Xtreme Marathon

Xtreme Marathon by TVB Hong Kong.

A documentary made by TVB Hong Kong on two extreme marathons. One in North Pole (North Pole Marathon) and the other in Sahara desert (Marathon des Sables). Extreme coldness and extreme heat.  It is a joy that at last the Hong Kong Television is getting interested to do documentaries on marathons. In the documentary, two Hong Kong actor, Kenny Wong and Oscar Leung are selected to participate in the event. I wonder if the actor knows how tough and dangerous this assignment is. But I understand the TV station bought a hefty sum of insurance for this documentary.

Kenny Wong and Oscar Leung

It is a 5 episodes (30 mins) documentary which also emphasized on global warming and wasting of earth resources. Oscar Leung was selected to participate in the North Pole Marathon which he has to run 9 laps on the floating ice for 42km at the North Pole. They were allowed to go into the resting tent after every completed lap. They are six men and one woman from Hong Kong which accompanied him on this adventure. The six men are all experienced marathoners but not Oscar Leung. He has not ran even a half marathon before. He says he has only completed two training runs of 10K. You can see how torturing he felt after the 3rd lap. And after the 4th lap, he just couldn't run anymore. He just decided to walk the rest of the marathon. He almost give up after the 8 lap not even wanting to complete the last lap. He is afraid that he may die if he did last lap. Eventually, the photographers actually accompany him to complete the last lap. He finally completed the race in 11 hours and 10 mins.

This is what Oscar Leung commented after the race which I have tried my best to translate it to English.  "In beginning, my initial intention of running this race is wrong. I wanted to compete with other participants and win the others. Running a marathon is just like life. You are not competing with others but with yourself. There is no winning or losing. Only whether you can do it or not. If you can't do it, it does not mean that you can't do it forever and you have failed. The next time you can do better. The most important thing to remember is to persevere and not be influenced my things and people around you. Because as long as you don't admit that you lose, you will never lose. This is my greatest inspiration from the race".

North Pole Marathon

Kenny Wong participated in Marathon des Sables at the Sahara Desert. It is a 240km race for 7 days across the Sahara Desert. From the documentary, I think he did not run the full race due to the difficulty and dangers of the race. But he did fully complete the last day of the race which is a marathon distance. One of the interesting thing that I remembered about the documentary is he has to bring a small syringe that is required by the race organiser. The purpose of the syringe is that in the event of a snake bite, you are supposed to use the syringe to draw out as much venom as possible from the bite to prevent it from circulating to other parts of the body. One of the memorable part of the race is running in the night underneath the stars of the Sahara Desert. This remind me of a similar incident at the marathon in Langkawi where we were running underneath the stars near the Langkawi airport.

The 28th Marathon des Sables

If you are interested in understanding the two marathons and the dangers of global warming, give this documentary a watch.

Brooks Pure Drift

Brooks Pure Drift.

Currently, this is my favorite shoe for racing and long runs. It has a huge toe-box which is great for my wider feet. In addition, it is extremely light and you can actually take off the insole if you want to have a barefoot feel. I prefer leaving the insole inside which only has a 4 mm drop. This is one of the minimalist shoe by Brooks. I used to run in a pair Brooks Pure Connect but I got injured when I go on my long runs. I have ran a full and a half marathon in this pair of shoes. I anticipate I will run another half and full marathon in this pair of shoes in the coming months.

View of the shoes from different angle

It has also a soft landing due to the materials of the sole. I would stick to this pair of shoes for quite a while. We will be buying a similar pair when this pair wear off and hopefully I can get a different colour from the one that I am wearing. A friend suggested that I buy two pairs of different colours so that I can wear a different colour for each feet. A suggesting worth considering. The main disadvantage of this shoes is that the life span of the shoes will be shorter due to the materials used. In addition, the traction of the shoes is not that good if you intend to use it for trail. It is basically a pair of shoes that is suited for road running.

What? Another marathon?

After my Langkawi marathon, the first thing I told Andrew is I will never run a full marathon again. It is just too tough. Then I continue to say that this statement will last for a week before I will start to change my mind again. Running a full marathon is tough but it is a challenge that keep coming back to lure you into it.

I have mentioned before that I will only run two full marathons a year. So far I have only registered for two, ie The Island Ocean Marathon, Langkawi in April 2013 and the Penang Bridge Marathon in November 2013 which will be running on the new bridge. I have resisted the River Jungle Marathon which is offered as a combo series with the Island Ocean Marathon and of course, the KL International Marathon as it is just one week after the Penang Run 2013-2014 2nd series. So I thought my running timetable for 2013 has been set. Two full, 3 half and one 17K. Keep me fit for the whole of 2013. Although many of my friends do at least 4/5 marathons in a year or more.

Borneo International Marathon.

But because of the election on 5 May 2013, the Borneo International Marathon in Sabah was changed to 4 May 2013 and then was just postponed to another date. Then they reopened the registration again probably some participants have to drop out since the date has been changed. It was finally postponed to 25 August 2013. Why do they have to reopen the registration ? And the timing is just perfect. In addition, I have wanted to visit Kota Kinabalu this year or next year. The flight fare to Kota Kinabalu is  less than RM200 for to and fro. So I will get to go on a holiday and run a marathon. What a perfect excuse !

The stars are all aligned for this marathon. So quickly go online and register but it is the full registration fee, RM130. This will be more of fun marathon rather than a PB (personal best) type of run. I was telling my friends, all my races seems to be more for fun. And this marathon, a lot of "Penang lang"(Penangites) will be there. Andrew has promised to take us for cheap seafood. And I heard it is a flat course as compared to hilly terrain in Langkawi.  So 3 full marathons this year, one in April, August and November. Definitely not another full marathon for this year !

Running Unites People

Runners United to Remember.

"Running unites us and brings us together because, in the words of the great Bill Rodgers, "We sweat the same. We struggle the same." Running is a simple, primitive act, and therein lays its power. For it is one of the few commonalities left between us as a human race. Toeing the starting line of a marathon, regardless of the language you speak, the God you worship or the color of your skin, we all stand as equal. Perhaps the world would be a better place if more people ran." (Dean Karnazes, Why Running Matters).

Penang Run 2013 - 2014 1st Series - Race Recap

The first piece of the puzzle medal. 

A half marathon three weeks after the Langkawi marathon. I noticed my motivation for running is down the dumps after my Langkawi marathon. The lack of motivation is really bad when I was doing my usual runs for the past 2 weeks. My mind and body is screaming for a rest. But this is start of the 1st  series and it is the first piece of puzzle medal so no chickening out. Or should I say no DNS (did not start).

The Penang Run 2013 - 2014 series are all point to point course which means it doesn't loop back to the starting point. The organiser has arrange for transport from the finishing point, SMK Telok Kumbar, to the the starting point, Esplanade. We have to arrive at the finishing point before 4am, 1.5 hours before the start of the race which means I have to wake up at 2am and drive to the place before 3am. Reaching SMK Telok Kumbar, I noticed that they are already a lot of runners waiting at the school. The bus transport was not too much of a problem and we arrived at Esplanade quite early. Then it is waiting for the race to start. Most people who took the bus transport really is lack of sleep.

Runners waiting to be transported to Esplanade

The start of race at 5:30am and I always thought that the race will running on the new highway towards  the Jelutong expressway. Until we start we running through Beach Street and subsequently towards Jelutong Road, then I realised we will be running the old route towards Teluk Kumbar. This old route is actually quite historic as we run across the heritage zone of Georgetown and running past one of the famous mural (where the sister and brother were on a bicycle) and then the older houses along Jelutong Road. An interesting road to run on. Then after we past RECSAM, the route gets a bit boring  where we will be running along the route to USM and towards Bayan Baru. The most inconvenient part of the route is running past the big Bayan Baru roundabout. The traffic was heavy at that time. And we have to run pass the factories at the Bayan Lepas area and also the airport. The fumes from the factory buses are a bit choking.

The famous mural at the Heritage zone of Penang

Heritage Buildings along Beach Street

The hilly part of the course comes in the last 2km after reaching the Teluk Kumbar town. The road at the town is pretty narrow and slightly heavier traffic. You have to really be cautious running across this area. After that we finally get to the hilly area of the route which is shady at certain stretch and I really enjoy this part of the route. The highest slope comes in the last km of the route and a lot of runners actually walk at this slope. This is properly due to lack of hill running. I finally try to pick up my speed at the last km of the route and I don't have problem running up these hilly slopes which is not that difficult comparing the rolling hills at Langkawi.

At the finishing of the race

But it is a race that my body and mind are complaining due to inadequate recovery after Langkawi marathon. I have never entered a race where my mind is already complaining at 4km of the race. Fortunately, it gets better after 6km and the last 5 km is also tougher than usual. Couldn't make it in less than 2:30 but finished at 2:33 according to chip time.

It is still a well organised race except for some traffic controls at certain parts and the distance markers which I don't remember seeing any.  The first piece of the puzzle medal is in the bag. Time to really give my legs and body a rest and looking forward to have a more enjoyable race at the 2nd series on 7 July 2013 which is on Georgetown Day, a public holiday in Penang.

Island Ocean Marathon, Langkawi Part 2

Thanks to Vivien Tay for the photo. At the last 1.5km of the run. 

Waking up early morning and have to be at the starting point before 4am. The marathon starts at 4.30am. There are about 1,000 runners and a lot of Singapore runners came for this event. This event should be called an ultramarathon as we have to run more than 42.195km as the organiser has planned an extra 1km of running on the beach of Pantai Cenang. Most runners are more at the relaxed pace in the beginning. There will always be a competitive spirit among many of them chasing for their PB (personal best).

Thanks to Vivien Tay for the group photo before the run.

I started at the far back as usual and joining the crowd. There is a fireworks at the start. Running on the road and already there is a slope not far from the start. After a short distance, we are required to take a left turn and running an extra 1km on the beach. That's when the route gets a bit dark at times. Fortunately, I have brought a clip-on flashlight used by ultramarathoners which Andrew has loaned me. One lady actually trip and fall on the beach as there was a stone on the beach.

After that it was back to road running again to the Langkawi airport. This is another dark stretch of roads. The consolation is due to the darkness you can see the bright stars in the skies. Have not been seeing that for quite a while living in the city. This is one run that I have not bothered to look at the pace from start right to the end. I have only looked at the distance and time. Totally disregarding the pace ! It is a run for fun and not for PB. If I take longer to finish my race I get more value for my marathon registration fee.

Then it was running on the road along the beach which is the most cooling part of the run with the sea breeze.  However, without mobile toilets, it is pretty inconvenient for the ladies. The guys just dart off on the side of the road in the dark. At the 18km mark, the sky starts to get bright and time for a photo shoot. I have carried my mobile phone in my spibelt so as to take photos along the course. The amazing part is I actually did some photo editing and immediately upload to Facebook during the race. It is live reporting of the event during the run.

The rolling hills actually started from 18km up to 35km. I lost count the number of hills that I ran.  I think probably five in total just for this stretch. These hills are definitely not my friend. And it showed my lack of training on hills at this point of the race. End up with lots of walking up the slopes and then running down. One of the water stations offer big bananas and the surprise is the coconut at the 29km. And I was telling one young couple, at a marathon the race actually starts at 30km. That's when you know whether your body will hold up. Also at the 25km distance marker, there is a message on it that said "You entered a marathon with hills ? You Idiot." Kind of rubbing it in. Calling us an idiot.

Coconuts at 29km

But it is really a tough route. That's where the first time marathoners may really start to walk at this point and right to the end. I heard some first timers finishes at more than 8 to 10 hours for this run. I am really not surprised. My personal opinion is this marathon is not for first timer, or even second timer like me. We are still trying to tune our body to run a marathon and rolling hills are definitely too tough at this time. It would be ideal for those who has run a few marathons and looking for more unique experiences.

The hills are over !

At the highest point of 35km, a volunteer was telling us this is the highest point of the course and the rest will be flat. I was telling him, " Torture over is it ? ". We actually drive past this part of the course the day before and I was already telling myself to walk the slopes and run down if I have to. There is actually another slope at the end of the course before you reach the finishing point. Coming down the slopes at 36km, the only thing in my mind is walk and walk. I am just running out of momentum to run with the scorching sun at that time of the day.  That's when Andrew and Jun Liang appear in the vehicle which we rented. There were probably wondering where I am after so long. But they keep seeing my posting on Facebook and the last one was at the 35km. So Andrew accompany me to run/walk about 3km and at 39km water station, we have Coke which I was dying for at this point with the blistering heat !

Struggling at the last 1.5km of the run. Did you notice the ice cream on my right hand?

For the last 2km, I just dig deep and run the all the way with Jun Liang accompanying me. I just realised it is so nice to have running companion when the marathon gets tough. Three of us run to finished line and both of them run it twice since they have already completed theirs. Finishing with a time of 6:37 and my moving time is 6:01. So almost 36 minutes on water stations, taking photos and facebooking.

Running to the finishing line. My 2nd marathon completed.

On our way to the ferry, there are still participants on the route. We actually wind-down our windows and clap for them. It is already more than 9 hours and they are still not quitting. We later find out that the last participant came in at 11:40 hours. A never give up attitude. That's the spirit of the marathon !

Double thumbs up for finishing 

I was telling Andrew when I was struggling at the last 5 km, I told him "Don't worry ! I will finish it." The mental toughness coming at the right moment. On our way back to Kuala Kedah on the ferry, we met a group of runners from Penang going back. A few of them was first timers and took more than 10 hours to complete the race due to lack of training. There is one guy who run it for his wife's birthday. He carried a banner "Running for XXXX. Happy birthday." He told us he cramped 3 times along the course and was given medication to ease the cramp. The volunteer ask him "Do you want to take the car ?". He says "No. I have to finish it." He finish it in more than 8 hours. What a touching moment ! Probably bringing his wife to tears.

Hard earned Finisher's Medal of IOM

A video that summarises the Island Ocean Marathon in Langkawi

IOM is a hilly course but well organised event with fireworks at the start, energy gels, bananas, coconuts, Gatorade, Revive, Coke, Red Bull and ice-cream along the course. This marathon is not a race but an event to be with friends or meet new friends and enjoy the scenic view of Langkawi.

Island Ocean Marathon, Langkawi Part 1

Sunrise at Langkawi. Photo taken at 22km of the marathon.

This my first trip going with a group of runners for a run. And my conclusion after the trip is "It is fun". Runners understand each other running jargon and jokes. We also know that what we need to eat before a run and the rest and sleep that we required. The Island Ocean Marathon (IOM), Langkawi is the first marathon on the island of Langkawi organised by The Marathon Shop. The other marathon organised by The Marathon Shop is the River Jungle Marathon(RJM) which was actually offer as a combo series. Two marathons at a cheaper price.

Eventually I decided to only run the IOM which is in Apri but skip RJM in September as I will be in overseas in September and I wanted to run the new bridge of the Penang Bridge International Marathon in November. Trying to limit myself to two full marathons in a year for the time being.

We departed to Kuala Kedah on early Saturday morning and have a detour to Sungai Petani for breakfast. On arriving at Kuala Kedah, we met quite a few runners from Penang also taking the same ferry to Langkawi. A few of them is wearing the Malakoff Run t-shirt which is absolutely striking in colour. There are 7 of us in the group and we managed to rent a 7 seater vehicle. We have wanted to make this trip to be a "makanthon"(eating feast), "minumthon"(drinking feast), "chocolatethon"(buying lots of chocloates which Langkawi is famous for imported chocolates) and finally a marathon.

We have our lunch at a Italian restaurant in Kuah town, and what to runners eat for carbo-loading? Spaghetti and pizza, of course. And I just realised that runners can really eat. No dieting for us. After lunch, we started buying chocolates and drinking some imported beers which is extremely cheap selling at only RM3 per bottle. We can't be drinking at night so now is the time just to drink some imported beers and headed to our hotel. However, we are split into 3 hotels. Andrew and me was supposed to be staying at the TM Resort, Langkawi which is only about 1 km from the starting point at the Resorts World, Langkawi (formerly known as Awana Porta Malai, Langkawi).

Resorts World, Langkawi

The resort only has only 16 rooms and we have booked through Agoda more than 3 months ago. Unfortunately, the management has really screwed up our booking and our room has been given to somebody else. At that moment, we are damn tired and wanting to rest. We wasted two hours and at the end we just give up, cancel the booking and requested for a refund. So we are left with no place to stay and extreme tiredness !

Fortunately, Andrew has a friend who has booked Holiday Villa at Pantai Tengah which is very near to TM Resort and his friend's roommate cancel his trip and he is staying alone. So he called him and we managed to check into his room by just having an extra bed. Holiday Villa at Pantai Tengah, is a much better hotel. In addition, we also got a free upgrade to a RM520 room. A blessing in disguise !

Holiday Villa, Langkawi

After checking in we are just too tired to enjoy the hotel. We just took a shower and go for a short nap. Later we took a trip to visit the starting point of the race at Resorts World, Langkawi. Then it is dinner time at Pantai Cenang. The runners are really a group well connected people. Within a short time, a big group of us are gathered at this chinese restaurant in Pantai Cenang. 4 tables of runners of which two tables are from Penang. Unfortunately, no drinking session because of the run tomorrow.

At the starting point of the event

There is no time limit for this event and this event should not be called a race. No finishing time and no timing chip. The organiser mentioned that they will wait until the last runner complete the race if that person doesn't give up and continue with the race. So timing is not critical in this event but more for fun, the company of runners and friends and the scenic view of Langkawi. This kind of set the atmosphere of the event where you are not running for a PB (personal best). So a number of FMVs (Full Marathon Virgins) actually registered since it doesn't has a cut-off  time. How wrong they are when they run this marathon ! The route is definitely not for first timer !

To be continued ....The actual day of the marathon...