F1 Sports EQ Nature Run 2010 by kent2612 at Garmin Connect - Details
Think it was more than 2 months ago since I last run at Macritchie, it will be my first race and a test on my fitness level since I had an operation on my Appendix a month ago. I do wonder how will I fare, especially running on trail where it is always tougher.
The race started slightly earlier at around 7:57am instead of 8:05am, as it was very crowded I tried to maintain a pace of 5:30min/km but it is always tough to pace yourself on such terrains. The first 3km was fine before I started to feel a little tired, my pace continue to drop to more than 6mins/km until I reaches the U-turn point (almost 7km). By then I was feeling very tired and I have thoughts of regret that I should have signed up the 10km race instead haha…, think it shows that my fitness level is not quite there yet and along the way I cannot help but keep checking on the distance covered.
As I finally reached the midway U-turn point, I took a longer than usual break at the water point before I continue with my run, by then my pace deteriorate further to a very slow 7min/km, still I managed to hit the 10km mark at 56mins. Feeling extremely exhausted I started to walk for about 3mins while having thoughts of giving up, thinking will this be my first DNF race? But I quickily dismissed the idea and continue with my run. There afterwards I did not stop walking except on the trails crowded with roots. Slowly as I started to pickup pace again from 12 – 13km, but to my surprise as I closed in on completing 13km I was surprise to see the finishing mark before I sprinted all the way to complete the race strongly.
Again I am still not at my best, but on the positive side at least my right kneecap no longer gives me problem, which is good as it means that I can start to train properly. However there are areas which I notice and have to work on.
- my endurance level had drop alot and disappointingly I can no longer keep up with even a slow 5:30min/km pace, not even up to 5km. Thus I was forced to take longer breaks at water points (around 2 – 3mins) and also ended up walking for up to 4mins.
- Will need to work more on strength as these are needed to overcome the hilly terrain, especially the need to strenghten my calf and quads.
Garmin Watch distance: 13.11km_Pace:06:29min/km_Time: 01:25:05
