IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING

Familiar with that phrase?

What is it? . . . . . . . . . . something to do with Shoes? I bet the first word that come out of your mind is ADIDAS. And you are darn WRONG!

This is about two youths aged 22 & 19 from the Supported Living program for youths with learning disabilities under the umbrella of Dignity & Services (D&S).

For more info about D&S and the program, log on to http://dignityandservices.blogspot.com

Wai Keen & Qi Han have been attending the program for almost 3 years now while Effendi joined D&S as the program coordinator since early this year. When both of them were told that I'll be raising fund for D&S during the 2nd Putrajaya 12Hour International Walk, they both volunteer to take part in lending me the moral support. It is also part of their effort in giving back to the organisation. Effendi has been kind enough offering his time to keep both of them company by taking part as well tho' he has never been an athlete himself.

The society always perceived that persons with learning disabilities are a burden but they failed to understand that given the right guidance, opportunities couple with dedication, they can actually lead a normal life like any other people. Both had followed me and took part in some road races - Klava Relay, Pacemakers Network Track Meet, Kingston Charity Walk, Orange 11km run & JW Dignity Relay. Wai Keen also took part in the JW 21km Christmas Island Run in 2008. And they ran alongside ordinary people! (I have been a friend & volunteer of D&S since year 2002)

L-R : Wai Keen, Qi Han, Chanthiran (in Orange vest) and Effendi

So, when they were told about this 12Hour walk, without hesitation they both volunteer to be part of the event. They started training dilligently 2 months prior to race day.


They arrived at 7pm sharp at Putrajaya. I briefed them on the rules & regulations and off they go at 8.00pm sharp with the rest of the crowd of more than 650 walkers. As I have to complete a minimum of 45km in the fundraising challenge, I really have no time to waste & dare not even take a long break in the 1st half of the race.

I am truly proud with them. While many were quick to form a line for food, they both persevere & only stop when necessary for a quick bite or to rehydrate. Each time when I had the opportunity to pass them, I will asked if they are doing OK & how many laps they have done. Each time I received the same answer -

I'm OK

Don't worry, everything under control.

Its a small matter only.

26 laps..... not a problem lah . . . . .

Wow . . . . unbelievable. I didn't hear a single complain from them. By 6am I saw them at the baggage tent. Yeah . . . . . they are calling it a day. Mission accomplished! By now they are just too sleepy and needed their 'bed'.

So how do they performed?

Wai Keen - 28 Laps

Qi Han - 29 Laps

Effendi - 30 Laps

Qi Han will be leaving for Australia in late January 2010 to further his education while Wai Keen just completed his secondary education and taking on a new challenge in 2010.

Good Luck to both of you. I am confident that both of you will excel in your future undertakings and you will always have my support. Go forward & face the world with your head held high! I am proud of you both.

A Special dedication from Aunty Julie

PBIM 2009 RACE REPORT

Date : 22 November 2009

Venue : Queensbay Mall, Penang
Time : 2.30am
Result : 05:52:13 (Net Time) , 05:53:10 (Official Time)


OK . . . . this is a long long overdue report! Yeah, just plain lazy to write & excuses, excuses, excuses!


Finally the night before I decided to tie the ChampionChip onto my Saucony GRID IGNITION which will carry me through the 42km stretch. I woke up at 1am. Amelia & Agatha were awake & chatting away in the room. Freshen up & put on my Adidas vest.



Reached out the the SPIBelt which is still 'hot & spicy' from Choi the day before. Just in case it rain later in the morning, I slipped the mobile phone, some cash & ID card into a small plastic bag. And it will not be complete without the quick energy supply PowerGel which I bought from the PowerBar station a day earlier. I took 3 packets which should be sufficient if I start taking the first pack after the 12km mark. Tho' the organiser is providing spaghetti for breakfast, I'm not taking any chances.

1.30am - With a bottle of 500ml water and a REAL ENERGY BAR (a new found vegetarian full meal, an Autralian product) in hand, I make my way down to the lobby. Most of the runners already left. There were 4 runners from Ipoh who were at the lobby and so we walked together. Queensbay Mall is just 10 minutes walk so I took a slow walk and started chewing my breakfast. I had 2 packs to ensure it provides sufficient energy for my 1st 10km.

2.30am - BANG! The long journey began. I took it easy and ran my own race knowing very well I don't have to rush back since Amelia, Sonny & Agatha who ran the half had change the bus departure schedule to 2pm. Millions thanks, my dear friends!


Without any training at all, my only wish is to complete (hopefully) in 7hours without any injury. As I was approaching the bridge, bumped into Alice Chi & Eliza Ho from Singapore. Both overtook me but I still maintain the same pace of 7.5mins/km until I reached the bridge. Thats when I started to walk. A young chap gave me a smile and said, 'come on, you can do it. we've almost done 10k.' Really? I was walking but still feeling good.

Now, the mind has a big role to play - to keep me sane & keep going! Its a long long way down to the end . . . . . . At the 12km mark some Half Marathoners passing by so whenever I familiar figure pass by, I'll cheer them on. This is the beginning of my REAL race . . . . I found a formula to keep me going without thinking about the long lonely journey - Start writing my race report (mentally). And the row of lamp post became the marker. I ensure that I ran pass at least 2 poles before I walk and not to be too complacent, I will start running after passing 2 poles (the max).

While my mind keep writing the report thru the lens of my twin identical lakes, time passes really fast. I was already at the end of the bridge. I took my 1st pack PowerGel at KM12 & now I can feel a little tightness in my hamstring & of course my tummy came calling too. So, there goes the 2nd pack. I decided to walk to make that U-turn while enjoying the 2nd Gel.

Throughout the race, I sponged myself well & stop for a cup/bottle of water/isotonic drink at all the refreshment stations. Once I was on the bridge again, I keep focusing on the road and refused to look at the time. My target is to reach the 30km mark where marathoners will be given the PowerGel supply. Then I'll decide if I should up my tempo to beat the clock.

I thought I passed the 25km mark long time ago. Even after passing the Half Marathoners last check point, there wasn't any sign of the PowerBar station. By now, my morale is slowly heading downwards, my feet felt heavy & there wasn't any water station too! I only have one more PowerGel. Should I take it? Yes, I decided to take the last packet to avoid any muscle cramp and glad to have made that decision.

Finally I saw the PowerBar station & the signboard read 32KM! Took a bottle of water & lucky me they gave me 2 packs of the Gel. A quick check showed that I had closed to 90 minutes for the last 10km to the finish line for the qualifying time! Yes, I WILL MAKE IT BACK ON TIME!

I had ran the most difficult part of the race and nothing can stop me. After 3km down, I took another packet of Gel and started to run and walk and stay focus. As I was almost back to the bridge, Oh My God! Look at the sea of human on the bridge. Teared of the last pack of Gel, I quickly took the last few gulp of water for that 'make it or break it' finishing. Zig-zag through the fun runners when I heard a group of youngers shouting to their friends " . . . you can do it. Ten more minutes to go!' Upon hearing this, I dashed all the way. That was like the longest run ever.

The 100m 'Do or Die' dash
(Courtesy of http://runwitme.blogspot.com)


> > > > and the Elegant Cat Walk Finishing

See U next in 2010!

Come back for my post race report . . .

KL MASTERS CITY DAY RELAY 2010

Kuala Lumpur Masters (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Association of Veteran Athletes or KLAVA) is organising a City Day Relay with a Difference by combining the relay with charitable effort.

Organised in conjunction with the 36th years Kuala Lumpur City Day celebration and supported by FTAAA, KL Masters will be distributing wheelchairs to individuals/homes.

Date: 31 JANUARY 2010 (SUNDAY)

Venue: Bukit Jalil Sports Complex

Distance: 3km x 3

No of runners: 3 runners per team

Time: 7.00am

Reporting Time: 5.30am - 6.30am

Participation: STRICTLY for MALAYSIANS ONLY

Entry Fees:
RM10 per runner/RM30 per team (MEMBERS)
RM20 per runner/RM60 per team (NON-MEMBERS)

Award:
Top 3 Teams in each category (EXCEPT School Boys, School Girls & OKU) will receive -

CHAMPION - RM1,000
2nd PLACING - RM600
3rd PLACING - RM400

- Placement Medals for position 4th - 20th
- Participation Medals for all

Category:
1) School Girls (12 - 17 years old) (1.1.1998 to 31.12.1993)
2) School Boys (12 - 17 years old) (1.1.1998 to 31.12.1993)
3) Women Open ( Below 35 years old) (Born before 31.12.1975)
4) Women Open Masters (35 years & above) (Born after 1.1.1974)
5) Men Open (Below 35 years) (Born before 31.12.1975)
6) Men Junior Masters (35 - 44 years old) (Born 1.1.1974 to 31.12.1965)
7) Men Senior Masters (45 - 49 years old) (Born 1.1.1966 to 31.12.1950)
8) Men Masters Diamond (60 years & above) (Born 1.1.1949 and before)
9) Mixed Team (At least 0NE lady)
10) Special People (OKU)


Payment by Cash/cheque can be made to -
KL Association of Veteran Athletes

Banker -
Standar Chartered Bank

Account No -
312-1-4356985-4

Fax copy of bank-in slip to 03-8926 1953

For more information/registration, please call - Lt.(CD) Dr. Aloysius, President, Kuala Lumpur Masters @ 016 232 3069 or email to kualalumpurmasters@yahoo.com

P/S : Should you need any assistance in registration, please feel free to drop me a line at jwbiznet@hotmail.com or 016 228 4088 (Julie)

PUTRAJAYA NIGHT MARATHON 2010 - PREVIEW

The first Night Marathon in Malaysia is here!

Held in conjunction with the month long FT Day Celebration in the Federal Territories, we would like to present to you the inaugural Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010.

Supported by the Federal Territories and Urban Well Being Ministry, this marathon promises to be one of the most, if not the most exciting running event to be held in the country.

Being the first night marathon in the country, participants will be treated to a running environment like no other. We also have a few things in store for you en route.

Putrajaya Night Marathon Details -

Date: 6th Feb 2010
Venue: Putrajaya Palace of Justice
Time: 8 pm

To make the event even more festive there will also be an onsite carnival with games, performances by local acts and also food stalls.

We will be launching the event really soon, so look out for that!

Organised by World Action Sports Sdn. Bhd. together with 21st Century Sports Sdn. Bhd.

For more info, contact :

Email :- info@worldactionsports.net

Office:-
World Action Sports Sdn Bhd
Unit PL 01-A, Plaza Level
No. 45, Block A, Medan Setia 1
Plaza Damansara
Damansara Heights
Kuala Lumpur

LARIAN RAKYAT 2009 (SELANGOR)

LARIAN RAKYAT in conjunction with the

64th Birthday of DYMM Sultan Selangor

Date : 11 December 2009 (Friday)
Venue : I-City, Section 7, Shah Alam


For more info, click on this link

http://www.tourismselangor.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=46:todays-hightlight&id=294:larian-rakyat