ANALYSING U RUN ALL ACCESS 2017 PACKAGE

Source : https://www.usports.com.sg/events/u-run-all-access-2017-2/

We did a personal review for the popular U-Run All Access 2015 and 2016 and hope that it helped fellow runners in weighing the pros and cons of the offer. NTUC has launched U-Run All Access (URAA) 2017 in the recent Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Expo. We were told by NTUC that they are offering 2 packages - "Competitive" at $168 and "Fun" at $198. Here we are giving our personal analysis on the "U Run All Access 2017". Do note that we take no sides, we are just being objective in our honest opinions :

Assumptions/Fine Prints :

• Registration fees mentioned in this post are similar to past years' published fees for respective races. We are assuming that there is no increase in registration fees.

• You need to be NTUC/nEbO member or member-to-be in order to enjoy the benefits and privileges. Allow us to remind once again that not everyone can sign up as NTUC (National Trade Union Congress) member (e.g. Singapore Police Force, Singapore Prisons, Auxiliary Police bodies, foreign domestic workers and full-time students). Check your eligibility first. Also, NTUC membership fee is $117 per annum.

Expected Registration Fees for Running Events in 2017

Note :

XX / YY, XX denotes Early Bird Registration Fee. YY denotes Normal Registration Fee

Prices In RED is an indicative cost based on 2016

S/N	Competitive Package (Member : 3 Runs for $168. i.e. $56 per Run) (Non-Member : Additional Membership Fee $117. i.e. $95 per Run)	Event Date	Distance
			~5km	~10km	~21km	~42km
1	Marina Run	25-Feb	38/43	52/60	60/70
2	Sundown Marathon	25-Mar		65/70	75/80	95/100
3	2XU Compression Run	2-Apr	45/50	53/65	63/75
4	Income Eco Run	30-Apr	23/25	48/63	58/73
5	Puma Night Run	Sep	50/55	65/70
6	Tri-Factor Run	2-Jul	?	25/35	35/45
7	CSC Run by the Bay	Jul	30	40	50
8	Newton Challenge	Oct			55/60	65/70
9	Garfield Run	Nov	45/55
10	My Little Pony Friendship Run	TBC	50/70
11	Standard Chartered Marathon	Dec	20/25	65/75	75/90	85/100

Registration Fees for Running Events Offered for Competetive Package

S/N	Fun Package (Members : 3 Runs for $198. i.e. $66 per Run) (Non-Members : Additional  Membership Fee $117. i.e. $105 per Run)	Event Date	Distance
			~5km	~10km	~21km	~42km
1	Pokemon Run	14-Jan	65/70
2	Safari Zoo Run	18-Feb		65/80
3	Marina Run	25-Feb	38/43	52/60	60/70
4	Mens Health Urbanathlon	4-Mar		108/128
5	Income Eco Run	Apr	23/25	48/63	58/73
6	Puma Night Run	Sep	50/55	65/70
7	CSC Run buy the Bay	Jul	30	40	50
8	Blacklight Run	Oct		50/65
9	Garfield Run	Nov	45/55
10	My Little Pony Friendship Run	TBC	50/70

Registration Fees for Running Events Offered for Fun Package

Verdict

Herewith our personal comments after comparing the registration fees for URAA 2017 package:

• If you are a NTUC member, there is a definite edge in signing up for URAA 2017. It relates to substantial cost-savings if you choose running events that are more than $56 for "competitive" package and $66 for "fun" package. 

• For non-members who intend to sign up for NTUC membership to enjoy the package deals, we have second thoughts. Unless we see values in the NTUC membership other than the URAA 2017,  the savings may not seem substantial and justifiable.

My First Ultra Marathon 101km Completion

Sources:

1 - Craze Ultra https://www.facebook.com/CrazeUltra?fref=ts
2 - Tony Ton Ton Fun Shots https://www.facebook.com/TTTfunshots/
3 - Running Shots SG - https://www.facebook.com/runningshots.sg/
4 - Running Shiok - https://www.facebook.com/runningshiok/
5 - Kiko Sports Shots - https://www.facebook.com/KikoSportsShots/
6 - Mr Foo Yat Sun https://www.facebook.com/foo.yatsun

Note : This blog post comprises photographs, videos and text log.

BACKGROUND

I attempted Craze Ultra 101km category last year but quitted at the 65km mark. In my post run review, I attributed my failure to inadequate training, and the painful blisters during the event. It was rather disappointing and humiliating as that was my first DNF in an official event. I promised myself to challenge the same category again - for the sake of  regaining my honor.

It is never a simple task for one to train for such endurance events. Especially so when I needed to juggle between work, personal commitment, family commitment too. 

My longest training mileage was a back-to-back run (25+30km). With limited trainings, I devised a simple plan that utilised my strength (walking). According to my "walkathon" pace norm, I anticipated that I would be able to complete the event within 25 hours.

RACE DAY

On 3 September 2016, I embarked on my journey to slay the 101km monster.

Mr and Mrs Run the Town arrived at the start point at about 6:45am. 15 mins before the flag-off of the 100milers were flagged off. I was flagged off at 7:05am, the first wave for the 101km runners.

AT START POINT

Before the event, a default photo welfie for Mr and Mrs Run the Town :)

At MacRitchie Start Point

Photo Credits to Craze Ultra Website
Flag Off the 101km Wave 1

Photo Credits to Tony Ton Ton Fun Shots
Running along the upslopes at Thomson Area

Photo Credits to Foo Yat Sun
Arriving at CP 1

AT CHECKPOINT 1

Met Jerry Lam, it's his 2nd time attempting 101km category

Video Captured at CP1 (12km)

Photo Credits to Running Shots (Sotong)
From CP 1 to CP 2.

Photo Credits to Running Shots (Sotong)
From CP 1 to CP 2

AT CHECKPOINT 2

Volunteers Welcoming Us to CP 2

Refueling Stations at CP 2

Video Captured at CP2 (21.5km)

AT CHECKPOINT 3

Hot Weather - Resting at CP3

Video Captured at CP3 (30km)

AT CHECKPOINT 4

Met Joseph Chan, an unofficial patrol, after SAFRA Yishun

Video Captured at CP4 (37km)

On my way from CP 4 to CP 5 - An unofficial life-saver waterpoint by Fugitive Run Road and Missy Sam

AT CHECKPOINT 5

Video Captured at CP5 (50.5km)

Photo Credits to Kiko Sports Shots
Fast Walk towards CP5

Photo Credits to Kiko Sports Shot
Filling my Water Bag with ice @ CP5

Photo Credits to Running Shiok
Consuming my lunch at CP5

Closed Up Photo of my lunch

Met another friend at CP 5

AT CHECKPOINT 4B

Photo Credits to Kiko Sports Shot
Leaving CP5

Video Captured at CP4B (62km)

Gummy Bear as Dinner

After Sembawang MRT station,  I felt a burning sensation on my left calf. After some light stretching, the sensation did not subside. Fearful of developing a cramp at such an early stage, I decided to take a break at Admiralty MRT station. I attempted massage on my left calf but the burning sensation remained. After some time, I decided to proceed on with my journey.

AT CHECKPOINT 3B

Video Captured at CP3B (71km)

AT CHECKPOINT 2B

Video Captured at CP2B (79.5km)

I am no night owl. I got really sleepy and restless after the Woodland checkpoint. By then, I was literally dozing off and sleep-walking. I felt so drained and ended up finding a spot at a HDB void deck to sleep before continuing my journey.

I vaguely remember my friend (Joel) kept 'ka-jiao-ing' me during that period and I kept shooing him despite his persistency.

After regaining some energy from the nap, I continued my journey. To my surprise, I was ambushed by Joel! I wondered how many hours he had camped at this location before ambush me...What a friend and Bro! He brought me coconut water and chocolates. I was very touched by his actions. Not long after, I bided farewell to him and went on with my journey.

AFTER CHECKPOINT 2B

No more live videos from this point as it was really late at night and pitch dark... Actually, the real reason why there were no more live feeds - because I was too tired to film anymore! For the rest of the journey, I was literally a mindless zombie that was walking/crawling towards the end point.

At about 3:30am, I finally arrived the End Point. The race director congratulated me for a job well done and also took a finisher photo. 

Photo Credits to Craze Ultra Website
My Completion Photo

Finisher Medal, Gold Medal and my Running BIB

Craze Ultra 2016 (101km) - Finisher Tee

Craze Ultra 2016 - Event Tee

AFTER THOUGHTS

Overall, I have enjoyed the entire event. The journey was filled with lots of self-discovery and fun.

My plan to walk a 101km was a successful one. My timing was 2.5 hour faster than I had planned for. And my performance was the 50% percentile for the 2016 Craze Ultra 101km event (I am number 74 out of 150).

Upon self-reflection, I realised that my calorie intakes were insufficient to gain back what I had expended (i.e. Eating only half a cup of instant noodle at CP5 as lunch + taking "gummy bears" as dinner). Perhaps this explains the exhaustion and cramps that I was experiencing during the night.

Would I participate in another ultramarathon? My mind says Yes! But my body says otherwise....seriously, I need to think about it before I can decide. It is going to be another long term commitment should I decide on a next attempt.  

Celebrating my 101km success with FAST FOOD

TECHNICAL DATA

Strategies to Complete My Craze Ultra 101km (2016)

Tomorow's strategy for my 101km event is gonna be a real simple one. I.E. to say that I will aim for 2 hr completion for the first 5 x 10km. Subsequently, I will aim for 3hr completion for the remaining 5 x 10km. Any time savings will be used as an extended rest (sleep and eat).

If the plan works, I should be back at the 25th hour (i.e. 4 Sep 0800am).

1. SP   to CP1 - 2hr (7 to 9am)
2. CP1 to CP2 - 2hr (9am to 11am)
3. CP2 to CP3 - 2hr (11am to 1pm)
4. CP3 to CP4 - 2hr (1pm to 3pm)
5. CP4 to CP5 - 2hr (3pm to 5pm)
6. CP5 to CP4 - 3hr (5pm to 8pm)
7. CP4 to CP3 - 3hr (8pm to 11pm)
8. CP3 to CP2 - 3hr (11pm to 2am)
9. CP2 to CP1 - 3hr (2am to 5am)
10. CP1 to EP   - 3hr (5am to 8am)

Planning and Training for the Craze Ultra 101km

I will be re-attempting the craze ultra 101km on 3 September 2016.

To better prepare myself for this event, I had to spend numerous hours running per week to clock sufficient mileages. Doing monster mileages was definitely a NO-GO for me, as I wanted to commit my time for other important events (such as work, life, families and other hobbies). Nonetheless, I managed to sneak out whenever I was free to do some form of trainings.

Personally, I do feel that my trainings for the past few months have been inadequate. I am hoping real hard to complete the race this time round.

10 Weeks to Craze Ultra 101 Training - Familiarisation Run

"The only easy day is yesterday, but the only better day will be tomorrow"

Back-to-Back 10k runs

I started off my training week with some "light" back-to-back 10km runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Despite the body inability to recover completely from these "light" training session, I stubbornly insisted to participate in the Craze Ultra Familiarisation Run (Section 1) on Saturday. The fatigue took the fun out of me, I struggled throughout the journey but manage to completed it. The consequence I have paid or was spending the rest of my weekend resting and sleeping at home.

Now, I am left wth 10 more week to train for what I wanted to challenge for! Hope I am able to prepare myself better in the next few weeks to come. 

Craze Ultra Route Familiarisation (Section 1: Start to Admiralty MRT 26km) 18 June 2016 

At MacRitchie Start Point

(Photo Credits to Race Director - Ben Swee)

Race Director "flagging off" the participants

The participants are very eager to start

At CP 1 Waterpoint

At Check Point 2

At End Point - Admiralty MRT
(Photo Credits to Kenneth Kwok)

Total Mileage clocked on 18 Jun 16
Do note that the distance is inaccurate as the GPS watch was unable to locate the signal + I walked from end point to sembawang shopping centre after the event :)