Really GOT TO RUN this weekend.
I miss running.  Been 20 days now since my last stride.  I miss feeling like my fitness is at tiptop condition.  *rolls eyes* I miss consulting my Nike sportsband or my Ipod for calories burned each time i'm done with workouts.  *LOL* I miss the sight of 100 Plus cans in my refrigerator.  But the most is, I miss just having to put on my running shoes and and getting amused at how I tie my shoelaces. 
OK, so i'm determined to be determined to run again.  
Happy weekend.

Borneo International Marathon: Completed!

Yet another Finisher's medal for a half marathon attempt.

Borneo International Marathon 2010: 2 days to go!

Picked up my race pack for this sunday's marathon a few minutes ago.  This year, DIGI sponsors the running vest, sticking to its corporate color, yellow.  Bright yellow and it's going to light and cheer the city up early Sunday morning.

My Bib says 786.  Will i be as lucky as last year when I wore 888 in the 2nd BIM?

Wish me all the energy and luck that i need to complete this year's BIM.

Borneo International Marathon 2010

18 more days to race day.  Am I ready for another 21km?  Will I improve my finisher's time? I have not been sticking to proper training schedule so i really don't know.  And at the moment, I am not sure if i want to do this at all.  The past three weeks of inactivity is the reason for my doubts. 

We'll see how things go.

Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010: A Finisher!

I'm proud to announce to the whole wide world that I have once again completed a half marathon (21km) run and i did it last evening at the Putrajaya Night Marathon, Malaysia's 1st ever night marathon.  Yet another achievement to add and list in my book of lifetime experience.  I'm a finisher!  And certainly another medal to add to my collection.

You are probably asking what my finisher's timing is.  I do not have the official time as we speak, but i have to admit that while I'm happy to be considered a 'finisher', i did not meet my target time of 2:50 as what i had expected to complete at.  I might have finished at 3hrs 09mins.  Did not break my previous PR either.  The route was hilly almost all the way making it a big challenge for everyone.  Although some parts of the route were scenic with lights illuminating the beautiful mughal-like buildings of Putrajaya, it wasn't a pleasant run overall.  Almost everyone retreated to walking when the roads gradually increased in elevation. Will share more of this when i have more time.  Right now, i'm too exhausted to go into details.


I will do a separate entry as well on the overall event.  Well-organized but lots to improve on.  Penang Bridge is still the best so far.

PNM 2010: 14 days to Race Day

...and speaking of countdown, i am now left with only this Saturday and Sunday for mileage runs above 10k before i slowly cut down.  It's my taper time next week.  My last run was last Sunday and that's not good by my standards. Here's what my running schedule looks like until race day.

23 Jan - 12k  - completed 12.10km
24 Jan - 10k  - completed 10.44km
25 Jan - 8 k  - skipped and rest
26 Jan - Rest - A.M. run: 4.7km; P.M. run: 6.06km.TOTAL=10.76km
27 Jan - Rest  - Rested
28 Jan - 6k  - No mileage attempted
29 Jan - Rest - Rested
30 Jan - 5k - No mileage attempted, too tired, too lazy, not in tiptop self.
31 Jan - 3k - Attempted 0.5km and then it rained.
01 Feb - 2k - No attempt. Too busy at work, got home very late.
02 Feb - Carb-loading - I was detoxing instead.
03 Feb - Carb-loading - OK, will end my detox.
04-Feb -Carb-loading; Fly to KUL
05 Feb -Carb-loading; Collect Race pack at Putrajaya; KLCC/Bukit Bintang
06 Feb - RACE DAY! - Target finisher's time: 2:50 - Wish me all my best!
07 Feb - Fly back to BKI

Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010: Participation confirmed!

I am pleased to inform that I have registered myself for the Putrajaya Night Marathon (PNM) and I have just received by email the confirmation of my participation as well as the receipt of payment which i did online at Hooha just a few minutes ago. Yes, 'overseas' runners or those staying outside of Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya can have the convenience of registering and making payment online. Thank god for that.

I am attempting yet another half marathon (21k) and this time, I am determined to improve my overall performance time. My personal goal is to finish below three hours. 2:50 to be exact. I think it's do-able, just as long as you run and load yourself with lots of optimism. Oh, and...forget the camera, ditch it or get someone to capture your run instead, unless you're there totally just for fun and don't mind much about not getting a finisher's medal.

Well, i want that finisher's medal.

Looking at how close the date is for this event, i figure i have just about three full weeks to really get my fitness up before i enter the compulsory taper period--usually starts a week or two prior to race day.

Wish me luck!

Next marathon: Malaysia's First-Ever Night Marathon in February 2010

The Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010, Putrajaya.

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 December 2009: Malaysia will, for the first time, hold a night marathon in Putrajaya on Feb 6.

Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (FTAAA) secretary S. Vegiyathuman said the marathon would be held at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya from 8pm.

“The run is designed to benefit Malaysian runners. Athletes will enjoy running at night as the weather is cooler,” he said, adding that a total prize money of RM300,000 will be up for grabs.
“The marathon is open to foreigners but the first 20 Malaysians in the full marathon will get cash rewards.

“The half-marathon is open to all Malaysians and athletes from South-east Asia.”

There will also be the 7km and 5km fun runs.

Entry forms will be available at the FTAAA office from tomorrow.

I guess this is where i'm headed to next for my marathon stint. And for now, it's yet another attempt for Half Mara. Just that, i'm now determined to improve my pace and finisher's time.

PBIM 2009: Official Result - 3H07M

The official results for the Marathon just got out on the PBIM website.

I was right. Although i finished well within the prescribed time, i finished a minute short of my personal best which i achieved at the Borneo International Marathon in October.

Tells self: ditch the camera next time for better PR.

PBIM 2009: A finisher!

I did it again. *jumps up high*

I completed the women's open half marathon (21K) early this morning. The official results are not out yet as we speak but i'm guessing that, although i have finished within the prescribed time, i probably have not achieved my personal best in this particular marathon. Hmmph. I just have the feeling.

Nevertheless, i'm still sooooo proud of myself for this accomplishment and i can't wait to know what my finisher's time is. All the hard workouts paid off after all.

I must also mention that the whole event went very smoothly. 5-star rating. The event was so well-organized that you just can't find what's lacking and what was inconvenient. It was an event thoroughly and meticulously planned. All possibilities were well-thought of. Fully supported by the Penang government. Big name sponsors. Everything that you need and want before and after the run is all there at your disposal--bottomless water and 100plus supplies, abundance of bananas, medical station with doctors, nurses and first-aiders on standby, sufficient ice packs, analgesic creams and Salonpas patches, toilets, changing room and wash basins, etc. The best part is, the officials, crews and volunteers of PBIM - they're all so helpful and friendly! It must be the best marathon event i've ever experienced so far and i'm pretty sure i'll be back next year.

PBIM 2009: Race Pack Collection

Collected my race pack a few hours ago at Queensbay Mall where the race starts in less than 48 hours. I'm excited. I love the running vest included in the race pack. Sponsored by Brooks.

Off to do carb-loading.

Off to Pearl of the Orient

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Georgetown (Penang)

(Photo by Eric Lafforgue)

...and to Malaysia's food haven.

Main purpose is to run at the Penang Bridge International Marathon which is held on Sunday, 22 Nov.

I am ecstatic. I am quite nervous yet excited.

Carb-loading, race pack collection, race course tour - things to do before Sunday.

And then of course, some exploration to do in Georgetown, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Will update when i get to Penang.

It's Taper time!

Or in other words, it's time to chill from all the hard workouts and start reserving energy, be well-rested and hydrated and sufficiently fueled for race day.

Race day is on 22 November 2009. My second attempt for half marathon (21K).

I started eating more protein & carbs since last weekend to build reserves for race day.

I'm feeling a combination of excitement and sadness. Excited because it's my second race this year, something to be proud of for a beginner like me. Sad because the person who is supposed to be my source of support and encouragement (and pom pom person) is not able to join and share my joys and pain of the marathon. :(

Nevertheless, i'm determined to finish the race within the prescribed time. No personal best to target. Just for pure enjoyment and a sense of accomplistment.

PBIM 2009: 11 days to go

(Flickr photo by Mike Baird)

Yes, and six more days of hard workouts before I slowly move into the energy-conservation and carb-loading period, the taper.

Woke up at 5:15 this morning and went out for a jog. Chilly but a lovely morning with Mt Kinabalu in the distant horizon clad in a shy silhouette as the sun slowly exposes her. I feel excellent and wide awake. I feel that i have more energy running in the morning than when i do evenings. My strides, pace and breathing are much more consistent. That said, i might want to do the remaining workouts I have now in the mornings. The only setback for me if i were to run in the morning is that i may not be able to cover as much mileage as I want to due to the fact that i also have to rush back to shower and prepare to go to work. Like today, i only managed to run 5km. Still okay, but it's not quite the target i need for my marathon training. *Tells self: don't be too uptight about the mileage. Less is really more*

PBIM2009: 16 days to go

I left the Hotel at 5:30 last evening so i could reach home by 7pm to run. It was slightly drizzling when i started out but the drizzle totally stopped as soon as i completed my first kilometer. I felt much stronger with a lot more energy this time. Managed to cover 10.64km in 1 hr 02 minutes with a pace of 8.12 per km. Later, cooled down with 15 minutes of easy walking and stretching.

Today is another rest day before i hit more mileage for the weekend.

PBIM 2009: Training

My training for the upcoming Penang Bridge International marathon is quite worrying. Running has taken a backseat for more than a week and when i started again last evening, i could see how stopping for 9 days has really affected my fitness level. What was depressing last evening was that i was already huffing and puffing not even 10 minutes into my running. Normally, i could do 20-25 minutes nonstop, now it's not even 10 minutes! That's really worrying. What's worst is that i am running a half marathon soon and have only about 11 days for hard workouts before i taper or cutdown on my running mileage.

Hmmmm.

I guess all i need right now is to stay positive, think positive and eat and stay healthy for race day.

Anyhow, i managed to cover 7.94km last evening. Today is rest day.

For the next few days, this is how my attempt for mileage looks like:

• 5 Nov - 10 km
• 6 Nov - rest
• 7 Nov - 13 km
• 8 Nov - 15 km
• 9 Nov - 12 km
• 10 Nov - 12 km
• 11 Nov - rest
• 12 Nov - 12 km
• 13 Nov - rest
• 14 Nov - 15 km
• 15 Nov - 15 km
• 16 Nov - 5km (start of taper)
• 17 Nov - 4 km
• 18 Nov - 3 km and carb-loading
• 19 Nov - 0 km; Fly to Penang and carb-loading
• 20 Nov - 0 km; Collect race pack and carb-loading
• 21 Nov - 0 km; carb-loading
• 22 Nov - Race day!

PBIM 2009: More than 17,500 participants

Press statement From The Chairman Of The Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009 Committee, YB Danny Law Heng Kiang

The Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009 Committee is proud to announce that as at 31st October 2009, we have received some 17,500 participants. This number has exceeded last year's figure which was about 17,000 participants. However, we hope to register 20,000 participants for this year's marathon. In fact, we have been receiving this year's marathon enthusiats to extend the registration closing date and seeing the positive response received, we have decided to extend the closing date to register for the marathon events from 31st October to 3rd November this year.

This year participants of the Full, Half and Quarter Marathon events will be given a timing chip called the Champion Chip to ensure that each runner will be able to record accurate running time. It takes about 2 weeks to produce these Champion Chip and for late registration made from 1st to 3rd November, you may obtain your timing chip which will be packed in the goody bag from 19th to 21st November 2009 until 6pm at the Queensbay Mall car park.

The registration kiosks at Ground Floor, Komtar (near Maybank) and at Queensbay mall (located at the ground floor next to Coffee Bean) will be opened from 1st to 3rd November 2009 for those who would like to register for the marathon events. The kiosks at Komtar will be opened from 10.00am to 5.00pm whereas the registration kiosk at Queensbay Mall will be opened from 12.00pm to 9.00pm.
Another option for those who are interested in participation in the marathon events would be to register online at the www.penangmarathon.gov.my until 3rd November 2009. Payments for registration can be made via Visa Card/Master Card or via any Maybank ATM machine. The account number for the Penang Bridge International Marathon is 557054501788.

If you have register online but have yet to pay your registration fees, please do so by 3rd November before your registration is automatically cancelled.

For more information on the runners routes, starting time for the various categories, prizes up for grabs, transportation, baggage handling service and many more, do surf our website, http://www.penangmarathon.gov.my/.

For more enquiries, do call our Penang Bridge International Marathon Hotline at 016-4110000 or email us at info@penangmarathon.gov.my.

Slightly over two weeks to go!

PBIM 2009: Participation confirmed

Received today a second email from the organizers of the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) informing me of my running bib number, E25484 (yes, this particular marathon is known to have the largest number of participants among other marathons in Malaysia, hence the digits for the bib), which i will be pinning on the front and back of my running vest on race day. At least my lucky number 8 is still present somewhere. With that email, i also received an attachment of my official registration payment receipt.

So, now my participation in the PBIM 2009 is officially confirmed. I'm ecstatic! There's exactly 30 days to go from today! To be honest, i have not done any hard workouts since the Borneo Marathon. I figure i would have only about 3 weeks to workout before i enter yet another 'tapering' period.

Marathon buff

Received my participation confirmation for the Penang Bridge Marathon 2009 (PBIM) yesterday. Yay! Next would be to purchase my plane ticket--a direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Penang--which I've just realized is quite pricey. But, what the heck...

After a week of rest and muscle recovery from the recent Borneo marathon, i laced up and started running again last night. 10K and feels so good!

Next Marathon: Penang Bridge International 2009

With the Borneo International Marathon having just concluded, i am now planning my next marathon stint. Yes, i've caught the running bug. This time, as mentioned in my previous entry, I am heading to the lovely 'Pearl of the Orient' (Penang) to attempt yet another half marathon (21k). The run is set for 22 November 2009, just a little over a month to go from today.

I have yet to receive my official payment receipt and confirmation number, which i'm expecting sometime this week, from the organizers.

As I am currently on a post marathon recovery period, training shall only resume next week. I can't wait to run again. It's really addictive. Not only that, but I feel so much healthier and much more alert and energetic and positive and...well, there's just a myriad of benefits you can get out of running. Try to start and you'll know what i mean.