New Balance Pacesetters 30km

New Balance Pacesetters 30km
Location: KL(Malaysia)
17th Jan 2010
Time: 5:30am

This is the 3rd time i came over to KL for this event. Though the sponsor have changed and location slightly shifted, but the slopes remain the SAME!

It is a tough run.I am fully aware of it. I am prepared for it. I am taking this as part of the milestone as i prepare for the big event in March. If i can't event take this, how will i fare in March? No matter what, the run will goes on.

It was 4:30am when we meet the rest at Petailing street and walk to the start point. Garmin battery flat on the way there(i didn't charge for a few days) and i left it in the bag deposit. Whatever come, come. Let fates show me the way.

The cutoff time is 3:30hr. Each 10km is 1:10hr. I should be able to handle 7min/km pace i feel. Let see if i can do it.

Nothing fanciful, the race starts. I started behind controlling my pace. As usual everyone surge forward or rather i keep getting overtaken at the beginning. In fact a few runners that i recognise(that are typically slower) have overtaken myself. I felt abit uncomfortable on the pace. Don't know if the engine has gone kaupult or the slopes are causing some discomfort at this early stage of the run.

Not able to tell if HR is higher or pace of the run is causing undue stress on myself as i slowly move onwards with caution.

Water points is 5km apart. Of course, can't take that as distance, but will do no matter what.

First water station is around 33mins. System seem to be holding okay. Nothing to be alarm of as the slopes seem very familiar. Still feeling strong. 2nd water point like 1:13hr. Still felt alright, hopefully the engine don't fails at me.

Saw a few familiar faces as they make U-turn way in front. I have a few runners that are running around the same pace which i can take as pacer. Seems like local runners, so should be alright.

15km reached. Can't recall what time reached, but i felt i am on 7min/km schedule. Cool. Slowing move forwards. I getting slightly concern as i don't know how the engine will holds. Will i falter....the confidence still weak :p

Overtook Tao around 18km. Saw her walking. Sigh. She seems so strong and going at good pace. She should be good to go under 3:30hr. I keep thinking of the scene in Tokyo 2008. At 18km compare to 38km(in Tokyo), she is not going to make it. :(

Reached 20km(water point) in 2:19hr. I am on target. I also know that the engine is going to slow down. I can feel in the body. From there onwards, instead of running all the way, i have to walk up the slope fast and run on the flat and glide down slope.

Little did i know, the slopes are getting steeper from there onwards or the body getting tired more. wahaha... Put on my Mp3, i have to put more effort to make up the time.

Saw Evangeline around 23km. She runs slow and steady, while i slowly crept up. When she takes a break around 26km, i overtook here. I didn't slow down for her as i have a target to reach, leaving her behind.

Have to resort to my trusted walk/run strategy from there onwards till the end. It was a good run from there onwards. I really wish i have my HRM with me to keep track of the pace/HR at this moment. It will do good for training log. Sigh.

Slow and steady reached the end in 3:26hr. Still feeling decent. I guess i could have done much faster. Anymore, coming in under 3:26hr is good enough for me. Cool.

It is nice to see more familiar and smiling faces in the bright daylight. Spent some time catching up and soak into the atmosphere.

A long walk back to Hotel.

Good break to be in KL. Now must focus on getting ready for March event.

Wedding Run - Snap Shots!

R & B Wedding Run 2009

It is one(RUN) that Tigger know is inevitable. It is one that Tigger have volunteer long time back to be the organiser for the RUN. Today is the day when the RUN finally take place.

The relationship started off somewhere along the hidden line when we do our runs. While Tigger leading the run in the front, these couple went romantic patoring behind. Not that he doesn't know, but as to all good thing, let it brew naturally. If it comes, it come.

The planning for the run, didn't go as smooth as one predicted. Tigger plan something big and involve a few parties. As time come nearer, things have to change, chop and ...... as all things in life, it has to resolve by itself when the bridge come closer for "crossing".

Wedding Run - Theme

Xiong Di run will start at Kallang MRT, whereas the Jie Mei run will kick off from Bedok Reservior. Both group will meet somewhere along ECP. There are games, fun and laughter galore along the way as we celebrate the union of our friends - Ronnie and Bee.

Xiong Di Run:
Meet at 6:45am
Run start at 7am.
Meet at Kallang MRT control tower
Distance 8km(estimate).

Jie Mei Group:
Meet at 7:00am
Run start at 7:15am
Meet at Bee’s place, Blk 625 Bedok Reservoir Road
Distance: 6km.

Both run group will cross each other at 8am along ECP at a stretch at ECP C4 carpark and Marine Parade. We will run together to the end point somewhere nearby ECP(Macdonald).

This is the Wedding Run for Ronnie and Bee

From the Xiong Di Run:

We meet at Kallang MRT along the steps leading to the control tower. It was quite a gathering of about 20 pax. With the lead of Littletigger and Personal Assistance cum producer (Andy Gan), the run was fun filling throughout.

We ran, take photos, joke along as we make our way from Kallang via Sims Way, Mountbatten Road to ECP.

The Ang Kong Kong shirt is abit too tight for Ronnie. Weather was hot as we ran along Mountbatten Road. Ronnie tried to unbutton a few of the knots to the dismay of the producer and have to stop a few time to "fix" it up. The producer is pretty strict!

Apart from various stops at the traffic junction. It was a smooth run. The run did a pit stop at B1(ECP).

At B1, we fix up more stuffs on the groom. The traditional string of cans are tied up. This time round, we have 3 strings of cans! We have a red cloth(with a ball) that sling across the chest. A Origami Flower(for the bride later) was carried by the groom. A few pom poms are given to the supporting runners.

After a short break, we started our run towards ECP C4 carpark amid noisy tin-can noise from the strings of empty cans and cheers/applause from bewilder onlookers along the way.

The two front pom pom guys did a good job in bring in the crowd appreciate with their high flying antics. It was hilarious to say the least! The bigger the crowd, the louder the laughter and more enthusiastic of the pom pom moves!

We pause at C4 carpark to wait for the Jie Mei runners.

From the Jie Mei Run:

The group of 7 jiemeis arrived at bee's place, most of us fashionably late :)

In fact, even before we set off, we got news that the guys have already reached ecp! But that didn't deter us from taking many photos before we started. Well, like what tekko said, since we're so late already, 5mins more won't make any difference.

We ran towards Kembangan with bee donning a bridal veil with an ang kong kong top, talk about east-west fusion! Chatted a lot (well what else can you expect when women come together? ha! and took a whole lot of photos along the way.

The pace of the run was relatively fast, not because we were late, but because.....of obvious reasons! The bride can't wait to see the groom! awwwww

Took a break at Kembangan MRT station and added the 2 trails of cans to the entourage. Wow, the joyous sounds of the wedding bells cans attracted the attention of passers-by, cyclists, and even dogs along the park connector.

Very soon, we reached the foot of the overhead bridge.

Both group cross path on the bridge. As though any love scene, the run was slow and choreography and finally the bride and groom hug each other with a swirling movement, follow by a kiss.




The endless kisses scenes engulf the lovely atmosphere on the bridge. Cameras and flashes fired away making it like a mini firework during CNY.

The couple hold hands head across to C4 to meet up with our game master cum counsellor.

The Game:

Game master set a 4 sets of game string together. Any of the game didn't make it, will have to start from beginning. One of the couple will do 1 game and baton over to the other half to continue the next game. Giving the atmosphere, it is only appropriate that kisses are use to hand over the game sequence to another party.

First game is using a string tie a ball with a stick(with a holder) . The aim is to swing the ball upwards and use the stick(holder) to catch the ball without letting if fall off.

Second game is to get a cup with 5 ounces of water from the sea. A weighing machine and cup are used.

Third game is to roll a ball and make sure it stop between the lines about 4 meters away.

Forth game is to "lego" a small pyramid within 3mins.

The game master and producer are very STRICT! The game NG at least 10times! The bride and groom had a hard time. Some frustration was witnessed, which was expected as part of the game. In the end, the whole gang conspired to help the couple get through stage 3 of the game, by setting up a 'wall' so that the ball wouldn't roll any further.

The game end with the counsellor giving them a debrief. Wow, an interesting finishing to an auspicious run.

The Acknowledge:

The run couldn't have gone through without the cooperation of the wedding couple and many helpers that share their valuable time/money/effort to make this a wonderful experiences.

The supporting cast:

Ronnie (groom)
Bee (Bride)
Littletigger (OKT)
Sotong (Game master/Counsellor)
Andy(PA/producer)
SportsVenturer (Wardrobe)
Stuck (Tin cans/Miscellaneous)
Yankee (Miscellaneous)
Cyberkinetic (Miscellaneous)
Brokenrunner (Mamasan)
Tekko (Driver)
Lovelle22 (helper)
Tao (Wardrobe/Miscellaneous)
ST (Miscellaneous)
Sucbaparents(Miscellaneous)

This is a combined effort FR between LT & Roonz

Goffy's Race and a Half Challenge

It started off a couple of years back. I am totally amaze by the finishing medals for Disney Marathons in Orlando(Florida).

I wanted to do the Disney race last year, but i was too late to register when i make up the mind, so no choice. This time round, i gather the troops way before hand and jump at the gun of "midnight" registration to make sure i get a slot!

Afrter much planning, we are off for a race of a magical moment.

Goffy's race consist of 21km on Saturday and 42km on Sunday. A back to back run...It was an concept. With my fitness(or rather lack of it), i am sure i can still make the timing.

Date: 10 Jan 2009
Time: 5:50am
Distance: 21km
Starting Point: Epcot
Weather: Cold - estimate 5-15 deg c throughout the run
Medal: Donald Duck Finisher Medal
Cut Off time: 3:30hr

It was a cold dark morning(too early to have sunlight) when the race started with fireworks and blessing from Micky, Minnie, Goffy and Donald. Cool.

I find myself warming up pretty fast for this run. Around 1km i feel shiok. I have to control my pace. At the beginning we ran always together, taking photos of every 1 mile and beautiful sights.

I felt strong and almost wanting to speed up, but i control. Knowing tomorrow will be another long run ahead, no point going faster for no apparent reason. Furthermore just wanna go slow and enjoy the atmosphere.

Manage to take some photos of Disney character along the way. Which was cool.

Ran with Divey in the middle of the race after caught up with her. Her race started 10mins earlier than mine. Not actually true, i deliberate stay back to start the run with the rest of the kaki today. No point going solo since not aiming for PB(with my condition PW more likely, not to mention about PB!)

We ran for a mile or so together and i have to push on as my legs feel abit strain and i want to end this run ASAP to give myself more rest time.

Catch up with a few folks from IRAS. Too Kar was there as well! Cool..another too member as well.

I was surprise to see her in Orlando(doing Goffy as well). This too kar, deserve a spank! Don't reply email!

Ran and chit chat with Too Kar for a couple of miles and have to push on as legs are getting fading fast.

Slow, but steady, completed the 21th km in 2:14hr.

Waited for the IRAS team to came back and take photos with the National Flag(borrow from Too Sim). Cool.

Photos of the event here.

Date: 10 Jan 2009
Time: 5:50am
Distance: 42km
Starting Point: Epcot
Weather: Cold - estimate 5-20 deg c throughout the run
Medal: Mickey Mouse Finisher Medal
Cut Off time: 7:00hr

As per yesterday, we are back at the starting line once again.

The legs are strained and felt tired before the event even started. This is the consequences for having lack of training in preparation of the event. Given the situation on hands, there is something i can and cannot afford to do. I know i can do it, only a matter of timing.

Shortly after the run start, the strains appear early. By the time i reached 21km, i have to resort to walk and run. It is going to be ugly.

This could be my last event before i going for my retirement. I have to treasure whatever is "left" of it. Injury(sure will have later) or not, it doesn't really matter now. Will there be another one? I don't know. Whatever it is, let fate leads me.

Walk, Run, struggling along, taking pictures as well. In a snail pace, i manage to "crawl" to complete the event in 5:43:24hr

Photos FR for the event here.


I have come a long way. I glad it ended as plan. Looking at the bright side, things could be much worst.

Disney Marathon 09 - Pictures FR

Date: 11 Jan 09
Time: 5:50am
Distance: 42.195km
Venue: Disney Orlando Florida(Epcot)

Instead of the typical Marathon FR. Shalt let the pictures do the talking this time round.

Enjoy the pictures here.

Disney 1/2 Marathon 09 - short pic FR

Just a quick brief(with photos) on the event.

More of it later, when everything is sorted out.

Pictures FR here.

Long Weekend

Kinabalu Trip

I have been thinking of going back to Mount Kinabalu since the last trip. I want to do it at a leisure pace.

Have been putting off the trip for various reason. Finally get an opportunity and end up i have to do it myself! Well, sometime in order to get thing right, i just have to do it myself.

I know quite a few folks have been willing to climb Mount Kinabalu to fulfil their "been there, done that" goal. It is time to put my foot down and just do it.

It took a while to round up and trim the entourage until 7 of us. It was tough to set a date and getting the reservation as Mount KK takes about 3-4 months prior reservation. Furthermore July is a peak season, so getting a slot in March was challenging to say the least.

It is much easy to let other do the planning whereas i just "pay and go". Sometime i don't know why i have to plan all these thing and get myself unnecessary headache. Maybe i enjoy doing this. Maybe i am one of those "if i don't go to HELL, who else will"

7 of us make the trip to Kota Kinabalu on 18th July. We spent 5 days in Sabah. 2 days of travelling, 2 days at Mount Kinabalu and 1 day for River rafting.

As a whole, i would say it is a fun trip. I don't know about others, but my objectives are achieve. I hope everyone enjoy the trip as well.

As we go through new experience(frontier), we share and pick up valuable experiences along the way. Sometime not so good, sometime we are lucky, other time it went according to plan. I always have something new each time.

It has a kampung feeling going to Kota Kinabalu. As though i am back in the 80s in my childhood days. I have to think hard what other matter might entice me to go back again though.

Time to move on...next stop...Cameron Highlands.

Thanks to Mark, the photos are here, there and everywhere. :)

National Day Photos

Lene msn me, is this you?

Check here.

Hmmm.....what is that????

Well, 43 photos are selected for this year National Day photos competition...and hehe...

The rest of the photos are here.

A Jolly Day

A good day to bike. A smooth ride, full of water on the bike at the end of it. Hehe....

It was slight drizzle this morning. I like this kind of morning bike to kick start a day. :)

Day wasn't complete until we have a share of Durain this evening.

Suppose to meet up at 6:20pm with Seo, but the traffic was so bad that i was there at 6:25pm, despite coming out early. The traffic is getting from bad to worst. Sigh.

Called Seo, he aeroplane! Still in office...blah..blah...blah...*spank*

I have to walk a long way to Lor 21. On the way pass alot of china "working" ladies along the kopi shop and walkways. Wow,this is something new to me....maybe i have not been there often enough...Most if not all are CMI....*sigh...hehe*

Have dinner at Sim Avenue before meeting with them for Durain session.

3 pieces of $2 durains...not bad....didn't know at such price the quality is good. Proceed with D24...3 for $10...Wow, i think i can live with the $2 durains. :) We take another round of 5 pieces of $2 piece. I was fulled, the rest mah...still have some capacity to load....:)

Proceed for the "tim sum" shop...can't load in leow...the rest continue to feast....poor me....:(

Durain festive season leow...time to hunt for more durain....hehe......

Sgrunners 3rd Anniversary

It has been 3 years now. Seem like it was so long ago! It wasn’t like good things, time flies, boring stuff times seem to be standstill. I was heavily involved in the Sgrunners Infant year (1st year). It is like a baby to me. I have to bath, feed, and nurture her carefully. I have witness many pitfalls in other forums and afraid that she will goes down the same path. She grows up a beautiful and healthy forum.

First year anniversary, I was the organizer. 2nd year, I was a member soaking in the fun. This year, I decided to help up in organizing the game.

It was fun working with Sotong on the games. He is creative to say the least.

I arrived slightly after 12 noon slightly earlier than the official 2:30pm. I was there to help up in preparation of the event. It was fun to see so many familiar faces around, each helping up as much as we could. Coming from different background, it is always enjoyable to see such cooperation.

The place that the event was held was a little packed, it was a kind gesture from Geylang Serai CC, can’t complain much. At least it was air-con environment! Having games in aircon environment for a change is “cool”.

Quite a big turn out and as usual the atmosphere and games is top notch. Ahem…ok..The pictures from my camera will speak volume of it. :p

It was a fun and enjoyable day to see many new faces and catch up with many old birdies. Seeing everyone (almost) enjoying the games make up to time spends.

I was informed I look tired on a few occasions. Maybe I haven’t taken my customary nap after this morning run. Well, certain thing can wait, isn’t?

Pictures upload here.

Happy Birthday Sgrunners.

Tigger Going GC?

Netherland Trip 7-12 June

Netherland Day 1

Netherland Day 2

Netherland Day 3

Netherland Day 4

Netherland Day 5

Beautiful - Simply

"I hope you don't get eaten!" That what Kees said to me before we started the run.

I miss my dinner literally because of this! Damn, its worth it! :)

Rest of the pictures here.