Bidor Half Marathon 2010 - 10km

Extended my KL week trip to do the Bidor HM 10km run. It was my first run event in Msia. No champion chip, a thick heavy cotton tee, no energy drink along the route but got a pewter finisher medal.

I met 7 Malaysians who were taking part. We bunked in the same rented house which is owned by a rich local. He provided beds with mattress, pillows and water. The Malaysians were younger than me, from 16 yrs old to 31 yrs old. But the youngest at 16 yrs and 4 days ran and completed his first 21km in 3:05 and the oldest at 31 completed the 21k in ard 1:48. The 21k cut off time was 2:45. Most of the 7 were members of a Msian running club "Team Miracle Miler". Amazingly, after the run when we were having lunch at Bidor Tien Tien Lai, we discovered they were all Brethren Christians although from (very) traditional Gospel Halls in Msia.

Man, never realised I would be running up and down a hill as I wind my way through bukit bukit. Can see my route from Endomondo website:  Bidor 10km route

Even though it was hilly, I am happy with my completion time of 1:11 (Avg pace of 7:06/km). No chip so got to rely on my trusty Polar :)

At the finish line, I crossed under my category "E" and they gave me a square card with the following "E 102". So, I came in position 102 for my 10km Mens Open.

Had a few small cups of Vico (like Milo), 1 can of 100Plus. Did not take the nasi lemak. Went to collect my Finisher bag which had the heavy Pewter Finisher medal and a Completion cert with no distance or name for participants to fill in. Also got Nature Valley bars and Vico 3-in-1.

Overall, the run was alright. Good experience running in Msia. The dung smell around the villages and up and down the winding hill road was a challenge but interesting experience. I think some younger Sporeans might pengsan with the smell. Good thing I grew up in a more ulu place :p

For me, like the rest of my Malaysia trip, meeting up with secondary school classmates and their families and also new Malaysian friends like from Team Miracle Miler made it such an enriching trip. I prayed that the meetings and fellowship have all been fruitful and everyone has been blessed as I have. Shalom.

Memories: A video from a M'sian runner

You Tube Vid

19th training (22nd) run of 2010

After the 2XU 12km run last week, had no time to run in the middle of week. Also could not leave early to come home and run.

This evening run started at 5pm. Very hot. But the hot weather soon gave way to dark clouds and I ended my run in heavy rain and soaking wet. So wet, I couldn't see ahead but just had to run strainght on Sengkang East Rd back home.

Since I didn't complete my 2nd 7km loop, I used MapMyRun. But strangely, distances plotted seem to be less than previously. Anyway, from what was plotted, it was only 10.45km instead of ~11.5km that I expected. I took 1:48. This meant my average pace was 10min 21secs per km which is very slow....like I walked 1/2 the way. Actually, I walked a lot, but 10:21min/km seems awfully slow. Route mao below:




Running in heavy downpour and being soaked to the bone was an experience. Not that I want to repeat it. I came home, put on another shirt over my wet vest, had a cup of hot milo and after some rest, took my hot bath before having my dinner. Hopefully, I won't fall sick. Next week, will be in KL a week.

2010 Run events

2010 run events

Completed

HK Standard Chartered - 10km

North East Run - 16km

2XU Compression Run - 12km

Signed up

Bidor HM - 10km

PAssion Run - 25km

Army Half Marathon - 21km

To join(?)

New Balance Real Run - 10km

Standard Chartered Singapore - 10km/ 21km

I don't publish much of my running unless you're following this blog. But how weird some wonder if I pursue running, wanting to run marathons, etc. My chronic health conditions don't allow it. I feel the tightness and some pain a little more frequently. Running is not something I pursue. It is something a non-swimmer and lousy cyclist born with the bony physique I have can do to keep fit, find time alone to pray, think through issues and 'argue' with God or just relax.

I also find that having accepted my health conditions and doing running, I have managed to be an effective and emphatic encourager to others who are starting to jog/run but find they have objections or concerns from family/friends due to having similar health conditions. Life's fulfilling when one can pursue something one enjoys and help others along the way. Carpe diem :)

12km 2XU Compression Run - Official Result

Surprised they have split times too!

12km Male Finishers
Position: 828 of 1020 Men Finishers
Split times:

4.4km: 20:32:54:88

5.5km: 46:22:90

12.0km: 1:29:21:04

12km 2XU Compression Run 2010 @ Sentosa

I arrived Harbourfront a bit late (7:06am). Used the toilet at Seah Imm and then bus queue was looooong. I got into the last chartered bus, I think. Reached Beach Station at 7:47am. Officla flag off time was 7:45am. What to do? it was a long walk to the start line.

First time I experience walking to the start line and seeing the front, followed by main body of runners coming towards me and then running pass me. I started late. The run started 8am (or 7:57am on my watch) and I heard they were closing the starting gates at 8:15am. Last 5%-10% of runners for sure (unblocked - no one in front of me). I got the Endomondo program on my Hp started and then started my stopwatch when I crossed the start line.

Main grouses similar to some other participants.

Hydration - 100Plus
No 100Plus along the route at all. Just plain water. I only got cold plain water at the 2nd last water point. Hamstring nearly cramped the last 2km. What to do? I read on their card there is water points every 2km and "100plus and Ice mountain drinks are available". Sadly, that wasn't even true. So, I didn't drink any 100Plus or H-Two-O before the race. I also didn't eat b/fast (cause I woke up late). Nearly cramped and collapsed. End point, no more 100Plus for me. I finished too late at around 9:30am. I was hot, thirsty, dehydrated, maybe a little sunstroke. Crossed the line, some kid pushed a medal in my hands and I stumbled around a little whoozy in my head. Saw some sort of water point. Aiyo.....no water. Some cups had melted ice and 100Plus scooped from a blue tub. After one cup of "yucks", I knew I had to grab my bag, get to 7-Eleven before I passed out. So jialat. I walked to 7-Eleven at Beach Station and got my drink. Many others also bought 100Plus or Sportade there. Total disgrace for 100Plus to be named a sponsor for this race.


Route
The route was challenging for a 10km runner like me. Steep slopes and it was multiple up and down. I'm not so concerned about the criss-crossing but the elevation. Distance markers? Only saw the 3km, 6km and 9km white boards. See the Endomondo link for the route. You'll see the elevation went up to 87m but note the number of up and downs in the route elevation at the foot of the route mapped. Endomondo Workout

Weather
Weather was HOT. What else can I say? Especially for the slow tortoise like me finishing at ard 9:30am......
They should have started earlier. 8am actual starting time much later than my first New Balance Real Run in 2007 which started at 7:45am.





Final Comment:
Overall? I won't be joining any more events by this team again. The surprise finishing medal doesn't make up for logistics issues in busing people in and the lack of hydration especially 100Plus.
Like World of Sports, it's not you don't get 2nd chances, but surely, don't mess up so bad at the expense of runners' well being. I nearly passed out. That's dangerous.

Timing
Endomondo logged the route as 14km. Most people logged the route at ard 12km. So, I'll take it as 12km.
I completed in 1 hr 29min 22 secs. Fast for 12km since it was Average pace of 7min 27 secs per km for the 12km.
Will post the official time later.

18th training (20th) run of 2010

Today, my legs felt heavy and tired even b4 I stepped out of the house. It drizzled at 4:30pm. I went back home to grab my dri-fit cap. Waited till the rain fizzle to very light scattered drops. Then went down again.

I must be really, really tired. Very light rain. Humid and not that cooling. Less than 300m into run, my legs felt heavy like lead. I felt breathless then. ALthough I was running slightly faster than normal, at 300m mark, it felt ridiculous to be out of breathe.

I was wondering if I should do 7km + 5km = 12km or 7km x 2 = 14km or 5km x 2 = 10km. Sadly, in the end, only did 10km and I felt so TIRED. Am I getting old or what. Next week 12km 2XU. 2 weeks after 10km Bidor. 3 weeks after 25km PAssion Run. I hope the feeling goes soon.

Just for the record, 10km completed in exactly 1:15 which is average 7:30min/km pace, pretty fast for training run.