NB Klang Pacers Half Marathon 2009

It's been weeks...I caught the flu bug twice last month and recovered from it.

The weather is still bad. Extremely hot, humid and hazy. Last Sunday seen me on the road racing for the third time this year. The New Balance Klang Pacers Half Marathon is another running event organized by runners for runners. Having said that, one can expect a certain degree of quality in this race. Indeed, we were not disappointed at all.

This year the race organizers decided to introduce an entirely new race course instead of having it in Klang like in previous years. Setia Alam is a new township - a huge housing estate along NKVE, between Shah Alam and Klang. As the running route was within Setia Alam itself which is mainly residential and almost zero traffic, it made running safe and free.

The race started in front of the Setia Alam Welcome Center. I was quite impressed with this new venue. Ample parking space, clean and comfortable toilets and many mobile toilets too (extremely convenient for women..hehe!).
The morning air was stale and covered with haze. However, it didn't dampen the spirit of runners. The race course was challenging - typical Shah Alam route with numerous U-turns (which is never my cup of tea). Refreshment stations were adequate and power gels were handed out at 10km. There were no distance markers although ribbons were given at check points every 5km. Plenty of fruits and light refreshments were provided after the race where runners could eat and drink to their stomach's content while bonding with friends and fellow runners. Coupons were not required - something other race organizers need to consider.

I ran conservatively, passing a few ladies from the Women Open Category, and managed to just secure 7th placing in the Women Veteran Category within 1hr 55 mins. The designs of the medal and trophy are attractive too. After this, I am looking forward to run the next race end of this month - the SCKLIM.

Apart from a slight chaos before the race, the Klang Pacers did put up a great event with minimal flaws!

The 'right' road to Maran - Part 2

Day Three : My cup runneth over
Bangun! Bangun! (Wake up! Wake up!)…this was repeated over and over again like an old tape recorder by our dear priest Samy. As soon as he woke up, he started walking round the hall to ensure that everyone is awake. It was only 1 am. I meant to sleep in for another half hour but when I saw that Amelia was already up and getting ready, I got up. Samy was so persistent with his morning call “Bangun!” that I could even hear it while I was brushing my teeth outside!
At 2.30 am the police truck arrived to chauffeur us to Mahamariamman Temple at Temerloh to join the rest for Breakfast. While waiting for the flag-off at 4 am, the skies show signs of a shower coming. We decided to go into the temple to put on our raincoats and suddenly the heavy downpour! Later, I was informed that this (shower) seemed to be happening every year and it is considered as auspicious. Many just braved the rain and started with their journey but the officials advised us (about 50) to stay behind as the rain was getting heavy.
Since we only slept for 3 hours last night, we did not hesitate to continue our sleep on the cold floor in the temple hall. I chatted with some of the aunties there who offered me a space to squeeze in between them. Just as curious as they were about my presence there, I was also curious about theirs. They shared with me their purpose for participating in this walk which they have been walking for the past 10 years. Incredible!
At about 6 am, heavy rain was reduced to drizzle and we were all advised to start our journey for the day. The police truck then sent us to the first pit stop for some light refreshments and to join the group who started their walk earlier. So began my journey for day 3. It was still drizzling and the gloomy skies were certainly a welcome change after being burnt by the sun for the past two days. Having said that, the sun came out and started roasting us again! On arrival to the stop at Jengkak, it was only 10.40 am and we were told to rest and wait for lunch at 12 noon.
Based on Julie’s experience, she advised us not to wait but to continue walking and have lunch on our own later.
The final stretch was another grueling long section heading towards Maran. We followed the signboard which wrote ‘KUIL SRI MARATHANDAVAR 16km’ but wait, as we walked quite a distance further it said ‘Kuil Sri Marathandavar 17km’ Ah…16km or 17km? Anyway, never trust distance markers in Malaysia – they are often misleading and a waste of time if we depend on them too much. Julie, Pueh Tian and I took a short break at one of the stalls to have lunch while Amelia had walked way ahead and could not be stopped. Ahead of us was another 13km…On a normal day, 13km seem pretty easy for me. But presently, walking with 6 blisters on the heated tarmac road seemed quite a task. After coming so far, I thought I can overcome anything but not until I got to know that we need to walk barefooted for the last 4km. Ah..with my blisters???

Last 4km
Ha! Ha! It was another relief after having completed 13km. We joined all the devotees and assembled beside the river bank to walk the last 4km together, barefooted. Well, as observers, my friends and I have decided to part take the whole process with the others.
Everyone had to walk down the river to ‘cleanse’ ourselves from top to toe. (In the end, Samy suggested that we can also use mineral water..hehe! he is humorous!) As we walked forward, the priest blessed us by applying some white powder and a red little dot on our foreheads. Then, we formed a line with other devotees. Some aunties who were observing us were joyous to see that we followed this ritual. They offered me a place in the queue next to them but I told them I will stay behind the line to observe this time. After 20 minutes of prayer, we picked up one of the milk pot covered with a piece of yellow cloth that was placed on the ground and followed the group as they chant and marched to the main temple. Oh yes, we walked barefooted carrying the milk pot on our heads.

One of the St. John’s volunteers was very helpful, he dressed and plastered all my blisters so it lessened the pain. Thanks a million, Kwan!
Carrying the milk pot on the head was rather difficult as it was heavy. I placed it on my shoulders instead. As we drew nearer to Sri Marathandavar temple, one of the priests advised me to put the milk pot on my head. He explained that when the milk pot is placed on the head, you could feel the heaviness. You then transfer this heaviness (the heaviness of our burdens) to Lord Muruga. Another officer who was walking beside me said, “Today is an auspicious day for you. When you handover this milk pot to the priest, remember to make a wish.”
It was without a doubt, the people surrounding me were all willing to share their culture and beliefs and we need to respect that. I was made to see that everyone on this planet can actually live together in harmony if we make enough effort to treat each other as human beings by not looking at one another in contempt, and discriminate because of skin color, gender, race or rank.We finally arrived at our final destination…I sighted the majestic Sri Marathandavar Temple! There were already thousands of devotees gathered there to celebrate Pangguni Uthiram festival (a celebration for Murugan devotees) and almost similar to Thaipusam. Some devotees carrying the kavadis, some went into a trance, rolling on the floor, dancing etc.
There was a huge bazaar with more than a hundred traders selling all kinds of everything. It was indeed a very colorful carnival.
We walked around the temple 3 times before entering the sacred place. And when my turn came to hand over the milk pot to the priest to pour on Lord Muruga, I made a universal wish: that all of us will be blessed with good health and that man will learn to live in peace. After pouring out the milk, the priest handed the pot together with a coconut, banana, powder and some flower petals to me.

Sri Marathandavar Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple
Situated in Maran, Pahang this temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Malaysia. It is 121 years old today.
The legend goes that a large tree was marked for falling to make way for the KL – Kuantan road but as the blade of the axe struck it, the tree began to bleed. Lorries were overturned and one of the Tamil workers suddenly went into a trance and pleaded for the tree to be spared. When the authorities refused, they saw a figure of a child appearing on the tree trunk. The supervisor immediately changed his mind and then re-laid the road to avoid the tree. The place became sacred and the temple was constructed around the tree. Many who came to worship were bestowed with good fortune in their lives and they returned to the temple from time to time to offer thanksgiving to Lord Muruga.
After the ceremony, I went searching for my bags at the tent outside the temple and was surprised to discover a big mess! Hundreds of bags were scattered all over and I wondered if it’s ever possible to find mine?! Well, took me awhile but eventually I managed to locate my bags. Then I realized that my shoes and slippers were missing and still in the police truck. I went searching for the truck which was parked some distance away from the temple. I was absolutely worn-out this time especially walking around barefooted until these words suddenly came to mind and struck me: I complained I have no shoes until I saw a man without his feet!
Gratitude, haven’t I just learn?
Next, when I got to know that there weren’t any place to shower, I decided to go home with Amelia. I hastily made arrangements with the St. John’s team after learning that they were also leaving for KL that night. Mohan and Suresh from St. John’s are some of the nicest people I met here. They drove us back.
By now, my legs were screaming of fatique, my blisters were shouting in agony and my whole body began to sore and ache due to the excessive sunburn, otherwise I would have stayed back. When we were leaving Maran, it began to rain and later, I was told that the whole place was flooded. I slept all the way from Maran to KL.

As ravaged as my body feels, the overall experience is just too extraordinary to lose sight of. Now still recovering from all the aches, sunburn and record-breaking blisters, I did not regret making my foot-steps from KL to Maran.
Will I do it again? When the time comes and there are still lessons to be learned, I will.

Indeed, sometimes we can be at the right time, right place and miracles happen.
For me, the lessons I learned throughout this entire journey itself is a miracle!

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)

Heatstroke

Most days I do pretty well with the weather, whatever it brings. In fact, at times I enjoy the extremes - frigid cold and broiling heat. Kinda weird..after all, as a runner I guess I have to make peace with the outdoors. Last Saturday was another matter.

I followed John and his Hyper Gila Cycling Team to Putrajaya for a change. While waiting for them to complete their 3 hour cycling routine, I decided to run around Putrajaya for as long as I could. Tony suggested that I should just enjoy myself and try jogging around the huge lake to check where it leads to and I did that.
By the time I finished, it was about 11.30am - the sun was intense but I was still okay. Or so I thought. I chatted with some guys who arrived earlier and learned that Michelle got crash and landed in Putrajaya Hospital. The whole team was with her. Later when John arrived, I was perspiring profusely and wondering why? It was cold sweat but I did not feel unwell.

Just as I was going to change into dry clothes, the world suddenly turned grey and the scene in front of me became vaque and then vanished. Panicked, I almost collapsed and called John who was nearby. He advised me to squat down. I obeyed and until I felt better, I got up. When I began to walk, everything that I could see quickly became blur again, as if I was being covered by a large white cloud. I squat down once more - this time slightly longer. When I felt better, we headed straight home. I looked at myself in the mirror and was quite shock to see how pale I've turned..seriously, I thought I saw my own corpse!!

I swear that this has never happened to me during my entire running life. In the end, I concluded that it was a heatstroke that occurs when the body's thermoregulatory system shuts down from excessive heat buildup or excessive dehydration. In my case, it could also be my raging hormones where I lost a lot of blood via a 10day heavy menstruation. I recovered by resting and doing nothing. I tried hydrating myself with fluids throughout the day.

Well, it's just another chapter in 'Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah' (Today in history) for me! A good reminder for me to seize the day and enjoy everyday - Carpe Diem!

Triple Ten !

The climate determine my health or so I believe. The past 10 days was difficult to cope. The weather was hot and hazy with not a drop of rain for more than a week. And I had been hit by a bout of migraine almost every other day. If that wasn't bad enough - my eyes got itchy and inflammed followed by a return of running nose last Sunday. I guess it may be due to the accumulation of medication. I don't know. But on Thursday, the long heavy downpour actually helped clear the haze. Perhaps it's psychological but I felt so much better now.

Adidas King Of The Road 22.7 km
Many races took place this morning : Hatyai Nature Run, Penang Malakoff 26km, Ekideen Relay at Putrajaya, Avon Walk and Adidas KOTR Shah Alam. Looking at the crowd in Shah Alam this morning, I believe this race received very good response. John and I had chosen to run here because it's 22.7km and the race course is more challenging. Met Adam at the race site and he reminded me that '2 young lady runners' will be targetting on me! I felt honoured but at the same time, pressured. With that in mind, I was determined to do well.

Being a slow starter of any race - I was overtaken by all my fellow runners : KK Onn, Carmen, Ngae and a host of others. Later, I found myself pacing with a lady from Ipoh. We were trying to outpace each other for awhile. This made running quite strenuous for me, and for her too, I guess. It was until the 1st Sponging Station that I met KK Onn and he advised me to increase my speed and break away from this lady. In fact, he helped me and eventually, I managed to break away - what a relief!

After that, I decided to maintain my pace and slowly I overtook Yaziz, Carmen, Tomatoman, Khoo Yit Kiat and a few others. But the race course was really like a roller-coaster with neverending uphills and numerous roundabouts (about 10, if I'm not mistaken)! There were no distance markers except the last 500m. Therefore, you just keep running, turning and attacking the hills without the slightest idea of how much you've covered! Initially it was rather fun but then later, it was tiring and torturing.

An unfortunate thing happened to me at the 2nd Water Station after a sip of 100 Plus - my body suddenly broke down, exhausted. I felt like I just lost all my energy and succumbed to fatique. This is not my first experience with 100 Plus in a competiton. I always try to avoid 100 Plus but in this case, I had no choice as no plain water was available and I was beginning to dehydrate. I slowed down and as expected Carmen passed me followed by Dr Raymond and Khoo Yit Kiat. Whatever it was - I told myself to hang on and must not allow the '2 young lady runners' to overtake me. I stayed focus and in my heart, I sang an updated of my own version of 'My Favourite Things' which I borrowed from Julie Andrews Sound Of Music. Hey, it uplifted my spirit so that my legs could still carry me slightly faster and further.

Towards the last 200 metres, both Tomatoman and KK Onn did their last sprint and overtook me. My performance of 1hr 58mins was somewhat below par but I did the best I could.

Upon finishing, I was surprised that I got 10th placing! Then John further surprised me when he announced that he got 10th placing too!
It was a happy day for me and I don't know why. The weather was very kind this morning with little sunlight and cool breeze throughout. After the prize presentation, both John and I sat outside Secret Recipe at Shah Alam enjoying a cuppa with the wind still blowing on our side.


10th August : 10th Position Men Veteran (John) - 10th Position Women Veteran (WMun)