One Day Soon

Mac Ritchie 25 Ultra Marathon

“Keep on doing what you love to do. When you do what you love, eventually love will find its way to you” – Quoted from Hilwan blog

After running the 10km Rakan Muda Run in the morning, i took the midnight bus to SG from TBS-BTS (Terminal Bersepadu Tasik Selatan). I had hoped that i could get some rest on the bus before running the MR25 Ultra Marathon the next morning, i didn’t booked a Hotel – decided to sleep on the bus.

Unfortunately for me the sleeping part did not really happened as the bus arrived at Lavender street at 4 a.m. – 2 hours early!

I took a taxi and gone straight to Mac Ritchie Park and arrived at 4:30 am, way before any runners nor organiser arrived.

It’s was a drama getting to the park, as my bad luck continued. Unfortunately, I took a Cab with a PRC driver, whom speak little English and does not know the way to Mac Ritchie park! Instead, he handed me the book map of SG and asked me to show him the Mac Ritchie Park in the map. What? Come on! I have high expectation of SG Cab drivers before this! This utterly nonsense, i had to call Kash at 4:00 am and plead her to direct the cabbie to the Mac Ritchie Park! Thanks a million Kash, if it weren’t for you i might be circling around SG with the uncle Cabbie PRC….duh

I rested a bit at the park bench before performing my Subuh prayer there, runners started arriving by the numbers as the clock ticked by. This was my 1st MR25 run and with the lack of proper rest and sleep deprived, my strategy of running my Virgin MR25 on this lovely Sunday morning was to take it real easy and try to complete the minimum 5 loops (51km).

The run started at 7:00 am with 300 lucky runners (limited runners), good job with organizer banning the transfer of bibs. Only qualified and legally registered runners are given the coveted finisher vest.

What no medal? Yes no medal, we crazy ultra runners was running for the 2XU vest only, plus some pride and bragging rights. There were strong numbers of Malaysian runners that came to run MR25, which i could describe as too familiar with the word – ULTRA.

I started running with front pack just to get some mileage before everyone started overtaking me, i forgot how painful it was running this trail with the loose stones and hard sharp rock scattered all over since the last TNF.

I swore i never came back to Mac Ritchie Park right after completing TNF, but look at me now…

After 1 loop i remembered back all the TNF Hell in details, thankfully the weather was kind to us, cooling and light drizzles somewhere along the run. Oh thanks to MM Clifford for collecting my bib and good luck for his HK100 Ultra Marathon, he told me that his recent 100km TMBT was only “an exercise” for his HK adventure. I just stared at him, too numb to response to this insanely macho statement...

 

Kash came to support us runners

Two slow loops completed without any problem, just plain hungry coz did not have breakfast before the run. The Mushroom cafe at the park was not open before we started the race, so i was depending solely on Mars Bar and Powergel to fuel my run. Really bad strategy…

It was great a race running with Ultra Maniacs buddies such as Nyoman, Superman Yimster, Frank, Jeff, Poh Chye, Uncle Oliver, Yip, Sam, Mohan the Kenyaporean, plus other super duper athletes.

Unlike the 10km Rakan Muda run yesterday, i felt at ease running Ultra distance which allowed me to run at my “happy pace”. It’s too demanding for me running shorter distances with the huffing and puffing just to keep hold on to the fast pace.

 

With Frank at the half way point (the turn around)

It was around 11:30 am and i just completed my 3rd loops, great timing as lunch was served in boxes. Decided to stop and ate with Frank as i was famished, did a PB eating that wonderful rice:)

After our meal, it was just another 2 loops to complete the minimum 51km, Frank and I walked the first few km due to our full belly, after few clicks i decided to run slowly as Frank decided to continue walking.

Nearing the end of the fourth loops, Mohan caught up with me; i was slowing down nearing to a walking pace. But as always, when running with Mohan it’s like he’s blowing magic aura out of his whistle, all of a sudden i gained back my proper running pace and i learnt something from Mohan that day. How to run trail properly and how to run efficiently on those sharp hard rocks, thanks Mohan. Every time i learnt something new from Mohan the Marathon Guru.

MR25 was a great experience, as fellow runners encouraged each other as we passed by in the trails, just like TUC. As i was about to complete the 5th loops, the sky opened up and it rains heavily, cool heavy showers great for the runners soul. Completed 51km in 8:26 , showered and changed into dry clothes before making my way to back KL, via JB (midnight bus).

More than 24 hours of non-stop running and travelling is a good start to train for multi-days Ultra Marathon eh? Sounds like Sabah adventure running will be high on my agenda list next year.

MMU Rakan Muda Run

The 10.4 km run was considered as my speed training before taking the midnite bus to SG for the MR25 Ultra Marathon Trail on Sunday morning.

The plan was not to pushed too much, as i was reserving my energy for the impending Ultra Marathon the next day.

Started the run at 7 am, start slow and pace well throughout the first few kilometres; when my body felt warm enough i pushed on a faster pace. The route was considered semi-hilly, some runners called it mini-Ammah Hills. But those inclined really tested my endurance, half way through about 5km i settled into my pace and started to chase few runners in front of me. Darn, short speed run is not really my cup of tea, my lung screams for me to slow down but i refused and endured till the end.

I completed this run with the timing of 52 minutes, my second running event in Cyberjaya and my maiden run at MMU. What a way to start your Saturday morning right peeps?

Now some rest before taking the bus to SG and embarking on 24 hours non stop travel and Ultra Marathoning.

With the usual suspects after the run

PBIM Grand Slam

I just realised this when updating my photos in Picasa today.

I have completed the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) Grand Slam, the Full Marathon medal that i acquired recently completed the medal set.

I did a back-to-back run last year (2010), doing a 10km recovery run after completing the Half Marathon.

Little that i knew then, this would later be a unique collection of hard earn running Medals in my possession.

Running Shoes for Orang Asli

Today i donated my old running shoes to the Running Lab, although i missed the 11th Dec dateline to get RM100 vouchers, i really did not care as long as these shoes find new owners at the Orang Asli village.

Those shoes still have plenty of mileage left. In fact, the Adizero Adios just clocked a mere 100km with me before parted our way.

I passed those shoes to Frank’s dad as he wasn’t at the shop during that time.

I guess i might be the last one donating old running shoes to the Orang Asli cause, as all the other shoes were already in boxes.

I counted them with Frank’s dad and the total numbers of running shoes donated easily amounted to 300 pairs (mine included). Well done runners!

I hope initiative like this will continue on in the future.

Tibi & Adination Run Weekend

This was my back-to-back running weekend.

TIBI RUN

First, i ran Tibi on Saturday, actually i pushed the stroller with my kids – hence the return of the Stroller-man.

This run considered as my strength training for the big event next year. There were many familiar faces at the start of the race, including Diket Mencanak and his sidekick Dett.

The route was full of hills and more hills...no prize for guessing why it’s called Double-Hills! Pushing a strollers weighted more than 20kg up and down the hills is no joke, but somehow i managed to finish this run as always, although we started from all the way back, we managed to overtook few runners along the way.

Thanks to Mawar, who paced with us during the early stages, before she zoom off to the finish line, she’s becoming a faster runner since coming back from Singapore Marathon. Congrats Mawar!

I completed the 8km run in a slow time of 1:02

Highlight of the day when a lady runner which i overtook earlier, stopped by at the end of the run and congratulated me on securing the limited medal. Thanks, i might left a good impression eh   :)

 

Entering Padang Merbok

ADINATION TRAILS RUN

The 7.8km Adination Trails run was my second run on Sunday morning. Limited only to 500 runners and the best part is that the registration is free, unless you opted for the Medal which cost you RM25. The venue this 4th Adination Breakfast Run was located at Cahaya SPK Resort at Puncak Alam, Shah Alam.

 

We started running through a lame trails, more of open clearing fields to be precisely, then about 1km we hit the tarmac running towards a hill, then after coming down the hills, we passed through a nice row of houses along the route before entering a lame construction site to the finish line.

The finish line

I completed this run at position 60 with the timing of 45 minutes, i guess it’s enough for a warm up before the MR25 Ultra Marathon Trails next week.

(Photos taken from KC & the Sunshine Runners)

SCMS 2011–Anniversary Marathon Edition

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) is my Anniversary Marathon, i completed my 1st Full Marathon (FMV) last year (2010) with 5:20 timing. This year i’m looking to celebrate the anniversary with a better finishing timing.

Thanks to SCKLM for sponsoring my entry fee, which i won on FB contest few months back.

This time around SCMS FM runners amounted to 20,000. It's going to be tougher than last year to overtake crowded runners and endure the mental challenge East Coast Park and the boring Golf course route. If you wanna run for a PB at SCMS, make sure you’re in the sub-4 pen after the Elites.

My bib collection went terribly wrong when they issued me the Red bib (sub 7 finisher) which will be the last pen for the Full Marathon runners. I supposed to get the Green bib (sub 6), middle pen as requested on my form, thankfully thing sorted out when i approached the Help counter and showed them my confirmation email. They issued me a  new bib without customised name on the bib, which is fine as long as i’m not stuck at the back the crowd of holding hands walkers. When i tested the B Tag at the REPC scanning counter, it showed blank particulars which worried me. The guy manning the REPC counter assured me that my particulars will be transferred to the new bib soon.

Started the race at the middle race pens (sub-6 hours), it was very slow pace with runners occupied fully the narrow road with few bottle necks during the first 5km.

The road began to opened up after 5km, it started when we entered the F1 track going towards the highway. I began to pace properly at this stretch, my timing was over few minutes after the target pace. No way i'm gonna catch up the 4:00 hours pacer’s balloon, i overtook the 4:15 pacer’s balloon just before entering the ECP. It was pitch dark, but i still managed to maintained my pace. I paced an elderly Norwegian runner that i met here at the ECP, he was running strong and keeping a good pace.

Completed at the half way point (21km) at 2:06, darn too much time to catch up!

The pace began to deteriorated after that, i guess i need to reworked on my fuelling strategy. I can’t even ran a proper pace during these time, it was so frustrating. Finally at 29km, i stopped and stretched my legs, that's when i began vomiting air, oh no deja vu like PBIM!

Took a good few minutes to recover before deciding to continue with pathetic pace, going towards the Golf course route after the ECP was extremely boring, thank god the weather was fine, the sun was not out yet during this time unlike last year.

At 36km, my saviours came in the form of Kash and Kak June. They were there at the side of the road supporting us runners, blessed you guys for your kind deeds.

The ice cold Coca Cola was heaven sent! Like magic my feet began to pace properly after that! Either it was the magic Coke or the support by these two angels that worked wonders.

When 4:45 pacer's balloon overtook me, i don't need an invitation to chased that balloon! Unlike last year, i felt strong running the last 8km, zig zagging the 10km runners at the overheard bridge felt like nothing. In fact i just loved doing the game of zig zagging these runners. I didn't stop until the finish line, not before overtaking the 4:45 pacers.

Completed my anniversary Marathon with the timing of 4:39, although most of the route was flat, but too many runners made it a demanding and challenging route as echoed by many runners.

When the official result came out, my worst nightmares came true! My timing was missing! Darn it, somebody screwed up my bib somewhere along the process of changing the bib.

Will i be back next year, you bet my sorry ass i'll be there to make sure my timing is secured and to celebrates 2nd Marathon anniversary in style.

Photo log:

Depart via TBTS

MRT ride

Completed my 5th Full Marathon

With celebrity runner Mohan Marathon

Anniversary Marathon

See you this Sunday morning Orchard Road!

We have a date with destiny.

Run To Inspire (Nike 10km–The Stroller Edition)

“Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been but also where you're going”

Nike 10km “We Run KL” was our 3rd successful event for Team BoyBobbyRay (BBR).

Running to me is a metaphor for life, took every challenge in my stride and try to rise above it. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you DNF, but it’s okay as long as you coming back stronger.

The harder the challenges, the sweeter the rewards at the finish line.

As in life, you must enjoy running, for me running is not about breaking Pb’s all the time, sometimes you need to slow down and enjoy the route you’re running. There’s no point running fast but ended up getting lost. Ok enough philosophy for today, let talk about Nike “We Run KL 2011”.

We arrived early to park at the Bt. Aman carpark and soon after performed Subuh prayer at Bukit Aman Mosque, met Ziff and Enaikay here.

Made our way towards the starting line, i think it was about 100 meters from the gantry that we decided to parked ourselves amongst the sea of red runners.

At 7:00 am the race started, i ran slowly at the most far right of the road to evade from crashing onto other runners. The kids was an instant hits with the KL runners that day, many cheered for us including the volunteers & traffic police.

After the first water station, the legs was warmed up and i decided to pushed the pace further. Once the stroller was in motion, it was easy and lighter. The expression the other runners face that we overtook was priceless – some were surprised, some smiles, other cheered us and many took our photos.

I could still remembered their surprised remarks – a guy with stroller just overtook me! Good job bro, start em’ young! Some just clapped, speechless to comment! The majority of the runners on that day gave positives feedback, except for one peculiar comment shouted to us “oi child abuse ke?”.

We stopped at every water stations, there’s no hurry – i’m enjoying this run, it’s my quality time with the kids. Although running the 100km Ultra Marathon in Singapore was the highlight of my year; running with my kids, pushing the Stroller, bonding and sharing the running experience together is always my high. Kids will grows up eventually, sometimes too fast without we realising it. But i will always have these memories – our runs together to be cherish in the future.

Met many friends along the route, including the celebrity runner  SarongMan Yimster, Jaja, Izuan and others.

The pace was good, the route so far was mostly flat except for few places, but i was having problem overtaking runners as sometimes they stopped or walked on the right side of the road. Sometimes i need to hit the emergency “leg brakes” in order to avoid these runners. Now, i devise a strategy to quickly overtake them when there a gap between the runners in front.

Arrived at the 3rd water station, it just around Bank Negara, i knew this route by heart as my routine weekend LSD route. I knew right then, that this would be a challenge to maintained a running pace, as i would need to tackle some crazy inclines till the end. That notion soon to be a reality, i was reduced to walking pace there, seems that pushing stroller with two kids (total weight of almost 20kg) took it’s toll.

The runners community is special tribe, they do take care of each other during most run. On this run, the Nike 10km, when i was walking and pushing the stroller, many runners stopped and offered to help me to push the stroller, which i gently declined, thanks peeps for your support, but as in life it’s my own challenge that i need to carried through. 

As we stopped at the final water station, a runner stopped by and took picture with us, Boboy was sporting enough to rise his hand for every photo shoot. Even the volunteer manning the water station took that opportunity to took our picture, might be as some hard proof for story telling with his buddies later.

As we entered back Jalan Parlimen towards the finish line, Rustam the Pacesetter’s President took another photo of us. Other friends came by pat my back as an encouragement, it was none than Hailmi and the Chap Ayam Runners.

We completed our 3rd running adventure with a timing of 1:15 hours. Even after we finished running and collected the cute Nike USB memento, we received many request from total strangers to take photos together, which we gladly welcome. Hopefully our running adventures would inspires other runners out there to run more, if a single parent like me can run with two kids in a stroller completing a 10km run, why not you. So get up from that couch, get healthy and start running your life.

See you later peeps until our next adventure, keep running!

PBIM - Back From The Dead

This was my 1st FM attempt at PBIM, last year i did the HM in a heavy monsoon rains and i suffered a very bad cramps during the race.

So it’s kind of a redemption this time around, PBIM was my 4th FM overall and 2nd attempts in Malaysia, i guess i did more races in SG rather than MYS. I was confident to secured a new PB with strings of HM sub-2 finishing lately, plus more than sufficient weekly mileage and speed works.

We arrived a day earlier, for the planned rest and enough shut eyes, last year i didn’t had enough sleep before the race. The Makanthon started as soon as we arrived in Penang.

It was raining heavily with thunderstorms at early stages of the night, i was thinking – oh here we go again and i imagined the size of blisters that will be accumulated later after running in the rains. But later that night, the rains stopped and the weather was cooling for a perfect race.

I met many familiar faces at the start line, as the Bangkok Marathon was postponed, all the Marathon runners made a bee line to APBIM.

The full marathon started at 2 a.m., i started pacing slowly and tried so hard not to follow other runners pace. The pacer note was placed on right hand for reference and i knew this would be some kind of the perfect marathon for me, the adequate trainings, null injuries carried and the perfect cooling weather. I think i started around the middle of the pack and slowly made my way to the front.

After the turn around and past the 5km marks (water station), i glanced my pacer note and was few minutes under the target. I was not tired, the body was warmed up nicely and i maintained my pace and running towards the bridge.

I was disappointed with the lacks of the route markings, Alex the Extra miler came and said hi before overtook me just the entering bridge. I passed Frank K-Swiss afterwards, he was running very fast with a bottle of Coke in his hand.

I took my 1st Power Gel at 45 mins, and nearing the middle of the bridge, i asked the runner beside me whether we passed the 10km mark as he was wearing Garmin Forerunner, he confirmed my query – great i was running few minutes under the target timing. I was ecstatic with this progress, the legs still going strong and the body felt good.

Found the 15km mark on the bridge and looked my watch – it shows 1:26 . Not too fast nor too slow, i just maintained my target pace. I saved my energy by gliding down the inclines from the middle of the bridge. I was cruising and destined to record fabulously new PB, but fate had other ideas.Around 18km, i felt a little discomfort inside my stomach. As time goes on the pains continued to grew and made me to slow down my pace. I took the 2nd Power Gel at around 19km, i think it’s under the bridge before coming up at the other side of the bridge. As i arrived at the water station No.6, i slowed down and took a cup. Now the pains was overwhelming, it felt like someone tangled my stomach into giant knots.

Now i was having problem to maintained my pace and had to slow down and could only muster a slow jog. The stomach ache was getting worst and I kept on fighting to maintained this run, but eventually i had to stop around 20km on the bridge and walked, clocked 2:04. Then all my problems came at once, suddenly felt fuzzy and dizzy, stopped at the side-line and vomited air, my body felt weak all of sudden.

After 10 mins of stopping, i tried to continue my run but only able to muster a slower jog before stopping for the 2nd and 3rd time at bridge right side - repeats vomits nothing but air. Almost collapsed when a kind heart runner stopped and helped me. He massage my back and help me to my knees and asked me to breathe deeply. Whoever you are, thank you very much for your kindness! I hope to repay your deed to other runners. I noticed that there's a medic nearby, he just stand there and looked! Can you believe this?

When i stopped and had to deal with the pains, i clearly heard few runners ran past me mocking and imitating my vomiting sound. That was totally uncalled for, typical Malaysian attitude! No empathy for others! If you don’t wanna help, just shut the hell up! I had a good mind to kick their arses, but i was too weak to do anything at the time.

Finally decided to DNF this race and walked back to start line, took off my bib and walked..very slowly. There’s no point risking my health and life, it was a long walk toward the end of the bridge. Slowly, one by one of my runners friend came passed my by and asked about conditions, thanks for your concerns dear friends.

Around 28k, i saw Alexis running slowly and awkwardly, when i asked, she said she's having heels pains, and she braving the pains to finish this marathon. When i told her my predicament and my intention to DNF, she convinced me to run with her, said that there's still 4 hours before cut off time (7 hours). Alexis is one of the multiple Sundown Ultra Marathon finisher (completed 84km & 100km), i decided to give this run one final chance, if i vomited once more that’s it – game over for me.

She said lets finished this and get our medals and finisher T, she consoled me and added that there's still many more races for PB. I put on my bib and started to jog slowly with her. I’m glad that the body felt much better now, and decided to stick to this pace till the end.

Around 30km, her friend came and i said thank you Alexis and asked her to proceed as i stopped at the porta loo, met Frank here – he’s already turning back from the u-turn at 33km. Earlier, Jamie came to me and passed GU Chomps before continue to finish his race.

When i restarted my run, i saw Ms. A and Fairul just passing the water station. They were surprised to see me there, and i decided to pace Ms. A for her sub-6 target finishing.

I cheered on to every FMV passed my way, and met Arman around 38km, he was smiling and looking good to finish his Virgin Marathon. When i looked at the watch, i calculated that it’s a 50-50 chance that we could complete this Marathon within 6 hours. So i urged Ms. A to upped the pace, and whenever she stopped for her walk breaks, i asked her to walk faster. The last 5km was torturous for her, it’s all summarized in her face, but she followed my instructions every time i asked her to keep running, and i even barred her from stopping at the last water station fearing we wouldn’t enough time. The ever so chirpy Ms. A now is very quiet running and i could hear her laboured breath, i just hoped she could bear with me till the finish line. At that point of the race, i was worried that she might passed out and i do not know CPR…not the best way to learn CPR during the race :p

A few motivational pep talk and now we are ever close to the finish line, and she was determined to finish this, at last we overtook the 6 hours pacer’s balloon few hundred meters from the finish line.

I completed the race in 5:56 (PW) and managed to get Ms. A to the finish line before 6 hours (lompat sikatak lompat). She was so happy to get her PB, in the end i was destined to be someone else pacer and quite happy to turn this Marathon from a potential DNF to another 42km finish under my belt. I am thankful that i completed this injury free, now to lick my wounds and continue on.

Two weeks from now, Singapore Marathon (my anniversary Marathon) here i come and Penang Bridge i'll see you next year, i got a score to settle with you. My finisher Tee is still in the wrapping and the last time i saw the medal was at the Hotel, i haven’t unpack yet, that’s summarized how much i cared about this Marathon – NOT! Excuse my rants..

A special congratulations to all finisher, especially the FMV – KC, Arman and others, you guys did a great job finishing the virgin Marathon. See you at the next Marathon, don’t be shy now to click that registration button :)

Photo log:

CICM Half Marathon 2011

This was my 11th Half Marathon to date, and as the medals are given out to all finisher regardless of time, i did not plan to run fast as PJ HM. To complete this HM under 2:15 would sufficient for me.

Woke up around 4 a.m., sent text message to a friend for wake up reminder. Unfortunately, that person doze off till 4:40 am but amazingly recovered in time for HM flag off.

As the start time for HM runners is early as 6:15 a.m.; i realised that i need to perform my Subuh prayer at race site. Unfortunately for Muslim runners, the organizer and Setia Alam Welcome Centre’s owner failed to provide access to the Surau inside the building. This is unacceptable! At least provide tent or some space/facilities for Muslim runners like SCKLM did at their event.

A bottle of mineral water and yesterday newspaper solved my problem that  morning, i performed my prayer at the back of the building corridor’s around 5:40 am, i seen some runners brought prayer mat and performed Subuh prayer at the other side of the building’s corridor.

After a few minutes of warming up, i settled myself into the starting line and walked  myself towards the back of the crowd (all the way back), medal guaranteed there’s no need to kill my lungs for this.

At 6:15 am, the HM race started, unlike PJ HM, i started slowly at the back and made my way through the crowds of runners slowly. The weather was dry and humid, not a drop of rains unlike yesterday.

The first 5km was tough and i wonder why my breathe was laboured and my feet felt like running a 10km at fast pace. Although the route was flat (almost same flat route as Setia Eco HM last year) but its inclines were steady and invisible to most of us, i did not noticed it as it was dark at the time.

After 5km, i felt better as it’s now a steady downhill route, finally got back my “happy pace”, felt a bit relief and i decided to ran this at a slower pace and enjoy the run.

Around 5.5km, i came a crossed a familiar face, she was struggling a bit with her pace and decided to slow down and pace her. Wow this is more comfortable, no more lung busting pace from this onwards.

Met and shouted at few familiars runners along the route, including Aini, Nick, Arman and few others.

After the turn around at 10km, i felt much better as the body now is fully warms up, as i didn’t felt like running fast that morning, i decided stick to that friend and be the pacer. Finally catch up with Nick around 2km to the finish, he was definitely having problem that morning, i stopped and asked him whether he’s okay.  I left him after making sure he’s alright to continue. Continued my run as pacer to the finish line, and that friend completed the HM with a new PB at no 7, podium finish y’all.

Surprised myself with another sub-2 finish, 1:59:58 just barely made it. That the final the preps for PBIM, see you soon at Penang and can’t wait for my 1st visit to the FMV Station at 35km point. Please reserve a cold Coca Cola for me Kak June :)

Later that afternoon, my feet were itchy to complete another 100km week mileage, so i ran 8km more. Great ending to the weekend, sub-2 HM finish and 100km mileage to boot.

PBIM Revisited

Last year at PBIM i ran my final HM before my FMV at SCSM, actually i ran back to back run (HM and 10km) to complete the compulsory 30km mileage before a Marathon. You could read the PBIM 2010 race report here.

As you could see from the picture above taken from Ijam’s blog, the smiling runners on the left were celebrating their completion of another Marathon (wearing the fugly green FM Finisher Tee), while the other two were just newbies running Half Marathons as their longest distance.

Fast forward almost a year later, all four of us are now on the same level of playing field, we accomplished so much in a year, what a year it has been.

Zaki and i became Ultra Marathoners when we completed the 100km Sundown last June, while Ijam and Deo just completed 50km Ultra Marathon Trail Run at recently concluded The North Face (TNF) SG.

This year it’s redemption for me as i had bad cramps during the previous year edition, all four of us will compete the Full Marathon distance this year, it’s a friendly rivalry between us since that day Ijam posted that photo (kau memang nak kena kali ni Ijam…he he).

But one thing for sure, we shared the same mutual respects to each other, the distances, the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Without these elements, running is just another empty soul, in running Marathon there’s only one winner, the rest are finishers despite of timing.

This year i will be running under the banner of Team Century Marathoner with three other established runners. Say hi if you happen to see me on the road, i might be doing a little shuffling during the run especially coming to June Malik’s FMV Station.