Surrender

Here's a little reflection on the multiple weeks with a bout of injury and how it has shaped my perspective. The experience with injury was very much influenced by prayers and a book - Living For What Really Matters. Personally, perhaps the greatest reminder was to be clear of my priorities (and importantly their motivations). This excerpt from here is a timely reminder.

"He made some of the greatest men of faith wait.

Don’t be discouraged if He makes you wait as well.

He will come through for you, just like He came through for them.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14"

If you're interested in reading the additional lengthy chunk as I make daily updates on my thoughts and experiences, beginning from the onset (19th March 2015) up till end April where I'm convinced it has probably resolved, take a look below. To sum it up, my injury was a period of emotional distress for me. However, I recognise the disparity between a state of mind and immediate emotions. We are called to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4) and are promised peace (Philippians 4:7) when we present our requests to God. I did seek Him daily, recognising His sovereignty. Though emotionally, I was constantly affected by the tumultuous episode, I ultimately managed to rejoice and find peace.

Run350 2015

Ben and I were keen on creating our tradition of running in the annual Run 350 (see last year's report here). Not only was this race well organised, it was also amazingly affordable ($20 for the 10km due to the loyalty rate and our nEbO memberships). 

The preceding two weeks before 5th April were marred by injury for me. I could not find a suitable diagnosis for the pain that I had been experiencing between my 3rd and 4th metatarsophalangeal joints on my left leg. The possible differentials (Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia) for pain occurring in that region did not follow my pattern of pain nor the onset of injury. Furthermore, though rest enabled pain relief, return to activity the few days before the race resulted in rapid onset of the pain yet again. I was utterly frustrated.

Through this all, I was certain God was there and God had allowed this to happen for a reason. I vividly recall my brief but fervent prayer on surrender, with particular reference to my interest (more than that, my lifestyle) in running. Thereafter, the injury struck the subsequent day. Fast forward to the night before race day however, I had decided that I was going to run this as I wanted to accompany Ben. Likewise, two weeks ago, I had ran Carnival Run 2015 in spite of the pre-existing pain.

Come race day, the routine was straightforward. Except that I decided to include a pastry for breakfast (instead of the fool-proof cereal). Ben was able to get the car hence he dropped by my place before we headed off to find parking at Suntec (with some less acceptable driving manoeuvres en route). Thereafter, we hurriedly jogged to the race pen as it was fast approaching 6.30am. In fact, we probably made it into the race pen around 6.23am and thereafter uttered a short prayer. Upon flag off, there was a wait of slightly past a minute before we managed to cross the start line.

There was a huge crowd of runners ahead of us. This meant the initial two minutes or so were spent rigorously weaving through other runners before we managed to settle into a stable rhythm. Our plan was to finish the first 5km before running the remaining portion of the race hard. We were certainly looking for a negative split compared to last year's poor pacing (first 5km was fast, remainder was slower - race wasn't a complete 10km distance either). The first few km passes us by quickly. Distance markers did come slightly early, but thankfully I had my Garmin.

There wasn't anything particularly notable, save for the occasion we saw a runner we had run alongside in last year's edition as well! The Caucasian man was easily a hundred metres ahead when we caught sight of him in the second half of the race. Our goal was to gradually close the gap and overtake him. We probably achieved this more quickly than expected as he was slowing while we had managed to speed up mildly. Thereafter, we continually tried to find targets to lure towards us.

Honestly, I don't remember much else. I knew my foot was feeling fine today - that made me immensely thankful as I was able to run alongside Ben. The motion of running did feel a little more foreign, granting the fact that I had barely managed any runs in the preceding 2 weeks. Cardiovascularly however, it was well within control, probably around an easy run effort.

As we neared the final straight, we sped up, arms swinging harder. We crossed the line together once again. Thereafter, medal collection, a nice massage and a brief chat with Dr Mok regarding balancing studies, running and the other aspects.

A major improvement to our (or at least Ben's) facial expressions. Credit to Running Shots.

Across the line, together. Credit to JustRunLah!

Ranked 33 in the category based on Nett Time.

Garmin data once again :) We negative-split it!

An Athlete

“The way I see an athlete is they pick a sport and they’re at that sport every day,” Casey said. “They do their best to get better at that sport and they give it their heart and soul. Every morning, I go to CrossFit, I give it my all, I fight through the soreness and the agony, and I’m back at it the next day. If that’s not the definition of an athlete, I don’t know what is.”

Daniel Casey

Read the full inspirational article here.

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.

North East Compressport Run 2015

I absolutely have to commend the organisers (Team Punggol North CSC and the team, particularly Joseph Tan and Johnny Goh) for a brilliant race experience at the North East Compressport Run 2015. 

Noting that this race on 15th March 2015 was to take place at the fairly narrow Punggol Waterway, I was hesitant, considering that I knew that in my category of choice (10.5km), I would be running alongside 21km runners who would have been flagged off an hour earlier at 6.30am.

Having said that, considering the attractively affordable early-bird price ($24!) and knowing that I would be taking this run not as a race but more as a training session, I quickly signed up. I certainly was rewarded with a pleasant experience, with much credit due to the organisers.

I awoke at 5.45am, having more than sufficient time for breakfast (and just enough for comfortable digestion) before I headed off to the venue, reaching at 7.05am. This was indeed a smaller community race, therefore there weren't many portable restrooms - perhaps eight? It took me about 15min to get to the front of the queue, after which I hurriedly proceeded with a short jog as a warm-up before heading into the race pen.

Despite being due to be flagged off at 7.30am, we were delayed by about eight minutes as it was intended that the lead runners of the 21km category completed their race first. I was puzzled (because there would not be any obstructions since the start point was beyond the finish) and mildly worried (the sun). Thankfully, my concerns were misplaced due to the blessing of amazing weather throughout the entire run.

Flag-off. Credit to Ming Ham.

Upon flag off, I attempted to settle into a relaxing pace. Gauging pace was not the easiest of tasks because many of my runs lately were focused on effort not pace (though I now have the aid of my wonderful gift, though I admit I wanted to run by effort). Consequently, I tried finding a rhythm in my breathing pattern - which of course can be deceiving at the start of a run. The 1km marker appeared shockingly early and rightly so - a glance at my Garmin revealed about 0.85km and a time of sub 3:30. As I was feeling comfortable, I decided to remain at this effort. A fellow runner in Red overtook me and lingered ahead slightly.

Red and black. New and old.

Red's pace was certainly suitable for me and I decided to stick behind him, all along maintaining a relatively comfortable breathing pattern. The organisers did an interesting job of deploying seven hydration stations along the 10.5km loop. Before the 2km mark, I grabbed a cup of water (having heard of the dubious isotonic available) as unlike previous runs, I disposed of my bottle a good 15 minutes before flag off and my throat was a little dry.

The route was pretty uneventful. There were tonnes of mild hills (I'm guessing one to five feet elevation) but other than that, the course was very flat, save for a few bridges. I caught up with Red at just before the 3km marker and suggested we run together and he quipped "Try". I knew the company would certainly be of benefit even though I was pretty comfortable. I did also know that Red probably wouldn't stay with me for too long as his breathing was audible and I was planning to speed up after the halfway mark. We made the U-turn (approximately 3.7km, "Split 1") in 15:17.

Unsurprisingly, he was gradually losing touch with me, to which I encouraged him to just try to stick with my fairly consistent pace. At slightly past the 5km marker, he told me to go ahead and I encouraged him before moving ahead. (I caught up with him after the race and he informed me he faded thereafter, completing in about 42~).

There probably wasn't anything particular noteworthy as the race continued smoothly. All along, with the beep of my Garmin every 1km (which did not coincide with the distance markers), I was unfortunately unable to increase my pace. The few things I recall would be overtaking some MR25 runners and an F1 runner around the 7km distance marker. Towards the 8km mark, I caught sight of Vanja Cnops, a strong female way beyond my calibre in her prime (a 35:19 10,000m in 2009) and even at present. She was running strong but definitely slowing. I knew that I stood the chance of catching her. I was entertaining the possibility of an exciting sprint finish.

Slightly past the 9km distance marker, I caught up with Vanja and passed quickly. Perhaps if I was a female and threatening her monetary reward, she may have tried to stick with me. Unfortunately, she did not and I was left by myself again, the coast clear of any other runners in my category within sight.

The 10km marker came up very abruptly. If I recall, Garmin showed barely 9.4km. I knew the finish would be up a winding slope and the slope arrived thereafter. Shortening yet quickening my stride along the uphill, I caught some 21km runners. After the final bend, I began a comfortable sprint along the short straight and crossed the line. I was still feeling fresh, part of me wishing that I had a longer straight to just run freely.

Overall, I'm absolutely pleased with my entire race experience. From the race pack I did not have to personally collect (thanks Edwin!), to the thorough planning and execution (ample hydration, clearly marked out race route without bottlenecks, safety mechanisms in play, organisers who went extra miles for participants), to the pleasant weather - it was a perfect race. Save the error in distance of the route, which I can easily overlook for now. I am certain I'll support a subsequent race if the same team were to organise it.

Preliminary results were released just hours after the run!

Garmin data for the first time :) Thanks guys (if any of you are reading)!

Behind, always

Beholder

Credits to Flotrack

"And then the weight of the lifelong goal just hit me"

"You can't control what other people do. Medals and championships are about how you compete against others... [but] you can't control what other people do. But the last few races and especially this one - it's been about what can I do - irrelevant to what others [can]".

Nick Willis