52nd training (58th) run of 2009

My 58th and last run of 2009 on New Year Eve morning. It was just 5km and completed in 36:20 with great exertion and exhaustion becos I started too fast early on.

What a year 2009 has been. I had only one wish, prayer and running goal since 2008 began - to be able to complete/ finish the 21km Half Marathon distance.

2008 was washed out through over running. Although I ran 2-3 times weekly including long distances, I overdid it. Suffering hamstring cramps within 3km of jogging and knee pains.

I am thankful for the support and help of God Almighty, family and friends. In 2009, I managed

1) Complete my 21km AHM 2009 in 3 hour 10mins

2) Got my 10km PB of 1hr 9min during the New Balance Real Run 2009

3) Broke my 10km PB completing the Fubon Taipei Marathon 10km run in 1hr 8 mins.

In addition of my 21km wish and prayer, I broke my 10km PB twice in 2009.

What of 2010 and beyond?

I have no wish or goals. A dream would be a 60min 10km which I know would not be achievable short of over-exerting my heart. I on and off feel my chest and lower heart valves tighten and each time it happens, I'm reminded of my diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. Of course, it's not only me who run a risk of sudden cardiac failure due to physical exertion. But, since I am aware, I always know I cannot over-exert to increase the risk of it coming to pass.

I'll just take 2010 easy. Going SCHKM in Feb 2010. Beyond that, I will do a few 10km to keep myself motivated to run regularly. I'll probably avoid the expensive local races unless there are reasons like running with family or meeting old friends.

Fubon Taipei Marathon 2009

What an experience!

3+ days of touring around Taipei on a 4D/3N F&E package. Saturday night slept early because set alarm at 4am to wake for brekkie before the run at 7am.

I sort of woke up groggy at 10pm +/- and felt the floor swaying, the curtains moving. I recalled I mumbled earthquake and then went back to sleep :O
Woke up next morning. Turn on TV and CNA had news that Taipei was struck by 6.4 magnitude quake, the strongest in 2009. This was also confirmed by Taipei news channels.

Taipei weather was 9-14deg for Sunday, 20 Dec. So I decided to wear my SD 2008 Adidas singlet, my Punggol Central Run vest and then the RunForHope 09 Asics tee. Wore 2 socks, the NB dri-fit socks and over it, a pair of thermal socks. Brought my Nike cap and a small towel from the hotel to wipe or put on my head if it rains. Also brought my pair of blue woolen gloves. I am thankful for my kiasu decisions to over-dress.

After exiting the City Hall MRT, followed the mass to the start line. Noticed the temp was 10deg as shown at the top of one building.

At the starting line, watched the large screen on the Taipei City Hall wall. Saw the elite running off. 3 mins later, all the 10km, 21km and 42.195km runners were flagged off. I took 5mins+ to reach the start mats.

It was crowded almost all the way. All thousands were running on the same roads at the same time. The roads of Taipei were also not smooth but uneven. The weather was nice as long as no wind was blowing. I only stopped once, not to walk but to tie my shoelaces which came off (so much for NB lock-laces).

I finished my 10km in 1:08:04 (per my watch which was exactly the published chip time too). My 2nd 10km PB in 2009 after my 1:09:04 PB in NBRR 2009. AM so very happy.

Finish and wandered into Bei An School. Queued 20mins for a small cup of Ovaltine. Can't find the water stations. I skipped the Coke. Sigh. No water to mix the Ovaltine. After that, queued for the food coupon even though I didn't want the food. But not being able to read chinese and not understanding what was being stated by the announcer besides the name of winner and that NT$100 will be refunded to runners, I queued. Thankfully, at the end of the food queue, I got the one way Metro ticket, 1 lollipop, food box and NT$100 in exchange for the champion chip.

When I reached the hotel, I boiled hot water, drank my Jasmine green tea, then had my hot shower.

All in, a nice experience :)

SCSM 2009 photos & timing

So it's official 1:13:04 for my SCSM 2009 10km. Some photos:

51st training (56th) run of 2009

Came back early. Decided to do a 5km run before I go to HK and Taipei. Looks like little chance of running or training for the Taipei run. At most next Wednesday clock another 5km.

The main problem is my knees felt like not firm or steady. Legs also feel tired. So I hope I can complete my TPE 10km in a reasonable time and w/o injuries.

5km : 36mins. A bit too fast a pace for leisure run.

SCSM 2009 - 10km

Woke up so very early at 3:15am :(

MRT at 6:40 arriving at ard 7:10am. BAg deposit was fast (& subsequent collection was quick too). Bag was inserted into a large plastic bag which was cable-tied. Very good.

The MC at the start line.............he told us 5mins before start @ 7:45am, he will let us know. 1 min before start, there will be silence and then countdown. 7:39am, the top 2 Full Marathon runners flashed by neck and neck. In the next 5 mins, the top 5 whizzed by. Before anyone knew what happened, the horn went off, 30 secs late, thereabouts. The MC had to tell everyone, ok, you're off. It has started. Forgot the 1 min silence. Go, go, go. Good luck runners. [I shake my head.]

The run was okay. Cloudy almost throughout. I completed in 1:13:07 per my watch. Wasn't my best but okay. Wifey did better at ard 1:11. Will know when SCSM website post the official results.

Met Slow-runner for breakkie and chit chat at Subway, RC basement. Maid brought my kids and Jac's son. Thereafter, the kids did their Kids Dash and Jac brought us to Old Airport Food Centre for lunch.

NBRR 2009 SportsPhotox photos out

I got three photos and none were of me walking :)