running alck

On the 29th May 2010, it was my 3rd attempt on this Sundown Ultra Marathon 84K. I was hoping to do below 12hrs as there were some changes made on the running route ( which seems to be easier as compared to the past 2 years ). I left my house at around 1500hrs and took a train there. When i reached Pasir Ris, i buckle up to find the location of shuttle bus and board it. No matter you are participants or visitors, we are required to pay $1 flat rate for the transport.

Reached Changi Aviation Ctr at about 1700hrs (which was 1hr away from the start of ultra marathon). Deposit both my baggage and ultra marathon bag and start with my warm up. The weather looks pretty good as there was no sunlight and it was not as humid.

Race flagged off exactly 1800 hrs and off we go. I maintained my 4mins run 1 min walk method throughout the first 42K. On approx 33km mark, a guy (sorry didn’t really catch your name, i think is leo), greeted me and says he visit my blog often too; nice meeting you thou. I finished my first 42K at about 4hr45mins and it was fast as planned. My friend, NX, have agreed to pace me on the 2nd league of 42K but there was no sight of him. So, i called him and he mentioned that the shuttle bus was screwed up and he took a cab and hes on his way. I loaded myself with 1 banana and 1 can of espresso double shot (starbucks) and applied tiger palm around my thighs and calves. Changed into a new pair of running singlet as well as shoes and wait for my pacer to arrive. As soon as he arrived, we wasted no time and off we go again.

I would say this year i spent more time on resting (approx 30mins) compared to the past 2 years which i spent around 15mins or so. On the 2nd league, i was at a good pace of approx 7km/hr. maybe due to the strong espresso which give me a boost. NX was running side by side with me and saying out the time. I was having a bad time after 15km. I ate this gel which was given during sundown race pack; and it tasted like cough syrup, which makes me feel uneasy. I suffered that kind of taste for almost 4-5km. At around 23km mark, the zzz monster inside me begins to haunt me. Luckily, my pacer bought some money and help me buy another can of espresso shot, which makes me awake immed. (the beauty of coffee); I was in good pace again but we lengthen our walking time from 1min to 1.5min. I was at runner’s high after the 28km mark and was chatting along the way.

I was telling NX that we should be able to come in 11hrs30mins and he agreeds to. When we turned into the changi aviation centre, i begin to walk alot due to pain in both my thighs. NX encouraged along the way and at the 41km mark, he asked me to start running; do not care about the 4mins:1min run/walk method. I was pushing myself so hard and looking at the time, might be able to do below 11hrs. I dashed thru the finishing line at about 10hrs 58misn (PB-ed).

Many thanks to NX whom make an effort to come down specially to pace me, and i believe without him, i would do another 12hrs+ ultra marathon. After the race, we changed and taking the shuttle bus was a breeze. Have had macdonald big breakfast and off to home sweet home! (now have to wait for the official results).

Overall, i would say this race was good but having said that, i saw alot of bad comments mainly made by full marathoner due to the shuttle bus service. Otherwise, appropriate distance markers were placed, sufficient water point, and volunteers were great. kudos to them for staying up as late as we are. haha!

Oh ya, for those whom have not notice, hivelocity will not send out finisher certificate by mail. you need to personally request it by email-ing your bib number and address to info@hivelocity.com.sg (deadline: 30 may 2010); please act fast, otherwise u have to print it online yourself.