My First Ultra Marathon (78km) Experience

Sources :
1 - Craze Ultra https://www.facebook.com/CrazeUltra?fref=ts
2 - Mr Eu Gene https://www.facebook.com/eugeneawsl/photos_albums
3 - Rhotography https://www.facebook.com/rhotography.sg/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums
4 - Mr Tan Kim Lai https://www.facebook.com/tan.k.lai.58/photos_albums
5 - Kiko Aguelo Creations https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiko-Aguelo-Creations/202827163113676?fref=photo


INTRODUCTION

Whilst many enjoy the crowning moment of finishing a race, I am somewhat different. I usually find more thrills in the preparation process. In the past, conditioning myself for a marathon had always given me great joy and excitement. Much as I enjoy running, I realised that my joy and excitement for each race had been slowly diminishing. This was probably due to the repetitive trainings that I put my body through. I needed rejuvenation. I needed to rekindle my passion! I knew I needed to deviate from my normal running regiment. After much thoughts and considerations, I decided that I should train and run an ultra-distance to challenge myself to my limit. After all, it had always been a dream for me to finish an ultra-marathon. The timing could be right...I shared my intent to participate in an ultra-marathon with many friends. Most thought that I was crazy! The only person who supported my decision was my wife, Rachel (aka Mrs RTT).  She even volunteered to provide me with logistical support throughout the race! 

As this was my maiden 78km, my only objective was to complete the run without being disqualified or injured - for that would mean I'd achieved a personal record for running a distance longer than a marathon. I trained hard for 2 months and was prepared for the run.

I even formulated a running strategy/plan so that I could focus on my pace and rest durations. Estimated supply and reinforcement timings were also identified so that my wife could bring me food and essential equipment at the right time.

My equipping plan was fairly simple -  I would carry my essential gears with me throughout the run. The remaining would be kept by my wife in her vehicle till I ask for them.

Running tops, compression tights, phone, camel pack, fishing cap (with flaps), GPS watch (with charging cable), RoadID, Number Tag Belt, a pair of Sunglasses, external battery packs, Energy Chews, packets of Raisins, a pairs of SAF socks and running shoes.

MY RUNNING IN DETAIL 

On 20 September, Rachel and I reported to the start point (MacRitchie Reservoir) at 7 a.m. There were approximately 300 participants in 4 different categories (100 miles, 101km, 78km and 43km). To avoid chokage, the organiser (Running Guild) dispatched the runners in different waves (about 30 runners in each wave). 

At 7.21 a.m, the 78km participants (20 of us) were flagged off.

MacRitchie Reservoir - Start and End Point

Selfie with my wife at the Start Point

Group Photo of the 78km Runners before the flag-of

THE HILLS (Start Point - Check Point 1 - Check Point 2)

For the first 21km, we ran through Upper Thomson Road, Mandai Road, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector and eventually ended up in Woodlands Waterfront Park. Although this route was fairly easy to navigate, the notorious up and down hills repeatedly posed challenges for the runners.

At Upper Thomson Road
(Photo Credit : Eu Gene)

At Woodland Waterfront Park
(Photo Credit : Rhotography)

Preplanned Timing from SP to CP2

My initial plan was to run at a sustainable pace of 9min/km. However, my excitement took the better of me and I ended up running faster than I expected (~7:45min/km). Worst of all, I only discovered that when I started to observe my deep panting and fast pounding heart at the 19km mark. I was terrified with this 'discovery' as this would take a toll on me and could seriously affect my sustainability in the full distance. 

I decided to slow down.

Upon arriving at Check Point 2 (Woodlands Waterfront Park), I took a self-dictated 10 minutes rest. I filled my water bag with water; swallowed a peanut-butter sandwich from the checkpoint; and rang my wife to report on my status. Also, I attached the flaps to my running cap to minimise the damage from the after sun.

I re-evaluated my condition and was beginning to doubt if I could complete the remaining 67 km by running continuously.  It looked like I could result in DNF by burning out too much too quickly at this stage. I might not even last through the last leg of the journey by walking. That was not my plan! In hope to salvage the reckless act, I decided that the best alternative was for me to "power-walk" until I 'recover'. 

I rang my Mrs and told her that I would meet her at CP 3 in 1.5 - 2 hours time as I would be walking.

Arrived at Check Point 2

Check Point 2

Check Point 2

Check Point 2

HOT AND TRAFFIC-FUL (Check Point 2 -  Check Point 3 - Check Point 4)

Preplanned Timing from CP2 to CP4

For the next 17.5km, we ran through Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun residential estates before arriving at CP 4 at Yishun Dam. This route, though characterised primarily with flat terrain, was disturbingly interrupted by 20++ traffic junctions. 

The weather was extremely hot (about 35 Degrees Celsius) by late morning. My strategy for this stretch was to power-walk in between traffic lights, and if necessary, to run (not dash) across any traffic lights before power-walking again. 

The rationale for developing such an unique strategy was because there were 23 traffic lights from CP 2 to CP 4. Even if I were to stop for just 15 out of 23 traffic lights, it would  still mean a minimum of 30 minutes delay (assuming traffic lights change every 2 minutes)!

With this strategy, I believed I could arrive at CP 3 (Sembawang Road) between 12.00 to 12:30 pm (my average speed for "Power Walking" was estimated at 10min/km).

150m before Check Point 3, my wife was already there and was busy snapping photos of me @ power-walking mode. 

POWER WALKING towards CP 3

I arrived at CP 3 at 12 noon as planned. I was greeted by my wife who hurried me to the car so that I could change up and consume my meal. 

Arrived at CP2

Mrs RTT and her home cooked food

My wife prepared a wide spread of dishes and drinks (sandwiches, baked potatoes, nuggets, coke, coffee and sugared drinks). Unfortunately, I lost my appetite due to the run/walk and sun tanning. I forced myself to consume a homemade ham & cheese sandwich in hope to replenish energy for the remaining distances. I apologised to her profusely as I felt guilty for not consuming the other wonderful dishes.

My intention was to rest here for 15 minutes, but overstayed for another 5 minutes. During this rest, I changed to a new set of running top and socks. CP 3 was the 30km mark. I made a decision to continue my power walking as I had another 48km to finishing line. 

Simon in a new top and new pair of socks

CP 4 was the mid-distance for the 78km participants. This was my u-turn point while the 100 milers and 101km runners continued their runs to CP5. The weather suddenly turned gloomy as I was approaching CP 4. After power-walking consistently at a 9min/km pace, I felt terribly tired by then (probably due to the heat and slopes that I had encountered earlier).

At CP 4, I was given an ice cold towel and that was awesome! I took a few cups of isotonic drinks and top-up my water bag. I quickly reported my status to Rachel. She told me that Sembawang was having a heavy downpour. In view of this update, I shortened my rest duration (from 15 minutes to 5 minutes) and began my walk back to CP 3. I was praying hard that this move could help me avoid the rain. 

It was a good move as I indeed missed the rain! 

At CP 4

At CP 4 - 101km and 78k participants resting

On my way back to CP3
(Photo Credit : Mr Tan Kim Lai)

COOL BUT LONELY WALK (Check Point 4 -  Check Point 3 - Check Point 2)

Preplanned Timing from CP4 to CP2

The return leg was a lonely walk as there were only 20 runners U-turning from CP 4. The 100 milers and 101 km runners were all out of sight! I was literally walking alone towards CP 3 and CP 2. 

This walk became unbearable after the 42km mark, I felt completely drained despite the cool weather. I had broken my own record for the longest mileage I had ever travelled on foot. I continued my power-walking to CP 2. Running was NOT my option anymore... 

Selfie at CP3

Loneliness aside, even power-walking had become taxing as my left knee started aching. I felt frustrated with the additional gears (sunglasses, cap and even my water-bag). Nearing CP 2, my mind became weaker. I sat on the track and massaged my legs for a good 2 minutes before moving on!  I was clocking an average pace of 11min/km pace and finally arrived at CP 2 at about 5:10pm.

800m more to CP 2 - struggling 

I was overjoyed to make it to CP 2 as my wife was waiting for me there! Again, she fed me and provided me with a new set of running attire. This time, I even changed my running shoes as my previous pair were drenched from the wet floor.

I was so relief to arrive at CP2
(Photo Credit : Kiko Aguelo Creations)

I was so tired and drained by then. I sat at the check point and refused to move. Instead of  going to the car for my food and attire, I requested my wife to bring them over. I took the chance to lay flat at the rest area while waiting for her return from the car.

Laid Flat at the Rest Area of CP2
(Photo Credit : Kiko Aguelo Creations)

Oh Boy! It felt so good to lie flat!!!

My wife provided me with good home-cook dinner (fried rice). I took a few spoonfuls and gobbled down a can of coke. I changed to my final running top, a fresh pair of socks and shoes, and equipped myself with night lights for the last leg of the race.

Rachel reminded me that I had overstayed and hurried me off. I checked and discovered that I had overstayed by 8 minutes. And quickly departed CP 2 by 5:45 pm.

I was stoning happily at the checkpoint

Gearing Up for the last leg of the run

blink blink needed as night was approaching

LONELY HILLS!!! (Check Point 2 -  Check Point 1 - End Point)

Preplanned Timing from CP2 to EP

I was re-energised! The fact that I had only 21 km to finishing line boosted my morale again.  I decided that I should attempt to jog this final leg. Perhaps the can of coke and dinner had replenished my energy. Perhaps my wife had powered me up with more encouragements - I felt BLESSED. I felt LOVED!!! Interestingly, my left knee didn't hurt anymore and I could start jogging once more.

In no time, I managed to arrive at Ulu Sembawang Park Connector with another runner (C41). It was 6:40 p.m. I told him I was hoping to clear the stretch before sunset due to NO lightings along the running path. With great determination, we managed to clear the entire stretch and arrived at CP 1 by 7:05 p.m.  I rested for 10 minutes and continued my final 12km.

CP 1

The last stretch was a tough journey. The upslopes seemed steeper. I ran past Wang Chow Coffee Shop and called my wife to inform her that I was left with 8 km to go. She was delighted and told me that she would be waiting for me at the end point.

For the rest of the journey, I was simply walking upslopes and jogging downslopes. Many encouragements and motivation thoughts went thru my mind - the 'tough' training I had undergone; my never-say-die mentality; the thought of my wife waiting for me at the end point etc...all drove me to press on.

I kept telling myself that it should be quite simple as it was just 'left foot forward, and then right foot forward'. I must be going NUTS!!!

One could imagine my joy when I finally arrived at the End Point and was greeted by my wife and the volunteers! I managed to take finisher photos and collected the finisher shirt and medal. Yes! Finally an Ultra-man!

I was too tired to think or even smile. I sat at the finishing point and stoned for 5 minutes before my wife drove me home.

Finishing the Race with a SMILE!

Stoning and Resting

The next day, I woke up and discovered that my left knee and right buttock were aching. Nonetheless, I managed to crawl out of bed and tried on my  finisher tee and medal.

Wearing my prized finisher tee and medal

Wearing my prized finisher tee and medal

the biggest medal I have gotten

the biggest medal I have gotten

AFTERTHOUGHTS

I attribute few factors that enabled me to finish my first ultra-marathon :-

Physical Training and Conditioning

It took me many months of preparation and training in order to complete this event. My accumulative weekly distance of 78 km played an important part. It enabled me to know whether  I was too fast too furious. During some trainings, I alternated running with power-walking (about 5 to 10km) - it was quite embarrassing to walk on public roads but it had proven to be worthwhile as I walked quite a long distance during the 78km event. I opine that I would need to increase my training mileage if I wish to participate in Craze Ultra 2015. I also need to strengthen my legs and knees as they seemed to hurt after 50km.


Mental Strength

Many friends were curious what went through my mind during my run in this event. Honestly, I was not sure and I am still unsure. Nothing much went thru my mind really. I only remember that I had to keep a stable pace in accordance to my pre-planned timing and simply stay positive.

Actually, the 78km run didn't break my will at all. I could have built-up my resilience and tenacity throughout the experience I shared with my wife (during her painful treatments) in the past 2 years. As a spouse, mental endurance and ability to stay positive were important.

CONCLUSION

I achieved my personal record to  run an ultra marathon. It was an enduring, exciting and fun experience. Yes. Fun! 

I was happy that I could complete the run in just below 14 hours (ahead of my pre-planned timings). More importantly, without any injuries!

This was my first ultra-marathon. I am certain that it will not be my last!

Ultra Craze 2015, I will be back!!!