Brooks Half Marathon 2012

11th March, 2012

Venue : National Stadium Bukit Jalil

Distant : 21km

 Before the start of the run @ 5.15am

 Race starting time was supposed to be 5.30 am but  was  8 minutes behind schedule. Can you spot me running beside H?

 

Bib collected at Brooks The Curve

Another medal!

Goodies bag and the mystery gift.

1st HM for the year.  Didn't get the Pb I first intended  but nonetheless enjoyed the run and loved the route.

Upon signing up, knee was still good. Then during training knee felt not good and not the same anymore. *funny & cute...right?* I do not have this problem earlier. But still I went there and felt daunted with doubt in mind whether I can finish the 21km. Left knee was acting up on me and  I took every step cautiously as not to push myself and over strain my left knee.  With that in mind my goal was to finish the run and forget about the PB. Felt pain now and then *ouch* but nothing too serious to give up, just slowed down and  shifted more weight on my  right good leg. As a result of that, my right calf muscle was most painful for a couple of days ... sigh.

Finished I did.

What I will remember most.....

* My first time inside National Stadium Bukit Jalil ;)

* Did not overtake my running partner H at any point during the run as I always  did :(

* Many angry and impatient motorist honking :(

* Seeing the break of dawn at 10km mark :)

* Many photographers took pictures as we ran inside the stadium towards the finish  line...sure felt glamour for awhile heheh... ;)

* My 1st run with a knee pain :( I know...should go and see doctor lah

* Left the place missing my previous 'good' knee...where did it go? :(

Am I giving up running? Nope. Not just yet  and my brand new Brooks Ravenna 3 confirms it! Fits very nicely and comfy. Am itching to try it out at the next run which gonna be....

Otto Hutt Dragon Back Run

1st January, 2012

Venue : Kelab Penembak Bandar Di Raja Klang

Distant : 15KM

One of the toughest route with 8 big hills and not counting the slopes but I managed to conquer it all and survived to write it hahah... Tough and yet challenging at the same time...my strategy was to walk uphill and run downhill. Envied those who can run up hill effortlessly. Taking one hill at a time, with rubbery legs, after each hill it left me breathless and counting on my knees to steady me...and taking a deep breath before climbing the next one.  The road is long and straight and after one hill the next one is in sight. One hill at a time, I can do it, the end is near...that was my mantra...phewww!!!

It was quite lonely at first, not until a familiar rear sight caught my eyes...You guessed it right...caught up with Herman at 6km. Asked him as always..."What happen to you?". Actually, he was having an energy bar and had some near cramp episode and thus had to walk...The qualifying time given was 3 hrs. Plenty of time and no pressure to finish fast...So the rest of the km was done running, walking and chatting, huffing and puffing. 

At the finish line, Azza was there waiting for me and gave me a "high 5". Appreciated the   moral support. You did swell!

Every time I see a hill, I changed to walking mode. Lacking of leg power, stamina are some of the reasons. So, my resolution for this year 2012 is to run uphill instead of walking. This is my personal challenge. Can I do it?

 

 The NB shoe and the lucky no. that won him the grand prize. The price tag is RM299.00

Two weeks ago Herman fell down at Malakoff and got an early Christmas and New Year ang pow. This time  the fate changed and was so lucky to have won the grand prize for the lucky draw. Definitely a good way to start the new year and I hope all things good will follow thru out 2012. Unfortunately, the shoe doesn't fit and the sponsored items are not exchangeable. Looks like we have to look for a buyer who wears size US 6 1/2.  Wonder why don't they give NB vouchers instead?

First finisher medal and certificate for the year. Nice and I loved it!

Happy New Year. Hope 2012 will be a good year for my family, friends and everyone. Peace on earth and hope no natural disaster :)

    

Malakoff 12km

18th December, 2011

Venue : Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, K.L

This was  our 1st Malakoff run and we managed to squeeze in one last run before the year exit 2011. We expected it to be hilly but  I always reminded myself that surely there is nothing more brutal than the meru hill and besides will take this challenge as part of our training for the upcoming dragon back run on 1.1.12...the rolling killer hills of meru aha!

It was 5.15 a.m when we reached the venue and having found a parking spot at the roadside, we could now relaxed and took a short nap, put our running gears on and I even had my breakfast of bread in the car which was quite hard to swallow so early with plain water...(had milo earlier at home)...

Next we walked down towards the clubhouse and looked for the international sign which was the toilet...and a long queue awaited us...and we thought we were early...Anyway, walked further down to the start/finish line and around the vicinity. Had sampling of nestle finesse cornflakes and powerbar...again I find it difficult to swallow it this early...

Didn't had a good night sleep last night probably because of an overloading of dim sum which was very salty and then later for dinner a plate of fried kuey teow ... salty also...what happen I don't know...could be the cook not in a good mood! Anyway, told Herman its our substitute for ORS to avoid cramp for tomorrow run hehehee...

Then waited for the start off time and there were no one to warm us up and apparently we have to do our own warm up session...somehow I felt the atmosphere was lacking of excitement...or was it me?

The run began at 7a.m for women and 7.10a.m for men. I paced myself but only for about 300m, then its was uphill right up to the main road in which I walked. The  loop began from the main road. There were 2 big uphill task along Jalan Beringin, Bukit Damansara and  we have to do a  2nd loop and face both hills again. Running downhill was a breeze with no brakes. Uphill was torturous even just by walking and still managed somehow.

Collected the goodie bag and after which I had fried mee and tau foo fah for breakfast while waited for my partner. Wonder what was taking him so long???

Finally he called and said he had a fall. I hope it was nothing serious. Only about a month ago, he tripped while jogging...OMG...not again. I now know why I had a bad feeling on the way here and wanted to tell him to cancel it.

Anyhoo...this was his story and created history at Malakoff..."I slipped on the sandy bump and knew I was going to fall and tried to steady myself but still lost my balance and fall hard to the ground. Luckily a chinese couple who were near behind helped me up and asked me if I was ok or not. Said I am ok and continued running to the finish line with the couple behind me...and immediately went for medical aid. Malu only they were video taping me at the same time. I am going to claim my PA insurance"

Injuries sustained on the right palm and right knee after the nasty fall. Except for the palm, the knee was injured again at the same spot while jogging a month ago...

He skipped the breakfast. Left the place and drove straight to a clinic in Klang. The doc gave him a jab and 2 weeks of medical leave. Herman said "This is an early Christmas gift and New Year angpow. Everything happen for a reason, I know myself...think positive" Well...good thing he had PA insurance.

The finisher medal

I wish him speedy recovery as the dragon back run is around the corner soon.

We Run KL 10K

27th November, 2011

Venue : Padang Merbok, K.L

This year the route was much more interesting as we ran through historical places of Kuala Lumpur. Along the routes, we passed by Parliment Negara, Muzium Negara, Little India, KL Sentral, Masjid Negara,  Tugu Negara and back to the finish line at Padang Merbok. It's a great and fun way to know KL thru this kind of event.

    

The finisher item. Cool, Cute & Chic Pen drive

At first I was not keen on signing up for this event but changed my mind after seeing the nice tee shirt..I liked it.

Then I was not keen on running on that day cos no doubt I will get  a finisher toy like last year...I disliked it.

But not bad at all this time to have a pen drive after we crossed the finish line...I loved it.

Now I will join this event every year! Just do it.

Gonna store all my running medal, running photos and all things running in this cutest pen drive.

CICM Responsible Care Run 2011

13th November, 2011

Venue : Setia Alam Welcome Centre

Distant : 10km

Another running event at Setia Alam, this time was organised by CICM.

It was really great to come back here again this year to participate it. Loved the route..clean, quiet environment, flat road and not so much traffic gave me a peace of mind to really enjoy and finished the run as fast as my legs can go.  And though I didn't finished in record breaking, podium standing time...I thoroughly enjoyed it all from the beginning till the end of the lucky draw. Haha..still no luck in getting a prize but what the heck...the actual prize is the feeling of contentment and happiness in participating it!!

Food, drinks, fruits were aplenty to pamper us...What else should I ask for??

Am proud to say I finished in position 123...there you go ... I conquered the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position at one go..heheheh...

Cheers!

NB Run For It 5

11th September, 2011

Time flies...seems like a very long time since  the last time I joined a running event and this is my 1st finisher medal for the year...'wa lau eh'. With no prior running at all for so so... very long (just walkabout at the jogging area) and with a few extra kilos on board (sigh), I am glad that I did  sign up for this 'run for it 5' event. Today weather is nice and cooling, perfect for outdoors activities. Except for blisters on the sole of my foot,  it kinda  keep the flame and passion of running on going again. Yay, after crossing the finishing line in slow mo, I know in me, all is not lost yet and am optimistic all will turn out well. I will be joining more events in time to come until I cant run no more hehehe...

Miss the crowd, miss the goodies bag, miss the fun atmosphere, miss my sweaty smell and miss the good use of my two legs :) Gonna keep on moving...

Thanks to KPAC for making this an annual event and am looking forward for 2012 run for it 6. I especially like the lucky draw cos everyone looked so hopeful to win a prize, holding on to the precious bib no. and getting ready to make a dash to the podium to claim it. Me included. I nearly win one but missed by a single digit....hehehe...so near yet so far.

Unlike the 2 previous years, we run a different route this time which is very near around my housing area, passes by a few nasi lemak stalls and am tempted to  drop in the house for a quick stop but on second thoughts forget it because once in the house I might just take a shower, change and continue with my sleep or have a cup of coffee with nasi lemak. I like this route better though and Herman do agreed with me.

CICM Resposible Care Run 2010 and a break....

28th November, 2010

This was my final run for the year. I had no particular target except to finish in time and to snap some pictures so that the  memories are not  lost or forgotten. I did finished on time in 1hr 29min and in a nice  position of 123  for my category.

The running tee. 

Picture taken from  the above Stadium National Bukit Jalil. Warming up session in progress at the   middle of the giant keris.

 

2 thumbs up for a good run and a good weather.

Before a run, must always rub shoulder with Azza. Hope to rub off some running speed of hers and pass on to me...hehehheh... Shhhh...she doesn't know it yet. 

 

What a colorful finishing line!

Position card collection area. I like the 1 Malaysia structure.

 Along Kesas Highway near Sri Petaling.

Left turn towards the National Hockey Stadium.

 

One of the many stadium.

 

 Along the route, near the bus station and I stumbled upon this river. Sooo enticing and wanna dip, dip in it. Perhaps, I should switch to water rafting instead. Switch to using my arms instead of my legs and to give my tired legs a break from running. Anyone??

 Another stadium.

Halfway mark.

International Medical University

 Turning towards Taman Esplanad.

 Markers that are near to one another. I appreciate that.

Ahh...1 km to go but lo and behold, the ascending hill were not far off.

The hills. Long and steep.

hills.....I like it.

 

Revive Isotonic drinks, water melon, gradenia bread, packets of nasi lemak and vico drinks for all.

 The finisher medal that come in a pretty gift box. Nice.

My bib.

The goody bag comes with the measuring tape, vico 3 in 1, and the marathon shop discount voucher.

run, run, run

A friend of mine asked me, has the novelty (of running) wore off because my blog seem to be getting shorter and shorter. I said 'no lah'. The reason is I am not good at it and I try my best  to write and besides I like reading books than writing. It was all for the fun of it - the running, the writing and the pictures, it was an activities by itself. As this is  my last run for the year 2010 and having done it mostly on local ground, my actual plan is to  try each different run for at least once. There are some events and routes that I like and some may not, as it all depends on the organizers and I do not mind hills.

Next year I will select and choose events that I like and  include  events that I missed out this year. As for the distance, it depends on my capabilities at that time. Getting a new PB is not impossible, if I put my mind and heart to it .  I am thankful, I did not sustain any injury thus far except for a few black toes and drop off toe nails in exchange for better health and fitness.

My resolution for next year is to  join  outstation events as many as possible,  sort of like holidays cum running. That would be nice if I have the time and the money to stretch and instead of burning a hole in the pocket. From race kit collection and race day itself,  it is not cheap considering the joining fee, petrol, toll charges and other running cost. Nothing is free!!! 

But then again, if the medal is nice and appealing, please forgive me for stating the above cos I will just go and run, run, run :)

So, a month break sounds damn good. Going to the gym for aerobic, yoga and  strength workout  will help me maintain my current fitness and no issues when switching back to running later on.

My other resolution for next year is to  attempt  42.195km. Yikes or Yeayy!??

PBIM 2010

21st November, 2010

 

 Thanks June for the invitation to join you on this trip.   On my own I wouldn't have done it. Really had fun with you girls and it was nice meeting some  of your friends as well.

 Thanks Azza for the encouragement and support you had given me. Err...you are the true anak orang  Penang hehehe...had a good laugh in the car on the way to and fro Gurney Drive. I find it humorous the drama between you and June ..hahaha...jom, kita jalan-jalan Penang one day!!

Me - in the blue tee

PBIM kit that was couriered to my house.

 My 3rd  and final half marathon  for the year 2010. Personally, it was one of the toughest and hardest to earn  a finisher medal.

At 3.15am, we were flagged off and headed towards a good start and was looking forward to reach the bridge. At 6km, caught up with Azza and  Fara, had a short chat and overtook them. Was planning to enjoy the rest of the run but frustration started to set in when  heavy rain started to pour down at 6.5km at the Penang bridge. Had to quickly deposit my ipod, nike bracelet, phone and gel  into a plastic bag. With all my worldly possessions in my pocket, it was a battle against nature and one cold, shivering boring walk with soggy socks and shoes. Being bespectacled, my vision was blurred from that point onwards.

My actual plan was to finish with Azza and Fara but with this kind of rain, I know I'll slack behind. Damnit! The rain lasted about an hour and was reduced to a  drizzle until finished. Thrice the ambulance passed by and thrice I was tempted to stop it and take the easy way out but chose not  to cos it'll be 'game over' if I do that. I was tempting fate and testing my own determination on how far I can go. Once I was tempted to take shelter in the plastic toilet but wouldn't want to take risk fainting  inside with the stench.  It did cross my mind  why I put myself in this freaking  situation in the 1st place.  As I looked around, I said to myself 'hey, I'm not the only one', there are many many runners way far behind me. 

Made small talk with a young guy and what do you know...found out he is also from Klang and staying near my house. Another lady was seen hugging herself and walking.  I saw many runners looking downwards and walking slowly, only if I could read their mind and know what they are thinking. Anyway, few still put  up some effort to run, kudos to them, probably it could be their 1st  marathon.A few runners cheated and crossed over the divider at the bridge.

 I grabbed 2 buns from the water station and had to eat it fast before it turned soggy in the rain. I have no complains about the water stations though as there were plenty of water coming from the above. To make matters worse, the marker was so far apart. By right the organizer should put up a marker at  every km, it does help in this kind of situation for us to set our target and  to pace oneself.  I asked two volunteers at that time  and  it irks me to hear them say 'I don't know' . What....?? I remember this matter was brought up by June during the PBIM meet runners session in PJ about 2 months earlier - that  volunteers should  know  where they are  in case runners asked them.  Must have fallen on deaf ears, I guess!  On a personal note, I hate  running in the rain.

The worst was not over yet. Making our  way towards the finishing line, nearly got stampeded by the 10km runners that started later that morning. It was absolute chaos!

Crossed the damn line, collected my medal and immediately went back to the hotel. Into the elevator with 2 other runners and I told them 'the rain  was terrible'. And one of them said to me 'It's a different kind of experience'. What he said does make sense! If I have a second encounter of the same kind, I will remember these words....    

'IT'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPERIENCE'