Adidas King of The Road - Bib Collection

I was at Shah alam stadium today to pick up my bib and running vest. It wasn't too hard to find the Shah Alam stadium but I had to make one big round as the earlier place that I stopped was actually the back entrance of the stadium.

There wasn't any queue when I reach the bib collection centre. I saw the counters, so walked right in but the some personnels stopped me and directed me to another place. At first, I thought they were directing me to the correct collection table. Found out that table was just another registration counter for some other runs (I think. Didn't bother to see what was it). The lady at the sitting directed me to walk in the entrance next to her. There, I saw it, it's a zig zag entrance system that you sometime see in warehouse sales, but the only difference is that there's pratically no queue. Maybe they were just testing out their lines. I just jumped over the lines getting myself to the counter. Idiots. Easy way to clear your "short" queue, tidak mahu, still ask people to go zig zag around the line to reach the counters! Nothing wrong with having this system set up, but use it when there's actually a queue lah! I was the only one picking up the bib at moment in time.

Well, can't believe there are some running vest sizes which ran out of stock. But luckily they have M size for me this time. L was out of stock. I think majority runners are either M or L. I just thought the organiser is pretty naive in this area, although it isn't the first time they organise this.

Anyway, I'm quite happy with the quality running vest that they gave out. A lot better than the "Reebok" ones given by the SCKLM and Shape Run. Nothing against brands, I love Reebok. I use to buy a lot of Reebok apparels and shoes. My first racing flat is a Reebok. Served me pretty well.

This is the running vest given. Not bad ya?

This is what I'll be wearing this Sun. Since organised by Adidas, give them face, I'll wear Adidas lah.

Not expecting much from this run. Have not done long runs since SCKLM, so will try to push as hard, but if I run out of steam, will just treat it as long run then. Got to start training for Melbourne Marathon. For those who doesn't know yet, yeah, I've signed up for Melbourne Marathon on Oct 11. Actually signed up before SCKLM race day. Now kinda regretting signing up for full. Torturing!

More info on the event:

1. Melbourne Marathon Facebook

2. Official Website

And oh, watching Tour De France for past 3 weeks, well, it kind of rekindle my spirit to cycle again. So my cuz in Australia helped me sign up for Around the Bay In a Day Ride, Oct 18 (a week after the full). Well, I've always wanted to feel how is it like to ride with a big bunch of riders (thousands of them for this one). There's option of 50km, 80km, 100km, 210km and 250km. I'll be doing the 210km via Sorrento (with Ferry) Link

Find out more on the event from this Site

I know it's going to be tiring, riding 210km, only a week after running a full marathon. Anyway, will take it as a leisure ride, but I better start riding long again.

Kind of expensive to take part in both events, but, it's those once a lifetime opportunity to take part in these big events, while I'm in Melbourne.

Happenings in F1!

First, we heard the news that BMW is quitting F1, exiting as a team and engine supplier at the end of 2009. We already had Honda quitting this season and Brawn GP taking over. This season they are doing extremely well. So who's taking over BMW? Sauber? Or could it be Petronas?

Then this. We already had Lance Armstrong making a comeback at 38, now we have Schumacher coming back at 40! This is going to be exciting!

"Michael Schumacher will make a shock return to Formula 1 to replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa

The seven-time world champion retired at the end of 2006 but will drive at the European Grand Prix on 23 August.

Ferrari said the 40-year-old will stand in for as long as Massa is sidelined by the serious head injuries he sustained in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying.

"For team loyalty reasons I can't ignore this unfortunate situation," said the former Ferrari driver.

His spokesman Sabine Kehm had told the BBC on Tuesday that although Schumacher - who was working as a consultant for Ferrari - was not willing to make a full-time return to F1, he would not rule out standing in for Massa.

And the German racing legend has now decided to come out of retirement and make a sensational return to the sport.

"It is true that the Formula 1 chapter has long been closed for me," added Schumacher, who won five world titles for Ferrari.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive and I wish him all the best again.

"This afternoon I met with team principal Stefano Domenicali and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. "As the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Schumacher has not driven an F1 car since April 2008 and competed in the last of his 249 grands prix in October 2006. And the most successful F1 driver of all time now has slightly more than three weeks to prepare himself for the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

The ban on in-season testing means Schumacher will not be able to turn a wheel of the 2009 specification Ferrari before first practice on Friday 21 August.

Nevertheless, the team have chosen Schumacher - who won 91 grands prix in a glittering career - ahead of reserve drivers Marc Gene and Luca Badoer.

"Ferrari intends to entrust Michael Schumacher with Felipe Massa's car for as long as the Brazilian driver is not able to race," read a team statement.

"Michael Schumacher has shown his willingness and in the next few days he will undergo a specific programme of preparation at the end of which it will be possible to confirm his participation in the championship, starting with the European Grand Prix."

There are six more races to go after Valencia, including trips to Belgium, Italy, Singapore and Japan.

Schumacher will undergo an intensive training programme to determine whether he is fit enough to return to the rigours of F1 racing.

Since retiring from the sport, Schumacher has occasionally taken part in motorcycle events but in February he suffered neck and back injuries in a motorbike accident.

Those injuries could affect his ability to drive an F1 car, with huge pressures placed on the neck because of the varying G-forces.

Massa could be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a fractured skull sustained when a spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn hit him on the helmet when he was travelling at more than 160mph during qualifying in Hungary on Saturday.

The Brazilian is set to leave intensive care and is making progress, although there is also concern about damage to his left eye.

Schumacher is close to Massa, who was his team-mate in his final season, and has taken a close interest in the Brazilian's career.

BBC Radio 5 Live F1 commentator David Croft believes Schumacher is coming back partly because of that close relationship.

"I think he's coming back because it is to replace Felipe Massa, temporarily. He is very close to Felipe, they've had a great relationship over the years," stated Croft.

"I think it's his way of doing something to help Felipe, and doing something to help Ferrari at the same time, because if you look at the alternatives Ferrari had, they weren't really alternatives.

"Who else is there who could come into Ferrari and hit the ground running, who knows the car, who knows the team, who could give them a podium?

"The European Grand Prix, which was not one we were looking forward to at the start of this year, has now got a real spice to it.

"Lewis Hamilton against Michael Schumacher for the first time ever? Jenson Button up against Michael Schumacher? How will Kimi Raikkonen respond? It's going to be fascinating."

SCHUMACHER'S F1 RECORD
1991: Makes F1 debut for Jordan, switches to Benetton
1992: First Grand Prix win (Belgium), finishes third in the championship
1994: Wins first world title with Benetton, winning eight races
1995: Retains world title, winning nine races
1996: Joins Ferrari
1997: Finishes season second but is disqualified from championship
1999: Breaks leg at Silverstone when leading world championship
2000: Ends Ferrari's 21-year wait for a world title, winning nine races
2001: Retains world title, again winning nine races
2002: Quickest ever world title win, with 11 race wins
2003: Breaks Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five world titles
2004: Wins seventh and final world title
2006: Retires at the end of the season
2009: Announces comeback to fill in for injured Felipe Massa"

- Source: BBC UK Sport

Tour De France 2009

Photo below: F.Pellizoti (Polka Dot Jersey), T.Hushvod (Green Jersey), A.Contador (Yellow Jersey) and A.Schleck (White Jersey)


The just concluded Tour De France saw Alberto Contador (Spa) claiming his second Maillot Jaune-yellow jersey. The tour started with questions over who is the leader of the Astana team. Is it Contador or is it Armstrong (Usa)? In the end, the exceptional performances by Contador answers it all. The win on Stage 15 at Verbier in the Swiss Alps virtually sealed his victory and a second victory in Stage 18 - Annecy (Individual Time Trial) put him in an unassailable lead and finally the yellow jersey win. Despite the controversy surrounding Contador's performances, I still he is damm good rider overall.






Andy Schleck (Lux) tried to pile on the pressure on the infamous Mt Ventoux stage but his effort came in vain as Contador all his surges. Schleck finished 2nd in the GC and also claimed the white jersey - best young rider. He appears to be the only one who can challenge Contador throughout the tour. Watch out for him next year, he says he is coming back stronger to grab the yellow jersey.

The much anticipated comeback in sport, Armstrong, did well to finished 3rd and was looking good on the climbing stages too. However, he too, could not stop his compatriot, Contador. Armstrong came close to claiming the yellow jersey from Fabian Cancellara (Swi) but was just 0.02 slower when the Astana team won the team time trial in Stage 4.

Mark Cavendish (Gbr) won the final stage - Champs-Elysees and claims his 6th stage victory (a record). However, he lost the green jersey to Thor Hushvod, as points he gained from Stage 14 were removed. The organiser deemed he pushed Hushvod too close to the barrier during the sprint. But 6 stage wins prove Cavendish is the best sprinter in the world!




The polka dot jersey - mountains classification was won by Franco Pellizotti (Ita). He went on an attack alone on the the 2 runaway leaders at Mt Ventoux stage but ran out of steam and was caught by the yellow jersey group near the end. He could have capped his polka dot jersey with a win at Mt. Ventoux.



No chance of seeing Contador being in the same team with Armstrong in 2010, as the American will be racing for the US-sponsored team, RadioShack. Contador don't seem to be interested at all to race for RadioShack. I think it's better that way. Having to co-leaders in the same team are just not good. Anyways, the war of words between the two continues after the tour came to a close (look at Armstrong in the photo! Haha!).

Shape and Men's Health Run (25 July 2009)

Shape and Men's Health Run
Precint 3, Putrajaya (8:00pm)
Distance : 11.41KM by YS Lee GPS kok

Arrived at the starting area quite early, more than an hour plus before the start time. Hang around the area chit chatting with some friends. There were quite a few activites around the area. Also, a lot of sponsors setting up their booths with some giving out free samples.

I did a little warm up just before going into the "cage". I made my way to the front as i don't want to get stuck and losing a few mins going through the crowds. I wasn't too sure how I was going to perform, as I hurt my calfs slightly from training. I was trying to do speed drills and speedwork in the week leading to the race. I had a weird feeling about my strides, guess it started after KL Towerthon. It seems like my left leg is not pushing as hard as my right and sometimes my strides are not going on a straight line. Keep knocking my foot against my own ankle. That's why I did the speed drills and speed workouts, but I won't do it on tar roads anymore as it is hurting my calfs and do not want to risk injuries, especially the knees. Not getting younger anymore. Will need to find softer grounds to train on after this.

Even it was a night satrt, I can still feel the humidity, guess it was going to be tough for everyone. The start was a fast one. After a minute, the leaders are already way ahead of me. I just try as hard to stay close at a distance but soon, can't "smell no smoke". I was just trying to keep a fast pace. I waqs happy that I managed to overtake Naresh and Cecil. Both were way ahead of me. Overtook Naresh first after the the hill at PICC, then Cecil (I think he wasn't in good form as normally I won't be able to get close to him). There were about 4-5 runners who overtook me during the run, but managed to overtake them back except for one. He just went faster and faster. Tried to push on my pace after crossing the final brigde and saw the final 2km mark, but I wasn't getting any closer. Crossing the finishing line, my watch time stopped at 47'44 and the guy gave me a card that read 14 (Position). Well, it's better than finishing 11th!

Quickly, I went to collect my sausages (pic), drinks and goodies bag before it gets too crowded. Then went for a change of clothes. I felt quite fresh after the run (unlike most races), makes me wonder whether I was pushing hard enough or it was run at night? But definitely, I will need to add in my speedrills & speedwork to correct my strides and improve my speed. Need to add in some strength training too. Mmh..maybe I should use the Clark Hatch 1 week free trial to use their gym equipments. Got a Clark Hatch near my place. Anybody interested to join me?

My sis took part in a 7.7km run as well and she did well to finish it. She wasn't sure she could before the start of the race. We went for supper at Sri Petaling spending some time at Putrajaya. Reached home only at around 1am. After my shower, I was trying to catch the recorded Stage 20 of Tour De France on the same night. It's the infamous Mount Ventoux stage and really want to find out how the stage went. After a while, I was like dozing off...so decided to go to bed and continue it tomorrow.

Here are some results compliment from pm1 and from friends:

Men Open Result :
45'16 - Jasni Khairil (10th)
47'44 - Khoo Yit Kiat, Pm28 (14th)
48'25 - Naresh Kumar, Pm37 (18th)
48'20 - Lionel Lee (20th)
00'00 - Ben Swee, Pm50 (23rd)
49'51 - Cecil Cheong Chee Liong (25th)
49'56 - Ronnie See, Pm1 (26th)
50'30 - Hamidon Mat Aris (27th)
48'51 - Rozmi Bin Yunus (30th) Late start
51'00 - Tang Wern Tien (32nd)
52'12 - Raymond Ng, Pm48 (36th)
52'22 - Stanley Cheong, Pm53 (37th)
52'40 - Chen Keat Hoong, Pm8 (40th)
53'21 - Kenny Tan, Pm27 (42nd)
53'33 - Mohd Azali, Pm46 (47th)
53'55 - Thurai Sarasaidy (50th)
54'29 - Brian Lee (54th)
55'35 - Lee Weng Khong, Pm35 (73rd)
56'02 - Abdul Azri (75th) Last Medal!
57'17 - Hong Zi Shen (82nd)
58'15 - Hasrul Sham
59'10 - Ryan Teoh, Pm17
60'31 - Ghejanthran
60'35 - Wong Kei Ming, Pm55
61'28 - Frank Chong, Sub Pm6
62'02 - Khairol Faisal
64'33 - Tan Kean Peng, Sub Pm5
67'55 - Dinesh Kumaran, Pm4
68'25 - Zulazlan Shah, Pm43
69'00 - Lawrence Law
69'29 - Lai Fong Sang, Pm38
71'35 - Chan Kah Yen
76'00 - Tan Ooi Keat

Men Junior Veteran :
50'21 - Daniel Tan (9th)
56'23 - Tay Poh Chye (30th)
56'57 - Adam Loh, Pm29 (33rd)
58'01 - Choi Chik Choy, Pm42 (43rd)
59'59 - Loke Shu Sun (62nd)
60'33 - Lee Yee Sum (64th)
63'00 - Kelvin Ng, Pm2
65'00 - Phooi Rong Vei
00'00 - Vincent Wong, Pm10 (00th)
00'00 - Loke Shu Sun (00th)

Women Open :
68'00 - Yong Su-Mei (26th)
73'01 - Nik Raiha
00'00 - Chek Yin Huay (68th)
77'00 - Carrie Teong (80th)
81'50 - Julie Wong (00th)
00'00 - Lee Yee Hua, Pm51 (00th)

Check out the contents of the goodies bag. The one on the lower left looks interesting!

PDRM Pimped Their Ride! Check This Out!

Heard about PDRM upgrading their cars? Well, I saw it with my own eyes. Below are two which I saw on the road in KL. Coincidently, both photos are shot at Sg Besi Highway. Must be having a lot of police chase on this highway, that's why they need faster cars! Don't play play oh...

First photo should be the Mitsubishi Lancer and the second is a Volvo S40 (I think).

1. Paul Tan - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

2. Paul Tan - Volvo S80

Running Vest Out of Stock

Ooops they did it again! What you hate to hear when you go collect your shirt is, "Sorry ah sir, we have only limited sizes for running vest". Then you go see the sizes that they have, XXL, XL and L! Adui! Alamak, when are they going to learn, it's always the same old story. Were they expecting majority of the runners in Malaysia are overweight?! This year's design is simple but it looks good. Too bad the size is too big for me! Sometimes "L" size is ok for me if it is Asian size, but don't know why this Reebok ones are really big. It's the same material as the one given in SCKLM. My baju tidur again...

Worse still, ladies, the only size left for you is XS!

Tomorrow must go buy 4D....4031. Or maybe 1031, A=1. Sports Toto, Magnum 4D and Da Ma Cai.....

Tour De France after Stage 18

After Stage 18, the outstanding performance by Alberto Contador has left everyone for dust. He was the best in climbs and even beating everyone on a 40.5km time trial last night. He was even ahead of Olympic time trial champion, Fabian Cancellara (Swi). Even, three-time tour winner, Greg LeMond questions Alberto's dominant performance on the final climb in Stage15 to Verbier. More of this at this site. Lance Armstrong on his comeback bid, finished 16th and was only ahead of Andy Schleck (Lux) by 15s, therefore still behind him in the GC by 1'14s.

It's highly unlikely for anyone to dethrone Contador from the yellow jersey with just 3 stages left, including tomorrow's big stage from Montelimar to Mount Ventoux. Armstrong won't be strong enough to challenge Contador in this final mountain stage. The Schleck brothers are also the better climbers with Frank winning Stage 17 on the mountain. I think the top 3 in the GC will remain as it is on the final day.

General classification after stage 18
(01) 73:15:39 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
(02) +0:04:11 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
(03) +0:05:25 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana
(04) +0:05:36 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream
(05) +0:05:38 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana
(06) +0:05:59 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
(07) +0:07:15 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas
(08) +0:10:08 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
(09) +0:12:38 Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi
(10) +0:12:41 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux

Shape and Mens Health Run 2009

Just 2 more days left before the race starts. I think this will only be the 2nd time that I race at night. Missed the event last year as I was doing the Seremban Half Marathon. I've never missed the Seremban event for 6 or 7 consecutive years. Too bad I missed it this year. Nothing great about Seremban run though. It's always congested, but that was first trip I had with Pacesetters Permaisuri members and most of them are my good friends now! Sentimental event lah....

Since this run starts at 8pm, I'm wondering now whether I should eat first or not. Usually I don't eat much or nothing at all, in the morning before a race. But 8pm my stomach would probably be crying out for food. I'll probably eat something light around 6-7pm. Hopefully won't get too hungry by 8pm.

Preparation for the race has been hampered by mere laziness after my marathon race in KL and also by haze. Managed to squeezed in a few runs during my trip back to Kuching and race last weekend, but don't think that will be enough since I rested for about 2 weeks after SCKLM. Well, can't do much about it now and just hope for the best.

See you all in the race!

Age Factor in Distance Running

In Jog for Hope, the guy who came in second place came and asked me, "How old are you?". I said I was 34 and I asked him his age. 17. 17?!! Makes me feel pretty old. I'm twice his age. Haha. Never underestimate a young and unknown runners! He gave me a really good fight till I wanted to give up in certain stage. Just happy that I hanged on to him that day.

It makes you wonder in general, who is better in long distance running, older or younger runners? Your pick.

You have Haile Gebrselassie, the world record holder for marathon (2:03:59) and also Paul Tergat (who once held the WR for the distance). Both are 36 and 40 respectively now. Both are still winning races. Of late, you have the younger ones coming up, including the 2008 Olympic champion and 2009 Flora London Marathon, Samuel Wanjiru. He is only 23 this year. He ran the fastest Olympic marathon of all time with his PB of 2:06:32 and in 2009 London Marathon his own PB with a time of 2:05:10. Closing in on Gebreselassie time.

In the local running scenes, there are plenty of top veteran runners who are more than capable of beating the younger dudes. Jean Pierre Lautredoux, M Ramakrishnan and Don Khor just to name a few. Maybe this is due to the lack of younger generation nowadays who are keen in distance running, which can be considered by many, a BORING sport. Most of them traded spikes and racing flats for PSP, PS3, Xbox and Wii. Young adults would probably be more keen in signing up thousands of RM to join a fitness centre, which is more "glamour". Maybe once in a while, you will see them participating in races such as Orange Run or Shape & Mens Health Run. Other than that, hardly see them. In Singapore Marathon, you can see quite a lot of young participants in Half or the Full marathons. Why is there a big difference here in Malaysia?

I've stumbled upon this blog. This guy happens to be a politician in Sarawak. Well, it's more on Sarawak, but in general, I won't be disagreeing with him completely. I think this is happening around Malaysia and not Sarawak alone. Politicians and old hats are still running some of the sports associations and they should be given the boot if they are not performing. And it's funny when you read it especially the "sleeping" part.

http://yippeego.com/ypwordpress/?p=945

It's true that Sarawak produces a lot of volleyball, track & field and swimming in the past, but now, it is in a sorry state. I would have been chosen to run in some of the MSSM, Sukma meet if not because of their reasoning of "my time wasn't good enough". (In the past finishing first wasn't the ticket to these meets). I think most of the "old hats" are still in there in the SAAA. To tell you the truth, I'm still feeling the pain when you see your close friends in training get chosen and not you.

Now come to think of it, I should have gotten the contact of that young man who came in 2nd that day and ask whether he wants to train with me. Maybe he has his own coach, but he is good to let his talent go to waste.

Results on 19 July 2009

There were quite a few races held over the same day as Jog For Hope. Here are some of them:

Siemens Run
(Source: www.pm1.blogspot.com)
Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Distance : 10.25km according Choi GPS

Men Open
30'04 - Kennedy Kiproo (1st) - KEN
30'17 - Johnson Kipkosga (2nd) - KEN
30'27 - Hilary Kencho (3rd) - KEN
31'08 - Robert Kilagat (4th) - KEN
31'49 - Samuel Tarus (5th) - KEN
38'36 - Richard Habeya, Pm26 (10th)
41'47 - Rozmi Bin Yunus (17th)
43'10 - Meyyappan Manickam, PM58 (24th)
43'15 - Ronnie See, PM1 (25th)
44'00 - Hamidon Mat Aris (27th)
44'57 - Stanley Cheong, Pm53 (30th)
46'57 - Suresh, Pm47 (56th)
46'58 - Chen Keat Hoong, Pm8 (57th)
47'03 - Mohd Azali, Pm46 (58th)
47'35 - Azzurrie (66th)
49'47 - Kevin Chow, Pm32 (101st)
49'52 - Khairol (102nd)
49'48 - Hasrul Sham Saidi, Pm34
57'24 - Dinesh Kumaren, Pm4
59'47 - Lee Yin Fook, Pm40
60'02 - Tan Ooi Keat

Women Open
36'15 - Katherine (1st) - KEN
37'04 - Lydia Jerotich (2nd) - KEN
39'08 - Cecilia Warutumu (3rd) - KEN
39'43 - Susan Jemutai (4th) - KEN
41'27 - Georgina Beech (5th) - AUS
59'00 - Yong Su-Mei (37th)

Men Junior Veteran
32'24 - Jean Pierre Lautredoux (1st)
37'30 - Iwata Takatoshi (2nd)
37'56 - Supermaniam (3rd)
38'10 - Ong Chin (4th)
40'02 - Khir Bin Salleh (5th)
44'12 - Vincent Wong, Pm10 (17th)
47'40 - Choi Chik Choy, Pm42 (33rd)
49'26 - Loke Shu Sun (48th)
51'04 - Adam Loh, Pm29 (60th)
00'00 - Mohd Yaziz, Pm7 (75th)
54'44 - Kelvin Ng, Pm2 (No more medal)

Women Veteran (7.5km)
31'17 - Tan Lee Chin (1st)
32'24 - Lan Bee Hoon (2nd)
32'28 - Susan Khoo (3rd)
36'23 - Lim Lee Ping (4th)
36'56 - Eng Siok Jiun (5th)
00'00 - Nik Raiha - medal

Looking at the results above for Women Open, don't think I'll be able to break into the Top 5. Haha. They are strong! The Australian girl is just a teenager. Amazing.

DiGi-Pacesetters Kuantan TC 10km Run
(Source: www.pm1.blogspot.com)
Teluk Chempedak Beach, Kuantan
Distance : 9.66km according to YS Lee GPS

Men Open
35'38 - Murali Nathan (2nd)
40'12 - Naresh Kumar, Pm37 (7th)
42'36 - Kenny Tan, Pm27 (12th)
00'00 - Gunaselan (27th)
49'09 - Wong Kei Ming, Pm55 (33rd)

Men Junior Veteran
46'41 - Tay Poh Chye (16th)
49'35 - Lee Yee Sum (27th)

KRI'S Century Ride
(Source: TomatoMan)
Bukit Kinding Resort, Tanjong Rambutan, Perak
Distance: 160km

Unofficial Results
4h 14m - Lead Group
4h 43m - Lim Keat Seong
4h 47m - Yip aka UltraMan
4h 59m - Ong Siok Bee
5h 00m - Raymond Ng aka TomatoMan
5h 45m - Michelle Looi
6h ++m - Tan Shih Ming
6h 56m - Vincent Tiong
7h ++m - Wong Yit Thing

Jog For Hope @ Taylor's College Sri Hartamas (19 July 2009)

I was contemplating whether I should run Siemens Run or the Jog for Hope in which I registered myself for both events. I just got back from Kuching last night and also since I've paid a hefty sum (RM30) for Jog For Hope as entrance fee, I thought I should go for that and it's nearer to where I stay. Besides, in Siemens Run, I probably won't be well placed. I was actually keen to take part in the Century Ride in Ipoh which is on the same day as this run, but am missing it again this year.

"GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE RUN
The Tree Huggers Club of Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas are known for their tireless efforts in organizing event after event that have helped bring environmental awareness to a whole new level amongst students. Contrary to their name that suggests environmental issues are their only concern, the “Jog for Hope” charity run organized by them proves otherwise. This charity run is in aid of the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory in order to improve the centre’s facilities which in turn would ensure a better environment for the children." (source: http://jogforhope.wordpress.com/)

The morning of the race, I had to make two toilet visits. It could be due to the Daun Pisang with Curry Mutton I had for dinner. Then, it was Belacan Bee Hoon I brought from Kuching. Had to eat it that night as it would have been spoilt the next day. It was probably the mixture of that. But, it wasn't a bad one though.

Since the race is starting at 8am, I had plenty of time to get there. I needed some mileage, so I decided to run to the starting line which is about 4-5km from my home. On the way, met some runners from Pacestters doing their routine run towards Hartamas and saw the drink stations set up with volunteers waiting for the race to start. I reached Taylor's College at around 7.15am and saw some familiar faces there. Carol Low, Michael Gan, Ngae, his daughter and Jenny to name a few. Carol, like me, also skipped Siemens Run since this run is much nearer to her house.

There was a warm up session conducted by trainers from the Gym in front of the Hartamas Shopping Centre (HSC- Starting Line). The run started at around 8.10am. I made a slow start since the field wasn't strong, a teen just blast off in front of us and left everyone behind. 2 police motorcycles escorted the runners. I managed to overtake the leader before reaching Duta Tropika. I was thinking of easing my pace, but another teen just ran to my side and we were almost together the whole way.

I was waiting for him to give up, but he was strong. He kept pushing the pace. By the time we reached the hill up to HSC, I was fading away and thought this could be the end of my pursuit to finish 1st. He was about 30m-40m ahead of me. Going up the hill to HSC, I managed to close down the gap. At the turn of a junction, the teenager missed the turn and I took the opportunity to try and break away from him, but within few secs, he was beside me again. Darn! From that point, I just told myself to hang on to him as long as I could and he was just never going to give up his lead. (Teenagers just have bundle of energy to release!!) However, before the turn to Petronas, I saw the first sign of him tiring. He looked behind and then held up his hand to his waist and waving it, either asking me to slow down or saying he was giving up. I wasn't sure about it but I don't think he meant the first. (If he is, he's got to be joking!) Anyway, a sign is a sign, and I quicken my strides and truly enough he was slowing down and did not respond to my increased pace. I just pushed on as hard as I could till my legs were starting to tire going up the final hill at HSC. I was just worried he'll catch up again as I was slowing down. I looked behind and he wasn't there. Coming down from the hill of HSC, I pushed my pace again just to make sure I stayed in front thru to the finishing line, in front of the college's entrance. This is my first win I had in KL!! My time of 34m 55s was a respectable time for a 9km (but I need to measure the route again to get the exact distance one day...may be it was slightly short)



Ngae and his daugther



The Finish Line

At the prize presentation stage, I saw there were a lot of trophies and hampers and thought that's not too bad for Top 5 prizes in charity run. We had few speeches from the presenter thru to the VIPS, but due to the small speaker it was hard to hear what they were saying. Besides, everyone was talking and you could feel the fustration of some participants who were more considerate for the speakers. They were trying hard to quiet down the crowds but it only lasted for a few secs before everyone starts talking. When it was my turn to go up the stage, I was handed an envelope, certificate and a trophy for my win. To my surprise, there were RM300 cash in there with RM200 Gift Voucher from Square Room (seriously I have no idea what Square Room sells or where the shop is!!) It was a big surprise as charity runs normally do not give out cash prizes. At most are cash vouchers from Sponsors. Well, I'll just take it as a good day's work! (And also luck in coming across this run when I was at Hartamas Shopping Centre)


Some of the medals, trophies and hampers



Presentation of mock cheque to President of SCASFT, Datuk Lam Peng Chong



Receiving my prize....



Me, Carol, Unknown, Bruce, Ngae and Michael (who told me he had never finished in the podium before. Congrats Michael)



My prize: Trophy, Certificate, Voucher and Cash (hehe!!)

A Tennis Star and Mr Bean

Saw this in HC Foo Blog. Hilarious, but they do really look a like when you put the photos side by side! Don't you agree?


Juan Martin Del Potro (left) Rowan Atkinson a.k.a Mr Bean (right)

Roger Gets His 15th Slam! An Epic Match!

After two weeks of wonderful tennis, it finally came to an end last night. And boy, what a thrilling finale. A titanic tussle between two wonderful players. Both players displayed wonderful and powerful serving games. Andy with his booming serve and Roger (although not as powerful) but amazingly accurate serves. An amazing statistic from the match was Roger was able to outserve Andy in terms of aces. Half century of it. His personal record.

Andy played exceptionally great, displaying more maturity in the way he played. He came out of the blocks firing aces and winners mercilessly. For a moment it appeared Andy was going to go into a 2 sets to love lead, with a 6-2 lead in the 2nd set tiebreak. All he needs is just one big unreturnable serve to take the set and could have changed the outcome of the match. I was, for one, thought that was it for Federer. It didn't turn out to Andy's way as Federer took the next six points to win the tiebreak 8-6. In the 3rd set, Federer was in control and took the set in another tiebreak 7-5. From there, most people would think it will be over in 4 sets but Andy fought back and broke Federer early in the set and held his own service games and took the set in 6-3.

Into the 5th set. Mano a Mano. I felt that this could turn into Andy's favour as up until the 4th set, Roger has failed to break Andy's serves. Andy had already broken Roger's service twice, once in 1st set and the other in the 4th. Both players slug it out in the 5th set with amazing service displays. 7-7, 8-8.....14-14, is this going to end? Roger hangs tough by holding his serve to lead 15-14. Everyone thought Andy would hold out this game, but a few errors later, it was Game, Set and Match. Grand Slam No. 15 for Roger Federer! No tears were seeing this time through Roger's eyes. The jump for joy in the end, suggests he must be glad to have won yet another tight match after coming the losing end at last year's final to Rafa Nadal.

The match was attended by tennis legends. Among them, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and even Pete Sampras himself. Also seeing were some celebrities, Ben Stiller, Gavin Rosdale (Mr. Gwen Stefani), Rusell Crowe, Woddy Allen and Sir Alex Ferguson.



Photo taking before match started


Roger - The jump for joy. Grand Slam No. 15!


The Big Hug - A match which does not deserve a loser!


The Dejected Man - Roddick could not hide his disappointment (similiar photo of Roger in last year's final)



Wimbledon Title No. 6



Federer surges ahead in all time list of the most Grand Slam titles won - 15


Federer posing with tennis greats - Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Rod Laver


Stylish Federer - New jacket attire unveiled for this year's Wimbledon