The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® (UTMB) 2014

The reason you don't DNF this race is the cost and the long flight-time. It's at least SGD2,000 for a budget trip of 5days to Chamonix and back and many hours of flying, not counting the time and money spent to clock qualifying points. If money is no problem, then just ballot yearly and enjoy the lucky draw =)

2014 - Rain at the start made sure that it was not the simplest of UTMB races, which was a good experience worth collecting and at the same time it was not one worth forgetting via DNF , cancellation or shortening of race course.

The most runnable high elevation course that I have done thus far, the down slopes were safe to run for most part of the 168km route until maybe the last 20km. I mean even on a gravel track, there was a pathway that had almost no gravel on it throughout the race course. Call it a track within a track. The grassy or soft mud downslopes were even highly comfortable to run on, making such sections 'posh' (thick-carpet experience).

The only trouble that I really faced was when my headlamp started to act as if the battery power, including those provided by the race organisers and helpful runners, was diminishing too fast because of the cold. I mean new to no lights in 5 minutes. I was even left in complete darkness beside a cliff for 'forever' (I meant 30 seconds). I daren't even move an inch until the next runner (Tom) came and I asked for a spare light which wasn't bright enough too. I thus had to run with Tom step for step until the next checkpoint which he had generously offered and kindly led. A didn't have much problems with this as I have always practiced using minimal light and regularly not using my light, but leeching off the light of runners in front or behind me, to save battery. Thank God for 'Kiasuism'.

Reaching the safety of the checkpoint, I had either to find a good headlamp or restart when the sun is out. Good thing for me Rick, Tom's friend allowed me to decide on the first option and I was able to finish the race in 35h+.



Without wanting to give too much away and spoiling the fun for you guys, I would just say the first quarter of the race is relatively simple and the next 3/4 is generally up and down with the rest of the elevation well spread out with each climb up about 800m.

The crowd support is tremendous which I consider the highlight of the race and of course the snow capped mountains. Overall scenery enjoyment cannot beat Indo's which is more dynamic due to the varying landscape.

Probably with all the hype and buzz heightening expectations as well as already experiencing a Liverpool Match and La Tomatina for t his month long Europe trip catered around UTMB, I reached Chamonix a little deflated emotionally. It was kinda weird that I was unable to really feel excited, nervous or anything other than it's something that I just had to go through. The only fun I had from the whole Chamonix portion of my Europe trip was the fuzzy feel when meeting fellow Singaporean friends.

TransLantau100 2014

Other than BTS100 which I really tried to understand the elevation and the difficulty of the terrain that I was doing, I did not study the rest of my ultra-races. Doing as such meant a shocker for me for the first 22km up till CP2 of TransLantau 100 (LT100). In fact the difficulty started before the race.

To begin, let’s start on Thursday 13 March 2014. The work day started just like any other, but with the motivating knowledge of a trip to HK for the weekend. Quickly got back after work to pack my stuff for the trip and race, before meeting YMT at the airport. Did not even manage to get HKD which YMT confirmed that he should have spare.

Carbo-loading

Carbo-loaded at the airport lounge before boarding one of the oldest planes from CX. Poor food onboard, hot & stuffy and pretty noisy. Got maybe an hour of interrupted sleep after the inflight meal and finally reached CLK.

Roaming the streets and eating 'Lap Sap"

We cleared customs about 6am and joined Fia and Perry roaming and eating about HK streets before heading to Lantau at 1-2pm to check-in. We reached Silverview Resort to find out that we had no room as there was a mistake by the person who replied my email few days before that my room was confirmed. YMT was irritated already, so was I, but the hotel offered an apartment that was 10min cycle from the start point. We had no choice but to accept the apartment and when we finally settled down to rest, it was about 4pm and in less than an hour, Bain and Sam joined us and with noisy neighbours and dogs barking, we got little rest and subsequently headed out for makan with Fred, Terence and Patrick. 

Makan before race - Crazy good honey chicken wings

After dinner and back for 1 more hour of rest, we headed to the start!

We got ourselves checked-in and with some lion dance performance, the race started.

It was the beginning of the first ‘2 checkpoints’ and it was here that I realized that elevation was not the only thing to look out for, but the amount of continuous up/down between each CP that really mattered. The 750m up Sunset peak and the immediate decline thereafter really sapped me (like as if there was anything left of me after not sleeping for the 2^nd night at this point). I was really sleepy, exhausted and doing Zombie-walking already. After CP2, I knew that this will be the CP where most runner will DNF other than the mid-point which was more convenient for transport and also at least to ‘complete’ half. 

Taking a photo from the rock I slept on

500m from CP3, I decided to lie on a huge rock and took a 30min nap. 

I was awaken by a concerned runner and I was freezing. I started off shivering until I reached CP3 to grab some hot noodles to warm up and rested just abit more before feeling refreshed. 

CP3

Trust me, from CP2 to 3, the struggle to keep awake and not DNF to just go back hotel to sleep was so strong. I knew I could complete this race, but I didn’t want to fight sleeping. It was tough, but I have been to such a situation – tougher and colder before. It was good weather to do this race for someone that can’t take cold. I just wanted to be back, well-rested and be with my girlfriend for breakfast/lunch since she was the Sat morning, 6am. It was my first ultra-race that she accompanied and I was willing to DNF to accompany her since her birthday few days before fell on the day she left for Thailand and returned on the day I left for HK. In fact I drove to Changi Airport to coincide her arrival from ChiangMai so that she could drive home while I awaited my flight. 

To keep things short, refer to the below PrintScreen to the main reason I completed, coupled with the Whatsapp support from SG friends that I didn’t want to disappoint. 

Respect nature/the terrain by being prepared and well-equipped for the race, but even more so, respect yourself by training hard and racing easy. Know that you can never be fully prepare for every situation, but in spite of (injury, weather, …) many have overcame and triumphed. The race is tough only after you have trained hard and gone through it, not when it has yet to begin!

Below are some pics between CP3 and 5 to have a feel of the view and the terrain. 

I concluded that this race like Vibram HK100 should be divided into 2 parts, one being difficult and the other easier. For VibramHK100, it was easier on the first half and LT100 should be easier on the 2^nd half just because my mind wouldn't comprehend a more difficult part 2. With that, I decided I was going to find out what laid ahead and I wouldn’t want a DNF knowing that I was right and missed that chance of cruising through part 2.

Me, before reaching Tai O CP (I think)

Somewhere before CP5

I Reached Tai O at 57km, caught another 30mins of eat and sleep and I was back on a relaxed pace until before the climb up Ngong Ping where I met fellow Singaporean Runner Calvin Kuan. 

Calvin Kuan at the Cable Car Station

It was an enjoyable and chatty climb up followed by a deceivingly long 5km before I bode him farewell after CP7 to try to finish before the end of Saturday and not to let the girlfriend wait too long. 

Wisdom Path

Gate to no turning back!

Lantau Peak

Misty Mountain

From CP7 – 8, which was relatively downhill, it was pretty quick.

CP8 – 9 was relatively flat but somehow felt longer than expected. In fact I was getting concerned almost finishing all my water and meeting runners along the way who were clueless about how far more the next CP was.

Upon reaching CP9, I thought of just running past after refilling water, but decided to eat a little, just in case there was no food at the end or stalls were already closed at this late hour.

I checked that the last 5km was flat all the way to the end, but ultimately realized that there were quite a bit of rolling hills. I decided to do this 5km stretch at tempo pace, held back from going all out just in case I somehow have to walk the last part of it. It went according to plan and I overtook all that I could see along the way back. 1 km from the end, suddenly a slightly more senior HK runner ran past me. Hmmm, a quick finish was  going to become a sprint finish I guessed. I followed his pace, he opened his stride, I opened, keeping the 1m distance. Every about 150m, I felt that he tried to pull away, but I was going to keep this exciting for both of us by completing the race together at such a pace. It was fun, but I wasn’t sure where the end was, although everything was familiar now. I just followed until about 300-400m from the end, when my feisty competitor checked back on me twice and tried to break away. Then I knew game on, it was going to be either me or him in this race. I checked my breathing just in case and knew that I got spare. When he finally slowed, I sprinted to finish!

                                                                                                    

My friendly competitor, whoever you are! Kudos to you for making me go all out at the end of a 100km. To me you are the winner, because me being a junior came back just seconds ahead of you =) Respect!

TransLantau 100 2014 Results

Notes

Train lotsa steps, climb 2-3 steps up as well as down.

Vibram HK100 1h30m – 1h40m between CPs  with 300 – 500ml of water

LT100 2h-2h30m between CPs with 500ml – 900ml of water
Rumour has it that race director intends to increase the difficulty of this race each year.
Race is mostly up or down and seemed to have only 20% flats.

Shoe
Salomon Speedcross - first 60k toe rub against front of shoe that went away after I started getting pacy. Running slow may have affect run gait, since I did not face this problem during training. This shoes since day 1 haven't been stable for me, causing sprains, but I wore em for Lantau just to finish 'using' them.

Vibram® Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail® Race 2013

Inexperience, Kiasuism, Fun and Curiosity were the running traits I took on with me along this race. These were important traits to ensure that my mind wasn't on the 100km, but on the food, the scenery and excuses of not finishing. The goal was to eat my money's worth paid for the participation fee. The first 50k of the race was all dedicated to eating and eat, I had to try everything available. Those that were good, I went for seconds. At checkpoint 3, I even went for thirds when some of the food were replenished. I mean these were yummy and freshly cooked. I had to eat them even though I was already leaving the checkpoint. 5 more minutes and I was off.

At support point - East Dam, we waited for friends and tried to re-group. Up till here, the route was jam packed. Couldn't go fast, couldn't go slow. Just 6min+ pace.

I spent 15-20mins eating at checkpoint 1, 2, 3, 4 and at CP3 - Hoi Ha, 25min trying to sneak into and out of the female toilet without detection to shit because the men's was clogged.

At about 48k, I started to feel nauseous and with each stride, I felt the food in me coming to live. They were struggling to escape. It was mee, rice, sandwiches, soup, chocs, cookies, swiss rolls, fruits, etc from CP 1, 2, 3, 4 back for revenge.

At 50k, I had no choice but to stop and lie on a huge rock beside the path. Every 20th person that passed, there was a question of concern and an irritable reply from me. Imagine the number of times I had to say OK, even though I was like 'not ok, but please don't ask anymore... aaarrrgghhh'. After 20minutes, I knew I had to reach the midpoint to really get a good rest. I did a 'hold my puke' wobble for 2k to CP5 - Kei Ling Ha (52k) in 09:37:38.

Reaching the midpoint, I puked whatever I could out. It was pleasant! It was now time to rest and it was enough reason to DNF. I puked, so I was sick, so I could quit. Nope, not alone though. I was gonna wait for a much faster friend who happened to be injured but still insisted on doing the race, walking. If quitting, I was gonna quit with him, it was more excuse that way.

Wait, I waited and waited. All 6h plus of it. Wrong move. It was getting colder and I couldn't sleep anymore. Out came the emergency blanket and I moved to the stone steps coming into CP5, just in case I missed YMT. YMT came, mentioned that I was crazy to quit and if he wasn't injured, why come all the way here to DNF. I wasn't physically exhausted so, carrying on or not was just a simple decision and I was walking my way with YMT and a new known friend called WJ. After maybe 20-30 mins of walking, I just couldn't be slow any more. It was freezing you know and I quietly took off from YMT and WJ.

It was awesome the moment I warmed up. I am not sure where, but I had to run on the ridge of some mountain and it was open and crazy windy, awesome city lights.

After this, I reached ShaTin pass and went down the hill to climb back up all the way again as I had missed a turn, wasting 25min. Another giving up point, but I told myself that I should have given up at 52k instead. After CP5, it was discipline. Eat cup noodles at all CP and leave within 10mins. I maintained a good pace and very quickly I was at my last checkpoint. I took a look at the time which I hadn't done for quite some time and remembered a friend that took part last year mentioned a silver medal for 18h and gold for below 16. She got bronze for her 22h and I guess that bronze was for sub 24h.

For the first time in the race, I had a goal. I was gonna devour Tai Mo Shan. Jogged the ups and even sprinted down the last stretch doing a 4min or even below pace for the last 3-4k, with limited vision due to the fog.

Like a lot of ultra-running experiences being shared, I will count myself as an ultra runner, because of my conscious and continuous effort during runs to push negativity all the way to the back of my mind and just focusing on completing my race. All these can only be said due to a confidence of a race finish.

23:48:48                  Chip Time
01:36:32   Support Point/East Dam (11k)
04:11:07   CP2 - Wong Shek (28k)
05:33:22   CP3 - Hoi Ha (36k)      
09:37:38   CP5 - Kei Ling Ha (52k)
16:56:51   CP6 - Gilwell Camp (65k)
19:15:27   CP7 - Beacon Hill (73k)
20:46:05   CP8 - Shing Mun Dam (83k)
22:18:31   CP9 - Lead Mine Pass (90k)

Ran the first 52k in Mizuno Wave Amulet 3. Not a trail shoe, but was a pacy right choice for this race. Did the 2nd half in Asics 'Blue Army Shoe', which was a good comfortable run. With the cold weather a relaxed pace, I guess there was not much feet swell and hence I did not feel any discomfort throughout.

I use all my shoes without insoles until when they are 3/4 way through their lifespan, when the soles are quite worn, cushion flatens and the toebox gets roomier.

Brought along trekking poles, which I kept with the halfway point dropbag just in case, but decided not to use them since I was ok. Anyway did not train with em.

For this race, gels weren't necessary as there is more than enough food at checkpoints which were not too far apart. I brought them along, but didn't use.

I was running quite alot till SCMS 2012 and the rest of December was a NZ trip with only one 10k Lake Hayes Race in NZ. In January before the Ultra, I continued on my training schedule before my NZ trip:

Mon: 30k ECP
Tue: 10k steady
Wed: CBD Mizuno Circuits and occasional 2h Futsal thereafter
Thu: 20 X 10 storey sprints. (43s-53s/set, 2 steps a time up. Walk down at 2 steps a time)
Fri: Usually rest, but with the occasianal 2h Futsal games
Sat: 30k MR
Sun: 8-10 chillax soccer followed by a field game in the afternoon or evenings

Tapered on last week with probably one 10k tempo and 2 lung bursting 5ks from Mon-Wed. 3 days before race, sedentary.


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Training to climb stairs 2-3steps at a time both up and down alot will definitely aid you especially at the end where it was a real pain and strain to just leap off the very high steps when going down.

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