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
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