POSTCODE 42195

ME @KENNYSIA.COM ON STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON 2009

2009-07-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dug this out from here. What a horror to see my agonising face on one of country's most influential blogger.

28.06.09 STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON

2009-06-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

4 hours 48 minutes (watch timing)

Having injury on my right knee after crossing 19km mark somewhere within Ipoh Road. Had my worst and most horrible 42km outing ever. May be dropping out from all 10k and 21k runs till Penang Bridge International Marathon. The crowd atmosphere was the best ever I have experienced in KL Marathon history.

07.06.09 MALAKOFF PENANG 26KM

2009-06-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

2 hours 29 minutes 23 seconds (watch timing)

Will update if time permits. Stay tuned.

30.05.09 ADIDAS SUNDOWN MARATHON 2009

2009-06-05T10:04:00.001-07:00

12 HOURS 04 MINUTES 07 SECONDS - PB !!!

....more updates coming soon,

and road race posts have not been updated so far:

- New Balance 15km
- Bidor Half-marathon
- Orange Run 11km

My blogging mood is currently dormant. Stay tuned.

12.04.09 ORANGE RUN 2009

2009-04-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Pre-race

Post-race (Yuan Yufang from 3rd right!)

MORE UPDATES COMING SOON...

15.03.09 SERI SINAR CHARITY RUN - AS A TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

2009-03-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

"All's Well That Ends Well' - William Shakespeare.

This famous phrase is aptly referred to this running event. Thanks to my team leader Mr. Ngo for giving me green light to be road traffic controller at left T-junction near IMU today. Otherwise I would be initially stationed at one of the checkpoints within a dull 3km family run route and will never get to see my closest running mates run pass me.

The truth is, I asked Mr. Ngo to swap my position with my pal Deric Cheong without his knowledge 2 days prior the biggie (LOL). So he has to be stationed somewhere within 3km route. Lucky you runners I have made diversion of the traffic flow of runners to the left into IMU / Vista Komanwel area or you would probably get lost somewhere at Happy Garden or worse, Kesas Highway towards Shah Alam !!

7 in the morning, started standing still waiting for runners. 17 minutes later the Men Open category runner Nicolas Merica from Kenya lead the race. Not long, our very own home runner Chow Yew Wei came in bout 6-7th position and Liew in 10th that time.

3 minutes later, Naresh Kumar came in and Ben Swee trailed him about 15 seconds behind. That's also when I started cheering as more and more runners coming towards my right side just after both of them bypassed me.

The tagline 'Looking good, keep it up!' was chosen as to tell them they are in top of their form and to maintain their pace till the finishing point. I also called out most of the names of runner I know to give them a boost of confidence. After cheering 3-4 times, Frank ran passed and softly told me Lynn was trailing behind. One more eye blink, Pui San came in first for Women's Open. One more cheer, Lynn came in second and waving her right hand to me.

Continued cheering, more veteran runners are coming together with middle pack of Open runners. At that moment onwards, I started cheering with an additional word, 'jia you / kar yau' (respectively Mandarin and Cantonese dialect meaning add oil) to encourage them to run with little more speed.
Saw Jamie and Kei Ming within that pack as well.

7:55 am, last 3 runners ran bypassing me. Not so long, the lorry came in and I joined other event team members removing safety cones back to the cargo bay of it and had a ride back to the venue. Reached there 15 minutes later, saw our photographer friend Tey (bunch of thanks for the trouble to come and snap photos) and shouted at him to give me a snapshot which is shown below.

Reviving Winston Churchill's 'V' sign. Victory in ''sweeping' the 10km route clean after removing all safety cones.

Was showing my friends the painstaking signal pose which I did for almost an hour at IMU. Thankfully all 10k runners reached the venue safely. My arms for now, ouch.

Lynn being naughty for a day.

One for the album. Sleepy head. Almost bonked onto Shihming's head on my right. Special thanks to Ben and Yee Hua (5th and 6th person) for coming here all the way from Singapore to take part. Really missed the bursting of joy and laughter from all of you :)

Almost forgotten my next phrase. Et voila.....

.....*Joyeux anniversaire Lynn !!!

She also got second for Women's Open in her very own birthday run,
well done !!!
Double joy for you, yes ??

(*Happy Birthday in French)

P/S: Kudos to Taman Bukit Jalil Running Club for organising such a successful event. Received many positive comments and feedback from most of my running mates. Thanks also to Klang Pacers Athletic Club for providing them technical support and advices for this event (hence, safety vest I wore and light baton belong to them). And lo and behold, its president Wong Soon Pin was voicing the countdown to start the run (air horn was faulty).

All comments and feedback on this event are always welcomed. Lastly, thanks for pics provided for this post (you know who are =D ).

01.03.09 KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL FOREST TOWERTHON

2009-03-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

2008: 25min 25sec
2009: 24min 06sec - PB !

Been contemplating for weeks whether to join this event. At my initial thought, I did not want to join as I finished last year's edition miserably and terribly in timing and I swear this is my last time in my lifetime joining this. Since I looked at my pathetic last year's timing and determine to smash it, I decided to join eventually. Signed up a day before closing date.

Looking back at last year's run, After a strong ascent, I was gasping for air at 3-4 stair flights before last water station. At there, had a long break of 5 minutes. Finished the race with extreme dizziness spelt on me.

This year I decided to take this run easy and I choose not to hold grip on stair railings during ascent as I found out it was taxing to my arms and left chest. Instead of sprinting, I ran at leisurely pace during uphill run. There's slight improvement in ventilation. To cut it short, I finished the race in surprising 24min 06sec. That's more than a minute faster with 2-3 extra kilos on my body !

Bumped into Kei Ming, Lionel, Kevin and Andrew at observation deck whom they reached earlier. Was spending some time walking roundabout there to cool down before meet up with others at ground floor. Had conversation and some laughter with Frank, Uncle Choi, Stanley and Cheang there before heading home.

This year's edition brought more joy to me as I finished it faster and stronger. It also may boost my confidence to return next year to better my timing though it's my least favourite event.

STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON 2009 - LOGO AND WEBSITE UNVEILED

2009-02-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

Beautiful and magnificent logo that reflects a potential world class marathon event. Click on the logo for the link and please do come back often for more website updates as it will go full-fledged within next month.

18.01.09 GREAT EASTERN 30KM RUN 2009

2009-01-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

Upon arrival at Lake gardens at 4:45 in the morning. Had a stroll around the venue.

About an hour later, crowd became bigger. Almost everyone entered into pen. At the sideline, Frank introduced me 2 of his Runnerz Circle members, Chee Kong and Andrew. Entering the pen and squeezed ourselves into the front line. Expecting the race started at 6 am precisely, whilst waiting, met Chin Chin and Lynn. Lynn introduced me 2 of her Penang friends, namely Sam and BC.

Did not hear clearly what emcee was announcing but there was a sudden horn blast. That marked our 15 minutes late run. A burst of speed at first left turn and eventually found myself in front pack! Decided to pulled back. More and more runners overtook me as I begin to slow down.

Uncle Tang bumped into me somewhere at Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial loop with a grin on his face, and another eye blink, Liew came in. They trailed me until latter overtook me at the upper slope of Jalan Sultan Sulaiman and former at downslope towards Jalan Mahameru.

The struggle began when climbing the Double Hill from reverse. Raymond Ng overtook me when we were sliding down and so did Chin Teck Sin at Jalan Duta.

Felt dizzy after water station near income tax building. Downed 3-4 powerbar drink and almost wanted to puke. Thank God, I hold myself from doing so and did not happen. Reached halfway mark at the end of Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, obtained my ribbon from a volunteer as I passed the check point. Saw Uncle Yong as a volunteer and he said "Victor, steady". I gave him peace sign in return.

Heading back to Lake Gardens, after 2nd income tax building loop my both entire legs started getting sore. From that point onwards, temptations keep banging my head to stop and start walking but able to resist till the end (thanks to my mental torture during last ultra run). I know, if I did, my running momentum will decline much and picking up again is really taxing.

Fast forward to Lake Gardens. A road marshal near playground shouted "400 metres to go !". Picked up my speed towards finishing point. Not far away, I lifted my both hands up hoping to get a nice finishing photo for my race certificate.

Finished exactly in 2hr 45min based on my watch timing. 10 minutes slower than last year's edition.

Many of the runners which I overtook them last year are now able to overtake me back this time (and I know who are you guys, and I will get you back!). Blame on my fattiness. Till the next race.

me and my KO-ed face
photos via tey eng tiong

01.01.09 PACEMAKERS NETWORK RUN 2009

2009-01-03T03:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !!

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.)

NEW YEAR, NEW FACE

2009-01-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

My blog has been reformatted from 2-column to 3-column blog. You can see my blog in much broader view. Enjoy.

KUALA LUMPUR MARATHON 2009 BY STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

2008-12-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

dug out from Ronnie See's page. Stay tuned.
Now, this is what I call EXCITEMENT. MARK YOUR CALENDAR, RUNNERS !!!

07.12.08 SINGAPORE MARATHON 2008

2008-12-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

I treated this run as my recovery run instead of race-target as I am still in process of recovery after taking heaviest toll ever after recent Sundown 84km ultra run back in May. This also will mark my first 42km run in the Lion City.

Completely forgotten where I was in most part of the race as I was running alone all the time plus forgetting to bring along my race watch. Except this.

Throughout the race, I did not see any familiar faces until I saw Uncle Tang who was ahead of me about 1.5km from the oncoming side of hairpin curve before reaching 20km mark at East Coast Park. Happy to be at 'home' again as this is my second time running across this park after the recent Sundown run. As usual, this is the shadiest and most breezing route in this marathon. Realised my sub-4 attempt sent into oblivion when Adidas 4-hour Pacers ran passed me and I failed to cope with them thereafter.

Saw Ahmad Farid overtook me at National Stadium in Kallang somewhere after 30km. Again, failing to cope with his pace.

Pathetically, the last 3km from Singapore Flyer onwards is the point where marathoners run into one big oceanic blue crowd of slow runners from all categories in which they made so much tougher for fast runners to slit through. But it took a while for me to tear away from the rest. And that's the only flaw of this marathon.

Managed to finish this race in 4 hours 12 minutes and 15 seconds. Without my realisation, I overtook back Ahmad Farid by 4 minutes. Phew.

No sub-4, no PB but still had a blast because I still able to run 42km again after absence from road races 6 months since last May.

I did not even do my LSD (long slow distance) within that period due to rotating working schedules. Hence, severely affecting my sleeping pattern. I was able to do maximum only 2 days of training weekly prior to the biggie. The longest run I had in last 6 months was only mere 10km in very usual Bukit Jalil training route. In retrospect, it's a miracle with that distance will do me a sub 4:15 run !

Overall, the race route was superbly flat and fast plus picturesque as well. I did not fully utilise this advantage as I was getting more exhausted and slower in speed as I run till the finishing point. Neither the energy gels nor bananas able to aid my exhaustion.

Organising-wise, really love the strong army of supporters, plus ample supply of water, isotonic drinks, bananas and even counter pain creams at almost every water station. Not to forget those inspiring words posted on placards at almost every kilometres. The medals and finisher t-shirts were orderly distributed before walking out of distribution booth. The post-race party was much like a big carnival. Gulped 3 bottles of 100 Plus isotonic drinks and a nutrition bar plus a little stretching before walking back to hostel.

That's my closing curtain for my running year of 2008. Adieu.

SUNDOWN RETURNS 2009

2008-11-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

AU'REVOIR CYBER CAFE, BONJOUR MON LAPTOP !

2008-10-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

It's Acer Aspire 4930G notebook.

Forked out a cool RM2900 over this. Thanks to my cousin Kelvin for his recommendation. This gadget turns out pretty well and it's solidly built. Will have more time to blog and no more cyber cafes for me. =)

Click here for specs.

Postscript 13 November 2008: My heartiest condolence to my cousin Kelvin and his family members over demise of my closest uncle after failing in battle against stroke disease on Tuesday 02:30 (11/11/08).

Missing you always, Uncle Lim Wee Meng and rest in peace.

PROBABLY CANCELLED.....

2008-10-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Lion City run will probably be cancelled. No latest updates for months, let alone details of registration. It is about 10 days left to the scheduled date. Even they managed to organise at very last minute, I won't be rushing like hell all the way down south, right? Maybe next year, period.

LE RETOUR DU VICTOR ET LE MARATHON DE SINGAPOUR 2008

2008-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

I am in for another full marathon adventure. Already paid a hefty sum of SGD$ 85 which is about RM 200 ! Holes are getting bigger at both pockets =( Got to train harder because I have short period of 3 months to train and voila, I am 3 kilos fatter, no thanks to 2 months absence from running due to hectic working schedule after securing permanent job in my current company plus indulgence in high calorie diet to fuel graveyard shifts. It also doubled as recovery period after recent Sundown run. Thankfully now everything is settled down and now it's been almost a month since returning back to running. A little bit sluggish at beginning but I am pretty confident that I able to get myself in good shape again prior to the biggie. To all my running mates out there, I AM BACK.

I LOVE NUMBER 13

2008-07-12T18:48:00.001-07:00

Dug this from Ben Swee's blo g. Lovely medal and t-shirt in the background. My 13th medal in my collection.

Medal 01 2007 New Balance 15km
Medal 02 Siemens Run 10km
Medal 03 Adidas King of the Road 21km
Medal 04 PJ Half Marathon 21km
Medal 05 Subang Jaya 10km
Medal 06 Mizuno Wave Run 10km
Medal 07 KLAVA Relay - Kuala Selangor
Medal 08 Ekiden Relay Putrajaya
---------------------------------------------------------
Medal 09 2008 Pacemaker Network Run
Medal 10 Great Eastern 30km
Medal 11 KL Towerthon
Medal 12 KL International Marathon 42km
Medal 13 ADIDAS SUNDOWN MARATHON 84km

31.05.08 ADIDAS SUNDOWN MARATHON 2008 - I AM AN ULTRAMARATHONER.

2008-06-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

ultra marathon 84km (42 X 2)
final result:
12 hours 30 minutes 15 seconds - men 104th /191 finishers

This race is indeed dreadest marathon ever I took part. No, no, no...not the ultra long distance and but unusually plied routes which including pedestrian bridges, concrete pavements and sandy trails plus undulating terrains. You even got to keep your eyes open throughout darkest hours till next morning to run. Not by chance even few of my Ironman friends said doing ultra is so much tougher than Ironman itself !!

Did not train much except forwarding my last marathon training into this. Plus only two 42km long runs. Going south with one hope - to conquer another uncharted territory after my first full marathon.

This event also mark first anniversary of my running life. Initially wanted to sign up 42km but ended up joining 84km at last minute just for being part of the Singapore's first night ultramarathon plus aiming for invaluable goodies like souvenir towel specially made for ultra-runners and Adidas Response climalite t-shirt with number 84 written on the back. LOL.

the day before...

Departed on Aeroline bus from 1-Utama shopping centre around 8am. Got to meet new friends, namely C-sze, Jaquelin and Alex in the same bus. Met Alex before during training at Bukit Aman early that month. They joined the full-marathon event. Journey down south was indeed smooth. I will come back to travel with them again. After a long queue at customs check point, we split at Harbourfront and I checked-in at New Seven Storey hotel in Bugis around 3pm whereas they went and stay at C-sze's aunty house in Bedok.

After a short rest, went to Athlete's Circle office at Boon Tat Street and collected my race kit around 4pm. Also bought myself Ultimate Direction endurance belt (good for slotting gels without carrying by hand). Met them again about an hour later for to collect theirs and we had dinner at Lau Pa Sat - a huge food court. We splitted and I went to Singapore Post Centre (see below) to shop for few stamps as I am also a stamp collector. Post offices here are open till 9pm on working days.

The stamps that I bought

After stamp shopping, reached Orchard Road at almost 10pm. Sadly, most of the shopping malls along the road are already closed that time. Wish I could skip the post office in first place. Despite after business hours, crowd at both sides of the road are still large till midnight compared to our Star Hill Road back in KL. Nothing else to see but went back to my hotel around 11:30pm to sleep.

race day...

After checking out in the afternoon, went to Tampines by MRT and meet up with Alex and two ladies to follow inside C-sze uncle's car to tour around marathon route which we will run coming night. Had lunch with them later and I went back to the hotel to wait for my incoming friends from homeland.

Met Raymond, Tomatoman, Ultraman Yip, and Siok Bee around 4pm after their late lunch. Put my luggage in one of their rooms.

Whilst others chill out prior to full marathon at midnight, Yip and I went to Tampines again by MRT and from there we board a bus to the starting point at Changi Beach Park. By then, it was about 7:45pm. Met our photographer friend Tey and Shine as well. Plus, Tey introduced me to a female runner named Haza - Running Mom. Nothing much to do but preparing my stuff for pit-stop and putting my bag at luggage counter nearby. Did a little bit of warm-up and proceed to starting point.

++++++++++++++++++++

...3...2...1...blast off !!

Race started exactly at 8:30pm.

The first 21km was quite interesting. Running at full-marathon pace. Maybe due to my excitement about this race. First 10km seemed no ending as the road was so straight in parallel with runway at Changi Airport. Plus roaring sound from aircrafts.

For first time ever, I ran side-by-side with departing aircrafts on runway
(and we can never beat them, of course).

After the first-half by making the U-turn at East Coast Park, found out that we have to run across pedestrian bridges, park connectors and housing areas. Reached 30km at the end of Bedok reservoir. Had slight cramp on my right calf whilst climbing uphill at last 2km.

Clocked in first marathon at 4 hours 54 minutes.

Had about half an hour break with bananas and cookies provided at pit stop. Forgotten the ice-cream. Met a runner named Tan Boon Seng and told him that I know him through his blog. We chatted for a while then he left pit stop earlier. No changes even my apparel and shoes (big mistake and I got blisters at my thigh and left ankle at the end of race). Shine caught up with me moment I left the pit stiop.

Second marathon.

At coastlines again, tried to follow Shine's steady pace for first 10km until I can't cope up with his pace and left him ahead. Have to stride and march like soldiers as my whole body start aching. I counted 1 to 10 repeatedly to put rhythm into my legs. I also begin to see the back pack of marathon runners along the route.

After u-turn, saw Tey waved from the oncoming side, meaning about 1km behind me. Got my blister at my left ankle somewhere after crossing the first pedestrian bridge. Reaching Bedok Park, rain started ! Thankfully I wasn't so drenched due to sheltering trees along the route. Saw SG Runners cheering and ask us to go for their shelter, but I insisted on running.

Running across Bedok Reservoir at dawn was breathtaking albeit rain. What more, running on sandy trail alongside. At 30km mark, rain stopped. Nightmare came true when I really hit the wall after passing 40km mark (82km), cramps holding up my right calf. Started walking and running in pain till the end of the race. Worse still, there were few steep slopes to the end.

Managed to run / walk pass some back pack of marathon runners. Started sprinting as I saw the finishing arc.

Finished the race in 12 hours 30 minutes and 15 seconds without any injuries aside blisters and cramps.

post race...

Collected my well deserved finisher t-shirt, medal, water bottle and two bananas. Resting for a while at pit stop, then head back to hotel by 10am and met up with Raymond, Tomatoman and Yip for post-race lunch at Bugis Junction.

Returned to hotel for 2-hour nap before start packing and head Harbourfront for 6.15pm bus. Our friend Alex and two ladies went home 3 hours earlier. Bus departed late 5 minutes. Reached 1 Utama shopping centre around 12 midnight. Had supper at McD The Curve and took cab home later.

I am very pleased with this event overall despite complaints from our running mates except distance markers which are not placed properly. This is the most organised race I joined so far since started running a year ago. Road marshalls are stationed at every few hundred metres ensuring nobody will get lost plus bright and colourful glow sticks to lead the route.

Definitely will come back next year for this. A memorable race not to be missed. Singapore is officially my birthcountry in ultra-running. Signed off till next race in October.

ACHIEVED ALREADY MY IMPOSSIBLE. HAVE YOU?

photos by wakie via
Tey Eng Tiong

4 DAYS TO GO...

2008-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am either feeling excited or anxious over this. Besides, it will also be my first trip to Singapore.....

INAUGURAL LION CITY MARATHON - POSTPONED !

2008-05-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

It was scheduled to be held on 29 June and now postponed to 12 October due to lacking of a title sponsor.

Read more !!

Source: Tey Eng Tiong / The Straits Times

42KM LONG RUN.....100% HILL WORKOUT !!!

2008-05-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

...actually 41km sans 1km additional Petronas loop in second round of 21km.

Was having simulation run for coming Singapore Sundown Marathon which was organised by Yip last saturday night. Since it will be a night running event, we trained in late night environment. Few of us gather at Bukit Aman carpark just before started running. Had a warm-up session and got to know new friends like Siok Bee, Maryann, Siow Ting, and many others which I forgot their name. I even got to know Ngae who finished his ultramarathon in Sahara Desert before !!

Around quarter past 12, we sped off. The first 21km was fast, indeed fast. Almost at full marathon pace. I was expecting most part of the route are predominantly flat but it turned to be so hilly !! Oh yeah, I forgot - the route was exactly used during recent Great Eastern 20km route. I was so exhausted after that. Back at Bukit Aman, I rehydrated myself with drinks provided by Raymond Ng and Shine since I forgot to bring my own water bottle, sorry guys. Must fix a date to belanja (treat) them a meal :-)

The second 21km was dreadful. Felt cold at my both knees. Had another water stop at one housing area in Hartamas and some fruits provided by other running mates at Petronas station. Returned at around 5:30 am.

Told few of our friends earlier that I will be doing 4 loops of 21km but realised later that I will attend a church service on next day early in the morning. Decided to cut my training into half and followed Shine went home instead. Yip and Ngae continued till 4th round. Others went home after 30km and 42km runs.

It was my longest run ever in my training. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT !! Even my LSD (long slow distance) running for full marathon never reached 20km. This will be my longest weekly mileage at ultramarathon distance of 49km because I did extra 8km at Bukit Jalil park early in the morning same day. It also will be pinnacle of my ultra training and not much effort I put in but hopefully sufficient to cover most of the distance on big day since it was a big hill workout. Will start to taper within next week. About 3 weeks to go...

BACK IN TRAINING

2008-04-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Supposedly to resume my training a day after KL marathon, I resumed my training last Thursday after two and half weeks of lazyness. My post-race recovery was good. My legs were tired and gone a day after the race. No strains on my legs were felt except mild aches on my both thighs. Currently planning my long runs prior to Sundown Marathon in Singapore end of next month. As last Thursday since 1st October last year, I managed to login about 655km, that's equivalent of, about 8 ultras ??!! Well, my training log supposed to end after KL marathon but I decided to carry forward to the end of next month...

84KM SINGAPORE SUNDOWN MARATHON - HERE I COME !!

2008-04-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

paid SG$ 140 which is close to RM 330 for my late entry. NO TURNING BACK.

17th KUALA LUMPUR MARATHON 30.03.08

2008-03-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

men open: 53 / 250
men overall: 137 / 750

official timing 3:56:38

chip time: 3:56:26

10km - 0:51:41
21km - 1:48:10 - PB !
30km - 2:46:32

Arrived at the venue at 4:10 a.m. 20 minutes prior to the starting time for full-marathon event. Rushed to the luggage area to check in my bag. I had slow jog around the venue to stretch my limbs to minimise cramps. Had a simple PowerBar before reporting.

10km
Everything went smooth from starting line till the air force base at Sungei Besi. Met my running mate Chow Yew Wei aka "Ah Wai" (3:19:04) from behind at Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. He called me," Victor ! Run slowly ! " and understood what he was trying to say and he paced with me for few metres before he sped off to chase after Kenyans !! Met my another running mate Liew Chin Ngen (3:45:30) from behind at Kuen Cheng Girls School near Federal Highway before he overtook me.

11km-30km
Had a very persistent stomach cramp in middle of the race. Started to slow down right after the air force base (Sungei Besi) until road leading to Titiwangsa (almost 30km). Tried to sprint several times but cramps kept holding me back. Friends like Raymond Ng and Ahmad Farid overtook me at Jalan Raja Chulan and Kenny Tan at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman along SOGO shopping complex.

31km-42km end
Things got better after 30km and this is my most favourite interval of the marathon when most of runners hate it. Was sprinting all the way to the finishing line as stomach cramp slowly was getting mild. Managed to overtake many runners whom they did to me at beginning. Had mild cramps at lower legs but did not stop me. Finally overtook Ahmad Farid at Parliament while he was massaging his both lower legs and Raymond Ng was slowing down somewhere near 1939 building at Jalan Tun Perak about 3 km away from finishing line.

The marathon route was indeed tough and challenging but goodies they gave were suck. Finisher t-shirt was almost like of labour's cloth compared to Singaporean counterpart. Can anyone please explain why they gave cold drinks at water station early in the morning? They made my stomach cramp even worse !! How are we going to bring more friends to join this event when the goodies are suck ?? No point of increasing amount of cash prizes if they cannot get these things right.

PRE-MARATHON JITTERS

2008-03-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

Wish me all the best in my very first full-marathon race. Less than 20 hours prior to the big event. And I am still anxious about the last 12 km. Can I hit the wall? In meantime, I will prepare my heavy carbo-loading dinner tonight in which spaghetti with cheese gravy is the main course. Sorry, no sharing please.

I AM BACK !! - AFTER 3 WEEKS HIATUS FROM MARATHON TRAINING

2008-03-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

I finally resumed my marathon training yesterday after 3 weeks shying away from park. I only able to finish a lap of 4km. For the past 3 weeks I was so lazy since I started my permanent job as customer support representative in Petaling Jaya. Besides continuous heavy rain keeps me away from running almost everyday since I always run in the evening. It rains when I want to go outdoor and vice-versa. However I only have less than a week to finish my training before start tapering which is about 3 to 4 days. Oh man, 9 DAYS LEFT.

KL INTERNATIONAL FOREST TOWERTHON 03.02.08

2008-02-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

tey_engtiong

FINAL RESULT
25min 23 secs (238th / 511)

Did not put anything in mind on timing but most important, to finish the run since this is my first time. Sadly, I finished the run with one of the worst timing ever compared to much slower runners I know on flat road. Supposedly to finish the run a bit earlier but due to dizzy spells and shortness of breath, I took a long break about 5 minutes before climbing the last 6 floors. I had no choice that time.

I WILL COME BACK STRONGER NEXT YEAR !!!

AMBANK KLIM 2008 CIRCUIT RUN 1 27.01.08

2008-01-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

photos via tey_engtiong

Was taking part in full marathon leg and had to run as many laps as I can to qualify for free entry to big event on 30 March but failed. Event started late at 7.30 am instead of scheduled 7.00 am for no reasons. Had nature's call at beginning until i finished the run at lap 6. I can continue the run till lap 7 and official shouted "10 minutes to go" but i stopped due to scorching sun. Finished at 7th place with timing of 1hr 04mins 22secs. Covered exactly 13.8km.The top three runners finished 8 laps as national runner had the top spot. Bugger. Most probably I will not be attending the last two circuit runs because of the same starting time with longer and more dreadful runs.

GREAT EASTERN 30KM RUN 20.01.08

2008-01-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

jason_lee / hon_you

tey_engtiong

FINAL RESULT

Men Open 30KM
2hr 35min 36secs

men overall - 56th / 335
men open - 35th / 749

This is my most enjoyable run ever. It is also my first time running independently without Powerbar gels compared to last year's PJ Half Marathon which i consumed 3 gels (all caffeinated) in one go ! The truth is, I actually took one from the water station but i took it without caffeine. Yeah, considered not counted. I also managed to speed after half of the run till the end and finished the race strongest like never before. Hope this enjoyment will continue throughout my entire running life.

2008 PACEMAKERS NETWORK RUN 01.01.08

2008-01-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to PM1 Ronnie See for inviting me last minute to take part in recent Pacemaker Network Run 2008, whereas Uncle Tang ran on behalf of sub-PM2 Tan Khee Meng who went for New Year vacation with his family. Guess what? He was the champion in his category and I was in second place in my category and just 3 minutes behind the winner...and i got the first trophy in my collection.

tey_engtiong

Men Age 40 & above [13.8km] :
Tang Chee Choon (champion) 1hr 03min 06sec

Men Age 24 & Below [13.8km] :
Victor Loh Chie Ho (1st runner up) 1hr 03min 49sec

BUKIT JALIL PARK RUNNING ROUTES

2008-01-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

3km: main road + zig-zag route

2.7km: main road

4km: main road + car park + zig-zag + loop around lake + hairpin curve

2007 RUNNING RESULTS SUMMARY

2008-01-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

20th May 2007
New Balance Pacesetters 15km
1hr 24min 38sec
166th/536 finisher medallists

8th July 2007
Siemens Run 10km
55min
132th/150 medallists

5th August 2007
Adidas King of the Road 21km
1hr 46min unknown position
1/300 medallists

12th August 2007
PJ Half Marathon 21km
1hr 49min 30sec
61th/200 medallists

26th August 2007
Subang Jaya 10km
47min 8 sec
81st/100 medallists

9th September 2007
Mizuno Wave Run 10km
52min 13sec
77th/700 finisher medallists

7th October 2007
KLAVA Friendship Relay - 3 X 2km Kuala Selangor
21min 22 sec
Bukit Jalil Thunderbolt (3rd)

7:12 > 07:12 - Liew Chin Ngen
6:19 > 13:31 - Chow Yew Wei
7:51 > 21:22 - Victor Loh Chie Ho

4th November 2007
ekiden run Putrajaya 14.3km
55min 17sec
Bukit Jalil Water Margin (5th - trophy)

09:44 > 09:44 Loh Chie Ho Victor (2.6km)
10:45 > 20:29 Wong Ram Bo (2.9km)
12:56 > 33:25 Chow Yew Wei (3.4km)
11:13 > 44:38 Liew Chin Ngien (3.3km)
10:39 > 55:17 Low Sek Wah (2.1km)