2018 Advenures Review

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.  

Part 3: Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) Summit

On the summit morning, we set off at 520am. It was a nice warmish (for that altitude) day, no wind, blue skies and some sunshine. We took the normal route via the North Face (Heinrich Harrer route). After a 45-50min hike, we got to the the start of the fixed rope. Thereafter, we would jumar all the way up to the summit, crossing multiple ridges and an exciting tyrolean traverse. The rock surface was extremely rough and sharp, chiselled by the weather, making for very good climbing traction (and also good scratches and cuts on those gloves and fancy gear). The rock walls were steep and angular, and became a lot more jagged and looked like serrated saws nearer the summit.

Soon we came up to the summit ridge, where we would take another 1-2h to complete the ascent. There were 2-3 parts where there was a gap in the ridge, and which was too far to jump across. Imagine the ridge, with unsurvivable steep drops on both sides. Getting from Point A to B required scrambling down to a "standalone" mid-point, and jump/step-crawl up the other side. A fairly easy big step for long-limbed folks, but a challenging small jump for shorter climbers like me. Step meant one foot still in contact with the surface. Jump meant both feet off. Our guide, Josh, belayed me down, and I had to gingerly place one foot to the very edge in order to make that jump. A distance that one would not even bat an eyelid in normal life quickly morphed into a gaping hole with silent voids on all sides. My imagination was definitely in overdrive. I was quite paralysed there for a few seconds, but finally told myself that I had to move. Took a deep breath and jumped, to cheers from behind (or everyone would be stuck). 😬 I did not even want to think of the return climb down...

We got to the highlight of the climb - the famous tyrolean traverse. Wikipedia defines it as "a method of crossing through free space between two high points on a rope without a hanging cart or cart equivalent". Think action movies where the hero arm-hangs or walks across a tightrope... The old tyrolean traverse was indeed for hanging upside down and using arms to pull oneself across. The new setup that we used comprised three steel wires; two wires for the right and left hands into which we clipped our locking carabiners, and the third for walking across one foot in front of the other. After all the excitement and YouTube videos, the tyrolean traverse turned out to be quite stable, super cool experience!

A couple more palpitating gaps and deep breaths on the knife-like ridges, we finally reached the summit base. A short scramble took us to the shiny sign proclaiming the summit of Carstensz Pyramind (4,884m). Whoosh! 11:37am, slightly over 6h, on 13 Aug 2018. The climbing company made personalised summit banners for each climber, and with my large SGP flag, it was a busy affair getting the summit pic organised in the fluttering wind. We were very lucky to have good weather throughout the entire climb, and could even see basecamp from the summit.

In theory, the descent should be somewhat faster. In reality, not a lot. We had to go through all those scary gaps again, albeit they felt easier on the second attempt. Where I had jumped down across a gap, I now had to climb up, and vice-versa. Gilles went in front of me and Josh took the rear, helping me with a pull or push at times. At one point, they were giving me directions on where to place my hands and feet, but based on their heights. 😂 In the end, I found my own hand/ footholds and scrambled up. Once passed the jagged ridges and tyrolean traverse, it was a lot of rappelling over the steep walls. Lean back, legs out, go, switch over anchor points, repeat. Endless times. Some of the newer ropes were so stiff that I did not lower an inch even when I bounced in my seat harness or released the locking rope. After quite an eternity, we reached the last of the fixed ropes (whew!) and our basecamp tents were right ahead. Mission accomplished, up and back down safely, in perfect weather! 😊
 
Now, we pray hard for a chance to fly out of basecamp tomorrow. It was another sleepless restless night of tossing in my sleeping bag. At 6am, the commotion outside my tent suggested that the heli was coming in with the remaining three members of our team, and to fly the three from the previous expedition out. That was the earliest takeoff the pilot had made in the past week! Fingers crossed tightly for him to make a second trip and take us out too. Meanwhile, our three teammates set off for their summit attempt. Our prayers were answered and all of us got back to Timika and caught our connecting flights to Bali that same morning. We also later got news that everyone else had summited and returned to BC. 🙏

Part 2: Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) Basecamp

Our group of six climbers started our expedition on 4 Aug 2018 and was supposed to fly to BC on 6 Aug 2018. Alas, bad weather confined us to Timika for a good 7 days (!) before three of us finally landed in BC. My plan of summiting on National Day fell apart. 😞

There was also a delayed expedition just before us, pushing us back in the heli queue. It was an agonising and frustrating 7 days wait. Each heli trip could only take 3 pax, or up to 350kg load. Every morning, the assigned climbers would be ready at 530am, head out to the airport, and either fly out or return. The heli window is only a few hours each morning; there are no flights after 10/11am as the winds typically pick up in the afternoons. To get a flight going, there needs to be clear visibility in both Timika and BC. There is a small "curtain opening" in the mountains for the heli to fly through and get over to Yellow Valley where BC is. When I finally got on the heli, I saw just how tight that opening was. 

After many prayers and some morning full-dress rehearsals, Andrei, Gilles, Josh (our guide) and I arrived at BC on 12 Aug 2018. We were extremely lucky that the pilot was willing to make a second trip after dropping off some climbers from the previous expedition that morning to get us there! We wanted to climb immediately, but because we landed late, it was 11am when we started. The rain came in and we managed a 2h acclimatisation hike instead. The rain continued pelting heavily through the afternoon. None of us slept much that night. The combination of altitude and adrenaline kept me counting every hour until it was time to get ready at 4am.

Part 1: Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) Access

Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m), also known as Puncak Jaya, is the highest peak in Australasia and Oceania. Arguably the most exotic of the Seven Summits, it is located in the Indonesian province of Papua on the western island of New Guinea; an area home to some 300plus tribes and languages, as well as the largest gold mine in the world (Grasberg Freeport mine). So yes, literally sitting on top of gold. 😉

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International expeditions teams would fly from Jakarta or Bali to Timika, before trekking or taking a heli to basecamp (BC) at about 4,280m. The domestic flight from Bali to Timika took some 3.5h, longer than the international flight from SGP to Bali. There are three ways to access the climb - trek, fly, drive. Due to security concerns with the tribes and separatist movements in Papua, as well as mine operations, the 5-day trek through tribal villages is generally discouraged. Local Indonesian teams could take the 5h road option through the gold mine, drive fairly close to BC and hike in.

Adventures of 2017

Adventures of 2017

Let's see. Where do I begin? This is the year of several firsts, and many ambitious back-to-backs on red-eye flights and long distance buses, maximising all hours. Could not have experienced all these without the generosity and support of so many of you (spot yourselves in one or more adventures 😉). Grateful for the opportunities.

• January kicked off with my favourite HK100 race, and three days later I was in Argentina. Glad the Aconcagua summit did not evade me this third time. 🙏 • February saw me attempting the TransGrancanaria 125km in the Spanish Canary island, and my first DNF of the year. 🤦‍♀️ • March offered a hiking through the Big Bend national park in Texas, soaking in the vastness of the land and being so so close to the Mexican border. Plus a weekender to Quebec and Montreal to catch the Hotel de Glacé (ice hotel). Discovering my name on #27 of the new Ultra-Trail World Ranking was a surprise bonus perk-me-up! • April was a crazy month, presenting my second 100-miler at Zion100 - a breathtaking scenic meandering through the canyons just outside the Zion national park. A week later, it was The Boston Marathon, my very first! Followed by bucket-list Peru to gasp in wonder at the Machu Picchu ruins and trekking up the amazing Rainbow mountain. • Then Melvin came over to NYC in May where we went snow-shoeing in Colorado, and ran the TNF NY Bear Mountains - got my second DNF of the year. 😂 Graduated from my Masters programme with my family in attendance, and finally home-sweet-home to SGP. 😍
 
• June was the Muar Camel Run 22km, finished 9th place with loads of otah. Then a Krabi chill rock-climbing weekend. • July had the MSIG SG 50km, which was cut short by a thunderstorm, followed by a Malacca weekend drive. • August's poison was my first Craze Ultra 100km, where longans and coconut juice got me to 2nd place. Two weeks later was my first ever win at any event - the GreenRace 60km. • September squeezed in a recee training at Mt Kinabalu, a feeble attempt to "dash" up the mountain. A week later, it was off to Sapa for the Vietnam Mountain Marathon 100km. • Early October was my third Chicago marathon, good to be back in the Windy City. Followed by my first Mt Kinabalu Climbathon - glad I survived it. Loving the high altitude events. • November was relatively low-key, with only the Swissotel Vertical Climbathon, over in like 11min and finished 4th. So I basically chilled for almost two months, which felt like an eternity. • Glad to end December with a local favourite MR Ultra. Soaked up the camaraderie in my favouritest playground, had loads of fun, ran my eight loops with the support of several people, and closed 2017 with a 3rd placing.

Amidst all of this, read a tonne of books and journals and articles, juiced a couple of brain cells, wrote a stack of papers and assignments, organised a conference, completed my studies, re-adapted to work and picked up new skills, and connected with many new faces in our running community.

May 2018 be another year of exciting opportunities and adventures. Looking forward!

Trans GranCanaria (24 - 25 Feb 2017)

My curiosity in the Trans GranCanaria (TransGC) was piqued during the UTMB race expo last year (2016). They had a promotional booth and the lady quipped that Gran Canaria was a lovely island with 22C sunshine. I took a photo and got a free race belt, but I was really sold on the weather (so lame, right?) Alas, more on that later.

Some background to GC. It is the largest of the Canary Islands, an autonomous region of Spain. Touted as Europe's sports island, it is a big round island with long coastal fronts and a volcanic mountainous interior. Due to its warmer climate (relative to Europe), GC hosts many sporting events each year, from trail runs, marathons, mountain biking, golf etc. However, GC is described as a continent in terms of its weather, with micro-climates across the island. Huge cacti of many varieties dot the island amidst green valleys and vistas; it is a fascinating mix. More photos of GC here.

 

 

The south is the proverbial 'sunny beaches', where it is warmer and people are out sun-tanning. The north and interior are much colder. When the TransGC lady told me about the weather, I had in mind a cooler version of Lombok or Krabi,... alas!

The Race

TransGC is a collection of 5-6 race categories. Its namesake, which I signed up for, is 125km, +8,000m, 30h. It is also part of the Ultra Trail World Series, and a UTMB 6pt race. There were 900 runners in this category, majority from Europe (escaping the cold winters), some from N. America, and only a handful from Asia. Very under-represented.

I stayed near the race expo at ExpoMelonaras, which was also the finish line. Race pack collection, bag drop, pasta party, and race briefing went smoothly.

The race starts on Friday 11pm and ends on Sunday 5am. It is a point-to-point race, i.e. different start and end points. There was a bus shuttle to the start point in Agaete on Friday night, and it arrived 1.5h ahead of the start time! For me, who usually gets into the line just in time for the flag-off, I was wondering what to do in the interim. There were no race tentages or facilities for runners. So I plonked myself in a cafe to escape the cold and wind, and drowned self in coffee and hot chocolate.

Overall, TransGC was one big 'meat grinder' climb (to quote a friend's description). It had four back-to-back major climbs, interspersed by their descents. Each climb was ~1,000-1,500m in elevation gain, over distances of 8-13km. (To give a sense of perspective, HK Lantau Peak is 934m; Hiking from the lake to the crater rim at Mt Rinjani is approx +1,000m. Repeat four times non-stop.) Some were straight-up climbs, and others were endless winding slopes. These climbs were front-loaded in the first 81km of the race, where the drop bag major checkpoint was (strangely it was not around 60km mark). We encountered the first climb right after the flag off, to CP1 (9km, +1,021m) The cutoff time was 3h, and I took 2:10h. Mental note to self to build more buffer time. Descending to CP2, there was a bottleneck at a trick slippery section, where we had to wait in line for the rope. Subsequently, that ate into my buffer by a few minutes. 

Getting to CP3 involved the longest climb, a 13.3km stretch, +1,500m, with a time allocation of 3.5h. It was a fairly long time without an aid station, and it reminded me of the CP5-6 section of HK Vibram100. Exposed windy ridge, endless ups and downs in the dark. I met a German lady and we ran alongside, taking turns to lead and spot the route markers. It was daybreak by the time we reached CP3, but still misty and cold. What happened to the promised 22C? 

I kept the 35min buffer before descending to CP4. It was the only stretch that had more paved and flatter roads, where I built up a 55min buffer. Times like that, I appreciate also having a road running base to pound pavements. Next, it was a gradual roll to CP5 and CP6. Very good, buffer increased to 75min. The sun shone through briefly and I warmed up a bit. Gosh, I would love to run this in warmer weather, like during UTMB's 'heatwave'.

  

Enroute to CP6, I met a Filipino runner who was living in Germany. Subsequently, we fell into a similar pace on the long climb and ran together until CP7. The estimated time allocation was 2h and we took 20min more than that, which drew down my hard-earned buffer. After working hard on that climb, I now had to continue chiong-ing (rushing) some 6km/ -400m down to CP8.

For me, the toughest and most mental section was between CP8-9 (to the drop bag). It was a vertical 10.7km to Rogue Nublo, +1,200m, and a time allocation of 2h. I thought I should have enough time to clear it. Alas, the zzz monster attacked and I moved oh-so slowly, trying to stay awake. We went higher and skirted many smaller trails to reach The one leading to Rogue Nublo. It is a giant rock protecting the centre of Gran Canaria, and a popular hike for tourists. 

Rogue Nublo standing majestic in the distance

The last section was a surprise as we had to 'deviate' and go up to Nublo and get our bibs scanned. That took an extra 15min up and down before I could continue to CP9. Yikes, it was nearing the CP closing time and I still had a long descent, with the CP nowhere in sight. Watching the minutes tick by, I sprinted as best as I could. My mind raced through what I needed to do at the CP, and decided that I could forego picking up my drop bag. Finally, I made it to the CP within 6min of cutoff. 3h just for that segment. Ouch!

81km done, another 10h to go. With no time to lose, I refilled my soft flask, added some Tailwind, and set off towards CP10, some 12km away. It was dark again, and difficult to go fast. I mistakenly thought that we had to climb to the highest peak in Gran Canaria, and was expecting a vertical onslaught. Then I realised that it was the highest point in the race, and not the island. Mental face-palm. I should better study the race map and profiles next time. It was a long long long descent, a little technical and rocky but fairly runnable. Unfortunately, the CP was far far far away, and by closing time, I was still in the trails. Not wanting to give up, I still gave it a shot and ran hard to the CP. Unfortunately, on hitting town, we still had to circle around to reach the CP. Sheesh, so that was the end of my race. My first DNF of the year. 94km, 23:15h.

Post-race Musings

The extra popiah from dinner

Some thoughts about TransGC. Definitely need to review my nutrition. For those of us pampered by support stations, especially in HK or USA trail races, the distribution and food at TransGC was a challenge. Out of 13 checkpoints, there were four that were 12-13km apart (i.e. 3 – 3.5h from the last station). In addition, there were three drinks-only stations alternating with the food-drinks stations. For example, we had a long climb and descent over 23km and allocated 5.5h to get to a checkpoint with food (there was a drinks station in between). I was also not used to the food. HK typically races have sushi rice rolls, USA races have peanut butter jelly sandwiches, and European races have ham/ salami, cheese and dry bread rolls. Ham and cheese were not to my taste, so I simply had nuts and dry baguette slices, which was not enough. Luckily I had a random fried spring roll in my pack, which was heavenly. The next time that I participate in an European race, I will have to better figure out the food.

On perfect hindsight, I might have overestimated myself and underestimated the race. Reviewing my past races, TransLantau was 100km, +5,500/5,800m, 33h cutoff; TNF Lavaredo was 120km, +5,800m, 30h; UTMB was 170km, 10,000m, 46h. By comparison, TransGC’s intensity (125km, +8,000m, 30h) would be somewhere between Lavaredo and UTMB. Or a TransLantau 100 plus another TransLantau 50 compressed into half the distance (25km with 2,200m gain). Gulp! Would be more mindful of pace and times next time in order to complete TransGC.

Despite the challenging elevation, I think Laverado was more technical in terms of variation (e.g.  ice/ snow, big boulder scrambling), altitude reached, and a scenery typical of ski mountains. TransGC was more runnable and had mixed sceneries, some of which reminded me of SE Asian plantations at times. Anyhow, I am biased. J If one could only pick one race, I would definitely recommend Lavaredo for overall ‘adventure’ and scenery.

So now there is an unfinished business. 😬 Haiz…. Maybe if I review my race strategy, I might be able to complete TransGC. 

A Goal, A Dream

Adventures 2016

2016 has been a good year for races and adventures. Run more, climb more, go further. I am thankful for the many highlights and new experiences. With each step, I learn something more about myself and my limits. Below is a quick recap of my race/ events this year, so many memorable ones. If I had to choose..... it would be my Denali expedition and UTMB race, and signing off 2016 with an ultra-marathon of a lifetime. :) May 2017 be a similar year of growth, good health and adventures. Happy new year!

HK 20th Anniversary Marathon (42km) (17 Jan 2016)
The 20th anniversary of the HK Marathon. We were lucky to register two slots (fast fingers) and run the race together. It was a wet and cold run on race day, and we saw some runners turn around and did not even start the race. 3:57h.
 
HK100 (23 - 24 Jan 2016)
Still my favourite-st 100km race, simply because the HK100 was my maiden 100km undertaking in 2012. The 2016 event saw a freak hail/ice-storm in HK that iced up the last section on Tai Mo Shan, where we slid and skidded our way down the last 5km. A most eventful race. 24:41h. (Race blog)

Marin Ultra (80km) (12 Mar 2016) 
Marin County across San Francisco, where one gets a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean from the trails. Alas, it was raining the entire day, which brought the temperature a few notches down from the stated 12C. Wet, windy, foggy, chilly. 13:21h.

TNF Washington DC (80km) (9 Apr 2016)
This was a flat course through the Algonkian Park, DC, so I thought my timing should be pretty decent. Alas, it was a wet and cold day. The trails became all muddy and we sloshed our way through the slippery gooey stuff. The race took us along the Potomac River and past the scenic Great Falls, which made the run worthwhile. 12:25h.

TNF New York Bear Mountains (80km) (May 2016)
The Bear Mts course was one of the tougher ones in the TNF Endurance series, with fairly technical climbs and descents and a tight cut-off. I almost did not make it, being the last runner through one of the checkpoints before it was closed. Whew! Finish it, I must! It was also my first time in a technical trail race without using my trekking poles, and I definitely felt it in my knees post-race. 13:27h. (Race blog)

Mt. Denali (6,190m) (14 May - 7 Jun 2016)
One of the highlights in 2016 was definitely my expedition to Mt Denali, the highest peak in N.America (6,190m). It was an experience of a lifetime, I had never had so much snow and ice before. We landed directly on the glacier in full climbing gear, and I had my first trial at sledding my equipment across the snow fields. My 25 days of arctic survival included getting hemmed in by fierce winds and snow and forced to count days slipping by and our summit window narrowing, a 16h summit attempt followed by long descents towards basecamp through the 'night' (for the sun does not really set in summer), and then being stuck at basecamp because the glacier planes could not fly in. Few Singaporeans have climbed this mountain... precious memories.

MR Marathon (42km) (12 June 2016)
Back from NYC in time to run the MR marathon. Alas, cramps set in on the 3rd loop and my placing dropped from 5th to 9th. But it was good fun to be reacquainted with my favourite playground and fellow trail runners. :) 5:00h

TNF Lavaredo, Italy (119km) (24 - 26 June 2016)
119km in the gorgeous Dolomites mountain range & valleys, north-eastern Italy. Total elevation 5,850m. Cutoff time 30h. It was my first attempt at a distance over 100km, and it felt a lot more like a trekking trip than run with all the climbs, river crossings, and some technical descents. The scenery was breath-taking and some climbs fairly brutal. It was also my first time running close to 30h. I remember crossing the finishing line and wondering why I signed up for the upcoming UTMB... Eeeks! 29:33h.

TNF Ontario, Canada (50km) (16 July 2016)
TNF Ontario set in the lovely Blue Mountain Village, a quaint ski town resort area north of Toronto. My most blur race ever. (1) Misread the race elevation profile - change of 3,640m and thought it was gain. Mentally psyched to climb and wondered why we were not at the peak of some hills. (2) Confused by the loops and aid stations and thought I had 10km more to go. So convinced that I missed a turn somewhere, I was prepared to DQ and skip the finisher medal as I crossed the finish line. Then realised that I had misread the aid station distances all along - read the 50mi instead of 50k markers. Ah ha! Oh well, the slight DNF panic during the race made me run... It ended well. 6:56h. 

Laugavegur Trek, Iceland (55km; 2 days) (Aug 2016)
Attempted a solo trek on the famous Laugavegur trekking trail in Iceland. A typical trip would take took 3 - 4 days, and I compressed it within 2 days. It is also the same trail route for the Laugavegur ultra-marathon, so I figured that a fast hiker should be able to cover that distance in 2 days in good timing. I was also lucky to have long summer days up to 9pm, which allowed me to cover more distance each day. I There were four river crossings in fast flowing freezing waters which numbed my toes and threatened to sweep me off sideways. In return, I was rewarded with vast endless nature and beauty which no photos could do justice to. Hearts.

Reykjavik Marathon, Iceland (42km) (20 Aug 2016)
Reykjavik Marathon (20 Aug 2016). After a week of drizzles, the weather cleared up to a nice 13 - 17C, with sunshine along the way. Flag off 8:40am, self-seeded time zones. Icelanders were out in running vests and shorts, soaking in the sun. This is a fairly popular race with Europeans, Canadians and Americans, and I also heard some Cantonese and Mandarin. Pretty strong runners, many were chatting while yours truly was trying to keep pace. The 21km and 42km started together, and split off at 18km. It was relatively packed for the first 5km (though not sardine packed like in other major marathons), and then spaced out after the split. I was happily following the pacers' balloons until they went off with the 21km. Oh well...

The course was largely along the Reykjavik coastline with some gentle rolling slopes and bridges, and a teeny weeny bit of dirt track. We were treated to expansive views of blue waters that touched the blue skies, Mt Esja (highest peak in Reykjavik 914m), the Grotto lighthouse (where wildlife resides), and even a mini "waterfall" feature. I ran alongside an elderly gentleman wearing a "Everest Marathon" vest, who kindly shouted out for me to run on the inner lane; "it's shorter", he said. At the 41km point, he got caught in a random fishing string on the ground and took a slight tumble, but then caught up and overtook me. Inspiration! All in, one toilet break, two Gu gels, three refills of bottle, and a 3:47h time. No BQ, no PB but heaps of blue skies and fresh air.

UTMB, Mont Blanc (170km) (26 - 28 Aug 2016)
THE trail race of the year, 10 year in the making. 170km, 10,000m elevation. From clocking qualifying points from races just to get a chance to ballot for UMTB, to lead-up training races, toeing the start line, experiencing sleep deprivation and hallucination, receiving generous cheers and support from friends, to finally crossing that finishing line.... it was a dream come true. An epic race and experience, difficult to repeat. 44:11h, and maybe the 2nd SGP female finisher. Gasp! (Race blog)

Chicago Marathon (42km) (9 Oct 2016)
Last year, I clocked my PB and BQ timing at Chicago. This year, I decided to run it again to see how I would fare. Chicago is known for its flat and fast timing. The race did not disappoint. I managed to clock a BQ of 3:42h, just 3min within the timing for my age-group. Hopefully this timing will get accepted at Boston 2018. Fingers crossed.

Philly Marathon (42km) (20 Nov 2016)
My second time at the Philadelphia marathon. It was a super windy race day, with wind chill bringing down the temperatures to 0C. At times, there was helpful tail wind, but for most parts, the wind was just blasting in our faces and swirling up leaves and twigs on the ground. 3:48h. 

MR Ultra (12h cut-off) (18 Dec 2016)
Again, I got back to Singapore just in time for the MR Ultra, my final race for the year. It was a nice cool day because of the overnight rain and cloudy skies. I stayed conservative and tried not to over-push so that I would not get cramps. The race went well and I was in the 1st - 2nd lead, until I did a superman spectacular flat-face fall near the Jelutong Tower and suffered a deep cut (two stitches) above my eyebrow. The first-aid and subsequent medical checks cost me a good amount of time and I was lucky to be able to regain a steady pace on the next few loops. Managed a 3rd place with 8 loops (80km) in 11:36h.