Pacesetters Webmaster

Please click here to view photos of New Balance 15km Run on Sunday 21 May 2006:

Photos taken by Chan Wing Kai, Club's photographer. Please click here.

Yes, this is the first time that ChanWK's photos are view online.

Photos taken by KC:
Please click here for pre-race photos. This is new; you have not seen before.
Please click here for Part 1 (on race day)
Please click here for Part 2
Please click here for Part 3.

x

A few runners were curious and asked me what the new initiative is relating to running that I am embarking on. Well, I am shouldering a different kind of responsibility. I have accepted the role as webmaster for Pacesetters Club, Kuala Lumpur.

I must thank Jamie Pang, the current webmaster, who is so kind to transfer the necessary technical knowledge to me. All runners are friendly and helpful. After an initial 3-hour briefing by him, I really appreciate his contribution to the Club. There are quite a number of repeatable tasks to be done by the webmaster – all these tasks take time.

A funny conversation took place with Peter, the guy who is in-charged of the server side for hosting PACM web site. When I first accepted the duty, I phoned him excitedly to enquire the photo gallery. The purpose is to publish those photos taken by Club photographer, Chan Wing Kai, during official running events. Well, Peter said that has to be programmed by the webmaster. Oh gosh, that was my rude awakening; I thought that is supposed to be done at the server hosting side.

I am most excited to get the photo gallery right and have it running. The icing on the cake is that the sizes of photos are bigger; unlike those photos in the Yahoo album which are much smaller. Obviously, it is always more fun to look at bigger photos (so can see the pimples clearer). The photos that you are going to see are from the PACM server. I would establish a link from the PACM web site also.

At this moment, it is still the transition period. I still need time to get familiar with the navigation and commands for content publication in PACM web site.

How to view the photo gallery:
At the thumbnail page, right click the fist photo. Select “open link in new window”. This is to open a new browser window to view photos. Without opening a new browser window, return to the main web site means having to click many times the Back button (at top-left corner).

Click Previous Home Next to navigate the photos when viewing.

To view other album, just click “x” at top-right corner to close the browser window. Click “Back” at the top-left corner to return to main web site.

By KC

Post NB15 Re-run

Please click here to view the mini photo album.

I arrived at Padang Merbuk car park at 6.40am. There were quite a number of runners arrived there earlier and they looked all geared up and ready to start the run. Jenny Lim gave me a bib number and I recorded my details on a sheet of paper preceded with names of other runners.

It was a superb weather that morning – cool and the sky was slightly overcast. However, the weather was a big contrast with heavy rain almost whole night. It actually gave me the scare when it started to rain again at 5.45am. Luckily, it stopped abruptly after 15 minutes later.

There wasn’t any official flag off. Around 7am, we just started our run. It was more of a fun run and ran with other friends. There weren’t any road marshals; anyway, the seasoned runners knew the course.

I ran with Chee Wee, Jason and his gf, Miss Lai, and Yee Hue. Since there were many runners that morning, we let the two lady runners, who ran at slower paces, to run with other runners. After running up the first hill, we met Ronnie, Pacemaker-1. While overtaking him, I said that was the first time we were able to overtake Ronnie. He assumed as the running coach for his better half.

There were two water stations: the first one was located near Selangor Property Area (about 5km mark) manned by Mr. Lay, TanPM and Vivian. The second water station, located near traffic junction around Government Offices (about 9km mark) was manned by Sharon and other lady runners.

Back at Padang Merbuk car park, to simulate actual condition, the runners were asked to turn right to run the final 50 meters. Many volunteers took turns to present the medals to those that crossed the imaginary finishing line – minus the New Balance structure.

It was a superb occasion to run a mid-range course and at the same time, meeting up friends of Pacesetters Club.

By KC

Re-run of NB15 km for Volunteers

Dear Fellow Runners and Friends,

I am embarking on a new initiative relating to running. However, it competes with my limited time for blogging. As such, I would have to slow down on my postings for duration of 2 to 3 weeks. When the time is right, I will be full throttle ahead again.

Meantime, if you have any interesting articles on running that you would like to share with other runners, do send emails to me and I will publish them for you… by KC

x

Re-run of NB15

This is a great idea. There will be a similar re-run this Sunday morning, 28 May that modelled the New Balance 15km Run. This is a fun run and non-competitive in nature. The main purpose is to cater for volunteers that have missed The Run when they served other runners diligently last Sunday. As I understand from Jenny Lim, assigned to stage this mini event, a few runners volunteered to assist. This is the true spirit of running – first, the volunteers help runners; now runners help volunteers in return.

Details:
Date: Sunday, 28 May 2006
Start Time: 7am
Start Venue: Padang Merbuk car park (at the finishing spot of NB15 Run last Sunday)
Course: Similar route as New Balance 15km Run

There will be two main groups of runners this Sunday: the volunteers and registered participants who missed last Sunday's run. Running friends are welcome too.

Finisher Medals:
Only volunteers and registered participants would receive finisher medal at the finishing line.

Certificates:
There would be no certificates issued

Refreshment:
Only bottled water in 500 ml size would be served in its original form (meaning not using cups); there will be no isotonic drinks. According to Jenny Lim, the Club allocated 9 crates of bottled water that can comfortably cater for 70 runners.

So, see you this Sunday.

By KC

Runners for Hire

On Sunday 29 May 2005, the Star newspaper headlines showed four guys running on a busy road with one of them holding a bunch of flowers. The photo was well taken as the camera angle was lowered to emphasize the runners in high running action and to show contrast, the fleet of vehicles behind them was blurred in vision. That really caught my attention.

One of the runners was actually the groom. Accompanied by three best men, the groom was actually running 8km to the bride’s home to get married. As reported, the mother-in-law was most impressed seeing them completely drenched upon reaching her house with this unique way of getting married.

I think it was a creative idea and something new to do a 8-km run on the wedding day. I think it is also a fantastic idea that the Magnificient Seven Penguin/Sunshine Runners can also do a similar good job. Instead of doing only 8km, the Penguin/Sunshine runners would probably run extra miles to do a 18-km (sound similar to "sure prosperous wan" in Cantonese). I am sure other than the mother-in-law, more people would be impressed.

Instead of the reported "... getting ready to run at the crack of dawn", the Penguin/Sunshine runners would do it slighter later. "... as the blue skies welcome a radiant orange sunrise" (since we are of full marathon status; we can run faster and thus requires shorter time). Besides, as the name “Sunshine” goes, we function best when the sun comes out.

The running method is only practical for distance less than 10km. For distance, say, exceeding 50km, we need to engage those ultra-marathon runners as marathon runners only run 42 km. However, we do not have many marathon runners here let alone looking for ultra-marathon runners.

It would be too messy on that auspicious day for long-haul running even though we can run. We do not want to tire the groom as he has a host of important activities to perform from dawn till dusk, especially the tasks at night. As such, if the bride's house is, say, 30km away, I would suggest engaging those Pacesetters or Penguins/Sunshine who have done Duathlon races before. The MMDS series of Duathlon races would be excellence testing grounds.

The plan: Use road racing bicycles instead of the luxurious Mercedes-Benz. I think no one has done using racing bicycles before (not that I know) to get married.

The formation: All those that accompany the groom – and including the groom – are on racing bicycles. Leading the pack would be our macho guy, Tony (Penguin-3). On the left of the groom would be Meng (Penguin-2), on the right would be Eric Teo (Penguin-10), and I would be trailing behind the groom – in a diamond shape formation where the groom is well protected. At this moment, Chee Wee (Penguin-11) would probably have to assume the role as Event Manager as he is still looking around for a suitable racing bicycle.

The travels: Behind the diamond formation is a group of Duathlethes. Preferable nine of them – three in each row for three rows – as number nine in Cantonese signify longevity. So, in this scenario, we have “sure auspicious wan” and “sure long life wan” – that was really good feng shui for the marriage.

In order to attract attention from the pedestrians and motorists, I would suggest tying a 28 empty 100Plus cans to the groom's bicycle, something similar to those "Just Married" type. Since runners and Duathletes are inseparable with 100Plus drinks, the number is also very auspicious. We wish that the newlyweds would live up to “100 plus” years too – Yeah, another fantastic feng shui.

Depending on the noise level produced from the empty cans, I probably have to put on ear-plugs. Since continuous exposure to sound above 80 decibels could be harmful, I could be the one getting the maximum impact.

If you are interested, please send your emails detailing the necessary requirements to the Sunshine Runners for consideration. The email address is found on the left sidebar of this weblog -- just click it. Our Event Manager would get in-touch with you for detailed discussion.

Just Joking,
By KC ... :-)

New Balance 15km Run Photos

Please click here to view Part 3 of the photo album.
All photos taken by KC on race day are ready.
It contains 109 photos taken at the starting/finishing area.
x

x

x

x

The results of photos with runners in running actions were not satisfactory due to wrong setting in the camera. I was not able to response to the lighting condition. The mistakes were all mine. Theoretically, a cameraman knows what to set but when shooting action photos, it was a different ball game. Well, I still need more practices to improve the skills.

x

Please take note that when photos have been downsized, they become slightly blur due to the characteristic of digital image compression. This has nothing to do with the Nikon camera and lenses. The images of originals were clear and razor-sharp.

x

Stay tune for story and more photos taken with volunteers on Saturday, pre-race day.

x

By KC

New Balance 15Km Run - 21 May 2006

Please click here to view Part 1 of the album containing 110 photos takan by KC.

Please click here to view Part 2 of the album containing 171 photos of runners in action.

Part 3 - work is still in progress. Stay tune.


x

x

x

x
By KC

Scuba Diving – Sipadan

Please click here to view Part 2 of the photo album which contains 180 photos.

WENG went for a scuba diving at Sipadan from 14 to 19 April. All photos are by courtesy of WENG. Part 1 of the photo album was posted on 4 May 2006.

Stay tune for more photos; include those from Mr. Ian Ross, another dive buddy.

.

Penang Bridge Marathon – 30 July 2006

Chee Wee sent an email to me today with preceding thread of emails from PACM Club President, Munning, and Vice President, Francis Toh.

Yahoooo... The Club is able to secure hotel accommodation for members. The choice is limited as no other hotel is able to give bulk booking of 100 rooms. We would have to wait a little longer when the Club is ready to accept registration from members.

Traders Hotel (formerly Shangrila, next to Komtar) RM180.00 net deluxe double room only.
Coach KL--Penang--KL RM 60.00 per person
Bus Hotel--Starting Area--Hotel RM 10.00 per person

For more information, please visit the official web site:

http://www.penangmarathon.com.my/

x

By KC

TTT – Tough Tan Trunks

My learned friend, after reading the previous posting on GGG – Gadgets, Gears and Girls, commented that the girl runners all look GREAT, GORGEOUS and GENTLE. Wow! That was another marvelous GGG. The first 3Gs were on the outlook of the runners while the latter was on the quality of them. That was creative thinking!

She said: “You really browsed through all the pretty girls’ photos! I scrolled to see if I would have the privilege to be in the top ten photos but alas, No!”

This Sunday, the Penguins Runners would be busy with different activities. Chee Wee (P11) would be helping to man the water station in New Balance 15km Run. I would be taking photos.

Port Dickson Half Marathon

Tony (P3) and Eric Teo (P10) would be running in the Port Dickson (PD) Half marathon on the same morning. Tony told me that they would be running in swimming trunks. Out of concern, I told him that the PD Triathlon race is on July 23 and not this Sunday. A Triathlon event allows a racer to run in trunks in order to save time after the first swimming segment. But wearing trunks to run in a pure running event is something an eye-opener.

He commented that mat salleh runners would be running in trunks. So I suggested to him to wear the trunks as underwear and then wear running shorts outside. If the de facto attire is to wear trunks to run, then just pull down the running shorts. Wearing trunks has another advantage: if the course is just next to PD beach, it would be handy just detour and jump into the water to cool oneself – that would be fun!

T… T… T

The two Penguin runners would be taking photos there also. So, I coined a theme for them – TTT. It stands for Tough, Tan and Trunks. The “Tan” here means suntan and not Mr. Tan. With the theme, they would have better focus when taking photos. Contrary to my theme in New Balance 15km run, theirs focus would be on TOUGH guys with TAN skins wearing TRUNKS to run.

I know it would be a tough theme. It would be a mission quite impossible that can rival the M:I 3 because when two macho guys are too focus in taking only guys photos, the girls might be jealous. Worst still, the girls might misconstrue that these two macho guys don’t like girls.

Wishing the two Penguin Runners lots of good times in Port Dickson. I would like to present them with another abbreviation – SSS. It stands for Sun, Sea and Skol (brand name of a beer launched by Carlsberg Malaysia last year; Skol means cheers in Danish).

Stay tune for two great events that happens concurrently.

By KC ... :-))

GGG - Gadgets Gears Girls

One of my learned friends, M.C., after viewing the Power Run photos taken by my on 19 March, wrote one email to me a few days later. She said:

“… I particularly liked the ones with runners in action. Every single person is captured with a lot of "feel". I would suggest a theme for the next run: "gadgets, gears and girls" – so everything from iPod, MP3, drinks belt, Skins clothing, caps, T-shirts, sunglasses and females in action.”

x

Chantelle, Stephanie

Well, that was a brilliant idea coined by her. So, after the Power run, I was contemplating as to when to activate this theme.

I recognize that there are many girls who run with caps, sunglasses, portable music devices, etc. Most guy runners, however, do not run with these gadgets. It was evidence when I browsed through my repository of photos taken since Mizuno Wave Run on 18 December 2005.

x

Vivian, Ai Ling

I remembered long time ago, a male runner by the name of Asoka once told me jokingly of running a marathon: “If guys could run unclothed, it would even be better as that, would really mean running free – much like born free – and we do not need to carry extra weight or restricted by those things we put on.” Well, that was a unique remark as opposed to wearing gadgets when running.

x

Christine, Lisa

I think the time is right for me to apply this GGG theme on the coming New Balance 15km Run on this Sunday, 21 May 2006. With the theme in mind, I have a better focus when taking photos. It is also a test of my skill as to how fast I could response with these conditions.

I would not be running in this race; instead, I would assist PACM Club photographer, Mr. Chan Wing Kai, to take photos. Covering an event successfully requires at least a few cameramen. I remembered in MMDS1 Duathlon at Dataran Merdeka on 23 April, there were at least five photographers/cameramen with SLR cameras roaming around – including yours truly – seeking for memorable subjects.

x Siok Ling,

To view Power Run photos, please click at March 2006 Archives at the left sidebar of this web site. Scroll to the correct posting.

Maybe I should also pay attention to runners who wear pouches produced by Pacesetters Club. The bags are tied round the waist for carrying bottled water when running.

Here are my pick of the best female photos in running actions.

By KC

In Flagrante Delicito

What is so special about the photo below? I was missing! By right, I should be in the photo. Since I was the cameraman, as such, you do not see me in it. Yes, these are a few members of the cast performing in the coming comedy skit.

On Sunday afternoon, 14 May, I went for the second rehearsal. This comedy skit is a Club project staged bravely by the Speakers’ Dream Toastmasters Club, of which I am one of the members. We are actually applying the public speaking skills and expanding our horizons.

A Toastmasters member spends time and effort on honing public speaking skills: body language including gestures, facial expression that enhances the message; eye contact that helps communicate the message and achieve the speech’s purpose; vocal variety of varying voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to add meaning and interest to the message; and much more.

The Director, Logi, briefed the outline and main structure of the story to the cast, which consists of about twenty Club members. After performing almost ten comedy skits with Monti, another partner, they sure know how to arrange the ideas, the scenes and the acts together to give strong impact to the comedy skit.

The title “In Flagrante Delicito” is actually Latin words which literary or humorously means “caught in the act”. Even when he briefed us, there was already full of laughter from the cast. I shall keep you in suspense by not revealing much about the story.

These words first caught my attention a few weeks ago. I read in the Star newspaper that one guy was caught in flagrante delicito for sex. When the police raided and stormed into the hotel room, the guy was caught red-handed. I was not sure whether Logi was reading the same piece of news. Don’t worry, admittance of this comedy skit is classified for general viewing and it is not for eighteen and above.

A file photo showing a comedy act during Club Installation Nite on 16 Setember 2005 -- Mei Han and yours truly. To view more photos, please click "Speakers' Dream Toastmasters Club" link at the left sidebar of this web site. Scroll to the bottom of the postings.

Clashing of Three Activities

The Producer, another distinguished speaker from the Club, announced yesterday that the shows would be scheduled from 26 to 30 July at the Actors’ Studio, Bangsar Shopping Complex, Kuala Lumpur. From Wednesday to Saturday, the shows would be staged at 8.30 pm except on the last day, Sunday, where it would be staged at 3 pm.

Now, I am in a dilemma. The Penang Bridge Marathon is clashing with Powerman Duathlon at Putrajaya on 30 July. My group of running friends preferred Penang Bridge Marathon over Duathlon as the Penang Bridge Marathon was miraculously absent for three years. Missing in this run could mean another few years of waiting. Now, the comedy skit is clashing with these two activities.

After giving much thought, this is my plan on split personality: I would perform show on Saturday night, 29 July, go for Duathlon race on Sunday morning, 30 July, and then perform the next show on Sunday 3pm. This means I would have to forgo the Penang Bridge Marathon.

What role am I playing? Well, let’s keep it a secret for now. I hope you can come and support me. I am sure it would be fun to watch me performing other than exhibit only happiness (when crossing the finishing line) or agony (when limping with pain for ‘hitting the wall’) in running marathons.

By the way, these two sifus (Logi and Monti) will be performing from 14 to 18 June, 8.30pm at The Actors Studio, Bangsar Shopping Complex. Come and enjoy yourselves, and submerged in an evening fill with laughter. Reservation: 03-2094 0400 or 03-2094 1400.

By KC

Run in All Weather Condition

Please click here to view some of the runners present at Bukit Aman car park this morning.

I woke up at 4am this morning fully charged for the 20km training run starting at Bukit Aman in two hours’ time. As usual, I went out of the house to do stretching exercise and at the same time assess the weather. I could see it was almost full moon on the eastern end, and the moonlight illuminating those scatted of white clouds in the sky.

While I prepared my breakfast, I heard slight thunder and saw faint flash of lightning. I thought to myself, looks like this time, we have to invoke Meng’s running condition: run in all weather condition. As compared to last week, we have to run in all physical condition. Luckily, the effected thinned away and the rain did not materialize.

At the Bukit Aman car park, there were quite a number of runners arrived just before 6am. As planned, we started our run to Sri Hartamas, a 20km journey which would take about two hours. There were five of us: Nori Yamazaki (in short, Yama), Patrick, Meng, Weng and I. Yama led the pack. After one kilometer in the run, I began to realize that Yama increased his speed and the whole pack keenly pursued.

Not used to running fast at the initial stage, I began to feel the strain. At the uphill stretch after the Bank Negara LRT station, I was puffing needing more oxygen. Since I have not done much running in last two weeks, I could not keep with the pace. It is just too easy to loose form in running. Without focus and not consistent in training, my body could not run at faster tempo.

How I wonder that I could run faster last time. Eventually, the other three runners were out of sight and I ran at a slower pace with Weng. Later, Meng did a loop-back method to run with us again.

Back at Bukit Aman car park, I praised Yama for having a consistent pace. Contrary to what I thought, he said that it was Patrick that ran fast that pushed him to maintain the lead.

There were more runners compared to previous Sundays. Adam and Jenny Lim were manning a booth for the collection of bibs and T-shirts in the coming New Balance 15km Run on Sunday, 21 May 2006, organized by Pacesetters Club.

I was pleased to complete the 20km training run amid having poor form in running. I later rewarded myself by going to Di Kayu Nasi Kandar at Taipan, USJ to savor hot and spicy chicken rice with teh tarik.

By KC

The Emperor Penguin Runners

Next posting would be on Sunday evening, 14 May. To all runners and friends: Enjoy the long holidays as Friday is Wesak Day holiday.

Would you like to join us in a 20 km training run on Sunday 14 May, at 6am?

The Penguin runners stopped short of explicitly giving me a friendly “ultimatum” since I was absent in the training run on last Sunday morning for reason not due to weather condition. Previously, Meng (Penguin-2) said: Run under all weather conditions. Now, requirement has been modified to plug the loophole: Run under all weather and physical conditions.

Here is the running schedule drawn up by Meng:

Date: 14 May 2006, Sunday
Time: Stretching exercise at 5.45am; start at 6am.
Distance: 20 km
Route: To and fro Bukit Aman car park and Sri Hartamas
Speed: Penguin pace – about 6 to 7 minutes per Kilometer (as you can see, it is very relaxing speed that the fast runners could possibly doze off while running)
Conditions: Run under all weather and physical conditions.

x

P… A… R

The Pacemakers (PM) group will be staging a PAR (Pacemakers Anniversary Run) on 3 June 2006. It is a fun run aim to foster closer relationship among runners amid some serious running to reaffirm a runner’s PB (personal best) timing.

After a few emails, the KL Penguin Runners still could not confirm the participation. So, PM1 (Ronnie) dispatched PM22 (Tey Eng Tiong) to liaise with these runners, who seemed not decided on the line-up yet – which is one step better than before.

Here are the interesting exchanges of emails:

Tey: As I was requested by PM1 – who is by now in Thailand “makan angin” (holidaying) – please let me know if you guys have decided to participate in this race. Each team comprises of four runners and each runner is to run two laps at KLCC Park. Guarantee all will be winner and every winner will receive a trophy each. Ya, the entry fee is RM 20 per runner and we give trophy of excellent quality. Guarantee! You get what you pay for.

Meng (P2): Dear Bruder Tey, we are still in the midst of discussing our strategy of forming a team. We will definitely get back to you before the closing date of 14 May.

A few days later, P2, the Team Manager, replied:

This is to confirm to you that the KL Penguin Runners would like to participate in the PAR.

The gallant runners are as follows:-

Meng (Penguin 2)
Tony (Penguin 3)
Eric (Penguin 10)
Chee Wee (Penguin 11)

I will pay the entry fees of RM80-00 to you or Ronnie when we meet up in one of the coming Sunday morning runs at Bukit Aman. (I also do not know which Sunday lah … hahaha)

Anyway, thank you very much to the Pacemakers Group for inviting the KL Penguin Runners to participate in the forever-popular PAR.

[Comment by KC: Since we have excess runners, Penguin 1 is most delighted to be the cameraman.]

Penguin 3 broke his silence:
Bro Tey, we, the “Emperor” Penguins only worry if it is a hot day lah. Hope that it will “snow” on that day as we can glide with our belly… hahahaha. We still have “secret weapons” on race day… Hmmmm.

Tey: Wah! Based on averaging power, Penguins are very strong to get Champion liao! Plus “secret weapons” some more…. Hmmmmmm… who can fight? Hahahaha.

Finally, Penguin 11 cannot "tahan" leh:
Wah loh! "secret weapons"? It must be a Penguin type of weapon which I have yet to learn from you guys. I only know that the secret weapons in running are strong bodies, legs, hands, lungs, eyes [comment by KC: must be for zero-in on 'leng lui' lah], colourful outfits and expensive shoes. Hahaha!

Stay tune for the “secret weapons”. No! We are not doing Michael Jackon’s moonwalk style to run.

The Reward

I sent my car for changing of cylinder oil (or commonly called black oil) on Saturday 6 May at 9.30am. I drove to one Goodyear Service Centre near my house in USJ. After assessing my request, the boss identified a mechanic to attend to me.

This worker – in his late forties with noticeable amount of grey hairs – wearing shirt and pants smeared in dirt directed me to the correct platform. After I had properly parked the car, the routine or mechanical tasks began: he opened the bonnet; opened the cap of cylinder block. He would then press the green button of the hydraulic platform to lift up the car exposing the undercarriage. He then unscrewed the oil sump nut and oil filter.

I tried to converse with him in Bahasa Malaysia but I could not seem to understand clearly what he said. That prompted me to think that he is an Indonesian. He looked like those typical Indonesian workers who work in construction sites with sunken cheek highlighting the bony face. The only difference was that he was taller.

I noticed that he was very focused in his job. He did not talk much, and did not invite much to be talked. Every engine part that related to oil change, he would then use a cloth to wipe the parts clean – not once but a few times.

After refilled with new cylinder oil, he would then ask me to start the car engine to gauge the proper oil level. Seeing that it was not sufficient, he then opened the cap again, poured more cylinder oil, wiped the parts clean until he was satisfied that the optimum level of oil was achieved.

I was quite impressed with his thoroughness in his work. In this case, it is the opposite of shoddy customer service that exists everywhere.

When the job was done, I went to the counter to pay the fee. On the way to my car, I whipped out RM 3 and gave him without his boss knew. I could see he was taken aback at first and later beaming with appreciation when he regained his composure. He did not expect that I rewarded him with tips. He said something that I could not understand again but I knew he was thanking me.

Seeing the happiness in his face, it reciprocated my feeling on a free and easy non-working Saturday. What a good morning to start the day after having lifted my spirit. The way to feel better about myself is to make someone else feel better. A simple gesture could actually made two people happy.

To this Indonesian worker, it was a situation that he did his best, and the reward, whether small or big, would come as a surprise.

Similarly, in running, we just do our best – tackle every run or race wholeheartedly as if there is no tomorrow. The reward may not be obvious if we are not the top runners eying for positions and prize monies. But overtime, on certain occasions, when our friends, colleagues or relatives of similar ages were having health problems and we are still living in the pink, we know that the reward was there.

By KC

Jelita Run - Revisit

Here is a short but well written report from one of the readers:

I wrote to fill the void on the Jelita run on Sunday 30 April starting at Dataran Merdeka. It was a low-profile run and it did not dawn upon me until the morning of the run after I parked my car at Lake Garden and walked down Jalan Parliamen. Normally, I would see runners with their bibs walking towards The Square. On that morning, it was so quiet that I have to check my reporting card to ensure I had the right date and time! I found it odd to walk alone and until I finally saw a traffic police encik that my heart was rest assured.

.

At Dataran Merdeka, in the first enclosure were the runners competing for 7km category, and well, one could visually count the numbers. There was an aerobic warm-up session in the field. I did not participate as I wanted to get in first. That was the first time that I ran in the 7km route and I thought that it might not be too difficult. The start was slightly earlier than 7.30am and boy, was I glad that the regular matronly announcer was not around that day. Sometimes, it is quite grating listening to her.

Back to the run again, it was the first time I could actually see the first runner for the first few kilometers. Usually, I could not even smell a whiff of the leading runners. The competition was quite stiff as there were a relatively good number of veteran runners. I was already exerting myself to keep pace as the women were running quite closely. We were staggered mid-way, which was good, and I did not feel so stressed up. The refreshment points were not well patronised that the runners would rather just continue. Moreover it was a short run.

Somewhere near Padang Merbuk area, I saw the same three runners gave us indication of our positions. I first saw them at about 4km mark. My last 100m was a sprint which saw me overtaking two runners. I came in 7th and quite pleased with myself. Funnily, with all the exhilaration, I was confused with my time, whether it was 34 or 37 minutes. There were five prizes of gift hampers only. No sweat even if I didn't manage to nab a prize. I just wanted to give the women's run some support.

Written by Geraldine

Note by KC:
The three musketeers were actually Meng, Chee Wee and I. We were doing the 20km training run the same morning. While returning from Sri Hartamas – the furthest point – we met the lady runners. Meng was counting the positions and announcing excitedly to the runners while I just smiled and looked at them. I guessed Chee Wee emulated me as there was no sound from him while running behind me.

I am trying to compute the arithmetic and also to recall who-is-who: 7th position and overtook two runners. Which means at Padang Merbuk stretch, Geraldine could be number 9th position? But the 9th position was Lisa Onn of Pacesetters runner.

According to her, she participated in Larian Bomba on Sunday 7 May and she found that her timing had not improved or maintained. “Maybe I'm just tired,” she commented in her email.

KLPAC

To view 61 photos taken by KC at KLPAC, please click here.

.

The photos for MMDS1 Duathlon at Dataran Merdeka are finally ready!
Participants can buy their photos from here: www.andylim.com/hotshots
Note: It takes extra seconds to download. Photographer: Andy Lim.
.

Together with another 14 Speaker’s Dream Toastmasters Club members, we went to KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) at Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday 6 May. I arrived there slightly early at 6.15pm as I wanted to take some photos of the scenic surrounding.

I have not been to this place before but I have seen those photos taken by the photography friends. So, on a solo mission, I equipped myself with the necessary photographic tools and hurriedly taking photos as any moment soon, there would not be enough light when the sun sank below the horizon.

What really amazed me was when I looked at the photos earlier, I thought there was a huge empty land near the Japanese Restaurant. But when I reached there, I had a rude awakening that it was only a small compound.

At 7.30pm, we were ushered into one of the studio rooms at top floor of KLPAC. Most of the invited guests were seated on the floor with shoes left outside the room. It was a graduation night for the 14 committed and enthusiastic cast of the academy.

We went there to support our sifu, Monti, who was receiving the Certificate of Achievement and at the same time, to have a feel of what “acting” was like. It was an excellence idea that before the certificates were awarded, the cast performed and demonstrated a fraction of what they had learned to the audience.

Different from running, the prominent muscles that have to be strong and active when performing arts must be the face muscles as facial expression was most vital. Nevertheless, it would be great idea that during runs, we would also exercise our facial expression: make a face, put on a brave face, keep a straight face, etc.

According to the announcement, one lady member from the cast comes from Penang. She was so committed that she boarded an express bus from Penang on every Saturday morning. She would arrive at KLPAC in the late morning, rehearsed with the cast and later boarded another express bus back to Penang in the evening.

Taking photos in this room was easy. I just sit there quietly clicking away, but the result was not that stunning as flash was not used in order not to disturb the performance.

So, if you are interested in performing arts, send an email to me. I would establish connection for you. The reward, according to the instructor, is bountiful. For shooting in TV commercials, the fees could be a few hundred thousands Ringgits.

Sunday Morning Run, 7 May

I woke up at 4am by the ring of alarm clock. While lying on the bed, I could still hear droplets of water hitting the gutter at long interval. The rain must have stopped after raining a few hours ago before I slept. Standing by the window, I could feel the freshness and coolness of air.

The bad news was that I felt dizzy after having endured a few days with flu. After a self-check, I decided to cancel my Sunday 20km training run with Chee Wee and Meng that started at Bukit Aman. After sending a SMS message to the guys, I continued with my sleep.

I woke up again at 9am. I felt guilty for not able to run this morning. On a normal Sunday, I would have completed my 20km run, met new friends and chatted with Pacesetters runners. This morning, nothing much was done. I did not siege the moment and let it past.

Though it is tough to be involved in lots of work or activities and scarifying good times, but there is a sense of accomplishment and I later feel good. I believe satisfaction in life is derived from the achievement after putting in lots of efforts; it is not the case of just sit there and not doing anything.

By KC

Scuba Diving at Sipadan

All photos are by courtesy of Weng.

The wonder of underwater world is soon to be unfolded before your eyes. Look no further, it is right here in our home land.
.

Sipadan (121 photos) 14 April 2006... please click here

Sipadan (117 photos) 15 April 2006... please click here

Pulau Tenggol (134 photos) 16 June 2005... please click here

Pulau tenggol (143 photos) on 17 June 2005 ... please click here

,
I was not quite used to scuba diving the first time with the extra gears: strap a metal tank full of compressed air on my back; stuff an uncomfortable contraption in my mouth; fasten a tight-fitting piece of goggles across my face; fit fins to my feet. Uncomfortable and unskillful, I struggled in my new uniform, wondering whether the effort was worthwhile.

The clumsiness soon vanished as I tumbled below the surface and moved weightless through the water and drifted with currents. I have the chance to observe, often at close distance, creatures of all shapes and sizes that I would never have imagined. It was quite a magic world and it seduced a new diver like me.

Today, after many dives later, I know I had made the right decision when I was having doubts the first time. At times, when I was donning vest and shorts in running, I thought to myself what a world of difference it is compared to scuba diving.

I went for a scuba diving at Sipadan, an Oceanic Isle East of Sabah, from 14 to 19 April. It is a world-class destination for dive enthusiasts. Sipadan Island is like the shape of a mushroom. A light greenish-blue shore indicates the shallow part. However, the turquoise waters abruptly turn dark blue at the edge of a vertical wall which plunges 100 meters abruptly to the ocean floors.

Normally, an organized trip to Sipadan for diving would include diving at the nearby two islands: Mabul and Kapalai which are about 25 minutes apart accessible by speed boats. Sipadan is largely boat diving – divers get on their boats in full gears for two or three dives daily. It is a short ride to the various dive spots, usually 10 minutes or less in speed boats. We covered quite a number of spots of the few days there.

The underwater current, though dangerous and unavoidable, add excitements to diving. Drifting with a 2-knot current offers an outstanding underwater experience. Recognizing the direction of the current, we would swim against the current to a distant spot and later, let the current gently swept us back to the starting point.

Of descending, sometimes we would encounter amidst a school of fishes – big number of them. The underwater world is a beautiful and serene world. The corals, the fish, and the creatures – come in all shapes and sizes and in different colours. The creatures at the ocean deep were relatively undisturbed by the gazes of fellow divers. I was particularly enthralled by the pink soft corals sprouting from the reef like some exotic cotton wool.

I took almost 900 photos with my Nikon camera. Needing a rest, the camera refused to power up on the last day of diving. I was having a wonderful time in this dive trip. On 19 April, my mind partly switched over to the next event – participating in the MMDS1 Duathlon at Dataran Merdeka on 23 April.

BTW, Eric Teo (Penguin-10), is a Dive Master. If you are interested in diving too, you may contact him via email: ericchteo@gmail.com

Recounted by Weng
Written by KC

Getting Even

Stay tune for hundreds of beautiful scuba diving photos taken at Sipadan. Courtesy of Weng.

.

"One of these days I'm going to get even with you!" is a state­ment all of us are familiar with. People are either threatening to or actually getting even with others. The problem with get­ting even is that we will never get ahead, which most of us want to do.

I love the story of what happened during the days of the Berlin Wall. One day some of the East Berliners decided they were going to send their West Berlin adversaries a little "gift." They loaded a dump truck with garbage, broken bricks, stones, building material, and anything else with zero value. They drove the truck across the border, gained clearance, and dumped it on the West Berlin side.

Needless to say, the West Berliners were incensed and were going to "get even" with them. They were going to "pay them back." Fortunately, a very wise man intervened and gave entirely different counsel. As a result, they responded and loaded a dump truck with food (which was scarce in East Berlin), clothing (which was also scarce), medical supplies (which were even scarcer), and a host of other essential items. They took the truck across the border, carefully unloaded it all, and left a neat sign that read, "Each gives according to his ability to give."

x

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.

Text above is extracted from the book: Something to Smile About by Zig Ziglar

Note by KC: Weeks ago, one of the runners asked me whether those photos with runners in action taken by me and published in my web site were chargeable.

“Those are free,” I said. “Download them if you like. If you want the originals, just email me your request.”

She asked why I would do it. I replied that taking photos was something I particularly like to do, and I have the capability to do it – at amateur level.

Coincidently, a few days later, I came across this uplifting and enlightening passage which was quite similar to my thoughts at that moment though the subject matter was entirely different.

Duathlon MMDS 1 - The Best Action Photos

Jelita Run: Half the runners would not be able to tell first-hand what it was like running the recent Jelita Run on Sunday 30 April at Dataran Merdeka as that race only accepts women participants.

Please click here to read an interesting account written by May Ching. Alternatively, you can also visit her weblog by clicking the link at the left sidebar of this web site.

Duathlon: Pre-race briefing, collection of race entry pack, hi-tea and fellowship: Please click here to view 78 photos taken by KC.

After browsing through a whopping 800 photos taken by Jason Lee and Yours Truly, I have selected the following photo shots which I like. These are photos of “leng lui” (beautiful girls) and “leng chai” (macho, handsome guys). I believe you would agree with me.

x

x
These photos are considered the cream of the crop as it is not possible to publish too many of them at the main page of this web site that will affect the data transmission response time.

x

x

Looking at the photos, I recognize that Duathlon race is very pleasing to the eyes: the jerseys in vibrant colour add varieties to the sports; the tight-fitting biking shorts and body hugging jerseys highlight the masculinity and body curve of the racers; the designer sunglasses look cool despite basking in hot sun; the aerodynamic helmets looks futuristic.

x

x

Above all, the main attraction would be the wonders of human engineering invention – the gorgeous road racing bicycles. Another observation was that the racers in Duathlon are muscular as compared to runners who are lean – especially Yours Truly.

x
One lady friend of mine who lives in Hong Kong commented that as long as there are four seasons in a year that promote wearing different types of clothing at different times of the year, that add diversities to life. When in tropical country, we just wear the same type of clothing – especially guys – as the weather does not change much.

x

Since there are two distinct types of activities – cycling and running – in Duathlon, it is much like having two seasons in a year that requires different type of apparels. In running, all we need is a vest and mini length shorts – not much variation can derived from there. Anyway, we have to accept that different games demand different type of gears.

x

x

x

x


To view Duathlon photos, please click at the April 2004 Archives at the left sidebar. Scroll to the right posting.

By KC ... :-)