I wa
s 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!!)
