116.01KM...

By Frank

A few days ago, Shih Ming invited me to join a group which she was in called Team Hyper Gila (Gila=Crazy) in Facebook. While I told her that I'm pretty a quiet person, she said it was OK. So with no hesitation, I joined. But hey, what has it go to do with this entry's title? Hmm...

I failed in my attempt to run a 100KM weekly mileage during the Hell Week training back in October 2008. 5 months down the road, I successfully did it! After 4 back to back runs (did 5 actually, but the first wasn't included in the week) coupled with a marathon distance run, I'm proud to achieve 116.01KM in a week. A first for me to break the 100KM barrier.

My training log (22 March 2009 - 28 March 2009)...

The 4 back to back runs peaked at 25KM the longest, which was a night run I mentioned in the previous entry, and 10KM being the shortest. Then with 2 days of rest, came Saturday as I prepare to run a marathon distance. I kept a low profile on this and only Lynn knows about it. Besides, it was about this time 17 years ago that my life took a change. I guess this is how I remember that faithful day, by running.

I started my run from the Bukit Aman car park at 3.45am, running into the darkness of Kenny Hills. I must admit that area especially the "S" bend corner which was pitch black send shivers down my spine. I just kept running and telling myself not to look back. Once I arrived at the Jalan Tungku area, I was just relieved when the street lamps were doing it's job. I continued on to Sri Hartamas via the Solaris route for safety reasons but that couldn't prevent me from bumping into party goers who made fun of me while driving pass. Didn't want to be bother too much about it, I continued with my journey.

I did not stop to refuel as I had my own water supply with me. Besides, I soon realised that my pace was a little too slow to allow me to arrive back at the car park to meet up with the others for the second half of my run. Therefore, I up my pace on the return trip running through the pitch black Kenny Hills again. Soon enough, I arrived back safely with cheers from Lynn. THANKS! Though not a race, it really meant a lot. The others (Lionel, Luc, Loke, Victor, Chin Chin and Seow Ping) looked pretty surprised by what I did though, before I elaborated more. And sorry too if anyone had wanted to strike a conversation with me when I arrived back, as I was tired and probably blur that I couldn't respond or hear properly. My apologies.

Refueled myself and changed into a dry top before the start of the second half. By the time I arrive at the Jalan Tungku stretch again, my energy was running a little low, and the rest were already pretty far ahead. Took a GU Gel and immediately I felt the effect. Sugar rush with caffeine! I began my chase and towards the Solaris route, I managed to catch up before slowing down again at Mont Kiara.

Refueled at the Petronas station and bumped into Mohan. Had a pretty long rest here while chatting and this took its toll on me. My stomach bloated up and I had trouble regaining the momentum, dragging myself alone back to where I came from as the others disappeared in the distance. Along the trip back, I got a little worried about the girls as no guy runners were around them. With unwanted cases involving female runners nowadays, I tried to give chase but to no avail. It was only back at the car park that all my fear were lifted as I saw both of them back safely.

At the end of it, I was really satisfied with my run. Never had I run so far for my training and I'm glad I didn't stop except for refueling. Maybe I'm Gila after all. Haha...

*Updated: I ran a 19.32KM the next day at a very slow pace.

Into The Darkness...

By Frank

After two back to back 21KM runs, I was totally knocked out yesterday. Totally flat that I slept soundly for 4 hours in the noon yesterday. But it was sufficient as I woke up wanting more. And with it, I decided to up my ante and go for a triple back to back.

But before doing so, I had to indulge myself with food as the diarrhea the day before left me pretty dry.

I haven't been watching football for quite some time but since there is a midnight game between Liverpool and Aston Villa, I took the opportunity to catch it before going for my run. Oh and yes, did I mention that my third run is going to be a night one, in fact during the wee hours. 3.30am was my choice as I'm guessing that this is the time that I will start to struggle during the Sundown Marathon. Would like to run a 30KM distance but I guess a 25KM will do just fine for now, for I do not know how my body will react by suddenly adding an addition 10KM especially at conditions like this. Besides, I have to work later in the morning and certainly wouldn't want to look to stone in front of my client. Therefore with only 4 hours of sleep in the noon, off I went running into the darkness in a white running top with a bottle of water in hand.

It's 3.30am and I'm getting ready to run...

The weather was rather humid and dry. No breeze were felt. My first 10KM will bring me to Damansara Perdana via Mutiara Damansara. This was the toughest of the entire distance due to the gradient. I was already huffing and puffing when I arrived at Mutiara Damansara, and there was still a climb towards the U-turn point at the Perdana View Condominium, and not forgetting to repeat to where I came from. I trip on a raise platform here as I ran on the pavement which was covered with bushes, thus it was dark. Was lucky it didn't send me flying.

The return trip saw me running my way towards Segi College on a rather flat road. I made a quick pit stop at a convenience store just about at the 20KM mark when my own supply of water ran out. From there, I made my way towards the Selangor Polo Club before re-entering into the residential area making a couple of loops before hitting my 25KM target. And by the time I was done, it was already 6.15am, just enough time for me to settle down, shower and get to work.

Before the run, I was actually a little worried about safety. "Mat rempits" or biker boys are sometimes seen hanging around the main roads. However, I was lucky as no were seen and most of my running route was through security posts and even the police stations. And though most of my running route is consider bright enough, I still had to down myself in a white running top, just for precautions. Overall, it was a peaceful run.

Call me insane for running at this time! I'm sure the security guards and others who saw me running earlier was calling me that. For what I know, it has to be done sooner or later. I'm glad I took the first step in running it. It was really tough running alone at this condition and I kept myself motivated by thinking of my running mates. Yes, the thoughts of them really help a lot. And at the end of it, though feeling really tired, I felt really great.

Running Out Of Time...

By Frank

I'm running out of time! My injury took it's toll on me as I was sidelined from running for more than a month. With just 69 days (at the point of writing this) till my 84KM adventure at the Sundown Marathon, my weekly mileage isn't an impressive one. I need to hit the roads more frequent now, and I have to do it hard and long.

I "re-started" my running about a month ago since recovering from my damaged knee. And most were short distance runs ranging from 5KM to 10KM including races. However, as my fitness level wasn't really "fine tune" yet, I have to settle for that distance in slowly regaining it. My first 20KM run was done last week, making my return to the Sri Hartamas route, and I really suffered.

Yesterday was a 21KM run. Felt good at the first 15KM or so, but dragged myself back at the remaining distance. And since I'm currently testing out various energy supplements whether for pre or post run, I tried the EAS Myoplex Lite yesterday. The reward was diarrhea! Reason behind all this testing is to determine which is the best for me to be used during the actual day. Anyway, I was glad my stomach held on at this morning's 21KM run. It's my first back to back runs since slightly more than a couple of months ago and today felt much better compared to yesterday.

Training for the 84KM race isn't easy. My current mileage just won't do it. And even Shine who completed the grueling race at last year's edition told me yesterday that even a single 42KM run won't be enough. That really sent shivers down my spine.

As of now, I'm currently feeling much better running a 21KM distance compared to last week. Probably is time to hit the 30KM distance soon and to polish it up before going further. I'm not sure on the furthest distance I might run for training as it will really be tough. The support is one reason, and another is hydration. No promises but I will try to hit 50KM on a single run. I just have to believe. And at the time of writing this, I have only confirmed on a couple of short distance races. I would just take those races as my speed training and also will probably do a 10KM run just before it to increase my mileage.

Though running the distance is tough, I'm glad I have really good running mates with me. Not all of us run at the same pace, but what most important is the company in starting together and gathering at the end of our run. So anyone for a 50KM run anytime soon?

Larian Amal Seri Sinar 2009...

Event: Larian Amal Seri Sinar 2009
Venue: Taman Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 15 March 2009
Time: 7am
Distance: 10KM (10.4KM by Lynn's Garmin Forerunner 405)
Shoe: Nike LunarTrainer+
By Frank

I woke up late! Yes, my very first time waking up late prior to a race. I do not know the reason as I went to bed as early as 9.30pm. I shut off both my alarms without noticing. And yeah, my alarm clock is placed far away from my bed. Sleep walking? Hmmm... Hence, I only had around 30 minutes to get myself prepared compared to my usual 2 hours. Only had a cup of oats and took the energy supplement that Geraldine gave me before she left for Australia. No time to clear my bowels but glad that nothing went wrong with it. Fearing for the lack of parking space, I quickly dump my gear into my car and left for the venue and was glad to find ample parking space available. Phew...

Jamie arrived shortly while I was gearing up followed by Lynn. As I intend to do a test run to know where I stand currently in terms of fitness, I put on my Nike LunarTrainer+, my personal best shoe for my 10KM distance, even knowing there are risk. And boy it was a bad choice. Read on to know why.

Met up with the rest like Kevin, Pueh Tian, Yin Fook, Amelia, Pui San and Shih Ming and this was the first indication of the fun to come. While Jamie went for his warm up, both myself and Lynn just did a stationary jog plus some light stretching as we were a bit lazy. Haha... Soon it was time and we proceeded to the reporting site only to be mobbed by sea of runners. We had problems getting the ribbons from the marshall in charge. Personally from my point of view, the ribbons were not necessary as all runners have their running bibs pinned on and ribbons will be given out throughout the route. Just my two cents though.

Together with Lynn, we hooked up with Jamie again and we started the race together three quarter from the front of the standing crowd, after a 5 minutes delay. There was a very soft countdown from the organiser but it was enough to signal the runners. Off we went! While Jamie manage to navigate through the crowd and disappear in them, I was stuck behind with Lynn. Bump into Wan and we chatted for a while before I noticed that Lynn has took off. Manage to catch up with her upon exiting to the Bukit Jalil Highway. And this is where I started my race pace.

Traffic was moderate but the fumes were a killer. However, I successfully attacked the long climb along the highway and manage to catch up with Jamie at the end of it. This should be near to the 5KM mark I think, and this is where things got awry. The collar on my right Nike LunarTrainer+ began to irritate my right Achilles and soon it was enough to open up a wound. I began to struggle on flat roads and also down hills. I did stop once to check on it and I was rewarded by a bloody scene. Blood was slowly oozing out from my wound and my socks and the collar of my shoes are starting to soak in it. Though in pain, I was still fresh to push on thus giving it a go, grinding my teeth as I ran. No tears of pain though.

I ran passed Victor who was a road marshall stationed just before the International Medical University. Thanks my friend for the cheers. Soon the only refreshment station came into view. Took a cup of water to wet my mouth and also to cool my head down before collecting the ribbon. From here, I could see Pui San recognised by her bright pink top. I tried to chase, but to no avail.

Soon I was back at the starting point but I had to run an additional distance towards the main entrance of the Bukit Jalil Park, passing the highway again. My pace was slowing down as I felt my wound open up even bigger. Lynn caught up and passed me upon exiting to the highway. Being my motivation to carry on, I bear with the pain. We exchanged positions for a few times till the final stretch where we slowed down as vehicles jammed up the road leaving us only a lane to run. And that lane is just enough for one runner, and not to mention the vehicle fumes again. And at the final turn, I got a little messed up when the road marshall mention to go straight when in fact it was to turn left into the park towards the finish line. Those messages were actually for runners who haven't run the extra distance actually, but it was enough to create a mess out of the front runners.

Powering up the final climb together with Lynn towards the finish line...

The final stretch was a steep climb and together with Lynn, we powered ourselves up the slope side by side captured on camera by Lionel. Looking forward to my first ever photo finish with a friend, my hopes were dashed as we were directed towards a different funnel according to categories. Sigh... But at least we finished it together in a time of 00:51:35 with my position being 39 and hers second! And she was approximately just a second or two behind Pui San. Way to go!

Collected our medals and goodies and this is where the fun began. Met up with so many friends like Ben and Yee Hua, and not forgetting those I mentioned earlier. We joked and joked and all burst into laughter as we waited for the prize giving ceremony. And this is where I found out that in the women category, the podium finishers are all my friends. Clean sweep. Woohoo... Girl power! If only I was a female runner. Oh well... Forget what I just said.

Lynn with her prizes. Look at the size of that trophy...

Proud of you Lynn...

Don't mess with this ladies as they can run real fast...

One for the album...

No personal best for me this time but at least I know where my fitness level stands now. Not forgetting that the race route was pretty tough due to mix gradient and air quality. I had already went all out and only had myself to blame for choosing the Nike LunarTrainer+ as my shoe today despite knowing the risk, leaving me with a rather huge wound which resulted a very grueling shower session.

My post run souvenir, a busted right Achilles...

Front view of the finisher's medal...

Rear view of the finisher's medal...

Despite some shortcomings which I heard of like road marshalls leading the shorter distance runners for another loop, I really enjoyed this run. Running for the first time on this route, it certainly brought out the excitement. But the highlight was still the company of all my friends as we really had a blasting good time together. You guys and gals rocks!

Happy Birthday Lynn...

By Frank

It's Lynn's birthday! Exact date won't be reveal though for her privacy. And the Platinum Runners had things in store for her.

And so the planning was done a month plus back. All the Platinum Runners including Geraldine who is down at down under had a part to play in this master plan. Multiple e-mails were sent out, with most of them excluding Lynn in the mailing list, while some others with her in it to make the "play" authentic. And I had the "honour" in playing the role of the "baddy" for being the one to tell her the white lie of that the dinner is for our Platinum Runners first anniversary. SO SORRY Lynn. But probably a coincidence too, as most of us met each other around this time a year ago.

When everything is agreed on, the hunt starts for a restaurant. Knowing Lynn loves Japanese food, I used the power of the World Wide Web to search for restaurants following the advices of especially the food bloggers. In the end, after much scouting around and paying a visit to each restaurant shortlisted, Yuzu at Gardens Mid Valley was selected. And the best thing about it was, a private room was given. Then it was the birthday cake's turn. A bakery called San Terri, famous for their New York cheesecake was the one I found. And how can the birthday girl go without flowers? This was a tough one. Having zero knowledge on it, I had quite a tough time selecting the flowers to match the occasion. In the end, Calla Lilies stands out from the huge variety I went through.

Then came the day. Rushing from work and from the launch of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon on a very wet morning, I collected both the cake and flowers to be delivered to the restaurant itself. Had some briefing with the friendly staff there for the actual "play" tonight. I was getting very nervous as the clock ticks, fearing some accident spillage of any information.

So in the end, it all came down to dinner. 7.30pm, Yuzu at Gardens Mid Valley. Luc was a no show though due to work commitments. It took us some time to place our orders as everything on the menu looks fantastic. With the help of Alex the captain on duty, we managed to do so. Took a while for our orders to arrive but it was all worth it. Everything was fresh indeed with the sashimi just arrived from Hokaido the same morning, according to Alex. We even ordered Tora Fugu (puffer fish). Being adventurous, we tried this poisonous fish. And hey, we all survived! Haha...

Fresh sashimi and oysters from Hokaido...

Puffer fish attack...

We continued chatting as we help ourselves to the variety of food as they slowly arrived keeping our topic to running, running and more running. Just had to keep ourselves occupied to prevent any accident of spilling the beans out.

Cameraman with the birthday girl...

Then came our set meals which was HUGE. The guys all ordered set meals while Lynn ordered a grill swordfish ala carte set. Filling our stomach to almost the max with a little space left for the cake, I signalled to Jamie that it's time for the finale. I excused myself quietly to the counter to let Alex know and out came the cake and flowers. While the waitresses presented the cake, I presented the flowers while Jamie fired away with his new camera. The moment the birthday song was sung, Lynn looked surprised and at the same time stun too. The element of surprise worked! And my hats off to the waitresses for they sang the birthday song loud and clear.

The star of the night...

Birthday girl with her birthday cake...

Birthday girl with her birthday dessert...

Receiving the cake, making her wish and presenting Lynn with the flowers, we ask for a speech but she was too stunned to give one. Hehe... With the cake filling our tummy's to the max and making us real guilty with all the calories intake, we chatted a while more, having some photos taken before making our way home as all are running the next day to burn all the guilt off.

From all of us, Happy Birthday Lynn...

And so, the "play" finally came to a successful end. No Oscar award for best actor or actresses though. I hope Lynn enjoyed it as much as we all did in planning it. And before signing off, many thanks to all Platinum Runners for bearing with me all the e-mails and stuff and not forgetting to the staff from Yuzu for their patience in listening. Last but not least, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lynn!

Wild Wild Run 2009...

Event: Wild Wild Run 2009
Venue: National Zoo, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 8 March 2009
Time: 7.30am
Distance: 9.25KM (1.85KM X 5 loops)
Shoe: adidas adizero Tempo
By Frank

"Lets go to the zoo, there's a lot of things to do. Lalala...". OK, don't know how to sing already. But anyway, those who remember this song from the KFC advertisement will probably remember the good old days when KFC has their outlet at Zoo Negara (National Zoo) during the late 80s. Sadly, it's no longer there, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do at the zoo. Besides visiting the wildlife and enjoying the fresh morning breeze from the green surroundings, we can even run! Yes, a run was organised today and I guess it must be the first of its kind in Malaysia, proudly sponsored by Saucony and also an event derived from one of my running mates, Choi. Of course I must support, although just taking it as a fun run.

Wild Wild Run 2009...

I arrived at the zoo at about 6.30am welcomed by the "aroma", the first indication of how the air quality is going to be like during the run. Hahaha... It was pitch black at the car park but that didn't stop me from spotting Loke. Geared up and proceeded to the entrance to collect our bibs before meeting up with Lawrence there. My bib number was rather nice numbering at A111. Made our way to the starting point with the guidance of candle lights along the way. Very Balinese style. Hooked up with other friends like Jamie, Kevin, Lionel and Pueh Tian, chatting away till the start time which was 10 minutes late due to the late arrival of the sun.

The start and finish point...

And so, runners were set loose at 7.40am. I started way at the back with Lawrence and Loke managing a short chat as we took our first left turn shortly after 200M or so. And boy I was surprised with it as I was greeted by a climb as I thought the entire route was flat. But in fact, I welcome it as a mixture of gradient will always be nice. As no warm up was done earlier, I took my first loop as one taking it easy throughout the way enjoying the sights and not to mention smell of the zoo. The descend after the climb was some animal enclosure which I think is the buffalo. And boy this area was filled with the stench of ammonia. It served as wake up call and I tend to run faster at this area. Further down, I ran pass the hippos, giraffes, gibbons and elephants. I can hear the roar of the tigers but did not spot them.

Upon completion of my first loop, I went a little faster at the second till my fourth. Halfway through my fourth loop, the leading runner ran pass me, shortly followed by the second till the fourth. They are really fast, when I'm really slow. My fifth and final loop will be my fastest as I want to get the taste of being breathless again. And after feeling it, I slowed down at the final stretch and eventually crossed the finish line at position 10 clocking 00:43:51. Was given my position number by Lionel before being congratulated by Jamie and off I went for my warming down run and stretch. My right knee twitch a little as spasm took over for a while, but I'm glad it was nothing serious, and at least not as bad as a couple of days ago.

Though not in "race mode" yet, I'm really happy with my progress thus far as I continue to run in shorter races as I enjoy both the race environment while training. The Wild Wild Run 2009 was truly a unique run as it moves away from road running and into a garden area housing various wildlife, an experience many will just love. I will of course be looking forward to it's second edition!

Front view of the finisher's medal...

Rear view of my finisher's medal...

Breaking The Barrier...

By Frank

The first long run will always be the toughest after returning from injury. But it's this barrier that everyone needs to break to make a come back. And this is what I just experienced this morning.

After laying off for a month plus, I finally had the chance to revisit the Hartamas route again this morning. I have done a few 10KM runs prior to this, but it's this morning's 21KM that will be tell me where I stand currently.

After having done a 10KM run yesterday evening with Lynn at the Lembah Kiara park, we both found ourselves at the Bukit Aman carpark 10 hours later. It's good to be back at this training route and at 5.30am sharp, we hit the streets. I started pretty well managing to run along side Lynn till Plaza Sri Hartamas when I started to struggle with the gradient. Slowly began to fall slightly back but still managing to keep a close distance to her. Arrived at our refueling station and had a quick drink before resuming.

The return trip was rather a difficult one. Just after resuming the run, I felt my stomach bloating up, probably due to the water intake. Was just glad it wasn't bad till I had to stop for a toilet break. Arriving at the Duta highway crossover, saw both of us took a pretty long wait to cross the busy road as the morning rush hour has begun. After successfully crossing it, I began to to slow down. Tiredness took over and my legs were sore. I was gasping for air and my stride length shorten. At this point, I was just trying to stay in touch with Lynn as she slowly widen the gap. At times, I do want to ask her to go ahead without me as I was slowing her down, but I did not. I kept myself going for one and the only reason, I didn't want her to run alone as I just don't feel anything particularly good about safety, especially when a friend is a female.

Further ahead going into Kenny Hills and back at the Bank Negara stretch, I continued to slow Lynn down as she waited for me. And just opposite the commuter station, I did not realise a car turning in from behind. It caught me by suprise and I stop instantly thus causing a jab on my left chest. Yes, that's where the heart lies. I slowed down even more as I slowly massage the area of pain before it went away as I near Padang Merbok. And so from here on, we made our way to the finish back at where we started as we completed our 21KM run in 01:56:42.

Though I was really tired and my legs were sore, I was just glad I made it back in the end. At the time of writing, my right leg where my knee injury was, was twitching a little and it felt weird. But there was no discomfort although I had to wear my knee guard for caution reasons. And most importantly, I successfully broke this barrier and thus will be looking forward to more of it as the Sundown Marathon quickly approaches!

Last but not least, I thank my friend and running mate Lynn for waiting up for me as she ran a blistering training run. Well done!

KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge 2009...

Event: KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge 2009
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 1 March 2009
Time: 8am
Distance: 1KM uphill run, 1.02KM (2,058 stairs climb)
Shoe: adidas Response Control 7
By Frank

I remember chatting with Geraldine and Lynn about this year's KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge event while driving home after Geraldine's farewell dinner. At that time, it wasn't yet confirm and I was anxiously looking forward to it. And so when it was announced to the public, I was thinking hard whether to run it as I was already down with my knee injury. In the end, I decided to risk it for the sake of running this unique vertical race since I was told I'm recovering well. With no training and only managing 24.19KM prior to this race after laying off with my injury, I'm seriously looking for trouble. But since it's more like a training run to regain my fitness and not wanting to stress my just recovered knee, I took it easy. And I told almost no one about it, hence it was a suprise for some who saw me at race venue. Haha...

My stomach was acting up in the morning. Somehow, it was bloated and was slightly purging even after arriving at the venue. But I was lucky that there was a spanking clean toilet at the nearby hotel that even comes with music. Another problem that I had to tackle was the selection of shoes. Stair climbing isn't an easy job especially when one has to climb 2,058 steps and it may be slippery due to the cement pavement. Not wanting to wear my racers, I opt for my only choice left, the adidas Response Control 7 which somehow, I didn't really like the choice I made. But I had no choice as this is the only shoe with the most tread left which will allow better traction compared to my other shoes.

The 421 meter high KL Tower...

The usual meeting up with friends like Choi, Kevin, Lionel, Pueh Tian, Victor and many others was a good sight for me as it's been a while since I ran with them. Though we didn't start at the same time due to the staggered start, we did managed to catch up well.

I was in the first start which officially started at 8am. As with last year, the starting area wasn't improve at all and it was still uneven with plenty of rocks. No matter, I cautiously navigated through it and was soon starting my uphill run up to the tower's entrance. Experience counts here as I made a big mistake last year of going out too early and was soon punished by the lack of oxygen in the tower shaft. Only halfway up the hill, some were already seen walking.

I arrived at the shaft entrance in a time of 00:05:20. The start of the climb was quite a problem as many were fighting for positions at that time, thus not allowing me to pass. I carried climbing on the left side managing two steps at a time but sometimes being slowed down to single step pace by those who were already out of breath but yet blocking the whole stair way. By one quarter through, as the crowd disperse, I had more space and thus carried on.

Halfway through, I was gasping for air. Decided to slow down by mixing one and two steps climb and breathing deeply. It really help with the much improve ventilation this year. Soon, I pass Kenny and Guna. Further up, I spotted Naresh who was already on his hands crawling all the way up. Asked if he needed help and all I got was a shake. Continuing on passing a few refreshment station, I was greeted by water on the steps. Not wanting to slip, I took it with caution and even threw a bottle to the marshall in charge to prevent others from slipping on it.

Soon at level TH01, a security officer told me that there are 2 floors remaining. Somehow, I just don't understand how is the floors structured as I was only greeted by a medical aid station. Maybe I was wrong in counting the floors but shortly later, I was greeted by the Mega View Banquet Deck as I cross the finish line with a time of 00:20:17!

Gulp down 2 bottles of water before descending the tower with TS Chin to collect our finisher's medal and goodie bag. After taking some snacks, I quickly ran back to my car to grab my camera to snap some photos of other runners while catching up with the others. Soon, the sun was up and it was nearing 11am before I decided to make a move.

The men senior veteran runners bursting out from the starting point...

A rather ridiculous photo shot with Victor...
Notice Paula Radcliffe on the board. Didn't know she ran the KL Towerthon...

We conquered KL Tower...

Overall, this year's edition was much improved compared to last year's, the ventilation being the main thing. It was a wonderful event and I was glad I signed up for it as I experience no discomfort on my knee. Probably I just got to work on my fitness now as I hereby announce my come back!

Front view of the finisher's medal...

Rear view of the finisher's medal...

The goodie bag...