30km Training Run

I could not remember when was my last time that I ran a 30km training run. It has to be before the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon on Sunday 5 March 2006.

After consulting my running log, I realized that the previous 30km run was actually the Great Eastern 30km Run organized by Pacesetters Club on Sunday 22 January 2006. Well, it was certainly a long time – almost a lapse of nine months.

When I reached Bukit Aman car park on Sunday 15 October at 5:00 a.m. – half an hour ahead of starting time – I saw Patrick, Keshab and friends were about to start their 30km training runs. Applying the Pacesetters running formula in preparation for Singapore International Marathon on 3 December 2006, most runners were doing 30km training that morning.

When Meng (Penguin-2) alighted from his Waja car at 5:15 a.m., he was concerned with the haze. It was only then that I realized that there was haze. I was very much wanted to think that it was misty, clean air and serene atmosphere. We were, however, not overly concerned with the haze because it was indeed a joyous moment to be able to stand tall at Bukit Aman car park getting ready to conquer a 30km training run.

This time, there were more runners participating in this self-organized 30km training run. The runners were: PK Chan, Meng, Weng, ChinYH, Sarjit, Gurdev, LimFW, Eric Teo, OngSB, Vivian and Lian Bee Hoon (she ran Boston Marathon a few years ago). The other pack that started at later time was Tony N Guys: MoCheng, Leslie Yee, Maryann, OngSL, YeohSC and Tony (Penguin-3).

The Looping

In order to achieve a distance of 30km, the additional looping was done between the Government offices at Jalan Duta and Petronas station at Sri Hartamas. The looping was similar to the previous 30km training runs organized by Pacesetters Club.

There are a few advantages of this route: more runners are plying this route and we could exchange pleasantries; runners can stop and buy drinks from the Petronas station. Yes, quite a variety of drinks to choose from. Another important factor is that it is far away from the Bukit Aman car park, which is at least 5km away – all runners must run back to the base, no matter what will be the fitness condition.

Looping at the Government Offices could be done in two variances. One could make a U-turn at the bus-stop (about 50 meters from Jalan Duta) where runners would pass by en route to Sri Hartamas. Another method was to loop at the perimeter of the Government Offices where only a few runners did. One lady runner, Vivian, instinctively went to the other loop alone. Fearing for her safety, I signaled to Eric Teo (Penguin-10) who was about 100 meters in front of me, to accompany her.

Mini Water Station

One funny incident that I encountered was with the supply of drinking water. At the 20km pit stop at Petronas station, I bought a bottle of cold isotonic drink. But I finished it after running for two kilometers. I was thinking very hard how to continue running without any water.

I began to pay attention to those runners who carried Pacesetters pouch bag and started to gauge the water level in their bottles. After crossing Jalan Duta, to my big surprise, I saw Ms Lily and her assistants were manning a mini water station situated at the bus stand.

She offered me a cup of plain water. And after that, I eyed on the three big bottles of chilled 100 Plus. She was most kind to let me pour the drinks into my 325cc already emptied plastic bottle.

Mind and Flesh

It was indeed quite a tough training for me. I felt the tiredness in my legs beyond 25km mark. I presume it was caused by lack of practices as my longest distance in the training runs was only 20km. Another reason could be caused by the residual effect of muscle relaxant/anti-inflammatory and pain killer pills that I took last weekend to overcome the back pain problem.

I actually wanted to run 33km; however, the mind is willing but the flesh is failing. Why 33km? I have two previous experiences during Kuala Lumpur International marathons that at 30km mark, I was still running blissfully. The pain then crept in at 33km mark.

Conclusion

Pacesetters Runners are indeed a committed lot. We would actually motivateourselves to dutifully do a 30km training run on our own. I must congratulate those who have successfully completed the necessary mileage.

It was a satisfied 30km training run; I really felt good for able to complete the run.

We will continue with our 20km training run for the next three Sundays leading to the 30km training run that is to be organized by Pacesetters Club on Sunday 12 November.

See you.

Click here for Pacesetters Club web site for details of 30km Practice Run.

By KC

In Full Bloom

Please click here to view photos taken by KC.

Note: the photos were taken on on 27 August 2006.

Simply beautiful! USJ Subang Jaya is in bloom! Pink and white trumpet trees are flowering profusely in various part of USJ, giving the township a fresh spring look during the current dry and wet weather.

They are commonly called trumpet trees because their flowers resembled trumpets. With the spectacular abundance of pinkish or white flowers, the trees are a welcome sight to town folks.

In some cases, the trees are devoid of leaves and are a simply a riot of flowers just like the cherry blossom in bloom, or much like the Sakura flowers in Japan. The blossoms also created a beautiful carpet of flowers on the ground when they drop.

The scientific name for those trees with pink flowers is tabebuia rosea while those that produced white flowers is called tabebuia pentaphylla.

Not all the trumpet trees are in full bloom. I presume the others were not ready or they have not reached the maturity level yet. Just like in running, some may cross the finishing line faster than the others.

By KC

Haze Unfazed

Now you see, now you don’t. The condition of haze on last Friday 6 Oct was worsening. Nevertheless, I sent out one email notification to the usual group of runners with the title “Run in All Weather Conditions” to remind all and reinforce the 20km training run on Sunday morning, 8 Oct.

I was excited yesterday to see that the sky suddenly became clear. Where has all the haze gone? It was like magic. The sky was as clear as the photo below. Then this morning, Sunday 8 Oct, the haze is almost back instantaneously.

“Run in all weather conditions” was a phrase first coined by Meng, Penguin-2. Back then, the conditions included raining, flood, typhoon, and landslide – very much a water-based problem. Now we have to include another unusual parameter – unwelcome haze – courtesy by our neighboring country.

The new threat has a direct impact to all runners as the quality of The Air Supply (name of an Australian pop group) is unhealthy and we have been advised by the experts (read from newspaper) to stay indoor. The Air That I Breathe (song title by another pop group, The Hollies) contains unwanted particles and Every Breath you Take (by The Sting and Police) requires extra work in cleansing by the lung.

Most runners would defy the advice of staying indoor and will not take the haze problem too seriously for a few reasons: (a) we are strong and brave, so a mere high API index could mean nothing; (b) we are more concern with finishing the marathon than any other things else; and (c) even with muscle pain, the runners still run; so we are really unfazed by the haze unless the haze could transform the visibility in day as if at night.

Unusual happening strikes at the most unexpected moment. When I bent down to pick up the cube of soap that slipped from my hand when I bath yesterday evening, there was a slight pull of the back muscles. When the alarm set off at 4am this morning, I could still feel the pain. So, I missed the run this morning.

The 20km training run is important as it would be a springboard for the first 30km long run, which is schedule on next Sunday morning, 15 Oct.

I heard from Weng that the usual group of runners were there except Yours Truly. So, most runners are a committed lot: set the target (Singapore Full Marathon), follow the action plan in training dutifully. Something similar to what we do in life.

Now I am worried as to how fast I could recover and catch up with a 20 km training in getting ready for the 30km long run this Sunday. To run a 30km straight is something not impossible but that may affect the smooth performance as preferred.

By KC

LensaMalaysia First Anniversary

Being a member of LensaMalaysia photography Club, I was invited to the First Anniversary celebration by Mr. Jeff Ooi, the Founder of the Club. This Club comprises of 1,250 members, which is 150 members less than Pacesetters Club.

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The function was held at TNB (Tenaga National Bhd) Building, Petaling Jaya (opposite AmCorp Mall) on Saturday, 30 September. The moment I came out from the lift at 20th floor, I knew it was the correct venue: I saw quite a number of attendees carrying knapsacks and holding big SLR cameras in hands.

This function is to launch the TNB-LensaMalaysia Photo Gallery & Awareness Campaign in support of "Malaysia @ 50" National Photography Contest organised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Merdeka, 2007.

I come to know a few new photography friends there: Paul Choo (who lives in USJ also), Miss Julie Teoh, Alex, and Miss Tortolo. Paul Choo’s expansive flash diffuser was most unique and extra-ordinary. As one member quoted, the expansive gadget looked like a “tau foo far” container attached to the flashgun... :-)

In a function filled with photographers, one has to get use to the scene that one is like a celebrity where the photographers could point the cameras in your direction any moment and start taking photos (though you may or may not be the main subject). Most cameras were either Canon or Nikon brand and are expansive stuff. When I saw them taking photos, I could imagine myself enthusiastically taking photos in the running events too.

Sight, Sound and Action: Almost all photographers point their flashguns at an angle tilted upward towards the subject while a few pointed the flashguns vertically up. Not one pointed the flashgun directly at the subject, which I like to do. Most of the shutter release sound was smooth and sounded alike; which means all cameras are of professional standards and grades. And after taking photos, most photographers would examine the results via the small LCD screen at the back of camera bodies.

Lightning and Thunder: During the exchange of tokens between representatives of TNB and LensaMalaysia, there were about ten photographers taking photos near the stage. A few more were shooting from the back of the auditorium. The intensity of the flashes from so many photographers seemed like lightning amid the thunderous applauses.

There was a talk by a renowned local photographer, Arthur Teng, who shared with us some of his favourite photos taken in South-East Asia, and some useful techniques. I shall be mindful for discrete application of the technique that I learned while shooting running events in future.

Hopefully, there will be more photographers coming to take photos in running, cycling and swimming events. As I told one of the photographers that there are many “leng lui” and “leng chai” runners around waiting for the photographers to unveil their beauties (for girl runners).

Photos by courtesy of Steve, ChenWS, mhfw.

Click here to view photos and visit LensaMalaysia web site.

By KC

Eric and Vivian's Wedding

Please click here to view 75 photos taken by Chan Wing Kai (in big photo frame).

Quite a number of the Pacesetters runners stayed overnight after the grand dinner hosted by Eric and Vivian at Equatorial Hotel, Malacca on Saturday 23 September.

The wedding ceremony was held the next day. The invited Pacesetters runners were doing something close to their hearts – accompanying the groom to run a segment of the journey when approaching the bride’s house. That must be fun.

Please read "Runners for Hire" in 23 May 2006 Archives (on the left side-bar of this web site) humorously written by KC.

Quotes:
To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu

Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one. -Friedrich Halm

There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends. -Homer

A 20km Training Run

I was indeed delighted to see quite a number of the running friends turned up for the 20km training run on Sunday morning, 1 Oct, starting at Bukit Aman car park. Those starting at 6am were: PK Chan, Meng, Weng, Jason Chin, Sarjit, Chin and I – all macho guys’ team.

I have not been doing the 20km training run for quite some time since I focused in my speed training for the Kuala Lumpur Executive Rat Race on 5 September.

Photo is extracted from ING New York Marathon

I always feel good to be able to arrive at Bukit Aman car park and standing tall at the retaining wall – the starting point. It means one thing: I am in the pink of health and All Systems Go! I cherish that moment especially when I am unfit: running a 1-km distance seems daunting let alone running a 20km course.

We started the run about 15 minutes late waiting for one runner. About one kilometer before the Selangor Property area (5km mark), one fast runner overtook the pack and immediately, Meng (P2) increased his power and gave a hot pursuit. That was understandable as the pack might be running at a moderate pace. I was amused when Meng reappeared from the bush again. He utilized the lead time for peeing.

The subject matter was diverted to peeing where fast runners actually pee in their runs to save valuable seconds against the competitors. The concern of not wetting own running shoes raised by Jason Chin jolted our thinking. Though not wetting the running shoes is a skill, we were stretching our minds a little that to be able to pee and wet the competitor’s shoes was indeed the supreme skill.

Five hundreds meters to the Sri Hartamas pit stop, we heard two lady fast runners were trailing us. They were fast as their conversation reached us within seconds. When they overtook us, I recognized that she was Hailey Holle, the Champion runner of Women’s category.

At that fast speed, they could still engaged in conversation. It was amazing that after almost 10km, they were still running at fast pace. Immediately, Meng and I charged up our reserved energy and we followed their paces. Luckly, it was only 500 meters to pit stop. Otherwise, the usual term commonly used by marathon runners, “pum chat” (puncture; meaning loosing steam to run) would seem true to me.

On the returning route from Sri Hartamas, we met and exchanged pleasantries with Tony, MoCheng, Eric, Vivian, Leslie, Maryann and Siok Bee, who started slightly later.

We are looking forward to another great 20km training run this Sunday 8 Oct, starting at 6am from Bukit Aman car park again. Oh Yes, the group is embarking on the Singapore International Marathon journey on Sunday 3 December. There are at least five runners who would be running their maiden full marathon challenge. I wish them successful completion in their first marathon run.

By KC

Mid-Autumn Festival

I have not seen adults carrying lanterns and parading the street for a long time. It was indeed a special occasion when Sonny Ng, one of the Team Leaders of Bukit Gasing (Petaling Jaya) Area Group of Pacesetters Club, invited me to their gathering on Saturday evening, 30 September.

When I arrived at the venue, the sky was already dark. The venue was a children playground opposite the entrance of Bukit Gasing. When I alighted from my car which was about 30 meters away, I could hear Sonny Ng’s and PK Chan’ voices stood up amongst the rest.

Approaching the playground, the dark silhouette of members stood out boldly against the dimly lit candle light and battery-powered light. I could see there were quite a number of people at the playground.

It was the prime time for dinner when I arrived. There was variety of food available which was brought by those who were present.

It was an evening of promoting better friendship among the runners; meeting running friends in a different location and at different time of the day. There was lots of conversation while savoring the food.

I notice the conventional “Leng Kok” (eatable plant from China in black and hard shell with two pointed ends) and yams. As usually, not many of the members shown interest in them as there were other more favourite food.

When most of the members have finished the dinner, it was time for lantern parade. Most of the runners where parading accompanying the children in the almost pitch black night within the vicinity of the playground. It really brought back sweet memory during my childhood days.

At one time, Sonny Ng was playing back the photos in his PC Notebook during his recent trekking trip to Ladakh, India. Maybe in time to come, with the advent of technology, Area Group A of Pacesetters Club members would be viewing the concurrent celebration of Area Group B and see what is going on at the other Area Groups.

By KC