Trail Trouble

So it's been an intense couple of weeks with long runs and hikes and cross training, but we finally went to Singapore for our crazy race this weekend.

I just want to begin by reminding myself why we decided to do this race:
1) Shorter distance than the Gobi
2) Trail Race
3) Singapore is flat
4) By October it will be fall and cool


So those first two were true, but the second two were not.

I am pretty sure the race organizers found all of the hills in Singapore and included them in this race. I am also thinking they talked to the big guy upstairs and asked him to turn the heat up a notch just to make sure no one thought this was going to be easy.

And easy it was not. It was hard as hell.

We started with a gear check at 6am. I had an early morning contact lens disaster but fortunately I brought an extra set. The gun was off at 7am and we were on our way.

It was a long and hot course, but in my typical fashion I met a bunch of people along the trail including:

1) A pediatric oncologist
2) A real estate agent
3) A Sri Lankan civil service member
4) A banker (ALWAYS)
5) A ship broker

If you ever need any of these professions in Singapore let me know. I've tried to block out much of the course but there were all sorts of animals including monkeys lining the path to cheer/steal food from us.

The last ten kilometers were tough! Direct sunlight, hills, roots, and 100 degree heat. I tripped and did a somersault on kilometer 8km, but as we came around the reservoir to the finish I found a little reserve of energy and sprinted to the finish.

Just a little over 7 hours...amazing...

My partner Amy Small won the whole thing for the women. It was awesome.

Oh yeah and we came in first place....not bad for our first ultramarathon...