My result for the Mizuno Mount Faber 10km Run yesterday was 49:04 for the 10km. I think I placed in the top-3 percent of the 2,900-strong field of runners with my 67th position. This was my first race two week since my ultra attempt, so my recovery has been on-track.
What was different about this year’s race? I attacked it harder physically, engaging my sense of competition. However, I ran with more joy and a sense of freedom. I pumped my arms, swung it more and allowed physics to lead me. I embraced the race with a ‘so what’s the worst that could happen?’ attitude. I think it worked as I mounted Singapore’s second highest hill less distraught than last year’s. My friend ‘Muay Thai’ said that some of his friends saw me blast off at the 4km; I wanted to experience running with the elite age-groupers, and it was tough keeping up. My 46-year-old friend Melvin Ow saw a podium finish, and I congratulate him for his excellent effort.
It may be premature to say this, but I think I am on track with my three-month plan for a sub-3’20” timing in Berlin, and also for a PB in my next Ironman triathlon. Patience is a value worth considering, as it is all a waiting game. I took my post-race meal of electrolyte drinks and a potassium-filled banana, enjoyed my chat with some runners who were from my graduating class of young officers. It was a joyful morning of connecting with people, my body and my sense of child-like abandonment. I freed myself from the vestiges of self-imposed running, and chose to run freely with few attachments. I breathed as deeply as I could, taking each thankful breath with appreciation and respect for nature.
Last night, I was on the panel of judges at the Singapore Magic Circle’s (SMC) annual magic competition, Legerdemain (French for sleight of hand). Five contestants each vied for a top-three placing in the Parlour and Close-Up categories. It was tough judging the group, especially the one’s doing intimate magic with cards and coins. I was also given the honour to present magic wands to the top-three winners of the Close-Up category, a branch of magic that I have a soft spot for. It was an evening well spent with fellow magicians (including professional illusionists Nique Tan and Jeremy Pei) and magic fans. Just another moment worth reflecting on…
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