I been busy, here’s the sequel :)
Race Day – UTMF 2014
Start (Lake Kawaguchi, Alt. 835 m) to A1 (Fujiyoshida, Alt. 704 m) - 18.2km
Some of the Malaysian contingent gather around a corner at the back of the start line more photograph session and encourage each other for the race.
There was Bud, Khairul Anuar a.k.a. Tony with his missus and Jeff Ooi. Then, Dr. Tan Lee Lee and Chiang Meng-Wai (STY participants) came to wish us good luck. Funny we couldn’t locate Yim and Paul Lee at the time, maybe they already line up at start line.
Chiang Meng-Wai told me that I looked confident!
Actually, I couldn’t be bothered to worry at the time. I done the training and it’s already much too late to be worried about the race or regrets. There’s nothing you could do at the time to change the outcome of the race, whatever happened will happened. Might as well enjoy the race.
After the photo sessions, Bud and I made our way towards the front pack of start line. We stopped few rows from the front, but its close enough for us. There’s a barricade set for the elite runners in front of us – some of them still walking to the start line.
There were speeches by UTMB Race Director and UTMF RD – Kaburaki the stage on our right. We met a French runner named Alain Riedacker who resides more than 20 years in Japan. Little that I know, Alain and I will race side by side as the race unfold later.
Finally all the welcome speeches are over and it’s time to race. I immediately said a little prayer and kissed my kids photo – now I’m ready to race.
At 3:00 pm, Friday (Japan time) we were flag off, all the 1,422 runners run cautiously at the beginning (except for the elite runners). As I passed the start/finishing gate I touched the start tape for good luck.
I ran with Bud and Alain at the start line, soon after we cross the bridge I lost sight of Bud amidst of all the crowd of runners - never saw Bud again until i finished the race on Sunday.
We ran past the bridge through a beautiful park – full of cherry blossom. I found it quite funny when we’re stopped at a busy crossroad, finally after few minutes the Policeman stop the traffic and we continued running after crossing the road.
We turned into a tar road going up and up, it’s endless. I bumped into Nora Senn from Hong Kong – said hi and chat a bit. She shared a tip, the biggest mistake that you could make is to push at this early stage. I slowed down and joined her walking all the way to the top.
Finally it’s a downhill, I started back running all the way down. I can see snow at the side of the road – snow!! Then, we’re turned into a trail – finally.
I stopped and put on my jacket, coz I could see everyone is lining up the narrow trail. It’s a slow hike, I better get myself warm.
We’re running on the road of the next town (Fujiyoshida City) after going out of the trail. It’s where AS 1 is located. I met Alain just before the pedestrian bridge in town, he was walking. I said, hey let’s run Alain. He responded that he was waiting for me…haha
Finally arrived at A1 after running 2:36 hours, it was a short stop for me, Too many people, I just top up my water and ate some food before continue on.
Distance Covered: 18.2km
Accumulative Distance: 18.2km
Time Taken: 2:36
Accumulative Time: 2:36
Cut-off time : None
Time of the day: 5:36 pm (Friday)
A1 (Fujiyoshida, Alt. 704 m) to A2 (Niju-Magari, Alt. 1154m) – 15.2 km
Next segment would be tough, we need to scale Mt. Shakushiyama (1597 m) – one of the many mountains we need to overcome in the next 169km.
I felt confident this time, as ISN drew a Periodization chart for this race for me. All I need to do now is just followed the nutricient plan.
It’s getting dark now, I turn on my blinkers and my headlight. Still I was running with many runners.
I met Robert from New York, running his first UTMF. At 50 plus, he looked strong plus he already completed many 100 mile races in the US prior. We chat a bit, and ask some tips from him. He said, never ever give up! You’ll regret the decision to DNF after race – just hang on. We talked about Hans Dieter Weisshaar, the legend of Ultra Runner – at 75 he still running and finishing 100 mile races, including the famous Hardrock 100. So we decided, whenever DNF linger during this race, we would think about Hans for inspiration.
It was dark and really steep going up to Mt. Shakushiyama, I had to stop many times just to catch my breath. My quads are starting to hurt and it was endless hike up the mountain. Finally, when I thought I could take it no more, I arrived at the top of the mountain. There were volunteers, congratulating and cheering us on conquering that mountain.
I took few minutes to compose myself and ate some food at the top of the mountain. There’s a big bell at the top of Mt. Shakushiyama, I heard someone rang the bell so loudly like he was angry with the mountain. I found out that it was my new friend, Alain. He said he was glad to get to the top and rang the bell as a symbol of accomplishment.
Then it was all the easy stuff, goin down the mountain. From then on, we pace together for remainder of the race. I was lucky, Alain had trained on all UTMF segments except for Tenshi Mountain. He was my unofficial guide on this Japanese adventure.
We found out that it was a slow movement going downhill – human traffic jam. Uh uh this no good, it was rocky trail, very narrow with a ravine besides it. Basically, no one can overtake the front runners. We wasted valuable time during this segment, we found later that a runner was injured and a volunteers was helping him to get to the next station – that’s the cause of the human traffic jam.
Finally after a long walk, we arrived at the next aid station A2 (Niju-Magari). It was a small aid station, I top up water and ate some bread. No coca cola here, only water – too bad.
Distance Covered: 15.2km
Accumulative Distance: 33.4km
Time Taken: 4:01
Accumulative Time: 6:37
Cut-off time: 10:00 pm
Time of the day: 9:37 pm (Friday)
A2 (Niju-Magari, Alt. 1154m) to A3 (Yamanakako, Alt. 984m)– 5.9 km
It was quick stop, i continued running uphill near a fenced area. I passed this famous uncle – one of the oldest Japanese runner (Teruo Aochi), 68 y.o. He looked strong, he jog and fast walk all the way.
I fast hiked all the way up, it’s another steep incline. Finally, I reached the top. Now to make up lost time, I’m strong running downhill and it was exactly what I did – I ran all the way down. The trail now much more bearable, it’s wide and soft. On the way to A3, I passed my new friend - Girish (the only Indian runner at UTMF). He told me afterwards that I was flying down.
Finally I reached A3, it’s a big Aid station with food and drink, plus massage tent. I saw few runners on the massage table getting sorted. I met a runner from Brazil with dejected face sitting down, said hi and asked what happened. DNF due to stomach problem, he said (reminded me of Leadville 2013). I said that he did the right thing, there’s a very long distance to cover after that.
I quickly went down to business, I looked my nutrition plan which i printed on paper inside zip bag. It’s gone! I must have lost it somewhere in the trail when I ran down those hill back then. I tried not to panic, now this is where experiences in running Ultra is priceless. I just went with feel and experience for the nutrition plan for the rest of the UTMF run.
I top up my water, ate some bananas and bun. Spent 17 minutes getting some vital calories before I left the aid station.
Due to the massive human jam inside the trail earlier, the cut off for the first 80km was revised. I think that fair to runners due to the massive human traffic jam in the trail earlier.
Distance Covered: 5.9km
Accumulative Distance: 39.3km
Time Taken: 57:54 mins
Accumulative Time: 7:34
Cut-off time: 11:30 pm (Fri) adjusted 12:15 am (Sat)
Time of the day: 10:34 pm (Friday)
Time spent in aid station: 17:22 mins
A3 (Yamanakako, Alt. 984m) to A4 (Subashiri, Alt. 848m)– 16.4 km
Arriving at A3, still fresh and energize
There are three mountains that I need to summit between A3 to A4, Mt. Teppogi-No-Atama (1290m), Mt. Mikuniyama (1320m) & Mt. Oborayama (1384m). It’s going to be a tough 16km.
As I went out of the aid station, the cold finally hit me. Brrrrrrr it’s was about 4 degree Celsius or less. My body was cold, I need to run to get my core body temperature up.
I caught up with Robert going into the dark trail out of A3, as I passed him I try to cheer him up – “think about Hans, Robert. What would Hans do”, I said to him. He replied smiling, hey you look strong, got for it.
As I entered into the dark trail, a group of runners came running out from the dark trail.
I stop and asked a Japanese runner besides me, whether we’re going the right direction. He stop and look at his map and confirm that we’re on the right track.
Those runners somehow lost, missed and passed A3. Now they goin back to the A3 to check in. Pour soul I said to myself that it would be devastating to the motivations, plus the loss of precious time.
For me, UTMF challenges starts here, I started to get tired and sleepy. I walked all the way up and summited all those three mountains…. very slowly. Girish and Alain soon overtook me, I was in my own world fighting a battle with sleep demon.
After the 3rd summit, I realised soon there will be downhill. That keep my hope high. Finally, I groggily ran downhill towards A4. I was very sleepy on that portion, I need to sit down, rest a bit, and eat some calories before finding the courage to soldier on.
I found some mushroom soup, sit down near the heater. Updated my FB status and ate some more. Found Khairul aka Tony arrived as I about to leave A4, asked him to pace me with but he declined as he was just arrived at AS.
Distance Covered: 16.4km
Accumulative Distance: 55.7km
Time Taken: 3:31 hrs
Accumulative Time: 11:07 hrs
Cut-off time: 3:30 am (Saturday) adjusted 4:15am
Time of the day: 2:07 am (Saturday)
Time spent in aid station: 33:26 mins
A4 (Subashiri, Alt. 848m) to A5 (Tarobo, Alt. 1441m)– 9.9 km
I was getting worst after A4, the sleepiness still plaguing me. I was left to walking in zombie mode throughout this section.
A lot of runners overtook me at this section and there’s nothing I could do about it. I was walking with Alain until I could longer keep up with him. I urged him to run at his pace.
It’s all uphill from A4 to A5, it’s almost day break when I reached A5. I could see the sun trying to come out. Finally, I love day time – it mean I can see more clearly the trail and run more confidently.
A5 is located at the top of this steep hill, amazing view of Mt. Fuji at the background. This aid station is the nearest to Mt. Fuji during UTMF race.
Tony was already in the aid station picking up food when I arrived. I was spent, I sat myself down on the bench inside the aid station. I asked Tony for a favour, getting me a cup of coffee, soup and few red bean buns. I guess I was too tired or too sleepy at that point. Tony acknowledge, and gave me what I need. Thanks Tony.
It took me almost 3 hours to cover 10km, I wasted a lot of time at this portion plus accumulated buffer time now getting lesser. I decided to run with Tony for the next section.
Distance Covered: 9.9km
Accumulative Distance: 65.6km
Time Taken: 2:50 hrs
Accumulative Time: 13:57 hrs
Cut-off time: 5:30 am (Saturday) adjusted 6:00 am
Time of the day: 4:57 am (Saturday)
Time spent in aid station: 26 mins
A5 (Tarobo, Alt. 1441m) to A6 (Mizugatzuka, Alt. 1449m)– 5.9 km
Thankfully the next aid station is only 5.9km, I better spend less time in AS in order to catch the next cut off time.
As I jog down from A5, someone shouted my name. It was Jeff Ooi making his way up to the aid station. I waved and asked him to be faster as there’s not much time left.
I found out it another uphill to the next AS, but it’s on tarmac – some sort of road. I ran faster trying to catch up with Tony. He was setting the pace, great morning workout I said.
Finally after run-walk-run, we arrived the A6. It’s a stressing job chasing cut off time!
A6 was a small AS, I found Alain was already cosy on the bench drinking and eating his food. I urged him to run with me and Tony.
I top up my water and coke, ate some buns and left the AS with these two guys. It’s was my shortest time in AS. Tony had to do emergency stop at the toilet at the AS. I asked him to check out from AS before going for his toilet break.
Distance Covered: 5.9km
Accumulative Distance: 71.5km
Time Taken: 1:23 hrs
Accumulative Time: 15:20 hrs
Cut-off time: 6:30 am (Saturday) adjusted 7:00 am
Time of the day: 6:20 am (Saturday)
Time spent in aid station: 5 mins
A6 (Mizugatzuka, Alt. 1449m) to A7 (Kodomo-No-Kuni, Alt. 923)– 9.0 km
I left A6 pacing with Alain, it’s all downhill from here to A7 (halfway point, 80.5km). It’s where our drop bag located. In UTMF, you only given one drop bag at half way point.
I was in a mixed feeling, a bit of pressure due chasing cut off time and happy to finally getting our drop bag.
Alain is strong runner, soon he was running further in front and left me eating his dust. My legs was getting weak and I have no strength to push downhill as I did prior. It was some kind of technical downhill trail.
I was in survival mode, just hang on by the skin of my teeth run-jog-walk to the next aid station. But somehow at the back of my head I just knew, this would be my race and I believe that I will make it to the finish line. Although a bit pressure chasing cut off time, but I was calm throughout the race.
It was getting brighter and warmer, I stop and took off my red Salomon Cornerstone jacket and tied it around my waist.
I was still sleepy and continue my run-walk-jog routine, Tony caught up me with about 1km to the A7. I could see he was smiling – as acknowledging quietly that we reached the half-way point of this UTMF race. It was eight o’clock in the morning, soon at 12pm STY runners will start their 88km race from this point.
As we about to enter A7, a volunteer check our bib numbers and talked into a walkie-talkie. Outside the tent, at the entrance we’re given our bag as soon as we arrived.
I decided to change only my socks, I found a blister forming on my left feet. No choice but to poke it with a pin, I always carried pin with me during the race. Another special skill as Ultra runner, you need to suck the pain. It was sharp pain as soon as I poked the blisters, had no choice. It would be uncomfortable to me running with blisters. I covered the blister with a plaster (band aid) that Tony gave to me.
Not even 5 minutes, Jeff arrived with a big smile. Good for him, I was worried about him missing the cut off and thus DNF his second UTMF attempt.
We were all around glad that we made it to half way point of UTMF. The overall cut off time for the first 80km was very tight, the final 89km would be much more generous. If you made it the first 80km, there’s a good chance you would finish UTMF – with condition that you conquer Tenshi Mountains.
| Distance | Cut off time |
| 80km | 17:30 hours adjusted 18:00 hours |
| 89km | 28 hours |
I took my time at A7, I knew I needed to put some food before continue. It will be a bigger challenge soon – the infamous Tenshi Mountains.
I found Alain inside the A7, already changed into another full suit. All green now from previous blue. Green Fellraiser shoes, green jacket etc. I knew I was wearing the wrong shoes for UTMF when I saw Alain’s Fellraiser.
14 minutes from cut off time. Jeff left the AS first, followed by Alain and I. Tony was missing when we were looking for him. Maybe second round “berak”?
Distance Covered: 9km
Accumulative Distance: 80.5km
Time Taken: 1:48 hrs
Accumulative Time: 17:08 hrs
Cut-off time: 8:30 am (Saturday) adjusted 9:00 am
Time of the day: 8:08 am (Saturday)
Time spent in aid station: 38 mins
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