Powered By Nikon D50

I was most satisfied using the Nikon D50 digital-SLR camera at Mizuno Wave run on 18 December 2005. The camera was responsive; shutter-release button was smooth and the shutter-release sound was so soothing that I wanted to press for more. It was really “syok” (fun and exciting) to use.

I bought it on Saturday 17 Dec 2005 from Foto Shangri-La at Lot 10 Shopping Complex. Nikon Malaysia actually sent a team of sales persons to assist in managing the road-show. I was attended by Josephine and she asked me for NRID in the purchase due to standard procedures. Leaving Lot 10 excitedly, I was carrying three big paper bags bearing Nikon name containing camera body, kit lens, flash unit, camera bag, knap sag, pouch bag, etc, and other free gifts.

I only started reading the camera manual almost at mid-night to understand the functions and features. Due to lack of time, I decided to set everything to “Auto” mode for a quick familiarization the next morning. I was a little excited and I woke up before the alarm clock went off on Sunday morning.

On race day, I completed my run after 50 minutes. Immediately, I took out the new camera. The feeling of holding it was fantastic – it automatically upgraded me to a level higher than the compact camera series. I was the photographer in disguise but easily recognizable: donning running vest and shorts with wet and muddy running shoes after running across the pitch to the finishing line.

Almost all the initial photo shots on runners in running action were blurred because my hands were shaking: firstly, it was after the run and secondly, I was nervous as I have not been shooting in SLR camera for a long, long time.

With the wider angle, taking group photos has more rooms and easy. With the long-range lens, I could freeze runners in action further away. So, next time, remember to put on your best smile – as though it is a free and easy run – for photo shots while you cross the finishing line.

I have considered buying a SLR camera for a few months since Nikon D50 was launched. I was contemplating how to hide and carry the huge SLR camera in my pocket as of the convenience of digital compact camera.

Freeze the Actions

I tried very hard to capture runners in action using the compact camera but the results were unsatisfactory. My first funny encounter of action photo shots was taking those racers at Malakoff Duathlon in March 2005. When the cyclist was framed in the middle of LCD monitor display, I pressed the shutter-release button. But during playback viewing, the cyclist was not captured due to slow shutter speed of compact camera.

After seeing Jason Lee’s Nikon D70 (bigger brother of D50) results with stunning clarity from the Nikon telephoto lens, I decided to buy one. I, too, like photography. I remember after started working in my twenties, I bought one Yashica SLR camera; that time I did not have much money owning a Nikon brand.

Back then, I was using a partial auto camera. First, I have to decide whether to set the aperture or shutter-speed priority. Viewing through the viewfinder would give the other clue and then set accordingly. Focusing was done manually by turning the focusing ring of lens; taking each shot seemed slow and tedious.

Photos that you see in the weblog are down-sized and set to Medium resolution quality for fast transmission over internet. Each photo is down-sized from 2,000 KB to about 40 KB only. They all suffered the lack of clarity and vibrant colours as compared to original.

Buying SLR camera is the beginning of spending lots of money. On Sunday at the Mizuno run, I have a chat with Chan Wing Kai, Pacesetters Club photographer. He proudly showed me a jewel in his camera bag – a renowned Nikon VR (vibration reduction) lens of almost six inches long costing more than RM 5,000 !

Other than taking runners and bikers in action, I would have to try my hands on birds (those that fly, of course) to improve my photography skills. Just in case I am engaging in “flower or bird” priority mode, just shout out loud when you run pass for me to switch back to “runner” priority mode.

Please click here to view photos takin by Nikon D50 for the Mizuno Run.

By KCxxx :-))
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Santa Claus Running 20km

Today is Christmas. Nevertheless, we still go to Bukit Aman for a 20km run this morning in preparation for the coming Kuala Lumpur International Marathon on 3 March 2006. Before that, we were busy with Singapore International Marathon on 4 December, and that was over.

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It was most unusual to have a Santa Claus doing a 20km run this morning with us. What costume would you expect Santa Claus to wear – heavily dressed-up costume with big belly? That would be difficult to walk 20 meters let alone running for 20 kilometers. Yes, to grace the occasion, we have JOHN TAN, The Santa Claus. Since it was a 20km distance, he was donning running apparels attire.

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There were not many runners this morning. I presumed they must be taking a holiday break for the Christmas celebration. The morning air was cool and fresh after a downpour yesterday evening. It was perfect for a long distance training run.

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Our Santa Claus was seen distributing sweets along the course. At Selangor Property area, one Philippine maid who was waiting for taxi was most impressed to receive a sweet from our Santa Claus. Further down the course, two Bangladeshi workers were given our Santa Claus extended admiration. Not many people have the luck to watch Santa Claus in running action.

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Near the Bank Negara LRT area, I was running fast and competing with Santa Claus. He eventually outran me. Well, he is most qualified to assume the assignment for long-haul running Santa Claus in Christmas.

To view other photos, please click here.

xx
By KC

Festive Seasons and Holidays

Dong Zhi

According to Chinese tradition, today (22 December) is Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice) festival. When I was a teenager, my mother would make the colourful marble-size tang yuen (glutinous rice ball). I would then volunteer to help her to roll the dough into round balls. She would say, “Son, after this Dong Zhi, you will be one year older and one year wiser.” After eating thousands of tang yuen, one thing is for sure: it adds up to my age but I am not sure whether it adds up to my wisdom.

Above is a photo taken from Chee Wee’s internet email. He sent us one virtual tong yuen feast this morning.

Year-end Festive Season

2005 will soon draw to a close and it has been an eventful year for me. Other than the usual running, this is my maiden year taking part in Duathlon races – it was love at first sight. In August, after months of trekking, we scaled the summit of Mount Kinabalu with Tony as the Team Leader.

This year-end festive holidays will allow us some rest and an opportunity for reflection on our achievements. Briefly, here are my major events:

March = Kuala Lumpur International Marathon; cheering and then bought a road racing bicycle.
May = Duathlon at Lumut; Trekking at Gunung Dato; Nike-Pacesetters 15km race.
June = Trekking at Gunung Irau, Cameron Highland.
July = Seremban Half marathon; Malaka Half marathon; Duathlon at Johor Baru
August = Trekking up Mount Kinabalu
September = Putrajaya Half marathon; PJ Half marathon, Putrajaya Powerman.
October and November = 20km and 30km training runs for Singapore marathon
December = Singapore International marathon.

Going forward, let us renew our commitment, whether in running or in our career to strive harder. The challenges that abound in the coming year will require all of us to train harder and run faster. It comes a long way where I evolve from a 10km runner to a full marathon runner.

Thank you to all my running friends for being with me and I treasure the camaraderie and good times together.

To my friends and readers who are celebrating Christmas, may I wish you Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all. As you travel with your loved ones for the holidays, drive safely.

Best Regards,
KC

I Am Nearly Famous

When I turned to Page 34 of Metro Section in Star newspaper today (Wednesday, 21 Dec), the familiar sight of runners donning blue T-shirts caught my attention. In the following page, I saw the inflated model of a huge shoe associating with Mizuno Wave Run on 18 Dec.

I was most excited when I recognized that the person in the photo was me. With back facing the camera, I believe nobody else could recognize the person, other than yours truly. The other guy in the photo looking sideway was Chee Wee. I was searching for something on the ground at that moment as though we were busy doing treasure hunting next to a majestic structure in the shape of a giant shoe.

We were not aware that the photographer was taking photos on us – the power of telephoto lenses. Otherwise, we could have demonstrated more creative poses. The photo below showed a completed action: the reason why we went near to the giant shoe even though we have to walk across the muddy pitch.

Next Posting: Powered by Nikon D50 SLR Camera

By KC

Singapore Marathon - The Race (Part 2)

Note by KC: This is the concluding part of SIM report.

Quotable Quotes

The quotable quotes were really motivating. With too much jerking of the brain, somehow, I could only remember a few as follows:

There is a window to the wall. Find it.

Run with your mind.

Mind over matters.

Fear is courage for one extra minute.

Finish what you started.

Earn the finisher T-shirt.

Don’t stop; you never know how close you are to success.

Keep going, and you will end up at your destination.

Reading the quotes here and reading them in the race has entirely effect. The effects of these quotable quotes were really fantastic. It could really charge me up.

Cheering Teams

This was a big let down. After first 10km, there was none. Another 5km down the road, still there was no sight of them. Occasionally, there was one or two solo cheering that gave me the much needed boaster. It was very quiet this time compared to last year. I saw a teenage boy holding placard cheering runners and I actually gave him a high-five to acknowledge his effort.

I could not believe, at 30km mark, there was still no sign of pom-poms girls. What actually happened? And finally, at the 35km (or 37km) mark, I saw the first group of pom-poms girls cheering runners. I was elated to see them and raised my right hand to greet them with high-fives. Immediately, I was charged up and my footsteps were lively. Looks like I required outside help to run a marathon, which is not allowed.

If I could remember correctly, there were only three cheering teams. The last group was most unusual. One girl was seen standing on the shoulder of her group members and I overheard while running pass: how to come down ah?

Occasionally, there would be one or two persons cheering. I always acknowledge them and thank them. It was like dealing with intrinsic or scarce commodity.

Mat Salleh Runners

This marathon attracted quite a number of mat sallehs (foreigners; particularly whites). Most of them are good runners. Throughout the entire course, I saw a few unique incidents: At the early stage of the course where we met runners at the opposite side of the road, this guy must be famous as quite a number of his friends shouting happily acknowledging him.

Somewhere at around 30km mark, I saw a lady runner carry a special backpack filled with water with a rubber host sling over her shoulder and connected to her mouth. She was seen completely drenched with sweat dripping down her body.

Another lady was running with heavy breathing clearly audible few feet away.

The most unusual sight was a guy running a few feet in front of me. Suddenly, he just threw the unfinished bottle of water on the grass and detour to a tree. When I glanced sideway, he was already urinating with full throttle ahead at a tree as target with back facing us in bright day light and in full view of everyone. That was instant startup not affected by surrounding factors.

A lady runner was seen chatting with another guy at 33km mark for almost 5km. That was incredible and I admired her ability. As for me, I was running in silence conserving my energy necessary to lift my foot and step forward.

Another guy was fainted on the grass around 39km mark. I saw two runners went to his help. Since I was rushing for time, I proceeded with my run and I wished him everything fine.

Water Stations

There were ample water stations. Most stations only served plain water though the umbrella clearly said 100 Plus. Before I decided to take plain water, I would extend my gaze to check whether 100 Plus drinks were served.

The organizer was very generous with the plain water: they served in 500ml bottles. A lot was gone to waste as runners just took a few sips and then threw the bottles. At one water station, the road was complete wet as though it was after heavy raining.

At that instant, it reminded me of a joke after SIM 2004 that the bottled water supplied by water station, could they come from Newater (drinking water recycled from sewage water by Singapore).

Many runners were inconsiderate. They just threw the bottles on the road instead of at the side of road. One runner behind me was seen kicking the bottles onto the road itself. This is “kurang ajar” (lack of good teaching). Imagine a runner would step on it and trip and worst still, been stepped on by other runners.

As for 100 Plus, only served at limited stations. The good thing was that the 100 Plus was served without carbonated type. The first few sips was most enjoyable and I could taste that it was slightly sweater and smoother than those bottled or canned type.

Kenyan Runners

I saw a pack of more than 20 Kenyan runners running very fast after the U-turn heading in the opposite direction. All runners were cheering them and gave them rousing support. It was amazing to see that they ran a marathon as in 10km pace.

The siren from the Police motorbike jolted me from dreaming in my run. The runners were asked to run on the right side of the road. Through experience, we know that super fast runners were running from behind. I saw a short Kenyan guy wearing sunglasses running with another taller guy; both were running side-by-side, very consistent in pace. Don't tell me that the Singapore morning sun was more glaring than in Africa continent? After the race, my running friends told me that the one in sunglasses was actually blind!


Pee Stop

I was looking for a place to pee before the sky was bright. Knowing that thousands of eyes would be looking at me, it was not easy to do the job swiftly. So I was observing the course for a more secluded and comfortable location.

Then there was an adjacent road which was quite dark and secluded. I saw a few runners quickly made a detour and I followed suit too. Most guy runners would prefer to give the plants some exotic showers for much need nourishment than waiting in line for mobile toilet wasting valuable time.

10km Racers

The route took us back to Shenton Way – a very wide road near the Esplanade. It was at that moment, I saw huge crowd of 10km racers – gals and guys; young and old; short and tall. Seeing them in white T-shirt running 10km race, it reminded me that more than 5 years ago, I was also like one of them.

On that day, I was promoted to run a full marathon race. The difference lied with encouragements and motivation from other running friends – dare to take challenge.

Whom I Saw

While running the entire course, I only met the following Pacesetters runners: Crystal of Pacesetters Club Kuantan Area Group; Mr. Tai from Bukit Aman Area Group.

I saw two running group set up their bases by the route to supply their members with drinks. What a thoughtful gesture though there were lots of water stations around.

At the park, I was looking at the opposite runners in no particular focus until someone called me “P1”. At that very moment, I was blurred. A split second later, then only I realized that he was calling me “Penguin-1”. But I could not recognize the runner.

When I turned my focus to my right about 30 feet ahead, I saw two SAFRA (running club from Singapore) lady runners in the bright green running vest. When we locked our gaze with a little smile, it turned out to be the girl that I saw in Malacca marathon on 17 July 05 who looked like Hong Kong singer – Sammy Cheng.

This year, I did not see any fancy-dressed runner running with big make-shift object. Last year, there was a guy running that way and I heard it took him way beyond six hours to reach finishing line.


At the Finishing Area

As usual, the finishing area was full of activities: runners returning, official camera men busy clicking away; security officers jealously shooing by-slanders to stay clear of the finishing line; runners talking to one another excitedly about their experience; medical teams busy giving first-aid treatment; runners just lied on the ground to relax their exhausted or cramped muscles; support stuff moving around to serve cold 100 Plus to runners.

In the big Athlete Welfare Tent, many runners just sit there quietly relaxing while some busy talking; some engaged in collecting the finisher medal and then collecting their finisher T-shirts. Wend and I were busy taking photos.

Since that was a world-class event, I saw they have at least four DJs doing the job concurrently. One DJ of dark complexion was seen walking around on the course itself cheering and announcing the runners crossing the finishing line. The DJs there were full of dynamism and enthusiasm – a task expected from them, and they live up to their names.

When I came back, I saw Eric Teo was sitting and resting. His timing was the fastest among friends that I know – 3 hours 53 minutes.

I later saw Chantelle, who finished 5 hours 29 minutes. I was so glad to she her completed her maiden marathon. Congratulation and well done!

I later heard that Tony’s timing was 5 hours 59 minutes. Chiam’s was 6 hours 30 minutes.

One very unusual sight was the location of the mobile toilets. They were neatly arranged just opposite the grand stand. However, they were cleverly hidden by rows of cheering crowds.

Pom-poms girls were very friendly and sporting: I was roaming in the field with camera in hand. I approached them and asked for photo shots and they responded positively and posed with enthusiasm.

At 1.30pm, I finally saw Marvin coming back; he was with Jimmy Thong. The first message from Marvin was that: “No more marathons”. That sounded familiar. Many first timers, after going through the punishing journey, would swear never to do another one. But weeks or months later, they would run the next marathon challenge and declared that anything fall short of 42 km would be unchallenging. Vivien commented: running a marathon was like giving birth – interesting analogy.

Conclusion

The race organization was superb starting from online registration and payment; notification of progress and happenings way before the event; collection of race entry packs; designing the scenic and beautiful course; handling of race facilities such as mobile toilets and water stations; devising motivational quotes with wonderful message; involvement of volunteers; lifting up moods of runners by DJs, etc. – the concerted efforts that made it happen.

Without doubt, the Singapore International Marathon is a world-class event. They live it up to the name. If you have run once, you will keep coming back for more.

We shall meet again on 3 December 2006, same place. Will ya?

By KC

Mizuno Wave Run - 18 Dec 2005

Second Photo Album:
To view 81 photos by courtesy of Weng, please click here.

To view 121 photos taken by KC, please click here.

Note: while you are in the photo album, viewing is always faster if you click "view slideshow". To return, click "Back" button (at top left corner of Microsoft Internet Explorer browser) 2-3 times.


The huge shoe does add on to the excitement of the event.


Sponsors for the success of this event.

By KC

Singapore Marathon - The Race

Written by KC

A mega event of world-class standards requires detailed narrative of things happening. This is the Part 1; please stay tuned for Part 2 on next Tuesday, the concluding part.

Have you viewed 380 great photos shots of Singapore Marathon? If not, please scroll down six postings below.

At 5.15am, I was waiting at the hotel entrance waiting for Chantelle, Penguin and Sunshine runners. Thomas Ng, another runner while passing by, said, “Tony and gang were over there.” Then only I realized that there were two entrances: Weng and I were waiting at the Peninsula hotel entrance and the others were waiting at Excelsior hotel entrance, which was 50 meters apart.

Mr. Dan was there to support us too. After a group photo session with other running friends, we walked to the starting line, 500 meters away. Everyone was excited as the moment that we have been preparing and waiting for had finally arrived.

At Starting Line

Reaching the starting area 5.40 am, that was the biggest crowd that I have ever seen. Most runners were already in the starting pens (a small area with a fence round it in which farm animals are kept for a short time). The elite runners were in front while the slower runners are supposed to line up at the pens behind. We actually did not bother which pen we were supposed to enter. We found one pen in the middle with an opening, and we just squeezed in.

The scene was abuzz with energy as runners and crew scurried around making last-minute preparations for the race. Lively music was playing loudly from the audio speakers. The announcers were charging up and getting connected with the runners waiting to unleash their power. The few minutes before start were the most exciting moment in any race. After a brief photo session by Weng and Dan, we were ready expecting the gun off moment.

At 6am sharp, the race was on. The crowd roared. Flashlights ignited the starting area. Slowly, we inched forward in a pack. I was desperately trying not to step on or be stepped on by anyone in the middle of the horde. At that moment, the song: “Who let the dogs out” was played. It was most amusing and appropriate for the occasion. After stepping on the Champion-chip mat, we began our marathon challenge.

Earn the Marathon Medal

There was a steady procession of runners moving up the trail like pack mules. Having experiences in running marathons, the first 5km was run slightly slower than normal pace. With thousands of runners, speeding was not easy. In this case, my running speed was more or less determined by the general running crowd. Whenever there was pocket of space, I would speed up a little.

The morning air was mild and still. With the humid weather, every pore in my body now gushed sweat. After 10km mark, I increased my speed by having longer stride and I continued with this style of running -- much like turbo-engine that required some time to warm-up.

Beyond 25km mark onwards, exhaustion set in and I began to feel a little tired. I was surprised that during the 30km training run three weeks ago, I was still very energetic at this mark.

Beyond 35km mark, the tiredness in my legs worsened. I just wanted to rest. Could it be the depletion of my muscle glycogen stores? So I used one method which I read long time ago – using arm movement to control the legs movement. When I swung my arms, my legs must follow the rhythm. Immediately, my speed increased that even overtook two runners. One of them showing concern and said in Mandarin: “Pal, go slow man”. Then he read out loud the quote printed at the back of my Adidas vest: Impossible is Nothing.

This technique worked for a few kilometres. But after that, my arms began to feel tire too. Then I used May Ching’s (another runner) motivation quotes: ”Go, Go, Go, Mr. Marathon man!” It sure helped a lot.

In this run, there was no knee pain; no muscle cramp. I believe the 500 km of training run would have conditioned the legs muscle. The only complain was legs getting tired. However, any of these three factors would slow down the pace.

When I saw the 39km marker, I was thrilled – two more kilometres to go. But when I saw the 40th marker, then only I realized that actually it was three more kilometres to go. See what long hours of jerking can do to the brain – could not even perform a simple arithmetic.

Three more kilometres to go, according to my calculation, my timing was bordering four hours, and I was trying hard to do another sub-4. But running sluggishly, I knew it was a difficult task. Nevertheless, I really tried to push harder. Immediately, I could feel the calf muscle giving me the cramp signal.

When I saw the Club President, Mr. Munning, standing there taking photos, that really gave me the boaster. I waved my hand and presented my best smile amidst the tiredness.

Beyond that point, it was just maintaining the slow speed of running: my breathing was shallow; I put my head down and kept ploughing on, putting each foot forward mechanically.

I was really excited when I reached the underpass. It was like discovering an oasis and it really was a welcome sight– I was nearing the finishing line. With the cheers of spectacles, it charged up my battery power and immediately, I felt much lively and I picked up speed again.

I was cautious running the last 200 meters as I do not want any surprises to happen. What mattered was making it to the finish line. Waiving my right hand at the crowd, I looked up at the official timing device – 4 hours 6 minutes. I felt a grand sense of accomplishment. Yeah, I made it despite a slip from my previous SIM 2004 timing.

Later, checking at the official results, it was 4 hours 4 minutes as I took extra two minutes to walk from the back portions of the pens to reach the computerised starting mat.

The Course

The entire course for Singapore marathon was flat. Seasoned marathon runners would say that there is not much challenge here. But for the Phuket Mountain Marathon ran by a few of the runners recently, only 5% was flat and that was another extreme.

Compare to 2004, the course changed slightly while maintaining the main structure. That was a welcome sign as changing the design of the route gave runners the freshness feeling.

Most of the time, we were running in parks full of grasses and trees. I like to run in this type of course as the air would be cleaner. I remembered that in 2004, there were breeze at the park. I could hear the dried leaves rustle in the breeze. Another good point was that the roads were completely closed to traffic. There was no vehicle speeding along side competing with the runners.

Before 10am, most of the roads were still under shade. I could not imagine for slow runners, they would be roasted in the hot sun.

Somehow, most of the Pacesetters runners were not able to run faster either. Many of the runners felt that the late start (at 6am instead of the usual 5am) and with the humid weather, that could easily tire the runners.

Mobile toilets were consistently located along the running route at fixed interval. Running around the park adjacent to the seashore, there were ample public toilets just next to the running route.

At around 30km mark, bananas and Power Gel were distributed to provide the much need energy. The funny thing about taking Power Gel was that the fingers would become sticky. I have to ensure my both hand are opened wide. Otherwise, the fingers would stick together.

Stay tuned for the followings:

Quotable Quotes – charge you up with wonderful message

Cheering Teams – like scarce commodity

Mat Salleh Runners – funny encounters; brave guy peeing in full view of runners.

Water stations – serve drinks in style

Kenyan Runners – Great runners

Pee Stop – exotic showers

10km Racers – Move on to become marathon runners

Whom I Saw – Sammy Cheng’s sister?

At the Finishing Area – hype of activities

Conclusion

By KC