Reviewing 2009 Sundown

It was my first Ultra Marathon and the biggest challenge in my running life. I have only had run 2 full marathon and 3 half marathon before. I researched on how to prepare and run such a long distance (84km). Some said, “You need to clock the mileage [...]]]>

Reviewing 2009 Sundown

It was my first Ultra Marathon and the biggest challenge in my running life. I have only had run 2 full marathon and 3 half marathon before. I researched on how to prepare and run such a long distance (84km). Some said, “You need to clock the mileage so that it will never let you down.” So, I run as much as I could day and night. Others said, “Better to have a change of shoes & socks after first half.” So, I followed the suggestion.

I fall short of my expectation. The first half was not bad with 4h7m. But for the second half, I was so miserable.  I keep walking with pain and felt sleepy at the same time. Somehow, I managed to reach the finish line in 10h 42m but my foot nails came off.  The result was unacceptable and decided to try again.

Preparation for 2010 Sundown Ultra Marathon

From March, I started my intensive training. To endure such a distance, I concentrate on increasing the distance. On the weekday I would run a total of 50km in 3-4 days and 20-30km on the weekend.

My race strategy is quite simple. I divided the whole distance into 4 sections and set the pace for each section – 1^st section at 5:30mins, 2^nd at 6:00mins, 3^rd at 6:30mins, and the final 21km at 7:00mins. So, I set my finishing time at 8h45m. During training, I try to maintain the pace at 5m30s, regardless of the distance. I paid more attention on diet and energy supply. I had proper carbohydrate loading and brought adequate energy gels along with me during the run.

Race Day & Result

The race starts at 6pm.  This year the organizer changed the route.  It is much easier than previous year. At least this year there is no traffic lights and bridges to cross over. In fact the new challenge is boredom along the straight continuous road of Changi Coast Road and Aviation Park Road.

The result is ”AMAZING”.  It turns out better than expected.  My legs and knee felt good up till the finishing line.  However, at the start I suffered a terrible blister on my left sole. But I managed to cope with the pain somehow.

I managed to cross the quiet finishing line in 8h 14m 32s.

After the Race

As usual, I collected a finisher’s T and medal. Then, I rushed home to sleep.

The next day, I heard from “Mika-san” that my name was called again and again at the prize presentation. “What a shame!” I missed such a happiest moment in my life. I have no idea when I would have the opportunity to experience it again. Probably it my new challenge – to be on the podium for the next one.

When I joined “MR25” in April, I could not imagine winning a prize in marathon. I was very lucky to win the 2^nd prize in “84km Ultra Men’s Masters Category”. Moreover, I heard “Mika-san” got a 2^nd prize in “84km Ultra Marathon Women’s Masters Category”, too. That’s absolutely “Sugoi-desu”! 2 months after the race, I found the nail of my left big toe is come off. It is time to start my intensive training again for TNF100 in October.

Held on 4th July 2010

1st: Khek Hong Leng (left) 2nd: Cheong Peng Tat (middle) 3rd: Soon Suan Boon (right)

Download the full result: 25km Progressive Run 2010

Download: 25km progressive route

Meeting Point: MacRitchie Reservoir Amenities Centre

Registration is on race day itself and it starts around 6:15am and the race start at 7am sharp.

Download: TimeTrial 2010 Jun

Photographed by Abdul Aziz Agil