Nike We Run KL: first sub-1 hour 10k

The best view of the run. Now that's what I call "We Run KL"

Ran past Plaza Tol Dato' Keramat

Performances to cheer runners on along the route

Sub-1 hour babey!

Yes, finally I broke the sub-1 hour 10k mark with a time of 59'08". Super thrilled about the result. Been setting this goal since last year's nike run. Hard to describe the feeling you get when you set a goal, work hard and achieved it. Dammit, it felt sooooo GOOD!! 

The strategy was simple. I knew what I need to do to break that mark. Run hard from the start and run even harder towards the end. Well, this achievement didn't come without some share of setbacks. First, the obstacle. When there are 15,000 runners running in the same category there are bound to be traffic. Meaning, I got to weave through runners in order to maintain a decent pace. I've found it quite bothersome when runners do not exercise runner's etiquette that if you're walking, jogging or even tying your shoe lace, please move to the left. The same principle as heavy/slow vehicles on the road to the left.

Second setback was my calf strain injury which I sustained a week before the run, presumably from playing futsal and over trained in my Merrell Road Glove. A word of advice for those who has just started to wear minimal shoes, gradually work your way into minimal running at the slowest rate possible. Thankfully, the calf strain which I still felt on Wednesday has subsided. 

Weather was cool. It was only drizzling when the run started, where before that it has been raining the whole day. The finisher tee collection was a bit slow, which resulted in a long massive queue up until the finishing line. Those who crossed the finishing line after an hour would suffer from the congestion.

Besides that, others find the starting and finishing line to be at two different venues was a bit troublesome. Battling the KL traffic on a Saturday evening is not everyone's cup of tea. Planning was key, so Hafriz parked the car near Padang Merbok (finishing line) and we took a train to KLCC (starting line). 

Now, I understand why nike promotes the run to the public aged 24 years and below, and held the run in the evening. They wanted to lift up the post race event which turned into a party/concert atmosphere  with performances from Mizz Nina etc.   

Overall, great event. Glad Hafriz and Diana could join. I couldn't locate the whereabouts of Uitm Runners Club after the run. Supposed to ride with them but couldn't make in time for the rendezvous. Big thanks to URC. Without them it would be impossible to get a slot when the public registration closed just after 6 hours.

With Diana a.k.a "super runner" and Hafriz