One Mile Dash : New Year Bash

What? 1 Mile Dash : New Year Bash

Where? Start: Jalan Doraisamy and End at Dataran Merdeka.

When? 31 Dec 2008

How long? 1 mile = 1.6km

It was New Year Eve. Everybody was busy preparing themselves for some sort of countsdown parties. Me? Busy getting myself ready for the last race of 2008! I signed up for this event at the Malakoff 12K a week earlier with the intention of snapping pictures along the route. It was my very first time running such short distance!

I met up with Ronnie, Kelvin, Stanley and Kei Meng at Dataran Merdeka (ending Point) before walking the whole mile to Jalan Doraisamy where the start of the run was.

The race started from Jalan Doraisamy at the Asian Heritage Row which encompasses a row of elegant and charming restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs.

These 80-year old prewar houses, that were once abandoned and ignored, have now been given new life with F&B outlets of international standards and become KL's latest watering holes.

The race started about 8pm, with the younger age groups. A short briefing was given at each start. We were told to be mindful of traffics as the Police closed only one lane for us runners.

Welcome drinks by Mojo! The drinks came a little too late as they were served after the first group of runners was flagged off.

I was informed that there were only 22 runners in my age group category. And they would be giving away 20 finisher's medals. Suddenly I had a brilliant idea! (Insert light bulb here!)

I might just have a chance to get a medal. I just have to beat 2 guys! OK...Seemed like a doable thing! So, I put my camera into my bag and strapped it onto my back.

For the first time after so many years, I would run a race without holding a camera in my hand! So, this explains why I have plenty of pictures before and after the event but none during the run in this post!

I did secretly checked out my "competitions" and found at least two "heavy" weight ones...Hahah! "Sure get medal lah" - I nervously assured myself.

As soon as I heard the gunshot, I ran as fast as I could. I ran like as if I was the Zephyr in the sky at night (heheh! tribute to Madonna!). I ran like a happy kid into the rain! I ran like a cheetah chasing a bunch of antelopes in the African safari! I ran like as if I was running to the toilet with sh*t about to come out of my ass! The point is - I have never run so fast in my whole life! LOL!

I kept on look out the whole time - to ensure I had at least two runners behind me! Heheh! It was not an easy task.

I was gasping for air. My lungs felt like bursting! My heart almost popped out from my ribcage! My muscles trembled. Sweat was pouring out by buckets! But I kept going! I had to keep going! And then it hit me! Now I understand the "Spirit of Pia"....the spirit that is being embraced by every runner in the Pacemakers Network.

I have always been a "slow and steady" runner. Easy run, enjoy sceneries, taking pictures etc. But that night...I pia-ed kau kau lat!

"Pia" is a Hokkien word, a loosely translated - going all out to get something, with heart and soul....body and mind.

Position Top 17! Yay!!!!!!

I was so happy! Never been in Top 20 before in my life. Thank you for all the fast runners who skipped this event and went countdown partying instead!

Amelia and the two SLOW MOVERS sisters.

Amelia with some of the top runners.

Winners took home CROC shoes....But the gigantic ones in their hands were just for display. :)

Amelia is all smiles for emerging number 1 in her category!

I didn't stay long at Dataran Merdeka even though there was a grand celebration going on for the new year countdown. I left after taking some group pictures.

Went to the roof top of Sunway Pyramid with thousands other revellers and waited for the fireworks! The view was good as it overlooked the Sunway Lagoon area.

Bye Bye 2008!

Hello 2009!

My last medal of 2008 marks a new beginning for 2009!

We are still in the month of January, so it's not too late for me to still wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

My New Year wish are to take part in many interesting runs and travel to interesting places. Not forgetting taking pictures along the way and maybe occasionally stow away my camera and pia kau kau lat! (Insert PEACE sign here!)