GE 20k run
Last Sunday was a another power testing on my fitness level after long laid off from serious training since the completion of my first Half Ironman Race in August 08.
I had almost sleepless night before the race day as I was too worried towards the half marathon race. I knew I might hit the wall at any point during the distance as I hit it twice last year! The longest distance training towards the day was only <15km. My physical fitness is not at the peak as I was before.
I woke up at 5am to get myself ready. Did some simple muscles pulling/stretching at home before heading to the race venue. Once I reached the starting area, for the first time during my races that I warmed up seriously as I want to try something starting this year. Ran for almost 15minutes with comfortable pace and sweat out towards the starting time.
"Bang..." We started sharp at 6.30am at Lake Garden,KL. Immediate there was an uphill turn during the first 1.5km. Thanks to the good warm up I'd done, I was feeling ok during the climb. Many runners started to slow down going the first hill even, long way to go for them :(
Running in KL races especially those organized by Pacesetter are well known for the hills route that will torture/surprise new runners. My pace is quite ok at the 10km mark, I was doing 1hour 3minutes. I was thinking of finishing this race without stopping/walking, that was all in an unfit triathlete's mind. I was thinking 2H30M would be a realistic timing then.
Hills after hills, I was overtaking runners during hill climbs for the first half of the race. During the 2nd half, as usual seeing some better runners overtaking me. But this time I'm more prepared. I'll tried to follow and fight back if possible. I noticed that there were a female runner who overtook me each time I'm descending, like "cari pasal" and the funny part was I caught her each time during ascending :)
During the last 5km, I was surprised to see that I still have 30min left. I was so excited that I might hit my PB (personal best) during this race. After the last water station and overtaking the female runner again, I tried to push towards my limit. I was having 5 minutes during the last KM!! Too bad that my tank was almost empty by then.
I knew that I'll miss my PB during this race. I just keep a recovery pace towards the end. WTF!! The female runner challenged me again at the final stretch. To redeem a triathlete pride, I'd to dig deep to leave her until I crossed the finishing line.
My race finished at 2H5min, missed out my PB of 3minutes only. Nevertheless, feel good to come back now. With my first baby girl meeting me after CNY, I'll slow down on swimming and cycling training. I think by now I know what I need to emphasis on!!
By then, HAPPY Chinese New Year and may Year 2009 bring us wealth and health thoroughly!!
posted by Ahkun @ 4:14 PM
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