I am 18 you are 11

After returning at Bukit Aman car park at 8.30am from the 30km training run, I was shocked to hear that a few of the Pacesetters runners ran the 3rd or final Circuit Training run organized by FTAAA the day before, Saturday 11 February 2006. Disbelief, I told them that the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon (KLIM) online web site actually specifies 18 February. Nevertheless, with the detailed account of what actually happened during the Circuit Training run, it sounded true.

On Wednesday evening, 8 February, C-Cube highlighted to me that the correct date for the final Circuit Training run is on Saturday 18 February. Understandably so, Saturday 11 February was Thaipusum holiday. When I logged on to KLIM online web site to confirm, it was specified as 18 February.

I believe FTAAA did not realize the discrepancy in the online web site, which other runners are relying on it for information. However, when I logged on to the KLIM online web site on Sunday 12 February, it had been changed to 11 February. The date must have been changed either on Thursday or Friday, just two days before the Circuit Training run.

Changing date by the organizer was just overriding the value without highlighting what were the changes. One running friend who had watched Jet Li’s latest movie, The Fearless, related about the hero’s drink that had been spiked with poison, commented that there was no evidence for the erroneous content.

Another running friend commented that we made a mistake for making assumption and not confirming with the organizer. But then, what is the use of Internet online web site where we still have to telephone the organizer to confirm the date. In order words, the organizer had published contents that still encourage confirmation by telephone calls. Normally, in this Internet world, the information in the online web site would be latest as it allows swift updates as compared to printed materials; unless we are logging on to dubious web site.

It was over. For those who had planned to go for the final Circuit Training run, please try again next year. Enjoy your normal training runs and KLIM race; I wish you would achieve your Personal Best timing in this race.

Talking about making assumption, this is a real life and funny story told by Tony (Penguin-3):

Many years ago, I was representing state level for the National Athletic Meet. The runners in my team were warming up for the 4 x 100 meters race. A runner was getting ready at the track by running in his track bottom.

When it was time for the race, he confidently pulled down his track bottom only to reveal his sexy underwear – he forgot to wear his running shorts. All of us at the track, including the race officials were having good laugh. And of course, a few lady runners were joining in the laughter amid a few feeling awkward at the situation. Since then, the Team Manager would run the extra mile – though with extra work – by reminding us to wear our shorts.

By KC