Gunung Nuang Trail Running

At the entrance of Gunung Nuang.Back (L-R): ChooTS, SC Yong, Dr. Sharah, Oliver, Lohi, Germaine, Sidney Saw, Edwin Goh
Front: MakCK, AB Tan, Lai Kuan, Theva, KC Leong, Eldon.

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC).

The group went for a running/trekking outing at Gunung Nuang yesterday as planned. On the eve of the event, we managed to form another trekking group coordinated by Germaine; she is a runner and also passionate wanting to trek at Gunung Nuang.

In the running group, it was a pleasant surprise to see AB Tan: a high-mountains trekking enthusiast in Nepal and China, and a marathon runner. Another pleasant surprise was the presence of an African runner, Oliver, who came with Edwin Goh.

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The group posing by the G.Nuang river ... campers at the backgroundWhen we started the run in tackling the uphill terrain, Edwin Goh was leading the way followed by the Kenyan runner. Yours truly and MakCK were trailing behind. I thought that the Kenyan runner was courteous for not overtaking the leader (give face lah). After a while, we overtook him. When we arrived at the pondok, there was still no sign of him. The last runner said our Kenyan friend is way behind. He sure is adapting well to the good life in Malaysia.

Even though there was not much rainfall for the past few days in Kuala Lumpur, I was surprised to hear the roar of the waterfall and water flowing in great abundance at the Nuang River, much like the abundance of wealth flowing in as in CNY well wishes. Of course, that made crossing of streams much difficult in keeping the shoes dry. By the time we crossed the last stream, most of us would have our shoes wet. With the wet condition, the yellow earth terrain was slippery that required 101% full concentration when one is descending the mountain.

This is how we cross the stream - by jumping high up like superman. Seen here is ChooTS attempting the impossible

Since it was the first training session of the year, targeting to arrive at Camp Pacat was a good choice. When we progress into more serious training, we would target to arrive at False Peak which is another one hour of even tougher uphill challenge from Camp Pacat. As for AB Tan, true to his commitment for serious participation, he extended to False Peak alone.

After weeks of trails running at Puchong Hill and FRIM Park in Kepong, nothing beats the toughness when running in Gunung Nuang. Yes! This is an excellent ground for serious trail training.

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Aiyo ... this is a big challenge to be able to keep the shoes dry: Lai Kuan’s turn to cross the 2nd stream.As for our macho Mt Kinabalu Climbathon 2010 medallist, Edwin Goh, he has got no problem in crossing the stream at all – he just charge across the streams as though walking on dry land!!

Huge Tarzan's rope created by nature ...In synchronized orange T-shirt: Choo TS and Lai Kuan
Standing: KC Leong, Dr. Sharah, Edwin Goh, MakCK

Interesting observations: since there is a doctor in this activity, Dr Sharah received many medical questions directed at him whenever engaging of conversation is possible. Mak CK would score high points for raising many medical concerns. There was no reported case of leech attack from the group. I presume the leeches must be celebrating CNY also.

After a refreshing bath with the cold water in a newly completed toilet, the group adjourned to a Chinese restaurant for a good lunch, complete with yee sang.

At Camp Pacat.While resting at Camp Pacat, yours truly took out a comb and started combing hairs, much to the amusement of everyone. I said that it is a necessary inspection process in order to check that there isn’t any leech on my head; when done, I quipped that: “Yeah, no leech!” ... :-)

.Timing:Start from car park: 7:40 a.m.
Arrive at pondok (at the end of 4WD track): 7:20 a.m. (40 minutes; for trekking, that would require 1 hr 15 minutes)
Crossing streams and arrive at Camp Pacat: 9:45 a.m. (1 hr 15 min)
Start descent: 10:05 a.m.
Arrive at car park: 12:05 p.m. (2 hours)
As you can see, the ascending and descending trips are almost of same timing.

Cheers! Wish you were there with us too.

The group adjourned to Batu 14 Hulu Langat for a sumptuous lunch complete with yee sang.
When time to settle the bill, MaK CK mental arithmetic in dividing the amount per pax was excellent – accurate to a few decimal places.
Part of the dishes ordered by the group ... hmmm... yummy yummy. Since this is a tough training, it justifies the type of carbo and protein loading ... photo courtey of Germaine.

Written/posted by KC Leong