Nathan Project 1.0 - Report

First Run Clinic with Alvine Nathan

We in Kuching were lucky to be graced with the presence of Coach Alvine Nathan, President of Nathan Project. His running bio-data can reduce most runners in Malaysia to shame. Here he was spending the weekend in Kuching to help our runners learn about all aspects of running, from the theoretical to the practical.  Runners from all categories were there. There were those who had just started running and wanted to learn more, and also the elite runners, who wanted to improve on what they already had. Many of the runners were from the O-Run-Utan Running Club. Early Saturday morning (22nd March 2014) they were led by Coach Nathan on a 10km run.  Those training for the Borneo International Marathon went on a 21km run following the Spring Live Active Run half marathon route.  It was also the opportunity for me to test my new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 14 on a much longer run.

We all finished our run right outside a famous laksa eatery. This was pre-planned motivation for our runners. I cannot eat any laksa if I run hard. Me running 2:37, meant I didn't dare go for it, otherwise I know what will happen later. While I didn't have any laksa, others did, and kolo mee too for that matter. We all did one thing in abundance - chat, while drinking our morning cuppa. Later that afternoon we all headed to Level Up Fitness for the first part of the run clinic. Coach Alvine gave his talk to over seventy of us runners. Lots of questions were asked, to which he patiently answered. We were treated to tea time snacks and prizes and gifts of towels. That last gift made me smile when I remembered how hard it was to earn another towel this year. For this one I had to listen to a four hour talk, for the other I had to run close to 10 hours. Many thanks to Albert Tan and his crew from Revolution Run Company for taking care of us all.

The next day we all went early to the Reservoir Park to meet up with Coach Nathan again. He made us do warm up stretches. After that we all did a leisurely 1km jog, some not so leisurely though. Then it was striding lessons. It looked easy enough, but we all had to improve on our striding technique. Then we all did a 5km run. I must admit in the early going I went at a much faster pace than I usually do only to slow down drastically towards the end. It was nice seeing many new runners attempt the distance.  The fact that they joined the run clinic showed their determination to improve. That in my book is what counts. Then we all did a 500m cool down. Coach Nathan taught us what to do foot exercises. From there it was hill runs. It was fun seeing everyone attempt it. Some would keep on going till they met with Coach Nathan's approval. Lots of questions were asked too.

Over American breakfast out in the open, with lots of refreshment, many again approached Coach Nathan for his advice. He even drew out training plans for the runners. Suffice to say there were many a happy face after the event. Am hoping what the runners learned during the weekend will hold them in good stead for future runs. We in Kuching are blessed that we have several active running clubs. It was nice to see runners from outside these clubs participate too. Hopefully there will be many more coaching clinics like this in the new future to help train up our runners. There are now many runs in Kuching.  This is especially so with the Momentum Run Series.  The Kuching Marathon is also not too far away. I know that several of the runners from the clinic have signed up for the full distance. Lets hope that there too will run happy after attending Nathan Project 1.0. 

Putrajaya 100 Miles Ultramarathon - How far can you run?

 

Malaysia's first 100 Mile Ultra

A 24-hour drive-thru McD just opened up near my place. It has a McCafe, which opens at 7am and closes at midnight. There's a 24-hour petrol station next door to it. Such convenience for the modern day human. Even if I didn't use the car it's only a 2km jog for my Big Mac, apple pie and OJ. Then a brisk walk back. Of course during a training run I see petrol stations as emergency pit stops. The same applies to 7-Elevens. Now with McDs being built further from the center of town, we have even more options. So we can even plan our training run routes around them. Come to think of it, parking our cars there would be great too. So instead of chowing down on laksa, nasi lemak, roti canai or kolo mee after our long run, we can have a big breakfast with a side order of pancakes. I know it sounds bad, but tell that to the tummy of a 95kg man who has run for a couple of hours. All I know is I want food. If I have better options than a banana and a couple of hard boiled eggs, I will grab it. That too is the reason why I will never be "Skinny Old Man Running."

All right, lets get back to the topic at hand. Just discovered that there will be a 100 miler in Putrajaya. I know there will be those who will never be satisfied with running only 42.195km. They need to go further. They want to test how far their bodies can go before it gets kaputed. I will never say anything against these sort of runner, because I too have done things which MBF and friends have considered crazy when it comes to running. I now know how it feels to have run 50km (or should I say 53km?). Now I too want to see how it feels to go even further. This year is definitely proving to be the year of the ultra. Just look at Penang. Now there have the Starlight Ultra and the Penang Ultra. These are no joke runs. You sign up to run the whole island. I have run PBIM twice already, and like many of my constant runners, have signed up to run the new bridge this year. I know my friends keep on reminding me how boring a run it is. However I like Penang. I like running there. The people are so friendly and the food is so nice. I also love the history of the place.

So if you are one of those guys who has signed up for the 84km solo at Starlight Ultra or the 100km at Penang Ultra, then am sure you will be salivating at the prospect of running 100 miles at Putrajaya. That's 160km! It used to be that only Singapore had such runs. I used to look in envy at the runs organised by the Running Guild. No distance seemed to be too long for them. Those unfamiliar with what am talking about can always click here. They have the Twilight Ultra Challenge and the Ultra Craze 100 Miles. There's even a Monster Ultra 200! However we in Malaysia need not have to get too carried away too soon. I think those who harbour dreams of running any of the desert runs can begin by testing themselves at the Putrajaya 100 Miles. I have been informed there will be 50km, 75km, 100km and the aforementioned 100 miler. All I can say is six days after PBIM, you can choose what distance you think your legs can take. So circle 22nd and 23rd November 2014 on your racing calendar. Those two days can define your entire running season for 2014.

The run is organised by Team Pacat Malaysia. Those familiar with them will know that they have experience organising trail runs and ultras. Just keep a lookout for when the run website goes online. I will of course be there to announce it to my constant runners too. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to attend a run clinic with coach Alvine Nathan, and he told me that runners who ran marathons should have no trouble doing 50km. Think about it. When you run 42km, you are actually running more, when you take into account your warm up jog and your cool down run, and on top of that walking to your car, shuttle or hotel. We constant runners do that sort of thing all the time. However when it comes to runs of 60km and longer that's an entirely different story. So those dreaming of medals and finishers that go beyond the norm need look no further than Putrajaya 100 Miles. Legs willing I am willing to give one of the shorter distance a try. I may be crazy but I am not mental when it comes to my capabilities. Am sure there are those out there who have it in them to do a 100 miler, and this is your chance to prove it. Happy running always!

Latest news! (3rd April 2014) This ultramarathon will start/finish at Taman Seri Empangan, Putrajaya. For the 100 miler, the cut-off time is 30 hours. The race starts at 7am on 22nd November 2014. It will be an out and back format race. Pacers will be allowed for the 100 miler and 100km races. Registration will open in early May.

KL Heritage Park Night Run 2014

Running along Nature Route

This sure looks like a potentially fun run, and the 6km and 12km road running takes place at a designated "Nature Route" - the Heritage Park that covers the zone of Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park. The event starts at 6pm at Taman Botani (Tasik Perdana). Official cut-off time is 4.5 hours. It is organised by MountDesign Outdoor. 1000 runners are targeted. The closing date is 26th April 2015, or when the quota is met, whichever comes first. Those wanting to register can click here. The registration fees are RM50 and RM40 respectively.  Every RM2 from the registration fees will be channelled to charity. Those wanting to know more can go to this Facebook page. Runners entitlement includes event t-shirt, bib number, finisher medal, refreshment and medical support. For further enquires please contact the following: Munzie Alawi +6012-696 4345, Shirley Yeo +6010-502 8755 or Dila +6012-698 6370.