Wednesday, September 23, 2009

20th - 21st Sept 2009 Sunday and Monday - MF 27km run and 160km Cycling round the Island

This Sunday MF runners did a 27km run from MF Safra to ECP B1 total distance 27km. Lucille joined the run and was supposed to run by timing; 40 to 50 min before U turn. It was nice of Jamie to take care of her as she was not so familiar of the route. She surprised me by running 90min before making a U turn at the National Stadium; thanks for the encouragement Jamie gave her to persevere her total distance 21km. Glad she enjoyed the run with Jamie and also got some running tips from her.

As for me, my objective was to complete the route with a consistent slow speed of 7min pace. I had the company of Shirly, Siew Lee, Wayne, Wong and Mike running to B1. The gang was considering to make a U turn at Fort Rd SPC kiosk after taking a break; but I encouraged and pushed them to run to B1. U turn at B1 we did, took another break at the Fort Rd SPC again. After the break, I maintained my speed and break off from my running buddies and head on my next break at Anson 7/11. For the rest of the run, applied the 10min run/1 min walk strategy. Arriving MF Safra in 3hr 30 min. Not a satisfactory timing but had to feel contented considering there was no progressive run for the last few Sundays at all.

The next training waiting for me was the Monday ride, 120-140km. However after this long run, I was not too sure if I would want to cycle the next day.

I had a good rest on Sunday afternoon and decided to cycle the next day. Woke up at 4.45am and started my ride from home at 5.10am to Casurina Car park which was only 10km, to meet MJ, HS, AY and Gary at 5.30am. I estimated 20min to Casurina was more than sufficient at the ave speed of 30km/hr, but gosh I took more than 35min to reach Casurina at 5.45am, and perspiration already dripping down my face profusely and soaking wet. At first I thought this could be possible with my tired legs, aching muscle due to long run the day before. I did feel my leg were heavy. I was wondering how could I possibly survive the remainder additional 100km ride for the rest of the day. On second thought 35 min for 10km, somehow it did not make any sense to me. so I checked my bike, and goodness I found out that my rear brake pad was jammed and rubbing against the wheel; for the whole of 10km I was dragging my bike. Good lesson anyway, this would make me always check the wheels before any start. What a mishap I had; I thought to myself. But there was a bigger mishap, MJ bike's seat bracket broke as we were about to ride off from Casurina. He could have tightened the bracket too much. Poor MJ, woke up at 4 plus, made his way to Casurina by 5.30am, only got to ride not more than 5m, unmount the bike and went back home.

We cycled from North to East (Changi and ECP), to South (Shanton way), to West (West Coast and Tuas) and then to the North again (Neo Tiew, Kranji, Woodlands), total distance 160km. We had 4 pit stop-rest, had breakfast at West Coast MacD (MJ joined us) and had lunch at Kranji industrial estate. We also had mini adventures, we were lost at Tuas while trying to cycle our way to Pioneer Road and HS's tyre was punctured at Pioneer Rd.

I arrived home at 3.20 pm, wow on the road for 10 hrs. I enjoyed this ride very much, we rode round our beautiful Island. My first attempt to go beyond 100km, not to mention after a 27km run the day before. I survived the 160km ride but wondered how am I going to run a 42km if I am doing a IM now, not to mention it was without the 3.8km sea swim. It means I am not ready for any IM mentally and physically yet. I need and I want to have more of this ride to condition my mind, body and poor legs :-(

No running on Tuesday, going to give my poor legs and butt some good good rest. Will go swimming as swimming is the best form of recovery.
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