The year
whizzed past, it felt so long and yet so fast. I think I packed a lot more in
this year than before, with a nice build-up leading to plenty of highs and
lows, followed by a big crash-lull at the end. All in, the 2018 adventures
report card looks quite pretty.
Had an
uneventful conditioning start in the first quarter to roll out the year. Began as
always with HK100, cleared TransLantau100 amidst much frustration, and enjoyed two
race trips with friends to Malacca and Muar (food and company were the main
goals). The remaining nine months simply flew by after that, with several hits
and misses.
Let’s start
with the misses, and end on a high. The misses were as important as the hits,
intentional or not. Taking risks to try new events, learning that complacency
is a big no-no, and accepting that not everyday is a perfect race day. Rinjani100
was my challenge race this year, and DNF-ed as expected. Knowing how tough it
was made cheering for finishers all the more sweeter. Suffered cramps
during CrazeUltra 100k with an awry pace and was lucky to be able to trot back
to the finish. My swansong race of the year took a miss too; for the first time
in years, I missed clearing 8 loops at MR Ultra. If all my races and climbs are prompted by performance, I would be confined to all the “safe” stuff and missed the point (and fun). Every “down” seeds a doubt, and bracketing those doubts is a skill we need to hone. Likewise, the art of managing the tension between
staying active, and getting enough down time. For two months after my major
expedition, I just wanted to sleep in and not do any long runs. The fear of
regressing was real. Well, so was the pull of a new TV and Netflix. :) Allowing myself a long
time-out required a lot of self-assurance.
Now the
hits. Scored a surprise first-time win at a 100k with Cameron Ultra. It was a
pinch-me moment, especially just getting my PF injury sorted out. Came in second
at Force of Nature (60k) and some shorter road events. But otherwise, fifth was
the prevalent position this year; at Sungai Menyala (50k), Craze Ultra, and MR
Ultra. Another set of adventures deserves special mention, with a common theme
of breathing and staying centred. My friend, May, indulged me with an utmost
crazy trip to Australia. We touched down in Canberra and drove straight to trek
up Mt. Kosciusko (2,228m), went to Blue Mountains the next day for UTA race
check-in, ran a 100k PB the next morning, and flew home right after. It was like blasting through four days with one big breath. Another highlight was climbing Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) in Indon Papua, where the team waited a week for clear weather to fly into base camp. The seemingly endless and inactive waiting required a level of zen-ness from everyone who was accustomed to hard slog. The long-awaited reward was getting to the summit and on the Tyrolean rope traverse with emptiness below. The icing on cake for this year must be standing on
the summit of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) in Tibet. My first-ever at an 8,000er
mountain, bundled up in a downsuit and climbing with oxygen. So much
self-doubt, questioning, and anxiousness, it was truly emotional and memorable.
And literally breathless.
Grateful for
supportive family, colleagues, bosses, who give me the space to do all this.
And Melvin for being a partner-in-crime in many of these, even as he sometimes
complains about my gear. Looking forward to a pivotal 2019 ahead.
