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Date: 26-July-2009
Time: 7.30am
Venue: PSDC FIZ, Penang
Distance: 6.5km
Entry fee: RM10
Closing date: 28-June-2009
Website: www.psdc.org.my
Date: 12-July-2009
Time: 6.45am
Venue: N.S. Padang Serembam
Distance: 3km, 11km, 21.1km
Closing date: 4-July-2009
Website: http://www.serembanhalfmarathon.com/
Forms available from website
Being my first marathon attempt, I wanted to ensure that I could cross the line safely and in one piece. I had heard of countless accounts of people attempting their first marathon without proper training or preparation and it ended up being their last one. So I wanted to make sure it doesn’t happen to me. I had begun researching books and surfing the net for more information on how to complete a full marathon. One of the most important topics I gathered is “Hydration”.
I chose the Penang Bridge marathon to be my first because Penang is my hometown and should any untoward incident (touch wood) occurred during the run, at least I’m just a few stones throw away from home. Also the event was scheduled towards the end of the year, which gives me more than enough time to prepare for it.
From the marathoner’s feedback last year, the refreshment stations ran dry towards the later part of the race. It’s something that needs serious thought when you are attempting this great feat. I was looking for a solution from the net when I stumbled upon the Thunderbolt. I first looked up for the more popular fuelbelt but unfortunately it wasn’t available locally. While surfing the Triathlon Malaysia website, I came across an advert from quick-sport which is the local distributor for Ultimate Direction’s hydration belts. I selected the 3-bottled Thunderbolt which has three 20oz bottles, a 4oz bottle and a small pocket. Although it is more expensive and bulkier than the 2-bottled Blaze, I knew I could always remove some of the bottles if not in use. It costs RM165 for the Thunderbolt while the Blaze was selling at RM125. For a reasonable shipping cost, I placed the order online and wired the money. To my liking, I got instantaneous response from the seller and had a very good impression of him. Not surprisingly, I got my order within 2 days of making the payment, which was great! The item was carefully packaged and arrived in excellent condition. Thumbs up to the seller for the excellent service and prompt delivery.
Apart from some minor adjustments required to the Velcro waist belt, the product is quite satisfactory overall. I have been using it for a few months now during my weekend long runs and have no major complaints. Of course, it needs a bit getting used to as you suddenly feel extra weight on your hips while running. As long as you snug it tightly to your waist and not leave it hanging, you won’t feel much bouncing sensation.
I always hear advise from the elites on not trying anything new during the race event. So it is wise to experiment during trainings or long runs. As this is going to be my first-ever full marathon, I’ll be glad to complete it within the 6 hours stipulated time frame. Any sooner will be a bonus to me. Happy running!
I had high hopes that I would better last year’s timing of 3:05. But it was shattered as soon as I hit the 18km mark. The Malakoff curse had struck me again.
It all started pretty badly for me. The early signs weren’t good.
Firstly I misplaced my gel bottle for my Thunderbolt belt. Can’t remember where I’d placed it and finally gave up after searching high and low for it. I was planning to load the powergel into the bottle for the extra boost in times of desperation. 3 packets can be filled into the 4oz bottle and saves me a lot of hassle. But it seems the plan had to be abandoned. Back-up plan then, my arm pouch
Secondly I hardly had any sleep the night before. Twisting and turning around on bed, I simply can’t fall into sleep mode. Everytime I tried to close my eyes, the memory of last year’s nightmare came flashing across my mind. It was not until 1am in the morning that I manage to dose off, after England had put 4 past Kazakhstan.
My lack of training couldn’t be more obvious, made worse by the searingly hot weather and haze. I haven’t done any runs more than 2 hours for a few months now. This has taken a heavy toll on me as I experience discomfort just after the 15k drink station. I hung on for another 3k before the cramps finally set it after the clock tower. I was bitterly dissapointed as it was even sooner than last year. I recalled it was somewhere after 20k last year that my legs gave in. Trying to be positive, I pressed on by doing the walk/jog routine. With my Gatorade running out, I wished I had brought along some small change as I noticed some runners deviated into the Shell kiosk to recharge. I was surprised that there were no isotonic drink provided this year. I knew that water couldn’t properly replace my depleted electrolytes, in fact it might have even more adverse effects.
As I was nearing the 23k drink station, my legs finally gave up and reduced me to a halt. The cramps were so severe that I can no longer walk. I had to sit on the pavement and relax my legs. I can see the muscle spasm on my calves. It was like worms moving in it. At that moment, I really doubt my ability to finish the race.
I was hoping that there were some medical officers on-site to provide assistance but there were none to be seen. Fortunately after some massaging and stretching, I was able to get on my feet again and pushed on. Now, even walking was a difficult task as I had cramps on both my calves, thighs and even toes. I knew I was too close to give up now, just another 2k to go.
Being reduced to a walking pace, it was a good time to engage in some conversation with fellow runners. This had somewhat helped distract me from the excruciating pain from the cramps. Finally, I was able to cross the finish line at 3:05 which is my same time as last year.
So here is my rating on the race this year.
Improvement Required: Insufficient medical staff at final kms, no isotonic drinks, poor mile markers
Good Job: On-time start, sufficient water at stations
I received circular from PAC which shows 2 events on the cards.
Aug-2: Cendana Hikathon Competition (Youth Park)
Aug-30: Merdeka Fun Run (Esplanade)
Further details and forms are yet to be published. Stay tuned…
Date: 9-August-2009
Time: 7:30am
Start/Finish: Youth Park, Penang
Organized by: SCI Penang & MPPP
Distance: 1.5km (Disabled), 6km (All others)
Closing date: 27-July-2009
Date: 5-July-2009
Time: 6:45am (10km and 21km), 6:55am (5km and 7km)
Start/Finish: Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh
Organized by: Ipoh City Council
Forms available to download from the website
Website:http://www.mbi.gov.my/home
If all goes to plan, Penangites will soon get to enjoy a 30km scenic trail stretching from Batu Maung all the way to Teluk Bahang. The trail will pass through the sandy beaches of Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bunga and to the popular tourist spot of Gurney Drive. Then it will extend to Georgetown pass its colonial and heritage buildings before ending in Batu Maung via the Jelutong coastal highway and Queensbay Mall. The concept is similar to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles and Pier 39 in San Francisco where there are attractions along the trail and has become a tourist magnet. It will surely benefit the tourism industry and ultimately the residents of Penang. Hopefully it will materialize soon.
I can still remember what it was like. Back in my teenage years, Komtar was the happening place. The first MCDs outlet was in Komtar and we used to go there to watch movies and simply hangout. Dining at the Komtar Tower restaurant, dubbed the highest restaurant in South East Asia was also an experience still etched in me, more for the spectacular views rather than food. Now after many years of neglect, Komtar is finally having a facelift to revive it to become the happening place again. Most notably the Komtar Walk project, which promises to transform the area into a luxurious and "the place to be" similar to the Bintang Walk.
So there was this Komtar Tower Run which I attended last week. It differs from other runs in that, you have to climb 61 storeys i.e. 1,100 flight of stairs after a 2km run around the surrounding area. Boy, was I surprised to see that many outstation participants, most notably Kenyans. Now I know why the entry fee was so expensive compared to other local events. My RM20 was partly contributed to their prize money which ranges from RM100 to RM1,500 for the top 10th placing. And not surprisingly, the Kenyans took 9 out of the 10 offered prizes. Well, we can say that it is good for competition and blah blah blah whatsoever. But the presence of these Kenyans simply evaporated any hope of local winners. Will we see a local winner amongst these Kenyans? I doubt so. They are so genetically blessed to run fast that no matter how hard local people train, we will never ever outdo them. Is that a fact or fiction?
As for the race, kudos to the organizers that it started right on time without any hussle of waiting for the "never on-time" VIPs. It's also good to note that there were many volunteers and medical personnel stationed along the route and on most storey's of the staircase. With inadequate ventilation, we're expected to have people fainting from overstressing or breathlessness. Hmmm…Got to think twice for next year's event. I'd rather they provide better quality goodies and tops rather than a substantial amount of prize money. Moreover, the prize money will unlikely be ours for the taking.
