It's been a long time since I last race in a competitive track meet. Well, the Pacesetters Track Meet did not count as there were only limited events that one can take part and the longest distance was only 400m, wich is more of a sprinting event. When I saw that CIMB is conducting trials for MIBA and InterBank this year, I just had to take part. Got all the goodies when you are representing the bank, free tracksuit, shoe (this year we got a Mizuno shoe), few CIMB Group t-shirts and running vest/short.
I wanted to prove myself that I could run track again, but my preparations were awful. I am still sticking on a once or twice a week training and 2 weeks leading towards the event, I did not train much. I do fear the worst but still feel confident of getting a medal based on last year's podium timing.
Race day, 5000m was the last race for the 1st day. This was one of my favourite distance during schooldays. I do have a best time of 16m56s when I clocked it in an Inter Bank Sarawak division Meet in 95. Well that was more than a decade ago, so that didn't count anymore. I had 3 other collegues who took part, Vijay, Khairol and Azri. Vijay is a season veteran runner but he says he will pulling out after a few laps to get some points for CIMB. AmInvestment Banking staff started strongly with three of them in the leading pack including me. After a few laps, only left me and 2 others. Well, I hesitated to take the lead as I saw one of the spikes in one runner came off, and the other had his shoe lace came off. I thought if I could just hang on to the leading pack I may have a chance in the sprint to the finish as the pace wasn't fast. But with just barely 4 laps to go, I think the other guy with the spikes coming off gave signal to the young indian chap to make his move. I couldn't understand Tamil but it seems both are communicating throughout the race. He just sped off, tried to follow him but just had no strength. I finished in a time of 20m47s in 2nd place. Didn't know running a 4 mins/km pace was that difficult for a 5km. I guess my fitneess just isn't there.
2nd day, the 1500m event was the 2nd event of the day. My best time of 4m19s was also clocked in the same year in 95 I think. Or 96....Anyway, both the 5000M runners from AmInvestment were at the starting line. I guess I had no chance against the young chap. The gun went off, and I sped off to the front. Seeing the chap did not make a surge, I just slow down my pace a little. I was in the lead but told myself to wait for the chap's move. Boy, was that a big mistake! With two laps remaining, the young chap took off again....and left me behind again, I was about 100m behind when he crosses the finishing line. I finished 2nd in 5m11s. Another silver! that was the end of my event.
I told En Ramli later (our Team Manager) that if they needed me for the 4x400m I will be available. When it came close to the event, I thought they had enough runners but in a last min call up, I had to stand in for one of the runners. I made a quick warming up and strecthing. Decided to run in the final leg. Our 1st runner came off really fast and was leading before handing over to our 2nd runner. He did not fair that well but hang on barely to the 2nd place. 3rd runner wasn't bad, he held off a challenge from the 3rd team and when the baton was passed to me, I sped off quickly and worryingly that the 3rd place runner is going to catch up. After the 200m mark, I saw AmIvestment runner was too far ahead, I decided to check behind me. I did not see anyone behind, so I thought I must have left him behind, so I slowed my pace a little as the lactic acid is begining to build up on my legs and it starting to wobble. I just stride to the finishing line and yet another SILVER. Man, for most people, they would have been happy but I have a sense of disatisfaction. Ah well, can't ask for more when you didn't put in the effort to train. I have myself to blame.
In the end, it was pretty good experience to participate in this event. Inter Bank is on Aug 10 but not too sure I will be selected to run. InterBank may be a whole lot different ball game with more accomplished runners. After that will be the Bursa Malaysia The Edge Rat Race on the Auug 19. Am looking foward to that one.........
Me, Vijay & Azri 
5000m start
2 AmInvestment runners with me
Vijay and Tony side by side in the 1st leg of the 4x400m veteran category. Look at Tony's pia kau kau lat's face! His team won in the end.
Me in the final leg of the 4x400m Men Open.
My 3 SILVER medals!!
No comments:
Post a Comment