Borneo International Marathon 2013 - The Real Thing

Back in Kota Kinabalu

Marathon Time

The Real Thing

The long wait was finally over. What should have been a 5^th May marathon, and later a 4^th May marathon, turned out to finally be a 25^th August marathon.  Though the medal would forever immortalise the 5^th May 2013 date.  Did I care? Not a beep.  I badly wanted to run another full marathon.  What’s more it would fall just two days before me being fifty years young.  Kota Kinabalu seemed so familiar to me by now, having walked all around town, and even run the 10km Borneo International Marathon route while I was there the first time to pick up my race pack.  This time around it was about meeting up with old friends.  Jason Ku and his lovely wife Donna Shui were there to pick us up from the airport.  Thankfully they thoroughly enjoyed the kek lapis (layered cake) from Kuching.  Runners need their carbs! Hati Pari (Fairy Heart) and Cadbury layered cake makes it even more enjoyable.

At Suria Sabah with my running buddies

 

Kin K Yum - Sabah's latest pin-up sensation

Had to go to Suria Sabah to pick up my buddy Reuben Su’s race pack as he was flying in at midnight with my other friend Ryan Tay.  They would rush to Likas Stadium for the 3am start.  So there I was in the shopping mall trying to minimise my steps.  Luckily I didn’t have a pedometer with me.  Am sure I handily exceeded 10,000 steps in my flip flops.  Met up as planned with Mohandas Kandiah, a.k.a. Mohan Marathon, and his friends.  There was Kin K. Yum excitedly telling me I had lost weight.  Tell that to the fat around my belly I say.  Of course someone had to show us his pic in the Sabah tourist magazine.  Have to admit though that it was an awesome shot.  Later Uncle Oliver Ker would join us.  This would be the first time I would have Mohan and Oliver at the same table with me.  So you can imagine how ecstatic I was. 

Me flanked by Mohan and Uncle Oliver

 

Nasa Zaidul being part of the totem

Wolfed down a plate of nasi campur (mix rice) at the foodcourt there. Uncle Oliver came over. We chatted like long buddies. He swears he first met me at another race before PBIM 2012. Will that imposter please show himself? Yours truly made no secret that I wanted him interviewed. Of course Oliver never does interviews.  The blogger in me was asking all the right questions, and yes I have enough of the good stuff to write up on him, but not just yet.  Then along came Mohan looking for food.  Winnie Wong was there too. They ate rice porridge.  Oliver would later have veggies with rice.  This is one 71-year-old who is very careful in what he eats.  We should learn more from him.  I would definitely learn more from him in the future.  After chatting for quite a bit and taking photos we left to look for even more food.

I had planned to stop eating 12 hours before the run.  The clock was fast ticking down.  Had a butter bun. Went to a burrito place. It has been donkey’s years since I last ate one.  They make them big in KK.  It was available in 24 inches! Since I didn’t want to overdo it I just went for a twelve incher with lots of beef.  Then our running buddy Frances Ngu took us to this place famous for noodles.  Shared some Tuaran noodles with MBF while sneaking bites from my burrito.  Saw the people at the next table having yummilicious tom yam noodles.  Don’t be greedy Yahya, I said to myself.  Enough was enough. The clock told me I had better stop too.  So off we went to our hotel, which luckily was next to the last shuttle pick point.  I had planned to shop for goodies to bring home from Gaya Street on Sunday.  It was KK’s weekend market.

This time around it was hard for me to sleep.  Was just too excited after meeting my two running heroes.  Drank a litre of soya bean.  Managed to steal some shut eye.  Was awakened by the football on the idiot box.  Liverpool was up against Aston Villa.  This was a match the pundits thought would end the Red’s winning ways.  Left before the conclusion to catch the shuttle.  Was later to learn that my Anfield team had won by a solitary goal.  The shuttle pick up was 2am on the dot as promised.  That’s always a good sign.  Reuben and Ryan were near the entrance to Likas Stadium.  Both looked good to go.  Met up with some of the O-Run-Utan runners from Kuching: Alex Liew, Desmond Sahathevan, George Chapman, Eldon Chuo and Jonathan Soon.  All of them, together with Reuben, were still full marathon virgins.  Ryan and I would be going for our third, having run together at last year’s PBIM.  He was in fine form, having just done the Viper Challenge.  Met up with Miru Appadurai who was also doing her first FM.

Let the run begin

Mohan warming up with Amelia Monica Uhen

Uncle Oliver with Reuben

Me and Miru Appadurai

I may be wrong but it didn’t feel like 799 runners at the start.  Am sure that quite a few runners didn’t turn up.  This was the first time I started near the front.  Running was made easy with Ryan and Reuben leading the way.  Me being the smarty Nike pants decided to using a pace band.  Guess what I had it set for? 5:30! Yes my heart is as big as my belly. As we headed towards town I was lamenting to both guys that we were a minute slower.  The three of us would alternate leads.  Then later Ryan took to the front and I was saying we were a minute ahead, then five minutes ahead, and complaining that we were going too fast.  There was no way that I could sustain such a rapid pace.  Ryan said he would slow down before powering up an incline and you know who foolishly followed.  The 10km route was familiar to me, but for the full marathon it branched off further. 

When we headed back towards the Likas area I knew I had to slow down.  Used the excuse of rubbing Deep Heating Rub on my right hamstring to stop and let them motor past.  By the way I was using a Nathan hydration belt for the first time.  It consisted of two 300ml bottles and a zippered and Velcro pouch.  I could squeeze next to anything in it, and that’s what I did! My camera was in it, so too was my rub, five gels, two painkillers (since my right foot near the side had been hurting, and I had taken two when I snacked at the hotel), and twenty bucks.  My bottles were filled with Horleys Replace.  I really liked the orange mango flavour.  As for my gels, it was two Horleys (lemon lime – I consumed one before the run), two Power Gels (tangerine and strawberry banana flavour) and two 2^nd Surge (cappuccino).  It was caffeine all the way for my last four gels.

Someone powered past us early into the race.  He was most definitely a Kenyan running from behind for a change.  I was later to learn that this was Kimosop Collins Kipkorir, the eventual winner.  He had overslept and started the race 15 minutes late.  He would go on to win by twenty minutes from Sabah’s marathon sensation, Fabian Osmond Daimon.  It was still very dark when I got to see sea water for the first time.  Was told the tough bit would be the run through the university.  Let’s just say tough was an understatement.   Some points were so bloody dark that it was hard to see where my foot was striking the ground.  Thankfully the road condition was great.  Always so nice to have isotonic drinks at the water stations.  Kept on gulping down 100 Plus along the way.  Let me tell you the caffeine in those gels taste beyond yuck. 

We had not one but two bananas at the designated points.  Heading out past 1 Borneo I got to see all my gang run past me.  It was not a disheartening sight.  I expected this.  They were all much faster runners than me.  It would have been foolish of me to go beyond my capabilities.  Besides I was fast faltering behind my 5:30 target.  Met a Marathon Maniac along the way who had done 57 marathons.  He told me to run a good 21km.  That’s what I did.  Then when km29 came along and I had to head back I knew that finishing under the 6:30 cut off time was not going to be a problem.  There was no need for the Power Bar.  I had two in my drop bag to go with my Horleys Protein 33 bar.  The inclines weren’t that tough.  Met Mohan, my blogging buddy Hafiz Aizat, who wasn’t running his best, and Uncle Oliver.  There was Tey Eng Tiong with his ever present camera, out-snapping even Mohan, a feat I never thought possible.  Made a point to clap and cheer the BIM crew and encourage the slower runners. 

We were all so spread out.  I ran and walked off and on with Cynthia Andrew, who I know is a Sabahan.  Then later I spent some time with a gentleman who had problems with his knees.  What I was happy to note was everyone had a very gung-ho attitude.  The water stations would run out of isotonic drinks for us slowpokes.  Even the water was no longer chilled.  Craving a cola I ran into an Orange, which is Sabah’s version of 7-Eleven.  They didn’t have a cola I liked so chose a can of ice cold coconut juice.  It was the best tasting one ever.  At that point in time any juice would have tasted divine.  The young lady being served at the counter had trouble with her change. Maybe the presence of a fat and sweaty old man that couldn’t stop moving freaked her out a bit.  Then it was back to my run.  Caught up with the usual suspects.  Would get my knee and hamstrings sprayed as much as I could.  Later only rubs were left and I had those so I just ran on.

With my dream of a 5:30 finish gone I didn’t take my last two gels.  There was just too much caffeine in them.  Didn’t need that boost.  Was so tempted to call MBF to tell her I would be late, but didn’t.  Yes I ran with my trusty BB strapped to my right bicep.  It never caused any problems.  The going was very hard on the final stretch.  My legs weren’t cramping but they felt so damn heavy.  It was like everything had gone down into them.  My new Asics shoes were great.  Had blisters but not at the usual spots.  They looked worse than they felt.  Am glad I used Newton socks.  They were at their slippery best.  Another thing I did right was use my Asics running top.  My favourite running shorts will always be my Nike double layer ones.  Used 2XU calf compression.  They worked fine for me at Island Ocean Marathon, and again in BIM. 

Finishing in style

It’s nice not to be running on empty when I approached Likas Stadium.  I knew I had to run the final bit with my friends waiting for me.  The minute I entered spotted Jason in running attire.  He had run the 10km without telling anyone he had signed up.  Called him a cheater! There was MBF snapping away, and Donna by her side.  When I hit the finishing line they immediately gave me the medal and I got my finisher quickly too.  In my excitement, as usual, I had forgotten to stop my watch.  However my best guess is that I finished in 6:08.  That for me was my new PB, shattering my PBIM time by 19 minutes.  There will be so many ifs for me, but I now know a sub-6 hour marathon is possible.  This was the same feeling I had at the Spring Live Active Run when finished the HM.  I knew I still had gas in my tank.  That is such an awesome feeling.

Running to finish line (Courtesy of Deo Runner)

Ryan, Reuben and me

Me, Mohan, Frances and Reuben

Nasa with Mohan

Miru being led to the finish line with Uncle Oliver
(courtesy of Tey Eng Tiong)

Kuching runners

L-R: Ryan, Jason, me, Dayangku Miranda, Nasa and Frances

Met up with all my gang.  We took the obligatory pictures with our medals.  Chose not to wear my fuchsia finisher t-shirt just yet.  Saw Mohan come in.  Would miss Uncle Oliver.  He came in with Miru.  That must have been a super experience for her, and a wonderful early birthday present for her.  Didn’t use a shuttle back.  We had friends with cars.  Went back to the hotel to shower.  Shopped for goodies as planned.  Then it was off for a great lunch and dessert with Jason and Donna.  Was so tempted to go for a 24 inch burrito, but decided to save them indulgence for another day.  Who knows what other runs I will run in Kota Kinabalu in the future? There are many more tempting ones on the calendar.  I know I  go further.  The only thing I have to work on is my weight.  That heavy feeling in my legs really took a toll on me during the final 10km.

Aftermath

Suffice to say all the O-Run-Utans did well.  Will write more about this when I have more information.  Ryan impressed me since he hardly trained for it.  Reuben showed great heart in his first marathon.  Our success as a group augurs well for Kuching’s very own marathon slated in all probability for August next year.  Hopefully many more runners in Kuching will go out to run in even more races to get experience which we can bring back to help make our very own KM2014 a success.  I will do my very best to decimate information the moment I know about it.  Am hoping that we in Kuching can emulate the success of the Borneo International Marathon.  I had no complaints at all.  Everyone was nice and helpful and supportive.  How I wish every run was like this.  Will I return to KK again to run BIM? Legs permitting, why not?

Resting my legs at Tanjung Aru

Fat old man napping

My swag...

Me with my 'tourist guides' - Donna and Jason

At the airport with our BIM tops

Went back to Kuching that same evening.  Now I need to rest those legs of mine. Come next Sunday I hope to complete my second run in The Marathon Series – River Jungle Marathon, at Batu 18 Hulu Langat in KL.  There was no need for me to even set foot in the gym, but I would.  I needed to do some stretching.  Am not about to suffer the pain of foot refloxogy.  So it would be yoga for me.  I know that will make my friends smile.  If it helps in my recovery, why not? I am hungry, I eat.  I am sore, I yoga.  It’s as simple as that.  Of course I have to control what I eat.  Otherwise I will definitely be that fat old man running.  I know am in serious trouble when airplane food tastes nice too.  A big thank you to the super efficient stewardess who helped with my OJ spillage.  What can I say? All my body parts were tired.  Catch all of you in another run in a week’s time!

FULL MARATHON

Men’s Open
1. Kimosop Collins Kipkorir (Ken) 2.35.21s
2. Fabian Osmond Daimon (Mas) 2.55.05s
3. Samri Butak (Mas) 3:08:00s
Women’s Open
1. Jacquelyn John (Mas) 4:04:24s
2. Judy Liew (Mas) 4:15:20s
3. Jong Kiat Ngo (Mas) 4:20:11s
Men’s Veteran
1. Kevin Lee (Mas) 3:31:39s
2. Selamat Sahari (Bru) 3:40:31s
3. Alam Shah Ismail Ahmad (Mas) 3:43:58s
Women’s Veteran
1. Kona Liau (Mas) 3:38:27s
2. Annie Lee (Mas) 3:41:42s
3. Ewe Bee Hong (Mas) 3:47:51s

HALF MARATHON
Men’s Open
1. Thomas Kipkosgei (Ken) 1:12:48s
2. Samson Kiplagat Tenai (Ken) 1:16:02s
3. David Mutai (Ken) 1:20:03s
Women’s Open
1. Grace Wayua Kitonga (Ken) 1:29:55s
2. Sarah Burns (UK) 1:46:52s
3. Rita Gani (Mas) 1:48:22s
Men’s Veteran
1. Guaianus Salagan (Mas) 1:27:03s
2. Damian Baynes (Aus) 1:39:17s
3. Goh Choon Aun (Mas) 1:39:20s
Women’s Veteran
1. Maggie Goh (Mas) 1:49:01s
2. Chau Wing Sze (HK) 2:11:00s
3. Misa    Murata (Jpn) 2:11:27s

10KM
Men’s Open
1. Abdul Aziz Mahamoud 00:39:52s
2. Albert Yusin 00:40:36s
3. Iginitiuse Ganni 00:41:09s
Women’s Open
1. Katarina Andersen 00:45:17s
2. Tamika Baynes 00:46:21s
3. Hyenie Roslin Danius 00:49:11s

 

Larian Hari Malaysia MAKSAK 2013

 

MAKSAK Malaysia Day Run 2013

Larian Hari Malaysia Maksak 2013 Sempena 50 Tahun Sarawak Merdeka Dalam Malaysia

Date: 7th September 2013
Venue: Le’ Park, Kuching
Time: 6.00am
Closing Date: 30th August 2013 4pm at Urusetia MAKSAK Negeri Sarawak/ Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial Sarawak (Bahagian Sukan)/ Majlis Sukan Negeri Sarawak.

Route:
3km
5km
8km
10km

Download form here

For more information, kindly contact:
Puan Noriah Bt Hubert (082-440441)
Encik Jubali Hj Suhaili (082-251330)
Puan Raya Aida (082-442749)

The Malaysian Red Crescent Kuching Chapter Charity Jog-a-Thon

 4km Jog

For those who like running for charity, circle 27th October 2013 on your calendar.  On that date the Malaysian Red Crescent Kuching Chapter Charity Jog-a-Thon will be held.  The aim is to raise funds to finance its various welfare and community projects as well as to promote healthy living. The starting and finishing points will be at the MRC Kuching Chapter headquarters in Jalan Reservoir here. The jog begins at 7am, covering a distance of 4km. The competition is open to Red Crescent members, members from schools, institutions, departments, clubs and the public.  It is divided into Men’s Open, Ladies’ Open, Secondary School Students (male and female) and Primary School Children (boys and girls). Participants are required to sign a declaration form which is attached with the competition rules and regulations and they must be official “sponsor card” holders with minimum amount of at least RM30 collected.  All entries must be submitted in a proper entry form printed on the other side of the sponsor card together with the signed declaration form.  All sponsor or progress cards must be submitted to the organiser at the Malaysian Red Crescent, Kuching Chapter Headquarters, Jalan Reservoir on or before Oct 18 at 5pm. Numbers will be given to all confirmed participants.  Prizes in the form of trophies will be awarded to the three best winners of each category.  Also the top five persons with the highest sponsorship collected will receive prizes.  There will be lots of additional prizes given out too.  Those wishing to join can visit the MRC Kuching Headquarters during office hours or call 082-247935 for more information.

UiTMCS Cross Country Running Challenge 2013

9.5km run

Venue: UiTM Campus Samarahan
Date: 24th August 2013
Time: 8am
Prizes:

Individual Men and Women:
1st-RM300
2nd-RM200
3rd-RM100
4th until 10th-RM50
(includes certificate and medal)

Team (2 male, 2 female):
1st-RM600
2nd-RM400
3rd-RM250
(includes certificate and medal)

Registration fees:  RM20 (individual) and RM120 (team)
Registration date:  14th-15th August 2013 and 20th-21st August 2013, at Youth Floor, UiTM Campus Samarahan, from 2pm-5pm.
Final date for registration: 24th August 2013, at FSR Fitness Centre, from 6am-8am.

Breakfast is provided.
First 100 runners registered will receive a goodies bag.
There will also be a prizes to be won during the lucky draw.

Further info please contact:
James Limbai Suat: 0135748757
Luke Ak Nicol: 0148892508
Mazreca John: 0146909086
Ben Paukin: 0145598934

The Animazing Race

SSPCA 10km run

World Animal Groove (WAG) Music Festival

Wiggle, Waggle Walk

Want to run with your pet? Why not enter the Wiggle, Waggle Walk held during the World Animal Groove (WAG) Music Festival 2013. No worries for cat owners, or the guy with his tortoise, there is also a run for those who want to leave their smaller and slower pets at home: It is the Animazing Race! The event is organised by the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).  This 10-km run is divided into men and women categories. It is open to those 16 years old and above.  The race will be held on 12 October and the flagging off will be at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).  The first prize winner in each category will be awarded with RM500 and a medal while the second and third prize winners in each category will receive RM300 and RM200 respectively. They will also get a medal each. The fourth and fifth prize winners will receive RM100 and a medal each. Certificates will be given to the sixth to eighth prize winners respectively. The registration fee for the race is RM60 per person and each registration will be given one ticket to the WAG Music festival concert which will be held in the evening on 12 October at BCCK.  Besides the festival ticket, each participant will also be given a t-shirt and other gifts. 

Entry form for the race can be obtained online at www.ticketxpress.com.my or at UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd office at Setia Commercial Centre, Jalan Setia Raja.  All the registration fees collected will go to the  SSPCA fund which will be used to maintain the present animal shelter at Kota Sentosa.  Besides the Animazing Race and the Wiggle, Waggle Walk, there is of course the music concert. Other programmes organised during the WAG Music Festival include the SSPCA Bazaar and animal blessings. The one-day event is managed by UCSI Communications. The music concert will showcase performers like The Bottle Boys from Denmark, Avijit and Friend (India), comedian Bibi KPoh (Kuala Lumpur), SMK Matang Gamelan band, Nading Rhapsody and Gabriel F Louis (all from Sarawak). Tickets to the music concert, priced at RM60 each for adult and RM30 each for children aged between three and 12 years, are available at the above link.  This is the second year the WAG Music Festival is organised. Inquiries can also be forwarded to Tan at tancs@ucsicommunications.com/ 082 368109.

Sneak-peak Amazing Race t-shirt

Up close with Mohan Marathon

 
 

Mo and I at Island Ocean Marathon 2013

Mohandas Kandiah a.k.a. Mohan Marathon

Singapore's very own Kenyaporean

In the spotlight

Never have I been to Eldoret, in particular the Elgon View area, nor have I encountered a member of the Kalenjin tribe of that region.  Yet on a particular day in November last year along a particular stretch of road in Penang, something caught me totally by surprise.  Well let's just say I momentarily forgot about my bloodied toes or my always on the verge of cramping legs.  A sight that nearly made my eyeballs pop out of my head.  This while I was questioning my sanity at running 42.195km for the first time in my life. Only mad people run that far, the voice in my head said.  So I must be running to the loony bin then.  That was when I heard him.  Loud. Whistle blowing. Hands clapping. Urging people on.  Larger than life itself.  Who was this character? After seeing him in action I didn't need to seek out a Kenyan.  They were after all the boring people up front winning all the races.

That my friends, unbeknownst to me was Mohandas Kandiah, better known to the runners in the region as Mohan Marathon  He also answers to Mo.  A man who has run so many marathons that he has been affectionately dubbed a Kenyaporean.  Let's see them try to run as many! On first viewing Mo doesn't look like your typical long distance runner.  Then again neither does yours truly.  At least we have that in common.  Yet Mo is a running machine.  He runs week in and week out.  While others dream of running this or that marathon, he has nearly done all of them.  This is one man who is always quick to smile or laugh or stick out his tongue during a run, while others trudge on with zombied expressions on their faces.  Mo is so full of life and he likes to spread the joy to his fellow runners.  That's why it's next to impossible to miss him in any run.

Mo in action at Island Ocean Marathon 2013

The second time I met Mo was at the Island Ocean Marathon at Langkawi.  By then we were already Facebook buddies.  Mo caught up to me when I was walking into the hotel lobby.  With open arms and a quick snap from his trusty camera he welcomed me.  We dined together at the carbo loading buffet.  More talking than eating.  So forget the makanathon thing.  That only happens after the run.  So I thought it more than appropriate to kick off my new "Up Close with..." post with someone whose name is synonymous with marathon running...  I am positive that anyone who has heard of him would have many questions to ask.  I have come up with some of my own.  I am sure my readers will have their own too.  Hopefully for now the following will suffice... 


Q: How did this incredible running journey come about?

A: I failed my medical back in 1988 and had to take some drastic steps in changing my lifestyle and habits, and also the company of friends who are runners made the decision somewhat easier.

Q: How many marathons have you completed? (Including ultras)

A: To date, 208 marathons & ultras... hopefully 209 by this Sunday (Brisbane Marathon)

 

The Big Red Run

Q: You just ran the inaugural 250km Big Red Run. What are your thoughts on it?

A: I was not sure what I was getting into when I decided a year ago that I was going to do it. Hadn't a clue what it was going to be like to run almost 300 km for the week ( that's because I did the Gold Coast Airport Marathon a day earlier )

However, it was for a good cause - to raise funds for Type 1 diabetes. Many of the runners who participated in the event were also Type 1 diabetic themselves.

I was not sure how my body was going to recover doing a marathon everyday for a week, including a double marathon. Maybe in life, its good to take a plunge first... then worry about the currents, tides and  "whether I can swim" later.

Haha.... I guess that's me and am so proud to say that there I am one of the 4 from Singapore / Malaysia to have completed the race, and looking forward to next year's. I think the Australians are great sports people and great at organising races.

It has been two weeks since The Big Red Run, I am still thinking of it ( very positive thoughts ), still enjoy seeing the posts on Facebook on the race... I have never had this kind of feeling and attachment to any race before...

" We ( the runners & volunteers ), met as strangers...., we became friends....., and we finished as a family "  - that's the best way I can describe The Big Red Run.

The Big Red Run

Q: Long distance running is supposed to do very positive things to our brain. What say you?

A: Long distance running takes a long, long time for me.... haha, you know what I mean bro, timing is not important for me, its the fellowship and the fun that I have enroute that is important.   Of course it does positive things to us as we have to be positive to enjoy the distance and time. We should have a positive attitude to the race for a few reasons:
- helps us do it happily
- makes us want to come back for more races
- makes everyone ( around you during the race ) happy as well, as we send out and share positive vibes.
- makes us recover both physically and mentally quickly

Q: Do you feel that running helps improve our sex life?

A: Running is a 'total body workout"

Q: How many days in a year do you sleep in your own bed?

A: The answer is 'none' - as I don't have a bed - I sleep on the floor... but I am in Singapore usually Mon - Fri,
and out on the weekends.

Q: How do you train for a marathon?

A: To be frank - I don't - only because I run too many races a year ( 39 marathons and ultras in 2012 ) and doing a personal best (PB) is not in my vocabulary. I do run once or twice on week days with friend(s) after work.  (Mo's PB is 3h56m at Hangzhao International Marathon in 2010)
 
Q: What are your tips to full marathon virgins?

A: When I first attempted a marathon in Dec 1993, I DNF-ed (Did Not Finish) at the 18km, a year later in Dec 1994, I only managed just short of 22km.... Only on my 3rd attempt in 1995 did I cross the 42km line in 5h35m.  I know what it is like not to finish a marathon & finishing the first.... thoughts are still very fresh in my mind.
I can only say to the FMVs out there a few things:
- pace yourself
- train sufficiently - you don't want to wait 3 years like me to finish the first marathon
- run with your heart and mind, and not your legs.
- have fun, interact with the other runners.
- encourage others and be encouraged yourself
- never complain, be positive
- many people have said 'listen to your body'... I have a slight twist to this saying
  'Do not listen to you mind, as the mind usually gives up before the body'
- Finish the race with a smile.... not a facial cramp!

HatYai International Marathon 2013

Q: What do you gain the most from running?

A: The fellowship with other runners, like yourself. I also like to interact with the locals, especially if it is a marathon in a third world country.

Q: What race haven't you run that you would like to run in the future?

A: It used to be 'any desert race' ... now that I have done The Big Red Run, I wanna do it again! 
There are so many that I have not done, and would love to. Unfortunately, I cannot qualify for Boston and it is so difficult to get an entry in London's.  If I can, I would love to take a year off and do all the races in the USA and another to do all the races in Australia.

Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you during a run?

A: In June 2010 I ran the inaugural Dili Marathon. The local people there were somewhat shy and reserved, and never seen a marathon before. I had the pleasure of running with the Norwegian High Commissioner to Dili, Ms Eva Irene Tuft, who was running her first marathon.
Eva told me to greet the locals with "Bondia"... and that's what I did... I was screaming "Bondia Timur Leste" and dancing along the way, trying to 'connect' with the locals. Then came this guy and greeted me "Bondia Mister Bean" - that's it... "connection made"!

Q: Is there a ritual you go through before a race?

A: Oh yes... used to be ritual, now more like a  'habit'... wake up 2 hours before race, have my super strong "Nescafe O Kosong", toilet and shower, and relax in front of the TV.

Q: What is the toughest race you have ever run and why do you say so?

A: One of the tougher, but beautiful race which I DNF-ed was the Moonshot Mountain Marathon in Queenstown, New Zealand. So, it was 'unfinished' business.... I will be back for it in 2014

Q: Which full marathon do you recommend all of us to run at least once? And why.

A: Very simple - rule of thumb - MUST do your own motherland marathon.... and any others that suits your travel plans. Never complain on course or terrain... every marathon has to be different. Learn from mistakes and share what you have learnt.

Q: What sort of mindset should the long distance runner have?

A:  Haha... that's easy... Just be "brain dead"! Actually, engage the mind, talk to others, enjoy the scenery. It is when the mind runs idle, it sends undesirable signals to the rest of the body.

Honolulu Marathon 2012 with the great Yolanda Holder (center)

Q: What kind of things should be added to a marathon to make the experience better?

A: It works both ways.... as organisers, basic marathoners needs and safety issues must be taken care of, eg water, electrolytes, road marshalls, finisher tees and medals.   And also, we, as runners, can 'value add' to the marathon in our own ways, eg. sharing on Facebook, writing blogs

Q: What do you look forward to at the Kuching Marathon 2014?

A: In March 2006, I ran a marathon in Kuching. Sadly, it was their first and only... As organisers / sponsors, marathon dates should be clearly set on the calendar. Avoid clashing with other regional marathons as more runners travel around the region for races. There must be continuity in the series of marathons.... it has to be an annual affair.  I hope the Kuching Marathon organisers come up with a date quickly, as I have to block that weekend. 

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Muar Cross-Country 21km Run 2013

Mo is also a member of an exclusive group of runners called the Marathon Maniacs ((MM#1332).  There is a reason why they are called maniacs.  If you want to know more about them, click here. And there you have it folks, my first "Up Close with..."  Thanks Mo for being so candid with your answers.  We hope to see you and meet up with you in many more marathons in the years to come.  It's always a joy to hear you in action before we even see you.   Who knows one day you may actually grow white hair like Uncle Oliver Ker and attract all the hot running groupies.  However for now am sure you will continue to enjoy what you do best - bringing joy and happiness to us all whenever you run.  The Kenyans have nothing to fear from you.  They win races and you win hearts and gain friendships.  When I grow up I hope to be like you.  Then again a happy heart is always young!