GE30km 2008 - Part 2

The saga of Great Eastern - Pacesetters 30km Run or GE30k 2008 continues with another 168 photos by courtesy of Jason Lee and Hon You. Please click here for Part 3 of 4.
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Note: point cursor at URL link above, press Shift and right click; select Open in new Window or new Tap; press F11 to expand photo; press F11 to return to normal).

Beautiful running apparel and good running posture

Yeah! We like your designer sunglasses

Thumbs up and Victory for a great GE30k

Staying focus

The famous triathlete, Azwar
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Sheryl
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Yes! I made it thus far!

Posted by KC

GE30k Run

Great Eastern - Pacesetters 30km Run or GE30k 2008: Please click links below to view photos by courtesy of Jason Lee and Hon You.

The response to this run organises by Pacesetters Club was overwhelming. Not only that runners in Malaysia are taking part, many of the runners come all the way from Singapore or the neighbouring country.

Camera Nikon D80:

Please click here to view Part 1 of 4 = 168 photos (with the start of the auspicious 2008, even the number of photos per album sound good also)
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Please click here to view Part 2 of 4 = 168 photos
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Part 3 of 4 - work in progress

Part 4 of 4 - work in progress

Camera Nikon D70s - work in progress...

Good partnership: Great Eastern, Pacesetters Club, New Blance and PowerBar

A strong and elegant runner
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Goh of Pacesetters Club

A SAFRA runner from Singapore

The popular triathlete or duathlete

Lisa Oon - Pacesetter runner

The finishing point - calm before the storm

Posted by KC

Dashing on the Ridge

Please click here to view 41 photos taken by yours truly.
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Work is in progress to process 1,500 photos taken by Jason Lee and Hon You at the GE30k Run (Great Eastern - Pacesetter 30km Run) on Sunday 20 January. Stay tune...

(L-R) Front: PK Chan, Kathy, Ann Lam, Tee, Chiew Hong. Back: Jenny, Lai Khuan, ..., Kelly

When I looked up, I was genuinely surprised to see one middle-aged man in short pants walking swiftly and effortless on the rocks high above. At that moment, it gave me the impression that he was walking on the ridge of a roof and I was struggling at the ground level edging my ways between rocks. Within seconds, he was out of sight.

After watching many Hong Kong sword-fighting movies, I was amazed by his master skill in maintaining balance, and the courage to do it. Later, when I took a look, there were three rocks located quite wide apart with 2-foot wide flat platform and cliff at both sides. Losing balance means plunging down the cliff of Klang Gate Ridge (or Bukit Tabur).
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On Saturday 19 January morning, it was a fine weather for trekking. It was slightly cloudy in the morning that provided much of the shade. Besides, it was quite cooling with constant breeze caressing our face and body. Sweating profusely with the wet T-shirts, we felt cold at times. With three weeks to Chinese New Year, the cool breeze reminds me that the festive season is drawing near.

We started the journey at 7:45 a.m., 15 minutes behind schedule. Ann Lam and Miss Tee were waiting at the opposite side of the stream and they have to cross the stream to come to a different starting area. Tee was having slight difficulty with her water-bag as air was trapped in the rubber hose that prevent smooth outflow of water.
. Lily - Yes, good to overcome this treacherous stretch!

After a brief group photo session, I led the team for the great journey. After the strenuous badminton game the night before, my body seemed warm up instantly and I was walking uphill with fairly fast pace without me knowing. When I turned around to gauge how the team was doing, I saw Ann and Kathy were following closely while the rest was walking in a single file behind.
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Ann is manoeuvring a tricky and difficult cliff

At the first rest area, I was told by PK Chan that one of the team members could not follow the pace due to too fast in too short ascent. Immediately, it reminded me of running the Subang Jaya 10km race a few years ago where I followed the pace of elite runners and I pumped out after 10 minutes.

There were many trekkers in this trail. It was nice meeting them and we exchanged pleasantries.

Jenny and Lai Khuan - what you don't see is the cliff below

At certain point, we could see the ridge opposite which we climbed in the previous trip. From a distance, it was amazing that we could climb the vertical cliff to reach the peak. Trekking is just like a journey in life: take one step at a time; make sure it is a secure step and we will arrive at the peak – slowly but surely.
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Ann - Don't ever let go!

Lover’s Rock
Someone gave it a most appropriate and sentimental name. This rock actually comes in the way of the trail. Slanting slightly to the cliff, one has no choice but to hug the rock firmly to manoeuvre oneself to proceed with the journey. The experience of hugging it was exciting yet scary. As a loose grip would mean falling down the cliff. I am sure when one thinks of it as ones lover; one surely would not want to let it go.

PK Chan is distributing CNY cookies

At the Peak
We finally stopped at one of the peaks where there was a flat area comfortably for light refreshment. PK Chan brought a container of Chinese New Year cookies and Chiew Hong brought a few mandarin oranges – Yeah! Another sign of the festive season is just around the corner.

The Swift Moving Guy in Short Pants
After much walking (on the way down), we were surprised to meet him. He was sitting there alone enjoying the fresh air and admiring the scenic view of the surrounding areas. What a good way to live life! He was wearing the “kampong Adidas” shoes costing RM 7-00 bought from a shoe shop in Melawati. He told me that the shop is located at the same row as the old Giant hypermarket. Kampong Adidas is a one-piece rubber shoes for trekking use. It is for all terrain, all weather condition trekking and climbing.

Yours truly is showing the brand new, high-ankle trekking shoes for Annarpurna Base Camp, Nepal trekking.

Next Trekking Trip: Pine Tree Trail of Fraser’s Hill on Saturday 26 January 2008. These are a series of trekking trips preparing the team members going for the Annapurna Base Camp Nepal (lead by yours truly) and Mount Kinabalu or Mulu Trip (lead by Tony Q).

Written by KC

Procedure to View Photos

When you are in the photo album:
a. click Slideshow
b. press F11 key to expand photos; to return to normal view, press F11 key again
c. to exit, press the "X" sign (at the bottom right), then press "back arrow" (at top left).

Sale of Photos in GE30k Run 2008

I am pleased to inform that Tey Eng Tiong and a few volunteers are contributing their time and efforts by doing good deeds to Pacesetters Club. He will be taking photos for the GE30km Run (Great Eastern - Pacesetters 30Km Run) this Sunday morning, 20 January. The proceeds from the sales of photos (50%) will go to Pacesetters Club. Appreciate it that all runners can support this initiative.

On race day, this is how it works:

1. Capturing Photos
a. TeyET will take as many photos of runners as possible in the GE30k Run
b. When the memory card of the camera is full or within 30 minutes (whichever comes first), a volunteer will take the memory card and upload photos into a PC Notebook located on-site.

2. Converting Photos
a. The volunteer will establish a list containing runners' bib numbers and the corresponding photo IDs.
b. Multiple lists are then posted on the notice board located nearby.

3. Ordering Photos
a. Runners will then refer to the list to identify the photo IDs corresponding to their bib numbers

b. Note: There will be no preview of photos as the PC Notebook is used for conversion and identification of photos. Maybe next time, when we can LAN (local area network) up the PC Notebooks, then there will be spare PC for viewing
c. An intended buyer will then fill up a form indicating photo IDs; name, email address and total payable
d. Make actual payment in cash to the volunteer who will collect the money (sorry, credit card is not accepted at the moment)
e. Important: photos must be order on the same morning. Remember to bring $$$.

4. Receiving Photos
a. The volunteer will later send the original softcopy of the photos to the email IDs specified (in the ordering form) within a day or two.
b. However, for purchase via CD-ROM, the CD-ROM is created immediately and hand over to the purchaser.

Cost of Photos
a. Each photo costs RM1 for softcopy that is good for printing 4R-size photo (sorry, no printing of hard copy service... photo printer not available)
b. For photos burn in CD-ROM, additional RM 3 is charged.

As told to me by TeyET
Written by KC

Friends from Singapore in GE30k 2007 - taken by Tey ET
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The macho Komando Runner (of Tey ET above) as seen running in SCSM 2007 or Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007. Photo by courtesy of Jason Lee.

Next Local Trekking Trips

Tony and I will be trekking at the following two dates. You are most welcome to join us.

Do contact us: KC Leong: 012- 266 8166 or Tony Q: 016-274 2213

Note: Fairly good physical fitness is required to overcome the uphill and downhill.
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Bukit Tabur (Klang Gate Ridge)

Date: this Saturday 19 January

Start time: 7:30 a.m. latest
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Filepix - At the peak of Pine Tree Trail on 29 September 2007
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Pine Tree Trail - Fraser's Hill

Date: Saturday 26 January

Time: Meet at Clock Tower of Fraser's Hill at 9 a.m.

Start trekking latest by 9:30 a.m.

We need to start the journey at 6:00 a.m. from Kuala Lumpur.

On the way back to Kuala Lumpur, we will detour to Ulu Yam for dinner. The ‘loh mee’ is there is very famous, so are the dishes: Tom Yam prawn in young coconut, honey chicken, etc.

Please click here for a consolidated view of all previous local trekking trips.

Posted by KC

Tomorrow: Sale of Photos for GE-Pacesetters 30k Run this Sunday day morning.

A Tale of a Little Pinkie

Written by MMR

“I am injured…” these are the hardest words to be acknowledged by any runner. Whether the injury is self-inflicted due to too much running/training or self-inflicted through an accident, it is indeed a sad day for any runner/athlete to hear these words.

About two weeks ago, I carelessly dropped my big mug filled to the brim with water (which I was trying to place on my table) onto my little toes! The major impact was on the little toe of my right foot whilst the neighboring little toe (4th toe) suffered minor impact! The pain was so excruciating that I would not be able to speak for many, many moments. Immediate application of ice on the injured area yielded no results as I could not feel the ice at all due to the pain.

I thought I only “sprained” my toes or that the nerves were affected so I took matters very coolly. I did not seek medical attention to my little pinkie which was obviously shouting out in pain the next morning when it turned blue black and tripled in size – sort of monstrous looking toe!

Going to work in slippers seemed rather “cool” and became a topic of conversation. I could not wear even the biggest of my shoes as the sides (of the shoe) pressed against my poor little pinkie. Taking a rather nonchalant attitude towards my injury helped me in not feeling sorry for myself whilst walking with a limp but secretly I was worried as after one week, there was still pain. Though it was not the same excruciating pain I initially experienced, still there was this lingering pain and discomfort. Worse thing was that I could not run at all, walking was OK but which runner wants to walk all the time when one can run?

Pitiful looks from my usual running kaki’s did not help. As one kaki hit the bull’s eye on the injury -“You must be frustrated!” Yeah! I was beginning to feel real frustrated.

I met my doctor (finally!) after 10 days and he confirmed that there was a fracture on the little pinkie. If I wanted to see how badly fractured, he could take an X-ray of the toe but it was not necessary. “Your little toe is definitely fractured, the little toe is made of three little bones that will heal by itself – give it 4 to 6 weeks. You are lucky that it did not happen on the big toe or the middle toes or else your toe(s) will be in a cast.” My doctor told me matter-of-factly. Errrr… all I heard was “fracture” and “4 to 6 weeks”. Actually I heard “4 to 6 weeks” louder than fracture!

OK – I accept that I am injured and injury takes time to heal. Immediately upon the diagnosis, I felt better and more hopeful (that is why we pay doctors right? To make us feel better!). I shall rest the toe and exercise in other forms – cross trainer, swimming (hey! I might train to be a triahlete!) and walking and cycling.

So, to all the injured runners/athletes out there, keep smiling, rest just makes us want to come back stronger and better and remember to look out for other forms of exercise to keep the adrenalin pumping!

Warm wishes from MMR

Note from KC: Sorry to hear of your untoward incident. Wishing you a speedy recovery and in time to train for the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon on 30 March 2008. I see that there are men working shoes that have metal protective reinforcement for the toes. Maybe ladies shoes can be designed with the same concept, never mind with the slightly (or elaborately) rounded front. The design can be accepted as new fashion … :-)

Trekking at Annapurna – The Preparation

The preparation for trekking at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Nepal in May 2008 has been progressing well. The response has been encouraging. More than 14 trekkers and runners – my original target – have submitted the names to me.

Air Travel

It is a tough decision whether to go by Royal Nepal Airline or Thai Airways. After much thought, we decided to fly Thai Airways again.

Royal Nepal Airline: The airfare is cheaper; direct flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. However, there are only two flights per week and the trekking schedule does not fit nicely with the twice-weekly flight.

Thai Airways: Though the airfare is more expansive, the flight is punctual and according to schedule, and it is a daily flight. Of course, the hospitality of stewardess is renowned.
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I wish to express my gratitude to Chee Wee, our running buddy Penguin Runner-11, for his help. He actually went to Thai Airways office to submit the name list.

In an email to me, he wrote: "I went to Thai Airways office this morning before I walked into my office. I spoke to the beautiful lady at the front desk and unfortunately she couldn't help much on a group booking. She is so kind to refer your case to a sales manager, who can sincerely help on the group booking. We have a short discussion on your request and the required information has been given to him."

A few days later, the Sales Manager of Thai Airways gave me a shock. He called me that the seats for our departure date were full in May. He asked me to change date. So I made an urgent call to Mr. Cheban, the Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal (first time that I call Nepal) to confirm the new date. Later, Thai Airways managed to allocate the seats and the original departure date stays.

Trekking Itinerary

Currently, I am liaising with Cheban to fine-tune the details. It is really exciting to participate in the planning process to map out the treks. According to Cheban, there were noticeable increased in tourists and trekkers visiting the serene and scenic places of Nepal in September-November 2007.
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Local Training

The team has its first training at the Klang Gate Ridge on Saturday 5 January. The next training date as discussed with Tony, The Mountain Sifu, is scheduled on Saturday 26 January at Pine Tree Trail, Fraser’s Hill.

It is encouraging to see that a few of the team members are training on their own. The favourite training ground is Gasing Hill or Mount Kiara Hill.

What to Bring on this Adventure Vacation

I find that one of the simplest sports is running – that includes very little thing to bring (main items: vest, shorts, socks and running shoes). But trekking in Nepal requires much complex examination of things to bring ranging from baggage, trekking shoes, clothing for trekking, personal items, personal first aid kit, etc. As for clothing, we have thermals, fleece jacket and down jacket.
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On the Trail

Before my first trekking to Cho La Pass, Nepal in May 2007, I have no idea as to how trekking there is like. Thanks to TanAB, an avid trekker and a pacesetters runner, who spent two hours in explaining enthusiastically the details to me. Likewise, I will share my knowledge and experience to the other team members.

Other than the serene and scenic landscape, there are many lodges (or teahouses) lined the trail where they provide the much needed lodging and boarding after many hours of walking. The other challenge is to get used to the basic facility such as no hot shower (as fuel is a scarce commodity in the high mountains); no heater in the room when sleeping in cold nights.
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Note:
Tan AB is also going to Nepal this April, date is not confirmed yet. He will be doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek, including Pisang Peak climb (more than 6,100 meters), if time permits. Two friends will be joining him. He welcomes any like minded buddies to join them. The full trip will require 22 days. The trek is graded as Level 4 – the level of difficulty is similar to Everest Base Camp.

Written by KC

The photos are extracted from here and here and here.