When it started 4 years ago...

I was commenting on Jamie’s GCM’s post and it suddenly dawned on me that it’s been 4 years since I decided to take charge of my life by adopting a much healthier lifestyle.. I believe every run (no matter how big or far it is) has a story to tell. Those are/were the memorable (and not so memorable) ones that will stay with us for a long time to come.. something that we will cherish when we look back in the near future..

For myself, a quick flashback.

-        2009 July, I signed up for PBIM half marathon out of the blue.. Not many friends who runs.. No large running community like what we have now. I guess what triggered me was I have 2 small kids then (still small now lah), and I did not want to continue with my sedentary lifestyle.. and risk dying young !

-        2009 – hardly any training, and I suffered during PBIM 2009.. Blistered on both feet (stupid me, simply wear a capalang Fila sports shoe), cramp on both calves.. I cursed myself to death. Most memorable race : PBIM of course.

-        2010 – Well, a little bit more running.. once or twice a week.. mileage ? negligible.. I didn’t even track since I did not have a GPS watch then.. Did a few races, more of a recreational run. Most memorable race : ENR Cyberjaya – my first night race, and out of Penang !  Longest race : Malakoff Penang 26km

-        2011 – I entered my 40^th birthday.. I wanted to do something that will change the course of my life for the better, hopefully.. I signed up for more races, did more training (2-3 times a week), met so many wonderful friends (new and old alike) who into serious running. Facebook helped so much. I started running in many places and travelling too. Of course my better half start to complain J  Started buying and experimenting with different type of shoes (and running gears). Running is still the cheapest sports anyway ! Most memorable races : TTHR (obviously for my HM PB), PBIM (my virgin FM), SAFRA Bay’s Run (1^st run overseas – Singapore)

-        2012 – The plan is to run in fewer races (well, kids growing up, need my attention) but do quality ones. Target is do 2 FM (anything more is a bonus), and improve my timing. Main focus is still run safe, run injury-free.

Running in the rain - Jul 3'2011

Jul 2 (Sunday) – Had a real unusual run this morning from Youth Park to Clock Tower.. First, had a great run paced by Chris for the first 3.5km, averaging 5:15mins/km.. Then a numbness on my right shin and foot set in.. That’s the 2nd time it happened, first being the SCKLM.. Feels like a dead leg ! It was a walk-jog for a couple of km before it got better..

Then when running at City Bayview Hotel, a huge storm was formed, very strong swirling wind.. Could see the small twisters everywhere.. I took refuge at the 7-11 @ Penang Road where I got my 100 Plus.. Waited for about 8 mins before continuing my run.. Then the big one came.. It started to drizzle and poured when I was at Northam Hotel.. It was practically raining cats and dogs ! I had to hide at the hotel and wait out the rain.. Well, the rain did not seem like slowing down at all.. After around 10 mins, I saw a group of 3 runners running in the rain.. I decided to join in, at least I hv running partners versus running all along in the heavy rain.

We took the Jalan Kelawai route, nearest back to Youth Park of course.. By then, the pool of water has swelled on both sides of the road and we had to literally run into the pool and at times, avoid splashes of water from the passing cars ! Not only my body was soaked, my running shoes were too… Good thing I decided to run on my NB shoes this morning.. LOL !

Come to think of it.. Not a bad race. It was refreshing to run in the rain, this gives a new meaning to COOL RUNNING ! Although the wet-to-the-skin is a problem when trying to drive back as the car seat were soaking wet as well !! Timing wise.. I did 1:15 hrs for 13.01km with a 5:50 pace...

Key learning – 1) In future, during uncertain weather, wear poncho type rain coats ; 2) The right shin/foot problem – need some ice water treatment to relax the muscles.. According to Chris (a physio expert himself), this could be due to the new running technique and/or running shoes I was using.. Well, hope it gets better !

Up next – I need to draw up a marathon training plan as I am running way too few nowadays !! I need to hit at least 50km per week training vs now that looks like a 50km per month !!!

The start of Morning Runs aka Cool Running !

I started to run in the morning.. At least I don't have to rush back after work and worry where to keep my laptop and whether it's too late and getting dark.. Will see how it goes..
I wake up around 6.30am and then run for 2-3km either at USM Stadium or Taman Pekaka.. I used to run at USM but since it's illegal (only opened for USM staff and students), I hv to avoid being 'caught'.. Don't like the feelings, as though I do major violations.. So, I opted for Taman Pekaka..
The longest break allowed me to run in the morning the past 1.5 weeks.. Cool running indeed ! Love the cold air, the tranquility and the freedom to run on my own !
I also installed RunKeeper on my iPhone to track my run.. So I hv to run with my iPhone,, Get used to it already by now..

The Stadium in the morning

The Runkeeper apps that keeps track of my runs

My Jan 4th 2011 Run @ Taman Pekaka - 22 mins, 3.49KM, average speed 6:24 mins per KM

My Dec 27th 2010 Run @ USM - ~34 mins, 5.2KM, average speed 6:30 mins per KM