Cabaran Larian Pantai PMS, 18Mar 2007

I woke up around 4.30am today.
It's been a while since I had to get out of bed this early.
But its race day. The 15km Larian Pantai in Tutong to be exact, organised by the lovely folks of Persatuan Melayu Sengkarai.

For some carbs, I ate some IndoMie and hydrate myself with 100Plus before making the 25 minutes drive to Pantai Seri Kenangan. I've not been fully prepared for this race, having only run maybe twice 10km since Brunei Marathon. But I'm here primarily just to give my legs some reminder of what a long run feels like, and hopefully make this event a catalyst for a much better workout the rest of the year.

The fields of participants seems to be made up of 80% army hardcore runners and 20% other uniform personnel. Not good for my other goal. Which is *ahem* not to finisih last.

We were sent off around 7.15am. The first 6km on tarmac seems to be the hardest. I was soon feeling some pain on my lower left leg. But as we approached the turn into Tutong beach, I felt lighter and was soon able to pass some runners. I enjoyed the 6km or so beach run. The beach was not all level so my knees were feeling the impact but otherwise, it was such a good feeling running along the beach with the cool morning winds on my face. This was my first time in Tutong beach and I'm impressed by its cleanliness and overall beauty. I might bring the family here during the holiday. As I left the beach and back into the tarmac road, I could feel my legs actually getting stronger and was soon able to pass some runners. I picked up more speed as I head into the home stretch and was able to pass the finish line at 1hr 28mins.

Number 50 out of 79 runners.
Not bad for my first long run of the year.
Nothing to boast about and I still have some more speed work to do.
But I have no complaints.
At least I didn't finish last and
I'm enjoying my run again.

I'll probably remember this event as the first race I didn't wear my trusted camelback
and for winning a prize from the lucky draw.
And more importantly, also for confirming that taking ORS during the run helps to prevent my usual cramping. An overall satisfying Sunday run.