MR-25 5km Time Trial (February)

IVP 2018

Blessed to have been able to participate and I absolutely enjoyed and treasured the God-given opportunity!

Alongside.

Gratitude.

Photo credits: Alvin

I had always wanted to run for IVP. This year (or I should say, in the AY 2017-18), I found out with minimal notice (essentially about a week) that qualifying for the 5000m was possible. Yet the other consideration was - when was the 5000m - as there was some variation in schedules across previous years. 

I can choose to attribute my qualification for the right event at the right time as pure coincidence or God's blessing and I choose to acknowledge that it must have been the latter. 

Consider my circumstances. I was in the midst of preparation for MBBS, therefore was running minimally (20-30km a week, a far cry from the mileage and intensity I was doing just a year ago). After MBBS was over, I would fly to Taiwan from 15th January onwards. This meant that I could only take part in IVP if the event I participated in fell on 13th January 2018 (Saturday). Furthermore, I had to qualify. God opened the opportunity for me, and I seized it.

The week of MBBS was a challenging one, physically. I was unwell. Thankfully, much of the preparation took place in the months preceding. It forced me to recognise my limitations and rely on God for His providence. I write this prior to receiving my results but I write this confident that whatever the outcome, He wills for it and is pleased with what I chose to do.

On the day of IVP itself, I was still unwell. I had an uncomfortable throat and lingering lethargy. The weather was drizzly (as it had been for the past 120 hours?). Though a little excited, I was joyful. Sheer joy at the privilege and blessing to be running that afternoon.

We were flagged off just after 5pm. It was still drizzling and the ground was damp - in fact it had been persistently drizzling for about the past 3 days.

I settled into a decent pace, perhaps a tad too fast for my fitness at that moment. Surprisingly, the first 2km felt absolutely comfortable. I was running with Yurong for the first few laps, before he started to drop back ever so slightly. Ahead of me was a pack of about 4 runners. I could hear the cheers suggesting I catch that pack, however I knew that even trying to speed up by a few seconds would cost me dearly. In fact, I was probably running a few seconds too quick.

The pack ahead maintained an amazingly consistent pace, gradually pulling further ahead. This left me in no man's land. Yet I realised I was in 8th position - which would actually enable to me to score points. It wasn't long till one of the pack dropped back and I caught him - I was now in 7th! I was surprised to even be in a position of getting points for NTU, having seen the start list. However, a couple of podium contenders did not start.

It was a largely uneventful race till the second last back straight, where Yurong pulled up beside me. Were we going to complete this race again? The bell rang. And I guess Yurong realised we were only starting the bell lap. Yet another miscalculation on his part hahaha.

I saw it was just around 17:32 where we started the bell lap. This meant a sub-19 was still possible! I remained conservative for the first 200, before starting to kick as I rounded the final curve. It was well within control, yet immensely satisfying. In previous races, satisfaction was best attained by running intelligently, running negative splits, or really running till I got myself nauseous. Today, it was just about running. That was enough.

I have seen how God has opened up this opportunity - and other opportunities - over the past few months as I returned in Singapore. I have gotten my spiritual life into better order and perhaps as I contemplate my circumstances through clearer lenses, I constantly am awakened to the blessings that have saturated my life.

To God be the Glory.

The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.

Singapore Aquathlon 2017

UK Parkruns

Fulham Palace with Anmol.

Burgess Park with Andrew. And lots of stares.

Hampstead Heath with Andrew

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.

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)!

Pocari Sweat Run 2016

Why not run 2 races back to back. With minutes in between.

This run offered the perfect opportunity. Run the 5km at 6.00pm, then run the 10km at 6.30pm. Pity I returned a bit late from the 5k (around 6:23 to be exact), this meant I couldn't start in the first wave of the 10k. That was a reminder of some of my earlier races in my running journey - bottlenecks and weaving through crowds.

Thankfully, this race was dedicated as a platform for training (and ideally, a sizeable pack to run with). If it were a race proper, the 2nd wave start that demanded weaving through crowds would have been infuriating. 

I began my first outing with a rejection. I had attempted to get into the 5km flag-off, though was turned down by the marshals. The alternative? I just needed to head over to the course itself (after all, the course is public space) and join the pack after about 50m.

The 5km runners were flagged off just after 6.00pm. I began my journey with the group, though I didn't manage to find anyone whose pace suited mine. I was running just beneath 5min/km (admittedly I did speed up as the race progressed), but as always, even at that pace, I was gradually catching up with people who were gradually fading after typical poorly-paced starts.

Flailing legs it seems. Credit to Running Shots.

The route was rather uneventful. I really don't feel like there's much to write about. I saw Peter along the way. I grabbed a cup of Pocari (gosh plastic cups are unpinchable = splashes all over me). I saw the leaders return. A Kenyan (my guess) first, followed by a couple of Gurkhas (Bijay eventually placed 2nd). I began my turn slightly earlier, just to avoid the timing mat. And then I returned to the race venue, about 23mins after starting my run.

That was a mistake.

I immediately entered the start pen, only to realise a chain had already been laid to separate the first wave from subsequent waves. In the few instances that I've seen myself get stuck in the latter waves, it is often a painful sight as I know that this means weaving through some portions of the race.

The first wave was flagged off at 6.30pm or so, with my wave (the 2nd) flagged off just about 6 mins after the clock started. Within the first 200m, I broke free from the rest of the wave and had some breathing space while running alongside a few other runners. Then terror arrived 500m into the run, where I began seeing remnants of earlier waves (or even the 5k runners?) littered all over the route.

It was a mess of weaving through the mass. Though certainly not the worst I had experienced (the worst was my first ever race I had registered for, Sundown 2012), it was unpleasant now that I was keen on running decently quick (definitely sub-45) to get a workout. I don't have the energy (nor was it particularly memorable, compared to the 5k) to describe the run, but I know that the route started to clear a little after the 5-6km mark. I did however, expand considerable amounts of energy in previous surges to find space, hence had to be conservative to prevent exceeding my desired effort for this run.

Towards the Finish. Credit to Yi Heng.

Looking at the splits from Garmin, I'm glad that I managed a consistent pace of around 4:05-4:15 per km. Certainly some way to improve, though not bad considering about a month since I got back to painless training, most of which had been long-duration easy aerobic running, with minimal focused workouts. The workouts will happen soon as I attempt to qualify and run SUniG.

Strava data available here :)

This race did mark a milestone (literally!) in my running journey. It was during this race that I ran my 62.137 mile of the week (counting from Monday to Sunday). That converts to 100km. Yes indeed my first ever 100km week! I am deeply thankful that God has allowed me to achieve this milestone. That leaves me more satisfied than my race result, though I suppose the race performance wasn't too bad either. Note to self: proper workouts (with a pack) during races need to be done either as a race participant entering the start pen early, or 'crashing' the race en route.

Definitely a pretty strong field, with many runners running at sub-40 pace.
It seems like evenings are preferred by many.

ZoooM 2016

Just passing, though mostly pacing :) It's more blessed to give than to receive.

Credit to Nyoman Suka Ada.

Pacing my sprinter. Credit to Nyoman Suka Ada.

Credit to Running Kaki.

Downhill sprint finish. Credit to Wilson Ong.

Of course, I'm outsprinted and I step away from the finish. Credit to Tony Ton Ton Fun Shots.

SMU Mile Run 2015

The only reason why I decided to sign up for this race was the cost. For the individual category, the Early Bird price was $37 and the Normal rate was $42. Definitely costly. Until National Day arrived, whereby the organisers offered 50 registrations at 50% off! $21 for a unique (route wise) 4+km run - that was acceptable by my standards ~

Fort Canning Park was a relatively convenient location to access - complemented by the fact that the flag-off wasn't particularly early - this meant that I could easily catch the MRT (and not even the first train). Though the briefing for the Men's Open was scheduled for 7.15am, it wasn't till about 7.30am till it happened - and my wave (the 1st wave of about 8 of us) was flagged off at 7.40am. I was a little disappointed as having noticed the various participants at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (Assembly point), there were definitely strong runners around. I was keen to run alongside a couple of strong runners in order that we could drag each other long. Alas, it wasn't to be as my wave only had 1 strong runner, a Gurkha (whom I later found out was called Bijay) who was well beyond my reach.

Right from the horn, Bijay bolted away and was quickly out of sight. A few participants with clearly mispaced efforts (judging from their audible breathing and exponential slowing after a few hundred metres) were around me at first, though it wasn't long till I found myself running alone. The route was certainly challenging and I was somewhat prepared for that - having had a brief chat with Chester while waiting for the pre-race briefing. I deliberately made sure my breathing was controlled, consequently running a relatively slow first lap in 6:27 (glance at the results below to see how it compares with other participants). I was a little concerned about my unfamiliarity of the route, particularly without anyone in front of me that was within sight... I wouldn't consider all the directions of greatest clarity, but marshals were placed at most points of ambiguity. One of the many descents included intermittent steps as well - I took care to avoid any injuries. Last but not least, being in the first wave, I ran through an area that seemed to be densely filled with hanging spider webs, definitely not the most pleasant sensation. (Thankfully, subsequent rounds were clear - presumably due to the other waves of runners.)

Steep descent...Round 1. Credit to Running Shots.

Finishing the first round. Credit to Sentient Moments.

As I approached the start (and finish) point, the third wave had just started, hence I was faced with a sizeable crowd (15+?). That necessitated some weaving, though it also provided some company. This wave was much more similar to my abilities (in contrast to Bijay who was simply out of reach or even sight), hence I was definitely appreciative of this. I gradually overtook a few runners, though immensely thankful for the company they provided in comparison to the first round. The second round passed pretty uneventfully and I soon began my final round. (Multiple rounds remind me of...ward rounds, pre-rounds...)

Round 2. Credit to Running Shots.

I started to feel the fatigue setting in. It was psychologically draining to figure out how to pace myself. I quite certainly erred on the side of caution, evidence of that being the comfortably strong finish of my third round, after which I remained pretty mobile (a clear sign of having too much left in the tank). Thereafter, I had a chat with Bijay (that was when I got to know his name) and we realised we had seen each other previously at Serangoon Stadium (where I had done one of my last workouts before the Pocari Sweat Run 2015). He had completed his run in about 17-flat and I was absolutely certain he was going to be the champion. I was actually wrong.

Round 3. Looking so similar to the previous photo. Credit to Running Shots.

Not so comfortable by now. Credit to Running Shots.

Post-race, due to the unspent energy, I proceeded with a jog around the vicinity before spontaneously deciding to perform a few hill repeats. (I must have passed the Running-Shots photographer stationed along the hill about...8 times). Thereafter, a jog back to the finish line and a friendly conversation with Bijay as we headed back to the LKCSB. As part of the Gurkha Police Force, he has spent about 5 years in Singapore. We're both running next week's Straits Time's Run 2015 (10km) as well - though he is looking to finish in the 33-34min range, definitely a contender for the podium!

Thereafter, I spent some time at the LKCSB, during which I had the chance to briefly catch up with Desmond and grab a photo with Bijay (and grab ice cream as well). Only lingering long enough for the Men's Open prize presentation, it was then that I got to find out Bijay was the runner-up to Liu Yuan Chow, who is Singapore's U15 Boys 1500m record holder with a time of 4:15.81 - and he's run 4:09.4 in January this year. He is a runner in quite a league of his own for his age. It was then time to head off, proceed with a short strength workout and then attend service ~

Results out within a few hours! :) Corrected ranking of 11 after factoring the Team category.

Strava Data

My new found friend :) He didn't warn me that he was gonna flex!

Singapore Aquathlon 2015

My first sponsored race ever! Not due to athletic performance, but instead, in exchange for a pre-race write-up and a post-race review. No complaints from me and many thanks for JustRunLah! for informing me about this opportunity :)

As this was my first multisport race, I was feeling pretty excited. The aim was to soak in the experience (figuratively... and literally). In addition, having glanced at the previous year's results, I felt that a top-10 finish in the category (Sprint, M20-39) was reasonable, though not a goal.

The night before, I hurriedly glanced through resources I could find pertaining to an aquathlon. I never bothered attempting to rehearse a transition (or an open water swim). I didn't even know what the transition area would look like! There was a pretty useful article on JustRunLah! and I was certainly thankful for that!

Come race day, I made my way to East Coast Park about an hour before flag-off. I spent some time watching earlier categories being flagged-off, prepared my transition area (and mentally went through the motions), deposited my bag and received my body marking. Thereafter, a quick stop to the restroom before attempting a short warm-up swim.

A few minutes before the scheduled flag-off, we entered the starting pen. I wasn't planning to be right near the front of the line (though towards the right end; the race was a counter-clockwise swim), though since no one else filled the area, I obliged. Promptly at 9.10am, my category was flagged off.

The first 30m was a mass (or mess) of flailing bodies. I deliberately wanted to experience such a start, having heard about such chaos being expected. Gradually, we strung out and then began the steady swim away from shore. I had no difficulty sighting, though I found myself constantly drifting to the right (recall that the course was counter-clockwise), possibly due to the current (or my inexperience). In addition, my wrist tag (for entry into the transition area) came loose. I definitely couldn't be swimming while trying to grasp onto it, therefore I stuffed it into my tights (thanks Bryan...and more on it later).

By the time I hit the major right turn however, I was immediately beside the buoy. It was a relatively uneventful swim back, apart from one occasion where I decided to swim blindly and I veered off course a little. Thankfully, a kayak reminded me to keep to my left in order to return on course. The swim was completed in slightly past 17mins. My target was 20mins for the swim and transition - and given my poor adherance to the tangents, I thought that was quite decent!

Transition was awfully slow, though I wasn't in much of a hurry. A volunteer informed me that I was in 16th and I knew that I would catch a handful along the run, it being my primary discipline. At the transition, I dried my feet, drank a sip of water, started my Garmin FR15, put on socks and double knotted the laces on my shoes, put on my HRM (chest strap), grabbed my singlet (with the race bib attached) and began the run out of the transition area.

I had trouble getting my shirt on, event as I was running. Despite choosing a relatively loose shirt, it certainly wasn't easy getting it on. To complicate matters, my HRM was constantly slipping down towards my belly. I also found out that I accidentally paused my Garmin. When I finally resumed the Garmin, got my HRM strap back up (only for it to slip down again) and wore my singlet, I found the race bib flapping violently - the right side of the bib was not attached! The bottom right pin was nowhere to be found, while the top right pin was still attached to the bib. In the midst of the run (and my falling HRM strap), I miraculously managed to pin up the top right corner of my bib and then began my quest to overtake as many as I could. I was feeling a sharp sensation along my tights as I ran, yet I was clueless as to what it was (and it isn't the easiest thing to adjust while running). With some modification, I tried my best to resolve the discomfort.

Trying to get the watch on. Credit to Running Shots.

Along Bedok Jetty. Credit to Finisherpix.

The run was relatively uneventful. I probably started a little faster than I wanted, having previously intended to run a strong negative split (instead of a minor one). I passed the distance markers constantly ahead of the beep of my Garmin, though that was probably due to me accidentally pausing my Garmin at the start of the run. Nonetheless, by the time I crossed the finish (with much overtaking going on), I was sure that the course was slightly (200m?) short (or else I'd have PB-ed in a 5km, while participating in a Sprint Aquathlon). My Strava data for the run is available here.

Oh, one interesting aspect was that the tape was held up for me at the Finish. I was pretty curious and wondered whether they did that to all participants (I noticed the runner in front getting the tape as well), as I was absolutely certain I wasn't anywhere near the Top 3 in my category. Thereafter, the medal was placed around my neck as the timing chip (which they constantly stressed to return!) was detached from my freshly bleeding ankle (sand abrasion). Thereafter, I also found out the sharp object in my tights was actually my wrist tag.

Couldn't quite bother to decide which one to upload so I uploaded all. Credit to Finisherpix.

Live results were accessible! :)

Preliminary results. Shocking! 1st for the run in the Sprint category :)

Official Results were released later the same day.

As expected, nowhere near the Top 3! Yet 4th place (cat) comes as a present surprise for my first multi-
sport event (and open water swim), with not many expectations and not much effort! :)

On a separate note, a quick check on the PSI revealed that it was in the unhealthy range :(

Aranda May Day Run 2015

I chanced upon this event and noting it's cost and how it suited my schedule, I didn't hesitate before signing up. Perhaps the only push factor was the mild inconvenience of registration - having to mail payment.

This was to be the first of a series of races - not all of running nature - that I would embark on in the month of May. For this event, I was hoping to experiment with a racing strategy (and tactics if possible) - and perhaps snatch a podium finish if competition allowed, due to the small scale of this event. Nonetheless, this was not an important race and I intended to include an extended warm-up (and a cool down if circumstances permitted). With regard to race strategy, I was hoping to attempt an even split for this distance (slightly under 5.5km~) as in my only other 5km race (Carnival Run 2015), I had ran a negative split.

Alas, when I arrived at the race venue, I saw the large group of F1 runners. Having seen them compete in other running events, I identified a couple of them whose abilities definitely surpassed mine. I was hoping that there were some whose ability levels matched mine, thus providing some competition. After registration, I proceeded to do an extended warm-up, covering a portion of the race route.

With just under 10 minutes to go, I used the restroom then headed to the start line. I was feeling a little fatigued and certainly soaked with perspiration from the warm-up.The group of about 80 of us was then flagged off at 8.00am. 

I took awhile before finding some empty space in the first hundred metres, by then I noticed a few prominent F1 runners in the distance, together with other fellow runners who I suspected would quickly slow. My beliefs were quickly confirmed as I found myself overtaking some runners, with only three F1 runners ahead. Running alongside me was Lexxus Tan, the coach of F1 runners, who was obviously relaxed. Looking back, he was perhaps making an assessment of me - aspects such as smoothness, breathing etc. After just a few hundred metres with me, he then sped up to join his other runners while I continued, alone.

As I took a look at the four runners ahead, I was certain three of them were certainly faster runners than I was. I knew a podium finish wasn't possible unless one blew up. There was an F1 runner who didn't strike me as particularly quick, yet he certainly ran his first km rapidly, sticking to Jacky Ong, the eventual champion.

My FR15 beeped 3:49 at the first km. That was a little faster than what I wanted and I wasn't quick confident of keeping pace. Nonetheless, this race was all about experimentation. Unfortunately, I didn't have anyone near me to "race", thus the next aim was to work on pacing and get in a workout. As the kms went by, I proceeded to overtake the slowing F1 runner (not unexpectedly), though I myself was slowing too. I did feel some discomfort around my lateral abdominal region, probably attributed to my musculature not being accustomed to the pace that my cardiovascular system was prepared to handle. This forced me to ease off the pace a little, explaining the unfortunate 4:00 5th km.

All this while, the other F1 runners had extended their leads. Lexxus ran with the eventual runner-up, constantly looking back - probably watching out for me while spurring his trainee (who seemed to be struggling a little) on. Lexxus eventually (deliberately) crossed the finish just a second after his trainee, while I finished in 4th. Thereafter, I proceeded for a short break and some hydration before heading out for a cool down.

At the finish. Credit to Aranda Country Club

The event concluded with a pleasant reception at Aranda Country Club, including a brilliant lucky draw with 20 prizes (bearing in mind there were only 80+ runners) and certifications of achievement for every runner. The podium finishes for both genders were fully snatched up by the F1 runners. Overall, this was a simple yet well organised race. My takeaways extended beyond the goodie bag, the reception or the certificate, but included aspects on race strategy. I believe an even pace is certainly possible (as long as I work my core). Furthermore, experimentation with an extended warm-up and cool down suggested that I could afford to shorten my warm-up duration for a race of this distance. Certainly a race I'll be looking forward to support once again :)

Strava data.

Carnival Run 2015

As Ben and I were planning to participate in the annual Run350, we decided a small tune-up race to help us gauge how fast we'd like to run would be beneficial. Having heard of, yet having never attempted the Saturday Parkruns @ ECP, I was keen on that; until I heard about Carnival Run.

One of the perks of this race was first the chance to run at Bedok Reservoir - a fresh backdrop for me. In addition, there were prizes for the top 20 of each open gender category. Held on 21st March 2015, it was near yet not too near to Run350 (6th April 2015), hence we promptly registered.

Just 2 days before the race, I encountered some pain between my 3rd and 4th metatarsalphalangeal joints after running in tight-fitting shoes. The next morning, another short run made this worse. Some research suggested it was metatarsalgia. This was particularly concerning, yet I knew ultimately I wanted God to direct me to what I was to do - be it rest or race. Just the day before, in the pink of health, I had prayed about surrendering all. Right then, this was an aspect I needed to surrender.

Race day arrived and this was to be my first evening run in a long while, with the flag-off scheduled at 6pm. I departed from home at around 4.25pm, reaching Bedok Reservoir by 5.10. Unfortunately, I had dropped off a few bus stops ahead, hence took the time to walk over. Furthermore, I still felt the pain in my MTP joints. I dropped my bag in Ben's car before both of us did a short 5min warm up, after which we headed to the start pen as it was getting a little crowded. We politely inched forward till about 5m from the start and were subsequently flagged off promptly at 6.00pm.

Spotted, probably having crossed the start line in just under 10 seconds. Credit to Running Shots.

There were easily 60 people in front of me when I crossed the line. Thankfully, there was a fairly clear path on the right, hence passing was smooth and no jostling occurred. After just under 300m, we made a left turn that would take us uphill. Thereafter, another left turn took us up an even steeper hill. I was probably reduced to a 4:40 pace at the steepest inclines. I quickly caught sight of Vivian Tang and Tony Seakins (nearly 3 times my age!), two prominent runners who've frequented the podiums in their respective categories, within about 20m of me. I knew I would register a decent time if I could stick with Vivian, as I wasn't certain if Tony could be caught.

After we rose to the peak, then came the decline that negated all our vertical pursuits. I tried to run as smoothly as possible while listening to my leg. It was certainly a very quick downhill but thankfully, my leg seemed perfectly fine, probably due to the adrenaline. I noticed the 1km marker fly by in around 3:25, though Garmin (in which I placed more of my trust on this occasion) suggested we had only run about 0.85km. As I had regulated my effort and was comfortable, I wasn't at all worried if the pace was too quick. Thereafter, we proceeded from tarmac to the trail section.

As the gloomy skies were rapidly darkening in threat of a thunderstorm (thank goodness it never happened), the winds were pretty strong as well. I had tucked in nicely behind Vivian, obtaining as much cover as I could from her small figure. Tony was still within sight, though had possibly moved to about 40m ahead of me. Vivian led me past the 2km marker before she seemed to slow mildly, after which I decided to overtake her.

All this while, I was catching runners who had started out more rapidly than what they could probably manage. Tony was a good distance ahead and he was my goal. I knew that with his wealth of experience, he would be likely to be the perfect candidate to trail if I wanted a well-paced race. We entered a section of tarmac once again, relieving my legs. Running on the trail certainly had not been easy due to the lack of traction.

It was between the 2 and 3km mark that I gradually felt the fatigue setting in. I was still constantly overtaking other runners. Having been used to the more gradual progression of the longer distances that I was more used to running, I had to constantly remind myself not to relax on the pace. Indeed, the race passed really quickly as before long, the end point seemed noticeable across the waters.

We returned to the trail section of the route slightly before the 4km mark. At this point of time, I had drew nearer to Tony, who was possibly a mere 15m ahead now. I reminded myself to just focus on my effort, as I was confident that unless he picked up his pace, I would catch him. And indeed I did, somewhere past the 4km marker. Nonetheless, all this while, he paced himself the most consistently as both of us, throughout the race, were constantly overtaking other runners.

Who was next? Up ahead, with her bike escort riding beside her, was Vanja Cnops. Just a week ago I had caught up with this lady less than 1km from the finish of the 10.5km race during the North East Compressport Run 2015. I wasn't sure if I would repeat that episode, but I certainly wanted to try. The race was quickly concluding as every step took me significantly closer to the end point and to her. With perhaps 600m to spare, I caught her and moved ahead smoothly. She turned. I wondered if she realised I was the same individual - and possibly the only one - that caught up with her just a week ago. Nonetheless, as a guy, I was no threat to her 1st placed finish in the Women's open category.

A few hundred from the finish. Credit to Running Kaki.

I looked ahead, but the nearest guy in sight was possibly 60m ahead, certainly too far to be caught with just a few hundred metres remaining. The race felt like it would end so quickly. I saw the clock tick past the 18s. Nothing surprising, considering no pace work done at all and my conservative approach which probably helped me finish strongly. I saw two volunteers preparing the tape - not for me but for Vanja of course - and pointing me towards the right end of the finish line. The sub-20 was secured as I kicked through just as the clock struck 19:30. It suddenly dawned on me that I never once was troubled by foot pain - praise God.

100m from the finish, supposedly. Credit to Running Shots.

I wasn't expecting a top-20 finish (though I had my eyes on it while registering), considering how I noticed a staggering amount of individuals ahead of me in the first few hundred metres. I was quite certain that I hadn't actually managed to overtake about 40 of them. Surprisingly, I was directed to a desk to record down my personal details. This probably reinvigorated me as within tens of seconds, I felt fresh, keen to get moving. Shortly after, Vanja, Tony and thereafter, Vivian streamed in. I noticed I was 19th on the list. That was close.

19:19, 19th.

A close inspection reveals 20 on stage, though only 19 are runners... I may have just missed the prize presentation.
Credit to Carnival Run's Facebook page.

It seems like I had totally forgotten that there was a prize presentation. Or rather, I only expected podium finishers to be receiving it personally on stage. Hence, just minutes before 7.00pm, Ben and I decided we'd make a move for a sumptuous dinner at Old Airport Road. Oh well, first time having the chance to go on stage and I forsook it. Yet missing this opportunity absolutely nailed my initial intentions when I started taking running seriously. I set out to run, not for personal reward or prideful achievement, but to devote whatever my God-given talent may be, for His and my pleasure.

Garmin data made possible once again, thanks friends!

I thank God for the company of my brother in Christ :)

And just about four weeks after the race came the cheque :) I've decided to donate the cash to Jacq in support of her fundraising project for Residences@St George's. Check out her cause here.

The first time I've received a monetary reward - and all shall be devoted to God.