Wednesday 17 June 2015

Media Release : EDUCITY SUNDOWN MALAYSIA 2015 - JOHOR’S MOST ANTICIPATED NIGHT RUN IS BACK!


16 June 2015, Petaling Jaya: World Endurance Malaysia SdnBhd, the organiser of EduCity Sundown Malaysia 2015, is pleased to announce today that the second night run will be held on 5 September 2015. The first flag off will be at 8pm at EduCity Sports Complex in Nusajaya, Johor.

With over 5,000 runners participating in last year's highly successful first ever night run in Nusajaya, CG Lim, General Manager of World Endurance Malaysia SdnBhd, and venue sponsor, EduCity, have promised a more thrilling excitement and experience in this year’s edition.


“Last year, the gathering of our participants filled the night air with so much energy and the experience was thrilling for us as the organisers as well as fulfilling for the participants.  We are very much looking forward to see familiar and new faces to this highly anticipated night run. Whether you are a competitive distance runner or just running for fun, EduCity Sundown Malaysia 2015 is the perfect event to do just that,” said CG Lim.

As the premier night run in Johor, EduCity Sundown Malaysia will take runners on a scenic track across the beautiful coastal side of Nusajaya.

“EduCity is proud to be the title and venue sponsor for the second year running. We believe the unique landscape around EduCity and Nusajaya provides the ideal backdrop for a scenic night run such as this. We hope all participants will have a fun and rewarding experience,” said SugumaranKailasan, Chief Operating Officer of EduCity Iskandar Sdn Bhd.

The race will feature two distance categories, a Half-Marathon(21km) and a 12km run, with six runner categories - Half Marathon (Men’s and Women’s Open, Men’s and Women’s Junior Veteran, Men’s and Women’s Senior Veteran) and a further two categories in the 12km (Men’s and Women’s Open).

In addition to the one-of-a-kind experience, participants can also look forward to receiving a running vest, official timing, finisher’s medal, E-certificate and, of course, a goodie bag! Runners in the 21km category will also receive an exclusive finisher’s tee.

Apart from encouraging runners to finish the race, experienced pacers will provide on-site pre-event coaching and training.

Prizes for top finishers in each category will be announced by organizers closer to the event.

With registration already opened, interested participants are invited to visit the event’s official website at http://sundownmalaysia.com for more information and to lock down one of the limited spots available.


Early bird prices of RM85 are valid only in June and will increase to RM96 in July and RM106 in August (subject to availability). 



Monday 16 February 2015

Press Release : 1300 Participants at TKC Walk-a-Run Carnival




Putrajaya, 15th February 2015 – Malay Girls College (MGC), now known as Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) Old Girls Association organized a fun-filled, family event on Sunday, February 15th 2015 from 7am at Kompleks Sukan Air, Presinct 6, Putrajaya.


The Wife to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, a TKC alumni herself, graced the event as the patron of the TKC Walk-a-Run Carnival alongside the Youth and Sports Minister, Yang Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin.


The carnival aims to raise RM 2,000,000 in stages for the benefit of athletic and sports development facilities in the newly relocated school in Bandar Enstek, Nilai. The first stage of the fundraising aim to raise RM 500,000 towards the #TKCfieldproject.


The Carnival’s main attraction is a 5km run or walk, with participants encouraged to be dressed to the nines! There are also other activities at the carnival site, including a Bouncy Castle for the children, and aerobics, zumba, poco-poco and insanity fitness for the adults.

YAB Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah danced the poco-poco alongside YB Khairy, she then cheered on from the sidelines while YB Khairy went one-on-one with Encik Mohd Farid Isham (nicknamed Cat) for the KJ Challenge, where Encik Cat beat YB Khairy 3-2 and won an iPad Air. All donations from the KJ Challenge go towards the #TKCfieldproject.





The VVIPs were accompanied by the MGC/TKC OGA committee throughout the event; Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rafiah Salim, President MGC/TKC OGA, Pn Mariam Tun Sulaiman, Deputy President MGC/TKC OGA, Datuk Hafsah Hashim, Vice President Agama & Education MGC/TKC OGA, and Datin Norhizan Ibrahim Vice President Social & Welfare MGC/TKC OGA. The Race Director for the MGC/TKC Walk-a-Run Carnival is Pn Nik Lini Hayati Nik Kazim (Pn Lini Kazim), who is also the current Best Malaysian Female Triathlete at Ironman Langkawi 2014.


From MGC in Bukit Damansara to TKC in Bukit Merbah and now the new school in Bandar Enstek, the college has been both a school and a home for many bright young ladies who then went forth to become prominent figures in various fields both locally and internationally. TKC prides itself in being excellent academically, there are also potential athletes among the girls that require proper athletic and sports facilities to train in and it is through this carnival that the MGC / TKC OGA hopes to raise adequate funds. The new school has yet to have a Sports Day since moving to Bandar Enstek in 2012. The MGC/TKC OGA hopes that this fundraiser will be a success to ensure a return of Sports Day to the TKC school grounds.


The main supporter for the event includes UEM with the co-organisers Perbadanan Putrajaya and MGC/TKC OGA. A full list of winners and sponsors are provided below:

Fastest Male (Open)
1. David Mutai
2. Paul Kimani
3. Edan Syah

Fastest Malaysian
1. Edan Syah
2. Vadiveloo
3. Riki

Fastest Female (Open)
1. Dorcas Jebotif Tarus
2. Loh Chooi Fern
3. Mayumi

Fastest Team (Open)
1. Pacemakers Malaysia
2. Spartan
3. ACAC Team 1

Fastest TKC Girls
1. Alyssa Sofea Ahmad Zaharil (Form 3)
2. Nur Alyssa Nadia (Form 4)
3. Nur Fauzana Munawar (Form 4)

Best Costume (Individual)
1. Amelia Ang Peck Har (dressed as a Butterfly)
2. Abmin (dressed as an Egyptian)
3. Aleximon (dressed as a student)

Best Costume (Team)
1. Flintstone
2. Spartan
3. Legion

Most “Likes” Received for Selfie
1. Elisakamarul (30 likes)
2. Mieraazhar (12 likes)
3. Merlin_mahajud (10 likes)

Most “Likes” Received for Wefie
1. Shaxu_8 #Merantau9600 (23 likes)
2. tcerfudgy #hotmama (9 likes)
3. nadihilafs #snowwhite&7dwarfs (8 likes)

Sponsors List:
Organized by: MGC/TKC OGA
Supported by: Perbadanan Putrajaya
Sponsors:
UEM
SME Bank
Allianz
SME Corp
Boustead
Dutch Lady
PLUS
Agro Bank
PNB
Bouncetopia
DRIVE
Lifeline ID
Running Malaysia
Dinastia Jati
Moola
Doof
QSR
Tesco
Athlete’s Circle
Ecoride
Insanity Fitness
Milo
Northport
Hyrax Oil
Tenaga
System Consultancy
JCorp
FiberG

The official Facebook account for the event is:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/TKC-Walk-a-Run-Carnival/

The official website for the event is: http://tkccarnival.wix.com/tkcwalkaruncarnival


The official instagram account for the event is: @tkccarnival

Tuesday 27 January 2015

Press Release : TKC Walk-a-Run Carnival


Kuala Lumpur, 27 January 2015 - Malay Girl College (MGC) or now known as Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) Old Girls Association will.be organising a fun-filled, family event on Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 7am at Complex Sukan Air, Precinct 6, Putrajaya. First Lady, Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor will grace the event as the patron of MGC/TKC alongside with Youth and Sports Minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin on that day.

The Carnival aims to raise RM500,000.00 for the benefit of athletic and sports development facilities in the newly relocated school in Bandar Enstek, Nilai. The Carnival Main attraction is a costume 5km run or walk, and there are also other activities ongoingnatbthw carnival site, including Bouncy Castle for the children, and aerobics, zumba, and insanity fitness for the adults. Prizes will be given to the fastest runner by their respective categories. In addition to that, best dressed participant will also be rewarded based on "selfies" and "defies" uploads which will be actively monitored by social media during the event day.

Starting out as Malay Girls College in Bukit Damansara to TKC in Bukit Merbah and now the new school in Bandar Enstek, the college has been both a school and a home for many bright young ladies who then went forth to be a prominent figures in various fields both locally and internationally. TKC prides itself in being excellent academically, there are also potential athletes among the girls that require proper athletic and sports facilities to train in and it is through this carnival MGC/TKC hopes to raise adequate funds.

The main supporter for the event is Perbandaran Putrajaya and Gold Sponsor is UEM.


Online Registration : Click on this link.

Registration Fee : RM50 (Entitled to Personalized LifeLine-ID Wristband)







Friday 4 July 2014

Standard Chartered KL Marathon Thanks Loyal Runners - Vox Pop Video

Kena "interrogation"

And here it is. Remember a few weeks back I did mentioned about an "interview" I was going to do with a few of my running buddies. Well, here it is!

The Zainal Family - Zaini, Raimie & Marlina (Lina's Backyard Fame)

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon people has a special video done to thank all loyal runners; like me and you. Thanks to the SCKLM team for organizing and it was indeed a great experience. I was unusually nervous when I did the interview (hence I figured why my part was heavily edited. :P) but it was great to be in the company of friends.

So here is a special video HOT out of the oven. Enjoy!





Sunday 8 June 2014

Race Experience Rantings : Sundown Singapore 2014


There I was standing and waiting at the Singapore F1 pits near the Singapore Flyer with my buddies. It was hot and humid. I was already sweating buckets even before race started. In fact, I was already losing too much fluid the day before when we arrived for Sundown Singapore!

6 hours before the race started, I was already trying to keep my “cool”; both mentally and physically. My short nap in my air condition room wasn’t helping much and I flushed down on fluids regularly. I woke up to find Colin chilling at the lounge area of where we were staying; just in time for the others to join us for a small pre-race snacks and banter. Later, we bid good luck and send off our friends who were racing the 10K race.

Photo courtesy of Leen.
Standing at the start pits with thousands of other marathoners; conquering the night and roads of Singapore is astonishing and exciting. But that night we had the humid weather to accompany us. I was told much later it was about 35 degrees. That’s like standing under the hot afternoon sun! Trying my best to keep upbeat and calm while the live entertainment was going on. I slowly made my way closer to the start line; losing both Ying Hui and Thian Hui who were doing a faster pace. I lost the others way before we entered the paddocks! I saw the 4:30 pacers at a corner and made sure I passed them; telling myself that I wouldn’t want to see them throughout the race.

It has been 12 weeks of constant and dedicated training with ACAC (Athlete’s Circle Athletic Club). I was just fresh from my HM PB at 2XU SG back in late February and I almost immediately started the programme with fresh determination that I would surpass my FM PB. The target was to achieve my Sub 4:30. A few days before, Coach Edan briefed me through a race pace according to my current performance and well being. I thought he was completely nuts when he told me I could sustain at a much faster pace than I originally initiated. I told him I’ll do my best and if I couldn’t do it, at least I tried.

Random thoughts raced through my mind when I waited for the countdown. I quickly looked back at the pacers again, turned to front and said a prayer. I prayed that for whatever it may come, my feet will continue to bring me forward to the finishing.

The race started on time; 11:30PM sharp.

Deep breathes in and off I went. It was difficult to keep at my strategy pace as majority of the runners kept pushing forward fast. I removed the music from my ears to hear my surroundings. I haven’t put them back on since. My senses went on overdrive.

In less than a click, the 4:30 pacers passed me!

Bollocks! What the hell is happening?!

I kept thinking this is extremely bizarre for them to push out so soon into the race. I glanced at my watch and looked at my pace. “Stay calm. Don’t burst out so soon”, I told myself.

The first part of the race was at Nicoll Highway and has a very straight, flat road.  I slowly overtook and slipped through as many runners as possible. The plan was great until we were forced to stop a couple of times at junctions along Stadium Boulevard and Stadium Walk for traffic. Some of drivers cursed at us and some of the runners retaliated with words and “bodily gestures”. I was annoyed but I didn't want to let my emotions to get the best of me. I let off a huge loud huff as I went along.

10K – Jolene had advised me earlier on to at least sustain a strong first 10K and let the rest take over; which I managed to do. I managed to hit my timing right on the dot, My race strategy was followed according to plan despite a bumpy start. And then.....

The crazy mental part of ECP. Looks ridiculously long than anticipated.
12K – 33K something/whatever la -  The dreaded ECP stretch. The most feared route for any marathons or races held at Singapore. Infamous for its concrete paths, over smooth tar roads and occasional narrow paths. Couldn’t blame the organizers but there really isn’t much road in Singapore to race a marathon fully on road alone. For some strange reason, lights would go off randomly along the route and I tripped and stumbled a few times with other runners. It also happened along the dark, uneven roads before entering ECP. It was disheartening that I couldn’t regain my momentum but I was determined to soldier on.

Somewhere along the 15K, I knew I was behind time but determined to hold on to my strategy given by Coach Edan. Nutrition wise, at least. The humidity was no help and the sounds of waves from the beach couldn’t put a smile on face. There was just no wind and air was stiff. I started feeling dizzy and drenched myself in every water station possible.

Then the heavens opened as I passed just right after the half way point. I couldn’t be more grateful as the cool rain poured over me and I picked up the pace. However, I feared the same situation 2 years back when it rained continuously for almost 3 hours and I cramped up badly. But alas, the rain was short lived and it radiated heat from the ground.

“Great......Just great!” I whispered sarcastically to myself.

I felt like every inch of my pour soul has been sucked out of my body and I was forced to occasionally walk. I could feel my shoes heating up and pain started to inch through the soles of my feet.

My mind was playing tricks and I kept “threatening” myself not to hit the wall. I was extremely tempted to jump right in front of an ambulance that was coming towards me but the thought of looking like a suicidal lunatic retracted my decision.  I didn't know why I had thoughts of doing that. VERY unlikely of me.

“Hey dude. You've trained so hard. The countless hours, the early mornings and late night runs. Don’t give up. It’s a waste if you just give in now”. Thoughts started to pour out.

OR there was the occasional crude thoughts like. “Oi Bugger! Giving up so easily because of heat? You’ve been through this before. Run all you can, walk if you need, crawl if you must. Stopping and not finishing is not an option!”

At this point, I was somewhere close to 30K. I glanced at my watch and told myself a Sub-5 seemed achievable at this rate and point. Go for it!

And off I went.

33K – to the finishing (or so I thought) – I couldn’t be happier when I left ECP park and landed my feet on the more common roads of Singapore. I screamed out at the top of my lungs “Good Bye ECP and Good Riddance!” The others runners around me glared at me like a crazy man but I couldn’t had cared less. I’m just glad that I have another 9K to go.

Despite feeling tired, I still felt fine thought I was running much slower that I needed to. My shoes and socks were still wet and I suspected a few of my toe nails were about to come off. It made even harder to push on when I came across a few familiar faces on the road and they were struggling too. I couldn’t believe at the sight. These were the people who usually would have finished the race by now and here they; as we try to take over each other from time to time.

Happy can jump around after a FM.
Photo courtesy of Leen.
Back on the ECP Highway, things got interesting. I’ve been warned before about a certain stretch with an elevation “that seems to never end”. It’s probably about the only high elevation throughout the whole race but its one tough cookie to swallow. None of the runners around were running up that stretch including myself. Not a single one. And mentally calculated there were at less about a 100 of us. I tried to jog a bit but gravity seems to pull you back a bit more.  

The boys!
Photo courtesy of Leen.
 By the time I’m done, passed Marina Bay and in we went to finish off the remaining 3K. My mood was picking. The marker doesn’t seem to jive right with my watch and I’ve already overheard a few of the runners I’m running with saying the same. It didn’t matter as I pushed on. And then when my watch hit the 41K mark and I still felt that I was far away, I knew this was a race that was going to be over distanced. The question is how much more?

Then my watch clicked at 42K; just below 5 hours (barely at 4:56) but I told myself “Good Job, Andrew. No PB this time but its one heck of a run despite the tough conditions”. It’s true that I couldn’t be much more proud. I thought I wouldn't have survived the entire race well.

By the time I crossed the finishing line, it was 5:04 (nett). I didn’t cry like I used too but I stood in silence for a while near the barricades. I closed my eyes and absorbed the feeling that was coming to me. I said “Thank you” and walked myself to the welfare tent. And soon much later after that, I meet up with the rest of the guys who had earlier finished their respective races or awaiting the others who had yet to return.

The AC Team! Post-Race.
Photo courtesy of Leen.

Conclusion (Post race) - Many had asked me whether I was disappointed at the race? Whether I was sad that I didn’t achieve my PB? Was I angry at the conditions and etc. The answer is NO.

I have no regrets what so ever doing this race despite knowing my fears of ECP route or whatever that came in my way. There are days when you win some and you lose some and I’ve try to learn from the good and bad from both.

Photo courtesy of Leen.
 Achieving a personal best is a bonus and testament of your hard work. But that doesn’t mean not achieving it is any much less of a credit. I’ve learned a lot from this one race alone. We may come prepared in many ways physically but the will and determination plays a big role as well. I’ve just over shot my PB by just a mere 23 minutes and I can still proudly say that this is still my 2nd fastest Full Marathon. I take that as an achievement too! To add on, this is the first time I’ve never cramped for a Full Marathon! Looks like the nutrition plan worked.

I quote from one of my sports heroine, 4-time World Ironman Champion - Chrissie Wellington.
“Seize every opportunity you have, embrace every moment. Make a mark, for all the right reasons”


 A great big thank you to my buddies at ACTraining for being there for all of us in Sundown Singapore and Coach Edan and Jolene for guiding us through this crazy 12 weeks.

All in all, I would say that Sundown Singapore 2014 was awesome despite the humidity. Will I be back again you say? You bet I will. 

PS:/ By the way, another Sundown series to go. Sundown Johor, here I come!

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Educity Sundown Malaysia 2014 : Official Launch & Press Conference


Official Launch of Educity Sundown Malaysia 2014 - VIP and Sponsors photo call
BRING ON THE NIGHT! 

Sundown is finally expending to the shore of Malaysia and we have many reasons to be excited about it. Debuting Educity Sundown Malaysia is part of a plan to expand the Sundown Marathon brand, created in 2008 in Singapore. Previous Sundown participants would know how great and unique the experience is over the years in Singapore and finally Malaysian runners would be able to experience it for themselves in their home country.


We were recently invited for the official launch and press conference for the event. The event kick started with a welcome speech by CG Lim - Managing Director of Hivelocity Events Sdn. Bhd. Key notes and highlights pointed out the reason of Johor being chosen. The aim was to anchor a major run in the southern part of the Peninsula as major runs has often taken place at the central and northern parts. This is also to promote sports tourism from across the border and at the same time showcase the beauty of Nusajaya to visitors from overseas as well as locals.

Welcome note by CG Lim - Hivelocity Events Sdn. Bhd.
The race will feature both a 21km and 12km distance and would start and finish at the magnificent, new EduCity Sports Complex. The route is fairly flat and great for runners seeking to better their personal best or at least experience the scenery along the route. Since registration started in March, numbers has been very encouraging and slots are running out. A target of 5000 participants is expected with 2000 participants for the half marathon and 3000 participants for the 12km run.

Notes from Mr. K. Sugumaran - CEO of Education@Iskandar Sdn. Bhd.
The event was further carried on with a short note from Mr. K.Sugumaran - CEO of Education@Iskandar Sdn. Bhd. highlighting what EduCity Sports Complex has to offer and many upcoming international standard events that is going to take place at the complex in the near future.

Photo call with the Official Pacers of Educity Sundown Malaysia 2014 - Athlete's Circle Athletic Club (ACAC)
I'm pretty excited as well as I would be also part of the official pacer team for the event! Athlete's Circle Athletic Club (ACAC) will be pacing with runners on the 21km route. If you are seeking to finish the race at a certain time, watch out for us as we will be pacing to 3 different finishing times, Mainly 2:00 hours, 2:15 hours and 2:30 hours.

There is currently running clinics and training being held specifically for Sundown Malaysia participants. Look out for updates over at Sundown Malaysia's website or Facebook fanpage here at this link.

Or perhaps join us for an impromptu hand stand.
So what are you waiting for? Go sign up quickly before all the slots are taken.
Besides, we wouldn't want to take a break and escape for a "running event holiday"?
I know some has already made plans for Legoland and Hello Kitty Town as well.
*wink *wink ;)

For more photos from the launch and press conference, click here.

For more information about Educity Sundown Malaysia 2014, click here.

Monday 12 May 2014

Rudy Project Firebolt : Unboxing Review

Unveiling the new Rudy Project Firebolt!
A new frame sport sunglasses by the Italian makers, Rudy Project.

The new Rudy Project Firebolt - Lime Gloss Photoclear. Profile View

When I got my hands on this pair of sunnies, I couldn't be more excited to try them on. Hey, I'm a guy who love his sunglasses on every outdoor activity. Anybody who saw my previous sunnies could vouch how battered and seasoned it is. And who wouldn't be swooned over by such Italian craftsmanship, class and fashionably chic! But most importantly, it's the functionality that counts.

So let's get right into the unboxing of the Rudy Project Firebolt.

What's in the box.
The unit I received for review is the Firebolt Lime Gloss with Photoclear lens. In the box are the Firebolt itself, a soft microfiber casing and instructional guide. Pretty straightforward.

The Firebolt is incredibly ultralight; weighting at only 9 ounces (26 grams).

Firebolt with Microfiber casing.
When storage, the Firebolt is folded into the microfiber casing. For more protection, you could opt for a full covered casing that could be purchased separately.

Side by side comparison with Firebolt's brother - The Stratofly

For Rudy Project users and fans, this model may look similar to a current existing model. That is because it's actually the brother/companion of the Stratofly series. The key difference are between a full frame (Firebolt) and half frame (Stratofly) AND also a different cut to the lenses.

Generally I like them both but from past experiences, I'm much better off with full frame eyewear. I lost count on how many half frame sunnies I've dropped and broke the lens.

So now let's look at the close ups.

Lense close up - With air vents.
One of the unique features of the Firebolt are the air vents on the side of each lens. Called the "Integrated Air Conditioning" System, it naturally keeps flow of air into the lens during wear to prevent fog up and also keep your eyes "cool". This is actually great as it doesn't rely on some special coating on the lenses that will fade off over time. It took me less than 5-10 seconds to have the fog cleared up during a run. Major good points for that!

Firebolt logo
The inner parts of the frame (for this model) are Neon Green and guaranteed to be eye catching. It's wrapped around anti-slip system with soft rubber temple tips. True enough it didn't flung off my face when I've tortured it to some extreme trail running.

Adjustable Ergo IV Nosepiece and inserts for RX Optical Inserts.
Heading towards the nosepiece are the ultra comfortable and adjustable Ergo IV nose piece. A closer look are also inserts for optional RX Optical Inserts for prescription wear. They are discreet and still packs a good look.

Photoclear lens.

This model comes with Rudy's Photoclear lens which reacts to UV lighting. The lens would gradually darkened accordingly to the outdoor conditions without affecting the wearer's vision. This feature works well for me as I often go in and out of trails with very different lighting conditions. Previously I have to repeatedly
put on or remove my glasses according to the conditions. Well, not anymore! I even wore it at night and I could still see what is in front of me. Brilliant!

Removable Quickchange lenses. 
The Quickchange lenses are removable and there is a variety of lenses to choose from like Smoke Black, Transparent, Multilaser Orange and Hi-Contrast. There could be purchased separately at Rudy Project dealers.

Italiano~! 
Last but not least, the "Made in Italiano" sign engraved at the side of the tips. Assured that is not another "Made in China" knock off.

So far I've tested out the Firebolt on 2 races; both Xterra Trail Championships and Deuter Trail Run. I've also used them in my daily runs. I must say I'm impressed with it and being the "rough user" that I am known to be; it handled well and suited to my activities. Despite the minor accident of dropping it and the accidental scratch (someone banged into my poor glasses at Deuter during the slide obstacle), it took the beating quite well despite owning it for less than 2 weeks!

The Rudy Project Firebolt is now currently available at all participating dealers and this model is retailing at RSP RM760.

A big thanks you to Rudy Project Malaysia Brunei for letting me review this lovely masterpiece.

For full specs of the Firebolt, do click here.

For more photos and views of the Firebolt, click here.

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