Great Eastern Pacesetters 20/30km Race 21 Jan 2007

Photo courtesy of KC

I enjoyed the race last week. Though as I crossed the line, I asked myself why do I do this to myself each time - challenge myself to do this when I am not fit?

And always the answers comes back that it is most enjoyable to feel fit - running keeps me excited to being healthy and alive!

(We decided to sign up for KLIM half marathon even whilst resting after the race... barely 10 minutes after I felt almost ready to fall over the finishing line)

New Beginnings
The GE 20km race was my first race of the year. I knew I could finish the race, but I did not have confidence it would be in good timing due to long period of lack of regular exercise and running.

The last run I did was the previous Sunday - KLCC park for 8 rounds, making it 10.4km - I enjoyed that due to the camaraderie of the new running SIG we had formed in the company providing a mixture of people and different running levels to go with.

New Company
This time for the GE 20km race, it was not just myself as I did last year, whilst Kell Jay ran the 30km. Due to similar reasons of level of fitness, Kell Jay ran the 20km together with us, the others being debutants to 20km - Kok Meng and Joyce. We all ran our own race, and it was a good debut for both of them.

New Strategy
Due to my own concerns of my fitness level, I took a new strategy to this run - I took a more balanced meal before the race, and actually ate TWO bananas in addition to a good dose of coffee and a light breakfast. My concern was actually the withdrawal of energy which I had felt in some of the races, the most memorable one was the KLIM 2006 when the "feeling faint" spells happened almost at the end especially when I pushed myself and suddenly slowed down.

New Resolution
How did I do? Not good, it was way off the mark I first set in my first GE race last year. The flaw was my own fitness level, and the lack of practice also nearly paid the price when I felt the "fainting spell" almost in the last 2 km when I slowed down in the flatter stretch, after I pushed the entire downhill stretch of the coming back route.

My new resolution for the year was to resumed practice for the next race - KLIM 2007 - and my calendar for this year will be all the longer races and a handful of 10km races.

A few areas to improve upon, is obvious - going back to the gym regularly 3 times a week, running a few 10kms in practice regularly at least oncce a week, losing some weight and improving my fitness level.

See you at the next race.

Would you hire a marathon runner?

I would always hire a marathon runner to work for me.

After so many years in the rat race, I am at a position to hire people to work for me. I admit, as an amateur runner, I have a great respect for those in the real race, those who dare to challenge the 42km. You cannot walk a marathon. Anyone who dares to attempt the marathon has the spirit and discipline to take on a challenge, and the perseverence to achieve this goal. The same precise reason I will always respect the distance - I guess it is still my goal to one day conquer it. But this does not preclude the fact that I would always hire a marathon runner. I respect all of you out there, for your determination and discipline to go for the distance and come in with respectful timing. Nothing defines your spirit more.

New Beginnings

The new year brings new beginnings - please welcome a new parallel blog which is economical on words but explores my passion in photography. Photos in all Forms allows me to share with all my creative side and at the same time maintain my sanity in this fast moving world. Photos captures life in still form, and yet it is life which is depicted in these forms of expressions.

On another track, I have set forth my first target for the year, and it is not related to work, it is competing in the two main races of the year - the GE20km and the KLIM half marathon. I am realistic in my efforts - there is no way in my insane state of burnt out syndrome can I attempt the marathon. Come race with me! For entry forms please see Pacesetters website.