Senandung Malam

This night simulation was meant more, well, a simulation of what will happen on Sundown. No pursuing mileages per se whatsoever. 

Most crucial, I thought, was getting enough sleep. I tried to have a shuteye, only not after the lunch and a trip to my old trusty tailor for new pants. By the time I tried to sleep, the anxiety was rather overwhelming. And although Iris is already independent with her scrapbooks and colours, Aiden on the other hand needs a lot of attention (whenever she's awake). It was just before dinner that I managed a few minutes of blackouts. 

Secondly, hydration plan. To stay awake, I need lots of caffeine. Prepared some horrible black Nescafe as a substitute (can't tolerate coffee), Gatorades, Nuun water etc. No milk/cream whatsoever. I had a Snickers bar, few gels.

Arrived at PoJ around 10.30p.m. to my surprise - there were so many friends, I almost mistook them from the Chap Ayam Runners (who could recognise Shuk in his shorts!). There were Shuk, Diket, Nik, Ian, Nizam, Det, Ziff, Syed, Che, Ijam, Sharafi, Zaki, Khairul Anuar, Azmar, Yim - if I remember them correctly. I later saw Kash going around with Rais in tow. Semangat sunggoh! I expect nothing less from now as Sundown is fast approaching, and with SCKLM weeks after. I cannot stress enough the importance of running in group... not to mention fun!

The guys have just completed their first loop, and I quickly changed to join them, to ride in their 'heat', so to speak. The route was simple - PoJ - Masjid/PMO - PjC - PICC - PoJ of what 11.8k altogether. The loops fell quiet, as I suspect most of the jokes were thrown in their first loop. 

Regrouped at PoJ, and we went about collecting our Project 84 dri-fit tees - creating an awareness for Autism in support for Kash's Ultra Marathon for Dharma. We went on my second loop but Diket, Nik, Shuk, Ian, and Det retired at PjH's roundabout, with me, Syed and Yim hurdled on towards the Masjid. We were distanced along the way, and my attempt going behind PICC alone was creepy just after the traffic light, going up towards PICC's gate. That 10 minutes were quite disturbing. I upped the pace, and quickly made my way around, and bumped into Syed going off. Back to PoJ, 2nd loop done.

Refilled my Gatorades, sipped Nuun water, and downed the Nescafe (euhhh, that bitter taste!) and gulped a gel. Saw Kash coming in, and I joined her towards the Masjid again and back. Stopped at PjC as I was reluctant to return towards PICC. Not now, not after that... and definitely not alone. Kash went on with Rais riding behind, and I made my way up the Masjid again, swirling the Dataran, and returning, and back to PjH building. I have lost count on the loops, but I think I have done enough beyond the 34k target. 

Time was 4 a.m., I promised wifey not to be too late. Feet were OK, I still managed continuous run to the Masjid and back, surprisingly very therapeutic running in the still night. Boring to run alone, I'll tell you that, but very comforting nonetheless. 

My calves felt tight, but it was ok, stitches came for a few seconds and went away, and I ran blister-free. However, a new problem was pain in the right groin. There was pain on the left groin months ago, and when it finally went away during Energizer, this one is next. Supposedly this was due to lack of stretching, and Abductor/Adductor exercises, yes?

Overall, running this offers me some confidence that running at midnight is doable. I stayed on the road long enough, and only felt sleepy after Subuh prayers. The heavy dinner at 9 (i.e 3 hours prior helped), and definitely the Nescafe. The question now is how to pack all the caffeine along at Sundown. The time I reached home, quite expectedly after the first hour post run, my growling stomach sent me scurrying to the mamak for nasi lemaks and roti canai, probably why I went straight to sleep after that.

I think for Sundown, I need to pack some protein shakes.

OK lah tu... major simulation down... let's get cracking with trails pulak... Bukit Kash in Kiara Park next week? Sapa mau lambung? Sila, sila...