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!