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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Exclusive: The Singapore Blade Runner Completes KL Marathon Despite Muscle Cramp

Last Sunday Singaporean Mohd Shariff Abdullah aka Singapore Blade Runner demonstrated that nobody needs two legs to run a marathon.

Born without a left foot, he wears a specialised prosthetic limb known as a "flex blade", specially designed for running long distances.

I was quite surprised to see him hobbling towards the finish line about 2 minutes past the official cut off time of 6 hours. I knew something had gone wrong because I knew this man was capable of doing a 4 1/2 hours marathon.

He looked OK and was giving two thumbs up to the photographers. But suddenly he collapsed to the ground!!!

The medical officers quickly rushed to his aid.

I managed to catch up with him later. Here’s the scoop on what happened...

1) Have you run KL Marathon before?

No, this is my first time.

2) What was your target?

My target was 4 and a half hours but my good leg was injured around 18km. I had cold muscle cramp that prevented me from running all the way. I had to resort to run and walk due to the pain. Thanks to a friend from Singapore who kept motivating me, I managed to keep going until the finish line.

3) What were your challenges in the course?

The undulating route can be challenging and tested my endurance.

4) What kept you going?

My focus and believing in myself to complete the race.

5) I saw you lying on the ground after you crossed the finish line. What was you thinking at that moment?

The pain in my good leg had me in tears. When I fell, the first thing on my mind is "THANK GOD" I have completed my mission. I have never experience this before.

6) What do you like about Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010?

I don’t care what other runners talk about the previous incident. To me it is all about well preparation for your own race. There was a lot of volunteers and cheerleading along the way.

The first-aiders were very helpful and treated me well. For instance, when I request for bandage, I was attended to immediately. The route is so awesome and not boring to run. I wish could turn back the clock and run again. :)

7) What can be improved?

Only the race pack collection. The collection place was inconvenient. If possible could it be collected at the Dataran Merdeka or perhaps via postal delivery.

8) When is your next race in Malaysia?

I will be back again for Penang Bridge International Marathon in November 2010 and if there is any invitation run, do let me know. I have a personal mission to inspire people in all walks of life to join in sports and stay healthy.

9) Do you have anything to say/message for the readers of this blog?

To all runners, keep going and always listen to your body. Do not force yourself and have a positive mindset. Always say we are 1 and we will make it happen!

You can be a fan of Singapore Blade Runner on Facebook HERE.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Exclusive: Interview With Mohan who finishes his 97th Marathon @ Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010

I did my first interview feature for this blog with AirAsia X CEO, En Azran Osman Rani after the Energizer Night Marathon last March. Read about the interview HERE.

As a follow up, I have found another victim interesting runner to share his passion about marathon running with us.

Meet Mohan, a Kenyaporean runner.

Hahah! We dubbed him the Kenyaporean because of his "omnipresence" in local marathons and abroad. He is actually a Singaporean but called Malaysia his second home. You would probably seen or most likely heard him during your marathon. He carries a horn/ whistle to wake up encourage unsuspecting runners on the marathon route!

He had just completed his 97th marathon at the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 and well on his way to achieve his dream of completing his 100th marathon before he turns 50 in October.

Check out his marathon (42km and beyond) finisher medals collection....

Here's the interview.

1) What you do you professionally?

A "part time" dealer at a local stockbroking company and "full time" marathoner....hahaha... just kidding..... the other way around!

2) Do you still remember your first marathon? Tell us briefly what you remember.

Certainly I do.... In fact I can even recall my first two attempts in 1993 & 1994 - then it was the Singapore Mobil Marathon and the Singapore International Marathon respectively...- when I only managed to run about 18 km and 22km.

It was my third attempt in 1995 at the Singapore Mobil Marathon in Singapore when I completed the full marathon distance.... The feeling was fantastic... "runner's high" I suppose.

In spite of limping and suffering from severe chaffing for the next few days, I called the organisers, SAAA ( our equivalent to your FTAAA ) and suggested that they should organise marathons more frequently. The somewhat negative answer which I received was: " Your body cannot take more than 2 marathons a year."

China Coast Marathon 2010

3) Where do you keep your medals?

I used to keep them in a plastic folder.... until there were too many - so the easiest way - just chuck them in a drawer...haha... I am a lazy fellow!

4) What are your favourite running songs?

Songs??? What songs..... ??? I make noise along the way. I wake people up with my whistle or horn along the way. I have proven science wrong.... 'Before you see me, you will hear me first - ie sound travels faster than light'.

Well, on a more serious note, I have never ever run with a walk man or MP3 - I would rather listen to the environment rather than be in my own world.

5) Why do you run?

In 1988, at the age of 28, I was sufferring from palpitation, chest pain and high blood pressure. My resting pulse could hit 110 -120 and you know what that means....

I used to smoke and drink.... well, life cannot go on like that. You know, in Singapore cigarettes and medical fees are very expensive !..haha! I had to change my lifestyle and what better way than to run.

Dubai Marathon 2010

6) What are your pre-race/ post race rituals?

Pre-race: depending on where I am running, I load up on my salts accordingly

Post-race: makan anything "pedas" (Spicy/ Hot)

7) When did you start running?

In 1993 at the age of 33.

8) Who is your running hero?

Hero - none,

Heros - all who participate in marathons!

Prague Marathon 2010

9) What are the must have items that you carry during your marathon?

Either my whistle or horn - depending oin where I am running. I dont usually check-in a luggage when I fly, and carrying the horn may pose a problem at the airport security....

10) Where is favourite place to run?

Favourite place to run - frankly, KL... not so much for the physical environment, but rather other runners are very warm and responsive, unlike Singapore.

Favourite place to race - China and Australia.

Taipei Freeway

11) Have you ever DNF? Where? What happened?

DNF?? Oh yes. At last year's NorthFace100 in Singapore, I started the race ok, but as the race progessed, I felt a little uncomfortable and actually slept on the course at two different places. It was about the 27k point when this 4 x 4 drive Volvo came around and asked if I wanted to go for a "test-drive" back to the start....

Sigh.... I blame it on Volvo..haha!

But on a more serious note, the drive back gave me some much needed private moments to ponder and reflect on the race. Initially, I was very sad, but, I picked myself up and accepted 'reality' and I was back at the finish line cheering on the race finishers cross the line....

I have some " unfinished business " to settle at this year's NF100.

Tokyo 2010

12) What is your PR?

My PB was 3h59m which i did in 1997. ... its "historical"...

13) What is your running motto/ slogan?

"Encourage .... and be encouraged", always help a fellow runner.

14) What is your advice to beginners in running?

Don't run by yourself, run with someone, someone who will engage you throughout the run and make it an enjoyable one.... First experience is very important.

Xiamen 2010

15) What are the proudest moments in your running experience?

Possibly the proudest moment was when I paced my diabetic running buddy the full distance of the 2009 Std Chartered Singapore Marathon. It was the proudest moment for me because it was my friend's first marathon, and the race has changed his life so much.

Since his first marathon, my friend has since paced two 'marathon virgins' in the first marathon during the Sundown Marathon 2010 in Singapore.

16) What are the funniest things that ever happened to you in your marathons?

Ha.... just happened last Sunday at the Dili Marathon (Timur-Laste). Dili had their first marathon on 20 june 2010. The people (spectators) did not know what a marathon was, and were rather shy and quiet.... And there was me, this noisy runner from Singapore, whistling and making noise and wishing the people "bon-dia"...."bon-dia"....( greeting for 'good morning' ).

Suddenly, the Timurese guy wished me: "Bon-dia Mister Bean"...! (Insert ROTFLOL here!)

Xiamen 2010

17) How much do you roughly spend per year for your running trips? This one is a frequently asked queston...People are curious. But it's up to you if you wanna answer or not. :)

Too much, but the feeling after finishing the race has always been fantastic. I had set a goal to do a hundred, and I am glad that I am almost there.

18) What's after the 100th medal?

Possibly back to basics... No need to participate in competitive races, but can still do the distance - just me, my camelbac and my garmin.

Kuala Lumpur 2010

19) How did you do in the Standard Chartered KL Marathon?

I did the race in 5h34m. Had the pleasure of running with and pacing some newbie runners.

20) What do you like about the Standard Chartered KL Marathon?

I enjoyed myself very much at and during the SCKLM. KL has always been a place to meet old friends and to make new ones. Malaysian runners are amongst my best friends and it has always been a pleasure to run with them.

21) What needs to be improved in the Standard Chartered KL Marathon?

On a positive note, there has been a great improvement compared to last year's - well done organisers! There has been more cheer groups along the way, the route is pretty good.

Perhaps looking forward, there must be cold drinks at the end. During yesterday's race, there were no drinks left for the runners who came in after about 5h30m. The slow runners are probably the one who need the drinks the most .....

Acknowledgement: Thank you to Mohan for sharing his passion for marathon with us. Photos courtesy of Mohan except the last one where I purposely waited for him to take his finishing photos...

We would like to wish him all the best for his remaining 3 marathons to achieve his 100th Marathon - 04/07/10 Gold Coast, Australia, 20/07/10 Pattaya, Thailand and 29/08/10 Perth, Australia.

We hope you enjoy reading this post and get inspired by this marathon maniac. He is very funny as well. Not Mr. Bean funny but close. LOL!

Comments are always welcome. Please throw me some ideas who do you like me to interview next. :)

Video: Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 Flag Off

42km (5:00am) - What rainy start. Ugh! I had to store away my SLR and make do with tiny Oly...But better than nothing at all. Heheh! I took this right in front of the VIP tent.

21km (6:15am) - Slightly better view of the start area at the Dataran Merdeka. I waddled my way up the video/ photographer platform built for the media for this :)

10km (7:00am) - Me in the race! Major human traffic jam at the start. Heheh!

5km? (8:00am) - Sorry...I don't have this video. I can't be running a 10k and taping the fun run start, right? Heheh!

I have got tonnes of more stories, photos, interviews and videos coming soon! Please comeback for updates! The marathon didn't end at the finish line! I have got like over 1,000 photos to sort. (Insert mock fainting here) LOL!

BHPetrol Orange Run 2010

What? BHPetrol Orange Run 2010

Where? Piazza, The Curve, Damansara

When? 25 July 2010, Sunday,

Who? An event by Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn. Bhd.

How far? 11km

How much? FREE!!!!!

For info and registration, please click HERE.

Read about past years race report HERE, HERE and HERE.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Standard Chartered Charity Run 2010 (Brunei)

What? Standard Chartered (SCB) Charity Run 2010

Who? Standard Chartered Brunei

When? 8 August 2010, 6:00am, Sunday.

Where? Jerudong Park Playground

How far & How much? 10km BND$20; 2.5km BND$10

Why? All proceeds raised from our Charity Run will benefit Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA) and Standard Chartered Bank’s Seeing Is Believing Programme.

Note: There will be Challenge Categories – Run blindfolded with a partner in any categories.

Wow! :D

For more info, please click HERE.

Thank you Anak Panyu for the update!

Meet The Athletes of Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010

International and local talents to inspire other runners as over 16,000 participants ‘Run as One’

I was so excited when I got the invite to meet the past winners of SCKLM 2010. Up close and personal. Not just seeing them in a dash of light, blazing down the street!

The session was conducted at the official hotel, Mandarin Oriental on Friday.

The Jade Room.

Champion seat.

Hosting the runners at the conference was Wes Sakai, Race Director of Golazo Sdn. Bhd, organizers of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010.

“We are excited with their participation and know that they will be an inspiration to other runners,” he said, in welcoming the elite runners.

“Everyone has a personal goal to reach, some doing so despite physical challenges. As the elite runners, be it international and local talents, run alongside the other participants, they become examples of individuals beating all odds. Salam 1Malaysia to all of you as we get together and ‘Run As One’! The collective USD 100,000 prize money may not be the only reason why some of these enthusiastic participants are part of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, the spirit of unity and the sport stand for a great reason”, he concludes.

I was told that there were some elite Ethiopian runners in the room. But before I could meet them after the press con, they were gone. :(

Amongst the international talents at the event were returning runners, Mr.Nelson Kirwa Rotich, Mr. Julius Ndiritu Karinga and Ms. Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, all from the Republic of Kenya, East Africa.

“I am really excited and looking forward to the actual race. Having had won last year’s full marathon, international women’s category, I hope to achieve similar results and clock better time this year,” said Lodepa , who finished the 2009 race with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes and 14 seconds.

“For international runners like us, the route planned is great! We enjoy soaking in the vibrant city sights as we race,” she concluded.

Joining the international runners were our very own long distance runner, Shahruddin Hashim and SUKMA 2010 Best Male Athlete, Karthik Jayaraman. Karthik will be taking part in the 10K event.

The official photographer didn't attempt a stunt during phototaking this time. Heheh! See his previous stunt HERE and HERE.

Elite local and international runners who will be taking part in the “Run As One” Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010. From left: Karthik Jayaraman, Shahrudin bin Hashim, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Julius Ndiritu Karinga and Nelson Kirwa Rotich.

Julius Karinga blazed through last year's 42km in just 2 hours 17 min! He hopes to better his time as he has gained more experience and training over the past 12 months.

I only managed to catch hold of Julius and Shahruddin to record some video messages for you SCKLM runners out there. The rest disappeared right after the press con was over. They didn't even touch the yummy refreshment outside the room. Too eager to go shopping at KLCC, perhaps? Heheh!

This is Singapore Blade Runner with Julius Karinga. You can read about Singapore Blade Runner HERE.

Singaporean Mohd Shariff Abdullah, aka the Singapore Blade Runner, will be demonstrating that nobody needs two legs to run a marathon....this Sunday. If you see him, please show your support and cheer for him, ya!

And now the video. Check out the grand entrance of the athletes into the room...and a special message from last year's 42km Men Open winner, Julius Karinga to all the participants of SCKLM 2010.

ENJOY!

To all readers who will be running the race tomorrow...Rest well and race well!

For details on Race Day and other marathon information, log on to www.kl-marathon.com.

Acknowledgments: Thank you for Golazo and G2 for the exclusive invite to meet the athletes.

Message from Shahruddin Hashim for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 Runners

Exclusively for the readers of this blog, especially for those marathon virgins... :D

Shahruddin is our national long distance runner. Last year, he won 2nd placing in the SCKLM Malaysian category. Shahruddin had started his running career in 2002 and has since competed in 15 full marathons.

He will be competing in the 42km category this year! All the best to Shahruddin!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Roads closed for Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010

FORTY roads in Kuala Lumpur will be closed in stages from 5am this Sunday to make way for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010. These roads will be closed in stages 15 minutes before the race starts and then reopen at noon.

The roads around Dataran Merdeka will be closed from Saturday for the event. The race will flag-off and end at Dataran Merdeka on Sunday.

The affected roads are Jalan Raja (Dataran Merdeka), Jalan Hishamuddin, Hishamuddin roundabout to the slip road to Jalan Travers, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Lingkaran Tengah, KL-Seremban Expressway, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Jalan Loke Yew to Jalan Cheras, Jalan Tun Razak to the slip road to Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Ipoh, Kepong roundabout to Jalan Kuching, Segambut roundabout to Jalan Duta, Jalan Langgak Tunku, Jalan Tunku, Jalan Tun Ismail, Jalan Sultan Salehuddin, Dato Onn roundabout, Jalan Parlimen, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Semarang, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Kinabalu, Jalan Lembah, Jalan Perdana, Jalan Cenderasari, Jalan Cenderawasih, and Kampung Pandan roundabout.

Motorists, you have been warned! If you see us runners on the road, please don't honk at us...Cheer for us!

Source: The Malay Mail

Aishah Sinclair's Message to All Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 Runners

Aishah is one of the celebrities for Run for A Cause in Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 in aid of YAWA.

ENJOY!

Note: Aishah is very pregnant at the moment (8 months) but she will be taking part in the 5 km fun run. Look out for her at SCKLM 2010!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

10th Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run 2010

What? 10th Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run 2010

When? 10 July 2010 (Flag-off at 5:17pm)

Where? Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club, Sabah.

How far? 7km

Why? All funds raised goes to help the Sabah Thalassaemic Society and Special Olympics Sabah

For registration and more info, please click HERE.

I ran this race in 2007. Check out my race report HERE.

Larian Hari Olimpik/ Olympic Day Run 2010

Ronald McDonald will be back to the road with us runners!

Block your race calendar - 26 September 2010, 7.30 a.m, Dataran Merdeka, KL!

Watch last year's Larian Hari Olimpik video HERE.

That's all the info we have at the moment. Please comeback for updates on registration etc.

Source: Olympic Council of Malaysia

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Polar RS300X sd Training for Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 Pacers

What? POLAR Calibration Training for SCKL2010 Pacers

Where? Kg. Pandan Track, KL.

When? 19 June 2010, 7:00am

Who? Powered by Athlete's Circle (M) Sdn Bhd.

Twelve official pacers for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon (SCKLM) attended a running clinic about the functions of the POLAR RS300sd as well as the calibration of the footpod last Saturday. Since most of the pacers are running friends of mine, I decided be a busy body and check out the session. Heheh!

For those uninitiated, a pacer is a runner who leads a group of runners (the followers) throughout the race with a specific finish time goal. Whether you are trying to set a PB, qualify for another race, or just get across the finish line, following a pacer can be very helpful.

This is Rainer Biemans of Golazo arriving with a big blue balloon that will be tied to a pacer in Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010.

POLAR will loan one set of RS300sd ORANGE (comes with a Heart Rate Monitor (Wrist Unit), Transmitter & Strap and a Footpod) to each pacer.

This unit has to be worn during the pacing of runners on 27th June 2010. Before or after the event, the Pacer has the option to buy the unit at a very big discount through the organizer. :D

CG Lim of POLAR, explaining how to wear the Heart Rate Transmitter.

Mark Williams, pacer of sub 3:00hr marathon (left) putting on the chest strap of the heart rate transmitter.

Guess who sleep late the night before? Blame it on the World Cup! LOL!

Installing the footpod. Erm...Wonder why this fler is wearing two watches. Heheh!

The footpod must be secured snugly to the shoe otherwise it would give error in the pacing.

The SCKLM Pacers are expected to run constantly to finish the race in the respective time for the Full Marathon category 3:00/ 3:30 / 4:00 / 4:30 / 5:00 / 6:00 hours, with a little help from POLAR.

Stretch those muscles.....

You can click HERE to learn out the stretching exercise for runners like you.

Footpod calibation in session.

Christina Low of The Star was also present at the running clinic. She is not going to be a pacer though. :)

Press here...Then press this button. Then that button....After that this button...

Coach Mark giving some pointers to the pacers.

All ready to go!

You can identify your pacer by the blue balloon tied to his body. We hope they don't tie the balloon to the neck like this. Heheh!

The pacers will also be wearing special vests printed with their target finish times. (Picture and colour not available at press time)

If you decide to follow a pacer, it is best to meet your pacers at the start point and let them know that you will be pacing with him so that he can keep an eye on you. They are very nice people :)

I have recorded some impromptu messages from your SCKLM 2010 pacers for those who intend to follow them.

Also see them trying out the blue balloon while goofing around. LOL!

ENJOY!

You can check out which pacer you are going to follow HERE.

Acknowledgments: Thank you to Athlete's Circle for the permission to cover the training.