passed the likes of some unknown females, many unknown males (since many had started so fast) and some more recognisable individuals like Tony Seakins (he's a great runner in his 60s but he probably isn't pacing himself ideally if he's ahead of me) and Rachel See (she wasn't looking too comfortable after what seemed like too quick a first round - if she was running the FM category). I was closing in on an SMRT runner with every step as I approached the end of the first run. As I passed him, I saw him turning into the transition zone, evidently he was running the HM relay category.

To begin the second round, participants had to run through an indoor portion of the stadium, beneath the seats. It was a pretty dark area with eerie blue lights. The runner in front was a good 50m ahead, hence I was pretty lonely while running the unfamiliar round beneath the stadium seats. As I emerged and exited the air-conditioned comfort of the stadium into the slightly less sunny great outdoors, I knew it was time to play catch-up. I knew that was my strength, particularly in non-key races.

Catching up on round 2. Credit to Running Shots.

It was time for some fun as little by little, I caught individuals. Having caught a majority in the first lap, there weren't many left but these were notable runners. Vivian Tang was running great - considering she was ahead of me in the second round - for a moment at least. I passed another individual whom I recognised to be Michael Hua (a pretty good masters runner) from a year ago in the No Frills Run 2015.

Credit to Pictureart.

As I approached the stadium, I caught sight of an F1 runner and another Caucasian. Pity The F1 runner was too far ahead, but I did pass the Caucasian just before transition to Wei Hsien. It was up to the team to do the rest - I had done my part.

31st place overall, 18th in our category :)

Location splits were a little inaccurate. I certainly didn't split a 18:12 5km.

GPS tracking was miserable through the stadium. Nonetheless 38:37 for the course sounds decent!

Awesome123 (don't even know how we got that team name).
Credit to Asics City Relay's Facebook Page.

Trail Run Championships 2016

This is long awaited (nah, don't think anyone was waiting to be honest), but I've finally decided to get down to pen my race experience.

Priced at $2, this was difficult to resist. Furthermore, location was pretty convenient. However, I didn't forsee just how muddy the terrain would become after the morning's downpour that took place as I raced the SUniG Road Race 2016.

I knew with the body spent in the morning, this would simply be a gentle jog - at least for the majority of the race. Flag off was announced to be at 4pm - though I later found out that different categories would be flagged off at different times. Men's Open - mine - would only commence around 4.30pm.

Having gathered earlier, I looked around, noticing formidable runners across local championships and even a SEA Games runner. A runner approached and introduced himself to be Wei Hsien, one of my teammates for upcoming the Asics City Relay 2016 (our team comprised of runners who had won free slots in a contest).

I chatted with a few others as well like CP, HS etc. It wasn't before long it was time for flag-off. I queued up somewhere mid-pack and we were off. I started very conservatively.

To the extent of being the last. No one else was behind me. I wasn't that slow though! Felt like a 5:45 pace.

As we progressed through the route, it didn't take long to discover the effects of the morning rain. Thunderstorm in fact. The route was somewhat flooded in one area - ankle deep muddy water. 

I gradually caught up with other participants, while still running very comfortably though progressively increasing my pace. 

We then exited at Lornie. The sun was scorching. What a unique challenge of the elements I was experiencing that day. I caught up with HS, cheering him on and asking him to stick with me but he urged me ahead. I tried my best to cheer on runners as I passed.

It wasn't till after the 3km mark where I decided to speed up substantially, while still feeling comfortable. Thereafter came my sprint along the significant descent and ascent to the finish. 

19:15. That wasn't too bad. A recovery race, I guess? (For comparison, the winner was blazing under the blazing sun, finishing in a time of 14:43)

What's the hurry. Be the last runner (not kidding) for a moment.

Perhaps I can speed up a little.

My left foot has a tendency to flail medially.

Photo credits: XYZ Photos

Strava data accessible here!

SUniG Road Race 2016

And there it goes.

Shivers down my spine, the wind and rain through my skin.

Tension in the final minutes.

Any time now.

We're off.

The tiny first loop.

With smiles for now.

I know my targets.

My pass time.

Passed and running past no man's land.

Left foot.

Right foot... nearly done.

Oh so near.

After the storm. 

Courageous capt.

Alongside.

All in.

Photo credits to Alvin, Kasi, Sarra, Guo Jie, XYZ Photos (Yuan Zhi), NTU Spirit (Jun Cen) ... any others? :)

I have fought this fight and finished this race but so much
more importantly than any earthly race, may I keep the faith. 

The desire to represent NTU was first introduced in 2015, when I was hearing about the Inter-Varsity Polytechnic competition. The goal was to run the 10,000m. After all, if I had loved the sport and had a decent ability, why not use running as a platform to contribute and inspire. A breakthrough in performance came with an approximately sub-39 paced race in September, barely three months prior IVP, though it wasn't 'official' since the race was about 200m short (measured on GPS). Sadly, injury struck thereafter, taking me out for an agonising three months. That meant my goal for that academic year was gone.

The following academic year presented the perfect opportunity. I had a few months of minimally interrupted training and this time, ran a sub-39 en-route a 10.5km (GPS-measured) race. Furthermore, it was a comparably conservative effort in contrast to the first sub-40 race I had run (necessitating a visit to the medical tent). However, I ran that race with the burden of imminent ITBS just preparing to flare. The subsequent two months were an uncertain period before another miraculous resolution, occurring barely two months before SUniG Road Race 2016 - my next opportunity. On one hand, I had the benefit of abundant time during throughout the day as it was a period of... relaxed curriculum. However, two months was a major time restriction. Three or four months - that would have been much more comforting to produce a performance, due to my preferred slow, progressive nature of aerobic training.

I worked within my limitations. I then came to realise qualifying to be part of the six that ran wasn't in any way easy. I barely made it. It was simply a God-given chance, a second chance.

Race-day (11 September 2016) came and I was filled with apprehension yet excitement and hunger. My first race representing NTU. I donned the NTU-top for the first time ever with much pride and gratitude, choosing to attribute this opportunity as God-granted and for the purpose of His glory.

The skies were cloudy and the forecast predicted impending thunderstorms. About 30 mins before flag off, the heavens opened. Ferocious gusts and flashes of lightning illuminated the gloomy surroundings. The sun had vanished.

I hated wet conditions.

In my mind, I had mixed feelings. Getting to West Coast Park was no doubt quite a hassle, hence a postponement would be pretty frustrating. Yet running in sub-optimal conditions (wet, slippery grounds) and with a sub-optimal psyche (wet, slipper grounds and soaked shoes) wasn't too appealing either.

The rain continued for a long time. In fact, it was still drizzling by the time the announcement that the race would proceed came, albeit a 9.20am flag off as opposed to 8.00am. This was it. We were to proceed and I had better get myself ready, perhaps more mentally than physically. A brief warm up left my shoes soaked. I proceeded with some race-pace strides and the final few minutes were spent in prayer. It was time.

Kai Peng had informed me that he did not make the team nor the reserves. That had to mean the competition would be extremely stiff. It would be a narrow battle between NUS and NTU. I knew NUS had the upper hand - as to what extent, I did not know. All I knew was that I needed to be conservative (as I often am) yet aggressive (early enough) in my pursuit of anyone with an orange top. I was realistic that I could well be NTU's 6th runner. Though this meant not clinching any points for the team, I could contribute by giving every other school a run for their points. Every point I could add to their score would count (here's a recap on cross-country scoring).

We arranged ourselves based on expected finish order (except for Yuan Yi and I) - Kien Mau, Andreas, Zorn, Lester, myself and Yuan Yi. I was to start ahead of Yuan Yi as I had the tendency to be conservative while he often started too aggressively. Constant prayers on peace, surrender, joy and favour were uttered in the final few moments before we were flagged-off at 9.20am sharp.

Many, if not all of the fast competitors were experienced, segregating themselves quickly into appropriately-paced packs. I immediately eyed my competition - oranges. The first four were clearly ahead, but the fifth and sixth tops were in the same pack as I was. Bearing that in mind, I proceeded at my intended race pace.

We first covered a small loop spanning approximately 1km, before proceeding for the larger loop that would take us past the underpass and to the Eastern (the map below is not oriented) end of the park. I was surprised that Yuan Yi had yet to pass me; I was concerned that not all was right for him. As for me, I found myself right on the heels of orange-5 and orange-6 as we began the bigger loop. It wasn't long before they, along with some others, were on my heels - and the gap growing. It was then time to look further and identify where orange-4 was.

The small loop

He was a decent distance ahead, perhaps 15 seconds or thereabout. Lester was slightly ahead of him. I was about 2km in, feeling comfortable, but pretty lonely. I hardly ever look back in races - and certainly was not going to for this race. Therefore, I had no idea if anyone was behind to work with. My goal was to do my best to catch orange-4 and give NUS an extra point.

Though I would have wished I could savour every detail, I do not recall being thoroughly engaged. Sure, I was working hard yet the fitness developed over the past two months was manifesting. I was soaked to the skin - shoes, shirt and all. I paid attention to the slippery surfaces. I ran the tangents skilfully. Importantly, I focused on keeping up the intensity even as I ran alone.

As the race continued I realised I the gap was growing. I had no idea who he was but I knew these NUS guys were quick. Regardless of the circumstance, I was determined to run my heart out. “Run till your tongue touched the ground” to quote Coach.

The rest of the race passed in a blur. Getting increasingly uncomfortable by the minute, I saw the girls heading out, cheering them on as we passed. As I was nearing the 5km mark, I heard pounding footsteps behind me. Strange, but I never looked back. I was however extremely alert to the individual - the proximity, the intensity of breathing. They disappeared within seconds, I had no clue whether that was a competitor or any other individual.

As I rounded the final small loop, I knew I had to began my kick early enough in order to run the fastest time - even if I was not going to catch orange-4. After rounding a few curves with a slight ascent, I began the controlled kick. That was easily 350m out. Accelerating progressively as I drove my arms, I experienced increasing agony with every stride. I embraced it, fighting the voices that suggested slowing a little. Was there anyone who would pass me? Didn't I have sufficient a lead as the path behind me seemed silent? The voices fell on deaf ears.

It was over so quickly. At the finish, I grabbed my knees and gasped for the first time in too long. This was it. I had finished what I had intended to start. The intensity of satisfaction overflowed. Praise ensued.

As this race marks the end of SUniG for us, every time I look back I recognise the favour granted to me. I love running; I certainly had acceptable abilities - though not extravagant talent but one which I was willing to work for; I had favourable circumstances. When passion, abilities and destiny come together, they formed a launching pad to propel me into this avenue. I must cherish this opportunity, I must use it for His glory.

My second chance; a day to remember.