UiTM Ultra Marathon - The Virgin Ultra
2017 races has reached an all time peak just last weekend.
Alhamdulillah, I managed to secure my virgin, inaugural ultra marathon in a trendy manner. A 5th spot and injury free. All thanks and gratitude is to the Almighty, for without him, none is even possible.
I was quite sceptical that I managed to secure any decent spot. I didn't train enough. There were few good runners joining. My legs didn't feel too great on the last run I had. And finally, my friend has implanted that I may have a chance for a decent position, and usually if I have that, it will not be the case. So I was prepared for both, securing or not securing a decent spot.
The participation was very impromptu. I never thought of becoming an ultra anytime soon. If any, it will be next year. But after the hiccups that I had for Nuang, I had a good sense that my family is not fine with me being away for too long yet. So I had put any ultra thoughts aside. But earlier on, before the registration for UiTM Ultra was closed, I was contemplating whether to participate or not. It has all the good vibes for me to join. A looped ultra, hence, any problems or difficulties that I'll be facing, I will always have good aids nearby. It's in UiTM Shah Alam, so it's very nearby. I always have a soft spot for Shah Alam events. It will start at 10 pm, going through the night. I don't mind having less rest and decent sleep, if it's going to make it easier for my family to handle. And of course, I will have better excuse and green light from the hubs to do so. Finally, I was so desperate for long distance race. I couldn't join PBIM like almost ever I think. I missed Putrajaya Night Marathon (I am not that ready for a night marathon anyway). So I was in dire need of a long race. Through, night marathon versus night ultra, doesn't seem to help much. But being a looping ultra, and a first one for me even, the pressure is much lesser. So when I had decided to participate, the registration had closed. Had even pursued from the race director, if there was any slots still available. The website will usually ask to ask the race director for any problems. So always enquire, when in doubt. Of course, there was none still open.
So I put the intention aside, until just a week before the race, when someone advertised on the Bib to Let page. It was a lady runner, and right before the REPC. Worried that I might be cheated with the bib selling, I accepted his offer to COD the bib, which he will help to pick up first. It went so smoothly, he works in USJ, so it's very convenient for me to pick up. I had earlier on enquired the race director again if I can officially transfer the bib into my name, which he didn't allow of course. Even after few attempts. Then, the guy whom I bought the bib from, told me that I can still do that. Just a day before the race. Upon enquiry from the race director again, name transfer will only appear on the cert, and not for my official timing and I will be disqualified, if I ever get a position. So I accepted the fact. Will only try my best to see how would I fare. But then, not long after, he informed me that he can do the official transfer. Like Finally. Alhamdulillah. I didn't take it as a good sign yet. But at least I have removed any obstacles.
I didn't feel at my greatest self on the days leading to the rest. Was feeling quite sickly, and the legs were not feeling as fresh as it should. On the day of the race, I didn't have that much sleep as I should have. Due to that, race jitters started to creep in. I got at my most anxious self just few hours before. I think I never felt as anxious as that. Almost felt out of breath due to the anxiety. But I tried to remain calm. Saturday evening to night is always a hectic time for us. Footie, had to do groceries, with the upcoming holiday it certainly made things worse. It was raining heavily before the race. Was having doubt whether the race would go on. And as I made my way to the venue, it got better and seemed to be totally clear even.
I brought the whole thing with me to the starting line. My bag consist of 2 sets of clothing, including shoe. So just imagine how heavy it was. I had spare fuels, drink and isotonic. The bag disposal and fuel station (where we put our bottles and other immediate necessities) was smooth. I brought some pills along as I thought I might get sick, or maybe some headache.
So I finally had to make my way to the venue. I started to get really nervous before leaving home. My heart pounded so much. My head was about to spin. And having brought the pills along was extremely great idea. I had to take it in one of the pit stops.
I brought the whole of my big bag to the starting line. Stashed 1 bag of pit stop needs at the counter, and the rest in the bag deposit area. It looked so organised. There was constant communication where runners should be, should do. There were plenty of volunteers to assist you with. The early sentiment was great.
I saw familiar faces, but of course, I was mostly on my own, manning my own thing. And the race started. The weather was great. There was only very light drizzle, but it was not long and it wasn't troubling. The only problem, if you may call it that, was the road was narrow and there was some traffic. But being within university compound, it was always safe. There was only 1 water station midway, but that was really what's needed. Various communication been told that we should some water bottles, but it was not needed at all. It was only needed at the checkpoint, and would not be a problem at all since our water bottles were there.
As for the route, there was indeed 2 major hills (other said 3, but for me, there was only 2). and there's no way you could run all the way on those hills. You must stop somewhat. I had to walk even during the first loop. So that went on for the next 10 loops. I was so lucky that my pace strategy worked quite well. I stick to my cruising pace. Many stormed off right from the start. That was the first ultra for me, and I had no expectation, so I took it pretty easy myself. no timing expectation, as long as I didn't feel too awful, that was already super.
I caught on with Kartini, which I have been mentioning to my colleague, on how good she was in the 2nd loop. Having caught up with her very early, it gave me some kind of confidence a little bit. I left some of the guys that I was running with at the start, as the race progressed. I finally caught up with Kak Ruby and later on Maulina, which are 2 other good runners and gave me the confidence feeling as well. She scored good timing during the recent Putrajaya Nigh Marathon, getting to even come close with her was already something. We cruised along together quite some time, which she finally left me after the 7th loop (I think I caught on with her on the 5th or 6th). I was no where near her after she left me. But I kept on with my own game. I tried to maintain composure as can be evidenced below. That seemed to work and I managed to pick up in the final lap, overtaking one after another, tackled the hills better than I did in the previous loop, partly due to the 2nd surge that I had reserved until the last loop. I caught up with Maulina only a few kms away from the finishing. Respected her enough that I didn't want to simply overtake her without suggesting for us to go faster together. She apparently had some female related emergency and couldn't push for her finish. I went on, still overtaking few others while doing it and finally finished at 5th. I had no idea at all that I would be prized. And it was indeed the sweetest thing ever.
I didn't hang around much after I finished. Did not even stretch properly. I just wanted to rush back, so I could perform some solat sunat, and alhamdulillah, I managed to do just that. I had even had the chance to get a quick 1 hour sleept before getting up again for the prize giving. I asked my kids if they wanted to join me but they didn't. So I made my way just on my own.
It was all good and sweet until my drive back to UiTM. I got lost a little bit in there, and had knocked the back of my car on some street light. It left a heavy dent there, and should need some few hundreds if not thousands of repair work. The price money was only 100 and what I had to pay out was much more than that. But I was grateful still for Allah's decree. My win meant much more than the money that I had to spend on the car. So Alhamdulillah, Allah always knows best.
The prize ceremony went smooth. I truly appreciate the organisers and crew for organising such an organised and professional event. I liked everything about the race. I gave very good feedback in the feedback survey. There was nothing that I don't like about the race. And hopefully, I could join again, if I'm not too scared of losing my top 5 position in 2017.
Date: 10 December 2016
Venue: UiTM Shah Alam
Distance: 52 km
Position: 5
Official Time: 6:20:56 hrs
Personal Time: 6:20:55 hrs
Pace: 7:36
Comments
Post a Comment