The Final Countdown...

By Frank

It seems like only yesterday when I first signed up for Sundown Ultra Marathon 2011 back in December 2010. Moving forward, I'm now just 6 days away from it. To think back about it back then, I was certainly looking forward to it. However, it isn't the same case now for preparation was certainly not up to par if you had follow my build-up to it.

No matter, what is done is done. This morning, saw my final long slow distance and 10 of us from the Aladdin Runnerz group showed up, except for Vince. It was great too to see Fui Cheng back running. And Kannan's sight of dropping his bottle gave us some hilarious moments. Even the usual pack of dogs did something different from usual to us this time. They came guerrilla style ambushing us from a small hill. What a morning.

I tested my gear last week and my whole body was sore due to the 2 liter hydration backpack. It was too long ago since I carried it back last year. However this time, I purchased a Nathan HPL #020 after hearing positive feedback from Jamie. It was certainly good but as good as it gets, I'm always better in running light. The feeling of having a small little "turtle shell" behind me made me feel like Gokou in Dragon Ball Z. I again experience soreness after this morning's run. I ran at a very comfy pace, nearing a 7 minutes per kilometer pace. Race pace plan for next weekend is a 6.45 minute per kilometer. Just hope I be able to withstand the backpack well.

My left ankle issue resurface again last week. Still unsure of the problem, I'm now taking high concentrated calcium milk hoping it will help strengthen my bones. Even my usual dosage of Omega 3 supplement has been increased. My disbelief on Glucosamine has been put aside hoping it will give some assistance to it. I just hope the pain will just give me a break on race day so that I can complete the run in 1 piece without additional agony. But should it comes, I guess the only way is how good my pain tolerance can withstand it.

As the clock slowly ticks away, the moment of truth will soon arrive. These few days will just be critical. Every step counts and here goes nothing...