What makes me join this run?

At the beginning of 2016, I wrote down some resolution for this year. One of them is to complete an ultra-marathon. Any marathons that more than 42km are consider ultra.

The moment I really get the mood in was, after I completed my first Triathlon, then I immediately survey for any ultra run which around 50km to 60km.

My first choice was, Cameron trail run 60km, unfortunately by the time I want to register already full. Then finally I chosen KOSL.

A day before the race

Preparing items for the race. Before this race, I not training actively, like 1 or 2 weeks run 10km only. So I’m quite nervous for this, at the same time also excited!! As I’m going to complete 1 of my 2016 resolution.

Item I bring:

• Sun glasses
• Hydration pack
• Blinker (is not really necessary here, because the race started at 7am)
• Some chocolate (in case hungry)
• headband

During the race

So it’s a trail run, 30km+ is off road

Cross the first river, this river must walk carefully, so that the shoes won’t get wet.

The distance is getting far between runners

Where to cross? In fact, my shoes get wet here! Initially I was thinking whether or not to take off my shoes and walk over the river, but I saw everybody just cross like that, then I also follow… WET

This is the first water station which has food, coke, 100-plus, but no cup is provided… I just bring a bottle with plain water, so if next time any of you want to join the race, please bring 1 more cup

This is the main checkpoint for 50km runner, must reach before 1pm, otherwise will be DNF. I reached here around 12pm.

Meet first buddy

Take a selfie while resting :)

Eventually become 4 buddies, and they are really awesome~

Speed up…the last 200 meters.

Yeah!!! My first 50km

The result

48km+ is because we skipped the scenery hill, due to safety issue (raining that time)

• Category rank: 48/69
• Overall rank: 88/121
• Finishing time: 2016-08-28 15:47:38
• Total time: 08:47:38

What I learnt from this race

A few items are needed for this race

• Cap (because the weather will be hot, so a cap can cover eyes & face)
• Extra 1 or 2 pairs of socks (I cross the river and my socks wet, I have to use it until the end of the race, what if it is 100km?)

Practice fast walk. This is learn from an experienced runner Rambo. This is because most of us (may be not you) cannot run non-stop until the finishing line, so walking is 1 of the key skill to survive until the finishing line. So, walk more…

Find a buddy if you’re not a podium runner. This is a mental game, some time walk with someone is better than alone, at least he/she can encourage & motivate you. Also can get to know a new friend.

Conclusion

Even I’m less training, but I do keep my diets, at the end still manage to complete within the cut off time.

If you thinking to join for a full marathon or even 50km, I encourage you to register first, then training later.

If you need my help, you can pm me on my Facebook.

Thanks for reading

This is my 3rd time sign up triathlon race.

The first time was on 2015, Penang Triathlon 2015. That time I borrow a very old mountain bike (break system also not that good) from my uncle, borrow helmet from a friend. Is like, not well prepared and just go for it. Unfortunately, on the event day, after check in my bike, I fell down and get my ankle injured. At first, I insist go to the swimming side, and try to swim a while, but was too pain, so I give up the race. My first time to give up a race…

After rest for 6 months, I sign up Port Dickson Triathlon 2015. Thought this time I will complete, but too bad, that time was hazy, and I withdraw again.

On the same year I bought a road bike, and some necessary equipments, then sign up Penang Triathlon 2016. Then…

This time I came alone, stay on 1 of my relative house, in Sungai Ara. The event place is on another side of the island. So need to wake up early and go to the place.

First, of course check in the bike at the starting point.

Then there is a shuttle bus to send all participants to the swimming area, I think around 2-3km.

First time swimming in the sea, the key is to cool down, don’t get panic. Because when I started to run into the sea, I felt my Qi is not enough and used up easily. After a while, I keep calm and slow down, is getting better. Swimming part is 2 loops triangle, each ~750m far.

After swim, by right should be cycling section. But this is different, we have to run from the sea side to starting point, around 2-3km.

Then the hardest part is cycling (to me). May be is because of I not get used to cycling, some more the route has lots of uphill & downhill, but is a very awesome experience. I almost cramp at first 5km of cycling, then I get down and rest for a while, and continue… Total distance 40km, go 20km, then U-turn 20km. The challenging part is after U-turn, a long journey of uphill, but I don’t have cramp feeling anymore.

The final part is to run 10km. Although 10km is not long, but I walked a lot, instead of run. Met a new friend there and he walk/run together with me, so we finish almost the same time.

During my run, was heavy rain, that’s why whole body get wet.

First triathlon completed in almost 5 hours. To me, I’m satisfied with the timing, because I’ve no proper training for this, and still completed within the cut off time (5:30 hours). And compare with last year.

I already better than myself last year.