MR25 Progressive Run 10km

With endorphins filling the system and DOMS raging through the body, I decided to go ahead and do MR25 Progressive Run 10km.

Arrive pretty late, I register myself and went to the Start Point.
Not much time to socialise before the run starts.

Within the 1st km, everyone started pulling away.
I am still trying to get used to running trails with ANT.
It ain't easy when you basically run on trails once in a blue moon.
And my selection of shoes given my physical shape means a lot of discomfort.

Keeping in mind to run mid-foot, I am enjoying myself despite the rough terrain.
In fact, running mid-foot downslopes is exhilarating.
You practically need to prevent yourself from falling face down.
Why didn't I learn this running style earlier.

Again, I started to slow down after 2km and started walking upslopes.
I am regaining my stamina after a long exercise break, so I am not in a hurry to set any PBs.

Somehow I am beginning to feel like I prefer the tarmac to the trails.
Later in the run, I realise that looking ahead rather than looking down make the run easier, as you let your legs handle the terrain instead of the brain.

Was pretty surprised that there wasn't any water point at the Northern Trail.
No worries, nice weather today. Think I can do without water for this run.

Hitting the Ranger Station, I went straight into the trail as per MR25 Ultra Marathon 2007 route.

Turning left at the water pipe, I stepped into a mud puddle. Argh...
Looking at the mud patch, my gut feeling tells me that I am on the wrong route.
There are only 2 lighter footprints in the mud.
With 200 runners running through the narrow stretch, there is no way that many runners could have missed the mud puddle.
Oh well, since I am here I might as well continue.
Further up, there is the wooden bridge on the left that leads to the Ranger Station and Jetulong Tower.
Hmm....do I turn left here or is there another bridge further up?
Alarms starts ringing... I am LOST!!!
I decided to continue forward to see where it leads.

After another 200m, I heard someone shouting "Wrong route! Wrong route!"
Turn around to find the 2 runners which past me checking if I am doing the MR25 Progressive Run 10km.
I told them I am and they told me that I have came down the wrong path.
They took it upon themselves to guide me back to the Ranger Station and indicate to me the correct path to take.

Thanked the guys and I continue on the new path.
Ahh.... this route seems to have been condoned off a year ago. Understand from BoSe later that there was a landslide during that period which makes that part of the trail impassable.

After running for about 500m, I saw the wooden bridge on my right.
I wonder if it is the same bridge that I have past just now. Oh well...

Taking the Ultra-Marathon route once again, I soon reached Lornie Road.
Again no water point.
This is a new record. I manage to survive a 10km run without water.
Another 2km to the Finishing Line and I would have completed my first 12km without hydration.
Is this a sign of better things to come? =)

Making full use of the downslopes, I find myself completing my 12km run in 1:41 hr.
Not bad for someone who has not run for quite a while.

Haha, the registration table has already closed shop.
Hopefully, Steven dun make a police report later regarding a lost runner. =p
Brokie told me later that she will update Steven.

Stayed around to chat for a while before I went on my merry way home. =)