An ultra to end 2009

An ultramarathon is a lonely race. I personally do not enjoy the lonesomeness of this sport but rather the mental challenge involved during the journey.

I signed up for this year's MR25 ultramarathon because i wanted to end the year with a completed event. Having not met the time requirement for KK Climbathon and a voluntary withdrawal from HKTW, i was quite bent to complete this race.

With a packed schedule of gatherings + wet weathers, i only managed 2x10km runs at MacRitchie 2 weeks before the race. However, i set an ambitious target i.e. to utilize the 12 hours (conveniently disregarding the 2hour per lap rule :P). I will run as long as the race spans. I wanted to see if i could endure the monotony of repeating each round and of course, the pain that accumulates after every lap. How perverse.

Met up with Serene, Joanne, Joyce, HH, Rima & Mark at the canteen. Bumped into many familiar faces at the start line. Many from the Too-Family were running too. Tey especially travelled from Msia just to take pics for this event (very "wu sim"). Before i had the time to feel nervous, the organiser sounded the start horn.

1st round - Krista & Scott decided to join in the fun for a round or maybe 3? I dunno. They were fast so i never caught up to find out. I went to the back of the pack on purpose and paced myself (not that i can run fast...hahah). Before i knew it, (i tink) i was the last person. A pui pui uncle was remarking to his friend that he tot all those with no. tags have already passed them. I couldn't care less cos i had acquired the ability to disregard sarcasm or negative remarks. But ya, i can't help rolling my eyeballs abit :P i finished 1:29.

Round 2 - more eventful. Was day-dreaming when TLR cheered me as he passed me by in the opposite direction. I tot he was racing? Then, someone called me. It was Grace & my evil twin sister, Pauline, from USA! They cheered me as they climbed up the bumpy slope steadily. I was breathless. I bumped into them at the end of the "tunnel" near the country club. They were not racing. Tricked me :P 1:40 for round 2. I guessed i must have came in looking really out of shape cos Scott kept asking if i was alright and needed any food.

Round 3 - Did PS & Alber pass me during this round? Did Tigger & Burnz jio me to run with them at this round too? I seriously couldn't remember. Was trying to shake off the dreadful tot that it's DE 3rd round. It was noon but thankfully not as hot as my 1st MR. Started to feel the fatigue so did a fast walk + run. By this time, i noticed this guy in white who was walking for the past 3 rounds. We were sorta pacing each other but i lost him after the fitness corner (h20point). I did not see him again.

Round 4 - Terribly exhausted. My running was getting inefficient that i decided to walk more. Joanna, who was supporting, asked if i needed anything. I kept saying i'm tired. From round 2 onwards, Jack joined Chu to provide support. But i didn't take the bananas & bread they brought...just can't take stuff apart from the muesli bars & gummy bears i had. My time was getting tighter as i slowed with each round. Dreamrunner ran past me after the fitness corner & gave me a much-needed word of encouragement "U r doing well. Steady pace". Oh! Did i see Eliza during this round?

Round 5 - Somehow my history of dizzy spells during 2007 affected me. I didn't dare to push until after ranger station. I was scared of history repeating itself. In fact, i slowed down as i walked starting from the h20 point at country club. I sighted a family of 5 singing and dancing to their mother's tune. It was such a lovely picture. As they gave way for me to pass, the mom turned & wished me good luck. I thanked her, replying (chewing my bar) that yes, i need the luck :P

Finally i finished the stipulated 5 rounds. As i approached the end line, Chen Ping asked if i was gonna do a 6th while Tey shouted out that there's still enough time for 1 more. And that it's good to see how far we can stretch our limits. Jo and gang cheered as i ran in. I had no more energy left to run but i thought i could do another round. HH remarked that my face was turning white & asked if i needed a rest b4 moving on. I was hesitant but not for long. It's easy to succumb after sinking (decadently )into comfort. They sent me off to my 6th (and final) round in all smiles & cheers!

Round 6 - Wat was i thinking? I have exhausted all energy to run. Walking alone was tiring. Before the 1st km, i tot of turning back. But! No one does such a thing! Snap out of it and just keep moving. It may appear stupid or rash but it's gonna pay off at the end. I then broke the distance into 3 portions, focusing to reach my 1st CP. Time was against me - I still hoped to finish under 11 hours. Each time i tried to run, i get even more tired. I would tell myself to forget abt the timing but later struggled to go a little faster. Into the light (tat is, after the trail), i forced myself to run the last bit. Joanne was waiting for me with her camera at the zig-zag bridge. As she ran alongside with me, she kept encouraging me and said that she's very proud of me. I was really really touched. Could have teared if not nearing the end point, Tey reminded me not to cry.

I ended my 6th round in 11:00:45. Having not trained at all, i am thankful for this result. I only sustained 1 blister on my left big toe & a very exhausted body.

My 2nd attempt was not as fun as the first cos it felt very lonely. I was by myself most of the time. Either it's all the serious runners this time or the past yr's slow runners have progreesed while i have not...hahhaha. Anyway, i truly appreciate the moral support from my friends. Joanna & Aili purposely stayed til i finished my round. Their cheers, concerned albeit worried looks and never failing to tell me nice things as i ran past made me try to keep my head up high & finish the race.

One reminder i get from this race - don't go untrained. I'm getting older, can't always thrash my body & get away :P