Mount Kinabalu (23 -26 April 2009)

Note: Pictures courtesy from Frank Chong

Its my 7th climb and reaching the Summit for the 6th time. Every each of these climbs give me different challenges and feelings, and more importantly provide me with an opportunity to learn new things and get to make new friends. I am not sure if I want to blog in detail about this climb but definitely I will do it. Probably in a different angle.

Come back soon.........

Hot Hot 25k

It was a training run that I wanted badly. Down for more than 3 weeks with cough and throat infection, coupled with the medication which knock me out almost completely. So yesterday 25k run was a test of my endurance and whether I am back in shape after knocking in some 3ok within the week.

The morning started off extremely hot and humid, and I have Loke as my running buddy this time. I just take it very slowly in the beginning. Just make sure that I dont push too hard and run out of energy towards the return leg.

Able to handle the first 10k pretty well but the humidity is taking a toll on both of us. We hydrated ourselves at the Petronas kiosk and continued with 2 loops (2.27k) around the Hartamas housing area before running back to Bukit Aman carpark.

The return leg was ran at a slightly faster pace as compare to the first leg. Am still able to handle the pace pretty well. Struggled a bit on the uphill around Tijani area. Once both of us cleared that, it was a good pace together till we hit Jalan Parlimen. Loke increased the pace a bit along the uphill stretch towards Lake Garden and I just tailgate closely behind. Although pushing harder and feeling some strain, I can feel that I have almost regain 70%-80% of my original fitness (from an endurance perspective).

Completed the run in almost 2hr 45mins (plus water stop time) and I thot it was a pretty good run for me. I am glad my fitness is coming back and hopefully by end of May, I shall have my full fitness, endurance and speed back.

More hard work ahead......

BHP Orange Run 2009

I was informed that BHP Orange Run is into its 4th year. I must say its very well organized especially when its a free event. Coupled with quite a fair bit of sponsors throwing in some marketing dollar to create the awareness of the BHP brand for the consumers.

For me, this is more of a fun run, carrying my point & shoot camera while running. Also is a get together with some running buddies and take the opportunity to showcase some Saucony shoes to interested runners. Killing many birds with one stone.

Well I wont describe much about the event as I said earlier that its pretty well organised. Just watch the photos which I took before, during and after the race.

1 Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.

Well tha'ts the tagline of our new Prime Minister. Prove it to the Rakyat that you are sincere about it and most importantly work towards it. What I am expecting out of it.......

1 MALAYSIA
Just abolish the need of going thru Immigration checkpoints when entering Sabah and Sarawak. I felt like an outsider when entering the 2 states although the people are friendly there. If we are 1 Malaysia, why the need to do that. It just incurred high cost for the country to do that. This is just one of them, in fact there are many more!!!!

People First
No discrimination amongst all Malaysian irregardless of races. That is equal rights and no special privileges and treatments to any races. Treat every single RAKYAT equally and have us compete at the same level.

Performance Now
Just take out all the deadwood in the Ministery Cabinet and punish those who are caught with corruption. Eg are like ppl who misused states funds and go for technical visits in Disneylands.


Can you do it, Mr Prime Minister?

I am......

I am down but not out............

Will make a comeback soon...........

High Spirits

After yesterday torturous 21k run (Bkt Aman - Solaris - Petronas Hartamas [2 loops] - Bkt Aman), my running spirits are much much higher now. Never had I been in such a condition during training. I told myself after the run "How bad can it be" as I have ran my most suffering 21k in all these years. It can only get better as time goes by.

I made the right choice by not doing a 10k this morning and choose to have more sleep/rest but I still woke up at 8am. Do the normal house chores as wife is not at home for the weekend. Met the Navy boyz and deliver some shoes at LG. It was an honor to meet my fren and congrat him personally for coming out 2nd (Malaysian) in Ironman Langkawi.

The rest of the day will be chilling out at home before another week starts. Dont forget school reopens next week and back to the madness of traffic jams in the morning.

The Problem with US Economy

The Problem with the US Economy:

Sweet and Simple

John Smith started the day early having set his alarm

clock

(MADE IN JAPAN )

for 6 am.

While his

coffeepot

(MADE IN CHINA )

was perking, he shaved with his

electric razor

(MADE IN HONG KONG ).

He put on a

dress shirt

(MADE IN SRI LANKA ),

designer jeans

(MADE IN SINGAPORE )

and

tennis shoes

(MADE IN KOREA )

After cooking his breakfast in his new

electric skillet

(MADE IN INDIA )

he sat down with his

calculator

(MADE IN MEXICO )

to see how much he could spend today. After setting his

watch

(MADE IN TAIWAN )

to the

radio

(MADE IN INDIA )

he got in his

car

(MADE IN GERMANY )

filled it with

GAS

(from Saudi Arabia )

and continued his search

for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end

of yet another discouraging

and fruitless day

checking his

Computer

(Made In Malaysia ),

Joe decided to relax for a while.

He put on his

sandals

(MADE IN BRAZIL )

poured himself a glass of

wine

(MADE IN FRANCE )

and turned on his

TV

(MADE IN INDONESIA ),

and then wondered

why he can't find

a good paying job

in the US

$$$ Politics

Is

MONEY POLITICS

Equals

C O R R U P T I O N

StanChart KL Marathon 2009

Dear Runner

Octagon, a division of CMGRP (M) Sdn. Bhd and Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad are pleased to commence the official registration and website for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009, the biggest and most rewarding marathon to hit Malaysia.

To commemorate the start of the registration tomorrow, we are having some activities in KL to kick off the registration. We would like to invite you to come over to Pavilion KL to join in on the festivities. Lucky runners who sign up tomorrow at Pavilion KL will stand a chance to win thumb drives, free registration and a grand prize of 2 VIP Access Passes to attend the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 (great gift for your friends and family).

When ? 10.00am to 1.00pm on 13 March 2009 (Friday)

Where ? Espressamente Illy Café

Lot 310, Level 3, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur (facing Bintang Walk)

Or if you’re unable to come over to Pavilion KL, no worries. Just log on to www.kl-marathon.com from tomorrow onwards to register! Also, tomorrow we will be sending you the official press release announcing the start of registration to post on your blog.

If you need more info about what is happening tomorrow, please do not hesitate to contact:

Weber Shandwick Malaysia, at 03-7843 3100, or;

Alina Morais amorais@webershandwick.com (017 323 3078 / 03 7843 3125)

Norhayati Malek nmalek@webershandwick.com (012 713 2770 / 03 7843 3129)

Marc Ng marc5133@yahoo.com (019 3196032)

Thanks

Alina

Alina Morais

Consultant

Weber Shandwick

4-01, 4th Floor
Wisma LYL
No. 12, Jalan 51A/223
46100 Petaling Jaya

Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
T: +603 7843 3100 | DL: +603 7843 3125 | F: +603 7843 3199

E: amorais@webershandwick.com

www.webershandwick.com

Wild Wild Run 2009 - Running Video Clip

Wild Wild Run 2009

Click here for individual pictures.

This is probably a run that nobody had organized. The Wild Wild Run and the location is running a 10k route (1.85km x 5) inside the zoo. Ideas came out as I was planning for a run in Feb 2009 but due to time constraint have to abandon it. Then came fresh ideas and the suggestion of having it at the zoo came out. What a brilliant idea and work got started.

A few calls were made and I representing the organising team (on behalf of Der Pacemakers Network) went to meet up with the Customer Service Team of Zoo Negara to inform them of our event and get their approval to organise our run there.

Within a few days, I got a call from the Zoo informing me that we can go ahead and hold the event at their facility. Immediately the think tank team got into action. First was to arrange for a day to reckee the place and find out how is the running route and whats the distance. The team comprising of Wong Kei Meng - Race Director, Ronnie See - Race Advisor, Julie - Planner, Pueh Tian - Official Race Videographer and myself went to visit the zoo.

Things fall into places, and registration was open to the public. Within days the places of all categories was filling up quickily. I guessed a lot of runners felt that its a unique event and yet a good idea to kill two birds with one stone. Run in the zoo and visit all the animals after the race.

To cut the story short, things went well as the planning progresses and the team was ready for race day. This time I was part of the event as a sponsor for the race under Saucony and Ccube Sports Hub, and on top of that as a volunteer too.

I reached the zoo entrance very early at about 5.45am as I stay pretty nearby. About 15mins later I was greeted by Gege Tey arriving as our Official Race Photographer. Really kamsiah to him for helping out as he just came back from the Langkawi Ironmen photography session. Then more runners started to arrive and I help divert them to the carpark area and register themselves before entering the zoo.

I was also designated to ferry all the barang barang like tables and foodstuff into the zoo. So have to make frequent trips in and out to ensure all the barang barang arrived and attended to. Moving around the zoo was greeted by pitch dark atmosphere only assisted by the lights from those kerosene cans along the walking path. Cool breeze and sounds of the birds and insects were felt and heard. Occasionally I can hear the roar of the big cats (cant differentiate if its a lion or a tiger) By 7.15am the sky starts to brighten up and it makes moving around easier and we can see almost all the runners have already gathered at the starting point waiting anxiously for the race to begin.

The race started off a tat late as we could not disseminate the checkpoint marshall earlier as the area was really dark then. I was given the privelege to flag off the race as the key sponsor. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and off they go. It was such a pleasure to see the race started of after many weeks of planning. And now its the crunching moments to ensure that all runners are taken care of from a hospitality standpoint. Its down to the team to make sure all nitty gritty things are look into so as to ensure there is very little mistakes and faults.

All male runners have to run 4 x 1.85km loop while the women runners have to run 4 x 1.85km loop. Round and round they ran and the timekeepers were busy calling out the bib numbers and marking down the number of loops each runner completes. The atmosphere was a very happy one with everyone joking especially our MC - Kelvin Ng cracking jokes after jokes and the runners are not spared too. The running environment was definitely special as I believed all runners get to hear the big cats roared, the birds chipping away, stocks flying freely along their running path and the aroma of the waste from the animals within the zoo.

The first runner completed the 5 loops in about 31mins and a very fast time indeed. Then more and more runners started to complete the race. After that they were diverted to the hosting area where the runners get to collect their finisher medal plus breakfast + drinks was on the house. It was really a carnival with the objective of promoting running as a healthy lifestyle. Not too sure how many packets of nasi lemak had those runners eat after the race, hehehe!!!! You called this healthy.....never mind lah. These calories can be burn off in no time.

Group photos of runners were taken after the race and the organising team had a photo taken as well with the Zoo Negara team who supported us in the event. I too had a field day meeting with some runners who needed to purchase some shoes from me and also took the opportunity to distribute my business card for future business with all the runners. Hopefully I can get some impact from this event.

As the race come to an end, the runners bid goodbye and some stayed back to walk around the zoo. We the volunteers team start to do the packup to ensure the rubbish are all collected and disposed to the bins and not left lying around. Packing up of tables, chairs and drinks and ferried all these barabg barang back to respective owners. And finally when it almost come to an end, we found out that we still have some 15-20 entrance tickets not used (there are some no shows)

We decided to get the permission from the zoo to resell the tickets to the visitors at the Main Entrance gate and the approval was given. So before we left home the team of Ronnie, Rachel, Julie, Ryan and myself became ticket touts selling tickets to some zoo visitors. Anyway we are selling it at a discounted price (given by the zoo) and its a no brainer ofnot buying it. And in no time all the tickets were snapped up and we got some money back, else it will go to a waste.

Well that was the finale of the day before the team parted and reach out to their own home. Overall I felt that the event was pretty well organised although we did a quick post mortem that there are some gaps. Need some improvements in these area when we come to organise the next event.

Cheers and hope everyone had an enjoyable and unique race at the Zoo. At the time of writing I have already received some email request of organising it again next year. Der Wild Wild Run 2010.....yet to be seen.

International Golden Towerthon 2009

Venue: Basement KL Tower
Date: 26 July 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 8.00am

Categories:
A - Men and Women above 70
B - Men and Women 60 - 70
C - Men and Women 50 - 60
D - Men and Women 40 -50

For further details and download of entry form, please click here

Winter Sonata in Malaysia

They are probably the best couple in town right now. Its power transition period and both are not speaking out. They just keep quite about the whole issue in Perak. As the head of state you cannot allow such things to happen. BN is too afraid to go for a snap state wide election. They know the party will loose big time if it happen. Anyway its oredi happening. The more you drag the issue the worst it become. Betul Najis - you are loosing the confidence of the rakyat day by day, and I can bet come next election BN is just a nobody party. Only good for I dont know what. You cannot even solve simple political issues, let alone running the country effectively.

For god sake, no matter what please do something in Perak. These are things that the country need to sort out quickly and focus on how to combat the world economic meltdown. Both of them still think that Malaysia is not affected. We are in a denial mode....What a Winter Sonata!!!

Next is the Monday flash flood. Whats happening dude!!! I would guess those who were affected lost a fair amount of $$$$ be it their car was submerged underwater, their business completely stops, people trap inside buildings, an international furniture exhibition was totalled ruined by the flood, etc,etc. We are oredi in an economic downturn and yet we allow floods continue to happen year in year out, causing people to lose money unnecessary.

I read today's paper, and as usual nobody is owning to it. The SMART tunnel folks said its not build to channel water from other rivers except Klang river. So the other river overflows and we cannot do anything about it. (until some god knows what kolam are build) What a Winter Sonata!!!! Where is the Datuk Bandar of DBKL and Minister of FT, both are keeping their mouth shut. I think both shud resign as you are paid to do a job and are not doing it at all. Another Winter Sonata!!!

I dont want to write anymore because everyone knows there is a long list of it. The moral of the story ~ Malaysia is enjoying its WINTER SONATA.......

KL in a chaos

The thunderstorm and heavy rain created a havoc in KL this evening. Roads in and out of city were jammed. Bumper to bumper traffic and practically moving 100m in 15mins to 20mins. I was also informed by a friend that Jalan Ipoh was flooded with at least 1m water level and the PWTC building had a total blackout trapping many people inside. Cars parked along Jalan Putra was submerged under water.

This was a clip that I captured using my mobile phone on my way home. The banks of Klang river overflowed causing havoc to many areas in the city. The worst affected area was Jalan Ipoh.

KL Towerthon 2009

This is the 3rd series that I joined and every time I attend this event, its more for having some fun than anything else. Today is no different. I didnt come here for any timing but just to bring out my camera and capture the moments. Moments of joy, fun and competition.

Let the clips do the talking.

KL City Run 10k

Picture courtesy of RunWitMe


First 10k race of the year. The race will be a test of speed as it will be run over Kenny Hills and out to Jalan Duta (where one need to climb the hill after Hoki Stadium) and then Jalan Parlimen before heading back to Dataran Merdeka. This route as measured before is around 10.8k

My plan is to sustain an average of sub5 minutes throughout the race. I know its not easy especially in the first 3k to 4k as I know I need to conserve energy for the 2nd part as its going to be hilly.

Met all the usual running friends like Jamie, Cheang, Lynn, Chin Chin, Loke SS, PM gang and many more. Race started on time by the Ketua Pengarah of DBKL. The first 2k was ran in a control and cautious manner and gradually increase my speed. Once I hit Km3, I increased my speed further and maintain it and then took on the hill near Hoki Stadium. I pushed a bit harder once on the downhill and its already Km6 now. Continue to push hard till Km7.

Knowing very well that there will be another uphill to climb at Jalan Parlimen, I slow down a bit to conserve some energy ( if I push harder ahead I wont be able to sustain it and pancit). As I reach Jalan Parlimen, took on the hill slowly and pickup some speed once I reached the Lake Garden junction. At this moment dont have much reserve to push harder and therefore just maintain pace throughout till I reached Dataran Merdeka.

The finishing point is inside the Selangor Club padang and all runners have to make a right turn after running along Dataran Merdeka. There is not much sprinting towards finsihing as I am quite sure & safe I should be able to get a finisher medal (150 medals for Jr Veteran category). Crossed the finishing point in 55.07mins and position 49.

Pretty satisfied with my time although I didnt manage to sustain an average sub5 mins pace for the race. Only manage 5.03min per km and more speedwork needed for the rest of the running season. Overall a great outing and at least a benchmark to tell me of my speed level.

Sun Tzu Art Of War (Sūn Zǐ Bīng Fǎ)

PKR (28 seats)
BN (28 seats - 7 suspended)
Independence (3 seats)

Under such circumstances, PKR should rightful be forming the new Perak gomen again. If BN dont follow policies to dissolve gomen, then this time round with the suspension of 7 newly appointed state exco, BN had only 21 seats. PKR no need to follow policies too.

As reported by NST, Suspension of MB, Exco can't be legally challenged: Bar Council. Therefore the decision by Perak assembly speaker V. Sivakumar to suspend the menteri besar and his six executive councillors as assemblymen cannot be challenged in court, the Malaysian Bar Council said today.

The BN team is not a good strategist (and will never be), didnt forsee this will hit them back kau2, those right hand man are not capable to look forward and strategise, whereas PKR have the likes of Sun Tzu teaching at their finger tips.

As Sun Tzu said "Know Yourself Know Your Enemies, In A Hundred Battles You Will Always Come Out A WINNER"

Privacy in BolehLand

Can Elizabeth Wong (state assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjang) had her own privacy. It doesnt really matter what she had done outside of her political role (which is public facing). And we judged her capability based on the way she carry out her duties and execution. What she is doing after that is a personal life and its non of my business. In this case she is not like our infamous Chua Soi Lek who was caught bedding with another woman, when he has a wife and a family. The case is totally different.

So Kill Toyol, please shut your stupid big mouth in instigating the public and pressure her to resign. You have no blardy rights to do that. Do something more credible and dont be just a lalang and ride on the wave for free. You are just a good for nothing to me. I pity UMNO if you are their youth leader.

The person who circulate those nude photos of her shud be prosecuted and put to jail for causing a violation of personal life. Police, now is the time to prove to the public that you can execute properly. Go find that dude where he is and charged him for intrusion of privacy.

Eli Wong, you shud not resign as you was a victim in the current situation. You have done nothing immoral. Dont let those morons (from Betul Najis) that barks unnecessary affect you emotionally. Thats so much I can support you, the rest is up to your own personal decision. Good luck.

Barley

You may have read this before, but I thought its good to post it for those who are not aware of what barley can do for them.

Healing and cleansing with barley

High in fibre, barley is also a kidney cleanser. Better yet, regular intake of it helps prevent heart disease. BARLEY water was always a regular drink when we were still living at home. Whenever we had to go for a medical exam that included a urine test, my mum would make us drink barley water a day before it to make sure we got a positive result!

My mother was a wise woman. I later found out from an Australian naturopath that barley is known to be a kidney cleanser, and he happily downed glasses of it at a meal we had in a coffee-shop here.

Barley is good for your intestinal health too. Try to eat the barley grains you find in your drink or sweet broth with fu chook (beancurd skin) and ginkgo nuts.

It's high in fibre which feeds the friendly bacteria in the colon and helps speed up the transit of fecal matter in it. In this way it helps prevent haemorrhoids and colon cancer.

The propionic acid and beta glucan from barley's insoluble fibre also help lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of gallstones.

Eating barley regularly is a preventive step against heart disease as, besides the fibre content, it is also high in niacin, a B vitamin good for lowering cholesterol.

Diabetics should eat more barley as the fibre will prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high. It also provides relief from constipation or diarrhoea for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Barley is rich in selenium which prevents cancer and relieves symptoms of asthma and arthritis. It is a good source of manganese, copper and phosphorous.

Malt sugar comes from sprouted barley which, when fermented, is an ingredient in beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Barley, whose Latin name is hordeum vulgare, has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years.

Since ancient times, barley has been used for healing purposes and has been known to the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Athletes in Greece and Rome in those days were known to eat barley bread to give them strength.

Besides the usual things we do with barley, I enjoy having it in a western soup. The larger pearl barley is used and I love the sticky bite of it.

Petai

Thats my new source of regular food. I love petai since I was a young boy but only eating it occasionally. But this year I have kind of include petai as part of my regular diet on my dinner table or treat it as a kind of fruit. There are lots of good benefits from petai as described on the Internet and I will see if all these will compliment me as a runner and an active outdoor person.

A short writeup from one of the website I found:

Petai contains three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose. Combined with fiber, petai gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two servings of petai provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder petai is the number one fruit with the world‘s leading athletes. But energy isn‘t the only way petai can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.