KL MASTERS CITY DAY RELAY - PART 1

Date : 31 January 2010
Venue : Stadium MSN, Gate C, Bukit Jalil
Time : 7.00am
Event : 3 x 3km Relay

courtesy of http://runwitme.blogspot.com




More report coming soon . . . .

KLAVA 2ND BACK2NATURE RELAY 2009

Date : 29th November 2009
Venue : Metropolitan Batu, Taman Mastiara, Off Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Distance : 3.39km x 3 Runners
Time : 7.30am

After being in the organising team for the past 2 years, I got the chance now to participate as a runner. Instead of running under the event title (as I am a Life member) I am running under the Pacemakers Network team, an upcoming young group of runners who have established themselves in the running fraternity.

At 6.15am I headed towards the Pandan Jaya LRT station. Met up with Kelvin (PM2) who is also my team mate. Traffic was smooth and we reached Taman Metropolitan Batu in 20minutes. After putting on my shoes, I walked to the starting line to collect our running bibs. Took some pictures and met up with many other runners.

Its my 3rd race for the week and I'm taking it easy. Was told that almost 90 teams participating in this race. I will not make any comment and leave it to others to judge. Overall, I enjoy the run and chatting away with others as I seldom had the opportunity to do so when I was part of the organising team.

Michelle Looi, Raymond, Yours truly & Kelvin (PM2)

THE RESULTS

Men Open Category

Der Pacemakers Network Live2Pia : (6th)

16:25 > 16:25 -Wong Kei Ming, Pm55

16:27 > 32:52 - Chin Teck Sin, Pm18

15:33 > 47:25 - Liew Chen Kwok

Mixed Team Category

Der Pacemakers Network Mr.K : (2nd)

13:32 > 13:32 - Khoo Yit Kiat, Pm28

14:14 > 27:46 - Raymond Ng, Pm48

17:40 > 45:26 - Michelle Looi

Der Pacemakers Network All Star : (3rd)

14:35 > 14:35 - Ronnie See, Pm1
15:24 > 30:00 - Stanley Cheong, Pm53

18:20 > 48:21 - Lavin Saty

Der Pacemakers Network G.I. Jue : (12th)

17:56 > 17:56 - Teh Seong Yee

17:43 > 34:39 - Kelvin Ng, Pm2

24:57 > 59:36 - Julie Wong

Group photo after the race

Sometimes it feels good to just able to let my hair down and enjoy myself. Looking forward to my next race - the 2nd Putrajaya International 12 Hour Walk of which I have committed myself to walk a minimum of 45km to raise fund for Dignity & Services, a non-profit organisation for people with learning disabilities.

Thanks to Kei Ming who helped to register for this event, Ronnie (PM1) for forming the team, Kelvin (PM2) & Teh Seong Yee who were willing to 'accept' a makan angin runner as their running mate.

SOS! AUTISM CENTRE CLOSING DOWN - 14 JUN 2009

Dear friends,

I am publishing the article below and hope that you could help to spread the news and make a difference in someone's life. No help is too small to bring a smile onto another face.

Both my sons are suffering from acute form of autism, and they have been going to this centre for the past few months. This centre was funded by a businessman via charity donation. Hence it has been offered as free service to those parents who cannot afford the full commercial service. I am one of those parent who need Early Intervention Program and cannot afford it.

The centre was headed by a very experience teacher in autism management and intervention. He is a retiree and if he left this job I don't think he will be actively working for the good of autistic kids again. I want to secure his service and take over the operation of the centre. I have the business experience and also autism management experience to turn this around.

We are not going to provide a free for all kind of services, but will be very affordable. We will have a trust fund setup to help those who cannot afford to pay for the service. Time is running out, 14 June 2009 is the deadline for the centre to cease operation.

Why am I here asking for help? I have no other way to go and seeking the help from whoever I can get my hand on to. We need the following: -

1. Premise - prefer a corner lot house with some garden area where we can setup sand and water therapy area.

2. Musical - Since autistic kids are very artistic and musically inclined, I want to setup some musical class to explore their potential. Any good working Piano or Electronic piano are needed. Can Yamaha donate some? Anyone who know someone in Yamaha?

3. Art - Art supply for painting and others

4. Renovation - Can some good soul help to pay for the renovation and furnishing of the centre?

5. Telecommunication - Telephone, Fax and Internet access

6. Funding - We need at least one year of funding before we can be self funded. I will work out the requirement once we have more people come into play and willing to help

7. Teaching material - I have plenty in my house becasue both my sons are autistic and I have invested over the years.Anyone can help me to published all the above? I have 2 weeks to put thing together before they closed it down. 20 kids will be affected if the centre is closed down without giving them an alternative to go.

Regards

Shiok Guy

http://shiokguy.blogspot.com

BETWEEN LIVELIHOOD AND A MEGA ROAD?

After my last posting on the Jacob Walk (which was a 'copy & paste' work to be exact), I hardly have time to blog or even train for my coming maiden full marathon on 28 June 2009.

Almost every other day, I received calls from residents of Jinjang Selatan Tambahan wanting to know about their fate. Since I took up this case into my file in late 2008, I have made countless trips to this housing lot which was a former TOL (Temporary Occupancy Licence) land. The residents were invited to stay there by the then Selangor government in replacement of their land/house in Kg Malaysia, Batu Caves 40 years ago. Currently there are 525 plot sitting on this lot known as Lot 9714 Jinjang Selatan Tambahan.

Look deep into her eyes . . . . . . . . . . . the despair, sadness, frustration and . . . . I really don't know. But this sorry sight truly touched my heart to see so much sorrow on that wrinkle face not knowing where her future lies . . . . . . Is this really necessary? Is this how she should be treated after toiling the land - a former deserted muddy mining land with her own bare hands together with her husband and young children 40 years ago. Walked miles away and carry sands to bury the muddy plot for months. Then with the little earning of less than RM100, they bought bit and pieces of wood and more sands to build their homes.

11 May 2009 - More than 300 police personnels, enforcement personnels from DBKL and technicians from TNB intimitated and forced 17 houses to vacant their home at 8.30am when most of the young people were at work or school.

I received a call at 9.00am from a resident. Quickly switched off my computer, grabbed my tiny back-pack, camera phone and a note pad- and jumped into a taxi. Arrived at the scene within 30 mimutes. I was shocked to see so many enforcers intimidating and targeting 2 particular houses at the edge of the housing area whereby one is a senior citizen and another a young mother were at home with a few months old baby.

A young mother looking helplessly as TNB technicians happily taking order from DBKL to cut off her power supply

The presence of police and FRU to intimate 17 families

As time past, more villagers came forward to lend moral support and watched helplessly



DBKL enforcement officers on standby





TNB's technicians moving in to cut power supply of the 2 houses

The meter was removed


TNB team on standby

DBKL truck - ever ready to load and empty the houses and awaiting instruction from their boss - the Datuk Bandar

Few of the villagers and committee members of the residents association were at sight negotiating with the Chief Enforcement Officer not to demolish the houses as to allow them to contact the relevant authorities to get confirmation.

I called on the Human Rights Committees of the Bar Council to be on standby. Meanwhile few of the villagers and myself rushed to DBKL Head Office in Jalan Raja Laut trying to lobby for extention and seeking a dialogue session to end this predicament.

After waiting for hours at the Datuk Bandar's office where we were told that Datuk Saravanan (Deputy Minister of FT) and Datuk Bandar were deliberating on their issues. We were made to wait for 2 hours. And the final outcome - 3 Days extention!

Absolutely ABSURD! I was furious! WHAT? 3 days to get out with no clear direction? This is total violation on Human Rights!

After receiving a call from the Datuk Bandar's office, TNB's technicians restored the power supply to the 2 houses.

Is it really necessary to intimidate few innocent, naive and harmless villagers with such huge entourage of enforcers? Yes, this scene is not new to me as I have seen cases worst than this whereby villagers where beaten and being hospitalised in ICU (intensive care unit). However, the residents in this residential area hardly see more than 2 policemen patrolling their area and what took place that day had traumatised a handful of the elderly of late that they are having sleepless night ever since then.

This is not my first case but I have taken special interest to ensure that the villagers are being taken care and compensated accordingly.

I will keep lobbying for support from every sector and bring this matter to national level. It is sad that some unscrupulous individuals / developers have disregards for the wellbeing of other human kind. They did not hesitate to adopt dirty tactic to throw the weak and poor out in the name of development and to further enrich their bank account. It is more sickening when the higher authority who supposed to take care of the welfare and livelihood of those under their governance also conspires with these crooks.

32nd KL-MARAN MARATHON (204KM)

The Walk, The Story & The Lesson

After a light meal and a short prayer, the participants/devotees started the walk shortly after 3am. This year there were almost 300 participants of all ages from as young as 10 years to 80 years old. Joined by Pueh Tian, Wai Mun and Amelia - the 4 chinese souls among the Hindu devotees headed towards Karak Highway.

The 1st days is the hardest and toughest. We have to complete 80km and the fisrt 30km to the tunnel near Genting Sempah is THE killer stretch. It really test one's patience, endurance and perseverance. I have been taking part in this yearly pilgrimage walk for Lord Muruga for the past 4 years. Yeah . . . one might be wondering why am I doing this - and I am not a HIndu.

This journey taught me to be humble, more appreciative and to love. It taught me how to look at life from different perspective, to be more attentive and more passionate about life and all other living things. Of how I should face every adversity with humility.

Walking down that long winding stretch provide me the time that I don't have in the daily busy routine to reflect on my life. Of how I have complain about everything tiny little things when in actual fact I am so bless. That how I have make excuses not to spend time with people who care about me and how I have been so prejudice about others when I am not Perfect!

Sharing the hall with hundreds at night and trying to get some rest after a long day remind me of the thousands (if not millions) living in refugee camps. People who are deprive of their very basic needs; Who have no rights to choose or decide; Whose very life are being dictated by few who claim to be the rightful ruler/governor when all of us are Equal in the eye of God.

When I left primary school, my favourite class teacher, Puan Fatimah wrote a short note in my little book - ' .... the road ahead is long and winding, take this and you will never regret'.

Yes, Cikgu. You are right. I shall continue this journey for as long as I can but a little wiser.

For I shall continue this journey for as long as I am able.

KL CITY DAY 10KM RUN 2009

Date : 22 February 2009
Venue : Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Time : 7.30am
Result : 85' 56

Please come back for more update

LARIAN MESRA RAKYAT DUN CHEMPAKA - Part 2

8 February 2009 - Organised by the State Assembly (ADUN) office for Chempaka constituency, this run is just the appetiser for their PR program in getting to know the people at grassroot level. Being a first timer without a clue about running, the organising team put up their best effort to ensure that the run took off as plan despite the many glitches from the local authorities. Really salute the young organising team.

Many runners just pay the entry fee, show up on race day and complete the run with many not knowing the tedious process of organising a run no matter how small and simple. I doubt if any runner ever walked up to the organising team to say a word of thank you in appreciation for their hard work and enthusiasm.

But most runners will unashamedly and openly criticised the organiser(s) for not meeting up to their expectation. I truly regretted and ashamed of what took place just before the start of the Larian Mesra Rakyat Dun Chempaka when a handful of our local runners (who claimed to be the few top local roadrunners) intimidated the organiser to bar the particiaption of a few foreign runners at the very last minute. Being new and inexperienced (as they were pre-registered by me), the organiser approached me discreetly asking for my understanding to relay the message to them. Not wanting to create an ugly scene, I approached the three foreign runners (Adrian Groom, Nicholas Merica and Javier).

I was ashamed by the conduct and narrow-mindedness of our local runners but glad that all three showed exemplary sportsmanship in accepting the (last minute) news. Perhaps it is high time organisers stop offering cash incentives for top seeding runners. I promise that all the events under my banner will never bow down to this threat and will not discriminate any people irrespective of color, race, nationality, beliefs, stature or physical appearance.

For all my running mates and friends, please keep up the good sportsmanship spirit in you!

Thank you to the organising team of the Larian Mesra Rakyat Dun Chempaka for putting up that brave front and may you excel in your next assignment.

GE30K : A Race & Tribute To A Friend

The Great Eastern 30K race on 18 January 2009 at Tapak A, Lake Garden was my 1st race for 2009. It took me more than a month to decide and only signed up on the very last day. I wasn't really sure if I could actually complete the run as this run is known as one of the toughest with endless hill slopes. Without any preparation and training, the task is even tougher!


Finally that dreaded day arrived. Kei Ming fetched me at 5.20am heading towards Lake Garden. Arrived at the children playground carpark at 5.40am. Say hello to Ronnie See, Chen and a few others then quickly change into my Adidas Supernove Glide W (which I picked up barely less than a week under the Adidas Shoes Seeding Program). Thanks to Mr. Krishnan of Adidas who helped me with the selection. I truly needed a pair of shoes with good cushioning to take me thru that treacherous route.


Knowing well that I'll be slow, I decided to leave my bag at the baggage counter instead of keeping it in Kei Ming's car. There were a sea of runners and the place was dimly lit. Along the way I met many familiar faces and we exchange greetings. I was searching for the baggage tent which was at the far end. Then there was a short announcement that the race will be delayed due to technical error. After taking 2 cups of water, I head towards the mobile toilet to ease myself before the run start. While waiting in line suddenly the sound of the air horn was heard and I saw runners taking off! I was grateful that the lady runner at the front who was running the 20K allowed me to use the toilet first. By the time I came out, the 20K runners were at the starting line.


I was in a daze not knowing which way to go as the earlier crowd had disappeared in the dark. Then I saw Lionel sitting at the side. Walked up to him and asked him for the direction and hurriedly trying to catch up. About 200m infront I saw runners slowing down as that was the first uphill slope to tackle and I quickly catched up with the rest.


The 1st 10km was on target at 70mins. If I can keep my pace consistently, I should be able to complete the race under 4 hours. But after the 15km mark, the route became tougher and tougher to tackle the many hill slopes. The sun has risen and the heat is up! When I saw the 20km runners taking the U-turn, I was almost at the verge of giving up and just do the 20km! I desperately trying to find something to keep me motivated as the route ahead will be much tougher to tackle!


On Friday (15 January 2009), Raymond Chew, a good friend whom I got to know for barely 2 years succumbed to his long battle against stomach cancer and was called to the Almighty. For that short period, I had the opportunity to run with him on many road races and we also went hiking in Cheras hill. However, early last year his condition deteriorated and he began to isolate himself from us. He had always inspired me while we ran the same race. Giving me that little push whenever I slowed down and I actually had improved over time.



We pay our last respect to him the night before. That was the 1st time we saw him after more than 6 months he went into isolation. We were stunt and beyond words. He truly suffered while battling with life. We can only pray and ask God to take care of him from then on.


With that, I dedicated the last 15km of that race to him. That afternoon was his last ride on this universe. May you find peace in the arm of God.


The last 15km, the stiffness began to set in both my legs. I was almost dragging myself all the way uphill under the blazing sun. After the 22km marker, my knee was in pain with each step I took. I was already at walking pace all the way back. I walked up to the medical aid on standby for some cream to reduce the aches but was told that there was none. Luckily I carried a small Reflexball with me and stopped at the road side for a quick massage. Then a few kilometres away, I tried my luck again but received the same fate - no more medical aids!

After the 25km mark, I was almost crawling. With a stiff leg, painful knee joints and blazing sun without any sight of the water station, I was walking in dissolution!

Thank God! The last water station at the 28km. I quickly grab 2 cups and washed it down my throat. And now, another 2km to go . . . . . Finally, I made it back to the finishing line in 4hrs 29mins 52sec! Thank you God for taking me through the journey!


Next will be the 204km KL-Maran Marathon in early April.

ADIDAS RUNNING SHOES SEEDING PROGRAM Q1 2009

Good news for runners who blog or having their own webpage

Adidas had once again brought in more highly innovative running shoes to be given away FREE to runners to wear-test them & to post in their blog a frank & unprejudiced opinion about the shoes after 30 days of usage.

One of the shoe taht is included in this program is adiZero Adois that Haile Gebrselassie used at the 2008 Berlin Marathon setting a world record in the Marathon at 2hr 03mins 58secs.

The sizes are limited and I have then in UK 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 & 10.5. Those wishing to possess these shoes will have to comply with the following terms & condition :

1) Come to the adidas office to fit the shoes

2) Undertake to post a comment in their blog

a. about the Technical features of the performance of the shoes after 30 days of usage

b. about the performance of the shoes after 30 days of the usage

3) Must be a blogger or has his/her own website

This offer expires on 15th January 2009 & the shoes will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis. The program this year is only open to those who had NOT participated or missed out in this program previously.

If you are interested pls call to make appointment as appended below

Office address:

adidas Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Block B, Level 4, Plaza Damansara

45, Media Setia 1

Bukit Damansara

Kuala Lumpur

Tel office : 03 - 20804843

Mobile No : 012 - 3503668

E-Mail : krishnan.karuppan@adidas.com

Best Regards

Krishnan Karuppan

Head of Running

adidas Malaysia

RELAY WITHOUT BARRIER (RWB) 2008 - More Reporting

Organised By : 3R Circle

Powered by : Julie Wong

Director : Tan Choon Siang

Surveyor : Eddy Choo

Logistics : Peter Goh & R. Aplaidoo @ Naido

Venue : Taman Bukit Kiara

Date : 23 November 2008

Time : 7.30am

Type : 3 runners per team

Distant : 4km

This relay was the last event for 2008 and we decided to do a small one due to our hectic work schedule especially myself. I've been very involved in community work with the urban poor. But due to demand from our loyal followers, we decided to have a small event of not more than 30 teams for easy management as it involved a lot of planning and paper work on my part. TIME is what i DON'T have!

And so I emailed to a handful of the runners on my listing informing them three weeks prior to the race. It supposed to be on a first come first serve registration for maximum 30 teams. But, as expected, it always exceeded our target. I do not wish to let them down as this will be the last for 2008.

This relay, we had a few new comer who joined us for the first time. Mr. Inoue with his teams and students from the International Japanese School and another young team Sam Goh Noobs from Klang.

I am satisfied with the result and glad that majority enjoyed the run despite the simplicity. I hope to take this relay run to greater height next year.

I would like to express my appreciation to all runners who have been following the relays since late 2007. Thank you for your continuous support and look forward to see all of you in 2009! Thanks to all my partners Tan Choon Siang, Eddy Choo, Peter Goh, Naido and all volunteers namely Saliah, Philip Lim, Lim Yoke Foon, Haza, Steven See, Sunny and many others.

Also my appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Khoo Chong Beng of Champion Chips lending us the time chips. We hope this will set a new benchmark in our running industry.

I will not write long reporting but would let others judge our performance.

Team Sam Goh Noobs - a new comer to the event wrote:

It was a small yet challenging race. The 3.9km loop made me feel like it was a 10km run. There wasn't too many participants, around 80 people. However, it was a very successful relay run. And this run is very 'canggih' (hi-tech) also ........ The organiser included some electronis chips on the baton to record time. Phewww whit ...

read more at http://ti3nd.blogspot.com/search/label/running

Team Pacemakers Network #1 - a loyal follower

i was looking forward to today's relay for so long bcoz this is 1 of der best relay of der year! it was well organised, no confusions, this year was der 1st time they used timing chips binded with batons to record der timing. i would say it was fantastics! well done for 3R Circle ........

read more at http://wongkeiming.blogspot.com/2008/11/relay-without-barrier-suffering-race.html

Haza - first time volunteer

Wow, for a race this small scale they were using the timing chips system, thanks to Mr. Khoo Chong Beng of Malaysian Race Walkers Association who lent the system. According to him this is the first time that chips were used in a relay!

................ it was a simple event but carried out with details ....

read more at http://runningmom-haza.blogspot.com/2008/11/relay-without-barrier.html

All photoa courtesy of pmtey.multiply.com

Mr. Khoo and his team setting up the Champion Chip System

Tying the chips onto the batons

The New Comer - Int'l Japanese School

Attending briefing..... every team must "take care' of this green card which act as a back up to the time chip and also as a way to get runners in the team to be proactive while waiting for their team mate to complete the race

this is the reason this park is a favorite with the locals and runners. . . . . hope the local authority will take good care of this park and sustain the greens

The Running Mom - first time volunteer with her two young faithful bodyguard . .

Mr. Khoo . . . . eeemmm I hope she didn't 'elope' with my Champion Chip

aHA!!! there she is . . paced by her partner. Yee Mey, the first time participant. Its OK, Mr Khoo. I just went for a short date with Mr. Champion Chip up the hill. It's really COOooool . . .

The FINAL Touch Down to signify the end of the relay to the standing ovation. Amazing that she managed to complete despite the extra miles as I told her that she only had to run 2km a week ago while trying to convince her . . . oooppps forgot to tell her my maths is actually very lousy . . hahahaaaaaaaa

Group photo

The Medal



Everyone went home a winner! Position medals for all who complete the race!!! Except poor ME with the timer hanging on my neck till the next RACE!!!


THANK YOU AND SEE U ALL NEXT YEAR!!!!!

RWB 2008 - RUNNERS IN ACTION

Runners in ACTION!

A well mixed of runners from Japan, Cuba and Malaysia. A run that truly live up to its name - RELAY WITHOUT BARRIER. . . . . . .

Multi-national . . . Multi-racial . . . Multi-ethnic . . . . Multi-cultural . . . . Multi-religion . . . .

. . . . . . and AGE if definitely not an OBSTACLE to be the Fastest among all

MEN OPEN CATEGORY

Spirit - The Champion

Der Pacemakers Lightning - 1st Runner up

Der Pacemakers Network #1 - 2nd Runner up

Klang Pacer Team A - 4th Placing

Michael Power - 5th Placing

Wirajaya - 6th Placing

Sam Goh Noobs - 7th Placing

Keong Clan - 8th Placing

Der Pacemakers Network #2 - 9th Placing

The Slow Movers - 10th Placing

The Ethan Yap Project - 11th Placing

Derek Runners - 12th Placing

Trio Latino - 13th placing

Ben Runners - 14th Placing

WOMEN OPEN CATEGORY

Klang Pacer Team B - The Champion

Charlie Angels - 1st Runner up

Princess - 2nd Runner up

MEN JUNIOR VETERAN CATEGORY

Bob's - The Champion

Klang Pacer Team C - 1st Runner up

Veteran Pace - 2nd Runner up

Reno Gang - 4th Placing

Cool Runners 2 - 5th Placing

TanChooTan - 6th Placing

Bangi Runners - 7th Placing

Rimau Runners - 8th Placing

Villa Trio - 9th Placing

MIXED TEAM CATEGORY

Cheetah - The Champion

Der Pacemakers Network TTDI - 1st Runner up

On Time - 2nd Runner up

Farmida - 4th Placing

SGS - 5th Placing

Unicorn - 6th Placing

Saffron - 7th Placing