Tuesday, March 07, 2006
The Adventure Quest Race begins 25 days from now.
Are we ready?
Let us think back to the very first beginnings of our AQ training...
Not too far back, our Changi Village Run? That's right.
There was 8 of us, and we started at the edge of Changi Village, and ran along the road, past the canal and the industrial places, out of Loyang and into the road which was the end of Pasir Ris Dr 1.
We then entered Tampines and ran along the MRT line to Tanah Merah and back up the hill to the concourse steps.
It was extremely significant, even though it was funnily placed so early in the proramme. But then again, we didn't have that much time.
It was the most accurate of the measures of our abilities and stamina. We were able to complete the entire course without stopping for more than 6 mins.
The only pauses we had were the traffic lights and they made up the brief stops we would have at each checkpoint in the race.
We ran together throughout and no one gave up in the end and there was no need for the safety vehicle.
We pulled through 10 kilometres of road and were on our feet just after a short rest.
What did it show:
1)It was rash to rush into a run of such a magnitude, but it showed that we had a firm foundation of physical fitness and that we were physically prepared to take on a race which was of great distances.
2)Running in a large group is much easier. At least you can feel that the other guy is suffering more than you. Maybe that keeps you going. I don't know.
But the presence of your buddy with you keeps you on your toes and there is a different quality when pals chiong together. Check out Cherng Ru, Kah Kee and Joel. These 3 are an amazing combo. Though not yet as pro as Jeremy and Alwyn, but they were commendable.
3)We excel on pavement.
We ran for the entire course on the grey pavement and were reasonably fast.
4) Regular Long stops slowed us and prevented us from getting to the same momentum we held initially.
We should begin running slowly, then slowy build-up to a constant pace that everyone is comfortable with and can maintain for forever. Of course not too slow, or brisk walking would simply be more effective.
The run from Kallang was painstakingly long. We went down Sims Ave and Upper Changi Road. It was a long straight road.
We took a long time to complete it, unbelievably. About 2 hrs plus. There was no increase in distance but we were slower.
Why:
1) Different Terrain.
2) Bad air
3) repeated stops.
4) gap in physical ability
It was a bit of a dulling of our confidence as the first run was way too promising. But we were nevertheless, outstanding and nothing we've done were useless. Each success and not-so-well thing done could teach us a lot. It showed that our speed and peak could not remain optimum throughout.
Pretty much of it boiled down to your mental state on the actual day, your willingness to run, the amount of Breakfast you had, whether your sleep was enough, your girlfriend dumped you or not.
All these elements are very unpredictable. We are subject to incredible negativity by the mere influence of such stuff. So, we should try our best to focus.
Never ever drift away.
The last 15km ECP run was a killer.
Yet it made those who completed it feel shiok.
The distance was a killer. Personally, i didn't think we could manage such a great increment in a short span of time.
But we finished it. That counts towards something.
Only 5 people pulled through the fullness of the distance.
Some of us were slack, and others went to have a stop at Kopitiam to drink some bandung and Ice lemon tea.
But overall, we were exemplary.
So far, I've analyzed 3 of our long runs. Are we ready? I think : YES.
Factors affecting Physical Performance:
1) Terrain - Roughness of ground, impact, unevenness or concrete.
2) Air - A fresh breeze compared to car exhaust. Which is better?
3) Momentum - A loss of momentum could be difficult to regain. Our brains refuse to go back to the peak we would be functioning at before.
4) Amount of Sleep - Rest before the night enables one to be refreshed and alert.
5) Energy - Eating a slice of bread or a BIG BREAKFAST. Which is more energy giving?
6) Mental - Do you want to run?
7) Whether your girl friend dumped you or not
8) Having to run with some person you don't enjoy being with.
9) Waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
10) Not enough Fluids.
11) Injuries
This is just a summary. Maybe there're more occurences of such nature, prohibiting you from running. But the MIND is sovereign over all. Think strong and you Will be strong.
Stay Mentally Stable.
Song Leng
Boys'Brigade14th 4:40 AM
