Standard Chartered KL International Marathon - 27 June

People may think I'm crazy, but that's what I did. I just came back from Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and there were no proper training for the past 2 weeks after SP Setia Run.

But I still took part in the half marathon Category as I dont want to miss out the event. Running 21km without proper training was risky, but with my mental power and proper pacing, amde me to finish the race.

As I reached the place, it was drizzling. That was good sign that the weather wont be humid. In addition, the route was changed as the organisers also changed.

When the race started, I went slow and didn't force myself. when we were at KL Central, Khoo Yit Kiat overtook me, then Fauzan. But, I dint bother. As the race went to Jln Loke Yew, I saw Wern Tien, and he was struggling. He told me that he had no stamina and asked me to move on.

After that was entirely new route, which was Jln Cheras till going into Jalan Bkt Bintang. At KLCC, I saw Ryan Teoh was walking because of tiredness in Marathon. That was mid point for him.

I continued the race by increasing my pace because the marathon group broke from us. There were cheers along KLCC and Jalan Tun razak which increased my momentum.

As we reached Jalan TAR, I knew it was the final 1 km. Thus I incresaed my pace and went all out till the finishing lane. My timing was 1:45.29.

That was my worst KL half marathon timing, but I dint regret as I did it without proper training.

I realise that the marathon race route was also changed this year. It went thorugh my housing area at Jalan Ipoh. Perhaps, with adequate training next year, I will come back to marathon and do it below 4hours.

What I like abt this year race

1. Adequate water station at every 2km.
2. Adequate officials at every turning point
3. Smooth number collection
4. Creative medal design

What Can be Improved

1. Separate water station for 42km and 21km at finishing lane
2. more goddies as we are paying RM50 and ju getting a piece of banana, milk packet and power bar
3. to give power gel ad mid point of race
4. to give free massage for marathon runners and not to charge RM20
5. bag collection to be separated as per category of the race.
6. 21km to be staretd at 6am rather than 6.15am.

Singapore's 2nd Casino

The $US5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands, the world's No.2 most expensive casino after MGM Mirage's CityCenter in Las Vegas, opens in Singapore.

The opening includes the casino and 963 out of 2560 hotel rooms, a portion of the shopping mall,
some restaurants, an exhibition centre and the events plaza

It is breathtakingly grand !
It is eye-popping!

It' s heart-stirringly grand !
It is an awesome testimony to what hard work, discipline, purpose and focus can do... to transform a mosquito-infested swampland from about 150 years ago, into a plush and
swanky showcase for the entire world today !!

World Cup Fever is ON

Finally it's here after 4 years. 1st time in African soil. I was watching the opening ceremony yesterday. It was as if the whole continent was organising it.

About 70,000 people, a sea of green and gold, South Africa’s national team colours, listened to songs from the six African nations in the tournament – South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Algeria – and Grammy award winner R. Kelly’s anthem Sign of a Victory.

South African President Jacob Zuma declared the tournament open and FIFA President Sepp Blatter hailed it as the African cup.

“The FIFA World Cup is in Africa! The FIFA World Cup is in South Africa!” Blatter said .

A giant dung beetle rolled a ball across the arena as Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu danced in the stands and 1,500 performers jived to African music.

Upon that opening match started between host South Africa and Mexico. It was fantastic match as everyone gave all out for the match. The set piece, tactics and teamwork was superb.

When the host was leading 1-0, I thought it's going to be their game but later was equalled by Mexicans.

But the highlight for the day was Shakira's dance.

Road to IAFG 2010 - 12 June

I was at Kg Pandan to do my usual workout. Some how this weak became hectic again, as I only trained on Monday and Rested other 4 days.

Thus, I was at Kg. Pandan to do 1000M, 800M and 600M. As I was warming up, I saw KPMG team there. I wonder what were they doing with such big team (50 of them). Then I realise, they were there for football and netball selections.

Training in front of them added impact on me as I could show whats my strength and weakness. But I didn't bother. I just continued training and when I'm suppose to do my last 600M, I felt like vomiting, thus, i just packed up and went back.

Will be going for long run at my campus tomorrow.

SP Setia Eco Run - 5 June'10

I ran 21km in 2009 bt only took up 4.5km this year as I didnt wanted to disturb my pace for upcoming IAFG games.

I targeted to finish within top 5 as the prizes were not that attractive, which I tought professional runners wont take part. But all my expectation went to smoke when I saw juniors of Arulthevar there. But it's alright, life goes on.

The race started and as usual, everyone ran as if there's fire. Slowly, one by one backed out and I increased my pace. I managed to gent into top 10 at 500M itself. Th rout was flat except for one flyover. The weather was cooling as it was about to rain.

While im running, I saw Kei Ming was going fast at beginning, but as usual slowdown after a km. I overtook him and just followed the pace of 2 other runners in front of me. However, their gas also finished after 2km.

This made me to run alone for the next half of the race as the front pack just vanished. When I dade the final turn, I saw Arulthevar leading the 10km category and he was just picking up his pace. He just increased his speed as if he was running 100M. Then only I realise that Im reaching the finishing lane.

Once I saw the SP mSetia builsing, I knew Im just 500M away from the finishing lane. Just pushed myself and managed to finish at 7th placing. Timing was 21:26. Satisfied with the run.

Nex task is for KL Marathon where Im taking part in 21km.

New Faces In the Cabinet

Finnaly our Prime Minister shuffled the cabinet after long speculations. Funny part is, MCA President, Dr.Chua Soi Leck is not in the team but his son is.

Our incoming MIC President, G.Palanivel finally got his shot into the cabinet after being left out in Hulu Selangor election.

Sacked PPP member, T.Murugiah is still in the cabinet and another PPP member got a shot into the team who is Maglin Dennis D'Cruz.

Let's see how effective they can be for the next 2 years and their capability on serving the rakyat.

Miri Convention

Finnaly, I had a short break from my work to go for holidays.

This was the final convention as District 51 will be separated from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia. Thus, it was memorable and a touching moments for us.

The Miri City was quiet and no trafic jams noted. I think apart from Klang Valley, nowhere else got trafic jam. It was similar to Kuching, except for the sea horse.

Though it was a rushing trip, but alleast I made myself to be relaxed. The convention took place at Imperial Hotel, but I stayed at Kingswood Hotel (cheaper and just opposite Imperial). Furthermore, it's room for 2 people but we stayed 4 of us. Hehehe.

There were night clubs as I heard that Miri is for partiying. Though the convention had hicups, overall they made it a good job as 1st timer.

Next will be KL in Oct 29 till 31. really looking foward for it.

Do you know GAS?

It's not Petronas or Shell gas. It's atually Gerakan Anti Samy Vellu (GAS). This will be launched on 30th May. It all happened immediately upon sacking of MIC member namely V.Mugilan, KP Samy and G.Kumar Aamaan.

These people told MIC President to step down immediately rather than waiting till Sept'2010. Of course, party will be better without "Uncle Sam". Thus, to show his power, he sacked all this people.

Uncle Sam's son Vel Parri alleged that UMNO is also involved in kicking Samy out of the party. However, former Deputy President, Dato Subra supports all 3 sacked people.

Thus Sunday, they have planned for campaign/protest for GAS.

Looks like MIC is going into drain.Even Kamalanathan won because of Malay votes as Indians and Chinese didnt vote for him. It's better for Samy n Palani to go of soon and give ways to new faces.

Ekiden Relay - May 16

My first experience taking part in this tournament. Though it's a relay, we dont use baton but a riben. Despite my demotivating work schedule, I still manage to steal some time for my training after the bomba run.

Moreover, our main runners Thurei and Amutha pulled out in last moment which made us to replace with Jeya and Thiba from Klang Pacers whom are just regaining their fitness.

I was third runner. The bus which bring us to the starting point screwed up by going around. Luckily manage to go to the place before the race starts. When I started warming up, the time was already 8.25am. It was hot and felt like running in oven. Should have started early.

As I saw Naresh was passing by at the 1st placing, then goes 2nd, 3rd. I was just waiting for Suresh as he is strugling with his knee injury. Finally he came fighting with 8th placing. The 7th placing was just infront of me. I just overtook that runner and went on. I couldnt see anyone in front of me and behind me. The road was moderate with slight hill and flat mostly. Of course running under the hot sun was killing.

While I was running, I saw a flyover turning to right and I thought that would slow down my run. When I was attempting it, I heard the official voices and people clapping. Then I realise I was reaching the finishing line as after the flyover.

I just pushed myself toill the finishing line and passed the riben to Jeya. Afetr taking some rest, walked to the central point ro collect medal and realised that my team was placed 9th. I didnt bother about the placing. Something made me happy was the medal which looked like crystal.

I just wonder that my pace is slowing down and only way to overcome it is by joining the team/group training so that I will regain my full fitness.

Hope I can do better at SP Setia Run.

Malaysia TAK BOLEH!!!!!!!!!!!!

After witnesing yesterday's performance by our players, looks like I need to wait another 20 years to see our country lifting the cup.

Our players just couldnt match the Chienese players' speed and pace. This is semifinals of a "World cup", and that was how our Malaysians perfomed.

The stadium was jam pack yesterday. I could merely see any Chinese supporters. Everyone were just cheering for Malaysia.

After the loss, I just wonder:
- Are we lacking of STRONG junior players that we still need players like Wong Choon Han.

- Are our coaches crap? We have Misbun, Rashid, Hendrawan, Rexy, Kim Her, Rosman Razak, Pang Chee Chang, Cheah Son Kit, Yap Kim Hock and the list of coaches goes on.

- If China can produce quality juniors like Chen Jin and Chen Long, Denmark with Jan Orgensen and Joachim Pearson, Japan with Tago and Shasaki, How abt Malaysia.

- Being host can never be an anvantage anymore with the humiliation yesterday.

After seeing yesterday's match, I just said Malaysia TAK BOLEH.