Compressport Combo Challenge (Trail Run 6K) 2016

Remember my previous trail run experiences at FRIM and my 2nd trail run at Mardi-Maeps? Through my past experiences, I have learnt that trail runs can be unpredictable: What if it rains tomorrow? What if I had to endure another 400m of elevation gain? What if my legs suddenly cramped up? What if I have to swim? I had so many doubts on the Saturday before the race, I was considering if I should skip this week’s event. After all, my legs were not 100% recovered yet since my [incomplete] full marathon debut.

However, thanks to the infectious positive and optimistic vibes of starting a new year, I woke up on race day morning feeling fine and fresh, ready to run again. Aside from a very slow 10K run on 1st of January 2016, I have not been seriously running because my quads still hurt. So what better way to start the 2016 running log with some trail running at Mardi-Maeps!

 

IMG_2371Looks like 2016 will be a great year with these bunch of people! (photo credits to Kyserun Krew)

IMG_2373Hello there, Family Running Crew! (photo credits to Kyserun Krew)

 

My previous experiences in Mardi MAEPS have taught me to be overly prepared and always expect for the worst-case scenario. I knew I was not ready to take on a double-digit trail run event yet, so I signed up for the 6K category. But this time, the 6K route was unexpectadly easy and simple. Hills are unavoidable – they are a part of trail runs anyways. But for today’s case, the uphill climbs were not challenging. According to my Garmin, it was only 188m gain in elevation. My friends who participated in the 12K category thought otherwise. Judging by the blisters on their feet and how tired they looked at the finishing line, I was convinced that their route was definitely tougher than mine.

The only unpredictable part of this trail came at KM3 – we were pleasantly surprised when we were informed that there will be some river-crossing. In my mind, I was prepared to encounter a river that could potentially soak me from head to toe, just like in Hulu Langat Trail Run, and thank god I choose to wear my Nashata Tron Ultra Top today because it’s light and it will dry up fast. Instead, we faced a small stream that was only up to my ankles!

IMG_2362

Expectation…

IMG_2361….vs. Reality

So far, it looks like I’m right on track for 2016! This event gave me the confidence booster needed to take on more challenges, and just the right amount of motivation to start running again. So, how did you spend your New Year?

IMG_2368I am so glad that I decided to run today!

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.