Lucky 88.88KM Huat! Run by Running Guild

Just to kinda “revenge” my failure in the 200Km Shiok! Race by Running Guild.  I decided to join the 88.88km Lucky run by Running Guild also.  Alice, a running friend of mine, actually suggested it as she wanted to do it.  So I decided to join her together.

As usual after signing up, Ben Swee the organiser send the participants a Race bib.  This time I got 78, which happens to be my birth year.  Alice got number 17, some how add up it means 1778, meaning “Lets Get Prosperous” in Mandarin.  It kind of fits in the theme of this run which means Lucky 88.88Km( 8 is a very auspicious number for Chinese).

 

The period of the run actually 12-26 Feb 2021, which coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year period.  After discussing with Alice, we decided to do it on the 15th Feb, it is a Monday.  But given an off in lieu for the Saturday before as it is the 2nd day of Chinese New Year, we thought that will be the perfect opportunity. Originally the plan was to start in the morning, but Alice had a dinner at night, so we decided to start 1 am.  Its kinda good as the weather was getting out of hand, very hot and scorching.  Doing it at night will be good to avoid the sun.  The day before was actually Valentine’s Day and I actually had a drinking session with some friends.  Glad this time I controlled myself and never went wild.  I was thinking since its both us ladies, I better be alert especially going through the factory areas which maybe a bit more remote and quiet.

Preparation

Not really planning much for this race as I just want to keep going and finish it fast.  I only brought the change up for the ending and left it inside the locker at the Macritchie Reservoir which is out start and ending point.  The route is predetermined if you want to do it one shot.  And if you can finished the route below 18hrs 48min, you will be inducted to the Lucky 88.88 Hall of fortune. 

Carried my usual Raidlight Hydration Pack with 2 L Hydration pack.  Did not want to bring too many things but this time I remember by charger and lines which is like the lifeline.

D Day

After the party at Chimis, I was glad that I kept the drinks to only 2 glasses of white wine.  I stood up Alice for a movie before, and I thought this time I must get my act together.  I reached home about 10:30 pm, slept for about forty five min and got up.  Had some coffee bathed and took a cab down to Macritchie.  Was just nice after putting my changing stuff into the locker.  Alice and I took a picture to send to Ben before we started towards the North.

It was really quiet at night, we started with the neighbourhoods, We ran mostly here because we want to leverage the cool weather and also any unpredictable stuff that might occur the second day at the trails and hills.  A small hiccup at the Bartley East Road where there were 2 split roads.  Alice navigated using her watch while I used my Handphone as main source of navigation.  It kind of help us to counter check each other.  When we reach Tanah Merah MRT, it is a whole straight road down.  It was almost 4 plus then.  Another of our friend, Kevin text us and would join us from Dakota side around six.  At one of the petrol Kiosk along Changi Road, Alice realise that her battery is running out.  Luckily we had the spare battery.  The navigation mode for Garmin is really very high battery usage.

 

We met Kevin at Dakota and we went all the way down South through CBD .  We had a good breakfast at Maxwell, with Kevin helping to serve us.  We had porridge and I had the usual Kopi to keep me awake as I am very weak with no sleep.  Somehow me and Alice felt that this time we were not in the tip top, having me done about 180 plus Km the month before and Alice doing the crazy HKSG loops of 360 plus KM at Macritchie.  But we just pushed on.

We reached the first trail at Mt Faber, Marang Trail with loads of steps.  Ending up at Seah Im about 8-9am.  This was where Kevin parted with us.  Really glad that he supported us as he was the only one we invited.

We headed towards the Keppel Bay , sun was up and weather was getting hot.  I knew it will be a tough day to go through.  From there Labrador Park, was a very scenic area.  But we were just too busy to run.  The next up was Green Corridor, passing by near where I stay with a little tricky part at Jelita.  Alice couldnt help but wonder why there was this little loop there.  We finally end up at King Albert Park about 1pm.  We thought we should just be a Tai Tai ( rich woman) and have a good lunch at one of the Cafe there.  Shiedling ourselves from the hot sun in the aircon drinking coffee and having some Western toast sets.  We simply didnt want to move but the best is yet to be with Bukit Batok Hill, Bukit Timah Hill and the final stretch of Macritchie.  Was glas Alice was very familiar with these trails as she is the trail queen.  We went up and down and all around.  At the Bukit Timah area, we nearly went wrong, but managed to follow the correct path back again.  Despite having to make an unecessary trip up the stairs, Alice didnt make noise and simply just told me its okay.  Really gladful for that.

When we hit Macritchie, both of us were like half dead, there were points where we hit rock, or nearly fell but thank god we didnt.  The last stretch towards the Mushroom Cafe, we charged and ran.  Ending the run at 17hours 20 min.  Was really glad that it was over.  Lawrence came by to congratulate us.  He brought some jackfruits and also snacks.  But we were all too tired.

Changing up and took a bus home summing up my 88.88km run.  Was still very surreal but really happy to had done it!