Well, the humidity was switched on 100 percent (like a significant blanket of thick water-vapour). Last night was indeed a humid night, which led to most the team of a dozen, carefree runners making mild, but measured compromises. As Dr Ben Tan wrote in The Straits Times yesterday, running under such conditions is like running at midday. Three of the team completed the 60km distance (actually 63km as we took a wrong turn), a few 53km and the rest 30km or so. We left two insulated boxes with generous supplies of water, electrolyte drinks and bananas at two strategic points. Thankfully, no pedestrian or cyclist nicked the contents. I suspect that the makeshift signboard we stuck adjacent to the white boxes helped as a deterrent.
Admittedly, I decided to stop at 53km as I my energy was as flat as pancake. I had a splendid first 30km, running close-winged to Lieu, an amazing runner and Ironman triathlete. I paid for it on my second loop when I emptied my energy reserves. As some of the runners did long runs of about 50km two weeks ago, it seemed that the were still recovering. Note to self: Get a complete compendium of energy gels and drinks for the next run, and the race. My new K-Swiss running shoes are pretty much broken in; they felt comfortable, with no visible or physical signs of trauma on either feet.
Matthew swam solo yesterday at Sentosa island; he was unfortunate and unwillingly victim of jellyfish stings about three weeks ago. He reports that the waters are now clear and we can, assuredly, return to our fortnightly open-water sessions. He is another case of exploring his leadership values in different situations.
Here is a tough spin class led by Wilson Low at Elite Bicycles Asia; together with his race partner, Grace Chan he won the mixed pair adventure race in East Malaysia a fortnight ago. Grace, Wilson and I raced at Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2008, and we had loads of fun and earned personal bests.
2 comments:
Good run, mate! 53km is a very good trg distance for the ultra. It is actually already an ultra. Hv a good rest, mate.
Thank you, mate. I appreciated the warm company of our running bethrens. It was a, indeed, an ultra-distance race. I enjoyed a personal best for the 52.5km. Will rest up, briefly, until Tuesday for a shorter, tempo run. You rest well, too.
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