i said i wouldn't run on the bridge but i lied

Yup. I lied. Being the bad brother that i am, i ditched my initial plan to attend my brother engagement do and went to penang to revisit the bridge. My justification, the engagement will still take place with or without me around. After all, it's only an engagement, not his wedding.. Hehe.. (saja sedapkan hati)

I went to penang not placing any hope to clock a good time, what more a personal best. I dont even hope for a sub-5 timing. I've been slacking with training with the last LSD being the newton race more than 2 months ago. The target was to only to complete the race injury free and to have have an enjoyable time running on the bridge.

I swear i was salt overdosed prior to and during the race. And i think i was also overhydrated. Not wanting to experience potential cramps, i bloated myself with 3 litres of water diluted with 10 sachets of ors. Feeling that alone was not enough i brought along with myself nuun salt tablet to be consumed while running. And not to forget the customary bananas walloping for instant energy.

I started off steadily with my normal pace. Not too slow and not too fast for sure. I was still good entering the bridge phase and scaling the incline at the middle of the bridge. It was airry and breezy which was divine to me, just like when i ran on the bridge for the first time last year. I was still okay after the u-turn at the far end of the bridge with my pace still intact.

As i strode to scale the incline at the middle of the bridge, it was drizzling which was nice as it gave cooling effect sensation. I hope the drizzle would last till the end of race. Boy, was i wrong. As the full marathoners converged with half marathoners at the middle of the bridge, the drizzle transformed into torrent and i had a whale of a time running cum showering..

It was still raining hard when mr.cramps started saying hi to me. It was when i passed the 26th km marker that i felt minor jolts at my shins muscles. It was still ignorable when i slowed my pace. A few 100 metres away, the real muscle cramps started rearing its ugly heads. Both shins and thigh muscles felt stiff and i was statutorily unable to move. I was literally standing in the middle of thousands of thronging runners waiting to be trampled by them. I managed to make my way to the side of the road. Lucky that i brought a long deep heat lotion tube and applied the lotion on my shins and thighs.

From then on it was a 80% walking – 20% running affair. I was reduced to walking most of the time. To top that, after the bridge phase ended, the full marathoners needed to run a mentally torturing, neverending, stretch. It was so frustrating that while i still had my energy fueling me, my running effort was hampered by mr.cramps. Everytime i lifted my thighs and legs to run, the muscles compacted drastically that it was unbearably painful . I lost track of how many cramps-attack i had as it kept revisiting even when i was walking. That was how bad the cramps attacks were to me. I swear by that time, i have already popped into my mouth 5 nuun tablets but they were frustratingly futile.

I have lost the sense of time, but i knew i would clock more than 5.30 hours as the 5.30 hours pacers passed snail-pacing me. I was still walking when i converged with eager 10km runners. Couldn’t care less, i decided to walk among them as it was still painful to resume running. It was approximately at the last 3 kilometers that pui san called my name to join her with the rest of the runners pacing the 6 hours pacer, choi cc. Strangely, the cramps disappeared and i could run a modest pace. I was pacing alongside zaki yui the last kilometers. We crossed the finishing line together and clocked almost the same timing.

I am glad that i finished the race despite the timing was way off my personal best time (1 hour and 19 minutes). I clocked my personal worst at pbim but learned a very valuable lesson from it. To run a full marathon, one must be fit physically and mentally. Even when one is mentally strong, it wont just jive if one’s physical is unfit. I don’t blame anything else for my unflattering timing, i don’t blame the futile NUUN tablets or the ORS or even the torrential rain (which is believed to be the major cause for the cramps). I put the total blame on myself for slacking off with training which resulted to my unfitness.

InsyaAllah, I will put much effort on training on my next full marathon at Putrajaya Night Marathon which is slated to be on January 2011.

Verdict Full Marathon PBIM10

Timing : 05:46:53 hours

Position: 743

p/s: btw, I am pulling out from Stanchart Singapore. Therefore,  interested, yet to be registered runner may have my bib.

p/p/s: congrats to those who finished PBIM irregardless of categories. Good job! Kudos to those who emerged as finishers with PB.

p/p/p/s: thanks kakjune for the kedai runcit. The sight of you and ijam’s friend alone gave morale boost to RBUs especially the budding FMVs.

family first

If running is a job, I am going to shirk one particular job. The PBIM ’10 job. Apparently, the date coincides with that of engagement of my younger brother. Too bad for me that my family only decided the engagement date last week. It did occur to me to forgo this engagement thingy and put my runner self above all plans. Come to think of it, my brother only gets engaged once, and I surely want all my family around me on that special day should my turn comes only-god-knows-when. Yeah, I have to place my priorities right. And it is without doubt a right thing to put family first above all things. It’s the most natural thing to do.

With that my FM Bib has changed hands. I am gonna miss running on the wee hours of the morning on Penang Bridge. I am gonna miss running while enjoying the gust of sea breeze blowing my face. And I am gonna miss the food hunt right after the run just like what my friends and I did last year. And ultimately I am gonna miss fellow quirky runner friends' good company.. :(

In another light, this comes as a blessing as I am really undertrained to run a full marathon. The longest run I did was during the Newton 25km Race. And that is all about it.

Alas, memory lane could not be revisited this year. And I am cool about it knowing I am doing the right thing. :)

failure to launch

I attempted a recovery run, post GTB yesterday evening. It was at the usual playground, picc-masjidputra-picc. Did the customary warming up of muscles and loosening the joints prior to the run. I knew I must run this 11km route, as I would do on any normal day.

Sadly, it was an attempt that failed unceremoniously at its premature phase. It was after a 100 meters that my shin muscles felt stiff, as if they were compacted by some mysterious force. I tried to ignore the uneasiness and proceeded on. The uneasiness recurred as I strode a few more meters and that was when I decided to call it a day.

I knew I have to love my body first rather than forcing it to work beyond its capacity, though deep down i felt tinge of jealousy as other runners have started recovery runs as early as Monday morning, the day after GTB ..

a repenting slacker

Guilty as charged!

*clearing cobwebs* I know I am such a slacker. I slack in updating my running escapades and I also slack BIG TIME in training. Slacking in documenting my running activities does not hurt much, but slacking in training really took its toll on me. After completing my first FM at SCKLM, I began to play truant from training, citing commitments to works as culprits. There was one time I haven’t run for almost a month resulting my stamina plunging to its lowest. Due to almost non-existent training, I performed terribly in few races clocking undesirable time i.e Men’s Health Run 12 km (1hr 05 mins) Newton 25km (2hr43mins).

It is only of late that my training begin to pick up its mileage but it is really nothing to shout about if compared to powermen-to-be’s (you know who you are) mileages. And I haven’t been running LSDs since god knows when. OMG! I am so screwed up! It is scaring the shit out of me knowing that I have 2 weeks more to prepare for my 2nd FM at PBIM2010. I am gonna go all out with mileages before the big day arrives come 21 November 2010.

On another development, I participated in Genting Trailblazers last weekend partnering Shanaz in the mixed category. I prefer our team to be called The Peejays (peejays as in Putrajaya) but shanaz don’t like the idea and she preferred Fit and Fabulous instead which sounded corny to me. Hehe. This is my 2nd year scaling the hills and jungle of Genting. And hell yes, we had whale of a fun doing it with company of close friends and quirky RBUs’s antics as cherry on top. Overall, it was a great and challenging race (always love the scaling and sliding down the muddy hills part and not to forget the mineral rich mudbath at the end) and we ended up securing 22nd placing (original target was to be in the top 10! Fat chance!)Okay dah tu..

From today onwards, I promise myself to incorporate running as part of my life’s routines emulating what some people has diligently been doing (read: syah, yim, shanaz, zack yui, rayzeef, our powermen friends, etc) and not to forget to reenact my running activities in the form of write ups in this godforsaken blog.. InsyaAllah, preferably microblogging would just do it.. 

My mi adidas Baby

My good friend Wira insisted to get me a present for my 29 forever birthday (denial! I am 30 btw) and demanded me to name anything I want for a birthday gift. And his idea of birthday present has always been something that is practical and functional. Something that wont be tossed inside the store room for lack of functionality. For me, it is way too much for one to ask/request/demand a birthday gift from people. It’s sheer indulgence. Simple birthday wish or a lunch treat would just bowl me over. :)

But he was persistenc and asked whether I would want running gears as a gift. Then I had eureka moment (insert bulb here)! I have been meaning to get myself a new pair of running shoes (or adding a new pair to existing collection for that matter, which is my one and only pair of Saucony Triumph 6, LOL!). I know that unlike others, i am such a miser for not indulging much into my hobby/passion. Others indulge themselves with expensive running gears like garmins, 2XU tights, HRM, visors, supplements etc. But yours truly is sheer cheapskate. Hands down! LOL!

My old trusty Saucony Triumph 6. Kasut ni best gile. Tak caya tanye Shuk.

I told him that I am an Adination runner passport holder which entitles me to enjoy for 50% discount of any purchase of miadidas shoes. And I further told him that mi adidas is a marketing stunt by adidas that allows buyer to customize the shoes according to the nature of his/her feet and running gaits. One can also personalize the design and color according to the runner’s preference. The cherry on top is that, one can even put his/her name on the shoes!. Wira agreed to the idea and off we went to Adidas outlet in Pavillion on one fine weekend.

 

Normally, one would need to screen their feet on a feet scanner to determine what kind of feet one is running on, be it natural arch, low arch or high arch or whether one is a pronator or whether one is a forefeet runner or midfeet runner etc. These findings would help one to choose the correct type of liner and sole for the shoes to maximise comfort and its functions. Since I already know what my shoes size is and what type my feet are, I skipped the process and straight away went to the best part of miadidas shoes creation that is customization and personalization.

I opted to customize my shoes after the Supernova Sequence II model as it is cushioni-er than other option for running shoes that is Adizero Tempo. I tried putting my feet in Adizero Tempo and found it a lot less cushiony. I could even feel the flatness and the chillness of the floor. I think Adizero Tempo would suit best if one only wears it on raceday due to its lightweight. I was looking for a trainer and I need something that is durable and could last wear and tear longer.

An adidas representative helped me in customizing the shoes through a software in the miadidas website. As the software is accessible online, it would be easier if one has beforehand customized their preferred shoe model before going to the outlet. That would prevent rushing of customizing which can cause faulty in designing and personalizing. Though on-the-shelf Supernova Sequence II are meant for pronators, I could personalize it to be a normal-feet running shoes by selecting preferable width, type of sockliner and sole! Aint that great?!

After wrapping up with the customization process, the adidas reps informed that the details of the customization has been stored in the database and the shoes wil be manufactured in China and will be ready in 1 and half month to 2 months time.

I received a call from an adidas rep last week informing that my baby is ready for collection. I went to the outlet in pavilion yesterday, all excited and giddy to see my baby.

Presenting you my current love affair, Adidas Crushio.

Macam colour transformers bumble bee tu kan?

I havent had the chance to run in it yet. And i am sure it will take quite sometimes to break them in. Tried walking in them. The cushiony feeling is divine! Will blog about its performance one day!

p/s: The best thing is, an Adination of Runners's passport holder can enjoy this 50% discount of mi adidas shoes once a year! Thats very generous! Marilah beramai-ramai jadi ahli adination of Runners and customize your own mi adidas baby!

Thank You, Adination. And Wira of course!

Full Marathon : Checked!

I was very ambitious enough to aim a sub-5 finish as i learned most newbies finish more than 5 hours on their 1st full marathon attempt. Despite that, instead of following the 5 hours pacer, i followed the 4 hours pacer so if i fall behind, it would be still within sub 5 hours time. It's more like a safety net mechanism for me to materialise my goal. But if it is more than  5 hours i would still be more than contented completing it. After all, it's my maiden full marathon, finishing it alone, regardless of time clocked,  would still make me feel like a million buck..

It rained for the 1st 10km. Quite hard but not torrential. Something that i have always wondered how does it feel like running in the rain on a race day. I found it very relaxing and chilling. At the initial phase of the course, i feel like i have run an indefinite eternity only to discover that i have only covered 5km! dang! It meant that i had to cover 8 more eternities to complete the whole course. Double dang!

1st half of the course was ran good. My limbs were doing great and energy level was still good (thanx to 5 bananas that i walloped before the race) and there were no signs of cramps as yet. I ran the normal pace that i used to run during LSDs. Not too pushing and not too laid back. 

The 21km marker was at Jalan Bukit Bintang where it came with a digital timer. It indicated 2hours and 8minutes the moment i passed the marker. I quickly made a mental calculation that if i could maintain current (at that time) stride and pace, i could clock a sub 4.30 hours timing. i restrategized. i made it a point that i must run between 4 hours pacers and 4.30 hours pacers in order to finish below 4.30 hours. Taking into accounts potential cramps, lethargy and time taken at every water station breaks, i had a leeway of 2 hours of 22 minutes to achieve my new target time.

It was at kilometer 27  that i felt presence of cramps on my both legs. It was mild ones on right limb and hard ones on my left achille's heel, calf and thigh. I never experienced cramps before, not even during LSDs, probably because my LSD never passed the 25km wall. The cramps were kinda throbbing and at the same time jolting and stretching the muscle hard. Thank god, they were not acute that i have to completely stop running and nurse them.

From there onwards, i ran cautiously. I couldnt stretch my legs for bigger stride to reduce the frequency of cramps. I made it mandatory to stop at every water station to replenish the lost electrolyte with 100 plus drinks and at medical aid team to apply ointments on my cramped limbs. It was indeed a run driven by mental strength the moment the cramps reared its ugly heads.

As my mental strength was at its lowest along the tijani stretch, the sight of julie wong, kash and rais at KM36 really gave me a mental boost. These people are  angels  in disguise. They cheered, they came out with motivational placards, they even distributed drinks and foods to runner friends. All in the name of love and passion for running. God bless them!

KM 35 till KM 40 is the playground of RBUs where we used to happily frolicking and gallivanting while exchanging anecdotes and jokes in our LSD session. But this time around, the stretch was passed by rather strugglingly with mental mantra i.e, u can do it, bring it on, sikit je lagi, relentless forward motion etc. By this time the sun has risen, the heat has depleted the energy level tremendously and occurrence of cramps has become more often. All i wanted at that time was to see the finishing arch.

But not so fast, it is not over until it is really over, the finishing arch would have to wait . At KM 40, runners were made to run uphill into Kementerian Kerja Raya only to do a u-turn at the mid-climb. It was totally a mental torture, why oh why must the organizer do this to us? why? jerit hati kecilku.LOL! i plodded on. i dared not to take walk-breaks as i was afraid that i would surpass 4.30hrs time. 

The turning to Jalan TAR was somehow a breath of fresh air. the  physical lethargy, the mental exhaustion and the cramps strangely disappeared. The turning converged all runner from all categories. Suddenly there was merriment in the air. An atmosphere so festive that triggered me to run with head held up high towards the finishing line as if my limbs were as good as new.

i lost my full marathon cherry the moment i crossed the finish line. I did it!. It was an epic run for me. Epic enough for a john doe like  me. It was indeed an episode to remember in my life. An achievement that i would never thought of earning before.

I thank Allah for giving me good health that has enabled me to complete this epic race injury free. I would like to attribute this personal achievement of mine to the  support systems (RBUs, FMVs, Kaki Lariks, AdiNation Runners) that has strengthened my belief that full marathon is doable. You guys are the coolest! I am also thankful to myself for having the bravado to take this marathon challenge as i badly need something to be proud of myself. Here's to many FM races to come, insyaAllah!

verdict : 42.195km - 4 hours and 27 mins (PB @ PW)
ranking : 344

Apakah Perasaan Ini?

While I should be peaking in gathering mileages 2 weeks back, I was bogged down with injury which resulted myself not being able to run for two weeks. That’s TWO FREAKING WEEKS! Considering myself a 4-days-a-week-with-minimum-10km-per-session runner, that was a massive blow to me! I knew that I was gonna miss the adrenaline rush, my endorphine dose, and the highs that I got from sweats trickling down my face. During the first few days of resting, I twitched madly to run, and did run once only to find that the injury would have to stay at the back of my right knee joint for quite a while. So a running hiatus I took instead of going full swing with the mileage.

I am now 90% recovered and have done two 11km runs and 2 LSDs since I first resumed running after recovering. The pain is still there though its presence is faint. During the runs, I discovered that my body could not accustom to my usual running tempo, stride and speed. I’ve to be cautious with my running gait in fear of further worsening the pain. Apart from that, i easily pant and grasp for air. While breathing is laborious and sluggishness is evident, the ever irritating side twitch is felt too. In short, I am not the runner I used to be.

Somehow or rather, this has only waned the pre-race jitters that I normally experience in other big races for I know I am not gonna fare well and as I don’t prepare well.

Unlike Kak June, Yim, FMVs, RBU, GBS, Kaki Lariks who are now being taunted by pre-race jitter bugs or the thumping of Kompang that Diket keeps hearing as SCKLM is inching nearer, I don’t feel the same gung-ho-ness when I am about to embark into an epic chapter in my running book. Ironically, i feel emotionless when I should feel giddy and zesty. IT'S MY FIRST FULL MARATHON, FOR GOD SAKE! I know I am gonna get the zest back, but not before the big day. :(

Whatever it is, I am gonna run and finish the race nevertheless, but not as my normal runner-self.

p/s: Good Luck, folks! Run within safe limits. More importantly have fun running. Lets blaze the streets of KL!