My First "Race" this year

I registered yesterday for my first "Race" for this year. It is a low key last minute event to be held near Klang town to celebrate the National day. No prizes given out and a free registration. The distance is only 5.5km.

I joined the above event to support the Klang Pacer Athletic Club who is organising the race. The race will starts at a Chinese Primary School. Strangely enough the run starts quite early at 7.00 am. I think it will be a social run for most of the serious runners.

Customs Again!

I received a notice from Pos Malaysia on Tuesday asking me to pick-up something from the Post Office. On Wednesday , I got the item but it was what I was expected but instead it was another form. The form said the item I had bought from the USA is now at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The precise location ? Customs dept. - it has been held back pending clearance and possibly payment of sales and import tax.

The item I bought are two iPod accessories ; a silicone case with a belt clip and an FM tranmitter. The total value is USD 100 (RM 360). The silicone with belt clip is for me to use the iPod while I am running on a treadmill. What amazes me is the customs authorities taking the trouble to inspect and possibly charge taxes on something that is worth very little.

Malaysian customs motto now is "Every Dollar Counts"

Update

It' s been more than one week since my last blog update. To tell you truth, I wanted to write a some entries but the broadband speed at my place is so slow that I could not open my blog to write them.

I attended a course this week at JW Marriot hotel in KL. I only managed to run 2.6 km at KLCC park on Monday. I ran too fast, made my right knee injury worse and had to stop after the 2nd lap.

I couldn't run for the next 3 days.I wanted to run but I had to rest my knee.

Friday : The course finished at 12.00 pm. My right knee was still sore but decided to try running in the evening. Only managed to run 2.6km before stopping. Walked 3 more laps with a trio of women walkers who are regulars at KLCC park.

I bought a PDA last weeek; a Palm TX. If only I had the time to use it.

Today (Saturday) : I had to pay RM 275 to the Fedex delivery guy for the flashlights I bought from the US. I was hoping customs would not charge sales and import tax (30% total) but no such luck. I'll bet that during the upcoming 2007 budget speech, taxes and duties collected over the past one year will be the highest ever. I have certainly made my contributions in import and sales tax for the things I bought from the Internet.

Last week I bought PALM TX. If only I had the time to learn how to use it.

3 Days of Running

I have been able to run 3 conseutive days with two of them outdoor in fine weather and haze free.

Monday : 5 km on the treadmill . Thick haze. Got bored after 3 km (15 minutes).

Tuesday : Clear skies and clean air at last. I ran at KLCC park. Did 2.6 km(2 laps) with Gan at a pace which was too fast at my current level of fitness. I had to stop after 2 laps. I saw Jamie running too and I ran another 2 laps with him. Later Justin showed up to run as well. Total = 5.2 km.

Wednesday : 3rd day of running. It is quite unbelievable that I was able to run for a 3rd consecutive day. Less problem with my right knee. I did 6.5 km, 2 laps with Yong, stopped, continued another 2 laps with Jamie and Justin, stopped and ran the 5th lap with Newton. Total = 6.5 km.

Thursday : I am not running today to rest my right knee. I

Being able to run for 3 days is something wonderful I have NOT experienced since February 2006. My right knee seems to be getting better but I will limit my runs to about 5 km for now.

Here We Go Again

I was going to run to KLCC park today but the haze is just so bad now. I wuz going to do 5 km. With the KLCC runners gasng like Jamie. But I might as smoke a cigarette if I was going to run in this haze.

Didn't the SBY (Indonesian President) apologised last year and said his country will not carry out open burning which is the source of haze . And the same thing is said every year since 1998. F*** It!

I have to run on a treadmill today. I will be bored after 20 minutes. I hope there will be something nice to see in the gym today.