ATTENTION

2009 calendar updated!!!


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Monday, July 13, 2009

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009



EVENT: Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 (28.6.2009)
VENUE: Start/finish at Dataran Merdeka
ATTENDEES: Along, Angah, Alang, Izzat, Fairul and the Bernama gang

WHEN the going gets tough, the tough get going. To all the runners who completed the marathon, especially the sub-8 and sub-9 hours, I salute you! Here is my story:

KILOMETER 0 - 13: Ran at my most comfortable pace. It rained 10 minutes before the flagoff at 5am and continued for about 20 minutes. Paced with a hood wearing female runner until the 12km mark.

KILOMETER 13 - 17.5: Started a conversation with Ironman Shazly. Topics include his involvement in the X-terra event, his long layoff from the active life and how the marathon is to kickstart his preparation for next year's Ironman. Good luck to you Shazly.

KILOMETER 17.5 - 27.5: Last water station at 17.5km mark before the other stations did the disappearing act. Volunteers manning the station at 20km mark said: "next station got water!" Near the Petronas Twin Towers, saw a woman holding a cardboard sign with the words "Nice shorts!" Funny thing is, her shorts are equally cute. So I said to her: "Is this sign meant for me or you?" "Of course it's for you," she said before laughing. Moments later, started a conversation with a young female runner named Haszaliza. Doing her maiden marathon, she was as disappointed as me when the water station at 22.5km mark ran out too. She suggested we buy drinks from the nearby 7-11. When I told her I did't bring any money, she said she'll buy me the drink. Thanks a lot Liza! The 100+ drink you bought me lasted until the 32km mark. Later saw the same woman with the cardboard sign at the 25km mark, and she was smiling as I approached her, so this time I said to her: "I
should be showing you the sign instead" and we both laughed.

KILOMETER 27.5 - 35: where's the water? Also began to feel onset of cramps, so did stretching by the roadside. At the 31km mark, I picked up a water bottle with some water in it and gulped it down. Moments later, I realized my action shocked a group of female secondary students across the road. They couldn't believe I would actually drink from a bottle I picked up from the ground. Desperate times call for desperate measures! Later near VI (my former school), Shazly's friend, Azmar, riding a bicycle, was kind enough to offer me and two other runners some water he bought for Shazly. Thanks a lot Azmar, really appriciate it! When I reached the 35km mark, I had passed six waterless water stations.

KILOMETER 35 - 42.195: The water station at the 35km mark is the only one where I managed a drink right up to the end. I was practically the LAST runner to drink at the station as it was already six hours - the time limit for the marathon - and the traffic police were ordering the volunteers and the DBKL lorry to pack up and clear the road! The police then ordered us runners to move to the left of the road as it is now officially opened to the traffic. Had difficulty crossing the road to Jalan Mahameru as motorists just refused to slow down. Picked up a lot of half empty water bottles along the way, which helped to prevent dehydration. At the 38km mark, saw Ironman Juliana approaching and giving encouragement to us runners. Introduced myself and told her I read her blog. Also congratulate her on her Ironman exploits. She was on her way to accompany Shazly to the finish line. Passed by my primary school, Batu Road School (BRS) at the 39.5km mark. Patted
the 41km signboard as a sign that I was about to complete the marathon. The last kilometer was really crowded with people doing their shopping at the busy Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. When I saw the clock tower at Dataran Merdeka, I thanked The Almighty for giving me the strength to complete the race. Saw my family and friends waiting at the finish line and crossed it in a time of seven and a half hours. Later waited for Shazly to cross the finish line and had some photo shoots before leaving for home.

By the way, I was three kilograms lighter after the race. So if you want to lose weight, go run a marathon!

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

New Balance 15km Run 2009



DATE: 17 May 2009
EVENT: New Balance 15km Run 2009
VENUE: Tapak A, Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Alang, Halil, Fairul, Izzat, Chan and Fuzahir

MY tummy suffered like mad and almost erupted like a volcano after this race. The cocktail of cendol (3 bowls), milk with cereal (1 bowl), chilled milo (3 cups) and yakult (5 cups) turned my tummy inside out and made me scramble to the toilet twice — once at the venue, the other while having breakfast at the restaurant in Gombak.

I think my 45 year old tummy had made it’s point — it can no longer process too many things at once after a race. So next time must remember not to drink/eat too many stuff on offer, no matter how tempting.

The men’s category were flagged off at 7am with the ladies 15 minutes later. I met and chatted with Chan and Kak Jenap from Singapore while warming up. The route is basically the same as last year, the only difference is that we had to circle the lake at Tapak A to reach the finish line.

Despite the 15 minute handicap, Kak Jenap overtook me with ease at the Double Hills, smiling sweetly as she did so. I shouted: “Go Kak Jenap!” and she waved back. She is one very fit lady!

I also chatted with Jaja the newly wed triathlete while circling the lake. She was making a comeback to the running scene after a year long layoff because of injury. Jaja, nice meeting you and hope to see you again in future races.

Reached the finish line with a time of 2hrs 15mins. Had cramps on both calves near the finish line, and suffered a painful recurrence while trying to take off my tights in the toilet.

Adoiii! It was so painful I had to do some stretching in the toilet room while controlling the urge to sit on the bowl immediately to empty my bowels! Luckily the two-pronged ‘cramp & shit’ attack was handled with care, though it had me shaking and sweating profusely during the commotion! Pheww...

Before leaving, we met Ahmad Farid who will be doing the ultra marathon (84km) at the Sundown Marathon in Singapore at the end of this month. Good luck to you Farid!

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Bomba Run 2009



DATE: 10 May 2009
EVENT: Bomba Run 2009
VENUE: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Alang, Halil, Fairul, Izzat, Javier, Chan, Fuzahir and the Bernama gang

TO me, the theme for this year’s Bomba Run is POSE. From start to finish, pose is the word. Before the race — pose, after the race — pose, on the way home — also pose!

We posed with anything and anybody who allowed us to pose with them. With fellow runners, the fire brigade vehicles and maskot and the LADIES.

While watching one lady runner posing under the race banner, she beckoned to us to pose with her, and we (the guys) happily obliged. We later took pictures with her.

We also took pictures with the two ladies manning the registration counter for the Standard Chartered KL International Marathon 2009.

Look at the photos and you will see what I mean. But it’s all just for fun.

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Orange Run 2009



EVENT: Orange Run 2009
VENUE: The Curve, Damansara
DATE: 12th April 2009
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Alang, Izzat, Fairul, Chan, Fuzahir and the Bernama Gang
SUPPORTER: Iylia

'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. Thanks to our running colleagues, Chan, Julie and Joyce, the Sanusi family managed to take part in the 11km Orange Run at The Curve, Damansara, last Sunday.

Initially we thought we had no chance of running in this event due to the quickfire response from the public and we were just a bit too late in submitting our entry forms.

But after making inquiries through phone calls, Along and Angah received good news from Chan and Julie - they have extra bibs as some of their friends who had registered earlier couldn't make it for various reasons.

So after a period of uncertainty, eventually Along, Angah, Izzat, Fairul and me get to run wearing other runners' bibs, and for that we're thankful to our 'runners in arms'.

Reached the venue about 6.50am and made our way to the start/finish point. Took the bibs from Chan, Joyce and Julie and quickly pinned it on our shirts. Men runners were flagged off at 7.35am followed by the ladies 10 minutes later.

Except Chan, the rest finished the race in more than an hour. Met the regular runners and had the chit-chat and photo session before departing to the nearby Tesco hypermarket for a quickie session.

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Melawati 10km Run 2009



EVENT: Melawati 10km Run 2009
DATE: 29th March 2009
VENUE: Taman Melawati
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Izzat, Javier, Fuzahir, Chan, Jaya and the Bernama Gang
DIVING MIDWIFE PHOTOGRAPHER: Alang

THE scout movement's motto is 'Be Prepared'. Runners, especially those new to the world of running, should try to think like a scout before going into a race.

For one, being prepared will enable you to finish a race with little difficulties. Training builds up your stamina, strength (mental and physical) and endurance.

It also helps build up your resistance to thirst so you won't suffer too much if the race organisers forgot to provide water stations.

But if training is insufficient, at least be prepared to bring along a water bottle to a race (water only to be used after the half way mark), especially 10km runs.

You can never be sure this or that race will provide water stations, and the Melawati 10km Run is an example. Last year's Rimbathon Run also tested the runners' patience for the same reason.

If you look at the finishers medal for this race, inscribed are the words 'water station' after the 5km mark. Sadly, no water station at the mentioned place. A mirage perhaps?

The seasoned runners will not find lack of drinking water as a major problem since they know how to adapt, but the newbies will have to bring your own water as a precaution until you are strong enough to last a 10km race without water.

So, be prepared for everything and don't take things for granted, especially when it comes to water stations. Unless you want to DNF (did not finish) or ride in an ambulance to the finish line.

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Kenyir International Triathlon 2009



EVENT: Kenyir International Triathlon 2009
VENUE: Kenyir Lake, Terengganu
DATE: 29th March 2009
PARTICIPANT: Fairul

After months of training & preparations, Kenyir triathlon will be the first triathlon that i'm gonna participate. And now the the time has come.

@11pm 27/3/2009, i took a bus from Pasar Rakyat to Kenyir. The journey took about 8 hours. Arrived Kenyir at 7am sharp the next morning. Took quite a heavy breakfast & snapped some photos before heading to hotel.

Meet some familiar faces such as Mej. Kalam & Richard Habeya. Richard participate in the relay category. Mej. Kalam said to me, if i survive Kenyir triathlon, other triathlons in Malaysia will be easy for me. Yeah.. because Kenyir triathlon was labelled as the toughest triathlon in Malaysia. Just look at the tagline on the buntings. Meet a new triathlon friend, Syukor & his friend. He didn't managed to book a room, so i offered mine as i'm staying alone. His doing his first individual triathlon too.

After checked-in the hotel room & registered for the race, took a mild ride around the resort & survey the running & cycling route. Later then, i went for lunch. I decided to go for a swimming that noon, but it rain heavily.

@7.30pm, it's time for the "Carbo-loading dinner". Variety of carbohidrate rich food were served. Eat all you can. I ate slowly but a lot. As a tribute to the Earth Hour, the organizer decided to shut-off the hall's lights. But for 1 minutes only. Well, at least it's a good effort by the organizer. Right after the dinner, Mr Chan, the head of the organizer gave the race briefing. Later, went back to my chalet to prepare the things for tomorrow.

Woke up @5.30am the next morning. After shower & Subuh prayer, took a light breakfast, a bar of Snickers. Without any delay, grab all my triathlon stuff & headed to the race starting area with my roommate.

It's about 2km from the resort. Surprisingly, I was the first person to arrive there. And also the first participant to get body marking. Hahaha.. so early. Too excited maybe. Set-up my transition stuff and parked my bicycle. Mingled around, took some photos, ate a slice of Powerbar that were provided for free.

Swim - 1.5km

Before the race started, i did a warm-up swim with some other participants. At sharp 8.00am, the race started. Water splash sound filled the air. Wow.. what a feeling. What am i doing here actually? I'm doing a triathlon now? Is it now? Hahaha.. i still couldn't believe it myself that i gonna do my triathlon right now.

I let other racers to go first. Then i waded slowly into the water & started my swim. In the water, the situation was very hectic, chaotic, with lots of contact, push & pull each other. I can't concentrate much in my swimming. I have to avoid contact with other racers. I also lost my swimming rythm. But after 250m of swimming, the chaos went off slowly. Now i can swim better, but sometimes have to watch for other slower racers in front of me & avoid contact with them.

In the swim section, we have to do 2 loops of 750m to make it 1.5km. The passed the first loop with no major problem. During the second loop, my both calves crammed, on & off. I tried to recover the cram. Sometimes have to swim with one leg just not to lose my time. In about 100m to finish my swim, my right leg crammed. Arghhh.. this time i can't took it. I have to stop for a while. I hung myself to the float until i recovered from the cram. I continued my swim to the finishing.

Bike - 40km

It took me not more than 5 minutes during my T1 (transition swim to bike). Took out my swim cap & goggle, wore my helmet, glove, shoes, shades, drank some 100+ and quickly left the transition area.

The first hill was bad. It was a 30degree hill climb. I crammed again during the climb, forcing me to jump down from my bike and recover from it. A Pertahanan Awam volunteer offered me a help but i said i can take it myself. I pushed my bike to the hill peak and continued my ride. Right after the first uphill, the road went downhill, a long, steep downhill. This is the fastest downhill that my bike reached 71.4km/h, the fastest ever bicycle ride in my life... Hahahah. I really enjoyed the fast ride.

I can say, the bike section was the hardest part in Kenyir triathlon. The route consist of many uphill & downhill ride. One of the uphill was sooooo long, i lose my momentum and have to push my bike, about 300m long. Stopped for a while at the u-turn, sipped my Powergel & drank 2 cup of water, and continued my ride.

The returning ride was faster because more downhill than uphill. But still struggle to finish it with low energy left. Once again, i have to push my bike at the steep uphill at the earlier stage. Reached the T2 (transition bike - run) after 2 hours bike ride. Arghhh.. so darn late. 2 minutes spent in T2. Quickly start my run.

Run - 10km

In the run section, racers have to make 2 loop of run. I started my run very slow, just to control my legs not to get cram again. Passed by the finishing line for the first time & continued my run. The run route also consist of uphill & downhill sections. Only 1 or 2 sections were flat road. . The organizer have done a very good job by providing water stations every 1 km along the running route. Each time i reached water station, i poured myself with water as the weather got hotter & hotter.

Finally, i finished my first ever triathlon. I reached the finishing line in about 3:45. Not sure about the exact time as i forgot to clock my time during the swim start. So excited till forgot about the setting time. I've been awarded the finisher's medal. Drank Milo & 100+, ate bananas & watermelon. Gathers a while with other racers. Mejar Kalam congratulated me for finishing my first triathlon. Thanks Mejar for your tips & support!

Took my bike & headed to my room. Took shower & packed my things coz buss will be leaving to KL at 3pm.

I'm so happy & satisfied with my achievement in Kenyir. I felt this trip was like a holiday trip because of the beauty & peacefulness off Kenyir, the warm welcome that we participants got, the good new friends and the very good organizer. I'm absolutely looking forward to participate in the next triathlon. I'm inviting more of my Slowmovers friends to join me in triathlon. I can do it, so do you.

A big thank you to those who gave me their morale support for me to do this triathlon, especially my wife. Without you, i don’t have any idea that i’m gonna do this. Alhamdulillah to GOD. Alang, Halil & all the Slowmovers team, my parents, office friends. The rest, you know who you are. I dedicate this victory to all of you.

See you in the next triathlon!!!

By Fairul

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Wild Wild Run 2009




EVENT: The Wild Wild Run 2009
VENUE: Zoo Negara Kuala Lumpur
DATE: 8th March 2009
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Alang, Izzat, Iylia and Javier

THE big bad wolf must have been eyeing Along at the Wild Wild Run 2009 at Zoo Negara last Sunday. Instead of puffing and huffing at the three little pigs' hut like it normally does, it decided to choose Along as it's new target, possibly because of Along's meaty build.

Along told us she suddenly wobbled and fell like a sack of potatoes while running the second of the four lap race, with Angah as her witness. Maybe the bad wolf was in the bushes and waiting for the right time to pounce on her, and Along swore she felt a gush of wind just before rolling to the ground. Luckily her aging bones wasn't damaged in the process.

She got up, smiled sheepishly and looked around for the bad wolf, but it was nowhere to be found. Perhaps it got scared and fled when the lions in the nearby enclosure suddenly roared (or maybe laughed at Along).

Fairytales aside, it was an enjoyable run for the Slowmovers. The route was basically flat, and we also get to see lots of animals during the run. This is also a run where aromatherapy (in the form of the animals' dung) is made available to the runners for the whole duration of the race.

As usual Javier was the first Slowmover to finish the 9.2km race in a time of 40 minutes, coming in 18th in the overall men's category. Eleven year old Iylia later arrived with her time of 54 minutes and 17th placing in the overall women's category (distance 7.35km).

Izzat finished in 58 minutes (87th), Along in 59 minutes (26th), Angah in one hour (29th) and finally me in 66 minutes and 93rd placing.

Javier also introduced us to an Ironman from Slovakia, Miroslav Blanarik and his German friend, Nicole Hauffe. Miroslav finished the recent Langkawi Ironman in 11 hours plus. He had that typical triathlete build - tall, lean body with a six pack.

After the race, we had the normal chit chat with fellow runners and the photo session. After the prize giving ceremony, we walked around the zoo to see more animals before leaving and having our breakfast at the McDonalds nearby.

One more thing, I realized my bib number (C323 or 'see tree to tree') is really meant for a jungle run...

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge 2009



EVENT: KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge 2009
DATE: 1st March 2009
VENUE: Menara Kuala Lumpur
PARTICIPANTS: Along, Alang, Halil, Fairul, Izzat, Javier, Chan and the Bernama gang
CAMERAWOMAN: Angah
SUPPORTERS: Acik, Nina, Iylia and Hannah

"LOOK, up in the KL Tower! He's a Cuban, he's a journalist, he's Javier!" Showing his Superman-like ability to 'reach the top of a tall building in a single bound', Javier Clavelo Robinson emerged champion in the media men's category at the KL Towerthon 2009.

His triumph (plus cash prize of RM1,000) brought joy and pride not only to Bernama, but also the Slowmovers because it's the first time a member of the group became champion in an individual category.

Last year Chanthiran finished third in the same category but hampered by a leg injury, he failed to defend his position this year. Never mind Chan, it's the participation that counts, right?

Among the Slowmovers, Halil the Hustler is the most improved, slashing about 20 minutes from last year's timing of 80 minutes. Sure you're not on steroids for this event, bro? He he, just kidding.

Fairul the triathlete wannabe also improved by four minutes to clock 25 minutes. Me and Along went downhill, both of us finishing several minutes slower than last year's timing. The tell tale sign of old age? Hmmmmm...

This year the Harian Metro newspaper team were represented by me, Rama and Halim (men) and Ayu, Sue and Nini for the ladies media category. All of them performed admirably for a first timer. Good showing guys and gals!

A new category (celebrities) was created this year as an attraction for the event. Comedian Yasin emerged champion, completing the 2,058 steps in 25 minutes.

I also met and chatted with Nezz, who used to be active in the local running circuit until about two years ago. She's part of the main Technical Committee and also head of the Results and Winners' Committee (all this mentioned in her blog).

She also studied at the same school as my office mate, who recognized her immediately when I showed him her blog. I took a picture with her as proof to my office mate that I really did meet her.

We left after chatting with many friends and watching the prize giving ceremony, with the biggest cheers reserved for Javier. Next event for us will be the Wild Wild Run at Zoo Negara this weekend. We might have a picnic there after the event.

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Thursday, February 26, 2009

KL City Day 10km Run 2009



EVENT: KL City Day 10km Run 2009
DATE: 22nd February 2009
VENUE: Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Alang, Halil, Fairul, Izzat, Sarah, Iylia, Chan, Jaya and the Bernama gang

ALONG helped save a fellow runner's life! Approaching the Jalan Mahameru-Jalan Parliament junction (about one km to the finish line), she saw a male veteran runner lying by the roadside.

She checked him and realized he was unconsious and tried to revive him using the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) method (but without the mouth to mouth part becoz he was foaming at the mouth and she was too squeamish to do it).

While she was doing the rhythmic abdominal compressions on the man, my daughter Sarah came along and realising the situation, played her part by fanning the man with her towel.

Along also asked a traffic policeman and a FTAAA official to get help, saying the man is in serious trouble. About 15 minutes later, a St Johns ambulance arrived at the scene and the staff took over the rescue operation.

After the race, Along informed a FTAAA oficial about the incident and asked how is the runner doing. She was informed that the man's condition was now stable but he was that close to dying becoz of a heart attack.

Along's effort was important in preventing an almost certain death. Praise to Along for being a good samaritan, and to Sarah too.

Along was also surprised other runners before her did not bother to check the runner's condition despite seeing him lying by the roadside. She was also relieved not to see a person dying in front of her.

About the race, the only point worth mentioning is the return of Halil the Hustler to the running scene after a year's absence. Good to see you again bro. Hopefully, you will not be like a Chipsmore biscuit.. kejap ada, kejap takda.

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

FTAAA X-country 2009



DATE: 15th February 2009
TIME: 7.30am
VENUE: Tapak A, Lake Gardens
RUNNERS: Shahrizal, Fairul, Suraiyah, Sumarni, Izzat, Iliya, Chan & family and Javier

After quite a long break after the last running event (Great Eastern 30km), here we are again running for Slowmovers in the FTAAA X-country 2009.

As usual, we gathered before the race start. Met Chan with his family members. They're all running too.

Race started at 7.30am for the A category (8.5km), followed by other categories later.

The race route was the same as last year's route, except the jungle route. The jungle track was longer, narrower, darker, steep, slippery & muddy. More challenging. After the jungle route, there's a small mudpool waiting for us, enough to make our shoes covered with mud.

Reached the finishing line, no more medal left. There's no finisher's cert for the adult categories too. They said, they will send the cert later if you qualified within the given time.

Searched for Milo lorry, there's only one there. Got soooooo many school students queuing. Have to take a long queue for it.

There's a registration counter for the coming KL Towerthon. Registered myself & Halil there.

After some post-race chit-chatting, we left the scene & headed to Jln Pahang's McDonald for our routine post-run carbo loading. Hehehe...

See yaa on the next race, KL City Run 2009 at Dataran Merdeka.

By Fairul

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Larian Mesra Rakyat DUN Chempaka 2009




EVENT: Larian Mesra Rakyat Sempena Program Mesra Rakyat Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Chempaka 2009
DATE: 8 February 2009
VENUE: Dewan Orang Ramai Pandan Jaya
DISTANCE: 6km
RUNNERS: Suraiyah, Sumarni, Izzat, Iylia and Javier


"OOPS! I did it again, I ran a slow race, but still got third place... Tho I'm not blessed with speed, getting on the podium, is not that difficult" (to the tune of the popular Britney Spears song).

This song best described Along coz she managed another top three finish after her 'historic' achievement at the One Mile Dash run on the 31st December last year.

Not only did she got a medal and hamper at the Larian Mesra Rakyat event during the Program Mesra Rakyat DUN Chempaka 2009, she also scooped RM20 for her exploits! So I assume she considered herself a professional runner now.

Only this time she had to compete with six other runners, including Angah, unlike the One Mile Dash where a top three finish is guaranteed as there were only three runners in her category.

Now in terms of podium finish, she and Angah are currently tied 2-2. Looks like it's becoming a personal duel between the two aging sisters. Go Along! Go Angah! From what I see, only osteoporosis can stop you ladies from reaching even greater heights!

Who knows, maybe in the future both of you will be recognized in the running community as the 'senior citizen podium runners'! Suraiyah 'Podium' Sanusi or Sumarni 'Podium' Sanusi... hmmm, sounds good eh?

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Great Eastern 30KM Run 2009



EVENT: Great Eastern 30KM Run 2009
DATE: 18th January 2009
VENUE: Padang A, Lake Gardens
RUNNERS: Shahrizal and Fairul (30km), Suraiyah, Sumarni, Chan, Fuzahir and Javier (20km)

THE run which I practically walked almost a third of the distance and had a female runner for company during the last 4km. Judy from Kelana Jaya was my companion during the most lonely, boring and tiring part of the race, and we chatted all the way to the finish line.

Like me, she was unable to run because of cramps and I was looking to strike a conversation with her to kill the boredom. It was also her first 30km run.

Still chatting merrily as we approached the finish line, several running friends were amused enough to tease us and made comments like "no wonder you took so long to finish" and "eh, you guys went to the shopping complex first?"

Anyway, we achieved our target of finishing the gruelling 30km run, though it took us almost five hours to reach the finish line.

About the race, I considered it the toughest I've ever run. Though the route is different from last year, the hills are still there to torment you, body and soul.

Only this race can made me sing songs, shut my eyes for several seconds while running, and voicing out the anger and regret about signing up for the race countless times.

But it also provided the biggest satisfaction as soon as I crossed the finish line, especially when a lovely finisher T-shirt is also given to 30km runners. Along and Angah, eat your heart out.

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Thursday, January 01, 2009

One Mile Dash 2008




(some photos are credits of RunWitMe)

EVENT: One Mile Dash 2008
DATE: 31st December 2008
ATTENDEES: Suraiyah, Sumarni, Suriati, Izzat and Iylia

AT about almost 10 pm, Along called me at the office, and she was almost screaming with delight on the phone. "Along dan Angah dapat podium finish dalam One Mile Dash! Along got second and Angah third!"

Fuyoo, my two half a century old sisters achieved another milestone in their running careers. "Congratulations," I said, though I felt she was not telling the whole story. I was right.

After the euphoria had gone down, Along in a softer tone said: "Mana tak dapat podium finish. Yang lari dalam kategori wanita veteran hanya TIGA orang! So podium finish memang guaranteed!" And she burst out laughing.

Tak kisah la kan. Whatever it is, the results of the race said Suraiyah Sanusi is second and Sumarni Sanusi is third, so you deserved to bask in your glory.

For Along, this is the first time she had a top three finish, jadi dia memang thrilled gila. Angah relaks sikit pasal pernah dapat nombor dua dalam Nacscom Charity Run 2007. Both of them also finished in the top 10 in the Rimbathon Run at FRIM, Kepong in August last year.

So congrats again to my sisters, with a parting message... it would be much better if one of you write the race report... barulah readers boleh 'feel' what you guys went through before, during and after the race. Next time, okay?

By Shahrizal Sanusi