It was about 16+ km into our run when we entered the enchanted forest. At least that's what it appeared to be. Trees overhead, dimmed light, wet trails and above all, a mist that floated around us. It was the first time I'd seen such a scene, much less in the dense catchment area of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Of course there's a good explanation for it. It had been raining, first drizzle then a topical downpour. The trails were muddy and streams of water were gushing down the slopes. Dark thunder clouds overhead and dense foliage added to the effect. Viola.
We were on our last LSD run before NF100 in two weeks' time. Starting off at MR, the four of us (PK, WD, IN - whom we coerced to join us!) went anticlockwise, via Rifle Range Link/Road toward BTVC in a simulation of what we hoped would be the actual race route. We were doing our normal 8:1 run:walk + walk up every slope strategy, and managed to clock a decent 8 to 9 min/km pace for the first 10 km.
A pit stop at BTVC when the drizzle started, and the customary walk up BT summit. The climb up was much easier than the climb down, no thanks to MRK. It took us 50 minutes (incl the rest stop) to cover these 4 km.
The rain started pouring down heavily by the time we reached Meeting Point 3 at Zhenghua and Chestnut Ave. As usual, we picked up our spears heading toward the old biker course, on the lookout for vicious dogs. My defence was to go for the nose when attacked (just as I would a shark when diving) - at least in theory!
HR was below 160 most of the way except when summiting BT and toward Ganga loop. Fatigue started setting in on the return leg, and my pace slowed. I started shuffling my feet and tripped a few times before a tumble. Good thing I was not hurt. Reminded myself to pick up my feet thereafter.
A little lost at the Durian loop, and lost some time there. I tried the back to start navigation tool on my garmin, but both attempts simply resulted in the unit shutting down. I did not check whether the watch was on, and missed about 4 km of the journey back (hence the fly line on the map).
IN's ITB acted up, and we were gradually falling back. We eventually separated from the other two at the RR road, and brisk walked. At MR, we started a slow run again. Unfortunately, I missed a turn and we ended up at Lornie Road. We ran the last 3 km before a well deserved breakfast at the cafe.
Took us 6:45 to finish 37.5 km. Here's the breakdown:
first 10 km (MR to BTVC): 8 to 9 min/km
11 to 14 km (climb up and down BT summit): 50 min including rest stop at BTVC
15 to 18 km (Gangsa loop): about 8 to 10 pace due to heavy rain
19 to 27 km (back to BTVC): 9 to 12 pace
balance (back to MR): 10 to 13 pace - more walk than run due to ITB
View run in Garmin connect.
The positives:
Compression tights and electrolyte pills helped! So we are going to stick with what works.
Cool weather
No blisters despite wet shoes and socks. The blister guard helped, so did the injini socks.
The negatives:
How would our pace be affected by hot weather?
Long pit stops
Check points cut off
We only found out about the check point cut off times when we collected our race pack that afternoon. Need to work out a strategy ;|
Found out that our route on race day will bring us further north to Mandai and the famous hill 265. The good news is that hill 265 is no more a hill, just level ground.
Counting down to Oct 24!
Showing posts with label trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trail. Show all posts
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
TLog: Be careful what you wish for
So I was lamenting that I wasn't doing enough trail runs, and when I read my training program for this week - yes you'd guessed it - coach prescribed four trail sessions!
Wed: Explored the jungle trail at Tampines MTB. It's more like some of the Zhenghua trails - narrow and windy. There are a number of wooden bridges/rams for bikers to get their highs. Most are short and straight but the curved ramps are more interesting. One sharp curve is angled ... ought to be fun. Each extended loop (perimeter + jungle trail) is about 3.7km. Did 2 loops plus a cursory run up the slopes to make 10km.
Thu: 1hr 45 min run, which turned out to 2hr 15 min.
MacRitchie reservoir at 7 am in the morning is really pretty. But many tai-chi enthusiasts were already there. I thought the mist floating above the reservoir was so reminiscent of the scene we saw at the control towers lake during our Monday's ride. However when I took another look at the sky above the mist, it was strangely dark. Just 100m into the trail, I knew it was going to storm. The light became so dim that I could hardly see.. it's like twilight, minutes before dark.
It felt like running in a temperate country. The temperature inside the nature reserve would have been lower than 20 deg C.
The weather held up for a good hour, before it drizzled and then poured. Buckets. "Why is it that it usually rain when I run trails?" I asked rhetorically. Of course! The trails are in the nature reserve. And nature reserve collects water for the reservoirs. Duh.
For the first time I turned right toward Rifle Range Link. That segment is rocky, with a small stream and make-shift steps up a brown slippery bank. I took a turn after the bank junction on the right (there were two pillars at the entrance), but that led me to a path besides a wide downstream canal (with teeth at the end of every step). The path became narrower as I went, and my suspicion was confirmed. This path led to a dead end (electrified?) fence with a no trespassing sign on it.
Back tracked and took the left path instead. This turned out to be the right one, and stopped at another military-like camp and a well paved road. The map said that this road would lead to Bt Timah Nature Reserve, so I went down the road. Up and down. Not fun, considering that my trail shoes were well and stiff. Met a Caucasian runner, and we seemed to be the only two crazy souls running in the heavy rain.
Made a u-turn even though I wanted to go to the end of Rifle Range Road, coz of another appointment at the office. The way back was more challenging as I had puddles to contend with. I avoided puddles as I could not tell what's under, and didn't want to risk a twisted ankle.
By the time I got back to golf link, the rain had subsided, but not the swishy sounds of my wet shoes. So much for goretex.
Oh yes, I must mention the lovely song birds - must be dozens of them - singing and congregated among trees along one section of the golf course. Delightful.
And I could have been mistaken that I was not in Singapore: met 6 caucasian ladies - two pairs running together, and another two by themselves. These two passed me during the last stretch. One had a nice perfume on. Perfume for a run? Then there was a group of three caucasian guys running in clockwise direction about 2 km from the end. Not to mention several others. There was a pair of French (?) guys even. I also recall seeing a high proportion of non-locals at the progressive run. There must be some cultural thing about trail running, no?
Pretty much drained by the time I reached back to the carpark. 15 km, averaging a shade below 9 min/km pace.
Would my legs hold out for Saturday's 30 km run? We'll see.
Wed: Explored the jungle trail at Tampines MTB. It's more like some of the Zhenghua trails - narrow and windy. There are a number of wooden bridges/rams for bikers to get their highs. Most are short and straight but the curved ramps are more interesting. One sharp curve is angled ... ought to be fun. Each extended loop (perimeter + jungle trail) is about 3.7km. Did 2 loops plus a cursory run up the slopes to make 10km.
Thu: 1hr 45 min run, which turned out to 2hr 15 min.
MacRitchie reservoir at 7 am in the morning is really pretty. But many tai-chi enthusiasts were already there. I thought the mist floating above the reservoir was so reminiscent of the scene we saw at the control towers lake during our Monday's ride. However when I took another look at the sky above the mist, it was strangely dark. Just 100m into the trail, I knew it was going to storm. The light became so dim that I could hardly see.. it's like twilight, minutes before dark.
It felt like running in a temperate country. The temperature inside the nature reserve would have been lower than 20 deg C.
The weather held up for a good hour, before it drizzled and then poured. Buckets. "Why is it that it usually rain when I run trails?" I asked rhetorically. Of course! The trails are in the nature reserve. And nature reserve collects water for the reservoirs. Duh.
For the first time I turned right toward Rifle Range Link. That segment is rocky, with a small stream and make-shift steps up a brown slippery bank. I took a turn after the bank junction on the right (there were two pillars at the entrance), but that led me to a path besides a wide downstream canal (with teeth at the end of every step). The path became narrower as I went, and my suspicion was confirmed. This path led to a dead end (electrified?) fence with a no trespassing sign on it.
Back tracked and took the left path instead. This turned out to be the right one, and stopped at another military-like camp and a well paved road. The map said that this road would lead to Bt Timah Nature Reserve, so I went down the road. Up and down. Not fun, considering that my trail shoes were well and stiff. Met a Caucasian runner, and we seemed to be the only two crazy souls running in the heavy rain.
Made a u-turn even though I wanted to go to the end of Rifle Range Road, coz of another appointment at the office. The way back was more challenging as I had puddles to contend with. I avoided puddles as I could not tell what's under, and didn't want to risk a twisted ankle.
By the time I got back to golf link, the rain had subsided, but not the swishy sounds of my wet shoes. So much for goretex.
Oh yes, I must mention the lovely song birds - must be dozens of them - singing and congregated among trees along one section of the golf course. Delightful.
And I could have been mistaken that I was not in Singapore: met 6 caucasian ladies - two pairs running together, and another two by themselves. These two passed me during the last stretch. One had a nice perfume on. Perfume for a run? Then there was a group of three caucasian guys running in clockwise direction about 2 km from the end. Not to mention several others. There was a pair of French (?) guys even. I also recall seeing a high proportion of non-locals at the progressive run. There must be some cultural thing about trail running, no?
Pretty much drained by the time I reached back to the carpark. 15 km, averaging a shade below 9 min/km pace.
Would my legs hold out for Saturday's 30 km run? We'll see.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bt Timah Nature Reserve orientation
I was somewhat hesitant about today's trail recce of Bt Timah hill. For one, I have heard how tough the slopes are (indeed they are formidable), but I was more worried about the downslopes. Treacherous, slippery, narrow are some of the adjectives I have heard. In my mind, I see the steep ski slopes that, well, accentuated my fear of heights. There. I said it.
Started off at the Bt Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Center with WD, a fellow NF100 participant who was new to BT trails like me. We used the route mapped out by PK. My game plan was slightly altered after speaking to the nice helpful gentleman at the info counter. Did the Senapang Link-Belukar-Hindhede Way anti-clockwise instead of clockwise, on his advice. Bikers go anti-clockwise and it is safer to go the same direction.
The first loop is Hindhede Road- Jungle Fall Path - Seraya Loop - Dairy Farm Loop- Catchment Path - Cave Path- Hindhede Rd. The first 200 m were steep upslope. Until the turn, when we were greeted with even a steeper slope! Supposed to be 30-35 degree incline, but felt steeper. My strategy is to simply walk the upslopes. This was the easy part, as it turned out to be. The rest of the trails were steep steps up and down. What run? We were just climbing and walking!
After much huffing and puffing, we were at the summit. No view, unfortunately, due to the tall trees. To add insult to injury, when we were back at Hindhede Road, we took almost 50 min and the distance covered was only 3.5km! Gosh!
One new thing we learnt today was walking down backwards. A few elderly gentlemen were going down Hindhede Road backwards, and we did the same. Amazingly, I found that it helped stretched my hamstring and was very refreshing. Nice trick!
We started off the second loop up Hindhede path, but took the walker's path by mistake. That took up to a viewing point of the quarry. It was a gorgeous sight, so the detour was worth the while. Back on track, we resorted to more walking. The trails on the western part were more challenging, and took us a longer time. Once we were on the Belukar path, it was familiar territory. Past the rifle range and back to the Visitor Center. Amazingly we took 2 hours (not counting stoppage time, another 30 min or so) to cover 10.7 km! Probably the slowest run ever.
That is why trail experts recommend running by time instead of distance where trails are concerned.
Thanks to WD for accompanying me! The conversation made the whole run less of an ordeal. It was a good workout, more of a hike than a run. I am more optimistic that Bt Timah hill is not going to be my nemesis. I think endurance - lasting 8 to 9 hours - may be. Where's the Energizer Bunny?
View route in Garmin connect.
Started off at the Bt Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Center with WD, a fellow NF100 participant who was new to BT trails like me. We used the route mapped out by PK. My game plan was slightly altered after speaking to the nice helpful gentleman at the info counter. Did the Senapang Link-Belukar-Hindhede Way anti-clockwise instead of clockwise, on his advice. Bikers go anti-clockwise and it is safer to go the same direction.
The first loop is Hindhede Road- Jungle Fall Path - Seraya Loop - Dairy Farm Loop- Catchment Path - Cave Path- Hindhede Rd. The first 200 m were steep upslope. Until the turn, when we were greeted with even a steeper slope! Supposed to be 30-35 degree incline, but felt steeper. My strategy is to simply walk the upslopes. This was the easy part, as it turned out to be. The rest of the trails were steep steps up and down. What run? We were just climbing and walking!
After much huffing and puffing, we were at the summit. No view, unfortunately, due to the tall trees. To add insult to injury, when we were back at Hindhede Road, we took almost 50 min and the distance covered was only 3.5km! Gosh!
One new thing we learnt today was walking down backwards. A few elderly gentlemen were going down Hindhede Road backwards, and we did the same. Amazingly, I found that it helped stretched my hamstring and was very refreshing. Nice trick!
We started off the second loop up Hindhede path, but took the walker's path by mistake. That took up to a viewing point of the quarry. It was a gorgeous sight, so the detour was worth the while. Back on track, we resorted to more walking. The trails on the western part were more challenging, and took us a longer time. Once we were on the Belukar path, it was familiar territory. Past the rifle range and back to the Visitor Center. Amazingly we took 2 hours (not counting stoppage time, another 30 min or so) to cover 10.7 km! Probably the slowest run ever.
That is why trail experts recommend running by time instead of distance where trails are concerned.
Thanks to WD for accompanying me! The conversation made the whole run less of an ordeal. It was a good workout, more of a hike than a run. I am more optimistic that Bt Timah hill is not going to be my nemesis. I think endurance - lasting 8 to 9 hours - may be. Where's the Energizer Bunny?
View route in Garmin connect.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Nature reserve trails
I was curious to get hold of maps of the many trails that we came across last Sat - Kampong, Belukar, Gangsa, Butterfly, etc. So I looked up my street directory and was pleasantly surprised to find most of these trails there!
However, the trails toward the reservoir were not mapped. Perhaps they are secondary trails.
The good news is this message from the NF100 organizers:
However, the trails toward the reservoir were not mapped. Perhaps they are secondary trails.
The good news is this message from the NF100 organizers:
"there will be trail markings on the actual race day. :-) (And we will seek approval from
National Parks to put up markings for the Sept progressive run too.)"
Monday, July 6, 2009
North Face 100 Singapore 2009: registered
Signed up with PK for the Singapore installment of North Face 100, scheduled for Oct 24. Each runner are to cover 50 km within 9 hours time limit. This is a trail run with route made known only one week before the actual race.
Our team name: fanaticsRus
Some other names: painmongers, thereasonwerun, weluvP.A.I.N.
And now to train for this race ...
Our team name: fanaticsRus
Some other names: painmongers, thereasonwerun, weluvP.A.I.N.
And now to train for this race ...
Monday, October 6, 2008
The North Face 100
This is the route for the Singapore NF100 race on Oct 4, 2008.
8 hours cut off. Hydration packs required. Many DNF.
Great pix and description from teelee!
8 hours cut off. Hydration packs required. Many DNF.
Great pix and description from teelee!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Trail run at Tampines Mountain Bike Park
Aug 30, 7 am
Got a break today from school duties, so headed down to Bedok Reservoir early this Sat morning. Tekko and acleong had organized a trail run to the newly discovered Tampines Mountain Bike Park. A group of about 10 SGRunners were already there at the monument entrance. After introductions (nice to meet you guys - Bee, M, studs, acleong, K20Z, Vortex, limwja, trailblazer, late starter, runstep) and photo-taking, we set off at a slow run (!) to Tampines Ave 9.
The terrain was soft, muddy and narrow in places (due to recent rain). The trails were well marked, but at times we seemed to be going in circles. But what a gorgeous view when we reached the top. The elevation is not very high (50m), but we could see Tampines, Pasir Ris and Bedok from there.
Interestingly, there was a table with two attached chairs up on one of the hills. Would be nice for picnic and a cup of coffee late in the evening. Estimated distance within MTB was 4 km. Highest elevation on barren hill is 50 m.
Glad for the slow pace through the park as I was a little sore from yesterday's 24 km LSD run and the 48 km ride the day before. Parted company with the group upon leaving the park, and headed for breakfast with the family.
View Larger Map
Got a break today from school duties, so headed down to Bedok Reservoir early this Sat morning. Tekko and acleong had organized a trail run to the newly discovered Tampines Mountain Bike Park. A group of about 10 SGRunners were already there at the monument entrance. After introductions (nice to meet you guys - Bee, M, studs, acleong, K20Z, Vortex, limwja, trailblazer, late starter, runstep) and photo-taking, we set off at a slow run (!) to Tampines Ave 9.
The terrain was soft, muddy and narrow in places (due to recent rain). The trails were well marked, but at times we seemed to be going in circles. But what a gorgeous view when we reached the top. The elevation is not very high (50m), but we could see Tampines, Pasir Ris and Bedok from there.
Interestingly, there was a table with two attached chairs up on one of the hills. Would be nice for picnic and a cup of coffee late in the evening. Estimated distance within MTB was 4 km. Highest elevation on barren hill is 50 m.
Glad for the slow pace through the park as I was a little sore from yesterday's 24 km LSD run and the 48 km ride the day before. Parted company with the group upon leaving the park, and headed for breakfast with the family.
View Larger Map
Sunday, June 29, 2008
MacRitchie 15k trail run with SGRunners
June 29, 2008
Tin tin in Cleveland Ohio talked me into signing up for this run, organized by SGRunners. It is a 15 k trail run from MacRitchie Reservoir to Upper Pierce Reservoir. I have not run MacRitchie before (just goes to show how "swa-ku" I am), and always wanted to try trail running. So at 7 am this Sunday morning, I found myself fortunate enough to get one of the last few car parking lots at MacRitchie Reservoir.
What's interesting for me, other than the trail itself, was to meet many other runners. The MR25 regulars made an impression ... many are veterans but they are likely to give some of the younger folks a run for their money.
That alone, is inspiration enough for me. For a long long time.
Brokie briefed us prior to the run, and after a couple of pictures, we set off. Paced JJ for a while and chatted with him on how informative his blog is. Then caught up with tin tin at the SICC course, and that was when the slopes started to hit us. Had to walk up the "monster" slope (it was only 60m elevation), but then the stretch between Upper and Lower Pierce was sufficient reward! It was really lovely to simply enjoy the open-ness of the SICC greenery and water.
Took a water break at the restroom (about 5 ~ 6 km) and waited for the other runners. Met up with many folks - gentle, tiwazz, teelee, reno, LaserRunner, roadrunner3, feetofflury, TLR and many others.
Here's a pix (courtesy of kayano) of tin tin and lilu75 (go for the Sydney marathon!):
Spoke with feetofflury during the second water break. Good luck on your AHM and Korea run, and all the best in qualifying for Boston! Some stretches of the trail back was rather difficult to run ... had to walk down the slopes intertwined with tree roots.
Thanks, ultraman, for marshaling us and pointing out the location of the Japanese shrine. And also a big thanks to the other sweepers!
Towards the end, another runner ahead of me stopped at a junction and asked me which way to go. Fortunately, another runner (studs) came up and directed us the right way! Otherwise we might have gone for another 8 km. Thanks!
What's interesting for me, other than the trail itself, was to meet many other runners. The MR25 regulars made an impression ... many are veterans but they are likely to give some of the younger folks a run for their money.
That alone, is inspiration enough for me. For a long long time.
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