Sundown Marathon 2016

It was a race of impatience.

I wasn't particularly excited about running this - though I had previously agreed to this free slot in exchange for a review. I didn't enjoy running at night due to the poor visibility, higher humidity (generally the case, in my opinion) and of course, my bedtime.

Therefore, in the days prior I was considering running the 10km in about 45-50mins - or perhaps squeeze in a tempo workout by running the first 5km slowly and the next 5km more quickly. All these plans amounted to nothing the moment I arrived at the race village.

I had arrived nearly 2 hours before flag off as I heard of the disastrously lengthy queues for the Late Race Pack Collection. Shockingly, I was immediately served upon my arrival. This left me with a tremendous window of time to occupy myself before the race started. Since I was early, when it finally got to 9.30pm and the race pen opened - I entered. That was the mistake that led to my downfall.

Don't get me wrong however - I think I ran this race pretty well in terms of speed. Yet I should have modified my expenditure of effort.

Flag off was at 10.00pm sharp. I started off a little quickly to avoid the crowd but subsequently ensured that I slowed down soon enough. During the first km, it felt as though a hundred individuals had overtaken me. I knew I'd catch a huge number of them though if I just stuck to my pace (4:17 for the first km - nothing too quick but way quicker than I had intended). 

One of the biggest dilemmas I have is when I'm running, I despise slowing down towards the end. Everyone hates that, just that I tend to be able to gauge my effort adequately to know that I have the reserves to speed up as the workout progresses. In this case, I had started significantly faster than I had intended - I didn't want to slow down. Hence I decided to stick to the pace, which probably made the run a less desirable workout than it could have been.

I'm glad to say I clung to a conservative pace for the first few km, covering the first 4km in just over 17mins which would be on track for a sub-43. Understandably I was overtaking many individuals who had previously sped past me in the earlier kilometres and perhaps consequently, I subconsciously sped up. The next few kilometres had me running at sub-4min/km (I only realised this in retrospect as in the moment, it didn't feel that quick). I could have continued at this pace had I wished, but thankfully I caught up with Jasmine (I always happen to meet her!) and decided to stick with her. On one hand, I was glad to provide some form of encouragement (I hope!), on the other hand, it was a good reason to tell myself to slow down.

And we come. Credit to Run, Don't f/Stop.

The kick. Credit to Marathon-Photos.com

Yet as part of my second big mistake for the day, I decided to sprint the last few hundred. I was probably about 300m from the line - it was a thrilling first hundred or so, thereafter I felt the delayed fatigue set in, but in my pride I wanted to finish strongly - hence I did. In the 40-odd seconds (I presume), I'm guessing I caught a handful of runners.

Credit to Marathon-photos.com

Credit to Marathon-photos.com

Impatience.

What have I learnt from this race? It seems that I lacked discipline, having treated this as a training/fun run. Perhaps I need to swallow my pride and ensure I slow down (if that's too difficult - at the very least I shouldn't speed up) if indicated, despite having plentiful reserves. After all, I'd like to think I'm in for the long-term gains - not the short, cheap thrills - echoing Philip's conservation with me during last week's National Vertical Marathon 2016.

Results very promptly released the next evening. The position is misleading because runners

in the Team category are not factored in (I'm probably closer to 30ish~ place overall).

National Vertical Marathon 2016

I was certainly going to register for this race when registration opened. It was a well-organised race last year (I wished I had started participating earlier), furthermore there were wonderfully sponsored goodie bags. Not to mention I was an NTU student in support of the NTU Sports Club. Lastly, it was a realistic chance to clinch some attractive prizes. 

It was one of the rare races that didn't inflate its registration fees - priced at $26 for the Open category, just like in 2015. In addition, Philip suggested we form a team to participate in the Open Relay category. I welcomed the idea and thus a team was formed - Philip, myself, Yaner and Julia.

My reporting time for my Open Men's race was 7.00am. As Noel's reporting time was 7.30am, we got a lift down to the venue, reaching just after 7. A slight drizzle greeted us, hence most participants took cover in the shelter of the surrounding buildings. I was understandably a little nervous. Firstly, I forgot to indicate my interest to run in the same wave as other participants eg Russell, hence I had no company initially. Furthermore, I was keen to improve on my timing from last year's edition, hence I knew I had to go in with a bit of a plan - to pace well and then try hard towards the latter stages.

I proceeded to collect my race pack. This year's race tee was light blue - sadly a little less appealing than last year's.I was initially scheduled to be in Detail 25 Lane B, with the race timing to be 7.48am. However, due to missing individuals etc, the numbers were not strictly adhered to (which made sense, especially if some original details had multiple absentees). I was scheduled with 5 other individuals for Detail 20, based on chronological order. Had a brief chat with an NTU-alumnus named Eric just to ease the tension before the start of the race. At just after 8am, we were flagged off, our category proceeding along Staircase A.

Sizing up my fellow participant. Credit to NVM's Facebook.

I proceeded into a run and thus led my small pack of fellow climbers. One the climbing started, I ensured I stuck to a realistic pace, knowing that fatigue would catch up with me before long. Initially, a runner behind seemed to start catching up with me. I continually grabbed the handrails, making every step as efficient as possible. Based on my experience from the Ulu Pandan Vertical 2016, I had started off a little too quickly hence faltered and lost concentration towards the final third. I knew that in this longer race, getting the correct foot placement was paramount.

The first drink station passed at the 15th floor, which I skipped. I had started overtaking participants from earlier details since about the 10th floor onwards. All were willing to give way - as long as they noticed I was approaching. I was glad to hug the inside of the rail on most occasions as I gained leverage from it. I could sense the gradual fatigue building up as I reached the 33th floor in 5:05. It seemed like I was on course to improve my timing if I could maintain the pace!

I felt the discomfort, more acutely now, at around the 40th floor. A few floors later, I glanced up again. This was the phase where focus was absolutely necessary - balancing the coordination between the lungs and limbs while trying to utilise as much reserves as I had. Finally I had the 63rd floor and thereafter the floor numbers disappeared - yet I knew it would be anytime soon. Then came the all too familiar open door - an indication that the top was very near now. I sprinted along the short straight and finally emerged at the highest point, dashing past the line. I stopped my watch in 10:14. I was pleased.

Credit to Firefly Photography.

Hydration (100 Plus) was available at the top as we collected our finisher's medals. There were also wet wipes handed out, along with a photo point (not quite a booth) to capture the backdrop of panoramic scenery. I had the chance to talk to Eric and another runner named Keegan. Thereafter, it was a time for a short break before my return in the afternoon. And just before heading out - I received a pleasant phonecall :)

Apparently just in time. Credit to NVM's Facebook.

As I returned for my second event of the day - the Open Relay. This event was a relay race. The three transition zones were the 15th floor, the 32nd floor and the 44th floor. Being the freshest participant - I was to take the final leg - undoubtedly the toughest climb of all.

It wasn't till nearly 4pm that our team was flagged off. 6 relay teams were flagged off at the same time, with only the first climber of each team starting from the ground floor, while the other climbers were distributed at the higher levels. I was thankful to be climbing this with the company of Philip (the leader), Yaner and Julia - who had positioned themselves in that order as well. The stair rail started shaking - marking the start of the relay. Before long, a girl was emerging and I knew it would be Julia.

With a quick tap of the hand, it was now my turn to execute the climb. The first few floors of my leg (up to 48) were pretty straightforward, with two flights of stairs per level. Thereafter came a short transition to three flights per floor. This was particularly challenging as it was difficult to find rhythm. I knew it was important to concentrate on my rhythm (as opposed to pure exertion) as stair-climbing was definitely more technical than running.

The relay was by far more energy-sapping that the previous climb of the entire building. Though I was climbing about 22 storeys (44th floor to the top - approximately 66 storeys), the pace soon left my lungs and lungs burning. My saving grace was that it didn't last too long - I stopped my watch just after I passed the Finish (timing mat) in about 2:30.

Yaner, Julia, myself and Philip :) Credit to Firefly Photography.

With Yaner and Kai Peng.

Blessed.

A sizeable improvement from last year's edition! :) By all of us in fact!

The Performance Series 2016 (Race 1: Coney Island)

Just the day before, I wasn't sure if I could complete this distance. On Thursday evening, my right IT Band had flared up without warning. Having been accustomed to the dangers of that injury, yet knowing how I had migratory/progressive/intermittent knee pains over the past 4 weeks, I knew anything could happen, and I sure hoped it went well and well throughout. 

Amidst my apprehension, I was willing to try, just as how I knew miracles could occur (Daniel 4, that I happened to read just before my race, or in fact, my personal experience here). And however my race would turn out, I intended for it to glorify God.

I was torn on race day itself, between whether I should run a fast race (and risk blowing up) or take a stroll. I was even considering not running at all - but this race was sponsored and put together by a great team from JustRunLah!, hence I wanted to honour the opportunity they had given me and their hard efforts over the preceding months.

Here's the founder of The Performance Series. Read more here.

Having arrived at the start point just before 7am, I was able to access hassle-free baggage deposit and adequate restrooms (both portable and permanent). Thereafter, I headed down to the start pen which was already pretty filled at the front. Inching my way forward, I managed to get to within 5m of the start. That doesn't sound like much, but it's dependent on who's in front. If there are multiple slower runners - the path may be obstructed for the first 100m, requiring fartlek-style weaving if the route was narrow.

Right at 7.30am, the race was flagged off. I started off slowly - intending to run a good timing but not excessively uncomfortably either. I did feel a little more lethargic than usual - mentally from the fear that my injury would suddenly flare, physically because of the reduced training I had undertaken in the preceding weeks.

A huge pack had started off quickly, but I didn't care as they weren't my goal. There was indeed some weaving to be done as I passed runners, though this subsided after about 100m. I passed Yee Chieng, wondering if I could get some sub-40 company, though he mentioned that he was taking it easy today due to injury. I proceeded onwards comfortably and the first km was passed in about 3:55, with the distance marker emerging right after.

Indeed, around the 30th position right now, early in the race.

The initial portions of the route were undulating - definitely far from hills per se but still not the easiest to find rhythm along. I was way off from the lead pack - easily position 25-30 (in retrospect) and had trouble finding anyone trudging along at my pace as I gradually caught up with others. As I was running up a bridge I saw Jenny Huang, one of the race ambassador's. As I ran down, I saw Melvin Wong (SEA Games 2017 - 10km in 32:59) in the near distance, moving along gently with a small group of runners - I suspected he was pacing them close to a 40min 10km. I remained in that small pack (the first pack I found) for about 200m before realising they either were slowing or I felt too comfortable, hence I moved ahead.

In the distance I saw Jasmine. I shouted a greeting before moving ahead as well. It seemed like a game of catch-up. The route was pleasant and the weather was likewise. I felt fine - comfortable but not finding it effortless. It wasn't long before I entered Coney Island for the first time.

Thankfully, the trail was pretty dry and runnable (not too slippery/slidey). Nonetheless, I'd have preferred tarmac any time if I wanted to run a quick time. I found that I was still clicking off pretty acceptable kms in the 3:52-53 range. I did however, know that my breathing was getting a bit more laboured but certainly not in distress. My FR15 beeped and I noticed I passed the 5th km in just under 19:30, seeming to be right on pace if I wanted to run a sub-39 (that became a realistic target at that point of time). Coney Island was a point of significant overtaking as I passed easily 5-7 individuals while running at my steady pace. Of note were 2 ladies - Mok Ying Rong and a Caucasian - the eventual champions in the Female Closed/Open categories respectively.

Leaving Coney Island brought me to a short portion of tarmac, before returning to soft ground near the Lorong Halus Wetland. A volunteer shouted "8th" - which came as a pleasant surprise as I didn't think I was doing that well (though of which category he was referring to, I wasn't aware). I was catching up with Lexus and without around turning to identify me, he beckoned me past as my shadow gradually drew level with his. I accepted his offer, despite my mind starting to encourage me to take it easy - for my injury, that's what it said.

Admittedly, I did take it more easily. Somehow, I had found a reason to believe that a sub-39 wasn't possible (though in retrospect I realise from my Strava splits that it was). As I slowed, I found myself catching up to a Gurkha - the fourth runner of the Champion Team. Eventually, I passed him just before the 9km mark and I tried to speed up a little.

I was somewhat successful in doing so. I was however, aware of the growing discomfort and subsequent mild pain in the lateral aspect of my right knee. I knew I could complete the race, but the awareness of the injury meant that I was convincing myself not to push too hard. In the distance, I saw some blue banners which I thought was the Finish and thus I sped up, only to realise that they were just Lucozade banners while the Finish was still not in sight! By then, my FR mentioned that I had already covered more than 10km.

Where's my finish line. Credit to Run Shoot Repeat.

Thankfully, the Finish quickly approached. I knew I had comfortably ran a sub-40 and there wasn't anyone around me, hence I lacked some motivation to finish spectacularly. Nonetheless, the sight of the Finish was energising and I proceeded to stride comfortably past.

Thereafter, I was handed a "Potential Winner" tag - that was a first (receiving a tag). I presumed that it was given out to all the top-10 finishers who would subsequently be receiving a prize. More surprisingly, they actually requested that I write down my details and to my pleasant surprise - in the 2nd position row for the Closed Men's category. As I was doing so, they apologised and told me to write in the 3rd position row instead. Either way, I was pretty elated and simply shocked. I had the impression I was in 8th place (after the volunteer's exclamation) and since then had only overtaken 2 individuals.

Then I felt the growing pain. It was a dull ache, but I knew it would probably grow.

I grabbed some words and photos with the friendly Gurkhas (Team Champs), Lexus, Ying Rong and whoever else I knew (of course I had to grab a photo with the race founder, Zhiyong). In addition, I grabbed a few bottles of refreshing Lucozade and thereafter, stretched and waited... During the wait, Lexus informed me that I had actually come in 2nd for the Closed Men's category as the 2nd Singaporean had signed up under the Open category. If not for my growing injury, everything seemed brilliant thus far - this was divine favour.

The friendly bunch.

The prize presentation was awfully long, with a total of 50 prizes to be given out. That was a brilliant gesture, despite the lengthiness, as I'm certain most prize recipients treasured their chance to receive a prize on stage. F1 runners did produce a significant sweep of the prizes - I myself was sandwiched between Lexus and Stuart Haynes for the Men's Closed Category.

Results released the day after the race.

Strava data available here ~ An en-route 10km PB (38:55) despite my less than ideal shape and effort.

If not for what I presume was an easily correctable error - the incorrect race distance - I felt that this was an excellent debut race of The Performance Series. Would I sign up for more? Why not - assuming I'm back in good health.

Till then ~