MR-25 5km Time Trial (February)

MR-25 Progressive Run 2019 (10km)

Loving the surprising, sneaky finish

Akira Swift Road Relay Championships 2018

I was the burden in my team hahah

Luck out of proportion to probability.

Richmond Runfest 2017

Surpass.

I signed up for this event months in advance, at Yirong's suggestion. Why a half? It was cheaper than the 10k, while remaining a reasonable distance (the full marathon would render me antalgic for some time).

With all that was going on in London, it was surprising that I actually got to run regularly in UK. Most of it came down to me wanting to explore and the fact that school didn't start anywhere as early as back home. Then again, schedules were very flexible as an elective student...

The race pack was delivered via mail without additional charge. 

On race day, as I was scheduled for the first wave (based on my previous HM time), I was due for flag off at 9.00am. In Singapore, that would have been torture. In London, the weather was gloomy though thankfully it wasn't drizzling. Probably around 12-14 degrees Centigrade that morning. I wore my NTU top, shorts and my gloves. My thermoregulatory mechanisms seem to neglect my hands. Significantly.

After the tube ride to Zone 6, I headed over to the park. A quick security check, bag deposit and then a brief visit to the portable toilets. Portable urinals were certainly a significant time saver. It's certainly an idea worth adopting back home.

To prevent myself from gradually freezing, I tried to stay within any crowd I could find. Thankfully, it wasn't long till flag off. 

To put my expectations into perspective, I had about three weeks of decent running (40-50km, with some workouts) in my legs. Prior to that, I had about 2 months of averaging 20km a week of slow running. I knew there were supposed to be pacers for 1:30 and 1:45. Following the former seemed rather risky yet the latter would have certainly been somewhat unfulfilling. A year ago, with about 3 months of solid mileage, I ran a sub 1:30 with about 20 hours notice. Under my present circumstances, I wasn't certain I could manage that again. But I was open to trying.

The Start. Credit to Richmond Runfest's Facebook page.

The first km was passed comfortably. Legs were good, lungs were brilliant. Many people passed me - considering I started only about 20 from the front. It's interesting how unlike in Singapore, the Brits don't cram themselves right to the start (at least in this race). There was so much room at the start line that I felt obligated to occupy the empty space.

Anyway, I knew I'd gradually be catching up with many that were passing me. First km in 4:15. Settled into a rhythm and clicked off the next couple of Ks in sub 4:10. I was breathing absolutely comfortably. However, it wasn't long till I felt the niggles in the thighs. Seems like the mileage (or lack thereof) was catching up with me. Aerobically I knew I wouldn't be in trouble. Paramount to a good race was therefore, to make sure my legs could keep up with my lungs.

The course took us through variable terrain - minimal grass, a fair amount of tarmac and gravel. As always, I gradually started catching up with runners over the first 10k. I passed 10k in sub-42min pace. The thighs were starting to get a little sore, which was worrying. I knew I could afford to slow down. It was going to be a fine line and I needed to make sure I threaded lightly in order to maximise my chances to arrive at the finish with functioning limbs.

There were a couple of hydration stations along the way. Unlike back at home, the low humidity here meant dehydration wasn't as noticeable. I drank at every occasion I could. Bottles were convenient to drink from, though I felt wasteful at the limited amounts I could consume before I'd toss the bottle to the side.

I found myself running beside a Caucasian lady for a substantial portion of the race. I noticed another Asian man as well. I was thankful for their company, though no words were spoken. The route was enjoyable, though I was gradually having trouble focusing on my surroundings.

I was certainly starting to hurt. Or at least the legs were. The breathing was still comfortable - judging by the respiratory rate. Towards the last third of the race, I knew I had lots of time in the bank for a sub 1:30 performance. I deliberately slowed down, in the hope that the legs would take less of a beating.

At some point towards the last few Ks, I was passed by a pacer. I knew the fastest pacers were 1:30 pacers - and I was certainly running sub 1:30 pace - whereas he was kinda flying past me. Then came a huge group of runners (about 6-8). I contemplated sticking with them, but realised the legs just could not.

Thankfully, the agony the legs encountered was soon over (only in retrospect). The last few Ks were miserably slower than the average pace (though then again, the terrain was slightly more challenging). I finished joyfully in 1:28:13. What a pleasant surprise. I certainly wasn't expecting this performance, considering the limited mileage over the past few months. In fact, over the previous 4 months, I had averaged less than a half-marathon per week. Per week.

Committing to surrender my running to God was no doubt a blessing. Not only did it free my time, but it freed my heart. And I was blessed with a satisfying performance in my first overseas race.

Towards the Finish. Credit to Prestige Events.

The full marathon winner.

Old shoes.

Happy Singaporeans.

MR-25 Progressive Run 2017 (15km)

It was great running another MR event. MR-25 is a running club that kindly organises free-of-charge sessions nearly every month, including official races such as the MR-25 Ultramarathon or Marathon.

Today, it was time for the 15km Progressive Run.

With the closure of a section of the SICC Golf course, routes for recent MR runs had to be modified. Hence, this was a new 15km course as compared to previous years. A 5km loop around Lornie would be proceeded by a 10km out-and-back portion along the Northern route.

The Northern route is tough.

Upon flag-off, I settled to what felt pretty comfortable for a 15km race. Naturally, I found myself perhaps closer to 20th place. Nonetheless I knew that with time, I would catch up to a substantial number of participants.

The initial 5km was pretty manageable. It did feel appropriate for a 15km effort. However, this race of 15km has a pretty challenging final 10km. I repeated reminded myself to go easy, particularly on the uphills, lest I found myself crawling up hills towards the end of the race.

Having overtaken about 10 runners, I caught up with a few more by the time I reached Ranger station. The route took us further out by a few hundred, before we would make a U-turn. Along these few hundred, the returning runners passed me.

As I write this in retrospect, the leader at that point of the race was actually a Commonwealth Games Marathon participant! Ben Moreau boasts amazing PBs, way better than any Singaporean can manage at this moment. Talk about a 28:40 10km or 2:15:52 full marathon!

As I made the U-turn, I was some distance apart from Chuan Heng. He stopped for a quick drink and I caught up beside him, though I was content to follow his lead.

To be continued~

Photo credits: Chan Chai Hui

Akira Swift Cross Country 2017

It's great to be running with the NTU lads yet again.

We all raced this morning. For most, it was the IHG Road Relay. For me, it was the Tembusu Vertical Marathon.

Representation.

Credit to Syed Taha Aljunied.

Flag-off was prompt at 4pm. It was a pretty small field. Yurong, Sunil and I probably lost track of the number of participants that overtook us. If I were to venture a guess, I'd say about 85% of the field. However, with the plan of running a conservative first portion, Yurong and I were certain we'd catch quite a number.

Credit to Syed Taha Aljunied.

The route took us along the pavement. Seemed like my Salomon's weren't required after all (I had expected much more trail). A few hundred in, we started catching people one by one. I could feel the residual soreness from my AM race. It wasn't helping that my eyes were getting rather dry, having worn my contacts since early that morning. However, I knew this conservative approach meant that we would get faster (and faster...hopefully).

The climb began around 2km in. First came the gradual, manageable hill. Then the steeper one. I slowed considerably (and deliberately). Yurong started to pull ahead a little, before we mounted the hill and I slowly drew a little closer. Nonetheless, there was a bit of a gap. I was confident of his pacing and focused on sticking with him.

At the bottom of the hill, we finally hit the trail portion of this cross country race. Bedok Reservoir isn't the nicest of trails to run as the terrain is somewhat sandy. A greater degree of friction would have been desirable. It was time for some catching as we gradually passed other runners.

All this while Yurong had a decent gap over me of perhaps 3-5 seconds. Though I wasn't comfortable, I wasn't particularly willing to dig deep. I was content to treat this race as a workout (which meant nothing too hard). However, as I gradually started to see the Finish across the water, I attempted to marginally pick up my pace. I could also see Chun Hong further away in the distance.

At the rate I was going, it crossed my mind that I could catch Yurong.

Until he picked up the pace as well in the last 100m or so. And then I got lazy.

It was all smiles at the Finish. No expectations, no pressure, just sheer enjoyment at racing with the team.

Strava data if you're interested :)

MR-25 Progressive Run 2017 (10km)

Photo credits: Chan Chai Hui

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 :)

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!

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!

MR-25 5km Time Trial (August)

It's 100km and counting for the week. I'm treading carefully in the slightly damp trail amidst the multitude of other runners. 

I'm glad for their company. I know the typical runners too well. They'll start fast and fade. Of course, most are still pretty young. We're talking about secondary school. The leaders, all more experienced runners, are probably way ahead now and I'm willing to bet that most have gauged their efforts well.

The morning's 17km run left me pretty fatigued. Just a conservative effort with a few short pick ups focusing on stride frequency. I hope my legs carry me through. I was feeling really flat earlier as I walked over to Macritchie.

I'm catching up with runners all over. Many females at first, which doesn't surprise me. Then come the guys, little by little. However, I'm feeling a little tired and I'm getting a bit concerned about the sustainability of my pace.

I take the left turn on the trail that leads towards Lornie Road, which is just distal to our U-turn point. I see the leaders returning now. It's a little narrow as I speedily manoeuvre the gentle ascent over the rocky surface.

The U-turn feels draining. It's a jogging pace for a moment but I know I must keep up. At least there's the gentle descent now, though I'm ever cautious about the slightly technical terrain. Thereafter is the right turn and another 2-odd kilometres back to the finish.

I know this territory by heart. It's been a route I've frequented for ages as I take casual runs or perform my workouts in the forest. There are 3 main slopes. The first would be gentle. The second is the longer one and the third is the steeper one. Along with them come descents (thankfully).

I am tired. And I'm breathing rather rapidly and audibly (which hasn't quite featured in the past month).

We runners are all strung out now. I don't have many more within catching distance. Notably I passed a Caucasian. Or was it two. I fear that one will catch up again, as he seemed to be running pretty consistently. I see a Malay runner ahead. Though he seems a little too far to reach. 

Garmin beeps. It's nearing now. I know. It's nearing. Negotiate the joggers. The other couple too. Thankful. For the runner ahead. Him passing them. Serves as a warning. Breathing hard. Can't speed up. Low 18s.

Daylight. Reservoir on left. Trail over. Right turn. Stony path. Tiles. Speed. Up.

Acceptable finish. "What number?" "Don't have."

It's a stacked field. I'm happy to have company, so much so that it swallows me
up in this photo.

The leaders from start to finish.

I begin around the middle of the pack (of 70ish).

a

Returning.

Umm a little nearer.

Nice shoes.

Photo credits: Chan Chai Hui

Strava data available here :)

Look at the loaded field! Google them (correct the typos first)!

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 ~