Yesterday, I forgot to bring my T-shirt and shorts to the office. At 6.00 pm, from my office on the 24th floor, I could only longingly look at KLCC park. Even from the 24 th floor, I could see who was running at KLCC park from the running styles. Jamie, Ronnie, Yong, Adam, Yong and Justin were running. I wanted to run too but alas my memory failed me yesterday.
A few years ago, the same thing happened when I forgot to bring my running gear. It was a beautiful and sunnny day and I had to run. Shoes was not a problem as I wore my running shoes to the office. Out of desperation, I went to the Royal Sporting House at KLCC and bought a T-shirt and shorts just so I could run that evening.
Today I made sure I brought along my T-shirt and shorts. At 6.00 pm , I reached the usual spot at the zero meter mark. I saw Yong stretching but today he was dressed differently. He wore a black coloured T-shirt. I asked him why he was not wearing his usual round collar T-shirt. He said he forgot to bring it and had to wear his office T-shirt to run. Another desperate runner!.
Anway, it was a good day to run with the cooler temperature due to the afternoon rain. We ran slowly at 7 min 55 seconds pace for 5 laps (6.5 km). Runing in the opposite direction was Newton and Kenneth. The fast bald chinese man was there too.
At the last lap, I saw an old friend who had been missing from KLCC park over the past one and half years. Back in 1999, there were four regular runners at KLCC; me, Yong, Salleh and the MIA friend. Today was his 2nd run after stopping from running for 1-1/2 years. Both Yong and I were happy to see him running again at KLCC park. We hoped to see him more often.
Ramadhan is coming up next week. It looks Azwar has a training plan during the fasting month. I have been formulating a training plan as well although my previous plans over the past 4 years have never been very succesful.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Weekend - Lazy
I was too lazy over the weekend.
I watched two movies over the weekend ; Flightplan and The Myth on Saturday. Afterwards, I thought about going to Shah Alam to pick up the bib for the 10km Shah Alam run. But I decided not to go because I have been having knee problem again this week. I also didn't run on Saturday evening either.
I thought to myself maybe I would do a 20 km run the next morning. Wishful thinking! I woke up at 6.00 am and for a moment , thought of going to Shah Alam lake to run 20 km. But I didn't go there as well.
This week has not been a good week for running. I only ran once on Thursday. I have to run more next week.
I watched two movies over the weekend ; Flightplan and The Myth on Saturday. Afterwards, I thought about going to Shah Alam to pick up the bib for the 10km Shah Alam run. But I decided not to go because I have been having knee problem again this week. I also didn't run on Saturday evening either.
I thought to myself maybe I would do a 20 km run the next morning. Wishful thinking! I woke up at 6.00 am and for a moment , thought of going to Shah Alam lake to run 20 km. But I didn't go there as well.
This week has not been a good week for running. I only ran once on Thursday. I have to run more next week.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Recovery Run on Thursday
After 3 days rest to recover rom the PJ half marathon, my left hamstring muscle was finally OK on Thursday morning.
In the evening, I went to KLCC park on a cloudy and colder evening than normal due to an early afternoon rain. I ran with Yong and Gan for four laps at a anormally faster pace of 7 min. 10 secs. I was glad to see that I had no hamstring problems but my left knee was sore. After finishing 4 laps, I chatted with Gan and Kenneth. I stretched and a few minutes later joined Gan and Lisar for a walking session. They walked like professional race walkers and I could hardly keep up. I trailed 2 m behind them and called it a day after 2 laps.
This Sunday is the Shah Alam 10 km race. I still haven't decided whether to run this race or not.
In the evening, I went to KLCC park on a cloudy and colder evening than normal due to an early afternoon rain. I ran with Yong and Gan for four laps at a anormally faster pace of 7 min. 10 secs. I was glad to see that I had no hamstring problems but my left knee was sore. After finishing 4 laps, I chatted with Gan and Kenneth. I stretched and a few minutes later joined Gan and Lisar for a walking session. They walked like professional race walkers and I could hardly keep up. I trailed 2 m behind them and called it a day after 2 laps.
This Sunday is the Shah Alam 10 km race. I still haven't decided whether to run this race or not.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
18 Sept 2005 - PJ Half Marathon Race
Today's PJ Half Marathon was an incredibly hard race for me. After running 2 hrs 04 minutes during last Sunday's Putrajaya half marathon on a hilly route, I thought the PJ race would be easy. Maybe I could even dip below well below 2 hrs and get a shot at a medal. The only potential problem was my left hamstring muscle which has been sore over the past 3 days. Hopefully the race will sort this problem one way or the other.
During last year's race, I suffered from stitches and had to walk and run after 12 km. A horrible experience that I wanted to avoid but this year. This year I registered for the junior veteran's instead of the open category. It has less medals, 100 instead of 200. There were fewer runners in this category but most are hard core and well trained runners suited to run 21 km. It was a chance I took with a medal prospect in mind.
(0-6 km) The race started on time at 6.30 am. I ran quite hard in the beginning despite the hilly section to the Federal Highway. Past the cable bridge, at the 6 k mark, I checked my progress; 34 min 11 seconds or a pace of 5 min 37 seconds per km. Fast but I was still feeling OK.
(6-8 km) The next hilly section was a 200 m run on a flyover. I struggled up the steep section, in a flash of memory I recalled how I struggled hard over the same section last year. I found it easier this year. I took an isontonic and water at the 8 km drink station. I forgot to check my time at this point. Overtook Jason.
(8-12 km) It started to rain, first a light drizzle, followed by a downpour. I began to get a little tired. Jason overtook me. Later Yong as well. Stiches appear at the 10 km mark but after walking, it dissapeared. This year there is a new challenge for the runners; a newly built flyover which was not there last year. I walked up the flyover and then ran down. At 12 km, checked my time ; 1 hr 08 28 seconds, my pace has slowed to 6 min 51 seconds /km. Falling behind badly behind my target pace of 5 min 30 sec/km. I came across Sim who appeared to be struggling too. After a while he ran ahead.
(12-14 km) The rain stopped somewhere along this stretch. Walked again to the 14 km mark and collected a ribbon. Didn't bother to time my progress.
(14 -18 km) Met up with Sim again. He was walking and so was I. Why not walk together? Found out he had to walk for an unfortunate reason. Read his blog to find out. Left hamstring muscle tight but both legs are not in good shape either. They felt stiff and I think I must ran like a robot. After a while, I managed to run short distances interspersed with walking.
At the last water station (18 km), Azwar was standing and taking photos. I can't be walking while he was taking photo - it will end up on his website, so I ran for a while and after 200 m past him, I walked.
(18-21 km) After, the 18 km mark, I mostly walked for another 2 km. I checked my time at at the 20 km markl well past 2hrs. I only started to run the last 1 km in the faint hope of getting a medal. Overtook 2 or 3 junior men's runners along the way to the stadium.
Over the last 300 m , I managed to run sprinter like on my battered legs. If there was still a medal chance, there was no way I was going to let anyone overtake me over the last 300 m. I hung around an official at the finishing line. "Medal sudah habis " (Medals already finished). That said it all for my race.
My time : 2 hrs 14 min 09 seconds, 16 minutes slower than last year.
Meet up with Ronnie and told him my race time. After the race, both of my hamstrings tightened up and became painful. After congratulating Kenneth for running a PR (1 hr 57 minutes), I hobbled off to get some isotonic drinks (1oo Plus). To add insult to injury, there were no Milo drinks left. They too were "sudah habis" (All finished)".
I had a chat with Jess at the car park about the race. Met Mr Tan again whom I met last week at the Putrajaya marathon.
Next year I have to try again for a medal. We runners never give up!
For results , please visit Ronnie's site.
During last year's race, I suffered from stitches and had to walk and run after 12 km. A horrible experience that I wanted to avoid but this year. This year I registered for the junior veteran's instead of the open category. It has less medals, 100 instead of 200. There were fewer runners in this category but most are hard core and well trained runners suited to run 21 km. It was a chance I took with a medal prospect in mind.
(0-6 km) The race started on time at 6.30 am. I ran quite hard in the beginning despite the hilly section to the Federal Highway. Past the cable bridge, at the 6 k mark, I checked my progress; 34 min 11 seconds or a pace of 5 min 37 seconds per km. Fast but I was still feeling OK.
(6-8 km) The next hilly section was a 200 m run on a flyover. I struggled up the steep section, in a flash of memory I recalled how I struggled hard over the same section last year. I found it easier this year. I took an isontonic and water at the 8 km drink station. I forgot to check my time at this point. Overtook Jason.
(8-12 km) It started to rain, first a light drizzle, followed by a downpour. I began to get a little tired. Jason overtook me. Later Yong as well. Stiches appear at the 10 km mark but after walking, it dissapeared. This year there is a new challenge for the runners; a newly built flyover which was not there last year. I walked up the flyover and then ran down. At 12 km, checked my time ; 1 hr 08 28 seconds, my pace has slowed to 6 min 51 seconds /km. Falling behind badly behind my target pace of 5 min 30 sec/km. I came across Sim who appeared to be struggling too. After a while he ran ahead.
(12-14 km) The rain stopped somewhere along this stretch. Walked again to the 14 km mark and collected a ribbon. Didn't bother to time my progress.
(14 -18 km) Met up with Sim again. He was walking and so was I. Why not walk together? Found out he had to walk for an unfortunate reason. Read his blog to find out. Left hamstring muscle tight but both legs are not in good shape either. They felt stiff and I think I must ran like a robot. After a while, I managed to run short distances interspersed with walking.
At the last water station (18 km), Azwar was standing and taking photos. I can't be walking while he was taking photo - it will end up on his website, so I ran for a while and after 200 m past him, I walked.
(18-21 km) After, the 18 km mark, I mostly walked for another 2 km. I checked my time at at the 20 km markl well past 2hrs. I only started to run the last 1 km in the faint hope of getting a medal. Overtook 2 or 3 junior men's runners along the way to the stadium.
Over the last 300 m , I managed to run sprinter like on my battered legs. If there was still a medal chance, there was no way I was going to let anyone overtake me over the last 300 m. I hung around an official at the finishing line. "Medal sudah habis " (Medals already finished). That said it all for my race.
My time : 2 hrs 14 min 09 seconds, 16 minutes slower than last year.
Meet up with Ronnie and told him my race time. After the race, both of my hamstrings tightened up and became painful. After congratulating Kenneth for running a PR (1 hr 57 minutes), I hobbled off to get some isotonic drinks (1oo Plus). To add insult to injury, there were no Milo drinks left. They too were "sudah habis" (All finished)".
I had a chat with Jess at the car park about the race. Met Mr Tan again whom I met last week at the Putrajaya marathon.
Next year I have to try again for a medal. We runners never give up!
For results , please visit Ronnie's site.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Huh ? 10 km for the PJ Half Marathon ?
Today I received the PJ half marathon receipt but I was shocked to see I have been registered for the 10 km. I think I did register for the 21 km and I hoped I ticked the right box. How did this happen ?
I have no intention of running the 10 km race as I enjoy running the 21 km distance. Tomorrow I have to call the STAR newspaper. I hope I can still register for the 21 km race.
Anyone who wants to swap the 21 km for 10 km, let me know by posting on my blog site.
I have no intention of running the 10 km race as I enjoy running the 21 km distance. Tomorrow I have to call the STAR newspaper. I hope I can still register for the 21 km race.
Anyone who wants to swap the 21 km for 10 km, let me know by posting on my blog site.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Looking towards December
This evening I had a pleasant recovery jog at KLCC park. First with Gan (2 laps) and then with Jamie and Kenneth (3 laps). We talked about the upcoming PJ half marathon and the Singapore Marathon in December
I have registered for 3 races this September.The first was yesterday - the Putrajaya half marathon. I was very satisfied with my time - 2 hrs 04 min 32 seconds. The main reason for being satisfied is my half marathon times for this year has been quite bad - around 2 hrs 15 to 20 minutes for three races. These are the same times I was runing way back in year 2000 when I ran my first my half marathon in Penang. So I was quite pleased at my time at the Putrajaya race.
My mind is not in the next two races; the PJ half marathon this Sunday and Shah Alam 10km the following Sunday. It seems I am always drifting towards the Singapore race in December 2005. Last year's race was a disaster of sorts as I really suffered in the 21 km race. First my left foot became swollen and painful at the 10 km mark. Secondly my right knee started to hurt soon afterwards. It was downhill from then as I alternated between walking and running over the last 11 km. I finished the race in 2hrs 16 minutes, my slowest time in 4 years.
That is why now in September I am looking towards December when I would again line up on a warm and humid morning in Singapore to run the race again. To erase the memory of last year's race and to redeem myself, I must train to make sure the outcome this race will be almost certain and have positive result. But in running, there is always an element of uncertainity on race day; " Will today be my day ?"
I have registered for 3 races this September.The first was yesterday - the Putrajaya half marathon. I was very satisfied with my time - 2 hrs 04 min 32 seconds. The main reason for being satisfied is my half marathon times for this year has been quite bad - around 2 hrs 15 to 20 minutes for three races. These are the same times I was runing way back in year 2000 when I ran my first my half marathon in Penang. So I was quite pleased at my time at the Putrajaya race.
My mind is not in the next two races; the PJ half marathon this Sunday and Shah Alam 10km the following Sunday. It seems I am always drifting towards the Singapore race in December 2005. Last year's race was a disaster of sorts as I really suffered in the 21 km race. First my left foot became swollen and painful at the 10 km mark. Secondly my right knee started to hurt soon afterwards. It was downhill from then as I alternated between walking and running over the last 11 km. I finished the race in 2hrs 16 minutes, my slowest time in 4 years.
That is why now in September I am looking towards December when I would again line up on a warm and humid morning in Singapore to run the race again. To erase the memory of last year's race and to redeem myself, I must train to make sure the outcome this race will be almost certain and have positive result. But in running, there is always an element of uncertainity on race day; " Will today be my day ?"
11 September 2005 - Putrajaya Half Marathon
This is the first ever half marathon race organised in Putrajaya. It is rare that road races organised in Malaysia get things right for runners but this is one that was done right. From the five drink stations supplied with water and isotonic drink, power gel (unexpected and welcomed) and post race food (apple, bun, 250 ml packet drink and boiled egg, good traffic control and race atmosphere. The only 2 flaws in the race organisation were the slightlty delayed start (+5 min) and lack of rubbish bins at the start/finish area.
Ater having done a survey, the route was very familiar to me at least for the first 12 km and then last 4 km. I cautioned Kevin Chow at the starting line about the hilly route.
The starting line was at the Putra bridge. I estimated there was about 1000 runners for the 21 km distance. As the clock went past 7.00 am, the runners became a bit edgy and restless. At about 7.05 am, the race started with a shot from the starter gun. Ahead for 3 km, lay completely flat 3 km road. Eveyone got into their running strides quickly with minimal jostling because of the 3 lane road. Farther away (4 km) lay the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on top of a hill. We were headed there.
For the first 4 km I ran conservatively trying to conserve strength for the many hilly sections to come. After the first bridge at the 4 km distance, I saw Justin, Jamie and Tey on the opposite road. I picked up a blue ribbon at the U-turn (5 km) to the opposite road. Then a 400 m run uphill towards the very steep run to PICC. I dreaded this section but it did not pose too much problem and I even managed to overtake several struggling runners.
Past the PICC,it was a downhill coast back to a bridge with another uphill section. After another 3 km distance, another bridge to run on. After this bridge came the hardest part, a series of undulating sections (four I think) each about 200 to 400 m long. Somehow I made it through all the uphill sections without too much difficulty. My long runs at the Bukit Aman to Sri Hartamas route (hilly) has certainly paid off.
After the 14 km? distance, I ran with a guy whom I knew by name up to that moment; Bacin a frequent visitor to Azwar's. site. After a some time I could not keep up and I had to run on my own. Draco showed up and after a while he ran past me too. The 16 km mark was not any easier as this section was a 180 degree turn uphill to the main road. I came across Jamie walking, I was tired too and walked for a while with him. Eventually we started to run again but I was eager to try for a sub 2 hr time and ran ahead.
Before reaching the giant roundabout near Putra park, another obstacle; a steep 1 km run uphill to get there. My legs were quite stiff and it was hard to move them. I slowed down to a shuffle with Mr Tan (SIRIM guy) who was shuffling too wearing slippers.
I was relieved when I reached the roundabout. It was only 3 km away from the finish line. The stiffness in my legs dissapeared and I was able to run normally. Now was my push to the finish and I increased my pace to overtake a few tired runners. A quick stop at the 20 km water station and then a left turn to the roundabout. Soon I came to the last 100 m stretch on the Putra bridge and gathered enough reserves to run to the finish line.
Here are my split times:-
4 km ==> 22 min. 38 seconds (5 min. 40 sec/km)
6 km==> 33 min. 19 seconds (5 min. 33 sec/km)
8 km==> 44 min. 32 seconds (5 min. 34 sec/km)
10 km=> 55 min. 54 seconds (5 min. 35 sec/km)
13 km=> 1 hr, 13 min. 53 sec.(5 min. 41 sec/km)
21 km=>2 hr, 04 min. 30 sec (5 min, 44 sec/km)
For some more results, see Ronnie's site.
Ater having done a survey, the route was very familiar to me at least for the first 12 km and then last 4 km. I cautioned Kevin Chow at the starting line about the hilly route.
The starting line was at the Putra bridge. I estimated there was about 1000 runners for the 21 km distance. As the clock went past 7.00 am, the runners became a bit edgy and restless. At about 7.05 am, the race started with a shot from the starter gun. Ahead for 3 km, lay completely flat 3 km road. Eveyone got into their running strides quickly with minimal jostling because of the 3 lane road. Farther away (4 km) lay the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on top of a hill. We were headed there.
For the first 4 km I ran conservatively trying to conserve strength for the many hilly sections to come. After the first bridge at the 4 km distance, I saw Justin, Jamie and Tey on the opposite road. I picked up a blue ribbon at the U-turn (5 km) to the opposite road. Then a 400 m run uphill towards the very steep run to PICC. I dreaded this section but it did not pose too much problem and I even managed to overtake several struggling runners.
Past the PICC,it was a downhill coast back to a bridge with another uphill section. After another 3 km distance, another bridge to run on. After this bridge came the hardest part, a series of undulating sections (four I think) each about 200 to 400 m long. Somehow I made it through all the uphill sections without too much difficulty. My long runs at the Bukit Aman to Sri Hartamas route (hilly) has certainly paid off.
After the 14 km? distance, I ran with a guy whom I knew by name up to that moment; Bacin a frequent visitor to Azwar's. site. After a some time I could not keep up and I had to run on my own. Draco showed up and after a while he ran past me too. The 16 km mark was not any easier as this section was a 180 degree turn uphill to the main road. I came across Jamie walking, I was tired too and walked for a while with him. Eventually we started to run again but I was eager to try for a sub 2 hr time and ran ahead.
Before reaching the giant roundabout near Putra park, another obstacle; a steep 1 km run uphill to get there. My legs were quite stiff and it was hard to move them. I slowed down to a shuffle with Mr Tan (SIRIM guy) who was shuffling too wearing slippers.
I was relieved when I reached the roundabout. It was only 3 km away from the finish line. The stiffness in my legs dissapeared and I was able to run normally. Now was my push to the finish and I increased my pace to overtake a few tired runners. A quick stop at the 20 km water station and then a left turn to the roundabout. Soon I came to the last 100 m stretch on the Putra bridge and gathered enough reserves to run to the finish line.
Here are my split times:-
4 km ==> 22 min. 38 seconds (5 min. 40 sec/km)
6 km==> 33 min. 19 seconds (5 min. 33 sec/km)
8 km==> 44 min. 32 seconds (5 min. 34 sec/km)
10 km=> 55 min. 54 seconds (5 min. 35 sec/km)
13 km=> 1 hr, 13 min. 53 sec.(5 min. 41 sec/km)
21 km=>2 hr, 04 min. 30 sec (5 min, 44 sec/km)
For some more results, see Ronnie's site.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Back from Melaka
I returned from Melaka. Sad to say, I did not run at all in Melaka despite bringing my shoes, T-shirt and shorts. The main reason was my right knee has been acting up again. The second reason is there are not many spots to run in town itself. The streets are narrow and are barely wide enough for 2 cars to pass through. Having said that, there is a nice loop around Bukit Cina where there are thousands of chinese graveyards, some said to be 600 years old. Kind of spooky to run there at 6.00 am in the dark. I'll skip that, thank you.
The second and better place to run is along Klebang beach just 10 km away from town. I guess the route would be about 3 km long one way. You can't really run on the beach unless you can run on water - there is a sea wall and concrete wave breakers all along the "beach". It's not really a scenic place with views of condos, ships and stalls but still the cooling sea breezes must count for something. I spent Thursday evening there and not a single runner was in sight.
The main reason I went to Melaka to see the historical sites but the battles between the Portuguese vs. locals, Portuguese vs. Dutch and later Dutch vs. English has left its toll on the sites. All that is left are ruins which are sometimes scribbled with grafitti. As for the formerly grand Melaka river, it is now a just a badly silted and tiny stream.
There are still a numerous old Peranakan buildings and houses left in Melaka town but there is not much Peranakan culture evident, I think. Nowadays, Peranakan is a dying culture with many of the younger generation assimilated into the larger Chinese community.
I also went to the crocodile farm and the Melaka Zoo at Ayer Keroh. The less said about the ruinous state of the farm the better. Spending the morning at the Malacca Zoo was however worth both my time and money (RM 7).
Other than the above, the history exhibits at the Stadhuys building were very informative. There are plenty of museums in Melaka for the historically inclined. There is even an UMNO Melaka Historical museum. Why would I visit that place ? I didn't.
Overall Melaka is OK for a few days visit although those expecting a visible evidence of history will be dissapointed.
The second and better place to run is along Klebang beach just 10 km away from town. I guess the route would be about 3 km long one way. You can't really run on the beach unless you can run on water - there is a sea wall and concrete wave breakers all along the "beach". It's not really a scenic place with views of condos, ships and stalls but still the cooling sea breezes must count for something. I spent Thursday evening there and not a single runner was in sight.
The main reason I went to Melaka to see the historical sites but the battles between the Portuguese vs. locals, Portuguese vs. Dutch and later Dutch vs. English has left its toll on the sites. All that is left are ruins which are sometimes scribbled with grafitti. As for the formerly grand Melaka river, it is now a just a badly silted and tiny stream.
There are still a numerous old Peranakan buildings and houses left in Melaka town but there is not much Peranakan culture evident, I think. Nowadays, Peranakan is a dying culture with many of the younger generation assimilated into the larger Chinese community.
I also went to the crocodile farm and the Melaka Zoo at Ayer Keroh. The less said about the ruinous state of the farm the better. Spending the morning at the Malacca Zoo was however worth both my time and money (RM 7).
Other than the above, the history exhibits at the Stadhuys building were very informative. There are plenty of museums in Melaka for the historically inclined. There is even an UMNO Melaka Historical museum. Why would I visit that place ? I didn't.
Overall Melaka is OK for a few days visit although those expecting a visible evidence of history will be dissapointed.
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