PAAA Round the Island Relay 2012

9 Dec 2012, Sunday there was Annual PAAA Round the Island Relay and I was assigned to run Baton 11, the same baton I got last year. It's a struggle to get into race with this short period of rest after Macau Marathon: I wouldn't want to put less effort for the team race, nor I want to push too hard that injured the leg.

Two recovery run before Sun I knew the leg wasn't recovery, with some degree of injury. However it's not as bad that I couldn't run.

"I'll just run at a comfortable pace." I thought. And things not always happen to what we thought. On race day I met Francis for the first time, a 3:05 marathoner (and potentially sub 3) + blogger that I very admire of. Excited. Just when I warming up I saw Francis came to baton change area with the same baton number. "So he would be running the same leg". The part that make me shock and nervous was my baton 10 teammate was followed by his baton, which mean I'll be running slightly earlier than him.

Having to run in front of him is such a pressure, as I know I'll be overtaken in no time. All I hope is I can sustain a fast pace as long as possible to delay the time he overtook, or at least reach almost the same time. I would say I was in a helpless effort to push my pace. I run all I can right from the start. The elevation profile of route was mixed with mild ascend and descend. While I was running I keep waiting when he will be passing by. After one elevation he finally overtook and I couldn't hold the pace anymore. I slowed down, try to keep behind him, but could only see him run steadily further and further away. Heat, exhaustion cause my breath to become shallow. Leg turn over was not good. "Just get to the baton change safely" I told myself. At one point I saw him slow down but I can barely chase back the distance anymore.

This was the second time I participated the event and I found it is very meaningful. In a relay that over 70++ km long, you won't able to manage without support team. We have 12 runners for the run, and a support team that follow the baton the whole island right from the start, giving support, taking photo, and provide food and drinks. It's a good time to meet runners and friends. Competition aside, the fun, catch up and team spirit are what make this even special to me.