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