A worthy comeback

9 months ago I was lamenting over the physical pain of my back that had gone crooked! 9 months ago I was coping with the psychic pain of not being able to run. Although I know I should give my body a chance to rest and shouldn't rush its healing process, it was tough.
After all the time, energy and miles invested to get into an optimum fitness level, it was difficult to just give up an activity which has been a large part of me for so many years. Then there is always the fear of losing my stamina and my sanity as quickly as I stop running. Therefore, in between times, I walked so that I don't fall into that lazy mode.
For an active person like me, my patience had surely been tried and tested...argh!! However, after 8 months of rest, it is equally important to know how to come back slowly. When I started, I trained with care...taking it slowly on flat roads, avoiding hills and ran the Hatyai Nature Run in August. I started participating in local races just about 2 weeks ago; the Chin Woo 5km Walk and Newton 25km Run where I ran the 12km distance.
As I wasn't quite ready for both events, I adjusted my expectations and took it easy in order not to get frustrated. I didn't get frustrated - instead, I was elated with my feat. I emerged Champion in both the said events, much to the surprise of many and my own!
Perhaps I was just lucky but my results were not bad at all. I managed 30mins for the 5km Walk and 68mins for Newton 12km Run where there were at least 3 to 4 hills to tackle. To be able to taste victory once more when I least expected it, feel just too good to be true.

Now I think the time taken off to rest has given me an opportunity to get to know my body and get it a chance to rest and heal. Perhaps, my body is also thanking me too.
The lesson? Rest is actually good for me. Yup, these 2 trophies had proven to me that the body has the capability to bounce back to form, if I allow her the rest she deserves. It will also serve as a reminder for me to race wisely from now on.

Days of running dangerously

When they said life is a cycle...it's a true, and there is a law to it - the law of cause and effect.
For the last 6 months I have been paying the price for my days of running dangerously. Now when I think of it, there were those times...
when I fell while racing near the plantation in Bukit Tunggal (Kampung Gajah) with blood dripping to the finishing line...I continue running.
when I hurt my knees at Lake Gardens many years back...I continue running.
when I slipped and injured my back at my office lobby...I continue running.
last year, I fell badly on the uneven pavement along Padang Merbuk...I rested for a week and continue running, and participated in many more races including two full marathons and two ultras (if you consider Maran Walk & 12 hour Walk).

I felt like a hero. A silly one.

The value of patience
Quite often, I thought the way to treat an injury is not to rest it too much, and so I always hope that whatever ails me will be something that I can work through. It doesn't work because I know I can not go against nature. Well, those 6 months had taught me the value of patience.
But then, long distance runners are patient people. We ran for hours to reach our destination - our goal. We trained for months for that one race. We know how to pace ourselves for the long haul. But many times, when our legs are sore and our bodies are begging for rest, we tend to go against it. For a runner, paying the price for not being able to run is even more painful than running a 84km!

Having learnt some lessons, I believe everyone deserve a second chance, including me.

Finding joy in walking and volunteering
It's been exactly 6 months since I gave my legs a break. Those 6 months were long but I managed to group up with "the walking kakis"...Jenny Lim, Jenny Lee, Lynn, Tip and ocassionally Siew Cheng for our Sunday walk.
Other times when there are running events and races, I joined in as a volunteer and tried to gain different experiences in various field of work eg. time keeper, marshal etc. Although I didn't participate in any local races this year, being a volunteer gave me an opportunity to stay connected with friends in the running community and be a part of the event or race itself.
I discovered that I can enjoy myself just as much.

New shoes to mark New beginning
Yesterday my legs decided that it's time for them to start running again. As a celebration of their comeback, John bought them a new pair of running shoes. I've chosen the Mizuno Wave Hawk.

Gathered at Bukit Aman carpark at 6am with running buddies. Wah Chai and Gary had hangovers from their dinner the night before and resorted to walking instead. So I was left to run with Peter Teoh, Tai, Kim, Uncle Yee and Ah Fai. I ran cautiously with them until the bridge before crossing to the government offices. They proceeded to Hartamas while I ran the reverse route back to Lake Gardens.

My first 10km attempt for the year. It was good enough for me. I believe my legs found comfort in their new pair of Mizuno too.

The 'right' road to Maran - Part 1

Sometimes we can be at the right place, on the right time and miracles happen. Other times we might find ourselves at the wrong place, at the wrong time and everything else seemed so wrong! Well, sometimes lucky and at times, not so.

KL - Maran Walk ( 5th – 7th April)
I believe it was the right time and not by chance when I made up my mind to walk this ritual walk from Batu Caves to Maran with my friends Julie, Amelia & Lim Pueh Tian. It was Julie who introduced us to this event which she has been participating for the last 4 years. She provided us with a detailed programme so as to equip us for the event.

The walk from Batu Caves to Maran covers 204km in 3 days. This event has been happening for the last 32 years and rather popular amongst the Hindus. And all these years I never knew that non Hindus are allowed to participate. The purpose of the walk is to celebrate the birthday of Lord Muruga. It is believed that devotees who make a pledge during this pilgrimage journey will receive blessings from Lord Muruga and have their wishes fulfilled. Many came to seek blessings.

Upon arrival at Batu Caves at 12 midnight, we were welcomed by some fellow “walkers” to join them. This year, there are more than 250 participants from all over Malaysia. As it was not a race, there were no specific rules. I was there to experience a different event and respect the Hindu culture and I decided to have fun and enjoy myself.

Day One : The Walker walketh
We loaded our bags onto the Police Truck and only carried with us some basic belongings eg. raincoat, torch, slipper and water bottle. After a light supper and prayer, the walk was flag-off at 3.15 am. I was informed that Day One is the toughest and longest and indeed it was.
After walking 30km or so, the first blister visited me. I managed to meet Julie at the stop near Genting Sempah and got some Vaseline from her. We then continued our journey to our next stop which was another 20km at Hutan Lipur Lintang. We stopped here to refresh ourselves and had lunch. Our meals were all vegetarian throughout the entire 3 days. Being a prescatarian, I have no problem with that at all. In fact, our Hindu friends seemed happy when they observed that we followed their culture – eating with our hands.
After lunch, we continued walking on the tar roads on the highway with the blazing sun right on top of our heads. In between, we had tea, fruits and jelly aplenty. The support was good : 2 Police trucks, 2 St. John’s Ambulance, 20 Rela members, a Midnight Express Van (to entertain us with Indian songs) and a host of dedicated volunteers escorting us throughout and at various spots.
About more than 10km before reaching our final pit-stop, the heavens suddenly opened up and poured. It was a heavy downpour and so sudden that I wasn’t given time to put on my rain coat. The winds were so strong that it almost blew my rain coat away! I ran and took shelter at a nearby stop. Here, I met Amelia and several other walkers. I was drenched! We waited for the rain to subside and then, 2 other guys asked Amelia and I to walk together with them to complete the walk of the day. By now, we had already walked 71km – what is another 10km? So I thought and I was so wrong! When you are so physically spent, the last 10km were nothing but an absolute torture and a never-ending journey (for me).

As it was still drizzling, my shoes were all soaked making my legs heavy and the walk became more and more unbearable. My blisters were hurting too. However, those 2 guys kept encouraging me, “We are actually getting closer already. The temple is just round the corner.” Well, round the corner was actually 2 km away and what seemed like eternity! It was like we were never going to reach there!
My, I was exhausted beyond words but kept motivating myself to be patient…it’s just a matter of time, I will arrive there eventually. When we finally arrived at the Mahamariamman Temple at Karak, we were greeted by Julie and Pueh Tian who had both hopped onto the police truck earlier.
Instead of waiting for dinner to be served at 8pm, we decided to eat at the mamak stall nearby. We had a quick bath in the open as bathrooms and toilets were really limited. Our sleeping area was in the temple hall where all slept on the cement floor with either a mat or sleeping bag (depending on which one you bring). With more than 100 ladies, we just had to squeeze ourselves into any space we could find and therefore, Amelia, Julie and I slept separately.
I had the least problem as I can sleep anywhere, anytime and not for long, I succumbed to fatique and slept the sleep of the just.
Today, I walked 81km and the distance is nothing to be so proud of. However, I am proud because I have learned PATIENCE all over again today. As I evaluated myself today, I knew that all the time, I was in a hurry…rushing from one place to another and most times, wanting to be the first to get there. Rushing to talk to people and sometimes, never really listening to them. Many times, I got frustrated especially being caught in a traffic jam or even while waiting for the lift. Yet today – I overcame the sun, the rain, the blister and walked all the way from Batu Caves to Karak. 81km is certainly no easy feat but it was patience and perseverance that got me thus far. If I have the patience to endure such long and hard journey, why can’t I be a little more patient in my everyday life? Why can’t I be a little more patient with people and circumstances?
After the pain is gone, I hope to live never forgetting what today has taught me.

“Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year’s time will be forgotten by us and by everybody. Instead we should devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings." - Andre Maurois

Day Two : The Seeker seeketh
Today was another much anticipated “long sunny day”. Temperatures forecasted to be even higher than yesterday.
I slept fairly well last night despite the noises around me. Anyhow, it is impossible to expect peace and quiet in a hall with 100 over ladies…ha!
My shoes are still wet from yesterday’s rain and I knew I made the biggest mistake for not bringing a spare with me.
We were treated with biscuits and hot tea for breakfast before the flag-off at 4.10 am. It was pitch dark. I switched on my torchlight and tried to stay close to a group. I decided to walk slowly and carefully and most of the morning, walking and talking with Julie. Along the way, we met the priest Samy (not his real name) and we walked some distances together with him. He became my inspiration today. Samy is 80 years old and has been walking for the last 32 years without fail! He puts many of us to shame. At his age, I’m amazed that his walking pace is very consistent. He explained to me that the road conditions those days were far worse than current. I also observed that he doesn’t eat much – only enough. Yup, over a meal I sat with him and he reminded that we don’t need to eat a lot – only enough to fill the stomach. And I agree with him.
My walk today was dreadful. My legs felt like lead, only heavier. The blazing sun was so unforgiving especially when you had to go through it for 12 hours in 36C with no breeze or shade (I did put on a cap, though). There was a long stretch of road – a desolate sector where trucks roar through the intersections and the only businesses for miles is a poor petrol station and it’s the only place we could go to ease ourselves.
With another 5km to the next temple stop, the Police caught a few of us and requested us to board the truck as we were behind time for lunch. On board the truck, I saw my friends Julie and Pueh Tian and Samy were there too. Ha! Ha!
Upon arrival at the Mahamariamamman Temple at Mentakab, I went to seek medical attention to treat my blisters which had increased from 2 to 4! I decided to give lunch a miss and rested instead.
The journey to the next temple stop was another 17-20km away. Along the road, some villagers were very kind, they offered us refreshments which they prepared from their heart. An elderly lady treated us ginger tea and some cakes which she made herself. Throughout this journey, I only saw kindness and generosity in the people whom I often discriminated and judged as unreliable. Oh God, I was so wrong!
The next pit stop was at Temerloh. My skin was terribly burnt while my fingers and feet were swollen and sore due to the stagnant blood flow. Furthermore, new blisters had developed adding it to six now, I decided to call it a day. After a short break, Samy told me that he would continue and asked me to catch up with him later. This really puts me to shame because I knew I was not going to walk any further today and I was too embarrassed to tell him that. My mind was determined while my body was protesting wildly.
Therefore, my mileage today was only 46km which is already more than a marathon distance. We set camp at Mahamariamamman Temple at Temerloh. This temple hall is extremely small and again all 100 over ladies had to cramp into whatever space we could find to sleep. Needless to say, we were all like packed sardines! Elsewhere, the guys were getting no better. In fact, their hall could not even accommodate them all. When we got news that the Organizers had decided to transfer 40 of them to a newer temple that is still under renovation, we asked if we could follow the guys. Fortunately, they obliged to our request, “Well, if you don’t mind putting up with 40 guys, you may join them.”
Without hesitation, we quickly moved and packed all our belongings and boarded onto the police truck to transfer there. It was raining again that evening but was glad that this temple is so much spacious compared to the one earlier. We found a spot and without wasting time, took our precious 40 winks!

Today I learned about GRATITUDE for I know what it really feels like to stay in a Refugee Camp. Today, I will appreciate and value the little things in life more than before. I count my blessings and remember to be grateful for whatever I am given.
Back home, I sometimes complained about dirty toilets and bathrooms, here we took our shower in the open.
Back home, once in a while I made fuss over a bed that has lost its bounce and softness, here we slept on cold and hard cement floor.
Back home, I sometimes got annoyed over stain cutlery, here we ate using our own hands.
Somewhere in this world, such are the everyday lives of the poor and the homeless and being able to experience just a small part of it has once again humbled me.
We actually spent so much on things we don't really need when they are people out there who are fighting poverty and hunger and have no idea when their next meal is coming from.
I began to see that everything has a wonder to it. The tiniest of flowers, the lowliest of creatures or perhaps, the faintest of a smile…they all have a purpose, they have a place in this world. It is up to us to discover their reason of being and be inspired by the wonder of it all.

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

Final Day (to be continued)

The walker strikes back!

For so long and now at last, we had a race walking event held last Sunday and perhaps the only one for the year!
Race walking has always been my pet event (perhaps it's because I started learning walking before I learned to run!). Unfortunately there aren't many walking races in Malaysia. Perhaps walking events here have not drawn as many participants as in running. Perhaps, the sport itself is too technical and takes time to train. In addition to this, the country also lacks quality coaches to train and guide us.

Race Walking
Ask any runner who has tried race walking and not continued with it, they will tell you that race walking is difficult. It is because it reflects the fact that the sport takes a much greater degree of sustained focus and concentration on tecnical details than running. Nevertheless, once the basic techniques are mastered, race walking can actually be an easier sport to progress within, because competitors avoid the injuries that plaque runners.

Coach Khoo Chong Beng
In my earlier days, I was rather privileged to have met Khoo Chong Beng and be coached by him. Mr. Khoo won his first Gold medal and broke the SEA Games 20km walk record in 1971. In the 1973 SEA Games, he won another Gold and upped the Games record again. In 1976, he represented Malaysia in the Montreal Olympics and a year later, he won his third Gold at the Asia Track and Field Championship in Seoul and also his fourth Gold in the SEA Games with another record. The same year he was honoured the Best Sportsman of the Year award by the Olympic Council of Malaysia. Now most of his time is spent participating as an official or judge at international race walking events.

Training under Mr Khoo was fun because :
He never pressured me - His motto is to have fun, relax, enjoy the walk and never forget to smile.
He never pushed or rushed me - His advice is always to walk with the right techniques and get into the rhythm. Once you achieved the rhythm, you will automatically walk faster. In fact, slower pace builds solid skills enabling a walker to walk faster later.
All these take effort, patience and passion.
Effort because unlike running, every part of our body need the correct co-ordination in order to 'get into the groove'...therefore, you get to use your body's untapped resources. It takes time to master.
Patience because you just can not rush. A simple mistake eg. a skip, knee bend or if the feet fail to touch the ground is considered as illegal and one can get disqualified half way through the walk or even at the finishing!
Passion is like anything else...when there is no passion, one will not be able to progress further.
Nowadays, I observed a number of novice walkers rushing the learning process which resulted illegal techniques and other inefficient habits. Such habits quickly became ingrained and difficult to unlearn later.

The Malaysian Insurance Institute Big Walk
When I arrived at Dataran Merdeka, I already observed Kelvin Chow and several other serious walkers doing their warm-ups. Kelvin in particular, was all set and ready as he was really very anxious to win. He had messaged me several times before the race day to enquire on John's previous timing etc. I advised him to stay calm and enjoy the race just as Mr Khoo would say to me.

At the starting line, I met many seasoned walkers namely; Shew Keng, Tong Lean, Teoh Tay Wah, Siew Cheng and Agnes. Kamala was missing. Anyway, I was behind all of them soon after the gun off. As usual, I needed time to obtain my rhythm and was glad that it did not take me too long to begin walking smoothly and swiftly. Soon, I was enjoying my walk...then slowly but surely, I overtook my friends one by one.

As I was approaching the Parliament, I met Melvin (from FRIM)..he was fast and furious that morning, so I decided to just pace with him. Ah! later, I sighted John at Padang Merbok traffic light, he was there to cheer me and signalled to me that Shew Keng was 50 metres behind me. As the finishing line was about 800 metres away - Melvin suggested that I should just charge ahead. I took his advice, left him and went ahead.
I reached the finishing line....1st!