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.