Energizer Night Race 2010...

Event: Energizer Night Race 2010
Venue: Kelab Komuniti Taman Tasik Cyberjaya
Date: 27 March 2010
Time: 6pm
Distance: 42.195KM (41.01KM by Eugene's Garmin Forerunner 405)
Shoe: ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14
By Frank

The Energizer Night Race 2010 will be my eleventh marathon. I foresee that it wouldn't be an easy run for me, but it seems, there was a twist to it.

As the event is held at Cyberjaya, it's the usual stop at Bandar Puteri Puchong with Jeff, Jordan and their partners for an early dinner at the noodle shop there. We then departed and arrived shortly at 4.30pm. I followed Jeff as he had GPS with him and we were parked some 2KM for the starting point. No worries though as there were free shuttle bus service to ferry runners.

With Jordan and Jeff at the baggage counter...

And so by 5pm, we arrived at the race venue. Geared up, check our baggage in and off we went to socialise with our friends. Then I found my running partner for this race, Keat Seong. Jennifer who decided not to run as she just completed her maiden Ironman 70.3 at Singapore last weekend came to support us by cycling around the route which was really nice of her. At 5.30pm, together with Keat Seong and Kel Vin, we jog to the starting point and soon met up with Ben, Yee Hua, Denis, Mohan and Richard in which we started the race together.

The race started sharp at 6pm with a little accident as the horn's nozzle fell off as it was blown by the Energizer representative. But it was quickly rectified by Rustam, Pacesetters Malaysia's president. And we were off. It was a hot and humid evening as the weren't any clouds blocking the sun ray. But it did got better as the sun starts to set half an hour later which came some light breeze. I only managed to run with Keat Seong for about 500M before we lost each other.

There was a short climb ahead but I was what really amazed me was the first water station that was marked as 2KM into the race. I did a quick check on my watch and it was only 5 minutes plus. Immediately, I know that this run will be under distance with evidence showing at each distance markers. Not sure where I was running to but it kind of reminded me of the first 8KM during my Macau Marathon 2009, construction site and empty land all over.

At about 5KM, Jennifer cycled passed me and told me that I was seperated from Keat Seong by quite a distance. Whether he was ahead or behind me, I did not hear it properly. But as as I ran, I spotted him ahead and quickly caught up with him at the 7KM mark.

He was running with Kel Vin and I joined in. I believe we were running on Persiaran Apec at that time which I really like due to the mixture of gradients. However, Kel Vin dropped off after the water station at the 9KM mark which left me and Keat Seong running together.

2 familiar faces appeared shortly after 10KM which I arrived in 00:57:49. Andrew and Wai Lam who came to support were seen here with the big guns (dSLR cameras) and were shooting away.

With Keat Seong just after the 10KM mark...

Next, we proceeded to the Perdana Lake where I had my cycling session 2 weeks ago. Khoo Yit Kiat was cheering for us here. Familiar stretch but then it took me into the unknown Persiaran Rimba Permai where the Dell office is located. Was still running good here till about the 15KM mark where fire fighters where seen spraying water from the hydrant to cool runners know. I really welcome this and just ran through it. However, shortly in front, I had to take out my running vest and I felt a burning sensation on my left chest. Immediately I know it was chaffing (I poured water over my head to cool myself) and so I had to run topless, indecent exposure again but luckily it was in the night. Hahaha…

Next, it was Persiaran Multimedia where the Multimedia University is. And we spotted Roger making his return trip. He was really far ahead of us, plus he just did Ironman Malaysia plus Ironman 70.3 Singapore in the last 1 month.

Turned into Persiaran Bestari and into the dark at the u-turn point which was the 20KM mark. Time was 01:58:37. Making my return trip, I spotted Yee Hua, Choi, Loke and Jeff at the opposite side and exchange waves.

I was still with Keat Seong but he was slowing down. Returning back at Multimedia University, I looked back and I failed to spot him. I slowed down and even took a few opportunities to walk while waiting for him to catch up. He did not and I was forced to resume running although at a slower pace.

At about the 25KM mark, I spotted Jennifer by the road side and informed her what had happen. She cycled back to check on Keat Seong before returning to me. A shocking news was delivered. Keat Seong decided to call it night. He was just not himself as he fell sick a couple of weeks ago and was on antibiotics. With no running partner, I carried on and started my race pace. I was doing some fartleks along the way back but soon I got tired.

But things turned good with friend like Ija and Chris supporting at the side. Besides, occasionally, I do catch up with Richard at the water station and had a short chat. Arriving at the 29KM mark, the PowerBar team were giving out energy gels and I quickly noticed that I have yet to take a single energy gel, except for the one pack half an hour before the start. I was pretty surprised about this.

At the end of Persiaran Multimedia, I spotted Lionel and called out to him before I turned into Persiaran Apec again. As I attack the climb here, I tried to spot my friends who were running the half marathon distance. I only spotted Lawrence who I think was caught by surprised when I shouted to him. Hehehe… It was along way back but the moment I saw the turning into the earlier mentioned Macau lookalike place, I hasten up. Caught up with Keven here and just before I passed him, he stop running and walk. Immediately tried to motivate him by asking him to jog before I left him.

Just before the 35KM mark, I suddenly felt a sharp jab on my chest. I know what was going on here as it isn’t the first time. I did not want my heart rate to plunge and therefore slowed my pace down gradually before stopping for a drink at the next available water station. Friendly people at the 35KM mark water station but when I thought it was the 37KM mark there, I was kind of shock when they told me it was only 35KM. Argh…

Just before re-entering Persiaran Multimedia, Jennifer came along and updated me on Keat Seong. Was shocked that he went on drip and was ferried back to the race village via ambulance. It was dehydration. Was worried about him and I just want to compete the run as soon as possible to join him.

Keep running Frank! 4KM to go is what the volunteers at the 38KM water station was telling me. He wanted to splash ice cold water on me but I decline for I did not want my blood pressure to shoot up all out of a sudden.

3KM and then 2KM to go. I know I was near as the last water station appeared at the 40KM mark. A short climb before down all the way to the flat course along Persiaran Sepang. 1KM to go, I put back my running vest as I hasten things up as I was worried about my friend.

And finally, into the final stretch with about 300M to go. It was narrow, with runners from all categories running together here. Not to mention ambulance were busy making their trip in and out of the venue. As I saw the finish gantry, I did not know where to go. Left or right? No signage and the volunteers was just waving around that they didn’t even answer me. Instead, the one that answered me was people cheering from the side. Thanks a lot. As I cross the finish line in 04:15:29, I held both of my index fingers up to indicate an eleventh marathon successfully completed.

Caught up with Lee Fong and CG from HiVelocity who were manning the timing system before I was joined by Pueh Tian. I then made myself to collect my finisher’s medal, shirt and goodie bag and was glad I had Lawrence to accompany me. I saw Keat Seong here and was really glad he was taking it real well here. Got my stuff, caught up with some friends which include the inspirational Singapore Blade Runner who is running on 1 prosthetic leg.

Front view of the finisher's medal...

Rear view of the finisher's medal...

I joined Keat Seong and Jennifer back at the medic tent while waiting for friends to return. After an hour or so, it was time to head back home. Although I would like to stay to support my other fellow friends who have yet to return, my bed was calling out for me. I needed to rest for it is a long drive home.

I was pretty happy with my timing here although I know that there is still much work to be done in the cardiovascular and running gait department. There are some signs of a comeback but most importantly, I completed this marathon without any injuries and actually had fun coupled with a few tense moment.

Acknowledgements
- Keat Seong, for running together with me till about the 22KM mark. Proud of you in making the brave decision to quit. Certainly setting a very good example for other athletes to follow.
- Jennifer, for the support and company on the bike during my run.
- Andrew and Wai Lam, for coming all the way for photography.
- Friends like Ben, Yee Hua, Chris Kumar, Denis, Jeff, Jordan, Mohan, Pueh Tian, Richard and many more others for your presence did make a difference.
- And to others whose name isn’t mention here, you know who you are. THANK YOU!

Recharging The Battery...

By Frank


Come this Saturday, will be my second marathon of the year and also my eleventh. The Energizer Night Race 2010, as the name suggest will be a night run and the venue will be at Cyberjaya. With the Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010 held just last month at the city just next to it, I will foresee that this is going to be a very humid run as it is starting off at 6pm unless the sky decides to open up in the evening just like how it is doing now for the past few days.

Running a marathon isn't an easy thing especially when one isn't prepared for it. For my case, I am not prepared for this marathon at all. But I told myself that there is a higher stake at hand which is the ultra marathon at Sundown Marathon 2010. Therefore, a sacrifice is needed to be made and this will be part of my buildup to it. My running mileage has hit an all time low due to the fact that I was injured, lazy to run alone and also the lack of races. In fact, a few days ago when I mentioned that my running mileage for this year is at about 200KM for now, I was sounded by Luc. Perhaps a wake up call?

I had a fabulous but yet breathless run with Luc yesterday morning running the double hills route. At the end of it, though feeling out of breath, I do feel good. Perhaps a sign of a come back? Let's hope it is and not just a come and go feel.

Back to the Energizer Night Race 2010, I agreed with Keat Seong a week ago that we shall run together for this. I have not run with him before, therefore I would not know if his pace suits me like how Lynn's pace is. But there's always a first time and it's for the both of us to find out. However, he has just recovered from sickness and his fitness may not be 100%. But yet, I told him that we will start together till he signals to me to carry on. We shall see how it goes. I do hope to complete within a time of 4:45 hours for this run, a pretty comfortable pace for a training run.

Hopefully with this run, I will be able to regain some of my confidence. My "battery" seriously needs to be recharge and I do hope Energizer can provide me with some "power". Hahaha...

KL International Marathon 2007...

Event: KL International Marathon 2007
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 18 March 2007
Time: 4.30am
Distance: 42.195KM
Shoe: adidas Supernova Cushion 7
By Frank

Nope... There is nothing wrong with this entry although the year stated here is 2007. It's a bit of a recap you see, as I have never posted my first ever road race report, being some more a marathon distance here. Many people will agree that the first marathon will be the most memorable and probably the most painful. So here it is, in conjunction with my 3rd year running anniversary (I started running on 18 March 2007), here's a look back on the race that started it all. Here's the story...

I arrived as early as 3am at Dataran Merdeka with Wai Lam hoping to get a parking near to the Start/Finish line. And yes I did. The whole place was light up pretty brightly. Although still another 90 minutes to the start of the marathon, many runners has arrived and started with their warm up. I too warm myself up and with 20 minutes to go, I took my first PowerBar Gel for the needed energy. After the arrival of all the guest of honour, KLIM 2007 started punctually at 4.30am. I do not know how many people were there, but all I know is that everyone is trying to run pass the ChampionChip mat to get their ChampionChip activated. I was somewhere at the front of the crowd and as I made my way through, my ChampionChip sounded "BEEP". And off I went. I started with a steady pace and everybody was overtaking me. I didn't mind as this isn't a race. I just want to complete it. Shortly after starting, Wai Lam was already way behind me. I didn't look back from there and just kept running. At 5KM, came the first refreshment station. Took 2 cups of 100+ and carried on. And as early as here, runners are seen relieving themselves at the roadside. Hahaha... And at 7.5KM is where the first sponging station appeared. Took a soaking cold sponge and wet myself on the head. It was so refreshing! I reached 10KM at the time of 1 hour 9 minutes 13 seconds. Pretty good compared to my 10KM Subang Run time. And the best part is, I am still going strong without any problems. Took another PowerBar Gel here and ran all the way to the 20KM mark. During my run there, I encountered 2 weird runners. Both of them are breathing so heavily that they produce some weird and irritating sound. It's like they are going to have a asthma attack or something. But I guess that's just their breathing rhythm.

Off we go! Can you spot me and Wai Lam...

I reached the 20KM mark at 2 hours 26 minutes 37 seconds, and took another PowerBar Gel. Still on time but this is where I started to show signs of breaking down. Energy level is still going strong, but my legs are beginning to hurt especially my knees and ankle. While still on time, I decided that I will mix running with fast pace walking. And to make thing even worse, traffic started to appear and its a major problem for my breathing. The emitted carbon monoxide from each vehicles didn't do any good to my breathing. I was suffocating! *cough* This is also where some prostitutes or transvestites appeared out of no where and cheered for the runners. When I passed them, I just looked down ignoring them, and they didn't cheer for me. Hahaha... Shortly later, the sun began to rise and quickly enough, it was already bright. Good Morning!

When I re-entered the city, there were plenty of people cheering for each of us. Even some foreigners waiting for buses with their kids cheered for me. And the Adidas sponsor was there to boost our mentality with their motto banner "Impossible Is Nothing". Some runners who overtook me was also kind enough to cheer for me. There was a middle aged Chinese man asking me to keep going, or at least walk at a faster pace. And there was this kind Indian lady who asked me whether am I still all right. Told her that I was and kept going. But shortly later, I found her sitting by the roadside with people assisting her to stretch. This time I slowed my pace down to ask on her and we each replied with a thumbs up. Throughout the whole route from here, we both are basically pacing each other, until the final 500M where she overtook me. Impressive!

Here comes the 30KM mark. I reached it at 3 hours 53 minutes 55 seconds. This is where the limit of the human marathon threshold is reached. I started to go "crazy", but still focusing on my pace. Here is also where my leg breaks down even more. I hardly can run anymore so therefore, I walk at a very fast pace. Even at walking, my legs especially my ankle still hurts a lot. But, I defy the pain and went on. PowerBar sponsors was there this time giving out free PowerBar Gel. With no hesitation, I took 1 and gulp it down on the spot. Started to exit the city from here and it's way much better. Less vehicles, more trees. With 9KM to go, countdown markers started to appear. From here, I have come to know this guy known as Mr. Tan. He's a member of the Pacesetters Club and it was also his first attempt at the full marathon. When I told him of my story, he was surprised that I jumped from 10KM to 42KM without first trying the 21KM. Hehehe... We chatted for a while, while we were walking as both our legs are beyond any imagination already. As my legs got a bit better, I left him. With the countdown marker getting lesser and lesser especially at 5KM more onwards, my heart was beating faster and I told myself, "Just a little bit more!". I pushed and pushed and at 3KM, I can see the sponsor's balloon floating high up in the sky. The finish line is near. At the last 2KM, Mr. Tan finally caught up with me and ran straight till the finish line. Good for him! And at the last 1KM, I have thought to run all the way to the finish line. Before that, I stretch my hamstrings a little only to feel a cramp sensation. With that I stopped stretching and went on as usual, not risking any damage at the closing stages of my run.

500M to go, I saw it. The finish line. Many people especially those who had already completed cheered for me. I did not want to disappoint them and started to run at full till my ChampionChip goes "BEEEEEEEEEP". I DID IT! I COMPLETED KLIM 2007! The feeling - INDESCRIBABLE, as I fulfilled yet another of my 2007 resolutions. I managed to complete the run within the given time frame of 6 hours and was placed 290 in my category and 668 overall. I completed it in 5 hours 50 minutes 10 seconds. Pretty close but I timed it all to perfection. From here, my emotions started to take over, and I shed some tears of joy as the marshals congratulated me while handing me my marathon finisher's medal and shirt.

Sitting down feels so good...

With less than 10 minutes to go and no Wai Lam in sight, I felt the worse for him. Shortly after changing my sweaty vest into something dry, I finally met him. As expected he did not complete the marathon and quited at the 32KM mark. He reached there at 6 hours and it has already passed the qualifying time. Besides, his leg can't take it anymore, so he took an ambulance back. Nevertheless, it was still a great achievement for him.

Wai Lam is feeling it...

As I successfully conquered this 42KM marathon, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to to all my encouraging friends, THANKS. To my gym instructors Lilian, Ben, Brian, Eugene, Joe and Shane, thanks for all the guidance. To Dr. Tc Quah from SNUH, thanks for everything in what might have been The End for me at that time. And not forgetting my parents whom actually didn't actually encourage my participation in this event.

Front view of the finisher's medal...

Rear view of the finisher's medal...

So here it is. The KL International Marathon 2007. All I can sum up here is "The determination! The satisfaction! The pain! The agony!". Till next year then, KL International Marathon 2008.

Bareno Run 2010...

By Frank

A 5KM, 10KM and 15KM race held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium this morning (14 March 2010). But yet again, I was part of the support crew plus photographer. I did not register for this race as the registration place was just too far from my place. But after finding out that my dear friends are participating in it, I did not hesistate at all to drop by to lend them my support and to capture their moments. Keat Seong tempted me to run as a phantom runner. I admit that it was really hard to resist, but on second thoughts, I didn't want to distrub the harmony of the race. So, yeah, here's letting some photos tell the story.

15KM runners ready to rumble...

Even Yip wanted to have fun, as a phantom runner though. (How often do you see him in road races?)...

The youngest participant running the 5KM distance...

Kevin returned for a short trip and made good use of it...

Keat Seong having it easy, or did he...

Lynn returning home third in the 15KM womens open...

Geraldine is glad to have completed her run fast. Next, off to the airport for a plane back to Melbourne...

Chin Chin seems to have a painful run...

Carboman Jamie is back after a years plus hiatus...

Jennifer on her final tapering run before her next weekend's Ironman 70.3 debut...

Congratulations to all for a run well ran...

Yours truly with Keat Seong...

I'm so proud of Lynn. She is back for sure...

Top 5 finishers for 15KM womens open...

For the complete collection, do visit http://runnerzcircle.multiply.com/.

Fall From Grace...

By Frank

It's 80 days till my 84KM race at the Sundown Marathon 2010. And the best part is, I have yet to do anything about it. Building up to last year's edition, I had blog entries talking about my training regime. But looking at it this time, my blog seems a bit too quiet.

I told myself that I shall continue from where I left of at Macau Marathon 2009. All said, but nothing done. It started OK, with some events within the month of Decemeber 2009, but it all went down after I suffered my knee injury during the Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2009/2010. Continued with some long distance races but it wasn't enough as myself lost the motivation to run.

Things seem so different now. Perhaps I lost my magic, or perhaps I got lazy. The flame has died. My first ultra marathon last year, I received tremendous support which kept me going and going. As for now, I can't even get myself going. It seems that I am currently stuck at one place.

Perhaps the flame died here at Macau...

Today's morning run with Luc at the double hills course was a torturous one. Although I'm glad I completed it without walking, I was really breathless after it which I shouldn't be. And this isn't a good sign with a huge race coming up. And speaking about it, I have doubts of meeting my target of a 10 hours 84KM run, maybe not even 11 hours. I guess I have to fore go that now as it just seems so unrealistic.

I'm lost in a slumber world now. I know what I want, but I am not doing the right thing to achieve it. Perhaps it's the end of a chapter, or maybe a new one. Who knows?

Ironman Malaysia 2010...

By Frank

I was at Langkawi the past weekend for a much needed holiday and to play my part as race support for my friends at the Ironman Malaysia 2010. Not only it's my first visit to the island, it is also the first time I'm supporting from the side, and I must admit that it didn't feel "good". But anyhow, let's not talk about it and here's to share some of the shots I taken during the race itself. I guess photos explain more than words.

All ready to rumble...

With Amanda Balding and Luke McKenzie (2009 Ironman Malaysia men's champion)...

With Belinda Granger (2009 and 2010 Ironman Malaysia women's champion)...

Kevin completed his swim in around 1:05 hours...

Yip coming out the water...

Poor Keat Seong got punch/kick in the water till he fainted for 10 minutes...

Raymond Ng still had time to shower...

Yip at Bukit Hantu (heart break hill)...

Jennifer and Li-Ann was with me throughout the support...

Kevin still going strong despite lack of fluids along the bike course...

Keat Seong zooming pass...

Run Kevin run...

Raymond Ng all smiles despite the climb...

PH Lee in the running zone (he runs whenever he sees me)...

Happy go lucky Ben...

Li-Ann is reunited with Kevin after the race...

A painful race for Keat Seong...

Yip too is glad it's all over...

Ironmans and supporters...

For the complete collection, do visit http://runnerzcircle.multiply.com/.