running alck

This is my first year doing MR25 ultra-marathon. Despite already know how is 84km like, this ultra marathon is unique in such a way that runners can run as many laps as they wish to. Each lap is 10.5km and if a runner completes 5 laps, he/she would entitled a finisher tee and a certificate of participation. If you are aiming for top 3 position, you have to run more laps within the shortest timing.

Woke up 0530hrs today and cabbed down to Macritchie Reservoir. Wanted to drive there but because of the new carpark charges, i decided to give it a go. Reached the place at around 0620 and waited for kelly to get ourselves registered today. Last night, i asked kelly whats her plan for today run, and she told me she will be doing 2 average pace lap, 2 fast march and 1 scenery walk. I find that this plan was suitable for me as I just wants to aim for completion and get a feel of running MR 5 times!! Saw michael from sgrunners before the start point and he says that this year MR organizer did state that each lap we do must not exceed 2hrs!; and kelly and me were like “HUH, what the hell? Since when this new implementation come about?”

The ultra marathon flagged off 0700 sharp and i took very slow pace. I was ahead of kelly but at several points, i stopped and run with her. There’s a total of 3 water points include ranger station. I was shocked that they are actually serving cold water and 100 plus. thumbs up to the organizer! We completed the first lap at a timing of 1:20: 24 secs. I think that we are doing pretty good and comfortable pace. We continued the 2nd loop after taking a approx 5mins-10mins break. Half way through, kelly’s foot was having blister and cant continue. She advised me to run ahead first and she told me to help her do the fast march at my 5th lap. The reasons being she will be doing a charity run next sunday at MR and she needs to know what is the average time to complete 1 loop of MR at a fast march pacing. I agreed and continue running. I was slower for the 2nd lap with a timing of 1:29:00.

I rest a while and eat powergel to replenish my energy. Thereafter, i continued the 3rd lap onwards on my own. I was still quite strong and able to push myself as the past 2 laps i was going at comfortable pace. I came in 1:20:52 for my 3rd lap which was decent and i’m still maintaining my pace. I have forgotten to grab a banana before leaving the start point for my 4th lap. No choice, i have to run with empty stomach. Along the way, i met this uncle whom came from penang to do this race. He didn’t know the terrain was so tough; but nevertheless, he says that this route was very challenging. We chatted quite a number of topics along the way and ran together to complete the 4th lap. Luckily, there’s only a slight drizzle during the 4th lap. I came in abit slower this time at a timing of 1:31:02.

Surprisely, i completed the first 4 lap = 4 * 10.5 = 42KM at a timing of 5:41:18  (lap split). was overwhelmed with it.

I rest for 10mins or so, grabbed 2 bananas and a cup of 100 plus. I asked the uncle whether he wish to walk the next 10km with me; without hesitation, he agreed with me. This time round, i keep looking at my watch to maintain pace of of 5-6km/hr. Along the way, we fast walk and chatted. He was very friendly and he even participated the penang bridge international marathon. When we walked the end of the lornie trail, i tell him i will run towards the finishing point and see him there! Close to the finishing point, i saw kelly and greeted her. I told her that I fast walked all the way till end of lornie trail and wants to do a sub 8 ultra marathon, thats the reason why i ran. And i completed the last and final lap at a timing of 1:49:15 (fast walked till end of lornie trail and run the last 1km or so towards ending). Total time for the whole 5 laps (52.5km) is 7:30:33 BUT because i rest for a while after each lap, i cloaked a timing of 7:55:20 (sub 8).

The collection of certificate procedures took me some time; I bathed and wait for my cert to be ready. After which, collect the finisher tee. Wanted to grab a packet of rice but didn’t. Reasons being, the rice is cold and i’m not hungry. Perhaps due to the large amount of water i drink along the way.

Overall, this race was challenging but meaningful. Same thoughts on how i did my 25km for The North Face 100 race event. Now have to wait for my photos to be uploaded. Managed to catch up with Tey the photographer and thanks to him for taking photos of me!! He’s the man, he actually came down to SIN to take photographer of the runners!!!!! not forgetting other photographers as well, thank you for your time.!

Asking me whether if i would go back again next year, perhaps so if I could put in more time to train in MR.

This is my individual lap timing:

Lap 1: 1:20:24
Lap 2: 1:29:00

Garmin Connect – Activity Details for MR Ultra 1st and 2nd Lap

Lap 3: 1:20:52
Lap 4: 1:31:02

Garmin Connect – Activity Details for MR Ultra 3rd and 4th Lap.

Lap 5: 1:49:15

Garmin Connect – Activity Details for MR Ultra 5th Lap (Fast Walk).