Mannerism of running at big events

Running has become a fashion, rather than passion.
Being a runner for more than 15 years, I learn to respect individuals for sharing the same route as me, just because...anything can happen on the race day. You can't expect first class treatment just because you have paid for the race. In fact, there are many things you can do as a runner.

1. Proper hydration- If you drink properly, you never need to use the washroom aka portable loo. I ran many races but it was only during my first full marathon I stopped at KM32 for the loo. Still I believe that I could have planned my hydration strategy better that I didn't need to stop even for full marathon. In the end, I don't have to worry about long queue to use the washroom.
The trick is, know your body well, drink adequately to replace lost fluid, don't over hydrate.

2. Proper start- Know your running speed. If you are relatively fast, start ahead; otherwise, start at the middle or back of the pack. Starting at the wrong point can be dangerous, stampede is the last thing you want.

3. Behave yourself- I hate couples who hold hands and walk during a race. I also saw people who stop suddenly during a run...just to take a selfie. These are the reasons why I seldom join runs below 20km unless it's really cheap and I am in good form to outrun the general crowd.

4. Give signals- Just like driving, you keep to the left of the road to give way to the faster runners unless it very crowded. If you want to stop to tie your shoe lace, please signal before you move to the left of the road and signal to stop. This is very important when the runners around you are running at similar pace.

5. Drink station- Normally the first table will be cramped with thirsty runners, I would suggest to stop at the further tables, quickly choose a cup, move away and drink.

In a nutshell, Malaysians have improved (according to my observation). Good job and happy running.

Cycling and I

First picture with my first roadbike, Porsche

After my first full marathon in Oct 2013, I wanted to give up on running because I completed my "Grand Slam" for having to earn at least a medal in all the distance competed in the Olympics (My birthday wish when I was 12). I didn't run for weeks due to lack of motivation. 

One day I decided to go for a leisure ride, then I started to ride faster and eventually went on sprinting like a raging bull. Suddenly the sound of wind reminded me that I was once a good long sprinter, adventure seeker. 

My body is not in good shape since that bad ankle sprint followed by a series of flu and cough, cycling has sort of help to regain my confidence. Now I feel great again, thank to cycling.

Bandit

Before I start, I have to mention this.
In Malaysia, illegal motorbike racers aka Mat Rempit are seldom caught for racing. I observed and applied this to myself.

One pleasant Saturday, I was home alone and I craved for KFC. I enjoyed the chicken while browsing the internet and watching the Asian Games. I came across a post---2XU Compression Run, 21 September 2014 at Lake Garden. Inspired by the spirit of Mat Rempit, I decided to join the run, without registration of course. I need to prepare myself for a big race in October.

I woke up as early as 3.45am. Due to last minute decision, I did not prepare my breakfast therefore I had to run without empty stomach. I parked my car at Padang Merbok as Lake Garden was over crowded. I walked into the check in point like a boss. The race crew must be too tired to spot me. *grin* One more thing I needed to avoid, to be seen by friends, it did not happen, I met a few.

The starting lane was narrow so I ran really slow, not to step on other's feet and it was still dark. I warmed up after 2km but then suddenly...my stomach started to grumble.

I had chicken last night. Where's the chicken now? 

I broke the golden rule of pre-running---never eat too much the evening before and start with an empty stomach. Now the chicken wanted to come out and I started to curse myself (silently of course) until, until...

TADAA!

My life saviour at the water station!

For your information, you would normally see a few of this in a 21km run but thank goodness there were plenty this time. There were 2 at the water station, male and female. There was a long queue for the gents--->once again proven my theory that men $h!+ more than women. I didn't have to wait so i went into the ladies' box. The "box" was well-equiped with toilet paper and water. The entire operation was smooth, took less time than expected.

This is exactly how I felt at that moment

Unloaded, rejuvenated. I continued my run smoothly until...the legendary Bukit Tunku appeared before me. KM5-KM16 was entirely surrounding Bukit Tunku. Finally, a hill to die for.

I met a few friends along the way. They were so focused in their run. When I was on downhill after the U-turn, I heard familiar voice. A good friend who happened to run without a bib.

We ran the last 4km together. He was very noisy although the organiser put notice to remind runners not to make excessive noise. He's such a motivator and we finished together.

I continued one more lap at the Lake Garden to log 25km for that day. My right ankle responded to the distance quite well. I hope I am ready for my big race.
_____________________________________________

I talked about this incident at the speech contest.
Come~on, I know 70% of the audience, they also know me. Let's be Jing Yi, the surprisingly naughty rather than Jing Yi, the want to impress. I was pretty happy.

Mentoring

I always like to talk about mentoring in Toastmasters.

To succeed, you need 10% theory, 10% mentoring and 80% hardwork.

Without theory, you can still ask a mentor.

Without hardwork, you can still be a "no body".

But having the knowledge and zeal to pursue yet without proper guidance, you can easily steer off the course.

I am glad that I am always surrounded by wonderful people.

DNS

I hate it.

DNS means quitter, even with the most solid reason, I still see myself as a loser.

This is my pain killer. It keeps me sane.

I will take it this time.
I won't miss it again.

I promise.

Root . Embrace

Hanfu Camp 30/8-1/9/14

Only because my computer can't type Chinese words that I wrote this post in English. It has been ages since I wrote that many Chinese words in 3 days. The venue is just perfecto, if only if the organiser learnt to coordinate better and be more well-mannered, I won't give that many comments.

I took very few pictures. This picture was taken on the last day at the Sky Terrace of Chin Swee Temple.

3 Favourite things:
- The cool weather and clean air
- The beautiful and majestic temple
- Adding more volume to my bucket of water

3 Not so happy things:
- Brainwash-orientated lecture
- People clueless about the Chinese civilisation
- MSG overloaded meals

3 First time experience:
- Drive to Genting Highland
- Can't recognise my own name in the certificate. Come~on la
- "Han-style" Archery...I know I have some talent with this

365 days later...

This is the day. Perhaps this is the better choice.

It was my thought when I reported to work here.
I know I am not that kind of typical "GenY" who changes job very often. It was a choice, to start after one year of exile.

My first job was a marketing job although I asked for an engineering position. It seemed like the interviewer (who was also the lady boss) thought I have the potential to become one of the best CPO traders in Malaysia. I proved myself in doing marketing, ending my probation in 6 weeks, instead of 6 months. My boss (who I called "Tan Sri") also like to bring me to places. It was a good exposure for me, meeting important people, business and alcohol, I knew it's going to end soon.

My second job was a design job. Once again I proved my capability of being an engineer by training, securing contracts worth close to one million in just 3 months. I really like to see my capability being measured by money. Office politic was another thing. Perhaps having some "permanent fixtures" in the office is equal to petting chaos. Just when I thought I was going to settle down for at least a couple of years, someone from there called.

It took me 4 months from that call to the day.

Now it's still in my thought.

This is the day. Perhaps this is the better choice.