Post SCMS

Did my 10th installation of the SC marathon last Sunday, clocked a relatively ok timing at 4:53
Got some new insights and breakthrough though this isn't my best possible timing.

Original Objectives set out:
1) Test the High cadence short stride
2) Continuous run with little/no stops
3) Finish Strong with no injuries
4) Clock sub-5

Good:
1) Finished the run strong. I had always stumbled through the last 10km for the last 9 installations. This is the first time that I did not get any immediate cramps after passing the finish line, and still feeling that I have some gas left in my tank.
2) Continuous running with little stopping except for Water station with less than 10s downtime, and the Sheares bridge where it was not worth it to attack the slopes and risk serious cramps which will screw up the remaining 4km run. Better to err on the safe side.
3) Finally managed to break through the much-feared "Wall" at 32km. When I reached 30km at 3:20 feeling fatigued, I was starting to worry if the new strategy is going to back fire on me. The usual cramps indeed started to set in at 32km again. But I persisted with the high-short and actually managed to make the cramps "disappear" after the initial struggle.
4) Minimized damage to knees and reasonable soreness on the calves and quads. (can walk around with ease, up and down the stairs without much issues. No limping or awkwardness)

Bad:
1) Abrasions - It wasn't my thighs brushing against each other, but rather the sweat-soaked wet running shorts causing abrasion on my left thigh.
2) Abrasions - trim body hair at spots where movement is expected. Nuff said
3) Abrasions - nipple bled this time. Felt some abrasion at around 25km, but nothing afterwards. Realized the bleeding after 36km but no feeling at all. Post-run till date still no signs of pain. Not sure if I became super man and gained immunity to pain...

Conclusion:
High-cadence short-stride is definitely working, though I might had been overly cautious in this run not to over extend myself in case I couldn't beat the Wall.
Since I was able to clock 3hr flat for the last 31.5km run with High-short, I believe this could probably help me to clock 4.30 for a 42km run with proper prep

Actions:
1) Wear the 2xu full length tights for long runs next time to minimize abrasions. Will probably help with recovery as well.
2) Extend the High-short strategy. Clock up to 35km when training for future marathons. This shouldn't be an issue anymore since this has helped to reduce injuries and downtime.
3) Adapt the High-short for IPPT 2.4km run to regain my $400 incentive again.

Next Up:
I'll most probably sign up for the Olympic Distance Tri Race on 20 Jan.
The experience gained from this run is going to help me avoid the quad cramps on the run leg of the tri.