Brooks Half Marathon 2014 - Race Report

Bukit Jalil 21km

The Haze Factor 

 

Are we going to run?

Firstly, my thoughts and prayers goes out to the passengers and crew, and the families of those on MH370. Heard the tragic news from my aunt as I was collecting my race pack from Bukit Jalil early Saturday morning. At this time nothing concrete is known about the missing plane. Lets all hope for the best. Back to running we go. The big issue for all us runners was the haze in Kuala Lumpur. Everyone was constantly monitoring the API (Air Pollutant Index). Since it kept on jumping around it made things uncertain whether the run would be called off. In fact the organisers did release a statement saying that in the event the race was cancelled due to unhealthy API, the runners would get their medals and finisher t-shirts. I for one wanted to run Brooks Half Marathon for the second year running since I needed it as an LSD run for the upcoming Malaysia Women Marathon with MBF. It would be her second FM after River Jungle Marathon.

Yours truly is partial to yellow. After yellow I like orange. After orange I like red. In fact I even like pink. I just like bright colours. I call them happy colours. I reserve the dark colours for when I am feasting on food with lots of gravy, like Sarawak laksa, so that I can hide the splash stains. Of course I had never planned to wear the yellow running singlet during race day. In fact I was going to wear the KMA running t-shirt. Had even brought 3 t-shirts for my friends from Sabah who would be running BHM too. The trio had also signed up to run the inaugural Kuching Marathon. Jason Ku, Donna Shui and Erin Gray Ahmug would be running the 21km. Erin was no stranger to the distance having done it at last year's PBIM. It would be Jason and Donna's first official HM. Signed up for this run in part because they were running it, and also in part because I needed a run after TITI Ultra to boost my confidence going into MWM. Remember running is also a mental sport.

The bad news for me was that I still had a bit of the flu. Will call it Flu 2, as I had recovered from the one that plagued me at TITI Ultra. The tickling cough, as I like to call it was still there. Worst still was that upon reaching my hotel I discovered I had a major nose bleed. Blood has never phased me out, especially my own. The stories I could tell, but won't. Have not had a nose bleed in years. Blamed it on many factors. Tops amongst them was the hot weather and foul air of KL.  Did try many things to lessen the damage - from drinking lots of water to drinking bitter tasting herbal concoctions. That seemed to work for me. What continued to worry us was still the API readings. Going to bed that night I was still wondering that the race would be cancelled. Got the hotel to wake me up. That always works for me. Was good to go and waiting for my gang at 4am. Taxis from Plaza Rakyat to Bukit Jalil never come cheap. After some minor haggling, we settled on our ride.

L-R: Jason. me, Donna and Erin

Josh and Lexx, running buddies from Kuching

All of wore our true colours. I honestly felt very 1Borneo. This wasn't a political thing, all right? It was just four runners from the island of Borneo who felt bonded by the fact that we all came from the same island. As the above photo shows, we all looked like we were promoting the upcoming Kuching Marathon, which we in fact were. Did bring another t-shirt. It was for that special someone from Singapore, who had also signed up for KM. More on that Kenyaporean later. What all of us did was wait for the official announcement that the race would be cancelled or not. There were even plans to run it even if it was cancelled, but just in the name of fun. Yes, even serious runners can run 21km for fun. Think I do that sort of thing most of the time. Had intended to LSD it anyways. Jason and the the girls wanted to run it too. Like me, they wanted to 'earn' their medals and finisher t-shirt.

The Run is On!

There were many happy runners when it was announced that we would be running. Yes the air did feel hazy, but the readings showed that the API was still moderate. (For those who like actual numbers, the API readings for the Cheras area from midnight to 10am, at hourly intervals are as follows: 74, 77, 80, 82, 84, 86, 90, 92, 91, 91, 91). Even for me, in my condition, I still managed to run it comfortably. It helps of course if I run the first third of the race with Mohan Marathon. He was there yet again, phwetting away with that whistle of his. The man runs, blows on his whistle, and chats and encourages everyone around him. He even introduces me to all his friends. I think telling them I am Yahya isn't as effecting as saying that I am Fat Old Man Running. One of the photographers, called me Old Man when he recognised me. It wasn't Tey Eng Tiong, all right, he doesn't call me that. Tey was there as usual snapping away.

Erin, who is always so light on her feet, took the lead. I was behind her. Billy Wong was there running with his friends. Had first run with him at TITI Ultra. Knew Jason and Donna were behind somewhere. Jason was supporting his wife on this run, so would run at her pace.  Winnie Wong, who always continues to amaze me with her super efficient running style was running with two HMVs. They didn't know how lucky they were. She has run more FMs and ultras than nearly all the men in the 21km field that day, except Mohan of course. Have learned a thing or two from her, and it has helped me tremendously in my runs. Yes it felt hazy, but it wasn't something that bothered my lungs. It was nice to see so much 100 Plus at the water stations this year. Always drink a combo or water and isotonic drinks whenever I can. It's more of a half and half mix. In fact I prefer the non-carbonated ones. 

As with all runs for me, the more often I run it, the easier it gets. Was never going to go fast, and had in fact planned to run it in 3 hours. So I was happy to finish in 2:56. Erin finish 3 minutes ahead of me. Billy said I powered pass him. Guess I must have done so since I finished ahead of him. What to do, since I could smell the finish line. The good thing about walking from the LRT to the run site the previous day to collect the race pack is that I get to gauge the actual distance. So when I run the last few meters I actually know how far am really running. Always nice getting a bottle of mineral water at the finish line. Then it was the ever so long queue to get the goody bag, medal and finisher t-shirt. Since I had packed light for the trip it would be what I had to wear on my ride home. Wonder what would have happened if I didn't get it. Most probably would have to get a cheap t-shirt from Chinatown before I checked out of my hotel.

Meeting friends

The nice thing about running in KL is I get to meet so many running buddies. Some I have previously run with, others who know me through reading this blog. Am glad that they approached this Fat Old Man Running.  Always like hearing from my constant runners. A big thank you to the thirty-something runner who called this uncle a champion for doing what I do. It's not hard. I just put out one leg at a time and go from there. Just don't call me uncle so loud next time please. The secret as always is to have fun doing so. If you enjoy it, it is always easier. Must say I would later discover that my 2XL finisher t-shirt was one size too big for me. However I wore it on my trip home all the same. The medal was rather plain, but it was shiny. What I liked best was getting to eat the watermelon! That's as good as it gets for me. Don't care much for the other stuff, though they did give out tauhu fa and ABC and Milo and even more 100 Plus. What I targeted after that was the Malta. 

Me with a constant runner

Billy and me running together again

Selfie time Mohan style, me with Erin

Taking a selfie of the master himself!

Mohan, Auntie Teresa and me

We did it!

Me and Edwin Tiong, my TITI Ultra buddy

Me and someone looking for a former fat man

Me with Nantha Kumar Mathavan and Anas Hamka

The Famous (and not so Famous) Five!

Aftermath

Have read the comments on the run posted on Facebook. Don't know the organisers personally, though some of them are friends on Facebook. In this day and age we can be friends on Facebook but not in real life. As runners we should know what we are getting ourselves into. I train for full marathons and now ultras. A half marathon is not a problem for me. It is something I can do on a regular basis several times a week if I had too. Of course my old legs and feet would hate me terribly if I did that all the time. What I am saying is I know what my body is capable of. I know the warning signs. I know when to slow down or speed up if I have too. It's not always about running for time for me. Yes I have a set game plan. Yes I know what pace I have to run to achieve my goals. However at the first sign of trouble I am prepared to adjust it. As much as I love running I won't do anything that will permanently jeopardize my health while doing so.

This haze issue is a tricky one. The organisers cannot please everyone. Wholeheartedly believe they have our best interest at heart. If they cancelled it, then I would have accepted that fact. Whether I would have run it as a fun run would have depended on how I felt the air was at that point in time. I am not the gung-ho sort. I am too old for that nonsense. My health comes first. I always want to run again another day. Am happy that everything went according to plan. Will be the first to admit that this year's edition of the Brooks Half Marathon was much better in many ways than last years. Yes I know all about the complaints. Everything from the medal design to the high registration fees. Yet in the end it felt all worth it. It's always nice to see runners tackle the half marathon for the first time. All those happy faces don't lie.

I saw those who cramped up and were injured. Yes I wish I could help them, but I am not a trained medical personnel. Yes I know there were issues about this too. Like in other races, they cannot be everywhere all the time. On our bib there is a number to call in case of emergency. I run with my handphone. I am sure many of you do too. If a runner needed help, I would gladly make the call for them. Am saddened by the recent death in the marathon at Singapore. Many of my friends ran it, and ran their PBs too. Do please go for a complete physical and make sure your heart is in tip top shape if you plan to run long. Blaming the organiser when things go wrong is the easy way out. However do first look in the mirror and ask yourself whether you are healthy enough to run the distance.  The air is one thing. Your heart and lungs are another thing. The haze will always be with us. We have to live with it, like it or not. If the organisers say you can run based on the API, then it is up to you if you want to or not. I have said a mouthful, haven't I?

At the end of the day signing up and running BHM was worth it for me. I got to meet my gang again. We all had a good run. Half marathons like this give runners a chance to test themselves. These runs can be stepping stones to full marathons and later to ultras. The Bukit Jalil Running Club and the people at Brooks should be congratulated for putting together another wonderful running experience. Will I run BHM again? That is left to be seen since the running landscape is changing in Malaysia. Now new runs keep on popping up every week. With so many runs to choose the possibility of having to DNS is very high. To think last year I was worried about DNF-ing. This year I have DNS a couple of times already. We run what races we can. Now my main worry is whether the haze will continue because I still have to conquer the FM route at Shah Alam come this weekend. The Brooks people said it best, so lets run happy!

Brooks Run Happy 2014

Obstacle Fun Run

Brooks Run Happy 2014 - Series 1 is here! My first thoughts were that this was like a mini - Viper Challenge. Why do I say that? Well for starters this is a road running competition in which runners must complete 6 challenges along the 9km route. Any participant that cannot complete any challenge must proceed to the back of the queue and start again. Participants can attempt the challenges as many times as they want. There will also be surprise "bounty" hidden along the route to be up for grabs. This event will be held at 7am on 18th May 2014 at MAEPS Laman 2, Serdang. Entry fee is RM70. Registration closes on 20th April 2014, or upon reaching 8,000 participants, whichever is earlier. Runners entitlement: exclusive Brooks running t-shirt, finisher medal, number bib, goodies bag, certificates, light breakfast, water station and medical support. Those wanting to know more or register click here. Stay updaged at Brooks Running Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brooksrunningMY

Spring Live Active Run 2014 - Pic Contest Results

And the winners are...

Last month I announced that there would be free entries into the Spring Live Active Run 2014 half marathon for the three winners of my running pic competition. As always it is difficult to pick a winner. I must say some have been very creative, adding captions and special effects on the photo itself. While others sent in photos of themselves celebrating at the finish line. What I was looking for were actual running pics. I wanted to feel what the runner felt. I wanted to see the desire. The pics I selected as winners had all this. I must admit the pic with the banana was my favourite. It can be captioned in so many ways. I leave it to the fertile imagination of my constant runners out there. Am so hoping that the winners will use their free entries into SLAR as a stepping stone for the Kuching Marathon. Kuching is lucky to have so many runs now, and the support shown is so very encouraging. The Spring run was my first competitive run. It spurred me on to even bigger challenges. Lets hope that others will use it as a springboard for future runs.

Chen SL

Anthony Huang

Shirley Liew

Chen SL regularly runs half marathons, and this is indeed a cheerful running pic. Anthony Huang has just started running seriously and his passion can be seen in the pic, as he stays ahead of the chasing pack. As for Shirley Liew, she is a picture of determination as she strides on. Congratulations to the winners. To those who didn't make it, better luck next time, and happy running always. The three winners will get their free registration codes from me via email. Am hoping that many will sign up for the Spring Live Active Run and help make it a continued success. The runners run not only for themselves but for worthwhile charitable causes. Not all of us will get the prizes, but in such runs all who participate are winners. For those who have not signed up for the Spring run do click here to learn more. For those wanting to sign up for the Kuching Marathon, click here. Before that, there's another half marathon, at the Redeems Run, click here for more info. Those wanting to get more info on the Momentum Run Series 3 (21km), click here. We're spoilt for running choices in Kuching!

Turbo Snail Run 1.0 - Report

First Training Run for the Snails

The main objective of the first Turbo Snail Run was too gather slow runners together or those who had not run long before. My MBF had wanted to do a long run in preparation for Malaysian Women Marathon. So yours truly thought it would be nice to invite others to join. Many of the speedsters had gone to Singapore to run in the 2XU Marathon. What was left behind were essentially the snails. I posted the event in my blog. The plan was to run 20km. On the actual morning itself a total of nine runners showed up. Lightning did light up the sky, but it was so far off that we didn't even hear the thunder. Two of the runners were late in arriving, but they had informed us. So we waited as long as we could. The first group consisting of Olivia, Anthony, Nasa, Arturo and Alana, went off first. I waited for the remaining two. Azizul and Julia arrived about 15 minutes later. So when they were both ready we ran off together, with Julia taking the lead. I ran with Azizul who was doing his first LSD run. Julia too had not run longer than the Momentum Run Series 2 (18km).

We ran off from Penview Hotel to the new bridge. We ran pass BCCK in high spirits. Azizul's mobile phone telling us the distance and pace as we went. Ran past the new, but yet to be opened, 24-hour Petronas station. That would be an ideal water station and toilet stop for the future. It was only at the barrage bridge that we walked up it. Big trucks did drive pass. I made sure we ran against traffic and I also had my trusty Nathan strobe light blinking away. We all carried our own water supply, and even gels. I told Azizul to take his at 6km and 12km. Might as well, since he brought them with him. Nasa called to ask where we were. She was just a bit ahead of us and trailing the others. The stretch towards the Bako traffic light is rather dark. Julia was happy to stay in the lead. As long as she was within sight it was okay by me. Then we headed left. At the bund bridge we bunched together. Nasa was still ahead of us. Azizul and I took our gels. I was carrying two bottles filled with 100 Plus.

We were on this long stretch of road. Still I couldn't see Nasa ahead. Called her, and she informed us that she had just passed the former Chief Minister's residence. Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud had just been sworn in as the Governor of Sarawak. Those running the Kuching Marathon in August will run past his residence too. It is just that we were running it anti-clockwise, while the marathon runners will be running in a clockwise direction. At the roundabout we passed Kuching's very first 24-hour drive-thru KFC. Now this also would be an ideal pitstop. After that we headed in the direction of the State Library. Just at the roundabout we meet up with Ismail. Ismail was dressed as batman during the Road Share Run. Azizul had gone dressed as Ironman. Julia and I had gone as ourselves. Stopped to take pics. After that we headed towards the roundabout that would lead us to Wisma Bapa Malaysia. Again we stopped to take pics. This time Azizul ran ahead with Ismail and I ran with Julia.

There was no plan for me to push myself as I wanted to save my legs for next's Sunday's Brooks Half Marathon. It would be the second year in a row I was running it. Then a week after that I would be Nasa's 42km pacer at Malaysian Women Marathon. The things I would do for a finisher skirt! Nasa informed me that she was still way ahead and that Arturo was running back to check on her and the others. Arturo hailed from Mexico, and his wife Alana, was from Australia. He was most definitely not a snail, or even a turbo snail. Azizul and Ismail disappeared into the distance as we headed towards the toll bridge. I was content to take things easy with Julia. By then I had run out of water. Even though we passed another Petronas station, I had no need to stop for hydration as the finish line was very near and there was more 100 Plus waiting for me in the car. Julia and I ran towards the imaginary finish line. She proved to me she had the legs if she wanted to go for it.

Arturo and Alana had to leave early. Anthony was happy with his brand new Kayano 20. I had used my Kayano 19 instead of my usual training run shoes. Olivia was using her Nathan hydration belt for the first time. She was training for her first FM at MWM too. Ismail had joined us at the 12.7km mark so he was the most energetic. All told we ran 19.3km. The pace was slow. The company was great. There was really no need to push myself, though I did run in short bursts at a faster clip to see how my shin held up. Am happy that all was well with my legs. We took more photos. The gang had to rush off. Some had to feed their pets. Others had to go to church. One had to meet up with her kids. We ended up having a big American breakfast at an eatery nearby. In fact it was too much breakfast for what we had burned during the training run. All told it was a successful outing for all of us. Plans are afoot to increase the distance to 21km for the next run. Turbo Snail Run 2.0 might not happen in March though as there are just too many runs during that month.

What this run shows is that a group of like-minded runners can get together for a long run. We are lucky in Kuching that we have several running clubs. Runners can run with any of them during the whole week. Some of them offer morning runs while some offer night runs. The distance varies. What is assured is that the runners will run in a group. Safety is the utmost concern. This sort of runs are ideal for women who otherwise might not dare run alone in the early mornings or at night. The men outnumber the women in such runs and there will always be men at the back of the pack to keep an eye out for everyone. That said, it is hoped that many more runners take this opportunity to join the various running clubs in Kuching. Just go to Facebook and you can find them. At this moment in time the biggest running clubs are: The Hornbill Pacesetters Running Club, the Reservoir Park Running Club, the City Cat Joggers Club, the O-Run-Utans Running Club, and the Swinburne Sarawak Running Club.

The Burden Run - The Rope Edition

What some more burden?

The Rope Edition is here!

Those who had fun participating in the first Burden Run carrying sand bags as a burden might want to challenge themselves some more with The Rope Edition to be held on 17th May 2014 (Saturday). This time the participants get to run in pairs. The event is organized by the students from the Sports Center of University Malaya.  Flag off time is 7.30am at the Stadium Arena, Sports Centre, University Malaya. The closing date for the registration is 1st May 2014 or when 1000 participants have signed up, whichever is earlier. The fee is RM85 per pair, with the maximum being two persons per team.  Runners entitlement includes runner bib, finisher t-shirt and finisher medal. Interested parties can register here.

Medal

 

 

Nathan Project 1.0

Run Smart Run Happy

Kuching's first run clinic will be held on 22nd and 23rd March 2014. It will be conducted by ex-national marathon runner, Mr. Alvine Nathan, who is also the President/Coach of the Brooks Running Club Ipoh (Nathan Project). Coach Nathan has been running since the age of 13. He has run 52 international full marathons. Thirty-nine of which he ran under 3 hours. He has a personal best time of 2:28. The event will be held at Level Up Fitness (Bangunan Everrise, next to Travillion) on 22nd and at the Reservior Park on the 23rd. Registration fee is RM50. The event is limited to 80 participants. Registration fee is inclusive of 1 Brooks Drifit t-shirt, 1 light afternoon refreshments, and 1 morning breakfast. Please visit Revolution Run Company or Level Up Fitness to register.

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2014 - Open for Registration!

Early Bird Registration & Lucky Draw

The Penang Bridge International Marathon 2014 is now open for registration! The early-bird online registration is from 1st - 31st March and limited to the first 30,000 participants only. Why all the fuss, non-constant runners may ask. Well, in conjunction with the lucky draw registration, PBIM is giving away 100 exciting prizes ranging from flight tickets, tour packages, hotel stay and buffet vouchers, Asics sports and apparels, Titan watches, hydration belts and more.  Click here to learn about the prizes and also to register. Now the marathon will definitely be held on the new Penang bridge. Yours truly is looking forward to running PBIM for the third year in a row.