Run for L.O.V.E

Hi all,
A couple of us plan to visit the Pediatric Ward Hospital HUKM, Cheras on 17 October 2010. We planned to bring some cheer to the children who are unfortunately suffering from all types of cancer. We plan to organise a 2 hours fun filled event for them. The highlight of the event will be presentation of race medals for every child. It will make their day.

Kooky Kash have posted in her blog for runners to donate a spare medal or two for this purpose. We will need about 20 medals for all the children. Please visit Kooky's website for more details @ http://run-kooky-run.blogspot.com/

You may contact me, or anyone of us if you would like to contribute a medal or two. My mobile is 013-3948839

Thank you for your contribution.

Allen Lai

NEWTON RUN 2010

 Senn & Patrick

 Regular diehards

 Me and friends

 Nurina, Senn, Julie

Me padded up

Hi all,
I am not sure I had the courage to post this, hence the delay.
I am still sore and feeling upset with myself. I broke the cardinal sin in running events. No way should a runner injure himself in a run. Not deliberate anyway. All runs MUST BE INJURY FREE. Run safe, all friends would advice. But what did I do? Run safe I did not.

I had registered early for this event and was very keen to give it a go after a spell of being idle. I did a fair bit of training pre event, mostly 5 to 8 km, two to three times a week. I was alright and knew I would do fairly well despite a hilly route. I was prepared for the 12 Km, hills and all.

I picked up my race kits the weekend before the run. And I was actually extra pleased that it came with a free pair of 2XU compression long running socks. I had heard about compression socks and had seen elites wear them. I put on the socks and it fitted me comfortably and I had felt good with them.

May Senn had cued me to try it first before the race to get the feel of it. Five days before the race I put on the socks for a trial run in the Beringin Damansara circuit. I needed a bit of climbs to try out the compression socks. I ran slowly for only 8 Km and came in under 1 hr and 40 minutes. The compression socks felt good and I had very firmed-up calfs. No cramp and no stress on the calfs. The socks did what it was designed to do. Very scientific and well crafted. I was very pleased with the technology. Glad to have another gear to assist my old legs.

After the run I showered before my coffee break and that's when all hell broke loose. Both my thighs and lower buttock cramped and tightened up. I felt great pain in both my knees (despite putting on my pair of Cho-pat) and all the muscles above the knees and buttock. It has never happened before. All muscles had gone hay-wired. OK, so I had put great strain on those muscles, having transferred the workload from my legs which were nicely compressed. It will go away in a short while. I had applied all the oils, counter pains and plasters I got hold of. The best plaster is Ketotop from Korea. But the pain just did not go away. I could not walk and not even sit on the throne doing my business without pain.

I felt better on Saturday, the day before the race. I was confined t the house for 4 days. There were no more pain but I felt quite stiffed. I then made arrangements for Arif and Senn to pick me up and we would run together. Arif was doing the 25 Km and Senn would accompany me in the 12 Km.

We left the house at 5 am, RVed with a couple of guys in Damasara and proceeded to Kinrara, Puchong. The 25 KM took off at 6.30am and we took off at 7.00 am. We had met many regulars including Mac, Nurina, Julie and Patrick. Senn was with me and we started off from the rear. I felt great and ready. I had my Cho-Pats on, and certainly would not try the 2XU compressors.

It was only 50 meters out when the pain set in again. Senn had ran on and I was beginning to limp with pain. I should have thrown in the tower. But how do I turn around just 50 meters out?

OK I had decided to continue and see how far I could endure the pain. I had said to myself, that this was no run but I'll try pain management instead. I had imagined if I had injured myself half way in my future runs, how would I manage ? I then continued for the whole 12km in pain. The medics and patrolling crews were kind and they had offered me a ride back. Even the ambulance came by, but I was determined to 'finish'  the run. I came in 2hrs 45 minutes. Senn and everybody were there to bring me back to the finishing line. I made it but at what cost? I was so pathetic. Smiles all round did not cheer me as I was feeling great pain.

I am still suffering pains in both my knees and thighs. My knees won't bend and I cannot drive around. I was literally confined to the house, brooding and feeling like a fool. Got an earful from the better half. I deserve everything. This would be a great lesson learnt for me. I am benched for the rest of the year.

Run safe everybody. This is always the golden rule.

Allen Lai

UniFi

UniFi broadband

Hi all,

No, I have not been idle for the past few weeks. I have been more than busy. Yes I have not hit the training streak yet and like all my muslim friends, I have been off the road for Ramadan. No, I do not fast, but hitting the sofa was contagious.

I had always wanted lightning speed for my broadband. My wish came true when UniFi banners "Kini di sini"came up in my area. I applied for the service without hesitation. I have now the VIP 5 Mb package in my house. And since then I was busy doing you know what.

Unifi is quite an experience and surfing and downloading is quite a breeze. 24 hours up always for streaming full HD videos. Full HD in UniFi is better than ASTRO's Beyond. No breaks in U-tubes. No waiting for URLs to be loading. Everything is instant. Only thing is some streaming sites need at least 7.5 Mb speeds for their Full HD movies. So maybe the VIP 10 package would be better. May upgrade my package later if needed.

I won't steal the thunder from TM net. Visit them here:
http://www.unifi.my/unifi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=58


Back to my latest downloaded movie. I paused it midway to post this.

Selamat Hari Raya. Can't wait to visit my friends.

Allen Lai

Arms-chair running

Hi everybody,

Wasn't training for a couple of weeks now. No excuses offered.
Took up another option, arms-chair running. Come watch my favourite TV programme below. This is first segment. Google for the synopsis and the rest of the episodes. Bet you will enjoy this Korean drama.

Enjoy

Allen Lai

Cho-Pat dual action knee strap

I have always had knees problems. Both of them. My OA's status is currently at stage 4. Irreparable. Surgery may only be the last option.


I recently purchased a pair of Cho-pat dual knee strap. I have used them several times now. They are the best knee support gears in the market today. I append Cho-pat's write up in their product information sheet given in the company's website:


Cho-Pat’s newly patented Dual Action Knee Strap provides an extra dimension of relief for painful and weakened knees.

The strap applies pressure upon the patellar tendon below the kneecap to stabilize and tighten up the kneecap mechanism, which improves patellar tracking and elevation and reduces patellar subluxation. It adds further strengthening to the kneecap mechanism by applying pressure on the tendon above the kneecap as well. This tends to reduce the forces of the quadriceps on the patella tendon and erosion of the undersurface of the kneecap due to a possible misalignment of the quadriceps (Q angle).

The device’s design and construction apply constant dynamic forces to the surrounding areas of the knee reducing the likelihood of overuse syndromes. At the same time, the strap allows for full mobility while providing maximum benefits.


I fully recommend all runners to use these knee straps. It does not matter whether you have knee problems or not. These are real knee support for running.


For more information on other products visit Cho-pat website here
https://secure.cho-pat.com/products/product.php?product_type=10

Bulan Ramadan

Hello everybody,

Wishing everybody Selamat berpuasa. I am also waiting patiently for Hari Raya next month.

Take care and a safe journey balik kampung.

Allen Lai

PCM NIGHT JULY 2010 - RIDE FOR IBRAHIM

 

In memory of Ibrahim

Ready to ride

 Uncle Allen - Safety Warden

Family outing

Thank you for your kindness

 Man Ciocc - Half horse

Kooky

PCM night for July 2010 was dedicated to Ride For Ibrahim. Man Ciocc and Kooky had organised this event to specifically collect some funds for our young Ibrahim, who was down with Leukemia. But time was not on our side, as young Ibrahim left us to be with Allah on 29 July 2010 at 9.30 am in Kuala Terengganu.

Young Ibrahim had touched our hearts as we did his. As the event was already in place, we decided to Ride in memory of Ibrahim. A minute of silence was observed and collections were still made, to be given, half to Ibrahim's father and half to be donated to a another deserving cancer patient to be decided later.

It started to rain in Putrajaya at 6 pm. The shower was intense but brief, and ended at 8.30 pm. It was then clear sky and the night was lighted with stars. I would believe Ibrahim was among the stars and smiled upon us. Riders started to arrive in groups from 9 pm onwards. Riders from all over Kl arrived slightly later, obviously due to traffic jams in the city. The venue was being prepared for SHAPE's night Run 2010, but we managed to get into the car park and assembled in front of the POJ. There were about 80 riders who braved the dark sky and rain earlier. We were pleased to see Kooky coming in, dressed to the nines in her riding gears. A red nose from her bout of flu to boot. Her presence was very meaningful to the event. Thank you Kooky and Man Ciocc for your magnanimity.

Man Ciocc gathered all of us and gave a short address about Ibrahim and the event. A minute of silence for Ibrahim was announced and riders were invited to contribute for the ride event. We flagged off a bit late at 10.15 pm riding south towards Pullman Hotel before hitting the main route to Alamanda and back to POJ on the usual route. I rode Safety Warden, manning the main crossings, and I was pleasantly pleased that there were several more riders volunteering to control traffic at the vital traffic light junctions.

It was a beautiful and slow ride, cool and very orderly this time. Pensive ? I actually wondered why, as usually we would get some cool riders having the fun of their life. Dangerously sometimes. The ride was one and a half hours covering about 20 km. A rider's unfortunate tyre puncture was the only incident for the evening. All riders and their families had enjoyed their night out.

Thank you everybody for your prayers for Ibrahim and for your kind contributions.


View and download more pictures here
http://picasaweb.google.com/paceputrajaya0

BHP Orange Run 2010

 Waiting for the flag off

 Group warmups

 Ladies group

Me

Yes, I have really been preparing for this doable event. It is a quarter marathon of 11Km and on a fairly flat route. I had started to build up my confidence and endurance since early June. Slowly and steady I became more ready. I could breathe easy and cruise at about 6 Km per hour at 120 heart beat per minute. I was training at 7 km per run during the week days and on weekends clocked up 10 Km.

However all was not well as planned. I caught a viral attack and coughed badly for the last 10 days before the race. I thought it will blow over with complete rest, but that did not work and I did not get better. I took all sorts of cough medicines and chinese herbs. My flu got even worse and I was deprived proper sleep for the last few nights.

As the last resort I went to see the doctor at a clinic, took an x-ray of my lungs and was prescribed antibiotics. The doctor had advised me against taking part in the run as my lungs were clogged up with bacteria and flam. The previous night I had deliberated to run or not. I compromised by agreeing to walk only. I packed my gears and slept early.

I woke up to my alarm set at  5.00 am. At first I did not know why I had set the alarm to that early. I could not think nor remember that it was race day. Almost went back to bed. Then it kicked in. Race day. Wakey wakey.

I arrived at the Curve, Mutaria Damansara at 6.15 am, giving me plenty of time to warm up. My mind was ready troubled. Could I really finish the run? my cough and all. The run started with the ladies group flagging off at 7.15 am. I mingled with the crowd. Still thinking if I should call it off. And before I could change my mind, the horn blared off at 7.30 am sharp, and I was pushed along with the momentum. What the hell, go Allen go. Quickly set my watch and had a look at my heart beat. It was 110. Hardly 400 meters down the road, my heart beat went up to 130. It has never happened before. I was breathing steady but heavy. It will stay there I thought and slowed down to a deliberate fast walk. My heart beat then cruised at 140 for the next couple of Km. Ok I am in control. Walk fast and a slow jog when down hill. The route was flat most of the way and the weather held, despite a threatening sky earlier.

Did I enjoy my run ? Yes because I finished and no because I didn't really had a good run. My lesson learnt here is never to run again when I am sick no matter how badly I wanted participate. It is not the same. A run must be fun and enjoyable, I should not be challenging to breathe and watching my heart beat monitor all the time.

I came in at 1 Hour 43 minutes gun time. Luckily I was not looking at all for good timings but just to finish the run. Well, I had registered for my next two short runs in September and October. I should be enjoying my runs by then.

Welcome Nije and Ashraf

Nije

Ashraf

Welcome to our blog Nije and Ashraf.


Ashraf, surely you don't look that the picture above. I think you are more handsome than this. Upload your picture or an avatar soon, OK ?


Allen Lai

Saved by the bell

Battered boxers in the boxing ring were often saved by the bell to fight another round. In my case I was saved by a ring in my mobile.


I have been training, preparing for next week's Orange Run. I have been running on reasonably flat routes. This morning I thought I'll start a bit of hill work. I was running up the infamous hill in Jalan Beringin, Bukit Damansara. I know I won't make it up all the way, but I won't give up either. I huffed and puffed and kept reminding to myself to breathe. I was really beat and my legs were falling apart, but I won't give up until my heartbeat rate reached 170 as planned. My heartbeat was way pass 160. It was a mind game all the way. I was delirious, hence not thinking of the imminent danger ahead. Then I heard my mobile ringing. A God sent call for me to stop and answer the phone. I stopped immediately, who in his right mind wouldn't? I managed to grasped a week "hello".


Thanks Kooky for calling me at the right time. You saved my life.


Allen Lai

Back on track

I have registered for my next three runs, albeit short 11km and 12 Km runs. Passion ? Nay, more like vengence. I have been off the road for too long. I am back on track now and I am gearing up for some fun.

I had registered for the BHPetrol’s 11 km Orange Run scheduled on 25July 2010, the Newton 12 Km Challenge Kuala Lumpur on 26 September 2010 and the Mizuno wave 11km Run 2010 17 October 2010.

 I am presently in my training mode, clocking 5km at least three times a week. I am still doing brisk walking and I will break into slow running next week onwards. I am doing well so far and I feel 11- 12 Km would be just nice. Maybe, just maybe, I will do a half marathon by year end.

Allen Lai

Ipoh Pergi

Pesta Sponsors

Having a ball

Local World Cup

Full house

Most popular stall

Selamat datang

Hi all,

May Senn invited me to join her on a day trip to Ipoh on Sunday. I replied affirmative as I went into a swoon for Ipoh chicken rice, Paloh Sar Hor Fun, Paloh Yim Kai, and of course Ipoh White Coffee, no less.

So we quickly organised an impromptu family trip comprising me, wife, son Voon Onn, May Senn and grandson Zer Jian. We left KL at 2.30 pm and arrived Ipoh at 5.00 pm. It was an uneventful and stressless drive.

May Senn had suggested that we visit the Perak Football stadium to spend a couple of hours before dinner. A Pesta was organised for the weekend. Pesta Sua Rasa sponsored by TV9 was already packed with families and the car parks were full. The Pesta had a lot of stalls on promotional sales for Malaysian products. Most prominent were local health food and Celcom. There were also fun filled activities for the whole family. A main stage was set up for the evening stage show. I took a lot of photos as usual.

After dinner we wanted to eat Ipoh Yim Kai, but was disappointed that the shop was closed. We then decided to eat at the Wolly Food Court at Taman Ipoh nearby. Food there were quite standard Ipoh fare. Nothing to shout about. After dinner we started the return trip at 8.00pm. Getting home was a breeze with a stopover at Tapah R&R. A quick trip to Ipoh is a doable with our fine highways. We'll have to leave early next time if we want to eat Ipoh Yim Kai. Yummy.

See photos of the Pesta here.

Allen Lai