This post is a talk through of the Sundown route. Will be touching of some of my thoughts (quite a few of them), changes compared to last year. For those thinking of attempting this race next year, i will also be stating some of the obstacles i face this year. (*note: not using last year experience, as I'm fatigue before race). This post i presume will be pretty long, most probably will have another shorter post on how i want to train for a comfortable sub 4 for future races.
Nothing much changed on the overall route, same water points and major landmarks.
Started out at the front pack, instead of being stuck in the middle compare to last year. This year, the organizers actually closed 2 lanes on coastal for the first 5km of the run. A good improvement as expected participants had increased, cant be making all of them running on the pathetic park connector path.
Followed the pacers, find their pace pretty fast for the first 10km. But they explained that its used to compensate for the later on hilly route. First 10km was to exit coastal and start entering ECP, was running with Sunny till this portion.
Along ECP, there is nothing much to talk about, still fresh as the real show starts after the red route. Expecting to see Tiong Han and the rest at Victoria JC but missed them as the pack is pretty focused on their run. In fact at the end of ECP, felt that i could increase my pace abit more. However decided to hold back and stick behind the pacers.
Compare with last year: Much stays the same, except pace-wise.
Blue Route aka Heartland Twist (6km): Did a familiarise run for this portion hence don't find it really much a threat. Undulating grounds and 2 bridges are the main obstacles, the pack continue with the same cadence for these obstacles. Foot step can be smaller, breathing will get some impact, but soon we recover from them.
Compare with last year: Improved alot for this stretch. Not longer the dragon trail, as i find it 'shorter' now. Due to constant cadence and momentum of run, the aches didn't hit me that much.
Green Route aka Waterfall Front (7km): Reaching Bedok Reservoir, only left me pacing behind the 2 pacers. Pretty proud of my own achievement at this portion. Looking forward to the Tampines PCN where 'everyone' will be supporting me. Hitting the 30km mark aka break-down mark, hoping to get to the PCN fast so i can reset my visualise focus for the next phase. My training fam, running from ECP (VJC), Blue Route and a portion of the Green Route (PCN).
Reaching 32km, still pleased with our timing and pace. 1hr more for remaining 10km, means a good 6mins/km pace. This point is also where i saw my 'supporters', well camo in the dark pavilion along the PCN. Not sure where their hands are going.. Knew that one of them got to be Wilson for his distinct tone, disrupted their happy moment and end it fast with just a '5'. Pretty focus for the race, hence no time for coffee chat.
There is a small variation in the 'detailed' route provided by the officials at red nano.
Not a very big problem. Turning point different. Didn't affect distance.
Compare to last year: Was quite distracted by the turns at the Pasir Ris area. However, this year, by focusing on the pacer, its not an issue.
Yellow Route aka Homerun (7km): Starting from Downtown East. My main worry was the slope located at the Loyang Point. But i was only half correct. Knowing that the slope continues with a slight gradient even after that steep slope. Decided to run ahead of the pacers, with the hope to get a better sub 4 timing.
Along Loyang ave, the road straight to Hendon Camp which i spent 1 year commuting on. Was pretty confident in the route. But cycling and running different story. Never thought the slightest change in the gradient now could affect the landing of my already sore feet. Heart Rate had increased by only 3-5 beats but already feel like hitting threshold.
A left turn into Hendon camp, i remember the ups and downs of the hilly terrain. I didn't do my fam run for this area!! Thinking that last 5km, just suck it up.. But its too much to suck. Now running pass the chalets on my flanks, keep thinking about crossing the bridging to heaven.. But my hopes of getting sub 4hrs is already dashed. With the sight of the bridge straight ahead of me, the marshaller told me to turn left???!!!! And shouting 1km more!
Red is the actual route, orange is what stating in red nano
Confused and bit of frustrated, i just followed what was told. Cross the finishing line with a +/- 30secs.
Compared with last year: This portion of the run, i was already badly battered up, to be able to remember the remaining journey to finish line. Hence the lack of training for this area. The last 1km is really uncalled for. Not sure of the last minute changes but i think i should be more prepared next year for such 'minor' change.
Revenge of the Fallen
C Cube
