Shapadu 12k Run

This year Shapadu tried to go one up from last year, extending last year's 6k run to a 12k run and I think they've managed it VERY poorly. What the organizers failed to do were as follows:

1. The printed bib numbers ran out so instead mine was hand written.

2. The run did not start at 6.45 a.m as mentioned. Actually it started around 7.15 a.m.

3. They did not have sufficient traffic controllers along the route and especially at the roundabout intersection. (Good thing Shah Alam road users are patient and considerate compared to Bukit Jalil's during the Brooks HM)

4. There were no checkpoints to prove that runners have passed that section.

5. Insufficient water station. No water station up until the 8k mark.

6. Poor handling of refreshments for finishers. (I didn't get mine, not that I care though, they gave out mineral water and bread)

Regardless of the shortcomings, it still can not take away from the fact that it was a great day to run with my friends. Paan and I were joined by newcomers Farah and Aina. Thumbs up to them in completing the 6k run category. Good start guys!

With Paan, Aina and Farah after the run

Born to Run

Yerp! There's nothing more that excite us runners than reading about other runners. With that said, I went and grabbed myself 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall (courtesy of Baucer Buku 1 Malaysia). Got mine at MPH bookstore, One Utama and they’re the only MPH store in the Klang Valley that carries them. What are you waiting for? Go go go!!

You all probably heard about barefoot running. Perhaps, saw few runners running barefoot on race day. Some sane enough to have some protection by wearing minimalist shoes like Vibram Five Fingers. And now you can see that more and more running shoe companies are jumping on the bandwagon at this phenomenon of barefoot running. These days, more running shoes are emphasizing on forefoot and midfoot strikes rather than heel strikes. So far Newton running shoes are doing a tremendous job in that department. Apparently, heel striking (when the heel of the feet hit the ground first while running) is not the ideal and efficient way to run. In a long haul it can lead to serious injuries to your legs.

I did some online research on this whole barefoot/minimalist running whatever you want to call it before I got the book, and it gives me a new perspective on running. Nowadays, when I make a purchase on new running shoes I would take into consideration of the heel to toe height. The lower the better as it promotes a much more natural stride. I have yet to own a minimalist shoe, but it is coming soon!

I do not think that I’m going to be converted into barefoot running 100% after I’ve done reading this book, but minimalist shoe if not the best, it is surely an ideal way to enjoy barefoot running. It does not hurt to find out about barefoot running if you are new to the scene.

Brooks Half Marathon

Date: 11 March 2012

My first ever half marathon! I was so pumped up and nervous at the same time. It’s now or never. But first in order for me to achieve this feat I need a wing man or running buddy whatever you want to call it, to give me that extra push and motivation to cross the finish line. That person would be none other than Farhan Hassan. He was very reluctant at first but after constant persuasion and assurance, I managed to talk him into running in the half marathon. It’s a win win situation. No matter what happen we got each other’s back. Obviously, both of us were anxious and worried as we did not know what to expect and how our body would react because we had never train or run such distance before.

My fitness and determination were not an issue, but what concerned me the most was that I went to an Underoath rock concert the night before the run. I rocked out so hard that at one point I did a stage dive and fell on my back! Plus with the constant head banging and moshing added to the mix. Surely those post concert fatigue will creep in during the run later on.

We arrived at Bukit Jalil stadium 30 minutes before the flag off. The closure of parking zone B in the stadium caused traffic jam as everyone trying to cram into parking zone A and C. This would later cause more traffic congestion as the 10km participants arrived as their flag off was an hour after the 21km flag off. The organizers should have more entrances open for runners to enter to the stadium to avoid congestion.

The starting and finishing line was inside the stadium which I think was cool. The atmosphere was electrifying. I heard somewhere that 6,800 runners registered and from what I observed, most runners came out for the main event. My new running shoe New Balance 1080v2 made its debut. It’s time to take my run more serious. As I’m doing more mileage, I need better cushioning and support when my legs are giving up on me towards the latter stage of the run. Nike Lunarglide+ 2 isn’t going to do the trick. Paan and I were all geared up with our new running bottle belts and powergels in stock. At 5.40 am the 21km run was flag off.

Our strategy for the run was to run for 25 minutes and have a 5 minutes recovery walk. On the 10km mark as the terrain changed with more climbs coming our way, we changed our game plan to walk during climbs and run during downhills and flats. After 14km, we started to slow down and resulted to walking for the rest of the run. The goal was to finish within the 4 hour mark which entitles runners for the mystery gift which I was hoping it would be a finisher tee. We crossed the finishing line after 3 hours and 42 minutes. Before entering the stadium to finish the run, I quickly ran back to the car to grab the camera (not every day you can run on the stadium track and be on the football pitch!) while Paan waited for me. He was suffering from mad crams in both his legs. I was proud of him as he battled through the pain. At times he gave me the green light for me to proceed, but not on my watch. This is not about chasing personal glory or satisfaction or that damn hopeful finisher tee. Starting the run was already a massive feat. Completing it would be a bonus.

No finisher tee as they hand us a bag containing a shoe bag, bottle of water, and the finisher medal. Even weird, the prize presentation and lucky draw stage was arranged inside the stadium which was inappropriate as most of the runners were directed to outside stadium to have their refreshments, chat and photo shot. As such many did not witness the prize presentation and missed out on the lucky draw as well. I was even more frustrated that the water melon and milo supplies were packed up early. I only managed to grab tau fu fa though. They should have stayed open until the event is all over to accommodate those runners who finished in late.

Nevertheless, it was a thrilling run and a great atmosphere. Now I can't wait to register for my next half marathon!

The satisfaction on Paan's face sums it all

Rocking the Rafael Nadal look

Sorry did we blind you! with Paan posing with our finisher medal

Ranked 1357 out of 1374 runners in the Men Open 21km category

Newton New Year Challenge

Date: 1 January 2012

Challenge accepted! Some people would question our sanity to partake in a run on new year's morning where most people are probably sound asleep after a night out on new year's eve. Reactions that I got from my friends when I'm telling them I'm crashing out early that night to wake up the next morning for a run totally puzzled them. "Who would run on new year's morning?" If you asked me that question a year ago, I would say "ko gile ke!" but now I'm one of them =P

The crew consists the usual suspects, Paan and Faiz. The run started off at 6.30 am for 12k. I thought we would be running around residential areas where the route supposed to be flat and fast. Well, I was right with the first part but I can assure you it ain't flat. There were nice uphill climbs along Persiaran Puncak Jalil and another climb along Paragon Heights. I gave myself a shout at the highest point of Puncak Jalil to keep myself going. It was a very quiet run, only 2 or 3 cars on the road and the fact everybody was pacing themselves during the climb controlling their breathing which leave no room for the occasional chit chat. After the last water station, I was quite surprised that we were fast approaching back the school area which was very near towards the finish line. I think not having the kilometers signage post put up to indicate how long the distance was a blessing in disguised. It took your mind off how far left you have to go and just concentrate and enjoy the run. After crossing the finish line, there were refreshments ready for the runners such as rambutans, milo and 100 plus.

Overall, I was really pleased with the event. Although it is small but well organized. What better way to usher in the new year by getting the heart pumped up so you can have a healthy and joyful year.

Here's to more running, great camaraderie & a healthy year

I'm in the top 100 out of 414 runners. not bad huh!?

Nike We Run KL 10k

Date: 27 November 2011

This time it was a party of three! Paan, Faiz and I were all geared up in our nike running shoes(the 20% discount off nike running product really hooked them to try on nike). Good marketing strategy by nike. No tummy ache. No cramps. I could not ask for a better running condition to be in right now. Totally focus and determine to beat my personal best.

The 7.00 a.m flag off was at Jalan Merbok the same as Standard Chartered KL Marathon. Lost sight of Paan as soon as I crossed the starting line. Ran alongside Faiz up until 5km or so before losing sight of him too. I noticed one barefoot runner. Hat off to him. I can see that barefoot running is making its mark here in Malaysia. Been incorporating barefoot running in my training to strengthen my leg muscles too.

The route took us along Jalan Damansara to KL Sentral. Then from Jalan Tun Sambathan to Jalan Kinabalu where everyone was crammed into 1 lane with KL morning traffic passing by runners on the ride lane. A welcoming uphill climb along Mahameru Highway which I think I overtook plenty of runners. Then, into the final turn to Jalan Parlimen before returning back to the Jalan Merbok crossing the finish line with a time of 1.01.46.

There were no finishing medals but they gave us a mini nike lunarglide+3 pendrive which was cool. Mizz Nina fired up the atmosphere making it felt like party. We crashed into the semi-VIP booth where we had our post race meals. The nike media interviewed me which I was rambling all the way with my answers. Overall a very fun run and a perfect way to close the calender year.

 Shah Alam Running Club presenting their first 3 members

Interview session - can't hear nothing, post run concert was in full force beside the booth

Next goal < 60 minutes

Even joined one of the running clinic held prior to the run

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2011

Date: 26 June 2011

The mind was willing but the body wasn't.

Yes we were there! All of us ran the 10k category. Started at 7am at Jalan Parlimen near Padan Merbok. and finished at Dataran Merdeka. Around 22,000 runners participated this year with different categories offered. My time was 1:27'42" along with Paan as we were running together all the way. Lost sight of him at the first water station. Apparently he didn't stop to take a sip. Faiz was way in front of us. According to him, his time was an hour. But time tracker don't lie. Later, I found he finished 1:19'00+". Still props to him. It is not a matter of who's the fastest, but who has the most guts. Thanks to Paan, Faiz, Azizan and Taqiuddin for participating. Hope what we do here could attract all our friends to be actively involve in running. Kudos to us all!

Pre run "The moment of truth" with Faiz and Paan at Padang Merbok

Post run glory with Azizan and Taqiuddin at Dataran Merdeka