CNN: Haile Gebrselassie Revealed

PART I




PART II




PART III

For Laughs!

Barefoot Running With Tan Wah Sing

Wow, I didn't know Tan Wah Sing was interviewed for this. Can learn a lot from this guy. Saw this in Ronnie's site.

Road To Berlin Marathon 2010

Looks like my trip to Berlin is confirmed! I've got the registration done and air ticket booked. Race day will be on 26 September 2010.

I've always complained about how expensive the registration fees are in locally organised race. But for my last marathon and also Berlin, it doesn't come cheap! Melbourne Marathon costs me AUD135. This is without any event's Shirt nor Finisher's Shirt. Same goes with Berlin Marathon, no shirts at all. If you want it, you will need to purchase it yourself during registration. Since I'm heading so far away, I thought it would be nice to have one. So how much did it burn my pocket?

Breakdown:

1. Registration - 80 euro
(this is already after early bird; 60 euro before Feb 1)

2. adidas Event-shirt (Climacool)- 30 euro

3. adidas Finisher T-shirt (100% cotton) - 20 euro
(I wonder, what if I can't finish?)

4. Medal engraving - 8 euro

5. Chip rental - 6 euro

Total cost : 144 EURO!! (And my credit card company charged me the rate of 4.745!!)

That equals to RM683.28. Blame the low value of the Ringgit Malaysia!

Berlin Marathon is considered one of the Marathon Majors, after London, Chicago, New York and of course Boston. If I'm not mistaken, both London and New York are two marathon majors which need ballots. I think Chicago is a direct entry, whilst Boston (the ultimate marathon race for all), different qualifying times are in place for different categories. My time is nowhere near qualifying for Boston just yet.

A background on Berlin Marathon from Adventures Marathons website:

The real,- Berlin Marathon started in 1974, and has appeared annually ever since. The very first person to win the Berlin Marathon, Günter Hallas, still runs the marathon today and was also there when the 2008 and 2009 versions of the race took place. And our guess is that there is a good chance og seeing him running the streets of Berlin on September 26, 2010, too.

The Berlin Marathon is part of the marathon series, World Marathon Majors, together with four other large and tradition bound races: Boston, Chicago, London and New York marathons. In the 2008 version of the real,- Berlin Marathon, 35,000 runners was cheered on by more than 1 million spectators.

In the early years of the Berlin Marathon it was set in Grunewald – a large forest in West Berlin. Seven years later, the race was moved to the city centre of West Berlin, and finally in 1990 – almost one year after the Berlin Wall collapsed – the course was led through both parts of the German capital. Running through the famous Berlin icon, Brandenburg Gate, was a symbolic action that brought out tears in the eyes of many participants in 1990. The course of the real,- Berlin Marathon is well-known for its flatness, which makes the race great for first-timers and for experienced marathoners looking to beat their personal best, as well as for its sightseeing potential. The course takes runners past several of Berlin’s historic landmarks, such as the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Berliner Dom, and of course the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line. Running the real,- Berlin Marathon can feel like taking part in a modern history lesson, only with a million exhilarated fans in stead of text books, and ancient buildings mixed between modern hi-tech shops in stead of a teacher.

More than one world record has been set on the flat, low-altitude course of the real,- Berlin Marathon. The 2007 and 2008 versions of the Berlin Marathon both featured new world records - even by the same man. In 2007 Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie took 29 seconds off the former record and finished by 2:04:26. And then in 2008 he improved his own breathtaking accomplishment by another 27 seconds and finished by 2:03:59. In 2009, he won yet again in impressive fashion (for the fourth year in a row), although not in record time. However, he did pass the 30K point in 1:27:49 which is a world record on road.

Registration procedures and various information regarding the full and 1/2 (half) marathon in Berlin, Germany, can be found at the official Berlin Marathon website here.

And this is from the official website:

40.000 runners and around 8.000 inline skaters will fill the streets of the German capital on the last weekend in September. The course is known as the fastest in the world, the crowds are legendary, the atmosphere is hard to top at this most international marathon in Europe. The course of the marathon is one big sightseeing loop through one of the most exciting cities in the world. Unforgettable moments will forever be remembered, especially when running over the final part of the course on the Avenue Unter den Linden through the Brandenburg Gate and past the grandstands on the last 400 meters to the finish line. We are looking forward to having you join us for the 37th real,- BERLIN-MARATHON, and we would like to wish you lots of success and fun in doing so.

Haile Gebrselassie should be heading there this year in his attempt to break his own world record yet again. Hope I can meet him and get his autograph!

Of course, I would like to finish with a smiling face like him but for now, the hard part....TRAINING!!

Chasing after the Hitz Cruisers

I was on my way back on Mon when the Hitz.FM Curisers announced they were in one of the petrol station along Jalan Kuching. Pretty near to my place, so head on the petrol station and see what kind of prizes I can get for myself. First I got a bottle of Orange Juice, I can't remember the brand then there was a contest for a small prize. Well too bad no free tickets to watch Clash of The Titans! Anyway, I didn't win the contest, but end up with a piece of shirt, a pen and a lanyard from Sony. Better than nothing. Besides, I was just around the corner.

So, if you guys are near the location just head on down to grab some prizes. (usually you'll end up with something. Haha). Not only Hitz Cruisers, look out for Mix RoadRunners too (if you are a Mix FM fan).

GOOD LUCK!

Energizer Night Race 2010

It was a HARD race to run on Sat night, but it was well worth it when our team came in 2nd in the Marathon relay event. Thanks to my team mates John Chow, Ong Wei Xiang and also our captain, Ronnie See who gave me a real big lead over the 3rd team, that I have the chance to take some breather when I found out after 40 odd mins of run, I still have a long way to go (details later).

I was car pooling with Ronnie yesterday. I waited for him in front of Sri Putramas Condo. I had to run there (warm up) on a hot afternoon just to get there. It's about 10 mins run to the location. Well it wasn't the running that is making me tired but the sorching sun that's killing me.

We took the MEX Highway and had to take a few turns before finding our way to P1 (parking) next to Dell Cyberjaya. Even that we weren't sure if we were at the right place until we asked the people waiting there. We got the confirmation and so, we waited for the bus. I had a chat with a Englishman, David. He is doing the marathon event. he has done quite a lot of internation marathon. Im not too sure how he did last night. He was telling me that he's time has been going from one personal worst time to another due to the humid weather in this region. He loves trial running and he was looking foward to finishing it and head home to catch Spurs playing. Yeah, a Tottenham Hotspurs fan. he guessed I was either an Manchester United or a Liverpool fan. Haha...pretty obvious for Malaysian I think.

The bus came and it took us to the starting/finishing line site. We met up with the rest of our team mates, John and Wei Xiang. We took another bus to our respective stations. I brought with me a bottle of water and a choc bar to munch. Hey, I'm (and the rest of the last leg runners) gona have to wait for at least 2 hours before they arrive. I had the pleasure to meet one of the Kakithon runners, Wong. Found out he ran a sub-17 mins for his Towerthon a week ago. Wow, that's way faster than my PB time. He also did Putrajaya Half Marathon in 1h 31m. Oh no...I'm up against a young and fast runner. I just keep my fingers crossed that our team will be way ahead of their team by the time it reaches my turn to run.

We gave the support to the marathon runners who passed by, with Richard and Don were way in front from everybody else. Of course, relay runners passed by too. Wei Xiang was in good position when he passed but far from the leading runner, Casey, but way ahead of the 3rd team. Whew! I think Ronnie will be good enough to maintain that distance.

Naresh was came first and passed his chip to Murali. 4-5 mins later, Ronnie came. I quickly put my straps (timing chip) on and head off. It was kind of scary running in the dark at some places with no one leading the way. I wasn't so sure of the route and was a little worried that I went off course. Of course, there were signage at certain areas but there were junctions where there were no signs of marshalls nor signage. There was also a point where I had to cross a busy road (downhill somemore) to make a right turn at the traffic lights. There were police handling the traffic at the junction but I would feel safer if they can stop the car before the traffic lights!

After about 35 mins of run, I thought of pushing the pace a little bit since I was aiming for about 42-45 mins finishing time. But I don't see the finishing line on sight, kept asking some of the runners who were on the opposite side of the road doing their 21km, but no one seems to be able to give me an answer. Then I saw Raymond on the bike and he told me I still have 4km to go! What?!! I was a little worried about my stamina now and the thought of the 3rd team's runner overtaking me kept going through my mind.

It took a while before I could see the finishing line and the crowds lining up for the 10k start. Seeing the finishing line, I went faster as I don't want to get pipped near the end by someone and also in front of the crowds. Malulah : )) Kept checking my back for 'runners in pursuit" and realised there were none. But then again, it's so dark, so I didn't want to take the risk, so I maintained the pace till the finishing line. The truth is, I was feeling awful as I have not been training much and to run those extra miles than originally planned, it was tough going.

We had to wait till 11pm for the prize presentation. I saw a lot of new faces getting into the podium and I'm sure they are delighted with their wins. In between the waiting time, I got to meet a couple of my old friends. Jasmine who was my ex-colleague in MBF, came with her husband who ran the 10k. She was supposed to run too, but wasn't feeling well. From what I've learned from her, she has been doing quite a few runs already. I remembered taking her to one of Pacesetters breakfast run in FRIM many, many years ago. Then I saw Debbie, who is my unimate in Otago. Met her once or twice in runs, but haven't seen her since. Well, I am glad that both are into running now!

I think our prize was only presented sometime around 11.30pm. Everybody was happy eventhough the long wait until......................

From left : Wei Xiang, John Chow, Ronnie See & Me

Until they found out what's in their bag................................

Our prize... 1-mth Celebrity Fitness pass, shavers, supplements, batteries, torch lights??!

I think a lot of winners felt cheated as in the registration form, the winners are supposed to receive Cash Vouchers "AND" Products. Casey was complaining after the presentation but I didnt know what he was talking about, as I haven't looked into my bag. Only when I reached home that I opened up my bag, but even then, I was like, ok, that was it. The next morning when I logged into facebook, then I knew about the prizes as Ronnie did the registration for me. I don't think I will be as disappointed as the marathon runners. I'm sure 10k / half marathon runners will feel disappointed too, but to prepare for a longer distances, the effort that has been put into training and race and to receive a reward like this, unimaginable! I know some of you may say that not everyone runs for a podium finish. Yes, that is true, but you have to understand the training for those who wants to get to the podium, they are probably training twice as hard. Well, I heard Bee Hoon, one of the womens veteran winner called Energizer but was given an answer of "what you see in your bag, is what you get!" (Well that wasn't the real statement, but something similiar lah).

Well not going to comment too much as it has already been circulating in Energizer Night Race Facebook fan page.

Overall, the run was quite ok except for certain things which I think they need to improve on:

• 
  
  There were certain junctions which were confusing - I didn't know whether to turn or not at certain junctions. There were signage, but I don't think it's enough or clear enough. There was a point nearing a traffic light where I had to make a right turn over a downhill stretch. Police were only standing at the traffic light and runners will only be visible to them when there are really near the traffic lights.

• 
  
  No distance markers - I guess I missed this one as I was told there were, but I didnt see it it at all and that is not only coming from me. So, I guess they need to put a proper signage which is visibily clear to everyone! (Even to motorist!)

• 
  
  No cones along the roads - this could have avoid certain people going the wrong way and also for the safety of the runners.

Anyway, there are others, e.g. the wrong t-shirt sizing, the long queue for the goodie bags, the marshalls and the registration (gathering) of the relay runners - as we need to hop on a bus to ferry us to our station. I am sure there are hiccups in every events but some of it has been going on in other events which I thought by now, they should know what to do. Hope they can improve on it.

For full results, pls click here. I wonder who has the photo of me and my teamates posing with Mr. Energizer after the presentation??! I sure like to have one of the copy.

Energizer Night Marathon - Hot, Humid, Thunderstorm, Rain??!

Tonight, yet another major running event will be held at night. So far 2 races were held at night in Putrajaya and tonight will be at its neighbour, Cyberjaya. Msot runners will complain of hot and humid weather during the night run (most people expecting coller weather at night but that's not the case).

However, tonight's weather will be a little of a lottery since it has been raining heavily in the evening with thunderstorms. I wonder if the organiser will decide to postponed the starting time if there's thunderstorm, I hope they do. If it's just rain, then so be it. But since Im going to run the last leg of the 4 x 10.5km relay, I hope I won't be soaked wet when it rains and waiting for my team mate to arrive.

Just checked the Malaysian Meteorological Department, it is forecasted to be cloudy tonight, but then again who is going to rely on the forecast.

Saturday, 27/03/2010

Morning : No rain
Afternoon : Rain
Night : Cloudy
Minimum : 24 °C
Maximum : 34 °C






Rain Afternoon

Whatever the case may be, GOOD LUCK to all participants tonight!!

2nd Asian Hydration & Sports Nutrition Seminar Plus Tri-Challenge

I had the previlege to attend the 2nd Asian Hydration & Sports Nutrition Seminar. Although there were times I don't know what the hell they were talking about, no thanks to my "non-science" background when I was in school. Well, it's only parts where the technical terms came out. The rest were actually quite informative. There were 3 speakers for the day:

1. Professor Clyde Williams

   Emeritus Professor of Sports Sciences, Sir John Beckwith Centre for Sport, Loughborough University

Topics:-

a. Hydration and performance in hot-humid environments: Strategies for successful performance

Mainly talking about our sweat rates and the importance of maintaining/delaying our body temperature from rising to a critical condition. In order to do that, a well-formulated carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during exercise if highly encouraged. Even rinsing a carbohydrate solution has a positive effect in performance.

b. Nutritional strategies for optimum performace

Here he talks about the importance of carbohydrates, adopting a nutrional strategies using commonly available foods and not "performance-enhancing supplements" and also the recommendation of increased of protein intake is unnessary for most athletes. He also talks about the importance of recovery in training.

2. Dr. Jason Lee Kai Wei

Defence Scientist, Defense Science Organisation National Laboratories

Topic:-

Exercise Associated Hyponatremia (EAH) - Do we know how much to drink?

A large percentage will see that athletes do lose their body mass weight after events which is normal. Normally, when a person collapsed or those seek medical attention at medical tent after an endurance race, most doctors/medical staff at the tent will usually associate it with dehydration being an endurance event. However, recent studies have shown that there are athletes who instead of losing body mass weight, has gained weight! Symptoms of hyponatremia are almost identical to dehydration, so it is hard to determine the athlete condition unless accurate measurements are in placed at the tent.

Now, the topic is confusing me even more in working out my drinking strategy in my next marathon! But it is encouraged that we monitor our body weight before and after exercise/event. Bottom line, you shouldn't be gaining weight after a run!

Note: Speaker is not discouraging people from drinking during event!

3. Dr. Ahmad Munir Che Muhamed

Senior Lecturer, Excercise Science Unit, Sports Centre, Universiti Malaya

Topic:-

The influence of Ramadan on physiological functions and sporting performance

Interesting topic since the London Olympics in 2012 will be held in the month of Ramadan but speaker was a litte vague in the information given as I think there are a lot more to it to study the effects. To me, I am sure it will affect a lot of athletes especially in the endurance race, e.g. marathon event. Imagine yourself running without water for 42.2km. The speaker did mentioned that it is hard for humans to learn to adapt without water for certain period of time unless you are a camel. Earlier, Professor Clyde also mentioned the effects of rinsing mouth with water which has a positive effect on your performance. But that also depends on how a Muslim interpret fasting. Does rinsing/gargling break the code of fasting?

At the end of the guest speakers sessions, there's a Panel Discussion (consisting the 3 speakers, Associate Professor Dr. Kallaya Kijboonchoo, Head of Nutrition Physiology, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Thailand and moderated by Professor Dr. Rabindarjeet Singh, Head of Helthy Lifestyle Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia) to answer queries from participants.

Fitness Concept & The Heart Foundation of Malaysia Donation Drive

After the seminar, I rushed towards 1 Utama (Old Wing) to support the Tri-Challenge held by Fitness Concept. My friend, Elaine Wong is working there. She has sent out invites to all her facebook friends to support the event. It's basically a charity event where for each kilometer done, Fitness Concept will donate RM5 to The Heart Foundation of Malaysia. The event will run from 23-27 March. Here are some details of the event:

Indoor Tri will feature the Reebok V7 treadmill, Upright Bike & Crosstrainer. Each participants will have 30 mins for one session where they will spend 10 mins on each machine. The accumulated distances will be recorded and the longest distances wins.

Indoor Triathlon Times:
23thTues, 24thWed, 26thFri, 27thSat - 3-4pm, 7.30-8.30pm
Launching 25thThurs - 5-6pm, 7.30-8.30pm
Grand Final 28thSun - 3-4pm

Attractive Consolation Prizes for Indoor Triathlon Challenge:
Suunto laptop Bag x 10 units
Horleys Supplement Rm50 Gift pack x 10 units
FC Micro Fiber Towel worth Rm 32.90 x 72 units

Attractive Grand prize for Indoor Triathlon Challenge:
Suunto T1c HRM x 1unit worth RM589
Horleys Supplement RM250 Gift Pack
Holiday Voucher worth RM1500 x 1 unit

Pls kindly contact Elaine for further details. 03-8026-2370 or lovelykaryan@yahoo.com

Do drop by 1 Utama, Old Wing, to support the event by taking up the challenge.

 

When I arrived, Jacky Ng, Juliana and Elaine were there. Frank and Jenn came a little later to join in the fun as well. I won myself a consolation price, nothing fancy but it's just pure fun.