Larian Spektra aka the Color Run

Larian Spektra was one of the first that I registered in 2015. They opened the registration early, and it was at a time when there was some moment of race registration drought. So having seen it and having heard that the gurls are joining it, I quickly went for it.

After sometime, more races came in. One of the important one is the Hulu Langat Trail Run. The organiser seems quite a reputable one. They give out a very nice Salomon t-shirt, that's what entice me most. The medal also looked nice, so that's another bonus. So I was heavily considering dropping off the Larian Spektra that I've registered to make way for the Hulu Langat Trail Run (HLTR).

But somehow, after deep thinking (so called), I've decided to stick to the Larian Spektra. All due to this medal. It looks so vibrant and colorful. Another smaller reason is, I was also wasn't sure that I would be able to handle it. It's a trail, near the Pangsun area, so elevation can get quite high.

But of course I've been feeling better than ever lately. At least ever in pregnancy terms. The legs feels strong and such. Been having mild intervals and fartleks few weeks back and felt ok with it. Don't have any particular issue climbing the stairs with high heels, unlike previous pregnancy. I've been starting to do half handstand in my own way (own way means it's not 90 degress straight and perfect, Almost like picture below but maybe worse, but progress is the key here). Been progressing into raising 1 leg after another, and increased duration. And yes with my belly. But the handstand is so good, I can feel that the back and core are being strengthen. I can do the plank rotate with dumbbell of 3 kg now. It's a big progress with a 7 month baby bump. All these strength, may even mean a stronger condition than me not being pregnant. It would have been a much better challenge if I had join the HLTR then.

As for the run itself, I had silently hoped that I can put my 5km to a test again, like the MHWM the other day. But I just had my final squat session (from the 30 day squat challenge). I had an interval on Thursday, then straight to a 1 hour run on Saturday. So the legs were not as fresh. And the Larian Spektra Route involves the infamous Bukit Cinta. The much talked about, the one that I never had the chance to try. The one that I was WARY of trying. So, securing a decent time is more than enough. Come race day, the crowd was pack. And as can be expected, they were mostly walkers than runners. It's a 5km fun run Color Run, so what do you expect. So it was good enough that I manage to run throughout the uohill, except for the short moment at the top leading to the waterstation. It would have been a much better feat if I had been able to continue the run on. Then William caught up at the top. Oh by the way, he's one of the reason why I continued on with Color Run as well. An assurance from a seasoned runner to join a race, what more reassurance can it be. Had a quick chat and I had to storm off since it was going downhill now, and it's time to make amends. I know I'm better at downhill than other people. Problem was that the tarmac was still slippery from the rain before. And I had to put on my worn out shoe in order to avoid unnecessary coloring on my new shoe. So it was even more slippery. With my growing baby bump, balance is of utmost importance. So I couldn't push going downwards as much. After the last uphill, there were few milder uphill in front. Maintained my pace alongside William that time. Heart rate was not as high, clearly I had more to push if I want to, but I don't think I had to. The final 100-200m was an uphil, so I didn't even bother to push as much. But I was glad that I had tried where I can. Especially happy that despite the lack of mileage now, I am slowly improving my strength with the pregnancy. I'm very fixated on weekly mileage now. So it's bad that I had to miss few kms this week. But let's treat this one of those cut-back week

I'm glad as well that I had sticked to the Larian Spektra. I would say it was a well organised event, considering that it comes from a non-major organiser. The setup, sponsorship, communication are good. It would have been better if they had started on time. Punctuality is the key for me. I had also become facebook friend with the race advisor. We might have noticed one another from few races before. And that was my first tryout at the Bukit Cinta. It was quite a nice route. I have always hate inclines, but have learnt to love it more know. I gives just enough pressure on your quads on the uphill but not tormenting enough. 

As for the color, it was hard to go off. I was squeaky clean throughout the run. I've made an effort to avoid all the colors splashed out, and was successful at it. I would take the longer route in order to avoid it. There were 3 or 4 stations throughout the 5km route for the color. But I couldn't avoid the final one at the finishing line, where a number of people lined up. That's one of the reason why I slowed down. I had thought of even using a different path. I was even worse than the hubs, the arms were full of colors. While heading towards the car, we had tried to wash if off with water. And it didn't go off. Hubs was really swearing after knowing that the colors didn't go off as easily. I had to endure his cursing. After knowing the fact that we will soon have another color run (the Great Eastern Color My Heart Run), he was very repulsed. Anyways, I had to leave some spots uncleaned. The color stained our headphones as well, but the soda bicarbonate works well on them. My phone case is still not clean until now (it's 2 weeks post that run by now). 

Larian Spektra 2015
Date: 26 April 2015
Venue: Dewan Tunku Chanselor, University Malaya
Pregnancy Progress: 27 weeks
Distance: 4.59 km
Duration: 30:05 minutes
Pace: 6:33km