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

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2009 (28 June)

From left: Farid, Me, Nik Raiha, Khairol and Azri

The Mens Marathon winner : Julius Ndiritu Karinga (Ken) 2h 17m 02s

What can I say about SCKLM this year? This is my 2nd marathon (actually 3rd if you count the one I ran in 1995 where I DNF). The experience that I felt during the 1995 (Sibu Marathon) was just too much that I told myself I won’t be attempting any more marathons for a long long time. There, I gave up only after 21-22km. At that time I had never run a distance further than 15km I think. But when you are young, you always feel you could do anything. I tried and failed miserably. I know I can run fast in middle distances, so I thought running a marathon won't be that difficult. Nothing prepared me for the cramps I had during the run, so in the end I had to take the ambulance back. My quad muscles (both legs) cramped so badly that I could see the muscles actually contracted. It was scary and painful.

I don't know why I registered for the full distance in 2003 KLIM...maybe it was the persuasion of some the Permaisuri Pacesetters members that got me into it. I did train for it but I was lacking in mileage...I probably did 1 or 2 30km. I think it was only one. I could only remember the one I did during one of the 30km practice run that Pacesetters organised. Other than that, I was only doing 20-21kms. Usually training was with Don and Tai Kit, but most of the time, I could not follow their pace.

If you asked me why I registered for this year's full? Well, the answer would probably be the same as in 2003. I don't know.

Why do I hate so much about marathons?
1. The distance is so long - I can't really focus in longer distances races.
2. You need a lot of time to train for marathon - the long runs

Anyway, in my mind, I always thought I can do a sub 3 hours marathon one day, if I put in the effort, so I thought maybe this could be the time to do it since I have the time to train for it. Standard Chartered being the main sponsor this time, and also Otacgon as the new event organiser this year, it was a change from Ambank/FTAAA combination in past years. I thought the change will be good but I was wrong. I am not keen in writing it here since it's already well publicised in Facebook-SCKLM, or even in The Star

Training seriously for a race is something I have not done for a long time. I guess it was when I joined Southern Bank/CIMB Bank in mid-July 2005, that work began to take my time away from basically everything. I tried the GE30km in Jan, just for the kick of it and did well without much training. I clocked 2hrs 20mins for that run, but I wasn't thinking about SCKLIM yet. I guess it was the urge of breaking the sub 3 hours that got me signing up for the run. I started my training only at the end of March. Training went fairly smooth although I skipped a lot of my runs at times, but the effort is a lot more than the last 4 years combined. I've only signed for a few races during the run up to SCKLM as I wanted to put in the mileage. BHP Orange Run, Bidor Half Marathon & Klang Pacers Half Marathon. I also did a charity run in Kuching, a week before SCKLM (This was last minute sign up).

It was raining just before the start of the race and that was welcoming although I don't fancy getting my shoes wet. I wish we had started the run before the rain came, could have been better that way for me. Anyway, I thought the cool weather will help me set a good time. I’ve already gave up hope in clocking a sub 3 hours after 2 failed attempts at the half marathon to clock below 1h 25m. It started ok for me for the first 21km. There were couple of runners who overtook me before the 10km mark, but I was fairly confident then that I could get back at them later in the race. Ben Swee overtook me at 10km mark but I didn’t go with him as I was cautious not to increase my pace till later in the race. I was just waiting for the time to make my move.

Sadly, that moment never came. Instead, I could feel my pace slowed after the 25km mark. More runners overtook me. Then Simon Cross went passed me at KLCC, couldn't respond. I just told myself to wait, but I could feel that the cramps are coming in. Then my thoughts started replaying my KLIM '03 where I had cramps at 28km and had to walk and run from that point onwards. I just told myself to slow down my pace and it'll get better. When I reached KL Convention Centre, I started thinking, "What the hell am I doing here? Why did I sign up for the marathon? Why did I sign up for Melbourne Marathon? I must be kidding myself thinking of doing a sub 3 one day!!"

I slowed down a lot more and at 32km mark after taking Power Gel given by the volunteers, my legs just gave up on me. Cramps, legs feeling heavy, I just started to jog slowly, still determine not to stop as I would definitely start walking if I did. And it was a torture coming into the crowds from the 21km/10km group. I had to be careful not to zig zag around too much thru the crowds, as I knew one wrong move, my cramps will really hit me. In the end, I just went outside the controlled lane just to save myself from the zig zagging, putting myself at risk of getting hit by a car from behind. It was a drag from there onwards. At each water station I just took two cups of water (1 100 Plus & 1 mineral water). Also, wipe some water on my quads, but it didn’t help my cramps.

Seeing Dataran Merdeka nearing was a welcoming sight coming out from Bank Negara. However, finishing line was still around 2.5km away. I still can’t increase my pace at all. Saw the U-turn, but it wasn’t for the full marathoners. It’s was for the 21km runners. Not even the second U-turn, which was for the 10km runners. After I made the U-turn I saw my time was nearing 3hr 30mins. I tried slowly to increase my pace and really pushing it when I was passed by Tang Song Hua, who is a very fast runner (probably wasn’t his day today). I stuck with him and then passed him and pushing hard to at least beat the 3’30 mark. When I saw my watch and also the time board showing 3’30 and counting, I just slowed my pace to the finishing line. Stopped my watch, 3h 30m 23s. It beat my previous PB (3h 35m 20s) by 5mins.

After the finish, I just sat at the first aid tent, rubbing ice on my quads, took me a while before I could walk properly.

Some of the notable achievements from friends I knew:

1. Abdul Azri - a surprised package. He just had a knee operation this year and due to his determination in training came in with a sub-4 hours time. 3h 57m 47s

2. Tan Ooi Keat - he swears by his new Garmin watch really helped him. New PB. 4h 44m 14s

3. Yong Su Mei - beat her old PB by 20mins. 4h 55m 25s

So, Melbourne Marathon, here I come?!

Hilton - BCCK Dash for Charity Run (21 June 2009)

I was back in Kuching last week when my friend Kaliani informed me that there will be a run on Sun. Entry had closed on 17 June but since it's a charity run, I am sure that they are still accepting entries since it's a run for a good cause. It also coincide with Kuching Hilton's 21st annivesary & also the soon to be opened BCCK. They are raising funds for the following organtisations:

1. Sarawak Children's Cancer Society

2. Sarawak Brest Cancer Support Group

3. Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Sarawak

4. Lembaga Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak

5. The Sarawak Chesire Home

Reading the Terms & Conditions transportations are not provided for runners going back to Hilton after the run. I had to arrange with Kaliani that one of use will need to park their vehicle at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Otherwise got to run back.

From left: Jimmy, Frank and Kaliani

The registration & collection of bib numbers

Big "092" and the plastic bag for my checkpoint tags

Collection of bibs were done on Race Day itself in one of the Hilton's Hall. There were about 300 runners turning up for the run. We were each given a very large bib no (one fo the biggest I've seen and which is also a stick on) and also a small plastic bag to be hang around your neck. I later found out that there will be 9 checkpoints in which runners will be given a checkpoint tags.

The Women Open started out first and 5 mins later it was the Mens. At the start, it was a quick dash to the front and I was surprised that the checkpoint was just in front about 400m after the start. I tried to grab the small squarish paper off the hand of the marshalls but dropped it and had to run back to take it. I was dropped off by the leaders but quickly got back to the lead. After 3km, only 3 of us were in the lead, Didi, Kaliani and me. Then came another checkpoint (cant remember how many checkpoints we went thru already). This time, I saw there 2 person holding boxes. I let Kaliani and Didi to go in front and I was waiting to grab the tag from the 2nd person holding the box...but alas she was holding a box containing water bottles! I had to run back to the first person to get the tag. Unbelievable! Again, I had to increase my pace just to get back into the lead.

Slowly, I faded a little and had to let go of the two. I wasn't too far away form the lead, but I was just too tired to go after them. Then when I saw Borneo Post, I knew the ending was near but I did not respond with an attack on the lead. Instead, I looked back to see if there's anyone behind me. Safe. Coming to the last check point at a roundabout, I thought this was going to be a breeze since I was alone. Then, I saw Didi and Kaliani were directed to the checkpoint which were way off the turn towards BCCK. They had to grab the tags and run back to the turn. I thought using logical sense the guy/gal holding the tags would just stay where they are or run towards the turn to give out the tags! But what did they do? He/She ran back to the orginal position, I had to shout at them and run after them. Kaliani shouted at me and told me he has additional tag. I was so "pai seh" I shouted to him to go ahead and I chased after him to grab the tag. Once I got it, I was already out of breath. I had to let him go again, and just glide to the finish line somewhere around 32 mins. I guess I was around 1 - 1'30 mins behind the top 2.

Group photo (I am not inside)

Top 3 finishers from Men and Women Open posing with their thropies and prizes.

I met a few familiar faces during the run and it is always good to catch up with them. Anyway, my prizes include a 2 day 1 night stay at Kuching Hilton, Suite Room with breakfast for 2, Buffet Lunch at Kuching Hilton for 2, Dinner at BCCK for 2 worth RM150, a water bottle from Red Bull, 6 cans of Red Bull and 1 trophy.

I gave the dinner and buffet lunch vouchers to my parents. Left the trophy, bottle and the drinks behind too when I came back to KL. So am left with the 2 day 1 night stay in Hilton. Might saved that up for my trip back for The Rainforest Music Festival in July.

News and results of the run were posted in Eastern Times - Hilton~BCCK