The turnout at this progressive run was fewer than the previous, according to BFG and PK.
Nonetheless, it still impressed me with the number of the participants and the preparation of the organiser.
Runners were flagged off in groups of 20s to minimise the congestion on the trails.
PK had a run/walk plan of 8:1, however, we ended up walking at every uphill there was.
Honestly, i didnt pay too much attention to the trails except to keep pace with BFG and PK.
Mentally 30km is pretty overwhelming for me so i didnt want to think too much about it. Instead, i just focused on completing each small segments (5km) of the 30km. Time is not of the essence but rather the completion of the distance.
We started our run at 8am and the run was out in full force when the time we were running rifle range road to MR. The details of it I am sure BFG will have a better narration than me.
I cant say enough how much i hate to run under the hot sun and therefore the tendency to run under any shades I can find.
Rifle range road (to and fro) and SICC were my least favourite stretch of the trails. I had to pick up pace along these roads to get under the shade as fast as possible.
I usually run alone but I must say that this does make a HUGE difference to run with someone.
It makes the whole distance more enjoyable and less torturous. Seriously, I dont think I would be able to complete the 30km without the companion or BFG and PK. My heartfelt gratitude go to these 2 great guys that had to bear with me for 5 hours. By the way, PK, I still owed your the drinks! The ice-cold drinks at MR visitor centre was a saver!
We made it back to the end point in 5hrs, probably one of the last few runners but personally it was an accomplishment. I was tired but not exhausted and couldnt help but wonder how I will be able to do another 20km, with 4 hrs to go, on race day. This is really the "toughest race in Singapore".
