tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62864942024-03-19T19:38:54.067+08:00Run Wild, Run Free ...Blog meant more of a journey for me in this running world. A little squirrel waddling about in this big crazy place we call world. A history of sorts so that it's lest forgotten ...Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-53545034694240843342016-08-11T11:52:00.002+08:002016-08-11T11:52:28.339+08:00Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016 (SCKLM)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most anticipated marathon here in Malaysia, where every runner looks forward to. Last year was a big dismay where the marathon got cancelled pretty much at the last minute due to the haze. Luckily it was clear and blue skies all the way and the greatest show in KL cannot be stopped in any which way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try not to miss this year on year, starting off in 2010 where this became my very first full marathon completed in a time of 5 hours and 5 minutes. Despite an onset of knee injury 6 weeks prior, that didn't stop me from taking part, no sir!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The writer back in SCKLM 2010, right at the finishing line. First time is always the sweetest! Or the hardest ... the toughest I guess. Glory is forever and ever! No longer a marathon virgin and the 1st of many marathons/ultras since then.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Race kit collection done at Kenanga Wholesale Building. A departure from the underground of Dataran Merdeka in the years before. Oddly, it was situated at Level 15 which I might add contributed much to the lift congestion, both ways. It's also an open air expo which was slightly hot to my liking devoid of any air conditioning. But it just took a few minutes of queuing on the 1st day and got my pack. I'd wish the expo were 'bigger' and 'better' - similar like the years before there were a few booth to visit and that was it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old faces in the running arena that you just can't get rid of! In a way, it's like a little gathering of sorts, meeting up after not seeing them for long, exchanging some friendly banters and catching up mostly.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not to forget the new faces in the running scene which have mushroomed over the years. A healthy sign really. And I'm more than happy to oblige a wefie with them and spur them on! 😊</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having tried not to miss SCKLM year on year. 1st was in 2010, missed 2011 cause I was chasing the ultra bandwagon in Singapore that year, and continued with 2012, 2013, 2014, cancelled in 2015 and now 2016. Why not right since it's practically in your back yard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route have changed over the years, and begining 2014, there were inclusions of running on highways. 2 to be exact which is the AKLEH and Duta highways. Which also means quite a bit of uphill bits and dowhill. Although i'd have to say they weren't all that steep but they were sometimes long and gradual. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The full marathon map at a glance. Round and round KL on foot, through a few highways and some nice landmarks.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't look all that tough but believe me when you're trying to do 42km and these uphill babies, it really works you up. In total, my GPS logged about 250m of elevation gain. Only.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, let's just zoom forward to race day. In Asia generally, most marathons would start around 4am. Rather an ugodly hour but that would be the best time to avoid the ghastly hot sun from 8:30am onwards. Cut off time this year was a generous 7 hours BUT a few cut offs were introduced this year at various distances.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 4 cutoffs respectively at km 15, 21, 31 and 37. Failure to meet those times meant it's up the free bus ride for you back to the finishing line. Try again next year!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also new this year was the collection of this blue band at km 31. Without this band, you're not entitled to collect your finishing goodies of the finisher medal and tee. Besides, it makes a good momento for this marathon.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Race morning came. This year, I've decided to just take the Light Rail Transit (LRT), which was also free from 2am to 6am. Since there's a new station just near where I reside, that would be a good choice avoiding the early road closures and trying to find a parking spot. At 2am I was at the IOI Mall, Puchong waiting for my free ride. Thanks to SCKLM for the thoughfulness!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some 30mins later, I was at Masjid Jamek. Along the way, the LRT picked up many runners. From that station, it was just a short walk to Dataran Merdeka for the starting point. Didn't get lost moving around there as it was more or less the same the years before. Only change was the Bag Deposit which was now a bit far at the DBKL building. No, the distance isn't a worry but more on the time taken to deposit your bag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn't aware there were stringent bag checks first, before they were zip tied and then only to the baggage check in counters. This process however, formed a very long queue and I think there were only 3 armed forces personnel to do the baggage checks. So long that it took a good 20 minutes for me and luckily I started the queue around 3:20am. Soon, the queue became extremely long and post event, there were grouses many missed the start gun. Perhaps, to smoothen the flow next year, few more personnels can be on ground for the baggage checks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then off for the final toilet break. Plenty of porta loos and hardly any queues in sight. Judging from the 7,000+ marathon runners there and then, it was a good sign. Decided to do my big business heh, don't want trouble during my run!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with that, it was off to Pen 2. It got a bit congested traversing Dataran Merdeka to get to my pen 2 and in my haste I got to Pen 3 and 4 ... duh. More squeezing back to the front and i was in Pen 2. Perhaps bigger directional signs to each respective Pens would create less drama or even volunteers stationed at strategic points to show or direct the way to the variou pens. Seen this in Tokyo marathon and rather effective as one don't need to back track out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pen 2 wasn't all that far from the starting gantry, maybe some 30m or so. Then it was waitin for the countdown to begin. National anthem was played which was a nice gesture, and a simple countdown and we're off when the clock tower rang 4am!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've decided to run at my conservative pace. In the past marathons I would start really fast ranging from 4:30min/km to 4:45min/km pace and couldn't sustain after km 21. So I decided to stick to about 5 - 5:10 pace trying to follow the 3:30 pacers. In some ways, the body and breathing was confortable and not over taxed. Went around KL, passed KLCC and off to Jalan Tun Razak before climbing up the AKLEH highway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weather wasn't too bad. Still a bit warm and humid for my liking but once up the highway, some cooling breeze every now and then helps. Since it was still dark, not much to see at my pace. Pass the toll gates and some ups and downs, pass the u-uturn and we're back at the same highway, just opposite directions. I was happy when the end of AKLEH highway came but I knew the soon to be DUTA highway isn't a walk in the park either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Capped km 20 around 1:40 which wasn't bad. Body and legs still felt able as I made the way up the inclines of DUTA. Followed by a very long and gradual climb and finally, a nice long gradual downhill which I loved. By now runners were rather sparse but I made do with whomever left. The 3:30 pacers were too fast for me so I gave up on them but I had them in my sights up to about km 30 before finally losing them out of sights. Sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Down AKLEH highway into Jalan Kuching was a big phew to me. Done with the highways, it was a short run along Jalan Kuching before ramping up to the Duta rounabout for familiar territory. Daylight broke some for now despite it being 7am now, it's still a bit dark. It's that way when we head towards the end of the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Round the Duta Hockey stadium into Bukit Tunku area. Those who run here regularly would know them short, and steep hills coming up soon! Good to see many support stations set up here to aid the runners for the last 10km. Tri Stupe and company where there around km 34 I think offering various drinks, and gels and anything a runner need and wants to finish the rest of the km off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was struggling here and pace slowed down. So near, but year so far for the last 8km. Whatever I had now including my kitchen sink, I threw at it. What goes up Bukit Tunku well ... can only come down and I enjoyed the downhill runs to recoup and recover. Back to Bank Negara and a u-turn up to Jalan Parlimen. Sigh.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think this was the Bank Negara area, can't remember there was a photographer on hand lol. Thanks to all photographers for the snaps and memories! All I remembered was trying to keep things together in chasing a 3:30 timing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Into Jalan Parlimen was where things got a bit messy because this was where we merged with the half marathoners and 10km runners. Both sides of the road were closed off for runners but as I was in the slightly faster group, I didn't quite find it much congested at all. In fairness, it was a fairly unobstructed uphill run up to the Parliament building. Tough time with this gradual incline and felt my engine just wanting to give up.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jalan Parlimen uphill stretch. Doesn't do justice from the picture cause it looks like it's flat!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, not over yet in the final 4km or so as more uphills along the stretch in front of the Railway Station still. A last test of your will power! By now at km40 I was 5minutes off from 3:30 and I knew I won't be able to make it. Nevertheless I pushed on as much as I could.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In front of the Railway Station for the home stretch!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had the pleasure of grouping and running with Lim Huat, a man in his 50s and uber strong marathoner! Few more bits now to the finishing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last 50m into Dataran Merdeka launching for the finishing line!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a last push of what's left, the finishing gantry was there. Crowds roaring and clapping was a fantastic finishing indeed!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Done! My 126th FM/Ultra checked off. Despite not being able to meet that delectable sub 3:30 timing, I'm most happy finishing of a 3:36 timing. A minute off my Personal Best in Tokyo this year but much sweeter attaining this timing in a hot, humid and tropical condition.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The e-cert and my official timing. Inching closer to that elusive sub 3:30 I'm looking for!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tough one this SCKLM but also a rewarding one. News has it that many of my friends did their Personal Best in this one. Given the elevation climbs and tough conditions one would wonder how. Perhaps it's because it's in your own turf, you'd do heaps better on home ground with that unseen 3rd leg 😊.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water stations were spaced well apart, with water and isotic and some had sponges and bananas. 2 stations had gels for the runners but I think they were a bit late towards the 30km mark. Perhaps its better to have one around km21 and the other at km 30. That would be ideal to me. There were 2 bands along the way keeping us entertained and all, atmosphere was electric to say the least. Overall, it's a well planned out marathon which I enjoyed heaps with friends to celebrate thereafter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking forward to next year's edition with the hope it's even better and bigger! See you in 2017!</span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-120533255044334652016-08-05T12:19:00.003+08:002016-08-05T12:20:31.700+08:00TMMT - The Magnificient Merapoh Trail 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Has been a while now updating this blog. I know I've missed out on many entries but I'll try to get to that soon. For now, let us take a peek into <a href="https://merapohtrail.blogspot.my/">TMMT</a>, another 100km trail in Malaysia which I participated last weekend. In a positive light, 100km trail ultras have mushroomed over the last 2 years. Slowly but surely. So that gives us trail lovers more options to be had without having to travel far and wide just to run a 100km. Can't complain to that. The more the merrier I'd always say!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TMMT is the 3rd available 100km trail ultra here in Malaysia, after <a href="http://www.borneoultra.com/tmbt1/index.php">TMBT</a> (The Most Beautiful Thing Ultra which I've done thrice now), <a href="http://www.sabahadventurechallenge.com/butm/index.php/race-info">BUTM</a> (Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon which I did a month ago but haven't blogged yet! Soon!) and <a href="http://endurancenature.com.my/index.php/malaysia-eco-100/">Eco100</a> (<a href="http://yimster.blogspot.my/2016/05/eranzi-eco100-1st-malaysian-100-miler.html">which I did the 100miles category also recently but didn't quite finish!</a>). Therefore TMMT makes it number 4 for Malaysia. Having said that, there'd be another 100km ultra trail soon in Octobor called <a href="http://www.cultratrail.com/">Cultra</a> (Cameron Ultra) which I would also be participating! Exciting times for ultra runners indeed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why did I participate in this TMMT? For me, I would never ever say no to local ultras specially the 100km variety. I'd love just to run each and every one there is for the experience what my home land has to offer in terms of trail ultras. For sure, ultras in Sabah, namely TMBT and BUTM would make full use of the mountaineous terrain Borneo has to offer. Back home here in Peninsular Malaysia, there's still mountain ranges made available but most are really out of bounds. Merapoh, nestled nicely in Pahang is the gateway to Gunung Tahan - the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia located in Taman Negara. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although, the TMMT's trails didn't quite bring us up Gunung Tahan (Mount Tahan), but it was good enough of a challenge trailing around the area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a digest of what the TMMT trails entail:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Distance of 100km but my GPS recorded around 95km. Some others recorded up to 97km</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trails made out of roads (roughly 20 - 30%), palm oil and rubber plantations, into dense tropical forest, across railway tracks, caving!, abseiling up and down via ropes, river wading!, log and bridge crossing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well supported CPs (checkpoints) roughly 10km apart and the furtherst was 14km. Plenty ice and water/100+/coke with some light food of watermelons, bananas. At CP2 I think they had durians but didn't quite see them. CP5 had some light porridge and lemang. More than enough in my books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A big part of your journey would be in the dark since it starts on a Friday 9pm. Definitely slower running in the dark but away from the hot hot sun during the day</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Running even through an abrogine village where the kids were amused by us! And yes, the folks were supportive and amused to say the least!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>If I had to sum it up in a few words ... it'll be 'When Fun and Adventure meets Ultra Trails'.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I liked the fact that there's transportations to and fro provided from KL to Merapoh, some 4 to 5 hours away and for a small fee. Very thoughful indeed and it's more fun travelling with a bunch of runner friends.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the bus on a Thursday evening with a bunch of cuckoos, doing either 30, 60 or 100km trails. They come from all over the world just to get a taste of local trails. Took about 5 hours with 2 pit stops and we were in Merapoh around 5am Friday.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have touchdown in Merapoh. Zzzz ... seriously these are one hell of half dead faces! Waiting turns to be assigned to our dorms for a quite dawn nap. Thanks <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RanyTanPhotography">Rany Tan</a> and Bard for all the snaps throughout the whole time and the brilliant photographs!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaKiJF1tyv-37UzLhwDYlWF0TNA2kTSt9GsWEd7nwMqCl3PqnRE-n-TwXnojrnECNgTFj4TP_UNVweK3iytxNvfA7DBz9Uy5WIvLO9RdowYxUpCw7fWLupuI70VGm7LVzg-eKYg/s1600/G1971305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaKiJF1tyv-37UzLhwDYlWF0TNA2kTSt9GsWEd7nwMqCl3PqnRE-n-TwXnojrnECNgTFj4TP_UNVweK3iytxNvfA7DBz9Uy5WIvLO9RdowYxUpCw7fWLupuI70VGm7LVzg-eKYg/s400/G1971305.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Home for the next few days were in a local school. Yes, dormitory style lah. Bunk beds for all for a cheaply RM30 per day inclusive of 3 meals. That to me is a bargain. Although it's not the Hilton per se, you will need to rough it out. I'm fine with this arrangement as I usually go hostel style when I travel and having grown up studying in a boarding school. If this isn't quite your thing, then the nearest hotel is some 30 - 40km away.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq13C6Tcvlg4UJx77SSpmFiHYb_UmDYv9-6w7cnxxnXn_yMWChp7ZhcdVhK6iPv4aXSfwaMrDG5CRH1WvhXH6eqBOIm1HTl2rDf7sYhF9xyIaqdyeUfu7PBxyfSJNQeDzrOc1e7w/s1600/G1981306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq13C6Tcvlg4UJx77SSpmFiHYb_UmDYv9-6w7cnxxnXn_yMWChp7ZhcdVhK6iPv4aXSfwaMrDG5CRH1WvhXH6eqBOIm1HTl2rDf7sYhF9xyIaqdyeUfu7PBxyfSJNQeDzrOc1e7w/s400/G1981306.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We got assigned to our blocks, separate for male and female and we took the opportunity for a bit of siesta before day broke. This was my view when I woke up and glanced out the 3rd floor of my dorm. Pretty huh? Nice and chilly amongst the morning chill. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG69UmY6C4EMhBE8Gq_9jfALkKJpV3KdjViNPmBHSQXU7dHAjoQofja0atnwBTIpFZU5RZWPvSsGRcPtmbmb4aOztp1wWo5ZzM0KG3f6JgEQhbyIMOkX7eKGdG_aGPi1ff6CcAg/s1600/G1991312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG69UmY6C4EMhBE8Gq_9jfALkKJpV3KdjViNPmBHSQXU7dHAjoQofja0atnwBTIpFZU5RZWPvSsGRcPtmbmb4aOztp1wWo5ZzM0KG3f6JgEQhbyIMOkX7eKGdG_aGPi1ff6CcAg/s400/G1991312.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These are actual classrooms and some converted into dormitory, presumebly for us to temporary bunk in for the next 3 days. I left school zonks ago so this was a refreshing walk down memory lane hehe.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only slight problem I had was with the water. Merapoh was experiencing bad water supply and so, there were no water supply in our block. Sigh. Meant no toilets to use and we had to go to the next block further away for your daily communal style bathing. If that's not your style, then you just had to shower in the 2 available individual toilet. Yeah, shower just next to the toilet bowl lol. Ahhh ... we just had to make do lah. Focus on the running now!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c0tTNWzPaqzg-O-PQPdSNFOmjCUM-9h7fL1qmJ3Ga78zqNyvJGjh0jd4fXwKhvw7HHWgvG-duOb0s-6Qy_77YqUR3TqOLhG7zuV5CaLYeksP4V_rTbd030DLh9Hicces367u9g/s1600/G1981308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c0tTNWzPaqzg-O-PQPdSNFOmjCUM-9h7fL1qmJ3Ga78zqNyvJGjh0jd4fXwKhvw7HHWgvG-duOb0s-6Qy_77YqUR3TqOLhG7zuV5CaLYeksP4V_rTbd030DLh9Hicces367u9g/s400/G1981308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another awesome green and misty view from my block. Even at night, I could easily spot the many stars that peppered the skyline brightly! Closest to nature as you can get. The school compound is a huge one. Getting around is via walking quite a bit including going for your meals and to the hall for race kit collection and briefing.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meals were lip smacking if you like local food and cooked kampung (village) style. After all there were many hungry mouths to feed! And trail runners all have carnivorous appetites!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz7u0XQHQWlX2zTNduvFAQkw0AX5i69MTpDwYx8Uj3AiqO4IDLjr8VJvwX7Fbk0PwsSQppVtC2nvIN1BGkJZAlumra0dgwYzIHacVKe83HzZIA55wzzZz45CNWKFCSuDPK5_2FA/s1600/FB_IMG_1470363829661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz7u0XQHQWlX2zTNduvFAQkw0AX5i69MTpDwYx8Uj3AiqO4IDLjr8VJvwX7Fbk0PwsSQppVtC2nvIN1BGkJZAlumra0dgwYzIHacVKe83HzZIA55wzzZz45CNWKFCSuDPK5_2FA/s400/FB_IMG_1470363829661.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breakfast was a yummy nasi lemak which I gladly wolfed down! Seen here at the school's canteen with some of the best Sabah has (From right - Shamsul, Jess whom is part of Running Project the organisers for TMMT, and Adelinah quick legs!) Always good with some friendly banter before the big run.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thereafter it was back to our bunks to do a final check on our mandatory gear and proceed to the school's hall for mandatory kit check and registration. Refer to the website for the mandatory kit. No kit, no run ya. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to use my all time favourite TNF MantaRay ultra light vest paired with 2 500ml Salomon soft flask, Petzl Nao headlamp, Kalenji top, Skin's tights and my favourite (now!) Altra LonePeak 2.0. The vest was good enough to store all the mandatory gear and needed nutrition to upkeep my 100km.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rp0BqShLP89opoP9fssA1iLVSTD1hTo9Ag8Ea7XTWa7SpzT9d-v1CjGa-9SMQexhE-JsrH7kARivCrZek920XpZ4rIwuhqTA0e9_yuHJyb2d6XMytlOd4oGDfp2We4Ii6e0Ahw/s1600/FB_IMG_1470364261948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rp0BqShLP89opoP9fssA1iLVSTD1hTo9Ag8Ea7XTWa7SpzT9d-v1CjGa-9SMQexhE-JsrH7kARivCrZek920XpZ4rIwuhqTA0e9_yuHJyb2d6XMytlOd4oGDfp2We4Ii6e0Ahw/s400/FB_IMG_1470364261948.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More mingling around waiting for race kit collection which was slightly delayed. That's Elaine from Singapore whom I keep bumping into at all the ultras!!! You go girl!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqQdDCDFwHaK1Quw8APWq4-ZqmC0LAHalouCA2ZSZecsUOxtbLdlZlujkHsN9UqfqcIz9g79QdHQDQNlt1YfEw6bXfkeOBM3z4nleBfJtSEqyMpWtiLWNFltR4ojXBJbxHU1H6w/s1600/FB_IMG_1470364274175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqQdDCDFwHaK1Quw8APWq4-ZqmC0LAHalouCA2ZSZecsUOxtbLdlZlujkHsN9UqfqcIz9g79QdHQDQNlt1YfEw6bXfkeOBM3z4nleBfJtSEqyMpWtiLWNFltR4ojXBJbxHU1H6w/s400/FB_IMG_1470364274175.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An old ultra buddy whom I battled the likes of Virbram100, UTMF and many others in the past. Bud is making a sort of a come back into trail running after venturing into the world of cycling lately.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0LGjkU4-mSeYIBFkQV37HnKs_4XJSMp6vSdwP02A72Mf93FGQoUWa4kwkHuErCMDBdvXGouaDeDtkf_ajsoFmqx3zX7MJKDqXrYfrCUDHJuhqHnK_PAnFRhWntIcnszzr7UxuA/s1600/FB_IMG_1470364683643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0LGjkU4-mSeYIBFkQV37HnKs_4XJSMp6vSdwP02A72Mf93FGQoUWa4kwkHuErCMDBdvXGouaDeDtkf_ajsoFmqx3zX7MJKDqXrYfrCUDHJuhqHnK_PAnFRhWntIcnszzr7UxuA/s400/FB_IMG_1470364683643.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Bukhari, the man behind Running Project that organised TMMT and many other ultra events, exchanging a few quick words of how excited we were doing this!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TMMT is now into it's 2nd year. I didn't sign up for this last year since it only had up to a 60km category with some 600m elevation gain. Thereafter, I've heard many good things about the trails and the route. Incidentally they had a extended 100km distance this year so I went for it. Although listed at a mere 1,500m D+ elevation gain, I'd thought it'd be flat. And how wrong I was much later on.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC83zuD6T1Czs3L5cohbMFh9Ug14RkfbQLSmAvS1HCCXVCizMxXGwplh0F6lD33DgnH1-KNSmwZKeFdxhbkzZuJWtDVefcJVLqKFNh4tCTRnssISG2xR4Hn9KlCqVMjM66WT_laQ/s1600/G2021322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC83zuD6T1Czs3L5cohbMFh9Ug14RkfbQLSmAvS1HCCXVCizMxXGwplh0F6lD33DgnH1-KNSmwZKeFdxhbkzZuJWtDVefcJVLqKFNh4tCTRnssISG2xR4Hn9KlCqVMjM66WT_laQ/s400/G2021322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The school hall for race kit collection and briefing later on in the afternoon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBV-2oZWhyphenhyphenLSTvGcoaSzAonZEYyKUeG4tcy8o7fCkiytiNcDg-JpQ44vCWocpbGyXLXhuQZCLyHJbHngx1TVLYF99hYeEbPO2JHmL05eY1wfZ4OWZHUPSrBVcWXMlyLRH35lB9g/s1600/G2031329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBV-2oZWhyphenhyphenLSTvGcoaSzAonZEYyKUeG4tcy8o7fCkiytiNcDg-JpQ44vCWocpbGyXLXhuQZCLyHJbHngx1TVLYF99hYeEbPO2JHmL05eY1wfZ4OWZHUPSrBVcWXMlyLRH35lB9g/s400/G2031329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The big stage for briefing and for the intro of the Running Project team under their wings. More about them found in their <a href="https://m.facebook.com/runningproject/">FB page here.</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Setting up for race kit collection and madatory kit checks in place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS1Jg0bgiUJdN0gn40IS2ym7BUWkRIceLrWMXEtTQbBLmb_5XqwamtegFa1rZDr2chkAYlh3zMYy6QnC46Yi5pU8bU8_eSQj6zO12MkHf0rQp0zwAyLQVvqs8FWuWgaRDLOrwUQ/s1600/G2051342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS1Jg0bgiUJdN0gn40IS2ym7BUWkRIceLrWMXEtTQbBLmb_5XqwamtegFa1rZDr2chkAYlh3zMYy6QnC46Yi5pU8bU8_eSQj6zO12MkHf0rQp0zwAyLQVvqs8FWuWgaRDLOrwUQ/s400/G2051342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race kit and mandatory gear checks done. A final check to ensure my timing chip works and I'm done. No fuss, quick and simple as there were only about 125 runners for the 100km category.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race starts at 9m that night so it was off for some rest and some final packing after the briefing. The whole day it was hot and humid so I was expecting the worse for the night run. Soon 9pm crept by and it was showtime! The starting line were some 600m away from the school, nestled at the corner where some shops were. More mingling around lah.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmJX52FUyDjvpPf7dxJt1tlYYVqY0pe6fOoNA-ovRS16fVF2dRWkkr51aYY7vLyWp59C65-Gl6gzQQsYgRwO7Y5PVu5Tok5YsHlsRmkCL9-4sdy3qkQfIlZtL26vumh1w5gID-w/s1600/FB_IMG_1470365425414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmJX52FUyDjvpPf7dxJt1tlYYVqY0pe6fOoNA-ovRS16fVF2dRWkkr51aYY7vLyWp59C65-Gl6gzQQsYgRwO7Y5PVu5Tok5YsHlsRmkCL9-4sdy3qkQfIlZtL26vumh1w5gID-w/s400/FB_IMG_1470365425414.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Joey from Thailand whom was also my dorm mate. He said he was a big fan of this yimster lol. He did very well and came in 8th overall. Good strong runner.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhzBLGq65aEzzFdEAjDaM1ocqoDaNcdzyjB0ZMTu2hjYzrVZqstVsOvsKe-JfrJBb_1bmh0oKdgdTEb7gi_PYWXP2nVjrACtrcs6zKvh9ekSobQwudxNL-OFaB86CXjrY4PnxAQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1470365377330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhzBLGq65aEzzFdEAjDaM1ocqoDaNcdzyjB0ZMTu2hjYzrVZqstVsOvsKe-JfrJBb_1bmh0oKdgdTEb7gi_PYWXP2nVjrACtrcs6zKvh9ekSobQwudxNL-OFaB86CXjrY4PnxAQ/s400/FB_IMG_1470365377330.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Seow Peng, Malaysian but residing in Hong Kong, also very much a regular in the ultra running world. Good to see her again! We had fun times running side by side in TMBT and even TNF HK some years back.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20 hours, that was the cut off time given for the 100km category. Sounds quite a lot so I thought given that the trails were mostly ... 'flat'. A round of final debriefing, followed a bit of prayers for safety all around and the Malaysian national anthem. Countdown initiated by our very own Ultraman Kanan being the emcee, and bang .... sharp 9pm we're off!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sadly, since it's mostly night time, I get my memory and facts all jumbled up since it's all darkness all around. So please excuse me if I don't quite get it right but the gist is there lah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From starting to CP1, we started off on roads that went on for maybe 6 or 7km, rolling here and there. I decided to just take it easy and enjoy the route after coming from back to backs of Langkawi Ultra 100km and last weekend's Rogaining Championship which went for some 8km around Perak. What started as a big bunch slowly dispersed as the kilometers logged. Soon, enough we headed into the trail head, in this instance being palm oil plantations which was most welcomed given the softer terrain.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't remember really where this picture was taken. From starting to CP1 and then CP2 was mostly palm oil estates. Mostly still rolling here and there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Huzairi who became much of my sidekick up till km 70. You can say i kinda latched on to him or else I'd be lazy to run and walk more! He came in 10th overall eventually and given the fact that it's his 1st ever 100km, that is indeed a fantastic achievement.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So till CP2 was mostly the same plantations running round and round. They all look the same to me in the dark. I think it was between CP1 and 2 we had out 1st cave experience which was a dry one. And later on a 2nd once which they called Dancing Ghos cave which was a wet one that requires wading through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I find the markings were excellent throughout and the extra red and green blinkers all around helped tremendously with the navigation. Can't see how one can get lost if they keep their eyes peeled out. Ribbon markers were like every 50m or so throughout and some even had reflective bits on it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ist dry cave. Sadly you could see the graffiti behind me in this hundreds of year old cave. Part of having this TMMT event is to also raise awareness of saving these magnificient Merapoh caves and surrounding. Already, part of the route we ran have been bulldozed over in the name of highway development and cement industry. It might just be gone soon if we don't come together and try to stop this madness. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Think it was towards CP3 or 4 it had this extremely long long clay terrained route. It was so so long I could make out the headlamps far ahead before turning back into the palm oil estate. Now and then the usual faces would play catch up. But naturally I had to go busines number 2 somewhere before km 20. It was a bad case of diarrohea but nothing too alarmed as that's my usual 'deal' haha. I had to go one more around km 60 where the Merapoh Train station CP was. But I still have a hardy stomach, don't worry 😁.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Past CP was and enroute to CP5 km 54 was the most fun! River wading and all 3km of it! Generally ankle deep but sometimes going all the way to my waist. It was also lined up with slippery rocks in the river bed so slipping and sliding all over was the norm. Just need to be careful so as not to injure yourself. The best trail shoes can't help you much here either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fortunately, there were 4 of us in the group. Myself, Huzairi, Khailil and an American -- Kent, whom I thought was japanase at first lol. Cause I spoke to him in English at the 2nd wet cave and he mumbled something which I thought was in Japanese lol. Oh and for that 2nd cave, I decided to crawl by the sides, not wanting to wet my shoes yet. Slippery bits but doable. Kent did the same ok!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So river wading. It was cooling and refreshing and often I splashed myself with the cold water. Yummy. Parts of the water was rather clear and I'd always assumy the murky parts in the middle means it's deeper. I'd say it took us about an hour to finish that 3km river wading judging by the slow 20min per km pace my gps recorded. All in all about an hour which was seriously long. Parts of it later involves traversing through some human made bamboo bridges connecting parts of the river which I presume where quite deep. Still, it was a new experience and rather exiciting too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thank the company for the river wading. It was done like 1am in the morning. Sometimes a bit spooky lah so the company helped along with some chit chat along the way. We were all happy when we finally hit land and it was just another km or two through some forrest bits and some bush whacking before reaching the all important halfway CP5, km 54!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They had some light porridge here - super yummy for the hungry stomach. Lots of salt on the table that goes well with the apples and loads of it in my icy coke! We took a much longer break here I think, maybe up to even half an hour. A bit of a mistake I realised later. Changed my socks in a dry pair, refueled my pack, changed my battery for the headlamp and off I went. With the rest following not long and playing catch up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This section to CP6 was mostly road. Thank goodness! But just before leaving CP5, my headlamp picked up this uber long (about 5 foot) snake gliding across the road! Scared the crap out of me really and I stopped in my tracks to let it pass. It was brown in colour with specks of black pattern on it. Towards the end of the road, it just stoop up like 3 feet above the ground and cling on the low branches and climbed up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still with Huzairi on my tails. Was good company as well as with Khaili. Kent was ahead so he was my marker then. It went for like 3 or 4km before coming out to the main road. That took us back to town already and so near to the starting point. But not before looping around residential area round and round, and ending up at CP6 which was the Merapoh Train Station. Quick refuel and off again. The marshals said we were like the 13th runner to pass there. Hmm ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next 300m or so was actually running on the train tracks! And no, these aren't abandoned tracks! It was a bit hard running on them rocky bits and I kept looking back in case the next train is here lol. Soon enough, we turned right back into trails. Phew. Edging to CP7 around km70 was easy trails and roads. This was were the real ultra starts and one just have to dig deep to keep on moving despite the exhaustion and aching all over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Huzairi was still with me along side and Khalil dropped back for a bit. It was soon going to be light and for once, I'd appreciated that having run the last 8 to 9 hours in the dark. Into the palm oil estates again before hitting CP7 around the km 70 mark. Here' we caught up with the running couple, Tahira and Rahman and surprisingly Alan Toh! Alan is also a regular in ultra running and last met him in Langkawi Ultra just 2 weeks ago. I know he started much fast and perhaps have slowed down a tad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No matter, Alan left not long after that. Perhaps after seeing me haha. I can be intimidating I guess! Rahman were having some issues and have stopped longer there. Tahira stood by his side to aid him. Huzairi and I spent some good minutes here eating up watermelons and banana and having cold icy coke before the final 30km assault.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not long, I signaled to him to move on. No point stopping too long until your muscles go cold. Once both of us started, Tahira and Rahman followed suit. And ... the cat and mouse chase began! I was doing a comfy 7mins pace that time along more palm oil plantations. Often rolling some steep hills here and there throughout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At some point, I thought we ran the same location over and over again! The modus operandi seemed the same. Running at the right edge of the plantation, a left and a right turn and it seemed that kept repeating! Fearing that I missed a ribbon or a marker or a blinker, I concentrated on them as much. I can't afford to get lost now, I told myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall till now, the climbs weren't that long, but they can be uber steep! You know the ones that squeezes every ounce of air out of you kind. Brutal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tahira backed down a bit after some km. So did Zuhairi. Eh, I don't think I went fast there I thought. With Rahman hot on my heels, I kept the pace as much. Often hurting inside me but I wanted to think it's just in my mind. He would actually jog up the many short steep hills and I would just power walk them. This has been going for the last good hour or so and it was now bright. And getting warmer. Eventually Rahman relented, which was to wait for Tahira to catch up and I was all alone now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got to CP8 around km 80 just before the kampung village roads. I could now spot Alan in front, some few hundred metres ahead. Eh? I couldn't have been going that fast I thought. Odd. This was where a funny incident happened. As i ran, a little boy on bicycle rode side by side. I asked him how far in front was the spot where they had tables and served water. I don't think he'd know what the word checkpoint or water station was lol. He kept saying ... not far in malay. Grrr... Then he went, a right turn in front, then a left turn and another right and you'd be there. What????</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wanted more of how many km more or time based lol. But he wasn't that wrong, perhaps some 500m away and that was CP8! I've now caught up with Alan and the volunteers said we were 5th or 6th or somethin along that lines. Hah? Really? I glanced at my watch, 20km more and 3.5 hours left. Hey! That's doable for a sub 14 hours and for the famed buckle! But but ... we did't know what lays ahead in terms of terrain and hills more to climb. We knew there'd be a wet cave soon, that's all. The volunteers said more hills to come and jungle bits too. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still, Alan and I forged on. Him ahead mostly about 100 or 200m and I used him as my pacer. Although it's that near to the finishing, but 20km realistically is quite far away. To CP9 was away from the kampung roads back into the jungle setting and more ups and down. Somethings the forrest trails were dense bits that we had to only walk. More time wasted. It wasn't all that easy all all and took us another 1.45 hours or so to get to CP9 at km90. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With some 1hour and 45mins, we thought we had a good chance to complete the remainder 10km. Often in ultras, the last bits would be mostly roads to connect back to civilization. We were wrong. It was more forrest routes, even more river wading here and there, abseiling up and down using ropes on vertical climbs! That took time and zapped the both of us now. The bits on ropes I think were for connecting purpose since it looked like a fairly new route made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With time ticking away, finally back to open clay roads, meeting a marshall stationed along the way. We asked where the caves were and he said, since yesterday, no caves neeed. Huh? Hah? They changed the route? Yesss ... with some 7km to go and 1 hour to go, we had a good chance to sub14!!! Woohoo .... I started bolting away faster and unfortunately left Alan behind. Sorry bud, I was suddenly charged with 7km left and no need to do them caves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up and down more steep short rolling hills and and ... drat, I came to the cave opening. Grrr.... got conned again. Took my headlamp out and waded through the knee high cave water. It was super dark. In the middle of the cave was this staglatite structure which I had to dodge by the sides, creeping even lower into the waters! Such an adventure i tell you! It wasn't that long, but kinda eerie doing it all alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I see light! That was the cave opening and boy it was a tight one! It was that small, and I had to contort my body at a certain angle and gingerly inched through! My backpack often got caught in the opening too. Took a few tries till I got it right and I was out! It was back to open wide clay roads but not before I was told that it's at least another 6km to go and I had like 30mins for a sub 14. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At this juncture, it was super hot. It was so open and no shades at all getting to 11am. I can't possibly do a 5mins pace at this juncture. Even pulling a 6 was kind of asking too much of my body but I tried! Halfway through a marshall on a truck was in front with the camera man at the back snapping me away. Smiled as I could and thanked them. Then they decided it was more fun to take more snaps of me, went ahead some few hundred metres, stopped, and waited for me to arrive and snap away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I pulled on a fake smile alongside the exhaustion and pain and in my mind I went %&*%$!"£$.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was getting inpatient. Met another local and asked how far cause as far as my eyes could see ... i don't see civilization! He said another 2km grrr..... Every time I asked, they would all say another 2km! I looked at my watch, 14 hours were up sigh. And then there it was, back to tar roads, looked familiar, a right turn and then a left to the train station yet again. Across the tracks and woohoo, the finishing line!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That final jump of joy at the finishing line! It was all over now and happy to nail yet another 100km ultra!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I was 6 minutes over the 14 hours and so there goes my buckle! An official time of 14 hours 6 minutes and 28 seconds! Good enough to net me as 6th overall and champion in the Malaysian Mens category! Being champion actually came as quite a surprise to me as I was running with some of the best local ultra runners. Just my luck I believe!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crossing the finishing line and Race Director, Razif crowning me the finisher medal and 6th position. Never felt better! Picture courtesy of Running Project.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loot for finishing! Pretty medalion I might add. Worth the pain? Absolutely!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Awards evening after a sumption dinner flanked by 3 huge BBQ lamb which was finger licking goodness. Let's just say you won't have issues with good food when you've signed up for TMMT! Lastly, was awarded with a Raidlight 20l backpack! I was looking for one lately and this will come in handy for my super duper ultras in 2017 (fingers crossed!). This baby can really store anything and everything including the kitchen sink!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So there you go! My race report on TMMT. Would I recommed this? Hell yeah, like I've said in my opening summary, it puts fun and adventure back into ultra running. Be it 30 or 60 or 100km, am sure you'd find the fun factor extremely high but yet, there's still loads of brutality factor thrown in. Like I've said, don't let that 1,500m D+ elevation gain foo you. It will make you earn every meter of it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, more needs to be done to save the Merapoh caves and the natural settings. And hopefully, we have stong voices to carry that through to ensure the beauty is still there for generations to come. Don't take my word for it, sign up next year and be mesmerised by the captivating beauty and tranquility of Merapoh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-37453220983262128122016-05-25T12:03:00.001+08:002016-05-25T18:17:56.276+08:00H1 - Yet Again. And Again. Never Learn.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's May yet again and that merely means it's hunting time in Kayapa, Philippines. That time of the year where many would make a bee line to what's touted as possibly the toughest 100 miler here in Asia. Everyone would want a go at this, and have trained long and hard for it. Many were returning for their 2nd, 3rd and even their 4th time. Some successfull in their last installment, some not so but one thing's for sure, they just don't give up that easily, and high in spirits to conquer this much coveted 100 miler ultra trail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the same time, there's also a concurrent 100 km called P1 or Pulag 100. Specially tailored for them wanting a bridge up to a 100 miler. But don't be fooled with this 100 km ultra trail like any other 100km you've completed before. With some 6,000m D+ elevation gain, and an extended 112km, it will give you a run for your money. Previously, it ends at Dayap covering 102 km but this year, some 10km added on to finish in a more exciting manner back at the Kayapa town (or rather school) where we would set off in the wee hours of the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is my 3rd time, failing for the very 1st time back in 2014 and only managing close to 102km. In year 2015, I became a bit smarter I guess and much more stronger, powering myself to the finishing line in position no 5 with a time of 36 hours 28 mins. You can read all about 2015's edition doing a search here in this blog, a lengthy one.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The usual 4some from Malaysia making their way to Baguio in the all familiar Victory Liner bus. Fuji the tea lady decided to tag with this group. Evidently the numbers have grown exponentially in the years. From Malaysia itself, there were a last count of 28 for both P1/H1. That's a lot! Compared to the year before which was just a handful.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not going into the length of the whole route like I did last year. You can read the past edition. Merely will touch on the interesting points this year and what made it easier or harder this time around. As usual, we got into little sleepy hollow Kayapa on a Wednesday evening. That long plan, bus and van ride took a toll on most of us so a good night's sleep was in order right after a hearty dinner prepared by mum Tessie at her bed and breakfast establishment. Still, at that time plenty have already streamed into Tessies and the place was a buzz with activities going on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then it rained. Hard. Torrential rain. Unlike the previous year. The locals here told us it's been that way each evening for the last 2 weeks. Boy, are we going to have a swell of time starting with wet conditions and possibly throughout. Rain or shine I guess, we'll just have to suck it up one way or the other. No excuses. We were dead like zombies by 9am until the next crisp morning beckons with turn of light at 5am. Quick warm breakfast and it was off to ensure we have our 3 drop bags all ready for the 11am race pack collection and briefing held at the local school.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the race kit collection which went very smoothly. Some of the Malaysian contingent seen here. And some big names you would be familiar with in the world of ultra running in Malaysia. Needs no introduction.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some mingling around and nice to meet them pinoy friends and runners there. Evidently, it's like a running convention happening here in Kayapa every May. I'm not sure about the rest but I already had butterfiles in my stomach at this point, despite having completed H1 last year. To me, better be 'afraid' and not be overly confident before the battle begins. I take each battle serious enough to ensure I've prepared sufficiently or over in that respect. One can never be too carefull when it comes to the amount of training required for an ultra.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But ... one thing's for sure, I did have a rocky few weeks prior. Having that nasty fall during TNF100 Philippines did much damage both physically and mentally. Fortunately, I did not have fractured or broken ribs or my right hand but enough damage to the tissue and muscles surrounding my left rib that left me immobilised when it comes to running. Jogging even. Doc said it'll take some 4 weeks at least for the pain on my ribs to go off. Nothing I could do to hasten the recovery which put a damper on my spirits. After a few days, I tried a bit of light jogging which produced severe pain on my left ribs with each landing of my left foot, not good at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So it was just rest. And more rest for the next 2 weeks. There were some progress after 2 weeks but just not fast enough. The bruising on my right arm near the elbow turned from blue black to back to normal by then. But the ribs still gave me the haunting pain. Eco100 was up next and I was deliberating whether to start as it was a back to back 100 miler with H1. In the end, I decided on the sane thing to do. Start Eco100 (well cause I promised Henry Yang to car pool with him) and see how'd far I go as a test bed. BUT ... I will stop when I think enough is enough cause no point risking further injury as is. Read about me Eco100 journey in my previou entry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I DNF Eco100 at around km 70. Perhaps it was a blessing getting lost then. I may finish the whole 100miles of Eco100 but that might have repercussion on the the following H1. Therefore, 1 out of 2 completion might be a better choice I told myself. Or none.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12am Friday soon beckons. After an early dinner and a quick nap (which I couldn't even get a wink), it was time to be up for the biggie! I guess mentally, having still an injury and trying to complete a gruesome 160km with some 12,000m D+ elevation gain would be insanely impossible but it won't hurt to try at least right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some 129 starters for H1 and 69 for P1 grouped around the school on a wettiesh late Thursday night. Big numbers there as compared to last year. That festivity feel in the air was overwhelming with each runner bidding good luck to their friends (and foes) for the extremely long journey. As usual, I'd just hide some where in the corner trying to calm myself down for such a long journey. Helps to break it down to small chunks was the way to go. Final mandatory gear checks, a quick prayer for everyone's safety and it was time to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was drizzling slightly as we made our way upwards for the next 8km. Starting with gradual runnable inclines which became steeper at the later stages reducing myself to quick brisk walks. My game plan was to take a light and easy pace owing to my injury, which did kind of annoyed me with each step I took but still manageable overall. Beggars can't be choosers unfortunately. The ground was still wet from the earlier down pour and showed no signs of letting down with the drizzling rain. Puddles of water every where and I've already given up trying to avoid my shoes being wet. After all, it's just part of the game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AS1 Pangawan was some 14km away, 1st 10km up and the reaminder some downhill which was a respite. The rain seemed to be heavier now and I felt a bit chilly so I stopped and got out my rain jacket. The last thing I'd want is hyphotermia killing me later. Everyone was well spaced out by AS1. Refilled my water and off I went. The next 14km or so to AS2 Banao was .... muddy. Thanks to the rain, the tracks were mud ladden and thick. At times my shoes would get stuck in the ankle high mud and made running difficult and cumbersome. Slipping and sliding was also the order of the day and something you couldn't avoid. I remembered this part of the route had many trees surrounding a single path. Now it's this wide muddy path, bald and barren. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At Banao finally, a quick refill, grab of some food and off again to AS3 Napo Tuyak, some long 17km away with loads of nasty short, steep inclines. By now the rain sort of let up but I was all soaked by now. Shoes wet, and squishy, socks laden with little stones. Perhaps I should have worn the Ahon gaiters I just purchased earlier. Worse still I noticed the right side of my Cascadia 10, brand spanking new trail shoes had a rip on the sides. Shock. Horror. Went through my mind. What if the whole upper gets ripped in the remaining 130km or so? And I don't even have a spare one at any of the drop bags! I just prayed that 1cm rip would hold throughout the whole journey. Else it'd probably be McGyver style with safety pins and duct tape if I can find some.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At AS3 Napo Tuyak finally after an eternity. The rain let off by now but the grounds were still wet and slippery.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next up to the Pulag grassland and finally to AS4 Babadak stituated at km 62 - long way to go as it's all the way up fro now. This section is rather mental as it goes on and on, up and up, through the mossy forest, through the mountain edge going round and round. Seemed like an eternity before the grassland suddenly pops out of the canopy. But not before a final steep ascend to the top of the grassland and making a right turn all the way down to Babadak. By then, that was a major milestone for me and gave renewed hopes of going further. Very few that I've passed now or those passing me. Lonely walks or runs mostly, battling my internal demons that just wants me to give up. Then all the flashbacks came flushing back to me! Ugghhh ... I've just forgotten how tough this was last year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The downhill to Babadak ranger station was quite nice. Let gravity do the work mostly but just be careful with your stepping due to the slippery ground. Finally meeting some hikers every now and then was god sent. Some friendly hellos exchanged and them giving way to us was a nice gesture. Some even urging us on which helped keep my spirits up after such a dreary and wet start. Finally out from the forest trail and onto open roads and with a couple of twist and turns, there was Babadak station! Tiffany and gang was there to support which was helpful indeed, thanks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Had some nice hot rice, soup and chicken, change my wet top, restocked my supplies and I felt oh so much better already. With that I was on my way. Oddly, depsite the tough weather and terrain, I reached here almost the same time as last year which was in 11 hours. I thought I was much slower coupled with the added injury. I bid farewell to the helpful volunteers and I was off to AS4 Balete. All the way downhill for about 8km.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It warmed up a bit and such a welcome. But then it started to drizzle yet again and the mist/fog rolled up. I just had to get to lower grounds quickly to get warmer. This section was easier, let gravity do the work yet again but watch out for your stepping on the loose big rocky terrain. You dont wan't a nasty fall here if you can avoid it. Balete was this little hut and I remembered it was full of flies last year. The same this year hehe. Just can't rid them flies!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Into AS5 Balete and happy days it was for me! 74km checked and all systems looking good!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was still daylight now although cloudy and the weather threatened to pour again. I know I just had to make use of the remaining daylight and get to Banao. Yes Banao, back to the same muddy terrain yet again. It was another horrid edition of getting your feet stuck in thick mud and yanking your them out. Slippery too trying to figure out where to step on next. Certainly too a long time with this route, as well as all the short and steep inclines. Daylight was fast disappearing now and after like forever, I've reached Banao yet again. Which simply means another 11km or so to Dayap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here I caught with Puzi, fellow Malaysia who was having loads of problems with his guts and can't keep anything in. Was sorry for him as he was doing a fast pace since the start. Robert Watson, another familiar face in the local ultra world soon came by. I told Puzi to try to make it to Dayap and have a good rest or sleep and that might help. After all we were doing great timing and could afford that little luxury. Anything and everything that can be done to ensure we could at least continue the journey till the end. No DNFs thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Puzi went off first and them myself with Robert in tow. There was another local runner but forgot who that was. We caught up with Puzi, struggling with more vomitting and the 3 of us sort of paced and urged each other to move on. Dayap! Dayap! Yes, the only thing we'd wanted so badly now heh. Puzi was doing ok, still moving which was a good sign. Stayed with him as much and sometimes I'd be a bit in front to pull him through. Some 9pm or so we reached Dayap! By my calculations, I was at least 30mins ahead of last year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to take a 30mins nap as I was seriously sleepy and urged Puzi to do the same. Had some hot milo and some food and off to lala land soon. The school hall had mats all over and bodies all over too, sprawled at any available space. Couldn't see who they were as it was dark and possibly rude to use my headlamp. I plonked myself down on a available space, pull the blanket up on me, set my alarm ... and I was dead instantly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before you know it ... my alarm went off. Darn. It seemed like I've only slept for 5 mins! Forced myself up, changed to a fresh top, refueled my supply, had some rice with yummy sausage and ham, more milo and I was off. Last year I continued my journey at 11pm but it was only showing just 10 past. Time was on my side. I don't know how Puzi was doing as it was dark there where we slept and I hoped he felt better after some rest to continue on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tagged along with a bigger group now to AS8 Castillo. Including Rober, John Las Bruce, Roger Choo (fellow Malaysian) and a few other locals. After all, more pair of eyes would be better for this leg of the race. It seemed simple with the route but it was wider open space so the path could go just about any where. A few times we hunted around for the market but no big dramas really. Lots of downhill initially and then them pesky big climbs. With that last big climb out of the way, it was downhill to Castillo back to concrete slab path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's where the P1 and H1 breaks off. H1 to the left, and P1 to the right for the remaining 3km or soon, and home soon. For H1-ers, sorry bud, the finishing ain't that soon yet. The next few kms were on road downhill and my favourite part. I felt good so I just went ahead running down all the way. Some tried keeping up but lost them anyway. So I was alone. Out came my mp3 for company to ASAS9 Kayapa East Market. Now this was a roller coaster ride, up and down, round and round the mountain ridges. I did this part during 4Lakes but that was during daytime. At night, you just can't see much in front and often I was frustrated trying to job but ended with uphills a few metres away. So I brisk walk a lot here. At one point I think I was hallucinating seeing lights ahead and sometimes I wondered if I was seriously sleep walking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later I did see 2 blips of lights, but they were from the opposition mountains. Eh? I guess I must have traversed from that side of the mountain to this side and assumed those lights were from Robert and Roger. Then the last part of hurdling downwards came. Last year it was dry making the steep downhill on loose sand difficult. Thank to the rain, that made the terrain slightly muddly and sticky which helped. But it went down and down and more down. Thankfully the ribbons were not hard to spot until I hear water sounds. Yeah, which means I'm coming down to the river, and having to get across which seemed like the longest and highest rickety hanging bridge ever!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't like heights at all but the other end was so so long. Whatever it was, I just sucked it up, looked straight and went step by step. Praying with each step, the plank won't give way. Made it in one piece to the other end phew. The rest of the journey to Kayapa East Market, I am most familiar! Some 3km or more back to civilisation. This was also where I took a 15mins nap last year at a waiting shed hehe. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Possibly the best AS! Sweet cause the end isn't that far away! Had breakfast here and more hot milo and a bit of rest before the spanish trail/Ugo assault next. I remembered getting here at exactly 5am last year but I was ahead by a bit this year. Happy days! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next up Domolpos AS10 via the old spanish trails. I think there were some rerouting here as we started the ascend up the spanish trails. Didn't seem to be like this last year. This year lots of snaking up the climbs and plenty round and round before getting to the top. Then another 5 or 6km round the spanish trails along the mountain range before getting to Dolmopos shed. I felt stronger last year at this point but not so this year. Not sure why. Perhaps I've just bonked out. It was foggy at some points and the sun was already out by now which I was happy with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Domolpos shed eventually. Saw a few bags there means a few were up there or making their way up. Decided to just run with my pack and not leave it at the shed like most do. Looks mighty foggy and cold up there so I might need my jacket and so. A long ascend up before the right fork turn and a few km of running round the sides of Ugo which was nice. Then a left turn straight up Ugo as directed by the marshal. Uggghhh ... so so tough cause it's such a long way up and steep. Whatever I had left with at this point was thrown out. Make or break I told myself. And lo behold my gps died lol. So I was clueless what timing it was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the last few steps through the little mossy forrest at the peak, I'm there! Hurrah! As usual the same familiar and ever smiling ranger was there hehe. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just had to have a selfie at the peak of Ugo!!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then trouble brewed as I made my way down! From the peak I got back to a bit of trails and then a clearing but no markers there. I vaguely remembered it's to go straight to the end and down. Problem was I wasn't sure! Despite having run Ugo for the umpteenth time! It was also foggy then so I couldn't really see what's at the side or below the mountain. But I decided to go down for some 15mins ... then chickened out! Just not wanting to be lost at this crucial moment I decided to back track up and get to the ranger. No runners came thus far but fortunately an angel called Mark Andrew came by!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I said I wasn't sure of the way down as there were no markers and asked if he knew the way down. He did, hurrah! So he led the way and yes it was the same way I ventured earlier. Sigh. Back to the Domolpos shed, refuelled and off for the remaining 17km or so. But the sun was weird now, sometimes hot for some moments and then back to chilling cold. Climbing up that last steep bits with the sun on my back didn't help. I was seriously spent just trying to get up to level grounds before the flatter trails started back. Some rest, some push and I was done with the climb. Thanks to RocketBong and gang up there for the cold sprite!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By now Mark caught up and I just urged him to move along. Unlike last year I was full of energy finishing up the remaining 12km or so, I wasn't this year so I took it much easier in the on and off heat. Ran some and walked some. I think it was the last 4km or so Phairat the Thai runner over took me which I was happy to urge him on. Hated the last 2km which seemed to drag on but there was Kayapa town woohoo! With a last push up the last bit of incline from the trails back to town and all the way downhill to the shool. I was done!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last final dash! And no, that's not a V or peace sign! It means 2, twice finisher of H1 woohoo!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much deserved finisher loot of the warrior trophy, finisher tee and buckle! It was a great relief to finally end another 160km, 12,000+ D+ elevation ultra train in unforgiving weather and terrain.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Veins on my forehead about to pop. Well popping with happiness is truly fine with me!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not sure why I looked like I was going to cry lol. Maybe just tears of joy. Thanks again to Sir Jonel the Race Director and his brilliant team of committee, volunteers, marshals for yet again planning and executing a tough, bad ass 100 miler! If it wasn't for those wonderful people, it would be impossible for me to finish this H1 for the second time. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old and the new. They now have company from 2015 and 2016!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why just wear 1 buckle when you can have 2? 😁</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well here's the <a href="http://frontrunnermagph.com/official-results-2016-hardcore-hundred-milespulag100k/">P1/H1 results which you can view</a>. And surprise surprise I finished in a time of 36 hours and 11 mins! A PB of just 17mins but I'll take it given the more adverse weather and terrain condition this year plus my injury! There are rooms for better improvement and I can see definitely which areas they were. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some things went better this year for nutrition and hydration just that I need to buck up for my 2nd half after Dayap. Including things like avoiding sleepiness and jog more where I can. Perhaps these can be improved in 2017's edition where I'd be trying for my 3rd time to get into the most coveted H1 Hall of Fame. Till then, back to a normal sedate, eat and sleep life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some statistics for H1 to end this entry:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Starters: 129</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finishers: 64</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Success rate: 48.12%</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Which isn't a bad one compared to the year before or even the years before. Mark improvement overall this year. Which simply means everyone has trained doubly hard to reach the finishing line in 40 hours or under! Good job and congratulations to all finisherstudents and those who didn't, well there's always next year!</span></div>
Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-62099784152004741362016-05-16T11:10:00.001+08:002016-05-16T12:16:34.212+08:00Eranzi ECO100 (1st Malaysian 100 Miler)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP6dB2rPa3vbyres98zqAb0GeXcMCE07i5nPuUcd4JdQFqpbSaBMLujJW5BP17UOniw7TBgifAcJ4FwPxPFcjdaMBqyqctgJhJ0kb_OAHs6-8hLZpyQEenfsAECwm_cx3jkrzJQ/s1600/ECO100-Eranzi-logo-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP6dB2rPa3vbyres98zqAb0GeXcMCE07i5nPuUcd4JdQFqpbSaBMLujJW5BP17UOniw7TBgifAcJ4FwPxPFcjdaMBqyqctgJhJ0kb_OAHs6-8hLZpyQEenfsAECwm_cx3jkrzJQ/s400/ECO100-Eranzi-logo-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Touted as the 1st ever 100 miler trail run in Malaysia, and now into its 2nd year. The 100 miler category of course being a new edition this year on top of the existing 13km, 50km and 100km category. This evidently wasn't on my to do list this year but I chanced upon winning a free slot of my choosing in a contest courtesy of <a href="https://gusghani.wordpress.com/">Gus Ghani (aka Happy Runner)</a> and <a href="http://endurancenature.com.my/index.php/malaysia-eco-100/#category">Endurance Nature</a> (the organisers). I was given a free hand on the category to run in and 100 miles wasn't my default choice. Given that I do have another 100miler trail the following weekend and to add salt to the wound, my nasty fall during TNF100 Philippines didn't quite helped either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I did select the 100miler category as this was way way before and life was better back then heh. So after my nasty fall in the Philippines, I was rather reluctant to even start this event, let alone run a 100miler given then fact that it does have a generous 40 hour cut off time and some 4,000m D+ elevation gain (by all means a rather mild gain for a 100 miler in general). I think I was only 60% healed, and the trauma on my right ribs and chest produced an uneasy pain on my chest and ribs during my test run (jog would be a better word) prior. Specially during the landing on my left foot which caused a bit of shock to the rib area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I decided to just toe the starting line just to test how far I could go as a test bed to next weekend's way way tougher 100 miler in the Philippines. As bad as it sounds, sometimes you just need to sacrifice something for the greater good. Just don't ever be silly wanting it all. After all one is ... better than none right? So with that DNF etched into my brains to cushion the overall blow, I was all set to head north. Fortunately, I had Henry Yang from the singapore as company on the long ride and a real good catch up. And as daring as I, Henry would be also attempting a back to back 100 miler trail. Don't even think or begin to ask why. It's just what it is with us crazy runners.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 100miles detail in full glory. Although I'd have to add here that I'd wished there were some sectionalised maps provided perhaps by checkpoint. Reasons on this later. Although they did give the gpx files which can be a bit bothersome to navigate and use.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The elveavation profile. Not much going on in the initial 100km or so, pretty much flat. The last 40 is where it counts to heave up them peaks.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Driving up north for a couple of hours wasn't that bad on a Friday morning, smooth and all and time just ticks away with good company. Plenty to catch up with Henry and his forward plans. On the other hand I was rather laid back having done virtually no runs for the last 2 weeks since the fall. Well if you count eating and sleeping something but it did give me some good downtime to just plainly rest. Somehow I've devised a plan for my 100 miler test run but only one way to find out. I found out if I held my right hand on my rib area, the pain subsided almost to a very tolerable level. I guess because the tissues and muscles around my left rib and chest got thumped, they are rather sore and damaged now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doctor said nothing can be done with tissue trauma but to just let nature and time do it's job. Well for 4 weeks at least and quite frankly I don't have 4 weeks of luxury! Well on the bright side, I didn't break or fracture any bones cause that might take anywhere from 6 weeks+ to heal! My game plan was this. Use those compression rolls and compress my rib and chest area. That should hold it from bouncing too much and causing the severe pain felt during a job. Problem is this hasn't been tested and only one way to find out on eveny day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stayed in Kulim, Kedah some 10km from the starting point. Race kit collection was done fine and dandy and it was a night's sleep before 4am commenced on Saturday morning.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mandatory kit. Nothing too unusual here and to me, just about right. Not too many, not too little but good enough for the whole course prepared well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The checkpoint details and respective cut off points.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The starting point for the 100 miler was at Bukit Tokun, rather unusual to me. Another odd thing to me was the finishing point at Sungai Lembu a distance away. I was meant to park my there and retrieve my car some 40 hours later when I finished. Shuttle was provided from finishing line back to Bukit Tokun. Rather odd. Wouldn't it be better to have shuttle at the beginning from Sungai Lembu (the finishing) to the starting line at Bukit Tokun? After all, not all may finish and some potentially can or will DNF (like me!) And would have to wait forver for the shuttle. Plus I guess it's safer from a security standpoint at the finishing line rather than this desolated area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Race Director, Seow Kong did the honous of a simple breifing with some 40 runners there. Mandatory kit checked and all and a little ribbon tied to your backpack. Morning was humid despite heavy torrential rains the night before. Muggy. So we were let off eventually at 4am. I thought we would have chance to run around Bukit Tokun perhaps, devoid of the elevation but it was all road. Through some villages, through some paddy fields, some river I guess and generally all off road little gravel terrain. Connected with a lot of roads. One thing I need to mention is that the initial 60km was 'added' or attached to the original 100k to make it a 100 miler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry to say it's just dead boring. Counted some 6 or 7 dump sites we had to pass, one interesting low overpass to get to the opposite side of the road, some fisherman harvesting cockles by the river and that was it. When daylight broke, it got even boring with the terrain and views. Maybe I'm just missing my mountains and the elevation. Towards the later CPs, it was rather dangerous trying to run by main roads devoid of kerbs and vehicles zooming fast by and we had to get to the opposite side of the road to the CP. Some points there were police or marshals to help with the traffic, some on our own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started slow, really slow. You can tell when I did a 12.5km or so in some 1 hour and 20mins on flat roads or off road terrain. Breathing was some what restricted perhaps due to my compression bandage on my chest and some pain with every breathing in, that also restricted my air intake from the norm. At km 35 the pain got worse and breathing harder at which I thought I'd better just stop here before it's any worse. The CP was like just like 2km ahead and I decided to take off my compression bandage. Guess what? It felt so much better and when I tried running, not much pain there at all. Weird. But happy in a way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I decided to just continue on to see how far I'd get before other issues crop up. At this point the markers were good, white ribbons with the tip pasted with a reflective markers, spray painted arrows on the road with arrows for the right path and X for the wrong one. No realy drama and easy to follow. Sometimes really generous with the ribbons as they can be as close as 10m apart. I was running with another 2 guys, often they ahead and then me trying just to keep up. Sometimes I'd walked due to the pain in the earlier stages. Also noted my quads were getting stiff now, perhaps from the lay off of running in the last 2 weeks - but they were all manageable in many ways based on my experiece.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route so far up to about 50km? One word monotonous. We were now led into palm oil or rubber estates. Often running round and round in there, sometimes coming out to the main road, running a bit and then back into the plantation. This was mostly how it was CP to CP. I got bored and tired of that. Reminded me so much of TNF100 Thailand when it first started in 2012 way up north. Don't get me wrong, it was good to get into the plantation for a bit of heat respite which by late morning was getting bad but it was downright boring. I thought it was just me, you know being more experienced with nice trail terrain and but but I did speak to some other seasoned and experienced runner at the midpoint when I DNF, and they themselves remarked how boring it was and even some intended to quit halfway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The CPs were generally ok to good. Often the volunteers (made of young kids) were helpful and attentive helping to feed you and fill you heh. Most stations were basice with fruits of watermelon, banana, orange, bread, some little bites of cakes and 100 plus, coke and water. Good enough but you still need to be self sufficient with your own nutrients. Often they were with pla cards cheering at the junction just before you reach the CP, nice touch indeed be it rain or shine. Towards the 62km sungai lembu midway CP, I caught up with the running couple Tahira and hubby Aman. Good strong running couple. Here was a bit of hills were represented in the hot hot sun, muddy red clay hill that caused my shoes to cake up suddenly and became super heavy. No thanks to the rain overnight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got to CP F, km 62.3 feeling good actually. Here is the 1st of the drop bags and inching closer to the midpoint of the 100miler. Rice with vege or noodles served here and I restocked my supplies. Ate, drank and funnily them young volunteers were just happy to see the few of us coming here to this CP and happily fanning us in the mid day super hot sun. It was now 12pm on the dot and I took some 8 hours to finish 62.3km. Not my best time for a flat terrain but happy with it. I was told I was no 8 at that moment. Soon Tahira and hubby came in as well as few others whom we've been playing cat and mouse in the last 30km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Didn't stay overly long based on my experience. Enought to feed myself some well deserved solid food, resupplied, hydrated well and off again. Out from the school, a right turn, some 500m an arrow showing a right turn back into the palm oil plantation to repeat the mundane terrain. That's where my horror started! Since the rest were still at the last CP, i was generally alone all the time, expecting someone to at least catch up. I jogged some and walked some sinec my stomach was stil full. A little 2 inch river crossing, more palm oil, followed them white ribbons and signs ALL the time and some 1.5 hours and 10km covered, I came back to the main road .... the one I entered after leaving the last CP F ... yes, I was speechless. I doubled back for a bit and saw no additional arrows to turn any where. Dejected after a long while, I decided I had enough and decided to DNF. Wasting time for a 10km was already bad and to redo it again and still have another 100km to go ... was really disheartening. I walked back to CP F, Sungai Lembu and surrended. Consolation being I still felt good and devoid of pain from my rib area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rested, showered and fortunately got a friend to send me to Bukit Tokun to get my car. That was what I was ranting about earlier. And then drove home gingerly stopping at Bidor for my favourite herbal duck noodle along the way. I'm not overly sore over this DNF. Shit happened. Not really sure where though as I was on a nice roll and being cut short just like that was rather saddistict to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In summary, this trail event is more suited for beginners wanting to try 100km or 100 miler. Nothing to tough and generally being flat and some peak at the tail end. But I must warn you that the view is rather boring and monotonous for a very long while. Not sure about the tail end peaks as I didn't get that far to assess it. Markers were good, perhaps sometimes way too good lol. Just mind the heat and humidity and you'll do fine generall. That's my advice to you. I won't likely be repeating this as I think there are more trail events in Malaysia that's a tad less monotonous and boring. Having said that I've no qualms with the general planning and organisation of this event, given the fact the organisers themselves are 'old goats' at trail running!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To my next adventure then!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Addendum: I downloaded my fenix data and mapped it back to the gpx route provided by the organiser and here's the comparison.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLW2Py8dBqt6oMeSs3veTkx0ooBW6p_s0r-lgBAc-j_zRenzYLYglOmLP1sQyTHtdcTtRKgEUq2qAcVuOcD8QjeIJiKgxDV1wOhlaNfMXhLnYaXcaPPtwVVp8ESk5uc8J0KyH5g/s1600/PhotoGrid_1463371048148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLW2Py8dBqt6oMeSs3veTkx0ooBW6p_s0r-lgBAc-j_zRenzYLYglOmLP1sQyTHtdcTtRKgEUq2qAcVuOcD8QjeIJiKgxDV1wOhlaNfMXhLnYaXcaPPtwVVp8ESk5uc8J0KyH5g/s400/PhotoGrid_1463371048148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left side was the gpx from CP F, Sungai Lembu to Lunas CP. Right side from my fenix and the route I took. Clearly just before km 70, I should have taken a sharp left turn upwards in the map for the correct path. Maybe I didn't see the sign. But weirdly there were still ribbons markers after I went straight which was the wrong route. Makes me go Grrrr.... now. I should have trusted my gut instinct to download the gpx files and use my handheld gos for routing. Trust no one next time. Lesson learnt. Trust just yourself.</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-25583797872330603282016-05-11T11:12:00.003+08:002016-05-11T11:27:47.733+08:00What Do You Run For? I Mean For Real.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And so the internet or rather most of the social media were abuzz with this particular case that happened recently in the <a href="http://borneomarathon.com/">Borneo International Marathon or BIM</a>. Purpose of this entry of mine is not to be the judge and jury, but to highlight to you, the readers of playing by the rules. You determine for yourself what you make of it. After all, common sense isn't all that common lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My question to you at the very end would be 'Why do you really run? With the mushrooming of running clubs nowadays, would you feel pressured to conform to being in the club - at any cost?'. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjHLeaWcWPrm6rKOoCNv5z0wsG-aavA6oAARt4YTBzRDLHnSibo4WpHjZp_t2rFeuPYqNjybDkPOyfwlGh0odLXLB9NocVaYzZ-TQBM_1nqC26_ycUHlM8r_qUFQnL8kI1wJCgg/s1600/20160511_104715.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjHLeaWcWPrm6rKOoCNv5z0wsG-aavA6oAARt4YTBzRDLHnSibo4WpHjZp_t2rFeuPYqNjybDkPOyfwlGh0odLXLB9NocVaYzZ-TQBM_1nqC26_ycUHlM8r_qUFQnL8kI1wJCgg/s400/20160511_104715.png" width="356" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The background. <a href="http://runwitme.blogspot.my/">RunWithMe or Max Lim</a>, a runner celebrity who has been in the running arena for ages now posted about 3 runners allegedly cheating in BIM in the Running Kaki FB page Unfortunately, the admin of Running Kaki deleted the post the next day. One wonders why though since no reason(s) given. Suffice to say, Max himself received a 'death threat' message the very next day to remove his 'offending cheating post'. Mind you it was rather a colourful message and most of you would have read it with glee. And that got the whole running community abuzz.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk7fUjLpAgCZQdODAcvm8NTQ5BDHyJ3JKyPhJnwZkgjgiM0YBoBY_T0w4-4e6PlFV4M-_RYFj1Ert-op0nh2-KMdGv15hiumrj7k_C5bO9TMfVUI7mIiun1RlO2NBRyImph2g1g/s1600/20160511_104535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk7fUjLpAgCZQdODAcvm8NTQ5BDHyJ3JKyPhJnwZkgjgiM0YBoBY_T0w4-4e6PlFV4M-_RYFj1Ert-op0nh2-KMdGv15hiumrj7k_C5bO9TMfVUI7mIiun1RlO2NBRyImph2g1g/s400/20160511_104535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The alledged trio in question. The bib with E signifies a Full Marathon veteran category but I don't think any of them are in that category nor 2 of them being men. Same bib, used 3 times and in the background that's the Likas Stadium, where you'd do half a lap before reaching the finishing line. Happy faces ya seeing the finishing line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What they didn't know was the many freelance photographers on hand snapping you gleely. So, how can 3 fellas have the same bib number, and yet finishing the same marathon category? Preplexing right? To say each of them ran it at the same time would be rather out of this world unless they can morph back in time. 'Beam me up Scotty!'. Your guess is as good as mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Further down the road, the original owner (not in picture) claimed he had lost his bib at the changing room and someone else, (one of the trio above) possibly and casually picked it up and then took turns to just run the half lap at the stadium, and enjoying the finishing medal and tee. Just like that. You would also note 1 of the bib isn't in the original plastic. Maybe it was duplicated, or maybe just removed to throw people off guard. Many maybes here lah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And to finish off dessert, the bib owner took a group picture with the trio, being in the same running club and claimed he doesn't know the trio and don't know them well. Guess by now, they aren't friends for sure! As bizarre as it sounds, that's the facts presented above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A day later Max, got a treat mesg/comment show below.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QmQsdZDmVGxLHQNM94a4bV33JIoLqhfHdWH19iYuU_0nNP0E6QxvYmTiumzmWX3F7FC22_Nv-n0R0KsdauzULcUgv7R80xyzzFRo9z_8yusUz-T_bQDt8v-kkkXWf6cpDpZ_TA/s1600/20160511_074613.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QmQsdZDmVGxLHQNM94a4bV33JIoLqhfHdWH19iYuU_0nNP0E6QxvYmTiumzmWX3F7FC22_Nv-n0R0KsdauzULcUgv7R80xyzzFRo9z_8yusUz-T_bQDt8v-kkkXWf6cpDpZ_TA/s400/20160511_074613.png" width="272" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't mind the colourful language of the writer ya. Irony being the write said 'I don't condone the act of cheating ...' but yet it's fine to be part of one? Well running doesn't quite cost a thing (discount the fact of having to buy running apparels and such). Running is free. If you feel like running then just go hit the streets endlessly. To righfully claim finishing goodies that one didn't pay for well ... it's theft to me. Regardless whether the fees were expensive or otherwise, it's always a choice to each individual.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back to my question, has running in this day and age brought out the worst in oneself? You're only cheating yourself in the very end and something you just have to live with for the rest of your life. Running can be fun if you do it right, and every step you make can surely bring sheer pleasure to you, medal or no medal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH8oAsybn2we1_sOtUJTT4yCMoqVRZySXtjvaGN7uwQ2S9_4i0YfjKHuE7WXXiqYROaRd2ZSMlzUFc5wwa8IhDSzhkdwyReWv375LbPW15H3YNISfEtV43capN9Tu8mlwQzQxnA/s1600/20160511_112115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH8oAsybn2we1_sOtUJTT4yCMoqVRZySXtjvaGN7uwQ2S9_4i0YfjKHuE7WXXiqYROaRd2ZSMlzUFc5wwa8IhDSzhkdwyReWv375LbPW15H3YNISfEtV43capN9Tu8mlwQzQxnA/s400/20160511_112115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh wait!!! There's more! Found the above on FB in one of the discussion thread. Apparently one of the trio, the one pictured above, did an even more amazing feat that I can't even begin to attempt! The red bib she's wearing is from the Half Marathon. Yeah yeah, maybe you're thinking yeah she did the Full Marathon and then completed the Half Marathon back to back, now that would be amazing right? Well here's the kicker - Full marathon starts at 3am and half starts at 5am. Unless she can run a sub3 full marathon and then she would have a good chance to complete the back to back, and near impossible feat, of both full and half marathon. That also she would have to complete the half in 3 hours or less. Amazing indeed and from the pictures above, it was like a walk in the park indeed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-6282651350944884092016-05-02T12:14:00.000+08:002016-05-02T12:20:27.742+08:00I Ate Earth, Literally - TNF100 Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjMlWjLdJuaXjIMueeK2coba2Cp1OgBNwfBFkSiu08GkuxjiC1d_llo5Bl2sUXdrot3NF13rw2jMtoxyVaxNbPRyyg3Xk8jjEUiea02jNREJTJY1xSWw7na2z8PyCR2wYwMgp8w/s1600/FB_IMG_1462159414673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjMlWjLdJuaXjIMueeK2coba2Cp1OgBNwfBFkSiu08GkuxjiC1d_llo5Bl2sUXdrot3NF13rw2jMtoxyVaxNbPRyyg3Xk8jjEUiea02jNREJTJY1xSWw7na2z8PyCR2wYwMgp8w/s400/FB_IMG_1462159414673.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I looked forward to being back in the Philippines yet again, barely a month ago when I attempted Four Lakes Ultra. Fond memories of this TNF100 PH I had through the last 3 years with the 1st time back in 2013 which I had to DNF at somewhere km 70. Looking back I'd attribute it to lack of experience in the hydration department, and then being sucked into a dehydration frenzy which ultimately caged me like a prisoner. Any which way to break out from was futile and had me missing the cut off time at the peak of Mount St. Thomas. It was good times when a bunch of us Malaysians made our mark there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I returned the following year in 2014, bringing along a bunch of 1st timers there. Some in 100, some in 50. After crossing their respective finishing line, I'd say they got more from what they paid for heh. The experience itself was priceless, with the whole group unanimously agreeing this was a tough ultra cookie to crack and swallow. I skipped 2015 because the venue now changed some where closer to Manila, away from the Baguio highlands. As it turned out, it was still a cracker of an ultra to attempt, owing to fast and furious technical terrain and the unrelentless hot and humid heat that got most down on their knees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it got moved back to Baguio in this year's edition, I simple decided I had to have another go at it. Nothing to fault on the Baguio trails, and all to love with it's pristine pine tree landscapes, big ascends and descends, with an added touch of cold at night, and super hot during the day. So I went solo this year for a quick run and back again. Only to find out that the route has somewhat changed later. Due to the restrictions imposed on Mount St. Thomas for conservation purposes, we were not allowed to the peak anymore. Bummer cause that to me was the whole highlight of the 100km. It then turns out to be an out and back 50km, with elevation gain still a massive 5,500m D+. Still a force to be reckon with I thought.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24ifUo4-3LJw5st-Qd3j_VCME69J1Sp6ja2TkcodU1ycIvQQe7eEHw_Y_p9uBgRDdvHU4jYbK8BW5AW8wSWHPte7LXbIA_wroQ4pssBXwZBvn21jL4OIvcFg0JXUXbwYJ7A7E_A/s1600/FB_IMG_1462159452060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24ifUo4-3LJw5st-Qd3j_VCME69J1Sp6ja2TkcodU1ycIvQQe7eEHw_Y_p9uBgRDdvHU4jYbK8BW5AW8wSWHPte7LXbIA_wroQ4pssBXwZBvn21jL4OIvcFg0JXUXbwYJ7A7E_A/s400/FB_IMG_1462159452060.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route map and big ass drop and climbs. It looks simple, just an out and back 50km and you're done! But don't let them prety curves fool you now.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Aid Stations present and I would say it's well equipped with water/electrolytes and plenty of food for your taste bud. I loved them rice cakes! Something like our glutinous rice and tasty too!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Made my long trip to Manila airport, 7 hours bus ride to Baguio 1,500m above sea level and home for the next few days. The hostel just behind S&M Mall - the only huge mall there which was convenient for food when the need arises. That was a Thursday, enough rest for the long journey from Malaysia. The next day I preperared my drop bag and went for my race kit collection. The only not so good thing that's not changed since I did this for 2014, was the different location for race kit collection and briefing. Race kit at the Camp John Hay base camp whic is also the starting/finishing point. And the race briefing at a hotel at the other side of town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And when I was at the race kit collection, I forgotten my packed drop bag for km 50. Bummer. So I picked up my kit and double back to the hostel, got my drop bag and headed back to camp John Hay. Old age issue with me memory. Sometimes I don't even remember where I placed my toothbrush after using it! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well I did get a great bib number though. Half of the devil! And since the numbering goes by surname, I was the 2nd last so that makes it about 334 runners for 100km.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By now, race briefing had already started and trying to hail a cab at camp John Hay was next to impossible. Skip it I said and went back for some dinner and prepared for tomorrow. It began raining which was unusual in the evening. So that will make for tough trails tomorrow morning I thought. Called for an early evening and off to bed by 9pm. Tossed and turned and it was time to be up. Out of the door by 2pm and minutes later, I was at the starting line. Went for toilet business and all - and weirdly nowadays I don't have potty issues like before once the race starts. Must have done something right like no nasty food the night before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still, I didn't quite feel I geared for this long run. Not sure why but I wasn't just in the zone so to speak and hoping things will pick up when the gun goes. Sharp 3am, we were off for the 100km category. Started from the mid pack and just started with a casual pace along the roads into the trail head. For the 1st few km, we were just going around camp John Hay, not strating far from the start line. Some km 5 onwards we headed away from camp John Hay into some decent single path trail. Just had to be careful not to drop down at the sides down the ravine. Trails were a bit damp from the rain overnight too so we went gingerly. Some slips and falls from runners now and then but nothing major.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At km 10 was AS01, didn't refill as I didn't drink much and continued on. It started thinning out with the runners and well spaced out for a good run. Temperature was around 18 to 20C, just nice for a run and not overly too cold. A km later, mishap happened to me. We were now descending some clay terrain ladden with rocky bits. I don't know what happened but I fell splat frontal on my face. It happened so quickly I didn't remember reacting at all. As a result, my right ribs took a beating possibly due to the bottles in front of my vest and my right hand, around the lower elbow area took another beating on the ground. When I came about, I couldn't breathe freely - scared the crap out of me. After a while the breathing got easier and I sat up to assess the situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've fallen many times in ultra events before, in UTMF and even H1. But mostly got away with scrapes and bruises. At worst a bit of open would on the hands or knees with some blood flowing down but nothing major to stop me in my tracks to continue. But this was different. Scrapes on my knees but they were fine. My right rib cage took the worse beating and every inhale I made, elevated with pain. My right hand throbbed with pain and hard for me to clench my right hand fully. A few runners came to my aid and told them I'm fine overall, just needed to sit down for a bit. The marshall from the nearby camp that we passed also came - asking me if I wanted to DNF hehe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I said nicely just give me a bit of time to recover and see how bad the damage was. Pulled myself to the side and sat there. After some 10 to 15 mins, the ribs and hand was the damaged part mostly. The rest were just some lacerations. Pain eased somewhat and I attempted to then just walk jog and see if things will fall back to normal. For the next few km I was able to job, but progressively the rib pain escalated somewhat and the trobbing and swelling on my right arm escalated too. I went uh-oh. I may have broken or fractured my ribs or my arm. It wasn't getting any better with the pain and there and then, I had to make that harsh call of DNF-ing. I walked the remaining km or so to the next AS02 at km15 and hollered for the medic. 2 other malaysians that I met at the starting line (secretly), Rino and Hailwa passed asking me what happened. I think it was odd for them seeing me walking so early in an ultra hehe. I said I was going to stop due to the fall, but generally ok and urged them to continue on. By the way they both did well and finished well in time, congratulations to both!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd have to say the medic at the station was top notch with their attentive service. They began to compress my rib cage and arm to reduce the swelling and pain. It did somewhat. I knew in a sane way, I would not be able to continue the remainder of the 85km in such condition. It it was 15km to the finishing line, I would perhaps drag my sorry ass in any way to the finishing line heh. Too early to be saddled with this injury and call it quits. Tough decision I know but for the best. Only 1 of me but plenty more ultras to come. Nothing loss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sat there for about 30mins or so watching many familiar faces pass by this aid station. Usual suspects asked how I was, thank you guys for the concern! And soon the 50km category streamed through starting some 30mins later. Quite a number had some injury from falls and such. Nothing a bit of iodine won't solve. I was then taken back on a truck back to base camp, which was the starting line. I was struggling with the pain now specially on my rib cage. Back at base camp, I was ushered prompty to the medic tent, lay on the stretched and my vital signs taken. Blood pressure and heart rate normal. They cleaned up laceration and wound the best they could. I had trouble trying to lie down even. Even trying to laugh made the pain unbearable. That said, my spirits were still good. They bundled me up with blankets and emergency blankets as I was getting very cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fed me with a bun and mee in a cup and gave me a pinkiller for now. Decided to send me to the Baguio hospital for further check up, my main concern was some fracture on my rib cage or right arm. That thought did bother me but I had to accept the results eventually. So I whisked to the hospital not that far and immediately got checked in. A further interview with the orthopedic doctor and off for a xray on my chest and right arm. I got wheeled around in a wheel chair although I could still walk proper. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See? I could still do a selfie at the ER means I'm still good to go!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the results I dreaded most! Assessment was no broken or fractured ribs or arm, phew! Pain caused generally by the trauma of falling hard on the hard ground. Given a tetanus shot all the same and I was good to go! Gave me a prescription for meds and that was that! The ambulance even offered to send me back to my hostel although I told them I could walk there or hail a cab since it was just a km away. Nice of the hostpital and ambulance team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The end of my TNF100 PH journey there and then. To me, it wasn't a whole loss as I gain insight and experience to a part of an ultra journey that I've not had the privvy to see or experience in the past. Granted it's not what a runner wants to experienc really being injured and all but I'm fortunate enough to go through the whole motions - from the medics at the aid station to medics at the base camp and finally at the hospital. I am very grateful the organising team had a brilliant medical team on route and all, very well experienced and knew what and how to carry out their duty. In dire consequences, it could sometimes mean life and death. Thank you to the medic team for taking good care of little of me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other than a swollen rib and arm area, I'm good overall. Perhaps a bruised ego to go with that not being able to complete this 100km journey but I'll save that for another day. I realise that life is indeed fragile and I live another day to fight more monsters in time. I met another runner at the hospital though. He had quite a bad fall and had many stitches on his forehead ... I count myself luckier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm back home and recovering well now. On doctor's order unfortunately. Trying to sleep on my left side was difficult for the 1st night but getting by now. In time all wounds will heal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ps: It rained heavily the whole evening on Saturday till the next morning so I reckon it was a tough time for my comrades still out there throughout the night. To those who crossed the finishing line, good job! To the unfortunate ones like me, fret not, always a next time. Let's all be fortunate you still have a life, cause you only have just one and only one. No seconds at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There'd be days life won't go as planned but fortunate to be still breathing life. Sure, I'm disappointed some, who wouldn't be but I'm just counting my lucky stars now. Luck can run out sometimes. Nothing is forever.</span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-48647987230610322342016-04-25T12:50:00.000+08:002016-04-25T12:50:24.102+08:00Weekend Madness Double Whammy<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wasn't intended to be a weekend of madness but somehow fell into that trap. Has been like years I've not attempted a back to back weekends - more like when I was much younger and crazy enough to do one heh. Then again, a bit of tough love doesn't quite hurt ... that much. And it's prescribed somewhere that if you're attempting ultras, a back to back long runs over the weekend will do you good for your endurance. Yeah right.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weekend's catch. De'Lima Langkawi Marathon finisher medal and Melaka Heritage City Half Marathon finisher medal. Quite a colourful bunch.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>De'Lima Langkawi Marathon</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wZhYzwAIX5sDHjtheH2_YmHVJaU6EfVSder9DGntCx5fS7JsQ2L7fnmB0UexEQ6FPz6tgYr1OZe15KDNI4I8JPa-l8iQ1DLgeA8tIH6tY4DRKy8YRmC7wAAW4wyHKJPFaY54rg/s1600/FB_IMG_1461549968042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wZhYzwAIX5sDHjtheH2_YmHVJaU6EfVSder9DGntCx5fS7JsQ2L7fnmB0UexEQ6FPz6tgYr1OZe15KDNI4I8JPa-l8iQ1DLgeA8tIH6tY4DRKy8YRmC7wAAW4wyHKJPFaY54rg/s400/FB_IMG_1461549968042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First up is the inaugural De'Lima Langkawi Marathon held in the Langkawi island up north in Kedah. I was a bit skeptical about this marathon given the background of the event organiser - which in the past didn't quite gave a good impression in terms of event execution. Plus, it's their first dabble in marathons given their past experience generally in mountain biking events. Still, I decided to give this a go as I've not run a marathon in Langkawi. Actually that's not true cause I've done 2 marathons in Langkawi during Ironman Langkawi 2014 and 2015 but then again, that's another beast altogether heh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marathon starts on a Saturday, 23rd April given that weekends here begins on a Friday. Getting to Langkawi island is easy with flights available through AirAsia, Malindo Air and even Malaysia Airlines (ignore Rayani Air). Flight from Kuala Lumpur takes a mere 45mins, fast and simple. Staying at Langkawi also promises plenty of options from the budget to the more upmarket ones. Take your pick really. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the logistics all sorted out, I touched down on Friday around 2pm, got myself a rented car as that's probably the easiest way to get around the island and went off to the race kit collection point at Aseania Resort in Pantai Cenang. From what I was told there, only about 400+ registrants across all categories! And the marathon accounts for about 100+ runners, yeah hmm. Still skeptical but being a more seasoned runner, I'd thought it should be fine. Just need to watch out for the water stations which was being promised every 3km.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCyx1XZqWUYr1jM5C7pfcwekz1TMBW3_OSvyTZYJL1jMTuVQlzJPREmzoNZeuiV0qwcRBzvDVVQzfpwNhs5pXI0_GGNxsKhDC-EM6XU0Cxg_PX7Km8-Dx8Qtb3ZvvHyJioWh8xw/s1600/FB_IMG_1461549987013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCyx1XZqWUYr1jM5C7pfcwekz1TMBW3_OSvyTZYJL1jMTuVQlzJPREmzoNZeuiV0qwcRBzvDVVQzfpwNhs5pXI0_GGNxsKhDC-EM6XU0Cxg_PX7Km8-Dx8Qtb3ZvvHyJioWh8xw/s400/FB_IMG_1461549987013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The marathon route. Just about running around the whole island, with plenty of hilly runs thrown in specially at the end.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So race morning came at 4.30am. Can see there weren't that many at the start line. Some briefing here and there, can also see the mood was rather sombre unlike the rah rah of bigger marathon events. Soon the gun went and off we went. From Aseania Resort to Pantai Cenang where half the world were still asleep. Thereafter we headed to the airport's landing strip. Dejavu having run here during ironman langkawi in the dark. It was also dark this time as lights weren't allowed near the landing strip. With the occasional safety bikes going back and forth, and with the rather bright moonlight was enough to illuminate the roads to pave way forward. I think I went a bit too fast in the 1st 10km doing a sub5 pace. More of a testing pace for me as I've not really fine tuned my pacing for a marathon although I've completed plenty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the airport we headed past the Mashuri Exhibition Center and took a left turn much further into some quiet little kampung road that went on forever. Until we swung back to the main roads and then some roller coaster highway bits heading towards Kuah town. More roller coaster running and we've reached the Hospital where we made a u turn a bit up front through more rolling hills, and then a sharp left to Bukit Mulut last 12km extra hilly, roller coaster ride!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">By now it's already bright and the sun came out to play, bringing with it plenty hot rays. And the never ending hills didn't help, save for the quite nice oceanic views high up. At km30 now, I felt extremely exhausted having dehydrated so much and running in drenched sweat, top to bottom. Shoes made those squeaky sounds due to being totally wet heh. Pace blew away sky highway and I had to resort to some walks uphills to calm my rocketed heart rate. Glancing at my watch a sub4 was more of touch and go situation now but more importantly getting to the finishing line in 1 piece.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Up and down, left and right, repeat that many times and finally the last turn to the finishing line. Phew. Didn't get my sub4 unfortunately and made it in a time of 4:05. Distance wise, just about nicely done for a 42.195km.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couple more steps and done! Thanks to Ramlan Rasidi for this picture.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqzl7wVA0la6Nmg4DgvrikvnjGuNH0ZxzIZNuOAdTjGJe2FCNxRggF-O8r6icW-mp142khwkxGEAfVPJnVb-5OeLAd0yz6ChCEcniD2efeaMmz4r9coEl9uFzKaVooOR90IVlWw/s1600/PhotoGrid_1461381977265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqzl7wVA0la6Nmg4DgvrikvnjGuNH0ZxzIZNuOAdTjGJe2FCNxRggF-O8r6icW-mp142khwkxGEAfVPJnVb-5OeLAd0yz6ChCEcniD2efeaMmz4r9coEl9uFzKaVooOR90IVlWw/s400/PhotoGrid_1461381977265.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nitty gritty according to my GPS watch. But on closer inspection, it does have quite a nice and unique medal though. Also checks off my 117th marathon/ultras.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Close up of the medal. The eagle symbolising and synonymous with the island of Langkawi. Crafty use of colours and lines to make it attractive.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok so here's the lowdown of the whole marathon in point form.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Yays!:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Race kit collection fast and easy. No queues. And done twice, once in KL and once on site.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Water stations every 3km as promised. Has water and Revive isotonic. One station had bananas, another had apples, and another had some expired gels (yup, you read right lol)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Marshaling at junctions were actually very good and they showed the right way at turns and all.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, route was actually quite a nice one and a rather challenging one with the rolling big hills thrown in at the last 10km. Not the easier marathon in Malaysia but one with a big challenge. After all the total elevation gain was around 500m.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Post race had some food cooked by the brand Adabi, being one of the sponsors but I didn't have any. Had some Revive and bottled water there but the late finnishers commented they ran out of bottled water later.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Boos!:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">No porta loos observed at the water stations. No medic assistance noted at all at any of the stations.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Finisher medal didn't indicate if it was for FM or HM or 10km or fun run. They all had the same medals.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">No finisher tee! Apparently we were told it was being delivered late. So we waited for over an hour and then organiser started calling out names of finishers for HM category. But that's where it stops. Apparently they were only giving out tees for the top 10 of each category. And the rest will get it through post. Yeah right. Highly doubt so given their track record in the past events. Naturally, runners were all fuming mad having ran a tough marathon and rewarded with nothing. Tempers flared also.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">No drop bag facilities. Well, there were non intially and they made up a make shift one there and then Duh.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall communication were bad. No emails, nothing. Queries on their FB page often went unanswered and usualy the buck was passed around internally. I was at one point skeptical if this even were even to be cancelled at the very last minute.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well not a lot of positives there really. A real shame as the route was not that bad given that it's a new marathon event and langkawi is quite a nice place for a run and a vacation. Obviously, there are many areas that can be better improved in the years to come for the better but let's see if there's one in 2017. Overally, I'd be cautious with this marathon in general. It wasn't cheap at RM90 early bird and later, RM100. In the end, there are some set expectations from seasoned runners alike as we are comparing this marathon with the more established ones in Malaysia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Melaka Heritage City Half Marathon</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">So I caught a 2pm flight back to Kuala Lumpur and promptly off to Nu Sentral to collect my race kit for this Half Marathon. This wasn't in my plan initially trying to do a back to back but I was chose as the Team Ultron Ambassador just a few days back! Evidently, I haven't done a back to back for a long time now focusing more on the longer ultras so why not eh? A FM and HM a day apart - a test of time if you will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Planned initially to drive down to Melaka after that a hold up a night there. But since it's about an hour's drive from Puchong, I decided not to. Just a leisure drive down on Sunday and get it done with. The event supposedly to start at 5am so I was off from home at 3am. I got to this Melaka Wonderland Resort - first time I knew of it's existence really and it was so so quiet. Few crew there setting up stalls and what nots. Uh oh. Evidently I didn't get the memo the event would now start at 6am instead! Clearly posting such an update in their FB page the night before didn't help ok. Tells you so much for this TnT Event company as a running event organiser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I was still sleepy after about a 5 hours sleep and a long drive but just bummed around saying hi to familiar faces. Many which came all the way from KL for this run. Also met some of the lucky Team Ultron ambassador who'd be doing either the half marathon or 12km run. There's also a fun 7km run slated in. Light came after not too long and ready for flag off. The usual rah rah for warm up exercises was in order too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came the staggered flag off. Huh? Not like there was a total 1,000 runners for all categories so I don't quite see the point for such a scheme. So anyway, when it was the men's open turn, the starting/finishing arch got punctured somehow and fell on us lol. Doomed really. But after more waiting we were let off. In summary, the route didn't have much heritage to see really. I was just a long long ayer keroh highway coming out from the Wonderland and u turned around km9 roughly and headed back to the starting line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mundane route really with quite a bunch of rolling highway hills, gradual at times and not overly overwhelming. I'll get straight to the good and bad ya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Yays!:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't quite count the water stations, I think at least 4 or 5 of them which I thought was adequate given the humid conditions. Water on hand as well as Revive but not cold.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ample parking at the Wonderland resort</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Umm yeah, that's all the good bits unfortunately. Seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Boos!:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Badly managed traffic. Police or rela wasn't employed at all! Imagine this was a highway and cars zooming by past 90km/h! And since we were on the highway, few times we had to get to the other side for the u turn and right turn back to the Wonderland junction. It was horrific! Runners were so dicing with danger specially at the HM u turn, even when miles to the u turn, they all had decided it's better off running in the middle of the highway! I shouted at them not to do so yet until you're near the u turn and you're not going to get any lesser distances at all. I feel sorry for the volunteers, either they were too afraid to stop traffic as they were not in the control of the situation. We had 2 huge cross junctions to pass through and it was bad. All this time, I wondered if someone will eventually get hurt. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Even at the u turn, there was a big fiasco. The men's veteran actually ran past the u turn simply because they were flagged off earlier and no one stationed at the designated u turn! I felt sorry for them as they were the few front runners. When confronted, the marshal can only utter sorry he was late £$&*^£"!</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">One water station was unmanned at km 15. Tables were still flat on the floor. Seems some volunteers didn't get the memo or decided it wasn't a good day to volunteer. At least there was revive there and runners helped themselves to it. A real waste as so many half drunk bottles strewn around.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The last water station where the 7km runners did the u turn was flogged by so many runners scrambling for drinks and only 2 volunteers who couldn't cope with the demand. Common sense lah dei. Knowing this would be a high traffic station, add one or two more tables and a few more volunteers please. The rest of the 21km water station don't need too many volunteers as the numbers are smaller and spaced further apart.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually a runner had a brush with a motorcyclists and was lightly hurt. A case of no one wanted to give way, I was told. It's a miracle no one died in any mishap. It was a mighty dangerous situation running on the highway and there were no volunteers at critical junctions flagging down or warning motorists to slow down or be aware of runners on the road. At a returning cross junction, a volunteer held out his stop palm to me. The cheek! To which I replied ... stop your head lah and went on. Manage your traffic better cause runners have the right of way. Else don't have your run on a busy highway! </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishing point devoid much of hydration except the bottle of mineral water they gave in the finishing goody bag. Please lah, everyone was dehydrated and it doesn't hurt to serve more water or revive to the runners at the finishing line as post hydration is very important. And asking us to buy a RM8 bucks water from the Wonderland stalls set up? The cheek! </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">That's my rantings on this HM event. Overall a poor one when it comes to runner's safety being put at high risk. In short, don't bother signing up for such an event if the organiser isn't serious about the safety of the runners. For more rantings, go to their FB page and read up on the runner's comments how this was horribly managed. It tells you so much on this particular organiser in managing running events. I wouldn't touch it if not for the complimentary entry from <a href="http://www.ultron.co/">Team Ultron.</a> </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbtvbwrgospTMQ47tnU9Y4-A53JSqqB8ZOck6WM1ZYOJXgiPIVoBI5eWLU6Q7XvX7BTFEbk8Ar8tx1InI8ub04Pnt__fRO5J8drfesHlV7uYBygIoUMDMDO_7nOIVBYWZG2rzAg/s1600/FB_IMG_1461559532069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbtvbwrgospTMQ47tnU9Y4-A53JSqqB8ZOck6WM1ZYOJXgiPIVoBI5eWLU6Q7XvX7BTFEbk8Ar8tx1InI8ub04Pnt__fRO5J8drfesHlV7uYBygIoUMDMDO_7nOIVBYWZG2rzAg/s400/FB_IMG_1461559532069.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Representatives from Team Ultron finishing their respective half marathon and 12km run! Well done guys!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6yB9roprDtzjf3c5lAW2jYGch0n-eu1qsqIZAZtIoW3Dt0G-Jh0JmYuqSwD8_BEtA3slAmfd2POXgdrh8CvKGpzrOoIEc3rR5Y9U3QcfmJ57ZXWLZzLZWTsMUPP0WLMyBvQ_yA/s1600/PhotoGrid_1461457280916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6yB9roprDtzjf3c5lAW2jYGch0n-eu1qsqIZAZtIoW3Dt0G-Jh0JmYuqSwD8_BEtA3slAmfd2POXgdrh8CvKGpzrOoIEc3rR5Y9U3QcfmJ57ZXWLZzLZWTsMUPP0WLMyBvQ_yA/s400/PhotoGrid_1461457280916.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The details. Still managed a sub2 for this half marathon which I'm delighted having completed a full marathon, 24 hours ago.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And there you have it. Quite a bit of adventure completing both this back to backs. Not great reviews unfortunately for either but not totally a disaster overall. Since running events are aplenty nowadays, my advice is to go with the more reputable and proven ones, and you wouldn't go wrong. The rest? Try at you own risk!</span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-75636052539005224872016-04-18T18:34:00.000+08:002016-04-25T10:03:03.906+08:00Trail Shoes - Giving You A Magic Carpet Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEjOJ-ibH4GqRMC5bkJRYQst5n9PLS8edJxOy4jwgjUghDu3s0xbTR_OPiqaL0mTEb7vLCcg3VIP50fG02VoL_LCH2CNVu4rH00jIZ8KOiBiUQWndyqLJVNeKhMQMIyhSPVKzwg/s1600/Screenshot_2016-04-18-18-24-42-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEjOJ-ibH4GqRMC5bkJRYQst5n9PLS8edJxOy4jwgjUghDu3s0xbTR_OPiqaL0mTEb7vLCcg3VIP50fG02VoL_LCH2CNVu4rH00jIZ8KOiBiUQWndyqLJVNeKhMQMIyhSPVKzwg/s400/Screenshot_2016-04-18-18-24-42-1.png" width="253" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I posted this on my Facebook and Instagram account recently, the subject on trail shoes. Many have asked me what's the best trail shoes? I don't have an answer really. All trail manufacturer will claim theirs are the best. I think it takes a bit of your time to really test try them, over short and long trails to really acquire an answer (hopefully!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The above are my Brooks Cascadia 9. Starting wearing 8s about 4 years back and has been my only trails shoes through 50 ultra trails now and countless kilometres on training. These are to me, a catch all trail shoe. Throw any terrain to it and it'll bow to your commands. I've not had any problems with them through 50km to 100km and even 100miler ultras. Well except having to replace them when it's time is up heh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The good points being sufficient cushioning through tough jagged terrain and enough traction through slimy and slippery terrain when the need arises. Just like when I took it through last weekend's Transnuang Extended version 55km training. From Pangsun to Naungs peak to Chemperoh waterfall to Janda Baik parking to Tanarimba (Google it up, beautiful resort area) and ... reverse it again back to Pangsun. I'll do another entry on that escapade later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when you ask a trail runner what's the best trail shoes? Each will definitely have their favourite on hand. One size does not certainly fits all, I'm afraid!</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-66761125843085498712016-04-13T13:16:00.000+08:002016-04-13T13:16:46.124+08:00Route 68 Challenge 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp4qCYRsCY-Bukxju1ApOWSa6ty55xWMIySWqahEhTNMcxQhyTaC9GWePK8mrwqqEPsM8iHx9Tnfx6F7H4XLHcfql8JwiZ1CNuW8lCkmV8RSrplZb5aSpgQazCIOx0_rGXnJw3Q/s1600/1448956228.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp4qCYRsCY-Bukxju1ApOWSa6ty55xWMIySWqahEhTNMcxQhyTaC9GWePK8mrwqqEPsM8iHx9Tnfx6F7H4XLHcfql8JwiZ1CNuW8lCkmV8RSrplZb5aSpgQazCIOx0_rGXnJw3Q/s320/1448956228.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Into it's 2nd year now for this home grown ultra. A novel idea by Jeff Ooi and his team in providing yet another local ultra for your selection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Event Name: Route68 Challenge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Type: Road Ultra</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Category: 50km and 70km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut off: 9hour and 12hour respectively</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mandatory gear: Yes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut off stages: Yes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.route68challenge.com/">Click Here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Difficulty: Easy to Moderate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remarks: For beginners wanting to dabble with distances further than 42.195km (full marathon). Good for bridging distances before embarking on the next level of a 100km ultra.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having done this twice, I'd already knew what to expect and having cycled here regularly too, the route is mighty familiar to me. The months running up to this event, there were also a few route familiarisation runs oraganised by <a href="http://mura.com.my/">MURA</a>. And also some running groups that did their own route recce and training run. I hardly do much of road ultras, preference given to trail ones but once in a while I would dabble in them to get some mileage in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one I liked quite a bit with the overall route. One that's lined up with greens all around, mountaineous ranges, lots of gradual and some steep climbs, and lovely views to boot. And there lies the challenge. In summary, a roller coaster uphill that goes on for 17km, then downhill all the way to km 35, make a u-turn and reverse the same process yet again. All in all, you'd have accumulated some 1,000m of elevation gain, and lots of heat and humidity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll leave you with a few of the pretty images that I've downloaded from William Kow, who ran himself and helped to document the views in digital format.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't get enough eh? This route sets itself apart from the other road ultras in Malaysia. Simply because it's not set in town somewhere or in some urban dwelling. The starting point itself is some 40km away from the city where fresh crisp air is the order of the day. Mashed with greens all around that makes the run worthwhile. And since it's basically an out and back course, you'd get to see your friends ambling on the route. Can never get lonely at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not going into the mechanics of the ultra, you can find the details in the provided website above. But one thing's for sure, there are vast improvements this year, from the organising overall as well as safety aspects. This is an old trunk road from Gombak leading to Bentong, and quite narrow too. Some of the positives I've noted are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Mandatory kit adhered to by almost every runner - headlamp, reflective vest and blinkers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Banners strung throughout the route informing other road users that runners on the road (this stretch is extremely populer with weekend cyclists, supercars and superbikes).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Marshals at the gigantum roundabout at Genting Sempah directing traffic and at all junctions specially at Janda Baik.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Route marking on the roads itself (stenciled), distance markers at water stations (elapsed and to next station), arrows signage at crucial turns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Cordoned gates at the finishing line so that the public don't crowd the chute for the finishers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Ambulances and official cars roving to and fro the route in providing assistance if needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The run. I'd have to say the conditions this year wasn't as great as last year. The main difference was the extremely warm and humid conditions at the start at 6am. Last year, it was so much cooler. Already I was sweating much just being at the starting line. I guess these are variable that cannot be controled and a runner just have to take that into his/her strides. After all, victory favours the prepared says a good friend.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIKBt8yB1iuM6PUr8gx4Yyom4hyphenhyphencC_JFsg_YUZ7BdF0rNAK1napzJJF0mXU3SPULzdnI2wjyc9Vw22ds7glQa9uclXVhSyCU23mrLvQ-bRsmPlCOvnuj0RLEVpG5Yd-J2KjHLTg/s1600/443977.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIKBt8yB1iuM6PUr8gx4Yyom4hyphenhyphencC_JFsg_YUZ7BdF0rNAK1napzJJF0mXU3SPULzdnI2wjyc9Vw22ds7glQa9uclXVhSyCU23mrLvQ-bRsmPlCOvnuj0RLEVpG5Yd-J2KjHLTg/s400/443977.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The starting location which isn't hard to access. Organisers also provided bus shuttle from town. Parking is limited there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnBLrwbBQLXi6wRMwzjRps0CT_4FDY7CGaeF2PTHvPsS2ExZaGs0yKcEGonKVJz9FlI3mQiyDdd1RtWChbDSHHnXpOzFmeZr0AW_OZ5i8DjXfhoU2YRv6x1mrLY-xlRpjGNlVsQ/s1600/4493592_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnBLrwbBQLXi6wRMwzjRps0CT_4FDY7CGaeF2PTHvPsS2ExZaGs0yKcEGonKVJz9FlI3mQiyDdd1RtWChbDSHHnXpOzFmeZr0AW_OZ5i8DjXfhoU2YRv6x1mrLY-xlRpjGNlVsQ/s400/4493592_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 70km route map. Go 35km out, and back again. Hard to get lost.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU80E9j0fkcybWaphklnGFxKGjFF8BltYHp09SKoBnX3LYZPHt0aHAvbX8Fvwq1qI2fCmRp3e6N_QMv63oZz6LijMdgs0jFteeT6prgIXEYkqlZdZkJi3JQE8eCgEVAlGUo20NlA/s1600/8682729_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU80E9j0fkcybWaphklnGFxKGjFF8BltYHp09SKoBnX3LYZPHt0aHAvbX8Fvwq1qI2fCmRp3e6N_QMv63oZz6LijMdgs0jFteeT6prgIXEYkqlZdZkJi3JQE8eCgEVAlGUo20NlA/s400/8682729_orig.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The list of water stations on the route. Typically 5km apart and that's considered extremely well supported in my ultra experience. Water, 100 plus, some sarsi and orange and plenty ice. Some simple food such as bananas, watermelon, biscuits, lollies and such. Don't expect a feast here but there's always McDonals at Genting Sempah for you!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The crowd grew quite huge this year, a combined 800+ runners for both categories. Goes to show how ultras have flourishe here in Malaysia and everyone wanting a go at that elusive title of being called 'a ultra runner'. I started a bit behind the starting line, that's just me. Knowing that this is a 70km distance, no point of being 1st in line - it's a long long way to go really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some additional briefing done and also a mandatory kit check before being allowed in the pen, countdown began and off we went at precisely 6am. It was still dark, and will be for another hour, so all headlamps on as we made our way to the A1 Indian Temple, the 1st aid station some 5.5km away and heading upwards. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6Vh64M8R1mx7vDfk_fXcJzL9Feu4qdsHT7UkeAXhc_R4yGlgspGe1hVbCTYiZs5RmRlL9EDTgqH2H6w2sPnd5CuT80ChrtURriBiq_HpZ8xtGAhj_zfaXvcqAPTy3jYoeVGuiw/s1600/FB_IMG_1460519884567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6Vh64M8R1mx7vDfk_fXcJzL9Feu4qdsHT7UkeAXhc_R4yGlgspGe1hVbCTYiZs5RmRlL9EDTgqH2H6w2sPnd5CuT80ChrtURriBiq_HpZ8xtGAhj_zfaXvcqAPTy3jYoeVGuiw/s400/FB_IMG_1460519884567.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only dark dark picture of me. From the start I made my own comfy pace heading up the incline. Wasn't long before the crown thinned out, the faster ones in front, me being in the mid pack.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was tempted to turn on my turbo as I inched up the inclines. Generally it was a gradual climbn that offers you a nice job up. Sometimes the corners gets a bit steep and calls for more horsepower added on but not real drama for me ambling along at a pace slightly below 6mins. I didn't stop at A1 simply because I had not drunk much from my only 600ml bottle. So I continued on with the momentum in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could make out a few lights ahead but did not pay attention to them. Keep my pace I told myself eventhough I still have much in me to go faster. After all, time and time again, this is an ultra, not a 10km nor 21km nor 42km running event. Go too fast too soon, chances are you'd suffer the 2nd half of the route. Not many are from the elite group that could muster a fast pace throughout the 70km route.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A2 - Digi Tower, km 10. By now my pace was comfortable. You can tell if you're not breathing heavily by now. Although there's not much to see, a bit of breeze sometimes did help but the humidity was still overly high. Unlike last year, where it was cooling and breezy when we made our way up the peak of Genting Sempah. Stopped to refill and had half a banana and some cold watermelon and off again.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemyQtLuLNticaujnHtjvefNHmZDfc7_KiQtR0Zymabz18GWe072orSjVSTW2aTERT_cLc3sW0wl0fKhIAkxwKCS2ZiWbaCdO047PdP7K7T8jXGkm-H65vYkD91BMP04y4SBMMiw/s1600/FB_IMG_1460523996378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemyQtLuLNticaujnHtjvefNHmZDfc7_KiQtR0Zymabz18GWe072orSjVSTW2aTERT_cLc3sW0wl0fKhIAkxwKCS2ZiWbaCdO047PdP7K7T8jXGkm-H65vYkD91BMP04y4SBMMiw/s400/FB_IMG_1460523996378.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That gorgeous green backdrop makes up well for the agony.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A3 - Genting Sempah, km 16.5. This is the last of the climb, often getting a bit steep but I was surprised it began to get somewhat foggy towards the top. Temperatures also dropped a few degress so that was actually wonderful. Took me 1:32:35 to finish 16.5km of inclines and I was happy with the time. By now I was in 9th position overall.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNs8we3eYETe3fYF0Q6gtc1sjL3owfnHwLwdcjNSWa_MWS-6O2wNTlTkTYbObEnwdPJdVxsMDjIzwrJ8wNPJUnlgbMKt9ubivO5QKspOTACKoYcQiZd0tt0Dyrgeqr4UFdRODtw/s1600/FB_IMG_1460524010740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNs8we3eYETe3fYF0Q6gtc1sjL3owfnHwLwdcjNSWa_MWS-6O2wNTlTkTYbObEnwdPJdVxsMDjIzwrJ8wNPJUnlgbMKt9ubivO5QKspOTACKoYcQiZd0tt0Dyrgeqr4UFdRODtw/s400/FB_IMG_1460524010740.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nope, not a problem with the camera but it was that foggy up there. Nice, cooling change for a while.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A4 - Kampung Bukit Tinggi, km 21. This was the delicious part as it was all downhill. Sometimes a bit steep downwards but still manageable and it made up some time overall for me. In ultras, one should capitalise on such downhills to make up time. Again, there'd be a tendency to fly down but just don't, go down with a comfy relaxed pace to also ease the burden on your poor knees. From this stage I could see 3 runners up in front, about 100m ahead and followed them I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A5 - Bukit Tinggi Junction, km 25. I was in position no 11 now reaching with a time of 2:14:54. I don't remember anyone passing me, maybe at A4 they did but the show must go one. It was still downhill run and I went along nicely giving gravity to do some of my running work for me. It was already bright by now so headlamps off and into the bag it went.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A6 - Kampung Lentang, km30.5. Things began to tire about now for most about everyone. Those who are stronger can still keep pace whilst others slowed down. Right about here I can see the group of 3 in front slowing pace as I slowly caught up, said my hello, and overtook them thinking they'd catch up at the next station which is the u-turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A7 - Bentong Hot Spring, km 35. Happiest time for me reaching here knowing that half the battled completed. A glanced to the back showed no one behind me yet but already the top 6 runners were on their way back - at least a km ahead of me. Refilled, had half a banana and some watermelon as usual, said a little prayer and now for the return trip. Knowing that you've gone downhill for almost 18km, now you'd have to trek upwards instead. What goes down must certainly come up again! Time taken here was 3:09:07 position no 6.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A6 return, km 39.5 - What can I say? It's uphill again again things become harder at this stage after running over 3 hours and some 35km. Still it was a gradual climb and I was happy I could still jog trying to keep to a 6min pace. The mat salleh overtook me here and man, he can go quite fast still. He ended up in 3rd placing overall so he must have overtook quite a few in the return leg powering on. By now, I'd passed many runners on the other side. Usually they'd ask how far? I'd lie a bit to them in giving them the numbers that's much lower heh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A5 return, km 45 - Full marathon distance checked for now. 4:17:03 was my time and now in 7th. For the record I did manage a 42km of sub 4 hours (some 3:56) with that much incline. Surprised I was when I looked back at my Garmin stats later. It was a good sight seeing many on the opposite side making their way to the u-turn. The sun was getting hotter by now and the humidity killing. At each station, my ritual would be to drinl up, refill, eat a banana, watermelon, gel etc, and then grabbing ice and shoving them at the back of my top to cool me down. Followed by cold water on my head and neck ensuring I don't drench my socks and shoes (which by the way was already drenched as early as km10). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A4 return, km 49. I've already merged back with the 50km category since A5. At least it's not that boring seeing some familiar faces and them giving me the thumbs up and vice versa. Don't mind this face when you saw me ya. Not being overly serious but just trying to slay them internal demons in me trying to keep pace. By now some resorted to walking up the inclines, specially the steeper ones back to Genting Sempah. The steeper ones I became a bit lazy and just brisk walked for a few seconds catching my breath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A3 return, km 53.5km. Finally. Back at the peak of Genting Sempah. 5:19:03 was my time but it didn't look the same when I arrived here earlier. The fog was gone, replaced by the scorching heat. After the water station you had to walk up that darn steep bits that goes on for some 500m at least. By now I was in 5th, bypassing 2 other fellow runners earlier. Surprised I was but there's still some 17km to go and it's anyone's game really. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just after the water station. You can see the Genting Sempah roundabout at the back. Needless to say, it was scorching hot by now trying to make my way up that steep climb before it goes all the way downhill for good.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bonus for me for the last 17km was it's all downhill now. If you're a runner that has the endurance this far already, then you'd do well in the downhill. To me that's a real bonus where you'd let gravity help you with the running, and yet gaining some pace along the way. Else, it'd be a long walk for you to the finishing line. Looking at the time and a quick mental calculation, I'd figured I could sub7 at the finishing line should I try to keep the current pace. I will try, lodged in my mind deeply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A2 return, km 60. So far so good. All the way downhill worked for me bypassing many from the 50km category. Some familiar faces too but it's all about hanging tough in there for the finishing. And trying to do a strong finish was also crucial for me. One more water station and I'm done - that gave me a bit of drive to soldier on strongly.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Round and round the bends I'd go. Where it stops, well only another 10 or so!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A1 return, km 64.5. There's a sense of urgency in me when I got here. Knowing that just another 5km and the agony shall end. I'd admit the following 5km was rather hard for me. Tempted to walk some her and there when exhaustion sets in. But I had to override it most of the time, usually just walking about 10 steps before continuing to job. I knew the symptoms already cause I've been here before many times before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A case of running out of energy and dehydration kicked it. I've taken the last of my salt pills some 30mins ago. Some miscalculation on my part owing to the extremely hot and humid situation. My problem is always sweating excessively, way too much and not something I could control overall. Just the body trying to cool an overworked engine. The symptoms were there, leg muscles getting stiff and heavier and the onset of cramps emerging soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the brains had to divert this problem away. Focusing on the finishing line, imagining how I'd cross the finishing line with triumph to ease the pain. Hold on muscles, 2 more km to go! It seemed like an eternity really even if it was 2km. Round and round I went through the bends and getting more impatient as the seconds ticked by. And I saw the parked cars. Sounds from the emcee blasting through the speakers. This was it!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjudQANCabcJoRMuD18nNax6MndQlzI3WYULxfGSJfjBmH6e2hAjMcHxkBs3U4f5ZCYvgUiz6LVyPjayhjadG-ZjZeO88t6IgOkjREwkSdo7Tt34H97p9BgM2YjqeMMcjcNfCEwA/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522738490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjudQANCabcJoRMuD18nNax6MndQlzI3WYULxfGSJfjBmH6e2hAjMcHxkBs3U4f5ZCYvgUiz6LVyPjayhjadG-ZjZeO88t6IgOkjREwkSdo7Tt34H97p9BgM2YjqeMMcjcNfCEwA/s400/FB_IMG_1460522738490.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally. Stumbling past the finishing line and that feeling was awesome indeed!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZm9gvzXQVgiVM67cEUvDbaL0FC31M8J3BvfwfQiTuZOTFVf1AEYqxHefjLMs7n1pQtxjRa8XDOsSxqPhZL6oQCvsJkbOWThXSoPyi_4dqzfVkyg5IbByIy2l-keyIQTTZqWogA/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522746497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZm9gvzXQVgiVM67cEUvDbaL0FC31M8J3BvfwfQiTuZOTFVf1AEYqxHefjLMs7n1pQtxjRa8XDOsSxqPhZL6oQCvsJkbOWThXSoPyi_4dqzfVkyg5IbByIy2l-keyIQTTZqWogA/s400/FB_IMG_1460522746497.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's even sweeter was coming in 5th position! Seen here with Race Director, Jeff Ooi and his assistant, Jason Tan.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmb5bqu4dQWalq0zuInWqXNEt6CqYipJaGfb486ltvZjaSCfxDPnZE0JR8XNpJQpSuyc0rVDT_oJ18XtbR8G6DORtsyYYBOvAjQVr1VTlr9AiCJI3PXBsRiGaR4HSRFIogQmFEw/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522756655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmb5bqu4dQWalq0zuInWqXNEt6CqYipJaGfb486ltvZjaSCfxDPnZE0JR8XNpJQpSuyc0rVDT_oJ18XtbR8G6DORtsyYYBOvAjQVr1VTlr9AiCJI3PXBsRiGaR4HSRFIogQmFEw/s400/FB_IMG_1460522756655.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Receiving my trophy and prize from Jeff Ooi!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMbcBK3U88uQXB7-xdIhvAjtqw_EEBOYnMpHmG-xRUcLDQb1yyqBaXsqoldhqmI47cf4TY2iAlfF9VGsr32vXc9eVSsTXLLF63u-Xysdh9L8uYYcevP0tUgfc-2vbaWEro99-pg/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522760551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMbcBK3U88uQXB7-xdIhvAjtqw_EEBOYnMpHmG-xRUcLDQb1yyqBaXsqoldhqmI47cf4TY2iAlfF9VGsr32vXc9eVSsTXLLF63u-Xysdh9L8uYYcevP0tUgfc-2vbaWEro99-pg/s400/FB_IMG_1460522760551.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the top 5, 70km mens category. Winner came in an amazing 6:18 timing and little ole' me just inching into the 5th position. Coming from a back to back <a href="http://yimster.blogspot.my/2016/04/4-lakes-ultra-trail-2016.html">Four Lakes 100km ultra trail</a> last weekend in the Philippines, I cannot complain too much lah heh.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PeM4mTqhn6PVbkhW0I7XEnwXkX1kDbmD28dR6RX8Duu4aoBifal5yufuibARAuQHmYMUMiqcuxHn03D6wJQvBTx0gOe8OdX4ltaGzNDdX6zMZLKeylCA9c957XYR_EphbTBupw/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522773965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PeM4mTqhn6PVbkhW0I7XEnwXkX1kDbmD28dR6RX8Duu4aoBifal5yufuibARAuQHmYMUMiqcuxHn03D6wJQvBTx0gOe8OdX4ltaGzNDdX6zMZLKeylCA9c957XYR_EphbTBupw/s400/FB_IMG_1460522773965.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The official results. Not bad keeping to a sub 6 minute pace throughout the whole 70km hilly, 1000m elevation gain course.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61b_NSvn-83Dwp9SIWp1KoLs-akedpYdeM5IrZpPHb6NdZpDhy2FU3SjjlafdxBn4WU40x3pC-Le2fdG2iPtIZnZteJD70vEc1ZLZzOfMUHJ5sM_usDE7SYAD2iyxePBKyMbO5g/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522782139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61b_NSvn-83Dwp9SIWp1KoLs-akedpYdeM5IrZpPHb6NdZpDhy2FU3SjjlafdxBn4WU40x3pC-Le2fdG2iPtIZnZteJD70vEc1ZLZzOfMUHJ5sM_usDE7SYAD2iyxePBKyMbO5g/s400/FB_IMG_1460522782139.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A collage of silly pictures of me summing up my Route68 Challenge, thanks to Mr.Chan for the impromptu pictures! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxCjGgSp3bs6ASWN8WVLtEWNCHAL85HvZ_PEIrliGZwyDuHCtRERjFY9GfBeenAEoT1zKMe0YHEDtpIa0EwJn_DVoiGp6O0BGolKuVb5j7DPlUox6ZOlMzCKrusEPiB-_sG6eag/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522789848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxCjGgSp3bs6ASWN8WVLtEWNCHAL85HvZ_PEIrliGZwyDuHCtRERjFY9GfBeenAEoT1zKMe0YHEDtpIa0EwJn_DVoiGp6O0BGolKuVb5j7DPlUox6ZOlMzCKrusEPiB-_sG6eag/s400/FB_IMG_1460522789848.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 5th position trophy! I think I'm getting the hang of collecting winning trophies!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dhbsx-VcmqhWr9eFAtf4vs7uyOPEMrB4C3pS8EfuThsBum7uXWgV7hmsOYGHCaEucgHQ7SiuT3anOw4nPWJcv4m-AtqEz1GzKx8NNOdsUawzEH59VvgOS6JW7UQmSltJ8nZpaw/s1600/FB_IMG_1460522796161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dhbsx-VcmqhWr9eFAtf4vs7uyOPEMrB4C3pS8EfuThsBum7uXWgV7hmsOYGHCaEucgHQ7SiuT3anOw4nPWJcv4m-AtqEz1GzKx8NNOdsUawzEH59VvgOS6JW7UQmSltJ8nZpaw/s400/FB_IMG_1460522796161.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Altra One2. Same shoes I wore last year in the same event. Provided me the zero drop and ample cushioning required humping them downhills. Love the wide toe box too, freedom for my toes for better traction uphill and downhill.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stayed till the cutoff time of 12 hours at 6pm, cheering for the finishers coming in and well as minggling with the familiar faces and congratulating them for a job well done. As well as dispensing some advice where warranted. Food was aplenty there, including nasi goreng and nasi lemak which suited me just fine after the ultra. Just what the doctor ordered! All in all, it was such a fiesta where practically anyone that runs were there that day, and even their friends and running team mates too. A real carnival indeed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRuno9udVEBy5pP-PBamAuPjUuDuHdADt96BJlAX4gv7Uw9dwFYGNlqfr-ziyue4aivc3otN6a3GhsBlu8RH44Ul2eemX23eV33Jc2mkOLq7RlwqXDyA2vQO3T4dihrRfAMWb4g/s1600/4556486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRuno9udVEBy5pP-PBamAuPjUuDuHdADt96BJlAX4gv7Uw9dwFYGNlqfr-ziyue4aivc3otN6a3GhsBlu8RH44Ul2eemX23eV33Jc2mkOLq7RlwqXDyA2vQO3T4dihrRfAMWb4g/s400/4556486.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The much sought after finisher medals. Top 10 gets the gold one on the left, 11th to 50th position gets the silver one and the rest gets the bronze. Want the gold ones? Then you'd have to seriously work for it then 😊.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heartiest thanks to all the wonderful photographers who have taken the time to be on the course for the snaps, unselfishly. These are certainly prized memories for each runner in time to come. Finally, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hanks to Jeff and team for a successful ultra and a job well done. Certainly a road ultra that I'd recommend for 1st timers and seasoned ultra runners too. It might look that easy but believe me, it's not! Till 2017's edition then!</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-46205188992101249612016-04-06T13:34:00.001+08:002016-04-06T13:34:24.608+08:004 Lakes Ultra Trail 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRati8xyH73R97A7J1Xtz9L76TKr1LhpqVc9oxafX8plh8tI5zxEKmAlL719L9TvcfxTMsh8M8jJovghbuEikKFfieZFTZY0UVwo7gy2tXdWpN-Jb54Y51aw9Tc-mDO3MqTWlpQ/s1600/4-lakes-2-e1456457930545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRati8xyH73R97A7J1Xtz9L76TKr1LhpqVc9oxafX8plh8tI5zxEKmAlL719L9TvcfxTMsh8M8jJovghbuEikKFfieZFTZY0UVwo7gy2tXdWpN-Jb54Y51aw9Tc-mDO3MqTWlpQ/s400/4-lakes-2-e1456457930545.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first had a glimpse of this <a href="http://kotmtrailrun.com/four-lakes-100k/">Four Lakes Ultra</a> back in 2013. All naive and green as a so called ultra runner, I decided to go on a solo adventure attempting this 100km trail ultra back then. This was the very first few 100km ultra that I've attempted and fell in love straightaway with them lush green trails set in a very natura surrounding. There were nothing artificial with the trails here, and it's been kept that way through the last century even. By far, one of the best trail experience I've gone through. So much so, come 2016, I've decided to rekindle the fond memories back here yet again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the name implies, Four Lakes ultra is basically about traversing the mountain ranges here in Banguet, Kayapa and passing by 4 lakes. Unfortunately, there's only 3 lakes this time around with the other one all dried up. But the name got stuck since it's first inception back in 2012. Into the fourth year now, it has grown leaps and bounds with an exponential growth with the number of participants. For those wanting to try something a tad easier, there's also another 50km category (55km to be exact with the added bonus!) called OST or Old Spanish Trails - one of the most beautiful and lush section of the whole course flanked by gorgeous huge pine trees all around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you go, a 2 in 1 ultra be it Four Lakes 100km (approximately 5,100m elevation gain) or OST Old Spanish Trail 55km (some 3,000m elevation gain) for your choosing. Getting to Kayapa is somewhat of an adventure too. For us (Zulfazli and I), coming from Malaysia means a 3.5 hours flight to bustling Manila, a 5 to 7 hours bus ride depending on crazy Philippines trafic, from Manila to sky high Baguio (think Cameron Highlands in our local context) and a bonus of a 2 hour van ride from Baguio to Kayapa town with an altitude of 1,100m.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victory Liner, my preferred bus company from Manila to Baguio, taken from the Pasay bus terminal. 2 choices of classes available, normal class and first class. The latter being a bit more executive, more leg room, with on board comfort room (toilet for the rest of the world), free wifi onboard and snack/drink served for just paying a bit more. Worth it but the schedule is rather irregular as you can see above. It's also a non stop trip as opposed to the 3 breaks with the normal class which gets you to Baguio a tad faster.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2 travelling amigos of the write and Zulfazli (his 1st attempt with Four Lakes) in the 1st class bus.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 1st class bus. Ample leg room and reclines all the way back for a rather comfy doze for the whole trip.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the way for the ascend to Baguio, as seen from the bus. Not far now after a 5 hours ride.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally here. Touch down at the Victory Liner bus terminal at Baguio. Still feeling perky the both of us. Since it was just about noon, we went for a bit of a lunch first before the forward journey by van to quaint little Kayapa town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The van ride. Possibly the most exciting one of the whole trip! 14 packed into this little van for a 2 hours, roller coaster up and down them hills to Kayapa. Barf fiesta well is included as well. I'd suggest for you to get some motion sickness pill from your pharmacy for this portion of the journey. And most importantly don't forget your plastic bag!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And 1.5 hours later, a pit stop at one of the local eatery by the highway. A much needed break for them squashed legs!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view from the pit stop. Along the way you'll pass by views of the damn and gorgeous mountain range. Quite a sight. And so, we are getting higher and higher now.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally! We got to Kayapa still in one whole piece! So from 11pm Wednesday night as we made our way to KL's airport, a plane ride, a bus ride, a van ride and plenty waiting time in between ... we got here around 5pm Thursday. Some 18 hours later! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stayed at Tessie's Bed & Breakfast, one of the very few lodging here. No Hilton here sorry, you just need to rough it out. After all, aren't we all rough and tough trail runners? She also does 3 meals a day which I might add was delicious, with free water, tea and coffee to boot. Lovely lady and with her whole family helping her out with the boarding stuff. Right after dinner like about 9pm, I was out cold till the next morning. A much needed sleep after an exhaustive journey, ready for what's in store tomorrow.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh and bright the next day, waking up to the cooling mountain weather. Breakfast first up and meeting familiar faces, Wilgnar in picture. Last I was here was when I was doing H1 in May 2015. Good to catch up!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then a quick walk in the town of Kayapa. Small little community, friendly people, a wet market, food stalls, fruit stalls and you must have the sweet manggos here lah! Simply the best there is!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The local school where the start and end of the event should be. However this year, they had a local event. Which means the starting and finishing line had to be moved upwards to the local Parish hall. Which also meant instead of a downhill 100m to the original school, it was a 100m trek upwards instead!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since it was still very early before race kit collection and briefing started later at 2pm, we headed to the trail head where we would begin our long 100km journey for a recce. I've been on this trail a few times now, just to show Zul the ropes of what to expect. The view .... well was absolutely lovely just from here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cabbage patches or farms, which will is a normal sight along the route for the initial 10km or so.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EV4EYEpwzEMz2uMSTJEpOXDVtxcnBSMy6rqfLKlXZ5oS7FGyKChIyUDhweV9ZkkaZif_664Su6TJ3vJMOdYUJznqMRoQ_XN1nClroWlLnHddTGgtiLKnTd3MzkdzMIWqVEcdjQ/s1600/G0690472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EV4EYEpwzEMz2uMSTJEpOXDVtxcnBSMy6rqfLKlXZ5oS7FGyKChIyUDhweV9ZkkaZif_664Su6TJ3vJMOdYUJznqMRoQ_XN1nClroWlLnHddTGgtiLKnTd3MzkdzMIWqVEcdjQ/s400/G0690472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gorgeous backdrop of the ranges and if you squint a bit, you'd probably get a glimpse of the telecoms tower high up at Amelong Labeng which is part of the route at round km 30. Bundled with a bunch of torturous climbs mind you.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_yFBl_QDyZHrW9NhssjDv4GDYDdHBAP9JOZIffkunLp5kERUzmhOAvAVGGVDFyCqJOtl7Uh5W7vq_cr5ZsNLbVE4kgZOJjcvtd6mfObw_kTlid170g2xl0_uh9mm_qTTbx5iNA/s1600/G0710481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_yFBl_QDyZHrW9NhssjDv4GDYDdHBAP9JOZIffkunLp5kERUzmhOAvAVGGVDFyCqJOtl7Uh5W7vq_cr5ZsNLbVE4kgZOJjcvtd6mfObw_kTlid170g2xl0_uh9mm_qTTbx5iNA/s400/G0710481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right back into town and bumping into more familiar faces. This time Cheryl, also an avid trail runner from the Philippines which I've have had the pleasure to run with in many events in the region. Gave her a MarathonBaker energy bar to try too since she had one too many issue with nutrition on the run. Glad she loved it and was easy on her stomach too! Of course delicious also lah!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzW_lttKFhV_HKS8I4-vJKNNZwRLKatjD5VwnJiAq0Oaje2MjeEBJYovhqpMCh8ZA_PDraR9N_E_aYU2qCPQmcK14j8WNcASApYcECaZs6xDlu2KzasdXMcaZRr-ogiprFvCung/s1600/G0720484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzW_lttKFhV_HKS8I4-vJKNNZwRLKatjD5VwnJiAq0Oaje2MjeEBJYovhqpMCh8ZA_PDraR9N_E_aYU2qCPQmcK14j8WNcASApYcECaZs6xDlu2KzasdXMcaZRr-ogiprFvCung/s400/G0720484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a hearty lunch and packing our drop bags, it was off the Parish hall for the race kit collection and briefing at 2pm. The usual suspects were there and meeting new friends too. Race kit collection was simple and easy. About 135 runners for Four Lakes and another 100 for Old Spanish Trail. Lucky me got the last bib number 135 going by name.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXNtAa5vDTNQUJN8Wdzc3BYM-KL6INCvs7z7x5uzacSwhpqhjYajZUFKZ4bRF0otGQoc_C3z3BmTZWz4va7uBHqwGDmHK_TpmXc7L1fCl_xsISiO7b60uacHd9m3CTWq4b0rAow/s1600/G0770510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXNtAa5vDTNQUJN8Wdzc3BYM-KL6INCvs7z7x5uzacSwhpqhjYajZUFKZ4bRF0otGQoc_C3z3BmTZWz4va7uBHqwGDmHK_TpmXc7L1fCl_xsISiO7b60uacHd9m3CTWq4b0rAow/s400/G0770510.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zul with his 003 secret agent bib. All in all, there were 4 Malaysian representative, the writer, Zul, Bryan Kho and Ya Hooi. A small number this year compared to last year.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1dCqQysbfpq_sHikR08QlVxfWdKJtLRcM3BW15UlSqD5f8oViekOaz_rRelYKH8jcWC217Eb1muQ3a0yJUcV6j5VsZ1RF0b-iA_To8y5tECE6dLvCbmEqImmp9Wo43C3loKFmg/s1600/G0720488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1dCqQysbfpq_sHikR08QlVxfWdKJtLRcM3BW15UlSqD5f8oViekOaz_rRelYKH8jcWC217Eb1muQ3a0yJUcV6j5VsZ1RF0b-iA_To8y5tECE6dLvCbmEqImmp9Wo43C3loKFmg/s400/G0720488.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The briefing soon to commence and a steady stream of runners coming in, all very excited and highly strung!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTDZMoUNod65uPQ30ddczewIikm5Te4qN3ze-FaYnFTV5P8MMIKrpt-O7PbUSStxbR8GjOY_9JyPdWn6NbdIOyC_utCZ3ilVjYue2G1ji5rPfckwz3c_6R3jeirPz4P6df1fHUw/s1600/G0730491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTDZMoUNod65uPQ30ddczewIikm5Te4qN3ze-FaYnFTV5P8MMIKrpt-O7PbUSStxbR8GjOY_9JyPdWn6NbdIOyC_utCZ3ilVjYue2G1ji5rPfckwz3c_6R3jeirPz4P6df1fHUw/s400/G0730491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Cheryl again, handing her a delicious MarathonBaker energy bar to try! Certainly MarathonBaker products are travelling far and wide and loved by many trail runners! A good testimony to home made goodness that packs a punch in nutrition and yet, kind to your tummy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzRHEj-CxeSYz3bEUfSL3iuMju6rkPXN_vy0pboyuaendfLOmbXJJQy5wq9ftZlnoUXXE-8_H6YgzkublwrmTrGkusfmAS48zxJKpLvStohOUAQAjYFnUmdd_eEgbYpSTYdwIkQ/s1600/G0740494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzRHEj-CxeSYz3bEUfSL3iuMju6rkPXN_vy0pboyuaendfLOmbXJJQy5wq9ftZlnoUXXE-8_H6YgzkublwrmTrGkusfmAS48zxJKpLvStohOUAQAjYFnUmdd_eEgbYpSTYdwIkQ/s400/G0740494.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahh... the part I love always. Fried sweet potata and local strong coffee graciously provided by the Kayap council, which they are such great supporters and advocate over the years. Well the sweet potatoes were all gone in a flash!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmsP_75PeaqfsebpP8PouKTXrIvAGJmNSUf8iK8CpYQRQekwIqfQYd5ynDISPPv-KpB4_RUl59eevo2Qvz9C6oSUxcHHMiCU-Nj0C16r_iOpX_db79wQshNf4MQ0xR5DeduFzsw/s1600/G0740498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmsP_75PeaqfsebpP8PouKTXrIvAGJmNSUf8iK8CpYQRQekwIqfQYd5ynDISPPv-KpB4_RUl59eevo2Qvz9C6oSUxcHHMiCU-Nj0C16r_iOpX_db79wQshNf4MQ0xR5DeduFzsw/s400/G0740498.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doing brisk business with local offerings to runners. Always a good time to shop and who says we don't have an expo here in the mountains?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycxM0JGwH5gVdDaYpN0zrnDtQEDGqynN_K7RhF8RRaUHxlthBGv0t-mbOQ268MDfvHor-RTpgUcYCB_EleRpntZ-lQ71AQPbFS9hA1cq-VEpYvxcsaEDl75k3Wt-bY1SJL92P9w/s1600/G0750502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycxM0JGwH5gVdDaYpN0zrnDtQEDGqynN_K7RhF8RRaUHxlthBGv0t-mbOQ268MDfvHor-RTpgUcYCB_EleRpntZ-lQ71AQPbFS9hA1cq-VEpYvxcsaEDl75k3Wt-bY1SJL92P9w/s400/G0750502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And soon the race briefing started, heralded none other by the Race Director himself and an old friend, Jonel Mendoza. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3KaDDkOv9u-LRzZcHamyEpnxoltfWfMdryGbYEnjs1MLn8UE4u4tVWMbEgQJPyMeGqhE30ODFSHP6shlE5obQsV1rkeOxL_mbIf_hfOOCGTMUJFYhfiIk1lvEPf7OS1lpRzAmg/s1600/G0760506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3KaDDkOv9u-LRzZcHamyEpnxoltfWfMdryGbYEnjs1MLn8UE4u4tVWMbEgQJPyMeGqhE30ODFSHP6shlE5obQsV1rkeOxL_mbIf_hfOOCGTMUJFYhfiIk1lvEPf7OS1lpRzAmg/s400/G0760506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone listening attentively to the dos and don't while on course. Then it started to rain quite heavily. For sure the trails would be a soggy one tomorrow morning. Darn.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the day was spent lazing around, more eating, more naps and such and preparing for the big day tomorrow morning at 3am. After a early dinner, it was lights out for most of us. Or at least trying to get some shut eye before the long journey. 100km, 28 hours and some 5,200m evelation gain. A few cut offs at the aid stations to watch out for and your're done. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V4qGfnyl7W95R1Meb_sYMLxjvJLioOrU1yi4q2qH8uE6zXdKMNZOXXRvNOVAIXoPivvsVLaoadH-10WlbKdaSC6_xLWYNkmeDDNxQ66mJ662731habXh6Q6B09iIlHxTwz2ibQ/s1600/fourlakes100elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V4qGfnyl7W95R1Meb_sYMLxjvJLioOrU1yi4q2qH8uE6zXdKMNZOXXRvNOVAIXoPivvsVLaoadH-10WlbKdaSC6_xLWYNkmeDDNxQ66mJ662731habXh6Q6B09iIlHxTwz2ibQ/s400/fourlakes100elevation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The elevation profile. Ups and downs as with any other trail ultas. Be warned that some of these uphills are extremely long and steep. The most dreaded one has to be at AS4, a massive downhill getting to AS4 - East Market before going up all the way up for a 700m ascent.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNr3Qni1FtPpADhNWDXYHfaNshigW3R3P9MKDlYPbAsQ5Ji4HKLjBmAlZZSXGziPVDSySZfIt5A95zrbuLd-U4kSZiUMxJKj_Kf7lnLzn9e5UPpgx_aBqhhKOVa9w4ysY1AWsQA/s1600/fourlakes100map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNr3Qni1FtPpADhNWDXYHfaNshigW3R3P9MKDlYPbAsQ5Ji4HKLjBmAlZZSXGziPVDSySZfIt5A95zrbuLd-U4kSZiUMxJKj_Kf7lnLzn9e5UPpgx_aBqhhKOVa9w4ysY1AWsQA/s400/fourlakes100map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The course map. Simple. Run the whole thing and you're done lol. Round and round we go around the ranges there, beautiful landscapes and views to be had, that I can assure you. All natural terrain, none of those man made parks and such - that's why I adore them Philippine trails and keep coming back time after time.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon after a bit of restless sleep, it was time to get up around 1am and got ourselves ready for the biggie. Don't have much pictures to show as I generally don't run with my camera or my GoPro which is sometimes a distraction to me. It was raining still, when I was up. All I know was that it ain't going to be a pretty trail for us. It slowed down a bit but drizzled on and off. After the mandatory gear checked, it was just a matter of a waiting game. A simple prayer for the safety of everyone, it was then the countdown. I just wasn't in the mood to trail yet. That's just me before my engines gets all warmed up. Anf off we went into the night with a slight drizzle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Start to AS1 Bundao</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 10km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Medium</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go. From the Parish Hall, it was all the way down for some 100m or so before turning right into the trail head. It was then all the way up and up for the next 10km. Beginning with bits of concrete slabs paving the way to a more natural gravel and rocky terrain later. It was just nice and cooling for a run, perhaps a tad below 20C with midle drizzle every now and then. No need for the rain jacket yet. The uphills were gradual at first and runnable at times. In the later stages, it got steep every now and then and I was reduced to brisk walking to save up my energy for the Mount Ugo assault. It was still dark so nothing much to see but the stream of headlamps ahead and from behind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then we got into the single path trails, some downhill through the back of some houses and yes, a host of slipping and sliding going on with the muddy paths. No thanks to the rain the night before. A simple 10km to warm up your engines before the tougher parts come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS1 Bundao to AS2 Domolpos</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 7km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Easy - Medium</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember this part which was in reverse when I was doing H1 last year. But that was during the day and this looked quite alien in the dark. The orange ribbons were easily spotted, so no dramas there. In addition there were also runners in front which got a bit sparse now. Just follow them when in doubt. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the final last climb, we got to AS2, which is the Domolpos waiting shed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS2 Domolpos to Mount Ugo to AS3 Domolpos</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 7km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Medium - Hard</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's where the assault up Mount Ugo (2,150m) begins and ends up here yet again after the descent. It wasn't all the bright yet and so I had my headlamp still on. A few hunderd meters of tough climb up before the next few km of a beautiful run around the mountain admist the greens and pine trees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was the so called easy part. The last 500m was just this climb straight up to the peak. Ardous and tough at times. Working your heart rate to the max. I think my climbing got a bit better over the last few months. My gauge is simple. If I could keep climbing at a comfy pace without the need to spike my heart rate to the max and heaving and puffing, then I'm doing fine. Jump over a couple of small gates, into the last bit of the mossy forrest and voila, the peak of Mount Ugo! Which was rather barren and flat, with the same unclue marshalling the top year on year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A simple gesture from him pointing the way and down, down, down it was. Mind you the down wasn't that easy. Strating with rather narrow paths that could like accomodate a foot only at any time. Slight technical donwhill bits on rocky paths. The views? Fabulous now as it has brighten up. Before long back to the AS3 Domolpos aid station again, and you're done with Mount Ugo!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjVCGAQ02WbJa6AgySg6GSGc7PBNHjqtoO2_ezW3d7bf78ywlayI1CKauK5xCHEz5IL9NdV2RSkY5j0ujan-QiN_v8RhWAlaRwpHNw5H-gp-FzzuPesWsUSyVbrZPPXNMK_mTUA/s1600/FB_IMG_1459911940834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjVCGAQ02WbJa6AgySg6GSGc7PBNHjqtoO2_ezW3d7bf78ywlayI1CKauK5xCHEz5IL9NdV2RSkY5j0ujan-QiN_v8RhWAlaRwpHNw5H-gp-FzzuPesWsUSyVbrZPPXNMK_mTUA/s400/FB_IMG_1459911940834.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right after the descent from Mount Ugo. That's the Domolpos Waiting shed which is the aid station. Not a happy face eh? Haha, nah I think I was munching on something and glad Ugo is done!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS3 Domolpos to AS4 East Market</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 11km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Medium</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The portion of the course I love the most, old spanish trail! Starting with a slight downhill through the old spanish trail of lovely pine trees all around which makes it for a great run. It goes on for about 5 to 6km before coming to the more steep and technical drops, all the way down to 800m in height. The lowest of the whole course. Of course that also means when you're all the way down, you need to go up again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plenty of cow poo along the way and the occasion meet up with them cows grazing grass up high. They sure have a knack for climbing high. The last bit I remembered was passing a farm house and that was the end of the Spanish trail enroute to Kayapa Proper East Market, the next aid station. You can tell you're back to civilisation when you get more roads to run on, a good few km before reaching the aid station.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exiting the trails and back to civilisation heading to the AS4 aid station. Lovely shot and thanks to the photographer!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS4 East Market to AS5 Amelong Labeng</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 2km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: High to Extremely High!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDwQntMEv60x6-nHcr3KrsDwdoqUE9BxvBZk7AGe2m8HfEyDo09MSrGViuXLaUvwJ4uLcfEMkK3vTCwxkSjcCBRlqyheQYo3d-sBqbTEFOwMKKLJHNuK93-jHNFJCGbgmu71e1g/s1600/FB_IMG_1459914900069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDwQntMEv60x6-nHcr3KrsDwdoqUE9BxvBZk7AGe2m8HfEyDo09MSrGViuXLaUvwJ4uLcfEMkK3vTCwxkSjcCBRlqyheQYo3d-sBqbTEFOwMKKLJHNuK93-jHNFJCGbgmu71e1g/s400/FB_IMG_1459914900069.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite aid station! Love them abundent of fresh fruits, even mini strawberrie that was sweet and juicy. Even grabbed a few of hard boiled eggs and packed some fruits to munch along the way before the upcoming big climb. Thanks to Glaroid manning this station, you're a big help!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't stay too long, perhaps a few minutes to eat and refuel and off I went. Time to leave this little quaint place and off to Amelong Labeng - the big nasty climb. I was following this OST guy in front, so far no problems with ribbon markers and all. His pace was good so I followed while soaking in the sights. I vaguely remember the last banner sign and orang ribbons and then we sort of went uphill. Over a while, I didn't see any ribbons. Odd. I caught up with him and he suggested maybe it was just straight up and therefore, lesser ribbons. By some 1km later, still no ribbons. I got worried now and nobody at the back coming by. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told him we best detour back and back track to the last marker. Then a pickup came by and we stopped to ask. Drat. We missed the right turning into Amelong Labeng. There's a suspension bridge which we needed to cross through the wide river. Hmmm.... ah well, we jogged downhill and there you go, the banner sign that said turn right into the suspended bridge lol. So it was about 1.5km off course but that's still ok as we consoled each other and just shrug it off. It's times like this that you need to keep positive no matter what had happened. Failure to do so will drag you down for the rest of the journey. Shit happens, get over it and soldier on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That long hanging steel suspension bridge was freaky! I hate heights unfortunately and hanging off some 100m off the river bed wasn't something I enjoyed as fun either. I let him pass first because the whole bridge was bouncy with him on it. It was I think at least 100m long to traverse to the other end. Just don't look down lol. I got to the end. When it was H1 last year, we came from the other direction but it was dark, so I couldn't see much of below that made it a tad easier. Plus I was dead tired by that time completing some 135 km of the whole 160km!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok up time! Steep it was. Some 700m of upwards, plenty of heaving and puffing, some stops here and there to catch my breath and finally the top! This was a tough climb without a doubt due to the steepness in many places. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS5 Amelong Labeng to AS6 Castillo</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 15km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: High</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has got to be the longest section of the whole route going on for about 15km before reaching the next aid station. The first part of the morning was a bit cloudy which was welcomed. It was getting later into afternoon now and the sun began peeking out from the clouds. Simply means the temperature has risen much. Heat and ultra don't quite go well together and in such situations, one needs to watch out for their rehydration strategy so as not to over heat your system which typically will bring you to your knees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was still more climbs after the last aid station before finally opening up to wider rolling red clay/gravel roads. This is where you'd be greeted by the telecoms towere I was mentioning much ealier. The jouney seems to snake around the towers a lot before finally reaching close enough, followed by another telecom tower later. Them much rolling ups and downs are enough to squeeze your last breath out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then when you're done with the rolling hills, the trails suddenly ends and off you go back to tarmac roads that snakes upwards for a good few kilometres before hitting the next aid station. I'd have to admit along this route, I ran out of water and I had some 4km to go for the next aid station. Fortunately, the locals were extremely kind souls. I stopped by a wooden house by the route, and kindly asked if they had water to spare. The guy pointed me to the big blue container by the side of the road. It seems he had prepared that before hand for us runners! I was really thankful to him and replenished my water there, along with a few other runners behind me that did the same. Saved my life really as I tend to sweat too much - nothing I can do about that though but I can certainly help to remedy that by drinking up constantly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS6 Castillo to AS7 Dayap</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 6km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: High to Super High!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's only another 4km to Dayap aid station, also the halfway point where your drop bags are but it was a mean one to get to. Sun's out in full force now and having to do many more steep climbs didn't help. But the view was simply divine of the ranges around. Another tough portion of the whole route to watch out for. You'll pass a lake here, a green one which I remembered 3 years ago. 1st was a 300m climb and then later another 150m climb up. I remembered eventually it was green grassy terrain hoping up and down the inclines/declines that seems to drag on. Even when I did see the Dayap school which is the pit stop, we still had to drag our ass up that last 100m super steep climb. Cruel it was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nevertheless getting there eventually was blissful, greeted with a lovely bowl of macaroni and cheese for lunch which was heaven. Got my drop bag and took what I needed. As usual, all the volunteers at all the aid stations were superb. Super helpful at all times! They themselves are also runners, and therefore they knew what we wanted when we go there, without needing to be asked. Excellent and thanks a bunch guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a longer break here dreading the hot sun by now to continue my journey to Banao, make a u-turn after 13km and back to Dayap yet again. A journey of 26km to and fro. Once you've prepared your stomach, then you'd prepare your mind for the next journey up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS7 Dayap to AS8 Banao</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 13km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Medium to High</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next section was typically a open route, so the sun was merciless by now. Rolling terrain as usual of red earth and rocky gravel all along. Somewhere halfway, the winner Jan, Gene, Christian, James and the rest were on their way better. Super fast fellas! And me? A long way to go sigh. Still I ambled on. Modus operandi still the same. Jog on flats and downhill and brisk walk up dreadful inclines. Seems to be working well still despite already covered over 56km.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an endless journey. You'll pass a little small waterfall which you had to jump over. The water was cooling and refreshing which I did use to shower my head to keep it cool from over heating. Some more steep inclines, or rather lots of it, there was the Banao aid station pearched on a little hill. I remembered this aid station from H1, which we had to pass through twice. I was served Mee Sua in some salty broth which was oh super duper yummy! Thank you for the good food served, simply the best! Had also Milo, rested some before making the journey back to Dayap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS8 Banao to AS9 Dayap</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 13km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Medium to High</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I'm familiar with this section, it made it a bit easier to identify where I was at parts of the route. What was up before, became down now. And vice versa. As I made myself up the inclines after the aid stations, more and more runners came by the opposite direction. I can only urge them on to keep going now and that they are doing fine. I'd have to say the local runners are very pleasant fellas, 9 out of 10 will say "Congrats Po!" which means congratulations sir. Not sure why as I haven't finished the ultra yet but perhaps because I was a bit in the front pack. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it felt good being urged on and urging them back. After all, in ultra events we do support each other no matter what. I lost count what position I was and halfway through the runner opposite told me I was number 12 lol. Really? Kinda disbelieved that seeing there are so so many good runners, specially the local ones in this event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think my return leg was a bit faster. Perhaps the trails were a bit familiar now and I'd know what's after the next bend or hill. That house, that big rock, that jeepney by the road side became countdown signs for me. My energy levels were still ok, still jogging on flats and downhills whilst brisk walking up inclines. And there was the familiar building in Dayap and a quick right turn, I was back here again at the aid station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had another macaroni and cheese set, before making the final section of the whole 100km journey to the finishing line! That thought itself brought a bit of excitement in me, knowing the end of the suffering is near hehe. It was now at about 5pm, and will soon get dark. After some 82km on the trails and some 14 hours on the clock, it was time to nail the last portion - mossy forrest and the finishing line! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By now, the Dayap aid station was a hive of activity as many runners were here before making their journey to Banao and back. Lively indeed for once. I could surely make out the excitement in the air from them. I bid a thanks and goodbye to the volunteers there and off I went for the remainder 18km!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AS9 Dayap to Finishing Line</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance: 18km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty: Medium</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victory favours the prepared - quote from Jonel Mendoza himself. And I wholeheartedly agree. If you're well prepared for this ultra, you'll go far and do well. Become lazy, and you'll suffer the brunt of the trails. After all, nothing comes ever easy in life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last bit of my journey starts with gradual ascents, slowly building up as I made my up to to Indupit, passing through the mossy forest before making the final 8km downhill. The concrete slab laden roads slowly snaked upwards more and more and slowly they disappear into the mossy forrest trail head. It got high up as I noticed on gps, some 1800m high. As the day closes down, the air got crisper and cooler. A breeze now and then gave me a bit of chills through this sweat drenched body. But no bother and rather a welcome change overall. It started to drizzle a bit as I negotiated more steep inclines. One thing to watch out for, is when you go higher up, there's a sudden right turn into the mossy forrest trail head. There's a ribbon there but you can simply miss this turn if you're not focused out of tiredness and exhaustion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feared it will start a down pour which I don't really want so late into this journey of mine. But it held on nicely with just a light drizzle that eventually stopped. Phew. The mossy forrest were very raw and unkept. That was what you saw and what you got. Sometimes narrow paths and on your right, will be a steep fall off the side of the hill. Not something you'd want so I went on gingerly. A couple of near misses missing my footing and nearly with off the right side into the abyss. I bumped my head so many times through low hanging branches or falling branches. Ouch was what I could spare and just shook them off. Only issue I had here were the markers. Sometimes so sparse apart for a long time. Made me think I took the wrong path but it showed up eventually. Just wished it was a bit more consistent with the distance, that's all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Few times I had to crawl on all fours as it was blocked by fallen tree barks and what nots. Not fun. I had a deep scratch on my left palm, had some blood oozing out presumebly by holding onto something prickly. No matter, the finishing was the only thing I had on my mind and nothing, I repeat nothing, can or will stop me now! Round and round the mossy forrest i went and eventually I was out of that slimy dungeon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then straight down the hill side and voila, back to open rocky and gravely roads! Uh, where's the ribbon markers? Since I've been here before, I know it was downhill all the way and decided to go right side. For sure, no ribbons here as it was expected for all runners to be familiar with this portion of the route. Then I made out the little white KOTM wooden signs on the side of the road. This one read KOTM 8km. Phew, 8 more clicks to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved this part, rolling downhills and I jogged non stop. No lights behind me, neither any in front. I started the countdown with the KOTM markers, 8, 7, 6 then 5. Last half an hour or so and I'm done .... but not before I spotted a light ahead! The guy must have slowed down or I got faster, I told myself. Nevermind, we are so near now. As I passed him, I urged him to make it count now as we're so so near! Well sort of saying to him ... find that inner ounce of strength left in you, use it and power on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I went on expecting him to follow suit. He tried but I soon lost him. Perhaps too tired I thought. So i went on and some 3km to go ... I saw a light just behind me, fast approaching! Heavens, I wonder who that was lol. And so the cat and mouse game ensued. Hell I can be competitive too lol. He got closer, I got more tired keeping my current pace. We were side by side and kept that for another km before I slowed my pace! For a 46 year old, I still need this old ticker going strong! He gave me a 'hi!' look as he passed me and I just smiled. He got further now before my last drama unfolded!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My headlamp decided to go blink... and bink... and blink again, crap! My batteries are about to die and I have like 2 km just to go! Don't do this to me now! It began blinking again and I had to stop and change my batteries as I don't want to be caught in the dark by myself! Took out fresh batteries, mande a mental note of the postive and negative terminals and took the old batteries out. It went black of course. So like being blind, I navigated the fresh batteries in, yes in absolute darkness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One in, the next one ... last one now ... I dropped it sigh. Fumbling around I couldn't be sure which batter I grabbed from the ground. No matter, got one and stuffed it in. Turn it on and ... it went blink and blink and blink again! Arghhh ....my nightmare! Either I grabbed the old battery or I mixed up old batteries when I packed them. Stay calm now I said. I didn't have any more fresh batteries so my plan was to use whatever light it had until it gave up. Then reach for my mobile and use the flash light mode there hehe. Some light is better than now and I'm nearly there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hurray! The last steep climb back to Kayapa! Walked that up and another steep 100m or so to the Parish chapel! Turned off the headlamp, got out my Malaysian flag and trudged triumphantly to the finishing line with the gong beating and claps all around, woohoo! Done it!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVP7sAzxti6OgfvtyjRChdFMH6t-t7sv6xksEHIqWjzqvkr4B9ccslgFQKm3slnP1aLcgpeaMGzBA2qPeVS1Mlv6tHv5UFv1-7Ty1sBxrU4nkrX3fAjPuMeO7ih481jOfWGWeMA/s400/FB_IMG_1459920148509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proudly flying the Malaysian flag at the finishing line in front of the KOTM banner! Estatic indeed and elated to complete Four Lakes for the 2nd time, and making this a total of 115 full marathon/ultras that I've completed in the last 6 years!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My previous little warrior man and the adorable finisher medal, both made out of wood and each painfully hand crafted by the locals here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little warrior man from Four Lakes meet big warrior man from H1 2015. And we are now a happy family!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The official results placed me in 10th placing with a time of 16 hours 42 mins. To which I shaved off about 5.5 hours from the previous Four Lakes edition I completed in 2013. Now, that's an achivement to me in a very very big way. It was a tough ultra in my books but I relish the whole experience no matter how tough it was. Thank you again to Jonel and his team, the volunteers and marshalls as well as the local comminuty for making this a great success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For both Four Lakes and Old Spanish Trail, there were well over 90+% of finishers which speaks volume on how well each were prepared doing battle this time around and succeeded brilliantly. If you want a challenging ultra, well you found it here. And I guarantee, you will keep on coming back for more. Highly recommend in my books. Thank you too to the new found friends on this trails, you guys rock! That's for now till the next edition now! </span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-36081073123975508262016-03-22T12:58:00.001+08:002016-03-22T12:58:22.650+08:00Kadaimaian Nature Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always have a fascination for new runs specially here in Malaysia. In the last 2 years or so, they've been a mushroom phenomenon for trail runs. Nothing bad about it really, in fact it's even better for us trail runners. I chanced upon this Kadaimaian Nature Challenge rather late. It wasn't heavily publicised even and I got to know about it accidentally through a friend's posting on <a href="https://m.facebook.com/Kadamaian-Tourism-Association-1062910693730887/">FaceBook</a>. That's why I love Facebook. Not for the gossips but well, for the wealth of information available on new runs and old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last I ran a trail in Sabah was for TMBT back in 2014 and haven't been back there. So when this opportunity came up, I said why not right? Basically consist of a 55km, 25km and 10km category. To me a distance of 50km or so is just about right. Not too short like a full marathon distance and nary too long like a 100km run. Some where in between. Furthermore, the fees for the 55km was just RM90 for early birds and RM120 for late birdies. Cheap! Typically you'd pay anything from RM250 to RM300 for a 50km trail run elsewhere. Yeah you might say the air flight will add in but these days, there are bargain flights to be had on MAS, AirAsia or even Malindo. Plenty to choose from really and I snagged a return flight of less than RM300.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kampung Taginambur in Kota Belud was where the start and end line was. Nestled some 1.5 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu, it wasn't all that hard to be there if you have your own transport. I've opted to stay in the Kota Kinabalu town and enlisted the help of a local friend, Mohd Jumat, to ferry me as well as himself to the starting line on Saturday morning. So everything was checked proper from registration (which was 2 days before the close!), to airflight to a cheap hostel stay costing me RM50 for 2 nights. All that's left was to train well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've not run a 50km distance for a very very long time now. Generally favouring distances of 100km or 100miler. Hey, these are bang for your bucks since it does cost quite a pretty penny signing for them, so to me it's go all the way or none. I got into Kota Kinabalu mid day on Friday via AirAsia. My friend, Jumat helped me to pick up my race kit on Thursday ... with a lot of persuasion required.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, that's the mandatory items for this ultra. They sure mean busines with so many items for a 55km but I'd have to say always, safety comes first. Anything can and will happen in an ultra that spans for very long hours. I didn't quite agree to the sunblock being mandatory ... hmmm.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it was told that there'd be a spot check on these mandatory items during the race, at an unprescribed checkpoint. Which didn't happen at all as I found out later. Duh. I guess that's a scare tactic for the runners but I'd wished they did do a simple spot check for some of the important items like headlamps and rain/wind jacket. Not all, but some.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route map and elevation profile. It pays to do a bit of prior research on this as it helps you to plan where's the difficult bits during event day. Well it sort of gives me peace of mind knowing what's ahead and what I've accomplished during the run. It will help ease some of your stress away too and not get too agitated wondering what's ahead. With a nearly 2,000m elevation gain for 55km, that's certainly not little in my books. I can already see there'd be quite a few small steep climbs peppered throughout the route and a massive big climb by about 15km. Quite a good bundle me thinks in terms of distance and climbs. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner with my host, Mohd Jumat, his wife Ilie that played photographer on event day and a new friend who will also be running. Then it was lights off before we adjour to Kota Belud at 2am ... zzzz.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2am came, my sleep was a bit restless as with every event I've done before. Just couldn't calm my jitters. Oh did I mention the organisers are very generous with the cash prize? For men's open, the champion gets a whopping RM2k! So it wasn't strange to see all the elite locals out in full force for a chance of the prize money. We got there safely after some 1.5 hours of driving and it was about 3.30am. Some rest in the car, and them some preparation for myself before we got going at 5am.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the many 'fan photo session' lol. Some how I can't help feeling like a star just participating for this event. Word got out when the name list was published that a KL runner will also be joining. Dang, I got more stressed out hearing that. Word has it that ... I'd be some sort of a competion in the Men's Veteran Category that I'm placed in. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were about maybe 60 to 70 runners for the men's veteran category so there were a high chance I'd do somewhat well. Hmmm. I didn't pay much attention to that really as I was here to run. Enjoy the terrain what Sabah has to offer and make new friends. End of story. We got off to a late start only at 5.30am. So here's the story. During race kit collection, the organiser's announced that the trails would only be roughly 10%. And I thought I'd signed up for a trail run! So my plans changed and I decided to run with my Altra One2 road shoes since the trail portions were too small and these babies will be fine for the trail portions. Emm... not what I found out later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we were finally off in the nice crips 23C temperature at 5.30am. Delayed by 30mins which also means the sun will be up not too long now. And if you know Sabah well, the sun can be quite a roasting affair. And no thanks to the Equinox happening that weekend, it will definitely be a barbeque affair! The 1st 10km or so was on roads, part of the highway and it was called Jalan Ranau bypass on Google Maps. It wasn't flat at all, it was sometimes on a steady incline, and sometimes a bit of a steep run up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started with a good crowd which thinned by about 6km or so. This is where you sort of know who's your competition but it was still early days. The fast legs ahead were long gone. Then came my batch about 5 or 6 runners, all huddling close together. At the end of 9km, we were routed to roads along the village. Smaller and rougher roads but still tarmac roads with some gravel bits here and there. Still fine and dandy for my road shoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By about 12km or so we headed in the trail head. Huh? Gosh, there I was in the middle of the jungle with thick foilage and trees and bush and all. Uh-oh ... I thought. My road shoes lack traction in such terrain so I decided to go much slower for fear I'd slip of the downs. That was the start of the climb up to nearly 600m in height of that hill. Don't know the name but it was step at some places and the only way was up! Fortunately, I got to the peak in one peace and it was down and out of the jungle trail. Phew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's next was basically gravel roads littered with small and big rocks. That's umm ... not normal roads I thought to myself. Dang. I don't know if my road shoes will last such rocky gravels given that it's only about 20km now. Pray. It was bright now at past 7am and things began to heat up quite fast. It can be felt already like it was 9am back home. And things got worse with the heat and never ending ups and down of the gravel trails. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gravel trails everywhere! Not the toughest to run on really.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then there was a twist. Surprise!!! From the route map, there'd be 2 u-turns and here was the 1st one. Heading in ... and all of a sudden the 1st and 2nd position runners for men's category was coming my way. Huh. I thought they'd be long gone. So i waved to them and in my mind I was wondering how far was the u-turn ahead....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was about another 500m and that was the u-uturn. But not before we were made to descend down a very long series of man made steps to the waterfall below! It's called the Wasai waterfall, clear blue water in the stream and a magnificent waterfall providing the water source. I think it was a good 100m downwards before reaching the waterfall, got my bib number taken down and off I went for the climb up. If not for the race, I would have taken time to dip in the oh so inviting waters!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the waterfall! Hot it was that time, tough conditions.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Took this from one the participant's FB. The climb up from the Wasai waterfall was seriously this bad and steep. I was huffing and puffing honestly and using the rails to haul my ass up!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Done. I was still feeling ok despite the heat quite blistering now. So I jogged onwards. Not many came my way, just a few and I urged them on. The route was just a roller coaster of ups again, and down. Story of the day. After a steady few km, I saw someone in front! It was the 2nd placer in my category and he seemed to be slowing down a bit. So i went on my usual pace and overtook him but I didn't dare to look at his face, just waved at him. Well he didn't want to give up that easily and gave chase behind me. Crap. Time for some psycho games I said. So i upped my pace a bit more seeing I was still feeling brilliant, fueled by them round banana ballz from MarathonBaker every now and then and plenty of drinking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I even ran up the inclines hoping he won't be able to follow. But I still heard him behind me. After some 10 minutes or so I heard nothing from behind. I took a peak and no one there. Phew. But I continued on my pace to ensure I build up a respectable gap. Then I was alone again with the rolling gravely roads in the hot hot ho sun. At this point I was sweating a lot till my tights were white with salt disposition. Upped my dosage of salt pills too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then ahead I see someone again! It was the no 1 in my category and he seemed to be slowing down. Umm... what else but to just go on my merry pace and overtook him .. and turbo-ed on! Wow ... I was in 1st now. But it's only about 40ish km and I still have about 15 clicks to go. Still a long way to go and anything can happen. Didn't want my ego to get the better of me so I laboured on with my slower pace now, eating and drinking reqularly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's great about the water stations were ... too many! A good 13 of them spaced out about 5km apart. Granted it's only plain water and a few had some watermelon, it was just too good to be true. Most trail ultras would only have water stations at least 10km apart. So in this event, you absolutely cannot give an excuse of not doing well or DNF by merely complaining no enough water. Most junctions had marshalls there directing the route and trails marked with a simple red/white ribbon. Good enough for me that I wouldn't get lost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also charming were the volunteers at the water stations, friendly and all. Even the locals set up little stalls seling cokes, 100 plus and even some food for a small token. Too bad I forgot to bring some money cause that iced coke looked so delicious in the blistering heat! A couple of stations had the locals making a whole deal of noises with the traditional instruments of gongs and such. Nice touch really and loved to seem the smiling at me and giving thumbs up. Part of the route were also what we went through during TMBT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was down to about km 47 now, it was extremely hot now. And towards the 2nd u-turn which was 3km in and another 3 out. It felt like forever in the hot scorching heat that reduced my pace. Finally, the u-turn station. Got my number down and off back again for some seriously wicked up climbs and down like a roller coaster. You could just stake a knife in me that time to end my misery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing I don't like about u-turns were ... you'd see your competition or rather pass them along the way. Yes, this was the case and not long after that, I brushed past no2 and no3 and they were incoming. Emmm I could only give them a nice smile and when they asked how far? I said about 2km in. Which means I have about a good 2km lead or a bit more. And I was down with the u-turn, and then make a right turn for the remaining 6km or so to the finishing line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeing my competition opened up my floodgates to be vigilant. What if they speed up? What if I slowed down now? It's still anyone's game really. But I kinda wanted this and dug deep. The last 6km was horrible, back to steep climbs and down, and up and down. Repeat it so so many times in the heat reaching up to 39C and I got burnt out. At the last few big hills, I had to stop momentarily up the hill to catch my breath and sky rocketing heart rate. So so bad. Kept on glancing back, praying no one was there. Met a couple of 25km runners but that was it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inched on I told myself, down to 3 more km now. End is near, this was it! More hills later, my gps showed 55km and the finishing line is no where! Dang. It was not for another 2km that I was back to civilisation, across that big pretty bridge, left turn and onto the finishing chute!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Gr_saRTbUcSWTEWnEoAP-pDgT-DXhazXxICB20PO8a1RsBdSvWpBwneW701fuKOudpX9R2iKyg6ukoNUvFMnMJVG3Cy4_ZuQ7gSHK2FQKqaEW7iCLu6Nw_xSDYqPUX7TymIAYw/s1600/FB_IMG_1458578234577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Gr_saRTbUcSWTEWnEoAP-pDgT-DXhazXxICB20PO8a1RsBdSvWpBwneW701fuKOudpX9R2iKyg6ukoNUvFMnMJVG3Cy4_ZuQ7gSHK2FQKqaEW7iCLu6Nw_xSDYqPUX7TymIAYw/s400/FB_IMG_1458578234577.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last 50m approaching the finishing line at the field. Thanks to Ilie (Jumat's wife) for spending the whole day in the heat to snap brilliant pictures for the runners. Yes, customary tongue in cheek pose.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa4hx08cKue2SIkSbuOjv0GLa8w3D0D2iTR-ibaeXKXuqGJfsHrB1584_MsgEx_Ix1iRVygj68ZlJYtRU25LKCil7WuDXVHzY_UlTnBP5Yhci14tSamcSmEky15r3NV6JOf5DwA/s1600/FB_IMG_1458621433191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa4hx08cKue2SIkSbuOjv0GLa8w3D0D2iTR-ibaeXKXuqGJfsHrB1584_MsgEx_Ix1iRVygj68ZlJYtRU25LKCil7WuDXVHzY_UlTnBP5Yhci14tSamcSmEky15r3NV6JOf5DwA/s320/FB_IMG_1458621433191.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last turn and straight to the finishing line on a high!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoHz01dsEWsW3GjgSyvQFi6ja3cSJ39VXEgmB04L9TxrMc3BRZdxIny1cjyhWqaSMjM5L-U8DUNhdOv_vsLmbOq3_2AqtH5XqxcUX5htLZRIuHzx6-6ZeQ0JVEzG-m7QPn3pcLw/s1600/IMG_20160319_125614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoHz01dsEWsW3GjgSyvQFi6ja3cSJ39VXEgmB04L9TxrMc3BRZdxIny1cjyhWqaSMjM5L-U8DUNhdOv_vsLmbOq3_2AqtH5XqxcUX5htLZRIuHzx6-6ZeQ0JVEzG-m7QPn3pcLw/s400/IMG_20160319_125614.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was handed position card no 1! Stoked I was coming in as champion for the men's veteran category, battling some of the finest and strong locals all the way.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgqtsy8C5SlhTSD3ai6PuhyNySP7ImOUYVrCpj-_enSwTCXKlZcpr127etb6PxjytT3cAp6jpf1tNfjuEYXDDJ0c-CJPcwbu2HYvcG7NTq-gRPLzPGopziY7suoCobcrR1rxvlw/s1600/IMG_20160319_173054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgqtsy8C5SlhTSD3ai6PuhyNySP7ImOUYVrCpj-_enSwTCXKlZcpr127etb6PxjytT3cAp6jpf1tNfjuEYXDDJ0c-CJPcwbu2HYvcG7NTq-gRPLzPGopziY7suoCobcrR1rxvlw/s400/IMG_20160319_173054.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crowned champion and RM1,500 richer!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudttHPjILhdlka59725j5DMSu3RQtDogHJlaZSKaIf3ytXV8v0w6ZPyeaH0GFB8NOP0QcI8elz-xznf7iJ3pSnH4MakDqMzMBV1i7NcO2g6HH-EuTKWLRM21aDq5nUZz78FI8HA/s1600/IMG_20160320_081153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudttHPjILhdlka59725j5DMSu3RQtDogHJlaZSKaIf3ytXV8v0w6ZPyeaH0GFB8NOP0QcI8elz-xznf7iJ3pSnH4MakDqMzMBV1i7NcO2g6HH-EuTKWLRM21aDq5nUZz78FI8HA/s400/IMG_20160320_081153.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My poor Altra max cushioning road shoes that took a beating through the 57km trails. Yes we all had a bonus of 2km extras recorded!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5GU1swwU0QCH3bzf8Ulvo_JfUL9XADGDY-sG7enBgIanMlGki2w7WWXrl3P4XAWq9p2CJOd1PGZMuZtZwwaHQUOxw6KnyLNstM7OROiwEEBDf3TnmCganGh_nCeWX2ih_Y61oQ/s1600/IMG_20160319_162308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5GU1swwU0QCH3bzf8Ulvo_JfUL9XADGDY-sG7enBgIanMlGki2w7WWXrl3P4XAWq9p2CJOd1PGZMuZtZwwaHQUOxw6KnyLNstM7OROiwEEBDf3TnmCganGh_nCeWX2ih_Y61oQ/s400/IMG_20160319_162308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The finisher medal from MedalDepot. Pretty, and sums up what Sabah has to offer for trail runs. Oh, incidentally there's also a Mountain Bike event at the same location held the next day on Sunday. So it was a combo trail run and MTB event.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMStN6DwERwjmBL19kPYV693HE7Q-Vs8FKuRkIi6tt0PsXSpiYzAIyDxFoSXHwqqkkkBSKV5zhIa1GBuujT2eui3z4ItWBiK2ss22qiAzWx79h1v6BKrXh_ZAbOvhBHLb4jzQOdQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1458621456981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMStN6DwERwjmBL19kPYV693HE7Q-Vs8FKuRkIi6tt0PsXSpiYzAIyDxFoSXHwqqkkkBSKV5zhIa1GBuujT2eui3z4ItWBiK2ss22qiAzWx79h1v6BKrXh_ZAbOvhBHLb4jzQOdQ/s400/FB_IMG_1458621456981.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What could ever be better than chilling at the finishing line with good company, and a beer in hand? From left, Linda, myself, Javadius (Race Director), Jess (podium 3rd women) and Shamsul (10th men's veteran). Great peeps to be with.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To sum up, the 55km seriously tests you out as a trail runner. From a good combination of trails, pesky rolling hills and the great heat to oppress you from finishing. Although it does have a generous cut off time of 16 hours. I completed in a time of 6hours and 52mins, some 20mins ahead of the 2nd placer. Good enough for me. Not a perfect event, has some flaws here and there that can be improved next year for an even better experience for the trail runners. Overall, I'd say its a 70% trail and the remainder are roads. Trails are those light to moderate difficulty and some tough ones thrown in to stress you out. Organiser was also too kind to provide you with a drop bag facility at km 30 near the waterfall checkpoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One, I'd certainly recommend to up your difficulty challenge, should you be ready for it. But do make sure you make the heat your best friend ya. After all, off the beaten path is where you'd find some good gems.</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-55243914939794146212016-03-16T11:28:00.001+08:002016-03-16T11:28:16.609+08:00UEM Charity Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRHN_ML908Tg1p41VZls6OPFl9nHl6m3zyOfvmSuLK6HQiq7NDX3T5Hf7exYOH31aYiLm_1GjoN99NyRJQzS5tkJbc0dTeX8wLdN_kBjSYNHuEFn1LADRU9VAyFOtnsa7Y95X5w/s1600/pg0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRHN_ML908Tg1p41VZls6OPFl9nHl6m3zyOfvmSuLK6HQiq7NDX3T5Hf7exYOH31aYiLm_1GjoN99NyRJQzS5tkJbc0dTeX8wLdN_kBjSYNHuEFn1LADRU9VAyFOtnsa7Y95X5w/s320/pg0.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Held last Sunday, this UEM Charity Run was organised as a charity run as well as to celebrate UEM's 50th anniversary. What drew me to this half marathon event, was the opportunity to be able to run on our very own NKVE highway, from the Subang toll towards Bukit Lanjan interchange to Kota Damansara and back again. Besides the half marathon category, there were also 12, 6 and 3km category suiting most about everyone from casual runners to the more apt ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately for me, <a href="https://m.facebook.com/actionpixmalaysia/">ActionPix Malaysia</a> happened to run a contest on this event and lucky me snagged a slot for 21km! Thank you very much for the slot. I'd actually forgotten that I did enter this contest until the email came a few days before the event. And twice lucky too, I did win another slot from Ultron as their running ambassador but gave it up for others. Can't be too greedy right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truth is, I've not run in a half marathon event for a very long time. So long until I can't remember when was the last time or my best time even. Maybe a year or a year and a half ago, didn't quite keep tabs on that. So no matter, cause I was just going to treat this as a LSD and a bit of speed work. Furthermore, the route is rather interesting, fresh too and not every day one can run on a highyway, closed to all traffic and some hills thrown. Fresh because it's different from the usual route in Putrajaya or Padang Merbok or Lake Gardens and the such. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hills? Well most of us have driven that route before and probably didn't quite notice the gradual elevation of the highway. But on foot, it is most definitely noticeable specially up to Bukit Lanjan interchange which went on like forever! Quite a few big rolling hills that spans an easy 1 or 2km before getting to the peak. Not exceptionally steep ones but more than enough to slow your pace down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it started at 5am on a Sunday which I dreaded having to wake up at like 3am, drive to the venue and find a parking lot. Fortunately I got one near the Kelana Jaya stadium. Nevermind the kilometre walk or so to the starting line, which is the actual Subang toll plaze. All facilities were there, water, porta loos and drop bag service. One thing's for sure, it was already warm and humid at 4am in the morning. Minggled around, the usual hello to friends, new faces and the such and just eased off till gun time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So precisely 5am, we were let off. I was already sweating much that time and started in the mid pack. Not quite a good move as I was struggling a bit to avoid the crowd since the first few hundred metres involved going up a ramp to the highway. A few km in, things opened up and we had the whole highway to ourselves! Both sides even. Since it was humid, I tried not to overdo my pace and went one what I thought was a decent pace, slightly below 5 minutes. 5km in, I was already dripping with sweat. Fortunately the water stations weren't spaced out too far and readily available. Sponge stations alternated but wished they had colder sponges laced with ice. It was a hot and humid morning after all.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A nice one from ActionPix Malaysia, the official photographers for this event. Getting up to Bukit Lanjan interchange with the hauntingly red light dotting the hills by the side. Quite pretty and a sight to behold.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1st u-turn came at Kota Damansara not quite reaching 10km yet. Already finding it hard now with the many sloping uphill that took my breath away incessantly. On the return, what you came down from prior, became your up now. My pace dropped considerably here attacking them uphills and tried to make pacers in front of me. Problem was there weren't that many to choose from lol. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last few more km to the finishing line and another u-turn and finally the last lunge downhill to the finishing line, literally passing through one of the toll both, and onto the finishing line gantry and it was all over. It was a tough run to me but beyond all that, it was a rather refreshingly new and challenging route to complete. I'm the kind that's always opened to new undiscovered routes, be it road or trails. It was still dark when I finished, definitely not something usual for me having completed the run in about 1:46. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The details, timing of my half marathon and the finisher medal. Not sure if that was my best timing for a HM but overall happy with my performance given the hilly route.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The official results. Was pleasantly surprised to snag position no 11 for the veteran category. Need to work more on this to get into the top 10. Too many fast legs even at such a tender age.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thereafter the call of duty at the <a href="https://m.facebook.com/Marathon-Baker-Homemade-Energy-Bar-1633705583544562/">MarathonBaker</a> booth offering delicious samplings of energy bar and delectable iced drinks of Thai Iced Tea, Green Tea and Iced Coffee. Many friends came by for the samplings and ahem ... photo opportunity with yours truly! Thanks for coming by you peeps!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 of the MarathonBaker ambassador in action for the half marathon. All coming home with a less than 2 hours timing. From left - Ariff, yours truly and Tahira (1st for women's open! Don't play play ok!). I, myself had a hard time chasing after Tahira and ended up finishing 3 minutes behind her. Yeah, chicked!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rh1xnt4XNNBeua6Mm1Cy78xFd5t9v5awQlWuPe7lXXTw9fAsH2nSQr7VMvM5GNUhAEHnjGBnn_o5ckWxdExEvgfIeRbupid_8_e-paBHeiP73JKqJCpWTsd0JXIdtyL3iNnAAA/s1600/FB_IMG_1458096283851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rh1xnt4XNNBeua6Mm1Cy78xFd5t9v5awQlWuPe7lXXTw9fAsH2nSQr7VMvM5GNUhAEHnjGBnn_o5ckWxdExEvgfIeRbupid_8_e-paBHeiP73JKqJCpWTsd0JXIdtyL3iNnAAA/s400/FB_IMG_1458096283851.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't help a picture with Sharom Abdullah who was kind enough to drop by our MarathonBaker booth. An honour indeed listening to his counts of his South Pole expedition recently. Amazing feat to say the least!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAI0C7tTyZJQYiU_PmB9Z1QcbhEYlPtMWmz4dEsA1G2jeNhIVwIv6iFV5dJVlbbh-GRk_uI7GB6TqwJTfoKkukx6uwYT2BCSm_4gKj4fUF2RNq37AByJ83VekxWk9MWbIGW30kQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1458098618670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAI0C7tTyZJQYiU_PmB9Z1QcbhEYlPtMWmz4dEsA1G2jeNhIVwIv6iFV5dJVlbbh-GRk_uI7GB6TqwJTfoKkukx6uwYT2BCSm_4gKj4fUF2RNq37AByJ83VekxWk9MWbIGW30kQ/s400/FB_IMG_1458098618670.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group photo of the MarathonBaker Ambassadors and Shahrom. Lady in black is the big boss, Zet, behind the ever succesful MarathonBaker - providing you natural, home grown energy bars to keep you going on and on no matter which activity or sports you fancy. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's a wrap for last Sunday. A not too short and not too long running event. Well, it was certainly enjoyable to me and hope those of you who took part had a great time too. Oh they had nice lucky draw prizes including bicycles and LCD TVs but as usual I ain't that lucky lah lol. Till the next event now and keep on chugging along on 2 feet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-73878183801452248552016-03-10T11:34:00.002+08:002016-03-10T11:34:38.983+08:00Powerman 2016 - The Run/Cycle/Run Samba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkQbT154aLATJbBnqG4Hua7iC4djiyfU11zKQRCQ2d7vIQzQOzD7mM2n8FnSTd_lNhU6a43FXBRHcYJazjOkcCn_Gn-3BqwEJrAjh9KJB6FvxBARZIvXqt_hhhViXqNkV1yIO9A/s1600/powerman-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkQbT154aLATJbBnqG4Hua7iC4djiyfU11zKQRCQ2d7vIQzQOzD7mM2n8FnSTd_lNhU6a43FXBRHcYJazjOkcCn_Gn-3BqwEJrAjh9KJB6FvxBARZIvXqt_hhhViXqNkV1yIO9A/s400/powerman-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.powermanmalaysia.com/">Powerman Malaysia</a> woke up from it's hibernation after 2 long years of being absent. My first foray with this duathlon championship was way back in 2011 where it was held in Manjung, Perak for over a decade. From 2013 onwards, under a new sponsorship, it was brought back to Putrajaya. Don't get me wrong, it's a more easily accesible location and one need to travel far to compete but Manjung itself has it's own character and charm. Something about that elusive super hot little town and a slow paced community that makes it a great experience overall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having completed it 3 times now, it's no brainer for me to join in the fun this year although I've to say the fees have somewhat increased quite a bit over the last couple of years. For the uninitiated, there are 2 category available, sprint and classic where sprint is half the distance of everything of classic. Under Classic, it'll be a 10km run (2 x loops of 5km), 60km bicycle (2 loops of 30km) and completed with a last 10 km run (2 loops of 5km). So it's a simply a 2 loops of everything. For sprint, it'll be just a loop of everything, a loop of 5km run, a loop of 30km cycle and a loop of 5km run.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sprint category is there for those still new in duathlons and wanting to get their hands wet. I can tell you it's can be daunting doing the Classic category with some other 1k+ duatheletes. Your bike can be checked in on Saturday morning or on Sunday morning. I've opted for the latter since I need to be there on Sunday morning bright and early anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bike check in on event day was smooth. Security checks were good, and your bib, helmet's number and bike tag number were all cross checked before you were let in to rack your bike. Helmets too are mandatory to be worn during bike check in. Brought along my run gear, racked my Markz (my bike lah), lay out my biking gear nicely on the ground so that I won't forget anything during the 1st transition. Then it was off to minggle around with friends, catching up and some photo opportunity. And here's a tip, bring along a small torch as the transition area was still dark that time. Don't want to fumble along too much and misplace your stuff or drop anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon, it was time for the Classic atheletes to be in the holding pen for the start at precisely 7am. Although I've to say that at this time of the year, it was still a bit dark at 7am but no big drama with the start as it progessively got brighter as the sun rose. And with a big bang, off we went!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just after the flag off and a thousand or two of us were on our way. You can see that it's still a tad dark.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to just go with what my body told me and therefore, didn't quite have an expecting pace or timing or than the usual 50 to 55 mins for a 10km. Little did I know I accidentally pushed myself a bit more as my engine got all warmed up after a few kilometre.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few km, i seemed to have a visitor! Suddenly this chap decided to tag along with me for the remainder of the 10km. Found out his name was Jerry Koo from Penang. He stuck to me throughout, even waited for me for a bit when I took a drink from the water station. Together we sort of paced each other till the end.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the starting line having completed 5km. One loop down and one more to go! We were still doing an ok pace and I decided not to keep tabs of my pace on my gps watch and just go with the flow.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was happy times when the 2nd loop was done and back to Transition No 1 for the bicycle leg. A look at my watch and I clocked a 45 minutes for that 10km! Also Jerry, they guy who ran with me all the way did the same time had got a PB! He did thank me as we headed to the transition area and I was just grinning ear to ear!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Composed myself in the transition area and got into my biking gear and off I went. The 1st loop wasn't all that bad. Some ascending hills to tackle before the u uturn back followed with some yummy downhills. I struggled a bit on the 2nd loop cycling, evident from pushing myself a bit too fast during the 1st run. It didn't help when the little pill box filled with a few salt pills got dislogdge on my bicycle handle when pushing it off the transition area.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cramps and stiffening of the quads and calfs where evident during the 2nd loop of the bike leg. Experience has taught me to try to alleviate the situation, I would have to slow down my pace, ease off the gas for a while and try to do some quick stretching on the saddle. Fortunately, my drink bottle had a mixture of salt tablets in it so that helped a bit. Happy enough when I was doing the 2nd round and things got much hotter now with the sun up high. Finished the 2nd loop eventually clocking 1hour and 50mins. Wasn't my best timing, can certainly do better but I'll take it thanks.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 down, and the final run to go!Into transition and got into my running gear. It was now hot. Super hot. What was I wearing, that pink thing? That's my sarong! Traditionally in all my Powerman event previously, I would run with my sarong on for the last run leg. No different this time as I decided to continue on with my tradition. No, it doesn't make it any easier running with that sarong overall, and when it got drenched with water and sweat later, it weighed more!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I got stares, some snickers, bewildering looks and what nots but ... I don't really care. I was just having my own sense of fun running the last 10km dressed like that. To me, it's an extra added disadvantage but to me, I'm more than capable to pull it off! Here comes the tricky part. Transitioning back into running from cycling to running was rather difficult. Legs were so frozen with the cycle cadence that it took a while for me to unfreeze them to get a decent pace after a few km.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gzKrtis38ZMyeuPssssYanKRskei2L213eK2mjWpqBimQnhoNPnMxr7Aj5pvRVOGDTovrHps0ph_ep-Xc6-iEANEShZefGFeiLHxUMlirbPBCvJ2JjsRAjVh6REoENvzu067wA/s1600/FB_IMG_1457578066003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gzKrtis38ZMyeuPssssYanKRskei2L213eK2mjWpqBimQnhoNPnMxr7Aj5pvRVOGDTovrHps0ph_ep-Xc6-iEANEShZefGFeiLHxUMlirbPBCvJ2JjsRAjVh6REoENvzu067wA/s400/FB_IMG_1457578066003.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water stations were plenty and well spaced out every 2km or so, stocked with cold ice water and isotonic. Some even had bananas. What's helpful in such a wicked heat is to keep your body cooled down in any which way. One that works for me is to douse my head and body with ice water at each station. If your body over heats, your heart will work much harder and everything slows down to a crawl.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8SPhW_9MK6ow47wqVHgAjqYlg5DEWy8eAdp2jeDRjF9VX2XrmIMlpP6XBdJG8uX-Cd2XYPTVIqPL30V6Q4bSiH3FNP4u8crUsO04qd2uxNSyz0BvgJrFdikUC2wi6550-Ua7bw/s1600/FB_IMG_1457578050248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8SPhW_9MK6ow47wqVHgAjqYlg5DEWy8eAdp2jeDRjF9VX2XrmIMlpP6XBdJG8uX-Cd2XYPTVIqPL30V6Q4bSiH3FNP4u8crUsO04qd2uxNSyz0BvgJrFdikUC2wi6550-Ua7bw/s400/FB_IMG_1457578050248.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Towards the completion of the 1st loop and legs seemed to have loosen much and able to pick up a decent pace. Not only my pace picked up, but I picked up some passengers too lol. So we had a little group run going on which was rather fun urging each other on. Towards the end of 1st loop, one of them quipped 'let's run with sarongman, for sure there'd be plenty of pictures taken!'. Well he wasn't wrong! 😊</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzDEx5_DV7qYg5lmLw6OLyEjghfc13kXbHLVOsJN4odnaLOeWcGQrAsbL95j3OM0LJTbUpQHqL6iNIQITpoQIwoxRy0DI7R7rrFY2B2Myrcz1bp2fMNIer3d9jCsxoKs3PerFgg/s1600/FB_IMG_1457578026798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzDEx5_DV7qYg5lmLw6OLyEjghfc13kXbHLVOsJN4odnaLOeWcGQrAsbL95j3OM0LJTbUpQHqL6iNIQITpoQIwoxRy0DI7R7rrFY2B2Myrcz1bp2fMNIer3d9jCsxoKs3PerFgg/s400/FB_IMG_1457578026798.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you too all the kind photographers taking there time and effort snapping us for virtually nothing! Kind souls and bless each of you! These will certainly go down in memory. Still with the group and off for the last and final 5km loop!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naturally, this last 5km loop was what I was looking for! Knowing that the end is just not too far away. I think I did increase my pace a bit here and after a while I was back running along, losing that train that had formed earlier. The heat became everyone's worst enemy by now, super hot and humid. Everyone were in their own world inside, fighting their own demons and mustering the energy to plod on. Same with me, no difference. One has to strut it out and work it out both physically and mentally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One final last turn after the Ministry of Finance building and it was the last 500m home stretch! Off to the finishing line chute on the right and I was done, giving a little leap as I crossed the finishing line, both satisfied and a feeling of accomplisment hung over me.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just right after crossing the finishing line and getting that all important finisher's medal we all worked so hard for!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAa6Bxj1FmbzfoJ5-PO5jyg9STWWLFAwbEPIC0gegew25lnLvgJWlNhCfnL-iNwKY2r5z3Avvv8R6WxdRa_zEhI-FRVY4EsNhpyHpp7OOIRaaSC_ZeXADfnrFIkzj56n5jBRMA/s1600/IMG_20160306_120758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAa6Bxj1FmbzfoJ5-PO5jyg9STWWLFAwbEPIC0gegew25lnLvgJWlNhCfnL-iNwKY2r5z3Avvv8R6WxdRa_zEhI-FRVY4EsNhpyHpp7OOIRaaSC_ZeXADfnrFIkzj56n5jBRMA/s400/IMG_20160306_120758.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The finisher medal and my overall timing. Medal looks kind of spiffy this year, moving away from it's usual chilly theme in the past.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8P6v7KKQQHoci9PxAXRKz82t-oA0-gOod8KigRnqHkmaWwSnL6189gzenhbP2fUDPOKlm04OylcN1IEUYa2kGTTrdMmYM2K-chMME4zrv-H6J4GRjhBNw-JLiJoYEIN3WDivbA/s1600/Screenshot_2016-03-10-11-28-18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8P6v7KKQQHoci9PxAXRKz82t-oA0-gOod8KigRnqHkmaWwSnL6189gzenhbP2fUDPOKlm04OylcN1IEUYa2kGTTrdMmYM2K-chMME4zrv-H6J4GRjhBNw-JLiJoYEIN3WDivbA/s400/Screenshot_2016-03-10-11-28-18.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3:40:16 being my official time. Can be better but I'm most satisfied with it given the little training I had on the biking section.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that concludes Powerman 2016. I know many did well and a pat to all of you and all finishers. True to the fact that duathlon has certainly picked up in Malaysia with a world record of 2,645 duathletes taking part this year. I strongly believe the numbers will definitely be better in the years to come. After all, doing 2 disciplines is always better in the long run for any athelete, serious ones or just for weekend warriors like yours truly. Looking forward to the 2017 edition as this was an overall well planned and executed event in my books. </span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-17566141428922638152016-03-09T15:59:00.003+08:002016-03-09T16:00:57.377+08:00STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON ELEVATES COMPETITION AND IMPROVES RUNNING EXPERIENCE<div style="line-height: 1.1; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEhuaz2MwoBFBo68flvW_bgfb9GyNQnErDdS54VfLjjgiBUaSq0UhenNDlmlp1NlBxJtWrE00JmbEQKnN0YBy4YMFMxWrxmj-ENRfxd3NhQ_CAInn6se-FJrxCEwUd41hOicuTw/s1600/SCKLM2016+Registration+Dates.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEhuaz2MwoBFBo68flvW_bgfb9GyNQnErDdS54VfLjjgiBUaSq0UhenNDlmlp1NlBxJtWrE00JmbEQKnN0YBy4YMFMxWrxmj-ENRfxd3NhQ_CAInn6se-FJrxCEwUd41hOicuTw/s400/SCKLM2016+Registration+Dates.png" width="271" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON ELEVATES COMPETITION AND IMPROVES RUNNING EXPERIENCE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic;">- Checkpoint system and extended official cut-off time amongst changes introduced -</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">KUALA LUMPUR, 9</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;"> March 2016</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">: Race owner and organiser of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016 (SCKLM), Dirigo Events announced today that runner’s registration will begin from Tuesday, 15</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> March 2016. This year marks SCKLM’s eighth installation and will take place on Sunday, 7</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> August at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;">A new staggered registration system will be introduced to ensure a better registration experience for runners as it simplifies the online registration process and lessens the chances of web-traffic congestion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">In addition, participants of SCKLM 2015 will be given priority to register for the 2016 event due to last year’s race cancellation caused by the haze. Further details of the staggered registrations can be found on </span><a href="http://www.kl-marathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">www.kl-marathon.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial";"> or the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon/?fref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">Standard Chartered KL Marathon Facebook page</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial";">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;">Apart from the staggered registration system, the official cut-off time of the full marathon has been extended to 7 hours to reduce route congestion. A checkpoint system, commonly practised in international marathons, will also be implemented this year. Runners will need to reach each checkpoint within a designated time or will be shuttled back to Dataran Merdeka. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Other initiatives to look forward to this year include the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">Friendship Run</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> and </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">Pasta Party</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">, which will be held on the eve of the race. Opened only to Full Marathon participants, the event aims to foster camaraderie amongst runners from around the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"> “The Standard Chartered KL Marathon has grown to become Malaysia’s premier running event that draws thousands of local and international runners to navigate a route covering beautiful and historical landmarks around the city of Kuala Lumpur” said Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events. “We hope that these additions will not only improve participant and fan experience but elevates the Marathon’s level of competition”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;">Mahendra Gursahani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia adds, “We are proud to return as title sponsors of such an iconic sporting event. The marathon, along with its additions, showcases a perfect example of Standard Chartered’s dedication to sporting brilliance. This devotion is displayed in the Bank’s dedication to building trust through continuity, credibility, competence and skill in the field of sports”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;">This year’s participating beneficiaries for Run For A Reason are Standard Chartered Foundation (SCF), Hospis Malaysia, Yayasan Sejahtera and IJN Foundation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;">The 2016 Standard Chartered KL Marathon is once again made possible by title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank, and along with event owner and organiser, Dirigo Events Sdn. Bhd. and co-organiser Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">For more information and updates on SCKLM, please visit:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">Facebook :</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">Twitter : </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/SCKLmarathon" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">www.twitter.com/SCKLmarathon</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">Instagram :</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><a href="https://instagram.com/SCKLmarathon" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">https://instagram.com/SCKLmarathon</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">Website :</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><a href="http://www.kl-marathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">www.kl-marathon.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">For more information, please contact: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">David Joshua Lau | 03.7493.5588 | </span><a href="mailto:david@my-essence.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">david@my-essence.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Jacqueline Khoo | 03.7493.5588 | </span><a href="mailto:jacqueline@my-essence.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">jacqueline@my-essence.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">For more information on Standard Chartered KL Marathon:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Gloria Ng | 603.7887.4717 | </span><a href="mailto:2015@kl-marathon.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">2015@kl-marathon.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;">For more information on Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Nimmi Kamal | 03.2117.7770 | </span><a href="mailto:nimmi.kamal@sc.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">nimmi.kamal@sc.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Geraldine Tan | 03.2117.7821 | </span><a href="mailto:geraldine.tan@sc.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">geraldine.tan@sc.com</span></a></span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-58646957642556684722016-03-04T12:03:00.001+08:002016-03-04T12:03:34.831+08:00Tokyo Marathon 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2016 marks the 10th year anniversary for Tokyo Marathon. This is a very popular marathon simply because it's one of the best planned and executed marathon that is now part of the <a href="https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/">Abbot's - Marathon Major</a>. One of the 6 in the world and where every runner's dream to be part of it. I've had the privilege to have run this 3 times now (2013, 2015 and 2016) in the last 4 years. Skipped 2014 although I managed to secure the ballot due to other priorities,<br />
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Since I got through this year, I woudn't miss it for the world! It's probably one of the best marathon party with the utmost fun in the whole wide world. Could you imagine running side by side with about 37k runners? That's probably something you need to experience at least once in your life time me thinks. Words just can't express how that feels being there going through the whole 42km.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3TWsH0vkXkT-4Ypn4_0pjb43cALPxSsT5SwBWh2seW-kyoelrc2iij1JFViUWla-7d740tLZVTBZb43stBCM4LUiy_yNWEuBaLseEpFzfWgMZIld8odoPsS4OAuQrciWNXVArw/s1600/IMG_20160206_182230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3TWsH0vkXkT-4Ypn4_0pjb43cALPxSsT5SwBWh2seW-kyoelrc2iij1JFViUWla-7d740tLZVTBZb43stBCM4LUiy_yNWEuBaLseEpFzfWgMZIld8odoPsS4OAuQrciWNXVArw/s400/IMG_20160206_182230.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few weeks before, this would be in your post box. It's basically your ticket for your entry and other pertinent information about the race kit collection and event details.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TTTMg0l07u0b4IrdrHDp5G_4FlHNWPmzEdEVIzlE83_qTKmWK1sTGPxebpff8Urx3DPNA7ynu1GRJUF6F_ALjqEKs1SXQhNuIUmg9XYCKa_zTnYKejc0RIZbWV6J_fiXxvGHKg/s1600/IMG_20160226_120759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TTTMg0l07u0b4IrdrHDp5G_4FlHNWPmzEdEVIzlE83_qTKmWK1sTGPxebpff8Urx3DPNA7ynu1GRJUF6F_ALjqEKs1SXQhNuIUmg9XYCKa_zTnYKejc0RIZbWV6J_fiXxvGHKg/s400/IMG_20160226_120759.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tokyo Big Sight where race kit collection and expo being held. It's also where the marathon ends. Note that Tokyo marathon is a end to end marathon. Basically means it starts somewhere else (Tokyo Metropolition Tower in this case) and ends at the Tokyo Big Sight. Don't worry, your <br />drop bags will be well transported to the end line efficiently.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having experienced this twice before, it was familiar grounds for me being back here yet again. There's everything to like about Tokyo. Full of history and loving the fresh Japanese food heaps. Plus the weather can be a tad cold at times ranging from 6C to low 10s. Therefore, the run can be quite a chilly one and you need to dress aptly for this cold marathon. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoznCSYGF70-wYu1LJVMEqXNOAkX3aIA3trFWF-3hZJ0qWulnuzXaw61kUJl5qmt573I6ghgLN8sDj9-qTMr8P3QFaavRnaB8jGb5Sq6Vb5qlUy8kejdDedGoiryOFVS47HzHi_Q/s1600/20160226_121148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoznCSYGF70-wYu1LJVMEqXNOAkX3aIA3trFWF-3hZJ0qWulnuzXaw61kUJl5qmt573I6ghgLN8sDj9-qTMr8P3QFaavRnaB8jGb5Sq6Vb5qlUy8kejdDedGoiryOFVS47HzHi_Q/s400/20160226_121148.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heading into the Expo to collect my race kit on a Friday morning.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrCLP1BaqZx_zLyaEdKMZpDnKWIHcKGuALvZpIdgLpkmgA13QzCk-fmzyxxLGsAADex4Uby6Palq7GW4ySvikdKyI7vtB1kmbs7OLW8EkGr9bW0pf-fJMQgJ4vGQIx3gY2dhCXg/s1600/20160226_121528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrCLP1BaqZx_zLyaEdKMZpDnKWIHcKGuALvZpIdgLpkmgA13QzCk-fmzyxxLGsAADex4Uby6Palq7GW4ySvikdKyI7vtB1kmbs7OLW8EkGr9bW0pf-fJMQgJ4vGQIx3gY2dhCXg/s400/20160226_121528.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every thing is prime and proper, not to mention efficient. Just need to look at the card details that came in my postal mail and head to your counter number, and bib number range. Fortunately, there's separate counters for foerigners.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmm67vOJ6Sg7pvNWV24MQOspI3BpAOWPBMVB__OlWKB0oalOyTqFQ-S2VOPlAvIISfzbKbnVeG6Es3wP2qcIE5kxuEHAKBEalgyQO9D_CGL8woGkwSoHp4CEutmGd0dUF9BtyPQ/s1600/20160226_121409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmm67vOJ6Sg7pvNWV24MQOspI3BpAOWPBMVB__OlWKB0oalOyTqFQ-S2VOPlAvIISfzbKbnVeG6Es3wP2qcIE5kxuEHAKBEalgyQO9D_CGL8woGkwSoHp4CEutmGd0dUF9BtyPQ/s400/20160226_121409.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couldn't resist a picture with the counter volunteers here that spoke good fluent english and extra friendle with always a smile ready! In and out in about 5 minutes as every thing went like clockwork.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWKJXjR_eNm6RKF-0S0ag6SZwErdybK8wI35GzRK2rUkNNPFmVlzxS__t_k_hkOaRgyzccr8eqs-e3zrxwK5fTPtwH4eLjHLtfMQCTQLDpzmGPMmx4Uby1_Fl0tGEfZTRI9YqQw/s1600/20160226_122932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWKJXjR_eNm6RKF-0S0ag6SZwErdybK8wI35GzRK2rUkNNPFmVlzxS__t_k_hkOaRgyzccr8eqs-e3zrxwK5fTPtwH4eLjHLtfMQCTQLDpzmGPMmx4Uby1_Fl0tGEfZTRI9YqQw/s400/20160226_122932.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My super big bib number denoting my gate number which you enter through (gates ranges from 1 to 6), and the alphabet in front of your number is your corral designated (starts from A till L). The smaller the alphabet the closer you are to the starting gantry.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Njz8mnyemc2sY9pBOJKDfBH2Bn_rEJUabB8R6okkmG2zjc3PYvDpyPOdmYO5Ir95xwHftRgVCOKm3wJlnJzD4wB00HKtj6wWatzYmqHqMipNgx87VtMAEM3wBw-QXaE9jHe7xQ/s1600/20160226_123717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Njz8mnyemc2sY9pBOJKDfBH2Bn_rEJUabB8R6okkmG2zjc3PYvDpyPOdmYO5Ir95xwHftRgVCOKm3wJlnJzD4wB00HKtj6wWatzYmqHqMipNgx87VtMAEM3wBw-QXaE9jHe7xQ/s400/20160226_123717.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The event tee. Note that there are no finisher tee given at all. Only the finisher medal and finisher towel ... sob sob.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjFBqiLY1o5KDiyPhJOl1FOIV9HikAsayszRX8GNNyNyo9EGXq1bwl6ryjwoQ_nEBDM3CxaZOhOs3sJAcV543YN0fuPFFDACCgzG23_svcljVQSJHFJceszk0ASeZheG-7dOj8A/s1600/20160226_123743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjFBqiLY1o5KDiyPhJOl1FOIV9HikAsayszRX8GNNyNyo9EGXq1bwl6ryjwoQ_nEBDM3CxaZOhOs3sJAcV543YN0fuPFFDACCgzG23_svcljVQSJHFJceszk0ASeZheG-7dOj8A/s400/20160226_123743.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wall where each runner's name was displayed! Finding mine took some good eagle eye to spot but I did fine mine eventually.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_oesGX9Ire2v5ERWfwvqXIefO5ExRAZ-YAednLZfI_wb_OZYe5wjvH_0R1r7J1WzLxpMaMAnisLRjZNM7GsQHFVBWhwFFuygqyOySqHaiCeJ0afLnl80BAwZWQ2F7gYuwdU8Kw/s1600/20160226_124348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_oesGX9Ire2v5ERWfwvqXIefO5ExRAZ-YAednLZfI_wb_OZYe5wjvH_0R1r7J1WzLxpMaMAnisLRjZNM7GsQHFVBWhwFFuygqyOySqHaiCeJ0afLnl80BAwZWQ2F7gYuwdU8Kw/s400/20160226_124348.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gotcha!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOt7KHFELp4X7cv8sPv8u55d_RI6x7JKnNLa1F_5vN1ty2EYLQtej1kb2nBOxkZlyyXBVMaG7N-8CGwN40GX6Qpf5Yw7B3fSvQPEKXAN7hRQubUnIRmS63z0ii_Wi-ixVxeUV0Q/s1600/20160226_134307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOt7KHFELp4X7cv8sPv8u55d_RI6x7JKnNLa1F_5vN1ty2EYLQtej1kb2nBOxkZlyyXBVMaG7N-8CGwN40GX6Qpf5Yw7B3fSvQPEKXAN7hRQubUnIRmS63z0ii_Wi-ixVxeUV0Q/s400/20160226_134307.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couldn't resist having this picture. That was my intended timing to beat! Yeah I know ... big challenge indeed as I've not specifically horned my training plans for a marathon much.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the few hours spent around the expo browsing through official wares and products on display by the sponsors. Not going into details for that but suffice to say plenty to see and buy as well. The expo ended with a food fest at the end for you to sample some Japanese food. You could actually spend a good few hours there at the expo. But lets zoom in to race day shall we.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3ClpF6-07J0j0GuxeLPP6nzGrP2DPaxLIX3vvvZeGxC1AG5qiZ1hBxfkVUt-lc2tTBq5LY7nomK-6Cxn2FioZR1oaXuZlM8fATnx0XeTzORYBqK17sen5iP6m5T8aHE3mSFdZQ/s1600/20160228_070837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3ClpF6-07J0j0GuxeLPP6nzGrP2DPaxLIX3vvvZeGxC1AG5qiZ1hBxfkVUt-lc2tTBq5LY7nomK-6Cxn2FioZR1oaXuZlM8fATnx0XeTzORYBqK17sen5iP6m5T8aHE3mSFdZQ/s400/20160228_070837.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Race day morning. Up and about early. I stayed in the Shinjuku area and just 1 stop by train. Remember that the marathon starts at 9am and you must be in your corral latest by 8.15am. Just follow the crowd as you alight from the train.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ8ka-FKBgU4XYQ_sMVzEoI8KTmW0-4QbZHi-SXO0HwpduW5nIJ7bPQcyUTjOnCni9-A2bsrvqZ0BK211TaIBcCfLKzH_qHXpdks79re2PxT1VaqXrnaY8JT1c0OlFwRw-amojg/s1600/20160228_071226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ8ka-FKBgU4XYQ_sMVzEoI8KTmW0-4QbZHi-SXO0HwpduW5nIJ7bPQcyUTjOnCni9-A2bsrvqZ0BK211TaIBcCfLKzH_qHXpdks79re2PxT1VaqXrnaY8JT1c0OlFwRw-amojg/s400/20160228_071226.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It can be a long walk to the baggage drop truck and your Gate so best to get there early and find your way. There are english speaking volunteers on hand to ask. Plenty of signs too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1exEgyMSXOyN4QyQAgQb86hCcoa9mQS7yd5QwBmCr-8WgInNjl7RxUpwxkcK6FYf45jRkBjOytHu52FrsUlDlOMatrw6RW7-GCD5KjXHdVUYG8G-cPVXg8_iFZJQx1YFkqHtHTw/s1600/20160228_071237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1exEgyMSXOyN4QyQAgQb86hCcoa9mQS7yd5QwBmCr-8WgInNjl7RxUpwxkcK6FYf45jRkBjOytHu52FrsUlDlOMatrw6RW7-GCD5KjXHdVUYG8G-cPVXg8_iFZJQx1YFkqHtHTw/s400/20160228_071237.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baggage checks are mandatory after what happened during Boston Marathon a few years back. Every thing has to be checked and restrictions are in place for water bottles brought in.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH-HS0QI8gur5-SesvWLw03yaCmxfqtZDRjiC8eU_pvfARD6-IFY_i0MKHRZp0pvVR8spKQj0oMRKOmVLGiJFi3QxbhHQyWgzDbQidUhc1o6JOYULb9tkTnFjwNzkMbZ3dMAeug/s1600/20160228_071335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH-HS0QI8gur5-SesvWLw03yaCmxfqtZDRjiC8eU_pvfARD6-IFY_i0MKHRZp0pvVR8spKQj0oMRKOmVLGiJFi3QxbhHQyWgzDbQidUhc1o6JOYULb9tkTnFjwNzkMbZ3dMAeug/s400/20160228_071335.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That heads to my Gate 1. As I got there around 7.15am I had plenty of time to just get ready. Mind you it was a chilly 6C that morning. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbq6cZ9JT9PjloS3s7_zK6UX4WmC7d5jphCW-RjS9qTYIivmBA97GFAnE0dJB00Gqlu1026vTlW6c_LRNIZu5SPiH-WqiJ9qz_MLNu1oMdqQKiHmbybEczgf8Lt87ZPxXf8LEyw/s1600/20160228_071338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbq6cZ9JT9PjloS3s7_zK6UX4WmC7d5jphCW-RjS9qTYIivmBA97GFAnE0dJB00Gqlu1026vTlW6c_LRNIZu5SPiH-WqiJ9qz_MLNu1oMdqQKiHmbybEczgf8Lt87ZPxXf8LEyw/s400/20160228_071338.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clear blue skies perfect for a marathon run.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fERHOioRsAZUTn_ILHutAK03NlYI3qu-qzOc5fV6sOm1kax0FQoKJtGS-OukI9XH2oHIzuNWyfyvEmrgrAKT-Dt2IIdrttddv4S1TvC38r6Uj7775eOK0G4vO2Z2hl34fGMvAg/s1600/20160228_071414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fERHOioRsAZUTn_ILHutAK03NlYI3qu-qzOc5fV6sOm1kax0FQoKJtGS-OukI9XH2oHIzuNWyfyvEmrgrAKT-Dt2IIdrttddv4S1TvC38r6Uj7775eOK0G4vO2Z2hl34fGMvAg/s400/20160228_071414.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting through security checks and I was early so not much of a queue formed yet. Remember, there's a total of approximately 37k runners that day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfK4h_VUVHTAriapRoF1yimupQgXdSPh_yqMn02CMtWt_1NRSYyhRhj-0C4RQKMRW75Tt1cvBJkgWLAaNsNLNbSDEbFsu0MoMV2She5pTmNciw1ZDJTLu_3eJJ8SuQjkgIVj7Xg/s1600/20160228_071728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfK4h_VUVHTAriapRoF1yimupQgXdSPh_yqMn02CMtWt_1NRSYyhRhj-0C4RQKMRW75Tt1cvBJkgWLAaNsNLNbSDEbFsu0MoMV2She5pTmNciw1ZDJTLu_3eJJ8SuQjkgIVj7Xg/s400/20160228_071728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plenty signages to direct you to where you are going.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqJ347Yr2I0vOwYWZvTSqgZxrGfIXLSBVey1JmvsyUPztnFoX9MSfdTtGnLEK58UhhoNwyf47dwmCluutgY05DjzEDr0CaeJbJ8pmy2EUBQuhTCcWbW___-9XeWAWNADm4iHuXg/s1600/20160228_071938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqJ347Yr2I0vOwYWZvTSqgZxrGfIXLSBVey1JmvsyUPztnFoX9MSfdTtGnLEK58UhhoNwyf47dwmCluutgY05DjzEDr0CaeJbJ8pmy2EUBQuhTCcWbW___-9XeWAWNADm4iHuXg/s400/20160228_071938.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crowd began to swell soon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_OuzfKnPAlL-Ha8TRWolQeHLgJmP0l4dJy1ohyb61MCk1P7bdoV4bL-NfygPN0GlxAjPF-rub8cRQEqzgjCLESe1bXg0IYY-Ks9utNGc_5KEa0vKFTD5jGzZ6aK1zlPGoS8aAg/s1600/20160228_071958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_OuzfKnPAlL-Ha8TRWolQeHLgJmP0l4dJy1ohyb61MCk1P7bdoV4bL-NfygPN0GlxAjPF-rub8cRQEqzgjCLESe1bXg0IYY-Ks9utNGc_5KEa0vKFTD5jGzZ6aK1zlPGoS8aAg/s400/20160228_071958.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't panic in all the sea of people. Signages are aplenty to guide you around.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stayed on a spot till about 8am before peeling down to my running gear, and headed to my designated baggage truck to deposit my bag. Then it was back to the porta loos which had long queues by now. No choice, small bladder and the cold didn't help much! Soon it was about 8.30am and off to my Gate 1. Some 5 minutes walk away and I was there in the holding pen. I used a disposable rain coat whilst waiting for flag off, to protect from the cold winds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon the ceremony started and I can't help feel my heart beat beating faster as time passed. Soon enough the countdown began an off we went! Took off my disposabe raincoat and threw it to the sides and promptly picked up by a volunteer. It took a good 3 minutes ambling slowly in reaching the start gantry. Waved to the dignitries on the side, smiled widely for the cameras clicking away and off we went!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately not much I can show with pictures. Route has 2 major U Uturns that's as long as 5km one way. We headed to downtown towards the Imperial Palace. But I had to pee yet again lol. No choice as I hated to run with that uneasy feeling. Just after 1km I saw some porta loo, queued for a minute and it was my turn. Another minute and I was done and back running. Things went ok with my pacing slightly below 5mins in the first 10km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the 1st long straight stretch with a u turn back at the end that spans for about 11km. You betcha it was such a riot running this with the whole city probably out to cheer you every single kilometre. Some even set up little tables and offered all sorts of sweets and drinks and what nots to aid you. Shouts of gambateh and fight-o (which mean fight but Japanese versionised) could constantly be heard shouted. Children and adults held their palms out for high 5s from the runners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance lined up both sides of the street, such a carnival indeed. Includes karaoke singing, drums playing, cheerleading ladies and everything else you could imagine! Tried to soak up as much as the atmosphere while keeping pace.</span><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DacHENcHEV8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DacHENcHEV8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a video I manage to find on youtube taken by one of the runner. Yes, it's YMCA time! I think everyone was a sport including myself doing the YMCA hand gestures as we went past lol. It was good fun really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than that, there were a lot of runners dressed in costumes, familiar ones and even weird ones. All part of the fun really. I was holding pace as I got to the midway 21km and at times looking for people to pace with. Easy cause there's just so many good runners that day. As I reached km 30, things sort of took a back seat for me. Guess that's what hitting the wall feels like. Struggled but I kept going on, stopping slightly longer at the water stations to have a rest and drink. Water stations were well placed and equipped with water, isotonic and some stations with bananas, tomatoes even and some bun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be warned that it's not a totally flat route, peppered with some inclines here and there specially after km 30. Including a few bridges to climb up with quite a bit of inclines. Even at km 41, there's a final bridge to get through! Happy when I saw the Big Sight and the finishing line soon. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMISPZriZgzsqDjYEWhDuBHU0MjgzmPpPobptZ_9SAiCgnj9g-PoUJ1eoNDrHrXdHiy9NZRQxqJrguzCiEJO3Rlvxk0Zxa1n-MBp6Qe9UgFxqZhEL228HHchTkQNfZG6KyQ8R3sA/s1600/IMG_20160303_151250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMISPZriZgzsqDjYEWhDuBHU0MjgzmPpPobptZ_9SAiCgnj9g-PoUJ1eoNDrHrXdHiy9NZRQxqJrguzCiEJO3Rlvxk0Zxa1n-MBp6Qe9UgFxqZhEL228HHchTkQNfZG6KyQ8R3sA/s400/IMG_20160303_151250.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally finished! Just after the finishing line and it's all over. It was a good push really and managed a small PB of a minute heh. Still I'm contended with this timing but plenty more work required if I'd want to hit my target of 3:25.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SYAXNqhWtkxYA81V1-_nRs6qfqEyvakwqDmTV44y01dPWvOIVKLkLchCDHPvablKOsUdrKEgpUD1b4K0OiG6_ciWyD8N28_GTKn1Dpy395WKbJsQ5BuAV_RneLcylf_h1bbKJg/s1600/20160228_130350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SYAXNqhWtkxYA81V1-_nRs6qfqEyvakwqDmTV44y01dPWvOIVKLkLchCDHPvablKOsUdrKEgpUD1b4K0OiG6_ciWyD8N28_GTKn1Dpy395WKbJsQ5BuAV_RneLcylf_h1bbKJg/s400/20160228_130350.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Estactic indeed and posing with the medal and towel.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeBqTdMthPO4UCGeIuFN3vw7cb84zQRqTFDfflKLt2yYutfNFnuWAaZPSb-IIHQ_u7Y1QCikeMyRUQnevR9cy0LcPrVvFuYUeeDR-4QILDH47t05AGiXlVa2_F89ISvenNOwEKg/s1600/20160228_132332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeBqTdMthPO4UCGeIuFN3vw7cb84zQRqTFDfflKLt2yYutfNFnuWAaZPSb-IIHQ_u7Y1QCikeMyRUQnevR9cy0LcPrVvFuYUeeDR-4QILDH47t05AGiXlVa2_F89ISvenNOwEKg/s400/20160228_132332.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Front of the finisher medal. Simple to commemorate the 10th year.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFRmynyKGT9FGKTRJcuHJu9vHaSYEgjOevK4pkxXtu6POBaXA3OiT2D_5QRhAg7cet6A_e_ASkfCgXDEkuTXjwRB8edw_7Hf65ZD6vGvVSoOp6ZxpTCiZUMZw8eiRVMRfPwUyKA/s1600/20160228_132319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFRmynyKGT9FGKTRJcuHJu9vHaSYEgjOevK4pkxXtu6POBaXA3OiT2D_5QRhAg7cet6A_e_ASkfCgXDEkuTXjwRB8edw_7Hf65ZD6vGvVSoOp6ZxpTCiZUMZw8eiRVMRfPwUyKA/s400/20160228_132319.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rear of the medal.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNADPGtSNCY5ccmzaNRZo-m_nR_79EMNVQxP6HaID3qy4rIowGU9lr0z5Lq1sO7kW4LjHf5n1rCQLzLUdjOqYO2m0EcoA8z2vL-508fzDEBtAn5YoiS1ABupGj2bsm3Np5H8cpLg/s1600/20160228_164557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNADPGtSNCY5ccmzaNRZo-m_nR_79EMNVQxP6HaID3qy4rIowGU9lr0z5Lq1sO7kW4LjHf5n1rCQLzLUdjOqYO2m0EcoA8z2vL-508fzDEBtAn5YoiS1ABupGj2bsm3Np5H8cpLg/s400/20160228_164557.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodies we picked up right after at the finishing line. The peanut sandwich was delicious and so was the banana. Calorie mate is like a cookie ladden with calories but the healthy kind. Water and a spray and asweet mandarin orange.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMs4aijwP8rny9fyBG5EuNL5LAUN111tBEkLjI1nEmGRIbEq2lKhmLd3QMX6JoKydU6Z4LS7N7FDCDSDyQaiB88JOKbLrjpI5Wa6ER0EgSQi7GpAVegbADkKt0vl9tlUHHjxfOg/s1600/20160228_132459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMs4aijwP8rny9fyBG5EuNL5LAUN111tBEkLjI1nEmGRIbEq2lKhmLd3QMX6JoKydU6Z4LS7N7FDCDSDyQaiB88JOKbLrjpI5Wa6ER0EgSQi7GpAVegbADkKt0vl9tlUHHjxfOg/s400/20160228_132459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a long walk from the finishing gantry to here, being the place you could rest, change and take a breather. Everything went like clockwork and supper efficient. Baggage took no more than 30 seconds to find. Thanks to the thousands of dedicated volunteers that made this marathon a success big time!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaugVRkC3nA4orXnSOtzZoyUXO5iyqw-q8b71gU5Wx8FzDw-8g9nrB72JMSEatRr1btPUqRhy29sgF81qa5zcJpJec3nFEjZK0BP0yGuv36xd9Re5qd7t7TusLtW8baErRNvHBg/s1600/20160228_132600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaugVRkC3nA4orXnSOtzZoyUXO5iyqw-q8b71gU5Wx8FzDw-8g9nrB72JMSEatRr1btPUqRhy29sgF81qa5zcJpJec3nFEjZK0BP0yGuv36xd9Re5qd7t7TusLtW8baErRNvHBg/s400/20160228_132600.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got this print out from the Konica booth. Nifty indeed. 3:3:53 being my nett finishing time which I'm happy with!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPk4PBz8V96EzGbvDrfmTSYapJP0ob3cPRAbD8lpPqp9MjSMHL8lU9FSTKGhNe1HcNRPm-Jf9ruXPNjP2900kvi_3qQYe7Wux-jFmu9Lu3sTNS9SDa-6OE8L9xDpgEu0EXQlSoA/s1600/20160301_125714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPk4PBz8V96EzGbvDrfmTSYapJP0ob3cPRAbD8lpPqp9MjSMHL8lU9FSTKGhNe1HcNRPm-Jf9ruXPNjP2900kvi_3qQYe7Wux-jFmu9Lu3sTNS9SDa-6OE8L9xDpgEu0EXQlSoA/s400/20160301_125714.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something I'd like to point out. My gps recorded 43.17km, a whole km more. No, nothing wrong with the gps reading nor was the course wrongly measured. It's just that it was a wide 3 to 6 lanes to run on and depending on how you cut the corners, and perhaps zig zagging left and right, you would have probably recorded way more that the official 42.195km. Most of my friends had anything from 1km to even 2km+ more recorded on the gps. So it does pay to study the route and know which side to run on to minimise this over distance syndrome.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's all folks for this edition of Tokyo Marathon. I did have loads of fun, as in the past 2 editions, and if I'm lucky next year, I will definitely be back. So if you're keen, put in the ballot later this year and fingers crossed!</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-59607587941430711602016-03-03T12:47:00.001+08:002016-03-03T12:47:31.294+08:00Bits And Pieces On Powerman Duathlon 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5nX8wcNbbJCCyVswJFbHMqg771a6-cbvuX0W6SiaTk9Kbpp-i8CStLSSrpM01sx6AkdZrC_RuvCdiqR-5_OU2KLHxR8DW_zotmeyfW07-7xIU-3UhDlnyzOYUKmjiqr04Guvww/s1600/IMG_20160303_123911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5nX8wcNbbJCCyVswJFbHMqg771a6-cbvuX0W6SiaTk9Kbpp-i8CStLSSrpM01sx6AkdZrC_RuvCdiqR-5_OU2KLHxR8DW_zotmeyfW07-7xIU-3UhDlnyzOYUKmjiqr04Guvww/s400/IMG_20160303_123911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Powerman Duathlon Chilli tree. Chilli red was always their theme. From top 2011, 2012 and 2013. 2011 was the 10th anniversary of this duathlon in Malaysia. Held annually in Manjung, possibly the hottest place in Malaysia to hold a duathlon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burnt crisp and a couple of big inclines in the form of big bridges were the order of the day during the cycle leg. Run? Going 2 rounds around the kampung roads and with the locals cheering was hugely fun for us and bizarre for them heh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2010 was also the last year held in Manjung which I preferred more than in Putrajaya now. The travelling. The eats. Nothing comes close. From 2012 it was held in Putrajaya and 2013 being the last Malakoff being the major sponsor. Then it went into a hiatus for 2 years and now back again in 2016 under a new sponsorship. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still not a bad one here in Putrajaya but kinda lost its charms being in Manjung all those years. So good luck to everyone at the starting line this weekend. I'll be watching for you. Oh and yes, it's 2 loops of everything for Classic category so make sure you don't do any lesser ya 😊.</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-84796410651388571552016-02-15T10:50:00.002+08:002016-02-15T10:50:34.509+08:00Of Hikes and Pink50 Ultra<div class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That pretty sums up my week and weekend last week. Over the Chinese New Year break, I decided to go along and hike/trail run up Bukit Repin. I've heard of Bukit Repin before when I frequent Gunung Nuang. If you're familiar with the Nuang trail, after Bukit Pengasih which is the false peak, you'd notice a fork enroute to Nuang's peak. It says to Bukit (or Gunung) Repin which takes about 5 hours. I've always been that curious how tough that part would be traversing to Repin but due to time constraints, I've never ventured that far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now, I had the chance to get up to Repin from Kemensah's side. Here's what I wrote for my <a href="https://facebook.com/yimmy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> update:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sometimes you've just get off the grid. When the norm of Nuang or Broga and the more commercialised mountains becomes too mainstream, we get off the grid and disappear into uncharted territory. So began the misadventures of planning and executing a trail run cum hike from Kemensah to Lubuk Tedung to Pondok to Bukit Repin. Actually from Bukit Repin itself you can connect to Nuang which will take at least another 3 hours but we didn't. Perhaps another day when there's more time.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Hardy Boys took the challenge comprising of myself, Jol, Neves, Dendang and Cikgu Syed. There were some runs at the start of the trails which were runnable up till Lebuk Tedung, then a bunch of climbs generally to Pondok and from there massive uphill till Repin Peak - here the tracks were sometimes non visible but thanks to some markings left.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lots of scarred legs and hands and faces thanks to the thorny rotan plants and trees. So lots of ouches heard here lol but it was still an adventure no doubt. Not for the faint hearted. Oh did I mention LOTS of leeches? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The times before are just average slow trail runs and hikes only from Pondok onwards.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kemensah to Lubuk Tedung - 0:48 6km</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lubuk Tedung to Pondok - 1:42 8km</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pondok to Repin Peak - 3:00 4.5km</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Total elevation gain approximately 2,200m. Conditions were cloudy and foggy at higher grounds. Raining heavy on the return trip to Lubuk Tedung. Repin isn't very high at only 1,300m. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Water stations at Lubuk Tedung from the stream. From a faucet in Pondok (more about Pondok later) gathered from the hills. So the whole trip isn't devoid of water and all of us carried about 1.5 to 2l at most. Food? Bring your own lah.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pondok is a "special" place. As the name suggests, it is a pondok or hut. Built by the ATV guys there I think as a resting point. A big hit with sink and running water collected from the hills. Platform to even sleep, a shower area, stove to start a fire to cook, and even a generator! Creature comfort in the middle of nowhere which was rather blissful. Calm, cool and serene just being at the pondok. Can seriously fall asleep there heh.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From pondok all the way up to Repin includes a lot of scrambling steep uphills with some markers made available. Even with markers we had to do double takes as we veered off track a few times and had to do ribbon marker searching. Fortunately Zulfazli had been there a week back so that helped. So don't go there alone if you're a first timer ya. 2 of us equipped with handheld gps which allowed us to track back should the need arises. Safety first. And all of us had headlamps and rain/wind jacket packed with ample food portions.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Track here also had a big fallen tree which was rather exciting trying to climb over or under to make our way through. Lots of leeches were happy that day lol. Our smooth and beautiful legs and hands and even the face wasn't spared from the thorny plants and trees. From repin you can actually connect to Nuang but that will take at least another 3 hours and I'm guessing the tracks aren't that well maintained or just plain raw which slow things down. Another day perhaps. Am intrigued to get to Nuang too from repin one way.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pictures from my gopro session and later I'll string a video together. Thanks to the great chums in making this trip super fun and exciting"</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil28CH1UfF67srFRBKrdlK8J-909nkOEr_GNcM4hJTTPHfS_Em8G-82SumPwREKAlh0N1CWPz_RMZwWBS_tnuJE65QsPZkVV5-YP2AsgWO_Dzqorkb2VUXl-bj9oePgPsoYIoMlw/s1600/FB_IMG_1455502882677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil28CH1UfF67srFRBKrdlK8J-909nkOEr_GNcM4hJTTPHfS_Em8G-82SumPwREKAlh0N1CWPz_RMZwWBS_tnuJE65QsPZkVV5-YP2AsgWO_Dzqorkb2VUXl-bj9oePgPsoYIoMlw/s400/FB_IMG_1455502882677.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lubuk Tedung. About 6km from the start point Kemensah. And a stream to cool down and get your resupply of water.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC2c2Gk_hcxa0RhASZeqR97fkZimrYD3Ib3-kuMkMjEnFr6ffwxvr31jQ8bkaeX1bu12Kq6enfmbOcmSKc5etm-wEAVp_1_of3v7LLOBaWosY5hw5-cC3WLcAHgSFrGRISl_qCw/s1600/FB_IMG_1455502910023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC2c2Gk_hcxa0RhASZeqR97fkZimrYD3Ib3-kuMkMjEnFr6ffwxvr31jQ8bkaeX1bu12Kq6enfmbOcmSKc5etm-wEAVp_1_of3v7LLOBaWosY5hw5-cC3WLcAHgSFrGRISl_qCw/s400/FB_IMG_1455502910023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pondk. Pretty much self contained hut with water from the hills, a shower cubicle even and place to race. Built by the motorcross team over the years. Has a generator for electricity too. About 7km from Lubuk </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtLGjFhqwHtKLvQiyewU0gDE0OUBm0ILERTZKRnFyl893GKaKvnsgAT0EES5Shk3BzAR6k5xCmLR3yADRxZTqUdWIp2CIImOupeEy1JO8SqxWNk8jCm5SFBCE1kx100vuLaa5lg/s1600/FB_IMG_1455502921786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtLGjFhqwHtKLvQiyewU0gDE0OUBm0ILERTZKRnFyl893GKaKvnsgAT0EES5Shk3BzAR6k5xCmLR3yADRxZTqUdWIp2CIImOupeEy1JO8SqxWNk8jCm5SFBCE1kx100vuLaa5lg/s400/FB_IMG_1455502921786.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enroute to Repin from Pondok and gingerly negotiating a big fallen tree.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxBtLUSJo9darEgA2UFr8ojRejjvdq2XxFsJY3dCRZgJ2kjGqJRyM2R_hTbXhAqrrvH9BjSjsW418tU8m4WhZ9hhm5hxJfKNyQgJuSZLeTwgmeVRPzYfEgBNGIX-KyeDRhFoS5A/s1600/FB_IMG_1455502933916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxBtLUSJo9darEgA2UFr8ojRejjvdq2XxFsJY3dCRZgJ2kjGqJRyM2R_hTbXhAqrrvH9BjSjsW418tU8m4WhZ9hhm5hxJfKNyQgJuSZLeTwgmeVRPzYfEgBNGIX-KyeDRhFoS5A/s400/FB_IMG_1455502933916.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally Repin's peak! Rather foggy day standing tall about 1,300m.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM3Z6HdPGa0ZtRLu-w-vOZqXXjbw7tUpDTJi6SUkNiQZiz1jZquUKtsx0gJGaJUgCz-CisNwvJxj_5J25sSnG9tR45V_pZZLTZOtxoyX1GyNVrvQY_OZl4Q21XCIypMtjsaBiYA/s1600/FB_IMG_1455502943079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM3Z6HdPGa0ZtRLu-w-vOZqXXjbw7tUpDTJi6SUkNiQZiz1jZquUKtsx0gJGaJUgCz-CisNwvJxj_5J25sSnG9tR45V_pZZLTZOtxoyX1GyNVrvQY_OZl4Q21XCIypMtjsaBiYA/s400/FB_IMG_1455502943079.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much of a view I'm afraid but it did clear up for a few seconds revealing Janda Baik below. From here you can get to Nuang but that would take at least 3 hours even with a power hike. Already too late so we turned back instead and it started to rain heavily too.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that was the adventure midweek. On the weekend, and in the 2nd year running, decided to go support Pink50 Ultra.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgStAmhHqew0BrxCBLb8AQxtMuKIcoF8XXbNNB9-02XKHDciA3Xww88ML5hdo17QjhY1UD7-exzVBpeOqML32T8G5Mdm6s-M3xumO2ylneNrHXgbohZrtF7uWjnDf_W3hLFj2VgA/s1600/FB_IMG_1455501798582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgStAmhHqew0BrxCBLb8AQxtMuKIcoF8XXbNNB9-02XKHDciA3Xww88ML5hdo17QjhY1UD7-exzVBpeOqML32T8G5Mdm6s-M3xumO2ylneNrHXgbohZrtF7uWjnDf_W3hLFj2VgA/s400/FB_IMG_1455501798582.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those not in the know, Pink50 ultra is an all women exclusive ultra running successfully for the 2nd year. Set at Taman Saujana Hijau in the heart of Precint 11, Putrajaya. Format is a loop of about 3km with some rolling small hills. Do at least 17 loops totalling about 50km and earn yourself the bragging rights to be called an ultra runner!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year the format got spiced up a bit as you are now allowed to run with your partner - be it guy or girl lah. Both of you must complete the minimum 17 loops or 50km in total and be rewarded with the finishing goodies. You can actually get more details about this <a href="https://facebook.com/pinkultra/" target="_blank">ultra event here on FB</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My opinion about this ultra event is this. Good for developmental purpose specially for the fairer sex and to encourage women to go the distance in running. Since it's a loop format, it's easier for the runners to also get assistance be it food/drinks or medical along the way. Which also builds self confidence doing longer distances and by duration. So 2 thumbs up to <a href="https://facebook.com/teampacat/" target="_blank">TeamPacat</a> for bring this format and event to the locals as a platform to leap frog from a full marathon distance into ultra domain. So head on to the linked page above to get all the low dows now and join them for the 3rd edition come 2017!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hot and toasty ultra spanning a total of 9 hours from 7am. Temperatures reached as high as 42C late afternoon. That's what an ultra is all about - braving anything thrown at you be it weather or tough and rough terrain and battling it till the finishing line.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I was as <a href="https://facebook.com/Marathon-Baker-Homemade-Energy-Bar-1633705583544562/">MarathonBaker's</a> ambassador and free samples were there to be had as well as them energy bars being sold. On had were also delicious home made iced tead in various blends made by Shaz (left), the writer and ambassador, Arif (another fellow ambassador) and Zeti (the one that makes those magical MarathonBaker sumptious energy bars!). So hop on to the MarathonBaker link above and get some of that goodness yourself today. Betcha you just can't stop when you start!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's my life last week besides getting to eat and eat like no tomorrow during Chinese New Year. Well this week is time to burn them all off! Later!</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-9892133110681106402016-02-05T08:30:00.000+08:002016-02-05T08:30:11.205+08:00Q&A with #AskYimster, Twitter Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been given the privilege to curate on behalf of #twtmarathon handle. Well in normal speak, it will be a question and answer session with me on Twitter. More like an invited guest for #twtmarathon. For those not in the know yet, they are a one stop portal that diligently lists all the running events here in Malaysia, as well as provide other useful information such as the different running clubs in Malaysia. Who knows you might want to join one closest to you and run with them regularly and learn a new thing or two even. Check out their website <a href="http://twtmarathon.my/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So remember to make a twitter date with me this Saturday and Sunday. Ask all you want and I'll try to respond to each one in the best way I could!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-64591231790509469392016-02-04T12:15:00.000+08:002016-02-05T10:10:17.185+08:00TNF100 Thailand 2016 - The Scorch Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo_WLPyxuI7CkLbCPfmVHQRVfJa3UxZVFmB2zqr1Rj19UIdgofnbtm4plupiDOnEDvMj-5fX9N2kJBqUR-gmTpRGqJ98wwJwQL61vg5MK5mO7X2FArCwOQI7fzlfX_UtySlTTzA/s1600/Screenshot_2016-02-04-09-50-14-1-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo_WLPyxuI7CkLbCPfmVHQRVfJa3UxZVFmB2zqr1Rj19UIdgofnbtm4plupiDOnEDvMj-5fX9N2kJBqUR-gmTpRGqJ98wwJwQL61vg5MK5mO7X2FArCwOQI7fzlfX_UtySlTTzA/s400/Screenshot_2016-02-04-09-50-14-1-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Done with the 5th edition of TNF100 Thailand, competing in the 100km solo edition. I've been back here for all 5 edition, since it all began in 2012. Although I've posted before that the 1st 2 editions weren't held at the current location Pakchong, but rather at Amphawa south west of Bangkok. A bit now on the history of this series in Thailand. Through the years, the course remains the same consisting of a 2 loop 50km. In Amphawa back in 2012 and 2013, the course were mainly half of trails and half road. Most of it traversing plantations of sugar cane, pineapple and palm oil. The highlight I guess were the many wat (temples) that served as part of the route or as water stations. Mr.Sun was there as well and it was a super hot run. Other bits remain the same with the cut off set at 18 hours but elevation remains minimal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So fast forward to 2014, and after much feedback from participants, the organiser was bent on adding more elevation and better trail route (that's a bit more exciting) and there we have it Pakchong. A new venue, new and bigger elevation and more trails included. Set in the Kaoyai park which I might is super huge, it's set in a bit of a highland. Cold? Not really. It's a bit chilly at night and early morning but that's where the cold ends. Daytime can reach above 30C easily and so it was an ultra of cold and hot that will seriously test the patience of a ultra runner haha.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The course map for all categories of 100km, 50km and 25km. There's also a fun run of 13km too. That's one loop so repeat again and you'll get a total of 100.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a well panned and organised event now into it' 3rd year here. There were bits and pieces in the last 2 years that didn't go well and have been fine tuned. These ranges from course markings and even runners who well ... decided to take short cuts for whatever reasons. But one thing's for sure, the sun will be your best friend from as early as 7am to about 6pm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The course itself isn't all that 'tough' and I will say that with a caveat that you've trained for such a distance and in varying weather conditions. The first big obstacle is well the 18 hours cut off time given for 100km solo category. Yes, not a whole lot since many other similar 100km ultras stretches past 20 hours to some even 30 hours. I'd put that as a challenge to oneself really. The elevations are there but not overly too tough. Typicall 50m to 100m steep climbs and that's about it. The only big hill climb is around km15 or so going high up few hundred metres, some technical bits, traversing the ridges for a while and finishing it off with a steep descend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So time magement is very essential here and the ability to run quite a bit. The cut off for the 1st loop stands at 8.5 hours which I think is a bit loose. I'd say you need to complete the 1st loop by 8 hours or lesser and leaving 10 hours for the 2nd loop, which by now would be past mid day and extremely hot. From what I read, temperatures soared well over 40s and hitting as high as 50C this year! Heat alone will your next great enemy to subdue if you were to have any chance to finish well within 18 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day started early at 5am for the flag off on a Satruday, 30 Jan 2016. The temperature displayed on the electronic board hanging at the start/finishing gantry showed 17/18C, just nice but I felt it wasn't as cold as the year before. Getting to Pakchong isn't that hard. You could opt for the shuttle provided by the organiser, or by train from Bangkok, or like me opt for a van taking about less than 2 hours from Bangkok. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's talk about the logistics and mechanics of the 100km solo first ya. Drop bags are very generous and you can have 1 at each of the CP1 to 5 where each will be a rough distance of 10km apart. CP5 takes you back to the finishing line and you would have completed a whole 50km. Just repeat another loop to make 100. Water stations were well manned and equipped with plenty ice, water, local isotonic drinks, watermelons and bananas although for the 2nd loop, most stations ran out of bananas which was odd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mandatory gear weren't that many either, 1L hydration system, whistle, headlamp with spare batteries, a given course map and that's about it - not that many stuff to carry. And we were then led into the starting line which was blocked off and each of us checked for at leasst the headlamp and only allowed 100km category to get in. Which I think it's a good move to separate the 100s from the 50s due to early congestions. The 50s start 15mins later which gives us a good head start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon the big bang went off at 5am and off we went into the early hours of the morning. For odd reason which I don't quite know why, my initial start for the 1st 10km didn't go too well. Even at the initial road section for a km, my breathing was hard, legs were heavy and even quads felt strained even with a short ascend. Sweating was way too much too early and to be honest I wasný feeling that good overall. I decided to lower my pace and amble along cause I'm a slow starter, needing some 30mins before my engine fires up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It took me 55mins just to cover 7.5km and it was just mainly road and some flat trails. Somehwere there I took a wrong turn and ended up meeting the 50m runners which were flagged off later. Duh. Traced back and luckily it was just some 200m off course and I was back on track. Things didn't easy up up to 15km and I felt it was too tough for me to carry on. Maybe due to the lack of rest in the last 2 days. Insufficient training? Mind that went awry? Poor nutrition and hydration in the last 2 days? Can't put my finger at it. And so, I just move along slower and cautiously and hoped things would pick up later or ... fear the worse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This whole trail has many u turns. The 1st was a gradual one which was runnable for about 2.5km and back again. Here you'll see your friends in the opposite direction as you make the return leg. I think all in all there's something like 3 big u turns or loops to traverse in the whole course. The last 2 spanning some 5 to 8 km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Light came some 1.5 hours later whilst I was about to tacke the highest peak to traverse. Drank more to ensure I was hydrated and hope to kick them blues I felt. Loved the climb up and at times jutting and sharp branches nicked me on my legs and hands. Fun. It didn't take before I was done with the highest peak to climb, maybe max 20mins and then steep downhill and back to flatish trails. This was some going to 20km now and fortunately I felt much better now. Maybe it's the extra hydration fed in or maybe I've just warmed up.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plenty local Thai photographers snapping at you. As you can see most of the trails are the dry and dusty kind, and very much runnable. My trail running motto is simple. Brisk walking up steep inclines and jog when there's downhill or flats. Ignore that belly! Thai food were that good! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At one point there were the usual school children lining up and giving you high 5s. Not sure who enjoyed it the most! Most of the route were opened and that meant being baked when you do it the 2nd time around. Dusty roads and trails were the order of the day mostly. Just before CP3 you'd head out of the trails and back onto downhill roads before getting into the water station. It was already hot at 8am now and the sun high up. The next bit is a loop course heading in for a good 3 or 4km before coming out of the loop. Some steep short climbs along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once out of that loop, back to the same water station and 500m later, you're back into the 2nd loop which was slightly longer and has many more steeper climbs. This went on for about 4 to 5km and then you're done back out to CP4 before getting back on roads for the remainder 8km or so. Then into trails again traversing areas with ponds and vege plantations reaching into the interim water station at a temple before getting out into roads again, which was downhill and finish off in the next 3km.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A bit of green along the last few km to end my 1st loop. Thanks to ShutterRunning.com for the pictures.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last 100m or so getting to CP5 to complete my 1st loop and 1st 50km. Things picked up in the last 30km so I was moving along just fine.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It felt good finishing the 1st loop. What's even better this year was that solid food in the form of macroni, noodles and some fried rice served! The years before there were nothing so it a nice improvement. I decided not to change my top as it'll be wet again and the sun dries it up quickly - so darn hot by now. I took a 15mins break here and opened up my drop bag, my only one. Took out my coke and got plenty ice and man ... that was so so heaven! Ate some macroni too - just stuffed it into my stomach as I needed the carbo. Got a few more <a href="https://i.instagram.com/marathonbaker25/" target="_blank">Marathonbaker Energy Bars</a> for my 2nd round as those were fueling me all this while. All natural home made energy bars that packs a punch in nutrition and easy on your stomach. Been having these for my ultras since late last year and it's a better alternative than commercial processed gels. Try it today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a chat with the Race Director here and he was talking to a colleague of a runner who collapsed and had to be sent off in an ambulance. Yes the heat was that bad. Glanced at my gps watch at it showed 37C now and I was in the shade that moment. I picked up my cap to ease the glaring as I don't like to use sunnies or shades for my runs. It took me 5:43 to complete 50k - which is slow. It's almost the same timing like last year and I'd wished it was a bit faster. Maybe below 5:30. The fastest runner only cloked like 5 hours for the 1st loop. I was placed over 10th placing at the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I was ready to tackle my 2nd loop. Same modus operandi, run on flats and small inclines and brisk walk those nasty steep ones. First 5km was hard after the food. Jog and alternate with runs for the food to settle down, not to mention the sweltering heat that I had to grapple with now. Not easy at all but thanks to lots of heat training, I was able to jog quite a bit. Soon it was back to the trail head. Couldn't see anyone in front and back. Was a lonely run indeed. Some 10km later someone came from behind me. Eh? Either I was slow or he was faster. Later I found out he was was Malaysian haha. Exchanged some pleasantries and off we went with him hot on my heels. Not a bad thing as that kept me on my toes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 1st up and u turn. Checked. 60ish km done. Next was the tallest hill again. Liew, the guy was was trailing me wasn't far behind. At times he'll catch up with me specially reaching the water stations. In the far distance I saw 2 figures. One in red and another in long white top, some 200m away and used them as my pacers. The Thai guy in red I met just before I finished my 1st loop. He was the singing fella that didn't focus on the markers and went straight instead of turning left lol. The other guy, I found out later was from Singapore. I followed them for a good 20km all the way. Soon the Thai fella scoot off faster whilst the singaporean slowed down and I managed to overtake him somewhere at km 70 or just before the 3rd water station. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In I went for the 1st loop and some steep climbs and then the Thai fella came from my behind. Eh? Before I could say anything he said he got lost yet again lol. I could only smile widely and told him to stop singing again and focus on the path! So he and I went along together with him just a few steps ahead. At one point I saw the Singaporean who was behind me earlier ...at the T junction in front. The Thai fella and myself needed to turn right at the junction. He came from the left side of the junction and went straight. Hmmm .... how is that possible when we were on the right path? And all this while, he did not overtake me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we head out of the loop I lost the Thai guy who began to slow down. Back to the initial water station and last 20km to go. The singaporean was there, few minutes ahead of me. I kept quiet. Either he took a short cut or accidentally took a wrong turn which was his fortune to be. I decide to think positively but that gave me more oomph to step on my accelerator. Into the 2nd big loop and nasty big and short steep climbs. He was way ahead now perhaps some 300m. I just kept him in my sights. Ambled along nicely still and felt alright overall. Run where I could as usual. Was happy when all the nasty steep short climbs were over and heading out of the loop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last water station or CP4. Last 8km to go., I caught up with the Singaporean here and he headed off soon. I followed suit closely. It was downhill roads now. I got nearer behind him some 100m behind. My eyes were fixed on him and a big X on his back. It was only in the last 3km he slowed down walked more. That's it lah! I told myself, here's my chance! I felt good and overtook him nicely but not before urging him to keep going as the end is near! And I ran. And ran. Don't dare to look back if he was giving chase heh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last 2km and back out from the temple into downhill roads. And I ran. Harder as I could. At a switchback I stole a glance back, no one there. Phew. But I continued running as hard as I can. Breathing was at a max now and then down to the last 1km of a long straight road before turning right into the finishing chute. How hard did I run? Well that last 8km was done in 54mins on trails. And there it was, the finishing line and I could hear the emcee announcing my name, Heng Fatt Yim, Malaysian completing 100km. Heh. Was a grand moment for me and this was what I was waiting for every km of the way!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yay done and over with! Courtesy of the organiser. Yes it was 34C when I finished my 100km run in 12hours and 45mins! Making it 5:45pm now.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another one. I was jsut exhausted after having the run of my life in the last 3km. Catching my breath there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Official timing and placed number 5 which was a nice surprise!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Split timing at each checkpoint which I might was good and marshall controls at junctions were on spot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Continuation of my timing details.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDfN-N2UZNNoN2aIb5RBFUVB72d3IgCCvWpfOjAav3Da99lNbdNE1d7CB_IP0dezWildD9U4rXFsbbv3DdzphGKu-grboKl4E0abaIy3wp04JRsHZqilZayPLek-4qBR_wwHpQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1454551546836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDfN-N2UZNNoN2aIb5RBFUVB72d3IgCCvWpfOjAav3Da99lNbdNE1d7CB_IP0dezWildD9U4rXFsbbv3DdzphGKu-grboKl4E0abaIy3wp04JRsHZqilZayPLek-4qBR_wwHpQ/s400/FB_IMG_1454551546836.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I've posted in Facebook later on. Picture taken a bit later after I've crossed the finishing line. Hey, it's still daylight! Just delighted with my timing.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12:45 was my timing. Shaved nearly 2 hours off from the previous year which to me is rather remarkable. Something I've done in my training that's paying off handsomely. Well it's not Top 3 but I'm thankful I did well since I had quite a bit of issues from the start but glad I've overcome them somehow with my abundance trail run experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My TNF100 Thailand 100km solo timing over the last 5 years:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2012 - 15:27</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2013 - 14:05</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2014 - 14:40</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2015 - 14:41</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2016 - 12:45</span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes dual layers, no thanks to the sun. It was seriously hot and one needs to manage their hydration very well or succumb to it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love the finisher tee this year as it's the drifit ones and not cotton in previous years. And it has this cute 'DID IT. 100 KM' insignia at the rear.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 year's worth of gold collected at each TNF100 Thailand Ultra Trail event. Hopefully many more to come.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Video from TNF100 Th</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ail</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and's website, summ</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ary of this ye</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ar's event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Th</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at's </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a wr</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ap for this ye</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ar's edition, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and hopefully to continue this tr</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">adition of running this event ye</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ar on ye</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ar. Not an overly tough course with about 2,600m elevation gain overall but one that you need to watch out for the unforgiving sun. That's the main killer, nail it and you'll do well. Till next ye</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ar then!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leaving you with my finishing line video courtesy of Own@Kuhairul, many thanks! Yes I was exhausted but glad it's finally over and yes, tears of joy that set in automatically 😊</span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-39488143750253314352016-01-29T09:00:00.000+08:002016-01-29T09:00:26.303+08:00Back To Land of Smiles - TNF100 Thailand<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaPiiXHNbIF2skmXsVY4irENGYd4np2IoLpXLfqlQvhG2c3EyoVb2fwuQOrWnfvhe-3yOP_-4gSF8rWRwPa1_Uej3RNWAiQ_I8dz-Qq_cYAJxONIsH41gU-6gnTtHLRlNbem8yQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1453883825494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaPiiXHNbIF2skmXsVY4irENGYd4np2IoLpXLfqlQvhG2c3EyoVb2fwuQOrWnfvhe-3yOP_-4gSF8rWRwPa1_Uej3RNWAiQ_I8dz-Qq_cYAJxONIsH41gU-6gnTtHLRlNbem8yQ/s400/FB_IMG_1453883825494.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TNF100 Thailand Malaysian Class of 2014. Picture courtesy of the organisers.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a yearly ritual, coming back here year on year to partake in this ultra event. You see, I've been back here since TNF100 set foot in Thailand, 2012. Yes, a good 4 years but as history has it, it didn't begin here in Khao Yai. The 1st 2 years, it was held in Ampawa, slightly more nothern. Truth is, the whole 100km route didn't quite have a lot of trails, or elevation for that matter. Most of it were roads and running in orchards or plantations devoid of the fun ascends and descends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thereforem in the last 2 years it shifted to Khao Yai, which is a huge natural park and with some decent elevation gain. Given that the 100km category isn't the toughest in all the TNF series but it does give you a good run for your money from the excessive heat, largely uncovered route and some 2k+ elevation thrown in. Plus its a loop which you need to cover twice. That's some challgenge for you. So this Sunday, I'm back again for the 2016 edition. Let's see what's changed... or not.</span><br />
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<br />Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-2153462225786067182016-01-28T12:06:00.003+08:002016-01-28T12:06:54.005+08:00Twincity Cyberjaya Marathon (TCM) 2016 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxRyp5OJCWYDoCR2R94MeS_jspgP7TYl1O5t_n-vcWDNzk7NURwq_hIDFN2ruqi-QFDo-AgPXd5bb2CKtUAOmMQx3U_jK2fVr1c_PdMItn9TUoT6zxT5RHVr3jtokpWRTvr5ORw/s1600/FB_IMG_1453950938471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxRyp5OJCWYDoCR2R94MeS_jspgP7TYl1O5t_n-vcWDNzk7NURwq_hIDFN2ruqi-QFDo-AgPXd5bb2CKtUAOmMQx3U_jK2fVr1c_PdMItn9TUoT6zxT5RHVr3jtokpWRTvr5ORw/s400/FB_IMG_1453950938471.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had high hopes running this local marathon as it was my 1st time participating since it's inception in 2014. What more when I was designated as a 4 hour pacer. With all the nice built up having the opportunity to run in Putrajaya/Cyberjaya which is often rare for a full marathon. So far, there's only 2 marathons around this area, this and the BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon. BSN one being at night while TCM during the day. If starting at 4am counts as day I suppose. Did it go as what I'd imagined?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not entirely familiar with the surroundings of Cyberjaya nor Putrajaya although those are I frequent most for trainings are the ones I'm good with. I did have a review of the intended FM route a few days before and remarked that the route includes running behind the famed Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC), which by the way includes a rather steep climb. Other than that, I'd thought it would be a safe bet with the usual road markers and marshals. As is with all marathons.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before being flagged off. Flanked by Yew Khuay, my usual partner in marathon pacers as well as running comrade. Another was William Lim, not shown in the picture and the trio of us helm the 4 hour pacing for this full marathon. Picture courtesy of Mohan Marathon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the pacers. FM pacers ranging from 4 hours to 6 hours, 30 mins interval. Also HM pacers ranging from 2hours to 3 hours, 15mins interval.</span></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 3am-ish, I regarded this as quit a humid morning. Not that entirely cooling but wished the humidity would lessen in time. We got off to a good start at 4am and soon Yew Khuay and I decided to work on a 5:30min/km pace. Well, plus minus 2 to 3 seconds at most. Our typical pace strategy for the 1st half and somehwat slow down a wee bit in the 2nd half because generally most would slow down towards the 2nd half. </span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pacers and pacees at the back, thanks to ActionPix Malaysia for this photo.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things went well for the initial 15km or so. We have had quite a big group trudging along around 15 pax which slowly dwindled as the distance dragged on. Unfortunately close to 21km, my stomach played havoc and I had to go to the porta loo. Speaking of porta loo, organisers were generous with this facility, at least 2 of them every water stations. I told Yew Khuay to bob along nicely and I'd try to catch up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thought I had it worse doing business number two due to an upset stomach. Probably my fastest potty done (hey this needs training too to be fast!) in like 2 minutes and off I went. Picking up pack and eventually after some few minutes I got up with YK and the rest. Stomach was behaving well as got past the halfway mark of 21km at around 1hour 55mins, which was on target. Parts of the route was in pitch dark whilst we had to go through some motorcycle tunnels which was also dark. Fortunately, the organisers set up some oil lamps here which helped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water stations were every 3km or so, which was well placed. Cold water, isotonic, and some stations even had coke and bananas and sponges. Highlight of the water stations were at km 33 where you will be served roti canai and teh tarik (milk tea)! And at km 41 you'll feast of ice cream, the local version! Kind of like a frozen tube of ice which you'd suck on at on opened end. By now we'd still have a few pacees bouncing about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Around km 30, things went haywire. This was the 1st of two FM and HM separation which we have merged routes already. We didn't see the small sign on the left of the road which required us to turn left to the km 31 roti canai, for a 4km loop before coming out and joing the HMers. That was a price we paid for dearly later, as no marshals were stationed there either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a km or two later, there was another diversion, FM go straight, HM make a right turn. Some one km ahead, a u turn and head back and turn left where the HMers initially turned into. Some FM may have missed this turn but there were signages and marshals here to direct traffic when we were there. I was puzzled as my gps watch showed km35 no and no roti canai water station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At km 37's water station, we reached the ice cream pitstop! Horrors as that was supposed to be at km 41! I looked at YK and he looked back and both of us had the same thoughts. We've missed a turning somewhere! True enough another km or so we saw the turning into the finishing chute. Watched showed 39km only.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last dash to the finishing line. Thanks to Amin for the photo. Well not the faces we'd like to show off, more of despair rather missing that 3km somewhere and ended up with about 39.2km sigh.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC-nUxpnJuv0CPcd5FWb786vQcM9Z74t_X8-nz-gubFtEK5F_Gahio9SZNCMibPZnBGFSIxbi-Pf15Og1_jqNIiyZ_VWgeyyvx4QqI0UjHpvFse57t7aLO8j1LGwvjjGF_0w1QQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1453953277951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC-nUxpnJuv0CPcd5FWb786vQcM9Z74t_X8-nz-gubFtEK5F_Gahio9SZNCMibPZnBGFSIxbi-Pf15Og1_jqNIiyZ_VWgeyyvx4QqI0UjHpvFse57t7aLO8j1LGwvjjGF_0w1QQ/s400/FB_IMG_1453953277951.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The shortened distance as per my gps, the finisher medal and the timing that's oh so much shorter than the intended 4 hours!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3JDsosi9AsipdHvys3wSVnyOIiSa6m0XCGXZZ7IiVYp8YUuM6QaNRP_HRI8QGInFmtCJTqm_o2o4TXs-RJVFTqIsefdjOmrPEpihjgz0kCj0PYtZ8CulMeGTIh_I7Bx2qfnXkA/s1600/FB_IMG_1453953529252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3JDsosi9AsipdHvys3wSVnyOIiSa6m0XCGXZZ7IiVYp8YUuM6QaNRP_HRI8QGInFmtCJTqm_o2o4TXs-RJVFTqIsefdjOmrPEpihjgz0kCj0PYtZ8CulMeGTIh_I7Bx2qfnXkA/s400/FB_IMG_1453953529252.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we scratched our heads wondering where did we miss out. Based on the GPS tracking and the original FM route, we missed that 3+km loop circled in blue above! And that's why we've missed the roti canai and teh tarik water station there!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it was a failed mission unfortunately, but not a total loss cause. William who ran a more average pace around 5:35 to 5:40min/km, who were not that far behind us all the while took the right route overall and brought home a few pacee. Well done! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To recap, the whole route had rolling hills and downhills along the way. Mostly gradual or short steep ones which I liked rather than just being flat. Water stations were good, well equiped, plenty of food galore and great support. What needs improvements were route control to ensure runners know which way to go and not fall short or more. Yes, you read right, cause there were some HMers who took that extra loop (which we missed) and ended up 3+km more than 21km! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The more important point that I'm trying to say here is that it messes up those in the podium ranking too. Those who got the right route and those who missed that part (accidentally of course or could give rise to cheating really). More over, there's no timing mat in that loop to prove anything at all. It could have been a great fun marathon marred by some shortcomings. Hopefully, all these can be remedied for next year's edition to make it even more enjoyable!</span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-22344581370523144072016-01-22T10:00:00.000+08:002016-01-22T10:00:13.149+08:00Trail Running - Tricks & Tips<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll begin to jot down some of the tricks & tips that I've picked up over the years via my own experience. Who knows it might come in handy for you. They are short and quick entries and I do hope it'll be some realisation and come in handy for you. These sharings can be anything from marathons to trail running to cycling and well ... them facts of life. If it's useful, do leave a comment so that I'll know and continue on with my banterings along the way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3XNpvkXzzUS1uegTdySf_SdnBsd8k62KGGgsUKLdsxAWBjZHRDzgx2HgoAUtqhgvfj7jhp6E7ALXQJkPybiBcTGU_w5SWu8-mAPfhGQTSOsrYvBvC4GONTOP4GBGRBk3wtvzMw/s1600/20160119_111357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3XNpvkXzzUS1uegTdySf_SdnBsd8k62KGGgsUKLdsxAWBjZHRDzgx2HgoAUtqhgvfj7jhp6E7ALXQJkPybiBcTGU_w5SWu8-mAPfhGQTSOsrYvBvC4GONTOP4GBGRBk3wtvzMw/s400/20160119_111357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's my trusty Fenix GPS watch, the 1st edition which I've used for nearly all my trail ultras so far and have proved to be my realiable buddy. Did you know that there are more handy information that can be provided by your smart GPS watch instead of the usual time, distance and pace telling? Well only if you explore your gps watch more, you'd know how to better make useful of the information it can provide. This will work for all GPS watches be it Garmin, Suunto or other notable brands that has an altimeter or a barometic altimeter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's shown in the picture is the altimeter of my gps watch, charting the current ascend. Often when you're on the trails running or hiking, this piece of information can come in handy to 'tell you' how far you're off from the peak. Sure, you can do a guess-timation from the distance to peak and down but sometimes these information can be misleading. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdL_KNIN-FOE9Yd7TyRZsRt3bHXK55XE-gGM5YlXOHjQkmUUv5Nzl00tAFGLrcWLOJ8unEXNn03XLamMyXQA-3t_3y-9xjZTZlrmnpS0lPS9JyPskIPcBruUHt1qMBV8vF-bGFw/s1600/20160119_111516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdL_KNIN-FOE9Yd7TyRZsRt3bHXK55XE-gGM5YlXOHjQkmUUv5Nzl00tAFGLrcWLOJ8unEXNn03XLamMyXQA-3t_3y-9xjZTZlrmnpS0lPS9JyPskIPcBruUHt1qMBV8vF-bGFw/s400/20160119_111516.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The above is a elevation chart or height reference chart from my just concluded Ultra Trail Tai Mou Shan which you can read <a href="http://yimster.blogspot.my/2016/01/ultra-trail-tai-mou-shan-2016-utmt.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>. For example, if I'm now starting to ascend Tai Mou Shan with a peak of 955m above, I'd set my watch to show the altimeter page. Going up the peak doesn't always necessary mean it's one way straight up. Often, there'd be some dips on the way up, then climb again and sometimes repeat for a bit. Therefore, by using the altimeter as a reference, I'd know roughly where I am at the moment on the climb, and how much more do I need to go on to reach the peak.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well at least it gives me a sense of where I am in relation with the peak's height. And sometimes the peak can be obscured from your sight totally so this 'reference' if you will, can come in handy to muster your strength mentally for ardous climbs. At times very long climbs above 1,000m can take a very long time and that depends on the gradient too. So this little altimeter screen becomes my best buddy during long climbs, giving me comfort knowing every little step up gets me closer to the peak (and end the suffering!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope this comes in handy in your next trail run or hike!</span></div>
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-90094450311128680562016-01-19T14:18:00.000+08:002016-01-19T14:18:10.883+08:00Twincity Marathon 2016 - Pacer Duty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Vq-RteDtlewfSfn0PJrnLOxtneWFJyNNz9aAqaCTHTXWKvVoN4skIJDAat9NqlfXZSFZV3nGbcLVaLREN0KqQ_83w70rwllf2yWE6CByu7oCrIyu0gkPA59WsBmSAWi5XwApIA/s1600/FB_IMG_1453183282763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Vq-RteDtlewfSfn0PJrnLOxtneWFJyNNz9aAqaCTHTXWKvVoN4skIJDAat9NqlfXZSFZV3nGbcLVaLREN0KqQ_83w70rwllf2yWE6CByu7oCrIyu0gkPA59WsBmSAWi5XwApIA/s400/FB_IMG_1453183282763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Duty calls this Sunday. In its second year this Twincity Marathon and from what I gathered, it went pretty well last year. So here I am this 2016's edition as a pacer. Part of my way of giving back to the running community. I have been a paver a couple of times now spanning from 2014 and I must say it is a serious job being a pacer. Not one of those just pick up and run and hope to hit the intended timing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4n0-Iaut3xn9Lza6Uck_AGMLuyGVKPWf6LRV-h_dVTFM4nVeZ5KrzWQKjEsI6AXO3PvSlKbe9XCVy6rDDAQe53gKUUSc_Kx2WQwfdGBIQCUkMV_4J6sNO4CamH4SJm8WJe3QhA/s1600/FB_IMG_1453183290066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4n0-Iaut3xn9Lza6Uck_AGMLuyGVKPWf6LRV-h_dVTFM4nVeZ5KrzWQKjEsI6AXO3PvSlKbe9XCVy6rDDAQe53gKUUSc_Kx2WQwfdGBIQCUkMV_4J6sNO4CamH4SJm8WJe3QhA/s400/FB_IMG_1453183290066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will be part of the 4 hours pacers along side the usual Yew Khuay and William Lim, no strangers to the marathon world and super strong runners. Besides that, there will be pacers for 4.5, 5, 6 and 6.5 hours too as shown below.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.5, 6 and 6.5 pacers. Take your pick.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON-c8c53KGt2BctLrNh59t3I6yDAkyr7UvuMKfTfQF_c8FmQwcPV19J95Rteo794Lb9JH4C3IGnHn4lQK3s68B0ChFjrzqZTXK1P8iBhK4XuaKM8kn-ioajP7mn8dtEGDSh0R2w/s1600/FB_IMG_1453183627805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON-c8c53KGt2BctLrNh59t3I6yDAkyr7UvuMKfTfQF_c8FmQwcPV19J95Rteo794Lb9JH4C3IGnHn4lQK3s68B0ChFjrzqZTXK1P8iBhK4XuaKM8kn-ioajP7mn8dtEGDSh0R2w/s400/FB_IMG_1453183627805.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if the half marathon is your fancy, they have pacers too for 2, 2.25 and 2.5 hours.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqyeLJ87519Assr-7MQX5c-zNuQ-A8WFO_hNRY6gfCP5ceZQhFwzWfLDEu1nD8EZ_AQBlb5YLYK6-KzpkiqlZK-PUsbzUjeGBJUzZPpyAVj7eCpeIQMGO4Dealp6X1Lh5WzRz5w/s1600/FB_IMG_1453183632595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqyeLJ87519Assr-7MQX5c-zNuQ-A8WFO_hNRY6gfCP5ceZQhFwzWfLDEu1nD8EZ_AQBlb5YLYK6-KzpkiqlZK-PUsbzUjeGBJUzZPpyAVj7eCpeIQMGO4Dealp6X1Lh5WzRz5w/s400/FB_IMG_1453183632595.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And more half marathon pacers for 2.75 and 3 hours.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY3RvKh2LdrFTbXZc_lfUUTv-tcWDc76e1-9jw2XzIC-_lCIwtSZbYJnv74KgeJKBXua0p_NH2b7d17HSzF9FWqKUubMR_HK-JH6OpWgum7LIAwERtWM-kDD8KzvG9xfRWFXXiw/s1600/FB_IMG_1453183622698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY3RvKh2LdrFTbXZc_lfUUTv-tcWDc76e1-9jw2XzIC-_lCIwtSZbYJnv74KgeJKBXua0p_NH2b7d17HSzF9FWqKUubMR_HK-JH6OpWgum7LIAwERtWM-kDD8KzvG9xfRWFXXiw/s320/FB_IMG_1453183622698.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not forgetting your friend full marathon sweepers so stay in front of them all the time! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8L542M9EyoHZLxvt0vOkAmhSkED8UDXHnWPBWaoddLTPkkSVuq3mRGvbl70E40seuSM0lE_Y7SAVM9YQMp5hhdQNvkqLqe3VbFHBfy_9mG5MF-kwqjyx6wUJS74tpwoZEOswnA/s1600/FB_IMG_1453184042402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8L542M9EyoHZLxvt0vOkAmhSkED8UDXHnWPBWaoddLTPkkSVuq3mRGvbl70E40seuSM0lE_Y7SAVM9YQMp5hhdQNvkqLqe3VbFHBfy_9mG5MF-kwqjyx6wUJS74tpwoZEOswnA/s400/FB_IMG_1453184042402.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water stations for full marathon which I might add is more than plenty and evenly spaced out not too far. Be prepared for delicious roti canai at km33.5 and ice cream at km 41! Unusual choice of food but I guess no one will can complain!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So see you guys at the start line this Sunday and holler if you're following me or see me there! Am guessing there'd be plenty of fun to be had too 😊.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-13329959582034226302016-01-18T11:01:00.002+08:002016-01-18T13:51:34.984+08:00Pulau Indah 180 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJyZwMLEg7-yrS5kb70MK3d6sYjYtQyufJGajPAzyAkQPbZeth_JhYleT-XD9bSC9KwO9yi-_vLfUbxfPWT-Pr0kS1eiwXLaJPu6w8BFa0WsG13Pka7F_XjyW_Tr2mSqHTm7VwQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1453081822350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJyZwMLEg7-yrS5kb70MK3d6sYjYtQyufJGajPAzyAkQPbZeth_JhYleT-XD9bSC9KwO9yi-_vLfUbxfPWT-Pr0kS1eiwXLaJPu6w8BFa0WsG13Pka7F_XjyW_Tr2mSqHTm7VwQ/s400/FB_IMG_1453081822350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opener for my riding event this year. I'd always fancy a long ride, be it the usual long rides once in a while on the weekends or simply joining century rides. The number of century rides have mushroomed over the last year and there's at least half a dozen event running throughout the calendar year. As a curtain raiser for 2016, and in it's first year, there's a slight twist to your normal century ride on how far you'd go. A century ride typically means cycling 160km, give and take a few kms here and there but Pulau Indah 180 goes a step further but adding in an extra 20km, making it 180 altogether.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those not in the know, 180km is also the cycling distance for a full ironman and very similar to the ironmans I've completed before. I guess it's a tad easier for this event as drafting is allowed as opposed to ironman's cycling leg where it's illegal to do so and an infringement. I find riding quite therapeutic compared to pure running. The wind in your hair, the rolling scenery, the good company and if you're every too tired, you can just coast for a while. Plus it's a good alternative to running as part of your cross training. Hence the cycling popularity has caught on in the last few years here in Malaysia.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWULz_yoSP6ROH8Uv22JzLhSRYLfQFfS0JoMMYwfAjrUY1Sm-bbisVSYRteB7Go7PlpzzIUrYBCrAB4HdFQwTfHtSfSl3AfsGS5NCIO2RRMpJ0iw-yL6WNUEBOBeew0PXnP8QZeg/s1600/Screenshot_2016-01-18-09-52-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWULz_yoSP6ROH8Uv22JzLhSRYLfQFfS0JoMMYwfAjrUY1Sm-bbisVSYRteB7Go7PlpzzIUrYBCrAB4HdFQwTfHtSfSl3AfsGS5NCIO2RRMpJ0iw-yL6WNUEBOBeew0PXnP8QZeg/s400/Screenshot_2016-01-18-09-52-05.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pulau Indah as depicted on Google Maps. It's quite a bit of distance from Kuala Lumpur heading towards Port Klang. But good seafood can be had here if you haven't tried so.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At RM120 for registraion, it's still good value for money as some cycling events have been raised up to RM150 in 2016. You'd get a cycling top from the Ciclista brand which I might add is of rather good quality, some deep heat rub samples, bib for your bicycle with timing chip, sticker bib for your helmet and they even throw in a free bun enclosed in a draw string bag! Still think it's value for money though. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgvnuAgnbw7tvzSwkpjBjfgeGxduEILC43W-75WfEFbxObVi9nvTUl_cUD8WWlEC_cyP99nJrTNauu8d3tC-UZmtKb4xnulitLo6d_tifOFVSnWdMOJLBbWfgB2X_m2wfd-WrwQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1453083215834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgvnuAgnbw7tvzSwkpjBjfgeGxduEILC43W-75WfEFbxObVi9nvTUl_cUD8WWlEC_cyP99nJrTNauu8d3tC-UZmtKb4xnulitLo6d_tifOFVSnWdMOJLBbWfgB2X_m2wfd-WrwQ/s400/FB_IMG_1453083215834.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Route info and elevation profile. Courtesy of the offical Facebook event page. Elevation wise it's as flat as a pancake saved for the middle bit which I think was a bridge we went through but overall no biggie for any riders trained well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0fBLPMljs9GtQy3ru4Y5Kpybdxsh1YjUe8YFsKYIqu93zoylpBPyoL0CtmT_6Fw2dt4Bm_Vd6tt4dJLvN_F1EvEex900b7PdKTbKHMItMiJECdhBoVCDGiyTUCZD0WOd-lw4GQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1453083203858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0fBLPMljs9GtQy3ru4Y5Kpybdxsh1YjUe8YFsKYIqu93zoylpBPyoL0CtmT_6Fw2dt4Bm_Vd6tt4dJLvN_F1EvEex900b7PdKTbKHMItMiJECdhBoVCDGiyTUCZD0WOd-lw4GQ/s400/FB_IMG_1453083203858.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The proposed Ciclista cycling jersey. The bottom bib sold separately. Picture from the official FB event.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLZTV1ealoVVjvRUZ3qA77E-PwU-kFQp7EJEMnQq7NbSJBVTr_bVYj3tGKZDVTcsfyBWm_CBrHdr51VoH_TfXi67tvXaZ2-XxxlOIbiSOsLTLfz5Bvm46cHbW_rulzqrKRPBa7A/s1600/FB_IMG_1453083225313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLZTV1ealoVVjvRUZ3qA77E-PwU-kFQp7EJEMnQq7NbSJBVTr_bVYj3tGKZDVTcsfyBWm_CBrHdr51VoH_TfXi67tvXaZ2-XxxlOIbiSOsLTLfz5Bvm46cHbW_rulzqrKRPBa7A/s320/FB_IMG_1453083225313.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proposed finisher medal from the official site. First glance, I didn't quite like the design but the actual final product proved otherwise.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JrCeDeTKYSgEnHYWwL5BAhiaqnpc0iVKdt0TcXKtyD3la9sYTWW9qSLsx_QrjGO0qYIHYgirbNsyxF-0gnShkKONaAKeyr64JvLITLNrFiX3C0vxap_hVU00Xhe-Zj_m2xAbBg/s1600/FB_IMG_1453083171784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JrCeDeTKYSgEnHYWwL5BAhiaqnpc0iVKdt0TcXKtyD3la9sYTWW9qSLsx_QrjGO0qYIHYgirbNsyxF-0gnShkKONaAKeyr64JvLITLNrFiX3C0vxap_hVU00Xhe-Zj_m2xAbBg/s400/FB_IMG_1453083171784.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sample of where to stick your bib on your helmet and the other one on the front of your handlebar - which was rather a rather unusual position given the norm of having it on your top tube or at the rear of your seatpost.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvX6624D9NsP_fDz1PfmYxk5hUb2oLSL-6mxivVtHawDdl5KMi5iUHhQDpIszgsGUAMxKTzlqF9gP1R4thqNp1Ba6YtV3QU_DR-qk4Anohtl8bBFne9ZReic8UXWSyQZN5Je6Dw/s1600/FB_IMG_1453083180570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvX6624D9NsP_fDz1PfmYxk5hUb2oLSL-6mxivVtHawDdl5KMi5iUHhQDpIszgsGUAMxKTzlqF9gP1R4thqNp1Ba6YtV3QU_DR-qk4Anohtl8bBFne9ZReic8UXWSyQZN5Je6Dw/s400/FB_IMG_1453083180570.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Layout of the even which on event day was easy to navigate or access. Pulau Indah 180 was organised by Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd - had to mention them for graciously planning and executing this more than a century ride.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The start location can be easily located on Google Maps or the likes but it's quite a distance even though I'm nearer in Puchong. On that day, I got there around 6.15am, plenty of parking space and prepped myself and my bike (Markz) up. Toilets were enough including some porta loos strewn about. Even had some light breakfast with tea/coffee served. Headed to the start line some 20 mins before flag off and already many cyclists have packed the front. Some 800 odd cyclists took part which is rather low given that it typically total up to around 1,000 and above for century rides. Perhaps it's the 180km distance that's throwing cyclists off or it's still too early in the calendar year (17 January 2016) to start off their 'keep healthy' campaign.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've already been warned about the condition of parts of the route. Evident the day before when I went to retrieve my race kit. Some parts of the roads were uneven, riddled with pot holes, gaps here and there which can make riding a risk with our skimpy tyres. Nevertheless my game plan was just to take it easy and slow down when at such risky route. Some briefing here and there, singing of our national anthem Negaraku and we were let off generally on time 7.30am. Already the day was very humid and I was sweating profusely even before the flag off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we were then set off for the long journey. I was just being careful as many riders would want to jostle for a position at the front peloton, and some will do so without a care for the other riders. So it does pay to look right before intending to overtake on the right side else risk a collision. A small bridge to overcome to warm up them legs soon and before you know it, water bottles were flying all over the road! Already portions of the road were uneven, jarring, and full of holes causing cyclist to bump into them and sending the bottles flying out. Those immediately behind had to be very careful not to hit these bottles and risk skidding and falling off too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This went on for a good 15 to 20km as we were still in a very large group - part of the rolling start. Only by then everyone began to space out a bit. Tried to latch onto the 1st peloton but they were way too fast averaging 40km/h the minimum. So I stuck onto the 2nd peloton going on a more comfy 35 to 40km/h, seems sensible to me really cause I've not cycled long for the last 1.5 months. Primarily because I was too focused on my trail running. Plus I didn't want to bonk out too soon as 180km is a very long way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's good was the forgiving weather that was cloudy and a tad cooling but that went on till about noon where the sun came out to play. Only 3 water stations which was a bit too few, having another 1 would be great. They were at 50km, 100km and 150km. Within the peloton I stuck to mid section. Experience has taught me not to follow at the tail end cause if the train breaks towards the end, you'd have a hard time speeding up to latch onto the new tail. 1st water station came and there weren't any volunteer to hand out those mineral bottles (like what's usually being done in other century rides). They'd expect us to stop, dismount and grab the bottles on the tables. Nah! The pelotong didn't stop and if I did I would be left behind!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I do have 2 bottles with me, I'd figured it should last me till the next staion and stuck on with the peloton. It wasn's a tough ride with the pace and at times it was a rather relaxing cruising around 35km/h or so. There was at least 2 accidents that had happened just before we reached the scene. We slowed down and I could see a few cyclist sprawled on the road grimicing in pain. Best we could do is slow down, take caution and continue on with the ride. It wouldn't help the paramedics or the marshalls or police rides by stopping there and then and becoming a busybody. They will be in good hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fortunately, most about everyone in the peloton was well behaved ... well except for a few for whom I can't understand at all why they'd like to ride left and then suddenly right in the peloton every few minutes. I'd rather they'd just stick to their lines and continue on. Changing positions all too often won't give you and better drafting positioning my friend. Worse still, they are the one that don't at least signal if they want to cut into your line at all. Dude, even when we're driving there's something called signal lights!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the 2nd water station and 100km done, volunteers did had out the bottles and I quicky grabbed one as I was down to my last bottle. Stuffed it in my rear jersey pockets. I wished they would at least unscrew the caps first to make life easier for us. Unscrewing a cap whilst riding fast seriously takes a bit of skill. From Pulau Indah to Bagan Lalang and then were in Sepang, close to the F1 circuit. These are familiar cycling grounds for me. By then, it was then heading back to the finishing line but still some 80km to go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Legs were still feeling ok at km 120, but it got a bit warmer with the sun out now. I'd make sure I'd pop in a salt pill every hour or so as I sweat too much and in the process losing too much previous salt from the body. Only thing was my back tends to ache a bit so a bit of stretching on the saddle were needede from time to time to iron out the kinks. Last water station and the peloton just zoomed by without much slowing down. I still had a 500ml bottle for the remaining 30km so that should do and continued to latch onto the peloton.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A bit later the official car even handed out cold 100 plus and bananas on the fly to the peloton. To which I did grab a cold 100 plus, drank some and handed it to the next rider to share. We are brothers (and sisters) in riding ok. Just then, a fellow rider and ironman Zaki decided to do a break off signalling to his 2 friends. Well it was the last 30km and I guess it's part of a riding strategy to win ahead. He pulled and this 2 friends followed, so did I. He wasn't an official rider and since he lived nearby, took it as a training ride. Few km later, he signalled for the rest of us to pull ahead. The peloton was now way behind and no one else followed. Guess most are on bonk or reserve mode at 160km and 4.5 hours of hard riding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I pulled ahead reaching 35 to 37km/h and expected the other 2 to follow behind. Few moments later, i looked back and there was no one lol. Dang. I just had to ride alone now or pull back into the peloton which was a distance behind. I decided to just follow on since it's not far to the end. Then more drama. The headwind picked up so badly that I was reduced to 29km/h! So fierce and so strong in front making riding all so tough. I caught on with a rider in front and signalled to him to follow - presumebly from the 1st peloton that got dropped. We worked together with whatever energy we have taking turns to pull in the nasty stonrg headwind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A bit later, a singaporean caught up with us, strong rider and we formed a trio with the remaining 15km again the headwind. And that's the time my calfs decided to act up and protesting to cramp. Funnily, if I did stop spinning, the cramp beseiged me but if I continued spinning it was still ok. So spun I did with nothing much left in the tank, shared the work load and in the last remaining 3km, everyone was for themselves. I was just glad of the familiar surroundings to the finishing line and with the last ounce of energy, made it through the finishing line with gusto!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Immediately, the fireman fellas where there with their hoses spraying cold cold water on us! I just stood there for a good few minutes being hosed down by the dreadful mid afternoon heat. Refreshing indeed! Then proceed to get my finisher medal and headed for the food buffet! So much food prepared by the organiser and drinks too. Orange and syrup juice, tea/coffee, ice cream coconut shake which I'm not ashamed to say I had 3, cendol, water, rojak, nasi briyani, pasta, asam laksa. Very gracious of the organiser indeed. Never experienced a cycling event with so so much food post ride. Stayed for a bit eating and resting and catching up with the usual suspects before cleaning up and going home.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Ezam obliging a photo of his hard earned medal, congratulations on your century ride + 20km!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_wJuKIFjClpZcOaZM12EMOJ8SSsekd6NVnar99XQ_XwVlhWoVdT8vLl3ZbKCk2geZ51reUjD3sYFvpsX5vijc6_hqOd0eRUvEHWYyeLE2ipK6Dzz_vDuJuZTwgnQFHQT5yxhRg/s1600/PhotoGrid_1453011190555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_wJuKIFjClpZcOaZM12EMOJ8SSsekd6NVnar99XQ_XwVlhWoVdT8vLl3ZbKCk2geZ51reUjD3sYFvpsX5vijc6_hqOd0eRUvEHWYyeLE2ipK6Dzz_vDuJuZTwgnQFHQT5yxhRg/s400/PhotoGrid_1453011190555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the cute and colourful finisher medal. Simple colour strokes but depicts a lot. Unofficial time of 5:12 woohoo!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhgo8QUUfNUn6M-e0QRIkk1MATkFDpglak5ohslwYTeL5Sv8SST-peNJiYdAbdmE_Zkwoa9G7J-I_BOC4L4RvEyXX7paJ7J63swugvEidC2D3lXyq8Ihpf_Fa3K51cRdgaU3jUw/s1600/Screenshot_2016-01-17-22-17-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhgo8QUUfNUn6M-e0QRIkk1MATkFDpglak5ohslwYTeL5Sv8SST-peNJiYdAbdmE_Zkwoa9G7J-I_BOC4L4RvEyXX7paJ7J63swugvEidC2D3lXyq8Ihpf_Fa3K51cRdgaU3jUw/s400/Screenshot_2016-01-17-22-17-06.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Official results of 5:09 and so I'm extremely happy with it. Managed a 14th position in my masters category. Lots more work required if I need to break top 10 with the fastest coming in at 4:40.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL2cKHm-TcoeQdvE5cJpSszj1d9OyKwxOUWNBEY6A2EDXTBDt14O6UcjYkYiqXPANzeNcwhxcFkLQWXFbII7fGJaDSyJed5dJ81DX8rMYIP4Fx-plTwpM1eG6dicpYXKBFgfGqw/s1600/FB_IMG_1453095732941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL2cKHm-TcoeQdvE5cJpSszj1d9OyKwxOUWNBEY6A2EDXTBDt14O6UcjYkYiqXPANzeNcwhxcFkLQWXFbII7fGJaDSyJed5dJ81DX8rMYIP4Fx-plTwpM1eG6dicpYXKBFgfGqw/s400/FB_IMG_1453095732941.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy moments at the finishing line with Mohd Faizal. Nothing is more heaven than being doused by the fireman's hose that very moment!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In summary, well organised and planned 180km ride. The marshalls were great and the police manning the junctions and sections were spot on and very helpful. Our 2nd peloton had a few police outrider all the while and they even help stop opposite traffic upfront. To that I felt grand owning the road haha. Can't really fault this event except the road conditions could be a bit better overall but that's a tall order to ask for as they don't manage public roads. Great start for cycling events and certainly one I'd recommend to others planning to join up ... except it's rather a long 180km distance!</span><br />
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Yimsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714414820611667300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286494.post-88134205304789847482016-01-16T15:36:00.002+08:002016-01-16T15:36:45.039+08:00Ultra Trail Tai Mou Shan 2016 (UTMT)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anything and everything you need to know about Tai Mou Shan, the highest peak in Hong Kong standing around 957m.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard to ignore Tai Mou Shan if you're a trail runner in Hong Kong, or even from around the globe. Famed trail route for many of the local ultra events here, and one you can't really escape as it's featured in nearly all of them. So much so, it became the focus of attention for this U<a href="http://ultratrailmt.com/index.php" target="_blank">ltra Trail Tai Mou Shan (UTMT)</a>, debuting for the very first time on the 1st Jan 2016. In itself, it's a huge country park and it's just not about the famed peak. I didn't realise you could actually carve out a 100 miler here, until recently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UTMT is the 3rd 100 miler trail event made available after <a href="http://hk168.com.hk/" target="_blank">HK168</a> and <a href="http://www.ultratrailhk.com.hk/" target="_blank">Ultra Trail Hong Kong (UTHK)</a>. Seems that 100 milers were booming in 2015 but one can't complain if there's variety of trails to be had. There are many similarities of such ultra trails in Hong Kong. Generally, there's a whole bunch of man made steps which becomes a love and hate relationship to be had with trail runners, generally barren landscapes that's ladden with gravels, big rocks and hard rocky surfaces. So I thought when I decided to sign up for UTMT on the 11th hour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three offerings of distance provided for the avide trail runner. From a easy start of 50km (YTF) to a mid level 115km (TTF) to the tough bad ass 162km (UTMT). Starting points differ for all three but all of them end at the same place (Fo Tan - which is also the start for UTMT). I decided to go for the most bang for my buck, UTMT. Honestly, I am still grasping with the concept of running a 100 miler still, so a couple more of experience won't really hurt. In fact, I still go by the old saying of 'nothing of a good thing is too much'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a 9,000m elevation gain and 42 hours of cut off for UTMT, I wouldn't think it's any easier although the elevation seems a bit lesser than what's provided for HK168 and UTHK. I still struggle with a better timing for all the Hong Kong ultra 100 milers. Typically finishing an hour or two at most before the cut off time. Not sure why though, perhaps the steps made it tougher to ascend and descend, coupled with quite of bit of technical sections that challenges you on the uphill and downhill too. Or the amount of ascends and descends as well that can sometimes be rather long, and not to mention super steep with times going about 45 degrees and at some points even reaching 60 degrees. I kid you not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But armed with the experience from past Vibram100, TNF100 HK, Translantau and from the last 2 100 milers, I was bent to give this a go. What I like about trail events in HK, is the close proximity of getting there. Plus the barren tops that gives you a fantastic and commanding 360 degree view of the ranges or the cityscapes. Well the cooling weather helps no doubt towards the year end where she'd experience a mild winter. Located in Sha Tin, it's not hard to access either by train or by bus straight from the airport. That's the beauty of Hong Kong. One minute, you're at the hustle and bustle of the busy city, the next you're transferred to the calamity of the mountain ranges.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that is Tai Mou Shan park. Huge eh? You'd see Tai Mou Shan peak just after CP3 around km 35 and that's where we will make the highest climb. Rest of the route is actually running around this popular highest peak. I couldn't imagine the organisers could chart out a whole 100 miles here! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's the elevation profile provided. HK trails are all about the jagged edges of a sword. No super huge climbs here above 1,000m high but more of a series of shorter climbs ranging from a simpler 300+m to a max of 900+m. To me, it's these series of roller coaster climbs that will suck the air out of you literally. Often, some parts are extremely steep or even technical enough to make you crawl up or down only. And if you're not careful, bumps, falls, skidding and crashing are the norm of the day. It comes with the territory.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the information required for me to plan and execute this ultra was provided by the organisers. Including important bits like gpx files of the whole route (well in case I'd get lost based on experiences prior where the course wasn't all that well marked or a case of sabotage!). Caution though as the gpx files provided doesn't seem to be the actual route. Or it could have been changed or tweaked later and the files not updated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the checkpoint stations, there are 12 altogether with another Semi Check Point station between those 12 to enable capturing of your timing. These are called SCP but they do not provide water or food here. Overall I'm satisfied with the drinks and food provided. Drinks are plain water, local isotonic variant, coke at certain stations, tea and coffee. Food includes sandwiches with peanut butter, chocolates, crisps, sweets, banana, buns, oranges - enough to get going for refueling. Major foods at drop bag stations and towards the 2nd half of the course includes duck noodle (which was lovely!), stuffed dumplings and fish balls, ham, egg noodle, and even fried rice towards the end. More than adequate if you ask me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's also a drop bag option at CP7, km 95.4 Tai Lam Chung Road where I decided to take a 20mins nap, the only nap I took for the whole course. The weather was just cooling and not overly cold even at night on the peaks. During the daytime, it can get a bit hot with the sun out at you directly but still manageable. I was a bit cautious of my water rationing during the day as some checkpoints were as far as 17.9km but it was all ok overall. Never went thirsty without water for long and rationed enough to get to the next checkpoint comfortably. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll let the pictures do the talking for now. Thanks to the many Hong Kong photographers who took the time and trouble to make these precious memories etched forever. Credits to each of them, too many to mention already.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the race pack. Collapsible bowl which doubles as a cup too. The windproof jacket which was a nice touch. The steel foldable spoon cum fork. And a UTMT orange buff from Buff! Nice items cause I was expecting nothing except the bib number lol.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8am, 1st January 2016, we were ready to rumble on this brand new year romping around Tai Mou Shan Park for 162km and 42 hours or lesser. With the usual suspects (left to right), Bryan Kho, Seow Peng, me and George from Singapore. The rest are crazy Malaysians loving a good challenge. Some 178 participants started UTMT that very moment. Weather was just nice for a run and not overly cold, perhaps in the low 20ish.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just trying to calm the nerves before the very very long day, or more than one day. A small gathering of sorts at the start line with the reputable elites at the front. Beleive me, after so many ultra events, I still get the jitters each and every time. A bit of jitter keeps me on my toes all the time and not to be overly confident.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a short briefing by the Race Director, it was a go for all of us. All I could think of that time was the extremely long day ahead and how difficult things will get later on. We ran through the town of Fo Tan, and almost immediately it was going uphill on the tarmac roads. I decided to just take it an easy pace and not push it. Walk if the ascends were tough and jog downhill and flats were my theme. Very important you don't get sucked with the rest of the fast runners upfront. I very well know their super fast pace wouldn't last too long as experience as shown before. Run your planned pace and you'll be fine. Rule of thumb, don't get bonked up too soon and not when you're not even a quarter of the way.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If was a few km of roads before the steps came alive heading into the trail head of Needle Hill. Love it or hate them steps but there's no other option to be had so suck it up, focus and go step by step. I got to SCP1 at km 6.9 in about 1hr 5min after some 200m climb. You can refer to my <a href="https://sportsystem.hk/utmt2016/livetrack_detail.html?bibno=125" target="_blank">detailed timing at each checkpoint here</a> along with some nifty charts for analysis. Another 1hr 46min to get to CP1 at km 12.5 coming in with an overall position of 55. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, so it was stairs all over whether it's going up or down but overall the steps weren't as much as those found in HK168 or UTHK. Which was a bit of a blessing. You'd also notice in the picture that most of the stairs/steps section, there'd be a bit of natural path on the sides which i was generally use where I could. It's muc easier on your quads overall.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok it wasn't all about stairs or steps. There's also plenty natural trails along the way to spice up things. Some easier single paths but sometimes gets a bit more technical.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes the downhill goes on and on and on, winding here and there and many switchbacks. But it was a rather nice day to trail a 162km or so. Breezy every now and then as I made my way to around km 30 to have another date with the ascend of Tai Mou Shan - which I might add is the center piece of this ultra.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the going gets tough getting up them hilly sections. I find it easier to clasp my hands on my thighs as I made my way up really hilly sections. I don't use poles. Simply because I don't know how and secondly, am too lazy to carry more weight on top of getting them out from my bag and storing them constantly.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lovely section this. Bits of trees covering upwards. Like running through a green tunnel. Along the way I'd meet plenty of hikers enjoying various sections. Often they'd greet me and I'd return the same. Most of them in awe of crazy people running this 162km trail!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another interesting section of the trails with a bit of bush whacking thrown in. Sometimes it was a bit hard to make out the path as the bushes were overgrown so one had to look carefully. Not to mention your footing too as there might be big rocks ahead and you don't want to sprain or break your ankle/foot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nice ass eh? Some sections were so so steep that I had to get down on all fours just to be able to haul myself up! That's part of the challenge on these trail runs.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CP3 was Shing Mun Road at km 35.7 which was a familiar sight as it was next to the Shing Mun Road which was also the start point for HK168 which I completed a month ago. No wonder it looked familiar lol. This was a public park and as usual many folks were out and about here on new year's day hiking, having a picnic and or just marvelling at the natural beauty of the dam and park here. So next up was up to Tai Mou Shan!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My own shot enroute up to Tai Mou Shan. By now the runners got spaced out more. I could make out someone on top there and when I glanced back, a couple of runners in the far distance making their way up too. Not too crowded on them trails and the way I love it! It makes me feel so alone with mother nature up on them peaks, brilliant feeling indeed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still not at the peak of Tai Mou Shan yet but decided to whip out a delicious energy bar courtesy of MarahonBaker as I got a bit hungry and needed the nutrients and good stuff to replenish after being on the run for over 5 hours now. The good bits are I get to see Tai Mou Shan in broad daylight for once! In all my prevous ultras, it was usually late night or early mornings for this section. As far as the eyes can see, it was just a marvellous 360 degrees view of the landscape. Magnigicient. The way up Tai Mou Shan was similar to Vibram100, towars the top full of big boulders and then you're a the peak! The way down was also similar reaching out to the tar roads, snaking down with plenty switchbacks. But it didn't go for about 5km all the way down to where Vibram100 finished, but only after about a km or two, we made a left back into the trail head for another seciton.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an interesting picture. It's not photoshopped and yes that's a forest with big trees! I didn't know such even exists in them HK trails but I was mesmerised indeed and it was just like running at home. Anyway I found out later from friends that the Race Director actually chose a route that's more hiker centric and more untouched. Unlike the other ultras where the route consist of the more established routes through public parks which to me looks the same. Granted that there's some overlapping route this UTMT has with the others but very little.<br /><br />Most of the route are brand new and those that I've not seen with my eyes before. Kudos to the organiser for bringing in something fresh! There were also forest sections towards the end and those were more technical and tricky to get through despite being downhill. Some sections even had bits of bush whacking paths with bushes up to my knees, dense but not too overly difficult to traverse if you're careful enough. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nightime came as early as 5om ish, it got darker soon as it was winter. Days are shorter, nights a bit longer. Somewhere from CP5 km 60 it got darker and out came the headlamps. It wasn't overly cold at night and nothing a pair of arm warmers can't handle. Didn't even require my jacket out at all. As expected, when night time came, pace slows down a bit and the sleep monster came to haunt me later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CP6 Sham Tseng was smacked right in a town like atmosphere. The checkpoint was actually next to a big restaurant with people dining! Took me by surprise really but the reward was some delicious duck noodle served with real roast duck! To which I slurped up heartily after a long day. It was close to 8pm now and I've been on the road for 12 hours and yes, darn hungry too. Again, UTMT is a self supported ultra which also means no cups or bowls will be provided at checkpoints. They do however, provide a free collapsible cup and bowl (nice!) with the race kit. Oh and even throw in a foldable steel spoon cum fork!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Took aboout 20mins break here to eat and rest a bit, soaking in the atmosphere before continuing. Still not halfway yet. Current overall position of 33 which wasn't too shabby. This mid section of the overall route were considered 'flat' - don't get me wrong. There are still climbs here over and over again but nothing above the 200m height. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took me a good 3 hours to get to CP7 Tai Lam Chung Road, km 95.4 and that's where the drop bag was. It got slower with the pace negotiating the climbs up and down in the dark and trying to fight them dreaded sleep monsters out to get me. In the last section, I had wardrobe trouble with my tights around my crotch area ripped apart when I tugged on my shorts to heave them up a bit. Well it was dark and at that area, no one would see. But I had kept a spare bottom at this CP7 so I decided to just change the bottom for fear of chaffing with the skins from the loose seams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to keep my top on as it was already dry (or rather I was too lazy to change them, it happens). It was now close to 12am. I felt so sleep in the last section where I sang, slapped myself silly to snap out of it. Very few runners seen in front or at the back now. I then decided I needed to nap. In UTHK, I fought the sleepiness and made to pay for it at the later stages with so much sleep walking - which can be dangerous up on them steep peaks and ridges. They had blankets! So I took one and there was this silver aliminium foil spread on the floor for us to sleep. But there were already 2 dead bodies there. So I decided to just move further up where it was a playground and they have them rubbery thick mats installed. Good to sleep bare on. Set my alarm for 20mins and covered myself with the blanket. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh before that I met a sweet lady there. Not a volunteer but she was waiting for her friend to come by. She even got tea for me without me asking! Then I asked her for a favour to wake me up in 20 mins in case I don't even with the alarm. I was dead immediately and next thing you know, my alarm rang. Sat up wearily before it hit me I was in an ultra. Sigh. She got me more hot tea to boot my system up. Such an angel! I thanked her and she left for home by catching the last bus. Her friend has passed through but she still stuck on to wake me up! True trail angel indeed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">67km left to complete this baby. I can do it. Told myself that to psych meself up. At least I was fresher now. At this point, the markers were spot on and I commend the organiser for that! White ribbons littered the trail every few hundred metres and where there's junctions, arrows to point the right way and an X are those you'd need to avoid. They even spray paint on the road itself so it's rather foolproof unless you're blind. But ... having said that, I did miss a few turning cause I was so sleepy lol. But no biggie cause as soon as I don't see a ribbon or marker in the next 200m, I'd track back, Well, at least it woke me up those times!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, I got to CP8 Tai Thong, km112.8 after slogging for another 3 hours. 4 if I include the hour I stopped to nap and rest and eat. Here, I met more trail angels volunteering in the form of Christopher Kuek and Angela Lai! Both based in HK and Christopher a Malaysian! When I got here, I was dying for coke as they did not have any in the last few checkpoints. Christopher pointed to the vending machine nearby but it only accepted coins which I don't have. And he was so so kind to get me a can for free! To which he quickly quipped ... just because I'm a fellow Malasian haha. Thanks bud! Angela, I've met before at the finishing of UTHK, a friend of legendary Seow Kong and she was such a gem offering me some sushi rolls and cold fruits! So wonderful and I thank you both over and over again!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the man, Christopher Kuek who also is an accomplished trail runner and plenty good experience under his belt including UTMB. In fact, he'll be back at UTMB in 2016! All the best mate!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">19 hours on my feet at it's not 3am. In a few hours it will be daylight and I had much to do. Staying for about 15 to 20mins here, I bid farewell to my friends and with renewed energy and spirits, I bulldozed on. Sometimes a bit sleepy but still manageable. A few climbs to do heading for CP9 before having to slay the last 4 remaining big monsters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Took me another 3 hours to get to CP9, another long and tough section. Km 125.3 Fung Kat Heung, 22.5 hours passed now, and it's 6.30am nice and getting brighter. I was now at position number 29 and I was making good time. Another 37km to go and it's all over. The last section was tough as it had a series of rolling up and down constantly. Thought it wouldn't end but it finally did. Through the night, I'd spot a few lights over the far yonder of them ridges and mountains, signaling that I am to get there.... somehow. It seemed so so far away and sometime I do doubt myself if I could even reach that far. These are mind tricks that's now playing on my mind. Fueled by fatigue, exhaustion and sleep deprivation. But I was still moving and that's always a good sign. No signs of cramps or muscle stiffness which was fantastic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At CP9, I stopped for a bit longer to muster in the stregth for the last 4 big mountains to finish off before getting to the finishing line. These 4 comprising of Kau Kung Shan (585m), Tai To Yan (565m), Sze Fong Shan (780m) and Grassy Hill (640m) are aptly known by the locals as the Big 4 Brothers. Scary as they sound but it's also a tough section to finish off, specially after 125km and counting. Time to see what's left in these legs for them big climbs - I thold myself. Kai Kung Leung had a fews ups and downs before even getting to the peak of it. It was downright tiring but the morning breeze and light fog helped things along. At times I took a breather and soaked in the beautiful HK landscapes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was happy when I was at the peak eventually. It was really a steep climb and sucked everything out of me. Bigger ones coming next. As I made my way happily downhill, I got to SCP10, which is midway to CP10. Then comes number 2 monster Tai To Yan in succession.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIdkjZ7817ShRzPZ9nl9uPdT0XQlv1jpTsQc-7TLmV1MIlG-ENpDtUrUw8SSw2X2w5_m4zLlXV3BOVhJ8O4N3E5Uy-vyY0wn4EPYWMeYDtPV_9mEdZVY6l-bD3D95SJlDyRAkCA/s1600/FB_IMG_1452924993353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIdkjZ7817ShRzPZ9nl9uPdT0XQlv1jpTsQc-7TLmV1MIlG-ENpDtUrUw8SSw2X2w5_m4zLlXV3BOVhJ8O4N3E5Uy-vyY0wn4EPYWMeYDtPV_9mEdZVY6l-bD3D95SJlDyRAkCA/s400/FB_IMG_1452924993353.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another tough 565m climb in a series of ups and downs too. It got higher and higher them climbs but was rewarded at the top by the view and this magnificient photo. Love it! What's to follow was also a steep downhill, sometimes a bit technical and difficult to negotiate and so I had to be extra careful now. Can't afford an injury when I'm so close to the finishing line.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CP10! 2 more CPs to go! Km 140.3 and 4.5 hours to get here over 15km off roller coaster ride! That's just how tough it was! 2 more biggy to go, halfway there, almost there kept palying in my head. To CP11, I had to overcome the biggest of the lot, Sze Fong Shan standing at 780m tall! Steep as she was and I heaved and puffed my way up. Seems like an eternity just to get up to the top, and sometimes seems impossible when the going got tough. I was pleased at the peak which was SCP11 which took 2 hours to just climb some 6km. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Downhill was no better. This was another stretch of steep downhill that suddenly entered into a huge forrest! Big trees surrounded the trails with technical trails of big rocks to traverse. Most were covered with green moss so I had to be very careful not to slip and a couple of times I did lose traction. So it even got slower going round and round this forrest and all of a sudden 2 very fast runners zoomed past me to which I gave way. Apparently they were the 2nd and 3rd finisher for YTF 50km! Boy they were sure fast negotiating them slippery rocks without a care</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the world. Then I was all alone yet again.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1wGmaRYAvzd-jc1G5wxTwqTGcni_HN65Vh47AvV-7OLa-TjqYJUjs8d9-UK08Qqi6CslZwC_iJKnYo5QH2a6u5xy6afPeF2VHT2mGmtieivAK52EjIrld2-O2cnTHDQB2ReqQg/s1600/FB_IMG_1452926877107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1wGmaRYAvzd-jc1G5wxTwqTGcni_HN65Vh47AvV-7OLa-TjqYJUjs8d9-UK08Qqi6CslZwC_iJKnYo5QH2a6u5xy6afPeF2VHT2mGmtieivAK52EjIrld2-O2cnTHDQB2ReqQg/s400/FB_IMG_1452926877107.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">To CP 11 from SCP11, it took me another good 2 hours to just cover a 6km downhill! Just estactic getting to the last CP before the finishing line and in broad daylight!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FaaOBykKwMyMff9-PcfFHQL7qzAQozC-mEkYY8r5oS0fLXSzw5ODJDNC9Ai_t8sWx9DjLzRkoKqCvm4cl5TCA1IrjBiHu4jfqgOgvrGVVjRC4X6SeonijpUu_3VFcQ1t480pHw/s1600/FB_IMG_1452926894020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FaaOBykKwMyMff9-PcfFHQL7qzAQozC-mEkYY8r5oS0fLXSzw5ODJDNC9Ai_t8sWx9DjLzRkoKqCvm4cl5TCA1IrjBiHu4jfqgOgvrGVVjRC4X6SeonijpUu_3VFcQ1t480pHw/s400/FB_IMG_1452926894020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's even nicer are the ever kind and supportive volunteers ushering me in at CP11. I think few have passed here from the UTMT and TTF category so I think they were glad to see human beings lol. I'd have to add that all the volunteers at all the checkpoints and water stations were the best! Treated like a king helping me to fill my bottles, get me any food or drinks. Anything and everything they will oblige short of giving free massages! Thank you much as you've made my whole jouney a pleasant one indeed!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSi0JH9NsxxqgSZz_If-q91Z5GlNkeqYnXboT1tZHPbH1KyslXgpYdnplq0er3oBfASZEbTJriFbWrygUJ_VNgNJOZZsS34CCHoKjQDU0uyrdkVNWh2lsD7oqB8ArxpaU46LLqw/s1600/FB_IMG_1452926881918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSi0JH9NsxxqgSZz_If-q91Z5GlNkeqYnXboT1tZHPbH1KyslXgpYdnplq0er3oBfASZEbTJriFbWrygUJ_VNgNJOZZsS34CCHoKjQDU0uyrdkVNWh2lsD7oqB8ArxpaU46LLqw/s400/FB_IMG_1452926881918.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CP11 WunYiu, km 152.3km. Time now 2:21pm and it's now been 30hrs and 21mins on the trails. Last 10km but I was in no hurry at all hehe. This was where they served yummy fried rice!!!! So I stayed a bit and lapped them yummy fried rice and even asked for seconds haha. I needed the renewed energy for Grassy Hill to tackle before reaching the finishing line.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnV1vEiZwiIGJVIhyphenhyphensmk-J7yQSnw1JWvcmx1E9K_ikyUOiI7gZU66HtSAybeP6-TGPZs9dWxHLme9iYZimya6ycfMXDeRSJEVO0IqTvtYRlA4H_WcmlofO3azsJQWpn3zyIviuw/s1600/FB_IMG_1452927425553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnV1vEiZwiIGJVIhyphenhyphensmk-J7yQSnw1JWvcmx1E9K_ikyUOiI7gZU66HtSAybeP6-TGPZs9dWxHLme9iYZimya6ycfMXDeRSJEVO0IqTvtYRlA4H_WcmlofO3azsJQWpn3zyIviuw/s400/FB_IMG_1452927425553.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just before leaving the station, and bidding thank you and farewell to the wonderful and helpful volunteers who made my short stay there so so precious and fun! They kept asking me how difficult it was completing 152km already haha. I told them to go run in next year and find out themselves!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All fired up and tummy filled, there was sense of energy surge in me as I left CP11. I think it was because I knew the end was very near now and I just had to give it my all now and complete this one. But Grassy Hill wasn't going to give it to me that easily. We were now back in the park area and Grassy Hill was this super steep stairs climb all the way to the top! Yes, only stairs up and freakishly steep! I was in position 26 at CP11 and one or two fellas soon appeared and overtook me. Nevermind I told myslef as I ambled along. Stopped a few times to catch my breath going up. It was that bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I got to the peak, this super huge boulder on my shoulders suddenly went away, almost felt like floating sky high that time. Yes, it was another 6km downhill and it'll be all over. And it was just stairs all the way downhill from the peak! Didn't like it but it's for the last time so I had to just suck it all in and synched my steps with the stairs all the way down. Let gravity do the work I told myself and be cautious not to roll down missing my steps. The sign reads ... to Fo Tan, yesssssss. Before you know it, I was back in the same town I started this 162km journey more than 30 hours ago. 2 hours for the last 10km section and the end was near. Down the slopes of the tarred roads into the town, crossed a couple of traffic lights, watched out for traffic running on them kerb and yes, I see the finishing gantry! With one big might, I crossed the finishing line with the finishing tape held for me!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyIb0OoJFz74EAUfwiNg3iPDoyg5DRWlOkNjytdZnmlHLPJAxyx_PcnFMz-1XrhhD41LiQvieAY_3mXV_HBb6kTzyPGMjVy4_aDnPvb_YkpWaRwMq5VzJ7HGUsM-6UWEG_1u6UQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1452927712540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyIb0OoJFz74EAUfwiNg3iPDoyg5DRWlOkNjytdZnmlHLPJAxyx_PcnFMz-1XrhhD41LiQvieAY_3mXV_HBb6kTzyPGMjVy4_aDnPvb_YkpWaRwMq5VzJ7HGUsM-6UWEG_1u6UQ/s400/FB_IMG_1452927712540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a round of applause from all around, I did it! And earned this unique glass crystal finisher cube. Specially for coming in below 36 hours and officially clocking 32 hours and 22 mins for 162km. A personal best really as my previous best time was 35.5 hours for a 100miler. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9bHIwQQREAMTIo_wilUiSz1v_x-K-QLuAWujZMjiPsMpXyrycZ3T0LtTO7bK8CghodoTwpkUYYRVRBxQphamReQgpZlv4ay13R8ICNObLVq54rW6whwDUgZga9UUXm5Q2vNoJQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1452927725220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9bHIwQQREAMTIo_wilUiSz1v_x-K-QLuAWujZMjiPsMpXyrycZ3T0LtTO7bK8CghodoTwpkUYYRVRBxQphamReQgpZlv4ay13R8ICNObLVq54rW6whwDUgZga9UUXm5Q2vNoJQ/s400/FB_IMG_1452927725220.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little ultraman conquered UTMT! And standing on top of the world he did!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusXXFocwgf5CkaNyhyphenhyphenF8cqJSvQp92ChBiG7xHYWscXrlCC3oeiR32ilG65YTGxlHSje7v3UwAQNhyphenhyphenLPHX4a1BiJrwRqYXrFGfH085KtGBGsyxob3UmLiBnmzM2E7_zD0OHJzt7g/s1600/FB_IMG_1452927735153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusXXFocwgf5CkaNyhyphenhyphenF8cqJSvQp92ChBiG7xHYWscXrlCC3oeiR32ilG65YTGxlHSje7v3UwAQNhyphenhyphenLPHX4a1BiJrwRqYXrFGfH085KtGBGsyxob3UmLiBnmzM2E7_zD0OHJzt7g/s400/FB_IMG_1452927735153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My run around Tai Mou Shan according to me Fenix. Here's a <a href="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/1003887825" target="_blank">link to the details in Garmin Connect</a> if you're interested in the details. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sIv_3ME6BrCXzBACyafeF7ezFQIahlnRueL9QWMEGOW-j8GV6nbyrxyV5A956N-pDBD1UTuoVD21iSVpooeNMSzpdoXaM8l8TDJ4i3_B0TIMH8Tgzj6adwjmFuvu4N3VR2ippQ/s1600/Screenshot_2016-01-16-15-25-08-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sIv_3ME6BrCXzBACyafeF7ezFQIahlnRueL9QWMEGOW-j8GV6nbyrxyV5A956N-pDBD1UTuoVD21iSVpooeNMSzpdoXaM8l8TDJ4i3_B0TIMH8Tgzj6adwjmFuvu4N3VR2ippQ/s400/Screenshot_2016-01-16-15-25-08-1.png" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Official results of my finishing in position number 26 overall. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHODk6pRKPW-bwsDN_RPKRENtRVM6MSp99J7STVWc6DD9g0aCmX8npq8vGKGRLpPvn5AyTvYP-KtBuAg4M6IgpQ7XrwiYunFXfmAJhGAYMVS1s4o2Jfey5hx1HGIJqCk-uuk4Ug/s1600/Screenshot_2016-01-16-15-28-42-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHODk6pRKPW-bwsDN_RPKRENtRVM6MSp99J7STVWc6DD9g0aCmX8npq8vGKGRLpPvn5AyTvYP-KtBuAg4M6IgpQ7XrwiYunFXfmAJhGAYMVS1s4o2Jfey5hx1HGIJqCk-uuk4Ug/s320/Screenshot_2016-01-16-15-28-42-1.png" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall statistics 178 participants who signed up. 111 finsihed in the time of 42 hours or lesser. 54 DNF (Did Not Finish) and 13 DNS (Did Not Start). Makes it a success rate of 67%.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yD8K467F3nANCrHALbSmz8Br9EosVrFsShSOcMFw7pNs7Q-66ktUwG4Yy7WUbW0MYFQJkZjapA3tG-_ydP0VWmYZ90gqVTVcPfcsO0IZzXu3VTK4dN16vK77FIdqnHKuzyfHaA/s1600/FB_IMG_1452929196034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yD8K467F3nANCrHALbSmz8Br9EosVrFsShSOcMFw7pNs7Q-66ktUwG4Yy7WUbW0MYFQJkZjapA3tG-_ydP0VWmYZ90gqVTVcPfcsO0IZzXu3VTK4dN16vK77FIdqnHKuzyfHaA/s400/FB_IMG_1452929196034.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Official finisher certificate to download and own proudly.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's it folks. Another wrap up of my 100 milers. The 6th so far and one that was also a tough cookie to crack. Still learning overall and hope to better my timing in future milers. I still need to tweak my nutrition to better myself overall and in the hopes to be able to finish a tad stronger and better. After all the winner did it in an amazing time of 22 hours! Till my next adventure peeps!</span><br />
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