Sunday - 21 km LSD Run at Bukit Aman

At 3.30 am, it started to rain in Klang. Maybe it was raining in KL too but I was no intention of cancelling this morning's 21 km LSD run. By 4.15 am, I started driving to KL. The rain came down more intensely as I continued driving along the Federal Highway. It was obvious that it was raining in KL too.

I reached Bukit Aman car park at 4.50 am. There were a few runners already at the car park. I went looking for a toilet to piss. But there were none open so I had to piss behind some bushes. The rain become heavier and umbrellas started to open. I decided to wait in the car and briefly considered to cancel my run.

Then someone started talking loudly - it was the Pacesetter's president, Mr. Wan? He described the route with an important message to be careful and take care of safety. Spotted John Tan and Ajeep as well.

A group of about 40 runners started at 5.30 am sharp. The rain started falling even heavier. This will be a wet run. As I passed by the right turn from the car park, a shadow flashed by on the far left running towards the car park. It was Justin. Was he crazy enough to have started running at 4.00 am?

I ran cautiously as the rain water had covered up my spectacles and I could not see clearly. Furthermore it was my first time on this route and I was not sure where the potholes were. After Bank Negara, I ran more comfortably as the road was well lit and familiar - same route for 7 km races from Dataran Merdeka. On this stretch, I came across Jason who was doing 30 km.

The rest of the route had intermittent uphill sections, I was afraid that I would not make it past the hilly sections and had to either stop or turn back. Turning back was not an viable option as I had no idea where I was. So if I stop, I would have to wait it out and try to walk back or get a taxi. For taxi, I had RM 12 in my wrist pocket bag.

As it turns out I had no problems with the hilly sections. It's just too bad that I could not pace with the girls. I think most of the girls ran faster than me. Anyway, on and off along the route, I ran with an Indian runner named Subra.

At the drink stations, I took my time and drank two cups of water. At the last station?, I was baffled on which way to go. The 30 km runners had turned right 500 m before this station. Other 20 km runners had double backed at the previous station. Where do I head to next ? It was still dark (7.00 am) and Subra was equally lost. We saw a few runners ahead and decided to follow them. We may end up running the 30 km route instead of 20 km. Fortunately the rain had stopped by now.

After some time, sun rise came and I could see where we were headed. We were running back to Bukit Tunku. Phew, we were on the way home. But before that, it was still a slog running uphill along the Bukit Tunku area. I saw a familiar guy running towards us in his distinctive "helicopter" style. It was Azwar and some other triathlete guy.

I ran together with Subra to the Bkt. Aman car park. Our time was 2 hrs 14 min. Distance ? Maybe 21 km.

At the car park, I had the chance to chat with Subra. Found out he came all the way from Serdang! I changed clothes while waiting for the breakfast to start. I did not eat much during breakfast - only took the fruits and drinks. Spend the time chatting with Kenny. There were only about 1 dozen runners eating breakfast. I guess most were still on the road - I was glad I am not one of them.

Good points about the run :

1. I had no trouble running up the hilly sections.
   
   
2. I have confidence to complete KLIM 21 km well within the 2.5 hrs qualifying time.
   
   
3. And Nilai on 27 Feb . 2005? Hilly route- Afer today's training, I am not worried about it at all.