I am going to have a long break during the Chinese New Year as from Monday to Thursday are public holidays. I had planned to go and stay in Taiping town, the main attraction being the chance to run around the Lake Gardens. Unfortunately I delayed the hotel booking until last Sunday when I found out six hotels in Taiping were fully booked. So I will be going to Lumut.
I would like to wish my chinese friends (mostly runners)"Gong Xi Fa Cha" and a good running year ahead.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
22 Jan. 2005 : Great Eastern-Pacesetters 20 & 30 km Run report
I have to say that I looked towards this 30 run km with a certain amount of fear. I travel 30 km a day to get to work but that is sitting in a bus. Running the same distance relying on my own power and body was something else. My 2 previous attempts at 30 km were not successful. I only managed to run 23 km on both ocassions.
The 30 km route was run over what is probably the toughest route one could run in Kuala Lumpur. The 30 km route starts from the infamous "Double Hill" for the first 10 km and then to Bukit to Stri Hartamas and back to Taman Tasik Perdana. I planned to count the number of hills but gave up; there were too many to keep track.
At the starting line, it seems every runner I know has shown up for this run either to run 20km or 30km. The majority was running 30 km. I even meet Mr Yee? who I was running with during last August's Putrajaya half marathon.
The race started at 6.00 am near the Boat house, I think. The initial part was an uphill towards the main road. Nothing too strenous as it was too crowded to run fast here. Everyone seemed to be in good spirit. My plan was to run slower than normal for the first 10 km to conserve energy for the next 20 km.
After about 20 minutes runnning along Bukit Tunku, in no time I reached the start of the dreaded double hill route (about 5 km long). I had lots of company while running along this route. DK was running ahead of me at this point and for short distances, I was running with Kong and Yong. Jamie had altogether dissapeared from view running strongly further ahead.
After having passed the dreaded double hills in 1 hr 15 minutes, I gingerly coasted downhill towards Parliment road. I had decided early on to run slowly while going downhills to minimise the chance of further injury to my right knee.
The next route is to make a loop around the goverment departments and back to Jalan Parlimen. This section has a few hills but they did not trouble me much. Up to this point, my left hip and right knee have not been painful.
When I reached Jln Parlimen, I checked my time and estimated I would probably finish close to 3 hrs 30 minutes. Not a problem for my category which has a 3 hrs 45 minutes qualifying time. However it could be a problem for Yong who was running in the Men's Open category with a qualifying time of 3 hrs 30 minutes. It seemed as if a Panic fuel was injected into him and soon he was running ahead of me. I was content to run at comfortable pace as at this point I had only run 15 km a mere half way distance. 30 km is an unknown territory for me
The next section passed through Bukit Tunku, across Jalan Duta and then to Sri Hartamas. Again there was no shortage of hilly sections to run up. The runners would pass by each other on the Sri Hartamas road. I saw many of my runner friends had made the U turn behind the PETRONAS petrol station and are now running on the opposite side of the road. We greeted each other and shouted encouragements. Thanks to Jamie, Tey and CW and Bacin for shouting encouragements. I think there might be a photo of me taken by Runwithme too.
At this point (20 km), my left hip was starting to ache and I had to walk for about 400 m. I was rather surprised to see Sim at the water station and asked him if his leg was OK.
I resumed running when I reached the main road. Things were getting a bit tougher for me with general tiredness and an aching left hip. It was tough for Lim (Klang Pacer) too as I saw him waking in front. We ran together alternating with walking for a while until his cramped legs became worse and he had to stop. My legs too were quite stiff but I was confident I could finish in less than 3 hrs 30 minutes. On the oppposite road, I saw DK and Mr Yee, both seemed to be struggling up the hill.
When I crossed Jalan Duta, a volunteered said I had only 5 km to do. What sweet words for a tired runner!. Along Bukit Tungku, I ran with Choo and His friends. We alternated between running and walking while going uphill. The best part was the the long downhill section down Bukit Tunku. My legs were tight but I was desperate to finish in less than 3 hrs 30 minutes and so upped my speed down the slope. Overtook many runners along the way.
I gave a final sprint about 500 m away from the finishing line to finish in 3 hrs 24 minutes 53 seconds.
The 30 km has been a wonderful experience. I found what my worked, what didn't and my limits.
What worked:-
- Firstly I didn't hit the "Wall" during the 30 km run which means it may lie somewhere beyond 30 km. It is comforting to know I will be able can at least run 30 km during a marathon event.
- I was not afflicted with any kind of blisters on my feet. I wore ASICS GT-2100 shoe and a thin Adidas Climacool socks. They really worked to reduce dampness on my feet and I will wear them for the marathon.
- My right knee held up during the 30 km run.
- A very important point is pace: Running 1 hr 8 min per 10 km seems to be a comfortable and suitable pace for me to run to achive a 4hrs 45 min marathon. I want to try a faster pace, say 1 hr 05 minutes (4 hrs 35 minutes) but will have to wait for my next 30 km run (5 March 2005) to see if this is feasible.
What didnt work (problems):
- I am still having problems with my left hip. Nothing much I can do about it without resting for at least 2 weeks, something I cannot do now. Will just have to bear with the pain during the marathon.
Lastly, I would like to thank the volunteers who supported the GE-PC 30 km run.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Clif Shot and Clif Bar
In Malaysia, the only brand of energy gel and bar commonly available is Powergel and Powerbar. I wanted to try other brands especially Clif shot and Clif bar hoping they taste better than PGel and PBar.
This morning, Craig a fellow runner working at a consultant company has kindly given me 2 packets of Clif Shot and Clif bar to try out. He warned me the Clif shot was more viscous than Powergel.
The Clif shot package has a handy slot at the side to pin it to a vest or shorts.
I am going to try them during this Sunday's GE 30 km run.
This morning, Craig a fellow runner working at a consultant company has kindly given me 2 packets of Clif Shot and Clif bar to try out. He warned me the Clif shot was more viscous than Powergel.
The Clif shot package has a handy slot at the side to pin it to a vest or shorts.
I am going to try them during this Sunday's GE 30 km run.
Rapid KL Bus Service Review
This morning, I took the much publicised Rapid KL shuttle bus service from Medan Pasar to KLCC. The brochure which I picked up has the following on the route brochure:-
Efficient comfortable and affordable.
All new buses !
- and the ultimate marketing hype "Introducing KL's new commuting trend in the heart of city" .
Does this new bus service live it to it's marketing hype and promises? Read on to find out.
5 minutes waiting time
The company promises 5 minutes waiting time betweeen buses to the same route. I was waiting at the bus station at 7.15 and and true enough , 5 minutes later bus 105 shows up. The only problem was I had to look hard for this buses. Herein lies a proble; the 5 minutes is indeed very good but with so many buses (about eight) parked, incoming and departing from an existing bus stop designed for 2 buses, there was severe congestion. I couldn't even see bus 105 coming and had walk in between several parked buses (dangerous !) and board it as it was parked on the middle lane of the road. There were two row of buses parked across the road and partially blocking the road.
Suggested improvement : Modify the bus stop to accoomodate more buses or divide the buses to 2 different bus stops along the same road. Modification of the bus stops would be difficult due to limited space.
Information
At this particular bus stop, there were two tables manned by several Rapid KL staff. Too bad - they were "busy" talking to each other rather than looking out of guiding the commuters obviously waiting for buses. On the tables, brochures showing the bus routes and information was available. The brochure was useful and informative.
What is mising are signboards showing basic and useful information such as bus routes and numbers. Signboards are absolutely critical to the success of bus system as a few months from now, there will no brochures left tp give and fewer or perhaps no personnel to man the tables (also it will be uneconomic to do so permanently).
Suggested improvement : Install robust signboards which are les susceptible to vandalism showing bus routes and bus numbers.
Bus condition and design
There are some basic flaws in the bus design. More to come.........
Monday, January 16, 2006
What is Suffering ?
This is what Buddha said about suffering
Birth is suffering;
Decay is suffering;
Death is suffering;
Sorrow, Lamentation, Pain, Grief, and Despair, are suffering;
not to get what one desires, is suffering;
In short: the Five Groups of Existence are suffering.
Birth is suffering;
Decay is suffering;
Death is suffering;
Sorrow, Lamentation, Pain, Grief, and Despair, are suffering;
not to get what one desires, is suffering;
In short: the Five Groups of Existence are suffering.
Suffering : A Pictorial Example
Long Run on 15 Jan. 2005 by PM5 and PM33. Photo courtesy of Tey, PM22
15 Dec 2005 - Long Run at Bukit Aman
The plan was to run 30 km in preparation for the 3o km Pacesetters-Great Eastern run next Sunday. A group of runners (Tey, Jamie, myself, Yong, Choo and Kenny) started at 5.45 am from Bukit Aman car park to Sri Hartamas.
I ran together with Tey a few hundred meters ahead of the others. The "Man" is a running machine - able to maintain the same pace even on sloping roads. I kept up with the Man while he shared marathon running tips on various subjects; arm actions, leg actions , breathing techniques etc. Thus the sifu has spoken.
10 km and 61 minutes later we reached the petrol station. We saw Jason and Phyliss continue running past us. A few moments later the rest of gang reached the petrol station. A quick Gatorade drink, a few minutes rest and we headed back to Bukit Aman. For a while I ran with Jamie, Jason and Phyliss but could not keep up after 13 km. It was a struggle for me to keep going due to a painful left hip injury which has not fully healed.
I had to stop near Bank Negara junction as the Siemens Charity runners went through the tunnel section. After about 2 minutes, I resume running towards Bukit Aman. Met Kevin Chow and Tony who was taking photographs. When I reached the car park, I drank some water , did some stretching and later continue to run towards the Lake gardens 2.3 km loop. I had to walk for a short distance due to the hip problem but started running with Jamie and Tey.
After finishing 2.3 km that was it for me for the day. I didn't meet the target 30 km distance but I don't think I could have with a sore throat and hip injury.
This week I will run shorter distances than normal, perhaps only 5.2 km. Now I have a cold and sore throat. Hopefully, I will be OK by Sunday.
I ran together with Tey a few hundred meters ahead of the others. The "Man" is a running machine - able to maintain the same pace even on sloping roads. I kept up with the Man while he shared marathon running tips on various subjects; arm actions, leg actions , breathing techniques etc. Thus the sifu has spoken.
10 km and 61 minutes later we reached the petrol station. We saw Jason and Phyliss continue running past us. A few moments later the rest of gang reached the petrol station. A quick Gatorade drink, a few minutes rest and we headed back to Bukit Aman. For a while I ran with Jamie, Jason and Phyliss but could not keep up after 13 km. It was a struggle for me to keep going due to a painful left hip injury which has not fully healed.
I had to stop near Bank Negara junction as the Siemens Charity runners went through the tunnel section. After about 2 minutes, I resume running towards Bukit Aman. Met Kevin Chow and Tony who was taking photographs. When I reached the car park, I drank some water , did some stretching and later continue to run towards the Lake gardens 2.3 km loop. I had to walk for a short distance due to the hip problem but started running with Jamie and Tey.
After finishing 2.3 km that was it for me for the day. I didn't meet the target 30 km distance but I don't think I could have with a sore throat and hip injury.
This week I will run shorter distances than normal, perhaps only 5.2 km. Now I have a cold and sore throat. Hopefully, I will be OK by Sunday.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Shopping Problems
I have been trying to buy running equipment for winter conditions over the Internet from companies based inn the U.S. It has been an exercise in frustration and futility.
The first company I tried was Champs Sports. They do accept and ship orders overseas but not to several countries including Malaysia if payment is made using a local credit card . They could only accept payment by Western Union QUICK PAY or International Money Order. QUICK PAY is a service used to send money to a a company or individual which has an account at Western Union.
I duly went to Bank Bumiputra Commerce listed in Western Union's website as their agent providing QUICK PAY transaction. To my consternation, I was told their IT system was not yet ready for QUICK PAY service. They were unable to tell me when the system would be ready. A visit to RHB Bank was not useful as they only had the most basic Western Union sevice; transaction between individuals. I got the same answer when I called Pos Malaysia. Scratch the Western Union option.
The second option is paying by International Money Order. I was dissappointed to learn that Post Malaysia provides this service to 21 countries but not including the USA. Scratch that option (last) too.
Last night, I finally had to inform Champ Sports that I could not find a way to pay.
Next I went to another company in the US, National Running Centre and asked them if they accepted payment using a Malaysian credit card. Their answer was "No".
Today I am waiting for a reply from REI.
All of these problems are caused by serious credit card fraud in this region. It seems that many Indonesian fraudsters are using fake credit cards using writing their country as Malaysia.
On a positive note, I am making good progress in my training. On Tuesday, I ran 6 km with Jimmy from the Klang Pacer club. Yesterday I ran about 8.6 km at KLCC with Jamie, Yong and Newton. But after yesterday's run, my right knee is sore. I may have to skip running for 3 days before this Sunday's 30 km long run.
The first company I tried was Champs Sports. They do accept and ship orders overseas but not to several countries including Malaysia if payment is made using a local credit card . They could only accept payment by Western Union QUICK PAY or International Money Order. QUICK PAY is a service used to send money to a a company or individual which has an account at Western Union.
I duly went to Bank Bumiputra Commerce listed in Western Union's website as their agent providing QUICK PAY transaction. To my consternation, I was told their IT system was not yet ready for QUICK PAY service. They were unable to tell me when the system would be ready. A visit to RHB Bank was not useful as they only had the most basic Western Union sevice; transaction between individuals. I got the same answer when I called Pos Malaysia. Scratch the Western Union option.
The second option is paying by International Money Order. I was dissappointed to learn that Post Malaysia provides this service to 21 countries but not including the USA. Scratch that option (last) too.
Last night, I finally had to inform Champ Sports that I could not find a way to pay.
Next I went to another company in the US, National Running Centre and asked them if they accepted payment using a Malaysian credit card. Their answer was "No".
Today I am waiting for a reply from REI.
All of these problems are caused by serious credit card fraud in this region. It seems that many Indonesian fraudsters are using fake credit cards using writing their country as Malaysia.
On a positive note, I am making good progress in my training. On Tuesday, I ran 6 km with Jimmy from the Klang Pacer club. Yesterday I ran about 8.6 km at KLCC with Jamie, Yong and Newton. But after yesterday's run, my right knee is sore. I may have to skip running for 3 days before this Sunday's 30 km long run.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Marathon Training - Post #4 Long Run No. 1
Planned Distance : 25 km
It's getting crowded at the Bukit Aman car park. When I arrived there yesterday at 5.55 am, there was already about 20 cars parked cars and about 20 runners. I received SMS messages from Jamie and Yong who could not make it due to unforeseen circumstances.
To my consternation I discovered I had bought along a wrong pair shoes, Brooks Axiom 2004 for this long run. I had fitted an insole into this shoe but it was too small. When I run it in, my edges of my feet overhangs over the insoles resulting in excessive foot movement. A recipe for getting blisters. It started to drizzle as well. For a moment, I considered cancelling my long run but I needed the training badly with KLIM a mere 2 months away. I decided to go ahead.
This was the first time I had run this route alone which I usually run with Yong. I had a brief chat with Jessica before I set out to run. It was a bit cold due to the slight drizzling rain. Perhaps the conditions were very favourable as I reached the Petrol station in just 61 minutes. (normal pace 65 minutes). I drank a large bottle of Gatorade before starting my return run to Bukit Aman.
Along the way, dozens of runners ran in the opposite direction. I reached the junction Bukit Aman in 61 minutes. It was not over yet though as I turned right towards the children's playground. My left hip was painful so I stopped by a shop to buy a can of 1oo Plus.
After a few minutes, I started to run around the 2.3 km loop. Well, it was actually run and walk as my left hip became quite sore. It was 2 hrs 25 minutes later that I reached the car park after covering the last 3 km (in 23 minutes).
Total distance = 23 km , total time: 2 hrs 25 mins (20 km in 2 hrs 02 min. and3 km in 23 minutes)
I didn't quite make 25 km yesterday due to my left hip problem but I was able run 20 km without too much difficulty.
It's getting crowded at the Bukit Aman car park. When I arrived there yesterday at 5.55 am, there was already about 20 cars parked cars and about 20 runners. I received SMS messages from Jamie and Yong who could not make it due to unforeseen circumstances.
To my consternation I discovered I had bought along a wrong pair shoes, Brooks Axiom 2004 for this long run. I had fitted an insole into this shoe but it was too small. When I run it in, my edges of my feet overhangs over the insoles resulting in excessive foot movement. A recipe for getting blisters. It started to drizzle as well. For a moment, I considered cancelling my long run but I needed the training badly with KLIM a mere 2 months away. I decided to go ahead.
This was the first time I had run this route alone which I usually run with Yong. I had a brief chat with Jessica before I set out to run. It was a bit cold due to the slight drizzling rain. Perhaps the conditions were very favourable as I reached the Petrol station in just 61 minutes. (normal pace 65 minutes). I drank a large bottle of Gatorade before starting my return run to Bukit Aman.
Along the way, dozens of runners ran in the opposite direction. I reached the junction Bukit Aman in 61 minutes. It was not over yet though as I turned right towards the children's playground. My left hip was painful so I stopped by a shop to buy a can of 1oo Plus.
After a few minutes, I started to run around the 2.3 km loop. Well, it was actually run and walk as my left hip became quite sore. It was 2 hrs 25 minutes later that I reached the car park after covering the last 3 km (in 23 minutes).
Total distance = 23 km , total time: 2 hrs 25 mins (20 km in 2 hrs 02 min. and3 km in 23 minutes)
I didn't quite make 25 km yesterday due to my left hip problem but I was able run 20 km without too much difficulty.
Friday, January 06, 2006
I am out of Shape
Yesterday's weather was very pleasant for running; cool temperatures but I am really out of shape.
I struggled to complete 4 laps x 1.3 km. My breathing was not smooth (ragged) and I just could not tune into running yesterday. I gave up running after finishing 5.2 km. I thought I ran faster than normal but it was just my imagination.
While I was doing some stretches, Yong showed and I ran with him for about one and half laps. Our pace was 7 min. 20 seconds per 1.3 km and it was faster than what I ran for the first four laps. I stopped after one and half lap and to my surprise, 200 m ahead Yong stopped too. He was tired too. Seeing that he had stopped, I started to run and both of us got going again, only to stop after 400 m. We walked anther 500 m to the 0 m mark.
It wasn't a good running day for both of us I guess.
I struggled to complete 4 laps x 1.3 km. My breathing was not smooth (ragged) and I just could not tune into running yesterday. I gave up running after finishing 5.2 km. I thought I ran faster than normal but it was just my imagination.
While I was doing some stretches, Yong showed and I ran with him for about one and half laps. Our pace was 7 min. 20 seconds per 1.3 km and it was faster than what I ran for the first four laps. I stopped after one and half lap and to my surprise, 200 m ahead Yong stopped too. He was tired too. Seeing that he had stopped, I started to run and both of us got going again, only to stop after 400 m. We walked anther 500 m to the 0 m mark.
It wasn't a good running day for both of us I guess.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Marathon Training : Post #3
I have recovered from my strained left hamstring muscle. But the "hip" muscle is still giving me some problem when I run.
Yesterday I ran at KLCC park, first alone for 2 x 1.3 km. Draco joined me for 2 more laps and I then we saw Newton running in the opposite direction. The three of us ran and rain started to fall. After four laps, the rain became quite heavy, so I abandoned my run after running 5.2 km.
I continued running on the treadmill at the gym. All of the larger and more advanced treadmills were used up. I had to run on the smaller size treadmill which had a limited number of programs. I selected the "hill interval" program, level 2 and 10 km/hr. The workout was quite strenous consisting of a run on progressively higher grade/elevations and a short section of a level surface. This pattern is repeated over 500 m or so. I still enjoyed the program because of its a varying effort. There was also a generously endowed shapely girl to look at; I guessed that helped too.
This Sunday will be the real test of my ability to run a marathon. I have never run farther than 22.3 km. This Sunday I plan to run 30 km. I am not quite sure what will happen after 21 km. It is unknown zone for me.
Yesterday I ran at KLCC park, first alone for 2 x 1.3 km. Draco joined me for 2 more laps and I then we saw Newton running in the opposite direction. The three of us ran and rain started to fall. After four laps, the rain became quite heavy, so I abandoned my run after running 5.2 km.
I continued running on the treadmill at the gym. All of the larger and more advanced treadmills were used up. I had to run on the smaller size treadmill which had a limited number of programs. I selected the "hill interval" program, level 2 and 10 km/hr. The workout was quite strenous consisting of a run on progressively higher grade/elevations and a short section of a level surface. This pattern is repeated over 500 m or so. I still enjoyed the program because of its a varying effort. There was also a generously endowed shapely girl to look at; I guessed that helped too.
This Sunday will be the real test of my ability to run a marathon. I have never run farther than 22.3 km. This Sunday I plan to run 30 km. I am not quite sure what will happen after 21 km. It is unknown zone for me.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Marathon Training - Post #2
A slight setback to my training; I strained my left hamstring during the Pacemaker New Year run. I have to take one or two days rest.
The source of this problem is from the hip injury I sustained 2 weeks before the Singapore race. The injury has not completely healed and still persists today. Hopefully it will be OK in a months time.
The key to running a marathon is the long runs (30 km+). I planned to do three 30 km runs on 8 January, 22 January (Great Eastern 30 km) and 5 February 2005. In between, I also plan to run 20 km depending on how the condition of my legs in the 2 weeks between the 30 km runs.
Yesterday I should have rested after Sundays's 20.7 km NY run but I decided to run 10 km (63 minutes) in Klang. My left hamsting muscle is a bit sore.
I have set a target time of 5 hrs for the marathon. A lot depends on how well I will run the 30 km long runs. If they go well, say I am able to finish it in 3hrs 30 minutes without too much problems, I will adjust the target time slower or faster accordingly.
The source of this problem is from the hip injury I sustained 2 weeks before the Singapore race. The injury has not completely healed and still persists today. Hopefully it will be OK in a months time.
The key to running a marathon is the long runs (30 km+). I planned to do three 30 km runs on 8 January, 22 January (Great Eastern 30 km) and 5 February 2005. In between, I also plan to run 20 km depending on how the condition of my legs in the 2 weeks between the 30 km runs.
Yesterday I should have rested after Sundays's 20.7 km NY run but I decided to run 10 km (63 minutes) in Klang. My left hamsting muscle is a bit sore.
I have set a target time of 5 hrs for the marathon. A lot depends on how well I will run the 30 km long runs. If they go well, say I am able to finish it in 3hrs 30 minutes without too much problems, I will adjust the target time slower or faster accordingly.
Monday, January 02, 2006
New Year Run 2006
Yesterday was the Pacemaker New Year Run held at Taman Tasik Perdana.
At 5.40 am, I arrived at the starting point/parking area, I could see a large red/white umbrella on the sidewalk. The volunteers and some runners were milling about and chatting. My first urgent task was to rush to the toilet which have been opened early for the Run.
After collecting the goody bag from PM21, I walked back to the car to stashed it away. Within 30 minutes (by 6.15 am), virtually everyone had shown up. Caught up with Sim who came from Johore Bharu. Pm19 looked sleepy while PM1 was looking anxious and tense.
I followed PM1, PM 26 and wife? and Adam to the designated water station about 300 m away. the path was dark and slippery at some spots. We decided to postpone the start from 6.30 to 6.45 am because it was too dark to run safely.
At 6.43 am, I carried the Malaysian flag and stood on a park bench. Everyone counted down from ten to one After "zero", everyone shouted "GO", I lowered the flag and the runners were off and away. I had to run too so I handed over the flag to Ryan Teoh and began running after the runners.
The first four laps I covered in about 55 minutes faster than my planned pace. Even though I was runninng faster than normal, I did not manage to overtake more than 3 runners. Everyone was running at blistering pace.
I had to stop at the water station on my 5th lap to do , umm some business behind a tree. After this lap, I felt the urge to do a 2nd "business" and had to slow down. The route itself was very pleasant to run on with many trees and at some areas, a view of the lake.
At the water station, I lingered for a few minutes to chat with the volunteers.
I think it was after the 6th lap that I considered abandoning the run to rush to the toilet. But with the encouraging words from PM5 and PM19, I decided to "hold it in" and continue running and walking when the urge to s*** appeared .
Somewhere on the 8th lap, I met Ah Loong who was walking along the route to pick up the sign boards. I stopped and borrowed 20 cents from him for the toilet entry fee. Then full speed run to the closest toilet 600 m away. Ahh , what a relief when I could finally let go.
Finally managed to finish the 9th lap in a time of 2 hrs 13 minutes.
After the race, we had a fine time eating, drinking and talking. I also had the chance to give away some trophies and pop the grape juice at the end ala Formula 1 race.
Thanks to Ronnie, PM 21 and parents and the volunteers for making the Pacemaker NY run a reality.
At 5.40 am, I arrived at the starting point/parking area, I could see a large red/white umbrella on the sidewalk. The volunteers and some runners were milling about and chatting. My first urgent task was to rush to the toilet which have been opened early for the Run.
After collecting the goody bag from PM21, I walked back to the car to stashed it away. Within 30 minutes (by 6.15 am), virtually everyone had shown up. Caught up with Sim who came from Johore Bharu. Pm19 looked sleepy while PM1 was looking anxious and tense.
I followed PM1, PM 26 and wife? and Adam to the designated water station about 300 m away. the path was dark and slippery at some spots. We decided to postpone the start from 6.30 to 6.45 am because it was too dark to run safely.
At 6.43 am, I carried the Malaysian flag and stood on a park bench. Everyone counted down from ten to one After "zero", everyone shouted "GO", I lowered the flag and the runners were off and away. I had to run too so I handed over the flag to Ryan Teoh and began running after the runners.
The first four laps I covered in about 55 minutes faster than my planned pace. Even though I was runninng faster than normal, I did not manage to overtake more than 3 runners. Everyone was running at blistering pace.
I had to stop at the water station on my 5th lap to do , umm some business behind a tree. After this lap, I felt the urge to do a 2nd "business" and had to slow down. The route itself was very pleasant to run on with many trees and at some areas, a view of the lake.
At the water station, I lingered for a few minutes to chat with the volunteers.
I think it was after the 6th lap that I considered abandoning the run to rush to the toilet. But with the encouraging words from PM5 and PM19, I decided to "hold it in" and continue running and walking when the urge to s*** appeared .
Somewhere on the 8th lap, I met Ah Loong who was walking along the route to pick up the sign boards. I stopped and borrowed 20 cents from him for the toilet entry fee. Then full speed run to the closest toilet 600 m away. Ahh , what a relief when I could finally let go.
Finally managed to finish the 9th lap in a time of 2 hrs 13 minutes.
After the race, we had a fine time eating, drinking and talking. I also had the chance to give away some trophies and pop the grape juice at the end ala Formula 1 race.
Thanks to Ronnie, PM 21 and parents and the volunteers for making the Pacemaker NY run a reality.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Marathon Training Diary - Post #1
Yesterday , I went to FTAAA and registered myself in the full marathon event for the KL International Marathon.
My training "officially" started yesterday with a 10 km run with Albert and Chow from Klang Pacer Athletic club. Both are going for the full marathon distance. The 10 km run was done at a easy pace (63 minutes). I noticed that although the pace was well within my capacity, my running biomechanics was worse than normal. This is really saying something as my normal running style is not that efficient and fairly sloppy.
Today it started to rain heavily in KL at 5.00 pm. What else could I do except run in the treadmill at Sweat Club ? I completed 8 km using the "River Run" program which programs the treadmill for an undulating course. My speed was 10.5 km/hour. I became very bored after 5 km but I had to complete the 8 km distance. I really need to bring up my training to speed with the marathon only 2 months away.
My training "officially" started yesterday with a 10 km run with Albert and Chow from Klang Pacer Athletic club. Both are going for the full marathon distance. The 10 km run was done at a easy pace (63 minutes). I noticed that although the pace was well within my capacity, my running biomechanics was worse than normal. This is really saying something as my normal running style is not that efficient and fairly sloppy.
Today it started to rain heavily in KL at 5.00 pm. What else could I do except run in the treadmill at Sweat Club ? I completed 8 km using the "River Run" program which programs the treadmill for an undulating course. My speed was 10.5 km/hour. I became very bored after 5 km but I had to complete the 8 km distance. I really need to bring up my training to speed with the marathon only 2 months away.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Vietnam : Post #6 Back In Malaysia
I am writing this from PC in Malaysia. I am still on leave today but will be busy running around doing various chores.
My 17 days trip to Vietnam (10 Dec. to 27 Dec.) was generally enjoyable and free of problems. Unlike in 1995 and 1997, travelling in Vietnam nowadays is much easier. There are many travel agencies offering competitive products like tours , tickets etc.
Places like Hanoi and Hoi An which used to have a severe shortage of hotels now have hundreds of hotels. Room prices can be as low as USD 6.00 and for this you get a hot shower, TV, bathroom a clean bed in a individual room.
Language is sometimes a problem but much less so nowadays. Back in 1995 and 1997, I met a few young Vietnamese learning English. Nowadays there are more people learning English. The hotel staff English skills has certainly improved.
On the downside, there are more tourists more than ever in HCM City. I even spotted a few tourists from Africa although they are all young (20's) and I am not sure what they are doing in Vietnam. In Bangkok, many African tourists are buying goods to sell back in Africa. They are mostly older (30's) people but the younger ones I saw in HCM City are either genuine tourists or may be peddling drugs or scams.
I now have to start my training for the KL International Marathon just 2 months away. I am feeling the pressure already.
On a side note, the Internet is great for travellers. I could call Malaysia from HCM City using an Internet phone at the many Internet phone shops for just RM 0.40 per minute. This morning I checked what Telekom Malaysia rate for calls to Vietnam ; 10 times more at RM 3.50/minute.
I think I have to set-up an Internet phone at my house.
My 17 days trip to Vietnam (10 Dec. to 27 Dec.) was generally enjoyable and free of problems. Unlike in 1995 and 1997, travelling in Vietnam nowadays is much easier. There are many travel agencies offering competitive products like tours , tickets etc.
Places like Hanoi and Hoi An which used to have a severe shortage of hotels now have hundreds of hotels. Room prices can be as low as USD 6.00 and for this you get a hot shower, TV, bathroom a clean bed in a individual room.
Language is sometimes a problem but much less so nowadays. Back in 1995 and 1997, I met a few young Vietnamese learning English. Nowadays there are more people learning English. The hotel staff English skills has certainly improved.
On the downside, there are more tourists more than ever in HCM City. I even spotted a few tourists from Africa although they are all young (20's) and I am not sure what they are doing in Vietnam. In Bangkok, many African tourists are buying goods to sell back in Africa. They are mostly older (30's) people but the younger ones I saw in HCM City are either genuine tourists or may be peddling drugs or scams.
I now have to start my training for the KL International Marathon just 2 months away. I am feeling the pressure already.
On a side note, the Internet is great for travellers. I could call Malaysia from HCM City using an Internet phone at the many Internet phone shops for just RM 0.40 per minute. This morning I checked what Telekom Malaysia rate for calls to Vietnam ; 10 times more at RM 3.50/minute.
I think I have to set-up an Internet phone at my house.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Vietnam : Post #5 Running In Vietnam
A Malaysian runner asked me to check if there are any running events or races held in Vietnam. I've checked in the two largest cities in Vietnam; Hanoi (capital- 3 million population) and HCM City (7 million pop.). What I did was call the Hanoi and HCM City Hash House Harrier (HHH) club member and asked him if he knew of any running races or triathlon events in Vietnam. The answer given was they have not heard or knew about any running or triathlons events held in Vietnam. If I may quote the reply from the Hanoi HHH runner "They are not really into this thing(running)".
Most towns and cities in Vietnam are not suitable for running. The roads and streets start filling up with motorcyles and other vehicles as early as 6.00 am. In most towns, there are no public parks to run in. The only city which I've seen that has large parks to run in are Hanoi, Hue and HCM City. Danang (Central Vietnam) has traffic free stretches suitable to run along the beach.
For HCM City, I consciously selected my hotel as it was located only 100 m from a public park. I ran there in this morning. I had to start very early at 5.45 am and the park already was full of people walking , doing Tai Chi and playing badminton. There were only about half a dozen "runners" (joggers, really). The surface was not very good for running as it consisted of concrete slabs with embedded small peebles. A really hard surface to run on. Even worse, the concrete slabs had gaps in between which made the surface uneven. The park was quite small; I ran around the rectangular perimeter in just 3 minutes (600 m, I think). I ran for about 8 laps until I had to give up because of the impact on my legs.
I found another park about 500 m away but it was a gated park which only opens at 7.30 am (??). The reunification palace is in this park but it is a good place to run if the opening and closing times are more suitable; I plan to recheck again this evening.
Most towns and cities in Vietnam are not suitable for running. The roads and streets start filling up with motorcyles and other vehicles as early as 6.00 am. In most towns, there are no public parks to run in. The only city which I've seen that has large parks to run in are Hanoi, Hue and HCM City. Danang (Central Vietnam) has traffic free stretches suitable to run along the beach.
For HCM City, I consciously selected my hotel as it was located only 100 m from a public park. I ran there in this morning. I had to start very early at 5.45 am and the park already was full of people walking , doing Tai Chi and playing badminton. There were only about half a dozen "runners" (joggers, really). The surface was not very good for running as it consisted of concrete slabs with embedded small peebles. A really hard surface to run on. Even worse, the concrete slabs had gaps in between which made the surface uneven. The park was quite small; I ran around the rectangular perimeter in just 3 minutes (600 m, I think). I ran for about 8 laps until I had to give up because of the impact on my legs.
I found another park about 500 m away but it was a gated park which only opens at 7.30 am (??). The reunification palace is in this park but it is a good place to run if the opening and closing times are more suitable; I plan to recheck again this evening.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Vietnam :Post #4 From Ho Chi Minh City
It's 8.00 pm here in HCM City. I am sitting in a cybercafe on the Pham Ngu Lao Street, the budget area in District 1. For the first time in more than 1 week after I left Hanoi, I can access blogspot.com. I stepped into the first cybercafe and I found there was no firewall to block access to blog sites. I guess being in HCM City, the commercial capital of Vietnam, 1700 km away from the Hanoi, the political centre of Vietnam helps. Censorship be dammed here!.
Next to this cafe, a noisy karaoke in progress. Outside on the street there is a continuous buzz and honking sounds from motorcyles. This city has a noticeable human energy. Everyone is busy moving ahead, to make more $$$. Despite the recent commercial freedoms in Hanoi, HCM City is still where the action is.
A summary of my recent travels over the past 10 days (in chronological order).
Next to this cafe, a noisy karaoke in progress. Outside on the street there is a continuous buzz and honking sounds from motorcyles. This city has a noticeable human energy. Everyone is busy moving ahead, to make more $$$. Despite the recent commercial freedoms in Hanoi, HCM City is still where the action is.
A summary of my recent travels over the past 10 days (in chronological order).
- 2 days in Ninh Binh, 90 km South of Hanoi. Post #3 was about this place.
- I stayed to Hanoi for 1 night and took a flight to Hue. It was my 2nd visit to Hue. This time I visited the museums which I didn't go to in 1998.
- After Hue, I took a bus to another town, Hoi An. Visiting this town was the main purpose of my trip to Vietnam. The town was a trading centre for Chinese, Dutch etc merchants n the 15 and 16th century. There is area in the old town which has been preserved as it was in the 15th century. It reminded me of Malacca but with historically and architecturally more aunthentic. Hoi An is a Unesco Heritage site.I also visited another Unesco heritage site, 30 km from Hoi An, My Son. I spent 4 days in Hoi An.
- Today from Hoi An, I took a taxi to Danang and a 1 hour flight to HCM City.
After spending 2 weeks in Vietnam, this is what I can say:-
I found out 2 days ago that China is now the 6th largest economy in the world. In a few years , it will overtake France and the UK. There are only 2 other countries in the world which can rival the economic dyamism of China; India and Vietnam.
Everyone wants to move ahead here. Democracy and a free society ? How important are these things? Well in a survey carried out a few years ago among young people (50 % of Vietnam's population is below 30 years old), democracy was ranked 9th among 12 things considered important among young people.
As long as the communist party keeps the economy capitalist, few people care about democarcy and political freedom.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Vietnam : Post #3 Back in Hanoi (Friday)
I returned to Hanoi after spending 2 nights in a town called Ninh Binh. The town is located 90 km south of Hanoi. Like many towns in Vietnam it is an utterly charmless place filled with shops with grey concrete walls. Here most of the buildings or shops are not painted - the concrete is left bare. You can imagine what a town consisting of grey concrete buildings. At Ninh Binh, most of the shops are closed by 8.00 pm It gets dark in Northenrn Vietnam by 5.30 pm.
Last night I went for a massage to repair my aching body after a motor bike ride througg bone jarring back country roads. I sat pillion while the motor driver as we rode among the rice fields and villages. The ride was very scenic as the area is dotted with limestone formation and hills. Like Ipoh but with lots of rice fields, villages and buffaloes.
Earlier in the morning, I took a 2 hour boat ride to Khenh Ga floating village. Unfortunately the houses near the river banks which the travel guide books said were on stilts were nowehere to be seen. Instead there were brick or stone houses along the river banks. There were plenty of things to see and photograph like ; farmers planting rice, people ccathing fish but one sight stood out.
At two different places, there were several men, women and even children breaking rocks and carrying them to boats. The source of the rocks is the limestone hills. It must a dangerous work to do as I saw huge rocks and earth raining down down some slopes.
I should mention that women work very hard here in Hanoi and all over Vietnam. At the above 2 sites, women carry the rocks in baskets placed over their head. In Hanoi, there are many women selling fruits, food, slippers and many other things. They carry the products on a long bamboo stick with the goods tied to the ends. Sometimes they carry their products on bicycles. The most common product sold by the women is fruits. They start work very early and continue until 9.00 or 10.00 pm. I cannot imagine aMalaysian woman doing these things.
Today the skies in Hanoi are sunny. I will be sure to run around Hoan Kiem lake this evening.
That's all for today. I wil be flying to Hue , 1000 km south of Hanoi tomorrow afternoon.
Last night I went for a massage to repair my aching body after a motor bike ride througg bone jarring back country roads. I sat pillion while the motor driver as we rode among the rice fields and villages. The ride was very scenic as the area is dotted with limestone formation and hills. Like Ipoh but with lots of rice fields, villages and buffaloes.
Earlier in the morning, I took a 2 hour boat ride to Khenh Ga floating village. Unfortunately the houses near the river banks which the travel guide books said were on stilts were nowehere to be seen. Instead there were brick or stone houses along the river banks. There were plenty of things to see and photograph like ; farmers planting rice, people ccathing fish but one sight stood out.
At two different places, there were several men, women and even children breaking rocks and carrying them to boats. The source of the rocks is the limestone hills. It must a dangerous work to do as I saw huge rocks and earth raining down down some slopes.
I should mention that women work very hard here in Hanoi and all over Vietnam. At the above 2 sites, women carry the rocks in baskets placed over their head. In Hanoi, there are many women selling fruits, food, slippers and many other things. They carry the products on a long bamboo stick with the goods tied to the ends. Sometimes they carry their products on bicycles. The most common product sold by the women is fruits. They start work very early and continue until 9.00 or 10.00 pm. I cannot imagine aMalaysian woman doing these things.
Today the skies in Hanoi are sunny. I will be sure to run around Hoan Kiem lake this evening.
That's all for today. I wil be flying to Hue , 1000 km south of Hanoi tomorrow afternoon.
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