My CNY Celebration

At times, i would ask myself if i am obsessive with running. I ran, on last year Christmas, eve of 2008 NY Eve & all 3 days of CNY. Reckon only fellow mates who shared the same hobby would not think i am gaga over this activity.

In order to understand the fatigue level of Gobi Desert Race, Xiaoming came up with a simulation program consisting of 3 consecutive runs, 20, 30 & 40km over CNY holidays. I jioed Serene who happily agreed with zero hesitation. However, this would be a "hush hush" trg due to personal reasons.

1st Day of CNY
Serene & I started on our own from Bkt Timah at 730am. Xiaoming wanted to just try 2loops of MacRitchie with his 10kg load. BT was more challenging with stony upslopes at the start. As it was the 1st day of CNY, the usually busy biking trail on the left was quiet *phew*. When we hit MacR Ranger Station, I got a sms from XM asking where we were. After a lil discussion, we decided to carry on with our own plans.

However, we met up halfway thru & XM guided us to the "shortcut" from Jelutong Tower to BT.The raisin bun i took in the morning was yucky hence i dread to eat it again during break time. Decided to take the powergel instead. Before we hit Golf Course Link, a runner from 2007 WHR called out to me. Hahah..still got pple recognise me, very happy :P XM and us parted ways at the tarmac road leading to BT. By the time i hit BT, i was really tired and the weather was hot. Fortunately, the way back was easier than the start. We have clocked more than 20km.

My face felt warm for the rest of the day. Worse thing was, i did not eat until 3+hrs later.

2nd Day of CNY
I woke up with a tired body, maybe i din stretched enough the day b4. Took a slice of butter cake and bought mashed potato from 7-11. This day, we are starting from MacR. At 640am, there were already runners waiting for their friends. Looks like we have more company today! XM arrived late at 7.10am.

The plan for the day was to hit BT, do 2 rounds of Durian Loop and return to MacR. On the way to BT, we bumped into Jasmine who was running while waiting for her friends. Outside the SAF Ammunition Sch, i spotted a gp of runners getting ready for run. It was Tigger and gang! Was slightly tired when i saw them but gotta keep my posture..hehe. Good also, it helped me to keep running the boring tarmac road til we had to turn in to BT trail. At Gangsa trail, i stopped to take some bak kwa but it din seemed to help to replenish my energy. We decided to change the route to run til Zhenghua Park instead.

After Zhenghua Park, we continued running on the biking trail til we saw this jogging track. It seemed kinda abrupt if we turn back then. Hence we ran on til w saw this "garden". Xiaoming said it wld lead us to Mandai Zoo. I said ok to proceed on since i had insufficient water to last me to MacR and there will be water at the Zoo. The duo picked up their feet & continued running almost instantly!

The 6km (supposedly) appeared so long. The final 1.5km to the Zoo was a struggle for me. After i drank up, i looked into the mirror and was shocked to see that i had shrunk! Even Serene agreed with me. I was really beaten. Both of us tot it wld be wiser to end the run at BT i/o MacR. As we continued with our run back, i was still tired. XM convinced me to take some Nature Valley's energy bar. It helped a lot! I gradually recovered along the way...at least i din looked like i was abt to die when we called it a day at BT Visitors' Ctr.

I ate as soon as i reached home & washed up. After my nap, i kept stretching. By evening when i met up with the rest for dinner, my legs felt ok. It was agreed tat the next morning's distance be cut to 20km.


3rd Day of CNY
At 5.30am, XM smsed me and said he couldn't make it for the run cos he has just finished some work.

I woke up an hr later and decided to go for my city run instead. Afterall, it's boring to run alone at MacR for 20km. Might as well enjoy the run rather than going thru the motion. Ran from home to Esplanade and returned via Orchard Road. Spotted a sgrunner along Boat Quay. Her steady pace caught my attn..i tot she must be a long-distance runner. Tried to pace & overtake her (Joanne taught me one :P). Anw, my gel time was due at Esplanade..a short distance away. Hee..cheap thrill.

The way back was usual..nothing much to blog abt. And here i am, lying on my bed, blogging and reflecting on how i "celebrated" the 3 days of Rat Yr! Gonna snooze liao..still got a long day ahead of me.

Well..with regards to the real race itself, i am still hesitating to sign up this very expensive feat. The 6-day 250km race comes with a pricey tag of USD2900!