Salomon Otterbox Action Asia 2015

This is the second edition of the 18km/10km  trail race. The start/finish line for this year race was changed to Cheringin Resort in Janda Baik.

Last year race report here.

The route is a bit different from last year but majority of the route remained the same. The first 1km and final 1km is different and located at Cheringin Resort, it’s a steep down hill at the start and steep uphill climb in the end.

I arrived early the night before and shared the same room with Puzi. I never seen someone so anxious and nervous about a race, the couldn’t sleep all night and keep on having stomach ache and vomitting all night long. “Dah macam kucing nak beranak hehe”.

I slept soudly all night, having completed the 80km bad ass race at CM50 a week prior does not give any incentive to run fast. I was planning to treat it as recovery run, maybe just walk most of run the next morning.

It was raining hard at 6 am and the race had to be delayed around 7:15 am due the weather conditions. It’s still drizzling when we started the race. I was elated and looking forward for this another edition of mudfest.

Photo credit: Action Pix

It was definately a slippery trail, we started running down the steep hill few meters after startline. Joe Gray, Puzi and the front group was gone in an instant. I was struggling to cope with race when few runners started to overtook me, one by one.

I managed and recovered soon after that. Ran and kept consistant pace, somehow i felt stronger this year. After starting using CarboPro since TNF Australia earlier this year, i felt an improvement in running performace. Now i couldn’t race without Carbo Pro, my mandatory fueling nutrient.

I reached the first CP at 5km after 37mins, man i was surprised to see the river was getting higher due to the rain this morning. The water was around my chest when i crossed the river, i saw Puzi on the other side  of the river stayed and helping runners to get accross. He asked me to continue my run and said he will catch up later.

After the race, i found out he stayed much longer at the river to help  majority of the runners to safely cross the river. Truly our hero for the day !

I feel there’s more road section this year compared to last year, my Salomon Sense Speed was truly put to the test in the muddy tail. Especially at the sttep hill climb in the end of the race. While other runners was having problems and struggling on all four climbing that steep hill, i was having a blast. The shoes stick like a glue on the slippery trail, pretty impressive. Altough it took me some time to break in the shoes, but it all worth the wait.

Definately better trail route this year, hopefully we going go have another rainy & muddy trail next year. I finished slower than last year, 2:17 hours compared to 2:11 hours. I guess age is catching up.

Surprisingly, i finished at overall position #14 and #4 in my age category, just missed top three finish. No bad after a week finishing 80km trail race in the Philipines.

See you runners next year at Janda Baik, if you like muddy trail and mudfest this is the best trail race for you.

Gears Used:

• Salomon S-Lab Speed shoes
• Hydration bag – Salomon Skin Pro 3 Set  (White)
• Salomon Twinskin Short (Black)
• Salomon Slab Exo Motion T.Shirt (Red)
• Salomon Exo Calf (Black)
• S-Lab Exo Twinskin Short (Black/Red)
• Salomon Bandanna

Much better & improved medal quality this year

CM50 - Race Report

Finally i made it to CM50 race. It’s been on my bucket list since the past few years. This race was a last minute decisions thanks to my hectic work schedule.

Made a new friend here, Tesesa an adventure racer turn ultra  runner from Mexico. It’s nice to be back in Philippines since TNF at Nuvali earlier this year. During the race kit collection at “The Villages” Hotel inside the Clark Freeport area, i was elated to met my Pilipino running friends again. There were many of them, Team Salomon Philipines – Aldean & Majo, Ronald, Cheryl, Chip  Dayrit, Jag, Mark etc. Jan Nilsen was also there, he looked bored. Maybe he couldn't wait to race later that night‘

During the briefimg, Atty Jon the Race Director informed us that year edition was the biggest in numbers of participants. He looked happy with this big turn out. We left quickly after the briefing for mandatory rest before the race start that night at 1 am (Sunday).

The worst feeling in the world is when you started to doubt yourself. I was really disappointed with my failure at TDG 2015. I invested a big piece of my life into that race, I worked hard and train a whole year for the biggest race of my life. As fate would have it, the race was cancelled on the fourth day due to bad weather. Since then, I haven't really run that much. I lost my running mojo, preparation for CM50 was abysmal. Plus i gained 3kg more from my normal race weight, i was in my off season period.

I doubt myself whether I could endure and finish one of the toughest trail mountain race in Philippines. I was informed that there’s 3 toughest trail race in Philippines – TNF100, Hardcore 100 (H1) and CM50.

THE PLAN
I was ambitious, especially with my lack of training mileage. I planned to finish before night fall for my very first CM50. Around 16 hours / 5pm ish local time. The cut-off time for this 50 mile race is 18 hours, it’s considered normal if you DNF CM50 the first time. This year we had a local runner finishing CM50 after his third attempts. That’s how hard this race we considered and you’re advised to do heat training specially before coming for this race.

I did my heat training on midday in Putrajaya,  a week before race day. I stopped my training run after 15 minutes, it was too freaking hot. Suffice to say that i’m totally screwed for CM50.

I was nervous and couldn’t sleep that night before the race. I haven’t felt this nervous for a very long time. Lack of sleep would spell disaster for me later.

Before start of the race (Photo credit: Teresa)

THE RACE
Teresa and i were fetched by Cheryl’s friend from our Hotel that night, thanks Emir for the ride. We arrived early before the race start, after we passed the mandatory gears check and get my bib scan with mobile phone, i moved around to talk with other runners and maybe get some tips from the local.

Aldean said that returning back to finish line would be the toughest challenge, he reminded me not to melt! I haven’t nervous about a race in a very long time, this would an exceptional race if i made to the finish line.

The plan was to finish within 16 hours, to cover the first 40km up to the peak in 7 hours and the final 40km to the finishing line  in 9 hours.

Having technical problem with my Ahon gaiter, thanks to Cheryl and  her friend for this last minute help. The gaiter the most important thing for this race, i kid you not.

START – AS 1 (PUNING SPA) 7km (7km)
The  race started on time at 1 AM local time, we ran on the tarmac for 3km; it was a long steady incline to the trail head. As soon as we hit the trail, it was dusty – reminded instantly the similarity with Leadville trail.

Then we ran down and reach the lahar sand and the wide Sacobia river (2km wide), the water was receding at ankle deep. Your shoes will get wet, just get on with it; tips given to me by Jonel (H1 RD) through our FB conversation. I had Ahon gaiter on my shoes  for this race, magically not one sand entered my shoes at the end of the race. I couldn’t stressed enough the importance of gaiter for this race.

Reached the AS1 less than one hour, i think around 48 minutes. There were minimum support at this AS, only drinks and banana. Grabbed a bottle of Gatorade and refill my stock, took a banana and continued my run.

AS 1 (PUNING SPA) – AS 2 (PASIG-POTRERO) 9km (16km)
It was really dark, i just focused on my running and the trail ahead of me. We ran on tar road again, then there was stair – great now it’s Hong Kong trail deja vu. There was a rope section going down hill, couldn’t see much in the dark but it’s pretty steep going down. I just moved quickly forward and reached another wide river crossings. Passed some sugarcane plantation  after that, i was trying very hard not to get lost from the trail route. The reflector markers did great job, illuminating the the trail route like airstrip runaway in the dark.

I continued running on auto pilot and my mind was somewhere else when suddenly i reached AS 2, it was located in the middle of a junction inside the sugar cane plantation. It’s was just a small AS with one tent and one table. I was quick on the transition, refill my bottles with water and mix it with carbopro before quickly left the AS.

AS 2 (PASIG-POTRERO) – AS 3 (SAPANG UWAK) 7km (23km)
It was still pitch dark when i arrived around the Sapang Uwak Elementary school, after that it’s all uphill to the peak. As i arrived at AS 3, the volunteers quickly asked me whether i had a Drop Bag. I didn’t have one. saved a lot of time here. I was contemplating whether to change into fresh dry socks here, i decided otherwise and  moved on after refill my bottles with water mix carbo pro and another bottle with Gatorade. As i was leaving the AS, i stopped briefly for my bib with attached QR codes to be scanned by the volunteers using mobile phone. Simple race timing solution, just love the idea.

The time was 3:54 am, took me almost 3 hours (2:54 mins) to cover 23km. I have about 2 hours before sunrise, at least 2 hours in cool weather before being roasted by the sun.

Still early in the race, felt stronger before being roasted alive in day time.

AS 3 (SAPANG UWAK) – AS 4 (JUNCTION TO  FALL) 7km (30km)
Now it’s the uphill crawl, more of zombie walk. I was getting sleepy and couldn't walk properly, i was getting slower…damn. Now i couldn’t wait for day time. I’m better off running in day time rather than night time.

I suddenly realised that i’m all alone walking in the darkness, all the other runners left me eating their dust. I looked up and saw the most beautiful thing – a sky full of stars, they seem so bright at night. I switched off my head lamp and stood there in the dark, head up watching and admiring god creation. Same thing that i did last September on Italian’s Alps, watching sky full of stars on snow-capped Italian mountains.

After few minutes in silence and total darkness, i decided to move on. I felt better afterwards, i reached the next AS4 just before the sunrise. I figured it took me about 2 hours to cover 7km from AS3 to AS4.

Sunrise on my summit attack towards Mt Pinatubo

AS 4 (JUNCTION TO  FALL) – AS5 (PEAK) 10km (40km)
I stopped longer at this AS, changed into fresh dry socks and eat more bananas and watermelons for the summit attack. I sat beside a runner from New Zealand, he decided to DNF due to his sprained ankle. He said that his feet landed awkwardly on some rocks in the dark. He finished this race last year and this year CM42, felt sorry for the guy. But that’s life, sometimes destiny wanted you to be humble before getting your due success.

Perfect timing for sunrise at this check point, it was buzzing with the lively volunteers here. One of them wanted me to get going soon and even said that wasted too much time here. That’s a great strategy from the organiser to have the runners to be on their way and not wasting to much time. Before i left, i asked the noisy volunteer how long does it takes to scale the summit and come back down to the AS. He said about 2 hours for the 10km distance. Here i filled another 2 soft flask (500ml each) for the summit run, we were advise to take more water as the are no Aid Station on the peak. So i have with me 4 bottles, about 2 litres. I found out later that i only need 3 bottles, i’m not a heavy drinker.

The climb wasn’t that bad. Not technical with very runnable path. I fast hiked most of the climb and ran most of it. Met the front runners coming back down, these guys are fast. Manolito first, followed by Jan Nilsen. Decided to take out my camera and took photos of the runners. Met Aldean soon after and we did wefie nearing the top. Wish him luck and continued my run.

I reached the peak at 7:17 am (6:17 hours for 40km).

Coming back down was fun coz down hill, like Scottt Jurek used to say “free speed!”. It took me about 1:20 minutes (if my memory serve me right) to reach back AS 4, i was surprised and so did the noisy volunteer. Thank you volunteers for your support and crazy antic.

AS5 (PEAK) - AS 4 (JUNCTION TO  FALL) 10km (50km)
Now it’s getting hotter by the minute, runners now need to go all the way down to the iconic Miyamit Falls where they will be scan  for timing. Total distance about 3km. I quickly went down the steep trail, oh boy  it’s going to be hell coming back! Reached the Falls and met Chip Dayrit who’s in charge of scanning our timing. Took few photos here with Chip, he said i was doing great timing. The time was 8:53 AM

Coming back up i just realised that many local runners left their pack at AS4, so it be lighter. Now i looked like a fool carrying full weight of my pack, lesson learned for next year.

Refill my water and CarboPro mix and left the AS. So now it was very hot. I carried 3 bottles, 2 for hydration and the other one to pour on my head; my cooling down strategy and it worked.

AS 4 (JUNCTION TO  FALL) - AS 3 (SAPANG UWAK) 7km (57km)
As Chip told me earlier during the briefing, the route will look different during day time. Yes i greed, it looked totally different and i felt longer.

Somehow i could still ran some part  of the route, thank CarboPro for fuelling my race. Had two gels for booster, couldn’t eat more gels after gel No.2

Finally reached AS 3, Sapang Uwak just before 11 AM (10:56 AM). Yes they have ice here, what a relief!

AS 3 (SAPANG UWAK) - AS 2 (PASIG-POTRERO)  7km (64km)
My knee finally gave up on me here, from here to finish line i walked more than running.

On realising this fact, i quickly refill my water and left the AS. I saw many runners taking a break and had noodles for their lunch.

I walk – jog – walk throughout this segment. It’s getting hotter, i tricked my mind not to think about the distance and focus on the dusty trail in front of me. My mind was else where when finally i reached a small tent. I thought it was additional AS, i was wrong it’s the AS 2. I was elated on realised this fact. There’s no ice only water her. I thanked the volunteers before left for the next AS, 16 km to go and only two more river crossings.

AS 2 (PASIG-POTRERO) - AS 1 (PUNING SPA) 9km (73km)
On my way wading the  river i saw Jinky, a local runner that had passed me earlier. I think he had about 1 hour lead on me. Now he was walking slowly, i stopped and asked him what happened. He replied that he ran out of water and he peed blood.

I gave him one of my bottle and asked him to finish it, i had another bottle which half full. We walked together for awhile, it doesn’t seem right to me to leave him on his own. Nearing the rope section, we saw a farmer. I urged Jinky to stopped and asked the farmer for water. I wished him good luck and proceed my run, it was getting hotter now. I was sunburned and 10 shades darker! No kidding!

Finally i reached the final AS, it’s near the Korean SPA. What a relief, they had cold lemon drink.

AS 1 (PUNING SPA) – FINISH 7km (80km)
I had about less than two hours to finish sub-15, i gritted my teeth and bear the knee  pain. I walked faster and wade through the Sacobia river, whenever possible i ran and ran. It wasn’t fast but it’s better than walking. Only 4 km on the river section and 3km on the road towards finish line.

If any race could change life and touch the heart. This is it - CM50. The race was tough but I was relentless not to give up ! It was an absolute sufferfest for me, serve me right for not prepared well.

I made it!
I redeem myself once more.
I looked at my watch and it showed 3:41pm.
I finished the 50miler race in 14:41:57 hours.
Rank 47/135
Yes, I finished in day time :)
I doubt myself no longer !

Finish line, greeted by the RD. He said great timing for my 1st CM50 race. I just glad i managed to finish this badass race.

Lessons learned.
1. Heat training is important
2. Gaiter is a must for this race, i couldn’t stressed enough! Ahon gaiter works for me, not one sand entered my shoes. I am amazed!
3. Leave bag pack at AS4 before going down to Miyamit Falls
4. Always hydrate properly, even veteran runners of this race is effected.
5. Bring extra bottle, cooling down strategy – wet yourself periodically.

Gears Used:

• Optic Nerve Sunglasses – Model Vahstro

• Salomon S-Lab XT-6 shoes

• S-Lab Advance Skin3 5Set

• Salomon Exo Calf (White)

• S-Lab Sense Tee M (Sleeveless)

• S-Lab Exo Twinskin Short (White/Red)

• Ahon Gaiter

• Colorado Visor

• S-Lab Advanced Skin 1 Belt Set

With our hard earned medal (Photo: Teresa)

It’s already night time. We waited until the last runner crossed the finish line. That’s how we (the ultra runners) roll.

CM50

My 39th Marathon/Ultramarathon finish.

A really bad ass race for sure.

50 miles in 14:41 hours (Unofficial)

TMMT 2016: Registration is officially open

Registration for the second edition of The Magnificent Merapoh Trail (TMMT) 2016 is now officially open.

Follow the link below for online registration:-

https://event.howei.com/event/tmmt2016

Categories: 30km / 60km /100km (new).

What’s new in 2016?

TMMT is now officially part of Asia Trail Master series (ATM) which included trail races in 15 Asia countries.

Participants can collect ATM points from TMMT and compete with the best of Asia runners in overall ranking of the series. More information can be found from the ATM official website.

A brief introduction on TMMT.

The Magnificent Merapoh Trail (TMMT) is founded as a Trail Running event to save Merapoh Caves. Our main objective is to preserve national heritage and save Merapoh Caves, which include at least 85 precious limestone hills and dozens of rare species of flora and fauna. These national heritage are under the threat of destruction from planned big-scale cement production project in Merapoh.

The organiser of TMMT is working closely with the local people in Merapoh to promote sport and outdoor events in supporting local eco-tourism. The next five years will be dedicated to creating more events in Merapoh including trekking, trail running, MTB, caving and adventure trips.

TMMT is a trail race with 30km, 60km and 100km categories. Participants will run through the beautiful trail of Merapoh, caves and wade through rivers. This race is a fast course with less technical sections and caters for beginner trail runners. Cut off time of 12 hours for 60km and 10 hours for 30km category. We will introduce a new category - 100km in 2016 with 20 hours Cut-Off Time. Come to Merapoh this July 2016 and fall in love with our beautiful trail.

Merapoh Forest Run 2015

The elephant can survive only if forests survive

Last week, i finally came back to my adopted village (Merapoh) with Khairi Muin, not as RD but as a participant. I haven't done much running since Italy due to recovery and the bloody haze. My training mileage was abysmal. The real training done was eating and eating..

The 5 hours spent hiking Nuang peak from Pangsun a week before was my only preparation for this 30km MFR. It's nice to back here in Merapoh, be recognized and meet the friendly faces among the crowd.

There are two categories for this event, 15km Men/Women Open and 30km Men/Women Open. I started at the front pack and leading these elite young fast runners, sometimes i forgot that i'm nor longer young :/ - at 43 it's hard competing with these young guns.

I come to my senses when i looked at my GPS watch and it showed me 3:50 mins/pace. I slowed down running up the first steep hills. Think of dragon back, that's what it's like running the road from Taman Negara Sg. Relau towards Kuala Juram. It's endless rolling steep hills, no kidding!

It was also slippery due to the rain the day before, many runners complaint that their shoes can't get a grip on slippery road. Not a problem for me, i guess the 3D Salomon technology work perfectly.

The lack of training mileage really hits me hard, almost cramp every time i tried to push running up those damn hills. Ah never mind, i just fast-walked it. The volunteers were awesome and the drinks was ice cold. What a pleasant surprise to have this "luxury" at WS inside the rainforest deep in nowhere.

Turning back from the u-turn at Kuala Juram, i noticed the runner in front of me was struggling. So i kept reeling him in until i finally managed to overtook him, i kept my pace and found another runner struggling and cramping. I was struggling too, serve me well for the lack of running mileage.

Keep repeating this and managed to overtook 5 runners at the end. I just wish the distance was longer though...pleasant surprise when i finish with a podium position. Just a little hamper for my effort, but i gladly take it.

Finish the 30km run in 2:45:57 . My GPS watch showed an under distance race.
Overall a great challenging route, i love it. Although it's a road race it's not flat. Cause flat is boring!

Gear used:

• Optic Nerve Sunglasses – Model Vahstro
• Salomon X-Scream 3D shoes
• S-Lab Sense Tee M (Sleeveless)
• S-Lab Exo Twinskin Short (White/Red)
• Salomon Hat

When Kilian met RaYmau

From Left: RaY, Dino, Melissa, Kilian, Michele, Raymond & Puzi.

Kilian was in town today to launch the latest Suunto GPS watch, Suunto Kailash retail at RM3,999.

More info here http://www.suunto.com/Watch-Collection/Suunto-Kailash-Collection/

Team Salomon Malaysia are given special privilege to meet and greet him right before the mass adoring fans. It was 4 years ago since he visited Kuala Lumpur.

I had my copy of his book autograph "To Ray, keep your dreams". Plus the privilege of having his signature on my lucky Salomon Sense 4 Ultra shoes.

We had a brief chat during this activity, his eyes brighten up when I told him that I signed up the entry lottery to Hardrock 100 for the 2nd straight years.

He replied innocently that he tried the lottery 3 times before finally got in 2014.

Yes, I will keep my dreams running Hardrock someday!

Maybe the next time we meet, it will be in Hardrock. See you soon Kilian.

Fast and Light (Video)

Salomon Running TV Season 4 Episode 8

“Fast and Light” explores a tribe of runners who are motivated by pushing their limits in some of the world’s most extreme mountain environments.

Told through the eyes of pioneers and heroes including Kilian Jornet, Marino Giacometti, Bruno Brunod and Fabio Meraldi – the film unpacks the sport of Skyrunning, a practice that started with a few individuals following their passion and has evolved over 2 decades to a worldwide discipline reaching thousands of people across the globe.

Documentary: TNF100 Australia 2015 (Video)

Dylan Bowman (USA/TNF) – 100km Men Champion 8:50:13

Dong Li (CHINA / Salomon) – 100km Women Champion 11:05:22

Wonderland (Video)

On July 1st, 2015, Gary Robbins, Team Salomon Canada - a seasoned and winning Ultrarunner - started at Longmire, in the shadow of Mount Rainier, and attempted to set the fastest known supported time around the Wonderland Trail.

Kyle Skaggs' record of 20 hours 53 minutes was always considered unbeatable. 93 miles, over 24,000ft of elevation gain, and record breaking heat. This day had it all. Could Gary step up to the challenge?

To The Sea (Video)

Salomon Running TV Season 4 Episode 7

In the late 70s, surfing was professionalised by a group of young surfers, allowing them the chance to make a career out of doing what they loved most. Today the sport of Trail Running finds itself following a similar path.

'To the Sea' explores the similarities between these two sports through the perspectives of Salomon Runner Ryan Sandes, Pro Surfer Frank Solomon and the first ever surfing World Champion and pioneer of professional surfing, Shaun Tomson.

Mt. Rinjani Ultra (MRU) : Misery Loves Company

Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground - Rumi

It was a cold morning and i was badly struggling ascending Mt. Rinjani (3,726 meters) the highest peak on Lombok Island & second highest volcano mountain in Indonesia, i could hear Bud Salomon’s laboured breathing behind me. We were pacing each other since W3 and climbed the bloody mountain around 4:30 am.

I was in a dark place, very deep inside my pain cave. I was tired and lethargic, plus my head is now spinning due to mild AMS. Still i kept on stubbornly push my sorry ass up the mountain….very slowly. We’re halfway toward the summit now, I poke my trekking poles forward, suddenly my vision turn black and i lost all control, i fell face down on that dusty mountain ash!

The Race – MRU 52km (5,200 meters elevation gain)

I was  keen to join this race, since it’s inception in 2013. But it clashed with my Leadville 100 race in USA. So the past two years, i put MRU on hold until this year. I decided to skipped Leadville this year after two try and find a big race in Europe. Lucky me, after two years of balloting, i got in “Tor Des Geants” race in Italy (September). So MRU is considered as mountain altitude training toward my big race in Italy.

Based on the past results, many strong runners were unable MRU race due many reasons, mostly were the strict cut off time (COT) of the race (22 hours).

My plan was to do the full course route within the cut off time or if things turn bad i will do my best to finish the course in whatever time it required. Its a hard training for sure.

Pre-Race

I plan travelling to Lombok with my Salomon teammate – the legendary Puzi Dolah. I need to pick out his brain for tips and trick to finish MRU as he finished this race last year.

On the morning flight from KLIA it was full of runners, from the registered list the Malaysian contingent is the biggest for MRU & RAR.

We had a bit of drama when we landed in Lombok, transportation miscommunication left us poorer by few hundreds thousands od Rupiah. Lesson learnt, you can get and negotiate your ride on arrival – no need  to pre-booked unless you need to.

The ride from the Lombok Airport to Senaru took us more than 5 hours. To my big surprise, Lombok Island is really a big place. It was dark and cold once we arrived at our destination. Had our  dinner and slept the night away.

The next day (Friday) it was race bib collection day and drop bag placing with the organiser (only for MRU 52km category). I had packed rice, a bottle of Gatorade, Nescafe Tin & Redbull inside the Drop Bag.

With some of Malaysian best trail runners

The race kit collection was held a Senaru Lodge, one of the most expensive lodging in Senaru. IDR 1.5 million per  room/night. We met many runners there, especially the Malaysian runners.

The race start at 10 pm, after Friday prayer at the local mosque i had ample time for rest and snooze.

I have to be honest, i really don't prepare much for this race. I had a quick glance on the map and elevation profile. Later that afternoon, i prepared a short guideline for my plan race splits (hand written). I was ambitious and put 20 hours finish time as my target.

When Puzi saw handwritten plan splits , he quickly copied it. Now i must be doing something right when Puzi copied my plan. And now that my mind is clear, i could see that the plan was messed up, the plan finish time should be 6 PM not 6 AM. Sigh !

 

Race Day

Puzi and i made to the start line quite late, we arrived about 15 minutes before 10 pm start time. Puzi then excused himself for last minutes toilet deposit, he been complaining all day that we could not go. Now at the final minutes his wish finally answered!

I was happy many friends at the start line, including UTCM’s edition zero  alumini Alvin from Singapore and Emmanuel Abadie (Manu), Frenchman living in Thailand. I think the Malaysian contingent was the biggest foreign athlete for this race.

The race started promptly at 10 pm, Elevation 600m – Senaru. The first few kilometres was a runnable sections on paved track (the only runnable section), then the real trail started – it looked like Nuang trail to me (my first experience running/hiking here). I still could do a fast hike here, that’s all i could do. Try to pace myself slower as i do not want to tire myself too early in the race.

Reached W1 Pos 2 Senaru 5.8km (Alt. 1533m) in good time – 1:17 hours / 11:17 pm. On target, i gave myself 11:30 pm to reach here. The volunteer gave us one bottle of mineral water (600ml) each, i refilled my hydration bottles and took one Powergel here before i restarted again.

One Malaysian guy overtook me between W1 and W2, he gave me few tips on the trail as he been here before recceing few days before  the race. Strong climber this guy, i thanked him for the tips, encouraged him and asked for his name. He goes by  the name Wazir and i introduced myself. He replied that everyone knows “Razif”, then he immediately gone into the dark night. The trail swallowed him.

I kept my rain jacket inside my Salomon vest bag, as it was not very cold for me. But that soon change when i hiked up an open Savannah trail like area, it was sandy and dusty. After a while, i decided to stop and put on my rain jacket to take shelter from the cold mountain wind. The markers could be improve in the future for this race as i took a wrong turn and goes up into the wrong trail of the mountain looking for W2.

As i was slowly hike up the cold dusty mountain trail, i heard yelling !

Damn ! Then i realised the W2 was located down on my right side. I had to turn back and went down to the aid station. They had tin Milo, water and food “lepat”. Met bunch of familiar runners here, Mark Itol from the Philippines and Malaysian comrade – Zul and Wan Panjang.

W2 – Pelawangan Senaru was at Alt. 2600m, 10.5km from start line. It took me 3:30 hours to reached here. It was 1:30 am, Saturday – damn! I was late 30 mins of target time due the wrong turn. Never mind, i was thinking that i would made up the time by running downhill during next section.

We left W2 together (Wan Panjang, Zull & I), as i reached the route going downhill i was stunned! Damn my sorry arse! It was a steep drop into the dark abyss. Not possible to run due to the steep rocky vertical down hell. I had to slowly find my steps going down the narrow rocky  path. I kept reminded myself that this is only a training run, don’t screwed yourself by getting injured before the BIG race in September.

Found Mark Itol standing motionless somewhere down into the bottomless pit, i asked him what’s wrong? He was cramping badly ! I gave him some of my salt pills before proceeding further. He said “thanks Ray, you’re a life saver”. No worries mate, its our responsibility to help and make sure our fellow runners get support that they needed. Someday, we’ll be needing that help from our fellow runners in the trail – Karma works like that.

Found another runner, a caucasian runner had sprained his feet. It’s all over for him, i pity the guy. I wished him luck as he made a slow painful ascent back towards W2.

Finally made it to W3 – Segara Anak Lake (13.5km) Alt. 2,000m.

Overall timing was 4:39 hours, it was 2:39 am. Overshoot my target by almost an hour. Looked like i need to improvise, ditched the old plan. The new plan was to finish within COT, i need to reached Rinjani summit before 9:00 am.

They had plentiful of Water and Lemon fruit here, all the guys were at W3 – Zul, Wan Panjang, Ben10 and Bud Salomon. I was surprised to see him there, i  thought he was  long gone by now.

After a short break, i proceed to next aid station. Only 3.5km and going up. In between we got lost few times in the dark due to the lacking of markers. They need to put more markers or blinkers even better during  night time.

The climb to W4 was arduous and i was getting slower, i felt that my energy left me. My nutrition plan was screwed, i need solid food. Banana would be more  beneficial than lemons.

I was pacing with Bud starting from W3, he looked spent ! Not everyday you could say that about Bud. He hadn’t had proper training for this i guess. I was also tired, had to stop several times to refuel and catch my breath.

Finally we made to W4 (17km), Plawangan Sembalun Alt. 2600m it was cold due to strong morning wind. It took me 6:30 hours (4:30 am) to reach W4.

At his aid station we had access to our drop bag, i had Nescafe Tin, Redbull , Gatorade & packed rice here.

It was cold, i quickly access my drop bag and refilled my water bottles with Redbull and Carbo Pro. Bud did the same, he was on Carbo Pro same as mine. Shared the tin Nescafe with Bud, i really need to be fully awake for the next summit attack. Caffeine was what needed in that early morning hours, Bud brought with him 3 in 1 Coffee mix but there's no hot water at W4.

I was cold and contemplating on wasting more time at W4 to eat my packed rice. I needed to move to get my core body temperature up, decided to eat the plain rice later when i ascended the Rinjani peak. That was my big mistake for this race, summiting Rinjani without solid food for the vicious summit attack.

The Summit Attack

Now it’s just another 5km Vertical Climb to the W5 (3,726m), about 1,100 meters of steep climbing.

As soon as Bud & i reached the bottom the climb, we could see the steep sandy loose volcanic ashes on the ground. One step up, three steps down. Damn! This is useless. I had to use the trekking poles to hold my position every time i climbed few inches up. It took me forever and a lot of energy for this climb and i had only one powergel for fuel.

The ascending of Mount Rinjani, Lombok Island, Indonesia (3,726 meters / 12,224 feet) during Mt. Rinjani Ultra (MRU) probably was the hardest mountain climb I ever did. It was amazingly painful awesome experience.

Photo Credit: Wan Panjang

It was still dark when we came across the front runners coming down from the summit. Among them was my friend Manu, he was killing the race. I asked him how far to the summit? He replied “it’s fuckin far man”, i could see his tired face as he replied truthfully about the brutal climb. Sorry i asked, might be better if he just lied to me haha.

Next we met Puzi, he was talking and complaining about something….

We continued on and the sun now beginning to show up behind the horizon. It was a beautiful sight to be hold, we took a breather and took a couple of photos with mountain at the background.

Relentlessly we continued the climb, as soon as the sun shone on the mountain peak we could see small figures of hikers on top of the mountain. It was far……..i was screwed and my energy have long left me.

I was in a dark place, very deep inside my pain cave. I was tired and lethargic, plus my head is now spinning due to mild AMS. Still i kept on stubbornly push my sorry ass up the mountain….very slowly. We’re halfway toward the summit now, I poke my trekking poles forward, suddenly my vision turn black and i lost all control, i fell face down on that dusty mountain ashes!

I regained consciousness few seconds later, get my ass up and boldly continued the painful ascent. Another humbling experience for me to remember that we are all mortal being, so fragile compared to other god creation – the mountain.

Finally after 4 hours of pushing my body through the thin mountain air, i finally conquered the highest peak in Lombok Island at 8:30 am. Just 30 minutes before the cut off time, 10:30 hours since the start of the  race.

I had to sit down and ate a handful of dates to refill my long lost energy, all my water gone now. Thankfully, Wan Panjang spared some of his water for me. See Karma reward my previous kindness in my time of need.

I didn’t stay long on the summit, after taking few photos, i followed Bud “skiing” down the summit. I felt something on my knees on the way down, i couldn’t fly downhill as usual. I had to reserve and run down slower than my actual plan.

Reached back at W4 (27.4km), 1:20 hours later at 9:50 am. I was beyond spent, my fuelling plan gone to hell. The summit attack took more energy than i expected, but in the end i made all the way up, that’s what count.

Sat down at W4, Mudin was there and help to serve me water and the “lepat” food. I had three lepat, a bottle of Gatorade and one powergel. Saw Puzi and Alvin already arrived back from W6 – Pos 2 Sembalun. These guys are freakin fast!

I refilled my water bottles and ready to continued the battle, the plan has now changed. I will try to finish the distance even though i overshoot the COT. I was really determined to finish this and believe on past experience that i could managed to do this.

I left W4 for WS6 with Mudin, unfortunately my knee decided to have an off day coming down from “Bukit Penyesalan”. It was either i risk more damage to my knees or  be smart and stop at the next aid station. I decided that i had enough of training at MRU and saved my knees for my real race next  month in Italy. Hoping for a fast recovery.

So that’s it, i was disappointed to end my training early at W6 – Pos 2 Sembalun (31.2km) Alt. 1570m. at 12:25 pm (14:25 hours).

Sometimes we can only plan, but never ever give up. I might lost the battle, but i will win the war.

Gear used:

• Shoes –Salomon Speedcross 3
• S-Lab Exo Zip Tee (White/Red)
• S-Lab Exo Twinskin Short (Black/Red)
• Salomon Waterproof Rain Jacket Bonatti (Red)
• Salomon Visor (Black)
• Salomon Exo Calf (Black)
• S-Lab Adv Skin3 12Set
• S-Lab Advanced Skin 1 Belt Set
• Black Diamond Z Aluminium Poles
• Optic Nerve Sunglasses – Model Vahstro
• Petzl Nao headlamp

Limited Edition RayQuest PEKA TDG T.Shirt

I will be running my biggest race in my life this coming September.

After 2nd straight year balloting my name, i finally made it into the prestigious Tor Des Geants (TDG) race in Italy. Only 700 runners are allowed to race this annual 330km (200 miles) race every year.

Continuing my effort with PEKA Malaysia running UTMF race last year, i will once again run for a cause, in supporting PEKA’s movement  “Save Our Rainforest”.

Officially collaborating with PEKA Malaysia. I am offering the chance of owning the Limited Edition RQ (Razif's Quest) PEKA TDG Cotton T.Shirt to fund part of my expenses running my dream race – the 330km Tor Des Geants (TDG) in Italy this coming September.

The cost is RM50/pcs. If you interested please contact PEKA or direct email me for your order.

PEKA Malaysia. Email: hello@pekamalaysia or rayzeef@gmail.com

Thank you so much for your support.
RaYmau.

The actual T.shirt wore by Khairi Muin at the recent Kuching Marathon.

SBR featured Team Malaysia at UTCM 150 Edition Zero

Just recently found out that my adventure running with Khairi Muin as Team Malaysia at the Edition Zero of Ultra Thai Chiang Mai (UTCM) was featured in the recent Swim Bike Run Magazine Malaysia.

Get the latest SBR Megazine Malaysia and read our running adventure in completing the brutal 150km run through raw jungle trail, 5 summits, 14 tribal villages and 3 valleys in Northern Thailand.

It was one of my best adventure running wild trail in Northern Thailand. Unfortunately this year UTCM race is cancelled due to unfortunate circumstances.

I hope the race director Sebastian Bertrand will bring alive the UTCM race in 2016.

Dream Big

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” - Harriet Tubman

Dream big my friends, don't let others define your limits!

I ran my first 50km trail race at TNF Singapore in 2011, it took me 8:35 hours to completes it.

Last July, i ran my 38th Marathon/Ultramarathon at MSIG Singapore 50km Trail Race in 6:02 hours.

In four years i have improved myself and ran faster.
What i'm trying to say, everyone starts somewhere and everyone improves in time.

Don't give up on your dreams, be patience and always be ready to hustle.

Most importantly believe in yourself, don't let negative people influence you. You're better than them coz you're risk taker!

MSIG SINGAPORE 50km Trail Race

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy” - Rumi

It's been a year since my last race in Singapore, so it's apt for me to return to Temasek for that delicious “Murtabak Singapore” and yeah also run that trail race. Puzi and I were invited by the organizer to represent Team Salomon Malaysia for this race. Knowing Singapore's route would be rather flat, I considered this race as my training towards my big race in September. I set myself about 7 hours to complete this race/training event.

Sometimes you run a race just to meet old friends and seek new ones. Met Thomas Leong & SBR at the race pack collection. I was quite surprise to see a bunch of Kenyans were there as well - at Ultra Trail race! A quick investigation reveal a substantial sum of cash prize at stake for winners.

The race was schedule to start at 5:30 am (25th July) at Queen's Crescent, I have been to SG many times previously but this place was  new to me. Met many old friends at start line, there were the Freedom Freaks bros, Halim Billy Joe, KJ and others. Met Thomas Leong again, Joshua and Paviter Singh - fresh from Laveredo Ultra.

Had quick a chat with Jeri Chua & Michael from race organizer just before the start of the race. Michael informed that the Malaysian version will be held in November, so keep an eye for the date.

At 5:30 am sharp the runners were off charging in the cool morning breezes and led by none other by Vlad Ixel. Then the funniest damn thing happened, the lead group missed the markers and took a wrong route, after few meters the front guys stop and realized this mistake and turn around, I was at 7th position at this moment.

Damn! Now the trail route is flooded by runners.

I had to do the hard work by passing slower runners one by one until there's fewer gap in front of me. Saw a familiar running style in front of me, I was confident it's Fred Tai. Called his name in the darkness and he's responded. We run together few km in those early stage of the run, then he put on another gear and left me eating dust. I just maintained my pace and not bothered to push harder - I had to remind myself that this is just a training run.

Reached CP 1 (5.5km) in 32 mins, didn't stop for water as I still had enough. It's quite long straight route - quite a bore. We run along the old KTM track and I got lost once more before reaching CP2 after we crossed a road crossing. It was dark and definitely my fault not looking up for the markers, I was looking down on the ground - making sure I have a good footing on the track.

It's still dark when I reached CP2 (11.2km) - Bt Panjang Road. The time was 6:37 am. We need to U-turn here to go to CP3 through few park connectors. The front runners fly by me just before that, Puzi was shouting encouragement at me when he passed by. Couldn't make the identification in the dark, both he & Kenyans are both fast and dark - don't blamed me ok.

Just before CP3 I got lost again, thankfully a fellow runner shouted for my attention and direct me to correct path. Thanks Mark, my new Pinoy friend based in Singapore. After that we kinda overtake each other at different sections of the trail route. Reached CP3 (19.4km) in 1:59 hours, it was now bright at 7:29am. The CPs only had basic amenities, water, banana, oranges and at few CP stocked with Tailwind. You need to bring your own food for this race, can't rely on the food at the aid stations.

From CP3 to CP4 I was at familiar territory, this part of the route was TNF100 Singapore that I ran in 2012. We ran through long stretch of tarmac along the Rifle Range road.

Here I bonked tremendously!

My glycogen reserve completely empty here. From then on I ran on empty, I ran powered by spirit & heart. My pace reduced and I started walking here and there in the trail. Energy gels was not enough to fuel this hard run and I ran out of CarboPro just before going to Singapore.

Met the front runners coming back from the U-turn going towards CP5, the Kenyans was dominating this race. Saw Vlad at position 7, he looked tired! I shouted and gave him words of encouragement "keep going Vlad!". The Kenyan really gave him a run for the money. Eventually both winners, Male & Female were Kenyans. No surprise there mate!

Photo: Runcapture @ Green Corridor

Finally reached CP4 (28.4km) - Island Club Road. It was starting to get hot at 8:34am. Took some water and poured it all over my head to cool down. Had my first taste of Tailwind  here, it's cold and nice.

To get my spirit high in finishing the remainder of the race, I joked with the volunteers, "does this sport drink make me run faster?", I said to the lady manning the station. She just laughed and said "you gonna fly to the finish line!". I stocked up my water and thanked the volunteers before proceeding to the next CP.

The next CP was about 9km, but it felt like more when you're tired and running on empty. I catch up to Steve Chia and ran remaining 1km to CP5 with him in tow.

Reached CP5 (37.2km) - Greenway at 9:44am / 4:14 hours of running. Again it's only plain water at this CP and some fruits, top up both 600ml soft flask. One for hydration and the other one is to wet my head & face. That's my trick running the final 13 km in the heat.

Steve left the CP earlier than me, he's managed to hold consistent pace. It's a straight line toward the CP 6, about 9km. For 50km runners, we need to run and passed the finish line and make the u-turn before finally finish the race. This race tested our mental perseverance and determination, rather than technical abilities. Halfway towards CP6, I met SBR. Said hi and continued way run. Finally caught up with Steve again 4km from CP6, he was struggling. We encouraged each other for the thousand times. My Salomon team mate Puzi was coming back to the finish line from the other end, he looked tired and somehow a bit slower than his normal pace.

Met Fred Tai, Thomas & Paviter as they coming back from CP6, it’s 2km to the final CP. it felt longer, it was hotter and I was definitely struggling. I walked every time there's shade and ran when there none.

Reached CP6 (47km) - Reeburn Park at 10:57am. I walked back until 2km nearing the finish line before Steve caught up with me. We ran and paced all the way to the finish line.

Finally it's done. My 38th Marathon / Ultramarathon.

I finish the race at 11:32 am in 6:02 hours for 50km flat trail race. An over-distance race,  plus I got lost three times - nobody's fault but my own. My Suunto showed 53km at the end.

The organizer claimed its 51.3km distance race, that sound about right !

Team Salomon Malaysia dressed in Blue (Puzi & I)

With Eric & Thomas

With Paviter Singh (fresh from Lavaredo Ultra)

What i consumed for the race

• Four Power Gels
• Two Mars Bars
• Five Slices of Orange
• One Banana
• Four Dates
• 600ml Tailwind
• 6 litres of water for the whole race

Definitely not enough calories intake. Gonna need my CarboPro stock soon.

There were plenty of food, drinks and ice cream at the finish line. It was a feast for the finishers, Nasi Lemak, Chicken Teriyaki & Vegetarian Fried Rice among food offered for the runners.

Congrats to all finishers regardless of your timing, in the end we only challenging our mental demons. And we won!

Gear used:

• Shoes –Salomon Sense 4 Ultra  SG
• S-Lab Exo Zip Tee (Blue/White)
• S-Lab Exo Twinskin Short (Blue/White)
• Salomon Exo Calf (White)
• S-Lab Adv Skin3 5Set
• Optic Nerve Sunglasses – Model Vahstro

My Splits.