Our Saturday Trail Route

This is going to be our Sat trail route. Thanks to Bro Ron. Chief navigator and map plotter. I am looking forward to doing the entire route. Few occassions we have did half of each sections. Now we are putting the pieces together... Did i say that Kah Shin and myself are "trying" to do a 50km distance????

Huarache Sandals are finally here

Yes, the sandals are finally here. Thanks to my friend, Barefoot Ted who customize them for me. Can't wait to test them out... But before that, better apply some hypogel.

Mind Australia Alpine Challenge

A training event for UTMB 2010?

Imagine doing 4 marathons in 48 hours, that is the challenge you could face if you decide to enter the Mind Alpine Challenge. The third 100 mile (160Km) Mind Alpine Challenge Ultra Marathon, incorporating the Elmtree Corporate and Team Challenge and the Alpine Skyrun is set to be run over 20 – 22 March in the Alpine National Park. Taking in over 6,000 metres of climb and 6,000 metres of descent, this event is set to become the classic 100 miler mountain trail run in Australia and will test runners and walkers to the limit.

Set in the spectacular high country of north eastern Victoria the event takes in; Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham, The Fainters, Spione Kopje, Mt Nelse and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mt Bogong – some of the best high country in Australia, and some of the hardest and most exposed.

In 2006, four experienced runners attempted to run the course but were stopped by unseasonal snow.  Running in pairs, two runners pulled out at Mt Nelse after taking 17.5 hours to complete 60km and two other runners turned back at 3am in calf deep snow and white out conditions on the approach to Mt Bogong. In 2007 the run was cancelled due to bushfires and it was only in 2008, that the course was completed with three runners completing the distance in 42 hours in perfect conditions. Records tumbled in 2009 with a new men’s record of 32.45 hours and a new record of 36 hours for the first female finisher in the event.

In 2010 the event has been further developed with the addition of a team endurance category as well as the team relay and solo categories. The course has been changed to include the summit of Mt Hotham and a new 100km distance has been added allowing participants who might struggle with the 100Mile / 160 km distance to still complete a challenging course. With the removal of the mandatory overnight stop, records for both runners and walkers are set to tumble even further.

If you’re looking for something different, if you want a fantastic run or some real power walking, great scenery, unpredictable weather and to push yourself to the limits, whilst raising money to support people not as fortunate as yourself, the Mind Alpine Challenge is for you. This is a mutual support event, it is not a race in the traditional sense. For safety reasons participants must offer assistance to others in distress and relay participants must compete in teams of 2. Participants are responsible for their own safety and assume full liability for their participation.

The event offers a range of challenges over the 100ml/ 160km or 100km distances:

• Endurance Challenge – individual runners who complete their chosen course in under 48 hours 
• Corporate and Team Challenges - running in teams of 2 or 4 or more, teams aim to complete their chosen distance walking or running in under 48 hours
• Relay Challenge – travelling in pairs, up to 8 runners/walkers in a relay team attempt to complete the course in less than 48 hours

This is an arduous course with 6 major climbs that take a cumulative toll. The event takes place in an exposed Alpine environment that can be subject to sudden and severe changes in weather. Hot sunny days as well as rain, fog, high winds, sleet and snow can occur during March. This is not a run to be taken lightly, hypothermia is a serious risk as is the potential for getting lost, and participants must be prepared for any weather conditions.

The Mind Alpine Challenge should only be attempted by experienced trail runners / walkers with good navigation experience. As a minimum, endurance runners attempting the course must have successfully completed at least one organized trail ultra marathon or 8 hour+ rogaine in the previous 6 months, and walkers must have extensive bush walking experience. Relay team members must have experience in running/walking trails and all participants must have experience in walking / running in cold climate conditions and navigating at night and in adverse conditions.

Sunday Run 04 Oct 2009

Always looking forward to a good run. Today is the day. We did the TNF route to Chestnut and divert to Track 15 via Zhenghua Park. We stopped at end of Durian Loop where Steven met us with drinks and banana.Me playing the "Devil's Advocate" persuaded them to join me for breakfast. We ended up in killiney. Come next week, we are doing longer distance. For now, let's take a break!

TNF 30km progessive run

TNF organised the 3rd series of the progressive run clinics on 26 Sept. Started at Rifle Range Car Park at 8am. The turnout was large and met a couple of my running friends. It was good to see my buddy, Kah Shin back from Swiss. We were to tag along with Jeanette. We got ourselves in the 3rd group and started our way twds Bukit Timah Summit.

I was in Vibram KSO and i had a couple of friends enquiring about the sandals. Like the previous 15km run, i started slow and steady in the KSO. Grip was there while i was going up the summit. Time to test it downhill in the trail. I was surprised that the KSO was able to hold on the rocks / gravels while going downhill. I did not slow down specifically even though i was in KSO. KSO passed my assessment in downhill.

Next was to see how well i am able to cope 30km in KSO. By the time i hit 20km mark, my calves were feeling and my achilles were feeling tight. I knew my barefoot training has not reached its form yet. I was seeing how far i can go. Can i complete the full 30km in KSO? I was glad to see Christian at the northern route of Macritchie. He walked with me a while and we chatted.  Next i saw Kenneth and Laura. They were the "sweepers" for the 20km run.

We hit the Rifle Range Link Road (Near ST Engineering) and i was glad that i had a few kms left with the last durian loop. Finished the run in 3:33hrs with Vibram KSO.

Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc

Two of my favourite shots at the recent Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, with my buddies. We will be sharing with our friends and families on our recent experiences at Steven's place tomorrow night.

SingTel Singapore Grand Prix

With much excitment and anticipation, i will be heading down to catch the F1 practice session  tonight. Planning began few months back... hopefully the event will live up to its name! We will see...

Had a nice run this morning in barefoot. Will be bringing the Vibram to office tomorrow.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO

I have heard of Vibram Fivefingers for some time. However, it has not occurred to me to try it. It was only during the race fair at Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, Kah Shin and myself came across Vibram again. It was a casual chat that both of us would try the Vibram when there was an opportunity.

Opportunity did come when we learn that Nicholas is distributing it in Singapore. Went to try out the Vibram in Feder Sports and ended up buying an KSO.

With so much ethusiasim, i decided to put the KSO in the 15km "rockiest trail" in Macritichie the next day. Thankfully, i have been doing a few barefoot runs for the past few days and my feet did not feel awkard when i put on the Vibram. The first few kms were done conservatively and slowly to allow the feet to work in well with KSO. After the end of the 4km northern route, i decided to go on quicker pace towards Rifle Range. At this time, the trail are beginning to get more rocky and it was a good chance to test the KSO. At the end of the trail near Rifle Range Link Road, both my legs were still feeling perfectly fine ( i was expecting slight soreness but it did not happen). I decided to put KSO in a different terrain - road. As expected, it was easier and smoother when it was done over the tarmac. No doubt about it.

I was surprised that all the while, my running pace (in KSO) was somehow no different from my usual running pace (in running shoe). KSO also allows me to continue running in the same style as barefoot running. Besides, the toes pockets were certainly helpful against rocks, roots etc. At the end of the session, only my calves had a great workout.

More runs (longer distances) are going to be done in the next few weeks and i am definitely going to be seen wearing my KSO. A few of my friends have already been enquiring about the "toe sandals" i wore!

Back after a long break from Blogging

Decided to revive back my blog after a hietus long break.... Hopefully i will write more posts in days to come

Kristian Stanfill - Lord of All

Check this music video! Awesome

A brand New Start

Today marks the day where i end my shift duties permanently. It has been a learning journey for last 2 years. I have learnt a lot about industrial fire fighting. I am thankful for the support from my fire chief, colleagues and men under me.

I am looking forward and ahead of my new role as Safety Advisor in same company.

Blackberry Bold

My latest "toy". It is a beauty. Armed with Wi Fi, bluetooth, GPS, 2M camera, push mail features etc.

I find it very convenient to answer all my emails, sms and even organise all my stuff. Only con is that you will receive mails at all sorts of timing.

A little Update

Hey, realised that i have not been updating this blog for long time. Even my gobi trip report has died of natural death...haha..

I have been real busy at my workplace. Its good to be busy and i seem to be enjoying it. Just a few update of me and my family.

We have been attending the Growing Kids' God's Way (GKGW) course at Covenant EFC. Both of us enjoyed the lessons and applying some of it with our children. We are looking forward to the day where God will shine upon and from them.

As for myself, i have attending the Men's In Covenant (MIC) workshop on my own too. Good stuff. This is a seminar whereby only guys gather together in worship and fellowship. Currently, i am attending the "Winning At Work" session. Really applicable at the moment in my new work.

As for self development, i have just started my guitar lessons in Advanced Worship Dynamics 1. I hope to use it when i volunteer to lead in the worship for the coming EC Retreat. I was also looking forward to the Primer Course in Voice Program, however, the classes are full.

My MSc classes also started. It has been difficult after laying off for 1 year. Failed my first quiz. :( . i have told myself i need to buck up and start revising!

Til then...

Gobi March - Start of Race Day 1

Race briefing started at 0730hrs in front of the stage. Team Tri-Seekers received its biggest blow this morning when Steven broke the news to Lam and myself that he would not be able to run at all as he had accidentally injured his right knee the day before. We could tell that he was really disappointed and worried that he might not be able to finish the race. He urged both of us to continue and race individually. After much consideration, we decided that Tri Seekers would run as individuals. However, we would keep a lookout for each other through the whole event.

By 0800hrs sharp,the sound of the gongs and drums pierced the tranquility of the desert area. The race has started. I opted to stay behind first as gain more running space coz of the narrow path. After 1km, we encountered our first river crossing. Earlier we were told that we would be facing more of such crossings throughout the day. Darn, what a way to start with our feets soaking wet! By then, Lam and myself were running at a comfortable pace, crossing the rivers and settling in the mid pack. I decided to push ahead after 10-12km as i could feel the heat was rising and i felt slightly "burnt" from the sun. I left Lam with Pauline and i went ahead, hoping to find another comfortable running pace. By the 2nd checkpoint (20km), i was feeling dehydrated and could feel cramps in my legs. In my mind, i was thinking it was no good to feel this way in such an early stage. I knew i never do well under hot weather conditions. I tried to drink the electrolyte drink as much as i could and ate the gels too. However, i still feel lousy and bloated. When i hit the 3rd checkpoint, cramps were everywhere. I had to restort to walking from 30km onwards. I could not even run as it would averggrate the cramps. I was praying and wanting that this stage to end quickly. To add matter worse, my pack was heavy (15kg)and my sleeping bag was slipping off constantly. It did not get better with the sun scorching on my exposed skin ( Big mistake, i was wearing short sleeved tee). It came upon a time where my mind went blank and every step i took, i was not bothered what was ahead. I was looking down on my feet all the time. This continued until i reached a village and gathered that we could be near the finishing. Not until we have to continue for another 2.5km, did i finally saw the stage 1 finishing line. I just picked up whatever strength i had in me and just ran across the line. Was just elated to end Day 1. Time taken was 6 hrs 21 minutes.

Now is the time to eat, rest, soak my feet in the cold water stream and email Sharmaine.

Gobi March Part 3 - At Base Camp

Today will be the day where we will be heading out to the Day 1 Campsite. We were told to gather at the hotel lobby at 2pm. That will be our last time we will see any proper civilisation for next 7 days. The lobby was jam packed with bags, equipment and participants taking photo shots with each other. We managed to gather all the Singaporeans for a group shot. We never knew that the next 7 days, this race will bring all of us closer to each other. soon, we were asked to board the buses based on our bib nos. Mine is 91 and in my bus are Steven Lim and Kah Shin. We were told that the ride would take 2 hrs.

When we arrived, we were treated with a grand welcome by the local villagers. They were standing in one line, starting with their head of the clan and down the ranks. It was intersting to see that. The women and the kids formed the last of the line. We headed to our assigned tents which is Uzebeks. For the first time, we met everybody in the tent and introduced one another. After settling down our stuff, we were treated to their cultural shows and we had our catered dinner. In Kashi summer, the daylight is longer and so the night starts only after 1030pm onwards. by the time after dinner and getting ready our stuff for tomorrow, it was close to 930pm. Decided to turn in early and catch some rest. I need that for the next 7 days.

Gobi March - with KOTH Champions and Trailwalkers

I was stoked when i learnt that KOTH Champion, Stone Tsang will be racing in the Gobi March. He is my idol for three simple reasons. Firstly, he is fast ( i witnessed how fast he went in Gobi, OMG), secondly, he is from the Fire Service ( yeah...) and lastly he is really down-to-earth and humble. Stone, if u chance upon my site one day, this is for you!

Not forgetting Kah Wai. He is also from the Fire Service, serving as Ambulance Officer. He is another fast runner. Pity that he had bad blisters that affected his running. Nevertheless, Kah Wai, way to go!

BTW, both of them will be heading for the Mont Blanc Ultra Trail (168km) this year. I wish them both the best.

Gobi March Part 2 - Off to Urumqi and Kashi

We woke up at 530am to the sound of our phone alarms. Supposed to board the airport shuttle at 600am sharp. Shuttle came on time and off we went to the airport. We arrived at the airport and for the first time, we saw many of the participants. All of us are recognizable by the same Raidlight backpacks. Soon three familiar faces appeared. It was Team MR25 which consisted of Steven Lim, Jacob Johnson and Christian. We also got to know Nicholas whom now we know that he had the biggest lobangs when it comes to desert races. Flight time to Urumqi was approx 3hrs. We arrived smoothly at the airport because the airport itself is small. This is the beauty of being small. Can be efficient and not complicated.

We saw Dean Karnez "The Ultramarathon Man" and decided to take a picture. Nice bloke and we learnt from him that he had just finished an 700km race a week ago. It made people like us very normal. We learnt that our next flight was 9 hrs away! Being stuck 9 hrs in such a small airport is totally a test of our patience. Somehow, we survived that ordeal. We would be heading to Kashi airport for our final destination.
After 1.5hrs flight, we have finally landed. I believed ours is the last plane of the day. Once of the buggage area, we were greeted by the RTP staffs. We were whisked off to our buses and began our 20 minute drive to our hotel. We were told that our hotel is the newest in town. Once arrived, we were greeted by Mary Gadams, Zac and the rest of other RTP team. Checking-in to the hotel has been arranged. Within 5 minutes, Lam and myself got our room cards. We were pretty amazed by their technology. The doors are using tap card system and the facilities are new.

As tomorrow would be equipment-check and race briefing, Lam and myself got down quickly to prepare our backpacks. By 2am, we were ready to hit the bed. Has been a long day.

Gobi March Part 1- From Dusk to Dawn

Beep...Beep...Beep...the alarm rang at 5am on 5th June that morning. For some reason, sleeping was difficult the night before. In my mind, i was filled with excitement and apprehension. Questions such as "Have i bring everything i need", "Is the food enough", "Have i train enough for this" etc..Hurriedly, i woke up and went through my bag one last time. After which, i went and prepared myself to head off to the airport. In the car, there was some silence and i knew my wife was worried for my latest insane activity. Although for the past few months, she has been very encouraging and supportive, i knew that she had been praying hard for me, "God, bring him back one piece to me and our children". I couldn't bring myself to say anything to her at that moment as i was afraid i would hurt her.

TiTi...my phone beeped twice. It was Tian Yew who asked me if i have left. I replied no and arriving soon. Lam texted me and said counter 8 to check in. I thanked my father-in-law for driving us to the airport and he wished me good luck. Check-in was smooth and no excess baggages. Surprising, my check-in bag weighed only 16kg. We looked around and was surprised that we did not see other fellow Singaporeans on same flight. We headed to one of the cafes in T1 and had wanton noodles. We took some pictures with Tian Yew. Soon, it was time to board the gates. I hugged my wife tightly and we prayed together for our safety(She was also leaving for Taiwan in next few days). I waved at her as i walked and the image of her grew smaller as i walked further. Before baording the plane, i called her last time and thanked her.




It was an 3:45hrs flight to HK. Managed to catch the movie, Vantage Point. Was surprised that Steven was enjoying all the free Heineken Beers in the plane and i snapped a picture of him. Very soon, we touched down in HK airport. We have 1.5hrs transit and we hanged around in the departure area till our next boarding time to Beijing.



Again, another 3.5hrs to Beijing. Entertainment sucked! I missed SIA! Oh well, i "forced" myself to catch some sleep. I was so happy that we landed at Beijing aiport. I was surprised that airport was almost empty. Isn't the date near Olympics? Where are the people? Immigration officers were friendly and efficient. Soon, we were out of the transit and in the arrival hall. Quick check with the Info counter, she scribbled our hotel in Chinese. We took a cab, boy, the driver was totally lost and had to stop passing vehicles and people to ask directions. By God's grace, we found our hotel (Sino Swiss) in 15 minutes, amist of our aimless wandering!

Our airport hotel was in the middle of a self contained town. Many interesting shops, supermarkets and restaurants nearby. We came across a huge SPA centre and went in for a full body massage. Dirt cheap! RMB88 for 1.5hrs. The back massage was good and the rest was crap. Went for a real authentic chinese dinner that had pork, fish and veggies. Went back airport to retire early and have a flight to catch to Urumqi in the morning.



To be continued!

This is it - Gobi March

Finally the day has arrived. In about 12hours time, we will be onboard the plane to my greatest adventure to date. The 1 year of planning(literally) and preparing for this race will be realised. Before the race starts, a few people i would like to thank for

(1) My wife - She has been my greatest supporter. Taking care of the family while i am away for training and overseas races, on top of her work. The only reason i ever want to complete the Gobi Race is because of you! I will carry our family pictures when i cross the finishing line.

(2) My mom and mom-in-law - Thanks for sacrificing your time to take care of the kids while we are away.

(3) Friends and well wishers - You know who you are. We will be victorious and come back in one piece!

(4) GOD - My spiritual and inner strength. He has worked many miracles for me and i believe HE will do it again in Gobi.

It has been a fantastic journey. I am sure that it will be one of my most memorable events that i will remember for long time.