This race attracted a number of participants probably because of the Adidas T-shirt. On race day, at least 5 of the runners whom I’ve helped to register did not turn-up. Reasons cited were illness, out of town and work commitment. I was looking forward to this run because I wanted to gauge my fitness level since it will be the same route as the KLIM and Power Run 2004.
Jln Duta Revisited
Woke up real early, 3:50 a.m. Ate 3/4 of PowerBar and gave the other quarter to Mee Peng. Mee Peng will be running her first 7km distance under the Women Veteran category. Contemplated whether I should wear my contact lenses* or stick to my glasses. Decided to try something different and went for the contacts.
While driving, I had an unexplained mild chest discomfort but luckily it disappeared during the race. Reached Dataran at 6:30 a.m and met up with Cheah. I have photographed every running event but this time I do not have a photographer since Mee Peng was running as well. Determined to photograph somehow, decided to take the camera first for some pre-race shots. Since I had to rush back to the Dataran basement car park after the shooting, I made sure I observe the time by looking at the Clock Tower. To my chagrin, the Clock Tower was dead! Bad feng shui!
After struggling with the camera's aperture and some insignificant shots, I left the Ixus back in the car. Entered the barricade and met up with Jaime, Newton, Kenneth and the rest.
Flag-Off
Bang! Off we go. This is probably one of the biggest 10km group. I thought I was starting-off rather conservatively until I suddenly realized I was about to overtake Sifu (Jamie)! Immediately, I joked "Eh! How can I overtake Sifu?" and decided to fallback. Sifu quipped, "It's not me but it’s you going fast!" 3 of us, Newton, Kenneth and myself were running closely together. We were also secretly chasing a Cutie. Just before the Bank Negara tunnel, Cheah called me from behind. 4 of us were pacing rather well. In the midst of running the BNM hill, Newton introduced me to Kenneth and likewise I introduced Cheah to both of them.
Shortly after the 2nd kilometer, Cheah switched to his normal pace and went ahead. Newton and I bumped into an ex-La Sallian schoolmate, Sivapalan. At the 3rd kilometer, Kenneth and Newton surged ahead. Was able to tail them until the water station. Thereafter I lost sight of the pair.
Took only a sip of the 100 Plus. Did not drink the whole cup, as I do not know the effects of the gas and risk tummy ache.
Duta Hill
Ah, the Duta Hill again. In the previous 2 races, I had to walk. In fact, the last occasion, Power Run I overexerted and suffered stomach cramps. Normally at this section, runners will take a breather and walk. Fewer runners were seen walking. The KOTR runners are a determined bunch. I planned not to walk too and succeeded. Endured the very slow non-stop uphill jog to the top - no more over optimistic “Hamburger Hill” style of charging.
Downhill speed
After conquering the hill, it was downhill speeding. Ran with long strides - felt like an Olympian! Overtook quite a number of runners. At 7.5 kilometer, I began to slow down. I could hear groups of runners stomping from behind. In the span of 20 seconds, at least 10 runners whizzed past me like wild horses galloping. They probably thought this runner lack endurance! These runners appeared to have conserved their energy for the final kill, the attack of the last few kms. I did not have the ammunition to join in the foray.
Only 10 minutes
Just as I was approaching the Parlimen flyover, a lady Caucasian runner in her 20s shouted "Only 10 minutes! Only 10 minutes! Come on!" She was running high on MP3 and urging the walkers to run. All the walkers followed her encouragement and started running! I followed her closely. At the start of the uphill flyover I put in a little more pace and it was enough to overtake her. The next checkpoint was important, the National Monument bus stop. Stopwatch displayed 59:27 mins. To break into sub-70, I must run the last leg in less than 10 minutes. Normally at this downhill stretch I would be able to do short sprints but not this time. I was out of gas. The best I could do is to maintain a steady run to the finish.
Approaching the clock tower, I saw a familiar figure. It was Mee Peng running. I ran along side and said "Kum Garm Kaer" (What a coincidence) and zoom off. At the finishing line, my stopwatch clocked 1:07:52. Yes, I had done it in 68 minutes - an improvement of 4+ minutes from the last Power Run.Mee Peng was right behind, finishing 76th just one short of the medal position. She clocked 55 mins.
The Milo drink station was miles long. Went back to the car to get water and camera. Met up with Newton, Kenneth and Jamie's mates for a group photo. Took a picture of Mee Peng's colleagues Cheah, Alice and Ong. We waited for the lucky draw but no luck. The lucky draw was poorly conducted. Our minds were now craving for food. Felt so hungry. Later, whacked a big packet of Jinjang Nasi Lemak sotong, ayam etc. Food never tasted so good and justified.
That was it. Another Run, another healthy day fulfilled.
Footnote: Contact lenses
With the contact lenses I was able to run with my head down! Something I could not do with glasses on. I did this each time I struggle uphill or need a boost. The head down ritual has 2 functions: first it allows the sweat to drip straight from the face to the ground and second it was like a silent prayer "i am exhausted…please let me have the inner strength to continue please..." Lasik surgery next?
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
JP Morgan Corporate Challenge
The JPMCC run generated a sense of excitement, it was an opportunity to run in Singapore and it’s my first Team event, representing Citigroup. It was very kind of CitiClub Singapore to accommodate and sponsor our participation. 3 of us, Jamie, CS and myself drove across the Straits of Johor on April 28 to be part of the 6700+ runners in 210 companies competing in the inaugural JPMCC.
At the Padang
We parked at Suntec Tower and had a rather late lunch at 2:45 p.m. Earlier, I made the mistake of missing the Food and Rest area prior to entering Tuas Customs. The Padang was next to the beautiful Esplanade Theatres On the Bay. Overlooking the Marina Bay is the Merlion, the famous Lion Head fountain landmark.
We were early; the weather was hot and humid. After scouting the area, we easily found the Citigroup tent. Met up with Jessie Toh, the friendly CitiClub coordinator who had been so helpful in getting us into this event. Mee Peng’s cousin, John came right after work to meet me. John was also a photo enthusiast. He helped us took numerous shots of the event with CS’s Nikon D100. In fact, he was literally the “official” Citigroup photographer!Jamie had the honor of conducting the stretching exercises for the Citigroup runners!
At 5:45 pm, Jamie and I moved to the narrow barricade. I could see the twin 2-sided Digital Stopwatch above the Starting/Finishing line, a sight I have never observed in all my previous runs. After speeches from the officials and a Lion Dance performance, the countdown begins. It was not the usual gunfire but the blare of a horn. The Run has begun!
5.6 kms
This was the first time I felt being pushed and brushed aside from behind. This could be due to the narrow road. I deployed the same strategy i.e. to start-off strongly since it was a short run. After the 9th minute, I felt pain on both sides of my abdomen. “ Not again “, I told myself because once this happens, I will be sure of not doing an above average timing. Common sense told me to walk but that would affect my pacing. I continued to run at a slower but steady pace. Experience told me the pain will ease away later in the run but it did not happen! At one point, I felt my nose was watery and it may have been a mild nosebleed but thank god no blood oozed out. It was humid. This was also my first race ran on an afternoon.
Towards the end of Republic Avenue, the route U-turned and took us to the costal Marina Promenade tarmac. This appeared to be the home run. There were overhead signboards indicating the 4th and 5th kilometer mark. Many runners increased their pace. I was slowing down! The lingering stomach pain did not go away. My body felt like an overheated engine. It can do no more. I thought the Hong Leong Run was hectic but this was worse.
Last 100 meters
After passing the Esplanade Theatres, I could hear cheers and music from the finishing line area, probably another 300 meters to go. I line myself for the one and only “acceleration”. As I turned towards the right, pom-pom girls, photographers, supporters were cheering the runners on both sides; this inspired me to sprint the last 100 meters, zigzagging and overtaking everybody in my path.
This has to be my fastest last 100 meters in a Run! “Why couldn’t I do this in the last 1000 meters?” a question I posed myself. I guess I was afraid of the consequences of going beyond the limits of my stamina and endurance.
I crossed the finishing line in 37:27 mins. Each individual runner has to self-record his official time on a sheet.
Fruits, Oats and Buffet
Ample food and drinks were laid on the table for the runners. There was no rationing of food and drinks. There were apples, bananas, oats bars, mineral water, fruit juices and chilled canned drinks. CitiClub even organized a mini-buffet for us. I must have drunk at least 7 cups of 100ml apple and orange juices! (Wished they had chilled beer!)
World Class
I went back to the finishing line to look for John and it was there I saw the spirit of comradeship and sportsmanship. In KL, immediately after the Run, there is practically nothing to do unless you are the top runners awaiting the immediate prize presentation and that happens when the rest of the runners are still struggling to finish the run.
In this race, the JPMCC organizers waited until the LAST runner crosses the finishing line before any prizes were presented. After the 60th minute, the pom-pom girls, supporters and organizers were still there to cheer and applaud the last batch of runners/walkers. Who says you can’t Walk the entire course in a Run?
This was the best-organized and most generous sports event, any sports event that I have ever participated. The organizers must be highly commended for setting such high standards and professionalism in this world-class event.
Goodbye
We thanked and bid Jessie and her teammates goodbye and started our long journey home. I drove John back to Woodlands and crossed the JB border just after 11 p.m. From JB, CS drove all the way to KL. He was the most alert amongst the 3 of us. I tried to keep CS company but when Jamie started snoring, I started to fall asleep as well. We stopped at the Ayer Keroh Rest area around 1:30a.m for teh tarik and had a quick preview of the photos. Although it was just a few hours ago, we still had fond memories of the event and the friendship made.
At the Padang
We parked at Suntec Tower and had a rather late lunch at 2:45 p.m. Earlier, I made the mistake of missing the Food and Rest area prior to entering Tuas Customs. The Padang was next to the beautiful Esplanade Theatres On the Bay. Overlooking the Marina Bay is the Merlion, the famous Lion Head fountain landmark.
We were early; the weather was hot and humid. After scouting the area, we easily found the Citigroup tent. Met up with Jessie Toh, the friendly CitiClub coordinator who had been so helpful in getting us into this event. Mee Peng’s cousin, John came right after work to meet me. John was also a photo enthusiast. He helped us took numerous shots of the event with CS’s Nikon D100. In fact, he was literally the “official” Citigroup photographer!Jamie had the honor of conducting the stretching exercises for the Citigroup runners!
At 5:45 pm, Jamie and I moved to the narrow barricade. I could see the twin 2-sided Digital Stopwatch above the Starting/Finishing line, a sight I have never observed in all my previous runs. After speeches from the officials and a Lion Dance performance, the countdown begins. It was not the usual gunfire but the blare of a horn. The Run has begun!
5.6 kms
This was the first time I felt being pushed and brushed aside from behind. This could be due to the narrow road. I deployed the same strategy i.e. to start-off strongly since it was a short run. After the 9th minute, I felt pain on both sides of my abdomen. “ Not again “, I told myself because once this happens, I will be sure of not doing an above average timing. Common sense told me to walk but that would affect my pacing. I continued to run at a slower but steady pace. Experience told me the pain will ease away later in the run but it did not happen! At one point, I felt my nose was watery and it may have been a mild nosebleed but thank god no blood oozed out. It was humid. This was also my first race ran on an afternoon.
Towards the end of Republic Avenue, the route U-turned and took us to the costal Marina Promenade tarmac. This appeared to be the home run. There were overhead signboards indicating the 4th and 5th kilometer mark. Many runners increased their pace. I was slowing down! The lingering stomach pain did not go away. My body felt like an overheated engine. It can do no more. I thought the Hong Leong Run was hectic but this was worse.
Last 100 meters
After passing the Esplanade Theatres, I could hear cheers and music from the finishing line area, probably another 300 meters to go. I line myself for the one and only “acceleration”. As I turned towards the right, pom-pom girls, photographers, supporters were cheering the runners on both sides; this inspired me to sprint the last 100 meters, zigzagging and overtaking everybody in my path.
This has to be my fastest last 100 meters in a Run! “Why couldn’t I do this in the last 1000 meters?” a question I posed myself. I guess I was afraid of the consequences of going beyond the limits of my stamina and endurance.
I crossed the finishing line in 37:27 mins. Each individual runner has to self-record his official time on a sheet.
Fruits, Oats and Buffet
Ample food and drinks were laid on the table for the runners. There was no rationing of food and drinks. There were apples, bananas, oats bars, mineral water, fruit juices and chilled canned drinks. CitiClub even organized a mini-buffet for us. I must have drunk at least 7 cups of 100ml apple and orange juices! (Wished they had chilled beer!)
World Class
I went back to the finishing line to look for John and it was there I saw the spirit of comradeship and sportsmanship. In KL, immediately after the Run, there is practically nothing to do unless you are the top runners awaiting the immediate prize presentation and that happens when the rest of the runners are still struggling to finish the run.
In this race, the JPMCC organizers waited until the LAST runner crosses the finishing line before any prizes were presented. After the 60th minute, the pom-pom girls, supporters and organizers were still there to cheer and applaud the last batch of runners/walkers. Who says you can’t Walk the entire course in a Run?
This was the best-organized and most generous sports event, any sports event that I have ever participated. The organizers must be highly commended for setting such high standards and professionalism in this world-class event.
Goodbye
We thanked and bid Jessie and her teammates goodbye and started our long journey home. I drove John back to Woodlands and crossed the JB border just after 11 p.m. From JB, CS drove all the way to KL. He was the most alert amongst the 3 of us. I tried to keep CS company but when Jamie started snoring, I started to fall asleep as well. We stopped at the Ayer Keroh Rest area around 1:30a.m for teh tarik and had a quick preview of the photos. Although it was just a few hours ago, we still had fond memories of the event and the friendship made.
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Power Run 2004
After completing KLIM 2004, the regular jogs became less time-orientated and more of a leisure. The push to run within the 80-minute qualifying mark was no longer a benchmark. Surprisingly, by running relaxingly, the endurance improved and it was less agonizing to maintain a continuous run.
Back in office, my colleague, CS dropped me a registration form to participate the Power Run on March 14. There was also the Hong Leong Charity Run originally scheduled on March 21. I was interested in the Charity Run. The Power Run was similar to the KLIM and participating one after another would be overdoing it (Just Do It....but Don't Over Do It?) according to my loved ones. I contemplated about it and finally decided to join both as another office colleague told me to "Just treat it like a normal Sunday jog".
So, it is back to "training" again but really I was merely following the exercise 4-times a week regime. I notice my running lacks power especially when approaching a hill. I practice running a little faster at the beginning rather than the opposite. This is to give myself a psychological edge that I was clocking faster times in the first few kilometers hence fooling the brain into believing that the body had actually adapted to a faster pace. Will it last? The Power (running with the theme?) Run is the test.
5:00 am again
Since it was the same run again, I did not encourage Mee Peng to accompany me to the Power Run but she opted to go (check out the guys??!!). Woke up at 5 am and by 6:45 am we were already at Dataran. The first thing I wanted to do was to look for the loo. I went to the Dataran car-park basement, the toilets were all locked. From a distance I saw there were mobile toilets near the Gombak River and gladly walk towards it and to my despair it was also locked. Damn! I started asking around including a policeman, and was directed to another Dataran basement, which to my disappointment was completely locked and smelled of urine! Finally, the Power Shoes sales booth personnel showed me the correct location to unleash the "warm-up" (10-min searching) session.
Sound System
The organizers have installed full concert-sized loudspeakers to keep the participants informed. No more lackluster loudhailer, which was hardly audible in KLIM. This is a major improvement! 10 km-ers were allowed into the barricade at 7 am but I choose to sit for a while because of my weak back and also to keep Mee Peng company.
I notice this time the barricade was somewhat, 250 meters behind the startup of KLIM which means it could be an additional 800 meters (Note: After the run, I estimated the distance is very likely >11kms, probably 11.4 kms).
7:15 am I entered the "Kandang Kerbau" and was looking for the CitiRunners (Jamie, Newton, CS and William). Found them and had a photo taken for the first time without the "wet look".
Over-Powered Run?
With the high-powered speakers, this time I could hear the countdown, 5....4...3...2...1...Bang! I immediately ran to the right side of the road to position myself for the video recording (can't blame an avid photographer!). I avoided running into a crowd and tried to find space between runners. I looked behind and saw Newton's distinctive yellow-striped singlet.
After the Bank Negara turn-off, I was slowing down at the Jln Ismail gradual uphill. Newton caught up with me and we had a short conversation. At last, I was having company! However, he had to slow down because of a muscle pull and told me to carry on. Just before the Tennis court, Newton was back and I was glad his muscle pull was nothing serious. I skipped the 100 Plus drinking station as since the 2km mark, I felt an urge to attend to nature's call (prostate gland enlargement?). There was an opportunity to do it at the Jln Duta road, as there was a nice high fence to go behind but choose not to (shy) and thought it was just another 30+ minutes to finish.
Tongkat Ali
In the midst of challenging the Duta hill, Newton and I begun to chat about the shapey and steady lady runners (take the mind off the hill). One of them was wearing an orange singlet with a "Tongkat Ali" advertisement. I wanted to use her as a marker since she had a very consistent and graceful pace. After trading leads, Newton and I overtook her. Newton pointed to me there is another nice yellow clad lady runner about 50 meters in front. We were at the steepest point of the hill. We ran up with full gusto to catch her but the moment we caught up with her, she accelerated away.
After the cat and mouse run, we were descending downhill and Newton advise me to take advantage of the potential gravitational force. Newton took the lead and I followed. As I increased the pace, I suddenly felt a pain on my upper right abdomen. I wanted to walk but it would be wasteful since it was a very steep downhill. I forced myself to continue running with the hope the pain would go away. By this time, the agile "Tongkat Ali" lady had passed me with smooth rhythmic strides. I had a thought if the pain worsened; I may not even finish within the qualifying time. Was I overzealous in attacking the Duta hill or was it simply lack of stamina? I think it was both.
Newton was running at a superb blistering pace. As the vision of him and the fabulous ladies fade away, I struggled to maintain speed. After 8 mins, as I was approaching the Duta Vista Condominium, thankfully, the pain was slowly easing away. Once again, the Parliament flyover was there to intimidate the runners. I ran non-stop to subdue the hill. At the Bukit Aman traffic lights, I looked at my stopwatch, it was 1:05+. Jamie told me to try 1:10. Was it possible with 5 odd minutes left? …… GO FOR IT!
I sprinted about 20 seconds, slowed down at the roundabout as cars were crossing the junctions and were abruptly stopped by the traffic policemen. The drivers must be furious!
I saw an old man in his 70s in full running attire running slowly but surely. I commented, "Uncle, you are looking good!" and gave him a thumbs-up. He responded with a smile and a wave. I continued my dash towards Jln Raja with all there was left of me and thought this was the grand finale but was caught unaware that there was another 500 meters to cover; to the end of Dataran and U-turn back to the Padang.
As I approached the serene green grass, I saw Jamie and Newton calling me with words of encouragement and Mee Peng was again at the side with the camera. Unlike KLIM, this time, there was an official to take down the finisher's bib number. I looked at my stopwatch; it was 1:12:56. Later, CS and William join us for the now traditional "CitiRunners".
1:10?
I looked back at the race and figured doing 1:10 is an achievable target but to run it comfortably would require raising the human body endurance level. This cannot be attained overnight. It has to be nurtured. The body will try to adapt to better fitness standards, against the biological clock. I wonder where is the equilibrium? Food for thought.
Back in office, my colleague, CS dropped me a registration form to participate the Power Run on March 14. There was also the Hong Leong Charity Run originally scheduled on March 21. I was interested in the Charity Run. The Power Run was similar to the KLIM and participating one after another would be overdoing it (Just Do It....but Don't Over Do It?) according to my loved ones. I contemplated about it and finally decided to join both as another office colleague told me to "Just treat it like a normal Sunday jog".
So, it is back to "training" again but really I was merely following the exercise 4-times a week regime. I notice my running lacks power especially when approaching a hill. I practice running a little faster at the beginning rather than the opposite. This is to give myself a psychological edge that I was clocking faster times in the first few kilometers hence fooling the brain into believing that the body had actually adapted to a faster pace. Will it last? The Power (running with the theme?) Run is the test.
5:00 am again
Since it was the same run again, I did not encourage Mee Peng to accompany me to the Power Run but she opted to go (check out the guys??!!). Woke up at 5 am and by 6:45 am we were already at Dataran. The first thing I wanted to do was to look for the loo. I went to the Dataran car-park basement, the toilets were all locked. From a distance I saw there were mobile toilets near the Gombak River and gladly walk towards it and to my despair it was also locked. Damn! I started asking around including a policeman, and was directed to another Dataran basement, which to my disappointment was completely locked and smelled of urine! Finally, the Power Shoes sales booth personnel showed me the correct location to unleash the "warm-up" (10-min searching) session.
Sound System
The organizers have installed full concert-sized loudspeakers to keep the participants informed. No more lackluster loudhailer, which was hardly audible in KLIM. This is a major improvement! 10 km-ers were allowed into the barricade at 7 am but I choose to sit for a while because of my weak back and also to keep Mee Peng company.
I notice this time the barricade was somewhat, 250 meters behind the startup of KLIM which means it could be an additional 800 meters (Note: After the run, I estimated the distance is very likely >11kms, probably 11.4 kms).
7:15 am I entered the "Kandang Kerbau" and was looking for the CitiRunners (Jamie, Newton, CS and William). Found them and had a photo taken for the first time without the "wet look".
Over-Powered Run?
With the high-powered speakers, this time I could hear the countdown, 5....4...3...2...1...Bang! I immediately ran to the right side of the road to position myself for the video recording (can't blame an avid photographer!). I avoided running into a crowd and tried to find space between runners. I looked behind and saw Newton's distinctive yellow-striped singlet.
After the Bank Negara turn-off, I was slowing down at the Jln Ismail gradual uphill. Newton caught up with me and we had a short conversation. At last, I was having company! However, he had to slow down because of a muscle pull and told me to carry on. Just before the Tennis court, Newton was back and I was glad his muscle pull was nothing serious. I skipped the 100 Plus drinking station as since the 2km mark, I felt an urge to attend to nature's call (prostate gland enlargement?). There was an opportunity to do it at the Jln Duta road, as there was a nice high fence to go behind but choose not to (shy) and thought it was just another 30+ minutes to finish.
Tongkat Ali
In the midst of challenging the Duta hill, Newton and I begun to chat about the shapey and steady lady runners (take the mind off the hill). One of them was wearing an orange singlet with a "Tongkat Ali" advertisement. I wanted to use her as a marker since she had a very consistent and graceful pace. After trading leads, Newton and I overtook her. Newton pointed to me there is another nice yellow clad lady runner about 50 meters in front. We were at the steepest point of the hill. We ran up with full gusto to catch her but the moment we caught up with her, she accelerated away.
After the cat and mouse run, we were descending downhill and Newton advise me to take advantage of the potential gravitational force. Newton took the lead and I followed. As I increased the pace, I suddenly felt a pain on my upper right abdomen. I wanted to walk but it would be wasteful since it was a very steep downhill. I forced myself to continue running with the hope the pain would go away. By this time, the agile "Tongkat Ali" lady had passed me with smooth rhythmic strides. I had a thought if the pain worsened; I may not even finish within the qualifying time. Was I overzealous in attacking the Duta hill or was it simply lack of stamina? I think it was both.
Newton was running at a superb blistering pace. As the vision of him and the fabulous ladies fade away, I struggled to maintain speed. After 8 mins, as I was approaching the Duta Vista Condominium, thankfully, the pain was slowly easing away. Once again, the Parliament flyover was there to intimidate the runners. I ran non-stop to subdue the hill. At the Bukit Aman traffic lights, I looked at my stopwatch, it was 1:05+. Jamie told me to try 1:10. Was it possible with 5 odd minutes left? …… GO FOR IT!
I sprinted about 20 seconds, slowed down at the roundabout as cars were crossing the junctions and were abruptly stopped by the traffic policemen. The drivers must be furious!
I saw an old man in his 70s in full running attire running slowly but surely. I commented, "Uncle, you are looking good!" and gave him a thumbs-up. He responded with a smile and a wave. I continued my dash towards Jln Raja with all there was left of me and thought this was the grand finale but was caught unaware that there was another 500 meters to cover; to the end of Dataran and U-turn back to the Padang.
As I approached the serene green grass, I saw Jamie and Newton calling me with words of encouragement and Mee Peng was again at the side with the camera. Unlike KLIM, this time, there was an official to take down the finisher's bib number. I looked at my stopwatch; it was 1:12:56. Later, CS and William join us for the now traditional "CitiRunners".
1:10?
I looked back at the race and figured doing 1:10 is an achievable target but to run it comfortably would require raising the human body endurance level. This cannot be attained overnight. It has to be nurtured. The body will try to adapt to better fitness standards, against the biological clock. I wonder where is the equilibrium? Food for thought.
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