Sepang Gold Coast (SGC)

Prelude to Sungai Pelek Run

The following runners will be going there for a run on Saturday 6 January 2007:

Tony, Eric Teo, Vivian
PK Chan, Grace, Sonny Ng, Jenny Leong, and a new runner
Agnes Chin, Wong, Ngae
Jezamine, Gerard Pereira, SK Goh
YeohSC, Siok Leng, Siok Bee, Joo Ean
Lee and Yap (Lee's wife)
Tim (Vivian's newphew), Ross and Simon (Tim's friends)
J C (Vivian's friend)
Rose, Jason Lee (the photographer), and KC.

When we (Tony, Eric and I) confirm the name list, coincidently, there are a total of 28 runners – an auspicious number for a New Year run.
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Please click here to view the home-page of Sepang Gold Coast.
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The equation between Sungai Pelek, Bagan Lalang Beach and SGC: Bagan Lalang Beach is now called Sepang Gold Coast – transformation into a much fashionable name. And the town is called Sungai Pelek. A few days ago, there was an advertisement in the Star newspaper promoting the new development of SGC.

The Journey

We are not going on a convoy as in wedding occasion and tie tin cans with label "Just Arrived" at the back of our cars. Instead, we will go there silently something like treasure hunting style tallying the actual location with Chee Wee's superb location map.

Make sure that we show up at Chee Wee parent’s weekend bungalow retreat in Sg. Pelek before 4:00 p.m. Precision timing is important in order not to miss the sunset, which is one of the main attractions. Otherwise, a slag in timing means we need to run faster at 4.2195 minutes per km in order to compensate the lost time.

Fast Runners

Oh Yes! For those fast runners, this will be the only time that you have to cap your speed. It is important that no one should outrun Chee Wee (Penguin-11), the host, even if we can. He is the only one that knows the route. If you run faster than him, there is a danger that you will end up in Port Dickson and not the seafood dinner restaurant.

Running through the jungle or running to Port Dickson should be a different run with a catchy theme reserved in near future. Besides, there will be one or two girl runners who run a little slower. This means the fast runners will have to do extra service of "loop-back" to accompany them.

Note: not "look back" to admire the girl runners in action, which could easily sprain your neck. For detail procedure on "loop-back", please read Star Wars – The Running saga on 18 August 2005 Archive (on the left sidebar of this weblog).

Runners’ Identification

There will be many kampung folks and holiday makers who might experience rude awakening from the group of runners that appear from no where while they enjoy themselves at the peaceful beach. To save them the trouble of asking around, it is suggested that a few of the runners should wear Pacesetters running attire, which is self-explanatory to onlookers.

Water-station

There will be a special water-station manned by Tony (Penguin-3). He planned to participate in the AmBank KLIM Circuit #1Training Run on the same morning and rest in the afternoon. Since most stalls operators (and that include our macho guy) put on fashionable sunglasses, make sure you don't get your drink from the wrong stall lining up the beach due to mistaken identify as that would require exchange of payment.

Camping

Tony, Eric (Penguin-10), Vivian and Joanne will be camping by the beach at night when the dusk settles down ... that would be truly romantic. The previous time that I camped by the beach was at Teluk Batik beach (Lumut) when I was schooling in Form 2... my gosh, that was really a few decades ago.

If it drizzles that night, they will have to seek shelter in the safety of theirs cars, which are parked a few meters away. However, if it pours, it is suggested that they shift the tents to the car porch area of Chee Wee parent's bungalow for better insulation.

So, we are all set ... Sepang Gold Coast, here we come again.

By KC

Year-end 20km LSD

I could see quite a number of runners were running on Sunday morning, 31 December starting at Bukit Aman car park. It was indeed a good idea to complete the year 2006 with one final long slow distance run in the morning, and partying in the evening to celebrate the arrival of 2007. Nevertheless, the runners could also be preparing for Great Eastern 30km Run which is three weeks away.

I have not been doing any serious running since my previous participation in Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on 3 December. The last time I passed by the 20km course en route to Sri Hartamas was shooting photos in the Great Eastern 30km actual course with Jason Lee, Weng and a few of the runner models.

There was a new girl runner, Ann, joining us that morning. According to her, the longest distance that she has run so far is only 10km. With marathon runners around, we motivated her to try 20km that morning, which is possible when running in slower pace.

That morning, the pack consisted of: PK Chan, Yee Hua, YeohSC, Tony and a Duathlete, Pathma, whom Eric (penguin-10) met him in Lumut Powerman.

Since it was year-end, the regular 20km-6am runners decided to join Tony to start at 6:30 a.m. After all, there was no need to hurry; we have a few more days of holidays.

While running at the uphill stretch, Yee Hua and Ann were running in front. I jokingly told them that they were the pace setters for the pack.

At the Petronas station in Sri Hartamas (10km mark), we told Ann that no matter what, she has to run back as she did not bring enough money to return by taxi, if necessary.

When we passed by the Willayah Mosque, four sides of the road were parked with cars. Yes, it was Hari Raya Haji day where Muslims performed prayers there.

On the returning journey, we met Lily who was manning a mini water station at the bus stand just after the Duta Highway. There was a white container for storing plain water and three big bottles of chilled 100Plus isotonic drinks placed next to it. The water station was meant for another group training in triathlon. We were most appreciative that Lily was so generous to offer the drinks to us.

Back at Bukit Aman Car Park

We were running in a slow and relax manner. By the time we returned at Bukit Aman car park, it was 9:00 a.m. Ann was doing fine and she was able to complete her maiden 20km run without much difficulty.

I stepped aside to give way to a new black Honda Civic. When the owner wound down the window, I was glad to see Christopher. He twisted his ankle badly during the Subang Jaya 10km run and was out of action for a few months. It was good news that he resumed running though the injury was not fully recovered yet.

After bidding Christopher goodbye, I immediately saw Keshah in clutches walking towards a Toyota Vios which was waiting for him. I managed to chat with him for a while. It was good to see him again. He is recovering from his injury sustained in an accident while running across the busy Duta Highway two weeks before Bangkok marathon.

The next person I met was Munning, the Club President. He was away overseas on business trip. He returned the night before and immediately the next morning, he was at Bukit Aman car park assisting in the administrative matters of the Club.

I later went home feeling satisfied that I have achieved the last LSD of 2006.

Cheers to another exciting 2007.

By KC

Planning for Another Run in Sungai Pelek

Yes, the Penguin runners and friends are starting the 2007 New Year with an organized event – a 13-kilometer, non-competitive and light-and-easy run. Since it is the beginning of an auspicious new year, we do not want to go full-throttle ahead yet, which is best reserved for GE-PACM
30km Run on 21 January.

After the first trial run in Sungai Pelek on 25 November 2006, we will be having a mock run on coming Saturday 6 January. The host for this run is Chee Wee (Penguin-11) whose hometown is in Sungai Pelek.

Please click on the November 2006 Archives (at the left sidebar of this weblog) to view previous report.

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Though the name "Sungai" means river in B.Malaysia, we are not running across or into river – that will be a different theme in future's run. The course is a country road surrounded by lush vegetation passing by the peaceful Bagan Lalang beach. After the run, we will spend time together in admiring the colourful sunset by the beach and later reward ourselves with sumptuous seafood dinner.

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Judging from the intensity of verbal communication in previous trip, we shall have another round of lively conversation, delightful laughter, sumptous dinner, and good times together to celebrate another year of "running" together.

Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur to Sungai Pelek is less than 1.5 hours with moderate speed in small town areas. Our first destination is Chee Wee parent's weekend bungalow retreat. According to Chee Wee, the runners can bring along towels and clean clothing to take bath there after the run, and the 50 cents entrance fee – as in Bukit Aman car park public toilet – is waived.

Details for the get together are as follows:

Date: Saturday 6 January 2007

Start Time: 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Sungai Pelek

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Schedule:

2:30 p.m. : Start of travel from Kuala Lumpur
4:00 p.m. : Start of 13km run at Sg. Pelek
6:30 p.m. : Admire sunset at beach
7:30 p.m. : Travel to seafood restaurant for dinner
9:30 p.m. : Slow walk to jetty to help in digestion and to enjoy the gentle sea breeze

10:00 p.m. : Bon Voyage

Stay tune for more updates...

By KC ... :-)

Shooting Fireworks

I received one SMS on New Year wishes from May three hours before mid-night on New Year’s Eve (31 Dec 2006). She asked where I would take my camera to shoot the fireworks.

After reading that the fireworks would be scheduled as plan but without partying at KLCC, I thought that would be a challenge – possibly with lesser crowd and lesser traffic jam – to drive all the way there just to take the five minutes of fireworks display. The traffic was indeed light at 10:30 p.m.

I walked round the KLCC red rubberized track, which most Pacesetters runners run there either in the morning or evening. The bridge overlooking KLCC and at the fountain areas were jam packed with people.

The launching platform was located at the hill top near to the side of KL Conventional Centre. The entire launching area was cordoned off with proper warning signs. After analyzing the trajectory of fireworks in relation to the Twin Tower, I decided to set up my tools at one open space, a little further away and with lesser crowd.

There was no sound system to announce the countdown. Instead, I first heard the sound of fireworks from a distance. I believe that must be from the nearby Bintang Walk area. When that was over, the fireworks at KLCC began. And that began my frantic shooting moment. With about 100 meters away, the sight and sound were really terrific. The feeling of being engulfed in balls of fire was electrifying and ecstatic.

On the way back, I chatted with one guy and he said that was his fourth time shooting fireworks.

The results of my photos were not satisfactory. Quite a number of the photos were too bright.

I will try again next year at KLCC since I know a much better location. I shall fine tune the exposure settings in the camera for continual improvement in this special skill.

By KC

Happy New Year 2007

Year 2006 has passed by so quickly and we are now at that time of the year in making New Year resolutions once again. Whether you are participating in more running events, going trekking in distant land, attempting your maiden marathon, improving your Personal Best timing – all these require discipline, commitment and perseverance. With all the effort put in, the reward is most satisfying to see the accomplishments in next year-end again.

Wishing all runners and friends a very Happy New Year 2007 and a blessed year ahead! Maintain good health; keep running, and don’t stop.

Please click here to view 2007 calendar of running events updated by yours truly.

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Cheers to 2007!

KC ... :-)

Powerman 2006 in Lumut

Photos are by courtesy of Eric Teo and Vivian. Please click here to view 97 photos.

The Powerman 2006 in Lumut is the final race for the Duathlon circuit. It involves running 10km, cycling 60km and running another 10km.

The event was staged on Saturday 11 November 2006, and the starting time was 1:00 p.m. Many of the potential participants are deterred by the starting time in the hot afternoon.

Month of November was a rainy month. At 2:00 p.m., the sky over here in Kuala Lumpur was covered with dark storm clouds and rain started pouring amid strong wind.

As told by Eric, it was very hot in Lumut at 1:00 p.m. when the race was flagged off. During the cycling segment, it started to rain. Other than on high alert for slippery road, it was cooler cycling in the rain.

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By KC

Ipoh 12km Cross-country Run

Please click here to view 189 photos taken by Chan Wing Kai.
Happy faces for being there participating in the cross-country run.

This event was held in Ipoh on Sunday 19 November 2006.

By KC