Having completed the full marathon just early Dec, i felt that i could conquer the world and thus decided to participate in this event, where competitors are required to complete at least 5 loops of the 10.5km mostly-trail route.
Got up at 5am and made my way to my good neighbour Sassyrunner's block where the famous TLV was waiting to bring us to MR. I brought with me, 8 packs of Powergel, 6 packs of Nature Valley Oat Bar, 4 bottles filled with Endurox, 2 cans of Red Bull, 3 bite-size packs of Sneakers, 1 bottle of H20 plus the 4 bottles of Nathan Hydrabelt and a box with 2 slices of Secret Recipe's Chocolate Banana cakes.
Wearing my Adistar Orange Tee and Black thights, i had my Adizero SN Orange on, probably for the last time. Having been advised, i also carried extra clothings and gear, which includes my old Adidas Uzuma and a trail shoe, which i wore to climb Mt Bintan a few years ago.
Reaching at 0640hrs, I immediately put on all my gears and registered for the event at the control table. Before the official blew the whistle signalling the start of the race, LKY organised SGRunners present for a photoshoot. 3 minutes after the start, i came out from the toilet and together with Balasing, Sassyrunner and cFred, started our run.
The 10.5km route starts at the lower toilet, then left and up by the reservoir before going into the canopy covered Northern trail. After about 2.5km of trail, the entrance of Singapore Island Country Club will appear. Follow the road up towards the PUB water station before going back into the trail and reaching the Ranger station, where a toilet and water fountain can be found. Usually, runners will have to go through a rock laden trail before reaching Jelutong tower and the boardwalk heading for the golf course. However, continuous rain the past weeks caused a couple of landslides. Organisers changed the route and runners had to run through a more opened trail, less canopy and more sand and mud, before running up and down part of HSBC's tree-top walk and exiting just before jelutong tower. After the boardwalk will be the golf course area before runners get back into the canopy for a run on trail filled with roots and low branches. This will take runners to the junction with Lornie trail where traditionally a left turn will have to be made. However, runners were given a compensation for the longer route along tree-top walk, and the route was adjusted to cover the pavements along Lornie Rd back to the start point.
As usual, everyone promised to run slow but i reached SICC in less than 25mins, where the first water point was. I then decided to slow down and let Balasing, Sassyrunner and cFred proceed. Then was a pee-break at the Ranger station toilet and another drink stop at the junction of Lornie trail before ending my first loop in 1:21.
A 5 minutes rest with a bottle of Endurox and a pack of Powergel and i continued my 2nd loop, which was not any different from the first. The worn out Adizero SN meant even lesser forefoot cushioning for me, which take its toll when i ran on rocks. I finished the second loop in 1:28.
After another 5 mins break with a can of Red Bull and a pack of Powergel, i started my third. The pain on my forefeet convinced me that this round will be much slower. I decided to walk upon seeing Ripley doing the same. TLR and Kayano ran past. We ran on the tree-top area as well as the mangrove boardwalk but Ripley decided not to break her momentum when she reached the golf course. I followed slowly a distance behind. At Lornie Rd, she was already about 100m in front of me. I finished the loop in just 10min short of 2hrs.
Alvo and Meteor gave me a slice of watermelon. I drank another bottle of Endurox before deciding to walk the 4th round. Though i thought the walk was very slow, i managed to complete it in 2:08, nothing evenful less Sotong and Cheow walking a dog though the trail, bumping into me at the waterpoint of Lornie Rd, which have been shifted from junction of Lornie trail.
I thought about resting for half an hour before attempting my fifth. Sassyrunner, who has been sleeping after finishing her leisure walk, woke up and said "run lah you lazy bum". Hhmm, and she was the one sleeping.
TLR finished his 4th as i made my way to the toilet. He complained of cramps before agreeing to walk with me. We had a slow walk, with him telling me that the event was his 70th competitive race. It was only my 20th. Just when we were about to reach SICC, we bumped into Sotong and Cheow, and we showed them our tired face, but no mercy so we continued on.
When we reached Lornie Rd, TLR decided to run because he was very hungry and can't wait to get home. But i said i can't so he continued on while i walked. Just about 200m from the finish line, i turned around and saw Jamessoh, who i knew was also into the last round. James powered past me just 20m from the finish line, while i limped. Sotong was snapping some pictures as i finished my loop in 2:35, the race in 10:12. I reported to the race controller of my finish and collected my certificate. 
With cramps near my left hip joint, and terribly sore forefoot, i continued walking and slowly retiring to a chair. More Sgrunners completed the race and were now at the support station. SV finished his and in just 5mins he was already asleep. Ripley finished hers in 11:30, completing 6 rounds. Well done buddies. I took a last look at my beloved Adizero SN before throwing it into the garbagebin. It was by far the best shoe i have worn, ever.
I realised that my marathon timing was 5:12 and i finished this race in 10:12, at 5:12... hhmm.. coincidence??
Took some time to rest and Teelee, who completed his in like 5 hours, drove Sassyrunner, cFred and me to Adam Rd. Since the day was Hari Raya Haji, all the Malay stalls were closed. I didn't really have any appetite to eat but needed something solid. Luckily, there was a prata shop. 2 pratas later, i ordered 100plus and was shivering uncontrollably after that. It stopped after about 10mins, i ensured regular breathing thoughout.
Thanks to people like Philip who introduced me to the event when i first joined SGRunners, Dreamrunner and Cokiee who introduced me to the route, Kayano, SV, Fennel and Yeowm who ran with me during training runs, Sotong and his support crew who were tirelessly providing all forms of support, the MR25 crew and volunteers for organising and operating such splendid event, and to all those who gave me their best wishes. Thank you. Wouldn't have been able to do it without you guys.
I remembered in Primary school, when asked to write a composition describing a picnic or an outing, my last sentence have always been "tired but happy". That was precisely how i felt when i reached home, on my bed, trying to rest and sleep. I was tired but happy, and can't wait for last Sunday of 2007. But next, Pacesetters 30km in 3:30 in KL, 21 Jan 07.
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