The Running Wounded

“Sooner or later every runner is injured. Very few injuries last longer than 3-4 weeks; with proper care and when treated early, most injuries will be gone in a few days, with no loss of conditioning.” I read the article sent to me by Moira with enthusiasm.

Hmmm… I am connected with that article and I like it because I am also injured from running. I am grateful to her for being able to identify the most relevant article in time of difficulty (or can’t do much) in my running conditions.

From the article, it is most comforting to hear that few injuries last more than 3-4 weeks. I hope my injury is not in the excluded category.
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“Let’s face It. Running is an addiction. Once you get that daily fix of aerobic exercise, improved circulation, and capillary stimulation, you feel too good to ever stop. But when an injury crops up and you become one of the “walking wounded,” you are faced with a problem: How do you rest long enough to let it heal?” Wow! The writer of that article says it absolutely correct.

Life without running is like missing a lot of things in my life – such is the addiction. Every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m., I wake up and feel that I have not accomplished something in life while lying on my bed. That is the time that I usually complete the 20km training run. Nevertheless, one would not be able to accomplish anything if one is still relaxing on bed.

The pain in my right heel started four months ago during a speed running race in The EDGE Kuala Lumpur Executive Rat Race 2006. The reward for being the Champion Team came with a price. The pain starts when I rise in the morning. When I walk around, the pain subsides, only to return the next morning. I actually ignore the pain in the hope that somehow it will mysteriously vanish when I continue running. However, the pain seems to be getting worst; I have no choice but to seek medical treatment.

I went to an Orthopedist in SJMC by the name of Dr. Chan KY. A few Pacesetters runners asked me to consult Dr. William Chan, the resident doctor who is always featured in Pacesetters Footloose magazine. So I said, “Since both of them sharing same surname, I will ask whether they are brothers. Hopefully, they will share their expertise.”

I am required to do ultra-sound massage and exercises three times a week. At the physiotherapy section of Subang Jaya Medical Centre, I am the luckiest. All those patients that lie on the massaging bed are mostly have undergone surgery. I am the only one patient walking around “unscratched”. One patient asked me while we both busy in stretching exercise, “Can’t seem to see where is the part that you have operated on?”
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Alternative Exercises

The article recommends a few exercises or workouts to aid in speeding up recovery. First is “Running in the swimming pool” that simulates running better than any other activity and can keep you in fine condition. Next is the “Cross-country skiing or Rowing Machines”. Since these two methods seem a bit elaborate and far-fetched to me, I shall give them a miss.

Next is “Cycling on Exercycle (or stationary bike)” which is easily achievable since I am going to gym now trying to tone up my long neglected muscles. Another exercise is “Roll your foot over a golf ball, baseball or softball” I find this exercise is the most convenient. When I am busy typing this report, my right foot is actually busy rolling the golf ball from front to back, in round and round action. Oops… the golf ball slipped away.

Knowing that I also play badminton, one runner suggested that I should switch to playing mixed-double instead. This is to slow down the intensity. Alternatively, go the badminton court later in the session after all the players have tired down.

This is also a good time to seriously implementing the Girl Runners Accompaniment Service by accompanying new girl runners to run from Bukit Aman to Sri Hartamas – the usual running route – in the dark and on early Sunday mornings. Girl runners are preferred as to provide them with safety and at the same time, I do not have to run very fast.

“There is always a price to pay for having a good time in running.” This is what I read in one of the books on running marathon. I am paying the price now for having good times. Give me a few months – I will be back.

By KC

Chap Goh Mei Run

Weng called me this morning after completing his 30km training run. He heard that Meng (Penguin-2) fell down while running in the 30km Circuit Run organizes by FTAAA at Lake Gardens this morning, Sunday 4 March 2007.

To my surprised, Weng was not running in the Circuit Run. Together with Jason Chin (p12) and a few other runners, they were doing their 30km training run – preparing for the coming KLIM – between Bukit Aman car park and Sri Hartamas.

I also received one SMS from Tey ET (pm22) at around 11 a.m. informing me of the same untoward incident.

Later, I received another SMS from C-Cube. He said that they called the ambulance to send Meng to hospital and continued with their runs. He enquired on Meng’s condition.

A girl runner sent me a SMS yesterday evening enquiring whether I would be running the Chap Goh Meh Circuit Run today. To be exact it is the 30km Circuit Run that falls on Chap Goh Meh day. I said that I can not run – I am now becoming the “no action runner”.

I called up Meng. He said: “This time, it is really “puk kai” (fall flat on the road). I was running and passing through the Children Playground. Without realizing, I kicked a power socket mounted on the ground. I tripped and fell. In a forward momentum, my head landed and hit the concrete kerb. Immediately, my forehead was bleeding profusely and the blood was oozing. Quite a number of the runners saw me. Since my car was parked just near by; without wasting any time, I drove my car to the hospital. My right hand was on the steering wheel while my left hand was pressing again the cut. I received 15 stitches on my forehead and I was given a few days’ medical leave for the recovery. I am quite okay now.”
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Two years ago, Pacesetters Club organized a bonding run at FRIM in Kepong for members. I was having a similar fall. The jutted rock was only one inch above the ground and that was good enough to cause a trip. In my case, my two hands and knees landed first. So, there were abrasions on my palms and knees. The difference was that the trip occurred two weeks after running KLIM.

For Meng, he has a schedule to keep to. He has planned to run in the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon on 18 March – two weeks from today. We wish him speedy recovery in time for the full marathon.

By KC

CNY Loh Sang Dinner

The KL Penguin Runners and friends gather at Sin Lok Restaurant, Ampang Park this evening (Wednesday 28 February) for a Chinese New Year loh sang celebration dinner.

Other than running, it is a good idea to enjoy good food during this auspicious occasion. It was indeed a joyous evening for the runners to gather and dine together. The food here is excellent.

The day before was Josie Yap’s birthday. She runs a few half marathons. She works in Hong Long Bank.

Let us have another exciting year ahead taking on more marathons and trekking challenges.

Josie Yap's birthday falls on 27 February.
x Yes, Loh Sang together... the higher the better. Holding the camera (and not chopsticks) is KC.
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One for the album.
Standing (L-R): Marvin, Tony, Steven, ChinYH, Weng, Eric Teo, KC Leong.
Seated: Chan Wing Kai, Josie Yap, Lai SB, Jason Chin.

Never Give Up

It was indeed a good idea to have the auspicious housewarming on Chinese New Year days. Together with other Pacesetters members, I was invited by Teresa Goh, a Pacesetters Club member, to her new house in Bukit Julutong, Shah Alam on Sunday 25 February.

Before I went, I detoured to a fruit shop to buy some fruits. Otherwise, I would be going with only two combs of bananas (empty handed). Excitedly, I started my travel at 5:00 p.m. and I followed the direction given to me by Kesab, a Pacesetters Club member also, over the telephone a few days ago. Kesab assisted her in contacting the runners for this gathering.

Traveling at Federal Highway from Subang Jaya heading towards Shah Alam, I took a left exit at Batu Tiga and turned into Guthrie Highway. I saw the extra big signboard “Bukit Julutong, 200 Meters”. Seeing the first roundabout, I was quite excited and I proceeded further. I have not been to this new affluent housing estate before. After traveling quite a distance, Yes, I was on course. Immediately, I saw two more small roundabouts. Oh No! It did not tally with the direction given by Kesab.

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Note: Pix is extracted in random from Internet.

I was lost. I wanted to ask the residence there for direction but the area was deserted of people on a Sunday late afternoon. I saw a lady casually cycling along the road. After reading all the "beware" emails, I better not to approach her. Otherwise, in her eyes, I would be the bad guy trying to rob or harm her.

I practically drove around quite a vast area of Bukit Julutong housing estate. From Section U8/100, U8/95, then U8/23... but I was looking for U8/13. One unique feature of this new housing estate is that there are many roundabouts – big and small. The small ones are just the length of a MPV. However, I did not see any restaurants. All houses are tastefully designed and well built with neat surroundings decorated with plants and trees. The property there must be good for investment.

Along the way, I called Kesab again. SK Goh, another Pacesetters Club member, assisted to give direction. The confusion arose because of many roundabouts and I was not in sync with what they thought my location should be.

It must be a coincidence that the song “Baby Give it Up” sung by KC and the Sunshine Band (note: not Runners) was heard over the airwave in my car. “Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na… Baby give it up… Give it up… Baby give it up.” That was the first time that I nearly wanted to give up of locating my destination -- not because of the persuasion from the song.

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Note: Pix is extracted in random from Internet.

After a few distress phone calls to Kesab to fine tune my location, I finally reached Teresa's house at 6:30 p.m. with a lot of help from Kesab. That must be my record: one hour looking for the correct destination.

When Kesab alighted from his Honda car, I was surprised to see that he is walking with the help of crutches though he could drive car. He met an accident while crossing the busy Duta Highway on one Saturday morning when training with other Pacesetters runners for Bangkok Marathon on 26 November 2006. Thank you very much for your help, Kesab.

Teresa's house is a new double-storey bungalow surrounded with land. The garden is well-kept and lined with plants and neatly trimmed grass.

I saw many familiar Pacesetters members: Tony, Agnes Chin, John Tan, Wai Mun, Raymond, Chan Wing Kai, Mr. Lee and wife, Wan Yew Leong, Lok and Agnes, Jason Thiang and Sook Ying, Jenny Lim and husband, Dr. Lyou, Jenny Lee, Tammy.

I chatted with Dr. Lyou who ran the Ocean-to-Ocean Race in Thailand on Sunday 11 February. According to him, it was quite tough running in the hot afternoon as the entire journey started from sunrise and finished at sunset.

When runners meet, there were just too many things to talk. Everyone was engaged enthusiastically in the conversation.

At around 8:00 p.m. we bade the host farewell. Going out of the housing estate was easier as I just followed Jason Thiang's MPV all the way to the highway. Otherwise, I would lose my way again – this time, at night.

By KC

Klang Gate Ridge Challange

It was raining on Friday 23 February when I traveled to work at 8 a.m. I thought we were lucky that it rained a day earlier and not on Saturday as Wendy and other trekkers would take on another challenge to climb up Klang Gate Ridge again.

While I was driving in the direction towards Batu Cave that morning, it rained at around 6:15 a.m. Looks like the Year of the Boar brings in abundance of things – lots of rainfall (sound like wealth in Cantonese) even on Chinese New Year days and soaring share market prices.

The pack: Wendy Tan, Rose, ChongYF, PK Chan, Chef Chan, Chef Chin and I.

Wendy chose Ridge #2 (across the stream) as PK and Rose, both Pacesetters runners, were first time trekking up Klang Gate Ridge. Ridge #1 is deemed dangerous as there are more steep slopes and the trails are very close to cliff.

As usual, Chef Chan and Chef Chin wore only running shorts. Five minutes in the climb, while Chef Chan was busy walking, they detected one hungry leech was firmly clinging on to Chef Chan’s muscular legs hiving its fix of energy drink.

Chef Chin commented that the first person is the safest as the leeches were just been stirred from their slumber. The risk increases from the second trekkers onwards. Since I was the second person behind Wendy, I felt quite safe from attacked by leeches.

Being runners, the fitness level was no problem to take on the tough climb where both hands were required to pull oneself to higher levitation. However, all new climbers have to overcoming the common obstacle – fear of height – and that can only be achieved through constant exposure or training.

Mid-way into the ascent, we could see that the Klang Gate dam was covered with dense mist. It gave the feeling that we were above clouds. With cool breeze gently blowing, it was a pleasant experience that worth all the effort for the climb.

There was lots of laughter when the always cheerful Rose was around. While engaging in the dangerous 50-feet vertical height climb assisted only by rope, I could hear the “he he ha ha” sound from her while I was keeping silent busy focusing in my climb – albeit a little nervous.

As usual, Wendy was boiling water and making drinks at the peak and this time, we have the choice of Milo, Nescafe, coffer or tea. While admiring the scenic surrounding, the sunlight was strong and glaring at 9:30 a.m.

One can tell whether a trekker is new or an experienced one in this field. During the descent, one of the trekkers was a few meters behind me. Occasionally, I could hear the sound similar to a heap of clothing being dropped down and I have to raise my head to see what actually happened just in case any of the trekkers slipped – the landing was not smooth.

No matter how hard I tried while descent, I was always slower than Wendy. Chef Chan, the pro, was disappeared much further down the ridge. They were swift in action. Most of the time, Wendy would just sit there – like a sifu waiting for the apprentices – looking upward and waited for us. It was just like running – the fast and the slow runners. Climbing a ridge requires guts and skills. Somehow, being a runner after running for too long time on the plain, I have the phobia when ascending and descending vertical steep slopes.

While crossing the same stream, the rock obstacle, which took us a while to traverse at first, was seemed effortless to cross after undergoing a much tougher terrain.

Overall, it was a challenging climb that took 3.5 hours to return to base. I was completely drenched with sweat while both my hands were shaken a little with the hard pulling to maintain balance during the climb. Any person who can tackle the climb at Klang Gate Ridge would be able to trek other mountains – with ease.

By KC

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Next posting: Sunday 25 February.
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Gong Xi Fa Cai

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.

May The Year of the Boar bring good luck, good fortune and good health to us all.

To the runners: May you run faster, further and with more gusto.

To the trekkers: May you expand your horizon, trek bigger mountains that span across the globe.

It is time for me to "sou kong" (stop work) for posting work in the weblog and enjoy the celebration in this festive season. Similar to building construction workers, they "sou kong" a few days before and after the Chinese New Year days. So, web construction "worker" like me will follow suit too.

Have a relaxing and enjoyable Chinese New Year break. For those who "balik kampung" (going back hometown), have a pleasant journey.

Gong Xi Gong Xi

KC :-)

Greeting cards are from Wei Kim's and Julie Teoh's emails.

Le Tour de Langkawi 2007

Please click here to view 168 great photos taken by Jason Lee.

Press F11 key to expand viewing area; press F11 again to return to normal view.
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Date: Sunday 11 February 2007
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Criterium (Dataran Merdeka)


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