After running Penang Bridge International Marathon 2011 (PBIM) and after almost 5 days since the ordeal, I finally have the time and strength (???) to share my experience of the Full Marathon Ordeal.

Of course, what better way than to tell the whole story from the start. It was 6am on Saturday 19th November 2011. The people who would be going up by car would be me, my bro and Kyuzo. As Kyuzo would be driving, we all decided that we would have to leave earlier to Penang to avoid the afternoon jam. Along the way, it was an okay journey with very little traffic. Finally after some stops and rest areas and we have finally reached Penang Island. The first thing we did was to collect our race packs. Time to go to Queensbay Mall for the collection.

Surprisingly hot weather, I started to think that it would rain again on the marathon just like the year before. Anyway, collection of the race packs was a breeze. I have even gotten myself some sexy shorts. Sexy????You will understand it later.

After collecting our precious running kits, it was time for some food hunting. Well we did reached around 12pm and it was time for some food hunting. My smart brother asked us to go to Port Weld for some nice food.

After reaching the place, we soon found out that it was seafood that he was craving for. Oiiiiiiiii….. seafood go Teluk Kumbar la~~~ but then since we were already there, we decided to go along with it and order some food. Funny thing was my brother asked me and friend to order as he says this same thing when I first stepped my shoes in Penang.

“I cannot speak hokkien la~~~” Bwahaaha!!! Actually same case for me.

So me and Kyuzo (Klang fella here… so Hokkien also okay okay) went to order our food. We ordered Lala, Fish, Vege and to top it all off, we used Cantonese instead. (We’re finished ~~~ sure charge us high kao kao knowing we are not local). Random fact: I ate a lot of rice.

Anyone knows where is this building and the name of it?

After our meal, it was time to go off to our host place to have our rest and also to meet the rest of the group. Thank you Su Lynn for accommodating us. After our great dinner (Spaghetti and Mash Potatoes and salad), we all proceeded to take our rest and also some hours of House Sitcom?? The run for the 42km starts at 2am and we have to get our asses to bed around 5pm. Only thing was that I slept at 10pm. Bummer.. I was up at 12am and it was time for our journey towards Queensbay Mall for the start of the run.

Reached early. Ample parking space along the road. So glad we were there early. I see some people in their tents at the parking bay. Not a bad idea to overnight in the tent. Alright after some catching up with some runners, it was time for the run to start.

I started the run and I felt a small pain in my knee. Well, armed with my yellow sexy shorts (I am crazy of bright stuffs to show during a run) and my New Balance shoes and the running vest, it was a non stop run all the way in the first 10km.

• 10 KM: For the first time (or rather the third time) I ran without feeling tired. Newcomers would replenish their drinks at the first 5km but I opt to skip that due to the not thirsty factor and also it was not required.
• 15 KM: Had a slow run and then walked for awhile. Due to insufficient practice and wondering why did I sign up for 42km.
• 20KM: Where’s the water?? No water at 2 water stations at 20km and 24km. Lucky I had my power gel to keep me from continuously hungry.
• 25KM: Hooray!! Water station and bread. Finally something to push me onward
• 31KM: Ahhhh… still a long way to go.
• 35KM: With the time at 6 hours, looks like there’s no need to run anymore. I will be able to make it get the finisher T. Also made a new friend as I chatted with a friend called Mawar.
• 40.7KM: It is a dash to the finish line as I go through all those Fun Run participants. Boring~~~
• 41KM: Mission accomplished. Got a XL Finisher T.

Finally I finished the run. The first and most probably a very long time before I start running another full marathon. Here are my results based on PBIM website.

Finally, what can I say? I am satisfied that I finished the run, but am not satisfied with my timing. I was thinking maybe I should take it slow. Start with consistency and do a proper 10KM run to get myself faster. Okay, that is what I would do.

After running it was time to go back to the house and everyone was finally gathered. Time to have a photo shoot of the group. Opps not the above.

From Clockwise Top Left: Kyuzo, Audrey, Sook Mei, Kevin, Daniel

Time to display our proud achievement to the world. It was definitely worth it. As the day goes by, we had seafood dinner at Teluk Kumbar and also another dose of Dr House. The dinner was worth it, you may refer the old post somewhere around. Also something happened during dinner. While we were eating, Sook Mei just had to say, imagine if suddenly it were to rain. Just as she said that, suddenly rain drops came pouring down so fast, we were all saying, “Aiyoh~~~~ you are the cause of it!”. Opps.

The following day, time to leave for home. Time to leave Penang that I usually only drop by once a year. Saddening right? Before we left the island, we saw a sign to keep us remember the time here.

TAK NAK!!!! LOL

Left Penang using the Jetty. We decided to have our lunch/dinner at Ipoh. What can one eat? Beansprout Chicken Rice/Noodle.

Superb…. it was finally great. A food to end the post. It made me hungry. I am going to make some coffee and eat some bread right now. As we come to the end of the post, nothing interesting happened after the Ipoh stop. We just went back and had a great sleep.

I am looking forward for my next run which is the MPSJ 10KM Run next. Woo hoo!!!

And now for the final preview. Wonder how short I wore my shorts? How short were they? Wonder no more as I reveal them below.

Whoa… wrong one. By the way, that is my brother.

Just look at me. Ahahahaha!! Short right?

It was exactly 31st August 2011 when I made my withdrawal from Nuffnang Blog Advertising Agency. I finally got my hands on the Nuffnang Cheque in October. It has been like 3 years I have sticked to this ads blogging agency. Well, I was testing their payment withdrawal system since this will be my second payment I am getting from Nuffnang. Actually Nuffnang brought me back my memories on the first meetup with other Nuffies and also the Boss Stewie. Those days we were all young and simply the zest for blogging was more towards fun.

Fast forward, it is now 2011 and the last time I withdrawn my money from Nuffnang was like 2008. That is about 3 years since I actually withdraw any money. This is what came into my postbox a few days back.

I still remembered when I have gotten my first paycheque from Nuffnang back in 2008 and writing a post about it. I basically hid the value that I have gotten which was kind of stupid. I mean, why hide the value? Those naive days of me. Unlike now, I find that it is great if one can share their success of being with a blog advertising network  and thus encouraged others that this agency does pay. Though, if it works for me, it does not mean it will work for everyone. Just a bit of work and also constant visitors will get you the pay you deserve.

I am nowhere anywhere near those elite bloggers who have lots of money value. Until 2010, I was a constant consistent blogger. The year 2011 has made my life a bit different. I have even considered giving up blogging because I cannot keep up with my activities. Until then I thought, why stop?

Thank you Nuffnang for sending this cheque worth RM745.99 to me. Well, at least it is a pocket money while blogging.

SIDENOTE

I have been looking back at all my old photos and now thought back of all the fun things I have done during my younger years. After another 1 month, I would be having another new journey in my social life. Will I be back?

Just last Sunday I was away, and finally had my run after what seemed like a long time since Standard Chartered KL Half Marathon 2011 which took place at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square KL). This time on the 25th of September 2011, I took part in the Siemens 10.5km Run 2011 for the fun of it. Well, that is because I will for the first time be running in a proper running event together with my dear Miss Yen.

Once again, armed with only his HTC Hero he finally ran the whole course. What is his timing this time? It is 1 hour 34 minutes. Yes, basically it is 1’34’39. Slower than how I used to run? Not really, I was just testing my stamina on this one and this time it is totally different. Why is it different. I get to run along with …. JENG JENG JENG… *drum roll*

Dearest Yen. Ahhhh… finally after finishing the run. So now you know. That’s what I have been busy with. Preparing for the run together. At least something worthwhile doing. I am lucky cause I get to run with her for this run, well, at least doing activities together to ensure both of us keep ourselves fit and healthy and also it is a good practice.

I wonder, when will my next run be? We both ran and walked along the track, though our time might not be great, it was still better than some of the other participants who were actually slower. I am impressed with Yen as she was able to keep pace with me at certain areas where I tried to push her into running and jogging, constantly motivating her to run at times.

What I have learnt from this is that it is not about running fast or slow, it is who you run with. Of course, I think I will limit myself to 10km whenever there’s a 10km run.

PS: So far so good, she already ran two 10km run this year. I am gonna push her to run 3 runs next year.

pss: Wish me luck. *pooof*

Running is a sport, it is not something I would like to force anyone to take up, but unlike excessively playing video games and sleeping and wasting time on the couch too much, running should be one of the easiest sport to pick up. All one need is a jogging shoe and one can start running.

Well, so says me. Of course anyone can beg to differ but when was the last time you thought of running and when was the last time you thought you were fit? Years back during school days? Is one too old to pick this sport up? Giving excuses because you think you are busy doing other things?

Okay, back to my report. This is finally my third time in the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2011 and running the half marathon on the 26th June 2011. It was worth it but with a bad timing compared to my previous records. Here are the timing and updates.

Judging from the above time, it is definitely worse than my previous timing of 2:48:43. What seems to be the problem?

Of course if it is based upon the Cardiotrainer application, I ran about 2:54:10 but let us see the current one that is recorded on the KL Marathon website. It is 2:50:31, roughly about 2 minutes slower than my run a year back.

What more can I say? This is due to lack of practice and sleep. Sleep plays an important part.

Here is how the medal looks like.

Of course, after that, I took my next course of action, which is to practice a little for the BHP Orange Run 2011 held on the 24th July 2011.

BHP Orange Run 2011

It was different this year with more food for the people. Of course, here is my report on what happened to me during that day. I woke up at 7:30am and left straight to the starting point at The Curve. To our bewilderment (yes.. it’s me, Mouse and Oon once again) the race has already begun like 10 minutes ago. We were there 10 minutes late which was 7:10am. So off we go to chase the pack (or rather part of the slow ones). Since we were running to chase up, I have pretty much used up a lot of energy in this run.

Why? Previous day, I had a team building event for the department in the company I am working with.

Of course, not wanting to skipped the whole running and to use this as an excuse, I went ahead with it. Lo and behold, maybe I have too much confidence in myself which has caused my downfall in the Orange Run this year.

I ran like nearly 20 minutes slower than usual. A run which typically I could aim to get around 1 hour has become a run which ended at about 1 hour 20 minutes give and take.

Nevertheless, the Weird One had fun, and it was mistakingly a good one. Along the run, I had like lots of rest by walking compared to the previous runs and cheering other runners and competing with some kid going ahead and he going ahead of me. Of course seeing my friends running ahead of me has somehow slowly demotivated me as it looked like they have beaten me in a run where I used to excel.

Off the record, after the run, it was time for some memories of the run.

It was worth it. So what were my split times based on the application?

My Split Time 6:12 | 6:27 | 6:05 | 6:58 | 7:13 | 8:24 | 7:26 | 7:37 | 8:00 | 7:30

What can be deduced? I grew complacent towards the end. It looks like my stamina has dropped and it is good to keep track of your split times to know which area to improve. More training for me for my next upcoming run which is Shape and Men’s Health Run 2011.

It happened. It was March 19th 2011, the day that DanielCtw along with Yen went to attend the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2011. The time was 0500 hours and it was the time that we set on our way towards Putrajaya. I woke up like 0400 hours in order to get ready.

Why did we get up so early? That is so that we could have a chance to go up the Hot Air Balloon and tickets were only sold per session. So we have to be the top 300 people in order to fly up per session. So the time was now 0530 hours and by the time we try to find the place to queue, the queue was already this long and there were many people. Talk about kiasu-ness.

One thing though, nowadays people are crazy, go so early for a 10 minutes ride up the balloon (yes…. super bananas 10 minutes only). Nevertheless sometimes it’s an experience one had to go through to get to sit on the hot air balloon. Besides, unless you’re a crazy weirdo adventurous and outgoing person like me, hmmm.. then maybe you will be able to get an outside chance to sit on a hot air balloon again. Oppps…

Getting back to the topic of the Hot Air Balloon Festival, taken many photos of the occasion. Of course, the pictures will definitely not be all shown here but maybe at a photo album in my Facebook. Here are some of the scenes in Putrajaya.

It was early morning, and the time is now 8am. This was the first of the balloons that were setup. Oh yeah, going back to how long the queue was, there were some disappointment to some kids who did not get to go into the balloon. Pity them but well, who is going to pity me? We finally get to purchase the ticket around 0900 hours. That was practically 3 hours of queuing.

Finally balloons spotted. There was this one which was hanging upside down. Many people were worried. Though of course, there is definitely no way a balloon can go upside down. Wondered how these people think? Weird right?

Of course, I was fascinated with the mechanism of the Hot Air Balloon. Well, as soon as I stepped in, I was looking at what the person in charge was doing. Imagine Dhalsim (from Street Fighter) doing Yoga Flame.

Finally our turn (Daniel and Yen) to go into the balloon. Sweet.

Now how does it look like inside? Empty. So much for your enthusiasm. As can be seen, two handles to handle the fire.

Finally we’re going up. Up and looking towards the many small people down there. What a sight.

Both of us up on the balloon and hmmm… I failed in taking a proper shot. Problem with a wide lens when you don’t adjust it earlier. Of course, after spending like 10 minutes above ground in the hot air balloon, it was time to touch ground once again.

What a short ride that was. Next year must try to get the VIP ride.

Time to pose one for the camera. Who was taking this photo for us? No one. It was me and her. One thing about balloons, the only one I find attractive is the one from Japan. Welcome Mr Doraemon.

Ang Ang Ang とても大好き。。ドラエモン

Doraemon greeted us out from the trees. Monstrous figure suddenly appear out of nowhere. Now where is Ultraman when you need him. Aside from that, speaking of Japan, let’s do our best we can to help our friends in Japan who suffered from the earthquake and tsunami attack. Spiritually and also if you are able to donate, why not?

Star Troopers in Putrajaya? Star Wars? What has this got to do with International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Putrajaya? Well, we’ll see it later in the upcoming post.

By the way aside from all the balloons one can see, there are so many people and people would not just go there for the hot air balloons. So in order to keep the people happy, there are other tonnes of activities one could do there. Here is one of them.

FirstInMalaysia.com.my Orbing is here for those who wants a thrill of being in a ball or a globe. It sure looks fun to me. Get yourself in the ball, and you’ll be rolled around in the ball from someone outside.

Of course there is a certain age limit.

That is this little guy could not play this ORB thingy. So he went sulking and followed by his little sister. (not true… just so happens it follows the story and also a lucky shot). Well of course, it’s not only the big orb that’s having most of the attention, the other one is the little orbs where people can go right through them and become the human bumper.

The person inside the orb fell down and everyone is looking at how miserable the person was. Funny scenes captured. More on my facebook album. After quite some time of mingling around in Putrajaya, it was time for some photo of me to be shown in my own blog. Of course, would there be more about this awesome event here in Putrajaya. You bet there will be.

So stay tune. There will be more to come as soon as I find time to write it. I am such a delayer.