Singapore Half-Marathon 2005

Work work work
Immediately after my 2-week mandate leave, there was an ISO audit and compliance deliverables, which took up 12 hours daily. While the audit was expected, the other wasn't. Singapore Marathon was not in my mind. I contemplated of foregoing the event since I may not meet the work deadline, no transportation back and low mileage.

In the end, my sister-in-law's family decided to join us for the Singapore trip. SIL's husband drove like a Formula 1 driver. He drove the Toyota Innova at a constant speed of 150km/hr even overtook a police car! Took less than3.5 hours to reach the Tuas border.

The Singapore map I bought 2 years ago was extremely useful. Reached SuntecCity at 1 p.m. The Sports Expo was full of Pacesetter members donning the trademark bright yellow T-shirt. I felt a sense of pride to be associated with the fellow Malaysian runners.

Nice Climalite
The staff manning the counters were well trained and courteous. Collected a shoe bag with a nice Adidas blue Climalite vest. I now have 3 vests: Nike, NB and Adidas - all from race events! Bought the shuttle bus ticket at $3. Hive of activities going on. Observe with awe a 6-year-old girl doing 20-feet rock climbing. Couldn't stay long as my nieces were waiting on the ground floor.

SIL and spouse being devote gamblers asked me to find a 4-D shop as they have just visited the Fountain of Fortune and wanted to buy my bib number. A salesman told us to try Peninsular Plaza. After walking for hours, I rested my legs by sitting on a walkway. Mee Peng came out from a shop and exclaimed "Look WHO IS HERE!". It was Dr. Jamie! We greeted each other and it was good to see him. We have been SMSing each other since our journey from KL.
Finally, we left the city center and drove towards Woodlands where we stayed in my cousin-in-law’s place for the night.

3:40 a.m.
Was up at 3:40 a.m. I had pre-packed all the necessities in individual transparent zipper plastic bags: PowerBar, multi-vits, cereal, Vaseline, Counterpain, contact lenses etc. Wore the Brooks Forza for the first time.We just missed the 5 a.m. shuttle bus from Woodlands stadium by seconds and had to wait for the 5:30 a.m. one.

Samba
Reached the Esplanade Bridge around 6 a.m. Aiya! The Full Marathoners have just taken off! The MC psyched the runners up with a barrage of disco beats and inspiring statements. My thoughts were with first-timer Ben and veteran Jamie.

Within minutes, the half-marathoners assembled inside the pen. I try to look for a familiar face but found none. I was calm. With the ever-motivating MC hyping the kind of music that makes you think that this is indeed "the greatest race on earth", I was eager to take-off.

Go!
My start was charged with adrenaline, I ran the first 2km in sub-12 minutes.
There were so many water stations – every 2km. The 500 ml water bottles were in a way wasted as many just had a few gulps and threw the rest away. Perhaps, the water manufacturer could come up with 250-300ml water bottles specifically for race events – the size you find in Spritzer’s Soda Pop. Noticeably missing were sponge stations. I find cold sponging helps to dissipate heat from the head and alleviate sore muscles.

This is one race where you are never alone. There were runners everywhere: front, back, side and opposite. Most of the roads U-turn back hence you’ll see runners from the opposite direction. Initially, I ran on the right side of the road to catch a glimpse of the returning runners but stop soon after I felt dizzy.

10 km
The distance markers were displayed at every km. Even the water stations had “….150m to water station” signboards. The Marshals were doing a fantastic job. Instructions were non-ambiguous and crystal clear “Runners move to your left!!! (when we approach a left turning bottle neck).….10k Runners U-turn to your RIGHT, the REST go straight!”. I reached the 10km mark in 1:04:37, which was 1-2 minutes behind my usual split. From here onwards, I struggled to maintain a sub-7min/km pace.

The sun was rising from the East Coast. Even though this is my 5th half-marathon, experience itself cannot save me from the lack of training. I drank as much water as my stomach could hold without feeling bloated.

I took the Lime PowerGel at the 12th km. Exiting Marina South, coming back to the Esplanade Bridge, there were many SLR photographers and almost non-existent cheerleaders. If I am not mistaken, there was only one pom-pom group. Since the bibs are only place in front and none at the back, it was difficult to correlate your position or pacing with the other runners. There was no human yardstick.

After the bridge, I kept looking in front for the final U-turn; many have made their turn. The sun was now up and blazing directly on my face. I saw Wan the ex-Pacesetter president from the opposite direction. Participants will have no way of cheating by shortcutting across the cone divider because the Champion Chip sensor mat is located at every U-turn.

Final U-turn
At last, the last turn, the last hurrah. I have reserved some energy to attack from this point. It is the 17 km mark. Time 1:55:32. I started to pick up speed and overtook runner after runner. But alas! My right (again) calf twitched. I slowed down immediately. When the drink stations came, I took my time to drink and walk at least 20 seconds. Initially, I was targeting a sub 2:20 finish, and then I move it to 2:25. It is still possible, so I thought.

Longest 3 kms.
When I saw the 18th km signboard, I said to myself, it is only 3kms away why can’t my legs move. By now the spasms are sporadic. My thought now was to save my right leg from a major cramp. In the final kilometer back to the Esplanade Bridge I walk-run. There was a young sweet female Marshal who yelled “Common, u can MAKE it, the finishing line is just after the Bridge (Andarson Bridge)”. Made a right turn from the Esplanade Bridge to the second bridge. After crossing it, there were scores of spectators on both sides of the road applauding their friends and love ones to the finish. I could see the distance markers 300m….200m ….100m….

Despite the attention, for every right stride I made the cramp attacked my lower thigh and upper calf. I was limping to the finish. I looked at the giant stopwatch it was displaying 2:29:50…51..52...53…. I just want to beat the gun time of sub 2:30.

I finished with an official Chip Time/Gun Time 2:29:13 / 2:29:58. The last 3km split times: 8:44; 8:48 and 9:13. My Timex stopwatch clocked 2:29:15. Accurate timing.

Rehydrate
Behind the finishing line, runners can enjoy “all you can drink” session in an enclosed area. I drank 2 cans of 100 Plus and a bottle of water. The 100 Plus somehow tasted saltier and tastier than the ones I drank last night. I greedily grabbed 3 more cans, one stuffed to my back pocket and 2 bottles of water! I had a feeling there will be no drinks outside the cordoned area and Mee Peng was probably thirsty waiting under the hot sun.

Returned the Champion Chip and collected the medal. After cooling off under the ceiling fan tent, it was time we made our way back to Woodlands. With so much hydration, I felt perfectly fine.

MRT
We boarded the MRT at City Hall. I was carrying a backpack and a water bottle. As the train moved from station to station, I leaned against the pole and coolly drank my water. I notice the other passengers were observing me and I soon realize why when I read the warning “no drinking FINE $500”.

I developed motion sickness in the train, the same experience I had after driving home from the Putrajaya Half-Marathon. Luckily I did not throw up. Maybe I should bring my blood pressure monitor next time.

Nutshell
I may not be the type of runner who would travel long distances to participate a race. However, I always enjoy the experience of running in new venues and routes. Running is another form of Traveling. The journey can be mystifying.

PJ Half-Marathon

Exactly a year ago, I pondered if I could survive my first 21km race, the PJ Half-Marathon. Coming into the same race this year, I wondered if I could repeat the feat by qualifying this time since the PJ Half is not full 21kms but 19.5km. I also wanted to erase the disappointment of being mistimed last year despite finishing 2:13.

After PutraJaya run, I took it easy to rest the legs and did only one 15-min light running. A blogger called the back-to-back Putrajaya and PJ half-marathon run “The double Jaya Run”. Indeed it was a double “jaya” and double happiness run for this blogger.

Carbo overload
The night before the race, it was again my niece birthday held in the afternoon. Unlike last year, this time I took the greasy cake, fried chicken, fried sotong, chips, noodles etc.... I made sure I was stuffed by eating Hor Fun (noodles) at 9 p.m.

Woke up at 4:30 a.m with a headache. Took half powerbar, 2 bananas, cereal drink and 2 vitamin pills. I am still keeping the opened Putrajaya powergel in the fridge! Consumed it once I reached the Stadium carpark.
Met Kenneth Teh (PM20) at the road junction. Haven't seen him for quite awhile. Incidentally, he was also the first person I met last year. We met our opposite neighbour, Mrs. Su who was running the 5km category. She finished the Putrajaya 21km in 2:15 in the senior category a remarkable timing considering she is a busy mother with 4 children.

Off we go...
I started off quickly with no feet problems experienced in Putrajaya but had an unexpected urge to urinate despite visiting the washroom just 15 minutes ago (prostate gland enlargement?). Maybe it is due to anxiety but I did drink quite a fair bit of water in the morning.

I reached the first waterstation right before the Motorola flyover in 22+ mins, which was 2 mins faster than last year. U turn back on the other side, there were many familiar runners from the Putrajaya run. I recognized them from the rear and side profile but not the face. This is because during a run, one normally doesn’t get to see the runner face to face!

Ponytail girl, Adidas man, Bidor Kaki and Slim Orange Lady were all there and we seem to share the same pace. After I overtook Ponytail girl, it began to drizzle. Alamak! Would this be my first time racing under the rain? It was almost 7a.m and chilly.

Raindrops keep falling on my head…
Just as I approached the Subang airport flyover, the rain got heavier. I ran a little faster to induce more body heat negating the coldness. By now, my hair was dripping and shoes soaked. I decided not to lap (press buttons) on my Timex watch as it had a problem of hanging/reseting under wet conditions.


12 km
The distance markers were completely missing until km 12. Time was 77 mins. No race plan no target checkpoints just run to the best of my ability so I told myself. The new flyover under construction last year was ready this year for the runners to tackle its gradient.
After passing the Subang roundabout, I saw Kenneth on the opposite road, it was the same place I saw Newton last year. I waved and gave him a thumbs-up. I should be making a U-turn soon at the Aerobridge so I thought but to my chagrin, the U-turn was right at the end of Terminal 3 roundabout! The route is now at least 1.5km longer!

Habis, habis my 2-3 minute gain is completely wiped out by this longer route.

16 km
Reached the km 16 marker in 1:45+. I did a quick arithmetic; to finish 2:15 I need to run the last 5kms within 30mins i.e. 6mins/km. It was mission impossible and my only hope was the distance marker was inaccurate.

I put up a challenge and increased pace. Then I saw the new daunting flyover again and people walking on it. This was the turning point of the race.
At the crest of the flyover, I gazed far ahead to locate the final left junction turn to Kelana Jaya. When I could not see it, I lost hope.

Chopsticks
My stamina was dead.
Though my legs had no muscle pull or cramps, they were as stiff as chopsticks. Out of the blue, an orange angel appeared. It was Slim Orange Lady (SOL), she had been following or pacing behind me for the last 8-10kms! SOL seemed to adopt the Galloway’s walk-run strategy. In the last 3 kms, we exchanged leads 6-7 times until it became embarrassing. I almost wanted to chat with her since we were running side by side. I wanted to tell her I wasn’t competing with her but merely trying to survive. Maybe she thinks the same?
I was running so slowly until a smart Mat Salleh’s fast walking equaled my slow run. (Perhaps I should walk more often but Ben says, “It is a sin”.)

Angel speed
Finally, we came to the Kelana Jaya junction, from here onwards SOL took off. I started walking too after observing the Mat Salleh’s speed walking.
Coming into the stadium, it was rather quiet, overtook one runner and sprinted the last 100 meters.

Wan the ex-Pacesetter President waiting at the finishing line whom at first I thought was a race official, handed me a 30km Pacesetter race application form which initially I thought was some certificate!

There was no official to take my position. According to Mee Peng, the moment the 2:15 qualifying time ended, the race officials just left the finishing line. I completed the race in 2:26:49.
Traffic control could be improved with road closure as 99 percent of the time we were running along with the traffic. I fear somebody may get hurt one day.

Keep trying
This is my 4th Half-Marathon. For the 2nd year running, I failed to qualify for the PJ Half. This is the only race event I fail to meet the qualifying mark. Regardless of age group, the PJ Half-Marathon organizers fix the qualifying time of 2:15 for all categories.

On the positive side, my legs were stronger this time and perhaps with higher mileage I may one day conquer the 2:15 barrier.

Putrajaya Half-Marathon

This inaugural run was held on Sept 11, the 3rd anniversary of the 911 incident. I am beginning to like half-marathons because it challenges my fear of enduring and completing the distance. After running twice in this category, my apprehension seems to have lessened and this translates to unhealthy low mileage and irregular long runs. Such laziness does not augur well to race preparation.

Training

I only did 2 LSD (long slow distance), if one can consider them as long runs: 90 mins and 83mins a week before the race covering distances of 13 and 11 kms respectively. Compared to KLIM 2005 training, I was practically running every session between 70-100 mins.

4 days before the race, I went to the gym to do some light workout. There was this new “step machine” that simulates the leg running motion and it was perfect since it was impactless. I spent 20 minutes on it and later learn to regret it!

Race day

Set my alarm clock at 4a.m but woke up at 2:50 a.m. due to a very dry throat. Rolled on the bed for the next hour and finally got up. Left home at 5:45 a.m. This would be Mee Peng’s first visit to Putrajaya.

4 Toilets and 60 Angry Runners

As usual, once I reach the site I looked for the washroom. Went to the mosque but was not allowed entry and was directed to the starting line. To my horror, there were only 4 mobile toilets: 2 for Men and 2 for Women! The queue was 15 runners long! Why do the organizers keep repeating the same mistakes? For heavens sake, there are 8,000 participants not including non-runners in this major event. Don’t they do capacity planning?

An official saw the situation and came over to inform the runners to go to the basement food court, as there are more toilets there. This responsible official instead got cursed by an impatient runner who replied, “Why the fxxk didn’t you tell us earlier?!”. I honestly think it was no fault of the helpful official but that of higher authority.

Putra Bridge

As I entered the barricade, I could hear people complaining about the toilet allocation. Moved right to the back to get some air. Look around for familiar faces then Jamie appeared and said “Ah! PM members come lets take some photos”. Draco and Ronnie join in the group photo. Tey who was sporting a new digital camera, seems to be having a whale of a time photographing the event.

The PAIN

A few PMs (Pacemakers) were heard saying “Easy run ya, take it easy only lah…”. The gunshot fired and PM1 scamper to the front while we laughed. I kept to the left most side of the 3-lane road. Everybody seems to be starting at a faster than normal pace. After 100 meters, something was not right. Both my legs were aching! My toes and forefeet felt sore – a result of the gym workout on the new step machine that I have mentioned earlier! In fact, sporadic parts of my legs felt lethargic. I have never felt this way so early in a race before.

Kilometer 1

The km distance markers were informative. I clocked 5:46mins in the first km and told myself to slowdown, as this is not a 10k race coupled with the unpredictable leg condition.

A senior veteran runner probably in his early 50s stopped a passing ambulance and asked for oxygen. I was afraid he might be suffering from a heart attack or some other ailment.

Bouncing Distraction

Somewhere after km 4, the route u turn and I ran the opposite direction where I could see the tail end of the runners. There were 2 attractive Chinese lady runners pacing together, one of them had her front bouncing up and down. It was obvious enough for the guys on my side of the road to start ogling and teasing. {Later Mee Peng relayed to me (I missed the scene) she saw it herself at the finishing line where everybody including the religious ones stared at her low cut vest and wondered if she deliberately choose not to wear a sports bra or was she actually braless?}

By 8 a.m. the sun had risen from the East. Though it was not blazing hot, the barren land with no trees or highland offers no shade or scenery for the runners. The numerous solid steel bridges looked a bit odd in an area where development is not fully materialized.
Fortunately, water stations were located at close intervals of 3-4 kms. After learning my lesson from the KLIM 2005 run, I made sure I hydrate at every drink stop.

My legs were not moving as comfortably as I would have expected. The nagging aches were a nuisance. I was not relishing this race.

Tried to look for pacer(s) to change the boredom. Found a ponytail and D004. D004 seems like a steady pacer. Ponytail was faster and soon I lost sight of her. D004 was agile on the uphill where I lost ground despite my efforts to close the gap going down the slope. I use such mind tactics to maintain pace.

Mid-race

There were a few of us treading leads: The Bidor kaki runner, a red vest “Taipei” Marathoner, 2 balding grey hair muscular senior veteran pacing together, a plump loud Grunter his rhythmic "Er!.... Er!.... Er!" sounded as if he is being whipped to run, a lady running with full-sized headphones like the ones found in studio recording. Next time I will bring my Sennheiser. There was this strange male Malay runner with long curly hair right down to his waist! He used only one pin on his back bib. I think he is the same eccentric runner whom I have seen in other races wearing jeans and boots but always finish strongly but why is he walking this time?

Worse than double hill

The route was undulating. I have no idea what terrain was in front of me – difficult to sustain a pace. There were so many types of uphill! Some steep, some long, some 270 degrees highway slopes; you name it Putrajaya has it.

In my opinion, this kind of route is excellent for training but tormenting for racing. I clocked 63mins at the 10th kilometer mark, which was consistent with KLIM 2005.

Last 4 kms

Ponytail who lead earlier, reappeared and seemed to have slowed down. Slowly I overtook her and had a feeling I could finish strongly but it was otherwise.

The last 2 uphills were the killer. The circular Persiaran Sultan Salehuddin gradual uphill final stretch seems endless. I could hardly move a step further. My blood pressure must have measured an all time high. At least 15 runners overtook me in the final 2kms. Headphone lady was back, easily overtook me. The headphones had a charging effect on her. I just could not muster any more energy. I grimaced and wondered how does one complete a full 42-km marathon?

1 km to the finishing line, there was yet another water station. I excused myself to stop not so much to grab a drink but to rest! Continued slogging and heard somebody exclaimed “Oi! Faster! Faster!” it was Ben walking back to his car, managed to slur a few words to ask what was his timing of which he replied 1:48. A few 100 meters further Jamie shouted “Alrite Cheong, go for it!” I gulped and uttered “dying…”. Saw Justin who also cheered me on.

Manage to overtake 2 A-group runners and sprinted the last 50 meters. For the first time, I raised my arms in relief to commemorate the end of a tough race. The official shooed me away when I tried to ask for my position since PM website request for such results. I finished 2:19:36.

Overall

I must admit this is one heck of an arduous run. 1.5 hours after the run, while I was driving around SEA Park, PJ looking for a coffee shop to have breakfast I suddenly felt nauseous and wanted to throw up. It was close to noon – I have not eaten. After a bowl of low shee fun (noodles) and cold shower, I recovered.

Read somewhere “No Pain No Gain. Pain is my friend”. It better be right because PJ Half-Marathon is the following Sunday.

Power Run 2005

It has been 8 months since I last ran a 10km race. The Duta route is always a good benchmark to gauge my fitness level. It is also a route where I am most familiar with.

I got up in the morning with the thawed PowerBar ready on the table to be gobbled up. It was drizzling. Will the rain get worse? I hesitated on chewing the PowerBar and in the end decided not to consume it because it would be wasteful should I choose to skip the race due to the downpour. Instead I carried a pack of PowerGel to Dataran – a deviation from my standard pre-race breakfast. However, to compensate for the nutrients, I took one tablet of Bio-grow Vitamin B-complex and a tablet of Kordel’s multi-vits+ginseng.

When I reached Dataran, the weather was simply beautiful. It was cool and breezy. I quickly took the double-caffeine strawberry flavoured PowerGel and sip my Gatorade. 15 minutes to the countdown, Ben Lim came running to my direction to collect his bibs. Ben as usual is as cool as a cucumber.

CS was already in the barricade. Could not find Newton. Ben excused himself to move in front of the pack.

VIP Ong Tee Keat fired the gun and we were off. This is one of the rare occasions where I started alone without any familiar faces alongside. For some unknown reasons, I ran with a posture that was similar to Michael Johnson's, chest forward and head tilted back (?). This seems to alleviate my backache ailment but I am not sure if the posture looked silly!

The Mizuno Precision 3 once again proved to be an excellent racing shoe.
As always, many runners overtook me at the Langgak Tunku stretch. After the 2nd kilometer, I felt a mild discomfort developing on the left diaphragm, which moved to the right and settling to the centre of my ribs. I focus in my breathing with the hope the pain would ease away.

Kilometer 5

Just before the Duta roundabout, the pain disappeared and it came at the right time as it was the start of the Duta Hill. I notice the heavier runners who overtook me earlier slowed down. Coming down hill, a recently renovated road that leads to a mini-tunnel. I increased pace with the hope of reaching the National Monument bus-stop in sub-60mins. I did not target any checkpoints but merely ran to the best of my ability.

Bare-footed Runner

As I was tackling the last uphill, the Parlimen flyover, a bare-footed Chinese lady runner came from behind with a distinguishable footstep “phek phek phek” and overtook me. I admired her toughness and wondered how her foot could withstand the abrasive asphalt. I attempted to follow her pace.

I reached the National Monument bus-stop in 58:37 mins. Bare-footed runner was now just behind me. After the fast downhill run and roundabout she overtook me again. I think she was also using me as a pacer! I gave chase and manage to overtake her back just as we turn to the clock tower.

Finished in 66:10 mins (PR). I was rather surprise to achieve this time, as I have not been running as regularly as last year. The route familiarity did help in pacing the sectors. Thanks too to the bare-footed lady runner. Ben did a fantastic PR time of 52+ mins and got a medal (80th position). CS also improved and PR 76+ mins.

Overall I enjoyed the run. Later Mee Peng and I had the popular pork noodles at Bandar Manjarala.

Fainting Report

This is the first time in 40 years I passed out. The person standing (?) who took my blood poked the needle, swerve the needle from left to right and said "macam mana ini....." I was relieved when it was all over. By that time, most of the Citibankers behind me have opted to be attended by the other medical personnel.

I then queued for the blood pressure test. Told Shila from Technology not to go for the person who took my blood. She acknowledged. While I was talking to her, in a split second I suddenly felt I was teleported to another place.

It was silent, as if you are in a dream or nightmare but could not get out of it. I was confused. There were dark images of people over me, like I was in a busy street with people walking above me. At one point I had a fear I was dying!

Later, when my hearing senses came back, I could hear my own deep breathing. I was struggling to regain my senses.

According to eyewitness, I was trembling and groaning. I collapsed like a deadwood hit my butt and my head. My butt is aching badly now.

James Edwin came over and joked my macho image gone already (didn't know I had one). The Dr. or nurse brought me a cup of milo. She asked me if I had a history of epilepsy (fits) and when I last ate. They said I looked so pale (like a corpse).

Later, I went over to HR lounge area to rest. Ganesh and Newton were so kind to keep me company. I wallop the breakfast Newton bought.

The experience, I believe is like when a person suffers from a stroke. My senses and limbs were completely disconnected from the brain> but yet I could see blurry images (eyes could not focus).

I hope it is a one off thing and not related to my tinnitus problem. Will drop by a GP later.

Thank you to my friends for being caring and concern of my well-being.

New Balance Pacesetter 15km Run

I thought I would have missed this run since it clashed with our company's department trip to Penang. Luckily, Jamie told us that there would be a replacement run organized for Pacesetter volunteers the following weekend.

The double-hill route is one my favourites as it covers almost every aspect one can expect in road running; uphill, downhill, zigzags, long straights and best of all the greens provide healthy levels of oxygen minus the highway carbon-monoxide.

Gurney Drive

In all my holiday outings, no matter where, I will make it a point to jog around the area or hotel where I am staying. Apart from the exercise, I gain to sightsee and explore the area. In fact, I have been doing this way before I started regular running/racing.

For the department trip, we stayed in Evergreen Laurel Hotel just along Gurney Drive. Since the trip is a free and easy one, I thought I should do some training. On Sat, I started my run at 7:30 a.m, to my surprise it was already hot since it was next to the sea, the sun had already risen from the horizon. Ran back and forth Gurney Drive, probably end to end approximately 1.8-2km. This was also the first time I ran with my colleague, Ganesh. Ganesh has recently picked up running.
The following day, I started at 6:40 am and the walkway was already packed with elderly people doing their morning walks. There was a very fast Japanese runner who looked like a seasoned Marathoner doing lap after lap carrying a water bottle, smiling and enjoying the endorphins. He was there for hours!

Newton and Ben

Newton SMS to wallop more bananas to ensure maximum carbo and potassium loading. Ben Lim also missed the original run as he was caught up with work in Penang. Ben Lim told me "this time you can beat me because I haven't run in 2 weeks". At the back of my mind I say to myself..."even if you haven't run for 2 years, you will still beat me hands down". I mean how can you beat a person who runs like a machine.
I woke up 4:15 am before the alarm clock rang as my throat was dry and needed a drink.
It’s being a while since I parked my car at Bukit Aman. The last time I ran the double-hill was at least 9 months ago.

Hello Double-Hill

The NB vest was very tight fitting to the point my nipples protrude. Newton suggested I wear the Nike vest instead which I did bring along but I thought since this was an NB sponsored run, I am in a way obliged to wear it. No problems with the vest throughout the race.
Runners start and time themselves. Jamie took off like a rocket. I followed Newton from behind. Ben Lim was behind running with his camera. Just after the tunnel, I was panting....lack of training? My last run was 6 days ago. At the BNM KTM station my left knee for the first time in a race showed signs of sprain (?). My plan was to conserve stamina for the impending steep hill at Laman Tunku.

Shortly after entering Langgak Tunku, Ben caught up and started taking new angles with his camera. As soon as he finished taking the rear shots, he took off like a diesel powered locomotive. This man can run.

Did not feel I was in a race, was overtaken by at least 10 runners. At one point there was nobody in front or behind me as far as I can see.

Water Station

Somehow I was not thirsty when I took 2 cups of water from a water station setup strategically under the bus stop. Thank you Pacesetter volunteers! It was here that my race started. I overtook 2-3 runners and increase downhill pace. Coming down to National Monument I was clocking 69min-ish. I learnt from last year's run where I suffered in the Carcosa stretch because I did not foresee more hills.

Carcosa

Ran past a number of morning strollers and a few runners, I was now focusing to finish within 100 minutes. Entered Lake Gardens with increased pace. Bear in mind, there was a final long uphill ahead. Before the race started, I was informed to run straight up the hill, which means it is a shorter path than taking the deer/bird park route.

I finished in 93 mins. Met Newton and Ben who had taken the longer way but still finished way ahead.

Met friendly Penguin-2 in the washroom where he told me he was pacing with Ben. I told him I thought he was much faster of which he humbly said, "Penguins cannot run fast". I replied, "Turbo-Penguin can...".

My thoughts

I am happy with the outcome of this run not because I ran well but because despite of my incurable Tinnitus (ear-ringing) condition I was still able to sustain a 90+ min run. Dr.Sangara the ENT Specialist at Pantai Medical Center has twice reassured me I can continue with the distance running. I had my doubts. He was right.

29 May 2005

Tinnitus

After 3 months and 2 ENT Specialists, my head is still ringing from the medical condition Tinnitus - ringing in the inner ear. Both specialists have indicated the condition may be permanent and there is no cure , I believe them. Will have to wait another 2 weeks before I go for an MRI head scan just to ensure nothing else grows inside my head.
It has affected my long distance running ability. More prone to nausea. I have also noticed I am more vocal than before during meetings.

KL International Marathon 2005

After more than 3 months absence in racing, I was rather pleased to register for the KLIM 2005 half-marathon category. It is easy to say there was ample time to prepare for this race but it was not the case as Feb was a busy month – festival and office work. Weekly 8-10 lap run at the KLCC was absolutely boring because I hate running in circles! Had I not participated in this race, I would have settled for a 5km run at home.

Was advised by the seniors mileage is important. I try to sustain a 90 min run without water but after the 10th lap at KLCC, I hit the WALL. Later, I tried drinking after lap 8 but somehow it made it worse. Without fail, my upper right calf will tense up after lap 10. The furthest I have gone was lap 12, which is equivalent to 15.6kms. How did I finish the PJ Half-Marathon? Was it the PowerBar/Gel, racing adrenalin....?

Calm before the storm
I consumed more than 20 bananas a week before the race. I stopped running 5 days before the race but yet the right calf was showing signs of discomfort. I popped multi-vitamins,
spirulina, vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, ginseng and eat catfish (ikan keli) with the hope it will expedite recovery of the muscles or tendon. Applied 3 types of analgesic: Sloans, Deep Heat and Counterpain. Yes, I was in a state of panic.

The night before the race, I went to bed at 10:30 pm but could only sleep past midnight. Mee Peng teased me and said “Kan Cheong ah?” (Translated from Cantonese “Excited ah?”)

Race Day
Woke up at 4:15 am, throat was dry after taking so many supplements. Drank a can of Gatorade. Once again, have to eat the super sweet Oatmeal Raisin PowerBar. Took me less than 20 mins to reach Dataran car park. Was glad to meet my training mates Newton and Ben Lim –their presence gave me a sense of tranquility. Met Kwok Foo who flew all the way from Switzerland, for the first time. Later met up with the regular KLCC kakis: Kenneth Teh, Rohaizad, Ronnie and CS.

With the Champion Chip, there were no worries of screw-up timing (unless the chip system is screwed). All runners will be running on an entirely new refreshing route.

The Storm
Not sure how it started but the moment we saw the crowd storming forward, it was the start already. As usual, Newton and I paced together. Just 2 mins into the run, a few runners were already pissing beside the Dayabumi tunnel. At the KTM roundabout, I saw quite a number of runners rushing into the KTM building (?). Are they going to take a train to town? It is possible to catch the KTM Komuter to Sentral, hop into the Monorail and get down at Jln Sultan Ismail’s Medan Tuanku station – the last leg of the race!

Reached Mid-Valley Megamall in 36:41, there was a chalked marker on the road that says 6km. Newton took off from here onwards. The organizers have improved tremendously by providing close intervals of sponge and water stations. Somewhere along the 9th km, I received a Lime Lemon Powergel. How generous! I swapped the gel with my own (expiring soon) and slurped the Tropical Fruit gel. Took 2 cups of water, drank the first one and as I was rinsing my hands with the second one, somebody shouted….

Ooi! Don’t waste the water!

It was Kenneth! Pacing with Rohaizad. I thought they would have been way ahead since they are much faster runners. Continued running the road that veered downhill to the left, joining the TUDM road leading back to the city. I could see the Petronas Twin Towers. Thank god there was no haze.

I heard a familiar voice from behind; it was Rohaizad. Ken asked me to pace with them, of which I replied I don’t think I could follow their pacing. There was the champion chip mat (10km?) again we saw at the start, I made sure I stepped on it twice, timing at this juncture was 1:03. After pacing with them for about 7 mins, I realized I was going too fast for my comfort. …when my greatest fear enveloped – my right calf began to show signs of distress.

Leg preservation
Running the flyover that connects to the Dewan Bahasa road, self-prognosis told me that my right leg is going to deteriorate if I do not slow down. (In PJ half last year, the same part of the leg muscle contracted after kilometer 17). The 10km category runners converged at Jln Imbi. Psychologically, the crowd gave me a sense of acceleration as most of them were walking. There were several runners whom I have treaded leads with since the Mid-valley Megamall section. They were also struggling to maintain pace.

Marriot Hotel
After taking the refreshments at Jln Imbi, I felt energized and started speeding towards Jln Bukit Bintang. I hallucinated Jln Sultan Ismail would be the home run. For the first time, I skipped the drink station here thinking I could save a couple of seconds since it could be just 2-3kms away from the finish line. It was such a long stretch; any small incline was an agony. At the end of Jln Sultan Ismail, turning left to Jln TAR, many runners were looking for second wind: to squeeze the last calorie, oxygen, that remained in their body. I was grunting openly “Argh! Urgh!”. Time: 1:55.

Dying of Thirst
From Sogo, I paid the price for not drinking at the last water station because by now my lips and throat were so dry that I could literally drink anything that was passed to me. I looked around and saw a sexy girl holding an Ambank water bottle. I was tempted to ask if she could let me drink a few gulps but was afraid she might misperceive me as “ham sap” (dirty guy). Embarrassment overcame dehydration.

Just before Dataran, I was overjoyed to see another table setup but my joy was short-lived because the folks told me the supply of water “sudah habis”. Desperation, at this point my focus was not about finishing but where to get WATER WATER WATER! I thought about scavenging the heaps of used/thrown water bottles. Another wacko idea that crossed my mind due to fatigue, was to grab/steal a bottled water from the mamak shop and tell them “Nanti saya bayar!”.

In the end, I grabbed 3 sponges from the pail, squeezed them above my head and drank whatever that dripped into my mouth. A bystander who was watching laughed at my antics. I almost wanted to put the whole sponge into my mouth.

The officials were vigilant to ensure the Half-Marathoners do the loop at the Jln Raja Laut junction and not head straight to Dataran. Good work.

Pertama Complex
I was going around Pertama Complex and had to slow to a walk for a few seconds to catch a breather. Time: 2:16. As I regain my jog, I was surprised to find Newton walking in front of me. Newton had earlier suffered cramps. He asked me to go ahead. At the back of my mind I was confident he would not have trouble finishing within qualifying time.

Last 200 meters
There was this lady runner with the yellow vest “PJ KU” doing a walk-run to the finishing line. I have been trailing her since the start of the race and at some stage lost sight of her. She was, like me facing exhaustion and probably thirst as well.

As I sprinted to the end, saw Ronnie aka PM1 with his friends sitting on the road, having finished much earlier despite injury. Waved at him and ran to the finish. Collected the larger than normal Finisher medal and almost forgot to stop my stopwatch. Finished in 2:24:02.

My thoughts
After the race, met up with Ben, Justin, Ken, Rohaizad, Kwok Foo, CS, Newton, Jamie and Linda. Ben Lim finished 1:57 and according to Mee Peng his effort looked like “21k is nothing for me”. Linda again triumphantly finished with a medal in the 10km category. Only managed a few photos as the camera ran out of battery. Damn!

My salutation goes to CS: for having the heart to compete the 21km distance after 18 years of absence; Newton: for his never die attitude to complete the race despite all odds and the maestro, Jamie for nailing the full marathon in sub-5 hours (sub-4 next?).
Congratulations to Ken too on his first half-marathon debut with an impressive timing.

Lastly, I must commend the organizers: Ambank and FTAAA for doing a good job this time as compared to last year. Significant improvements: Sound system, luggage area, massage, food, free flow of drinks, distinguishable finishing line and diligent officials.

Keep it up and WELL DONE!