The day after. The day when aches and sores from unsurfaced lactic acid are amplified in the muscles. The day when one's movement takes on an exaggerated crab likeness. Thankfully it just felt like any other day-after a training long run, ie. non-elegant.
I refused to do any recovery run today. Alber, on a high from his good marathon experience, suggested a short run. I am definitely not going anywhere near my runners and gear today. I think I deserve a little break, even though I felt like I had not completely offloaded the carbo I had in the past week. In fact, I had probably gained weight! Anyway, I gathered a few runners and we headed out for a dinner buffet to recharge ourselves. We had an enjoyable time recounting the hits and misses of Sunday's marathon and the people we saw along the way, in between gobbling down plates of oysters, seafood, sashimi and everything else on the buffet spread.
I believe that running is an individual sport. I still do. But teamwork will always make the experience better. One spoke about the "missing link" in a surprise pacing partner he found on Sunday, to motivate and look out for one another. When you have a shoulder-to-shoulder pacing partner, running stride for stride in sync alongside, words are unnecessary. Team support also meant generosity in sharing tips, strategies and resources like gels and salt tablets. Or simply by being there during the monotony of long long runs, or the lung-bursting pain of speed work.
Yet at the end of it, we run our own race. From when the gun goes off to when we see the finishing tape, the show is ours. Make it a good one.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Singapore Stanchart Marathon 2007
Did not train hard. 4:29.13h (chip)/ 4:30:30h (gun). 'nuff said.
The Stanchart run was my 4th marathon this year, in addition to a variety of other races and climbing activities. I could feel the race fatigue setting in at the start of the run, and it was not feeling like a PB day. I did not see any of the marathon pacers at all throughout the race even though I was going at a relatively consistent pace. This was probably the 1st year that I did not manage a negative split timing. :( I struggled through the last 10km, and was overtaken by many runners whom I know.
Many of the Safra runners clocked good timings, especially the first-timers. That proved the effectiveness of the training plan and the results were for all to see. All those who conscientiously did their speed work and interval trainings showed huge progress today. I probably should also rethink my new strategy of re-mixing my Endurance drink on the run, which cost me a couple of minutes. The race today got me to re-evaluate my running strengths - were there any? Given that I am no good in sprints or power bursts, and that I have also lost my endurance edge since many relatively newer runners have caught up, fast. Some natural first-timers were way ahead of me in their debut marathon. So, why am I running? Nonetheless, I was happy that Heng, Alber and Shirley did very well today. At least my sharing of tips and race strategy was not in vain.
On hindsight, some of the things that could have gone better today:
- should have worn my lighter Mizuno race shoes instead of Asics GT
- my Endurance drink was too concentrated, hence perpetual thirst and kept stopping for water
- no more pasta loading for future races - once again proven that I could not digest it efficiently, and ran with a stuffed feeling
- as a result of which, I went to the toilet at 18km (1min!), missed pacing with Alber, ran alone thereafter and basically slacked
- tried new strategy of carrying a small pack of Endurance powder and twice re-mixed my drink while running - I've to think of a better way to refresh my drink
As a self-consolation, perhaps this could be a warm-up to the HK Stanchart Marathon two months later. I wonder how I could maintain next year's excessive running in preparation for the Sundown Ultra. Shudders.
The Stanchart run was my 4th marathon this year, in addition to a variety of other races and climbing activities. I could feel the race fatigue setting in at the start of the run, and it was not feeling like a PB day. I did not see any of the marathon pacers at all throughout the race even though I was going at a relatively consistent pace. This was probably the 1st year that I did not manage a negative split timing. :( I struggled through the last 10km, and was overtaken by many runners whom I know.
Many of the Safra runners clocked good timings, especially the first-timers. That proved the effectiveness of the training plan and the results were for all to see. All those who conscientiously did their speed work and interval trainings showed huge progress today. I probably should also rethink my new strategy of re-mixing my Endurance drink on the run, which cost me a couple of minutes. The race today got me to re-evaluate my running strengths - were there any? Given that I am no good in sprints or power bursts, and that I have also lost my endurance edge since many relatively newer runners have caught up, fast. Some natural first-timers were way ahead of me in their debut marathon. So, why am I running? Nonetheless, I was happy that Heng, Alber and Shirley did very well today. At least my sharing of tips and race strategy was not in vain.
On hindsight, some of the things that could have gone better today:
- should have worn my lighter Mizuno race shoes instead of Asics GT
- my Endurance drink was too concentrated, hence perpetual thirst and kept stopping for water
- no more pasta loading for future races - once again proven that I could not digest it efficiently, and ran with a stuffed feeling
- as a result of which, I went to the toilet at 18km (1min!), missed pacing with Alber, ran alone thereafter and basically slacked
- tried new strategy of carrying a small pack of Endurance powder and twice re-mixed my drink while running - I've to think of a better way to refresh my drink
As a self-consolation, perhaps this could be a warm-up to the HK Stanchart Marathon two months later. I wonder how I could maintain next year's excessive running in preparation for the Sundown Ultra. Shudders.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Polar Melt
My Polar watch flashed me a low-batt warning on its screen this morning. Horrors! It was the first time since I've had the watch in 2 years, that I almost forgot that it ran on battery. Given that the marathon was 2 days away, the situation necessitated a mini-crisis response! I hurried to Athlete's Circle and got Ben to change the battery. We chatted about the marathon and running in general. About an hour later, my watch was returned to me, resuscitated and beeping healthily. :) I think my heart, too, beeped in sync, relief that my race watch would accompany me step by step through 42 km-markers on Sunday.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tapering Off
Wednesday evening I went for a RPM Challenge class. Kee Leong was back on schedule and the usual participants came. A couple of weeks ago, Glen took some replacement classes and attendance was dismal. I tried to spin hard as it would be my last workout before tapering off for the weekend's marathon. I went home for dinner after class. My mum had gotten hold of a Japanese cold dish that was a seaweed-wrapped fish roe. It had a refreshing taste, but I was not a big fan.
Thursday was the start of my 3-day tapering off and carbo loading plan. We had a departmental seafood lunch where I polished off 1.5 bowls of rice with the dishes. I had a massage at DJ's place in the evening before she returned to China for 2 weeks. The back of my knees and lower calves were rather tight - my perennial problem zones. And horrors! My big toe had not fully recovered after such a long time. Hopefully none of which would give me any problems during the marathon. Dinner was another huge bowl of rice and some chicken pieces. Oooh, I can have rice any day, everywhere! Perfect.
Thursday was the start of my 3-day tapering off and carbo loading plan. We had a departmental seafood lunch where I polished off 1.5 bowls of rice with the dishes. I had a massage at DJ's place in the evening before she returned to China for 2 weeks. The back of my knees and lower calves were rather tight - my perennial problem zones. And horrors! My big toe had not fully recovered after such a long time. Hopefully none of which would give me any problems during the marathon. Dinner was another huge bowl of rice and some chicken pieces. Oooh, I can have rice any day, everywhere! Perfect.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
A Chatty Run
Safra's 10km run this evening was from club house to Fort Canning Hill. This must top the list for being one of the most disruptive routes the group has done. We were caught in so many traffic junctions, roadside constructions, vehicles turning into small lanes, and total darkness at Fort Canning Hill, it was a nightmare just trying to keep moving.
I guess the run was more bearable because everyone was in a tapering off mood and running rather relaxedly. I even managed to chit chat with a few runners along the way, something that I'd not done for a long time when everyone was all geared up for marathon training and chiong-ing all the way. Due to the relaxed mood, the group ran closely together, and I could hear lots of laughter from the back. Clearly, the girls were enjoying themselves, jibing one another. On the way back, I chatted with Lai Chee about bicycles and gear parts, and how expensive they were. Fortunately for me, it was an easy run today and she slowed her pace to accomodate me. I would never be able to run alongside her and talk to her at the same time!
We ran along riverside walk, where diners were tucking into their fancy dinners and wines. The aromatic whiffs of food filled the air, tempting us to slow down and check out their table spreads. We went past a Japanese charcoal grilled restaurant, and Jaime commented it smelt like satay! I guess it was true to a certain extent. Afterall, yakitori is simply a much more expensive and refined version of satay.
Next we passed Gallery Hotel, where I had dinner at its Satsuma restaurant the night before. Lovely quaint little cafe, nice ambience for an acceptable quality of food. I started discussing with KK about otoro and sake toro, and why tuna costs so much more than salmon sashimi. Oooh, the love of my tongue. I could have Japanese cuisine everyday and not tire of it, especially melt-in-your-mouth belly slices.
The group made our way back to the clubhouse in light-hearted banter and company. Such was a run I missed, the easy comraderie and social pace that made running all the more enjoyable at times.
I guess the run was more bearable because everyone was in a tapering off mood and running rather relaxedly. I even managed to chit chat with a few runners along the way, something that I'd not done for a long time when everyone was all geared up for marathon training and chiong-ing all the way. Due to the relaxed mood, the group ran closely together, and I could hear lots of laughter from the back. Clearly, the girls were enjoying themselves, jibing one another. On the way back, I chatted with Lai Chee about bicycles and gear parts, and how expensive they were. Fortunately for me, it was an easy run today and she slowed her pace to accomodate me. I would never be able to run alongside her and talk to her at the same time!
We ran along riverside walk, where diners were tucking into their fancy dinners and wines. The aromatic whiffs of food filled the air, tempting us to slow down and check out their table spreads. We went past a Japanese charcoal grilled restaurant, and Jaime commented it smelt like satay! I guess it was true to a certain extent. Afterall, yakitori is simply a much more expensive and refined version of satay.
Next we passed Gallery Hotel, where I had dinner at its Satsuma restaurant the night before. Lovely quaint little cafe, nice ambience for an acceptable quality of food. I started discussing with KK about otoro and sake toro, and why tuna costs so much more than salmon sashimi. Oooh, the love of my tongue. I could have Japanese cuisine everyday and not tire of it, especially melt-in-your-mouth belly slices.
The group made our way back to the clubhouse in light-hearted banter and company. Such was a run I missed, the easy comraderie and social pace that made running all the more enjoyable at times.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sports and Nature
It was a sad weekend as many of us stayed glued to the news for updates on the dragon boat accident in Phnom Penh that claimed the lives of 5 fine young rowers from our national squad. I was constantly checking the online news and soaking up every report. The sudden national tragedy made headlines for many days, and no amount of empathy could enable us to comprehend the extent of grief felt by the bereaved families. The national squad comprised mostly young men in their 20s. Disciplined, full of potential and in their prime, they represented some of the best athletes and citizens our nation could have. To me, it was especially heart wrenching that they had to go through such a devastating experience at that age. They might be men and leaders in the team, but back home, they were just sons, brothers, and.... boys, if I could use the term in a non-condescending way.
The accident set me pondering on the perennial question of us sports(wo)men vs nature and the risks we take. Why do we choose to pit ourselves against nature and push the human limits? I am not a parent, and have no intention to be one, but I can only imagine the dilemma all parents face in trying to bring up their children to be worthy sons and daughters. Do you encourage your child to explore the outdoors and be independent, knowing that there is an inherent risk in any outdoor activitiy? Do you quietly accept that risk, knowing that your child would eventually grow and blossom into confidence? Or do you keep them strapped beside you, safe and sound under watchful eyes but missing out on the shaping and moulding opportunities?
My parents have never violently objected to any of my outdoor passions, which they think are crazy and extreme. I say 'violently objected' because my mum would hint ever so often that I should scale back on my activities, find a good man and settle down. She even once suggested that I scared off potential suitors by my excessive (her view) running! But yes, they have never 'violently objected'. Each time I tell my mum of an upcoming climb, she would order it to be the last, and we both knew it would not be so. Each time I mention an overseas race or marathon, she asked why I ran so much, but we both knew I would not stop. And in a morbid way, I am thankful they were not the last climb or race. My parents have been extremely tolerant each time I picked up a new hobby, which meant a whole array of new gear and storage space. Supportive, even, with the occasional drives to airport and training grounds. Thankfully I have since narrowed my pursuits to a few, - running, mountaineering and cycling - but which could still throw up some harrowing moments.
A few years ago when I was still with the Singapore Women's Everest Team, we grappled with many What Ifs scenarios. What if we died on a climb? What if a team mate went down? What do we do with our bodies should mishaps occur? How could we be answerable to ourselves or our loved ones, yet not compromise the safety of our surviving team mates? I guess accepting the prospects of death and disability is a large part of being a mountaineer. One does not conquer a mountain, but by its graces, be allowed on its summit. Sudden avalanches, crevasses and many inhospitable elements keep climbers on our cramponed toes. Every climber has his/her stash of near-misses and close-calls to tell.
How we handle ourselves and recover from those situations, if we are lucky to have survived them, spells the fine print between make or break. I salute our national dragon boating squad for the shared courage and leadership they had shown the nation through this trying time, especially the young 21-yr old captain for displaying a raw maturity beyond his years. I hope they emerge from this episode to become stronger men and beacons for others to follow.
The accident set me pondering on the perennial question of us sports(wo)men vs nature and the risks we take. Why do we choose to pit ourselves against nature and push the human limits? I am not a parent, and have no intention to be one, but I can only imagine the dilemma all parents face in trying to bring up their children to be worthy sons and daughters. Do you encourage your child to explore the outdoors and be independent, knowing that there is an inherent risk in any outdoor activitiy? Do you quietly accept that risk, knowing that your child would eventually grow and blossom into confidence? Or do you keep them strapped beside you, safe and sound under watchful eyes but missing out on the shaping and moulding opportunities?
My parents have never violently objected to any of my outdoor passions, which they think are crazy and extreme. I say 'violently objected' because my mum would hint ever so often that I should scale back on my activities, find a good man and settle down. She even once suggested that I scared off potential suitors by my excessive (her view) running! But yes, they have never 'violently objected'. Each time I tell my mum of an upcoming climb, she would order it to be the last, and we both knew it would not be so. Each time I mention an overseas race or marathon, she asked why I ran so much, but we both knew I would not stop. And in a morbid way, I am thankful they were not the last climb or race. My parents have been extremely tolerant each time I picked up a new hobby, which meant a whole array of new gear and storage space. Supportive, even, with the occasional drives to airport and training grounds. Thankfully I have since narrowed my pursuits to a few, - running, mountaineering and cycling - but which could still throw up some harrowing moments.
A few years ago when I was still with the Singapore Women's Everest Team, we grappled with many What Ifs scenarios. What if we died on a climb? What if a team mate went down? What do we do with our bodies should mishaps occur? How could we be answerable to ourselves or our loved ones, yet not compromise the safety of our surviving team mates? I guess accepting the prospects of death and disability is a large part of being a mountaineer. One does not conquer a mountain, but by its graces, be allowed on its summit. Sudden avalanches, crevasses and many inhospitable elements keep climbers on our cramponed toes. Every climber has his/her stash of near-misses and close-calls to tell.
How we handle ourselves and recover from those situations, if we are lucky to have survived them, spells the fine print between make or break. I salute our national dragon boating squad for the shared courage and leadership they had shown the nation through this trying time, especially the young 21-yr old captain for displaying a raw maturity beyond his years. I hope they emerge from this episode to become stronger men and beacons for others to follow.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Race Expo & Sundown Marathon
The annual Singapore Stanchart Marathon race pack collection and expo is here again. I could not believe myself, but I went down on all 3 days! On Friday afternoon, I went to collect my pack, thinking that it would be less crowded at an off-peak hour. But hundreds of other equally kiasu runners thought likewise, so I had to queue over an hour to get to the collection booth. The exit funnelled us to the sports and fitness expo, right smack into the PowerBar/ Athelete's Circle (AC) mega booth. I met many friends and fellow runners/ triathletes, either helping out at the booths or collecting their packs, it was like a huge gathering at a carnival. We bantered around, joked and checked out the discounts and gear. A group of us excitedly swarmed around AC's upcoming events next year - Dirty Weekend, Sundown Marathon and Aviva 70.3. A day before, the AC newsletter had gone out announcing those events (http://www.athletescircle.com/newsletter/newsletter_211107.html). We inundated poor Ben with repeat questions at the registration booth, and he good-naturedy answered all of us.
I was already set on joining the Sundown Ultra 84km Marathon the minute I saw the news, so I was pleasantly surprised that we could register on the spot. Without hesitation, I keyed in my details and made the payment. On learning that there could be a 100-pax limitation for the ultra race, we started roping in more runners, and those in turned called their friends upon signing up. Ah, the power of peer-pressure. Or could it be peer-pleasure in running together? :) In the end, Ricci, Alvin (tri), DO, Anthony, Jancy, Ronnie, Freddy Yeoh and many others registered. I think we easily "sold" 20 slots for the organizers, and counting. I spotted Mika too, and told her about the race.
Set! I'm very much looking forward to the event. I have no doubt that I could complete the distance. What piqued my intellectual and physical curiousity was how such a long run (I reckon it should take about 10hrs +/-) would differ from my recent Mustagh Ata expedition where we climbed an average of 9hr each day at high altitude. I am not new to long durations of demanding physical activities at unspeakable hours. Almost every summit attempt of major mountains sets off around 2-3am, and easily takes 13 - 18hr to summit and descend to a safe campsite. However, running and climbing are different sports, and I wonder what the demands of such an ultra distance would be on the body and legs.
Adrian (Mok) shared with me that long-dist running in the night enhances all sensories and makes us more aware of ourselves and the surroundings. The silence and still of the night brings out the sense of solitude, and forces us to reach far deeper within ourselves to find the strength and motivation to carry on. I believe. Climbing is often a very solitary sports too, just you, yourself and the mountain all around. I'm full of admiration for Adrian. He's my age, yet has achieved so much. In between keeping up with the growing joys of his young son, and building an expanding business based on his sporting passions, he remains one of the top endurance athletes in the nation. Over the years, I have benefitted from his friendship, advice and business services. It is always a joy to chat with him, the impossibly-busy and ever-positive guy finds time to indulge in leisure gossip and generously shares tips with everyone.
I spent some time at the Addidas booth and was very pleased to find the new white-purple running jersey that I had been eyeing for some time. Seduced by the 20% discount, I happily bought 2 pieces. Over at the Keypoint International booth, Sam, Eddie (Chang) and Sandy were busy with the retail crowd. Helen was gushing praises about a pair of 2XU running tights that I was looking at. Just my type of gear - simple, short, functional, yet good-looking. I bought a piece, tested it during Sunday's morning run at Safra, loved it, and went back to buy another piece!
My sense of retail restraint and reasoning goes into cardiac arrest when I'm in a crowd of sports junkies and race gear, and the expo organizers appeared to milk that vulnerability very well. Oops, I guess it's cheapo veg-rice for lunch in the coming weeks. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)