Newton Challenge 30km

This is the first 30km race that I have ever participated and it was a blast. I was aiming for a sub-3hr timing and I achieved it.

Initially, I was apprehensive about signing up for this race because I thought the route would be boring as I was very very familiar with East Coast Park. However, I believe it was this familarity that helped me to achive my personal best for 30km.

The strategy for this race was simple. To achieve a sub-hour timing at the 11km mark and sub 1:50 timing at 20km mark. I figured if can achieve these timings, I would be on track for a sub-3hr timing for the 30km race. My strategy worked and I clocked in a timing of 2:56. Not bad huh...

The race was generally well organised with distance markers every kilometer. This was very useful for me as I paced myself. There were also sufficient hydration provided. I am even beginning to like the official drink. A nice touch at the end of the race was that all runners were given a COLD WET towel! That was indeed very welcomed after running for almost 3 hours under the hot sun.

Overall, it was a pleasant outing complemented with great company at the race! This race also served as a useful time trial for the end of the year SCMS.

It was indeed a good Sunday.

Real Run 2011 (21km)

One major lesson learnt today. Check your race calendar before signing up for races. I signed up this year's Real Run without realising that I have also signed up for Northface 100 (25km) yesterday. After yesterday's race, I was really wondering if I could survive this year's Real Run.

Unlike other years, this year's race offered a new 21km category. The route was pretty much the same as last year's 15km route just that they lengthened the part along Changi Coast Road. Overall, it was a very well organised race. No surprises, just like all other years.

My race buddy and I really suffered for this race as we were still experiencing fatigue from the previous day's race. However, we persisted and came back in a decent net timing of about 2:06. Again we finished the race within a minute from one another. This meant that we kept to an average pace of 10km/h which was quite decent.

Post race, I was suffering from the effects of the races... I don't think I will go anywhere which requires me to go down flights of stairs... However, the satisfaction from completing 2 huge races back to back was priceless.

The North Face 100 (50km Duo)

This is my 3rd go at this race. This race has always been the most painful race in my race calendar but it is one of those race that one die die must do dispite the pain.

Somehow the pain and adventure of running a trail race seemed very atttractive. Anyway, all the years, this has always been one of the better organised races with great post race goodies like Subway sandwiches and cookies. This year, they even brought in the Milo Van! I had countless cups of it after the race... comfort drink indeed after a hard race.

This year I fell during the race and I actually hit my face on the ground... I also scrapped my shoulder, knee and palm. Thank God I was not badly injured and could carry on with the race. There were also some good samaritans who came to render help and made sure I was ok. To top it all, I also have a blackened toe nail (not my first though) and a few blisters... See this year's race is indeed eventful and memorable...

Anyway, this year my race partner and I completed our race within seconds from one another and I came slightly after he crossed the finishing line... We completed the race about 3:13. Last year both of us completed it in 3:22. So it was a personal best for both of us...

Really looking foward to next year's race.

Anyway, my next race is tomorrow morning... RealRun 21km.... its gonna be painful....