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