World Tourism VS Terry Fox

Last sunday, I was torn between two runs, feeling like a fool... (sing to the tune of 70's hit by Mary McGregor). It was like Alien VS Predator and not unlike Freddy VS Jason. Both runs were interesting in their own ways. "How now, brown cow?" as Ms. Emma Peel used to ask. Being a true kiasu, I decided to go for both.

I started with World Tourism Run at Dataran Merdeka at sharp 7:30am (after the annoying aerobic session with that uncle). I baby dashed the 7km route in my spanking new Adidas shoes I bought from Isetan Sale, Lot10, a day before. I was not there to buy shoes but I grabbed a pair anyway as it was on 50% discount. Reminded me of my first pair of Adidas. Comfy, airy and plenty of cushioning. Completed the run in 38 min, slow and steadily like an old man (Insert cough here..Uhuk! Uhuk! Uhuk!)

My Terry Fox tee was still dripping wet when I run to Lake Perdana where Terry Fox Run was held. By the time I reached the end point, most of the runners have returned home. I collected my certificate of participation. It was a very nice colourful certificate. Hey..not bad at all, two running certs in a day!!! Wow!

Was wondering where have the Milo van disappeared from the World Tourism Run earlier….I found it parked in the Lake Garden, serving those yummy cool chocolatey heaven to Terry Fox runners.

Terry Fox run has never disappoint me in term of quality of the T-shirt, event management, abundant food...(fresh fruit - apples, banana & oranges, yummy pastries from Regent Hotel, KL and drinks (canned fruit juice, canned Horlick and Eau Claire mineral water).

I stayed for a while at Lake Perdana watching runners went by while munching into my cinnamon roll and egg croissant. It was like a picnic at the park. Loads of Mat Salleh and Minah Salleh around. They must have come in truck loads. Blonde, Blue and Hairy! (I am not talking about the men alone!! women too LOL). And suddenly, I felt like a minority in my own country. Ahaks!

Angry Letter

It is coming to three months now since we were promised that we would received our finisher medals via post. My fellow runner, Boy Wonder is pissed with the Ipoh Marathon organizer, so pissed that he wrote this pissed off letter to the Datuk Bandar Ipoh. We are waiting, Datuk Bandar...

PER : PINGAT IPOH INTERNATIONAL RUN 2004

Tuan

Saya telah memasuki larian tersebut dan sampai sekarang saya belum dapat pingat penghabisan saya. Saya amat kecewa dengan pengurusan pingat larian ini. Saya sudah banyak kali menelefon pihak-pihak yang berkenaan (Encik Zainal Yau, Encik Faisal 05-2442260 dan Encik Aziz 05-2442266) tetapi tiada jawapan atau dikenakan semacam bolasepak ditendang ke sini ke sana. Tidak ada orang yang bertanggungjawab keatas hal ini, ke? Kata selepas larian itu, pingat akan dihantar ke semua peserta yang layak. Kita sudah mengisi keratan kertas yang dikehendaki! Apa pula sekarang? Sudah berapa bulan tunggu, batang hidung tali pingat pun tidak nampak. Sia-sia saya bertungkus lumus untuk mendapat posisi 300 peserta untuk layak dapat pingat itu!

Inilah kali pertama and terakhir saya akan menyokong larian Ipoh ini.

Harap-harap tuan dapat membuat sesuatu secepat mungkin.

Yang benar

………………….

THE TERRY FOX RUN 2004

My Terry Fox T-Shirt Collection that goes way back to year 2001. The slogan for 2001 was “Every 1 makes a difference”. Year 2002 and 2003 – “Lead By Example” and “Unbreakable Spirit” respectively.

I like this year’s slogan best. Cool eh? That is why I keep all my Terry Fox Run tees and gave all my other run T-shirts away to Salvation Army.

The Regent Kuala Lumpur and the Canadian High Commission are jointly organizing The Terry Fox Run for the ninth time in Kuala Lumpur. The objective of the run is to continue Terry's dream of raising funds and creating awareness for need to carry out cancer research, until a cure is found.

Terry Fox knew personally the importance of the need for cancer research. At the age of 18, his right leg had to be amputated above the knee as a result of bone cancer. During this crucial period, Terry saw the intense pain and despair of other cancer victims. He decided to run across Canada and along the way he'd asked each Canadian for a C$1.00 donation in support of cancer research. He called the run 'The Marathon of Hope'. With one good leg and one artificial leg, he ran the equivalent of a marathon (42 km) every day for 143 days. Terry died before he could complete his crusade but his legacy is carried in the hearts of all who participate or donate to the Terry Fox Run each year around the world.

Proceeds from this year's run will go to the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) to carry out cancer research in Malaysia. CARIF is committed to an understanding of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment through a fundamental basic research programme. As a centre dedicated to understanding cancer in the Malaysian context, CARIF seek the integration of new technologies towards the long-term goal of reducing the devastating impact of cancer. This year the Run will be held on:

Date: Sunday, 26 September 2004

Time: 7.00 am

Venue: Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens)

Around the world, the run has been in existence for 24 years. The Terry Fox Run at the Lake Gardens is a fun and a non-competitive event. Participants can walk, run, wheelchair, jog, roller blade or bicycle the 5 km distance – once or several times. Participation in The Terry Fox Fun Run is by donation. Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated.

Donations of RM30 per person will each receive a special commemorative 2004 Terry Fox Run t-shirt. T-shirts are available in the following sizes: children size 32 and 36; Adults S, M, L, XL and XXL. Donations for the run can be made at the Kiosk at The Regent Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Bukit Bintang or at the Canadian High Commission at Menara Tan & Tan, Jalan Tun Razak.

Enquiries on the run can be made by contacting: The Regent Kuala Lumpur on 03-2149 4155 The Canadian High Commission on 03-2718 3333

So, everyone, what are you waiting for?

ADIDAS KING OF THE ROAD

Adidas KOTR was held at Dataran Merdeka on 5 Sept 2004, organized by Adidas, sanction by FTAAA and co-sponsored by DBKL.

One of the runs to look forward to. Not because of the scenic route. Not because of the lucky draw prizes. Not because of medals. It was the event t-shirt - branded Adidas tee was said to worth RM49.90 (but was selling at a bargain bin price at RM20 at the Adidas booth on the event day).

I managed to capture some teenage cheerleaders rehearsing their routine at the START line with my mobile phone camera. Slick and funky...

Had my foot scanned at the Adidas booth while waiting for the lucky draw . Found out that I am an over-pronator. On both feet! In layman term - the foot roll too far inward (collapses) during running, leading to lower leg, knee and back injuries over time.

Hmmmm...Sound serious! This calls for serious measure – some serious shoe shopping to fit my over-pronating feet! Shopping therapy! I like that but on second thought, my faithful FILA shoes are still working fine – no blisters, no bloody chaffing, snug fit, well conditioned and look good.

I think my old faithful can still last me one more marathon. (Singapore Marathon..Here I Come). I will probably start shopping for new shoes during Chinese New Year Sale! (Insert lion dance drum here!)

Standard Chartered Marathons Here I Come

I have signed up for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on Merdeka Day. It will be my sophomore effort after my debut in KL Marathon 2004. This time I will be more prepared for it. My initial plan early in the year was to run 3 marathons this year and then take a bow. But then Penang International Bridge Run was cancelled without any notice. So I was left with two. I was tempted to run Ipoh Marathon but my instinct told me not to. True enough, Ipoh Marathon turn out to a disaster due to incompetent organizer. I am still waiting for my 21km finisher medal. Johor Marathon? I didn’t even want to consider running it. It turned out to be a bigger disaster than Ipoh. A marathon without water stations? Unthinkable.

My worst fear in a marathon is a bad organizer. It can really flush three months of training down the drain. I can’t imagine myself completing a marathon without a medal to show. I will not leave my passion in running in the hands of incompetent bumbling idiots like those of Ipoh and JB Marathon. So, I have been very careful in selecting my marathons, as there is no one else to blame if I ended up with a lousy marathon. Can’t blame the organizers cause I fill in the registration form willingly and even if I f*ck them left and right, top and bottom, do you think they care?

I am looking forward for the Singapore Marathon as I have missed it last year due to some unforeseen circumstances. Amelia and Boywonder gave rave reviews on how they enjoyed themselves during the run last year. Great organization. Wonderful cheers and support from public. Flat scenic route. Can’t wait to start my training regime again.

My uncle also asked me to join him for Bangkok International Marathon, which I declined. Why? It will be held week before the Singapore Marathon. I am passionate about I don’t want to run myself out. I might do Bangkok it next year if the review is favourable from my uncle.

Speaking of my running uncle, he has already preparing to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon next year – 27 Feb 2005. He told me that it will be like a family vacation with my auntie and my cousins and will scout for cheap tickets during Matta Fair in Sept. My parents liked the idea of the family vacation too. I told him I would think about it. My heart is itching more than my feet to go for this marathon. The thoughts of running in HMV and other CD/VCD stores send my heart to a flutter.

I have written to HK Amateur Athletic Association for more details and the told me that more info will be available in Oct in the updated website. On-line registration is available. Better start saving now…