NEW BALANCE 30KM, against all odd

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The annual Great Eastern Pacesetters 30km run in January was replaced by the New Balance 30km run this year 2010. Last year, the event was held on 18 January 2009 at Taman Tasik Perdana which I completed in 4 hours 3 minutes. This year the New Balance Pacesetters 30km run was held at Padang Merbuk on 17 January 2010.

There were more than 20 of our family members, friends and fellow Bootcampers that had enrolled but at least 8 of us had FFK.... or chicken out for various reasons. My orthopedic doctor Dr Aston Ngai Seng Huey had advised me against running but I just could not resist the temptation to run.



My sister Rose Emini Pahamin was responsible for the bigger group of runners. At least half of our group are first time runners which some had registered under-duress not being able to say no to her. She happily registered us all, make payment and queue at Singgahsana Hotel to collect our running bib, vest and chip.

 

My Bib number was A0030 (Nice number!! )

Thank you Rosey & Nyna. Sadly, those that FFK (for whatever reason)........ includes Shoba Bala, Anita Ahmad, Farrah Vivien Raguet,Amy Shazwin Lais, Adlin Fatin Lais...

The New Balance 30km route

BIB Number ready, IPOD fully charged, Polar strap ready, Polar Watch was on the table, Polar footpod battery changed,water bottle filled with accelerade drink, bottle pouch in-bag, Phiten bracelet worn, change-cloth in-bag, towel in-bag............... We are ready to go!!!!!!!

We arrived at Bukit Aman car park at 5:10am. In an attempt to illegally parked the car by the roadside, I quickly reversed and incidentally knocked on a parked vehicle..... before I could pretend to ignore, a policeman chased us away and directed us to find a proper parking. Being late, when the policeman turned away, we left our car and ran to the race-start point.

The race was flagged off at 5:30am sharp. I started running with Nawal Aini but lost her when I had to empty my bladder and pee under a tree at a dark corner............. okay ok... too much information.

As I was running alone in complete darkness without any street light, I heard my name being called... I turned and saw Rose Emini......... "Slow down... I am scared, this is too dark" said Rose Emini. The road was so dark, we were blinded and Nyna Mohsen fell and injured herself.

After the race, Nyna saw the damage of her fall. She was bleeding & needed to shop for a new pants.

Running with Rose Emini was fun........... we stopped many times to camwhore. Who else would run 30km with a camera.

While running, we saw CHUN SSJ on the other side of the road........... Damn blurdy fast!!!

This New Balance route was all hilly with a few very steep hills. After running for 20km, my right knee gave way and I could neither bend nor move my right leg. I could not even walk properly and was dragging my right leg up and down the hills.

I recalled Dr Aston nagging for me to recuperate first for full recovery or risk going for both knee surgery. Dr Saw Khay Yong from the Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Centre had earlier recommended both knee surgery after reading my X-ray and MRI report...... Padan Muka aku... serve me right!!

The pain was excruciating. The hills were ugly and there was at least 10km more to finishing line. As I struggled to walk, I was stopped many times by unknown runners. Two of them stopped and massage my knee and another runner at a different time, offered me his knee-guard. I must have look really bad that they took pity on me. I was too much in pain that I forgot to ask for their name and number but I was overwhelmed at their kindness. Thank you very much for the assistant.

At 21km, 22km and 25km, I was stopped by the race-marshall on motorcycle whom offered to ferry me back to the finishing line.... Stubbornly, I refused... I have to cross the finishing line!!! even if it takes the whole day..... I thought to myself, or rather convincing the other little voice in my head that say.. What the F@#K am I doing....!!!

At 26km...  I was surprised by Kenny Smith and his wife Michelle Smith whom was honking their car and cheering me up... They completed their run in just over 3 hours and was on the way home.

After more than 4 hours of running, Abu, Chun Chia Kai SSJ and Farhanah came searching and found me 800 metres before finishing point. I was still dragging my right leg. Abu offered to piggy-back and Chun SSJ offered to carry me to the finishing line but still stubborn, I insist to complete without any help.

10 Meters to cross the finishing line.......... The pain was almost unbearable but the escort from Abu lais, Chun Chia Kai SSJ, Farhanah Bamadhaj, Dr Malek Aziz was superb.

I completed the 30km run in 4 hours and 36minutes and burned 3020 calories..

The medic came to the rescue the moment I crossed the finishing line. After the pain subside.... we camwhore again...........

Typical friends.. whilst the medic was nursing my knee... they all gather to pose & take pictures........

Other Finishers in the group............

30KM FINISHERS

Yaaa... I know its stupid to drag the leg in excruciating pain for more than 10km, for 2 hours but really......... it was damn worth it!!!


I am also very proud of all the new runners.. in particular Dr Malek Aziz, Farhanah Bamadhaj, Danial Ismail, Zaiem Razak. Keep up the good spirit guys.

Until next time............ Stay tune....