Nike We Run KL 2016

About a week before Nike We Run KL, I had ambitions about breaking my personal best (PB) and aimed for a sub 2:30 hour for 21km. I studied the route, I had it all planned out…until I was down with fever a few days before the big day, and the fever progressed to sore throat, cough and flu.

 

So I have two options:

Would I rather finish a race just for the sake of completing it since I am unable to give my best,

Or

Would I rather rest, DNS (Did Not Start, in other words, did not show up) for the race at all? 21km sounds like a rather long journey.

 

The night before the event, I decided to proceed with the race and finish it, even if it means I will end up walking. Besides, I will end up feeling even more miserable at home alone anyways. Thankfully, I was placed in the above 2:30 hour starting pen, so I was out of the way of Elite runners who were aiming for the podium. I could take my time completing the race.

 

I started off feeling pretty comfortable about my health. Maybe it was at the sight of encouraging friends, or the adrenaline rush of running in a crowd, or the ‘runners high’ that was kicking in. I continued my pace consistently until it was time for Fajr prayer break at about 5KM. The organizers were thoughtful about planning the route, because there was a masjid strategically placed at the right time. After completing my prayers, I continued running. At 10KM my lungs were slowly caving in, and the coughing and sneezing fit ensued. At this point, I was already too far into the race, in fact, I was almost half way. It’s too late to give up now, hence the run-walk-run-walk cycle begins. I ran when I felt comfortable for as long as my lungs could keep up, and walked when I couldn’t continue.

 

After slightly more than 3 hours later, I crossed the finishing line with a timing that I was not proud of. But I was thankful that I made it in one piece, without having to ride the ambulance. I caught my breath in a less crowded tent, quickly took a few pictures and headed straight home.

 

Did I regret my decision to run today? Not one bit. I guess I was just too stubborn to quit.

IMG_3660IMG_3669The face that says “I just wanna pop some pills and take a nap right now!”

IMG_3661 IMG_3668Proud finishers (and potential winners!) of We Run KL 2016.

 

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

The Weekend Runner: Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2015

Lately, most parts of Peninsular Malaysia has been blanketed by haze. After giving up hope that it will rain on the day before the race, I decided that it is best not to run at all for this year’s Standard Chartered KL Marathon. As much as I would like to make my full marathon debut in this event, the Air Pollution Index (API) showed unhealthy levels of air quality, and visibility was poor. Exposure to the polluted air can lead to devastating consequences in the long term, not to mention lack of oxygen absorbed into the body, itchy eyes, and dizziness or headache. Luckily, the event organizers were on the same boat as I am, so they decided to cancel the event at the very last minute.

12074936_1020289538002021_4792959815078213638_nJust in case if you are wondering, no, this is not Instagram-filtered. The haze was THIS bad!(Picture courtesy of the organizer’s Facebook page.)

 

However, the organizers allowed all participants to collect their finisher t-shirts (for full marathon) and finisher medals on the day of the event. API kept worsening, but it did not dampen the runners’ spirits, as the venue was buzzing with activity. Armed with masks or face towels, everyone collected their entitlements and took plenty of pictures.

 

IMG_1057 At the starting line: On your marks, get set, COLLECT!

 

Overall, there was a hint of disappointment from the crowd. Many travelled from other states or overseas just for this event. But they accepted that this is for the best – it’s better to miss one event than not being able to run in the future because of respiratory or other health problems. As I spoke to other runners, the collection venue was slowly turning into a networking event. Everyone took the opportunity to meet runners from other groups or countries. We might speak different languages, come from different backgrounds, but our common interest have bonded us together into this international family of running.

IMG_1053 Obligatory ‘finisher’ photo with medal and finisher tee.

 

IMG_1069Runners not running.

 

11063768_10207592466079561_4212637369368883586_n Oh hello, cute Japanese runner!

 

12074748_10205796472045128_7043026021782382454_n 12118712_10205796472845148_8656779571434365007_n Bros from Brunei

 

In conclusion, everyone agreed that not running sucks, but falling sick would suck even more. Let us all hope that the weather condition improves so there will be no more event cancellation. For the mean time, minimize your outdoor activity, drink plenty of water, and stay healthy. See you again next year, Standard Chartered KL Marathon!

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.