NUS Hills Run

After yesterday's run, I was not too sure if I wanna do the NUS Hills Run today.
But I figure that since I am already at NUS to collect my NUS Biathlon Race Pack, I should not waste my trip there.

First reaction from Brokie when she saw me at NUS Kent Ridge Guild House was "How much did you pay to get the visa for the run today?!"
Only thing I can say is that this is a very exclusive week where I can do Tuesday and Wednesday runs.

I din know beforehand, but today's run is the Certification Route 6.
Started the run at 6.40pm.

The first 2km was pretty alright.
I ran too fast at the start , 1st km pace is 5.38min/km , which is way too fast for my standard.
At the 1.8km mark was Haw Par Villa. Here is the reason that the NUS Hills Route 6 Run cannot start too late as we have to clear the rear gate by 7pm, else it will be closed.

This is the first steep slope that we encountered. I was not ready for the slope at all.
Had to walk up most of the way, only to find the whole group waiting for me at the top of the hill.
Downhill to the rear gate, we cleared it @ 6.53pm. Pretty tight timing, I should say.

Out of the private estate onto the main road, we turn left and head up South Buona Vista Road.
Turning right into Vigilante Drive, I understand why this is called the killer slopes.
In comparison, Mount Faber does not looks too scary now.
About 20 meters up the slope, I decided that walking is a much better option.
From the top of the hill to Science Park Drive, I got the honour of being sweeped by both founders of this NUS Hills Run.
The rest of the group were waiting at the foot of the hill. I checked my watch. 4km only? Another 8km to go....

The rest of the route are a lot of twists and turns, but none of the following slopes are as demanding as the Haw Par Villa and Vigilante Slopes.
During this stage, I keep zoning out.
I guess this is the only way for the sane body to complete the entire run.

Another 4 km later and we are at Lower Kent Ridge Road.
I know that it is not much further now. Just hoping this tired body can pull itself through the NUS grounds.
Turning into Kent Ridge Crescent from Clementi Road, my kind sweeper TKTan (who has been so patiently waiting for me at every upslope) told me that there is only 400m to go.
Right at this moment, my legs is signalling to my brain that they are giving up.
Other than the 2 slopes, this last 400m proves to be a real challenge.
Ultimately, I manage to complete the 11.5km route within 1:35 hours.

While the others went to bathe and change, I went over to Sports and Recreation Center to collect my NUS Biathlon Race Pack.
Drove back to pick up the guys and proceed to our yu sheng dinner @ Al-Fresh Seafood Restaurant, 242 Pasir Panjang Village.
I was presented with my NUS Hills Certification. =)

Nice 2 days of running, but I am pretty sure that my legs will be aching for the next few days. =p