I just can't wait to be King..

15 May -Thailand28 August -Singapore25 September -Indonesia2 October -Malaysia23 October -Philippines

Yup, I have a date in 5 cities. Running 16.8km each to total the 84km. That 2 marathons. I can't wait to see all my friends in the region. Like I said to my Filipinos friends this year..there's is no barrier in running. I can't wait to see the Team Salomon group.

In Thailand, I will meet the Bangkok runners who took nice photos of me during the Penang Bridge Marathon. By the Thai and foreigners are paying the same amount of fee for this race.

Singapore..who can forget them..My home for a year...This is my country This is my land...this is my future this is my life..I actually enjoy Sing Singapore more than Majulah Singapura.

I only have work friends in Indonesia but it would not my 1st run there. I did a 5km run down the Jeneral Sudirman Boulevard as organised by the Four Seasons few years back.

Of course, nothing like running it in my home grown in KL. This is the second time they will run the New Pantai Expressway. I did it in 2007 too.

By the way, Adidas is giving a finisher T-shirt for the 84km finisher. And you will get 10% discount for subsequent registrations. Just register at http://adidaskingoftheroad.com/

Just like the song from Lion King..I just can't wait to be King ..  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXs8OS6EdAE

Tokyo Marathon 2011

Last year Hong Kong and Tokyo marathon falls on the same day 28 Feb 2010. I chose Hong Kong. This year HK was on 20 Feb 2011 and Tokyo on 27 Feb 2011. So I take it as a sign from above that I should do both.

I balloted last year and was confident enough to purchase my air tickets even before the resuts were out.

24 February 2011 , Thursday
I flew in a most happening flight with Kak J, Alexis, Lee Lee and Francis on board. We touched down almost 1030pm. I had a booking with Toyoko Inn Haneda. I am a fan of Toyoko Inn , having stayed there from Tokyo to Hakodate to Sapporo.

I looked for the Toyoko shutte bus and due to some miscommunication, I was shown to the domestic terminal. I hopped on the complimentary transfer bus and found the Toyoko shuttle waiting there. Then, the Toyoko Inn shuttle went back to pick up passengers in the international terminal..Haha.. Anyway , I was already in my room by 1145pm and got my shower and a few sushi from Lawson ( a Japanese 24 convenience store )

25 February 2011, Friday



I got up and had a nice breakfast in the hotel and took the Keihin Keikyu line to Suidobashi where I will staying for the next 3 nights. I couldn't understand the annoucement and didnt get off the train at Kawasaki Station and realised that the train was heading to Yokohama. Luckily, I got up at the 1st stop and managed to take the right train to Shingawa. From Shingawa, I took a train to Kanda to get to the Chuo Line . Then took the wrong train because it is a rapid train and doesn't stop at Suidobashi. I ended up in Yotsuya. I made this mistake 3 more times during the trip.

Met my long lost friend who works at the Hotel Niwa and we left our bags there. We hurried to meet Lee Lee at Shimbashi station as we are already late. Kak J arrived shortly and all of us hopped on the Yukarimome monorail line to go Tokyo Bay. It's my 1st time to Tokyo Bay as the monorail was temporary closed during my last trip.

The Tokyo Big sight is a big convention center and you can recognise it by the Big Saw gigantic sculpture planted in the ground and the inverted pyramid structure. We spent at least 4 hours there. This is the biggest run expo I have ever been to. There are numerous acts playing at the atrium and fashion shows by Asics. Many places to take photographs and many giveaways too.

From there, we took the Rinkai line to Shinkiba before we change to the JR line to Maihama. Yes, we went Tokyo Disney with Kak J, Lee Lee and Alexis. Had a quick burger dinner before we enter at 6pm for the twiight package. We just wanted to watch some shows starting with Minnie oh Minnie and follow by the Electric Parade. As it was a Friday evening, the queues were quite long, so we skipped some rides and went shopping instead. I had a memorable electric car ride with Kak J though. I was knocking the car to the sides mostly and frightening her.

I left the girls at Akihabara Station on the Yamanote line and heading to my nice room that my friend upgraded me to.

26 February 2011, Saturday

I skipped Tsukiji market and had a late morning. I only meet Lee Lee and Lee Fueng in Ueno Station after 11am. They are promoting the latest Shinkasen (bullet train) there to Tohoku (north Honshu). The most northern terminal used to be Hachinohe but now they have extended the line to Aomori and built a station called Shin Aomori. From we can change regular train and go Hokkaido.

This trip is mainly dedicated to Hachiko the dog. So we got to the National Museum of Science in Ueno Park to see Hachiko. It's a big museum with a new wing and it's like a London Natural Museum and Singapore Science Centre all rolled into one.

After that, we hopped over to Ginza. Had our first meal in the soba shop for this trip. Lee Lee truly enjoyed it that we kept going on Monday and Tuesday.

They closed main road in Ginza on Saturday afternoon and we went into Abercombie and Fitch and it is decorated like a club. There were bouncers in front of the small entrance and they were throbbing music inside..all the 11 levels. We even took a photo with a model inside and a polaroid was given to the 3 of us..

I found some great bargains at H&M and UniQlo. Got my compression underwears. Then we quickly took the Marounichi subway line to Shinjuku. We found Star hotel and Kak J was already there. She told me a Malay boy was stalking her and it turned to be Azam.

Later the whole gang came, I met Takeshi..Lee Lee's friend from UPM. Karen's hubby and her Japanese landlady, Alexis and the rest. We had a most happening meal in aover heated restaurant called Pronto. It all Italian food but we had to eat with chopsticks.

After the meal, we followed Kak J to a medicine shop to buy our Japanese power gel and she also kind enough to show me the walking route to the starting line of the Tokyo Marathon.

27 February 2011, Sunday

I woke up at 520am, even though I asked for a 6am morning call. I made my coffee and had my buns and even updated my facebook.

I left my hotel slightly before 7 am and arrive at Shinjuku before 730am. Lee Lee and Lee Fueng was already at the meeting place. Lee Lee had to look for a toilet due to the Japanese power gel. Alexis texted me and said she already went in with Yee Choi. Later , we said bye bye to Lee Fueng and the 2 of us followed the big crowd. They were placards everywhere at Shinjuku and everybody is waiting for somebody.

Imagine 35000 people gathering at one place plus their families too and this is not even a open area or a stadium. We found this gaijin (white guy) who will be running with 4 I-phones and one I-Pad.I accompanied Lee Lee to her deposit truck no 51 and the poor girl forgot to take her poncho. I offered my space blanket  but she declined. Then we went to my truck no 39. The queues to the portable toilets were so long so I had to climb onto the roadside and did it in the bushes with the guys.

Lee Lee queued and I lost her. It almost 830 and I went to into my Corral J. I stood somewhere near the BMW building and couldn't find Karen or Alexis who is in the same corral as I. There were also 2 helicopters hovering above us. At 910am sharp, we heard the explosion at the starting gantry and everyone around me clapped. We started slowly and the first building I saw is the Washington Hotel where Kak J and Francis stayed.

There 2 grandstands at the starting and it took me about 10 minutes to cross the starting. I saw the Hilton and even pass the Pronto at Star Hotel. I even saw Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Then after 2 km, i desicarded my poncho and saw the Military Band playing at about the same time. There were people left and right of the streets. I saw a pair of Mario Brothers running , people carrying Snoopy , brides, hula girls. minnie mouses etc etc

I passed the 5km mark at 33 minutes 59 sec. It's a comfortable pace. After that, we made a right turn into the Idabashi station and right under the Chuo line. I saw one guy running with the new Tokyo Tower model on his head.  Then I saw someone brought 2 huge speakers and played the song YMCA...All of us just spontaneously did the YMCA. It was so much fun.

Then I passed the Imperial Palace and the Hibiya park. That is also the ending of the 10km race. I passed the 10km mark at 1:07. A little faster than my Hong Kong , perhaps I was too excited... I even saw Jesus Christ running with the bib tagged onto a big cross.He must take the prize for the best costume. Then I saw all the fast runners already U turned and coming back from Shingawa. I tried to look for familiar faces coming back but couldn't see anyone. Some fellow maniacs yelled at me..Hey Maniac ..so that's the advantage of wearing MM gear..at least fellow MM will say hi to you.

After my U turn at Shingawa, I saw a familiar running vest Mizuno Wave Run 2010. It was Alexis, I paced and chatted with her almost 7km . We took photos of each other and even helped ourselves to the food provided. We took bananas, raisin, chocolate buns and even sour plums. I never had sour plum during a race before and I certainly needed the salt.

We were already at Ginza. I was busy snapping photos of my favourite boutiques, department store and even my favourite book store ie Maruzen.

I lost Alexis before the 25km mark because I ran my fastest 5km split between 20-25km and went straight into the Asakusa U turn. There were a Geisha group playing traditional musical instruments and a host of characters greeting us in front of the Sensoji temple. This is the first tourist place I been to in Japan. That's 5 years ago.

As I was heading back to Ginza, I heard a familiar voice from the opposite side. It was Kak J. I turned back and we took our famous hugging photo in the shade. We had a similar one in HK. Mission accomplished.

The journey of out Ginza took forever..well 33 minutes actually and the sun is already up. It's actually 1230pm . I missed the Kabukiza theatre near Tsukiji.. After 35km at 110pm, it was my slowest 5km. I took 34 minutes. There was a climb through the bridge back into Tokyo Bay. I saw a felllow American NYC girl at km 40 and she struggled. I encouraged her and even took a photo with her. She was ahead of me all

along.

I too struggled under the Ariake station. The Big Sight finishing was getting nearer . I finally crossed the finishing with much fanfare. There were long queue to get our food, returning of chips ( a young Japanese volunteer boy untied and retied my shoe laces as I didn't used the cable tied supplied) I collected my hard earned medal and finishing towel although it was so hot..so I didnt need it.

I met Lee Lee waiting there inside and she looked pale. She finsihed at 4:23. I changed and asked her to go out as my friends are all waiting there. It was a long walk from East Hall to Main Hall. up and down the escalator and finally going down to the main atrium again.

I told Lee Lee that the place is like an airport. For every runner, there are 3 family members waiting there.

We met up for a meal at Cafe Restaurant till 5pm and Alexis had to go off earlier as she was leaving that night.

All the train stations has long queues but luckily we walked to Ariake Station ( one station before Big Sight). so we had seats all the way to Shim bashi)

It was the biggest race of my life so far. All throughout the 42km, there were people cheering offering food and even tissue paper. The biggest parade of costumes I ever seen. I had a hard time looking for Kak J because so many people wearing wigs. But I will always the little voices yelling out Gambatte. It still rings in my mind.

Here are my split times

5km	(0:33:59)	0:33:59	09:53:11
10km	(1:07:43)	0:33:44	10:26:55
15km	(1:40:31)	0:32:48	10:59:43
20km	(2:12:21)	0:31:50	11:31:33
25km	(2:45:27)	0:33:06	12:04:39
30km	(3:18:50)	0:33:23	12:38:02
35km	(3:51:55)	0:33:05	13:11:07
40km	(4:26:29)	0:34:34	13:45:41
Finish	(4:41:24)	0:14:55	14:00:36

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2011

This is my first entry for 2011, exactly one year after my first marathon. You can say I am back to HK with a vengence.

For my first marathon, my aim was just to complete the course. When I crossed the 30km mark at 3:29, I even raised my hope for sub 5 hour completion. Alas, that didn't happened. I did it in 5:01.

So, you can say this is my Revenge Marathon.

Friday 18 Feb 2011

Arrived in HKIA before 8pm and saw the Thai Airways parked 2 gates away. So, I knew Sir Henry has just touched down.

He was kind enough to wait for at the Airport Link station and I managed to convinced him to take the Airbus to Kowloon. I said that I can introduced the marathon route from the double decked bus. After all, the train goes under the Tsing Ma bridge and you can't see a thing.

Upon arrival at Nathan Road's Parklane, we got down and walked across the Kowloon Park to the hotel. Dropped our bags and went to meet up with Bernard Loke and wife at Mongkok. Bernard has just collected Henry's bib.

Saturday 19 Feb 2011

Really wanted to sleep in but somehow still got up at my usual 8am. First thing I heard was Sir Henry's dream of his car being stolen.

Anyway, got up at 9am and went for a typical HK breakfast..You tiau and cheong fun. No hot soya this time though.

Meet bro Joe TTT at Tsim Tsa Tsui Station and went for bib collection together. Henry tagged along as he missed out on the 'bib collection experience'. Camwhore a bit at the finishing gantry.

We rushed back to Tsim Tsa Tsui to meet up with Bernard and wife for dim sum. Lost Joe otw and waited for at station. That's when I bumped into Lee Meng Yong and Cynthia Gan.

Anyway thanks to Henry for bringing us to his nice dim sum restaurant called Tao Heong at the 3rd floor of Carnovan Plaza. Really enjoyed it! That's what travelling to HK is about.

After a hearty lunch, we went for a walk at the Harbour City. I went to do my own shopping and later we met again in the hotel room.

We joined Terence Poon and gang for carbo loading dinner. It was fun and I was glad that we chose to eat in the Spaghetti House.

After quick dinner, time to head back for a early night.

Sunday 20 Feb 2011

We got up at 5 am and made coffee. I had 2 buns for breakfast. The baggage deposit trucks were just in front of our hotel. We managed to meet Bernard at the TST MTR entrance at 615am . It was also the starting of the first group. Took a few photos and meet Nik and David Tan from Singapore.

At 6:43am , according to my watch, we started the marathon. I paced with Henry, Bernard and Nik. After 2km, Nik blazed ahead and I kept myself with this 2 guys.

After the Stonecutters Bridge, Bernard wanted to go to the loo. I told myself from the beginning that I shall not repeat what I did last year during the marathon, I partly attribute the reason I couldn't hit sub 5 hour because I had to queue for the loo during the marathon.

So that's when I left them . When I reached the entrance to Tsing Ma bridge , I saw Aileen and Joe pacing together. Not far from them is Vincent Yeo. Then I met my kakak..and we took this wonderful photo together. We have been texting and only meet in HK for that fleeting moment. It was still wonderful.

I caught up with Nik and told her to get ready to camwhore as the TV camera is usually at the turning point of the Tsing Ma bridge..Alas..this year , they didnt place the camera there.

I left Nik and caught up with Khairul Anuar after the Ting Kau bridge. I saw my friend Gila Bola Karim at KM 23 and we took this photo. after the 2nd tunnel, i saw somemore wearing a yellow top with the words ..Don't give up ..printed at the back..I overtook her and it was YenErl... So I paced with her till km 30..I told her we are running at 4:40 completion time pace.

After a while I left her and meet most people before the cross harbour tunnel like Mohan Marathon, Winnie cheh and Asree from SG. I didnt struggle at the cross harbour tunnel cause I am mentally prepared for the climb at Sheung Wan. But I wasn't prepared for the merging of all runners and 2 categories into one single lane. I also didn't recall that the climb at the underpass at Central was that steep. Anyway, I also took the drink at the last water station before Marsh Road. I skipped it last year. I was doing everything the opposite this year. I saw my watch at 4:12. So I knew it was be a sub 4:30 completion.

I enjoyed the last 2 km immensely. I was aware of the cameras pointing at me and the crowds cheering. The people waiting for cross the marathon path. The police was controlling them. I was aware of everything.

I crossed the finishing with a most jubilant mood and had the strength to run from one side to the other. It was for me a sweet revenge. I now awaits my certificate of improvement from the organiser.

Till my next one this coming weekend at Tokyo...it will even be bigger and more overwhelming.

MY RACE ANALYSIS

                       2010                2011

10km              1:09                  1:09
20km              2:19                  2:11
30km              3:29                  3:12
42.195km       5:01:06             4:26:23

My 5km sub laps are

0-5km    - 35:38 ---> 35:28
5-10km  - 34:11 ---> 1:09:39
10-15km- 31:19 ---> 1:40:58
15-20km- 30:31 ---> 2:11:29
Halfway mark     --->  2:18:16
20-25km- 29:51 ---> 2:41:21
25-30km- 31:10 ---> 3:12:32
30-35km- 29:27 ---> 3:41:59
35-40km- 30:26 ---> 4:12:26
40-42km- 13:57 ---> 4:26:23

Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2010, 21 Nov 2010

This is my 2nd edition of the race. Join the inaugural one which starts at Queensbay mall. This is hosted by the Penang Tourism Board under the Penang State government. The previous years was held at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Met Eunice, Jet, Suki and John in the LCCT at 7am at the LCCT.  Jet, Suki, John and I boarded the first flight at 830am. Eunice and the rest of the Bukit Jalil group boarded  the 2nd flight at 930am (Sounds like The Amazing Race, doesn't it?)

Met this fellow runner who sat in front of me, Farah who did her first HM. She is  a familiar face at the KLCC park.

Collected bib and hang out at Coffee Bean . Dejavu of last year's collection,

Meet Mohan and the rest if the Team Fat Bird there.

Walked down Queensbay and crossed the Jelutong highway with my trolley bag for a local cofffee shop meal.

Later, we took a cab for rm 15 to B Suite for check in. Taxi in Penang ain't cheap.

Waited for a while at lobby and managed to check in at 145pm.

Free internet access at room. Luckily I brought my LAN cable. Uploaded photos and check on FB.

Got call from Suki and meet up at 330 for tea. Walked to Bayan Baru Mall area for coffee shop food. Yummy.

Then inside the mall. All got influenced by Eunice who is doing the full Marathon. So we bought a pack of large mash potato from KFC each. It's the best for carbo loading. We also bought buns for breakfast.

Had my 'dinner' at 630pm which consists of Hainaese chicken rice and mash potatoes and finished with a rm2 pack of guava.

Rolled in bed since 730pm. Woke up at 850pm., Sleep again till 1030pm. Woke up at 1115pm. Finally woke up at midnight. That's why I think they should rename the event to Penang Midnight Marathon.

Had a coffee and my floss bun in the room. Got message from Sam. He just arrived at the airport and on the way to B Suite.

Reporting time at B Suite lobby at 130am. By the 115 am , most of us are there. We walked together wth the Singapore group. Nice chatting with Sasha for the 1km plus walk.

Arrived at starting, the first person I met was Geannie Tan who came to support the race. Then I meet Yann Kai and Danny Chan. Then I met the BU bootcampers and took a photo in our new uniform, the Adidas tech wear.

Warmed up to the end of Queensbay..Met Stanley Cheong and Henry Wong while warming up. Found Kelvin Ng aka TL at the starting pen. Stood together and more pics.

We started at 2:59am. A lot of blocking through till we turned off at Jelutong Expressway. Then the roads became wider. First person I met was Eng Hui (full marathoner) at the bridge. Then I met Julie Wong, followed by Yen Erl and the Super Rookies gang.

Had my 1st powergel before the climb at the Bridge Mid Span. I did the the 1st 5.3km in 28:36. Mentally I wanted to do the first U turn at 9:4km at 50min . I managed to. Then I started to look for the small KM markers. It was 3.0km and my mental calculation means I have to look for the 3.6km  marker. It's in increment of 100m. Cross the 10km mark at 52:06. Almost one minute faster than my target 53min.

Took the 2nd power gel before the return climb on the bridge. No water station..It was less than last year and they still giving out bottles...I pass Danny Chan and Adam Loh at that part. My 15km ws still on the bridge at the time of 1:18.

Then strong wind and thunder and followed by torrential rain. Thank God for my tech wear and my Adizero but it miserable running in the heavy rain. My face can feel the prick of the rain drops. I am not a motorcylist so I am not use to it. My gel up hair is also falling apart.

Then I started worrying about my camera. It was compact in a Nike arm pouch. I went to the Medic Tent near  the 10km route U turn and asked for plastic bag. No plastic bad was available, so one of them tore part of the rain coat and wrapped my camera in it.

I made the final 16.6km U turn and took my 3rd power gel and saw Dann coming it for the Uturn. I pass a bridge and saw the 40km mark for FM. So I was happy cause it means another 2.2km to finish. Upon closer look, it was a speed limit marker for vehicles . It says 40km/h. Ha ha ha.

I began to slow down and found Azri and Danny Chan overtaking me  before turning into Queensbay.

I pushed along the Queensbay road which is the final 1.5km. I saw the Eastin Hotel when I coughed and threw out my last power gel and 100 plus. I have to slow down. I wasnt even thinking of PB ..I just want to finish.  I cross the line and pressed by stop watch.

Said hi to Azri who crossed the line 8 sec earlier and we walked to collect the finisher's medal. Azri joked with officials if we can collect the FM medal as 2 halfs will make one Full ( or Fool).

Saw John Heng who finished at 1:48. Collect my bags in the rain. Need someone to help me to get out of my tech top. Ask water from a friend named Chiew to top up my recovery drink.

Walked back and saw Kelvin Ng going back Kristal Suite and Kei Ming going to the 10km race.

Hot shower and hot milk tea later and a little updates on FB. Heard my mobile rang at 8ish and Lizza saithey are in Kayu Nasi Kandar Bkt Jambul. Thank God cause they can be anywhere in Penang and they chose a walking distance place,

Had breakfast and chitchat with the Bootcampers. Azlan (aka Broery) send me back to B Suite. Rested in room and went down to check out at 11am. Saw Jack  and Tommy again. Congrats Tommy for completing his FM in sub 5 hours.

Reached airport in 12 ish and had lunch in Mac D with Choi, Loke and Lawrence.

Chilled at transit from 130 and took flight home at 2:55pm.

My Race Analysis.

0-5.3km.       28: 36 --->    28:36
5.3-10.6km   26:56 --->     55:32
10.6-15.9km 27:20--->   1:22:53
15.9-21.2km 28:50--->   1:51:43

Really slowed down at the end....

10km split -   52: 06
15km split - 1:18:19
21.2km     - 1:51:43

When I did my 1st Penang Bridge half marathon , I complete it in 2:20. One my first anniversary run there, I did it in 1:51.

So, to borrow a tagline from Adidas...Impossible Is Nothing!

Melbourne Marathon 10.10.10

Introduction

I did my 1st marathon this year on 28 Feb 2010. Riding on the high on my 1st marathon, I booked my ticket to Melbourne in mid March even before the registration was opened.

I met a gym friend in the KL airport last year on the way to Singapore Marathon and he wore this St George Melbourne Marathon event T. He told me that it's a great event and that's how I became aware about it.

I signed up the race on the 1st day when it opened ie 1 June 2010. I just got back from Bali in the evening and signed up in the arrival hall of KLIA. That's how I got the bib number of 525.

Training

My 16 week training starts on the 20 June 2010 (Week1). I did the 7km Prostate Run in Hospital UKM. I was placed 15th in the MK Land Go Green Race the day before. That was my 1st podium finish.

To be honest, my training is all over the place because I registered for too many races.

Week 2- 27 June 2010 - Std Chd KL Half Marathon
Week 3- 4 July 2010- Interstate 42 K (not a race)
Week 4 -11 July 2010- Seremban Half Marathon
Week 5- 18 July 2010-  Siemens 10K
Week 6- 25 July 2010- Taiping Heritage 15K
Week 7- 31July &1 Aug 2010- Shape 12K Run and 5K Media Run (Placing no 5)
Week 8- 8 Aug 2010- Hatyai Nature Run 21K

Finally on week no 9, PM1 talked some sense into me and said I should concentrate on my LSD (20K) rather running irregular distances every weekend and not building up to anything.

I chose not to participate in the River Jungle Marathon (not a race) on 15 Aug 2010. Together with my training partner Sandy Roberts, we started our first 20K LSD with PM1 and the gang. Sandy tried to chase them and I tried to follow. These guys can reach Hartamas Petronas in 50ish minutes and back to Bukit Aman in usually less than that. I felt so defeated that day.

Week 10 training. (22.5K)I had the pleasure of having Lee Lee, Henry and Sandy with me. This time I pace myself nicely and even had a sprinting finish Sandy in the car park, Felt great.

Week 11. Break from LSD. Newton Pacemakers Relay

Week 12. I joined Bukit Jalil group and test out the Newton route. We did 22K on a hilly route.

Week 13. Extreme weekend in Taiping 10K + 21K + Hiking

Week 14. LSD 20K in Bukit Aman with Sandy and PM gang.

Week 15. Newton 25K in hilly condition. I managed 4 km warm up run after that. 29K was the furthest in training so far.

Week 16. Taper Sunday. I ran the double hill 12K with Sandy. We had a relaxing time.

Melbourne

Thursday 7 Oct 2010

Arrived in Melbourne 1230am. Meet Uncle Jimmy Liew from Kuantan who's doing the marathon too. Had supper at the MacDonalds airport. Next morning, buffet breakfast in the hotel again.

Collected my bib at the Race Office at 1230pm. It opened at noon. That's how eager I am.

Went to Federation Square and Harbour Town Factory Outlets. That's how Malaysian I am.

Rushed to the Royal Exhibition Hall (A UNESCO World Heritage before 5pm) and manage to get tickets to see the Titanic Artifacts Exhibition on Saturday noon.

Watched Mary Poppins the musical in the evening. A great way to end my first day.

Friday 8 Oct 2010

Pick up from my hotel at 730am for my Great Ocean Road tour. Transfer to a bigger coach in Federation Square. Met Sandy, Yap and Fiona. We are in the same tour. Yeah....

Great and fun day outdoors. We traveled 565km that day. Had a wonderful guide cum driver named Frank.

Got back to town at 8pm. Quick dinner at the legendary Mekong Vietnamese Restaurant (posters Samo Hung and other Hong Kong stars on the wall).  Followed by quick late Friday night shopping till we got chased out.

I saw the bright lights at MCG that night from my hotel room. It was the expo opening at 8pm.

Saturday 9 Oct 2010

Sandy met me in the hotel at 930am. I got up at 9am. I am so glad a had a full 10 hour sleep because I usually do not sleep well the night before.

I accompanied her to the race office to collect her bib as its 10 minute walk from my hotel. I wanted to see the race expo as well. Sandy ask me to take the 4 hour pacing strip.

We continue to the Melbourne Museum and eventually managed to get in together to see the Titanic Exhibition.

We had to walk back to the hotel after that as the tram lines are blocked by the Anti Abortion protesters in front of the Parliament house.

I dropped all show bags and expo shopping in the hotel and headed out to Lygon Street. Met Armin , Nawal, Rose and Nana at the tram interchange.

My late lunch in Lygon street is fettuccine vongole and chicken pizza. Followed by the most wonderful Italian gelato at Brunetti Cafe. Mamma Mia.

My dinner was the Marathon Special at my hotel. A choice of Fettuccine or Risotto. I took the risotto of course. I made sure that I asked for a 4 30 am wake up call.

Slept at 930pm. Woke up at 1145pm. Rolled on the bed till 1ish. Slept till my wake up call.

Sunday 10.10.10

I went down to have my break fast at 515am. The Mercure Melbourne starts the breakfast at 5 am on marathon day. Some 10 person was already,

Had the call from Sandy at 530 and hop into her cab. We arrived at the Hilton on Park at 535am.

Waited for the door to open at MCG. We had to drop our warm clothing in the basement before that.

We walked to the start line at 620 am wrapped in our bin bags, Had a last toilet call there as well.

We took some photos with BU Bootcampers..namely Armin, Nawal , Rose, Nana, Mizi and Arab. Then Sandy and I made our way to the 4 hour pacer area. We followed 2 guys named John and Robb.

We started off with a bang at 7am. And we followed our pacers at 5min 40sec min/km. A little fast for my liking but I managed.

After the 2nd drink station and into the Albert Park, they were behind us. SO now, we are faster that the 4hour pacer.

I stepped on the 10.05 km timing mat at 58min 20sec. I followed Sandy closely as she started chatting with a Scotsman, Welsh, English etc etc..I guess if u wear the Wales National Emblem,.it does help.

I overtook her after the Albert Park and ran to the St Kilda Shore front. I stepped on the 21,1km mat at 1 hr 53 min. I was about 6 min ahead of the 4 hour pace.

Then I started to think what I am going to write in my Facebook status. That kept me going.

I arrived at the 30km mark after I pass the Luna Park and into Fitzroy Road at 2hour 41min.  I was 9 mins ahead of the 4 hour pace.

After we left St Kilda's Road and into the underpass to Botanical Garden , I saw the 35km mark and the first CLIMB. I tell myself , it's only 7km..like my regular 5 laps in KLCC.

I took my last powergel (no 7) at km 38 and I felt like throwing up after that. I still had another spare with me, At 40km, another small climb and into the Flinders Street and Wellington Parade South . I pass all the house at Jolimont.

I saw a grand mom in green spartan T shirt ahead of me. I didn't try to overtake her. I carefully took out my camera and snapped a photo of the MCG as I entered the stadium where the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games are held.

I did pass the grand mom unintentionally and made a final sprint to the finishing gantry as I saw the clock was already 3 hr 50 min. I knew based on my nett time, I can hit sub 3:50. I finished with a 14km/h sprint...the fastest in the entire race.

I pressed my stop watch and saw the time was 3:49:35. I was overcome by emotions and I made my way into the tunnels and collected my bags. YKK- You are a sub 4 marathoner.

Sandy came back soon after and we took our wonderful photos together.

We sat at the seats and absorbed the wonderful atmosphere and waited for the rest to be back. I saw Nawal first, followed by Rose , Nana and Armin. All of us had a PB and congrats to Nana for completing her first marathon.

My Race Analysis.

0-10.05km  58min 20sec         -->  58min 20sec.  Average Speed 10.5km/h. Ending Speed 11.4km/h
10.05km-21.1km 54min 56sec -->  1hr 53min 15sec. Average Speed 10.75km/h. Ending Speed 10.4km/.h
21.1km- 30km. 47min 54 sec   -->  2hr 41min 09sec. Average Speed 10.81km/h . Ending Speed 10.1km/h
30km-42.2km. 1 hr 8min 23 sec--> 3hr 49min 32sec. Average Speed 10.35km/h. Ending Speed 14 km/h

Post Marathon

I rewarded myself with the Hair Spray musical at 3pm that day. The songs and the jokes were fantastic. Met Sandy, Nawal and Armin for a celebratory dinner at Hardware Lane.

I got to the airport before midnight and checked in for my flight home.

10.10.10 - A perfect day that I will always remember.

Fried Rice Paradise

In 1989, I bought a cassette called The Mad Chinaman..It has the best rap version of Rasa Sayang...

Yesterday I sat at the Esplanade listening to that song, I became that teenager again...

Me in my Box Seat

The Feel of the Stage before the show

The Story of Fried Rice Paradise is set in 1979 and Singapore in the midst of modernisation. In the race to create a world class city, old districts are being torn down. Rickson Goh is one such developer with big plans to run Jalan Calamansi into an entertainment area.

Its surviving residents ( many moved to brand new HDB like Ang Mo Kio) include Chow Kew Teng and his daughter Bee Lean, who runs a noodle shop on the ground floor of their crumbling shophouse home.

Together with the neighbours, Bee Lian struggles to save  her little street. Along the way, she encouters excitement, fear and love...

The actors in the musical include Taufik Batisah ( the 1st Singapore Idol) , Denise Tan (who played Bee Lian), Sebastian Tan, the legendary Rahimah Rahim etc...

For me, the star of the show is Denise Tan. Her duet with her 'father' Lim Yu-Beng was equally touching. They have voices suited for the stage.

Taufik Batisah only shines in his solo when Denise is falling in love with Sebastian. That song has the same feel and during the intro..I thought he was going to sing Me and Mrs Jones..the song that brought him to fame in the Singapore Idol.

Overall, it a heart warming show and I can never forget the line "Fried Rice Paradise, Nasi Goreng very nice..

If I must say, this show is better than the previous Dick Lee's  musical..Beauty World

Fried Rice Paradise

Newton Pacemakers Relay No 6 : Let's hear it for the girls

I have never participated in a relay (except in training). As they say it is more exciting than a individual race. The NPar6 relay was opened in few months back. I advertised in my FB and the first to respond was Geet Kandiah. We climbed Mount Kinabalu together in Apr this year and she was the first girl to reach the summit.

Geet on the way to Laban Rata in Mount Kinabalu

Then I called my friend Suki Tang and Eunice Toh  and they both agreed.

Taiping Heritage Run 2010

I know it will be competitive, so instead of fighting for position..let's me it a fun run. I told them not to worry about the position. Most teams are 3 boys and a girl...so we just need to beat any team with more than 1 guy ..that's all...

Since I am the Captain.. I can get to choose the team's name and with the support of Eunice, we named ourselves James Bond 007 so that they can be Bond girls..

Me and my previous Bond girls

Eventually Suki had to pull out and she got her fellow Bukit Jalil kaki..Britanny Lim to stand in for her..and Britanny pull in her good friend Yuen Hoong Chin..This is the pic of our first training in the Metropolitan Park on 15th Aug...

Hoong, Me, Zenon, Eunice and Jet

We have some supporters from Germany and Kepong too. Sorry, Geet was late trying to locate the Metropolitan Park and therefore not in the pix above. Thank God all us found it on the 15th Aug.

Owing to miscommunication with PM1, we practised the WRONG direction twice. On that day Hoong was the leader in completing the loop in 15:30, I was 15:40 . Eunice managed a 20min and Geet 22min.

Geet felt bad and wanted to pull out. I assured her that it all for fun and asked to stay on.

We had a second session on the 22nd Aug. In retrospect , our on site training really helped our actual day as we get to familiarise with the terrain.

Eunice did her 1st sub 20min then and Geet improved to 21min.

Race Day

Geet was the first to arrive at 615am. We met at my car and decided our running position ...Eunice shall be 1st runner, I will be the 2nd runner , Geet will be third and Hoong shall be anchor. We warmed up around the race site about 2 times, then we ran in the loop in the right direction...finally.. Total distance was 4.5km in 31:30min.

Ms Brittany Lim and her sifu Mr Tang also came to support us. We are very touched by their presence.

Eunice started and came back in her record time of 18min 20sec. Her PB definately. She was in the 18th position.

Taking Over from Eunice

I took over and speed ahead but kept telling myself to pace. I overtook a few in the beginning. Then after all the hills I was already burnt out but kept pushing.  I tried intervals by picking up alternate lamp posts. Lastly I saw runner no 12B ..he was the last person I wanted to overtake. I did.

After overtaking 12B..Storm Runners

Then I almost fizzled out and suddenly Bro Tey Eng Tiong shouted...He overtook me..

Being Overtook by Storm Runners 12B

It was the end of the blue track..So on the uphill climb to to finishing I emptied my fuel tank and eventually overtook him ...

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Passing the baton to Geet

Geet ran the race of her life and she back in sun 20min..19min 53sec to be exact. She was grateful to Brittany and Mr Tang for pacing her. Her heart rate has gone up to the sky.

Hoong  took over and came in a good time of 14: 40..We finished the race of 13.2 km in 67min 15sec.

This is our summary:-

Eunice Toh  18:20 --> 18:20 Position in Race = 18

KK Yum      14:22-->  32:42 Position in Race = 12

Geetha         19:53-->  52:35 Position in Race = 20

Hoong          14:40-->  67:15 Overall Position = 19

41 teams competed and we were at the TOP HALF at all times..We were racing with sub 3 hours marathoners and I am proud of my team members.. Like many things in life, we can't do it alone...

Hoong, Mr Tang, Britanny, Eunice, Geet and I