This was a tough race in 4 aspects-
1. Race day fell on my wife's birthday. I needed her "permission" to run.
2. I was driven by the constant worry that i would miss the cut-off time at 1st checkpoint (29.2km, cut-off 5hrs).
3. The weather = HOT!
4. The terrain, especially the Hill 256 (or 265?). Re-lived the memory of national service.
Started the race with BFG, PK and Ms. Kona (my race partner, who is a mini-celebrity in the triathlon circle).
A quick recount of what i can remember of the race (i have bad memory you see)
0-10km (Time 1:30)
Targeted pace was 10min/km. However, we flirted dangerously with the target pace.
Worried that I might miss the cut-off, I ran ahead anyway.
20km (Time 3:05)
What did I do? I couldnt remember.
30km (Time 4:35)
The toughest 10km I have ever run.
My strategy then was to run from shade to shade, which were far and few.
When I saw the Hill 256, my heart sank. I swore I wanted to give up at that point.
Light thigh felt crampy, and continued to threaten to act up for the next 20km.
And phew! I made the 1st cut-off time.
40km (Time 6:10)
At this point i knew that I was almost certain to make it to end point before the 9hrs cut-off, barring all unforeseen circumstances- eg. eaten by a tiger or abducted by an alien.
If I continued the pace I could shoot for a sub-8 hrs finish. Fortunately, I was left with the easier stretch of the race route- rifle range road to MR.
50km (Time 7:52++)
Yipee!! A sub-8 hrs finish :)))
The last 5km felt forever. All i could do was walk all the uphills, and slow jog on the down and level ground- our strategy from the start. For the last 500m, all I could manage was a slow jog to the finishing line. Quite an un-glam finish but hey, I was drained.
Things that are worthy of mention
1. Never wrap the electrolyte tablets in tissue, cos it melts. Idiot!
Oh, btw, thanks PK for the tablets.
2. Power walk up the hills instead of running. It saves energy without comprising much time.
3. Shiit happens during a race, no matter how good a runner you are. You can never prepare enough for unfortunate events that are thrown at you. There's always another race another day, it takes greater courage to call it quit.
4. Ice grapes (courtesy of kind souls at sgrunners' support) and Ice 100-plus (courtesy of eat2run support) have neven tasted so good.
5. My heartfelt appreciation to all the supporters and volunteers. You guys are godsend and made the journey more bearable.
6. Last but most importantly, congratulation to BFG and PK who completed the race. Timing is not of the essence but the spirit of perseverance. We will meet again in Sundown 84km?
PS. Did you guys get the autograph from Ms. Kona :))
This is indeed the toughest race I have ever run.
This is one race I can be proud of.
