Standard Charted KL Marathon 2010

Yes its the inaugural Standard Charted Marathon 2010 ! Second year participating and geared on setting a new PR for my half marathon and I did, yippeee ! :) I had a strong run and it felt great a steady pace all the way, I was amazed, just that I missed my target of breaking sub 2:30, was so close :p I am sure there will be a next time ! :) 

I was up early about 3:00 am getting ready to go to race site to cheer on some friends whom were doing their first full marathon ! The place was buzzing with activities when I reached, its seems the no. of full marathon participants have increased significantly. Wished my friends the best of luck and they were off ! :) 

Made my way to the baggage counter to dump everything and just pack the essentials then stretched and warmed at the starting line. Decided to position myself in the back as the no. of half marathoners had significantly grown as well and I did not want to be part of the startup stampede, hahahahaha :) The race was underway at 6:15am sharp and we were off ! 

Didn't realize that the route had changed this year as I was running was think am going the right route, hahahaha its was nice and challenging route :) I reached the finish line 2:33:04 hours later ! :) Yay its my best time recorded for a half marathon thus far ! :) Made my way quickly to the baggage retrieval and had to stand there for another 1.5 hours just to get my baggage, almost had a heat stroke !!! The sun was blazing down ! :) 

Got my bag finally and made my way to the start line to wait for the arrival of my full marathon friends ! Kudos  to June, whom made to finish line with her swallon knees in  6:30:00, very proud of you and sheer grit to complete the race under the circumstances your were in ! Well done June on your maiden marathon ! :)

Finally headed back to my brothers place for much needed R&R before heading home. Will be resting for the week and start planning for my first maiden full marathon preparation , yay ! :) 

Till then the adventure continues ! :)

Malakoff 26K Race

It's Race Day ! :) The day begun at 4:00am, got ready and ran through my usual pre-run checklist and I was off to the site I was running late, arrrghhhh. Reached the start point the place was already buzzing with runners come in.

Had to navigate a bit to find parking, the parking locations we full !! Finally found a place and made my way to the starting point. Everyone was busy warming up and getting ready for the gun to go ! Made my way to a corner to compose my self and do last minute check on my gear and well as my laces.(i.e. not much on issue since its Lock Laces)

Soon after it time to start and we were are husled to the starting line, soon after the gun went off and we were on our way ! Along the met my sifu (i.e. HHFoong)  , wished him the very and a good race and I was off ! 

I spent the night before running through the data I collected from my previous runs on the course to find areas that I could speed up. I identified a few key areas and made sure I sped up when it came to those key points. I think  I came on to hard on one of the downhills and I there where I pulled my hamstring, ouch ! 

I kept to this strategy for the next few legs of the run but unknown to me  my heart was racing quite high which I found out when I analyzed the data after the run. I really hit the wall during the last 1 hour of the race as my pace dropped drastically. Some how I managed to push till I reached the finish line at 3:12:54.  I found a picture of your trully, thanks to Chuah (http://run2chuah.multiply.com/) for snapping this shot which is like meters aways to the finish line, hehehe :)

At the finish line, I quickly made way, returned the timing chip and got my shinny shinny ! :) Meet up with some runner friends (i.e. Mee Lan and her hubby). I was walking back to my car when I bumped in Tiger and Justin, so nice to see the two. The were looking out for as well, we chatted a while and they were on their way for a morning hike.

I headed of to my gym to hit the shower and stretch out a little, my hamstrings were hurting. The shower did a whole of good, felt great ! Time to head home for much needed R&R, next its SCKLM !!! :)

Till then the adventure continues !!

Bidor Half Marathon 2010

Oraity, here's the scoop, great event all around and it was great to be back to Bidor again for the second time round ! :) Great run, stats from my Garmin bellow as well as the story behind the story folks ..

Had great company during this trip that is John Simpson whom wanted a feel of Bidor and what challenges it had  offer. John is was aiming for a great time at this event. We started our journey late Saturday afternoon and arrive at Bidor that evening to pick up the race pack.

John had booked us in a hotel in Kampar and we drove over which took like 45 min to reach since we used the trunk roads instead of the highway. Finally got there, nice comfy place to stay before the race the next day. Made sure all my gear was setup for the morning since we need to leave at about 5:00am to Bidor again where the race starts.

Not much sleep that night, pre-race thingy as always, was up at 4:30am. Got ready got packed and headed over to race area.  We reached around 6:00 am and place was already buzzing with runners getting ready. Warmed up and reported in and we were officially sent of at 7:00am. It was a great start I must say, perhaps a too strong of start.

Into 6th KM, my inner right knee started bugging me again, I kept pushing on and had a stead run till 17th KM. I think my best 10K time (i.e. it was somewhere 1:10:00, I think). It was a scenic green run definately. The air was cool and nice till 8pm when it the heat started hammering. There were quite a no of hills to navigate thru that made it quite the challenge.

I saw Seah(definately) and Robi (I think) during the run. Seah the experience veteran was definitely was ahead and already pushing back as we were in opposite direction at a point of time as well as John. The heat was starting to get on to me as well as the pain. I continued and managed to get to the finish line by 2:44:12.

John was already there at the finish line cheering me on as I came in. My tank was clean out, man was I beat. Quickly rehydrated and got some pics and head home. It was great race, need to work on some things again, back to the drawing board before the next big race > Malakoff 26K ! :)

Till then the adventure continues !

Putrajaya Marathon (Long Overdue)

Finally, I got some downtime to write this ,waaahhhh ! Let me see the Putrajaya Night Marathon, first marathon of the year. I was going into the race with an injured right leg to say the least plus the last minute request from my dear partner whom need to me to fly the next day after the race for meetings. Things could not have been stacked much better. Had to make a run for it from KL to Penang as I needed my passport. 

Reached back in Penang, started packing and flew back to KL again somewhere midnight. Crashed straight in and did not wake up till 11ish. Got up and as always pre-race jitters started settling in again, goshhh. U think after running quite a few races this would go away but nooooo.... its always there ! :) Off I went to get my last meal @ PapaReach some lovely noodles to be exact so after headed off to Putrajaya around, me always need to be early got there quite early.... they were still setting up the tents and stuffs !

Found a bench to rest and start changing into my running outfit so after June buzzed me and we caught up at the baggage tents. June introduced me to her friend Serena and we were all off walking about and checking out all the other tents and goodies being given away. Soon it was time for the race and good herded into the holding area where everyone anxiously waited for the gun to go ! :) Here a pic of the there of us in the holding area.

Soon thereafter the gun went ! And we were off, Serena literally zoomed away and I was running side by side with June. The first 10K were great, was steadily keeping my pace and my energy level, the environment was quite humid nevertheless. The route was filled with ups and downs, its was at the 15th KM where its struck again, the pain on my right leg made its entry, by the 18th KM I was in a lot of pain....ouuuchhhh ! 

It was a series of run/walk thereafter till the finish line, quite the bummer ! :( But nevetheless I finished what I started ;) Live to race another day ! June and Serena finished ahead of me, kudos to them both, outstanding job indeed ! We caught up changed, all were barely able to walk properly its like a bunch of ducks walking ! Hehehe :)

Its a great race and good to meet up with June and Serena, looking forward to the next race ! :) 

Till then the adventure continues ! :)

PBIM 2009 : Here We Go !

My most anticipated race of the year and one that I actually diligently prepared the most for. I was in such a frenzy on Saturday in anticipation of the race that I got enough rest. I left in the wee hours of the morning to pick another few runners(i.e. Chiat & Apple) whom were running the race as well. These are seasoned two triathletes whom were participating in the race.

We reached about 1:00am and wandered around and deposited our bags. I was munching on my power bar and sipping on my GU dehydration mix. Somehow or rather I was feeling more dehydrated that I should eventhough I was sufficiently drink throughout Friday and Saturday. So it was weird to say the least.

Our Chief Minister Mr. Lim Guan Eng was gracious enough to be present to let the runners off for all categories, that was indeed a pleasant surprise. So after around 3:00 am, we were all lined up at the starting line. The Half Marathon category seemed to have quite the participation from all ages, it was large group to say the least.

At 3:30 am sharp, we were off, yippee !!! I was running with Chiat and another of his friends. Apple and her running partner were scheduled to start 15 minutes later. We started turning into the bridge when I started feeling a sharp pain on my Achilles on my left leg, this persisted all the way. At the 19mile, the pain was too overwhelming and I had to resort to walking/running for the last 3 miles :(.

My fueling strategy did not quite work up to my expectations as I did not stop at any water station and relied solely at my water bottles. Something not right somewhere, need to revisit this. When I reached the finish line, its was nice to see Chiat and Apple cheering me on to finish strong. I crossed the mat and heard the beep beep but at the same time my heart sank.

I was really disappointed with the outcome as I put a lot of time into my training. One part of part of me was sad but another part was searching to look at what went wrong and see how the next time could be a different experience altogether. Nevertheless it was a fun experience being able to run along side other friends and enjoying the true spirit of the marathon !

My Results : 2:58:48 (Champion Chip Net Time)

Half Marathon Video by http://runwitme.blogspot.com

Well its back to the drawing board to carve the next the big plan for 2010 , till then the adventure continues ! :)

Standard Charted KL International Marathon 2009

Yesterday was a big day with all the preparation's put towards this event and happy with results that I obtained which is 02:40:00 for my 21K, yippeee !!! The event itself was quite the experience from the race pack pick up till the begining of the event itself. I got my stuff's on Friday morning as I did not want be crushed in between the 12,500 participants of the event ;)

It was Sunday morning, got up early early 2:30 am and started through my pre-race ritual as always. I really getting good at this ... *Self Pat Pat :)) Had my driver drop (aka my brother) as close as possible to the venue. I was there quite early as I wanted to watch the release of the Full Marathon runners. As the Full Marathon Runners lined up at Starting it started to pour but the runners were ready to go, the gun went off they were off !! Cheered them on !

Soon after I took a walk around to deposit my bag and munched on my Power Bar. It was around 5:30am and started my warmup routine. There was quite a crowd for the Half Marathon, soon it was time and I walked into the starting lane. Had a chat with senior whom was 70 plus and had run many many marathon and he was so excited. Wished him best of luck and soon its was TIME !! 6:15am and the gun went, whooopeeee, we were off !!!!!!!!!

I started steadily following the dense pack as there were so many runners side by side. It was only after the 2nd KM it started to break slowly and continued to pace on steadily. There was a confusion with the distance markers as I felt they were wrong double checking with Nike+, that would have given many runners the wrong impression of the distance left to cover.

Traffic control by the police at certain junction is bad ! Some runners almost got run over, the police at some location were slack causing considerable danger to runners. The so called individual to cheer on the runners were an absolute waste money, they were just standing there expressionless !!! After 02:40:00 I finally reached the finish line in all its glory, just to have to stopped by some with a wand to detect my BID id, almost rammed into the person !

Then I had to stand for another 45minutes to collect my baggage, was lane super long sheeshhh ..... finally got it and got my drink and was sipping away! :)) Was looking at my new shinny shinny > Finishers Medal for SCKLM and met some of the fellow runners for chit chat. Went home tired but accomplished, it was my best time ever for my 21K ! Well it going to get even better that I promise myself !! Next PBIM 2009 ! The adventure continues .....

Updated Stats From SCKLM Website :))

Name:	KUMAR A/L RAMASAMY (MAS)
Net Start:	06:14:17	Category:	Half Marathon 21km
Net Time:	02:42:25	Position:	1231
Finish Timing:	02:43:41.91

Malakoff 26K 2009

The Malakoff 26K was a blast ! It was an early morning race starting of at 5:30am, a good timing indeed. Reached there about 4:00 am so that I could get a good parking spot :) It was cool .. was freezing my butt off , did a bit of warm up to get the body powered up. Soon after went over to get the starting at was at the start line.

There was an assortment of runners ranging from old to to young and also visitors from globally. It was nice sight, met a few of my running buddies, so familiar faces :) Sharp 5:30am the gun went off and we were off ! It was a grueling start as it started hilly, man was there a lot of hills and they were steep, thank God for my hill training, phew.

Navigated through the hilly terrain and finally came to flat part of run. My right nipple was hurting and initially brushed it off and pressed on but I later found out that it was actually bleeding and my vest was bloody, damn I need nipple stickers !! I ran out of gas after the 15K mark and my hamstrings were killing.

I pushed on running/walking for the rest of the race till the finish line. I reached the finish line approximately 3:30:00, not bad for a first attempt ! It was a great experience in terms of preparing for the event, lots of learning and things to fine before the next big adventure ... Standard Chartered's KL International ..... and the adventure continues !!!!!! :)

Standard Charted KL 2009 Marathon Route

Labor Day Run !

Its Labor's Day where everyone should be chilling out on their day off, I was off for a 6K run or more of Fun Run. Surprisingly it was a good turnout with a mix of usual faces plus the young and the old as well. Event started of at 7:30am and we were off !

We ran across the Jelutong Expressway than circled back to the starting point. Decided to amp it up a little as it is a short distance. My right leg was still giving some issues, kinda worrying me in preparation for Malakoff 26K this coming June. Well, I guess I need to be back to physio again next week for another round of maintained ... sheeeshhh :(

It was great to catch up with running friends again, all the usual faces :)

Till the next run which is going to be Malakoff I believe, the adventure continues .... :)

Happy Labor's Day All !!!

Bidor 21K Run Adventure !

The Bidor 21K Marathon was quite the event, I left my hotel at Ipoh town around 5:00 am and reached Bidor around 5:30am, suprising there were other runners already there. I took the time to geared up with the necessaties and massaged of some of my joints with analgesic cream as for some bizzare reason is was hurting when I woke this morning. Soon after other participants started to poor in.

Registration was underway soon after and everyone for 21K was ushered to start line. The gun went off and we were off, my first 21K, whoopeee ! The run was kinda scenic and I saw parts of Bidor that I never knew exists :) Its was nice, just felt that they should have started it earlier as by the time I finish, then sun was seriously unforgiving sheesh, I was burning and especially my legs as I applied the analgesic cream. Its felt like my feet were on fire !!!! Literally !!!

This race kinda reminded me of the Bukit Dumbar 6K race its was literally a cross country race going through estates, jungles, hills but nevertheless it was fun. The run was quite demanding and noticed after analyzing the data that I collected that I dropped on my pace quite a fair bit, but nevertheless I am happy with the results and acknowledge that lots more to do before Malakoff 26K !

I reached the finish line glimming as when I glanced at my watch I still had a a few minutes before the qualifying time was over. I clock 2:38:00 which I believe would have been much better, so the adventure continues per say ... till next time :)

Earth Day Run 2009 Penang !

A run for Mother Earth ! It was an interesting run nevertheless its was a bit hap hazardly organized though from getting runners registration to allocation of starting band, its was the state parties(i.e. Pakatan) first attempt so hats off to them for the effort. The race started on time at 7:30am which most felt was too late for a 10K race and indeed it was during the final stretch to the finish line.

Funny that in the starting point as there were no marshal, everyone decided to take short cut detour, was kinda funny ;) It was interesting that I had this young lady whom was pacing me throughout the race till the finish line, that was kinda cool ! She was a tough cookie with quite a steady pace and kept up with me till the finish line ;)

All in all is was a good 10K(8 plus something to be exact) , muaahahaahha can't wait for next week .... the 21K in Bidor .... that is going to be something.... time to recover though I was plagued by flu for the past two days ;) Got keep myself super fit till next weekend ....

And till next time the Adventure Continues .....

Teluk Kumbar 6K

Woohoo ! The first run for 2009, its was an interesting run indeed. First of all it was in a location which was so foreign that is was like searching a needle in a haystack literally. Since it was in pitch dark early morning and there are no signs watsoever, go figure ! But anyways finally reached there in one piece, got register. The interesting part was that we had an aerobics session before the run, this one is a first, hehehehe. There was quite a fair bit of crowd young and old ;)

The the gun went off around 7:45am ! And we were off ! The course was an interesting one cutting through housing estates on the left and right plus cows, chicken and a market that was interesting, suddenly the run turns into a market wallau, kinda shocked everyone doing marketing !

Its was an amazing run for me, clock 39 min at pace of 7:09 min/km, expected a slower pace but was pleasantly surprised with the time and had a great time with friend, next will the the Earth Day Run (10K in two weeks time) looking forward to it :)

Till then the adventure continues !! :)