Navigations are at the top.
Being in the competitive lane really worked me up this morning as the horn sounded, i was running for my best timing. It was not for the prize, it was not just for the team, it was more for my personal training.
I was given two power gels to start with at the start and i planned for use at the 7km and the 14km mark. 1/3 of the race. At the half way point, we will be passed power gel again (by another team memeber that couldn't run) and i planned that for my last 2KM. I was planning for falling at the 1 hour 45 range, i.e i have to complete about 2 km per 10 mins.
Then it was up to my to psyche up myself. I made myself pissed off with the surrounding. NO Toilet, Wet floor, bag deposit problem and etc. That got me awake minimumlly for the early morning run. Once running, I went slow and steady for the first 4km, and i felt comfortable, so i decided i could go for more. At the ECP Fort Road enterance, as I was entering the enterance, the top runners were already exiting. Then I told myself, "so slow might as well not be in the team", "like that also can be in the team", "no wonder in team 2 not team one, so slow". I was depressing myself to the point that I could make myself fire up and once I got into the mood, i told myself, "i am going to run past team 1 team mates and show them team two has potential as well".
Then i felt good for the run then onwards and i kept overtaking the people that i have never overtaken, be it in other races, or training. But for this AHM, i did it. I was running topless 3/4 of the time as the running jersey was too heavy and sticking on my body. I felt good running like that and it was one of the factors pushing me to finish the race.
At the 20km mark, when i saw my watch, 1 h 40 mins, i knew i could see the 1 hour mark and i went all out for it. However i didn't manage to finish it in 5 mins to meet my target, but my timing of 1hour 50 mins and 48 second was the best i ever had.
It was a good run and most of them were surprised that i ran past them and managed to hold the large lead. I didn't believe it neither but i did it.
Good one Herman