Run350 2016

It was time for my third edition of this race (you may also read about my race experience in 2014 and 2015). Having signed up with Ben since the 2014 edition, we decided to make it a yearly affair.

Thankfully, we had discounted rates, making it a very affordable race ($23)!

During REPC, Ben discovered he had been fortunate enough to obtain the lucky bib number 00888 (and I got 00887 -_-"). Seems like I still need patience in the hope that one day I am fortunate enough to obtain a nice bib number.

A jealous me in the background. Credit to Run350's Facebook Page.

Come race day, we reached the event precinct just before 6.20am. With flag-off scheduled at 6.30am, I knew it would be ideal to start queueing in the pen to get into the first wave and position ourselves reasonably towards the front, but nature did call. Therefore, it was barely five minutes before we got into the race pen. Unfortunately, a division (a thin metal chain)  had been made to separate us into the second wave. Despite some negotiation with the race officials, they prohibited our keen desire to join the first wave.

The first wave was flagged off at 6.30am. Quite interestingly, a runner beside us dashed under the metal chain that separated our wave (two) from the first. A race official tried to stop him, albeit ineffectively. That was rather amusing and ironical, as that exact runner, in seeing our ineffective negotiation attempts with race officials, had previously advised us to wait patiently for our wave's flag off.

Seems like I was fortunate enough to queue up behind a VIP.
Cameras were constantly flashing. Credit to Run350's Facebook Page.

Ben and I were flagged off in the second wave at 6.35am. Our plan was to try to run a 48min 10km race. It's interesting to see how we've progressed over the years...slowing every year...

Nonetheless, we begin at a rather quick pace, initially because we were planning to stay away from the crowd. The first km was passed in just under 4:30 - way too fast and definitely unrealistic. Most of it was my fault of poor pace estimation, having run last week's 2XU with close to a 4:00~ first km while already trying to start slowly. I've come to realise race pace feels so much easier in a race than in training - the atmosphere, the shoes, the ground (indeed, as most of my running is done in MacRitchie).

We deliberately slowed in the second km, on track for our target. Ben did however warn me that we may have to slow a bit - that was a poor prognostic indicator (coming this early, granted the aggressive first km). With some regulation of the pace, we soon started clicking off 5min/km. I encouraged him to just run as constant a pace as possible, avoiding unnecessary overtaking/weaving, in my desperate hope that we would run a 48+min race. Soon that become a sub-50.

All along, the route was filled with multiple runners, some from the first wave and others from the HM category that merged and diverged on various occasions. I obtained hydration from every hydration station available, intending to maximise my money's worth, though the race was already very affordable.

We noticed a middle-aged, small-built lady in a red top, running with small but rapid footsteps. She was our target. (Apparently, Ben realised that we had seen her in previous edition's.) We managed to stick with her for a large portion of the race, then disaster struck in the last km.

At that point, I was running slightly ahead of Ben. I loss visual on him (my complacent and lazy self that decided not to turn around for just a little too long) for a period of time and thereafter, for nearly a minute. That was under Bayfront Bridge, right at the point where the HM runners and 10km runners diverged. I was desperately concerned that either he had surged ahead along the 10km route without my notice, or that he had been diverted to the HM route. It was only after much waiting (and contemplating on my next course of action) that I saw him emerge from behind - before the route diverged for different categories. Apparently a cramp struck in those moments where I loss visual contact, thus handicapping him for a period.

Along Bayfront Bridge. Credit to Running Shots.

After ensuring that he was fit to continue running, I spurred him on. En route, multiple other runners also encouraged fellow runners. To me, that was inspiring. As we crossed Bayfront Bridge and headed close towards the Finish, we then threw in a surge as we hit the straight. It was arguably one of the fastest finishes I recall, though it was controlled in a manner that would enable both of us to pass the line as closely as possible. Looks like I mistimed it a little...

And we're done. Credit to While You Run.

Thereafter, it was time for a good conversation on life, health, priorities and of course, God and our faith. It's these conversations which I hold dear, recognising that they are the foundations and manifestations of strong friendships that may possibly last a long while. Sure, some of such in the past have passed, yet I'm no sceptic of them, merely realistic and accepting.

Race results available 2 days after the race ~

Till 2017 then!

2XU Compression Run 2016

Just the day before the race, Jacq informed me that she had decided not to run and offered me her slot. I had in mind to run a relaxed workout, or perhaps pace the others from church (if they were keen). However, she later mentioned "do a good one for me".

There were two reasons why this was difficult. Firstly, I had just been to the gym (an hour before) - my usual Saturday morning routine. This meant I would be aching pretty awfully. Secondly, I hadn't made specific preparation to run a half. I didn't know what pace was suitable, nor was I prepared to handle the demands of a longer race, having typically raced the 10k. Nonetheless, I was excited.

I awoke at 2.55am without an alarm (set at 3.00am). Every muscle in my body was aching. Even the eyelids, secondary to the short amount of sleep. Usual race day preparation ensued, thereafter I shared a cab down to the race venue with Javier and Joel. We arrived at about 4.20am and realised the restroom queues were terrifyingly long. I knew I had better find an alternative and managed to, with some thorough searching ;) Thereafter, I hurriedly collected the race bib from Jacq, deposited my bag, then headed into the race pen just around 4.50am. I snaked my way through the crowd towards the front, stopping about 10m~ short of the start.

5.00am and we were off. My plan was to head off around 1:35 HM pace, before speeding up after about 7km if I felt comfortable. This was an unfamiliar distance. Though I had covered a half-marathon before, it was never run competitively. Though telling myself to go slow, the first km was passed in about 4:00, and the subsequent few were passed only mildly slower, despite the deliberate attempt to relax. After about 4km, I caught up with another runner (a race bandit) who mentioned he was planning to run 1:28 or so, thus with the earlier km passed comfortable at approximately 1:25 pace, I decided to stick with him.

It wasn't long before we heard pounding footsteps from behind and lead bikes following us. The lead female (Jasmine) had caught up with us and we all decided to stick together. Runners were awfully strung out at this point of time, hence I was very keen for company. We slowed down marginally for Jasmine, though still clicking off 4:10-14. It felt very comfortable and I knew that my cardiovascular system would probably not be troubled maintaining this effort (speaking in full sentences was possible) for the distance.

With Jasmine (eventual Female Champion) just
behind. Credit to Pink Apple Events.

Somehow, my bandit friend disappeared around 8km. Thereafter it was the two lead bikes, Jasmine and I. I was fearful that we were slowing, hence I intermittently encouraged Jasmine along. We passed 10km in slightly past 41mins, which was well on track for the 1:30 I had in mind. Feeling comfortable, I decided to maintain my pace as the gap between Jasmine and I grew. One of the lead bikes followed me even after my gap with Jasmine grew. I asked him whether he could do that gratefully thanked him for his company as I was now progressing on towards a dark and lonely stretch along the PCN.

Towards the end of the PCN, there was a sign that read "Narrow Path Ahead" - that would prove to be a disastrous bottleneck for runners in the middle of the pack that would later pass by.

It was around the 14km mark where I started to feel the fatigue setting in. There was the tingling in the calves, not good. To complicate matters, my Garmin FR15 suddenly gave up on me. Whether it was the battery or Garmin's signal issues I do not know, but this meant I didn't know how fast I was running (which wasn't too big an issue as I could vaguely gauge) and how long I had taken (which is of concern when I was hoping to run a specific time). I only had the distance markers to rely on. My FR15 still did display the time of the day, hence having assumed that we were flagged off at 5.00am, I knew I had till about 6.30am to finish the remaining distance.

The next few km were pretty challenging as I felt the risk of cramps, in addition to the heavier legs suggestive of glycogen depletion (I hadn't bothered to carbo-load nor did I prepare nutrition en-route). I was for a huge portion of the route and the desire to finish the race was constantly growing (a poor prognostic sign). At around the 18km mark, a volunteer wasn't doing his job properly - he was moving while holding a cup of hydration out for me. I decided to ignore him altogether, instead grabbing a cup on the table. I felt a twinge through my left calve. I decided I better stop for a moment to stretch, lest a cramp came that would handicap me for the remaining few km.

After my 10 seconds of stretching, I resumed the running, albeit much more cautiously. I had enough time to run a sub-1:30 if I maintained a 5min+/km pace. That was definitely manageable, as long as cramps were held off. Even if a cramp did occur, I suspected I still had a sufficient buffer.

Now concerned about cramps. Credit to Pics2Go.

I proceeded on possibly around a 4:45 pace, being particularly careful on the slopes. Eventually a sign read 20km - the end was near! And footsteps from behind were getting ever nearer, along with Lexus' shouts of encouragement to a couple of other runners (one of whom was Jasmine) and myself. I laughed in reply to his "Moses you can run 1:25", mentioning that I wasn't keen to push myself and risk a cramp that would make my passage across the imminent Finish not so...graceful. Nonetheless, he was pretty persistent with his shouts and I'm glad I sped up. During this period, one runner passed me. That was the first in the race.

I don't quite remember what caught my attention. Credit to Pics2Go.

As I proceeded onwards at the risky pace, I gradually started to feel the cardiovascular fatigue that was unfamiliar for the entire route prior. It was a tough balance between running hard while recognising that a little too hard and a cramp would be invited along. Thankfully the Finish came pretty quickly and I passed safely as the clock was reading an upper 1:26. I knew Jasmine was just behind as I saw the tape being prepared - obviously not for me (though I was the first female bib that crossed the Finish). Oh, and I recall hearing Jacq's shouts of encouragement as I passed the Finish.

I was pretty surprised at the time, though (as usual) convinced that the course was slightly short (which, according to most others' Strava data, it probably was about 20.8km). Nonetheless, I knew a sub-1:30 was undeniably possible.

Thereafter, I collected the Medal and Finisher Tee (a Female one again, as with last year) before congratulating Jasmine on her performance. She congratulated me as well and told me that I needed to work on my endurance (definitely true ha ha). It's amazing how this lady who is my age+15 (so she claims) runs so well! Thereafter, I went to look for Jacq. I contemplated the complimentary massage (the queue would later grow to an insane length) though decided against it for fear of it triggering a cramp. Briefly caught up with some of the F1 runners while thanking Lexus for his shouts of encouragement, without which I would have certainly ended my race more cautiously. It was a longggggg wait thereafter, during which I managed to see Kenn Siang again (just like in 2015), before meeting Kenneth and Javier for breakfast. And finally, the batch at Serangoon.

Someone forced the Finisher's Medal on a reluctant me. Credit to Pics2Go.

Refresh yourself with Pocari.

Just missed a sub 1:27! Then again, this was run at such late notice :)

By the way, feel free to check out my review on JustRunLah! here :)

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.

Ulu Pandan Vertical Run 2016

Having been informed that it would be recurring this year, I didn't hesitate about signing up. As much as I felt improvements could have been made during last year's inaugural edition, I wanted to support this (and perhaps reclaim a podium finish).

This time, the Men's Open was to be the last group to be flagged-off. As usual, there were some delays. I had queued towards the front, just ahead of Kai Peng and Yaner. We were all keen from avoiding congestion as last year, we were assigned in numerical order (imaging running through a huge crowd along a narrow stairwell). Thankfully, this time round, the sequence of starts were based on a first-come, first-serve basis. During the wait, I had the chance to chat with both of them, thus easing the pre-race jitters. They were undoubtedly very strong competitors, if anything I hazarded a guess that with less congestion this year, Yaner could emerge 1st.

It wasn't too long (just before 10.50am) that we were flagged off at 10 second intervals. I probably started a bit quickly and haughtily. As much as this was a short race, rhythm was vital and I had some poorly placed steps which possibly contributed to sacrifice of some seconds. It wasn't long till I hit the 20th storey (we started from the 3rd storey) and I stole a glance at my watch reading about 1:25. That was good but I could feel the fatigue setting in quickly.

The next 20 storeys were fast but could certainly have benefited from more concentration and deliberate footsteps. I passed the two runners who had started ahead of me and the race then went quiet. No one was ahead, I couldn't hear anyone behind either - it was just me and the clock. I stumbled intermittently, perhaps a consequence of the draining volume of physical activity I had undergone in the preceding week.

To end the agony. Credit to Ulu Pandan CSC.

The last few flights were agonising but at last, I emerged at the top and stopped my watch around 3:18. Within seconds, both Kai Peng and Yaner emerged strongly as well. We were all gasping. Yaner probably looked the most comfortable. Gradually, more and more participants started emerging, all struggling to catch their breath. I even noticed a Kenyan (legit!) who suspected he finished just after 4 mins and admitted stair racing was awfully intense.

Thereafter, I headed back down for a chat with some other participants. Met Conan who told me he was participating in Carnival Run held later that evening as well. I had initially planned to participate in the "Run for Rice" initiative, whereby 5kg bags of rice carried to the 20th floor would be donated to needy families in Ulu Pandan. Yaner, Kai Peng and I headed over the first time, only to find out all packets of rice were being used at the moment. The next time we returned, they apologised and informed us that activity had just concluded.

This time, with the friendly conversations with other participants, time flew quickly. Preliminary results were also released, placing Yaner 1st, Kai Peng 3rd while I was in 2nd. It wasn't long before prize presentation (which was much less of a wait compared to last year's edition). Quite interestingly, Yaner had went for his "cool-down" climb while Kai Peng and I were lingering some distance away from the prize presentation area. 

When we finally heard our names being called (after what must have been quite a few times) we rushed back to proceed with the prize presentation. It probably isn't too common that podium finishers don't show up (I couldn't be bothered during last year's NVM 2016 - though in that case I wasn't expecting it at all). Yet Yaner was still probably somewhere high up climbing. The organisers agreed we'd take a proper photo once he returned.

Missing. Credit to Ulu Pandan CSC.

After some time, Yaner returned to claim his prize. Unlike last year where climbing and winning felt so surreal, this year the event was light-hearted, barely pressurising and filled with friendly conversations. I was really glad to have the chance to properly talk to Yaner and Kai Peng. I also got to know Philip, who placed 3rd in last year's edition.

Lost and Found. Credit to Ulu Pandan CSC.

Happy trio. Credit to Ulu Pandan CSC.

Many congrats to Yaner for his victory today. I heard that this was his first time placing 1st in a stair racing event and he definitely deserved it! Great climb by Kai Peng as well, having now ascended to the podium after placing 4th last year. Finally, a shout of appreciation to Ulu Pandan CSC for continuing to organise this event. It was also a great initiative to provide a Finisher's Medal to every participant :)

Men's Open 2nd! Not the fastest but feeling like a champion in other ways :)

Finalised Results. Credit to Ulu Pandan CSC.

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