Limping Marathon Runner

This morning's Ultramarathon at MR was no easy feat. Landslides detours, muddy tracks, slippery board walks and more. Having said all that, the weather was fantastic and definitely better than last year. We took a group photo before the flag off. The first lap was with Shut, Cfred, SassyRunner. I stopped for a short stretch and went for my second lap. Along the way, I bumped into my ex-colleague who brought his family out to the TreeTopWalk. They were surprised to hear that there is a race here in MR. Almost finishing my second lap, my stomach was growling! I stopped at pit stop for some bananas and took my initial third lap as a stroll. 20 minutes later, I continued to run. Reaching pit stop for lunch, I had some prata with sugar. It was a real treat to see Taz, Astrogirl and Run3. As each lap progressed, I saw less runners. Each runners were better spaced out then. I walked during the fourth lap after my lunch and the shoes seem to be giving problems. My left foot was feeling weird with muscle strain. Technically, I have not ran in this pair of shoes for such a long distance in trail. I have violated the Runners Code: "Do not try anything new on race day". I changed my shoes for my fifth lap but the strain already set in. Each step taken was a chore. Sumiko passed me to give me a thumb up to check if I was okay, I did a thumb up. Boy am I glad to see Roonz and Meteor cheering for me 400m away from the finishing point. They walked with me to the finishing point! *Tearing* Thanks! I was greeted by a row of supporters that was cheering for everyone who ran pass. They shouted, "More more more!" for more laps. I wish I could. There was still enough time. But, I just could not (fearing of stressing on the muscle strain further). I sent in my BIB to collect my Tshirt and certificate of participation. Just a mere 52.5km. Although I was hoping for one more lap. Next time, I guess! I thought Cosmic and SuperBoy would be doing the full event today. Our two official photographer, LaoKaYu and Mythos were there. Waa!! I got to shake Mythos, who recently completed his Busselton Ironman. W00T! Our unofficial a.k.a. last minute guest appearance photographers, Tiwazz and Sotong. Support of the supporters Cheow12 and Violet made guest appearance with their Jack Russell as well.

Thanks for all the goodies piled on the table, support and photographs. I even managed to get a shoulder massage from Sotong for my first lap! Talk about service. Every lap of completion, runners are greeted with shutter sounds from cameras.

Now, a run through of 2006. Great to know so many nice people around. Thankful for knowing all these people. To be able to take part in many races was bonus to me. The real treat happened in May and another smaller scale in October. There are still changes going on. But, they are all part of one's life. Looking forward to 2007.

The stage is set for 2007. Let the journey begin.

My alarm on my mobile fired off. *Mumble mumble mumble*
Took a cold shower *MUMBLE MUMBLE MUMBLE*
Got out of house and bought a lousy take-away coffee *Mumble mumble mumble*

I arrived at the Terminal to find that the rest did a car pool into Sentosa. My systems were still in a 50-50 mood. It changed when I reached the beach. I geared up and was ready to go! Sotong, IMD, Tiwazz, Cfred and Rooonz were already there. SV and Simon arrived on their bikes while Terence on foot, double quick time. IMD was already in the waters. SV stayed dry with a sore shoulder while the rest of us made some waves. Simon had to work and he left early. It seems that attraction of breakfast is greater than training (we are not called slackers for nothing), we went for a quick 5km run before attacking the bee hoon and chee cheong fun with our chopsticks. We wasted no time! I like someone's phrase of "fulfilling bee hoon and chee cheong fun's meaning of existence"! We tempted IMD with the food as he ran past. I took over SV and watched over our stuff as they went into the waters again. While everyone was back to enjoy watching IMD appreciating his breakfast, some hunks ran pass at easy looking but fast pace. They swam and ran as well. When we left, Sotong chatted with one of them where we stopped to talk a little.

We agreed on pie tasting for tomorrow's order and went over to China Square. We sampled a few version and Rooonz placed an order for tomorrow's showdown.

Internet went down recently while Telcos are trying to reroute and get the cables back in business. All these caused by the recent earth quake that took place at Taiwan. The same case of Internet failure happened some years back. Let's hope everything is okay at Taiwan though we heard news of casualties and fatalities.

Recently, it has been pouring daily. I am glad that I was able to run a little this morning.

A draft discussion on our next trip took place today. Everything is still in its infant stage. More checking needs to be done.

Dreams. Freaky. I wish I have some explanation. But, ... I can't.

Through MSNs and SMSes, all the can-you, would-you coordination, we executed the plan. It turns out to be really weird. I was left dumbfound. *Shrugs*

Exciting. In less than a week's time, we will attempt the Ultramarathon. For those who participated last year, most of them are doing support this year. Roles got reversed. Do it slow and easy, shall we? Enjoy the food, route, company and sore sensation of muscle groups.

Trying out the LT, hmm .... I would not be expecting the cushion feel like the Cumulus, definitely. But, the shoes seem a little small. I do not expect black toe nails any time soon. But, I would not bring her out for long distances as well.

Bagged an obligated-to-do certification just today. Clearing more obstacles along the way ... Move it!

Bling Bling, Endlesstrail, Albin and I agreed that we should meet up early next due to my schedule. Bling Bling wants to pass us some souvenirs that she bought from her recent Jiu Zhai Gou (九寨沟) trip. Thanks!

It is the time of the year again where my Secondary School classmates want a gathering. Always happy to see them! Let us get some baby pictures!

Thank you to all your Merry Christmas SMS. I would need a harddisk phone to save keep all the SMSes.

After back from KL, I was clearing my stuff and I totally forgot to sync my PDA. Bad move... I totally forgot my appointment today. Not good. After receiving a buzz, I sprang out of bed to boil hot water. For what?! Some works to be done in my toilet and we cannot use the toilet with the hot shower. We have to make do with the other toilet which has cold water. The weather nowadays, simply not a good idea to bathe in cold water. Okay, fast forward a little... I arrived and am totally apologetic. I missed the first set of exercise. We did another exercise before consuming lunch. The Nasi Lemak serving and the packet of chili were really generous. With the effect of digestion setting in, everyone was almost battling to keep their eyelids wide open. Things got better when it was exercises again. Reviews kept us thinking a lot of what we have went through during the whole day. I hope everyone brings back something (knowledge). I did. I know how others perceive me as an individual, for which I hope those are all-out no mercy judgement. Somehow, I feel it is a little reserved. One has to be open about these comments I guess. There is always room for improvement. We wrapped up with discussion and summary before heading out for dinner. Dinner was a little too oily for my taste.

Now, I better not forget the appointment tomorrow or else I will get hanged and my carcass fed to sewer rats, hungry dire wolves or desert vultures...

Long overdue and I have not done this for quite some time.

Back from KL and the journey was torturing due to flooding at highway! Only one lane for uni-direction traffic at certain stretch of the highway. Train services stopped for obvious reasons. News mentioned that there was a 20+ hours of rainfall several days back.

Starting on a new book, The Trail to Titicaca, talking about 3 guys on their mountains bikes traveling several months across Argentina to Lake Titicaca to raise funds for a charitable cause.

Looking ahead.. I think there are a few days left before I learn to dodge swinging flails! Year 2007 for prep. Year 2008 will be high adrenalin for me.

Waking up around 8.30am, I lazed in bed for at least half an hour. Hotel beds are always better than what I have at home! However, I do recall that my Vietnam colleague was talking in his sleep last night!! Training training training... leaving my KL office at around 7pm, I brought "Ng" to KLCC since it is his first time here in Malaysia. We had A&W for dinner. They do not have these hotdogs back at home anymore! No more Root Beer Floats!

Walking around Kinokuniya, I bought Jan 07's Runner's World since it is slightly cheaper here. Something to reward myself for the new year coming ahead! I spotted the Lonely Planet Story book as well.

Several folks have asked about Rainbow Sago..
Ice shavings topped with sago and yam syrup mix, only to find it surrounded by servings of kiwi fruit, mango, strawberry, honeydew and watermelon. Ultimate dessert!

Late nights simply do not help at all in packing. *Yawn*
With all my stuff in two separate bags, it is time to head out again.

I did a quick purchase at the Beach Road market. Not like I have many shops to choose from since it is considered to be early for shops to be opened. Breakfast? Mee Siam. Between standing around and waiting in the bus, I chose the latter. Several moments later, it seems like a mother and her son sat on two seats to my right (I had a standalone seating in the same row). I offered to change my seat with the lady's husband, which he gladly accepted. I'm alone.. I can sit almost anywhere. Just don't tell me there is a spare seat in the toilet. Not too long before we started to move off, it was a heavy down pour outside! What a day to stay at home, sink really deep in a pile of pillows and read a book with a cup of coffee by your side. Nope... I have to head to KL. Ha! .. I was able to watch Seven Sword (七剑) since I did not manage to finish the show last time. We stopped at the usual location for some food. About an hour after being on the roads again, I felt a bump as though the bus knocked into something or vice versa. It turned out to be that a car had banged the back of our bus. We were stranded for an hour on the highway and later another hour at a small town to settle the accident. The car that knocked into our bus was in a pretty bad shape. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt in this accident. By the time I reached my bus drop off point in KL, it was really late. My Vietnam colleague, "Ng", just arrive via flight too. After checking in, I brought him to Jalan Alor where we can have some local food. I ordered a Maggi Mee Goreng and Teh Tarik. Ah ha! This time, I must try the Rainbow Sago, which I did after our dinner. My Vietnam colleague ordered a Coconut Sago which looks simply refreshing as well. I asked him about his country since I plan to visit Vietnam, which he was happy to share with me.

We continue to talk about places of interest in Vietnam as well walked back to our hotel to shower and change before we call it a night. Just after I came out from shower, the movie "Closer" was showing on HBO. Such coincidence. The theme song of "Closer" was a topic some days back and it showed on T.V. today?! Well, this show makes relationships look so gloomy and complicated. But, it is always something that is on a fine line. Okay, time to face the Z monster.

Past few days have been fruitful and yet taxing on me. Drenched in rain and feeling a little feverish from 8 hours of sub 23 degrees aircon breeze from all directions. Conditions.. .. not good. I had to abandon all ideas on running. Several cases on coming, but there is only so much I can do. To make matter not-so-good, I have to head over to KL for training next week. Things are bound to stack up.

Today, after heading out to change some currencies, I had lunch with a couple of friends and walked around town for some retail therapy. Vouchers, vouchers, vouchers... I need to clear them anyway. No luck. I didn't find anything I fancy that I could use with voucher. My mind kept hovering over the idea of New Balance's RC800/RT800. Nevertheless, I had a great time today!

Stellarium

Simple, sweet, sexy.
Best stars gazing software I have found and used so far. Several people have used, giving thumbs up! What's best? Open source .. meaning ... free. Afterall, I support open source.

myFTOgpx tried to install wireless at his place but failed (unsure). Hence, it was craft (me) to the rescue! Agreeing to settle it faster than a speeding bullet, I deployed myself in a shopping mall near his place, happily munching on MOS Burger's Chilli Dog Meal. A constant rush of happiness filled both my heart and empty stomach. Moving around my usual favorite part of the mall (a.k.a. supermarkets), I shopped for ingredients for the next dessert that I intend to try. Oh.. time flies when you're having fun in supermarkets. ..

At the door, I was greeted with a baby chuckle. Weeee.... myFTOgpx's baby girl! Wireless setup was a piece of cake. The main bulk of time taken was to explain on technologies do-s and don't-s. Play time!! The baby girl was surprisingly friendly to me, as mentioned by myFTOgpx and Sammy. What to do... girl magnet ... (only works for 6months old and below). She was grabbing my finger in her palm and flashing smiles at me all the time. Babies... cutie!! Ooops... forgot my cam!

With a extended version of supper at unearthly hours like 2am with Karlooong and Bala, I woke up later than usual. Since Karlooong wants to blade at East Coast, I will do my run there. Bonus - The Sun, the Sand, the Sea.

Uh-oh... not looking good. Dark clouds approached the Fort Road area. 600m into my run, rain fell by the buckets. I had to abandon my run and seek shelter. Needless to say, my Cumulus soaked up water better than Sponge Bob Square Pants. I turned back and went to Marina Square Hong Kong Cafe with Karlooong for Coffee & Tea mix, quick fix. We left the area after our drinks where Karlooong met up with her friends and I went to meet and cousin and his wife. We had a simple dinner where I helped to solve a PC problem. While on my way back, I looked up at the sky .... the stars were dancing!!

Ohh.. I left this out yesterday... over a phone conversation:

Lambie: 'Helooooo'
Me: 'Hey Lamb'

Lambie: 'Convenient to talk?'
Me: 'Oh wait... wait.. do you hear something?'

Lambie: *scratches head* 'Huh? Hear what?'
Me: 'I hear wedding bells ringing....'

Lambie: 'Corny lorrrrr!!!'

22 days left for BITS. Time to go auto.

Took medication and I am feeling better. Thanks for all the SMSes! Now.. this means that .... I will lose out at Dim Sum buffets!! Some items are untouchables! Curses!!

Now, on random thoughts..... isn't the human brain a sophisticated piece of work?! Just a word, a thought.. and viola!

Wedding dinners are usually a source of joy and laughters. Meeting old friends, catching up and reminiscing about the good old times. Guild house, project, SF2... ha. Another classmate starting his journey in marriage life.

Now back at home.. .. I think I've trigger it again! Arrrgg.....
H2O please!!! Flush.. lots.

Nope.. not going for Pacesetters 30km anymore. Change of plans. I think I'll fight this monster in 2008. Provided that is confirmed as well (depending on Goofy's Challenge).

Over and Out.

Did a short 4km .. warming up my quads and to check on the condition of my legs. So far so good!

Finally, after days of repetitive stretching of my legs ... endless refills of my water bottle, I can still feel that my quads are attached to my hips. For those who happened to see me walk down the stairs for the pass few days will witness me making faces.

So, guys,..... remember to stretch and drink more water. Phew ... just finished my FR for SCSM06. My legs are itching for the next challenge.

Just when you think China Beijing's Great Wall of China is a tough marathon to do, check this Ice Marathon out!! They even have an ultramarathon. Psssstt.... look at the price tag.

Huh?! What?! Time to wake up?! My beeping alarm clock clearly showed 2.45am. Felt like I just fell asleep. I think I slept for just 2 hours. I wish I could snuggle up in bed but I can't. It is Redemption Day afterall! My wish for the whole of this year is to come back in good condition, crossing the finishing line in style.

Year 2002 Marathon - Came back limping, Year 2003 - Injured, Year 2004 - Work commitment, Year 2005 - Half Marathon.

I got out of bed and was surprised to find Karloong and Bala still up. They were surprised to find me waking up so early for my Marathon breakfast. Nevertheless, they joined me for my breakfast at the coffeeshop since MacDonalds is not serving their breakfast meals before 4am. We chatted while I had my Ba Chor Mee (Mince Meat Noodles), 2 sandwiches and a cup of coffee. Once back at home, I did some light stretching before gearing up. I grabbed all my stuff I packed the night before and walked to the pick up point to meet Charlotte and my ex-colleague, SK, who is coming to drive us to the race. With no expectation of any timing, I brought along my MP3 player, CamelBak, 2 PowerGels, mobile phone, ID and my trusty Canon A410.

Alighting at my ex-company, around the race area, we walked towards the Padang. SK and I queued for restrooms before doing our stretching. Cosmic and Raymond were the only familiar faces I saw before the flag off.

SK and I squeezed through the crowd, making our way nearer to the start point. SK accelerated and I went on my own. I kept reminding myself not to run too fast at early stages of this race. I ran too fast, too early in many long distance races, resulting in a struggling-to-finish condition. Around the Lau Pa Sat area, I said "Hi" to Cokiee. I hope that his ankle will be okay. Right at the turning point to join the highway, IMD took a picture of me and sped off. "Don't let me catch you slacking!!", said IMD. Ha!! I am suppose to enjoy this Marathon! Taking sips from my Camelbak, I avoided water points for the first 12km. I waved to TeeLee, OP and Babumouse around the Marina South Ferry Terminal. These guys are fast! Doraemon_Red too!! On the return leg of the Marina South, I saw Sassyrunner and Sumiko who were already racing hard in their 21km category. I waved to Renohtaram too, who did his 21km as well. I tried to spot familiar faces along the way out of Marina South but failed to find any more. I stopped and stretched around the 12km area. My plan... to stretch at intervals.. and I will stick to it. Hey! The sky is getting brighter... time to bring out my camera. I took shots along the way. Occasionally, I hear giggles from runners who ran behind me. Must be my Adidas "Reason To Run" BIB. Back at the Fullerton side of Esplanade, I could see runners queuing up for their 10km flag off. Just after the Esplanade, I caught up with SK and we ran together on our way to Fort Road. I was happy to see the 21km marking near Fort Road. Half way mark! I waved to Commando as I ran pass him and was surprised to see Siong beside me too! I could see dads, mums, children, spouses cheering for their love ones with their hand made banners. A touching scene indeed.

Once into the East Coast Park sretch, it was not that long before we were greeted with PowerGels distribution and an All-kids cheering team! Cute! Further down, we were all on the other side of the 30km mark support table. I tried to wave to the guys. But, I was not able to catch their attention. However, I did see Rooonz, JamesSoh and KickJazz. I was high in spirits when they waved back! Come on! We're still going on strong! I started to load a pack of chocolate flavored PowerGel around 24km, flushing it down with plain water. Fast runners like Sam, DO, IMd and Ultraman were spotted on the return leg while I continued my loop towards the East Coast Hawker Centre. When I turned back after looping the lagoon, I caught sight of Cheow, SuperBoy and LTChua. Thumbs up!! Let's go!! Within some 1km down the road, Brokie caught up with me and said "Hi" before speeding off. It was around this point where I saw Ronnie down with cramps as well. Since someone was attending to him, I went ahead.

Around 28km of the route, I caught up with Choonwei who was doing pacing for 4 hours 30 mins group and I ran with him up to 30km mark. I saw Eunice at the other side of the road as I waved out to her. We passed Aichai on the other side of the route, while he led the 5 hour pace group. At the 30km support table, the supporters (namely AlecChua, Rooonz, FD, KickJazz, JamesSoh, Tekko, ACLeong's son and Shut's gf) were really energetic and helpful in providing assistance to us, getting our personal stuff and providing sponges for cool downs. Happy to see all my friends at the support table!! I continued my journey with my head up high! I passed the All-kids cheering team, a band and a pom pom girls cheering team before I left for Fort Road. I discovered that my pace dropped a little around the 33km mark. Cfred cheered "JiaYou!" as he ran pass me. Dasher overtook me at the 35km mark as well. As I turned into the National Stadium area, I saw Ronnie walking in an uncomfortable posture. I believe that he was in cramps again. I cheered Ronnie to carry on as I ran past. Babumouse spotted ahead!! He seemed to be suffering from cramps as he stopped and dropped to the ground. I ran forward to help him stretch his calf muscle before professional help came to take over. Babumouse asked me to carry on. I pressed on in my own journey. Soon, I came across a fellow Indian runner who seems to be struggling between walks and runs. I greeted him and promised him a finisher medal ... erm. ... well.. he paid for the medal anyway! At 37km mark, I spotted another band keeping our morale high with their drumming. I took a picture of them and one of the members saluted to me, signifying a thank-you. I returned the favor! At this point, can I say I hit the wall? A rush of emotions suddenly swept towards me. I recalled the moments of time spent with my maternal grand-mother. I wish I could tell her, "This is for you!", and I am proud to be your grand-son. I got hold of my thoughts and emotions and told myself, "Let's finish this!".


Just after the 38km, Fennel was spotted. Encouraging her that we are within the 4 hours 30 mins range, she steadily paced herself towards the finishing line. I greeted a relaxed looking Alvo at the 39km. We exchanged a few words before he went ahead. I continued my pace to 40km mark where I met 2 Caucasian ladies cheering and encouraging marathoners to push on. They were so spontaneous to pose when I took my camera out! Ha! By this time, I bumped into Vege, my NS mate, and we ran the last stretch together till Esplanade where he asked me to go ahead. "Bala!!", I heard Charlotte calling out to me. Bee and YeeHua were next seen along the way, shouting "Bala! Wa... Camera some more!". Haahha. All thanks to strangers who were cheering for us at the Esplanade to the Finishing Line stretch. I did a thumbs up and waving all the way as a token of appreciation. I took a few quick snaps before cross the line.....


My wish came true. Happy that I completed the race in one piece. No limping. Not like the Year 2002.

Completed! Chip Time Approx. 4hrs 26min. Surprise! Many thanks to the supporters at the 30km mark table! You made this race possible for me and many others runners as well. Knowing so many running friends for this past one year has been the greatest thing that has happened.


After the race, I collect my finisher medal and Tee before replenishing my lost fluids with 100plus. I met up with the rest of my running friends for a couple of pictures. Penguin paced DreamerGal to finish her 10km! Good job! EndlessTrail and Donkey completed their 10km as well!! Fantastic!!

Darn....

Race jitters.... crept all over me.
Been trying to sleep since 7pm. I was just flipping left and right like a Gyoza dipping in soya sauce. TMD.

How?

Can't sleep ... sign up for wireless then!!

Title: All About Loving You
Artist: Bon Jovi

Looking at the pages of my life
Faded memories of me and you
Mistakes you know I've made a few
I took some shots and fell from time to time
Baby, you were there to pull me through
We've been around the block a time or two
I'm gonna lay it on the line
Ask me how we've come this far
The answer's written in my eyes

[Chorus:]
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time
When I look at what my life's been comin' to
I'm all about lovin' you

I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've paid some dues, baby
We've been to hell and back again
Through it all you're always my best friend
For all the words I didn't say and all the things I didn't do

Tonight I'm gonna find a way

[Chorus:]
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time
When I look at what my life's been comin' to
I'm all about lovin' you

You can take this world away
You're everything I am
Just read the lines upon my face
I'm all about lovin' you

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus:]
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time
When I look at what my life's been comin' to
I'm all about lovin' you

All about lovin' you

Credits Lyrics Astra

The time has come. All that we have done. We shall see tomorrow! See you at the Finishing Line!