Wednesday, May 30, 2012

What Happend In UTMF Last Segment?

As usual, I liked to review my own performance and see how I could improve for my next race.  So it was 2 days after completing UTMF that I downloaded my timing details from the official website runner's data.  I went through the photos, course elevation profile as well as timing clocked for each segment of the race.  What I couldn't understand was what exactly happened in the last segment of the race, from AS10 to the finishing line.  Well, I remembered most general details of every segment but for the last segment, I remembered some of the things I did and I couldn't recall the rest.  I wasn't sure what happened.  Only that something happened after I commenced my descent down to the foot of the hill.  I would now attempt to recall what exactly happened in this last segment:

From AS10 to top of the hill
I remembered this section very clearly.  After I refilled my water bottle, I continued walking to some entrance of a park (or something like that).  It was on flat ground.  Upon entering, I had to ascend to the top of the hill.  The ascent was not steep but it was long.  Very very long, in fact.  The area was also open to public so there were other park users.  I remembered seeing a couple, and a family on their way up the park/hill.  There were also some runners who walked past me.  Before I reached the top, I encountered 2 big groups of teenagers on some kind of trip but they were returning back from where I came from.  Most of them recognised us, the UTMF/STY runners, and shouted words of encouragement, which meant a lot to me at such a late stage of a race.  They were morale booster.  I also remembered Miki and her friend walking with me for a short section.  She also helped me re-pinned my bib number so that it could cover the portion of my tights which was torn and exposed.  After sharing with me the time that we might take to descend to the foot of the hill, Miki and her friend pushed on.  I was able to keep them and 2 other runners in sight until I almost reached the top.

From top to foot of the hill
There were marshallers stationed at the top of the hill.  Upon entering the woods/forest, I had to make my way down and that was when I regretted leaving behind the trekking pole.  But it was too late to do anything then.  I remembered I slipped a couple of times and I told 2~3 runners that I was okie and they should pass me.  I was not sure how long I took to move and how far I actually moved.  But suddenly, I heard voices.  I looked around but there was no one in sight.  But the voices told me that I should not be walking on my own two feet down the hill.  The voices told me that I should be taking a transport down the hill - something like a mini van or a cable car.  Whatever.  I was confused.  I remembered taking out my phone but I didn't know who to call.  Then I thought about calling Pauline from Avid Adventures but I didn't have their number stored in my cellphone!  It didn't occur to me to call the race organiser.  I panicked.  I started to walked up the hill to see if there was anyone around.  None.  I went back down again.  This time, I walked further down.  But I lost track of time and place.  All I could remember was that I just kept walking down without seeing any trail marker and runner.  Or perhaps, I wasn't walking but just standing there?!?

Then, all of a sudden, I saw 2 male runners walking towards me from below!  They said it was the wrong way down that path and that we had to walk further up to make a right turn.  I started cursing and swearing (at myself anyway) and followed them.  But they were too fast.  I was lucky to have followed them and seen them making the turn before they disappeared (suddenly).  And I was all alone again.  Since it was the correct path (I assumed they were right), I continued walking but I couldn't really recall exactly the details.  Another runner (310 - I think) walked past me and I asked if we were in the right direction.  Unfortunately, he didn't seem to understand English.  I decided that I should follow him.  Again, he was too fast and soon, I lost him.  Luckily, another runner walked past me and I reckoned I should be on the right track although everything around me seemed so vague.  I wasn't sure how long I was in that state but I just knew that I continued to walk even though I lost sight of that runner again.  Or perhaps, I wasn't walking but just standing there, again?!?  I was not sure how long I was walking (or wondering or standing???) but at one point, I suddenly recalled where I was.  (So most likely I was walking or wondering in the right direction).  That part of the trail became clear.  I had been here before - I thought to myself.  Yes!  This was where I was during the recce on Thursday morning!  I thought so.  To be sure, I had to walk further down.  If I came across the fence on my left, I would be in the correct path!  Luckily, I saw the fence and another 5mins or so, I finally reached the foot of the hill.

From foot of the hill to Finishing
I was very sure where I was once I hit the foot of the hill.  I knew very clear that I was not far from the finishing line.  My spirit was high.  But at that moment, I didn't know what happened to me and who were the voices that kept telling me to take a ride (by mini van or cable car) down to the foot of the hill.  I was also happy that someone could walk with me to the finishing line, and even more happy to see Winston with his camera, as well as seeing SK finishing his race.  :)

When I think back, I knew was that at some point in time during the last segment of the race, I was disoriented.  I was not sure if it was hallucination (a sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind, caused by various physical and mental disorders, or by reaction to certain toxic substances, and usually manifested as visual or auditory images).  Most likely not.  But I knew perhaps due to my weakness in coming down steep slopes, I started to imagine things that was not real or things to help me overcome my weakness (hence voices to urge me take a mini van or cable car down the hill??)  Or perhaps it happened because of sleep deprivation.  Unfortunately, during the race itself, I couldn't identify that mental state or how could I snap out of such a situation (since I wasn't sure what was happening to me).  I was glad that the voices didn't ask me to jump or do something that may harm myself in anyway.  It sure was scary, looking back.  I guess doing any race in such a long time might have some kind of mental effect.  Hopefully, I could do more 100 miles race to build up my confidence and gain more experience.  And if you have such experience before, I sure hope you could contact me to share with me how you deal with such situation.  Meanwhile, happy running long!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Ultra-Trail Mt. Fujil® 100M Adventure (Part 2)


AS7 to AS8, via W1 (26km)
The distance to AS8 was 25km with a water station at 15km from AS7.  It was about 9.45am when I left AS7.  But I couldn't see the STY runners.  I was feeling good and was able to run-walk.  At around 9.55am I heard some music and sound from afar.  It must be the starting of the STY race!  I reckoned they would run past me soon.  At around 10.20am, the first male runner of the STY (wearing a bib with pink background) zoomed past me!  Then more and more STY runners ran past me with some of them wishing me the best of luck.  Suddenly, I just felt more energized to run faster and picked up my pace steadily (though it was just a tad faster).  I kept to the left to let the faster runners go past me.  At around 10.35am or so, I heard a woman's voice encouraging me.  She was Fernanda Maciel - a TNF sponsored super fast Brazilian runner working in Spain!  And then she was gone.  Many STY runners ran past me but I was okie to let them past.  Jacky Lee, one of 2 Singaporeans running the STY, also said hi and ran past me.  Another Singaporean, Danny Wan stopped and shared with me a piece of dried mango (I think).  I thanked him before bidding farewell as he sped off.  The sun was working hard and I was feeling the heat.  At water station 1, I drank another can of milo, replenished my water bottles and took off my short-sleeved tee so that I would still be protected from getting sun-burnt while wearing my long-sleeved tee.  From there, we had to run downhill past along the power line.  I began to slow down again.  At certain stretch, the pain behind the back of my right knee flared up while I walked down flights of steps.  So I had to descend one step at a time.  :(

After almost about 6 hours of run-walk, I finally reached the bottom of the power line and onto the road.  But AS8 was still out of sight and it wasn't another 25mins before I finally reached the aid station.  Just after crossing the timing mat, I saw the Avid Adventures volunteer again!  She led me to their tent and offered me a seat.  The other lady asked me if I wanted some soba.  I declined politely, saying that I would get it from the official aid station.  She insisted it was the same soba that she stocked up from the official aid station and I accepted her offer.  I also asked if they had any pain killer but they said the medical team would need to see me and not dispense any pain killer.  They then asked if I would like the pain spray instead, which I used it on both my thigh.  Then I saw Seow Kong's wife along the road side.  She asked if I had seen him which was not good news as I knew he was a much stronger and faster runner than me.  Perhaps he had ran past her.  I discovered I lost my gloves.  Seow Kong's wife offered me her stocking, which was better than nothing, while the 2 Avid Adventures volunteers found a spare pair of gloves too!  I was extremely lucky.  Just before I left, the official race volunteers went through my mandatory gears and a doctor examined me!  He told me to perform a squat which I could only perform a half squat.  Then he asked if I could lift up both my knees which I could do.  I even demonstrated that I could jump, before I was dispatched.  Phew!

Distance Covered: 26km
Accumulative Distance: 102km
Time Taken: 06:16:58
Accumulative Time: 24:25:04



AS8 to AS9 (27km)
The next section was the longest and the hardest of the entire race.  It was almost 4.00pm and I left only 2 hours of daylight to cover as much distance as possible.  Just before going up the forest, we were told to put on our bear bell!  This was the steepest part of the climb.  I had the strength in my legs but I had no breadth to keep going.  After every 20~30 steps, I had to stop to catch my breadth.  Looking at other runners suffering at the same time, gave me hope. :p A Japanese lady told me that we were currently at 1,150m elevation and we would have to reach the 1,950m elevation for the first climb!  My goodness!  I was still able to pass other runners although I was also being passed.  My legs were tired though my mind was still alert.  Then a group of runners ran past me with one calling out my name but I couldn't recognise him.  Further up, I saw another runner wearing the tag number 138!  He was SK - one of 3 Singaporeans attempting the UTMF!  I asked if he saw Winston and he said nope.  :(  I asked if I could follow his pace (well, since I caught up with him, I should be getting faster than him).  He told me not to worry and we would make the cut-off.  It was very reassuring.  :)  Then, he told me the bad news: there were 7 sections of short, steep climb till we reach the very top, which was also the 2nd intermediate check-point.  (Due to the difficulty of the terrain, race organisers added 2 more intermediate cut-off between AS8 and AS9.  The first one at the top of Choujyagadake (Choujya Mountain) with a cut-off time at 23.00pm and the second one at the top of Kumamori-yama with a cut-off time at 1.00am Both cut-off times are for UTMF runners with STY runners having a different cut-off.)  I felt damn sian.  While it was getting difficult to climb, it was getting even harder to go down!  Only then I realised the reason why the doctor insisted runners to perform the squat prior to leaving AS8.

Soon, night time came and our speed slowed.  The runners were grouped together as it was difficult and impossible to pass.  I managed to follow 2 runners who had a good pace climbing while not so fast going down.  Still, I managed to slip despite using a branch as trekking pole.  Luckily, as I was closed to the ground, I didn't fall that badly.  SK had by then fallen a bit further back.  I asked around if anyone knew if we had passed the first intermediate cut-off and was glad to hear that we had!  Further up, we passed another group of volunteers and the Japanese runner behind me asked how far were we from the second intermediate cut-off.  "1hr 40mins" was their reply.  It was rather precise!  How they got the time, I was not sure.  Perhaps they did a recce climb before the race.  So the group of us pressed on and on and on.  It was up and up, and then down and down, before going up and down again.  I didn't dare look at my watch to see how much time had lapsed but eventually, we reached the second intermediate cut-off at Kumamori-yama!  As indicated in the event website, we were each given a 500ml bottle of water.  I took mine and rest with the front leader of the group while other runners continued.  When its time to go, I decided to follow the front leader as I didn't see SK yet.  I was told that we had to go further up a few more such ascent before making our way down the mountain.  I followed the leader.  He wasn't that fast but was consistent in his climb.  After 2~3 of such sections, I was visibly tired and couldn't catch up.  I asked if we could take a breather and he agreed.  In the next up section, I fell and broke my branch and to my surprise, he lend me one of his trekking pole which I was extremely grateful!  But after another 2 more climbs, I was clearly in distress and had to let him go out of my sight.  I decided to rest a while and see if SK would catch up, which he did eventually.  He was also cursing and swearing by then.  We encouraged each other and I told him that the top should be near as I could see some lights further up.  But in darkness, sometimes, the light source could be deceivingly far!

And I was right!  I passed another 3 STY runners - 1 man and 2 ladies.  One of them told me to take more frequent stop rest instead of pushing too hard and taking a longer rest, which I agreed as taking a longer rest may make you stiffen up till you refused to move.  Then SK somehow managed to burst past me.  He told me that he would be going slow and asked me to catch up with him.  And that's the last I saw of him until during the later stage of the race.  When I eventually reached the top, I asked the volunteers how far was I from AS9 but none of them knew.  I began my descent, which was a long way down before we go up again.  I felt strange so I asked the volunteers where I was and how far was I from AS9.  Again, they didn't know and I was getting frustrated.  After changing my batteries, I continued my descent again which was another long way down.  Then, I had to go up again!  Luckily, the ascent was only a short section but again, the volunteers at the top was not sure how far we were from AS9.  Dejected, I sat on the ground and rest for a while, changed my headlamp's batteries before making my way down again.  It was almost 4.00am and this time, the descending section was very far down.  I lost count of the number of times I fell on my butt.  My quads were so weak that I had to slide down.  By then, a few runners ran past me occasionally and I was alone most of the time.  Then I heard some voices below and I quickened my pace.  But no one was insight when I eventually reached the bottom of the mountain.  It was bright by then and I asked the volunteers how far I was from AS9 and again, they either didn't know English or couldn't tell me where I was.  There was another Japanese runner with me and he asked if I had anything to drink as he had run out of water.  Thinking that we were close to AS9, I passed him my bottle of plain water.  Then we were both on the way up again.  This time, we didn't have to climb very far and I could see a clear view of Mt Fuji and the town below the huge mountain!  I told the guy to proceed without me while I enjoyed the morning fresh air.

In actual fact, I was still quite a distance from AS9.  I crested around the top of smaller mountain before making my way down.  At one of the switchback, I fell and hit my face on the ground.  Ouch!  I managed to pick myself up, spit out the soil and checked if my glasses were still in tact.  They were but I was also bleeding.  Since I had given away my plain water, I could only use the electrolyte drink to wash the blood on my face.  I continued but it wasn't long before I fell again, on my butt!  This time, I decided that I was too tired and even though the terrain was not difficult to run, I just had to walk.  2 runners ran past me and one offered his plain water for me to wash my face again as more blood oozed out from my nose.  He also gave me a patch of antiseptic plaster.  I thanked him before he left.  Further down, a group of senior citizens commenced their climb early in the morning.  They made way for the runners as I walked down.  Then, I saw Miki!  She asked if I was alright and that if I continued my speed, I would make the cut-off at 8.00am at AS9!  I asked her to shout back at me when she reached the bottom and she did shortly after.  I knew I was really close this time.  Once out of the woods, I had to run around some open field before reaching AS9 at around 6.40am!  I thanked Miki!  While taking a rest, I asked if Miki's friend could help me bring back the unnecessary gear back to the finishing point as it was too heavy to run with those items.  So I removed my bear bell (which was so annoyingly noisy), jacket, trekking pole, headlamp, etc, before I made my way our of AS9!  (Afternote: this was the hardest leg, which took me more than 15 hours to complete the 27km route).

Distance Covered: 27km
Accumulative Distance: 129km
Time Taken: 15:14:02
Accumulative Time: 39:39:06


AS9 to AS10 (13km)
I didn't bother to get something to eat as I just wanted to finish the race soonest possible.  After refilling my bottle, I continued.  This was the easiest section of the race.  I was very tired and even though I could run all the way,  I adopted a run-walk strategy.  And then I saw SK!  He told me we had plenty of time to meet the cut-off at 3.00pm but I wasn't so sure.  I told him I had to push on.  After turning into a small park (looks like a forest with tress far apart) and out onto the tarmac road, and then back in and out of the park again, I was directed onto a pavement next to a main road.  I could see a few runners in front and since it was a slight climb, I decided to fast march.  Boy, this was a never ending road!  I reckoned it was at least 4~5km long!  Once in a while, a car would pass by and sound its horn, and people would shout words of encouragement.  After slightly more than an hour, I finally met a marshaller!  He told me to make a right turn about 100m further up.  I thanked him and walked to about 100m but there was no trail marker or marshaller!  I made my way back but saw 2 runners coming my direction and they said we were on the right track.  Feeling confident, I thanked them and fast marched till the end of the curve road where there was another marshaller.  Phew.  I reached AS10 at almost 9.30am.  I quickly refilled my water bottle before I left for the last 14km!

Distance Covered: 13km
Accumulative Distance: 142km
Time Taken: 02:48:01
Accumulative Time: 42:27:07

AS10 to Finishing (14km)
I knew what I had to do to complete the remaining 14km.  First section comprised of  uphill to the top of the woods.  Second section comprised of descending from the top to the foot of the woods.  And last section the scenic route next to the lake to the finishing line.  But the way to the top of the woods took me forever and ever!  About half way through climbing the trail, Miki and her friend caught up with me.  She asked me if I was okie.  I replied that I was tired, but was looking forward to finishing the race.  :)  She said the trail to the top was much deeper but once we hit the top, it would take us less than half an hour to get to the foot.  I thanked her and urged her not to wait for me.  And then I saw her took off with her friend.  I was not sure how long it took me to reach the top but should be around 1hr 30mins (which meant that I reached the top at around 11.00am).  Once I reached there, I regretted that I left the trekking pole behind.  It was not a steep downhill but it was kind of sandy (and hence slippery).  I slipped for a couple of times before I steadied myself.  And then it happened.  Well, I didn't know exactly what happened at that moment but some how, it just happened.  I was not sure how I managed to get down to the foot of the hill but I did it eventually.  (I'll give details of this separately).  I was kind of relieved that I recalled the trail during the recce on Thursday morning.  Once out of the woods (at around 12.42pm), I was so happy to be surrounded by civilization!  The marshaller directing traffic was kind enough to help me refilled my water bottle although the water was for himself.  Then I saw a Japanese runner who had just came out of the woods too.  I asked if he could walk with me to the finish which he obliged, which was very nice of him.  The last 4km was the most enjoyable walk I ever took as I know I had plenty of time left.  As we got nearer to the finishing line, more and more people congratulate us.  Then I saw Winston!  He was busy snapping photos!  He commented that he had DNF after AS2 as he was not feeling well.  So he was tracking SK and my progress in the race and had been waiting for quite a while.  About 50m from the finishing line, the Japanese runner and I started running and we completed the UTMF in 46hrs 49mins 32secs!  Hurray!  I recognised the Japanese doctor who made me do a squat before I left AS8, only that this time, he presented my UTMF finisher vest instead.  Lucky me.  :p

Distance Covered: 14km
Accumulative Distance: 156km
Time Taken: 04:22:25
Accumulative Time: 46:49:32

From Andre Blumberg's Camera

Post Race
SK completed the race 5mins after me.  Then it was time for us to walk back to our hostel, which was 500m from the finishing line.  Back at the hostel, we learnt that Danny had completed his STY in about 22hrs 08mins.  While waiting for our room,  Winston and Danny were so kind to cook a bowl of Japanese instant ramen for SK and me.  It was one of the nicest instant ramen I ever eaten!  After washing up, I didn't had any dinner as I was completely knocked out till 11.00pm.  Would I do this race again, not likely.  Though we all know how a runner's mind works.  But if I had a chance, I would like to pay my dues by being a supporter next year to support whoever interested in running the UTMF in 2013.  :)  (Afternote:  I would like to thank Miki and her friend who helped me brought back my extra gear from AS9.  And the UTMF Runner No. 892 (or 829) who gave me one of his trekking pole.  And the UTMF runner who gave up his plain water for me to wash my bloodied face.  As well as the young UTMF runner who walked with me for the last 4km.  Without your help, I would probably DNF.  A big thanks to YOU!)

With Winston & SK Lim (from Winston's Camera)

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ultra-Trail Mt. Fujil® 100M Adventure (Part 1)

Running the Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji (UTMF) would be my 6th attempt at the 100 miles event but if I managed to pull it off, it would be my 2nd time completing a 100 miler (and 1st on the trail).  I arrived in Tokyo on 16 May (Wed) morning and took a bus ride arranged by Avid Adventures to Mt Fuji locality.  Weather in Japan was cool, which should be nice for running.  I unpacked my luggage that night and packed my drop bag for the race.  Once done, I had an early night.  The next day, I tagged along Fabrice (from France) to join in with the rest of the Avid Adventures group.  The bus brought us to somewhere near the end of the race.  There, the last stretch of the trail, we were shown the trail markers used for the race, as well as the kind of trail condition that we would be running.  Everyone was very excited, especially knowing that coming out of that section of trail, was another 4km to the finishing line.


We then went for a quick lunch at Forest Mall [what a name!].  Some of us make use of the time to do some last minute shopping.  I managed to get a 260ml mug (the cheapest that I could find) - one of the mandatory gear!  At 1pm, we went for the race packet pick-up and gear check.  There, I saw Hal and Carly Koerner.  I approached them and asked Hal what was his expected finishing time.  "18~20 hours" was his reply.  Knowing Hal completed the 2010 Canadian Death Race in less than 13 hours (I had yet to finish any CDR although I know I could do it [CDR being a 125km race, with a total elevation change of 17,000ft and to be completed within 24 hours]), I used his expected finishing time and multiplied by 2.2~2.3, which gave me a target time between 42~46 hours.  I started to have more faith in myself in completing UTMF.  After the gear checked, I went back to the hostel and took a nap.  At around 3.30pm, Fabrice knocked on my door.  It was time to go for the unofficial race briefing conducted by the Avid Adventures.  There, I saw Barefooot Ted McDonald, whom I met last year in England, as well as Andre Blumberg from Hong Kong and Seow Kong (I think so) from Malaysia.  After the brief, its time for carbo loading dinner, which comprised of mainly Japanese food, including sashimi!  I had a great time meeting other like-minded runners. :)


Pre-Race - 18 May 2012
I woke up early again.  It was hard to sleep when day brightened at 4.30am.  I re-checked my drop bag content by throwing out everything and re-packed them to make sure I packed more than what I need.  Then, Fabrice and I went for breakfast.  At the restaurant, Cao Jin joined us.  He was also staying in the same hostel - a Chinese from Qing Dao but had been living and working in Norway.  After breakfast, it was time for me to get some nap before checking-out time at 11am.  There, I met Winston Koh, SK Lim and Danny Wan, fellow Singaporeans whom I met during last year's Vibram Hong Kong 100km.  Winston and SK would be running UTMF while Danny would be running STY.  We went for a quick lunch bite at a nearby ramen restaurant.  At approximately 2pm, we made our way to the start!  There were many runners and supporters.  The area was buzzing with excitement.  But deep down, I was jittery as usual.  It was a scary idea to run (and walk) for anything longer than the full marathon distance.  Imagine having to run 100 miles in 48 hours!  And no matter how well a person prepared for the race, sometimes, we needed a little bit of luck on race day to succeed.  At 3pm, the race director flagged us off - and my journey round Mt Fuji started!


Start to AS1 (18km)
The first section of the race was mainly on tarmac road and pavement.  There were a lot of supporters as well as STY runners (their race would only start on Sat, 10am).  There was also a musical performance on the bridge.  For the first few kms, the route was flat.  But soon, we began climbing into the woods.  First, on tarmac road, then on metal (gravel??) road, and then dirt road.  I had lost count on the number of switchbacks.  The climb was not so steep but most of us were walking.  I used a run-walk strategy, and took the opportunity to train for my next race, Comrades.  At the top of the mountain, as I ran out of the woods and I could see the magnificent view that presented itself.  I could also see tiny version of runners at the far end of the woods!  When I ran out from the woods eventually, I stopped and had a can of milo as I was feeling hungry and I had no idea if we were reaching AS1.  I ran through a small town where every passerby cheered for the runners.  At almost 6pm, I reached AS1.  At AS1, I saw the Avid Adventures' table.  Although I didn't sign up to use their aid station support (I wasn't aware there was such a package), they were helpful and asked me what I needed.  I thanked them and asked if I could have a cup of plain water as I was too lazy to walk further up to the official water station, which they gave me.  :p  I ate a GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel but almost vomited out immediately.  The taste was awful and I had to wash down with the cup of water to keep it in.  I thanked the 2 ladies before leaving AS1.

Distance Covered: 18km
Time Taken: 02:54:36
Accumulative Time: 02:54:36



AS1 to AS2 (13km)
On the way out of AS1, I took out my headlamp and hang it around my neck.  This section was hard.  It climbed from 700m to 1,600m in the first 10km, before descending in the last 3km.  I wasn't too concern since it was still early in the race.  Besides, I enjoyed going up.  After I entered the forested area, I switched on my headlamp.  The area was bright as there were other runners.  I was still doing the jog-walk strategy but the jog section was getting shorter while the walk section was getting longer.  Even before I reached the quarter-way point, I decided it was not economically worthwhile to jog anymore.  I pushed on by walking hard.  It was boring as there was no scenery to admire in the dark and the route was just up and up and up.  :(  There was no intermediate point where there was a flat section for you to catch your breadth.  I managed to pass a couple of runners but I had already lost track of time.  Then I heard something!  The ringing of the bell!  It must be from the top of the mountain!  I kept pushing.  But after 15mins, I was still climbing though the sound of the bell was getting closer.  Eventually, I reached the top but not before noticing someone (a photographer) snapping away photos of agonizing runners who reached the summit!  I took a breather before going down the mountain.  It was very difficult.  I was bad at going down and I just walked.  I fell twice - once after I tripped over a root which after I tried balancing, my right calf cramped up, and the other time I slipped and somehow trapped my fingers under a root.  But largely, I was not hurt.  I reached AS2 soon and took another GU Roctane, filled up both my water bottles before I set off for AS3.

Distance Covered: 13km
Accumulative Distance: 31km
Time Taken: 03:49:45
Accumulative Time: 06:44:21




AS2 to AS3 (6km)
The distance from AS2 to AS3 was one of the shortest but it was also one of the hardest for me as it was going down.  I couldn't run at all as it was steep and rather technical.  In fact, runners had to climb down big boulders at some sections.  It was so technical that there was a jam as we waited for runners to descend safely.  At some of these sections, I managed to snake around other runners by sliding down on my back, which I found it much easier than to walk down on my 2 feet.  There was no way to run or even walk fast since you know you would have to wait further up.  I didn't like this section and wondered how the fast runners managed to clear such technical sections.  At times, I had cold sweat as I almost fell over.  The good thing was that it was dark and you wouldn't know how treacherous the terrain could have been.  :p  I was glad that I came out of the mountain unscathed.  At AS3, there were a great variety of food just like previous aid stations: chips, oranges, bananas, chocolates, and buns, etc.  They also served hot soup and I gladly took two bowls to replenish my stomach.  The volunteers were very cheerful and encouraging.  This was also the aid station where the volunteers attached a blinking light to our hydration bag.  I decided to change the batteries to my headlamp too.  I also took out my long-sleeve dri-fit tee to wear even though I was not feeling cold.  It was better to use the available lights now than to try fishing it out from my bagful of stuff in the mountain, where I could be shivering.  I thanked the volunteers before continuing my journey.

Distance Covered: 6km
Accumulative Distance: 37km
Time Taken: 01:33:47
Accumulative Time: 08:18:08



AS3 to AS4 (16km)
Out of AS3 aid station was another few kms of road before we hit the trail.  I started the run-walk strategy again, following the blinking lights of the front runners.  But I was slowing down.  I wasn't that sleepy as I could still concentrate on counting my steps.  Soon, I was in the trail and it was almost total darkness as the runners had by then, spread out.  As I was rather blind at night, even with a powerful headlamp,  I switched it off to look out for the blinking red lights in front.  When I could see it, I would hit in that direction.  When I couldn't I would stop for other runners to catch up with me, before following them.  Once, I hit the wrong path although generally, it was the correct direction.  I had strayed onto the side of the forested area and had to climb back from the ditch onto the correct path.  The climb was relentless - short but steep sections.  For the downhill section, it was not that difficult and I could jog a bit.  And that was where I discovered the pain at the back of my right knee!  It was the same pain that put me out of action after last year's Canadian Death Race!  I wondered if it could be due to the steep descent.  I was upset and wondered if I should stop at AS4.  UTMF was not my main event, but Comrades, which would be held in 2 weeks time, was.  I decided to make the decision when I reached AS4.  I walked and jogged for the rest of the journey, which was uneventful.  I reached AS4 about 20mins past 3am - having ran/walked about 12 hours.  After filling up my bottles, I had a banana and milo.  Then I saw the Avid Adventure's table!  I asked if they could help me buy 2 packets of AA size batteries for my second night and handed over my ¥5,000.  One of them managed to find 6 AA size batteries and asked me to keep my ¥5,000 for other emergency.  I was extremely grateful for their gestures.  I followed the volunteers instruction but found myself staring at a room full of runners sleeping on the ground.  I told the volunteers that I need to continue running and she directed me to go further up.  Another volunteer ushered me to a tent where I saw beer (or was it sake or was I dreaming??) being served!  I turned around and asked a guy where I should go to continue and this time, I was on the correct way out of AS4!

Distance Covered: 16km
Accumulative Distance: 53km
Time Taken: 04:00:07
Accumulative Time: 12:19:05


AS4 to AS5 (8km)
By the time I stepped out of AS4, I had totally forgotten about the pain behind the back of my right knee, which was good.  I knew the injury was still there.  Just that I was no longer feeling the pain.  That stretch of road out of AS4 was nice.  I was walking on tarmac road and I could see Mt Fuji far in front.  Though it was a gradual incline, I managed to pass other runners.  This stretch of road should be about 2~3km long (or even longer) and it was straight and never ending.  Mt Fuji appeared bigger and bigger while the sky got brighter.  Then, the runners were told to make a left turn into the trail.  There was a very short section of flat ground before going up and up again.  The sky was bright again at around 4.30am.  I reckoned I should arrive at AS5 at around 5.30am based on my speed and the terrain.  Soon, I saw some runners running (afternote: they were leaving AS5 aid station).  I also heard the volunteers screaming and hitting the drum round a corner.  As I approached, I saw that I had to crest another small but very steep hill.  But it was worth it as Mt Fuji's magnificent view appeared right in front.  I thanked the volunteers and found a comfortable chair to sit down and had my breakfast - a banana and another can of milo.  And then I pressed on towards AS6!

Distance Covered: 8km
Accumulative Distance: 61km
Time Taken: 02:03:44
Accumulative Time: 14:22:49


AS5 to AS6 (6km)
The footing to AS 6 was easy but not the terrain.  We were running on tarmac road and this was the easy part.  The difficult part was the first 2km was a steep downhill.  By then, my quads were very tired and I didn't want to run fast as it meant that I had to apply a lot of brakes if I do so.  Fast walking was what I could do.  Once on the flat section of the road (it was actually a very slight uphill), I adopted my run-walk strategy again.  But by now, I was extremely tired.  I was yawning all the time and I couldn't keep my eyes open.  I reminded myself to have some coffee at the next aid station.  Opposite the road, I saw distance markers at every 100 meters (for the cars I supposed).  So it was easy to estimate how far I had been running.  At about 1km from AS6, I saw a sign indicating that the next aid station was 1km away!  My spirit perked up a hundred fold!  Soon, I saw a few runners running towards my direction.  Then I knew why.  They were leaving AS6!  I saw a man hitting a drum just before turning into the AS6 aid station, which was a huge car park at the Mizugatsuka Park!  I saw many runners at AS6.  Some were sleeping while others were taking a rest.  I asked for 2 cups of coffee with milk which the volunteer obliged.  It was the best coffee I drank even though it was a 3-in-1.  I refilled my bottles before making my way out of AS6.

Distance Covered: 6km
Accumulative Distance: 67km
Time Taken: 01:10:32
Accumulative Time: 15:33:21


AS6 to AS7 (9km)
A quick time check showed that it was about 6.40am in the morning.  The 2 cups of coffee did the trick and I was like given a jolt of energy boost.  Feeling alive again, I plodded along steadily.  The stretch towards AS7 was mainly downhill with the early kms on tarmac road, before we were directed into the trail.  I looked at my watch and thought I could perhaps reach AS7 aid station before 10am, where the STY runners (those running 82km from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, hence the STY acronym) would commence their race.  At around 8.45am, we came to a T-junction and was directed left.  Then, a Japanese guy runner ran past me and commented the cut-off time at AS7 was 9am.  I panic and picked up my pace.  I managed to catch up with another Japanese lady runner and asked her if she knew about the cut-off.  She said that we had plenty of time as the cut-off was 11am.  I was relieved and we started talking.  Her name was Miki and she was working overseas (if I remembered correctly).  Soon, there we met a few on-coming runners and Miki talked to one of them.  She said the runner told her that we were about 10mins from AS7 aid station.  I thanked her before running ahead as I wanted to take to take some photos.  I came to an entrance of a carpark area and reached AS7 at 9.08am.  Just before I crossed the timing mat, I heard some volunteers shouting to one another.  Almost immediately, another volunteer came running towards me!  With my drop bag!  They were so efficient!  Miki arrived a little while later and we took a rest at a nearby tree.  I reload 4 cans of milo into my hydration bag, as well as my spare headlamp.  I ate a packet of Maxifuel Gel and 2 slices of luncheon meat.  After a toilet break, I examined my feet and was pleased that I had no blister nor hotspot.  A quick change of socks and I was ready to push on.  I bade Miki farewell as she was taking a 2-hour nap.

Distance Covered: 9km
Accumulative Distance: 76km
Time Taken: 02:34:45
Accumulative Time: 18:08:06

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Energizer Night Trail Singapore 2012

This was my second local race in 2012, after the 2XU Compression Run 2012 earlier this month.  And it was my first trail race for the year too!  I did not know of any friends who had signed up for this race so there was no need to make arrangement to meet up.  :p  Due to a need to settle my dad's admission to hospital prior to the race, I didn't have time to nap and I barely reach home in time at 5pm to re-charge my cellphone and to get my running gears ready.  Bib number - checked.  Head lamp - checked.  Hydration bag - checked.  (The hydration bag was more for putting my keys, EZLink Card, camera, cellphone, etc).  EZLink Card - checked.  Camera with battery & SD card - checked.  Cellphone with emergency number saved in contacts - checked.  Event map - checked.  And lastly, cash - checked.  I was set!


I took the MRT to Paya Lebar Station and changed to Circle Line to stop at Bishan Station.  I saw other runners wearing the bright lime event tee.  The train came quickly but we were then told to change train at Bishan although it was supposed to go to Jurong East Station.  Luckily, there was an empty train waiting at Ang Mo Kio Station when the incoming train pulled into the station.  Phew!  Not a case of train breakdown.  After switching train, I decided to stop at Khatib Station as I didn't have enough time (it was 6.55pm) to take the free shuttle bus provided at Woodlands MRT as it was still 4 stations away and shuttle bus would only leave every 15mins.  I bought a drink before taking a cab down to Lorong Asrama in Mandai, which was about 6km away.  Due to the  heavy traffic during peak hours, I managed to reach there around 7.20pm.


There were already many people at Lorong Asrama as other categories of event started since 3pm.  The events included the Parent-Child Obstacle Race of various distances (1.5km and 3km).  Runners could also signed up for the 3km Open Obstacle Race started at 6pm before the main races flagged off at 7.30pm.  There were also a carnival and food stalls but I didn't have much time to check them out as the announcer asked the 18km runners to gather at the start.  After checking in my baggage, I walked towards the start point and saw a walking skeleton with bright christmas lights all over the body!  She was Jenap!  I went up to her to say hello before she urged me not to miss my start.  I wished her all the best and just before I went into the starting pent, the race started.


As it was dark, most runners started slow.  Most, if not all, had head lamp secured over their head.  And since the path was well lighted due to the many head lamps, I need not turn on mine.  :p  Not even 500m into the race, I reached the first aid station.  I carried on but felt it kind of difficult.  This continued until I reached the next aid station which was also the 2km mark.  It was a uphill stretch - wicked!  Sometimes, the good thing about running in the dark was because you couldn't see the terrain, especially if it was a slight uphill or downhill.  The only thing you felt was, if the effort seemed harder or easier.  I drank up a cup of Pocari Sweat, thanked the volunteers and continued.  Soon, I had to turn on my head lamp.   But I held it in my hand as doing so allow me to shine the light closer to the path as compared to wearing over your head.  Also, if you happened to meet someone, you might blind the person who called out to you since you would be turning your head to see who's that.  The other problem I faced was the "tunnel" vision (not sure if it is the right term) when I wore it over my head.  My vision would be some how be constricted.

The next aid station was at the 4km mark.  It was very humid and I was sweating a great deal.  I focused on the lights which organiser laid on the ground.  They were very  prominent.  Next came .265 hill, which was rather steep!  The organiser put up a rope for runners to use it to pull themselves up.  I didn't need that.  At the top of the hill, there were 2 volunteers helping runners to get over the last hurdle, which I accepted gladly.  The aid station right at the top was a great welcome.  I rest a while before crossing the timing mat on the way down.  For those doing 18km, we had to keep right.  By then, the fast runners for the 12km category already zoomed past me.  At around 6km, I looked at my watch, which showed 8.35pm!  I guess I was having too much fun.  The next section of the route was kind of hazy to me - there was a right turn, then a left turn.  There was also a portion which runners would get their feet muddy unless they were able to jump very far.  I tried to walk over but still found my left feet sank into the mud.  :(  I had to wash my TNF Double Track again.  Sigh.  I reached another aid station just before 10km and requested the volunteer to help me top up my bottle, which he did - thanks!  :)  Soon, I heard noises from the carnival from a distance.  I should be turning for my 2nd loop soon.  I checked my watch which showed 9.31pm.


Soon, I was directed to turn left while most runners continue running straight.  From then on, it was just me.  Once in a while a runner would run past me or I would run past a marshaller.  I would thank the marshallers but some of them had no response.  It certainly felt eerie.  Luckily, some replied and or even gave words of encouragement, which was nice.  The feeling of standing by yourself in the dark, not knowing if there was anyone else coming to your direction was definitely much worse than the runner.  Perhaps it would be good for the organiser to pair them up in future.  I dreaded the 12km to 14.5km section as it was the same slight uphill.  At the aid station after 15km, I requested the volunteers at the aid station to sing a song and they obliged!  After thanking the girls, I continued running to the 16km marker, which I had to climb up the steep .265 hill again.  I didn't use the rope although I was getting tired.  After I reached the top, I heard someone calling out to me.  She's Alexandra.  We took a picture before continuing separately.  I told myself it was just less than 2km now!  Soon, I saw the 5km/17km marker.  Although elated, I thought the previous km was kind of short.  The last km was never-ending.  I could hear the announcer but I couldn't see any lights.  I managed to cross the finishing point after 12mins of jogging (which means the distance was longer than 1km since I could easily walk 1km within 12mins) and completed the tough but fun Energizer Trail Run in 2hrs 55mins!


I was presented with my hard-earned finisher medal in the shape of the Energizer man and a bottle of Pocari Sweat.  Picking up my baggage was a breeze.  I heard the announcer saying about the shuttle bus leaving at 10.45pm to Woodlands MRT!  I quickened my steps but heard someone else asking if anyone want the last of the few Walls Ice Cream available!  I took one and board the bus to Woodlands.  Overall, it was a well organised race.  There were sufficient aid stations with very enthusiastic volunteers serving ice cold water and Pocari Sweat.  There were also sufficient marshallers deployed along the route though some were probably more worried about standing in the dark than talking to the runners.  :p  The organiser should be applauded for leaving small lights on the ground throughout the route to guide the runners.  There were also barriers erected to stop runners from going to the wrong direction or danger/prohibited areas as well as rope up .265 hill to help the runners.  While I didn't know what food stalls were available at the carnival, I saw Old Chang Kee still operating while walking out to take the shuttle bus.  To top it off, there were plenty of free ice-cream for everyone!  Cool!  The $50 early bird registration fee ($60 for normal period) for 18km was definitely value-for-money!  Was there any area for improvement?  Perhaps.  But it was good enough for me.  Race Ratings: 9.5/10.

Additional Info: Terrain: 2 (rolling; total climb up to 50 feet per miles. Surface: 2.5 (in between mostly groomed trail or dirt roads and trail or dirt road with some rocks, roots and/or ruts).