Injury and Aborted Races

I signed up for the Great Eastern 5km Fun Run the weekend after Ozark and the Penang Bridge 10km Run at the end of Nov.  Unfortunately, the sprained ankle meant that I had to miss both runs, excluding the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore.  Instead, I decided that I should still go to Penang and make this more of a makan trip than running trip.  :)  It should be fun as I would be going with Karen, Carey, Samantha and her hubby Leslie!

As Karen was on a working trip and arriving back from USA on Sat morning, she had to switch her flight to Penang to Sat evening.  By then, Sam, Leslie and I had visited some temples before going to pick up our race bibs.  I met many runners from Singapore and most of them would be running the half or full marathon.  I was glad that I didn't managed to sign up for the full marathon.  Else it would be a waste of money.  Collection of the race bib was a breeze.  But I had forgotten that I used my passport number during the registration, they were unable to find my race bib using my NRIC!  Luckily, Sam and Leslie reminded me and they found my race bib.  It was makan time (lunch) and we escaped the heat by going to the shopping mall next to the race bib collection point.  We met Mohan Marathon there and had lunch together.  After which we walked around the mall while waiting for Karen.  As I was limping, I decided to have ice-cream while waiting for Karen.

Karen finally showed up in the evening and we took a cab back to the hotel.  After she had settled down, it was time for more makan (dinner)!!!  We decided to walk to the food street located just behind our hotel.  But the short walk took forever.  When we reached the food street, it was very crowded.  We managed to find a place to sit down.  Since I was inmobile, I was tasked to jaga the food while the rest will get the food.  While the amount of food was not that much, we were eating as though we had to run 42.195km the next day!  In the end, we even gave out a plate of Indian rojak to the next table as Karen, Leslie and Sam had each bought a plate of Indian rojak!

After dinner, we took a slow walk back to the hotel.  Carey called to inform us of the time she and her dad would drop by the hotel to pick us up for the race!  So nice of Carey and her dad!  We woke up early and by 4am, we were down at the lobby.  Carey's dad drove us to as near to the start line as possible.  We then made arrangement for him to pick us up after the race at the same place.  After saying goodbye, we followed the rest of the runners who stopped at the same location as us.  It was very easy to spot the starting line although there was a 10km competitive run and a 10km fun run starting at different time.  I wished Karen, Carey, Sam and Leslie a good run before I decided to fill the time and my stomach!

After my wanton noodle, I walked to the other side of the street, near where the end point was located.  By then (5:50am), I already saw the half marathoners streaming back to the finishing line.  Being at the race end point was fun as you could see the different expressions on the runners' faces and take photos of your friends.  Unfortunately, I didn't have my DSLR with me and had to resort to using my compact camera instead.  But I managed to see and shoot many familiar runners although not all photos turn out nice due to the low lighting.  It was another half an hour passed before I saw Leslie running towards me!  Soon, Sam came and zoomed passed me, followed by Carey.  There was no sign of Karen yet!

I continued to watch out for Karen.  Sam came over to me soon after.  We were both worried about Karen as the cut-off was 1hr 30mins for the 10km competitive run.  As the clock ticked closer towards the 1hr 30mins mark, I asked Sam to use my bib to "run" towards the end and get a finisher medal for Karen, in case she missed out.  She left promptly, jumping into the 10km runners.  :p  A while later after Sam was gone, I saw Karen!  I was very happy for her for completing the race even though she might not have made the cut-off.  It was not about timing but completion!  And granted that she just flew back from USA, it was a very decent effort.  When all of them came over to where I stood, I was happy to hear that the orgnaiser continued to give out the finishing medal for the 10km runners even though the cut-off was over.

We went back to the drop-off point and met up with Carey's dad, who sent us back to our hotel.  After washing up, we checked out and Carey and her dad picked us up for more makan and shopping, before we flew back to Singapore.  While I might have missed out the final opportunity to run the Penang Bridge (organiser said the 2013 run will be held using the new bridge), overall I had much fun.  This was one of those no-stress type of overseas trip that I hope I could take more often in future.  :)

Ozark Trail Endurance Run 2012

I realised that whenever I DNF a race, I would find no inspiration and very difficult to update my blog.  But needless to say, I must try to find the positives from my failure.  So here it is, my race report for the Ozark Trail Endurance Run after a 7-month hiatus!

This would be my 2nd attempt for the Ozark Trail Endurance Run.  I did it last year but missed the CP5 Gunstock Hollow cut-off time by a miserable 1min.  I didn't felt too bad then as I was out injured for 3 months and frankly speaking, it was suicidal to even stand at the start line!  This year, I was fully fit and I felt confident after completion of the TNF Singapore 100km just 3 weeks before.  I decided to spend a night at Chicago before flying to St Louis.  From there, I rented a car and drove to Bass River Resort in the town of Steelville.  This year, I decided to share a cabin with other fellow runners in order to save cost.

After arriving at Bass River Resort, I settled down and went to pack my drop bags.  Then I went straight to collect my bib and race packet.  I went back to the cabin to update my bib number for my drop bags (I reused my drop bags for the various races I took part) before bring them all to deposit them with the organiser.  I deposit a total of 6 drop bags.  It was more than necessary but since the drop bag service was available, I might as well make full use.  :p  It was close to briefing time and I went up to the dining area where dinner would be held.  There, the RD gave a detailed briefing on the trail condition, trail markings, before handing the mic over to the "spokesperson" of the national park.  She would be retiring this year and everyone applaused her dedication.  A lucky draw was also conducted and lucky winners walked away with a year's subscription to Trail Runner's magazine!  After dinner, I went back to the cabin as there wasn't anything to do in such a remote part of USA.  Besides, we had to wake up early to take the shuttle to the race start.

 

I woke up at about 2am in the morning - an unearthly hour!  The rest in the cabin also started to get ready too.  I took a light breakfast comprising of a bun and a can of milo before walking over to the Resort's "gift shop".  The temperature was cool (about low 40 degree fahrenheit) and some runners gathered there to keep themselves out of the wind.  At around 4am, the organiser lined up 2 yellow buses (the school buses were exactly like what we saw in the movies!) for the runners to check-in.  Once the buses are full, we left for the race start about an hour's plus drive away.  When we reached the race start at about 5:30am, it was still dark and the sky remained dark until 7am.  Some runners left the buses to do their warm up routine while others like me choose to remain on the bus until nearer the start time at 6am.  At about 5:50am, I reluctantly left the bus.  Luckily, the organiser had a burning stove which we could stand around it to keep warm.  At 6:00am sharp, the RD flagged off the race promptly!

Start Point to CP 1 @ Grasshopper Hollow (8.2 miles)

I started the race slowly as it was still dark.  But soon I'm no longer feeling cold.  Most of the runners were running in a single file as the trail was narrow.  I managed to keep up with the person who was running in front of me although occasionally, a few runners would overtake me.  Although the elevation chart for Ozark was not that bad, sometimes, it could give you a false sense of security, especially when you were not keeping track of time.  At about 7:10am, the day finally brightened up!  I reached the first CP1 at Grasshopper Hollow almost 2 hours after the start of race!  As with last year, there was a iceman greeting us at the aid station.  I probably spent too long taking photos and food before leaving for the next CP.

Total Distance: 8.2 miles

CP 1 to CP 2 @ Sutton Bluff (9.6 miles)

As I did this race last year, I could roughly remember the type of terrain, which was varied.  Lots of small little hills up and down the national park. This was also the longest segment of the whole race at 9.6 miles.    The trail was easy to follow with the Ozark National Park signage found on the trees.  I was getting warm and decided to take off my long sleeved running tee.  I was chasing two other runners not far in front.  It was good to have someone to follow.  We also encountered a big water body.  Luckily for us, there was a fallen tree trunk lying across it and we decided to use it instead of wading through the icy cold water!  Unfortunately for me, I was unable to keep up with the guys and I soon lost track of them.  Nevertheless, it was nice to run by myself in broad daylight.  While I was enjoying, I tripped accidentally and twisted my left ankle!  Ouch!  The fall also sent my glasses flying and I panic as I won't be able to run without having my glasses!  I managed to find them hidden among the fallen leaves.  Then I checked myself for any bruise.  When I tried to move my left ankle, I knew i must have sprained it.  In my mind, I didn't think I could finish the run in such condition.  So I plodded along to the next CP not far away.  When I reached there, the pain in my left ankle sort of subsided.  And I decided to continue instead of giving up!

Total Distance: 17.8 miles

CP 2 to CP 3 @ Stillwell Hollow (5.2 miles)

This segment is the shortest, together with the next segment.  After I left the Sutton Bluff aid station, I had forgotten that I fell earlier and the pain in my left ankle.  Whether that was because of my high pain threshold, I wasn't sure.  (But perhaps not since my massage therapist would testify that the slightest of massage would make me scream!)  This was also the segment where I got lost for a short while.  Luckily for me, I realised my mistake when I couldn't see anymore trail markings and decided to retrace my route.  I saw some runners running past me in the other direction and followed.  Although it was the shortest segment, I still took 1hr 35mins to reach the next CP!

Total Distance: 23.0 miles

CP 3 to CP 4 @ Johnson Hollow (5.2 miles)

As the Stillwell Hollow aid station was a small aid station, I made a quick pit-stop before continuing my run.  The Ozark Trail National Park was also a horse riding course and I saw some folks riding their horses in the trails!  They stopped their horses to let me cross the path and wish me the best of luck.  :)  There were more obstacles in this segment - more water bodies to cross and some very rough terrain of huge rocks.  Just like the previous segment of the race, I took 1hr 27mins to reach Johnson Hollow aid station.  As I knew I was running on a very tight timeline, I made another super quick stopover after refueling my hydration.  The availability of a dry pair of socks at the next aid station was also a good incentive to push on as fast as I could.  I certainly had forgotten I fell earlier and the pain in my left ankle!

Total Distance: 28.2 miles

CP 4 to CP 5 @ Gunstock Hollow (6.6 miles)

By the time I left CP5, I knew it was probably the same scenario as last year when I missed the cut-off by 1 min.  I dared not stop to walk but slowed down whenever I encounter hills.  Luckily while there were many hills, they were mostly short hills and nothing too daunting like the huge mountains found in the Canadian Rockies or the mountains around Mt Fuji in Japan.  There were more water bodies in this segment and the weather was also getting cooler.  I took 2 hrs 10mins to complete this segment.  When I reached, I was apparently 5mins past cut-off time!  But the aid station captain decided that I could push on.  By then, the sweeper had also arrived at CP 5!

Total Distance: 34.8 miles

CP 5 to CP 6 @ Brooks Creek (8.4 miles)

I left CP 5 as fast as I could.  But I knew I would not be lost since the sweeper was with me.  He was running at my pace and whenever we passed any trail markings, he would removed them.  By then, I was apparently the last runner among those still running in the race.  :p  As I was getting tired, and the sky turning dark, I slipped an fell a few times.  I felt exhausted and decided that I would fast march instead of jogging and falling.  This segment of the race was one of the longest.  My hands were feeling very cold and the gloves were not as insulating as it claimed.  :(  The sweeper was very patience and encouraging.  But I knew I won't make the cut-off.  It was disappointing.  The good thing was I would cover a longer distance as compared to last year, if it could be considered a consolation.  By the time I reached CP 6, it was almost 4 hours later!  The volunteers quickly handed me a blanket as I felt very cold as my body was not generating heat.  I sat down next to a huge heater, removed my shoes and put my feet near it.  They radioed the RD who confirmed that they could pack up as soon as the last runner who left CP 6 had reached CP 7.  The sweeper continued onwards to CP 7 while I waited for one of the volunteers to drive me back to Bass River Resort.

Total Distance: 43.2 miles

I felt very disappointed to DNF the race again.  And I wasn't sure why.  Perhaps I could attribute this failure to the sprain I suffered early in the race.  (After note: a week after I returned, I had to check myself into the Emergency at CGH due to a slightly swollen ankle.  I was bandaged up and given an appointment to see the sports doctor, who diagnosed a Grade 2 left ankle ligament tear!)  After knowing that I sprained my ankle, I consoled myself that it was a miracle that I could still continue jogging for another 26 miles.  While the Ozark's rolling hills were relatively "not difficult" to run, the condition of the trails was somewhat obscured by the fallen leaves during the autumn season.  We won't be able to see the rocks, roots and ruts hidden beneath the leaves and if we were not careful, we could trip and hurt ourselves.  I certainly hoped to go back to Ozark (also known as Mark Twain National Forest) soon to complete this monster race!

Race Terrain Difficulty: 3 (hilly; total climb between 50 and 150 feet per mile)

Surface Terrain Difficulty: 4 (trail or dirt road with substantial rocks, roots and/or ruts)

(Above ratings courtesy of Ultra Running)

Chicks' Night Run with Chicago Fleet Feet Sports

I found out the Fleet Feet Store's Chicks' Night Run while checking out the various running stores in Chicago.  And since I would be spending a night in Chicago before my connecting flight to St Louis the next day morning, I contacted Fleet Feet Sports to find out more.  The run was organised only for women and the distance was between 3 to 6 miles.  Runners could choose to run any distance they wanted - i.e. 3 miles, 4 miles, 5 miles or 6 miles.  I thought I should put in one last run to warm up my system before Ozark and decided to check out how to get there from my hotel.

Arriving in Chicago on 31 Oct afternoon after a total of 15 hours flight time and 1 transit in Hong Kong, I felt tired and lethargic.  I thought I should rest but after I reaching the hotel, the excellent weather was the deciding fact that made me find my way out the hotel and I was on my way to Fleet Feet Sports at Lincoln Square.  Armed with the maps and directions printed from Google Map, I walked to the nearest bus-stop.  Waiting for Bus 77 didn't take long but the journey to my connecting bus was almost an hour.  While waiting for the connecting Bus 49, I thought I might missed the run as it was starting at 6:30pm and I had less than 15mins to reach and locate the place.  Luckily, to Lincoln Square was just another 16 stops and I arrived just on time.  The runners, about 12 of us, had gathered on the 2nd floor for a product intro and briefing session prior to the run.  A guy was introducing some running top which runners could try for the run if they were keen.  I went to change into my running gear and joined them.  The Fleet Feet Sports runners then took over to check the distance that each runner intended to run and I decided that I would do just 3 miles.

The air was cold by then.  I put on my gloves before heading out with the rest.  It was indeed an easy pace run.  I had my long-sleeved tee which I won from a lucky draw held during the award ceremony after the Canadian Death Race last year.  As we were running through the city, there were a bit of stop/start waiting for traffic.  Luckily, that area was not that crowded with people and vehicles, so the running was pretty smooth.  As I was late for the brief, I had no one to run with but to tag along two of the runners who were doing 3-miles.  Along the way, I saw people wearing their Halloween costumes as it was Halloween Nite.  There were also people standing at the doorsteps of their homes, handing out candies and chocolates.  It was a refreshing sight indeed.  I was enjoying my run and when it was time to u-turn back, I wondered if I should continue for another 0.5 miles to make it a 4-mles run.  I decided otherwise since I had "registered" to do a 3-miles run and headed back with the 2 runners.  By then, after lots of turning left and right, I lost my bearing and had to rely on the 2 runners to get back to the store, which we reached around 7:15pm.  We waited for the other 3 groups to come back before another talk and demo.

While waiting for the rest, those who completed began filing up their forms, which keep track of their attendance and the distance they covered for each of the run.  The incentives (they called it Incentive Mile Goals) for this were: runners who completed 50 miles (running) would receive a Short Sleeved Chicks' Night Technical Shirt; runners who completed 100 miles (running) would receive a Long Sleeved Chicks' Night Technical Shirt; runners who completed 200 miles (running) would receive a Chicks' Night Jacket and runners who completed 300 miles (running) would receive a US$50 Fleet Feet Sports Gift Certificate!  How cool was that!  And indeed, after everyone was back, a Fleet Feet Sports staff presented a short-sleeved Saucony Technical shirt to one of the ladies who completed 50 miles of running!  A lady was then invited to talk about Reiki Massage.  Essentially, Reiki - a Japanese technique used for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing - was administered by "laying on hands" and was based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flowed through us and that was what caused us to be alive.  After the talk, there was a  practical and I decided to give it a try.  Unfortunately, perhaps due to the slightly noisy environment, I couldn't feel anything except my mental state of being calm.  At the end of the session, I thanked the Fleet Feet Sports runners for a great work out and sharing.  I had fun running on Halloween Night in Chicago and I hoped to do it again in another city!  :)

King Of The Road 2012 - Singapore

This was the last Singapore race in 2012 that I would be running, which I had never done before previously.  According to some friends, this event was held back in the late 80s or early 90s but was then discontinued.  The race was subsequently revived recently (probably) due to our local running boom.  What was unique to this race is the distance - 16.8km, which is very different from other events, normally measured at 5km, 10km, half or full marathon.  Also, I like it that the organiser had come up with 3 different colors each for the men's and women's event singlet.  The race was held on 28 Oct with the race pack collection held a week earlier on 21 Oct weekend.  I also had an overseas friend, Ian (from South Africa), running the race as well.

Race pack collection held at Suntec (near Carrefour) was a breeze.  Unfortunately, different day offered a different color for the event singlet.  This meant that if you want a certain color, you better go down on that day to pick up your race pack.  This was why Ian collected his on Friday and I collected mine on Saturday.  :(  There were some booth settling products but nothing like the sort that you would see in big marathons.

On race day, Ian and I decided to take the free bus shuttle opposite Peninsular Plaza.  As we were not sure of the traffic condition, we decided to take a cab down to catch the first bus available.  We reached around 5:50am and there were buses and marshallers waiting and guiding the runners.  There was no queue as it was very early.  Ian and I boarded the bus and reached the drop-off point around 6:00am.  It was another 15mins walk to the race site at Garden By The Bay.  The baggage deposit counters were almost empty and it took us only 1min to check-in our belongings.  Then we take a slow walk to the start line which was 1km away.  Although I didn't recall reading about different starting time for the different waves in the website, I suspected there might be 2 waves as I walked towards the start line, as I noticed 2 distinct yellow ropes, about 2~3 metres apart, lying across the path.  And true enough, when there were too many people lined up, marshallers held up both yellow ropes to separate the runners from the two waves.  As I had promised Elise to run with her, I told Ian to go ahead and start with the first wave, which was flagged off at exactly 7:15am.  The second wave was flagged off 5mins later at 7:20am.

The race started from Garden By The Bay to the Marina Bay Sands, the Financial District and to the Esplanade for the first 5km.  Weather was relatively good as it was still early in the race.  Elise had decided to speed up and left me behind as I stopped too often for photos.  :(  I decided to take the opportunity to talk to whoever I bumped into, including Lay Khim (which I knew from F1 Runners) and Andy (which I knew from SGRunners.com).  The volunteers at some of the water points were very cheerful and encouraging.  Just before reaching the 6km mark at the F1 pit, I saw the race leader on his return to the finishing!  It should be after the 14km marker (for him)!  Some runners clapped and cheered as he ran past us.  I past the 6km marker a while later (about 1/3 completion of the race) in at 8:05am after 45mins of running (which was fast considering I stopped and took photos).

After the F1 pit, I saw two supporters from F1 Runners cheering for the runners.  Some runners had started walking by then.  We went down and up a vehicle underpass after Republic Avenue, made a u-turn, before going down and up the other side of the same underpass.  Just after the underpass, while stopping for some photos, I spotted Elise running towards me.  I was not sure when I passed her.  Elise told me not to wait for her and so I left her.  Nearer to the Nicholl Highway MRT, the runners made a right turn onto the Nicholl Highway (road).  There, I saw Ian on his way back towards Garden By The Bay!  He looked as if he was enjoying although it was getting a little warm.  I also met David on his way back.  Before reaching the u-turn of the race at the end of Nicholl Highway, I saw Alexandra on the other side of the road.  So I told myself to catch up with her.  I reached the 12km marker at around 8:55am, covering the last 6km in 50mins.

Just before the 13km marker, I finally caught up with Alexandra along Nicholl Highway.  She was pacing a friend and adopting a run/walk strategy.  I decided to take a breather and joined them.  Near the F1 pit, I decided to continue running as I would be meeting Ian and TheLonelyRunner after the race.  At around the Singapore Flyer, I saw a lady in distress.  Luckily, there was an ambulance nearby with the medics rushing to her aid.  We then made a turn onto Bayfront Avenue towards the Marina Bay Sands.  At the end of the road next to the bus-stop, we had to make a right turn back to the Garden By The Bay.  The race organiser was thoughtful and had temporary ramps next to the stairs which made running safer and easier.  The last 1km to the finishing was the hardest as we ran along some area which was still under construction.  The ground was dirt road and uneven.  It was also hot as there weren't many trees.  But I was glad to finish it in 2hrs 8mins.

After the race, we were given a banana, a drink and our finisher medal, before being led out of the chute to the holding area.  Again, it was thoughtful of the organiser to provide several huge tents for the runners to rest as there wasn't any shade near the finishing line.  At the tent, I saw Catwoman, aka Jenap, who finished around the same time as me. I then went to look for Ian and TheLonelyRunner and was lucky to found both of them at around the same area!  We chatted a while before Ian and I decided to leave.  Ian felt that the race was well organised.  Althought the weather was hot, it was still bearable.  As compared to other races he did in UK and South Africa, Singaporean runners were more focus and hardly talk during the race.  I was glad Ian had a great experience running in Singapore.  This was my first time running from and around Garden By The Bay in a race.  The race also marked the end of my training for the week just before Ozark the next weekend.  I hoped I would be sufficiently prepared for it.  :)

TNF100 Singapore

This would be my 3rd time attempting The North Face Singapore 100km race.  In 2010, I bailed out when arriving back at the start/finish/transit point after covering the 50km 1st loop in 8hrs 10mins.  I still had 9hrs 50mins to complete the 2nd loop but I had weak minds and with the extremely tempting food spread made available for the 100km runners, I stopped.  :p  In 2011, a running injury suffered in the Canadian Death Race 3 months earlier put me off running and training.  I started the race nevertheless but took 8hrs 40mins to cover the 1st 50km loop.  My injury also flared up in the middle of the run so the logical thing was to stop.  This year, runners were given 20 hours to complete so I decided to give it one last try.

The day before the race, I met up with Cheryl, a Filipino runner whom I first met in the TNF 100  Philippines last year.  She completed the TNF Singapore 25km in 2010 and the TNF Singapore 50km in 2011.  This year, she decided to give the 100km a try.  I had no doubt that she would make it as she had completed other 100km races before.  Besides, she completed the TNF 100 Philippines, which was a much tougher race as compared to the Singapore edition.  I was eager to extend my hospitality by updating her on some changes to the route, cut-off time at the various check-points, the overall cut-off and possible places along the route where her brother could support her if that was her plan.  It was a good session where we update each other on what we had been doing and it was always nice to meet up with overseas friend whom you met in overseas races.

On 12 Oct, Friday, I took the day off to rest as the race was starting at 11pm that night.  My friend Ian from South Africa had also just arrived for a visit to Singapore.  Luckily, being a multiple marathon, Comrades, multi-stage race and Ironman finisher, he understood the runner's mentality and was adventurous enough to venture out on his own despite that being his 2nd day in Singapore.  ("Phew", and so much for being hospitable.)  :p  That evening, I met Ian for an early dinner at Pastamania and went home for a short nap straight after the dinner.  At 9:15pm, I woke up but felt tired.  I was feeling edgy but knew I had to get going.  After changing into my running gear, I left for MacRitchie Reservoir with Ian.

When I reached MR, I saw many runners had already gathered.  I looked for the bag deposit to put my belongings.  The area was smaller than last year but it was also more orderly.  I saw a few familiar faces like Cheryl, Terence, Henry, Jamie, Jeri, etc.  There were also runners from Malaysia and Hong Kong.  Most of them were excited and thrilled.  As usual, I was worried.  Someone (I think Jeri) asked me how was my preparation (or something like that), and I replied "like that lor".  Not sure if she was pissed with my response but was how really how I felt just before any race - the longer the race, the more worried I would be.  Soon, the runners were told to do their gear check.  Our gear must be at least 2kg (not sure how they come up with such a magical figure) and I had no problem meeting the criteria - 2 x 500ml water, 2 gels, 2 x 240ml milo, hydration bag and headlamp.  Then we were told to proceed to the race start line 100m away.

At 11:00pm sharp, the runners were flagged off!  I became more relaxed.  No more being worried, I was just concentrating taking one step at a time.  And since I had 20 hours, I could really take my time!  The section towards the northern trail was really hard - it was very humid and I couldn't really feel any wind.  Luckily, running in familiar terrain was easy even though it was at night.  Soon, the fast runners were way ahead of me and I found myself running alone just before coming out from the trail onto a very short section of road.  I could see another runner in front of me.  Somehow, he did not see the huge signboard with an arrow pointing to the left.  I shone my headlamp on its reflective background but he still walked straight on the tarmac road.  I shouted at him that we were to make a left turn before I went underneath the barrier and continued.  Not sure if the runner followed but I didn't really care if a runner chose to cheat and take a short-cut.  After arriving at the Ranger Station, we made an immediate right turn.  This was different from last year's route.  I won't say it was easier but at least I could run most of it as it was not as rocky.  I caught up with a runner but was caught by another runner further up just before the route merge with last year's route towards the Rifle Range Road.  At the exit of the trail, there was a water point.  I took a quick sip and continued.  The next segment inside the Durian Loop was almost the same as last year.  I saw the 10km marker at about 12:35am, after 1hr 35mins of running.  After coming out from the trail near the Bukit Timah Visitor Centre, we made a left turn and ran along the old railway track.  It was refreshing to run along the old railway track where the track was removed and now covered by grass.  There was a fallen tree across the route where runners had to climb over the tree trunk.  Further up, there was a MRT construction site and they seemed to be working even at such a late hour.  Unfortunately, this new route was short.  Near the Railway Mall, I made a sharp right turn and ran towards the Diary Farm direction.  At the Diary Farm water point, I stopped to take a gel and some more water.  Luckily, I had sufficient sleep in the day so I wasn't feeling tired.

After leaving the water point, I ran towards Zheng Hua Park's direction.  This was the same as last year's route.  Along the Gangsa Track, something incredible happened!  I saw a runner running towards me!  He shouted words of encouragement before flying past me and was gone in a split second!  Wow!  I felt very demoralised at once.  Last year, the front runners past me near the exit at Mandai Road.  But now, the lead runner past me even before I reached the 20km mark!  I wasted no time to feel sad and past the 20km marker soon after.  Nearer to the Mandai Road exit, I made a right turn and did a small loop before coming out to the junction at the Singapore Zoo.  Crossing the road at such early hour (it was almost 2:45am) demands your full attention and not just rely on the traffic lights.  Especially along Mandai Road where vehicles tend to speed!  I reached the water point at Lorong Asrama entrance, where they served GU Chomps and GU Gels.  But I was only interested in the bananas.  The volunteers looked tired.  They must have been exhausted from all the preparation earlier on Friday.   Kudos to them for still being helpful when I needed them to grab a can of my trusted milo from the back my hydration bag.  Just as I was about to leave, I saw 2 ladies running into the water point.  They looked familiar but I couldn't recall their names.  :(  I thanked the volunteers and left.  I dreaded the next segment - "journey" to hill .265, the "toughest" hill in Singapore.  I know what to expect.  :p  I slowed down considerably, preferring more walking due to the rocky terrain.  I saw a flashlight from a distance behind - must be one of the runner I saw earlier.  Then I reached the training shed next to hill .265.  I didn't notice anyone there this year.  I crested the hill with some effort and felt happy to go up this hill than to go down, which was my weakness.  A while later, the runner whom I saw the flashlight appeared.  We exchanged greetings before she disappeared.  I passed the 30km marker shortly and was happy to be on my way out from Lorong Asrama!

The route back to the start was almost similar from last year.  Except we had to do a loop round the Chestnut Track.  Before reaching Chestnut Track, a shadow blew past me with words of encouragement again!  It must be the leader!  From then on, my only mission was to reach the 50km  mark before he completed the race.  Halfway running into Chestnut Track, I saw someone lying next to the trail on the ground - he said he was taking a break so I continued.  After passing through a lighted path next to a PUB fenced-up area, my headlamp flickered.  Though I had run there before, I wasn't that familiar how long I would need before I reached Zheng Hua Park.  I was afraid that my light (the strongest light since I was very blind in the dark) was not able to last me till I was out of the trail but luckily it did.  There was a CISCO Police at the exit point and that was where I saw the 40km marker.  Phew.  A short while later, I reached the Zheng Hua Park water point, and changed my headlamp battery.  It was just past 5:00am (6 hours of running) and I reckoned I was on track to reached the end of my 1st loop within my target of 8 hours.  I was on a high and the thought of starting with the 50km runners at 6:45am brightened my day.  Returning from Rifle Range Road and back into the trail, I made a right turn into the Rifle Range Link/Golf Link trail.  At the Jelutong Tower, I whatsapped Ian to update him on my location.  He had arrived at MacRitchie with Tekko and Molly at about 5 plus!  From that point, I just kept running and running, past the golf course, fitness corner, and finally out of the trail!  I crossed the 50km mark at about 6:45am without the leader running past me!

I saw Ian and he pointed to the tent where I was supposed to get my drop bag.  :)  I must have looked very shacked.  Upon entering the tent, I saw Cheryl and Terence and I thought I also saw Sallehan.  I heard the flagged off for the 50km runners.  So I focused back on what I need to do: changing of new running shirt and new socks.  I also stocked up 3 cans of milo and 2 x 100 Plus Edge drink. There were a few volunteers helping out in the tent and one of them asked if I need anything.  "Banana!" and I was given one.  After I was handed a banana, I was ready to go.  Cheryl was still at the tent so I told her I would go off first, knowing that she would catch up.  Ian then walked with me while I had my breakfast of banana and milo.  He said he would walk the 10.5km loop around MacRitchie later.  I also saw Tekko and Molly who were running the 25km starting at 8:00am.  It was 7:05am when I starting running the 2nd loop.

By then, MR was full of other park users.  After a long night of running alone (most of the time), it was fun running alongside other people.  It was also less stress compared to running next to another participant.  I didn't know where I got the extra motivation and energy to run but I ran.  Before I exited from the Northern Trail, I ran past Cheryl (who overtook me at the Amenities Centre).  The next stretch of trail was uneventful until I passed the Rifle Range water point.  I stopped to remove the stones inside my shoes and both my calves cramped up.  I wasted a bit of time trying to relax before I continued.  In a distance, I saw Terence.  The temptation was to catch up with him.  But I decided to run at my pace and not push myself too much.  Slowly, I was getting closer and closer till I eventually overtook him.  He was looking strong but exhausted.  As I was still full of energy, I decided to continue running.  At the water point before turning into the Durian Loop, someone called out to me.  He looked familiar but I just couldn't tell when I met him before.  He said he was Tin Tin (of SGRunners.com from Canada but now back in Singapore!)  We chatted a while and I learned that he was planning to run 16km that morning.  I asked if he could run with me till the 60km mark so that he could help me take a picture.  He obliged and we ran and talked.  It was time like this that makes running easier.  Soon we stopped for a picture at the 60km marker at 8:40am.  Two uncles also stopped to took a photo for us and were amazed there were crazy people in Singapore who would run 100km of trails.

At the Bukit Timah Visitor Centre, a lady laid out her ice box with cold drinks and a packet of ice.  Though we had not met before, she asked if I needed anything.  :)  I asked if I could have some ice as it was getting warm and she readily handed me the whole packet for me to take.  I grabbed a handful of ice, thanked her and continued.  Then we had to run along the old railway track again and I was afraid of running it in the morning as there was no shade.  But my worry was unfounded.  The weather was superb.  Halfway through my run, I saw someone zooming past me.  Then another runner whom I recognised as Michael.  And another.  I realised they must be the runners running the 25km!  I felt demoralised to be caught but was happy when some of them gave me words of encouragement.  I walked and puffed and just before the Diary Farm water point, saw Kayano and Sotong taking pictures at strategic points!  Tin Tin helped me get my milo and banana for refueling.  Once done, I pressed on although by then, I was slowing down considerably.

The stretch from Zheng Hua Park to Gangsa Track and the loop before the Mandai Zoo junction was torturous and very boring.  We passed the 70km marker at around 10:20am - which meant I took 1hr 40mins to cover the 10km.  This was actually not too bad (unless the distance was wrong).  Tin Tin went ahead after that and I just tell myself to close the gap.  After coming out of the loop before the Mandai Road junction, I saw Cheryl going for her loop.  I told her that she could catch up with me as I was tiring.  Before turning into the Lorong Asrama water point, I met Tiwazz and his merry men next to the road side offering goodies to exhausted runners.  I took a stick of electrolyte and left.  Into Lorong Asrama, I could only walked most of the time.  Tin Tin noticed and imparted his knowledge of walking fast.  Unfortunately, it was not a good time to put into practice as I was listening one ear in, another ear out.  The constant conversation helped though - I was disassociating with the exhaustion I was experiencing and was able to reach the training shed next to hill .265. at 12:10pm.  We rested for about 5mins.  Meanwhile, a 50km participant also arrived at the training shed.  He asked the volunteer if there was a way out from there as he didn't expect running on the trails for the event.  Tin Tin told him that it was dangerous to exit from that point as it was next to a highway and his best bet is to continue and exit out from Lorong Asrama instead.  With that, we went ahead, "scaled" .265 and reached the 80km marker at 12:25pm - 2hrs 5mins to cover that last 10km!

Upon reaching back at the Lorong Asrama water point, there was no more ice cold drink water available.  Luckily the weather was still great and Tiwazz had ice cold Coke to offer!  Tin Tin had to leave by then and I took the opportunity to dump my compact camera (which weighed like 10kg) with him.  I knew that I had plenty of time to make it back to the finishing line even if I walk unless something catastrophic happened.  I thanked Tiwazz and Tin Tin and continued, always focusing on the next marker which was less than 10km away.  As it was mostly flat, I was able to jog more than I walk and I wasn't surprised that I reached the 90km marker at 2:10pm (1hr 45mins for that 10km segment)!  I also saw Terence's support team of Yankee, Tao, Regina and Tiwazz, and took in more Coke (I think).  Just before the Zheng Hua water point, a 50km runner ran past me and I encouraged him to continue running and never let me catch up with him, or else, he won't make the 3.45pm finishing cut-off time.  At the Zheng Hua water point, I saw him with another 50km runner who also ran past me much earlier.  I urged both of them to push on (and I was glad I didn't see them anymore) and hopefully they did complete within the cut-off.

Coming out from the pipe lines, I had great difficulty climbing across the road barrier and the volunteers had to point out an easier section to climb.  But once done, the tarmac road meant easier footing and my chance to jog till the Rifle Range water station.  At the intersection point before Jelutong Tower, I met Lincoln volunteering there as a marshaller.  I continued and reached the Jelutong Tower at 3:25pm, which was about 5km from the finishing line.  I knew by than I would finish the race well within the cut-off time and eased off.  I took the opportunity to take pictures with a group of volunteers there, before taking a short walk along the wooden boardwalk with the family who help took the picture.  They were visitors from Holland and were surprised that we had a 100km running event in such a small country.  After the boardwalk, I wished them a pleasant stay and continued jogging.  After the golf course, I met a 100km runner who seemed to have some injury and was walking with 2 improvised trekking poles.  (The runner was June Kit Leo from Singapore and I was glad that he finished the race eventually.)

At the fitness corner, 2.5km from the finishing, I whatsapped Ian and Tekko that I should be reaching MR at 4:15pm thereabout.  Tekko was still hopeful that I could reach the finishing by 4:00pm and kept encouraging me to get back fast.  I tried my hardest to run but my energy level was almost empty.  Near the end, I closed in on a runner but he was able to sprint away upon hearing my heavy footsteps.  I had nothing left to give chase and saw him disappeared out of the trailhead and out of my sight.  When I came out of the trailhead and near the finishing, I could hear people clapping and cheering and it gave me extra energy to carry through to the finishing.  I was completely exhausted and was very very glad to complete the TNF100 Singapore in my 3rd attempt.  Cheryl also completed the race some 15mins after me.  She was elated and was full of smiles and cheers, unlike me who looked as though I was dying.  :)

Overall, the race was well organised with enough directional signs that were huge - we knew exactly where we were supposed to run and turn.  The water points were also nicely situated although it would be good to have a "mini water point" serving ice or something cold at the top of .265.  The starting time of the event (11:00pm) was also nicely planned out for the 100km category with a reasonably cut-off time set at 20 hours.  Post race ice-cream and sandwich were fantastic offers although the sandwich didn't feel appealing to me at that point.  I hoped to see more runners challenge themselves further by attempting the 100km category next year.  It was a tough race but certainly doable with proper training.  :)

P.S. The details may have been recorded wrongly unintentionally due to the time lapse from the actual event.

Northeast Tampines Run (7 Oct 2012)

The Northeast Tampines Run was organised by Tampines GRC Community Sports Committee (CSC) and co-organised by North East CDC.  It was to be held in Tampines, which was the main reason why I decided to take part in the run since it was near my place.  Also, the registration fee for the run was extremely affordable - S$18.00.  Tekko and Molly helped me collected my race pack as the collection was held on Tuesday and I was unable to make it.

On race day morning, I woke up late and decided to rush down to the race start by cab!  I managed to reach the starting line just before the flag-off time, just minutes before the run was flagged off at 7.00am.  At the start, I saw David Wong, Zco and Alvo.  But I didn't see Tekko and Molly.  The path at the start was extremely narrow as it was the 1.5m~2m type of path that you would see around HDB estates.  Luckily it was a short distance of about 200m before it led us out to the pavement next to the main road.  Okie, the pavement was not exactly much wider either but at least runners could run on the grass patch or on the road next to the pavement although there were police and marshallers to shout out to us where to run and cross the road.  :p

After crossing the road and a few turnings later, I saw the 1km marker.  The pavement also became much wider.  The run had more of a community flavour than competitive flavour which I liked.  There weren't many runners running around my slow pace.  This allowed me to stop and take picture as and when I like without stepping off from the path.  At another T-junction where we were to make a left turn (just before the 2km mark), I stopped at the traffic light to take some pictures when the policewoman told me to turn left and not cross the road.  I signalled to her that I knew I was supposed to cross the road using the overhead bridge and not the traffic lights at the junction though she still kept an eye on me till I moved off.  :s  (But good job! :) )  The 2km marker appeared after the T-junction, just before the overhead bridge.

After crossing the bridge, it was about 400m before we reached the Bedok Reservoir.  I didn't remember any directional signs but I did noticed another traffic police at the car park where we entered.  I followed the runners in front of me into the reservoir and did my 4.3km loop there.  I aimed to reached the next water station which I assumed should be somewhere in the reservoir.  There were many other runners in the reservoir and another event held there too.  And although there was a water point I spotted, it was not the one for the Northeast Tampines Run participants.  Luckily, it was a cool day and I wasn't that thirsty.  I also didn't see any more distance markers although I passed the permanent markers along the path in the reservoir.  I did a mental calculation on the distance of the race.  It didn't seem to add up to 10km - perhaps slightly shorter.  I continued running until I completed the 1 loop and went out at the same point where I entered the reservoir.  Now, I saw the traffic police (whom I saw earlier), and a marshaller directing runners to turn right and exit the reservoir!

Since it was a out-and-back course (almost), it was easy to know where the water point was and what to expect back to the finishing point.  I was able to run almost non-stop (less traffic light crossing) and completed the run in 1hr 13mins 56secs (gun time) and ranked 18th.  After finishing, runners were given water and banana after receiving their finishing medal.  I went to look for the rest of the running kakis whom I knew were taking part in the run.  At the start/finishing, the family sports carnival was also held and many families brought their young one to participate.  I finally found Tekko and Molly.  Molly was in the prize winner pent as she came in 8th in the Women's Veteran Open!  I also found Alvo, Susan and Verene!  We decided to go for breakfast after Molly's prize presentation, which was conducted after some drum performance and before a cheer-leading dance routine.  We had wanted to wait for the conduct of lucky draw prizes but the weather was getting hot and we were all hungry.  We all chose to forfeit our chance and head for breakfast instead.  All in all, it was a good Sunday morning workout and sometimes running in small races could be more rewarding as compared to big races.  Just asked Molly.  :)

P.S.  After the race, I re-checked the event website and noticed that we were not supposed to run the 1 lap around Bedok Reservoir.  That explained why there wasn't any water point there.  Overall, the race was value-for-money.  While the directional signs and markers were poor around the Bedok Reservoir area, overall it was still okie, considering the registration fee we paid and the goodie bag we collected.