Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race 2017...

Event: Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race 2017

Venue: Pak Tam Chung, Hong Kong

Date: 14 January 2017

Time: 8.00AM

Distance: 100KM

Shoe: Saucony Xodus 6

By Frank

The Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race (HK100) holds a special place in my running career. It’s after all, my first 100KM trail race that sparked my interest in running through nature and the demanding challenges but yet beautiful aspects it has to offer. And in a way, it’s also the race that I got to be introduced and to befriend a dear friend of mine 4 years ago.

No, I did not run the HK100 4 years ago, but in fact I only ran it once back in year 2015. With an unsuccessful ballot results from last year which in a way was a blessing considering the race had to be cancelled after 20 hours due to the freezing conditions which left the roads of the highest point of the race course at Tai Mo Shan (Big Hat Mountain), to be frozen, I tried my luck again to return to better my results for one final time (do you believe in me?).

With the ballot results announced in late September 2016, I was glad that I managed to get in this time together with Yee Hoo. However, quite a few including Yan Leng did not get it. But it was a chance not to be missed and with swift action, I laid out a plan with Yee Hoo and quickly made our purchase and bookings for our flights and accommodation.

Fast forwarding to December 2016, just after my final race of the year at the Putrajaya 78KM, I was struck down with migraine. Coincidently, my HK100 race back in 2015 was also affected by it, the only difference was it was during the race back then. From migraine, I was then affected by a bad diarrhoea followed by fever and cough. It was just plain bad luck for me and thus affected my preparation for this race. I did almost no running and knew that it will affect both my physical strength and also cardio fitness. All that I have built the last 3 years that gave me my best Comrades results and my achievement at the West Highland Way Race is gone.

After a long whole month of battling the above illness, and with just a week more to go till the race, I was again struck down by a sudden cough which prolonged till race day, and even when I was blogging this. I knew back then, it was a race to suffer or maybe to even pull out somewhere during the course should my condition is bad.

Thursday, 12 January 2017

On Thursday, 12 January 2017, I travelled to Hong Kong with Yee Hoo and William from Johor on board the first Air Asia flight out at 6.30AM. Flight was smooth and by 4 hours later, we touched down and immediately started doing the necessity like getting ourselves sim card, travel card and of course getting to the place we are staying, Ah Shan hostel at Mong Kok. Bus 21 and everything was simply familiar and by close to an hour later, we found ourselves at the busy district.

Touching down at Hong Kong Aiport with Yee Hoo and William.

Checked into our tiny “pigeon hole” room, and it was off to Action X Store at Sheung Wan to collect our race pack after a quick lunch of porridge Sea View Congee shop below our hostel. Boarded the wrong train though but was quickly to realise it. Was glad that there wasn’t much of participants arriving yet and hence we managed to collect our race packs pretty smoothly before heading off to Racing The Planet where Yee Hoo was the first casualty to fall prey to the urge of buying running gears.

Tiny room for 2 at Ah Shan hostel.

Returned back to the hostel to prepare our race gear which consisted of a drop bag for the halfway 52KM point and also finish point of the race. Rest up before heading out for dinner nearby having some beef noodles. Nothing much else later as all 3 of us were really tired and hence called it an early night.

My race gear all laid out.

Friday, 13 January 2017

By 8.30AM, the 3 of us were ready to explore Hong Kong. First stop was of course breakfast just below where we had Hong Kong’s famous polo bun and simple plain noodle soup with some slice meat before we went to the Museum of History at Tsim Tsa Tsui. 2 hours there learning about Hong Kong’s long history before we headed off to the seaside to enjoy the breeze and also the view of Hong Kong city. But sadly, the Avenue of Stars was closed for a major renovation which will last till about year 2020.

At Victoria Harbour water front.

Short walk around Tsim Tsa Tsui before heading back to Mong Kok to visit the running stores there basically All Weather, Overlander and Blue Mountain Sports. William was the second casualty where he bought a pair of running shorts while yours truly was the third where I bought a complete set of the new generation of BV Sport top and half tights at Blue Mountain Sports. I was a happy buyer though. Jeff arrived and met us there before we returned to the hostel to rest up before meeting Foo and Vivien for dinner at Fa Yuen Street Market. Just a simple dinner among us before it was lights out for the mountains awaits the next day.

A simple pre-race dinner.

Race day. Saturday,14 January 2017

Didn’t manage to get a good sleep due to my cough. Hope it didn’t affect Yee Hoo though. And I must highlight the very irritating WhatsApp messages that were coming in late. Yes, I understand those are wishes for the race but to text late into the night, I don't think those are good vibes. This isn't the first time happening and despite turning off the phone's sounds and vibrations (not everyone does that), there is always the notification light. And when you realised that I did not reply your message, it will mean I am pissed!

All pre-race rituals went smoothly before I joined them for breakfast downstairs at Sea View. It was drizzling and it was cold. The weather forecast so fast has been correct, but I believe our race gears are well prepared for it, I hope. Once breakfast was done, we returned to our room to get our gears before flagging down taxis after taxis to get to the race start at Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. Familiar faces from the Malaysian contingent appeared, from Tey, Keng Koon, Warren Lim, Warren Mok, Sook Ann and more. Myself, Yee Hoo, William and Jeff was last to leave at 6.45AM but time was sufficient. The only thing was that our taxi driver was a little chatty and I had trouble resting through the journey as he chatted with Jeff.

We arrived at Pak Tam Chung about 40 minutes later. It was still drizzling and the venue was wet and a little on the cold side. Quickly made our bags deposit and headed to the bushes to relieve ourselves as the queue for the toilets was just too long. The usual Malaysian contingent group photos session was next before we headed off to the sub 24 hours start area to prepare for the start. It was a wave start this year with 5 minutes interval in between and hence this is going to be the third wave.

Looking fresh before the 100KM struggle.

11 minutes after the first wave started, it was our turn as I wished Yee Hoo and William a safe race. I was in no hurry as the front pack will probably be packed with runners entering the MacLehose Trail and hence took my time. After close a Kilometer later, indeed the entrance to the trail was stuck as runners slowly form a single line. I was glad I was William and hence had someone to talk to. Hahaha...

As frustrating as it was being not able to run but to walk for about the next 4KM or so, I was actually prepared for it. But with the cool weather, it will only mean that there will be the urge to pee. With almost no place to go to and with too many people around, I held on. Slowly, I forgot about it but suddenly, I felt hungry instead.  Breakfast was too early earlier and guess I have to hold till I arrive at the East Dam support station which was located 11KM from the start.

Finally, after being stuck behind human traffic for about slightly more than an hour, I arrived with William at one of the dams with the ocean greeting us from one side. Spectacular view but first things first as we headed to the bushes to relieve ourselves before climbing the roads up to the area above. We then quickly set off as the roads here were wide enough to break free and that we did. I bump into Keng Koon during the climb, chatting with him for a while before resuming my run with William. Had fun throughout and I was trigger happy snapping photos of the beautiful surroundings when suddenly, a familiar face caught me. It was David, my fellow Comrades from Singapore. Meeting him annually at the Inchanga climb at Comrades Marathon, I hope East Dam here won't be our annual meet up. Hahaha...

Having fun with a Japanese "Spiderman" runner.

Meeting my fellow Comrades David at East Dam.

Terence supporting runners at East Dam.

While I ran and chatted freely with David, William took off on his own. Eventually, I spotted the East Dam support station. Another beautiful place where then another familiar face came running towards me. It was Terence Poon who welcomed runners to East Dam. Quickly grab some nuts here to help curb my hunger. Although I left East Dam with David. I powered up the next hill on my own as I headed towards the first climb at Sai Wan Shan some 314M above sea level. I needed to use my strength here before I was going to be slowed down by my weakness at the down section.

Beautiful surroundings of Tai Long Wan.

Not an easy climb upwards to Sai Wan Shan but neither it was tough. And as expected, I slowed at the next section descending from it as it was slippery especially on the cement stairs and David passed me just before arriving at the beach. I've lost count on the number of beautiful beach we had to run pass, but it was worth it with the sound of waves and the foot strikes of the runners only to be heard. And after 3:25:11 hours, I arrived at Check Point 1 at Ham Tin where I took some nuts, chips and a cracker with some water before moving on.

Remembering from my experience 2 years ago, we needed to climb a pretty steep but short ascend to exit Ham Tin. Ropes were installed to aid some runners too but I used my bare hands instead. Feeling still good and fresh, and still having fun, I was glad that my lack of training and recent sickness did not affect much, at least till this point. Even if it did, it had affected my speed which was relatively much slower.

Anyway, it was rolling up and down hill towards the next check point and Wong Shek, some 7KM away. The first section wasn't too bad with trails to run on, but when it got to the stairs, this is where things got tougher. More strength is needed to power up them, while more impact and balancing is needed to descend it. But I made it there in 4:50:03 hours without any mishaps with friendly volunteers welcoming the runners to this check point located next to a jetty with big boats and yacht were parked at.

Beautiful scenery but had to be careful going down the slippery stairs.

Took a slightly longer break here to fuel myself up with some yummy vinegared rice balls, chips and oranges washing down with water and Cola. And with the weather warming up, I decided to remove my Saucony Nomad long sleeve top and to just go with my base layer. And just before leaving, I saw a runner being carried down the stairs from where I came from. Though conscious, I assumed he was hurt probably twisting his ankle or falling at the trails. Hope nothing serious.

An orangy shot where Piew and Yan Leng will understand. Hehe...

Close to 5 hours and only 28KM covered. I was losing a lot of ground compared to my experience 2 years ago. Nevertheless, I wasn't too bothered about it and slowly resume my journey with a slightly heavy tummy from over eating. Ooops...

I slowly got my groove back and resume some running pass some villages and also the through the pathways by the seaside. Nothing much to blog about it here except that the serendipity of the beautiful and yet calm surroundings bought positive thoughts to me.

Check Point 3 at Hoi Ha was a check point I was looking forward to as it was partially manned by those who are visually impaired. And just before arriving there, I made a quick detour off course to visit a public toilet where I used the opportunity to wash and freshen up my face and arms. And just before entering the check point which was within a park in a time of 6:23:44 hours, I tried to high five as many of the volunteers there as a mark and token of appreciation for being there for the runners. An even longer stop compared to the earlier one, I took in lots of oranges here while trying the official sports drink for this race, Overstim which I kind of like it. Pleasant taste and wasn't too sugary. Pretty like Pocari or even barley. And just before leaving, I spotted some hot ginger tea and stop for a cup. And while having it, I had a chat with Joshua who was having some noodles by the side.

Yung Shue O which was 9KM away is where I shall have my dinner, I told myself. After all, that is what happened 2 years back and that will something to look forward to again. I took my time to slowly walk off the food and drinks I had earlier as I continued with my journey. Re-entering into the woods, I found a very similar bench where I sat down 2 years ago to remove my gaiters. This time round, I remove my shoes to clear off sands that were collected during my earlier run at the beach and also to have my mobile phone and Suunto charge. I left the Suunto on my wrist to charge and hence had to carry my phone on my hand. And with it, I started texting and updating my friends back home, some silly photos included. This kept my mind off from the fatigue which is slowly setting in.

Thumbs up and thank you to the photographers along the way for their effort.

Slowly made my way through the villages along the coastal side before re-entering the trails which more steps to climb. Weather was still good with some breeze but my legs were starting to tire. And once I exited the trails and got back on to the coastal trail, I knew I was nearing the check point. It's after all, the stretch where I knocked my knee 2 years back where big boulders were blocking certain parts. Sights of houses soon appear in the distance and I hurry before I was greeted by volunteers welcoming us to Yung Shue O, 45KM into the race.

Checking into Yong Shue O at 45KM.

8:23:31 hours. I know I was still loosing time but I was in no rush. The only issue I had was that the check point was located at a different place which is much smaller than the one 2 years back. Hardly had any place to walk around and not to mention sitting. My plan for my dinner had to be on hold but I still took my time with some light snacks here and snapping silly photos of me eating oranges to be sent over to my friend back home. I also message Jasmine who was at the Lion Park Country Park near Golden Hill Road at the bottom of Beacon Hill not to wait for me as she expected me to run like an elite! #FacePalm!

Hot coffee, tea and ginger drink, a little of each before I started going again. It's only 7KM before hitting the halfway point at Kei Ling Ha but the journey there is one that I am looking forward to. Kai Kung Shan (Cockrel Hill) sitting at 399M above sea level is located in between these 2 check points. Not an easy climb as it's pretty steep but somehow, I was looking forward to it.

Before entering the climbing section, I passed through more villages before a small descend into the forest trails. And when the forest started opening up, the climb began too. Slightly damp orange soil made up the terrain and I was glad I had the Saucony Xodus 6 on where the traction of the shoe helped a lot. The sunset view on top of the hill is something to look forward to, but I guess I had no luck this time as the weather didn't seem suitable. Besides, I was rushing to get myself to the check point before darkness takes over.

Made it to the top of Kai Kung Shan.

Wasn't struggling very much with the climb as I expected would be and got to the top without any mishaps. Quickly snap a photo and off I went descending the hill and back into the forest trail. It was getting dark and I don't think I can get myself to the check point without having to rely on a head torch. However, I was lucky enough when a runner ahead of me powered on his head torch which was relatively bright enough to light the way. I tailgated him from behind running the same path and pattern as him. Was all good till he decided to take a breather just a bout a Kilometer before the check point. Without any choice, I use the torch function on my phone to light my way. It wasn't very bright but it was good enough. And with that, soon the noisy sounds at Kei Ling Ha was heard.

10:00:51 hours was what I took to get myself to this point at 52KM. And as expected, Kei Ling Ha was a busy check point. I quickly grab some oranges before making my way to collect my drop bag here. But immediately as I left the food tent, a young girl from the volunteer team came to me asking if I had a drop bag. Replied her that I do and she quickly took a glance at my race bib and dashed away to collect for me. And in a less than a minute later, she returned with my drop bag. So very efficient and I was really thankful and appreciative to her. Well done!

Was looking for a spot to sit down but the surroundings was just packed with runners. A familiar voice and face appeared suddenly. It was Terence Poon and he guided me to the side to rest while he asked if I needed anything. Told him that all I needed was some oranges as I showed him my most important thing at that time, my can of coffee which I had in my drop bag! We both broke out into laughter. Hahaha...

First thing first. I needed light and hence powered on my 800 Lumens LED Lenser. Dim the power down and soon, Terence returned with a big fat orange! Joshua joined in too and we joked that it was deja vu to be meeting here again. We gave ourselves a toast for that with me using my can of coffee and him, his cup noodles! However sadly, he decided to throw the towel in and just stop here for his leg is acting up. Tried to pull him along with him, but I guess he had already decided. Once I was ready, I deposited back my drop bag and put on my jacket, assembled my trekking pole and powered on my head torch to the max. It was time to for the second half of the race and the big climbs awaits.

Being funny before starting the second half of my race.

Next stop, Gilwell Camp and it's the longest stretch with 13KM of technical trails and climbs involved. I just can't wait to get this stretch over with as it can be mentally torturing. As I crossed the road from the check point, it was a long road climb, about a mile up till we arrive at the trail entrance. However, just ahead and out of no where, surprise surprise, there was a mandatory gear check. The volunteers checked for our mobile phone, thermal blanket and of course head torch. It may take a while especially to locate the first 2 items buried deep in the back pack or so, but I applaud and thank the organisers for doing so. After all, it was each and every runner's safety for anything can happen up in the mountains ahead.

After repacking, I continued upwards into the darkness. It was getting cold and hence I need to keep going to ensure my core temperature doesn't drop. Finally about close to a mile or so, I arrived at the trail entrance with a volunteer there ensuring everyone went the correct way. It's not easy for him to be alone there in the dark and cold and I applaud him for his undying support!

In the trail, I began to run a little, but that's before hitting the climb which is actually pretty steep. And this is where those who frequent to Gunung Nuang back home will benefit. For myself, I needed my trekking pole to help lift my body up to the higher level. This kept going and going as I made my way to Ma On Shan at 580M above sea level. And when I looked back, I could see the trail of head torches lighting the forest. It was a nice view, but also reminded me how high I was climbing. And remembering my migraine incident 2 years back, I started looking forward to the open space with a few benches where I rested there back then, as I intend to do the same again. I arrived finally at the same area and sat at the exact same bench. Took off my shoes to allow both my feet to "breathe" and stretch a little while I pop in a mild dose of Coenzyme Q10 just in case of migraine. During my 10 minutes rest there or so, many runners whom I passed earlier, is now ahead of me. I have no intention to pass them again and let my pace take it's course.

I caught up with a few runners as I approach a very windy Ma On Shan. Nothing spectacular about the view here except for lights emitting from the apartments from both side of Hong Kong and Sha Tin. There was a back log there as we hardly could pass the runner ahead on the single track trail there and hence had to keep moving till we get the chance. Just hope that I don't get blown away. Haha... The chance to overtake finally came when the descend started as I broke free.

My legs was getting battered as I descended from Ma On Shan and I was getting tired. The climbs wasn't very steep now but it was a rolling one and it kept coming. And fast forwarding, after countless of rolling hills, I finally arrived at the long stretch which eventually led to an open space, at Gilwell Camp, where Check Point 6 is at. 65KM in 14:05:26 hours, I was just glad to make it here safely.

The organisers have moved the check point at Gilwell Camp to an open space much nearer to the trail exit compared to 2 years back and this is certainly much more welcome as there were much more space for runners to rest. With night upon us and the temperature starting to drop, I made use of the hot food and drinks here to fill myself up. A hot cup of noodles while I chatted with a team of 2 medics who are sweeping the course from Check Point 5 to the finish. And coincidentally, one of them is a fellow Malaysian from Alor Setar, Kedah. We had a good chat as I was really taking my own sweet time, especially with the awesome hot ginger tea.

And finally, when my legs thought it was time leave, I got ready and slowly made my way passed the scout's campfire which I remember that I stop by 2 years back to get some heat into me. I was freezing back then!

It was mainly downhill on the road here for a couple of Kilometers before re-entering the trails for some rolling hills again before a major climb towards Beacon Hill. And somehow, I think I got good memories here. I managed to run a little on the open trails but as soon as I got to the climb towards the check point, it became a single trail and I got stuck behind some slower runners. I didn't want to pressurize the runners ahead and only waited for the overtaking chance to come. This also allow me to conserve some strength.

Eventually the overtaking chance came and finally some glow lights and soon music in the lonely night. Beacon Hill, manned by the scouts was a happening check point. Check Point 7, 73KM into the race at 16:37:07 hours. As we are fast approaching the Lunar New Year, I was presented a red packet by the scouts here which contained a chocolate wrapped in gold paper.

Most runners were wrapped in blanket and seated around the campfire to warm themselves up. I found a corner and took some hot coffee plus some hot ginger tea to maintain my core temperature. Filled my flask up and noticed that it was time to have my head torch battery change. Got it change with the help from the scout master as my hands was shaking due to cold and off I went!

It was a slippery steep descent from Beacon Hill. I had to be careful not to trip over something else there might be a mini avalanche me. From trail to road, I know I was near to the main road where I had to cross it via the pedestrian bridge before embarking up Golden Hill Road. This is where Jasmine was much earlier but now, only a few volunteers were there to guide the runners. I made good use of the toilet across the road and took a breather at the bus stand to adjust my shoe. And while doing so, I could hear the sound of the monkeys moving around the bushes nearby. Yes, this place will be swarming with monkeys should I arrive later, say at dawn. I better get going before I had to fend myself from them with my trekking poles!

So up Golden Hill Road. The long winding road in darkness before suddenly, a pair of reflective eyes ahead. I thought there were from monkeys but judging from the way it moves and the sheer size of it, I was wrong. It was a pair of wild boars but they certainly was very different from the Malaysian version. Huge, tall, skinny and grey in colour, they were actually pretty peaceful, grazing along the bushes. Reminds me of South Africa's warthog.

Anyway, I continued ascending Golden Hill Road which was filled with bread crumbs, some banana peels and litters by the side courtesy of the monkeys. Got to the top and it was a slow descend into another dark area where a lady runner suddenly just zoomed passed me ahead and was no where to be seen. Please do not ask me if she was a runner or not!

I got to the entrance of the trail greeted by some steps. Was just a short journey in the trails overlooking some dams or reservoirs before exiting into another area.Continuing on the flat road before running on concrete, I know I was near and soon, after 18:53:23 hours, I arrived at Shing Mun Dam, Check Point 8!

Again like Gilwell Camp, the check point at Shing Mun Dam was move forward compared to 2 years back and it was certainly a welcomed choice as there was much more space for the runners. 2 years back, I was remember I was shivering at this check point due to the cold. This year although much more prepared, I reminded myself to keep warm and hence took in some hot ginger tea before I spotted a camp with a heater in it and quickly moved into it. It was full of runners, some covered in blanket and napping away. Found a chair near the heater and made myself comfortable there. I know my legs will get heavy and that I will lose more time, but the heat generated here was just too hard to resist.

After 15 minutes or so, I decided it was time to continue on, for 2 of the biggest climbs await. Exited the camp and jog a little to loosen the very stiff muscle before I slowly made my way towards the trail entrance mark by the wooden gantry, Maclehose Trail, Stage 7. The first hill to conquer was Needle Hill standing tall at 532M from sea level. It was no easy climb especially when we were already 84KM into the race. Legs were heavy and tired, and some of us including myself was feeling sleepy.

To keep moving and to keep climbing will bring towards Needle Hill and eventually the finish. The new thoughts gave me a new motivation as I used the strength left on both my shoulder to push my trekking poles towards the ground to propel me up the next step. I did that will full momentum till I had to slowed down when I bumped into a big guy ahead of me. And while following him close from behind, I suddenly took note of his body movement and also the hanging map from the very familiar backpack! I called out to him and asked if he was at the Bromo Tengger Semeru Race last year? And indeed he was. It was Rais whom I trek with along the Bromo rim. Absolutely small world and delighted to meet up with him again, especially during a race like this.

Both myself and Rais paused for a moment to catch up before resuming like how we did at Bromo. He led and I followed, and we chatted away. And it was through here, that I found out that he actually completed BTS back then. BRAVO!

As we kept climbing, the pace dropped and my core temperature too. It was getting colder and I realised that I can't be following Rais pace. And when the opportunity came, I passed him and continue powering up every steps using the help of my trekking pole. I did paused for moment to look back to check on Rais but I did not see him despite sitting down for a moment to adjust my shoes. I continued on myself and got to the top of Needle Hill before  downhill to the bottom of the next hill.

Grassy Hill, 647M above sea level was next. I don't remember much that it was actually tarmac from 2 years back. Climbing on tarmac wasn't actually easier especially with the open surroundings. It was getting cold and I could feel my gut acting up a little. I needed to eat. I moved quickly and soon, found a concrete structure where I sat down, removed my shoes and ate some of my left over cranberries and washing it down with water. And when everything was settle down in my tummy, I continued on before the cold took over me.

Got to the top feeling rather tired but a fellow runner "woke" me up to be careful with the descent to Lead Mine Pass as it's going to be slippery due to mud and rocks around the grassy surface. And when I began my descent, I fully understood what he meant as it was wet too. The more agile runners disappeared into the bottom while the clumsy me was taking a step at a time.

Eventually I got to the bottom and a marshal was directed me to the left where the sound of generators was coming from. It was Lead Mine Pass, Check Point 9, located somewhere at the foot of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest peak.

Just another 10KM to go and it was going to be really cold on the journey upwards to the peak. I needed to recharge myself and hence took a breather inside the tent where the heater was located. A very helpful volunteer asked if I needed anything and told her that all I needed was a hot cup of ginger drink. She helped me got it after a couple of minutes. Thank you!

Some other runners were napping here as I made myself comfortable and befriended a local name Kam Tim in the process. More and more runners arrived including Rais and when I was about to leave, the rain came! I continued resting and out came my thermal blanket which was really old. So old that it actually fell apart. I still managed to wrap myself partly with whatever is left of it though.

Knowing the rain won't be stopping anytime and that I just wanted to get the final 10KM over with it, together with Kam Tim, we made a decisive move to continue on under the rain. Our strategy was simple, to keep moving forward so that our core temperature will not drop drastically. And during that, we kept chatting away to keep our minds off things and through here, I learnt that he was actually part of the original technical team of the race and a very fast runner. He was definitely a silver or gold runner for this race if not for his gut acting up back at halfway.

Kam Tim led the way through a very watery, muddy and slippery journey up Tai Mo Shan where I followed his every foot steps. The weather got worst as we headed upwards and it reminded me of my attempt at Ben Nevis back in year 2015. The rain was firing on my face like needles and the wind was trying to blow me off my footing. The feeling, MISERABLE!

I slowed a little and Kam Tim stopped to ask if I was all right and offered me his jacket. Replied that I was all right, just getting slower due to the wind factor. Told him to keep moving and that I will call out if I needed anything. We pushed on and soon, we entered to the road. The technical part is over, so what now is to keep climbing to the top.

On the road, I soon caught up with Kam Tim as he told me to keep going. With the cold temperature, I can't afford to stop for too long and hence obliged to him. I kept following the road ahead and eventually got to the top by noticing 2 volunteers there as the Hong Kong Observatory weather radar station was covered in fog and nowhere to be seen. I looked back to see if Kam Tim was nearby but he was not.

Another 5KM or so to go and it's all downhill to the finish. The winding road of Tai Mo Shan awaits my weakened legs but this has to be done. I ran when I could, walked when I can't. One leg at a time, I told myself. The rain was reduced to a drizzle but no doubt I was still feeling rather cold. One final pee stop by the bushes and I managed to find my rhythm and started running till I was redirected back into the trails by a group of volunteers. The final Kilometer or so was n the trail as this was the diversion crated last year due to the extremely cold temperature that frozen up the road.

The trail was slippery as there were steps and rocks all over. No falling or tripping over at the closing stages and hence I walked through it before finally arriving at a building. It was another few hundred meters more I guess and from here, I ran and ran, and soon arrived back on the road where I heard my name being call out.

My finishing moment.

No sprinting or dashing as I ran naturally towards the finish line, completing my second Hong Kong 100 in a time of 24:58:15 hours. 2 hours slower than my previous attempt but I was just lucky to have completed it after recovering from illness and also lack of training. The slippery conditions made it challenging it this year too and there is a lot of work for me to improve on my footing especially on slippery ground.

My splits.

Nevertheless, a job done here as I waited for my fellow friends to arrive back. One by one, they did from Kam Tim, Rais and the Leong as I waited together with Keng Koon and his mum, both very supportive despite the former pulling out from the race due to coldness.

Thank you Keng Koon (and his mum - not in pic) for the assistance given post race.

Kam Tim who led the way for me from CP9 till the top of Tai Mo Shan.

Together with Keng Koon and his mum, both myself and Leong took a taxi back to Mongkok. A tiring ride back where I was totally knock out during the journey. Back at the hostel, the cleaning part was rather difficult due to the room size and the stiffness of muscles. And after a well deserve shower, we headed downstairs with William for lunch who completed the race in a remarkable time of below 20 hours. We were joined by Tey for lunch at the porridge place before heading back to the hostel for a well deserved sleep.

Well deserve post race recovery meal with Tey.

Monday, 16 January 2017

Sleep was good and by 8AM, I was awake. As William is flying back home today, only myself and Yee Hoo had a simple breakfast at the famous Kam Hua coffee shop which luckily was within walking distance. The polo bun with butter is good here as the coffee shop was packed to the max. Made an appointment at 10.30AM to meet up with Jimmy, Saucony Asia Pacific's International Brand Director and off we went to Tsim Tsa Tsui. After walking for quite a distance, I eventually arrived at the office at China Hong Kong City. A great catch-up with him after first meeting him 2 years back as we discussed on the brand's potential and also problems.

The Wolverine World Wide group of companies.

With Jimmy, Saucony AP International Brand Director. More than a brand principal and a friend.

Later together with Yee Hoo, we made our way to Kowloon Park before returning to Mong Kok for some shoe shopping at Sneaker Street where I purchased 2 valuable pair of hot Saucony racing shoes. Returned to the hostel to rest up before heading to Temple Street at night before we found out that Poh Lai is n Hong Kong too!

Facebook gave Poh Lai's location away and we quickly contacted him for a meet-up.

After a quick bowl of hot 6 treasure desserts which was smacking delicious, we made our way to Yau Mah Tei MTR station to meet up with Poh Lai before heading towards Tsim Tsa Tsui again for the night view there. It was chilly but worth it despite a short stay there before we head into the city area to look for food before heading back to call it a night. But that was before some painful packing as we needed to check out early the next morning.

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Woke up just before 7AM to prepare for an early check out at 8AM. Left our luggage at the hostel's reception and headed off to Yau Ma Tei to meet up with Poh Lai for breakfast at the famous Mido Cafe after visiting the Thian Hou Temple to make some blessings for a dear friend heading to Europe to further studies. Mido Cafe was supposedly famous as there were many TV series and movies filmed here but I had no impression of it at all. Hahaha... Nevertheless, breakfast was simple yet satisfying before we parted ways with Poh Lai who was catching the 3PM flight back home later.

With some extra time to kill, we headed towards San Sui Po for some gadget shopping was the prices here was dirt cheap! Only bought a blinker worth less than RM3 though but Yee Hee bought an action cam which only cost slightly more than RM200. What a bargain!

We headed back to Mong Kok for lunch at DimDimSum Dim Sum Specialty Store. We over ordered but still managed to almost finish everything except a last piece of "Nian Gao". Everything here was delicious and I highly recommend this place. After a satisfying meal, we collected our luggage and hop on to the bus 21 to head towards the airport to check ourselves in before meeting up with my long lost friend, Jasmine!

My long lost "sifu"!

It was a good catch up with Jasmine before we boarded our half an hour delayed flight at 6.15PM. Flight was rather uncomfortable though and since I am not able to sleep through it, I took some time to blog about this entry, well only part of the start. But eventually, we touched down back home and surprisingly, luggage retrieval was pretty quick this time. Took a cab home after parting ways with Yee Hoo, and with that, came an end for my adventure at my second HK100.

* Photos here credited to the respective photographers. Thank you.