Afternoon Run

Evening Run

1:45 and change. Second overall. Thank God. I was glad to not fall this year and to not get lost — I noted where I had missed the turning two years ago and am thankful this year there are arrows, ribbons and a volunteer at the sharp turning up the staircase to the highway.

I ran more slowly this year than I did two years ago, I think. Apparently, it was hot today — I didn’t find it particularly hot— and that could slow me; and I am getting older and perhaps have not trained and rested as well as I did two years ago.

Adidas Takumi Sen 2 shoes were fine for the conditions — and wrecked after the race! Gym gloves were handy. Shirtless with sunblock. No hat or sunglasses — I need to see the sunlight on the ground in natural color. An extra gel on me but not consumed. Green race belt was riding up on me particularly at the start, to the point where I had to push it down my waist. I wore the innovate shorts which were riding down unexpectedly. Not a good combination of shorts and green race belt today. I might have been better off in my usual spandex. Or another pair of hybrid shorts since storing my empty flask while running was important for my balance.

A big day yesterday and a 23:00 bedtime for a 05:45 wakeup. Out the door at 6:15. Single at home. 07:10 arrival. Fetched McDonald’s coffee and water at the mall. Double at the mall. Gel for brekkie. Low key start, thank God.

I went out with three dudes, and on the major ascent, the first place finisher passed and gradually pulled away, finishing three minutes clear of me. At the top of the stairs, I hesitated, wondering if I made the wrong turn. I waited for the third place guy, who confirmed our right path, thankfully.

The first place guy is visiting from the Philippines with his skyrunning team. He is 20 years old and I saw his speed and wisdom on display today. Based on his inexpensive, unremarkable kit, totally out of place with the commercialized HK trail running scene, he is also a humble man with humble means. Speaking to him after the race and hearing his strategy to become a top runner slowly, I appreciate all the more his wisdom and humility. He will be a star in a few years. Trying to keep up with him for several kilometers was my pleasure and honor.

Ouch. As I ran down the trail, I saw a man standing on the side of the trail, and I wondered why. No sooner had I passed him than a sharp, stinging sensation in my left shoulder cause me to shoot. I heard a buzz too. It seems a Bee or wasp stung me, a first in my life. Thank God I didn’t have an immediate allergic reaction — and that the first aid attendant didn’t find a stinger in me. The rest of the race was more interesting with a gimpy left shoulder.

I missed the prize presentation, although I was sitting only 100 meters away from the stage — the acoustics in the park are crap. Missing the presentation was embarrassing because I don’t want to trouble the volunteers, who were trying to find me, or to draw unnecessary attention to myself. Skipping prize presentations is a no-no for me because we runners should honor the organizers and the sponsors. 

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David Woo

MSIG Lantau 16K 2018

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Afternoon Run

Afternoon Run

Afternoon Run

Evening Run

Evening Run

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