Ultraman no, Ultra Marathoner yes

On 25 June 2011, saw a new milestone in my running chronicle when I became an ultra runner with the happening of Sundown Ultra Marathon 2011. After 8 marathons, I guess it's about time to give it a try. In its fourth year, this time it’s slightly different because the distance had been increased to 100 km ( previous years 84 km ). Held at a new venue, the Marina Barrage, about 1000 participants took the challenge. The course started at the venue, headed to the East Coast Park, onto Changi Coast Road, passing through Changi Beach Park, Pasir Ris Park, Tampines area and ended at Bedok Reservoir, the 50 km mark. From here it was a U-turn back to Marina Barrage.

The race started at 6 pm Saturday evening and with every 10 km, there was a pitstop for runners to refuel, eat, rest, refresh, use the loo. There were 100 Plus and Ice Mountain water, snacks like bread, buns, muffins, sandwiches, biscuits, cut orange slices, bananas, potato chips and an abundance of other foodstuff. After an hour and 11 minutes, I reached my first pitstop. Had my fill, did my stretching and 5 minutes later, I’m on my way again. At the 18^th km, it started to drizzle. Wow this had me worried for a while. Lucky for all, when I reached the second pitstop, the rain stopped. Same routine here, stretching, snacking and drinking. Another 5 minutes break here. But after 30 km, I just couldn’t eat anymore. So I hit on the 100 Plus and power gel only. When I reached the 42 km mark, I noted it was exactly 6 hrs.

At the 50^th km pitstop, soup and hotdogs were also available. So much food but I was not hungry. Food don’t taste good when you’re running a 100 km race. The breaks were now longer than 5 minutes, as long as 15 minutes. At this point, I started the walk-run routine as my legs were getting weary. Through the rest of the run, I only snacked on raisins and power gels that I had pocketed earlier. Some kind supporters offered me a chocolate bar and a very refreshing coke. It didn’t matter how much I drank, there was never really a need to go to the loo. But I went anyway just to feel more comfortable.

This is really the longest and most gruelling run in my life. I can’t remember everything that happened along the way. After 60 km the runners were getting very scattered because their numbers were greatly reduced. I wasn’t sleepy but I had to focus my mind on other jovial matters in order to forget about the boredom, the pain in my legs and the fatigue. And when daybreak came, I was on the 84 km mark. A very slow run led me into a slow walk for the last 4 km. My feet were getting heavier with each step. With only 200 meters to go, I forced myself to run again just to finish the race in glamorous style, clocking in at 15 hours 41 minutes ( placed 78th ). My rewards – a finisher medal, T-shirt and towel.

There was also a sunny buffet waiting for all finishers but unfortunately I did not have any appetite at all. This is one buffet I will never forget because I only took one banana from the wide selection available. And I mentioned 'sunny' because you really have to eat the buffet in the hot sun. That’s right – no shelter not even an umbrella was provided.

This is the most expensive event I’ve ever participated. Entrance fees were S$165.00. I probably won’t be taking part again. Not because of the cost but I wouldn’t want to go through that kind of ordeal again.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

The Team ( l - r ) : Ron, Cat, Sam, Wei Mei & Man

Many of us have our 'to do' list and I'm no exception. On 23 April 2011, I have the great satisfaction to strike out item number 3 on my list which is Climb Mount Kinabalu.

On 22 April, the five of us started our climb from the Mesilau trail at 9.50am after a short briefing by our guide cum porter, Nizam. This trail is more scenic than the Timpohon side but 2 km longer. It was gentle jungle trekking and then it rained and our raincoats came in handy. Climbing with raincoats can cause quite an impediment as I kept stepping on it. Before long, the sides got shredded and torn. The rain poured heavily until pathways looked like cascades. My shoes and socks were totally drenched. With a little bit of luck, it stopped when I reached the intersection of the Timpohon trail. From there on it was another 2 km of uphill. Without much difficulties, I finally reached the Laban Rata Resthouse at 3.55pm. This is where we stayed to regain our strength for the second part of the climb.

The White Rope

The Laban Rata Resthouse is a dormitory type of accommodation. The worst drawback was the absence of hot water. To avoid falling ill since I've been walking in the rain, I forced myself to wash my hair in 20 degree C weather. Our team occupied a 6-bed (3 double decker) room. If you're thinking of losing some weight doing the climb, you can't be more wrong. The resthouse serves 3 buffet meals for climbers namely dinner ( 4.30pm to 7pm ), supper ( 2am to 3am ) and breakfast ( 7.30am to 10.30am ). Menu for all meals vary slightly. There were chicken, beef, lamb, burgers, spaghetti, fried mee hoon, fried rice, vegetables, fried eggs, one type of soup, sweet dessert, toast bread, coffee, tea, juice and water. In addition there were 2 packed lunches which climbers carry with them, one each during ascent and descent. Bedtime was early at around 8pm. At 1am, we were up, 2am supper, 2.40am briefing and at 2.50am, was the start of the climb to the peak, the tougher part.

It was dark and the cold was between 9-10 degree C. We had our headlamps on. We passed many wooden stairs and bridges. Then came the toughest part of the climb. We had to hoist ourselves up a steep rock surface using the available dangling rope. Shortly after this obstacle, the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint came into view. From here on, we only climbed on rock surfaces following the white rope all the way to the top. As we go higher, our breathing got heavier. Just as I thought I still have a long way to go, the summit came into my view. It was 5.30am and I had reached Low's Peak (4095.2m). I waited till 6am for the sun to appear. To my disappointment the beauty of sunrise had been marred by some clouds. After snapping photos and really taking in the views, we made our descent.

Descent was much easier on the heart but very hurting on the legs and knees. Almost all climbers used the walking stick which reduced the impact on the knees. Now that everything is bright and clear, I can see the extraordinary scenery, that of a mountain, something that I've never really seen this close before. I returned to Laban Rata Resthouse around 9.10am and already the buffet breakfast needed lots of replenishment. With a short rest, our team checked out and started downhill at 10.35am. All guests have to check out by 10.30am or there will a RM100 per hour charge. The journey down was fairly smooth until we reached the Ibah shelter, 1.4 km away from the Timpohon Gate when the rain fell on heavy again. This is oddly the raining season in April. With raincoats on again, we plodded along the water soaked and flooded paths of the remaining distance and came out at Timpohon Gate with a feeling of great satisfaction, personal achievement and relief that the worst is over.

Peak Views

To sum up my climb, these are the times taken by me :

Mesilau to Laban Rata - 6 hrs 5 mins
Laban Rata to Summit - 2 hrs 40 mins
Summit to Laban Rata - 2 hrs 30 mins
Laban Rata to Timpohon - 4 hrs 30 mins

The Must-Have Photo