Last Friday I ran the macritchie trail starting from Pierce Reservoir via rifle range road, then to Zhenghua Park.
I had my Nathan hydration pack with a full 2liters of water, a small box of strawberries & a packet of GU energy gel. Quite a load considering I was carrying 2 litres that meant 2 kg plus of provisions on my back.
Nathan hydration pack & part of my provision.
The trail was dry underfoot, a little rocky in some parts & best of all undulating. The various little climbs make for interesting kicks uphill and headlong careening downhill. Fun.
The further I ran, the more I drank, I ate my strawberries & sucked on my stash of GU gel. As I got nearer to the end of my 25 or so km run, my load got lighter. I was happy that I’m not running with a heavy load. But I began to thirst & tire, I sucked on my tube and there was little water to be had. I’ll soon be out of water, I’ve eaten my strawberries & sucked on my last mandarin orange GU energy gel. My provisions are almost all gone.
Here then is the paradox. You’re burdened by the provisions you carry, which sustains you, all the while wishing that it was lighter. Then when your load becomes lighter & you are in need of a drink, you find that there is no more.
Fact is then, you can never have your cake & eat it too.