Photo credit to Maui
Ultra Marathon - Route 68
Date : 10 May 2015
Start Time : 6.00am
Cut Off Time : 6.00pm – 12 hours
Venue : Dewan Orang Asli, Gombak
Route : Dewan Orang Asli to Bentong (34km) and Back
Route Course : Rolling Hills, Road Race
Rumblings
I’m pretty sure that I have 50-50 chances in completing this
race. With the location from each checkpoint is between 4.5km to 6.5km apart,
my estimation will be
40 minutes to 1 hour for each. The target goal estimated to
complete this race within 10 hours....Well, I thought so.
Reminisce my inaugural 78km Putrajaya Ultramarathon back in
2014, which was a complete DNF (Did Not Finish) due to several reasons, my leg
hurt (ankle), heatstroke and most
Despicable of all was about 50% of the route completed by walking.
I stopped at 66km (15 hours) – which to me took a wise decision as I was
unhappy with my performance.
Lesson learnt. This time I make sure that I have proper
training and sufficient mileage per week (which I don’t as always). I tried to
achieve 70 to 80 km accumulative mileage per week,
But failed and only satisfied with 50km or so ....if I’m
lucky. Started training in April was not a smart move. However, I did include
30km heat training run, twice I think in April...huhu.
With a sheer determination to complete the race and also
peer pressure as most of crazy running friends already completed several 100km
road race and trail run, I felt I’m lagging behind.
But that feeling doesn’t really matters as based on my
situation, I could not muster with the training regime (with assorted training
plan theories).
Quoted from one of my running friend, En Daud Abdul Manan –
“I can be there on the race day, but don’t have the time to train” (that for
40km distance and above).
Hence, Daud only concentrate on less training and easy
achievable runs – 10km and 21km...he, he.. Perhaps I will follow suit.
My Nutrition,
Plan, Gear
I will entirely depend on Hammer Products for Nutrition
(replenish calories, energy, carbo that will get lost) :
1) Electrolytes – 1 pill for every 30 minutes x how many
hours estimated for the whole run (2 per hour x 10 hours = 20 pills)
2) Perpetuem Solid – each 10km (6 in total)
3) Hammer Gel – 6 gels every 10km
4) Fluid – Plain water (my body will consume on plain water)
My plan – slow run all the way, prevent any injury, blister,
cramp that would damper your performance
Gear – Fenix headlight, cap with flap, arm sleeve,
compression tights, brooks shoe and...concentration
Optional – sunblock, cash money (it will come in handy to purchase
food along the way)
Please ignore the blank face
Race Day
I started slow run-walk strategy. At starting point I felt
that I’m the last runner. No warm up nor stretching on pre-race – proved how
lazy I was.
Still dark. 1st CP
I reached the U-turn point, 34km at Bentong Hot Springs. My
legs are fine, no cramp, whatsoever. What I’m lack of was speed. I reached here almost 11.30am (cut off time here is 12.00 noon).
10km. Still clad in the safety vest and headlight
Hello sunshine.
With the popular landmark where every runners will take a selfie
A little bit more. Caption : "where is that U-turn"...arghh!!
Still not there yet. huhu
Yay!!...just another 4km..wohoo!!
Yup...Reached here alright. Expecting some solid food - none.
Remind me to find the meaning of self sufficient more effectively next time.
Rested a while. 70% of the runners already made their u-turn
– I’m still hanging there.
About 10 minutes, I started to continued my run.
Right Back at cha...I'm starving, famish and dire need for food
This the point that I've been gently reminded of the cut-off time. Watchaa!! Got to go.
Seems like impossible to make it 4.5km in 35 minutes..oh well, here goes nothing.
Hey...I should be smiling coz I made it !! It is just another 16.5km to finish line. Come on!!
Below are photos taken by self dedicated photographers, Thank you all :
at early stage of the race. Mostly cloudy
Photo credit to victor & Elaine
Mr Kevin with the umbrella, always give runners with word of encouragement. Thanks Mr Kevin
I just heard that the runners need to reach Genting Sempah
check point at 3.00pm. The pressure is on! Reached there at 3.15pm. I’m allowed
tocontinue with the race..YAY!!. From Genting Sempah it’s
another 16.5km to the finish line. My leg started to caused unpleasant feeling
– around the ankle (left foot).
I heard that all the runners behind me, estimated around 22
of them, has been disqualified.
3km to the finish line, it’s started to rain heavily. I just
continued on. Finished the race in 12 hours 04 minutes...YAY!! Ok what...the
distance is actually 69km (instead of 68km).
Overall
The race was the longest ultramarathon I’ve ever completed
with dignity and pride – considering the cut off time at the specific
checkpoints. I need to train more and pump more mileage in the bag on the
next ultra race if I intend to do so.
Put in strength training work out on upper body.
The organizer was great in providing the endless flow of
coke and 100 plus isotonic drink. For food – Banana, buns, tiger biscuit were
being served.
It’s not enough for me. Scouring for Nasi Lemak seller along
the route proven to be futile. Genting Sempah was within reach but...no.
Congratulations to all runners whether you complete or not,
whoever you are. It’s not easy but thanking you for just being there, running.
Also thanks to all volunteers for their responsibilities,
for being there to assist us with those cute smiles.
