Men's Health Urbanathlon 2016

I didn't make it into the first wave. But that didn't matter much. 

I started in the third wave. This meant that most of the faster runners would be long gone by the time my wave was flagged off (7.06am). Some of the Gurkhas who were in my wave had managed to negotiate their way to the first wave start. I knew they'd be podium contenders. As for me, though a little disheartened that I couldn't see the Gurkhas in action (and a little worried if there would be bottlenecks forming, as each wave probably consisted of about 80 individuals), I had already decided I was hear to experience an obstacle race, not race one.

Yellow. Credit to Prischew.com.

From another angle. Credit to MHU's Race Video.

Promptly at 7.30am the first wave was flagged off; subsequent waves were flagged off in three minute intervals. I was pretty cautious about the lengthy race and the obstacles, therefore I tried to start cautiously and followed others who were leading my wave. It wasn't long before I found myself leading my wave just as I approached the Obstacle 1: Barrier Breakers. Though straightforward, I could foresee this could be more challenging for female participants. There were many participants from the earlier waves navigating this obstacle, though it wasn't a bottleneck yet.

Therefore, I proceeded along steadily, making my way under Benjamin Sheares bridge to arrive at Obstacle 2: Side Walk. This was probably one of the easier obstacles of the race, or at least it was easy considering most runners were still fresh. Thereafter came the three storey climb up to the top of the bridge. Some runners were running up, though I took my time, two steps at a time. I knew that the best way to complete this race was by pacing well - both during the run and during the obstacles (if possible).

The run atop the bridge was pleasant. Though the sun had already risen, it was fairly breezy. I gradually started reeling in runners while continuing at my steady pace. As I passed, I'd just pay some attention to their audible breath sounds - my marker of another's effort. Thereafter I arrived at Obstacle 3: Swinging Fortunes. This was essentially monkey bars - though that wasn't particularly easy as the bars weren't particularly dry and the grip wasn't the most secure. Thankfully for me, it wasn't too long. I noted participants falling off the bars onto the ground early (or intentionally?). Though race rules previously indicated that failure of a station would result in a time penalty of five minutes, I didn't see any of the crew enforcing it. Nonetheless, I had previously decided I wanted to complete the race according to the rules - even if they weren't enforced. Hence, I religiously ensured I completed every obstacle.

The brief Obstacle List. Credit to Men's Health Urbanathlon's Race Guide.

It was a long run to the fourth obstacle. The route took us along Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton and the Esplanade before reaching Nicoll Highway. It was during the long stretch of uninterrupted running that I recorded my fastest splits, in part due to the absence of obstacles but also because it was largely flat and it was simply enjoyable running along while still relatively comfortable. My rhythm was interrupted as I negotiated Obstacle 4: Lateral Move. The first set of parallel bars were not particularly easy due to my narrower shoulder width and the fact that they shuddered as I moved along. Thankfully the second set was considerably easier. 

The run then resumed and before long came Obstacle 5: Lift N' Load. I was previously expecting a 20kg sand bag but it was certainly significantly lighter, possible just past 10kg (if my estimation is to be trusted). No trouble here, though I did it slowly as after all, I knew that pacing was vital. I had previously overtaken a runner in Neon Green (I later found out was Baldwin) and he was doing this station faster than I was. Nonetheless I knew I would make up ground once the running resumed - and that was exactly what happened. 

I was certainly more exhausted (we were about 11km into the race by then) though I believe I was still maintaining a reasonable pace. Soon after was Obstacle 6: Maze Runner. I tried my best to identify a route before I proceeded on all fours, crawling my way under the net and around the barricades. The hydration station right after was well positioned as my hands enjoyed its fair share of water to clean off the debris accumulated from the previous crawl.

Shortly after was Obstacle 7: Network. I was pretty exhausted by then but fortunately this obstacle was pretty straightforward. Just ascending, transversing and descending the network. Thereafter we were in familiar territory again, right around our National Stadium. I caught sight of a Caucasian runner in Red up ahead and it wasn't long before I caught up with him and passed him, arriving at Obstacle 8: Metcon Madness. This was by far one of the toughest obstacles for me. My quads were burning as I performed the Box jumps, alternate lunge jumps. These were arguably more equal as they were bodyweight exercises. Red (bear in mind he's probably 1.8m in height and weighing closer to 80kg) then caught up with me as I proceeded on the other "Fixed weight" exercises such as overhead squats, sandbell overhead swings and wall throws. Bearing in mind that I was possibly dehydrated and weighing just past 50kg at that point of time (gosh I empathise with lighter female runners that diligently adhered to the requirements of those tasks), the tasks were a heavy (literally) burden.

I was very much relieved when I finally passed that obstacle as I knew the race was nearly completed. However, I felt a little twinge in my calves - the distance and obstacles had tested my endurance well. Prior to Obstacle 8 while looking at my watch, I suspected a sub 1:05 finish was possible, though now I knew I could risk cramps or sacrifice that attractive number (it's this thing some of us have about multiples of 5 eg 0:40, 1:00). I chose the former, remembering that this was meant to be an enjoyable experience. 

Thankfully I was spared the misery and pain of a cramp. I proceeded along the final stretches of the route (during which, a volunteer shouted "Number 8!" Though the race results below seem to suggest otherwise) to complete Obstacle 9: Final Obstacle (no better name for it?!). The potential of a cramp was particularly prevalent as I climbed the underside of the netting, with my calves twinging at every step (and I took quite a number of steps). Thereafter came a fun and refreshing zip-line swing down from the 3m platform into an inflated pool of water (thank goodness I was one of the earlier ones taking the plunge - it must have gradually accumulated lots of perspiration and well, other things). 

I should have done this with more style. Credit to MHU's Obstacle Highlights.

Strava data available here :)

That concluded this enjoyable race - an obstacle race for a change! Medal and Finisher's-tee claimed, along with a can of 100-Plus and a banana. Lingering around the Finish were a pretty huge bunch of Gurkhas, along with a few Caucasians and a Singaporean-looking runner (who I later got to know as Feroz). I had a brief chat with Red, sharing how I felt deeply challenged by the Crossfit station (Obstacle 8) and greatly preferred the running. He then remarked how he greatly preferred the couch. I also managed to catch up with Bijay and Dev (I hope I spelt that correctly!) whom I had previously got to know during other local running events. Another Gurkha asked if I was from Raffles as he thought he had seen me with them before... I was like...nahhhhh.

I then proceeded for a refreshing shower (that's one of my favourite things about races held at Kallang Practice Track), some freebies (Adidas water bottle) and thereafter home before heading for Sunday Service as usual ~

Results out 2 days after the race. There does seem to be a little error though,
as quite clearly I started in the third wave...making nett time no more than
 1:05:09~ Doesn't matter though :)

Green Corridor Run 2016

After a late invitation (early bird rates long gone) by Chuan Heng, I decided to attempt the Green Corridor at last and in fact, for the first time. I was definitely excited to have the chance to race as part of the competitive MacRitchie Runners 25 team, having seen them often at MR and during races. 

With Chuan Heng as the team leader, we met at 6.45am (so early for a 8.00am start!) at Tanjong Pagar before proceeding to the race site, led by Kek (Dan Gao). The group was a friendly bunch, comprising of both veterans and junior members.

After depositing our bags, we proceeded for a simple warm-up before forming up about 25 mins prior to flag off as the crowds were gathering quickly. I was pleased at the ability that we possessed in securing a decent starting position, within metres from the start line. Looking around, there were representations from various running groups (F1, Singapore Shufflers) including speedy individuals (like Kenyans).

We were promptly flagged off at 8.01am, with a huge pack heading off to the a blistering start while I attempted to remain conservative. It wasn't hard to avoid too fast a start as the circumstances - terrain and participants - demanded it. I was pretty comfortable for the first km passed in 3:57, though I was a little hesitant if I could keep it up for the entire course. I gradually realised that I certainly wasn't back to premorbid (IT band syndrome for the last quarter of 2015) and that this was complicated by the flat though slightly uneven and shifty terrain.

I had options - to push hard early and try to hang on or to play it conservatively. I decided on the latter as I this was my first race in awhile and I was a little doubtful of my fitness. Furthermore, bearing in mind my uncertainty of the course (first and last run ever at the Green Corridor), it seemed wise to recognise my mistake early. 

As always, I gradually caught hold of some runners. I could see Chun Hong consistently about 30-50m ahead of me. I noted some familiar faces though I admit I was a more focused on conserving energy to run instead of greetings. There were however, multiple photographers along the way. I knew that I couldn't race this in a brilliant time, hence I tried to maximise my photogenicity (its success was debatable) while maintaining a respectable pace (no star jumps for me).

Looks like I've still got some work to do. Credit to RecoveringAddict Runner.

Around the 7km mark. This one's not much better either. Credit to Running Shots.

I registered a particularly slow split for the 8th km. I have no idea why... maybe it was the flyover stealing the GPS signal.

Towards the last portion of the race, I noted the presence of a lanky F1 runner and two Shufflers ahead of me. I decided to speed up and surprisingly, I managed to do so pretty convincingly. I began a kick just as I caught up to the F1 runner, continuing past steadily before proceeding towards the Shufflers. By then, the finish was in clear sight (150m?) and I knew I had to kick hard now, lest they decided to hang on to me. I did exactly that, passing them with 50m to spare and sparing them no chance to respond.

First, the F1 runner, with about 500m~ to go. Credit to Running Shots.

Time to fly while others shuffled (very quickly). Credit to Pictureart.

(I feel like I'm writing some inspirational race commentary. But that was quite certainly the best experience of my race today.)

Thereafter was the collection of a towel, the finisher's medal and a bottle of water. Last but not least, a cool-down with some MR-25 guys (I could sense a cramp coming - thankfully we quickly concluded it) and photo-taking.

Proud to have run alongside this friendly team (: Oops we're missing Jesper...

Hmm now we're missing Kok Soon...

Strava data available here. Missed a GPS-registered sub-40 10k by a bit!

With regard to the course, there were some stretches of poorly lit areas such as under flyovers. As the non-existent pack I was in was pretty spaced out, the rays of light seeping in were sufficient, though I imagine those running in a bigger pack would require some definitive lighting to maximise safety. Other than that, there were slippery portions though nothing in comparison to the previous Compressport Rail Corridor Run earlier in the year. Distance markers were appropriately positioned at every 500m (if I recall), so great work by the organisers. I was however rather disappointed that there was no chilled hydration, let alone isotonic hydration available along the route.

For now, we await official results. Hopefully the team will place well! Congrats to Thomas and Chuan Heng for running another of their many existing sub-40 races and Chun Hong on a great PB!

*Update. Official results are out and we did indeed place pretty well :) We were initially 4th but a member of the originally 1st-placed team was disqualified, hence they dropped to 5th and we were elevated to 3rd!

Results promptly released the following day :) A very strong field!

And our little reward ~

Do also feel free to check out my post on JustRunLah! here :)

Cosmic Nostalgia

"Apparently, then, our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation. And to be at last summoned inside would be both glory and honour beyond all our merits and also the healing of that old ache."

"Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing."

C.S. Lewis

IHG Road Relay 2016

It's great to be back to running and back to racing. However, I was pretty apprehensive about this race. For one, I knew there was a decent field of very strong runners. In addition, having only managed running for barely a month (after three months of pain - beyond physical), I wasn't at all confident of my fitness for this short races. This is quite self-explanatory but running well in short races necessitates short, fast training (on a background of aerobic fitness). The latter I may have semi-had, but the former was lacking.

At NTU's SRC, I finally got to meet my team of runners. I knew some from previous encounters, yet the majority of them were foreign (metaphorically). The relay involved two teams of five runners per hall. Team A (the team I was assigned to) was required to have three guys and two girls, while Team B had four guys and a single girl. All 18 halls would have one runner of each team running concurrently, totalling 36 runners on the field. The total time of both teams in each hall would then be calculated and the eventual rankings would be determined based on this. I was given the bib A3 as I was the third runner of Team A. The route would take runners around the track, before moving along a segment of Lien Ying Chow Drive, Nanyang Crescent, then around the track before relay handover. The estimated distance of the route was slightly past 2.2km.

At first glance (and not unexpectedly), I noted there were a sizeable number of potentially quick runners amongst different halls. While some were slightly more inconspicuous, others did seem to exude an aura suggesting they were speedy.

Just before flag off.

It wasn't long before the first 36 runners were flagged off. They sped off, possibly too quickly, as Russell and I noted that a sizeable number covered the first 200 in 30-35s~ (that is too fast, unless one intended to finish under 7min - which I believe no one did). We were rather concerned for Bert (A1), who was near the leaders. Nat (B1) adopted a more conservative approach and it probably served him well.

Before flag-off, Russell and I postulated that the first runner out of the track would be either very fast or very foolish. The first runner off the track was Andreas (IVP 15-16 Steeple Champion) so he was indeed very fast (and not foolish) as within a few minutes, he was the first one returning to the track and eventually completing the first round. Thereafter runners started stringing in. Before long, Nat returned and transited to Debra (B2), followed by Bert to Ziyu (A2). I started getting nervous.

It wasn't long before Debra returned and handed over to Russell (B3). Thereafter, Ziyu handed over to me and I was off. Probably a little quick at first, but nothing suicidal. I knew I needed to keep the initial pace modest early lest I found myself with too much reserve with too little distance left to expend it.

After a loop around the track, it was a short flight of stairs up before hitting the sheltered walkway towards Crescent Hall. En route, I passed a couple of runners - mostly female - and the occasional male. At this point of time, runners were spread out across the entire route, hence there was no difficulty overtaking.

Marshals were spread along the route, directing runners at appropriate turns. I was particularly adherent to all instructions, making sure that my run had no reason to be DQed. The first half of the route had a net downhill. Thereafter, it was a rather steep incline and it was there that I caught up with Russell. By then, I was pretty uncomfortable, but the race was nearly over. After some technical turns (including dodging of an elderly lady), I finally hit the track.

As I slowly caught up with some runners, I made the foolish decision to run on the inside lane (as we were running clockwise - this was the right side of the track). The mind certainly wasn't functioning too well and I found myself obstructed. Looking back, I certainly should have ran wide. However, it wasn't long before I finally entered the transition zone and handed over to Felicia (A4). Russell had managed to stick with me and handed over to Edwin (B4) at the same instance.

Almost. Credit to Merlin.

Right after transition. Credit to Merlin.

And we burn. Credit to Merlin.

"Gosh that was difficult," I exclaimed, my legs experiencing the burning sensation of short races I dearly missed. It was however, exhilarating that I managed a sub-8. Bearing in mind the technicalities of the route and the lack of speedwork appropriate for this distance (not to mention only recently returning after injury), I had initially intended to simply run a modest sub-9.

The race wasn't over however, as I watched the others race on. Eventually, Hart (B5) and Brandon (A5) started their own legs and finished their relay legs. Team A finished in 47:21 while Team B finished in 46:57 (these were timed by ourselves). The official time of our hall was 94:17, placing us 9th out of 18 halls. Not bad for a debut :)

The Team. Credit to Merlin.

Final standings. We beat Hall 9 by a mere second.

Strava data available here :)

To conclude the events of the morning came the awkward celebration of Nat's birthday. Thereafter, I caught a few words with Jian Jie, Andreas, Jaren and Guan Zhen, before a shower and departure from Pulau NTU.

Opportunity

Return

Return to God, return to running. Remember this.

The IT band injury took me out of pain-free running for a good three months (end Sept '15 till early Jan '16). Despite countless rehabilitation exercises or keeping off from physical activity, it seemed to persist.

Until one day, on the 3rd January 2016, I uttered a prayer during service in Bartley Christian Church. The intention was to put God first, put personal goals, dreams, even joys - behind. And then came recovery and restoration.

I choose to attribute my physical restoration to God's healing hand. It's been more than a month and my IT band hasn't flared at all since the miraculous, instantaneous recovery. As for my spiritual and emotional transformation towards surrender, it is in the process. Yet here I write this, lest I forget.

NUS Bizad Charity Run 2016

"Stick with me". They did so and they did it well. In fact, too well. They blindly followed me as I took a turn off course to avoid the finish.

(When I realised their error, I quickly redirected them back.)

Nonetheless, glad to have helped these Sec 1 and Sec 3 boys to their 45~min finish :)

Credit to Ming Ham.