Registered for this race probably about 3 months before race week, knowing that I will have a 2 months deployment in Thailand in the period leading up to race, I did whatever I can to prep for this race. After all, it is still a 100km run.
Arriving in Hong Kong the day before the race with all the excitement, with my best crew supporting me again, my girl, my training buddy Zen with his wife and Coach Sham. The day before the race is always the preparation, yes the mental preparation and the tedious packing for the many hours out on the course. As usual, we went to collect our race bibs at Racing The Planet HQ and were going crazy with the shopping in there. Luckily the girls could wait, oops. The rest of the day were spent eating and walking around Sheung Wan area before we head back for the night of packing. I wasn't that nervous as compared to 2012, where I couldn't even sleep well for the night. This time, I came better prepared in terms of gear, training wise, I guess it's not comparable to the amount of mileage clocked in 2012 but smarter training I guess? Anyway, no way to siam the suffering the distance can bring you.
Race morning, kiasu Singaporeans as usual, took cab 2 hours prior to start to Sai Kung where the starting point is located. Had heavy breakfast (Macs!) and some electrolytes to prep for the running start. The race start location wasn't as cold compared to the previous too, our aim was to start at the front to mid of the pack to avoid the jamming 2km into the race. After all the photos and race briefings, we are off!
I started off particularly fast, reason being that I didn't want to get caught in the jam during the single trail portion 2km into the race. Even so, I guess I was in the middle of the whole pack. Having experienced the whole course once, the first 50km is relatively flat seen in the elevation chart above, with just two major climbs before CP5 (52km). I felt really comfortable through 11km (Support Pt 1) at the Eastern Dam which consists alot of running on tarmac. Pushing forward towards CP2 in Ham Tin, there was a huge climb in a park which was technically high and very very steep down slopes where I had difficulties going down fast. That was when I controlled alot going downhill, straining my quads badly. We then ran through beautiful beaches before reaching CP1 (21km). At that point, Zen left me as he didn't had to refuel. I spent about 3mins there grabbing some sandwiches and water before moving off to a steep climb and down to another beach. Towards CP2 at Wong Shek, I actually injured my left knee going downhill. I suspect it's the controlled movement going down steep slopes that my quads couldn't take therefore it strained my knee badly. I could still run but had alot of trouble going downhill which later resulted in me walking step by step down the stairs. Was really happy to see the crews at CP2, told my girl I kind of injured my knee. At that point of time, it was only 28km and DNF ran through my head, not knowing how much I can push through with my left knee in pain. Running towards CP3 in Hoi Ha, it was still okay being it relatively flat, there wasn't much of ascent and descent and got to meet a few friends there. Towards CP4 at Yung Shue O, I pushed myself harder and faster knowing my crew will be there at that checkpoint, and knowing that my aim of reaching CP5 in 8hrs is draining. Upon reaching CP4, my knee was so bad that I almost dropped out. With much encouragements from my girl and the super shiok hot macaroni soup. I taped my knee and left in 10mins. (Beware of the CHAIR in Ultras they say) It was at this point we had our highest climb into the race, about 400m up Kai Kung Shan. It was then I realized that my climbing was very strong, overtaking alot of people along the way. Sadly towards the steep down slope towards CP5, I couldn't even go down properly and resorted to a slow step by step kind of walk down. Upon reaching CP5 (52km), I was still quite fresh apart from having a painful left knee after the downhill. Changed my clothes into thicker layers for the night, finished my half eaten macaroni, grabbed my poles and left for the longest stage which is 13km to CP6. I estimated myself to reach there in 3hours with all the climbs along the ridges. The sunset was really beautiful when I was on Ma On Shan (580m). Many people stopped to take pictures but as usual, I was too lazy to take it out from my ziploc .. Still, I have a exact similar picture below to show what I saw that day. Reaching CP6 Gilwell Camp in 3 hours, I had my hot instant noodle and hot drink with the freezing cold. Everyone was sitting down by the road side slurping away. Two years ago, I made a huge mistake by heading for the campfire at this station, ended up staying more than 30mins to enjoy the warmth. This year, no way. As I left for CP7 Beacon Hill, I already resorted to walking with the sharp pain in my knee. I knew I couldn't run anymore as much as I tried even with the energy I have. Instead, I utilize all the energy I have during the climbs trying to make up time due to the crawling speed on the descents .. CP7 Beacon Hill was amazing with all the Scout boys volunteering for the race, they were as usual amazing supporters, cheering and doing what they can to help us be it getting a chairs for us, or preparing hot food and drinks. Before leaving this CP, I called girl knowing that she will be a the next CP waiting out in the cold for me, I gave myself 2.5hours to reach there at CP8 Shing Mun Dam. It was at this point where I really started to push harder during the walks and climbs motivated to see her at the checkpoint. Reached CP8 (83km) 15mins faster than my est, really happy to see her and took some time to rest and fuel myself before heading up the second highest peak in the race, the Needle Hill and Grassy Hill (647m). After 20mins of resting, I left with much determination knowing what's ahead for me with just 17km to go, about 5 hours of ascent and descent towards the finish in Rotary Park. I felt really good during the climbs especially up these two hills, the wind was so strong in the dark towards the peak that I swayed towards a side at times. Lucky for the poles I managed to stay in balance or god knows what will happen! Upon reaching the peak, I know it's a all downhill towards CP9 (Leadmine Pass) as I remembered it being at the bottom quite a few descents. I took almost thrice the time to go down than to climb, that was how bad my knee was. Upon reaching CP9 after 3 hours, I knew it was time to use all I have to push towards the finishing point, having the climb the highest peak in Hong Kong which is Tai Mo Shan (957m) and a all downhill to the finish line. I climbed with everything I had, almost 2hours continuous climb I remember, through the thick fog where we can't even see what's ahead. There was even a point before the summit where I fell asleep while climbing up the tarmac road! It wasn't that bad sleeping while climbing up the flat road after all, I bet the people behind me saw me swaying to the left and right haha. Upon reaching the peak, I couldn't even see the huge satellite station with the thick fog in place, all I could see was barely 5m ahead of me. But when I touched the downhill, I knew it was homerun. I tried on multiple attempts to run considering the strength I still have, but there was no way my left knee could even bend, much less the pounding and strain it have to take going downhill. I walked as fast as I could, with many participants running pass me down the 3km slope to the finish. Finally, I could hear voices on microphones and I pushed the last ounce of energy I have towards the finish.
22 hours 24 minutes and 45 seconds later, I crossed the line. 5 hours faster than 2012, I was contented. Though I know I could have done much better without the injury, there's always next year again. I can't thank Eunice enough for the support she has given me throughout the years, the amount of hours she spent just waiting and worrying about me at these races. Who said crewing was easy? It is definitely not. The amount of faith and determination she had for me made me push through pain easily, knowing there's someone out there waiting for me to cross the damn line. I couldn't ask for me. Thanks girl.
Moving ahead, some small races for experience towards the end of the year where Zen, myself and a few others will push for the Oxfam Trailwalker 100k which is a team charity race. And also finally huge plans to consider especially qualifying for my dream, UTMB in Chamonix, France next year.
Till then, going the distance!
Photo Credits: Bryon Powell
Daniel Chung
