Penang Bridge Marathon 2008

Am back from the run . Was happy that I completed the run without much suffering. No complains about it, except for some mishaps handling of water stations by the organiser.




























This was another good experience that we had after the run, eating at a SHITTY Restaurant !!!!





















Photo courtesy from RunWitMe

As usual a major race event without a report means nothing, while a Penang Bridge International Marathon race report means nothing if not written in Der Pacemakers way. So this report will be PM centric where most PM or in fact all that are closely link to der PM group will definitely understand the vocab use. The vocab use are not vulgar, pardon me.....but just the way this group communicate.

Cinya amkan because final week to race day I kena twisted my knee ligament nia. Although still can run but still got some pain lor. Over der week, self treat myself as I kena this injury before due to high mileage and less rest. So have to put ice and oilment to rub on der pain area. Wat to do, no choice ler, just go and whack der race lor. Ask Kuan Yin Ma and Ang Kong to popee popee lor so that on race day injury wont cause leg cramp, will be cinya happy liao !!!

Nov 15, go to Penang by Aeroline bus with Frank (FC) and RunWitMe (RWM). Same gang goto Singapore Sundown with me also, and enjoy company with them. Very easy going and chin chai people. Take us 5 hours to reach Penang and along der way we found out that der bus will not stop at Queens Bay Mall, tns. Der stop is at Sg Nibong bus terminal. TNS, why advertise on email and tell us stop at QBM. Now cinya toolan about it, der bus driver said der service at QBM only start on 18 Nov. Aiyoh, so far yet so near. Missed it by 3 days. Never mind lah, Frank quickily call our fren Chee Kong to pick us up at der bus terminal when we arrive.

After arrived, we all beh tahan ler and very der kancheong want to goto QBM to collect race pack nia. On der way called Cheang and Apek Chin fr Pg. Both will meet all of us at der collection counter. Arrived at counter and cinya surprise can get our race pack very der fast. No need Q here Q there like kok compare to KL races. Der passing out of der race pack to us was good service. Maybe Pg lang work better than those in KL nia. After that we go lunch and Apek Chin suggest goto Sunrise Park, I think that is der name lah. Had our lunch there and I saw RWM ordered a pinkish drink very similar to Air Bandung. He said der name is Gu Ling Peng, and I found out its actually Air Bandung. Come on Penang lang, Why der kok change der name to Gu Ling Peng ~ anyway what does it mean in Hokkien??? Dont care lah, oredi damn thirsty, just whack it nia.

Then go check-in to Krystal Suites that we stay. Cinya value for money hotel for Rm200/nite we got a 2 room suites that is big enuf for 10 people. Next time this can be another PM certified hotel besides Anggerik Lodge for all Penang Run. Rested until 6pm before we go out for makanthon at New Lane near Sunway Hotel in the city with der gang. After dinner immediately come back and rest liao otherwise no energy and not enuf rest. Have to wake up cinya early at 1am bcos race starts at 3am.

Race day (Nov 16) arrived and I woke up cinya early at 1am. FC had oredi woke up by that time, as I heard all the kling klang kling klong sound. Wash up, do the pangzai kau kau and had breakfast. Met Luc, Kit and Anil down at the lobby at 2am and we walked to der startpoint at QBM. There we met up with all the running frenz like Tay Poh Chye (TPC), Greyhair Chin, Gege Tey, AP Tan, the Choo braders, Apek Chin etc. TPC look cinya confidence, and I told him go for sub4 and do a PR. As usual he just smile and feel shy shy. Once registered, der runners were aksed to masuk kandang in one area just for marathon runners.

At 3am sharp, all der runners who was earlier asked to line up along der road start der race. I was not kancheong at all as no set target and only hope to finsih in Sub5. Less train for this marathon and also carrying sprain knee ligament, cinya bad luck. Also pray to Ang Kong and Guan Yin Ma so that can popee popee no cramp from 25k - 30k onwards.

First 10k was run at a faster pace liao. Supposed to do 60mins but end up 55mins ler. I cinya scare after will kena cramp. Hope can maintain pace later. Now try to control pace from 11k onwards. Run and run and run (like Forrest Gump ~ very der straight one), drink water kau kau so that wont get thirsty later. Der first 19k was run along der industrial area (got Intel, Agilent and Plexus) and then into der Batu Maung area. Here got der villagers cheered us a bit lah.

I reached der 20k mark with a time of 1:55 and saw sea of runners joining and running towards the bridge. Aiyoh jialat lor, dont tell me I have to run together will them all der way along der bridge. Cinya amkan and toolan, grrrr !!! How can der TNS organiser do this, and summore Powergel was given out at der point. And der half marathon runners only ran for 20mins (I was told) and got Powergel, wat a TNS, grrrr !!! Skipped der station as I dont want to push through my way just for der gell as I have mine with me.

Continued running and sponging station run out of water due to der high volume of half marathon runners. So end up throat very der dry like kok, tns what to do. Der organiser not very efficient here to control water and sponging station. Ran on till I hit der 25k mark water station. Aiyoh and another TNS situation where water no more liao. Luckily can see some water left in those 5kg bottle, so grab one and drink from there. By now my legs a little bit tired liao and shaking a bit lah. And while holding der 5kg bottle straight up to drink and continue running, I look like one "Drunken Runner". Big big TNS to der organiser, How can no enuf water for marathon runners one. Feeling damn amkan!!!! RWM called this der Penang Big Gulp.

At this point der number of runners have cleared a bit nia, but sometimes still have to run zig-zag to avoid those blocking my way. Paced with SaharaMan Ngae for a while before he pecut off. This fellar cinya fit, summore run with just rubber shoes. In no time I reached der U-turn of der bridge which is der 30k mark. Timing is around 3:02. At least now the water station got water to drink but have to drink from der small plastic cup nia. No choice lor, what to do. Dont drink kena thirsty afterwards.

Now both der legs start to feel cinya tired and summore have to run up der slope towards midspan of der bridge. Pace slow down a lot from 32k onwards, more like Master OohGwai in Kungfu Panda. Slow slow but not very der steady. Keep der determination to push on. Sing der "Move It, Move It" lagu to inspire myself not to walk nia. Now feeling cinya tired but no sign of cramp nia. Guan Yin Ma and Ang Kong really popee popee for no cramp after 30k running.

Very der slowly I reached der midspan of der bridge, and what a relief. Finally der slope is over and now its downhill all der way towards finishing nia. Still maintain slow pace bcos energy finish liao, cannot turbo anymore nia. From here I think still got another 9k to cover. So just continue run slowly without worrying much about timing. Based on current pace, I shud be able to complete der race in sub5. Taking it easy nia as no more energy to push liao.

After running for another 5k-6k I reached the tailend of der bridge (or beginning of der bridge at Penang side). Now from far can see QBM liao which is der finsihing point, and another 3k to go nia. Legs and body getting more and more tired liao and thigh muscle start to feel stiff. Leg cramp want to come nia. Cinya TNS. I pray very der hard to Guan Yin Ma and Ang Kong, please no cramp now. Very der near to finishing point liao. Keep pace and try not to run too fast, scare kena cramp then si kiaw kiaw liao. And soon I saw arrow showing left turn into QBM.

As I approached into der left turn, signboard showed 500m, 300m and 100m to finishing. And finally I saw der starting point but instead ending there have to turn left into der open area where I was diverted to der correct finishing lane. Crossed der line and give a thumbs up to der official who gave me der finishing medal. Gold in color one, cinya sui sui ler. Time complete was 4:41:44 ~ si kiaw kiaw timing nia. Another marathon under my belt although der timing had nothing to shout about. Was satisfied and happy with der result as I had less train for this race. Talk kok with all running friends, rest for a while at the tent area before going back to hotel with FC and Chee Kong.

Goodbye Penang Bridge Marathon and till we meet again next year.

Confusing Chinese Names

Caller : Hello, can I speak to Annie Wan (anyone)?

Operator : Yes, you can speak to me.

Caller : No, I want to speak to Annie Wan (anyone)!

Operator : You are talking to someone! Who is this?

Caller : I'm Sam Wan (Someone). And I need to talk to Annie Wan (anyone)! It's urgent.

Operator : I know you are someone and you want to talk to anyone! But what's this urgent matter about?

Caller : Well... just tell my sister Annie Wan (anyone) that our brother Noel Wan (no one)has involved in an accident. Noel Wan (no one)got injured and now Noel Wan (no one) is being sent to the hospital. Right now, Avery Wan (everyone) is on his way to the hospital.

Operator : Look if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital, then the accident isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!

Caller : You are so rude! Who are you?

Operator : I'm Saw Lee (Sorry).

Caller : Yes! You should be sorry. Now give me your name!!!

This is hilarious ...

Why Chinese shouldn't have Christian names:

Anne Chang => Dirty (Mandarin)
Anne Chin => Keep Quiet (Mandarin)
Faye Chen => Dusty (Mandarin)
Carl Cheng => Buttock (Hokkien)
Monica Cheng => Touching your buttocks (Hokkien)
Lucy Leow => You are dead (Hokkien)
Jane Tan => Frying eggs (Mandarin)
Suzie Leow => Lose till death (Hokkien)
Henry Mah => Hate your mum (Mandarin)
Corrine Tai => Poor fellow (Hokkien)
Paul Chan => Bankrupt (Mandarin)
Nelson Tan => Bird laying eggs (Mandarin)
Leslie Tong => Rubbish Bin (Mandarin)
Carmen Teng => Leg hair long (Hokkien)
Connie Mah => Call your mother (Cantonese)
Danny See => Squeeze you to death (Hokkien)
Rosie Teng => Screws and nails (Hokkien)
Pete Tsai => Nose droppings (Hokkien)
Macy Koh => Never die before (Cantonese)

Am I ready for der BRIDGE

The time had come for the challenge this weekend. I will be doing the Penang Bridge Marathon 2008 running in the 42k event. Last year the event was held sometime in June and I did blogged about it too. Read last year posting here if you are interested.

Last year was quite a sad event for the running community as one of our running friend Terence Leong passed away because of a brain tumor (I believed some form of cancerous cells). Most of us running in Penang Bridge Marathon send our blessing to him + family and running "In Memory of Terence Leong". All of us wore an extra specially designed bib on our back throughout our run.

Its already more than one year now, as this year the event is in Nov (which is almost 5 months later), and so I will still remember him (in this year run) as a joyful person even towards the very last day before he was put to rest. I am not sure if I want to wear an extra bib during this year run but he will continue to inspire me to run in every race I participate, especially the Penang Bridge Marathon. So on race day itself, if you see me wearing a bib for Terence Leong, please say a prayer for him.

OK, coming back to this year race. This will be my finale before bringing the race curtain down for year 2008. Yes, this is the last race of the year for me before I go into a hibernating and resting mode. In fact I am now carrying a mild sprain on my knee ligament and experience some pain as I move my knee too much. Hopefully by resting well this week and no running till Sunday will ease off the pain. I doubt it will go off completely by Sunday as I have experienced it before. The only way to fully heal is to take a long rest from running.

Anyway no target for me in this run and also in all my marathon races. I will just run to my fullest capability on race day and see how the body take me thru the finishing line on Sunday. All the best to those going up north for the race and those joining the bandwagon to eat, eat and eat in Penang. Good Luck......and seeya at the starting line.

I Like To Move It, Move It

My theme song to run Der Bridge.

Be it the start of the race,
at the half way mark,
struggling at 35k,
or at 41k with 1k to the finish,

this song will inspire me to run and move it........

Wat a Supreme decision, sigh !!!!

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Fatwa Council will come out with a ruling on yoga exercise on Friday, said Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz.....By The Star

Extract:
Wan Mohamad said he regretted the attitude of Muslims in the country who were easily influenced by foreign cultures to the point of affecting their faith.

Who is this dude to make a general statement that represent all Muslims in Malaysia. I had lotsa Muslims frenz and I seriously dont think they all have such shallow thinking as this dude !!! I know it doesnt affect me but I just pity the Muslims in Malaysia when you have someone that have such mentality. Anyway there are more evil ways (oredi happening) that can influenced the Muslims culture which in turn affect their faith.

Go solve the Mat Rempits issues and then only talk !!!!


TOO LAN !!!!!

2 months training

My 2 months training in preparation for Penang Marathon 2008 started on Sept 9 and today is the end of the training regime. Total mileage clocked was 367.91Km and two 30k LSD was done during this training period.

The last LSD of 21k done today was not a great run as I am feeling the strain of tiredness in the training. Leg muscle are starting to show some aches and stiffness. But I hope I should be OK with some rest and slow jogs over the next two weeks leading to race day on Nov 16.

I am not expecting too much out of the Penang race with what I had put in. Anyway I will be out to enjoy the run and finishing the race under 4h 30mins will be a big bonus for me. Else I reckon I can do a Sub5 finishing, and hopefully nothing funny act up during race day.

Time to have some rest now and take on the bridge come Nov 16.

Life is too short

My whole family was saddened by a call last nite. It was a call from my 2 kids babysitter. She called to inform that her husband had just passed away after suffering from lung cancer since 7 months ago. My 2 kids are very close to both husband and wife, as they have been babysitting both of them since they are 2 months old till recently (15 years) when the husband was not feeling well after diagnosed with lung cancer.

I paused for a while and recompose myself, asking her what help can I offer. She said no need as her sisters are helping her up. Will wait for her call again as she will inform me where the husband will be resting and when will be the funeral.

Om Mi Toh Fwo.

Ringgit Malaysia 2.0

Yesterday it was official. The US$ had hit the RM3.60 mark ie Malaysians need to fork out Rm3.60 to buy US$1. I blogged about it on Oct 8, and during that time it was only RM3.51

Our gomen is still in a denial state, too occupied in the UMNO election. Gomen said Malaysia is not going into a recession, sigh !!! Look at what is happening to KLSE ~ sky-rocketing down south. Small time investors will NEVER be able to recover from this, the $$$ is gone forever, gone into a black hole. Luckily I never put my $$$ in KLSE.

The domino effect had started in the US and Europe and the waves are building up into this part of the world. Malaysia will be one of them. Watch my words. Ringgit Malaysia will dip further, and if we are unlucky, it will be hitting RM3.70 in another month's time. Watch it !!!!

My Race Vest

This will be my race vest from now on ~ Saucony Elite Singlet

Just tried running with it for a short run two days ago and it feels great and light on my body. Will be debuting it for a 30k run tomorrow and that will be the acid test. I dont forsee any problems with the vest in terms of chafing and it has a base layer fabric technology that wicks moisture away from the skin to keep it dry. The microfiber polyester fabric features a unique grid pattern that minimizes points of contact on the skin, maintaining airflow. Flat-seam construction that reduces chafing.

This vest is retailing at RM85.00 per piece at the moment.

Runners World Wear Tester Choice ~ May 2008

UPDATE: The vest passed its acid test with flying colors when I wore it for a 30k run today (25 Oct). No chafing and the vest dries off quickily as the sweat starts building up. Wicks away the moisture and therefore its always very light and comfy. Verdict: you gotta pay a premium for this kind of feeling.

Datukship 2.0

I still cannot get over the Datukship thingy given to this Indian dude call Shah Rukh Khan shooting this movie in Melaka named something like One Two Ka Four. If you really what to give Datukship, lets have some criteria and benchmark.

What about all these actors and actresses below who have brought fame to Malaysia as well. I dont have to name them, you probably will know by looking at their pictures.

Bollywood movies are still Bollywood movies because they can never make it to HOLLYWOOD.































And one more movie that not many Malaysians know about, check that out here.

Running On BillBoard

I am so honor that my pia photo was put up on a gigantic billboard after my submission to a billboard advertisement company in USA.

Do you believed it ??

The running shoes of the top 10 women in Kona

For more details, click here

Mizuno Wave Run 2008

Arrived at Bukit Aman carpark pretty early at about 5.30am. Early bird gets the worm, and in this case early bird get to choose where you want to park the car. Parked at the platinum slot and as usual Frank is always early and he is already there. Have a chit chat and did some morning stretching. In the next 15 to 30 mins, Lionel Lee and Loke SS showed up, and in no time by 6.30am the carpark was fully filled up.

By 6.45am we start to walk to Padang Merbok which is where the race will be started. As the start time draws nearer the place is starting to be crowded. Did some warmup runs just to heat up the engine as I believe this will be a fast race. (after yesterday simulation run) Masuk kandang at around 7.15am to wait for the race to start. Smack right somewhere about 5m from the electronic mat and starting point.

The race started on time and out we go. Sea of runners taking up both sides of the road where overtaking is restricted to a minimum but I still manage to zig-zag my way through. I was about 3m behind Frank following his pace but shortly after 5mins I lost him (guess he must be going for a sub50 finishing), and so I was running and pacing on my own. While running, greeted some runners that I know and very quickly I was crossing the highway leading towards Kenny Hills. At this juncture Siok Bee and Shih Ming was overtaking me at ease. I did pace with them for a while but I drop back as I wont be able to sustain such pace throughout the 10k.

Right after entering Kenny Hills, I bumped into Ryan Teoh and Loke SS. Greeted Ryan and asked him to "Jia You" and paced with him for a while before I take off. I was running a good pace now and then I saw Adam while taking the short climb. He was having a flu and had breathing difficulties and so I passed him too while climbing the hills. I was pretty strong at the hills and take it with ease and as I was descending I bumped in Saiful and AbuPower running together. Greeted them and take off before climbing another short hill. After this it will be downhill all the way before hitting the junction that will lead us to Tijani Condo and on our way back to the finishing.

I was running at a faster pace on the downhill and here I saw Hong and Kei Ming. Both of them was running cautiously on the downhill, maybe trying to avoid injuring their knees or race too fast in the beginning and recovering for the finishing. I was feeling good on the downhill and take the advantage to go faster. Continue to run at a steady and comfortable pace and in no time at the Tijani climb. After the climb I now bumped into Zulazlan and greeted him then moved on.

This is the usual training route and so am very familiar with the terrain of when to push and when to conserve energy. After the climb it was downhill all the way before hitting the junction where the JKR building is and all runners have to make the final climb before taking a left turn towards Tugu Negara and then to the finishing point.

At this moment, based on my timing I realised I may have a chance to go for a sub50 mins finishing but I have to push very hard for it else I will probably miss it by 1 or 2 minutes. I decided to give it a short and start pushing on the downhill but conserve some energy for the final climb which I know can be a make or break for a sub50 timing. I take on the climb steadily and was glad that I made it before taking a left turn for the the final stretch towards Tugu Negara and finishing point.

Maintain a very steady pace here and was running with a couple of younger runners as my pacer. We pushed each other with some exchanges of taking the lead until Tugu Negara when I switched on my twin turbo (now single turbo not enuf liao). Once I hit the junction/traffic lights of Jalan Parlimen, I saw Jamie and Lawrence greeting me and I came them an OK sign. With my watch showing 49mins+ and I think I still have at least 500m to finishing point. Looks like an impossible task now to achieve sub50 mins but I still give it a shot.

Ran into Padang Merbok carpark and do the zig-zag turn before crossing the finishing line. Stopped my watch and the time was 50mins 04sec. I missed by 5 sec to do a sub50 mins, so near yet so far.

Anyway I was extremely satisfied with my timing although dipping under 50mins will be a bonus. Before I start the race in my mind the target is only a sub55 mins run. I didnt know that I can sustain the pace and run faster than expected, and bringing down the time to 50mins. Overall a very good run for me and I had no complain about it. Anyway sub50 mins was not even my target and goal, only after three quarter way into the race I realised that I have a small chance of making it. And go for it I did but only to lose out by 5 secs.

Till then seeya again in the next race.

Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 Presented With "Gear of the Year" Award

LEXINGTON, MA (August 4, 2008)
Although it was announced two months ago, I think its still worth mentioning it and letting the running community knows about how solid the Triumph 5 is. At the time when the shoe was launched it won the coveted "BEST SHOE IN UK" by Runners World UK.

Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 Presented With "Gear of the Year" Award

“The Triumph is like the best hotel mattresses: soft and springy, but not mushy,” raved the Outside Buyer’s Guide editors in their review of the winning road shoe. “Articulated outsole lugs and a five-layer sandwich of foam, rubber and thermoplastic in the heel absorb the impact of each foot strike while retaining responsiveness,” they added.

Wear-testers remarked that the plush interior and pillowy tongue make running in the Triumph 5 feel “like walking barefoot on shag carpeting.” Testers also noted that Saucony’s exclusive midfoot Arch Lock™ delivered extra security, translating into speed: “Tempo runs were a breeze,” they raved.

18th Wedding Anniversary

Time flies and today is my 18th wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary to my lovely wife Devina and we will continue to live on happily together, just like running a marathon. The longer it is the better it will be.

And coincidentally that was also the year (18 years ago) I achieve my PB in running the Half and Full Marathon. Those who know me well will probably know my personal best timing.

Then....























Now....

Datukship

I would think by now most of us will have known or read about the news where Shah Loke Cant have been given a DATUKSHIP. Reason given was he shot one of his movies in Melaka and in the event of that generate an influx of tourists to Melaka. Thats it and he got the DATUKSHIP.

What the F !!!!. Like that also can get it meh. So looks like if I can organise a running event in Melaka and can draw 500 to 1000 participants (indirectly visiting Melaka), I am generating an injlux of runners visiting the city, I can also get DATUKSHIP too. Ez as that.......

I wonder where is the basis and justification of doing things like that. What is the Melaka gomen thinking. Only they themselves know what is the motive behind it. Make Melaka the sister city of BOLLYWOOD. So eventually Melaka will be known as MALACCAWOOD !!!

Hehehe !!!!

WW Half Marathon 2008 Certificate

WW Half Marathon 2008

Did my 21k run this morning to coincide with the above event.

Time: 2h06min15sec
Dist: 21.44Km
Route:
Bkt Aman carpark Lake Gdns >> Mount Kiara Solaris >> Petronas Hartamas >> plus 1 loop >> Bkt Aman carpark Lake Gdns

World Wide Half Marathon

This Sat I will be doing the WW Half Marathon running the Bkt Aman-Hartamas 21k route. Those who care to join drop me a comment. The run will start at 5.30am.

For those that have not register, click here

Ringgit Malaysia

Our Ringgit is going down like a roller-coaster.

RM3.51 = USD1.00

The Old Man advise our new Finance Minister to peg the Ringgit again, but as usual he is too smart to listen to any advise.

I will reckon that by end of Oct, our Ringgit will go down even further to RM3.60 = USD1.00

Watch it !!!!

Chilli Leaves

Do You Know That.....

Chili leaves contains complete range of 蛋白氨基酸 [amino acid]. Almost 4 times compared to the chili fruits. It also contains more than double what chili fruits have of 元素硒 , which are anti-cancerous substance. On top of that, chili leaves are rich in calcium, beta carotene, various vitamins and other nutrients. Eating a suitable quantity of chili leaves enhances secretion of digestive juices, improves appetite and are good for indigestions, gastric and stomach discomfort. Regular intake of chili leaves also help in warming body, strengthen liver, improve eyesight, reduce weight and improve beauty. Chili leaves is tasty and can either be cooked alone, frying with meat or making soup

The Black Stallion aka The Black Thousand Mile Horse

Yes, its the Black Stallion which was newly released in USA as the Fall '08 model. It will only be release in Asia Pacific market sometime early October. And you are right, the Black Stallion looks very familiar and its none other than the Best Selling Lightweight Trainer-cum-Racer " The Fastwitch 3". This is the updated version in terms of its color scheme. All other function and features remain the same, and so its the price. And last but not least Saucony will be selling this as a UNISEX model.

Saucony Progrid Jazz 12

Voted "Best Buy" by Runners World USA

Saucony ProGrid Jazz 12
The ProGrid Jazz 12 features incredible cushioning for the neutral runner, smooth and seamless transition from heel to forefoot and impeccable Saucony fit and feel. The upper features air mesh, forefoot lockdown, premium sockliner and HRC strobel board. The midsole offers heel ProGrid, compression molded EVA and SRC impact zone. The outsole is blown rubber and features a triangular lug design.


RRP: RM370.00
Promo Price: RM230.00

How It Fits

• Sizing: Standard running shoe length
• Heel: Medium width
• Midfoot: Full volume
• Forefoot:Wide width
• Toe-Box height: Medium-low
• Arch Structure: Medium

Weight: 11.2 oz (size 9)

Product Lifecycle

• Release date: June 2008
• Discontinued: Unknown
• Heritage: Jazz 11

Pronation Control Technology

Designed for neutral runners

• Midsole: Single-densityImpulse EVA
• Shape: Semi-curved
• Construction Last: Full-length strobel lasted HRC

Cushioning Technology

• Midsole: Full-length Impulse EVA for increased cushioning and durability
• Heel: ProGrid with Respon-TEK and SRC impact zone combine for great cushioning and shock dispersion
• Forefoot: HRC for added cushioning

Upper Materials

• Breathable mesh base, synthetic overlays for a secure fit, 360-degree reflectivity

Outsole Technology

• XT-900 carbpn rubber provides durability
  
• Full forefoot b/cR combines blown and carbon rubber

P L A G I A R I S M

What a word !!!. I don't even know what it means let alone pronounce pla.gia.rism until an incident happened. Very recently a running and blogger friend of mine found out that there was an act of plagiarizing on one of his race report in his blog.

What does PLAGIARISM means, you may asked. Good question and click here to find out the meaning of it. Immediately he lodged a complain to the editor of the magazine and seek an explanation.

I wont say more about the incident until its proven true. More importantly is that if you have articles that you have written out of your own hard work, originality and creativity, or pictures taken by you, please copyright them and put a clause on it. This will prevent someone from copying or stealing it without your knowledge and consent.

2010 World Cup

Joe Burg, here I come.

South Africa 2010 World Cup mascot unveiled ~ Zakumi

Woman over 40

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 40:

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?', here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

If you cant beat them, JOIN THEM

Wow, even our DPM had his own website. The Q is WHY NOW??? Isnt its a bit too late. And I wont be surprise the entire BeeEnd Cabinet will start to have their own blog and website.

Anyway if you cant beat them, JOIN THEM LOR !!!! At least now he can claim I also have a website mah, cinya!!!

Mooncake Festival

Mooncake festival aka Mid-Autumn festival aka Lantern Festival was celebrated yesterday. Although it was raining it didnt dampen the hopes and spirit of my family lighting up the lanterns within the house compound.

Train At Race Pace

Train at race pace I tried, pushing myself very hard in my first 20k long run. (my first LSD after Sundown Marathon in May 2008) I think the 3 months of rest (only doing casual runs and short races) had do me good. First part of the run was ran at very easy and comfortable pace. The return leg was where I start the "Train At Race Pace" philosophy. I had adopted this during my younger days of running and came out with impressive timing. And I am adopting this again but nevertheless I will know the timing will not be as impressive but at I want to prove that it will work at my current standard. As long as I put focus in my training I think I am up for the challenge.

Posh and Becks turn to Buddhism

New Delhi: Football ace David Beckham and his wife Victoria have reportedly embraced Buddhism.

Sources have revealed that the couple, who live in Los Angeles with their three sons, can be seen chanting every morning to help themselves deal with their hectic lifestyles, reports www.chinaview.cn.

Click here for details.

Amitabha

What the heck !!!!

BN MPs off for study tour in Taiwan from today

Goto Taiwan for a study tour and of all study on agriculture, sigh !!!!. I may not be an agriculturist or an expert, but why Taiwan. Their climatic condition is so different from Malaysia and even though all these goons got their bearings right, I doubt the exposure can be put to good use since our agriculture condition is so different from Taiwan.

I hope these goons is not going there to learn about the Taiwanese kungfu perform in their Parliament !!!

Nine One One

Sept 11, 2001..... the day the world saw something happened that change America. This incident will always be remembered by the Americans, especially for those who were killed in the disaster.

I was stuck in Hawaii during that time and could not come back on schedule due to the closure of the Honolulu airport. It was quite devastating when I saw the incident on TV.

God Bless America !!!!

Screw Up Big Time

Whether he apologize or he dont, I think its immaterial. He had already done Pakatan Raykat a big favor. SCREW UP UMNO and Bee End Big time !!!. The more he continue to talk and hold press conferences the more damage it will be. His two bosses can apologize on his behalf and that just showed us how much control they have over their boyz.

Ahmad dude, keep on talking and you will just continue to bring the downfall of Bee End / UMNO faster !!!! He He He.......Lets see who has the last laugh.

Happy 51st Merdeka Day

I will be spending my long weekend down south and no access to the Net. Therefore I will like to wish everyone a Happy 51st Merdeka Day and more importantly dedicating this song to ....... you know who lah !!!!! A song by Andy Williams ~ A Fool Never Learns

Happy 50th Birthday ~ Michael Jackson

A True Legend

When The Shit Hits The Fan ......

When the shit hits the fan everyone was in denial........

Dont tell me this is how the country is being run. Stand up and be counted, take responsibility and not act stupid. This was what happened when The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) acted within its rights to block access to Malaysia Today news website as advised by the gomen. Click here for detail information.

These are some remarks by our Ministers, and what strikes my curiosity was that isnt these fellars been informed when such a ruling is made by our so call Home Minister??

Deputy Energy, Water and Communications minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said he was unaware of MCMC's actions.

"MCMC did not brief me, but they might have briefed the minister," he said, adding that minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor is currently in Bali and is expected to be back tomorrow.

Information minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said although he was aware of the action taken against Malaysia Today, noted that it does not come under his ministry's jurisdiction.

K O R U P S I

It was found out lately that all these dudes working in PUSPAKOM is taking under-counter money to make sure that vehicles are being approve without any objections for road-worthiness. ACA went after all the fellar and now a can of worms was opened and i believed there are more to come. I heard all sorts of funny things happening in PUSPAKOM, from such incidents to one that I experienced before. Do you know when you buy a second hand car and so happen it come with the tinted film installed? The standard regulation is to have it remove before the inspection but you can save the trouble of doing it by paying a runner RM300 to get it done for you. Meaning to said those fellars in PUSPAKOM will close one eye after they pocket the money. Obviously I dont encourage such corruption act and decided not to do it.

Their tagline sounds AMAZING. It shud have been Safety Begins Here With CORRUPTION. Their car inpsection license given by the gomen shud be stripped off, but anyway its a monopoly business that the gomen had embarked on. Another MALAYSIA BOLEH hiccup.












I read on the paper yesterday next on the radar screen will be JPJ. This one is an open secret liao. Everyone on the streets like Ah Lee, Ah Kow, Ah Lian, Ah Kam, Aiman, Ali, Aishah, Ainun, etc in the country knows that those fellars in this dept conducting the examination (especially on the road) is on the take. How come now only act on it. Please clean up the house before it get rotten and smelly. Its probably oredi rotten and smelly, moving into the next cycle !!!!

I am so SAD, so SAD to see these things happening. Bee End, if you want to get the confidence of the MALAYSIANs, act on it. Dont tell me you go do another post-mortem....you are just firing empty bullets. Else it will be another Permatang Pauh lesson for you. The nation had told you in the recent General Election, the ppl of Permatang Pauh had told you many more times that you can think of, what else do you want to be told.

Please Switch Off Your Mobile-phone

Cinya funny video clip, enjoy it !!!

Very Inconsiderate !!!

This morning I was caught in a massive jam on the Elevated Highway from Ampang to the city. This is an unusual jam and I believed everyone was very stress up first thing in the morning facing this massive jam. While everyone was driving bump-to-bump, I was sandwiched in the lane where on my left is the entrance lane from Jalan Ampang inlet into the Elevated Highway. So in order to give way to oncoming car wanting to get to the right, I tried to change lane over to the right too (the fast lane).

I signaled to move right and I saw this Hyundai Getz (WLE 119) at the back of me doing the same thing. As I was switching to the right lane, this car coming from the back of me does not give way at all. At this time my car was already half way out in between the fast lane. What pisses me off is this driver is so inconsiderate and does not give way although I have already put out my signal and is following me from the back wanting to switch to the right lane too. I (maintain my temper) being the considerate one just dont want to force my way thru and eventually give way to this Hyundai Getz so that it be will in front of me. The last thing I wanted was an accident.

As the car was passing by I gave a stern look to the driver. To my surprise the driver was a tan skinned young lady (not sure if she is a Chinese, Malay or Eurasian) dressed in very smart black office attire. As I was looking at her I know she pretend that nothing had happened. Well my first impression on her was a lady dressed so smartly for work had this kind of inconsiderate attitude. I wonder what is her work attitude like !!! Sorry I have no respect for you ~ inconsiderate lady driver.

Obviously my next instinct was to take out my phone and capture a picture of her car ~ Hyundai Getz WLE119. And this is the car. Watch out for her next time if you are on the road !!!

























Are ladies such inconsiderate drivers on the road or are they just having that feeling that they are intimidated by all drivers on the road, and so have to be more aggressive or behave like that. I dont know and this is something all the lady drivers have to tell me. Personally I dont think that is the case and I am not undermining all lady drivers. I have lady friends that are very well mannered drivers on the road.

But my problem is everytime I encountered a very inconsiderate driver on the road not giving way even when I have put out the signal lights, its always the ladies that are not giving way and having that inconsiderate attitude on the road. Tell me WHY ?

UMNO.....Wat A SHAME !!!!

UMNO..... Wat a SHAME, a BIG BIG SHAME !!!!!

Check out for yourself HERE

I dont even want to post pictures like that let alone promoting it. Have some respect for your fellow opponents and the citizens of Malaysia. Wat is shown in the photo (a picture paints a thousand words) is totally unacceptable. Why are they not charge in court for being disrespectful not just to the public but to all the women and children around.

Some of the remarks gotten from the posting:

Disgusting.
Why won’t TV3 and other main stream media highlight this? Why won’t they show this to the public everyday? If such actions were to be done by PKR supporters we will surely see it everyday in TV and other main stream media. What a disgusting and sickening bunch of morons!

UMNO tolong pi sekolahkan budak main blakang dlm gambar tu..gila ke apa ni? Macam tak de maruah je.

Anyway as I am writing this, it is unofficial confirmed that DSAI had won by a majority of between 16,000 to 17,000 votes. BeeEnd....you lose big time and two in a row too. You asked yourself you got support or not?. Try go and find out the root course and not just keep on firing empty bullets.

Permatang Pauh By-Election

Wats the reason behind that the by-election have to be held during a weekday and the Penang folks get a day off????? No logic and its again some dirty tactics by you know who not to allow the young generation who are residing in the city ie Kuala Lumpur not able to go back to vote. Even if they want they have to sacrifice a day off to do that.

One heck of a SHAPE race

The Shape & Men's Health Run 2008 which i ran was kind of a carnival. True to its name, we got people of all shapes and sizes running in this event. Runners that I have never seen before in other road races, tall and short fit looking ladies, bodybuilders, etc,etc. You name it you probably get it. Lotsa young and pretty gals....cuci mata sikit, and definitely good for those bachelor boyz to smell around, i mean try their luck. Who knows some will be lucky to hit the jackpot and get to know some of them too.

























Anyway back to the race, after collecting my bib and pinning it onto my vest, it was oredi 7am (as the race will start at 7.30am) I walked towards the starting point which is at Tapak A of Lake Gardens. As usual bumped into those regular road racers. The bunch of tri-athletes was there to greet me too( the two Raymonds, Siok Bee, Mich Looi, Shih Ming) They were talking about their Saucony shoes and Shih Ming was showing off her brand new Nike+ Lunar Trainer.

Time to register and get into the kandang. This will be the 2nd race for me after Sundown Marathon and also the KOYAK outing last week. So my plan was not to go out fast as I am still on medication for my cough and throat. I will just use this race to condition my fitness and pace myself well and hopefully get a medal if I am fast enuf. Went to the back of the kandang to do some stretching where I bumped in Abang KP. He too was there and I think he is also not going for timing in this race as I think he is also not training regularly all this while. Had a chat with with a Rac which is around the corner.

Out of a sudden we heard a BANG and the race got started without any announcement. As this is almost like a carnival run, most runner take it very casually even though there isnt any countdown to start. I just run slowly following the sea of runners slowly moving forward. We are required to run around the lake before climbing the deer park and out of Lake Gardens and then out on Jalan Parlimen towards Kenny Hills, and back to Jalan Parlimen and end at Tapak A.

Nothing spectacular about this race as I just maintain a very comfortable pace so that I would not stumble to exhaustion towards the end. The route was very familiar to me as this was part of the training route that I normally run. I was kind of held up by the sea of runners and by the time we are out of Lake Gardens the crowd kind of eases of and create more space to run and overtake.

I just continue with a comfortable pace and not pushing too hard as I know my condition is still not fully 100% to run a 50minutes race. Just cruising on to enjoy the run until i hit the 6k mark where i bumped into Michele Looi. She was kind of slowing down and I encourage her to pace with me since I believe she needed some motivation at that point. We ran for the next 3k pacing each other and got to overtake 2 lady runners that was in front of her. I hope that gave her more motivation to push harder to the finishing.

Towards the entrance of Lake Gardens, Mich drop back a bit and I signal her that I will push forward towards the finishing. As I enter into Lake Garden, I still have some reserve to push hard all the way to the finishing point at Tapak A, but there is no Junior Veteran runners in front of me. Just as I was collecting my position card, I saw Aeow Chen Peng in front of me. Say hello to him and told him he had a good run since he is in front of me. My position was 53 and that means I am entitled to a finisher medal. Not bad for that even though I didnt go all out for this race. Timing was 53mins 47 secs in a distance of 10.38km based on my GPS.

















Race was very well organized with lotsa of sponsors, good crowd and traffic control and the goody bag given out to all runners was quite spectacular. Quite a lot of things in the shoe bag that is being used to store all the goodies. I must said this is one of the very few races that gave out so many things in a goody bag.

Anyway no regret in participating in this race and will be back again if the event is happening next year.

Saucony Type A2 Review

A review by one of the owner of Saucony Type A2 ~ a fast and furious racer that can shave minutes of your run according to them.

Thank you for putting up the review.

K O Y A K

This is the actual description on myself during yday Larian Perpaduan Merdeka 2008 10k race. A big word describe my current condition. TOTALLY KOYAK.

I ran the same route in May 2008 during the Bomba Run and was comfortably doing 53mins. It was a drastic drop in fitness and form. I have not ran a 20k since Sundown Marathon (May) and just doing very casual run to keep fit. This was done on purpose as I needed quality rest. So yday race was actually my first race since May.

Am not blaming myself to be on drugs in this race as I believed I would be even stronger with that. So I cannot run away from not being fit !!!! The result speaks for itself.

After 5k, I was totally drained, BIG TIME !!!! I watched every single runner sayur-ed me, chop chop chop on the chopping board. As each of them passes me, those who know me just called out my name. Its a very polite way amongst runners to tell you that "Hey buddy, I am overtaking you" TNS, I just let it go by without any resistance. What to do, KOYAK liao !!!! Just response with a positive gesture and let them move on, no turbo power liao to challenge. Grrrrrrrrr !!!

Runners after runners passes me. I just maintained a pace I can tahan until all the way till the finishing line. God gracious, the finishing was at Dataran and not continue to run into the middle of the field in front of Selangor Club. I finished my run in 57mins 43secs with a position of 59th placing under the Junior Veteran Category. At least I got a medal for the effort. Thats the best I cud do under the current condition. But no worries, watch me make a comeback.

Hasta La Vista ~ I Shall Return !!!

Review on INJINJI toe socks

"INJINJI socks - no more tube socks. PERIOD."

This is the 2nd time I put on a toe socks. The first time was a cheapalak one that was purchased at one of those shops at the mall. The experience wasnt good as I have difficulties putting it on especially aligning all my toes to the toe pockets of the socks. Eventually I gave up wearing it as I found it too cumbersome and time consuming. Wasting a lot of time just to wear a pair of toe socks.



















Then lately I stumbled on INJINJI and I decided to bring the toe shocks into Malaysia. Before recommending and selling it to my customers, I myself have to try it our first to get a first hand experience. There are two version of the toe socks namely MICRO cut (ankle level) and MINI-CREW cut (above the ankle). I chooses the micro cut as I personally are more fond of wearing socks that are just a cut at or below my ankle.




















To my surprise when I put the socks on, it was extremely easy. All I need is to align my toes correctly into the toe pockets and slip the socks onto my feet. Pull up the socks, make some minor adjustment and wah lah I have a pair of comfy socks wrapping my beloved feet. The feeling is like wearing a pair of glove versus wearing a pair of mittens. Walking around with it gave me the feeling that all my toes can move freely and not wrapped tightly as compare to a pair of tube socks.

Then I am off to my track workout for some speedwork. Throughout the workout, INJINJI wrapped around my feet comfortably. As this was a speed session, I dont feel any heat generated from the socks at all. Hence it reduces any form of friction that eventually can lead to blisters. The toe pockets actually played a very important role by shielding each single toe from rubbing against each other (eliminating skin contact) to prevent chafing that can lead to blisters (a very common problem with lots of runners). The socks also feels very light and gave me the feeling of running sockless. I will give INJINJI another test in a longer run like 20k and I believe it will pass with flying colors.



















After my workout session, I believe INJINJI is the sock that I will using in all my future races.
NO MORE tube socks, PERIOD !!!!!

As I mentioned earlier, putting on and wearing INJINJI is not very difficult and is not time consuming, so triathletes you dont lose valuable time during your discipline transition if you uses INJINJI.


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