A new running chapter has begun. Just like starting of new season of Formula 1 Grand Prix. Hehe. Got a lift from Uncle Tang at around 6 in the morning from Bukit Jalil Park. Reached Lake Gardens about half an hour later. We walked to starting point and collecting our bib, while on our way, I met Frank who was jogging along the main road there. It was first time meeting him in person after chatting in Facebook for quite sometime.
As the day became brighter, all runners gathered at starting point. Supposedly the race started exactly at 7:30 am. However, the race was delayed due to launching ceremony of latest running group in town called Cap Ayam Runners. The team is consisting Kak Ida, Wong Ram Bo, Ahmad Farid and other 3-4 runners which I do not know with their blue Saucony Vest-clad as their 'uniform' of the team.
This interruption lasted about 10 minutes. Air horn was blown to mark our new running chapter at 7.40 am. Male runners needed to run 6 rounds of 2.3km loop around the lake whereas female runners just need 4 rounds only to obtain their very first finisher medal of the year.
My first thought was to aim for any within top 8 spots (trophy winners). Decided to give it a go because of lacking proper sleep and speed training recently. What a dreamer am I.
Ran past many runners at first few hundred metres and had a steady pace until I finished my 3rd loop. Started to struggle from 4th loop onwards till the end and getting slower loop by loop.
That also when Uncle Tang ran passed me while chasing after Tan Wah Sing who ran with his bare feet in their 50-59 category !! Ahmad Farid had a struck on me when overtaking in 5th loop. Frank caught up with me later half way and was encouraged to pace with him and told he will wait for me. Unfortunately I have lost my track from him after having my 5th water station as I was completely flat and left us with a big gap. Ram Bo overtook me in 6th and final loop.
Finished in 15th place with 1hr 07min 10sec. Been slacking a lot lately.
And 15th medal in my tally.
Met and mingle many newfound friends. Namely Jeff, Lionel, ultra-running brothers Ching Tai and Ching Cheong, Lynn and Chin Chin. Really nice knowing you guys and hope we will meet more often in many races.
(p/s: Thanks Frank for encouragement to pace with you from 5th loop onwards till the end but I was completely flat after 5th water station. Nice talking with you and we shall meet again. To Tey Eng Tiong, thanks for the pics and have a safe journey to and fro Hong Kong soon. Ciao.)
2 comments:
No problem on the pacing. Probably we do it again on 30052009. Get it? Hehe...
Got it my friend, the most important date this year (and in your running career). *thumbs up* =D
Post a Comment