running alck

This is my 3rd year joining New Balance Real Run. This race never fails to give surprises to runners each year. In additional of a normal event tee and a messenger bag, the organizer also added a finisher medal; The race starting time was different as compared to last year. 10km flagged off at 7:00am while 15km runners flagged off 7.30am instead. Those whom participate for the past few years knew how hot it was especially the final part of the race. I think this is something unique for real run events.

I reached changi exhibition centre at about 6am and alot of runners were hanging around to wait for the race to start. I met up with my friend, raymond, and hes doing the 10km category. The 15km category started off slightly early at about 0726hrs. Before the race, i was hoping to do better in terms of timing this year (i believe all runners would have the same goal as i do). My 2008 race timing was 1hr24mins and my target timing for this year 2009 was 1hr20mins. I keep in mind that I have to push myself more for the 1st 10km as the hot sun will slow down my pacing for the last 2km or so.

I kept my pacing at about 11.7-11.8km/hr and reached 10km mark at about 49mins22secs+. I was shocked that I actually ran faster than expected. I was thinking i could try for 1:15mins for this race. But upon reaching the beach area, i slowed down. When i see the 13km distance mark, I have a feeling that I might not be able to make it 1:20 as the sun is blazing hot. I keep running and that stretch of 2km route never seems to end. Good thing there’s a water point before 14km mark but i refuse to drink as it will slow down my pace. I continue to run and I could feel that alot of runners were picking up their pace to complete the race in no time. I followed up. When i reach the end point, and i looked at my watch, it was 1:20:00 NET. I was filled with joy.

Overall, this race was well organized and guess what? the race timing is already out on the website. http://www.realrun.sg/results09.html. With a 1:20 net timing, i came in a rank of 250 out of 2436 under mens open category; but this ranking is based on gun time; not net time.

There’s sufficient water point and most of the water point comes with mineral water and 100 plus. Distance markers was clearly shown for every kilometer. Goodie Bag and finisher medal collection was a breeze.

See u in Real Run 2010!