Craze Ultra, Singapore - or should it be Haze Ultra? 43km

4 words describe this race: Hot, humid, hazy, hard.

I arrived early in the morning as I wasn’t able to go back to sleep so went over to MacRitchie at just after 5am. I collected my race back and sat for a bit watching people set up and get ready. I was annoyed with myself for forgetting to buy a throwaway bottle of water for before the race (I knew I needed everything in my bottles and bladder to get to the first checkpoint), but eventually discovered there was a vending machine near the toilets! I chatted to a few other runners, and met others who did Twilight Ultra earlier in the year. As we neared the first start time of 7am, the atmosphere was buzzing. Ben did a briefing and told us a few things about the route, which came in very handy later on! 

Runner Mike was there - had to pose as this is my first race towards MM status!

Ben talking to himself....

My start time was 7.27, by which time all those running longer had gone. I started near the back of my wave, and we were off! I ran/walked for a couple of kilometres, along a road that had a lot of building work going on. I checked my heart rate and realised it was around 160 when I ran which is not sustainable for such a long race so I decided around then to walk fast. I also think it was then I decided I am an ultra walker rather than runner. I can run walk up to a half in the heat but will walk anything over that as I can never keep my heart rate down. I could see a few runners ahead but no one behind although I know there were a few there. I got a few kms in and saw a group of 78km runners sitting in a restaurant having breakfast. I think that was a great idea, and will definitely think about that when I try 78km next year. Just before the race Sam told me the course was ‘undulating’ and he was definitely right about that! This made it hard to see people in front and behind, although we spread out pretty quick anyway. Luckily I knew from the briefing that we would see an entrance to Mandai road before we got to our turning for it, so I knew to ignore the first one. I kept going but always checked the map to make sure I was on the right track! I got to Mandai road again but could not see the checkpoint - I soon realised there were 2 parts to the road, and that I needed the other one…..

The checkpoint was a very welcome sight. Friendly faces and offers of help to re fill bladders and bottles. I was given nutella bread, bananas and watermelon. The support and encouragement from the volunteers was amazing. We also got scanned here so results would be uploaded to racematix and people could follow us online. As I was about to leave a group of 78km runners arrived, and we started chatting. They informed me that we were allowed to upgrade our distance if we wanted, and that I should join them! Thankfully telling them I have a 50km next weekend worked. The peer pressure did almost crack as it had been pretty lonely until I met them……

I spent a great 10km in their company, chatting and certainly did not need the map as they knew the route well. Sadly chatting meant I paid little attention to the route so would not know how to get back. It was great to have company. We ran a bit, walked a lot and generally had a few laughs along the way. I found out about lots of other Singapore races, and was told a bit about the route. We started to see 43km runners who were on their way back. I had no idea that we were going up to the crossing to Johor, so this was kind of cool to see as we got to that area. I guess on a normal day the view of Johor would have been amazing, but sadly the haze was pretty bad at this point, so we couldn’t see much at all. We got to the checkpoint which was pretty busy with people running longer preparing for the next section. I chatted to a few people, took some photos and then we all headed in our different directions. 

I felt really alone at this point, and was wondering if I should have tried for 78km! I carried on and later saw the runners behind me in the 43km, waved at them and continued knowing I may well not see anyone until the checkpoint. I passed a bus stop and two bemused teenagers were trying to figure out what I was doing, and as I passed them they read my bib (that says “I am nuts”) and started giggling. As I walked on, a lot of people seemed to know I was in a race and gave words of encouragement. This really helped. I decided I would allow myself a break to use the internet every 5km so that I at least had contact with friends to help. It was also fun checking racematix to see how others were doing. I did think about getting my headphones out, but decided instead to just use this as thinking time and listen to the sounds of the city and parks as I went past. 

Before Checkpoint 1 came again, I went through the park connector and swear it was twice as long  on the way back. I realised the benefits of company and  distraction. I did meet another runner here and passed him, he was also doing 43km. He caught up with me at the checkpoint when we finally made it out of the never ending park connector! The checkpoint was a lot quieter this time, and again a welcome break. I refilled, ate, drank and used the portaloos. The volunteers were so friendly and helpful again. They told me it was only 12km to go….lol. 

This lead me on to a lesson most English teachers have taught using intonation, where we highlight a word and when this is emphasised the sentence has one meaning, but emphasising a different word can give a different meaning. This kept on in my head. Its ONLY 12km - meaning it isn't far compared to what you have already done. It’s only 12km - 12 emphasised makes the number sound important and big. This really wasn't a good example of what I was thinking about intonation teaching BUT it certainly gave me a distraction as I tried to get through the last bit. Funny how your brain starts working after being out this long…..

I got to 37km and realised I had somewhere between 6 and 8km to go. 6 sounded do-abe but 8 impossible! So I focussed on 6 and tried to take it 1km at a time. It was tough being alone for this bit, but I knew I just had to get on with it. I tried taking it one km at a time and focussed on the fact I had done 37km already so was almost there. I played lots of mind games and this worked until I had done 43km. I could then tell myself it was almost over….surely! 

The last stretch was hot and hard. I knew I was on the right road but was sure it hadn’t been this long on the way! I kept stopping to check the map as I was worried about missing the entrance to MacRitchie. I swore a lot and wished the run wasn't so over distance but kept going regardless. I finally turned the last corner and heard volunteers clapping. It felt like forever, and then I had to go through and get my photo taken. The last thing I wanted at that moment but I do like the photo :) When I was finally able to sit I was offered vast amounts of food and drinks by volunteers and given time and space to unwind and realise what I had just achieved!

My legs after the race!

Overall I was impressed with everything about the event. The only hard bit was spending so much time alone as everyone spreads out so much, but that can change if I run/walk with friends next time. I will certainly do it again, probably 78km, if I am here next year! My watch measured a distance of 45.76km!

TMBT 12km run - Sabah, Malaysia 29th August 2015

I decided to do the TMBT 12km race as it was near the end of my contract in Sabah and I wanted to do a race that was truly Sabah style. I did consider the 25km race but as I am not training or able to train easily in the required terrain, I stuck with 12km to see what it was like. That turned out to be a sensible decision!

Kit ready for action

Toilet stop

Race kit pick up was very interesting, there was a great buzz and I caught up with runners I know from Kuching and KK. It was great to see how the kit checks worked just in case I want to go further at some point, and watch those preparing for the 50 and 100km races. It was a little confusing as you had to go to the information desk first but I didn't even see it as there were so many people! I went straight to the room but then got told to go and fill in forms. I picked up my kit and extra Sabah t shirts as souvenirs, and then thought about what I was about to do. I saw a lot f people with poles, so I decided I would take them with me. 

I had been concerned about leeches, and this had provoked a hilarious conversation between some friends on Facebook, about prevention and how to kill them if they do find you. As a result, I went and bought some mysterious clear liquid and some tobacco. I did feel more prepared and not so scared of leeches just by having these items. (I did learn from runners at the race that when you do this, the teeth may get left inside you, but using an antibacterial plaster on the area for 2 days after will ensure no infection…..)

On the morning of the race there was also the Bersih 4 and I realised my yellow race shirt may be mistaken for a Bersih 4 shirt at the roadblock, especially in the dark! I wore an orange t-shirt on top just for driving, which worked, I got waved on by the police. I arrived at Sutera and parked easily. They had toilets that weren’t too bad, and then I sat down and put my shoes and socks on before finding the minibus. I was on a bus with 7 local guys who had never done a trail run before and there was a lot of excitement and trepidation about what it might be like. They told me rain was forecast, but thankfully the drive was clear and we had beautiful views of Mount Kinabalu. There was a rest stop for toilets as there was no guarantee of toilets at the start line due to water supply issues. We arrived at the start around 20 minutes before the race began. We had to cross a rope bridge to reach the start and there was a lot of confusion about bags. We had seen online that everyone had to take bags to the hall near the start, but the drivers of the 12km buses told us they were taking our bags to the finish. We all decided to trust the drivers as when we asked officials no one seemed to know! The drivers promised our bags would be at the finish - and they were! It turns out the instruction was only for the 25km runners who were starting at the same time. I checked in in the hall, then went off to find the start line. The toilet queue was completely insane so I was glad I went at the petrol station!

Views of Mount Kinabalu on the way

Crossing the bridge to the starting line

View from the start!

Ready to go!

I met some people at the start line, and found out the guy lives in Nilai so we chatted about that and what it is like to live there. Three of us started together, and tackled the steep hill just after the start line together too. I ran/walked with them for a few km, then went ahead a little as they stopped to sort out some water issues. The hill proved killer for quite a few people, who reported feeling dizzy. It was also pretty hot, Suunto said the first part of the race was 37.3 degrees! A lot of people sat down to rest. I then walked with some doing the 25km category, and they jokingly said they wished it would rain to cool things down. A wish we discussed later in the jungle when we were definitely glad this did not happen! 

After about 4.8km we reached the first water station, and as we entered the hall, our wristbands were scanned. This got uploaded to racematix, so people could track us…except there was no internet access so my first scan didn't show up until long after I finished the race! The hall was a bit disorganised, there were half empty 500ml bottles of water everywhere. I grabbed 2 full bottles and refilled my electrolytes. I also drank 500 ml of water there as I was extremely hot. I left with one of the 25km runners, and we found the turn into the jungle. 

The waterstation

The path was narrow and it wasn't long until we found a pretty steep uphill section. It was treacherous. I was extremely grateful for my poles as they saved me from falling on several occasions. Parts of the path were narrow and there was a 100ft plus drop on the other side. This combined with slippery footing meant that leeches because the last of my worries. I kept wondering if anyone would hear me fall. 

Parts of the path I was with people but for some sections I was totally alone. It was quite an odd feeling. I knew people were around but could not see anyone in front or behind in quite a few places. The path was very well marked with red and white caution tape, and even at junctions it was easy to figure out which way to go. Some parts of the path we saw locals on their way to pick durians. There was lots of stinky fruit around, and I do remember thinking that was NOT the last thing I wanted to remember if I died out there! It became a mental battle early on. The whole time my heart rate was high and so despite wanting to move faster I just didn't want to risk anything. I also did not want to get injured from falling over tree routes or slipping. At times, when you looked up you could see people on the path and how high you had to go. I managed to persuade myself to get up by saying there is a downhill after. But of course the downhill in this terrain was worse than the uphill. My knees were pretty sore, I was glad I had KT tape on them for sure. 

I need to be reborn as a mountain goat....

We got to one bit and some locals offered rambutan to give us energy. The guy even offered to help by giving me his hand to help me down the last bit of a slope, but I had already resigned myself to sitting and sliding down as it was so steep! This village turned out to be a saviour. The paths were a bit easier through it and they had a shop. Not cold, but the can of 100 plus I bought there helped me along. The villagers also gave a lot of encouragement. A bit later, a group of villagers had iced milo and offered us that, I realised then I was possibly suffering from  mild heatstroke and so cooling down a bit was welcome. 

We reached one point where the 25km runners told the 12km runners….satu bukit lagi! Just one more hill. I had thought about stopping in the village as it was becoming tough, but just one more hill…maybe I can do that! I looked up and saw how many people were on the hill…..ie it was high! I passed a group of 50km runners sitting on the floor saying don't judge us! I replied i was in no position to judge anyone brave enough to even try further than 12! There was a lot of swearing at the bottom of the hill from me and the 25km bunch. What have we got ourselves into? But then we started. It was hard but at the top I realised there was no turning back now, I had to finish. Then I saw the rope…….

Thankfully I watched how to use the rope before I tried it. The guy in front went down as if he was abseiling, and didn't look back, just found his footing. This turned out to be the way to go! But at the end of the rope it was still pretty steep! A few more sections had rope too. I think the river was at the bottom of this bit. We talked through rubber plantations (smelt like copydex glue!) as well as stinky fruit areas. 

I saw the river and watched people go across. A bunch of people on the other side were putting shoes back on so I decided shoes off was the way forward. I took off my shoes and socks and went to hold the rope that stopped us getting dragged off by the current! It was not easy. The helped came and he took my shoes and poles across for me so I had both hands to hold myself up! I dusted my feet off and out my shoes back on. I waited for another guy to come across then we set off together. We then found out that satu bukit lagi was not quite correct. We were standing at the bottom of yet another hill! Thankfully not quite as big. A few of us did stand at the bottom and burst out laughing at how crazy we must be. Then we got on with it. At the bottom of that hill, the terrain changed and we started walking through rice paddies. It was beautiful. We could hear thunder and the clouds went grey. The next bit took us alongside a river, which was not easy as we were walking on rocks covered in wire, so I was glad the rain didn't quite start at that point! We meandered round and could see race officials on the other side of the river. Some parts of the path were very narrow, but we found the bridge and crossed it. Sadly the photographer was off changing a lense so I have no finisher photo. I made it to the end, saw the line, got given a medal as I was scanned and that was it. No information given about where our bags might be or where we might get water! It was very disappointing after such a hard race. I managed to get one photo at the finish line, then got told the bus was about to leave! No one seemed to know where bags were, but i found them in a pile in the middle of the hall. I also thankfully found a bottle of water. I really wanted to change into the spare clothes I had but was told to get on the bus and we left immediately! I was also concerned about waiting to see if the people I started with finished (I made it within 20 minutes of cut off and was hoping they made it - I later found out they did with a few minutes to spare. 

The bus journey was ok, I was again in a van full of guys, this time 8 of them. We chatted about the race and a few times started realising what we had just done! As we made it back to internet access, photos of Bersih 4 rallies got shared and there was a laugh at the roadblock as we were all wearing yellow….but with a hint of mud so they let us through! We got dropped off at Sutera Harbour just as there run was kicking off (the annual 7km run) so I had no chance to get changed. I really needed food and drink, but faced with road closures and nowhere to change I had to drive to Kinarut. It was not an easy drive, I realised my snacks were all in the boot as was my water, and there are no easy places to stop on the way. Thankfully I made it to Kinarut, changed my trousers in the car park as they were really muddy. I then headed upstairs with my clean clothes and the friendly staff at Langkah Syabas got me a lime juice ready while I used the toilets to have a quick wet wipe wash and changed my clothes. I had a curry and smoothie too which was just what  I needed.

I iced my knees at home even though they weren't too sore any more. They were a little swollen and stiff, but actually apart from aching arms from pulling on ropes, I came out pretty much unscathed! 

I learnt a lot from this race which will help me in the trail ultra I am doing in the UK in November (Druid’s Challenge). When a race director recommends poles, take them! So many people even with poles fell over more than once! There was only one moment I felt like they were a pain to carry - but if I had had my Salomon pack there is a special space for them anyway! (I only didn't take the Salomon pack as the bladder only carries 1.5 litres and I needed more for this race!) I also made new friends and found out how my body reacts to the terrain and heat. Thankfully I have a few weeks in the UK where I can train in coastal terrain so I should be a lot more prepared. IF I am able to get to KK in time for collection, I would probably do the 12km one more time before taking on anything longer, unless I can find somewhere outside KL to train hard before trying 25km.