What I think about when I think about running [at 2am]

Disclaimer: This post has no relation to Haruki Murakami’s book. However a very popular question that I get from spectators who were cheering for us by the roadside at 2 am was “Why is everyone doing this? Why is everyone up at 2 am?” has left me pondering. On the flip side, I have no idea why these villagers are not asleep too at 2 in the morning.

Our happy faces at 2am. It is never too early to get excited!

Our happy faces at 2am. It is never too early to get excited!

The #KLWolfpack taking over Kuching

The #KLWolfpack taking over Kuching

Passing by villages and its friendly population is the norm for Kuching Marathon. I enjoyed the supportive atmosphere from last year so much, that I decided to upgrade myself to the full marathon category for this year. Coupled by good reviews from runners who participated in previous years, I was convinced that I made the right choice to come to Kuching again. I was so wrong.

The race started very early in the morning at exactly 2 am. The gun time was perfect, as the sun is not out yet and we enjoyed the cool morning air. Just like last year, the race started with a quick prayer, asking for Allah’s blessings so this event will run smoothly, and to protect the runners from any harm or injury. The first 10km was a breeze, and everything was going well. It was only the “warm-up phase” anyways.

A few kilometers later I spotted a water station, but there was hardly a line since no one was stopping there. It turns out that they have ran out of water. “It’s ok, I still have some water from my own bottle”, I said to myself. It did not take very long my own supply to deplete quickly. Empty plastic bottles were strewn around the next few water stations, but still there was no water in sight. There was hardly any petrol station at this part of the route, and I had to resort to asking a runner if he could spare a few sips of his 100 Plus. Bless this gentleman’s soul for sharing!

By the 25km, perhaps my running form was really bad, or I looked like I was about to collapse, but I noticed that the medic van was slowly trailing behind me and the driver was looking very concerned. I was losing my momentum from the thirst. I tried to shake it off – DNF is not an option! The only way for me to end up on that van is when I really passed out, not when I almost feel like passing out. I decided to take it easy until I find water. I think it was best for me to take things down a notch so I don’t pass out from dehydration. My focus has shifted from achieving another PB for 42km to just completing the race within the cut off time.

Finally, a water station that actually has water! Why use only one hand to drink when you can use both sides?

Finally, a water station that actually has water! Why use only one hand to drink when you can use both?

Speaking of PBs, I did some self-reflection: I noticed that I have been improving for 10km and 21km, but I have yet to break the barrier at 30km, as it have been hovering around the 4:20-4:30 hour without much improvement. Any thoughts on why is this happening and how can I fix this?

I finished the race just barely within the extended cut off time (the organizers extended the cut off time from 6.5 hours to 7 hours), feeling exhausted like I have just finished the hardest race of my life. I don’t think that I will be back again for Kuching Marathon next year, but I’ll hunt for another full marathon event to renew my PB.

Oh hey cat with bib and vest, did you get dehydrated from running too?

Oh hey cat with bib and vest, did you get dehydrated from running too?

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

The BIG DAY is here!

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I was driving around the heart of Kuala Lumpur with a colleague when we spotted a sign that stated there will be several road closures as part of the annual Standard Chartered KL Marathon (SCKLM) 2016.

“Wow, it’s already time for SCKLM again? How time flies! I remembered that this event was canceled last year because of the haze”. Even my non-runner colleague was excited for this event!

2014 vs 2016 - Same girl, same event, different distance. I am not ashamed to admit that there is no secret and short cut to achieving something that you want.

2014 vs 2016 – Same girl, same event, different distance.

SCKLM 2016 is the highlight of every runner’s calender. The organizer’s decision to cancel last year’s event did not deter runners from signing up again. Due to the scale of the event and its internationally-certified course, it is THE event that everyone has been waiting and training for. So many took this opportunity to do something significant or memorable, such as run their maiden full marathon, or ensuring that Personal Best (PB) are renewed, and I was no exception. 21km, it is payback time!

The last time I ran a half marathon was during Nike We Run KL, and I was not in the best state of health to run 21km. So since the route was almost the same, this is a second shot for me to reach that sub-2:30 goal. The morning air was clear, the temperature was warm, I was feeling well-rested and carbo-loaded. I ran past several iconic attractions in the city centre, such as the Twin Towers, Pavilion Mall, the funny-shaped Menara Tabung Haji, and many more. Despite driving by the same location several days before, it is always interesting to be passing by these buildings on foot instead of behind the wheels. In the end, I exceeded by goal by 7 minutes however it was still a PB for me since my previous achievement was 2 hours 45 minutes.

Since this is an important event for every runner, SCKLM is also a gathering of various running groups. I bumped into a lot of familiar faces through out the race, it was almost like a running community reunion! Some groups even cheered through out the course and not just at the finishing line. Most supporters gathered at the last few kilometers, handing out candies, setting up soft drink booths, or shouted words of encouragement. I could see some runners mood were uplifted when they hear people clapping for them!

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IMG_5155IMG_5147I’m so proud that Nashata has always kept me covered without compromising my modesty in every and any race. I choose to wear the black Ultra top to match with the colour of the team that has always been supporting me.

I returned home with many good memories about this year’s SCKLM, and I hope to return again next year. Now it is time for some well-deserved rest and prepare for next week’s event!

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

8 Simple Conversation Running Points for Non-Runners

Unsure what to ask your running friends after their weekend running event? Want to give encouragement but unsure what to say? Here are some talking points when you get to meet them.

Before that, here are some info about running events:

  1. A runner registers for a particular category. These are the common ones:
    1. Full Marathon / Marathon is 42.195 km.
      Remember : A marathon runner runs 42 km. Anything below this distance is not a marathon. 
    2. Half Marathon is 21 km
    3. 10 km run (not a marathon)
    4. 5 km run (not a marathon)
      There are trail run, ultra run – more than the distance of a full marathon and the list goes on. Ask your friend about the category.
  2. Every runner who finishes a run within cut-off time gets a medal. No medal for non-finishers. This is one of the reasons why finishing a run is important to runners.
  3. Prizes on the other hand are for top runners for each category. Every running event has different categories – at organizer’s discretion.

SIMPLE YET Pleasant Questions

  1. Where did you run?
    Some runners travel to run. They would participate in running events in different locations and cpuntries. This is because every running event offers different experiences ; climate, route, people, food and medal 
  2. How many km did you run?
    Find out how many kilometers(km) he or she runs. A runner typically chooses the distance he or she wishes. Anything below 42 km run is not a marathon, they are just runs. A marathon runner runs a 42 km run. However, he or she may run a half marathon, 10 km or full marathon to suit their training plan and fitness level.
  3. How was the run?
    Every run is different. Each run has different routes; some hilly, some flat and sometimes a mix of both. This affects the performance of the runner. The weather and temperature can affect performance too.
  4. Are you happy with your run ?
    Typically, runners who race have targets. They may be happy with performance and sometimes not. Sometimes, they can be happy to just finish the run without any injury.
  5. What is your Personal Best time for <a particular category>?
    Every runner wants to perform better in the category they register for. Personal Best (PB) time is a benchmark for runners to improve subsequent runs. Improving timing is important to them. 
  6. How many participants were at the run?’
    There are a lot of participants at a running event, in thousands and some in five digit figures. A lot of runners compete at a run and the level of their performances differ from one to another. Unless your friend is a fast runner, or competes in a not-so-established event, typical podium winners are the professionals runners. 

    Thousands of people waiting for flag off time for 21 km category

    Thousands of people waiting for flag off, 21 km category at the Standard Charted Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2016

  7. Who did you run with?
    A runner may have a running group or buddies he or she trains with. There are runners who run solo.

    Running events are where runners get to meet each other

    Running events are where running friends get to meet each other

  8. When is your next run?
    If you have a nice conversation with your running friend, you can end with a positive note – asking about next running event.

Or you could offer a pat of your friends back and say Well Done! or Congrats! or Recover Well!

Better if you could join your friend

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.