Newton Challenge 2013 - race report

So just like that 2013 came to an end. Newton Challenge had been my year end run for the past 3 years. It was held at Bandar Kinrara, Puchong. The weather that morning was perfect. It didn't rain the night before and it was a cool and dry morning. Left the house around 4.30 am. Arrived at the race venue with couple of minutes to spare before the flag off. Park my car inside the mosque parking area which is beside the race venue and quickly hustled my way towards the starting line. I was joined by Faiz who was doing his first 25km run cum half marathon distance. 

I thought I was still in bed dreaming when I saw a unicorn.
A girl in a unicorn suit and she did 25km. Kudos!

The 25km run was flagged off at 5.30 am. The route was the same as last year's. Bumped into a fellow triathlon friend Amir who is planning to join next year's Malaysia half and full Ironman. Chatted with him until we reach a surau at a nearby apartment complex around KM4 for our subuh prayer. After done with prayer, I continued running and there were only several runners spotted in sight. I liked it for change as it was way quieter and more peaceful compared to being in the middle of the pack with thousands of runners where it is hard to get a clear run ahead.

The 3:00 hour pacer

The climbs that this place is famous (that's why they called it Newton Challenge and not Newton Run) for has now turned into a joyful ride for me. The climbs uphill were not so bad now compared to what I had described 2 years back when I first started here. I'm still slow on the ascends but man do I love the descends that comes afterwards. Thank you strong knees!

Spotted several familiar faces along the way. There was Izzati who was also doing her first 25km run cum half marathon distance. Only drinking water was provided at all water stations. At about KM21 the 15km runners converged with the rest of the 25km runners to run the final stretch back towards the finish line. Crossed the finish line at 2:49'38"(official) and 2:35'17"(stopwatch: excluding prayer break). Collected my finisher medal. There was queue building up for at the watermelon booth, so I skipped that and went straight for the 100 plus booth. Chilled out at the finish line to cheer runners on and snapped few photos. Later I had breakfast at a Terengganu restaurant located inside the mosque premise where the rice for the nasi lemak was in green in color.

With Nasrul, Rifdi, Amir and Faiz after our run.
Thanks Amir and Faiz for bending down. Now I'm the tallest!

That is all from me for 2013. It's been an incredible ride. Alhamdullilah for the good health and friends I've made during the year. My highlight of the year got to be the Seremban Half Marathon where I clocked my first sub-2 hour half marathon. Plus that was the only run I ran outside of Selangor this year. I got one DNS which was the Penang Bridge Marathon. Last but not least, thank you all that have taken their time to read my blog. I appreciate it greatly. May 2014 be another great running adventure for all of us. Happy new year everybody  (=

Bash#231 Taman Wetland, Putrajaya

Date: 15 December 2013
Distance: 16km (short ride)
Hares: Geoff Foote, Mike Grover, Riza Shaharudin



My last bash was back in June and finally got the chance to ride the last bash of the year. I didn't have any time on my bike between that period. With that said, I was not "bash-fit". I always thought that it's going to be easy and relaxing. But the reality was, it's always hard. Even waking up on a Sunday morning was already a challenge for me.

This time around the bash was held at Taman Wetland, Putrajaya. Riding with Johan and took the truck out for the first time to carry our bikes. We got lost to find the place. We circled Persiaran Sultan Sallahudin Abdul Aziz Shah like three times. As we arrived at the bash site the ride had already started. We registered quickly and off we went.

At first, we were riding on pavement in Taman Wetland. It's good to get the legs warmed up when you got no time to do pre-stretching which nobody in the bash does anyway. Then we got onto the tracks in the area. Then there was a nice detour to Taman Saujana Hijau which is a well managed public park. Here I took lots of photos of the park when all of the sudden mother nature called, and that's the last thing you want when you're out riding. Good thing there was a public toilet on top of the hill. If it was one of the other bash rides, I would most probably gone Tarzan.

Scenic view at Taman Saujana Hijau

One of the many hurdles that day

So I was among the last riders if not the last one that made it out of the park. There was like no way I could catch up with the FRBs now. So I was riding alone until I reached a ditch. Here I managed to catch up with several riders and some riders caught up with me too. Then continued riding through a palm oil plantation. After all that, I thought the ride was about to end much to my delight. But then when I was riding into the MARDI gate entrance I saw Riza was waiting. He told me that I had just completed the short ride route and I still have half way to go to finish the long ride. It took me 2 hours to complete a simple 16KM short ride and I got another 16KM MARDI tracks which will just get harder from there on. So I decided to chicken out and returned back to the car knowing that I was already a bit worn out and my upset tummy wasn't helping at all.

Riza laying out what's to be expected ahead

Only managed to join 4 bash rides this year where I did only 2 long rides. Hopefully next year would be a better cycling year for me. Till then happy new year everybody!

2XU Compression Run - race report

I really like the 2xu race vest because it's in black(predominantly)! Rarely will you see running organizer donning the color black as their race vest. Last time was last year's Nike Run, and the design was ugly and the material was horrible. I like the 2xu vest so much that I wore it straight away after collecting it and put my Man Utd jersey away. Went about my day and had a quick workout session at Taman Tasik Shah Alam donning the new vest with pride. 

The run was held at Padang Merbok, and the flag off for the 15km category was at 6 a.m. It's been raining every evening since the monsoon season arrived. We were welcomed with more rain in the morning of the run. There was a slight delay on the flag off. At first, I thought the starting line was going to be along Jalan Parlimen where most 10k runs that I had joined always held at. However, for this run it was held behind Padang Merbok along a much narrowed Jalan Berjasa. 

THE CHALLENGE

One thing I know from running 10k runs that starts from Padang Merbok that there is going to be a lot of hills. There were two notable hills that stand out and makes you want to stop and walk. I would totally do exactly that if its a really long run to conserve energy, but given that this is a 15k short run, so I took up the challenge. I just slowly paced myself up those hills. Well most would struggled on the ascends, I on the other hand, struggled on the descends. Those steep downhills can really put your calf to work. As my footwear of choice for this run was Vibram FiveFingers, I could not descend as fast as I wanted to.

THE IDIOTS

As bad as the hills and the weather were, what ticked me off the most was irresponsible runners throwing cups and energy gels into the greens. Why the hell did you do that!! Bad enough that we are littering at every water stations(at least volunteers going to pick those empty cups up), and now you have to throw yours at the forest. Who's going to pick your shit up?? The monkeys!?!? STUPID!!! 

THE VIEW

With every climb, we were rewarded with awesome views of the KL skyline especially at the top of Bukit Tunku. Found out later that this hill is HAUNTED!!! This was where runners had to make a U-turn and run down the same road they ran up. I like the scene where descending runners gave words of encouragement and high fives to runners ascending. This was where I saw most of my friends.

Petronas Twin Towers on the horizon

The view of KL skyline from the top of Bukit Tunku 

Crossed the finish line at 1:36'43". I was surprised that it was a small scale event given that the brand sponsor was big. There were no other sponsors, so the likes of milo and other additional refreshments were not provided. Thus, leaving me to make an early exit as I was starting to get hungry.

BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon 2013 - half marathon race report

Since I started joining running events, I always envy runners who wear costumes or any sort of party props. It takes the mind off the distance that one must cover and put a smile on others. Besides that, it sends a message to others especially non runners, that running is fun. Since it was a night run, so I figured to get in the act, I bought a pack of glow sticks. Simple and nothing too dramatic, but just enough to join the party. This was my second time running in the half marathon category in the BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon. I didn't have a good outing last time around. Ended up in the medical tent after crossing the finish line. Thankfully this year I ended up at Dutch Lady chocolate milk booth. 

The venue of the race was at Precint 3, Putrajaya, where Istana Kehakiman being the backdrop of the start and finish line. Arrived at the venue a couple of minutes before 7 p.m and parked my car near Masjid Besi. The full marathon category was flagged off at 8 p.m and the half marathon category was flagged off at 8.20 p.m. Once I'm satisfied with the amount of glow sticks on me, I gave some to my friends and few that left to other runners at the starting line. 

The first 5KM was hard to run because you got too little space between you and the person running in front of you. It was a cool and breezy night due to heavy rain earlier in the evening. Plus, there was a short drizzle during the run. The route was the same as last year's. I stopped at the water station at around KM12 for a banana and another water station at KM16 for a refill in my water bottle. 

Crossed the finish line at 2:10'04". Again the elusive sub 2-hour eluded me. But this time around I was not so bumped out about it because I came into the run with the mindset to have fun. Sometimes you are so hooked on to the figures such as the pace you're at, distance covered, distance to go, personal best etc. You forgot the real reason why you run at the first place. You should just let it sink, from the pain and suffering to the freedom and joy that running gives you. People should take it easy and have fun. I suggest that everyone should try at least once to wear a costume or a party prop, because it's ten times more fun! 

Collected the finisher medal, refreshments, and finisher tee. I really like the color of the finisher tee for half marathon category. It's like this green slight blueish color. Can't say the same for the full marathon category finisher tee which is in pink. Guys, I feel your pain. It hurts more to wear pink than running 42KM right?! LOL Let's look at it in a different perspective where you guys are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.  

Finally, quick shout out to Mira and Haqim for completing their first 10k run. Always love to see new faces in the running scene. The excitement on their faces talking about their runs, reminds me of my first time running in a big running event. Great jobs guys and keep running!

Remember to have fun with your run =)

BHP Orange Run 2013 - race report

Go minimal or go nothing at all

I don't usually enter 10k runs lately. But if I do, I make sure it's cheap! BHP Orange Run fits the bill. It was the cheapest road race in the Klang Valley with entry fees of only RM5. Plus, all the proceed from the entry fees goes to charity. You can't beat that! Next, I did what I would usually do, persuade and gather as many friends to participate in the run. I was so proud and happy when everybody showed up. I had my doubts but they proved me wrong. Nice!!! This is the 8th year of the BHP run. Just keep the fees low and I'll support it every year! Other companies who wants to do CSR running event should follow suit. Just give us the bib number. No need all those timing chips and running t-shirts. That would only add up in the entry fees. Boooo!

The run was held at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara and it took us through housing areas around the area. The women was flagged off first and followed by the men flagged off 15 minutes later. You can not ask for a better morning weather. Cool and breezy with a little touch of morning sunshine. I decided to run in my VFF which would be the shoes first event ever. My legs held up well in this run. Finished in 1:05'38". Lined up to collect the goody bags and attacked the refreshments booths of gatorade, nasi lemak, teh tarik, milo and cereal. I really took my time there, enjoyed the entertainment performances while waiting and looking for my friends. 

Going to keep it short here. There is the BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon coming up in a week time. I'll be running in the half marathon category. Looking forward for that run. Besides that, Raya Haji is just around the corner. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim readers Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha. Drive safely for those who are driving back to their hometown. Happy holidays! =)

Chasing our own shadows with Awi

Let the drummer kick

The whole gang.
 Glad I could share the run with you guys.
 Appreciate it so much.
 Thank you for joining! =)

SCKLM 2013 - half marathon race report

SCKLM 2013 finally went under way after it was postponed back in June due to "worsening" haze condition at the time. Nonetheless, dubbed as the biggest running event in country. About 33,000 runners turned out this year from all categories. I know people who who would not run a single event this year, would make an exception for this event. I guess it's more than just running, it's a festival. Again, I ran in the half marathon category for the second year in a row. My aim was to have a sub 2-hour finish. That has been the case in every half marathon races I'd entered since Seremban HM back in July. 

Transportation

This is the first time I didn't drive all the way to KL because from what I had learned from last year, the detour from road closures can be a headache. So I took the LRT instead from Asia Jaya to Masjid Jamek. Met up with Awi and had my Subuh prayer there. A quick jog to Dataran Merdeka and by the time I dropped off my bag at the baggage counter the half marathon had just been flagged off. I did a quick warm up stretch. I repeat a QUICK stretching which I would later sadly regret T_T

On deck at 5:00 a.m

On board

Mind games

So basically I started from the back of the pack. A quick catch up with Awi, absorbing the energy around me, and getting the legs warmed up and the sweats out. I think I was going pretty fast passing through runners. I always say that the 'real' run only starts after the first 30 minutes. That's where I would evaluate my run. Unfortunately, it wasn't looking good for me. Around KM5, I knew something wasn't right. I felt tightness on my right calf. I decided not to hold my earlier pace for fear that my calf would cramped up and ruin my entire run. So I dropped a pace thinking I still have a long way to go. 

I kept looking at my watch to see my timing and compared it with the markers along the route. I was behind; didn't even make KM10 under an hour. In my mind, I was thinking of many reasons that could have possibly made me suffer the muscle stiffness so early in my run. Then I diverted my attention on how to pace myself. I started targeting runners in front of me for me to overtake. One after another. From young to old. From slow to fast. 

When I reached KLCC about KM15 I decided to take out my camera and snapped some photos. This was where the half and full marathon runners would part ways. I cheered on those full marathon runners that were near me and wish them all the best. At KM18 or so, I found another motivation to keep me going. I wanted to better my time from last year's. So I found another gear in my legs and took off.

Approaching KLCC

Good to see the full marathon runners still in good spirit

I would have to say the best part of any run is right before the finish line. Where the spectators' cheers got louder. No matter how tired you are, the energy from the crowd will give you as much lift as you need to run and push across the finish line. Some runners would slow down at take it all in. Some runners would take it as an advantage to speed up to chase a PB. It's kinda like a victory lap where you know it will soon be over. The finish line is within your grasp.

Runners cheering on runners

Collected my medal and some light refreshment such as banana, apple and a can of 100 plus. Then went straight to the baggage counter to collect my belongings. Again it was quick and there were no queues. Credit to the volunteers and organizers for that! Great to see the number of people I know at this event is getting larger by the year. Hopefully to see some family members next year. My mom already started asking about upcoming running events. Chilled about an hour there searching, waiting, posing for the camera with friends before I made move. The cloudless morning made the sun's glare and heat somewhat uneasy to chill for long.

Baggage counter: Grab and go

Thank you all who had trained with me for the past months. Thank you all for the wishes and kind messages. Big shout out to Dinie who let me borrowed his water belt so I could fit my fat phone in plus my camera. Lastly, thank you all volunteers who sacrificed their sleep to come out and help. I see you! Although running is an individual sport, you guys make it feels as if it is not =D



 Next year's aim, FULL MARATHON !! Here we go !!

Doing my part - cheering runners on! My choice of words was "don't keep calm, keep running!!!"