Port Dickson Triathlon 2011

This was my 1st Triathlon event and what the best way to gain your maiden Triathlon experience than competing in a Team Relay event.

Our team Tadonamo comprises of KC (swimmer), Ziff (cyclist) and yours truly (runner). There’s two category for team relay event; mixed relay and men relay. The distance was an OD (Olympic Distance), Swim (1.5 km), Bike (40km) and Run (10km).

Ziff and i arrived on Saturday afternoon and checked ourselves into Seri Malaysia, just about 5km from race venue (Avillion Admiral Cove). We just missed the official crowning of a certain Diket Menchanak as an Triathlete, he completed the Sprint event that morning – congrats buddy, Ironman Kona awaits you.

We had “mentahkedarah” session at Avillion Club House before the animated briefing by the famous Uncle Chan at 8 pm. I could see that Ziff was somewhat nervous during this time, he even forgot to bring spare tube for his bike. Azmar save his his arse when he brought along few extra spare tubes.

We had early shut eyes as we need to wake up around 5.00 am the following morning.

After the Subuh prayer that morning, we headed straight for the race venue, thankfully we had a good mind to come early as the parking was almost full when we arrived.

Met KC at the entrance and Ziff immediately setup his bike at the transition area, he just bought a new top a day earlier at the race Expo, it suite him perfectly – now he looked more macho than Fahrin Ahmad and Ahmad Lazatsangat :)

After KC had his new tattoo, we all went to the beach for the flag off. It was done in waves, with the Elite and Men Open started the 1st wave and the relay swimmer started last.

Quick briefing before the start by Uncle Chan reveals that most of the good swimmer were taking part in the relay event. Even the Team Relay is a serious matter for some, there were many good teams eying for the top three cash prizes for the event, we on the hand was only concerned on finishing the race within the 4 hours cut off time. KC told me that Kash urged us to complete the race within 3’15” as a target, we really do not know what to expect in terms of finishing time.

The Triathlete crowd is somewhat different from the runners crowd, runners crowd i get, this is a bit different as most of the participant knows what they’re doing – most of them (including the newbie) has competed few events before coming here (either running, bike or swim).

After bidding KC good luck, we made our way to the transition area for our preparations. After more than 30 mins, KC arrived somewhere in the middle. The 1st swimmer completed in 19 mins, what??? that was freaking fast!

Ziff took the timing chip from KC leg and transferred to his leg and off he went chasing the other cyclist. I had chat with Ziff before hand for his estimation of ETA back to the transition area, in the mean time i warm up a bit, drank some Milo and consume a PowerGel.

I was not nervous before, but upon seeing cyclist arrived from their 40m ride, i started to get jumpy, i looked at the watch and it was about 10.00 am and it’s still early for Ziff to complete his cycling duty. When i looked at the next cyclist arrived at the transition area, he looked somewhat familiar – oh oh it was Ziff, he arrived early. He must have pulled some kind of Lance Armstrong magic here!

Good job Ziff, i immediately pushed my way through the crowd and took the timing chip from Ziff’s leg and after secured it nicely around my feet off i went for the running section.

 

It was 10.00 am and it was hot, the sun was up there. I decided to run with a bottle of 100plus, which was a brilliant decision for this race.

The running route took us through the main road before entering trails road along the beach, damn i hate the trails route, it was soft as you ran on sands and grass, which unable me to maintained my earlier pace on the tarmac.

I felt relief as i made my way passed the u-turn in front of Seri Malaysia, no more soft trails, just flat tarmac for the rest of the way. By the way, Uncle Chan brief us that there were 9 WS along the running route, but only 2 of them was fully operational, the other 7 WS was dried up – thankfully i decided to carry the 100+ bottle.

I passed many familiar faces along the way Julie, Kam Kasturi, Jaja. I only managed to catches up with Jaja about 300 meters towards the finish line, she was running strong and congrats Jaja on your sub-3 timing.

I pushed all my reserved energy for the final few meters, finish strong was always my forte. Another reason to complete this as fast as possible was that i was running for my team, and i could not let them down. It was a great finish, we completed in 2’41” , sub-3 finish for our first team relay, not bad at all for our first try.

Men Relay Team # 32 Team Tadonamo
NG KEAT CHEONG |MOHD RAZIF GHAZALI | RAZIF YAHYA
0:31:13 (swim) |1:21:51 (bike) | 0:47:55 (run) | 02:41:51 (total)

SDU Trilogy (The Race of The Century – Final 50km)

"If you start to feel good during an ultra, dont' worry you will get over it."
Gene Thibeault

 

60 km- 3:57 am (50-60: 2:40 mins)

Woke up about an hour later feeling refresh and energize, funny thing was i heard this song playing on my head as soon as get up “Eye of the Tiger”.

I was pump up! No more blurred vision, now my eyes was bright as day :)

Met Kash and Zaki at the food and drink counter, and they’re ready to go. Zaki urged me join them! I told Zaki that i had just woken up and asked him to continue on running. “I catch you later”, i said jokingly – not sure how i’m gonna overcome the next 50km.

Asree and his support crews was nearby, they had almost everything - water, coca cola, 100plus, red bull, watermelons, pizza, nasi lemak etc. They kindly offered me nasi lemak and water, but i felt that i just can’t swallow any solid food at the time. Instead, I took a few pieces of cold watermelons, man it was heaven, the best watermelon in the world. Thanks Asree!

Running unites people and stranger become friends, it’s amazing, your support crews rocks dude!

I spent the next 15 mins getting ready to continue the final 50km, i took my Special Needs Bag from the counter, changed into new top, took my cap and sunglasses, revaselined my feet, top up my Camelbak, took Powergel and i was ready to rumble.

After thanking Asree and his crews for their kindness in sharing their food and drinks, off i went into the still of the night! The watch showed 2:30 am, i spent about 1:15 mins at the 50km aid-station, i got less than 8 hours to get to 90km check point before cut-off time (16 hours).

Now where is these guys – Kash, Zaki, Farid, Juliana; i was thinking while running. I pushed my pace faster, trying to catch up with loss time and hopefully finding someone to pace with.

The road leading out from Bedok Reservoir was quiet and eerie, i could see many walking Zombies now reaching for 50km check-point. I stopped running when i saw Nyoman, a Singaporean runner that i met last TUC event, i asked what happened and told him not to give up. He is a strong runner, he completed 100km in 16 hours last TUC, something was not going his way today, he got about 10 mins before 9 hours cut-off time at 50km.

I passed the Singapore Blade Runner after that, i couldn’t recognize him at first due to the dark road, cheered him on before continued running. I saw few runners sleeping on the park bench – they just ran out of juice, gave up and DNFed. The toll of running Ultramarathon, especially at night finally catches up with them. I have no doubts, that these brave warriors will be back next year – stronger!

I catches up with Dodo just after leaving Bedok Reservoir, near the main road leading to IKEA, he was moving slowly – i think his feet was trashed. Cheered him before moving on.

After 1:25 mins of running, i reached the 60km check point at 3:57 am.

I was mighty glad on seeing Mohan and his group. My spirit soared, and they just about to leave the check-point. I saw Puisan, Zaki and Kash on the other side of the road going towards 70km check point. I spent about 10 mins – toilet break, stretching, ate few oranges and drank a cup of stale 100plus before quickly moved on.

 

70km- 5:48 am (60-70: 1:51 mins)

Finally caught up with Mohan around 61km, and asked him to pace me, which he immediately obliged.

He pushed on a faster pace with his trademark whistle blowing run, man he’s got bundles of energy, i felt good – the pace was fast but a comfortably one.

I passed Kash and Zaki around 63km, they’re walking very fast at the time, i cheered and wished them luck.

Mohan finally stopped 65km and asked me continue on as he waited for his group. Thanks Mohan, i could always rely on him to get my spirit soared and get my running pace in order. It’s nearby Loyang Avenue when i saw someone imitating a robot! It was PuiSan. She was going fast even though doing the robotic power walk – i estimated it’s equivalent to my jogging pace. I was kind of bored, so i decided to pace with Pui San. When i approached her, i could heard a loud music coming from her MP3 player, she was on different planet – she was focus, steady and robotic..he he. Nothing gonna stop her today!

After overtaking her, i decided to walk and waited for her to pass me, and kept on waiting until she was leading a few streetlights before started to run and overtook her. This was going on until few km leading to the 70km check point. I decided to stopped at nearby 7-11 for Coca Cola, i need to replenish my sugar level. I was disappointed when they ran out of Coke bottles and cans, so i took redbull instead, as i was about to pay at the counter, i saw Big Gulp – and there was Coke there. Change of plan, i’m getting the biggest cup, it was the best Coke in the planet at that time – no contest!

The Coke was refreshing and fuel my run further, reached 70km check point at 5:48 am and took me 1:51 mins for this portion 10km run, including 10 mins at the 7-11.

 

80km - 7:13 am (70-80: 1:25 mins)

I found Pui San and Farid at the Water Station having a breather on the provided chairs. I was doing the routine plus getting my legs sprayed from medics, well it’s just me or the route was getting shorter returning back to Marina Barrage.

When i left the WS, Farid and Pui San was no longer there. I guess they couldn't wait to finish this long journey. Thankfully the whole journey has been kind to me, i had no problems except the sleepiness during the earlier part of the run, legs felt good and now i am running my happy pace, i felt more confident reaching the 100km as the miles goes on.

I caught up with Farid just before the road leading out from Changi Beach Park, Ida was doing good job pacing him. I pushed on faster pace on straight long road at Changi Coastal Road (nearby Changi Airport), it’s getting brighter now and the sun would come out soon.

Now i could see more walking zombies along the road, most of them just plain tired now. As i passed Juliana around 76 km marker, i could see she was having problems, her pace was slower by now, i cheered and asked if she ok; she responded wearily but you could see her determination to finish the race.

That straight route was the best 10km in whole journey, i felt like flaying (NOT) as the majority was walking. I overtook Zul Hassan soon after, cheered him and moved on.

This might be a mistake that i will paid later on by keeping this fast pace. I was excited to arrived finally at 80km mark, however no WS was located there. I been tricked, the WS was located further around 81-82km.

I finally arrived at the check point at 7:13 am, i completed 11-12km in 1:25 mins. Did the rituals and moved on. Farid arrived at the WS few minutes after.

 

90km - 8:51 am (80-90: 1:38 mins)

Farid spent just few minutes at the WS before continued his run, in fact he started first before i began my run and passed the timing mat for 80km mark. Farid urged me to pace together with him for the remainder of race. I was about to accept his offer when i found out my leg won’t cooperate! Oh oh, i can’t seem to move my feet to run, just could only walk and signalled Farid to moved on.

Darn it!

I guess that fast pace i did back then is now haunting me. Did i just ran my good race? I need to get to the next station before the cut off time at 10.00 am (16 hours), for the next 5-6 km i just walked, i wondered if i could make it in time by just walking all the way? This is suck because i suck at walking, i don’t do power walk! I just know how to run…fast.

It’s morning now in the East Coast Park, there were many runners doing their exercise plus groups people doing their morning Tai Chi. Many joggers upon seeing my bib, cheered me on to move faster. “Don’t give up” they said, “You’re doing great, keep running”, another jogger added. Total strangers cheered me, and i only wish that we have this kind of support back home in Malaysia during our races… maybe someday.

I spotted someone selling drinks nearby, hopefully there’s Coke somewhere in his ice box. Yay, rejoice! There were bottles of iced cold Coke inside, i paid the guy and continued walking while drinking my new found energy source. After i drank half of the content, i found back my running mojo! I could run…or pathetically mustered a slow jog. That’s good enough, i found Farid somewhere in front, it was about 87km, he was walking and i asked him to pace with me, i kept on holding to my pace as i was scared to stop and lost my ability to run.

Finally i could see the WS in front at 90km, i stepped on the timing mat at 8:51 am, 1:09 mins before cut-off time.

 

100km - 10:16 am (90-100: 1:25 min)

I was happy to reached the 90km mark, Farid waited for me while i was doing the rituals, after topping up my Camelbak for the last time with the stale 100plus. I went on pacing with Farid, Ida left us earlier to wait nearby the finishing line.

Around 92km, Farid stopped and walked, he urged me to continued running which i dully obliged as i was scared to stop and lost the momentum. I could muster more smiles now as i watched the distance marker grew higher and higher. I put on my cap and sunglasses as it’s getting hotter now.

 

I ran and walked a bit whenever i saw inclines, i wanna saved my energy for that final push. After entering the Golf course road, i knew i would see the final marker – 98 km anywhere soon. I was running faster now, i passed more runners now, i wondered why walked as you could smelled the victory within you grasp.

I choked with my emotions upon reaching the 98 km markers, i said please don’t cry, it’s just too damn near now, besides nobody want to see you crying like a mental nutcase at the road side.

I pushed the my emotions aside, as i kissed my kids photo for the last time. Now i ran even faster, in the final 10km i overtook 47 runners, i guess i was “feeding on love, running on emotions”. It was strange that i didn’t felt tired – just numb with emotions.

I was thinking yesterday that by this time today, i would be half dead running, but it did not happened, i felt comfortably strong and kept running with my happy pace.

I was smiling broadly now as i ran towards the bridge, there was someone before the bridge with a camera. It was Ida, as i approached her, i informed that Farid was walking behind to her dismay. I said don’t worry, he looked strong to finish this.

Now i was running on the bridge and entering the Marina Barrage. The sight was something to be hold and i would remember this moment in time for the rest of my life.

Supporters and earlier runners all lined up besides the road leading up to the finish line, they cheered for each and every runners arrived at the Marina Barrage. I could see Shine cheering for me on right side – thanks buddy.

I was ecstatic, i don’t know where the energy came from, but i ran all the way from the bottom of spiral towards the upper floor where the finish line was.

I took my kids photo and kissed it, then i placed it sky high as ran passed the finishing tape, this run was dedicated to my kids – my rock! Sorry Ijam, i didn’t cried. It was a grand finish, worth once in a life time experience.

I completed in 16 hours 16 mins (net time), friends fought their demon and finished the race one by one after that. Congrats to all finisher, you are now part of history and a group of elite runners in the inaugural Sundown Ultramarathon 100km Hall of Fame

Photo log:-

 Approaching the last few clicks

Running on the bridge, entering Marina Barrage

Proudly finished the race with kids photo up in the air

With some of the Chap Ayam Ultramarathoner finisher

SDU Trilogy (Race of The Century–The first 50km)

"Any idiot can run a marathon,
but it takes a special kind of idiot to run an ultra." – Anonymous

 

PRE RACE

The start of the SDU race was at Marina Barrage, a unique place to hold the start and finish line of the inaugural SD Ultra 100km. As fate would have it, Yim and i ended sharing a cab from Tg. Pagar MRT to Marina Barrage with the eventual SDU winner – Ahmed Lamchanak.

Even the champ felt the jitters, as soon as we arrived at the venue around 2:30 pm, he claimed “i’m nervous, i never ran 100km before!”. I looked at Yim before we smiled to each other, we have been a nervous wreck all week long leading to the D-Day.

As we started to changed into our gears, the jitters was becoming more evident. I guess most runners that day have a big butterfly in their stomach, it’s just how you disguise your true feelings. Yim however, became more nervous as clock tick by – same as me. At one point i said to Yim that Pui San and her gang has arrived at the venue.

Me: Eh Yim, tengok tu Pui San!

Yim: Huh..siapa pengsan?

Kash was there and we laughed our ass off. I said to Yim, are you ok? How many fingers i’m holding out now? I guess the nervousness got better of him.

Then one by one, our dear runners friends arrived at the scene. There were Farid and Ida, together with the Chap Ayam contingent. Zaki Otoromen arrived with his family in tow. Shine and the others were already warming up, the camwhoring sessions took off our mind on the imminent race for a while.

The champ passed us while we’re changing into running gears, he was ready to rumble and invited us to join him at starting line. I politely declined as i’m gonna start real slow at the back. Later on at the starting line, I could not find Yim anywhere and only met him back after the race. Maybe he did took that offer from the champ after all, huh Yim?

THE RACE

(Brothers, what we do in life... echoes in eternity – Gladiators)

Gears for the SDU100 run:-

• Adidas Supernova Glide 2
• Injinji sock
• CW-X Ventilator Compression tight
• Nike dry fit top
• Camelbak Rogue 2 liters

The prize money for this inaugural Sundown Ultramarathon is a mere S$500 Cash (Singapore Dollar), a Crystal Trophy and S$600 worth of New Balance Vouchers for the winner in every category.

The runners assembled at starting line that day were running for pride, passions and the satisfaction of completing the gruelling 100km race.

You could see accomplished Marathoners, Iron Man, Tri-athletes amongst the crowd at starting line just before 6:00 pm. What ever happened after this, i really couldn't be bothered, to be here at the starting line with these fine athletes was an honour to me. I paid my dues to be here, either i finish or not really doesn’t matter, i am here, living my DREAMS. That’s all i ever wanted.

You could see most runners was nervous, it was tense and you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. Unlike past marathons, i could put up with jokes and banters, but this different. Nobody knows what it felt like running the 100km, except for the special few, such as Alex the Extramiler. Everyone was consumed with their own thought for the Dream race. Zack Yui was hyped up and seen kissing his families before the run.

Then it started at 6.00 pm sharp, the horn signalling the start blew. Runners in front moved slowly down the spiral of Marina Barrage to the ground floor towards the bridge.

I held out my hands to the sky and made a du’a to the almighty for my safety on the road, so i could come back injury free to my children. Then i kissed the photo of my kids, which hung on my neck for good luck before slowly starting the run.

Now it’s me against my demons, i’m going to slay 100 demons today, one by one. As promised, i started the run with Zack Yui – side by side. Pledge fulfilled.

10km - 1:10 mins / 7:10 pm 

The weather today was better than what we had last month at SD42, it rains in morning and then stopped at midday. It’s a bit humid, but hopefully it’s going to get cooler as night falls.

We ran from bridge into the road near the Golf course, Zack Yui was slowing down and asked me to proceed. Found Hailmi and the CAR gang, tried to follow their pace, but it was too fast for me, so i slowed down and forced myself to run a little more slower. I kept my mind focus on my run whenever runners ran passed me, let it be it’s going to be a long night.

Then i saw the first marker, 2km done. I completed the first 10km in 1:10 mins, easy! It was 14 mins under the target. The volunteers at the 1st Water station in the East Coast Park was hyper and alive, cheering and handing out cups of water and sandwiches to runners. Decided to practise Yim’s advice, stretch my legs every 10km. I topped up my Camelbak with 100plus, took a Powergel and off i went to the next water station.

20km - 8:19 pm (10-20: 1:09 mins)

My strategy was not to run the whole 100km run, that would be too mind-blowing task. I focus my mind to run 10km and to get to the next water station.

It’s beginning to get dark in the ECP, it was still humid, but thankfully we got some wind blowing in the ECP. As i continued plodding to the next WS, i could see families camping and BBQing at the beach, the ECP is now a familiar territory, just like the back on my hand. This would be the 3rd time i ran ECP in the span of 4 months. It was beginning to rains as we left the ECP, i just could imagine the blisters that i would get from the wet shoes. Fortunately it was a false alarm! It’s a dry night after all.

Arrived at the second water station, which was located after the ECP. Took me 1:09 mins, and got negative splits here, better slow down a bit. 29 mins under the target time. Didn’t top up my Camelbak as it’s still had plenty of 100plus, ate some raisins, oranges and buns here. Decided to skipped taking the Powergel here as i was still full. Stretched those legs and proceed to the next water station, body felt good – no problem so far.

30 km- 9:42 pm (20-30: 1:23 mins)

I started to tire around 22 km marks, this was the road nearby Changi Airport. It was flat, long and boring route. I started to have my 1st walk break here, i thought to myself i better some runners as my pacer to get through boring route. I started to follow this girl which put some tributes to Andrew Voon at the back of her water bag. This runner might be from Sabah, when we chatted it turned out i was right. Judy said that there were four runners from Sabah running the Ultra, her stories AV took my mind off runnings, the legs seems to be in auto pilot mode. But then she started to walk for a breather, few meters afterwards i follow suit.

Then i hooked and paced with this three guys, who were talking and cracking jokes between themselves. One of them had this sticker at the back that says something like “Go Asree Go”. Turn out they are Singaporean runners, and they were doing quite a fast pace, i loike. Few km after i paced them, they decided to walk and have a breather. Damn, i just was getting comfortable running with their pace. I then ran alone, it’s so freaking boring and lonely to keep up running at this pace.

Fortunately, i ran into one Kash’s friend when we about to enter the Changi Beach park. Mas turn out to be a strong runner despite enduring a painful knees pain, she said it was her previous injuries from playing Futsal. Despites that injury, i’m having problem keeping up with her pace.

I’m sure glad that i met a familiar face, seen Farid Ellias was walking and asked him to run and pace me. Then we bumped into Miss Julie, she was running alone. Earlier when i felt tired, i tried Deo’s deviant teaching (ajaran sesat Deo). He said that if you felt tired, just push on to a faster pace. Amazingly, i worked! Whenever i felt tired, i just ran faster, the tiredness disappeared. Thanks Deo!

I’m so glad that we reached the 3rd water station which was located at 30km mark, as i was beginning to tire, i took a Power gel and did the rituals (toilet break, muscle sprays, top up Camelbak every 20km, cold sponge bath). Still doing great, 30 mins under target time. I spend quite sometime at the water station in order for me to recover, felt like just the LSD in PoJ, ran 10km – have a break – continue next 10k.

40km - 11:27 pm (30-40: 1:45)

I ran and pace with Farid, Mas and Julie here. This is where my problem beginning to start, i felt dizzy whenever i walk, but i had to walk as i was sleepy. My eyes beginning to glued together, it’s hard to open my eyes now, but i soldiered on. I told them i need some shut eye at 50km before continued my run, i just worried i might woke up at 7 am. Julie said no problem, i just need to run 10km in a hour. (Amboi, muka berkerut-kerut pun sempat lagi buat lawak tu!).

Met Ahmed Lamchanak around 35km marks, he was on his way going back to win it. That was freakin fast for someone who was nervous earlier.

Finally reached the 40km mark, i felt like to lay down a sleep a while at the water station, but thought that 50km Station was a better choice.

Beginning to slow down at this part of the race, took me 1:45 mins to reached to 40km mark (total time 5:27 mins), still 9 mins under target time.

50km - 1:17 am (40-50: 1:50)

I was beginning to have serious problem here, Farid and the rest have long gone. I was walking most of the early 5km, in a staggering and dizziness was becoming worst. At some point, i sat down at roadside for few minutes, too dizzy to continue. This was before the IKEA pedestrian cross, DNF was looming around me there!

I took a long look at my kids photo hung around my neck before deciding to get up and walk. After the pedestrian bridge, it was a bit downhill or flat, i can’t remember as i was fighting the dizziness and sleepiness at the time. I ran a bit the walk before continue run-walk routine, few meters in front there were supporters for SAFRA runners, and they were cheering loudly to every runner. Someone gave me a cold popsicles, rose syrup flavoured. I can’t remembered if i thanked the guy, i just took it and sucked that popsicles like there’s no tomorrow! I felt a better due to the ice shock therapy, then i began to ran slowly.

Pui San came out of nowhere and said hi! Thankfully, Asree came passing by and asked me to pace with him. I began to ran faster and i need to reached the 50km mark quickly for some much needed R & R.  As we about to turn into the Bedok reservoir, i saw Sam E already making his way back, followed by Hailmi. Around 48km, i saw Yim already turning back and he looked consistent.

It was the longest 2km in my life, come on i need my sleep, where is this damn Aid Station. As we about to reached the 50km Station, i finally caught up Farid and Mas, they beginning to slow down.

When we finally reached the 50km mark, i said to Farid that i need to sleep this off before i could continue. Farid took 5 mins to rest and ate some food before continue running, by then i was fast asleep at the provided runners rest area. I took 1:50 mins for this portion of 10k run, 17 mins over the target time.

TBC

SDU Trilogy (Training Days Pt. 2)

"Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts."
Steve Prefontaine

 

When you train for an Ultra, you treat Marathon event as your LSD. Its brilliant plan as it took away all the unnecessary pressure, that was exactly what i felt at the starting line of Energizer Night Race in Sepang last April.

By this time, my body was getting stronger to the rigorous weekly mileage. It was week 10 of my 100km training plan when i ran ENR. The routine running mileage was like these; a few 10k during weekdays, HM mileage on Wednesday night at Bukit Subang with Otoromen Zaki and friends and Marathon distance LSD on Saturday nite at PoJ. Sunday and Friday are the rest days for recovering.

It freaking me out when thinking at the time that i need to cover weekly mileage around 90-100km starting from week 12-17 *cringe*.

ENR was a good race for me, i got new PB 4:38. Unfortunately it was under distance, damn! There goes my hard work, the new PB was not really count.

On week 12, the Chap Ayam Runners organised night LSD to support the Ultra runners, many came that night; including Farid Elias, Hailmi and others. I managed to better my record at TUC, completed 55km LSD that night.

It was slow but consistent training regime for me, the SAS Tioman Eco challenge; a 30km trail events was also incorporated into my training schedule. I need to test my endurance level. Although i DNFed that race, but i am happy report that i survived the seven hours cut off time, plus i felt i had the energy to go on if the organiser didn’t stop me at 21km. By this time my confidence grew tremendously and i just needed a couple more of 40-50 km LSD on my peak’s week to ready for the D-Day.

The training plan was executed brilliantly before LIFE interfered.

My next LSD-Marathon was the Sundown Marathon, a month before the Ultra. I was sick before the race and have not run 12 day prior to SD42. I was thinking of DNS the race if i still did not recover from my flu. Fortunately, a day before the race, i recovered but not 100 per cent. I entered the race just planning to do a very slow LSD, it was one of the painful experience running a Marathon ever. The weather was horrible, the humidity was all time high that night.

I scored a PW for SD42 (5:45) and almost DNF half way due to complications and my lack of trainings. That’s what you get i you missed the fundamental trainings run. If this is what it feels like running the 100km, i’m going for a hell of ride next month!

It’s 4 weeks before the SDU100, the weekend after the SD42 was supposed to be my peak with last week of 100km mileage before tapering. I was determined not to fallen into the same mistakes as i did with the SD42 – lack of trainings.

I needed to do one last 50km LSD on Saturday night before tapering, but the thing was i already registered for NB15 run on Sunday morning. I decided to customised the LSD and NB15 into one long run, i was planning to run about 40km on Saturday night before continued with NB15 run the next morning. Yim and KA decided to join the planned LSD.

That was the plan, my plan for the peak LSD run. The final long run before tapering and counting days to the dreaded D-Day. This run was important in insuring i covered the basic mileage to tackle the 100km run, without it i’m sure i’ll pay dearly on race day.

Now sometimes life isn’t fair, but we make do what we can from it. Training for an Ultra or Marathon plus taking care of two small kids as a single father is NOT an easy task. You need to sacrifice something in order to gain something else!

On some bad days, all i ever wanted was to sit down and cry my heart out! But that is a luxury that i could not afford. My kids need me to be strong, that was the big challenge for me.

Running is a therapy for me, it clears my mind. It gave me confidence, strength and peace. There is no future and the past when i run, you just created your own perfect space. It’s just you, the road and the wind on your face.

I DNS some registered races because i could not find babysitters for my kids, i felt so void sometimes. When i do find babysitters, i needed to fetch them right after night LSD or race (in many cases i turned to my parents). After running 42km at ENR, many fortunate runners just go home and rest, but i need to fetch the kids in the middle nights – rest came later.

On the eve of the planned night LSD, i packed all my gears and sent the kids to a friend house, but the kids was having their own agenda – throwing tantrums and gave me a hard time. I decided to go back home, where we had early dinner and i tucked the kids to bed. I guess that the end of a dream, my dream…

The next day when i saw all the happy faces of the NB15 runners on the social network page, i felt very sad. I just needed my space – alone! That’s when i shut down everything, including this blog. I just needed to be away from the happy people.

The dream was dead!

I thought no one would noticed me, no one would care.

But when my mobile rained with text messages a few days after that, confirmed that i was wrong. Sorry guys i needed my space, my apologise to Yim and KA for my absent that fateful night at PoJ LSD. I thought of calling you guys, but against it as i did not know what to say or excuse to give.

Thank you dear friends, you know who you are. I’m touched with your kindness.

A friend later offered to accompany me doing the 50km LSD next Saturday night, that was a kind gesture because he was not even taking part for the SDU. He urged me not to give up as i was so close to the D-Day.

So there we were, myself, Kash and Zaki at Putrajaya on Saturday night. There was a carnival going on in front of PoJ, the place was brightly lit up. We found out that AF was preparing for its final practice before the concert on Sunday.

Again, i was challenged. This time i was under the weather and was having stomach ache that evening, i decided it’s not worth risking my health by running. I just let them run while watching the AF practice – i was in luck, SEARCH as guest artiste, played few of my favourite songs that night.

Monday morning i felt much better, i decided to the last LSD at Kelana Jaya park. I was having my own Marathon that morning, completed 40km by 2pm and a few shades darker – good training for that last 10km to the finish line in the hot sun.

After that it’s tapering week, no more crazy mileage! no more LSD! It’s useless if you can’t recover by the D-Day. Week 19, i ran about 10km everyday from Monday to Friday, i didn’t realised that these little 10km run would be significant came race day.

On the final week of the training plan, i decided to seek a friend help in planning my pace and timing for the Ultra. He’s good of this sort of thing. I told him that i wanted to complete the Ultramarathon within 16 hours, 7 hours for the first 50km and 9 hours on the final 50km.

The plan was something like this:-

10 km	1:24 hrs
20 km	2:48 hrs
30 km	4:12 hrs
40 km	5:36 hrs
50 km	7:00 hrs
60 km	8:48 hrs
70 km	10:36 hrs
80 km	12:24 hrs
90 km	14:12 hrs
100 km	16:00 hrs

 

Trainings done, now it’s time to separate the Boys from the Men come race day.

TBC

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

SDU Trilogy (The Pledge)

Because it's there – George Mallory

I registered for the Sundown Ultra Marathon way back in Nov 2010, the very first day the organizer opened the official registration. In fact, i registered the Ultra event first before the SD42 Marathon.

Why did i wanna do the Ultra when i haven’t done a single Full Marathon at the time? (my first FM was at SCSM Dec 2010).

I could offer you three names:-

1. Dean Karnazes

2. Haza Zean

3. Zaki Omar

The last name on the list was the most significant, you see i made a pledge to a good friend of mine to support him in his quest for his Sundown Ultra Marathon. I decided last year to be his support crew during the race.

Many runners were stunned when SD organizer decided to up the Ultra distance from 84km to 100km. Most believed that the 100km distance can’t be done in 16 hours, additional 16km plus 1 hour cut off time was believed too demanding (the original 84km Ultra – 15 hours cut off time).

I remembered quite clearly during that period Deo and i were “lambung-ed” Zaki like crazy, it got so crazy until one day, we’re given few warnings SMS from him to stopped bugging him. Deo did stop for a while, but i kept on cheering him to do the Ultra to his dismay. The word Otoromen Zaki came about from these lambung-ed activities.

He said to us at that time, he would not do the Ultra since the distance is now a daunting 100km, and we all believed him (so now you know who really started the drama/telenovela series).

Thinking that our efforts for Zaki to secured that precious Ultra medal gone to ashes, I decided to do the unthinkable….

That’s when i decided to register for the Ultra, i just wanna see what i am made of.

I always had this high self belief that if I put my mind hard enough into anything, i would accomplished it no matter how difficult or impossible the task maybe. In addition, I always have this high tolerance towards pains, i’m the King of Pains. Let see if my limits are high enough for an Ultra Marathon.

Eventually after few days of thinking and consulting with Haza Zean and other Ultra runners, Zaki made up his mind on doing the Ultra after all. Yay rejoice! But i didn’t tell him that I registered until much later.

My reason was to keep it under wraps until race day, plus i would attract negative feedbacks since i haven’t run a single Marathon at the time.

TBC