After The Starting Line

Adidas KOTR 22KM, Shah Alam Stadium (6.30am, 02/08/09)

Sunday 9 August 2009

This is my 1st race wearing my Adizero Breeze for 1/2 marathon and was not sure how my legs will cope as i usually wear my Asics 2120 or the Nimbus.
Well, the race was punctually started by the Selangor MB. I intend to run at least 5.5 mins per km pace for the whole race. There were several hills along the way and back but I manage quite well, maybe due to my lighter shoes. IThere were ample water and 100plus though we weren't given any powergel. The route was quite hilly with quite a number of roundabouts. Traffic was quite heavy especially at the main roundabouts and we runners have breath the bad smoke and hazy air. Worst still there were a few drivers horning impatiently at runners.
The organisers should have put up distance markers for the benefit of runners not familiar with the route.
I managed to complete the race 2hr 04mins which was within my normal timing, maybe i could have done better if i had pushed myself more.
The shoes passed the test and my legs did not ache and i will continue wearing them for future 1/2 marathons.

Shape Nite Run 11.5KM - Putrajaya (8 PM SAT 25/7/09)

I started fast as I anticipate it to be competitive as there are only 75 finisher medals.
There were ample water stations just like last week’s Siemens Run.
We have to run across at least 3 bridges. Though it was a nite run, I could feel the heat at times maybe due to lack of trees in Putrajaya. Maybe it was the fast start or the hot condition; I slowed towards the last few kms and managed to complete in 59:17s in 54th position.
Not many goodies in goodies bag as compared to lasy year and the medal was simpler.

Siemens Run - Dataran Merdeka (19/07/09)

Started at moderate speed and was targetting to complete this 10K race in 50 mins. There were more than one drinking station which is rare in 10K races. The route was different form the previous races where we have to suffer to go up the Jln Duta slope.Weather was good, cloudy and the route was not too hilly. Completed in 51mins & 7 secs, position 67th and the exact distance was 10.25km. Even though i did not achieve my sub 50s target, i was still happy with my timing considering that my right ankle is still aching.

Olympic Run (12/07/09)

Friday 17 July 2009

My family & me

Got my ribbon and managed to squeeze to the front few rows at the start of the race.
Feeling quite good throughout the run and managed to complete the 7.6KM race in 36:14 in 44th position not bad since the veteran category includes the seniors. Weather was cloudy and was threatening to rain especially before 7.30a.m.
Looking forward to next week’s run i.e. Siemens at same venue.

Ipoh International Run (05/07/09)

The food, accommodation and company were excellent but the Run itself sucks.
From the collection of number to collection of medals was disastrous. I need not elaborate further as there were many comments in other runners’ blogs.
Did not have a good run as my left ankle was aching and very feeling quite tired, maybe I should have ran the 10 K instead of the half marathon.
Managed to complete in 1:59 (85th position), later discovered from other runners the distance was about 19.8 K.

Anti Dadah Run Sat (04/07)

After collecting bibs & t-shirt, returned to car and to warmed up.
Stared punctually at 7.30 am, comfortable race (only 7.7KM) and managed to completed in 36mins plus. I was pleasantly surprised to be placed 10th, looks like not many fast runners took part. Claimed a mini hamper about an hour later and rushed back home to prepare to travel to Ipoh.

StanChart KL International Marathon 2009

Tuesday 30 June 2009

My target for this marathon was 5 hours. My last marathon was in Singapore on 2007 where I suffered and finished in about 6hrs 30mins. I thought that was my last marathon ever. However, Steven, my running partner convinced me to take up the challenge with this marathon. I remained abit apprehensive, as my legs are not that strong and aching all the time due to the several motorbike accidents I had in the past. I told myself that no matter what, I will not push myself over the limit ... lest what happened in the last marathon will repeat itself. Moreover, I just had an operation to correct my slipped disc last September.

When I reached the 30 km mark, my timing was 3hrs 30mins which was well within my target. Unfortunately, I had to struggle upon reaching the numerous long slopes before reaching Bank Negara Malaysia.

Just about 300m from the finish line, I was met by my wife (our team's camerawoman), Steven and Cheryl. My spirit was lifted with their cheering and I finally reached the ending line unofficially in 5hrs 10 mins. I was elated that I didn’t take too long to complete the marathon and still managed to qualify for the finisher medal. I was also quite surprised that I did not suffer as much pain as in my previous 2 marathons.

My performance this round has given me more confidence to try the Penang Bridge International Marathon in November. It has motivated me to take part in other future marathons too and who knows, I may even want to try to qualify for the London Marathon! Cheer me on and give me the POWER to believe in myself!