Doing the Standard Chartered KL Marathon Jig

Energizer Nite Race 2010

I let the pix do most of the writing of this race report. This was my 3rd marathon in 2 months. DO NOT try doing it as its no FUN!!! I treat this race as a training run (as I felt my body is not fully recovered after Putra Nite Mara and StanChart HK Marathon) so I just ran at a pace where its most comfortable and hopefully can last me as long as I can stay on the road.

And the rest of the race, I just take my time running it although I suffered a sprain muscle at the upper back which is extremely painful and resorted to run/walk to minimise the pain.





















Captured by a "local" Paparazzi. I am not Amber Chia, so no worries!!
















A group pix with the KPAC geng





















Dr Pui San - she ran with Mr Miracle on that day





















Just the beginning





















Ran past the sprinkler station!!
















Just finished the race and bumped into RunWitMe





















Still can smile after all the suffering





















Thats what we called "Enjoy The Race"


TQ to the following people who contributed to the above photo gallery
RWM, William Lee, Julie Julz, Khadeja Shah

Putrajaya Nite Marathon 2010

A long overdue report when procrastination syndrome sets in. Was delaying and delaying it and finally have to pen it out. No matter how short it will be, gotta do it.

It was on the nite of 6th Feb 2010, one week before the Chinese Lunar New Year, the running communities was flocking to Putrajaya for the first nite marathon in Malaysia. Putrajaya - the race site is well know for its hot, dry and humid condition during the nite and therefore the runners are warned to hydrate themselves throughout the run.














The calm before the storm, showcasing the 2XU compression apparels


The run started on time and I was running in a pack together with Loke SS and Jeff Ooi. Although the heat is surprisingly not that bad but we felt that the humidity level is extremely high, causing our body to perspire more than normal. We continued to pace together in the first 5k, then onto the 10k and continue till the 15k mark when Loke started to fall behind abit. I reckon he is probably feeling the strain of high humidity and would like to slow down and conserve some energy for the finale. I then continued with Jeff and as we approached the 20k mark, he fall behind as well leaving me on my own to carry on with the pace. I think we are running slightly faster than training pace, and hence as I reached the half way mark, I slowed down abit.

Heading towards the 25k mark, I start to feel more strain on my energy level. Its drawing more than normal. So I begin to slow down my pace even further as I know now the high humidity around the route is getting over me. And coupled with an uphill climb from 28k/29k onwards it will be a big challenge if I am out of energy by then.

As i reached the the ram and did the U-turn, and back onto the opposite side of the highway, I know this is where the challenge starts. It will be a long uphill climb and it will surely suck out more energy. As I approached the 29k mark, all of a sudden I start to feel that my body is not responding. The body feels very tired and legs are like jelly, it just decided not to move and continue running. Holy cow, and at this juncture I knew that my body had taken a toll where the last drop of energy was used up. I just HIT THAT BLARDY WALL!!!!!

Then I began to throw out some of the liuid that I consumed along the way. This is the end of the race for me and I am listening to my body. From 30k onwards it will be a power walk session for me. At times I tried to lift up my legs and started running but that wont last more than 1km. The engine had stopped and no point pushing it anymore. I just have to revert to power walking for the next 12k to the finishing. It was a 9min to 10min pace, very similar to what I did during the Putrajaya 12hr walk.

As I approached the final kilometre I resort to a slow jog and crossed the line together with Lee FK from Klang in a time of 4h 59min 59sec. Just did it below the 5hr mark.




















The finale


Running at nite is so different especially the race site is at Putrajaya when the condition can be hot, dry and humid. Even experienced runners was caught by the humidity level and suffered in the race. Anyway it was a great exposure running in the event and a well organised one as well. Seeya next year.




























Another hard earned FINISHER medal

GuaCinyaUnfit

Yesterday was the 4th KL Towerthon that I participated. I wasnt fully prepared for this event, coming in with no running for almost 1.5 weeks and just got back from a cool holiday in Cameron Highlands. Was also trying to acclimatise to weather condition from 18C - 20C at the highlands and then sudden change to 30C down in KL. Chewah.....as if I was out of the hot & dry weather for a long time.

Anyway the race started with multiple waves with the Mens Open having 3 waves, followed by the Women Open and then finally the Jr Veteran at 9am. The climb (~ 800m) along the road leading to the tower was already tough for me under my current condition. Then after that was the hallway inside the tower leading into the staircase. I was taking it very slowly and cautious knowing very well at some point in time I will be out of breath and tired.

As I moved up slowly, I gotta take 2 short rest along the way which never happened before in the past 3 climbs. So I reckon my condition was GuaCinyaUnfit this time round. Continued my climb and reached the TH level. Heard remarks from Tony Q which is in front of me that we shud be reaching. After a couple more flights of staricase I finally reached the finishing line.

Wosh, what a relief. Finally made it and my gun time was 29secs flat.

Will I be back for the 5th series. I definitely will and must be fit the next round, else will suffer kau kau lat.

















The hard earned FINISHER medal





















The goodies bag

NB 30k 2010

Final push to the finishing
Picture from Chuah Sakura & RunWitMe


Long overdue report.

First longest race and run after PBIM 2009. In between the months is more like taking the opportunity to rest the fatigue body and build on with some tempo runs and speedwork. Longest training run before the race was a 26k run with Loke SS.

Race day came and not much expectation on the timing. I am not even prepared to think of beating last year time of 2h 50mins. A comfortable and enjoyable run will be a big bonus for me, but even with that a target was set to complete it in 3h 15mins. As usual all the running kakis was around as this is one of the very first race for 2010 and also a testing ground for the coming Putrajaya Nite Marathon 2010.

Bang, and the runners are out on the race route. The first 10k I was taking it very slowly maintaining like a 6min pace. As my body gets warmed up, at the 15k mark I increased my pace to a sub 6min pace consistently till I hit the 20k mark. This is thee entrance into the Double Hill area and with all the hills in front, I slow down my pace back to 6 min so as not to burn myself out.

After getting over all the hills, I push on abit from 25k onwards ina sub 6 min pace again. Body and legs are still feeling great, and I continu eto maintain that momentum until I crossed the finishing line.

Timing for me was unbelievable. I did it in 2 hr 46mins, 4mins faster than last year. Was a good achievement and nothing to complain about. rehydrate myself and mingle with all the running friends before walking back to the carpark at Bukit Aman. Was really satisfied with the run and out of my expectation that I can run faster than last year will less training.

Check It Out Baby....

Taking up classes in exotic dancing is now a growing trend among Singaporean ladies. Class participants range from undergraduate students to professional women working in Shenton Way. This trend has its roots in the Hollywood pop culture with famous actresses like Jessica Alba who did the dance routine in her movie “Sin City” having inspired many ladies to be just like her. Check out the Razor TV feature of this trend in the video below.

Putrajaya 12 Hour Walk 2009

Calm before the storm!!!


Held on 12-13 Dec 2009 at the same place as last year ie Start/Finish is in front of Place Of Justice building at Putrajaya. For this year walk, my target was to hit a minimum of 60k (compare to my maiden outing last year which is 53k). The surrounding of the race site was full of activities, from people taking photographs to people setting up camping tents for the long nite. As usual got to meet up with lotsa running friends who took up the challenge for a 12hr walk. As if running a marathon is not painful & torturing enough, we came to test our endurance on whether we can tahan/endure the all nite long walk. Anyway runners are sucker for pain as one of my running buddies said.

We walk in loops of 1km round and round the vicinity, and there will be water and food breaks in between. Some who are just here to qualify for the medal (Mens have to walk a minimum of 26km while women for 20km to get a FINISHER medal) take naps in between when they have complete the minimum to qualify. Others will just take many breaks in between to rest and mingle around with their friends.

Walk and walk we do, round and round the clock till dawn. As the nite strikes around 3am onwards, we started to see red and blurry eyes on some walkers, and yet they continued to strive on. Most of them said this was the hardest period for them, as most of us are longing for our comfy bed and smelly pillows at home.

As the nite moves on, we started to see less walkers on the circuit and most of the time during this period was more of a lonely walk by yourself. I trooped on throughout the nite with short breaks in between to rest my kangkor legs plus food breaks. Other than that, its a all nite long affair for me. No sleeping this time round as I was targeting to hit the 60k goal.
















The final push

As day breaks, we start to see the sky brightens up and sunrise was a beauty around the Putrajaya Precint 1 vicinity. Rays from the sun started to penetrate the sky and brightens up the new day. As the clock moves towards 8am where the walk will conclude after 12hrs (started 8pm last nite), I gave one final push to cross the finishing line covering 62k in 11hrs 52mins. As per official result, I was penalised for 1 lap for floating ie not walking according to the race marshall, and therefore my official result was 61k.
















Sense of a great achievement amongst the walkers

















The hard earned medal after walking for 11hrs 52mins covering a distance of 61k


It was a sense of great achievement among all the walkers and I was really proud of myself for achieving the target of 60k set before the race starts. Overall it was a very well organised event except for the food provided was not up to standard (as compare to last year). Will I be back for the 3rd series.....you bet I will and the benchmark for me will be higher next year.

Salomon X-Trail 10k

Held in Lembah Kiara, Tmn Tun Dr Ismail on 6 Dec 2009 I decided to give it a shot as I am skipping the StanChart Singapore Marathon 2009. Have never ran in this trail before so it was really a virgin run for me.

The atmosphere was great before the run and bumped into quite a number of running friends who are also skipping the Singapore race. I know doing trail runs are a lot harder than road races and i do experienced it during The Northface 100k Duo Challenge this year. Moreover this is just 2 weeks after Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009, so it will be more of a run that I will enjoy it rather than push myself to finish.

The route was pretty interesting except for the narrow path that causes the human traffic and one will not be able to run according to their pace because on the congestion. Many a time when I start to pick up the pace, I have to slow down and practically start to walk because someone in front slow down or started to walk. Overtaking at certain point is almost impossible.

The race route took us through the mountain bike path around the area and there is actually a lot of hair pin turns and cross over to another path. So if one is not familiar with this route, you can get lost in it.

I finished the race in 1h 30mins, nothing to shout about, but something to remember for the year as I have attempt and complete to trail races in 2009.

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009

With Chris Jong and Dillon Sze
















With Frank Chong

Instead of writing a full report on the race, this time I will just try to list out what I like and I dont like about the event and things for improvement (not in any order)


Like
- Online registration and payment made it very easy for runners
- Courier service to send race kit to door step
- Open discussion on Facebook allow interaction with runners and organiser
- Sufficient toilets at race site
- Drummers give motivation at mid-span of the bridge
- Champion Chip made life easy for all
- Goodies bag & medals given away immediately when runners finished the race
- The entire running route was designed to minimise collision with all categories


Dislike
- Running vest is way to small according to size chart provided
- No quality FINISHER T for Full Marathon runners. We dont need al-cheapo cotton ones
- Distance marker not sufficient and one of them were wrong
- More diistance marker towards the last 10k of Full Marathon
- Not sufficient toilets along the route. Hardly see one except at the mid-span of bridge
- No cheerleaders towards the ending part of the race to motivate runners
- The lady MC is so boring....keep on repeating!!!!
- No music to motivate runners at race site


Thats all I can think of. Like I said in Facebook, you dont have to praise your own self for a job well done., the runners will. A big pat to the organiser for a job well done. Will be there again next year.

And this will be the finale of marathon running for year 2009 before it comes to an end. Seeya again in the next race and my next marathon challenge will be the Stanchart Hong Kong Marathon on 28 Feb 2010.

And last but not least, congrats to my running buddy Loke SS for accomplished his target of running a sub5 race in this event. Now you have to shift the target for the next marathon challenge. For me I finished the race in 4hr 40mins (chip time)

Products I used for the race
1) Saucony vest
2) 2XU compression shorts
3) SPIBelt to carry small items like gel, oilment, etc
4) Saucony Fastwitch 3 racer
5) Injinji toe socks
6) NUUN hydration tablet
7) Weider IN Energy Jelly as pre-race food
8) Endurox R4 energy drink

Post race recovery 2

This is into the 2nd week of recovery after TNF 100k Duo event. Although the leg muscles are fully recover and back to normal, I still felt some soreness and tightness while running. Last Sunday I did my FINALE ie the last LSD before tapering off for Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009. It was a 32k run and I felt tightness after hitting 25k. Thats not a good sign in terms of getting ready for the race. I am tempted to do another LSD of 30k this Sat but I guess it probably doesnt help much in the last minute preparation. So I will just do a 15k to ease of the training and just save it for race day.

I guessed one month time for me to recover from a tough race is not sufficient, hence I will take it very easy on race day. Probably just pace with Loke SS and help him to achieve a sub5 finishing. If things do change for a better on race day, then I will attempt to go for a sub 4-1/2hr finishing, else it will just be a slow cruise for me in PBIM09.

A 4 month training, started off with normal base training workout and into some speedwork follow by endurance running to tackle one ultra 50k Trail route and a marathon. Never have I done this before and now I know where my body limits are. Luckily there was no injury during the training. Thanks to the shoes (Saucony, Newton and K-SWISS) I use for this entire 4 months of training.

Till then I will see you all at the starting line of PBIM 09 aka Asam Laksa Marathon.

Saucony Spring 2010 Release

The Spring model for 2010 were released and only be available in USA in the Feb/March timeframe. So it will probably only hit the Malaysia running scene in June/July 2010 timeframe.















Saucony Grid Fastwitch 4















Saucony Grid Tangent 4
















Saucony Grid Getco















Saucony Progrid Triumph 7















Saucony Progrid Guide 3 (Women)


For more details of these models, click here

Post race recovery

It has been a week since I am back from The NorthFace 100K Duo race. Have been wearing the 2XU Elite Compression to sleep for the past 1 week. The compression tights really help to ease muscle soreness and help relax it. The pain and soreness are gone on the third day and I started to do a slow run on Friday itself. Legs felt heavy in the run but I believed that's part of the recovery process.

Ran 10K on Saturday and did another 10k today. The legs still seems to be heavy and stiff, and after running I felt some soreness on the calf itself. The knee is showing some kind of weakness as well. I guessed I had to take it slowly and not rush into it. Seems like the 50k race really take a toll on my legs. I wonder how people can recover after doing the Sundown 84k ultra-marathon.

Will continue to run this coming week and see how it goes. Attempting to do a final LSD of 30k this coming weekend if everything fall into places before PBIM09. Will hope to recover in time. Not putting too much hope in doing a good time for this event. A sub-5hr finisher will be just nice for me.

Till then I will continue to report on my road to recovery. Stay free from injury.

The North Face 100k DUO - Race Report

Pictures courtesy of Frank Chong


The journey to the south started early on a Friday morning(23 Oct 09) to catch a RapidKL bus that will take me from Ampang to the KLCC train station, before boarding the train to Bangsar station. Yes its First Coach again for me and Frank, my traveling buddy for this trip. He will be there to run the Nike Human Race on the same Saturday morning, and gunning for a PB.

The bus leaves for Sg exactly at 9.30am sharp and shud take us no less than 5hrs, meaning we shud reach Sg ard 2.30pm at Novena Square. Was a smooth journey and reaches the Lion City slightly around 2.45pm. We wasted no time in hunting down the direction to our hotel ie Fragrance Oasis Hotel along Balestier Road which is no more than 10mins walk according the the map directions.

Located the hotel, checked in and then wasted no time to go and pick up our race kit respectively. First was to Wisma Atria @ Orchard Road at the Nike Boutique Centre to pickup Frank's bib and then adjourned down to Suntec City Mall for my race kit. Met up with Yuan which is my running buddy for TNF 100k Duo race. By the time we are done its almost 5pm and feeling hungry. No proper lunch and we quickily order some food to fill up our stomach.

Back to Novena Square for a quick catchup with Dominic from Outdoor Venture, which I normally deal with for all the mechardise that I purchased from them. After the meeting, had dinner and back to the hotel for some rest. Clean up, watch a football game before calling it a nite and be ready for the real challenge the next morning,

Theng, Theng, Theng.......ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!


Woke up around 4am to get myself ready for an anticipated long and challenging day. Had my normal breakfast which I used to take before an LSD run ie Oats and Soy Milk. By around 5am, Frank leave early for the race site and I will wait for Yuan to pick me up at 5,30am before going over to MacRitchie Park Visitor centre. It was a short taxi ride to the destination and reaches there in less than 15mins. Met up with Mohan, whom I need to put my baggage into his car before we all adjourned to the starting point of the race.

Its was warm and slightly humid on the weather condition and we mingled around with some of the race marshalls. Weigh myself before the race and the electronic scale showed 72kg (2kg heavier than my previous race in SCKLM 09). Runners are slowly trooping in and then got ourselves check-in and moved into the race kandang. Pre-race pictures was taken with Mohan and some of his friends which were totally new to me.

And as the clock ticks towards 7am, the countdown begins for a long and challenging race to start. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...... Ka-Boom and out we go (all categories of TNF 100k DUO). The route take us out to the entrance of the park and move towards the reservoir where there were concrete running tracks (like those in Lake Gdns) surrounding it. I think they called it the Lornie Track. After about a kilometre of running, the runners were greeted by trail terrain and I believed this is where the real race begin.

This is where the runners will be hitting the MacRitchie Reservoir Nature Trail. The path was quite narrow and running back-back between runners. There isnt much overtaking as its just the beginning and everyone were conserving energy. The surface was also pretty uneven where there are roots running across the path. So gotta be extra careful not to trip ourselves. The route was not just eneven but uncountable gradual uphills which actually is taking a toll on my legs and starting to sap up my energy. Slowly adjusting to the running momentum as I cannot afford to run too fast as there is still a long way to go. Any instance of a very steep uphill that come my way, I will just do a brisk walk instead of continue running. I hope this will help to relax my muscle and conserve some energy. This route takes about at least 90mins before we are out of the trail and joined into a uphill road. Without much sense of direction of the area I guessed this must be the Rifle Range Road where I start to see some buildings aurrounding the area.

Out of the jungle trail now and there is a steep road to welcome us. This is very similar to the uphill along Plaza Damas in Sri Hartamas but looks like its never ending. Its easily 800m - 900m in terms of distance. Imagine running that after 90mins of trail running. Keep running and running until it hit another entrance back to the jungle trail again. After running for a while it goes thru some kind of kampung atmosphere. And I was wandering in Singapore got kampung environment meh. Without thinking too much I just continue to run along the path but its no easy task as one have to run thru this narrow path which again is going uphill. Puff, Puff, Puff and breathing away heavily and legs started to feel like sotong now. Jelly like feeling and wobbling around. By now I think I have been running for at least 2.5 to 3hrs and the sun is starting to be at the hottest point. Although there are shades along the way but at certain parts the runners are totally exposed to the sun hence making it hot and humid.

By now, I am starting to feel the strain on my body and I think I have only covered around 20k of the total 50k. That is the kind of challenge I am talking about running on trail terrain vs road races. Not even at half way mark and its taking a toll of me. The feeling now is like after reaching the 30k mark of the marathon. Energy level is low and almost gone, legs felt like jelly and worst case it darn hot and humid out there. 5k more to go before I only hit the 1/2 way mark.

Continue to slowly run and walk as and when the energy level goes down or there is a steep hill right in front of you, like the face of a satan welcoming you to hell!!!!! Minute by minute, Km by Km I eventually hit the 25k mark in 3.5hrs. (thats probably my 33k mark in a marathon) At this point I think this is where the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is. This is where runners have to run further into the forest and do a turn and come back out. And also I was told by some runners along the way that further ahead will be the determination point for lotsa of runners last year who gave up the race. The tough terrrain ahead coupled with the unforgiving hot afternoon sun will just stop the runner's body from responding ie it just stop and gave up. And I thot its gonna be a hell breakloose challenge and I am not going to let this evil terrain take over me. Bring it on and I will face the challenge.

The path at this point opened up a bit where there are less shades compare to the first part. This shud be the Zhenghua & Gangsa Track. This is where the runners will take a beating from the direct sunlight. Slowly moving like a tortoise I continued to move on. The thigh muscle is starting to send messages down to the brain that they have enough. The soreness and tightness of the muscles started to creeps in and I have to stop several times to apply oilment over it. Was also helping a few fellow runners who are under the same condition along the way.

At this moment its all down to walk / run routine. Any steep incline that comes my way will be walking up and then a slow jog down. As runners completed this part, we are out of the trail and onto the normal Sg road cutting across the highway and onto another trail. I guessed this area must be the Mandai. This part is more of a very open area with pebble roads and making it very uneven to run on. I am already half dead now and coupled with such rough terrain, it makes the condition even worst. Because of the openess, all runners are very much exposed to the hot sun beaming on us. No way you can escape the sun here and I am starting to feel that my shoulder is about to get burnt anytime soon. Just splashed water over my tired body to cool it down as I continue to move on.

The dryness and humidity level at this moment is so bad that no wonder they said this will be the determination point on whether the runners will give up as there will be the return leg of at least 20+km to cover. Slowly but surely with the determination of finishing the race, I get myself up and focus on the return leg. At this juncture, the each KM went by so slowly. After of at least an hour I am out of Mandai and my watch shows 4.5hrs of running. So its taking me 1hr to complete 5k. I am only now at the 30k mark and 20k to go.

Running 20k to me is sup sup water on road, but under such condition and terrain, it will be a tough, challenging and long way ahead. And now the return leg begins and another 4.5hrs to cut off time (Qualifying time is 9hrs) I reckon I will need at least another 4hrs to reach the finishing point based on a 5k per hour pace. Its walk more and run less pace, and with steep incline ahead.

The return leg will be pretty much similar from where I came from except for a few parts where it go thru an alternative route but its no easy meat. In fact its even tougher. By now most of the runners are scattered all over unlike in the beginning where everyone is almost together back-back. On and off you get to overtake someone and then a fast runner will pass you. There will be an exchanged of conversation saying HELLO and giving encouragement to each other before moving on with their own pace. Some obviously faster and some slower leaving behind.

The energy level is way down now, leaving only my determination and mental strength to carry me on. The clock keep counting minute by minute, then hour by hour......and finally I hit the 42k mark. I complete the marathon distance and its almost hitting 7hrs (total time of running or so call walking) 8K more to cover and gotta do it within 2hrs. Do a quick calculation and even if I do a 12min pace, I can get it done within 2hrs. A bit tight but qualifying for the race is kind of under control unless something really bad happen to me. So I started to revert back to very slow jog and brisk walk (and this is where my experience in trekking Mt Kinanbalu comes in handy) to cover the distance faster in case I needed more time towards the ending.

As I approaches the final 5K mark, the trail terrain are much more shady and flatter. This was not so demanding and I am able to conserve more energy and continue to troop towards the finishing point. As I saw the signboard that showed "2KM to MacRitchie Park" , I saw the reservoir again (where I started the race) and marched into the final part of the trail. Passed thru the golf course before entering into another trail. This 2K is probably the longest I have ever ran and it took me thru the shaddy part of the trail before eventually emerging out of the jungle. I know its gonna be over in no time when I saw people cheering me out. Some runners who have completed were there to lend a support as well. It was really encouraging to have such support after going thru such torturing time.

Once out on the track, I heard my travelling buddy Frank shouting at me. Holding his DSLR firmly, he is starting & ready to go for continuous shot I think. I raised both my hands and punched into the air self proclaiming my achievement in completing the race under 9hrs. As I approaches the finsihing line, there is a sense of great achievement within myself that I had came a long way and overcome the toughness of the challenge. I raised my hands to acknowledge my accomplishments and hopefully for Frank to get some good shots of me.

Crossed the finishing line and jumping up to the gantry and hit the finishing banner with both my hands. The time shown on the clock was 8h 33min 31sec. Immediately the race marshall ushered me to the side and have myself weigh again. The electronic scale showed 69kg (lost 3kg after the race). Got hold of my Finisher medal and Frank, Victor and Yee Hua was there to congratulate me. And its always good to have people to support you after a race. Met up with Mohan where he was kind enough to bring my baggage from his car to the race area for me. Rest for a while before heading back to the hotel with Frank.

And finally my goal to run an ultra marathon was accomplished. Not in style but in a tough terrain that is equivalent to running at least 60k to 70k in a road race. Will I do it again, well I cant make any decision for now. But it will be for a while before I attempt to run another race which is further than a marathon. Time to rest and recover.

Till then seeya in the next race.


Attire and supplements that I use to support my race.

- Fully sponsored K-SWISS shoes (RunOne MiSOUL) and apparels
- INJINJI toe socks (no blisters for the entire race)
- SportShield Anti Chafing stick (Not a single chafe on my body)
- NUUN hydration tablet (No cramps throughout, only sorenes in thigh muscles)
- NATHAN Hydration System (Speed2 Fuel Belt for my water)
- WEIDER IN Jelly (pre-race gel)
- GU Gel (took during the race)
- SPIBelt (to carry my mobile phone)
- 2XU compression (for my post race recovery)

Note: These are the products that are sold under my store (except GU Gel)

The North Face 100k DUO - Countdown

This will be the first time that I will run in a 50k race. So call the longest race that I will have run in my life if I complete it. Secondly its a mixture of road and trail, which make it even more challenging and hopefully exciting.

My preparation for this race started way back in mid Aug till Mid Oct 09. Total distance covered was 507.89km, with at least 5 LSD that is hitting 30k and above. Thanks to my 2 running buddies Loke SS and Frank who were together in the training. Without running buddies in my training it will always be difficult to hit those LSD on a weekend.

Race day will be this Saturday 24 Oct 2009 and its 5 more days before the big day. I hope my preparation will be sufficient to tackle this event as I am more worried about the trail (where I did not incorporate trail running into my training) Since this will be my first time doing something like that, I will be very cautious and take it easy. Go for it when my body feels better along the race. Thats always my principle in any races I run.

Will be travelling down to Singapore on Friday with Frank who will be doing the Nike Human Race 10k. And let the countdown begins.

Worldwide Half Marathon 2009

This is the group comprises of (L-R) myself, Jamie, Lawrence, Frank, Loke and Jeff who ran the Zen Run 10k in conjunction with Worldwide Half Marathon 2009

The day when the engine breaks

I woke up early on the Sat morning and prepare for my LSD. Will be doing a 32k. Body feels Ok but legs are a bit tired. Not sure what causes it but shud be Ok when I reach the destination.

Started of very slowly for a 4 looper around the Bird Park of Lake Gdns with Frank and Loke. The pace was rather slow as compare to previous runs. The slow pace was maintained for the 2nd lap, 3rd lap and eventually the 4th lap. We took a breather for water stop before heading out to Hartamas. The running momentum is not fully charged as I felt the tireness on both my feet. Loke pulled out saying that he doesnt feel good at all and didnt want to attempt going out to Hartamas and instead try to run loops around the area.

Frank and myself galloped out after the breather and still maintain a very slow pace as compare to previous morning runs. I took it very easy with Frank following behind and reaches the Petronas station in about 1h 07mins. Tireness on both the legs starting to pile up but I just maintain a slow pace to complate a 2.3k loop around the area before taking another breather for water stop.

Then both of us sttarted to head back to Bukit Aman, and as I reaches the KL Mosque uphill climb, the tireness on both my legs became more serious. Its not even at 25k mark and I am starting to have the "Hitting The Wall" feeling. My pace drop significantly from an average 6.30 mins pace down to almost 7+ mins. I continued to push on till I reaches the Jalan Duta flyover where I need to cross the road. I just woke myself up to be extremely careful at this point as tireness will de-focus me in crossing the busy road.

Once I crossed the flyover, my pace started to drop even more significantly. And at this point I realised that my engine is almost dying. Its the burn out effect that is kicking into my body system. I just dragged both my tired feet over Tijani Hills and ran towards the Kenny Hills area. I was relief to break it and now its the downhill along the S-curve road before taking on some small climbs along the new Bank Negara building.

Slowly pushed myself thru and by now Frank is way ahead of me. Reaches the Bank Rakyat building and the final 800m climb along Jalan Parlimen before reaching Lake Gdns. And slowly but surely I make it back but it is one hell of a torturing run.

And today the engine breaks, feeling the burnt out effect and Loke mentioned that it could be due to our 30k runs for the last 3 consecutive Sat mornings. Well time to have more rest and not continue to push the body. It has sent a signal out to stop and take some rest. Rest I will and for the next 2 weekends I wont be any LSD further than 20k, so as to let the body recover.

Till then, seeya on the road.

NEWTON RUNNING launches Sir Isaac & Lady Isaac Guidance Trainers

The newest addition to the Newton family offers intelligent control for all foot types. The Isaac is a neutral guidance trainer designed for runners committed to improving their running form to the more efficient midfoot/forefoot running style.

How does the Guidance Trainer differ from the Performance Trainer?

• Beveled Heel and Toe: helps guide runner easily into the midfoot/forefoot
• Beveled Lugs: smoother, stable feel that is more gradual in the forefoot
• Wider midfoot/forefoot and lugs: adds stability and creates a softer feel
• Midfoot Chassis/Shank: adds support and stability
• Carbon Rubber Outersole: increases durability
  
• Closed Mesh on Upper: keeps small debris out

UPPER

• Highly breathable, fast-drying, closed mesh
• Slip-proof laces with heel-securing double eyelets
• Lightweight ergonomic support strapping
• Metatarsal stretch panels
• Reflective logo and heel tab

MIDSOLE

• Single-density, high rebound EVA that stabilizes all foot types
• Second generation Action/Reaction Technology™ forefoot and heel
• Midfoot/rearfoot support chassis for added stability
• Beveled heel and toe
• Met-flex enhanced forefoot flexibility
• Enhanced sock-liner that increases energy return and protection
• Accommodates orthotics

OUTERSOLE

• Second generation durable, high traction actuator lugs
• Increased toe spring
• Pronounced heel rocker
• High-wear carbon rubber with traction tread

GREEN FEATURES

• 100% recycled laces, webbing, insole top cover
• 100% recycled box, packaging
• 10% recycled outersole rubber
• Shoes fit true to your current running shoe size
• Wear over time will occur with Newton Running shoes
• With every shoe there is an adjustment period; learn more about adjusting to the shoe

NEWTON RUNNING MEDIA RELEASE

06.24.2009 – Newton Running, the revolutionary Boulder, Colorado running shoe company, announces the launch of two new shoe models this fall. The Sir Isaac and Lady Isaac guidance trainers are designed for runners who want embrace their natural running form with a more efficient midfoot/forefoot technique.

"We are very excited about the arrival of the Sir Isaac and Lady Isaac,” states Newton’s co-founder, Danny Abshire. “These shoes feature the proven, patented technology found in our performance line and incorporate a footprint geometry that provides a smoother transition for those seeking to run more naturally, efficiently and injury-free.

"The Isaac guidance trainers both feature a highly breathable closed mesh upper with lightweight ergonomic support strapping, metatarsal stretch panels and slip-proof laces. The midsole features second-generation Action/Reaction Technology™ in both the forefoot and the heel as well as a unique midfoot/rearfoot support chassis for added stability. The outsole features durable, high-grip actuator lugs, increased toe spring, high-wear carbon rubber with traction tread and an enhanced heel bevel to aid in transition to a natural running gait. The Sir Isaac weighs 10.9 ounces (men''s size 9) and the Lady Isaac weighs in at 8.9 ounces (women''s size 7).

Staying true to Newton Running’s green commitment, the Sir Isaac and Lady Isaac feature 100 percent recycled laces, webbing and insole topsheets, 10% recycled outsole rubber and 100 percent recycled shoeboxes and packaging.

For more info, log on to http://www.newtonrunning.com/

Kiasu Singaporean At JB

This is how Singaporean pump petrol in Malaysia. Fill it up kau kau lat.

I think this is more like a new Zinc Kar Poh dance called Shake ur Booty!!!

K-Ona IRONMAN Series by K-SWISS

These 2 models will be loved by the IRONMANs.........

Balik Kampung

To all my Muslim friends, this song is dedicated to all of you. Have a save journey back home to celebrate the festive season with your loved ones.