18km X-Country MacRitchie To Bukit Timah

I met up with the SAFRA Running Group this morning for our usual sunday long run. Today we were going to run from MacRitchie through hilly terrain to Bukit Timah Hill and back. This loop is about 18km, but will feel more like 21km because of the x-country and numerous slopes.

Started at 7am. Brought the water pouch, and it was a lot more secure (without bounce) with a smaller bottle. We started off running towards the Northern Route. Thiam Huat was leading the way, and we did a relatively fast 21min when we came out to the road at SICC. My heart rate was a healthy 160bpm till this point. Waited at this point for the rest to come on, and then followed the new leader, Yong Hwa (from Toa Payoh). We went up the 2 steep slopes along the road, and did a turn left into the pipeline dirt road. I immediately recognized that this road will lead us to Bukit Timah. I continued along, and followed this road through some ups and downs, and had to cross some pipes walking at 2 points. We finally reached the end of the road at the 38min mark.

At this point, I took a sip of water, and followed Sok Hwa and Wong along asphalt road. After running for about 15min, we reached a station, where we turned down through a small crack and arrived at the pipelines again. This time, we went into the small road which I remember taking to the Bukit Timah Hill the last time I went trekking with Westly and gang. From here I took the lead and increased speed to reach the Bukit Timah visitor centre in 57min.

Took a 10min break with the rest. We took the same route where we came from, but entering just slightly ahead at the Kampong Trail. This time around, Ah Mun, a 50+ gentlemen took the lead, and from here me and Ah Mun headed all the way back to MacRitchie. It was a pretty humid morning, as we headed back to SICC and going back through 3 upslopes. Then entered the forest at 1hr35min mark, and Ah Mun took the lead from me after the first steep slope. I ran behind Ah Mun for another 3km or so, amidst the many walkers and trekkers crowding the tracks by then. With about 1km left, I overtook Ah Mun on a relatively long upslope, and reached back to the toilet point , and clocked in another satisfying run.

Distance Ran:18km XC___Time:1hr55min___Pace:6:21min/km
Average HR:1584bpm_____Max HR:166bpm_____KCal: 1465