- RACE REVIEW: SUNDOWN MARATHON 2012 (10K CATEGORY) By Selly Selina -

- The super boring 10K route -

It was 9.30pm on the last Saturday in May. As soon as I got out of my air-conditioned ride, sweat started trickling down slowly but surely.

Such a humid night! I tried to push this out of my mind, making my way to the bag-deposit place for the 10K runners. Dropping off my bag was quick and painless, so that was a good start.

Found some friends and as we headed to the starting pen together, we searched high and low for some drinking water. I went to the information booth and got glow sticks (cool!) instead. I asked the ladies behind the counter about the location of the nearest hydration station, and they told me it was right in front of the row of toilets near the starting pen.

- At the starting pen -

When we got there, we couldn’t see the hydration station. We asked two more people who were part of the Sundown Marathon crew and they both pointed to different directions.

All we needed was water before the start of a race, and it was this impossible to get? Ridiculous.

Overcome by thirst, we went to join the rest of the 10K runners and before we knew it we were on our way. I was really dreading having to tread boring ol’ Nicoll Highways three times (KM’s 1 to 5 with a u-turn at about 1.5K, and KM 8.5 until the finish) but I really wanted to get that 10K Sundown medal.

So, what can I say about a race that’s predominantly at Nicoll Highway that I haven’t already said before? It’s the same insanely monotonous stretch that’s usually hot hot hot, since there are hardly any trees on this long stretch of road that has become so popular with Singapore race organizers these days. And that night, even though Mr Sun had already gone to bed, was no exception. My body temperature shot up soon after I started running no thanks to the heat that was rising from the asphalt.

And seriously, having 6.5 out of the total 10 kilometres of your race on the same road is disgusting. I know Singapore is small, but it’s not THAT small!

Anyway, once we hit Kallang Riverside Park things got a little dangerous as it was so poorly lit. I consciously slowed down my pace for fear of accidentally stepping on something unstable, which is fine by me as I wanted to take this race slow and steady. But I really sympathise with those people who wanted to run their best race and get a new PB.

The worst part of all was when they made us squeeze into a narrow lane to exit the park and get back onto Nicoll Highway at KM 7+. Runners basically had to come to a halt and queue two-by-two at this point. In the middle of a race!

- 10K race #9 done ! -

I’m sorry, but why not use the set of stairs right next to it that led to the same place anyway? It’s wider and thus accommodates about four to five runners at once. By the time I got there, a couple of guys convinced the guarding volunteers to allow some of us through via these stairs. Of course, those stuck in the “queue” were cursing, but honestly I took the road less taken not to cheat but to not become a sardine in a can!

All in all, I only did this race for two reasons: (1) to get back into running (since my Vancouver Marathon on May the 6th, I'd only run three very easy 5K's with the last one being nine days prior to Sundown), and most importantly, I realized that this was my chance to complete my trio of Sundown Marathon medals from three consecutive years.

At the 2010 edition, I ran my very first half-marathon (or pseudo-21K since it fell short by 3km or so). And the same weekend last year, I completed my most painful Full Marathon (my #2) in a PW timing of 6:16.

- My trio of Sundown Marathon finisher medals -

Will I run Sundown again? Most probably not. After three tries, I’ve realized that late-night races are just not for me!

- Sundown Marathon Full Marathon Race Review: By Izhar aka S'pore Ponytail Runner -

- With Izat, 1 of the fast FREAKS !! -

This year, Sundown fell on the month of May, the month when I lost my beloved dad. This was the very strong reason as to why I desired to do well for the run. I  decided to dedicate this event to him, and relayed the news to the Freedom Freaks.
I am fortunate to have their never ending support, guidance and beliefs in me. This gave me the hope and aspiration to complete the race with a new PB. The Freaks had a chat few days before the race, and one of them predicted that I could do it in 4hr 30mins.
With that in mind, I did some calculation and decided on the pace that I should be maintaining to achieve that desired target.

- Maintaining my pace -

The day came. I consistently told myself not to walk too much, keep up with the pace, have the target in mind, and to just run against all odds, beat the bad cramps and the tiredness in me.
 reminded myself of the targeted time that I should meet at the 15, 21, and 30km mark to achieve that 4hr 30mins. On the 27km mark, I was slowing down tremendously. The weather didn’t help at all. It was pouring. However, the will in me pushed me hard, and I managed to build up the momentum again.
I pushed myself even harder at the final 2km. Crossing the finishing line, I looked up, and said to him, “This is for you dad. I know you’re watching down on me.”

- At the finish line -

4hrs 25mins. The best timing thus far. Running for a cause is indeed easier. I remembered Adam telling me this. Thanks Adam, the Freaks, and all who were there to support the runners.

- With Asree, 1 of the bros who have been giving me the endless support -

SCSM in December. Get the engine to start soon!

Words from Izhar aka S'pore Ponytail Runner.

Pics credit to Asree, Sasha Farina and Defcom's Run Shoot.

- Sundown Marathon is over !! So, what's next ?? -

After a rain-soaked, chilly and sleepy Sundown Marathon, the month of June and early July are gonna be a busy one for some of the Freaks !!
There will be 3 major marathons coming up in the next 5 weeks and the FREAKS are gonna be involved !!
Not all of us though, but quite a big number .....

First up is the Phuket Marathon.

Happening on 10th June 2012, there are gonna be at least 2 Freedom Freaks members who are gonna take part in the event.
As of now, Sam E and Sanae are the ones going to do the Full Marathon event.

Two weeks after that, the next event will be happening at Kuala Lumpur.
One of the major running events in KL is the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012.

This is gonna be the 1st time that Freedom Freaks are joining an event out of Singapore. And there are gonna be many of us joining the event. Be it 10km, 21km or the Full Marathon run !!!
We even created an event list on Facebook.
With a tough and challenging route, we believe this is gonna be one fun run .....

Next up is the Gold Coast Marathon.

Gold Coast is one of the world's most popular holiday destinations known for its sunshine, golden surf beaches, beautiful broadwater and exciting theme parks for all budgets.
The weather conditions in July at Gold Coast are traditionally great for running - low humidity, little or no wind in the morning with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celcius. I hope those joining this event will get their PBs ...... 



All the best to those joining these events.
And also not forgetting those who are running in races locally, do be safe and all the best !!

- Sundown Marathon 2012: 3 more days. Are you excited ???!! -

3 days away from Sundown Marathon 2012. To most, it's the day they have been waiting for. Training hard, slogging to the fullest, some doing their own secret trainings and many other more .....
There are a few Full or Half marathon virgins here too. All the best and good luck. Just aim for completion as we are already a winner after completing a tough race.

Whatever it is, just be confident. You've got no one to prove to of your ability but YOURSELF !!! There will definitely be people waiting for u to fall. Let them be as long as you are happy running and doing what you love most.
Cheers to that ......

Running a marathon is 50% pleasure and 50% pain ... Breathe the pressure and you will be doing just fine.

I'm feeling good and confident.. What about you ??

Personal tips for those tackling this weekend's Sundown Marathon: (Copied from Ben Swee's FB page. Thanks Ben)

1. Wear as little as possible. Bare as much skin as you can or wish to. Helps in sweat evaporation to cool you in the high humidity condition.

2. Drink only when thirsty. O ...ver-drinking might cause stomach discomfort, hyponatremia, vomiting, even death.

3. Race according to how you trained. Don't go faster than your training pace or you might suffer the consequences.

4. Do not fly off the blocks at the start and get caught up with everyone else. Save your energy and you will (most likely) overtake those who started off too fast.

5. Aim to have a Strong Finish, not a Horrid Finish. The Rewards are satisfying if you keep a steady pace :)

6. Thank/Acknowledge the Volunteers/Supporters along the way. You'll Never Run Alone :)

7. When all hopes are almost gone, use the best weapon all of us have. SMILE. :) Optimism is Refreshing.

 

 Once again, best of all luck that are available in the world. And don't forget to smile at the finish line. There are many photographers and supporters waiting for you ...... 

- FREEDOM FREAKS: The meaning behind it. By Joe Woo -

(F)reedom freaks
(R)unners will always
(E)rupt the road with
(E)ndurance &
(D)etermination.
(O)utdo yourself is one,
(M)aintaining your performance is second.

(F)reaks for life,
(R)unning hard & tough.
(E)nsure no one is left behind
(A)lways "believe" in yourself,
(K)eep your faith &
(S)uccess will be tasted.

 

- "Here's my thought and also well wishes to all the FREAKS doing the Sundown Marathon this weekend regardless the distance. Best of luck FFs !!" -

 

- Salomon Tiong Bahru Urban Trail Run 2012 [20 May 2012]: Words by AbsolutHal -

"The second Tiong Bahru Salomon Urban Trail Run offers you the unique opportunity to race along part of the former KTM Railway track. This year's 14km route incorporates about 2.5km of the former track area near Alexandra Village. Besides the chance to run down memory lane, it was an interesting sight to tackle both the  urban, concrete side of Singapore as well as the lush, green aspect of its landscape.
We were also brought to man-made paths intertwine with the surroundings of Mother Nature – stretching across Singapore’s Marang Trail to Henderson Wave.
This event is organised by Tiong Bahru Community Centre Management Committee and Tanjong Pagar, Tiong Bahru Community Sports Club. There are two categories - Men's and Women's Open."

I'm still in 2 minds whether to use my normal running shoes or putting on the pair of VFF which I've never tried running on trails. But since it's gonna be a short 2.5km running on trail, the VFF win hands-down !! 

- The crowd (Pic credit to World of Sports) -

 
With about 1,500 runners expected at the event, the place looked overcrowded as we were gathered at the basketball court of ZhangDe Primary School. Any more than that, I think there are not gonna be any space for the runners to do their warm-up or stretching exercises.

- During our warm-up session (Pic credit to World of Sports) -

 As our usual practice, the Freedom Freaks members who ran met up and did their own warm-up and routine group photo before the race started.

- Fresh faces at the start line (Pic credit to Asree) -

The race started exactly at 0730hrs by the GOH. The first 3km or so was chaotic, especially the right turn right after the start. There are no lane closures and no barriers to separate the runners from the oncoming vehicles. Just the helpful volunteers and the arrows pointing to the direction that we are supposed to go to.

- The jaywalkers (Pic credit to David Wong)

 There are also many runners who decided to cut across the road dangerously instead of running up the overhead bridge. Mind you, there are a total of 4 OHBs in total !!!

After the 5km mark, it was time to climb up the Marang Trail. I got no idea how easy or tough it's gonna be.

- Never ending !! (Pic credit to Asree) -

- Are we there yet ?? (Pic credit to Asree) -

Going up Marang trail to Mt Faber was always a challenge. It seems never ending. Most of the runners actually walked to the top. Yes !! It was damn tough !! After few hundred meters up, I finally reach the top and the best thing to see was a water point. Such a relief for me .....
Running the loops of Mt Faber was good training and of course across the Henderson Wave was the first for me and what a great view it offered. Now I know how Henderson Wave really looks like .....

- Henderson Wave (Pic credit to David Wong) -

Anyway, just found out that I just climbed up less than 80 meters to the top. Not 'few hundred meters' that I initially thought. Hahaha ....

- I was wrong !! (Pic credit to David Wong) -

The trail part of the run was along the railway corridor and only offered 2.5km of it. It was really a painful experience running on small stones and pebbles. But as I was determine to finish up the race as soon as possible, I just ran my usual pace and endure the pain. They said, 'No Pain, No Gain !!'

- A painful experience (Pic credit to Asree)

Some sections of the trail was muddy. But it was great fun, for some, splashing in the mud. But not for me. I was trying to avoid as much mud as possible. I hate to dirty my running shoes !!

- I hate this part (Pic credit to David Wong)

The last 1km was on normal road and it was a relief for my feet at least. The run towards to end point is the same as when we started. A bit more chaotic as there are more vehicles moving on the road at the same time. But credits should be given to the marshallers as they control the traffic with near perfection. Running back was a breeze.

- I can pose better than this (Pic credit to Eye-See-Eye-Shoot) -

Upon reaching the end point, we were given the Finishers' medal. It looked cheap but anyway, it was the 1st hard-earned medal in 2012. More to come !!
 I finished the race in 1hr 42mins. Not an ideal timing, but who cares. Hahaha .... It was one tough run and I'm glad I ran and completed it.

- Check out the cute medal (This pic is mine !!) -

Met up again with the rest of the Freaks who had completed way before me and took a mandatory group pic before we dismissed.

- 1 more please .... (Pic credit to Asree) -

Anyway, if you wanna check the official results, do click here:
- Official Results -

 And as for me, I think I need to buy a new pair of VFF. A new pair just for trail running ......
It hurts, but it feels good ......

- Happy Mother's Day -

To all mothers out there, we at Freedom Freaks would like to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. Hope you had fun today .......

- Energizer Night Trail Singapore 2012: A race review done by Halim Billiejoe -

Lorong Asrama. The place where I used to digged shellscrapes, fire trench, did my 'big business' and involved in defence exercise back in my military days. I’m still wondering why it is called Asrama, which means Hostel in Malay. Anyway, Energizer Singapore Night Trail 2012 was held at this Lorong for the 2^nd time with a new and challenging 18KM category on the 28^th April 2012.

One thing that came to my mind to overcome this challenging race is the Hill 265. Since I took part in the 18KM, I had to run up that steep hill twice and yes, that’s the place where I did my defence exercises many years ago.

- Looking for fellow FREAKS as the crowd is building up -

My goal is to complete within 2 hours. I knew I should have target for a better timing, but since I have something else to do the next morning, I rather take it slow then to get myself injured.

- With some of the FREAKS before the run -

- Last minute tips from the coach -

The atmosphere was great before the race. It started off with words of inspiration from Adam 'Onearmrunner' and warm up exercises from Fitness First. Everyone geared themselves up by switching on their headlights. The one that I received from the racepack was not bright enough and there are runners who brought their own and there are some who didn’t even need one !! I hope nothing bad will happen to them.

- Me and Adam 'Onearmrunner' -

- Flagging-off soon .... -

The race started at 7.30pm. I was using my VFF Spyridon as I had tried running with it at MR and it was really good and comfortable, especially the grip. Things went smoothly for me for the first 6KM until I met the Hill 265. Luckily, there were not many people on the hill as I was ahead of most of them. There was a thick rope to assist us up the hill but I did not really use it because it was on the extreme right and the ground was uneven. So, I just climbed up the hill like a ladder. Once I reached the top, I was really glad I saw the water point as I did not consume any water on the first 6KM. Right after that water point, there were many steep down slopes ahead as most of the runners tried to slow down to avoid tripping. 

My feet hurt a bit as the stones poked through my VFF. Not like the stones at MR, this one was really huge and quite sharp.

I fell down at the 9KM mark after tripping down a big stone. I suffered cuts and abrasions on my right knee and both of my palms. My tights was torn as well. One kind Caucasian lady came up to me and asked if I was ok.

Some of the areas were muddy, and again, runners tried to avoid it, creating congestions. Come on, this is a trail run, not a road run.

I was upbeat when I saw the 12KM mark as I’m almost there. Here I go again running towards the Hill 265 for the 2^nd time. Suka Ada Nyoman overtook me around 13KM.He was really in good shape 6 days after the Bali Marathon. It was 16KM when I reached the bottom of the hill and my god, it was super crowded as runners from the 6KM and 12KM trying to grab hold of the rope to climb up. As a result, the rope became loose and snapped. So what’s next for the runner? They stood in the middle of the hill, catching up their breath while I kept saying "Excuse me" countless times to continue my run till the finishing line.

- Glad it was all over !!-

I was so glad and happy that I completed the race in 1hr 58mins topping up with free Magnum ice cream and ice Milo. Even though this running event is quite an expensive one, it was really worth every penny you forked out for this.

- The customary group pic with fellow FREAKS after the race -

*Thanks to Halim Billiejoe for the review and credits to Asree for the awesome pics.

- A FREAKS in Vancouver: BMO Vancouver Marathon 2012 -

As we blogged earlier, one of our FREAKS, Selly Salina had completed her 5th Full Marathon at the BMO Vancouver Marathon yesterday.
Here are her race review for the awesome run she did.
But before that, we would like to congratulate her for completing the race.


" Wow wow wow, what a race!

As promised, the views of the spanking-new Vancouver Marathon 2012 course were magnificent. From gorgeous tree-lined neighbourhoods of Cambie and West 49 (imagine running underneath leaves of green and deep red), to the forest of Pacific Spirit Park (even spotted a raccoon!), and finally a stunning cityscape with a backdrop of majestic mountains and immensely gorgeous ocean view along the Stanley Park Seawall (although, having to run against the strong sea breeze from KM 31 to 38 was really challenging!). Words can't even describe how breathtaking it was! I really regretted not having a camera with me, for serious. 


And to finally have a clear, sunny Spring morning after three days of rain? I truly felt blessed  :)

- Malaysia & Shoe4Africa reprezent! -

As for the race itself, I must give major snaps to the superb support from the crowd and volunteers. Although not as massive as the NYC Marathon, the Vancouverites who did come out never ceased to cheer us on.

But I gotta say that the killer hills from the start all through KM 14 were B-R-U-T-A-L. There even was a time when we were forced to go up up and up for almost 6K's straight (from KM 8 to 14), steadily climbing about 100m of elevation! This, of course, totally messed up my rhythm. And, worse still, the steep downhills was the beginning of my ankle trouble which stayed with me till the very end.

- The calm before the storm .... -

- So, how insane is it that I actually made a friend while walking to the starting line all because we wore the same Running Skirt?  ;) -

To make matters worse, my tumtum also started acting up early on in the game, but I refused to let it get in the way of my race. I was, however, very worried about how it would react to GU gels but thankfully my tumtum held up and eventually got better.

Just when I thought nothing else could go wrong, for the first time ever in a race I experienced cramps in my calves... At KM 39, no less! This was a major letdown as it prevented me from doing sprints towards the end. In the last mile or so, the cramping became so intense that it threatened to force me to quit running but I knew I had to just HTFU if I wanted a sub-5 finish.

So you can imagine my delight when I heard the emcee announcing my name and "4 hours 59 minutes XX seconds" as I was crossing the finishing line. Did I really make it?

 

- Another metal to add to my collection. FYI I've got five 42K medals so far  ;)  -

Sadly, not according to the result page. Next to my details, the chip time read 5:00:28. I am absolutely gutted :( Why oh why does the official distance have to be 42.59K (read: NOT my Garmin's reading)? That extra 300-or-so-meters robbed me of my second sweet n' sublime sub-5 finish, man!!!  =P

Oh, well. Despite everything that happened today--coupled with my most challenging 42K campaign by far courtesy of (1) the return of an old injury to my right ankle in January, (2) my introduction to ITBS in February, (3) a course of antibiotics no thanks to a persistent cough, as well as a crazy gastric attack in March, and (4) spraining my already injured ankle just two weeks ago--I survived and for that I am truly thankful. 

On to the next one, I say!" 

- Vancouver Marathon 2012... CHECK! -

*A big congrats again to Selly despite not getting a sub 5hr timing. But it's ok, there are more marathons to come !!


You guys can check out her blog too. Click here.

- A FREAKS in Vancouver ...... -

One of our FREAKS, Selly Salina will be doing her 5th Full Marathon at the BMO Vancouver Marathon this Sunday.

- Pose wajib -

Featuring a brand-new course, which has us runners going through the world-famous Stanley Park which will be closed for this event for the first-time ever.
The 2012 Marathon and Half Marathon Events are designed to showcase some of the amazing beauty that Vancouver has to offer while guiding runners through two separate point-to-point courses each with their own distinct experiences.
 For more details on the event, just in case any of you are interested in joining next year, click here.

- BMO Vancouver Marathon 2012 logo -

From FREEDOM FREAKS, we wish her all the best and hope she can achieve her PB timing.

- Craze Ultra 100 Miles !!!! -

Another new event being lined up in the local running calender.
This event is called CRAZE ULTRA 100 MILES !!
For those who are sad and disappointed that Sundown Ultra had been postponed till next year, this has come as a good news for them.

As listed on their website, the event will be held on from 22nd September at 0700hrs to 23September 2012 at 1500hrs.
Start and end point will be at MacRitchie Reservoir. Do read up on the website for the actual route.

And please 'LIKE' their Facebook page too for other queries and discussions.

And don't forget to read on their website for more details and information.
But if you're already crazy, this is the direct registration page:
- REGISTER NOW !! -

*Credit to Running Guild   for organizing this crazy event !!