ROUTE68 CHALLENGE 2019
21 April 2019,Sunday.
My second attempt to finish a 50km run after successfully finished 50km at B2E in 2018 in 7:44.
The major different is this one is a full road run while B2E is a 12-hour run in loop at about 2.2km/loop.
Another big difference which to me made this one is much more tough for me is I need to wear full mandatory gears covering hydrabag with 1.5L bladder, reflective vest, headlamp and blinkers.Honestly, I hate running with such gears attached to my body!
The build-up for this run was not that properly executed but my total monthly km from February to March at about 150km/month gave me more confidence to finish it.Strength workouts were obvious routines that missed in the build-up as well due to my new work routines that limited my time to be spent at the gym.
However, I added additional downhill drill into my regular weekly runs to run faster with proper techniques at downhills because I knew that would be apart of the route from Gombak to Genting Sempah and then to Janda baik.It is because without the strength workouts, most likely I would only walking at all uphills along the route especially in the second half of the 50km.
Overall, I was mentally prepared for the run and my goal was just to finish it under 8 hours and under 7 hours would a bonus to me.
One more thing, I have never run at any part of the route before this and as always, I did not really study other stuff like elevation etc. other than to confirm locations of water stations and the spot to pray. My plan was just to unfold everything on the event day and to manage its challenges accordingly.
For the energy supplement during my run, I used 4 sachets of Maxone Plus supplied my friend Azuri FX after it worked well for me with 2 sachets only during my FM run at Twincity Marathon in January.Then I prepared 4 capsules of salt stick for the cramp prevention.
HOW I UNFOLDED MY FIRST 50KM ULTRA MARATHON ROAD RUN AT ROUTE68
0-16km+
From the FO and still dark.The route where I had zero idea on what I would have to deal with.The plan was to run in pace 6-7.Did that until about 10km after the stop for Subuh prayer.I knew that I was running along uphill route towards the CP1 at Genting Sempah but did not really feel it because the body was still fresh and enough energy left.The ambient also helped a lot because it was cooled with wind blowing my skin at some stretches.
After that I started to realised that the route was like never ending uphill although visually could not really see the elevation in front.
Reduced to pace 8-9 until about 15km where the surrounding was brighter and visually my eyes can see the uphill route the I was running.I did not want to keep pushing further to avoid other potential problems and challenges to my body along the route in the next parts of the run which I did not know what to expect yet.
So, when I reached the 16km+ at Genting Sempah, it was the top of that uphill stretch which is just before the CP1, I still felt good and relieved.It was mainly because I knew, the first hardest part was over.
From the earlier part of this stretch, I started to see runners from other categories running from the opposite direction and the number is getting more as I was running further.What I saw mainly their headlamp light since it was still dark at the beginning.
CP1@16km+
From the CP1,then a short downhill route in less than 1km to reach the CP1 with rehidydration and refuelling supplies provided.Bumped into the seasoned veteran runner Azman Ali who was already on his way back from the opposite direction.He did manage to give me a very quick advice on what to expect and what to do next for me.Thank you bang Man and it truly helped after that.
No complaint about the supplies at all.Stopped to refill my water supply with rose flavour cordial and isotonic drinks.Still not using my 1.5L plain water in my hydrabag.
At this point, I felt refreshed and also eagerly ready to continue because roughly I knew what to expect from that CP1 to the CP2 where the U-Turn at 25km and to mark the half way of the distance.
Saw some familiar friends who were not running but came to support and cheer fellow runners here among them were Haqeem Leslie Jerry Arina Mohd and others.
I also saw brother ET Tey was taking photos at this CP and captured few of mine too.
CP1 to CP2@25km
I expected the long downhill route all the way where I can reduce my pace to pace 6 and 7 again.The strategy that I came up with during the break at CP1 was make as much buffer time as possible to the next about 9km distance along the downhill and some flat stretches to CP2 because I knew that I would not be able to run that much during the return trip😁.
Crossed the big signage at the junction to Kg. Janda Baik but decided to take some photos at that landmark spot on my way up later.
Then I reached at the 21km or HM distance and I was at 2:47 which was still far from the 4:30 COT at CP2@25km.I maintained the pace 6-7 as intended except for 2km at pace 8 where I stopped to take photos and short videos and to rehydrate.
Made my first IG and FB post at the route with photos and video that I took.
At CP2@25km U-Turn.
The feeling was still awesome!I did not feel any sign of cramp and muscle and joint pain at all.This truly gave the boost to finish the second part of the distance and also within my 7 hours target.
The atmosphere here was like a mini gathering after the FO where most faces were still smiling and some were having quick chatting while refuelling and rehydrating.I took that opportunity to cool down and refresh myself and spent longer time than at CP1.
Took some photos and made a short video here as well😁😁😁.
25km to CP3@33km+ @ the last CP of 6:00 COT
It was the hardest part for me that finally came and I need to deal with it.I tried to relax and to reserve some strength for the last stretch of the route from about 17km after from the last CP.The downhill and flat stretches to the finish line.With the downhill run training that I did, I was confident that I can run at pace 7 all the way.Therefore, I was just walking and mixed with some slow runs from CP2 to CP3.In the same time, I started to walk and run facing runners from the opposite direction to CP2.
Did not miss the chance to take photos at the Kg. Janda Baik signage and coincidently, my nice FB friend Chee KJ captured in my selfies as well😁😁😁
Along this route, I clapped and cheered them to lift their spirit to keep it up especially when I saw some familiar faces who are my real-life and socmed friends.
Had the opportunity to have short chat with some friends in the same time while we were running and walking together as well.Among them were Mohd Almi Alimran Awang and few more who I have never met before and could not recall their names now.Some where along here, another friend Dean Rahman also overtook me while I was walking.
Some of them slowly disappeared in front of me when they continued to run and I stayed walking.
Still feeling relaxed because I knew I had enough buffer and no reason to waste my energy at the uphill stretch.
The 2-way road became busy at this time as well with vehicle drivers, motorbikers and cylists started to share it with us especially from the Kg. Janda Baik junction to Genting Sempah.
The surrounding already bright and the heat from sunlight started to be felt at this stage.However, the shading effect provided by trees along the route made it felt less disturbing to my slow run and walk along the road until I reached the final CP!.
CP3(Final) @ 33km, Genting Sempah again.
It was not as busy as the first stop.Most of runners whom I bumped into here truly showed the the need to have a break to recharge for the final stage of the run.Another 17km to go and after a short uphill, then will the very long downhill all the way to the end.
At this stage,I truly believed that I was still within the 7 hours time to finish my run.I spent quite some time here just to get myself to be truly refreshed and reenergised with my body was still feeling very good to continue.The idea after that was to run as much as possible and maintaining it at pace 7-8 at least along the downhill to the finish line.
Took some photos and made the last short video here.
CP3 to the Finish Line.
Walked to the top of the short uphill and I bumped a FB friend from north Khairul Azrin Thajmy.We had a chat and also informed about another ultra running event that he involved to organise in UUM.
Then I saw a familiar face Mohd Fadzly Abetorai who was there just to cheer runners at the end of the uphill.He took photos of us too with his smartphone.
Then, finally I arrived at the much awaited downhill stretch and I was ready to run again. Not long after I started running again, another friend Udin Musa arrived from behind and overtook me.
In a few km after that, I saw Dean was in pain in front of me.When I stopped and asked, he said he was alright and just need a break for a while to continued.I continued and prayed for him to be able to continue too.
Bumped into more runners in front later and as what every runner will always do, we encouraged each other to keep it because we were getting closer to finish the run.
I managed to run at pace 7-8 as intended and for 1km, I ran at pace 8 from the 33km+ until the last stop for rehydration and refuelling and also to mark 40km has been reached.At this stop, I bumped into Almi and Udin again.
After the break, I continued earlier than both of them.
40km to the FL.The final phase!
I was ready to continue and the goal just to stay at pace 7-8 and surely I will reach the finish line within 7 hours.To indicate my excitement, I ran at pace 6 when I reached 41km and followed by pace 7 in the next 2km. However, when something is not meant to be, it won't for unknown reasons.
Suddenly when I crossed the 43km, I felt some pain started to develop quickly at my right calf muscle and few minutes after that at my left calf.Totally did not expect this because there were no signs at all at any part of the second stage of the distance.
I slowed down and tried to push by ignoring the pain but after I crossed 45km, I decided to stop from pushing myself further because the pain was too much to bear.
I decided to start fast walking and from this time some runners I overtook before started to overtake me one by one.
Then, Almi came and then followed by Udin from behind to overtake me.Next Dean and he looked alright with his slow run. Happy to see all of of them looking good to finish the run in front of me.
My pace then reduced to pace 10-11 and at 47km, my hope for sub 7 was gone because had only about 20 minutes left.Did not want to push further because it may end up with something worst to me.Instead of taking any further risk , I decided to let the 7 hours goal go and I must finish the run with injury and cramp free only.It is the utmost important because in the next weekend, it will a long driving to run my first FM at Perlis Marathon.
So, it was just a long and easy walk for the last 3km to the finish line where the traffic started to become more busy will cars on both sides of the road.It between I made few stops to ease the pain a little bit until I can continue walking.
At the moments I felt nothing to regret although it started with mixed feelings initially when I was trying to figure what truly went wrong.In the end I just accepted that it was just not my day yet for a sub 7 in 50km.At 47km, I shared my last post at my IG and FB with my not so happy face😓.
At some points in the last 3km walk, I thought the lack of strength workouts for my lower body especially from my knee and below could be the main cause of the problem. It was very frustrating and demoralizing mentally. It was simply because at this stage I felt I still had enough energy and strength to run but the pain was too much to bear when I tried to push myself to continue running.
When I was getting closer to the finish line, I saw a group of friends including Fadzly waiting at the roadside and cheering runners.He snapped my photos again when I started running slowly with a big smile to all of them.
Finally, I crossed the finish line and my watch clocked 7:20.A new PB for my 50km run despite the failure to clock sub 7. I felt much better compare to my finish at B2E last year because this is truly 100% road ultramarathon run where I need to carry all the mandatory gears all the way while managing my run to overcome elevation and ambient challenges along the route.
I overcame all that despite the setback due to my calf muscle pain towards the end of my run.I can't ask for better result☺☺☺.
I am also very lucky because the exact moment when I crossed the finish line was captured nicely by the photographer Uncle Chan Wk.Thanks so much uncle😁.
Then I was informed the crew to take my finisher slip in order for me to collect my medal and finisher tee.
At that point and until I collected my slip, I did know that they provided different colours of medal based finishing position in each category.With the 49th place in my category, I was given the silver medal(11th-50th place) and that made it a little more special to me😁.
Then came the best part which was looking for friends and continuing making new friends and to take photos together.
ON WHAT I HAVE ACHIEVED AT THIS EVENT?
Some said I might have better chance to get better time should avoid wasting my time for photos taking and short videos making.
I know that but that is how I have been enjoying every run so far regardless of distance of the event that I joined.
I won't trade that with anything else because enjoying every run the way I wanted it is matters the most to me.
This time, it was another well executed plan from the start with needed adjustments made based what exactly happened at different stages.In the end, I crossed the finish line happily with no injury that will affect my celebration mode after that.
I am happy with how I managed my run and also how I finished it.
What I may change automatically in any event with similar distance next time is, I will take the 1.5L bladder away from my hydrabag.
It was totally not used at all and at about 46km when I was dealing with the calf muscles pain, I just discharged the water at the roadside.
With that arrangement of refill stations, the two flexible water tubes placed at my chest of my hydrabag are sufficient enough for me for the on-route water supply to rehydrate.
THE EVENT
Overall, the run was not that tough as I personally anticipated.The route was quite manageable without much problems.It was quite balanced between the uphill and downhill stretches.The additional 8km from the FM distance and it was a downhill route to make it slightly easier for all to deal with at the last stage of the run.
No complaint at all about how it was organised because afterall, I don't have that much experience with such ultra events yet to make more sensible and specific comparison.
I was extremely satisfied with all crew members along the route especially at each station and checkpoint.They were very cheerful and helpfull to all runners.
Thank you for the experience and congratulation to the organizing team that day led by the RD Jeff Ooi.Met him as the organiser at B2E and JBU last year but only this time had the chance to have one wefie with him.I said to him 100km is not for me when he suggested I should upgrade to that distance next year😅😅😅.
Not to forget others who came at the venue and some travelled along the route to support fellow runners.Yes, I can feel more the brotherhood spirit within the ultrarunning community after experienced it for the first time last year.
Some of them who I can remember were Mohd Azmi Muhammad Danny Ikmal Abdul Jabar Jamal Zabari and Izwan Sahari who came all the way from Penang.
I wish I could stay longer after the finish but my promised weekend outing to my children made me left at about 1p.m. plus.
FINAL MESSAGES AND MY KEY TAKEAWAY FROM THIS EVENT
1. The about 150km/month total distance for 3 months before April was enough for me to have a relatively comfortable 50km run.However, I believe my body has been accustomed to running long distance resulted from all my runs since 2015 especially due to my planned and regular runs to prepare for all my FM runs so far.
2. I need to improve my lower body strength especially at my calf and hamstring parts if I want to have much better and faster run.
3. Ultra marathon is very challenging but I truly enjoy the experience whenever I joined any of its event.Something that I am pretty sure is, I won't be a regular ultra marathon runner in the near future.Something that I may want to try next is just to finish a 50km trail run to complete my 50km ultra marathon running experience.100km? Sorry, not for me😁
4. I am now officially an ultra marathoner for road runs😁😁😁
Congrats to all Route68 Challenge 2019 runners and finishers.Hope to see you again either I will be as a runner or may as a supporter.
"PREPARATION MAY NOT GUARANTEE ANY GREAT RESULT BUT IT WILL BOOST THE CONFIDENCE TO GET AT LEAST A SATISFYING ONE"
#runforhealth
#veteranrunner
#route68challenge2019
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