Wan Rohaimi: Kuching's Gauntlet

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Wan Rohaimi: Kuching's Gauntlet – A Runner's Tale

Hey everyone, so I'm gonna tell you about this crazy race I did, the Wan Rohaimi. It's this crazy ultramarathon in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Seriously, crazy. I'd heard whispers, you know? Legends, really, about its difficulty. People talking about insane hills, brutal humidity, and the sheer length of it. But I, in my infinite wisdom – or maybe stupidity – decided, "Yeah, I can totally do this."

My Epic Fail (and subsequent learning)

So, I'm not gonna lie. My first attempt was... a disaster. A total and utter epic fail. I'd trained, sure, I thought I'd trained. I'd run marathons before, but nothing prepared me for the Wan Rohaimi. The humidity alone felt like running through a wet towel. I underestimated the heat and elevation changes – those hills? They were murder. I bonked hard around mile 20. Like, completely bonked. I ended up having to pull out. Talk about feeling like a total chump. Seriously, I was bummed. I felt like I'd let myself down.

But, I'm stubborn, okay? So I didn't give up. That's the first thing I learned: persistence is key in ultramarathons. You’re gonna face setbacks, you’re gonna question everything. It's part of the process. Don't let one failure define you.

What I Did Differently (and what you should do too)

For my second attempt, I changed my training completely. I focused on heat acclimatization. I started training in the hottest part of the day, gradually increasing my time. Massive difference. I also incorporated more hill training. I found some seriously killer hills near my house and did interval training on them.

And, this is HUGE: I paid way more attention to my nutrition and hydration strategy. During my first attempt, my fueling plan was... well, let's just say it was lacking. I learned the importance of taking in electrolytes regularly, especially in the humid climate of Kuching. I started experimenting with different gels, chews, and even real food like bananas and dates during my long runs. Figuring this out made ALL the difference.

Another important lesson: gear matters. I invested in lightweight, breathable running clothes and shoes specifically designed for trail running. Those first shoes I wore? They were murder on my feet.

The Second Time Around: Success!

The second time, I completed the Wan Rohaimi. It was still tough – brutally tough – but I was prepared. I paced myself better, fuelled my body properly, and listened to my body. It wasn't a PR, but it was a victory, a testament to my perseverance and improved training strategy. It felt amazing.

Beyond the Race: Kuching’s Charm

Beyond the physical challenge, the Wan Rohaimi is also a beautiful race. The course winds through lush rainforest and offers stunning views of Kuching. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Sarawak. The local support along the course is incredible too. People cheer you on, offer you water, and just generally make you feel amazing.

So, if you're thinking of tackling the Wan Rohaimi, do your research, train smart, and listen to your body. And don't forget to enjoy the journey – it's an unforgettable experience! And most importantly, don't be afraid to fail; sometimes, failure is the best teacher. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a very large ice cream. I earned it.