SDU Trilogy (Training Days Pt. 1)

"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." Emil Zatopek

As soon as i clicked the button, which Yim profoundly described “Get me to hell” button, i did the next logical step. Look for Ultramarathon training plans.

I was searching for 50k and 100k trainings plan in the world wide web, but disappointed to find only the 50k training plan in the Ultraladies web site, the 100k training plan was non existent.

There are two school of thought for runners out there, one stress on the training mileage and the other promotes the quality of training with less mileage.

The Ultraladies Running Club under the guidance of Ultra-Mama Nancy Shura-Dervin promotes the quality of trainings rather than pile on unnecessary mileage, some argue that less mileage with quality training is best way to trains for Marathon/Ultra Marathon. A little bit about Nancy Shura-Dervin; she is a veteran of more than 100 marathons and ultra-marathons including several Boston Marathons and the official Badwater 135-Mile Ultramarathon, and that is some bad ass impressive resume.

As i could not find the training schedule for 100k, i wrote an email to Nancy and request her for the 100k training plan. I was in luck as she promptly replied my email with a 20 weeks trainings plan for 100k. As i looked at the training plan and noticed that the peak was at Week 16 and 17 with the maximum LSD distance 30 miles (48km), the reasons was if you run beyond 30m/48k, you are risking injuries. But really it’s all come down to our own unique body, different runners react to different trainings, some runners are tougher but others are not. Different training plans suits different runners, this training plan comfortable suit me.

All numbers are in Miles except the 100k

Now you see, i did not jump into this humongous task blindly, i did my research and executes the training plans. When Zaki found out that i was running the 100k, he was ecstatic. As soon as Twilight Ultra Challenge (TUC) registration was open in Dec 2010, he asked me to join him or rather support him for the event. I was at that moment quite unsure on joining the TUC, but it was too late as Zaki registered both his names and mine before i could bail out.

Time to execute the 50km training schedule, my trainings start at January right after the Pacesetters Track Meet which i am proud to say the RBUs hauls most of the medals in the event. In February, we set up the RBU Night LSD series at PoJ Putrajaya to support the runners and prepare for the Night Marathons / SD Ultramarathon (ENR, SD Marathon, SD Ultramarathon), many runners came to run and supported us, at the time only Zaki was bold enough to openly declared his 100k dream run.

We had about five RBU Night LSD Series plus one night LSD organised by Chap Ayam Runners to prepare for the Ultramarathon, that’s not including secret trainings. Night LSDs at Putrajaya was the weekends routine for me, and by June we knew by heart all the turns and roads around Putrajaya-PICC route (i missed running Bukit Aman..sigh). It was an excellent route to practice for the Ultras as the distance was 10-11km per loop. I met new friends during these LSDs, Izuan, Azu, Shine, Alex the Extramiler and plus the regular running peeps.

I wasn’t aware of Shine and Alex feats, but after they ran PoJ 60-70 km per session, i knew these guys were Ultra Kings, the facts that they completed SD Ultra Marathon few times before and maintaining such a low profile appearance amazes me. I really salutes these guys, although they accomplished so much yet they are humbled by their experiences.

Time flies when you having fun, came March i was a year older. On one of the LSD session these guys decided to throw me a birthday surprise, thanks RBUs and friends, i was truly touched by your kind gesture.

My best days at 39, i guess this would be my year.

Then it’s time to put my trainings to the test, i have been keeping up with the 50k training plans and i needed to score at least 50km at TUC. The inaugural Twilight Ultra Challenge was held on late March in East Coast Park, SG.

Then someone dropped a bombshell! Out of nowhere, Zaki decided to stop running and left me high and dry for TUC. Many friends assumed he was burn out prematurely! Who wouldn’t if you do crazy miles weeks after weeks. Friends did what good friends do, we all rallied around and try to talk some sense into him, especially KA; he was determined to gather supports among running friends in supporting Zaki’s century run.

If you asked me, i wanna kick his arse and strangled him! After all, the TUC event was his big idea, and i’m all here to supports him plus i spent a good some of money on the race fee, transport and accommodation. Now he announced in his blog he was retiring… retiring my ass!!

Fortunately, Kash and Haza Zean kicked some sense into his head and he made the U-turn on his earlier decision just in time for TUC. Now i don’t have to go your house and strangled you Zaki. Welcome back!

There were many runners from Malaysia at the TUC, including Zaki and i (Team RBU). It was my first Ultra event, and i managed to secured the elusive 50km, i could run more but decided against it as i do not want to risk injuries. It was my longest run ever, you could say my PB for the longest distance.

 

Yim, Shine and few others completed 100km in 16 hours, Zaki did extremely well, completed 90km in 16 hours. Our team (Team RBU) accumulated 140km that day, yay. Zaki was elated and after that event his confidence on doing SDU100 rocketed sky high, i am so happy for him.

TBC