MR-25 Progressive Run 2019 (10km)

Loving the surprising, sneaky finish

Asics Relay Singapore 2018

Race Against Cancer 2018

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2017

Asics Relay 2017

Real Run 2017

The Flying Doctors

The Start.

Entering Coney Island.  

Not gonna be this comfortable for much longer.

Almost.

Privileged to be running with these docs.

Race Against Cancer 2017

Every day in Singapore, 35 people are diagnosed with cancer and 15 pass away from it (based on 2011-2015 data). Addressing this hinges on prevention, screening and seeking treatment early, in accordance to one's goals.

Race Against Cancer is an event I've been supporting annually (though previous injury and the weather did result me missing the 2015 and 2016 events) ever since I first participated in 2012.

I ran the race with Joanna, Bryan and Joel. It's been ages since I've ran with them and it was certainly enjoyable, while all of us recognised the deeper meanings this race had for us in Bartley, particularly with the passing away of a friend due to cancer a few years ago.

Income Eco Run 2017

Zero waste runner.

Ben and I participated in the last 3 editions in this race and this time, Wen Shien was joining us!

I recall it was back in December 2016 (if my memory's to be trusted) that we registered for this event at a really affordable rate. As the months passed, we managed to get in a little bit of training together, in addition to the Wheel Walk Jog (4km~) event a week prior.

Humidity. The enemy of just about every runner in Singapore. He was present, even early in the morning of that Sunday. According to our previous plans, our aim was to complete the 10k in 50mins. I was particularly hopeful for that because I had witnessed Wen Shien's dedication to running regularly.

The route was typical of a run held in this vicinity. After all, how many options does Singapore provide. Wen Shien was moving along steadily, while Ben seemed to develop some discomfort about halfway through. I was torn between sticking with Ben and pressing on with Wen Shien, both of whom would certainly benefit from company.

I lingered with Ben will about 7km where I decided I wanted to help Wen Shien to perform as well as possible, just as I had encouraged Ben a few year's back when we ran a fast race.

By then, participants of the 21km category had merged with us, therefore it meant a substantial amount of weaving. On a brighter note, this meant many individuals to catch up with.

The last few km must have been excruciating. I've experienced the battle of the mind where only by sheer will and some foolishness urges one past previously discovered boundaries. In the end, as Wen Shien and I passed the finish line, I certainly was satisfied.

This race means much to me. I do enjoy a running and furthermore, a race that supports a worthy cause, but paramount to me is the company - one which I foresee will last - and this is my greatest joy.

2XU Compression Run 2017

I arrived just as the tail end of the first wave departed. 

I'm usually early.

But this time complacency got the better of me and I missed the flag-off of the first wave of the 10km runners. I could try to catch-up with the front runners - but they'll probably be way ahead. The alternative would be to join the second wave. Perhaps even join the 5km later.

The 5km. Credit to Pink Apple Events.

As luck would have it, Jacq found me on the same MRT carriage.

Run For Hope 2017

Service.

I dwelt on the word, even as I rushed over for group training and as I got up early (earlier than my other races) on race day.

This race was about performance. I needed to perform according to my expectations. Today, it was to pace other runners to a 60min 10km race.

I first chanced upon the opportunity to become a pacer for Run for Hope 2017 on Facebook by Coffee Tea Runners. They're a group that conducts regular casual group runs in addition to providing pacing support to a variety of local events. One aspect which enticed me was that apart from the time trial, there were only 2 training sessions prior to the event day. This meant significantly less time commitment (which admittedly, is a challenge) as opposed to becoming a pacer for other events. In addition to that, Run for Hope champions cancer awareness and research.

Pacer selection was determined through a 10km time trial, whereby we were flagged off minute by minute and made to run the (approximately?) 10km route with as little km to km variation in our splits.

Upon selection, we engaged in two group training sessions. The bunch of pacers came from diverse walks of life. Some were retirees, while others were freshly starting out in the workforce. As a student, I was the youngest. Nonetheless, despite varying backgrounds, all of us there were like-minded in seeking to perform well, for the benefit of others. Service.

Our first group training.

Colourful. Our second training.

Looking back over the couple of years since I've started running, I recognise how it's given me a keen sense of purpose, in addition to helping me organise my life and priorities. I knew that this was a great chance to give back to the sport and the community.

We paced fellow runners to a finish of just below an hour. Service; with humility.

En route. Credit to Running Shots.

MR-25 Progressive Run 2017 (10km)

Photo credits: Chan Chai Hui

Mileage New Year Run 2017

Two events occurred this week. A week that spans the old and the new. A week spanning 2016 and 2017. I pen this a little confused, uncertain about my intentions and purposes I wish to convey. Yet a failing memory entreats me to materialise my thoughts before they become nought. 

The first event was a 5000m Time Trial in the attempt to qualify for IVP. I had previously recorded a 5km East Coast Parkrun timing of 18:36. I wanted a sub 18:30. More importantly, I was hoping I could achieve a timing that could qualify me as one of the two runners participating. The time to beat was 18:25. With a tumultuous and hectic course and travelling schedule in December 2016, my health was in question and consequently, my fitness.

My previous intentions were not to focused on qualifying for the 5000m. Instead, the 10000m was the goal as I felt I had a relatively better performance and experience with it than over the 5000m. Unfortunately, I slowly figured that it was out of reach as qualifying times were beyond my reach. I would likely have to run a sub-38 which wasn't feasible, at present. An attempt towards the 5000m was the slightly more realistic option. Why any shot at IVP was important was because this year would likely be the last chance I had at representing NTU. Ignorance and injury had led me to forsake the previous two editions of IVP, whereby I did stand realistic qualifying chances to participate as a runner. Back in 2016, I finally had the chance to participate in the SUniG Road Race. I would be engaging in an elective rotation in London during SUniG 2017, and undertaking my final examinations during IVP 2017-18.

Suffice to say, I didn't perform the way I wished. I had actually performed poorer despite agreeable weather around a dead-flat track, completing the 5000m in 18:48. Though I went off at a reasonable pace of 3:40/km, I succumbed to fatigue after 3000m. Furthermore, Zuo Hong, who had initially decided to run the trial with me, decided to drop out and run a Cooper Test instead as he endured the residual effects of a previous flu. I know ideal conditions (the company of fellow runners, previous optimal health preceding the race) would quite certainly have enabled me to achieve my targets. Yet in spite of that, I had many aspects to be grateful for. I had a sustained previous of staying injury free for a couple of months (as compared to 2015). Furthermore, I had enjoyed the company of various groups of people through running. I certainly had reasons to be thankful. Philippians 4:6-7 was so apt. Presenting my requests doesn't mean they will be granted. Instead, the peace of God that transcends human understanding guards my heart helps me look beyond my personal goals and recognise my identity in Christ.

Next up however, in my sub-optimal state of fitness, was the Mileage New Year Run I had previously registered for. This initially served as an opportunity to record a presumably accurate 10k road PB (as I had assumed I would run a 10000m track PB - after all, a first try would be a PB). Subsequently, after missing out on qualifying as a 5000m runner, a sub-39 performance in this event would have served as a consolation. Then came another episode of ill health (the prolonged bout of ill health made me wonder if I actually caught a secondary bacterial infection or just a series of viral infections) - and all expectations were eliminated, besides a pretty manageable sub-40.

I awoke feeling rather groggy on New Year's day. It was a combination of poor sleep and poor health. I was nonetheless feeling excited at the prospect of having lots of running company (with Kien Mau and Zorn as coaches of ACSI, I could forsee many students from my alma mater). I caught the first bus (74) to the race venue and headed for a brief jog but didn't manage to squeeze any strides in. There wasn't much pressure. In the race pen (which thankfully was segregated into different projected finishing times), I caught up with Mahendran and Randall. I also exchanged casual greetings with a Ching Siang, a fellow runner whom I got to spend a considerable amount of time conversing with after the race.

(This post is getting really lengthy. Apologies. I post more for myself than for readers.)

The race was flagged off promptly at 7.40am. I started conservatively, bearing in mind my extended period of sub-optimal health. Naturally, I was overtaken by tonnes of schoolkids presumably empowered by race nerves. I also saw the 40min pacer surge to the front. He certainly wasn't running at a 40min pace for now (more like 3:45 for the first km). It certainly became costly for those who attempted to follow him in this early stage.

Slowly but surely, I approached the pack. I did speed up a little between the 2nd-3rd km, wondering whether a sub-39 was a realistic aim given my preceding circumstances. As a result of this conservative injection of pace, I found myself reeling in the pack. By about 3km, I found myself passing them. I contemplated sticking with them as ahead lay scattered runners. Nonetheless, as I was still feeling comfortable, I decided to stick with my pace.

I had noted 6 runners pass ahead of me prior to reaching the U-turn point of the out and back route. Upon making my turn, Garmin read 19:2X. On track for a sub-39. But I could sense that I was fatiguing.

But two runners were fatiguing more. Within a span of about 400m, 2 runners ahead of me actually went from a reasonable trot to a jog. I urged them on as I was desirous of some company to tide me through the second half of this race. They urged me ahead.

This meant I was in 5th. But I was slowing.

Slowing just marginally. Thankfully.

I still maintained about a 4min/km pace, focusing on just reasonable turnover. I was pretty certain that most runners weren't going to run negative splits, hence my position would be pretty secure. I knew that the fleeting suggestion of a sub-39 wasn't meant for today. I could wait till I was in ideal health. Instead, a brilliant way to start the new year would be to achieve a top-5 finish (Mileage was awarding the top 5 runners of this race).

Though uncomfortable, it wasn't a brutal pace. It wasn't long before I arrived at the U-turn point for the 5km runners. I was thankful for the company. There were a few school kids running pretty decent paces, though not exactly consistently.

The final few km of a 10k are always tough for me. I merely reminded myself to hang in nicely for the top-5 finish, while staying cautious of any competitors who may throw in a last minute surge.

After we passed the 9km mark, I sped up a little as I knew I had the reserves. In retrospect, it appeared that a fellow runner of the same category was hot on my heels. It was in the final few hundred that I sensed there was someone behind me (pounding footsteps could be heard), though I didn't know whether he was one of the 5k runners. Nonetheless, I threw in a sprint to the finish, which he probably responded to, but could not surpass.

I crossed in 39:06, with my fellow runner (RI kid) just a second behind. After the finish, I found out that he was in the 5km category. I was also handed a potential winner tag for 5th position :)

After the race, I had the chance to catch-up with Mahendran and Randall, who admitted they started too quick but still mustered a decent run in the low 40s. In addition, I got to know Ching Siang who did share more similarities with me than I had expected. I also congratulated Bijay who placed 2nd in the 5km category, runner-up to his Gurkha counterpart.

I pen this experience recognising I have been blessed in my running journey. God has given me this avenue that has inculcated discipline and diligence, yet always requiring wisdom and surrender. I'm still trying to figure out where I running may take me (literally, figuratively). Yet here's a pearl Ching Siang left me (which I admittedly paraphrased considerably).

"One day, you'll look back as work settles down and wonder, what am I left with. Work is work, and medicine consumes you in multiple aspects - family, partner, sports, leisure - but what fragments of life do you cling on to besides work... You don't want to find yourself asking 'what if' because you gave up the opportunity then..."

What a fast start...to the detriment of all but 3 ahead of me. Credit to Running Shots.

The RI kid (1015) eventually finished right behind.

I had no idea he was so close!
My ACSI junior eventually placed 5th in the 10k cat.

Still comfortable just a few hundred from the finish.

The thrill of footsteps trailing behind. I love sprint finishes! A close one here.

Blessed to bless. Somehow I placed 4th, not complaining!

Photo credits: Running Shots, Runcapture, Mileage Run.

Strava data available here :)

On a separate note, the week of this race marks a milestone for me. 3000km (documented) in 2016, the highest so far in the past many years of my life! I am thankful.

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!

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 :)