NB 15KM 2008

As mentioned in my previous posting, I took part in this year's NB 15km just because of this....



Isn't it unique and cute?

Anyway, I finished the run in 1:10:14 for a 58th position in the Overall Men category. Not bad considering I just cycled more than 90km the day before.

The hilly terrains would prove too much for many runners. However judging from their facial expressions, I believe not many would complain about that. Everyone seemed to be satisfied after they had completed their run.

As expected, this race was well organised with sufficient water stations, good traffic management and a runner-friendly running course. Thank you to the volunteers for their effort and time. You did a splendid job!

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Saturday, May 17 - We cycled from Pekan 18-Pangsun-Pekan 18-Genting Peres-Tekala-Pekan 18-Pangsun-Pekan 18 for a total distance of 94km. I believe 60% of our ride was at speed of 30km/hour or more, for which I was very pleased with. Our very young team (in experience not in age of course!) has certainly been progressing. Keep it up teammates!

A'Famosa Triathlon 2008

I can't imagine I did it - I woke up as early as 5am, drove an hour (about 100km), waited almost 3 hours for my turn to race and then drove back - just for that 10km run!

Yes, I was in the thick of action again, this time I was to run in the Mix Relay for the A'Famosa International Triathlon in Melaka. Dr Rum started with swimming which is his forte, our gutsy lady Yit Thing did the riding and I was the anchorman in the running segment.

Mind you, this doctor can really swim! He was one of the first few to come out from the water. By the time he passed the ribbon to our rider, our team was fourth. As Yit Thing is quite new in cycling, we expected our ranking to drop eventually. Nevertheless, she did her very best and came back safely. We were told there was a crash involving 4 riders with one of them having to be sent to the hospital!

Honestly when I received the ribbon, I was in a dilemma : should I go all out or just take it easy as I knew by then we were out of the podium finish? Thank goodness I chose the former. My form today was much better compared to yesterday. Furthermore the stress on my both thighs did not bother me at all while running and that further boosted my confidence level.

After running with all my heart and might for 40:34, I finally hit the tape to complete my first experience in a back-to-back 10km race. Even though the race course is slightly under-distance, I'm very happy and satisfied with my performance this morning. To add icing to the cake, we were surprised to learn that we were 2nd Runner Up during the prize presentation. And this is what we got ....


By the way, I would like to congratulate Tomatoman and Ultraman Yip for their Third placing in the Men Relay, Michelle for her successful debut as a Triathlete and many more who have participated.

Bomba Run 2008

Picture courtesy of Lee Yin Fook aka Pm40.

This is my first 10km run after don't know how many donkey years! Yes, it's that long! I took part just because I'm into this Powerman thing in Nov or else I would rather sleep in the comfort of my bed! Hahaha! Just kidding!

The Run, on a 10.9km-undulating course, this morning has highlighted some of my weaknesses especially on the strength of my leg muscle as well as the speed. I have also lost my sharpness and credence in this type of short distance running. Thank goodness I still have 6 months to polish them up!

For the record, I did 50:48 for a 28th position. Wai Mun got 8th and earned herself RM100. How envy! I made her buy breakfast after the run. Hehehe!

Bidor Half Marathon 2008

April 27, 2008.

Woke up at 3.30am. Couldn't sleep any further as the weather this morning was rather hot and humid. I wasn't sure if it was the consequence from overtraining as I did a ride-and-run the day before?

Left home at 4.30am and by 6.00am we already arrived at Bidor. Honestly I was quite sleepy and thought of taking a nap in the car. However, excitement won over the drowsiness and I decided to just get ready for the race.

The race was started at 7am sharp. After 2-3 minutes into running, I could feel the stress on both shin - no thanks to my usual laziness of not doing a proper warm up! Being an experienced runner, I knew the pain will go off eventually, so I just stayed calm. True enough the pain vanished after running 3-4km.

As I was beginning to cruise, I started observing and enjoying the surroundings. The route was generally undulating. There are lots of green and rubber trees. Air was good. The best part was runners basically occupied the whole 2-lane road to ourselves due to the almost zero traffic around this area.

After 5km, we were required to make a u-turn heading back to the town. Upon reaching the town, we turned right to another side of the town. This part is even more hilly but I like it very much as it is quite similiar to our training ground at Bukit Tunku area.

Again after another 5km or so, we made a u-turn and headed back to the finishing line in the town. I was pleased to complete the race in 1:39:24 and was fourth in the Jr Veteran category. Wai Mun came back some 15 minutes later and she was 2nd Runners-up in the ladies category. Some of our friends also won the Top 10 finishers. Congratulations to Ben Swee, Neil, Mr Chin, Jessica, Kim in half marathon and Shahnom, Ronnie See, Chen, Clara Bong in 10km. We were presented with a beautiful medal and trophy.

Special thanks to the event organizers for a well organised and runner-friendly race. Enjoyed the race!

KLIM 2008

It's just another Sunday morning run for me in the recent KLIM which was held on 30 March. No specific goal! Just want to go out there and have fun!

It's also the event I made my debut in the Junior Veteran category. Gosh! I'm 40 years young now! I can't imagine I've been running for 27 years by now. No wonder I'm starting to look for new adventures and challenges - like cycling and duathlon!

Some people told me I should be excited to get the "upgrade" and enjoy the advantage of competing against the older runners. Alas the truth is the organiser also upgraded those 35 years to the same category. So number 40 became the mean of the age group!

Anyway I was the 31st person from my category to finish the 21.8km half marathon. I clocked a consistent time of 1:45:28. My wife got a Top 10 finishing. Here's her encounter I wish to share with you guys and gals!

I've lined up a few races for this year where I will be at its starting block:
27 April - Bidor Half Marathon (1st timer for the run. Nice medal to be collected)

18 May - NB 15km (sudden change of heart after seeing its cute medal)

25 May - RMAF Half Marathon (heard of its rich history. Coincide with my birthday- a must run!)

13 July - Century Ride 160km (it's going to be my virgin ride in an official event!)

29-31 August - PCC Interstate cycling Kajang-Bahau-Kuala Rompin-Kuantan (sooo excited to be part of this mini-LTdL. Probably the ride of my life.)

9 November - Powerman Run/Bike/Run (My event of the year! Also our wedding anniversary)

The Arrival Of A New Family Member

Welcome our newly "born" son - Scott Pro CR1 aka Scott Tan. It weighs around 7.93kg or 16.6 lbs. The labor cost is RM1x,xxx! Now I can't wait to bring him for a ride this Saturday!

Thanks to Mr Lok Chan Chuen for sparing his time and expertise in selecting the parts of the bicycle.

2008 GE 30KM

This year I took part in 20km instead of the usual 30km. The reason is obviously due to my lack of training. Nowadays, I only managed to run on Sundays for around 15km-20km and cycle on Saturdays for about 65km. It started since I took up cycling in mid October 2007. These days, running especially on weekdays really requires a huge dose of motivation and inspiration!

Despite the 3-month "lay off", I'm happy I still managed to clock a consistent 1:42:46 this morning to finish at 17th position. Not bad for an old man about to enter into the 40th league in the next couple of months!

Wai Mun puts me to shame as she ran the longer distance and finished 15th with a time of 2:52.