Penang Bridge Marathon 2009 (6)

Botanical Garden of Penang (final posting)

Please click here for 113 photos taken by yours truly (KC) for the entire trip to Penang.
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Cannon Ball flower (Couroupita Guianensis) with an insect busy harvesting nectar

Alexis and I took a 30-minute tour of Botanical Garden which is just around the corner. Lined with lush greenery and flowers, it is indeed a great place for runners in Penang who do their regular training runs there.

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Lush greenery that is good for running

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Besides, there will always be spectators watching the runners – the monkeys. After running for numerous loops, a runner may even recognize the monkeys. Or the moneys may miss a runner if he/she does not turn-up for the entertainment in running around.

Many monkeys in the garden

Conducive environment for running

Enjoying cups of fresh fruit juice at a stall outside Botanical Garden. Alexis likes it and order a second cup. Cheers!

We later rushed back to the hotel, refreshed and then check-out of hotel. After lunch, we left Penang at 2pm and safely returned to Kuala Lumpur at 7pm. That concluded a great journey to and fro Penang in participating in the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009.

We shall be back again next year for the next Penang Bridge marathon run which is slated on Sunday 21 November 2010!

Our heartfelt thanks to our friends in Penang who have assisted in showing us the right direction to move around Penang. Other than the maps, maybe we shall come back with GPS sytem next year. The End.

Written by KC

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Penang Bridge Marathon 2009 (5)

Leisure Travel and Penang Hill

Sunday 22 November 2009
After the run, we returned to B-Suite hotel at around 8am; refreshed and rest, and we were ready to start our leisure travel at 10:30 a.m. With the main navigator, Alexis, and the co-navigator, Josie, we started our travel to Gurney Drive area hunting for the famous Penang hawker food.

Sight-seeing at Snake Temple ... Josie

Equipped with a map (that cost me RM 30) and another map from the hotel, we started our ‘expedition’ quite excitedly in two cars. The other car, a brand new dark-blue Toyota Altis, was driven by Cheah. We started from Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and after a while, we realized that we were lost. Instead of joining to Jalan Gelugor, we were traveling on Jalan Jelutong, heading to different area.

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Savouring the yummy ice chendol

We went round and round not able to connect the road on the map with the actual location. Finally, after two hours of ‘groping’ (now in bright daylight), we finally get to have our lunch. Hmmm … the food in Penang tastes superb; possibly we were also hungry after the run.
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Swift operation management -- The owner is busy dishing out orders non-stop!

Alexis took another great effort to locate the famous ice chendol which is near to Komtar. From the road sign, it reads: Lebuh Keng Kwee, off Jalan Penang. My first impression from far was that why would there be so many people standing at a back lane? Was there a commotion? Later, I was also one of them standing there savoring the delicious ice chendol.

Alexis at Gurney Drive. Lots of development with high-rise buildings around this area.

While Josie’s group went to Kek Lok Si temple, we spent the late afternoon in Gurney Plaza shopping complex (along Gurney Drive) as it was drizzling outside. We later have our early dinner at the famous hawker centre near the roundabout of Gurney Drive. In the evening we went to Batu Ferringhi beach for an evening walk at the pasar malam there. There were not many people around as it was still drizzling in the evening.
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Yours truly (KC)

Monday 23 November 2009
The thought of going up Penang Hill after the Penang Bridge run must be quite intimidating; finally, only Alexis and yours truly (both EBC certified trekkers… ahem!) took the challenge again. I believe it has to be a hybrid of runner and trekker in order to go up the Penang Hill after the run.

We arrived at the Botanical Garden at 7am, the starting point of the route to Penang Hill. The terrain is divided into three tiers with the first and last tiers in steep slopes. It was a pleasant morning with the cold breeze gently blowing and the air was fresh.
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Lots of power is required to overcome the steepness

The first rest area is labeled as Location 46, what a unique identification. At the first tier of the hill, we could still see a few persons walking down the hill. At mid-hill, certain part of Penang Island was visible from the unblocked view. Most of the time, the route is devoid of people. While on the way up, we saw three cyclists going up the hill in mountain bicycles. For once, we walked almost of the same pace as the speed of the cyclist. At the mid-hill, there is a run-down shelter labeled as 84 and without any people.
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The final stretch before arriving at the peak of Penang Hill

We arrived at the peak at 9am after walking for two hours and after having scaled 800m above sea level. We walked around the Penang Hill areas enjoying the scenery and the cool fresh air. We later went for a refreshment break at the stalls there. The laksa was good and cost only RM 2.50 per bowl though the quantity of the noodle was very much less. Alexis ordered a second bowl and the owner quipped, "Boleh sakit perut!" (can cause stomach ache). The teh tarik from one of the stalls (second from left) was superb – the drink was strong with rich-flavoured brew laced with condensed milk for a creamy taste. It was indeed a good feeling having our refreshment there after walking all the way up to Penang Hill.
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The serene peak of Penang Hill

The Penang Bridge is at the background. In the early hours of the run on Penang Bridge on Sunday, I could see light from this direction.

ahh... there is a tram arriving!

Lots of tourists in Penang as it is the start of a long, year-end school holidays.

Good choice -- The photographers have a field day shooting flowers, insects, scenery and model.

Since we were rushing for time, we run down the hill starting at 10am. Going downhill with steepness involved internal braking system in the leg muscles. We have to be careful not to injure our knees. We tried a few methods to avoid forward and direct movement. Alexis devised a method that walked sideway somewhat similar to the movement of a crab: a mixture of lateral movement while on a forward and downward advancement. The movement looked amusing! I did try walking backward which caused a bit of disorientation. Nevertheless, it took us only 50 minutes to return to base. Timing: Ascent = 2 hours; descent = 50 minutes.

Alexis running down the Hill
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Maybe next time, we can try the trekking trail. But we need assistance/guide from the trekkers in Penang. [If you are familiar with the trekking trail going up Penang Hill, appreciate it if you could contact me… thanks]

A strategically located bungalow overseeing the horizon and the Penang island
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The way up Penang Hill

Written by KC
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Penang Bridge Marathon (4)

Please click here for a complete posting on Penang Bridge Marathon 2009.

The Penang Bridge International Marathon staged on Sunday 22 November 2009 was a memorable run for me. I have not had this excellent form for a long time. This is one of the half marathons where I could run and run with vigour without getting tired.

The weather on the event day was superb in stark contrast to a cloudy, gloomy and drizzling weather the day before. Starting the half marathon race at 3:30 a.m., it was cool and breezy throughout the entire journey of the run. Besides, the air was fresh and there was no fish related smell which is typical of running near to the sea.

Participants run past the lion troupe

At the starting point, the atmosphere was fairly lively with the announcement, the music and the drum beats from the lion troupe. Runners’ movement was also not too restrictive compared to last year where all runners were asked to go into a huge barricade before the start of the race. With the timing chip introduced this year, we can take our own sweet time to cross the starting line to activate the timer in the chip. The various categories of the events were flagged off by YAB Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Penang, who was there in the early hours to grace this auspicious event.
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The event is graced by YAB Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Penang

In this run, I managed to break the 2-hour barrier. I improved my timing by completing the run in 1:55:57. My last 5km was running much faster than the other 16km overtaking many of the runners that showed sign of tiredness. To sustain the 12 days of thin air in high altitude coupled with the cold weather in the trekking trip to Everest Base Camp, Nepal recently, in my opinion, strengthen my physical fitness.
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Running Route
The organizer must have taken lots of effort to modify and improve on the route. Though the main structure of the run for half marathon was similar to last year, there was slight difference as the half marathon only runs for 7km one way on the bridge (making a U-turn after the middle span of the Penang Bridge) while the rest of the 7km was run on the Penang Island. The direction of the run on the bridge was the reverse of traffic flow. So, it was quite an interesting observation that the arrows on the road are pointing at the runners at all times. The feeling of being the King of the Road was apparent when running in the middle of the road.
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Immediate relief

Water stations
There was lots of drinking water this time. However, many runners just took a sip or two and then threw away the entire 300cc bottle. From the sound of the bottle hitting the road, we would know that the bottles are still loaded with water. This time, we don’t get to see the Chinese kung fu drunken master in action – runners holding the big water containers to drink; or sharing the 1.5 liters of soft drink bottle with other runners as in a triad.
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This poor youngster fainted just before crossing the finishing line. Immediately, the medical team came to his assistance. I hope he is okay.
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Banana Power
It was indeed a surprise to me that bananas were distributed too. So after taken one, I found that it was a bit early to eat. So I hold it as though I was holding a baton, and that helped me to run faster a little. However, the stretch after this station was like a banana-laden route where skins and even peeled bananas were thrown everywhere on the road. If a runner were not careful, he could be running at lightning speed when stepped onto one.
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The unique feature of running in Penang

Distant Drum
Somewhere near the middle span of the Penang Bridge, I could hear the soft, faint sounds of thunder from the horizon. When I looked up into the sky, there weren’t many clouds as I could see patches of white clouds. After running for a while, it was indeed a moment to cherish as the runners were passing by a row of drummers that really uplift the mood of the run, and to break the silence where the busy Penang Bridge, for once, was devoid of traffic.
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All smiles after completing the half marathon... Alexis, PK Chan, Angie, Josie and yours truly (KC).

Event Organization
The various categories of the running event were flagged off systematically and in style too with drum beats to boost up the spirit of the runners. The introduction of timing chips improved the standards of races thereby making it more orderly. The route was well planned and there were ample water stations around. Congratulations and two thumbs up to the organizer for the great effort in making this annual event a success. BRAVO! We shall be back again for the next Penang Bridge marathon.

The only set back is the starting time at the very early hours in the morning. Since the Penang Bridge is an important link and it cannot be closed for too long, the runners would have to accept the reality of it that it has to start early not until the second bridge is completed.
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With the signature sign ... Queen's crown

Road Closure
Another exciting moment on Sunday 2:00 a.m. was to go to Queensbay Mall, the starting point of the event, for the run. The road closer took effect on the dot. So my car arrived just a minute or two slower to the first entry point and the police on duty directed the traffic to the next entry point. To my horror, all roads leading to Queensbay Mall, the starting point, were closed.

Assisted by Alexis, the navigator, with Josie and Angie in the back seat, we were forced to divert further and further away. We even see Komtar and Times Square buildings. At 2:30 a.m., we were still ‘groping’ in the dark (literally) without any map to assist us. Calling our Penang friends in this early hours for help would be uncool though it was a cool morning.
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Taking a short-cut to go back to B-Suite hotel after the run

Finally, we saw a police station at the cross-road along Jalan Dato Keramat and we decided to get help to return to where we stay – B-Suite Hotel. Well, that was a good way to know the streets of Penang better. Actually, the hotel is only about 1km to the starting point and we could have walked there. Using last year's method, I parked my car at a housing estate which is opposite Queensbay Mall across the highways. Finally, we arrived at the starting point after one hour of round-trip ride but we were still in time for the run.

To be continued …

Written by KC

Penang Bridge Marathon 2009 (3)

Event: Penang Bridge International Marathon
Date: Sunday 22 November 2009
Start/End: Queensbay Mall

Yeah! Glad to be in Penang after five hours of travelling from Kuala Lumpur! Background showing Queensbay Mall, the starting/ending point of Penang Bridge International Marathon ... Josie and Alexis
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Just like going for holidays with designer sunglasses and handbag
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Angie, Alexis, Josie, Carmen and Cheah ... with Penang Bridge as background

Weng and Jason Lee (the photographers) and YouBL are running in full marathon category. A few of the runners are coming by the AeroLine luxurious coach from Kuala Lumpur.

Interior decoration of Queensbay Mall

Christmas mood is in the air too

Collection of bibs are fast and efficient ... Weng and Jason Lee

Yours truly (KC) posing with Chooi Wan

YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng delivering a keynote address

The queen with an oversized crown?

Shopping before the run ... Alexis, Josie and Angie.

To be continued ...
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Click here for other postings on Penang Bridge Marathon 2009 (scroll down the pages)

Posted by KC

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Penang Bridge Marathon 2009 (2)

Click here for latest postings of Penang Bridge Marathon on 22 November 2009.
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Aiyo, It rains again! I am sure all runners would share the same sentiment with me these few days. It rains everyday since Monday (16 Nov) and that affects my training run in the evening to prepare for the Penang Bridge marathon this Sunday, 22 November.

I urgently require a mid-week run in order to sustain the level of fitness; my last run was done on last Sunday morning. So, I went for a run this morning (19 Nov) for one hour starting at 5:10 a.m. at my usual training ground – Subang Jaya outdoor track/stadium.

When the alarm clock triggered at 4:45am, I am still blur what actually happened. It was a cool and nice morning after yesterday's long-winded rain. At that moment, the track is quite dark only illuminated by the faint light from the bungalows nearby. The main gate to the track is locked so I have to jump across the fencing, like hero only!

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The grandstand of Subang Jaya Outdoor Track/Stadium

Needless to say, there was no one running there. Who would in their right mind wanted to run on a weekday in the early hours? So I ran and ran and ran. Since it was quite dark, I could listen to my body system better and I could run much faster (no outside interference). I was pleased that my target is achieved, much like we completed the Everest Base Camp trekking mission.

These days, I don't say "I run 15km or 20km". I am using time as a unit of measurement. But I am sure I do run fairly fast since most people exercise at the Subang Jaya track/stadium would be looking at me as it is unusual to see people running in a circuit for so long. As people say, gaya mesti mau (must have style). Okay, ‘fast’ is a relative term, which could be slow according to your standard.

In the office, when I looked into the mirror in the toilet, I realized that I look more leng chai ... :-). So imagine if I continue to run in the morning, after a few years, I could look 20 years younger. Maybe it is wrong to run in the evening all these while.

Alexis, who is also running in this Penang Bridge event and one of the runners joining me to trek up Penang Hill the following day, commented that when I trespass the next time at the Subang Jaya track/stadium, it is okay because they could not recognize me as I am getting more leng chai.
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One runner commented that at such an unearthly hours in the stadium under faint lighting, KC might or might not realize a group of 'leng lui's was also running with him. Such interaction with 'leng lui' clearly made KC more leng chai! So I quipped that no wonder I could run very fast when it is dark in a deserted place – full of power and the feeling of being lifted in running effortlessly.
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Alexis said that she is looking forward to trekking up the Penang Hill rather than running in the Penang Bridge Marathon (half category). So I said that since she is the certified Everest Base Camp trekker, obviously, she is looking forward more to the hill to trek (and not marathon to run) ... :-) click here to have a glimpse of Alexis.

For the Everest Base Camp group, five of the trekkers would be running in the Half category: PK Chan, SC Yong, Alexis, Yours truly (KC) and Yee Choi (running full marathon). As for Yee Choi, fours days after returning from EBC trekking, he participated in the Mount Kinabalu Climbaton (25 Oct) and he successfully made it to the peak within the qualifying time. Bravo!
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See you in Penang!
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Happy Running

Written by KC

Note: The next 'MotoGP Sepang 2009' posting would be postponed. The next posting would be delayed too – should be having a good time in Penang.
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Penang Bridge Marathon 2009

Click here for latest postings on Penang Bridge Marathon 2009.

Trekking Up Penang Hill

Would you like to join me (and a few other runners) to go trekking up Penang Hill on Monday (23 Nov) morning after the run? Up and down Penang Hill is about 4 hours. Require to stay extra Sunday night in Penang.

Here is the plan:

Saturday 21 Nov -- start journey from Kuala Lumpur at 7 am. In the good name of carbo loading, we shall have heavy refreshment at Ipoh Old Town, then lunch at Penang, afternoon tea and dinner.

Sunday 22 Nov -- Participating in the run; relax, visiting places and indulge in Penang's gastronomical delights

Monday 23 Nov -- Trekking up Penang Hill. Round trip is about 4 hours; check-out of hotel; have lunch; travel back to Kuala Lumpur.

Do contact me if you are interested: kcle3@streamyx.com or 012-266 8166

Please click here or here for the privious's year Penang Bridge Marathon reports.
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Filepix -- Penang Bride marathon 2008 at Queenbay Mall

Training Run

The time is right to do a 20km training in preparing for the Penang Bridge Marathon scheduled to be held on Sunday 22 November

So on Sunday morning on 8 November, I started my run at 6:00 a.m. at the MPSJ (Subang Jaya) track when the sky is still dark. My target is to run two hours: first hour in darkness and the second hour in daylight. After all, this marathon would be run in the early morning.

I begin to like this MPSJ training ground as I just wake up half an hour ealier, refresh, walk a distance of 700 meters and I could start my run. The best thing is that I could place my drinks and bananas or chocolate bars just next to the track. At every half hour interval, I shall detour and have light refreshment. The next best thing is that the newly completed toilet (which is meant for VIPs during other functions) is just next to the track. So one does not need to worry much about answering nature's call.

A day ago, the EBC (Everest Base Camp 5,500m) trekkers went for the extreme challenge in the SkyTrek adventure in Shah Alam. One of the trekkers asked where to pee when one is busy in the game hanging high up of 30 meters in the trees nested in the rain forest. Another trekker quipped that since the EBC certified trekkers have lots of experience already adapting to high altitude, that should not be a problem. Note: the EBC trekkers just completed the trekking trip from 4 to 20 October 2009 (where yours truly is the team lead for the 13-member team).

So I ran and ran and ran, dividing the 2-hour training into four segments of half hour each. The concept is much like running a marathon dividing the challenge into four 10km distance. It was a pleasant and cool morning as the rain just stopped in the early morning.

The problem with running in circuit is that there is strong urge to stop short of the target time. So I started to identify other runners for some 'hidden' challenge by keeping the distance constant by running in relation to the targeted runner.

Finally, it was a relief that I could run in circuit for two hours... mission accomplished. Next week, I shall run for 10km to 15km and I am ready for the Penang Bridge Marathon by taking part in the Half category.

Note: EBC Part 5 will be resumed soon.

Written by KC

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Penang Bridge Marathon 2009

Click here to read latest postings on Penang Bridge Marathon 2009.
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After running in the Penang Bridge Marathon on Sunday 16 November 2008, I receive Visit Penang Newsletters from the organizer periodically. It is indeed an excellent idea for the organizer to promote Penang by sending newsletters to the runners whom they have the email address while registering online.

I like the good personal touch of having an email in my mailbox and I just have to click it (without much thinking), and a world of information unfold before my eyes.

One particular event that I am of interest is the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PIM) 2009. So from the Event Calendar, it is slated to be held on Sunday 22 November 2009, almost clashes with Singapore International Marathon to be scheduled on 6 December 2009 – two weeks after. So for most runners, it is either PIM or SIM.

20092009 – I was excited when I first heard from Dory (click here) that immediately after the PIM 2008, the next marathon would be held on Sunday 20 September 2009 with a stylish numerical representation of 20092009. However, after checking with the calendar for holidays in 2009, that day coincides with Hari Raya Puasa.
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According to Peggy Tan, Personal Secretary to YB Danny Law for Penang State Tourism Development, Culture, Arts & Heritage, in an email correspondence, she wrote, "The date for PIM is Sunday 22 November 2009. We know about the Singapore Marathon; however, we have no choice but to keep to November's date due to our Penang Bridge expansion which is expected to complete by August 2009. In 2010, the date will be moved back to June."

This is indeed good news for runners as the next Penang Bridge marathon will be free from construction work on the bridge. For the newly completed 3-lane bridge, it will be wide enough even for expanded participation from more runners.

Click here for the report on Penang Bridge Marathon 2008 written by yours truly (KC)
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Click here for Penang Bridge Marathon official website.

Click here for Visit Penang website.

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Posted by KC

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Penang Bridge Marathon 2008 - Part 5 - The Journey

(press Shift key and) click here for part 4, part 3, part 2, part 1

click here for part 6
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Click here to view 63 photos taken by yours truly (KC); group photos by courtesy of Michelle Looi.

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click here to return to main page of KC & the Sunshine Runners.
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There was so much excitement in the air when we discussed about the food and the journey to Penang to run in the Penang Bridge Marathon. The group was considering when was the best time to start the journey; the choice of food and where to take breakfast. On the other hand, we have to be cautious to avoid crossing Penang Bridge from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in order not to be caught in the traffic jam, which we have had enough already in Kuala Lumpur.

Accommodation in Penang

When Tony Q first told me that the Group of 18 (yeah, a prosperous number) are going to stay in a double-story house, that sounded like Hotel California to me... [OK, imagining the song is playing in the background... Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient (replace with Hotel California), such a lovely place, such a lovely face ...]

According to the owner, the 5-room D/S house provides comfortable living for 11 people. I was amused that the condition would sound like Bangladesh workers cramping in a rented house for temporary shelter.

After sizing up the situation, I actually brought along my sleeping bag with extra Yoga mat (that I bought at Carrefour the day before) for additional cushioning. One runner said we were like going for a camping trip albeit in a house with toilet facilities.

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Kelvin and Joanne who travel in my car

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Yours truly (KC) posing in front of Queens ...

The Runners

Most runners in the group were participating in the half marathon. Only Siok Bee, Raymond Ng, Fai and Meng were competing in the full marathon.

Girls:
Siok Bee, Michelle, Christine, Yap, Chooi Wan, Doris, Meisee, Shih Ming, San, Siok Leng, Joanne.

Guys:
KC, TonyQ, Lee, Raymond Ng, Fai, Meng, Kelvin Lee.

The Ride

Three vehicles started at 6 am and have Dim Sum at Ipoh while Tony and I (in separate vehicles) started the journey at 8:30 a.m. At around 11 a.m., we stopped at Ipoh Old Town for the famous Ipoh Hor Fun and Old Town white coffee. We were all having good appetite to eat and Kelvin (a small size runner) even ate two bowls of noodles.

At around 12:30 p.m., we arrived at Nibon Tebal for lunch. It is situated in Seberang Perai on the mainland side of Penang. According to Tony, this shop served delicious seafood. Crab Porridge is the specialty of the restaurant. Hmm... that was really a yummy lunch. We arrived at the toll booths of Penang Bridge at 3:30 p.m. Even at that time, there was still massive traffic jam: the vehicles were then slowly squeezed from 12 lanes into 2 lanes.
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Lots of happening in front of Queensbal Mall graced by the gorgeous models



Pretty models (flank by macho guy?)


Notice that all the guys are looking up (at the models) and not down (at the vintage cars)
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Collecting Bibs

The sign leading to Queensbay Mall was a little unclear. While we were in a flyover (just next to the Mall) leading us away from the mall, then only we realized that the correct one was just the next road. So we were directed to a roundabout (where B-Suite Hotel is located). It took us almost another 25 minutes (after going further away) to finally arrive at the Mall.

The moment we arrived the Mall, we knew that was the happening spot of Penang and the staring point of the Penang Bridge Marathon with canopy tents were still been erected.
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Joanne at the bibs collectin centre

The entrance of the Mall was full of people – the display of vintage sports cars graced by the fair-skinned and beautiful models. Everyone was busy looking at the models. Needless to say, the photographers were zero-in on the models too. I was curious as to how many would actually admire the cars.

We finally arrived at the bibs and T-shirts collection centre which was located at the first floor of the Mall. There were not many runners at that time and the collection was swift and hassle free.
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The great expedition ...
.We just have to walk from the housing estate and cross the road ...
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Short-cut to Queensbay Mall
.Kelvin, Joanne's uncle and Joanne - analysing the map to the next destination

Overcoming Road Closure

My next duty was to send Joanne, one of the members in my car, to her grandmother’s house, which was located opposite the Mall across the highway. We must be lucky. Joanne’s uncle was most kind to teach us where to park our car and showed us the short-cut to the Mall.

When that was done, it was time to look for the Hotel California located in Jalan Permai. So with our experienced navigator, we have no problem at all arriving at the double-story house. The 24-feet wide D/S house located at the end lot has four air-con rooms upstairs, one downstairs and with a spacious living hall. There were ample car parking space surrounding the house. So my initial thought was wrong.

Dinner

The moment we sent Joanne and her uncle home, the Group was calling us to meet for dinner. It was decided to eat at the food-court next to the B-Suite Hotel. To my surprise, we met at least 30 of the Pacesetters runner friends there: AB Tan, Michael Lim, Kelvin with his three daughters, Jimmy Thong, Tammy Lim, Teresa Goh and many others. Most of them were staying in the B-Suite Hotel. According to AB Tan, who would be running in the full marathon, the room and hall in B-Suits Hotel were huge and value for money.

The hawkers’ food there was about 50 cents to RM1 cheaper compared to the price in Kuala Lumpur. The icing on the cake was that the food was tasty and delicious.
.Meng, San, Christine, Yit Ting, Khoo, Siok Ling, Siok Bee, Michelle, Shih Ming (photo courtesy of Michelle)

Post-Race Gastronomical Delights

After the run, the group checked out of the accommodation and proceeded to the famous ice cendol off Penang Road. The moment I drove into the lane, I was surprised to see that there were many people standing next to a narrow lane, just enough space for a car to squeeze through. Later, I realized that they were standing there enjoying their bowls of ice cendol. I could attest that it tastes better than any of the ice cendol in Kuala Lumpur. Well, after finished the first bowl, I ordered another bowl of the delicious drink.

Later, we went to buy the famous Penang tau sar piar. The most famous one closed on Sunday and another famous one (Ghee Heang Biscuit) ran out of stock. We passed by the controversial tennis court (for the King of Tennis matches) which was in the process of dismantling.

Many thanks to Heng and Vin Yeoh for their hospitality to lead us the way to the various places in Penang.
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Back Row (L-R): Yit Ting, Ai Ling (of Singapore), San, Shih Ming, Khoo, Raymond Ng, yours truly (KC, in acid green T-shirt), Heng.
Front: Siok Ling, Vin Yeoh, Siok Bee, Christine, Michelle, Meng, Kelvin (photo courtesy of Michelle)
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Runner-cum-Bond Girls: Jenny, San, Shih Ming, Vin Yeoh, Cherry, Christine, Siok Bee, Michelle (photo courtesy of Michelle)

Homeward Bound

We started the journey home at 3:30 p.m. Crossing the Penang Bridge again, it was much comfortable driving in an air-con car. This time, there were no footsteps of runners, no leg pain, and no water stations.

The journey took 4.5 hours traveling at 110km/hr. Much like running a marathon, we only stopped for toilet breaks. Distance (both ways): about 800 km.

* * * The End * * *

Written by KC