Newton Challenge 25k

What better way to end 2012 with other than a 25k run which is the longest distance I've run so far. Funny thing is, I started the year with a 12k run at this very same event (New Year Newton Challenge), and now a year later to run in the 25k category feels so surreal. Not just the distance had changed, but also the faces I'm running with. No matter who I'm running with, I'm just happy I could share the passion and enthusiasm with them.

I'm not familiar with the area, so I did what everyone would do, googled map. Disappointingly on the morning of the race day I still got lost. Somehow, I ended up at Puchong IOI Mall. Turned back, and looked up for Bandar Kinrara signboards. After few turns, I arrived at the race venue with few minutes to spare before the run starts.

The flagged-off was at 5.30 a.m for the 25k category. Stopped for subuh prayer at surau Pangsapuri Enggang which was along the route 5k into the run. Honestly, I'd almost fall asleep while praying. From middle pack runners straight into last pack runners. A bit heavy to continue running because my body had already cool down and I was pretty sleeeeeeppy *yawn

From the previous newton challenge run here earlier this year, I knew what to expect, there will be climb, climb and MORE climbs =( but I welcomed the challenge with open arms. Not even one hill climb did I stop to walk. I kept running and maintained a steady pace, and on the descents I just let my body momentum carried me down the hill. The usual knee pain did come in the middle of my run, but it was bearable and by now I know that it is part of the struggles in my long runs that I need to endure.

So, basically, it's up and down and repeat it for another 20 times, and you'd reached the finish line. I had a bad sore throat the night before the run. Thankfully, the morning weather was cool and cloudy, so I can enjoy and focus on my run. 

Overall a great event. Got the opportunity to volunteer at the race pack collection. That was cool. The only downside was I didn't get my share of watermelons which I assumed the 12k runners already finished them up, and there were no milo booth which what the last event had.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, and the running and cycling community who supported and joined me on my running and cycling journey this year, directly or indirectly. Also, not forgetting my readers which I know I don't have many because my blog ain't that sort after, but still thank you for the 2 minutes of your time.

Photo by Lim Soon Chung

The run was dedicated to the Palestinian people. The struggles and sacrifices that the Palestinians are going through are never forgotten and always in our hearts and prayers.

The best way to sign off 2012 =D

Bash#219 Elmina, Shah Alam

Final bash for the year 2012 and it's a night ride at the vast palm oil estate of Elmina, Shah Alam. Rode here before with GTL (Gemuk Tapi Laju) MTBers during the month of Ramadhan in 2011. We started around midnight after terawih when all the food had been properly digested, and ended around 2-3 a.m. 

When it comes to night ride, I always have lighting issues. To make things worst, I only started to sort it out in the afternoon of bash day. Called everyone I know if I could borrow their lights. The always reliable Pak Mat lent me his DIY helmet lights but obviously the batteries were flat. Managed to get a good 1 hour of charging. Brought along my head light as back up and I'm glad I did. 

Brought out the Louis Garneau hard-tail bike which had been collecting dusts and spider webs in the storeroom. Riding with Uncle Jo who I believe did not miss a single bash this year. Not many riders turned out for the bash as it was on Saturday evening. The ride started at 6.30 p.m. I got too excited, I forgot to wear my gloves which I had already packed in the car.

The ride was fast and smooth up to the point where the long and short ride parted ways which was already 1/3 of the long ride according to the hare stationed there. The DIY helmet lights didn't even see any action as it wasn't bright enough. So, I took out my head lights and put in some new AAA batteries. Now with the extra weight on my head, I carried on into the darkness. 

At times when I was riding alone, I got the usual chill at the back spine. Couldn't ride fast because constantly looking out for papers. Over ran the paper trails about 3 times, but all with a group of riders. There this one situation where me and 2 other riders over ran a paper trail. Me and 1 of the riders decided to turn back to the last place we spotted a paper. However, the other rider stubbornly kept riding forward. He said he know that route is heading home. I gave him a shout telling him that I'm turning back and that we should follow papers. It's not a matter of getting back to home base, but it's a matter of riding the trails that the hares already set out for the bash ride.

Arrived back at the car after 2h 47m of riding. No mechanical break down from the bike, and no cramps from me which is always good. Another great night ride. Really need to get my own set of lights. I said this in my last night ride in Sepang. I'd even said this after I rode with GTL here a year ago =P

How we spent our Saturday evening

You can't never have enough headlights

Photo of KLMBH

Photo of KLMBH

Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon (old bridge)

I came, I ran, I conquered

Forever alone, unprepared, and excited at the same time, this is my journey at the Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon. This would be my furthest run event away from home so far. Initially, I was super excited for this run when I registered for it way back in June, but as the marathon date slowly approaching, I lost any sense of excitement as I felt that the run was a hassle for me, just to travel, run, and travel back. In the end, I'm glad I made the trip and it was worth it.

All the top reviewed guesthouses were fully booked during that weekend. So, I took the earliest bus from Shah Alam, tried my luck and walked in every guesthouses in Georgetown to see if there's any vacant bed/room. After almost 2 hour search, I finally came across Mallog Budget Hotel. It's not Shangri La, but you get what you've paid for. The owner was friendly. I had nasi dalca for dinner at one of the hawkers nearby before heading to the race site.

I registered for the half marathon category and the run started at 3 a.m. Free shuttle buses were provided from Penang Ferry Terminal towards the area opposite Tapak Pesta Sg. Nibong which was about 500m from the race site. Arrived at the race site around midnight and killed time by reading a book, catching a catnap, and walking around the race village snapping pictures. 

The first and last time running on the (old)Penang bridge

The men were flagged off first where as the women were flagged of 15 minutes later. Imagine how the elite women runners must have felt when they have to run passed by a couple thousands runners in front of them. Why the separate flag of time? It still puzzles me.


Right off the bat, I had stomach cramps. Then, 4k into the run, started to feel knee pain on my left knee. This really caught me off guard because usually those knee pain will only hit towards the end of my run. Thus, I was running with slight gimp from that point onwards.


Clear night sky, warm and there was barely a breeze. I was expecting it to be mad windy on the bridge but it wasn't. Took plenty of pictures on the bridge. For those who didn't know, this would be the last time the marathon will be held at the current bridge. Next year it would be held at the new bridge.

The iconic Penang Bridge. Been there, ran that

Try running barefoot for 6 hours just like this pacer!

Dude on a wheelchair blowing a whistle passing through runners. Necessary? Elite women runners past us but didn't have no whistle nor escorts

Something to read along the way

In the last 4k, the knee pain in both knees reached its limit, but this time around there was no muscle cramps. Crossed the finish line with an unimpressive time of 2:41'53" (unofficial). I've noticed that I always underperformed in runs that were held during wee hours. Perhaps due to the lack of sleep and rest, or lack of training!!? Hit the 100plus, milo and cereal booth for some refreshments. Collected my bag at the luggage counter. First time leaving my bag behind and there was no problem what so ever. Tired and sleepy, so didn't hang around long and took the shuttle back to Georgetown.


Kudos to all volunteers who tirelessly helped during the event. I saw few budak pengakap already sleeping on the side of the road. See you guys next year at the new bridge =)

My pace dropped in the last 4k =(

Some cool art works from my guesthouse to the Ferry Terminal. Even stopped by to write down my name

Can't simply take it off. On the ferry heading to Butterworth to catch the bus back home

Went straight to my friend's wedding that night. The run was dedicated to the newly weds Ella Elli and their husbands =D

Bash#217 Kg. Gerachi Jaya, off Kuala Kubu Bharu

I've been off the bike for 4 months and that's a long time in MTB world. Riding with hardcore bash rider, Uncle Jo. The trip took about 1hr 15mins from Kuala Lumpur. Arrived just in time for briefing. Registered and briefed, on on!

First, the warm up ride was up a really long steep road kinda reminiscing of Bukit Kiara. I thought if I start pushing here, where quite a number of riders did, its better for me to take the short ride if I want to live to see another bash. Simply because the pre-ride description said that this bash is going to be a hilly and steep terrain, and they didn't lie. Survived the warm up climb without pushing and was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Sungai Selangor Dam.

The trail started here. Descended into a fast switch back downhill. All fun fun fun, then came the first major hill. Here, I pushed my bike about 3/4 of the way. After 1 hour of hard pushing, finally reached the top and descended to an Orang Asli settlement in Kg. Gerachi Jaya. 

Here, the short and long rides parted ways. Had a slight contemplation to take the short ride, but since I was still feeling strong, so the long ride would be the obvious insane choice.

Reached the second hill where a hasher was on standby. He said that you can choose to go up the hill or down. Without thinking I went down and enjoyed the fast and sketchy gravel road. 

All I can remember after that sweet downhill was a single track leading towards Kg. Kolam Air. Let me sum up the journey; ride, climb, push, several small river crossing, climb, a really steep downhill, more climbs, starting to feel cramps on my thigh, one red bull and 1hr 30mins later, I was out into KKB housing area and rode back to the bash site.

Total ride was about 3hr 30mins. Thank you to the lady rider who gave me some electrolyte caps and the guy rider who helped stretched my legs when I got wicked cramps on my thigh towards the end at the housing area. Overall another great insane climb bash!

Sungai Selangor Dam

I wish I had that view in my backyard - Kg. Gerachi Jaya

Re-energized myself with Redbull somewhere in the jungle

Towards the end at Kg. Kolam Air

BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon

Away from the Piala Malaysia Final between ATM and Kelantan in Shah Alam which momentarily turned into Kota Bharu, I endured another half marathon adventure in the bright empty city of Putrajaya. Joined by virgin half marathoner, Dinie. We left "Kota Bharu" and never looked back.

An underrated event which consists of all the running categories to suit every level of runners from full marathon to 5k fun run. Flag-off was at 8.20 p.m infront of the Istana Kehakiman and off we go into the lifeless federal administrative center of Malaysia. The plan was to run with Dinie for the first 30 minutes but we managed only 7 minutes together. With the monsoon weather kicking in extra high gear lately, I was expecting a wet run. Thank God, dark storm clouds that were looming that evening had dispersed and the night sky was as clear as you can asked for.

One of many bridges in Putrajaya along the route

I had no intention of breaking my PB in the SCKLM because this time around I brought along a camera which I held uncomfortably in my hand wrapped in a plastic (expected it would be raining) as I wanted to stop and snap pictures along the way. Loving the group of people that cheered for the runners and made the night lively at least to their best effort. There were moments when some uncivilized impatient drivers honking non-stop as they were held up by traffic police to let runners past through. What's the hurry!? What does Putrajaya has to offer that you can't wait for 30 minutes the most !?!?

Barefoot runner running past me =P *salute

The  extraordinary sights and sounds along the route

Moving on. I had a steady 10k with 1:02', which turned into a bad 8k after that, and finally became the worst 3k of my life. I was battling mother of all cramps in both of my calf and hamstring, plus excruciating knee pain. There could be two reasons for my injuries here. First, I'd may not warmed up properly which was only a slow jog of 300m from the car to the race site and some light stretches. Second, the shoes (NB 1080v2) may not fit my running profile. Gotta go get them Newtons =P

The last 3k of the run took me almost 30 minutes.  I was limping, walking, massaging and stretching them cramps on the side curbs and continued running with a gimp. I felt like there's a baby alien about to pop out from inside of my leg. I managed to push through the pain with the help from the cheering crowd that grew louder as I was approaching the finish line. Crossed the finish line with 2:35'20", collected the finisher tee and medal and went straight to the third last place any runner would never wanted to end up in; the medical tent (1st: back of an ambulance van, 2nd: sweeper bus), to get some ice treatment. Great job to the medical team. They were very helpful and kind.

ICE ICE BABY~

Once the legs felt better, I went to my favorite part of the event, the finish line, cheering runners on. Overall great event, love the finisher tee. Best one I had so far. Pretty bummed out that the milo station packed up early. 

With Dinie minus my shoes

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