Sundown Marathon 2016

It was a race of impatience.

I wasn't particularly excited about running this - though I had previously agreed to this free slot in exchange for a review. I didn't enjoy running at night due to the poor visibility, higher humidity (generally the case, in my opinion) and of course, my bedtime.

Therefore, in the days prior I was considering running the 10km in about 45-50mins - or perhaps squeeze in a tempo workout by running the first 5km slowly and the next 5km more quickly. All these plans amounted to nothing the moment I arrived at the race village.

I had arrived nearly 2 hours before flag off as I heard of the disastrously lengthy queues for the Late Race Pack Collection. Shockingly, I was immediately served upon my arrival. This left me with a tremendous window of time to occupy myself before the race started. Since I was early, when it finally got to 9.30pm and the race pen opened - I entered. That was the mistake that led to my downfall.

Don't get me wrong however - I think I ran this race pretty well in terms of speed. Yet I should have modified my expenditure of effort.

Flag off was at 10.00pm sharp. I started off a little quickly to avoid the crowd but subsequently ensured that I slowed down soon enough. During the first km, it felt as though a hundred individuals had overtaken me. I knew I'd catch a huge number of them though if I just stuck to my pace (4:17 for the first km - nothing too quick but way quicker than I had intended). 

One of the biggest dilemmas I have is when I'm running, I despise slowing down towards the end. Everyone hates that, just that I tend to be able to gauge my effort adequately to know that I have the reserves to speed up as the workout progresses. In this case, I had started significantly faster than I had intended - I didn't want to slow down. Hence I decided to stick to the pace, which probably made the run a less desirable workout than it could have been.

I'm glad to say I clung to a conservative pace for the first few km, covering the first 4km in just over 17mins which would be on track for a sub-43. Understandably I was overtaking many individuals who had previously sped past me in the earlier kilometres and perhaps consequently, I subconsciously sped up. The next few kilometres had me running at sub-4min/km (I only realised this in retrospect as in the moment, it didn't feel that quick). I could have continued at this pace had I wished, but thankfully I caught up with Jasmine (I always happen to meet her!) and decided to stick with her. On one hand, I was glad to provide some form of encouragement (I hope!), on the other hand, it was a good reason to tell myself to slow down.

And we come. Credit to Run, Don't f/Stop.

The kick. Credit to Marathon-Photos.com

Yet as part of my second big mistake for the day, I decided to sprint the last few hundred. I was probably about 300m from the line - it was a thrilling first hundred or so, thereafter I felt the delayed fatigue set in, but in my pride I wanted to finish strongly - hence I did. In the 40-odd seconds (I presume), I'm guessing I caught a handful of runners.

Credit to Marathon-photos.com

Credit to Marathon-photos.com

Impatience.

What have I learnt from this race? It seems that I lacked discipline, having treated this as a training/fun run. Perhaps I need to swallow my pride and ensure I slow down (if that's too difficult - at the very least I shouldn't speed up) if indicated, despite having plentiful reserves. After all, I'd like to think I'm in for the long-term gains - not the short, cheap thrills - echoing Philip's conservation with me during last week's National Vertical Marathon 2016.

Results very promptly released the next evening. The position is misleading because runners

in the Team category are not factored in (I'm probably closer to 30ish~ place overall).

National Vertical Marathon 2016

I was certainly going to register for this race when registration opened. It was a well-organised race last year (I wished I had started participating earlier), furthermore there were wonderfully sponsored goodie bags. Not to mention I was an NTU student in support of the NTU Sports Club. Lastly, it was a realistic chance to clinch some attractive prizes. 

It was one of the rare races that didn't inflate its registration fees - priced at $26 for the Open category, just like in 2015. In addition, Philip suggested we form a team to participate in the Open Relay category. I welcomed the idea and thus a team was formed - Philip, myself, Yaner and Julia.

My reporting time for my Open Men's race was 7.00am. As Noel's reporting time was 7.30am, we got a lift down to the venue, reaching just after 7. A slight drizzle greeted us, hence most participants took cover in the shelter of the surrounding buildings. I was understandably a little nervous. Firstly, I forgot to indicate my interest to run in the same wave as other participants eg Russell, hence I had no company initially. Furthermore, I was keen to improve on my timing from last year's edition, hence I knew I had to go in with a bit of a plan - to pace well and then try hard towards the latter stages.

I proceeded to collect my race pack. This year's race tee was light blue - sadly a little less appealing than last year's.I was initially scheduled to be in Detail 25 Lane B, with the race timing to be 7.48am. However, due to missing individuals etc, the numbers were not strictly adhered to (which made sense, especially if some original details had multiple absentees). I was scheduled with 5 other individuals for Detail 20, based on chronological order. Had a brief chat with an NTU-alumnus named Eric just to ease the tension before the start of the race. At just after 8am, we were flagged off, our category proceeding along Staircase A.

Sizing up my fellow participant. Credit to NVM's Facebook.

I proceeded into a run and thus led my small pack of fellow climbers. One the climbing started, I ensured I stuck to a realistic pace, knowing that fatigue would catch up with me before long. Initially, a runner behind seemed to start catching up with me. I continually grabbed the handrails, making every step as efficient as possible. Based on my experience from the Ulu Pandan Vertical 2016, I had started off a little too quickly hence faltered and lost concentration towards the final third. I knew that in this longer race, getting the correct foot placement was paramount.

The first drink station passed at the 15th floor, which I skipped. I had started overtaking participants from earlier details since about the 10th floor onwards. All were willing to give way - as long as they noticed I was approaching. I was glad to hug the inside of the rail on most occasions as I gained leverage from it. I could sense the gradual fatigue building up as I reached the 33th floor in 5:05. It seemed like I was on course to improve my timing if I could maintain the pace!

I felt the discomfort, more acutely now, at around the 40th floor. A few floors later, I glanced up again. This was the phase where focus was absolutely necessary - balancing the coordination between the lungs and limbs while trying to utilise as much reserves as I had. Finally I had the 63rd floor and thereafter the floor numbers disappeared - yet I knew it would be anytime soon. Then came the all too familiar open door - an indication that the top was very near now. I sprinted along the short straight and finally emerged at the highest point, dashing past the line. I stopped my watch in 10:14. I was pleased.

Credit to Firefly Photography.

Hydration (100 Plus) was available at the top as we collected our finisher's medals. There were also wet wipes handed out, along with a photo point (not quite a booth) to capture the backdrop of panoramic scenery. I had the chance to talk to Eric and another runner named Keegan. Thereafter, it was a time for a short break before my return in the afternoon. And just before heading out - I received a pleasant phonecall :)

Apparently just in time. Credit to NVM's Facebook.

As I returned for my second event of the day - the Open Relay. This event was a relay race. The three transition zones were the 15th floor, the 32nd floor and the 44th floor. Being the freshest participant - I was to take the final leg - undoubtedly the toughest climb of all.

It wasn't till nearly 4pm that our team was flagged off. 6 relay teams were flagged off at the same time, with only the first climber of each team starting from the ground floor, while the other climbers were distributed at the higher levels. I was thankful to be climbing this with the company of Philip (the leader), Yaner and Julia - who had positioned themselves in that order as well. The stair rail started shaking - marking the start of the relay. Before long, a girl was emerging and I knew it would be Julia.

With a quick tap of the hand, it was now my turn to execute the climb. The first few floors of my leg (up to 48) were pretty straightforward, with two flights of stairs per level. Thereafter came a short transition to three flights per floor. This was particularly challenging as it was difficult to find rhythm. I knew it was important to concentrate on my rhythm (as opposed to pure exertion) as stair-climbing was definitely more technical than running.

The relay was by far more energy-sapping that the previous climb of the entire building. Though I was climbing about 22 storeys (44th floor to the top - approximately 66 storeys), the pace soon left my lungs and lungs burning. My saving grace was that it didn't last too long - I stopped my watch just after I passed the Finish (timing mat) in about 2:30.

Yaner, Julia, myself and Philip :) Credit to Firefly Photography.

With Yaner and Kai Peng.

Blessed.

A sizeable improvement from last year's edition! :) By all of us in fact!

The Performance Series 2016 (Race 1: Coney Island)

Just the day before, I wasn't sure if I could complete this distance. On Thursday evening, my right IT Band had flared up without warning. Having been accustomed to the dangers of that injury, yet knowing how I had migratory/progressive/intermittent knee pains over the past 4 weeks, I knew anything could happen, and I sure hoped it went well and well throughout. 

Amidst my apprehension, I was willing to try, just as how I knew miracles could occur (Daniel 4, that I happened to read just before my race, or in fact, my personal experience here). And however my race would turn out, I intended for it to glorify God.

I was torn on race day itself, between whether I should run a fast race (and risk blowing up) or take a stroll. I was even considering not running at all - but this race was sponsored and put together by a great team from JustRunLah!, hence I wanted to honour the opportunity they had given me and their hard efforts over the preceding months.

Here's the founder of The Performance Series. Read more here.

Having arrived at the start point just before 7am, I was able to access hassle-free baggage deposit and adequate restrooms (both portable and permanent). Thereafter, I headed down to the start pen which was already pretty filled at the front. Inching my way forward, I managed to get to within 5m of the start. That doesn't sound like much, but it's dependent on who's in front. If there are multiple slower runners - the path may be obstructed for the first 100m, requiring fartlek-style weaving if the route was narrow.

Right at 7.30am, the race was flagged off. I started off slowly - intending to run a good timing but not excessively uncomfortably either. I did feel a little more lethargic than usual - mentally from the fear that my injury would suddenly flare, physically because of the reduced training I had undertaken in the preceding weeks.

A huge pack had started off quickly, but I didn't care as they weren't my goal. There was indeed some weaving to be done as I passed runners, though this subsided after about 100m. I passed Yee Chieng, wondering if I could get some sub-40 company, though he mentioned that he was taking it easy today due to injury. I proceeded onwards comfortably and the first km was passed in about 3:55, with the distance marker emerging right after.

Indeed, around the 30th position right now, early in the race.

The initial portions of the route were undulating - definitely far from hills per se but still not the easiest to find rhythm along. I was way off from the lead pack - easily position 25-30 (in retrospect) and had trouble finding anyone trudging along at my pace as I gradually caught up with others. As I was running up a bridge I saw Jenny Huang, one of the race ambassador's. As I ran down, I saw Melvin Wong (SEA Games 2017 - 10km in 32:59) in the near distance, moving along gently with a small group of runners - I suspected he was pacing them close to a 40min 10km. I remained in that small pack (the first pack I found) for about 200m before realising they either were slowing or I felt too comfortable, hence I moved ahead.

In the distance I saw Jasmine. I shouted a greeting before moving ahead as well. It seemed like a game of catch-up. The route was pleasant and the weather was likewise. I felt fine - comfortable but not finding it effortless. It wasn't long before I entered Coney Island for the first time.

Thankfully, the trail was pretty dry and runnable (not too slippery/slidey). Nonetheless, I'd have preferred tarmac any time if I wanted to run a quick time. I found that I was still clicking off pretty acceptable kms in the 3:52-53 range. I did however, know that my breathing was getting a bit more laboured but certainly not in distress. My FR15 beeped and I noticed I passed the 5th km in just under 19:30, seeming to be right on pace if I wanted to run a sub-39 (that became a realistic target at that point of time). Coney Island was a point of significant overtaking as I passed easily 5-7 individuals while running at my steady pace. Of note were 2 ladies - Mok Ying Rong and a Caucasian - the eventual champions in the Female Closed/Open categories respectively.

Leaving Coney Island brought me to a short portion of tarmac, before returning to soft ground near the Lorong Halus Wetland. A volunteer shouted "8th" - which came as a pleasant surprise as I didn't think I was doing that well (though of which category he was referring to, I wasn't aware). I was catching up with Lexus and without around turning to identify me, he beckoned me past as my shadow gradually drew level with his. I accepted his offer, despite my mind starting to encourage me to take it easy - for my injury, that's what it said.

Admittedly, I did take it more easily. Somehow, I had found a reason to believe that a sub-39 wasn't possible (though in retrospect I realise from my Strava splits that it was). As I slowed, I found myself catching up to a Gurkha - the fourth runner of the Champion Team. Eventually, I passed him just before the 9km mark and I tried to speed up a little.

I was somewhat successful in doing so. I was however, aware of the growing discomfort and subsequent mild pain in the lateral aspect of my right knee. I knew I could complete the race, but the awareness of the injury meant that I was convincing myself not to push too hard. In the distance, I saw some blue banners which I thought was the Finish and thus I sped up, only to realise that they were just Lucozade banners while the Finish was still not in sight! By then, my FR mentioned that I had already covered more than 10km.

Where's my finish line. Credit to Run Shoot Repeat.

Thankfully, the Finish quickly approached. I knew I had comfortably ran a sub-40 and there wasn't anyone around me, hence I lacked some motivation to finish spectacularly. Nonetheless, the sight of the Finish was energising and I proceeded to stride comfortably past.

Thereafter, I was handed a "Potential Winner" tag - that was a first (receiving a tag). I presumed that it was given out to all the top-10 finishers who would subsequently be receiving a prize. More surprisingly, they actually requested that I write down my details and to my pleasant surprise - in the 2nd position row for the Closed Men's category. As I was doing so, they apologised and told me to write in the 3rd position row instead. Either way, I was pretty elated and simply shocked. I had the impression I was in 8th place (after the volunteer's exclamation) and since then had only overtaken 2 individuals.

Then I felt the growing pain. It was a dull ache, but I knew it would probably grow.

I grabbed some words and photos with the friendly Gurkhas (Team Champs), Lexus, Ying Rong and whoever else I knew (of course I had to grab a photo with the race founder, Zhiyong). In addition, I grabbed a few bottles of refreshing Lucozade and thereafter, stretched and waited... During the wait, Lexus informed me that I had actually come in 2nd for the Closed Men's category as the 2nd Singaporean had signed up under the Open category. If not for my growing injury, everything seemed brilliant thus far - this was divine favour.

The friendly bunch.

The prize presentation was awfully long, with a total of 50 prizes to be given out. That was a brilliant gesture, despite the lengthiness, as I'm certain most prize recipients treasured their chance to receive a prize on stage. F1 runners did produce a significant sweep of the prizes - I myself was sandwiched between Lexus and Stuart Haynes for the Men's Closed Category.

Results released the day after the race.

Strava data available here ~ An en-route 10km PB (38:55) despite my less than ideal shape and effort.

If not for what I presume was an easily correctable error - the incorrect race distance - I felt that this was an excellent debut race of The Performance Series. Would I sign up for more? Why not - assuming I'm back in good health.

Till then ~

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.