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.

A Convenient Excuse

"You know, I don't like this attitude of, I had a bad race, but it's a learning experience. I think that's a very convenient excuse to a lot of people."

Alistair Brownlee

2012 and 2016 Olympic Triathlon Champion

Otter Run 2016

I was running out of time. 

3km... and it looked like the gap was 40 seconds.

5km... still 40 seconds?

7km... maybe 35 seconds?

Ah, but you see, the duration of the gap depends on how fast I was running.

I had registered for this race uncertain if I was to be representing NTU for SUniG the subsequent Saturday. It was a little heartbreaking to miss the Early Bird rate (I was just a day late!) of $24, but even the normal rate was priced very modestly. No hesitations to run this small race and support the CSC, perhaps even snatch a podium finish. 

The plan was to eye the competition, stratify my standard and importantly, practice racing. By then, I had known next Saturday would be a major race, hence this race had to be taken gently. My ideal race would constitute starting with the leaders (if and only if they didn't go out too quick), sit and sit and kick towards the end. Kicking wasn't exactly my strength, unless it was a slow race (Strava data of one of my favourite finishes when I slowed down in the middle portions of a race to spur on the female leader till the last 300).

As I arrived at the race venue early (just in time to see the HM runners get flagged off), I looked around and saw two very realistic podium finishers. One was Kien Mau - I certainly am not capable to be contending with such a standard right now. The other was Prasant, a sub-40 10k runner that I've seen running before donning the F1 colours. Interestingly, as with most F1 runners - they start off really quickly. However, I felt that if I could keep him in my sights, I quite definitely would catch him. Yet all these thoughts were hypothetical. The race would soon begin.

Couldn't wait to be racing again. Credit to Otter Run's Facebook page.

Just a few minutes before the flag-off however, a tall (really tall) Caucasian wearing green strode over. Now that seemed to be adding some competition here. We were then flagged off promptly at 7.00am.

I knew I wasn't going to stick with the leaders once they started. One barefoot runner went off to a flying start, probably leading for the first 200m before Kien Mau overtook him. I made a mental note that there were 9 other runners ahead of me - I was aiming for a top-3 finish (realistically 3rd, as Green seemed to have found his way into second).

The initial portions of the route were undulating and winding as it took us through Sengkang Riverside Park. I went easy on the uphills and kept relaxed on the downhills. The gap was growing between the top few and myself, but I had absolutely certainty I would catch up with some. However, the question was, how many exactly.

As we approached the bridge along Sengkang East Way, a runner ahead started brushing his hair very violently. What was happening? I heard it, the buzz. Flies? Felt it on my neck and I (very gently) dusted it. Thankfully it didn't return. The runner ahead however, was still in evident discomfort and agitation. Seems like he even caught up with two others ahead of him in the process. 

I played the game of catch-up. Within the span of the first three km, I had overtaken 6 of the 9 runners ahead. This left me in 4th place. Just one more to go. However, the gap between me and Prasant was huge. I had some time though. I thought so.

Lonely. Credit to Otter Run's Facebook page.

The miles passed and hmm... the gap didn't seem to be decreasing. I had two choices. Bearing in mind that this race was just a week before SUniG, I wasn't prepared to run it too hard (anyway that wasn't going to be easy when I was isolated for about 70% of the race). Therefore, it was a choice between catching up or maintaining my pace (a decent pace, not redlining). I needed some serious motivation if I was to attempt the catch-up - cos 35-40 seconds of a gap wasn't encouraging. At all. I recall making a wish that the race was 15k instead of just 10. I was absolutely certain I would catch him if my wishful thinking came true.

It was towards the the 8km mark, with my existing awareness that this course was going to be short (making catching up even tougher), that I found myself clawing towards Prasant. Noticeably. The gap had shrunk to 30...25...20. It was actually within reach. I knew I wouldn't have to hurt too much if I sped up for this last 1-2km and therefore I found my second wind.

The 20 second gap appeared to be obliterated in... two minutes (ironically)? I knew the race was in my hands as Prasant beckoned me past when I appeared alongside. I played a little additional surge to confirm my dominance. Then I settled (as this race wasn't about the time - it was about a race), preparing to respond if I had to (though I highly doubted it).

It was barely a few hundred metres before the end was in sight. Had I left my surge any bit later, I may have had to contend with a more motivated challenger. It was a pretty big gap now, despite passing only a few hundred metres ago. I negotiated the abrupt left turn and steps and passed the finish. In second.

Where did Green go? Kien Mau and Green were dominant from the start. I knew I couldn't have passed Green. Prasant finished in third, ascertaining that I didn't mishear the claim of the volunteers. I suspected that Green had run off course. That was definitely a realistic possibility and I certainly paid careful attention not to be a victim of misdirection.

I was blessed. It was a pity for Green, who would certainly have come in second (Prasant informed me he saw him a few hundred metres ahead with quite a few km to go). The satisfaction of a well-timed surge that threw me ahead of Prasant was also immense, particularly after realising that the 9th km was covered in 3:41 (Garmin). Coach's intervals seemed to be working for me.

I praised, acknowledging that just a few months ago, I was handicapped with injury. God knows when I would next succumb, but I'm treasuring this opportunity He gave me to participate and enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of running. Not just running, but I'd consider it racing.

Nearing the finish. Credit to Running Shots.

A sudden left turn to the finish. Credit to Otter Run's Facebook page.

Blessed to bless.

Results available three days after.

Strava data available here :)

- update -
Two weeks after the race I received this in my mail! A simple gesture (an engraved medal and a laminated certificate - albeit a misprinted position of '1st Runner') but the attempt is encouraging. Thank you organisers :)