Let's Go To The Zoo

"Let's go to the zoo, there's a lot of things to do...and the food is fingers licking good...."

Remember that jingle from KFC? If you remember it, then you're OLD like me. LOL! Now...the KFC restaurant was long gone. It was once replaced by another fast food restaurant - Marry Brown...but that also didn't last and it replaced by a drabby and musky smelling food outlet.

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to tag along with the organizing core team for der Wild Wild Run to Zoo Negara. The run will be organized by the Pacemaker Networks.

I have not been to the zoo for more than 10 years. I remember my last visit was during my college years. So, I naturally jumped at the opportunity when I was invited to reckee the place with C3, Julie, PM1 and PM55.

We arrived at the zoo in Ulu Klang (affectionately known bt the locals as UK ), about 10 minutes to 9am. After the short meeting with Mary, the zoo Customer Service Manager we went the train ride around the zoo.

The run distance was measure using C3’s GPS device thingy. The driver was kind enough to help us to go around the route twice to ensure we get survey the place properly.

This is a preview of der Wild Wild Run. The video was taken along the route of the run from the mini train that we took to “reckee” the route. So, what you see is what you run…. Heheh!

Wow…amazing isn’t it? You get to see giraffes, elephants, rhinos, hippos and many more animals along the route of your run. Now, what other run can give you this rooooaring opportunity to see the animals up close while you run?

Elephant spraying dust to his body. Not sure why??

Nile Hippo! They are HUGE!

The hippo obviously loves water!

We did check out the Big Cats section of the zoo. The lions were nowhere to be seen.

I managed to snap some pictures of the Bengal tiger. He was a wonderful photo subject as he bared us his teeth, showing us his canines and sticking out his tongue as well. Very fierce! Grrrrr…..

Grrr.....

Grrrrrrr......

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......

Does he look fierce or what??

I love the expressions….but then later I found out that he was actually about to do something you will never see on a running blog! In a nick of time, I flipped my camera setting to video and managed to capture this.

That was the HIGHLIGHT of the day! LOL! How many of you have seen a tiger poo poo in person? :P

The starting point looks beautiful. It is located next to a lake. From there you can see hundreds of Milky Storks.

There is a gibbon island in the middle of the lake. We saw this cute faced gibbon on the tree. So adorable.

C3 shooting the Milky storks.

Big birds. They are almost unperturbed by our presence.

Bought myself a little souvenir from the gift shop.

Being with the organizing team for the whole morning, I can see lots of thoughts and efforts have been put into organizing the run to ensure a wonderful running experience for all.

Registration opens now. Hurry! Places are limited. Please click here for more info – CLICK HERE

After the zoo, I went to Sungei Wang Plaza. Bought my ticket for Jason Mraz concert....(Insert "you done done me....." here)

p/s: Anybody can remember the FULL lyrics of the KFC jingle? I can't seem to remember all the lyrics. I think my senile decay has already started. LOL! Pls contact me if you know the full lyrics of the jingle. I'll buy you KFC. (Insert fingers lickin' goodness here!)

Marathon of Hope 2009: One Step Closer

The entry that Amelia sent in for the Marathon of Hope has been acknowledged by the Terry Fox Fondation.

It reads,

"Please accept our sincere thanks for your application to our Marathon of Hope 2009 initiative. We have been touched by the enthusiastic response to our call for runners. The written and video entries have been truly heartwarming and are further evidence of the impact that Terry’s mission continues to make on individuals everywhere.

We will be in touch with you over the next two to three weeks and appreciate your patience."

Now, we just have to wait for the results. Good luck, Amelia. I pray that Amelia will get through! Please pray for her too.

Amelia for Marathon of Hope

CBC Television (Canada) will be creating a program which would illustrate in detail what Terry accomplished in 1980. The event will reacquaint new and existing generations with Terry's example of athleticism, determination and self-sacrifice. To learn more about Terry's inspiring journey, please visit http://www.terryfoxrun.org/

A team of twelve runners will start the marathon in St. John's, NFLD on April 12th. Each participant will attempt to run 3,339 miles in 143 days - matching Terry's daily mileage - arriving in Thunder Bay, ON on Labour Day weekend. CBC TV camera crews will document the journey from the first day of training through to the end of the run, providing viewers with updates on the participants and their fundraising efforts.

CBC TV is calling for ideal candidates who possess the following for the program:

1) They have been inspired by Terry's story and have a history of supporting Terry's vision and principles

2) They have the ability and willingness to fundraise

3) They believe and offer evidence that they are capable of physically attempting the run

4) They are willing and able to put aside work/other commitments for 4 and a half months to document their personal journey.

Do you have what it takes to go the distance?

Amelia thinks she does.

Here's her YouTube submission to be considered for the program.

Good luck Amelia! We will support you all the way!

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!)

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008

What? Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon

Where? Singapore

When? 7 Dec 2008 (Sunday)

How Long? I didn't run this year....but I still make a point go for the event.

Yes, I didn't run this year. Why? Well, it has been a "been there, done that and got the Finisher T-shirt" situation for me.

I have completed my SCSM full marathon in 2004, a couple of Half Marathons in 2005 & 2006, and a 10K in 2007. So, the only event that I have not put my foot in so to speak is the Kids Dash but then, I am waaaaaaay pass the qualifying age. (Insert kiddy giggles here).

When my runner friend, Frank was planning the trip July, I immediately asked him to count me in, even though at that time I have not registered for the run. I wanna experience the run from a different perspective.

It was like an annual pilgrimage. I have never failed to visit Singapore every December for the past 4 years to pay my homage to the bright and colourful multi-themed Christmas decorations at Orchard road. This year, the Toursim Board of Singapore had made up a fantasy family called The Sweets Family hoping to bring in sweeter cash from the tourists.

I arrived on the day before the race by train. Joined Frank and the gang and went up the Singapore Flyer. It was expensive no doubt. The ride cost SGD 29.50 for about 30 mins ride. That comes to SGD 1 per minute! But I tried it anyway. I will ride anything once!:P

On the day of the marathon, I woke up about 3:00-ish am and got out from the hotel called Beach Hotel (which is no where near a beach) at 4:00am. We walked to the start point.

The full marathon start time was at 5:30am. After saying good luck to my runner pals, I went to the start point, find myself a good spot and started snapping away with new FujiFilm S100FS camera...I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Comments are welcome.

Caught Amelia in action. She was running the full marathon!

My superfast friend, Casey Lim and the Malaysian Adidas team at the start of half marathon.

Half Marathon Blast off (CLICK PLAY)

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon has attracted more than 50,000 runners.

I love the next picture. A group of pacers ran by. Thanks to the live view tilt screen, I managed to get to this angle without having to lie down on the ground.

Another shot from the ground level. The sky provided a dramatic backdrop.

Peace! I would be rich if I get SGD1 everytime a runner flash me a "peace" sign.

Another "runwitme" in the making? :)

10K Men event. Check out the guy in yellow. So striking in a sea of blue.

Resting before the start?

The Women 10K. Girls just wanna have fun! The MC even managed to coax them to do the funky "Chicken Dance" (CLICK PLAY)

Isn't she sweet? :)

The one with the fiercest hair. Runrio, from the Philippines.

Top Malaysian Marathoner - Shaharudin, wearing Nike Lunar Racer. Look at him go....!

The world's greatest BLIND runner, Henry Wanyoike (the one with dark glasses on). I saw him couple of times running with his guide, Joseph Kibunja before. However, Joseph was replaced by this guy this year. Seemed like the blind was leading the abled eyes. :)

My pal William running his 10K.

Please, put some clothes on. LOL!

Fat Bird Team, Dream Runner in action!

Andrew looking good in his first oversea half marathon! Congrats!

Little supporter.

SG Runner founder, En. Sukaimi Ali (guy in long trackpants) running the full marathon.

Lawrence Leong looking very happy towards his full marathon finish!

Too hot? Run with an umbrella..ella..ella..ella...

Uncle Sonny Ng (in yellow), full marathon! Uncle Sonny, pls be patient, I will send you those uncompresssed photos to you. :)

Just robbed the bank or what??? LOL!

Chee Kong grimacing toward his first full marathon finish. Congrats!!!!

Pacers....I love the background - The Singapore Esplanade dubbed The Durians.

Ouch! Ouch! Every runner's nightmare - bleeding nipples! Next time don't forget to lube up!

Mohan - the superduperultramarathoner! This guy runs marathon all over the world!

Amelia Ang. The smile in the ealier picture has turned into a cry of relief. Congrats for completing the SCSM! Well done!

After being an "unofficial" photographer for SCSM, I have some tips for those runners who have photographer friends waiting to snap their pictures during a road race. It will make their lives a whole lot easier.

Top 3 Tips to get your photograph snapped photographer friends during an important run.

1) Wear something different. It was not easy to spot someone in the sea of runner like Singapore Marathon, it was like looking for a blue fish in the sea of blue. Wear something of different colour than the official vest, even better something unique like a pink tutu…or a gorilla suit. Not only your photographer friend can spot you, chances are you might land your picture in your local newspapers too.

Example below:

2) Ask the location(s) your photographer friend might station himself before the race.

Then look out for your friend and the flash the widest smile for him even though inside you feel like dying from exhaustion as you approach him. This work only if the organizer doesn't divert the route at the last hour of the marathon. I was waiting like a fool for my friend, Ultraman Tey at the bridge but I didn't see the sign of his nostrils for more than 6 hours. I saw less and less full marathon runners passed by me. Later I found out that the diverted the "slower" runners to an alternative finishing route!!! Grrrrrr....

3) Wave, shout and scream if you have to for attention.

It's difficult to notice your friends in that tiny viewfinder especially when you have back to back runners that you know. You can only see so much in that little square. I guess this is the possible reason that I didn't manage to spot Frank. I found out later that he was running in front of The Lonely Runner (TLR). My focus was already set on TLR and I completely missed out Frank. Sorry again, Frank!

If the above doesn't work for you...., bring your own camera – pass it to bystanders and ask him/ or her to snap a pic for you. Best work with a Professional photographer if you can find them on the route. Approach politely. I did that once on the human race. That fler knew how to fix the focus and then recompose the picture so that he gets you and the background into the photo without breaking photography "the rule of third". Heheh!

I enjoyed photographing runners in the Singapore Marathon. It was really challenging as everything is so dynamic and fast. My index finger hurt after all the snap snap and click click session. I took about 1500 over photos although not all viewable by human eyes. LOL! But it was great fun. I think I will be there again next year. My feet are itching to run. Heheh!

Hope you enjoy my post especially the photos. As usual, comments are welcome.

Acknowledgment: Frank (Thanks for arranging the trip), Andrew, William, Chee Kong (for being great traveling runner friends) and TLR & Fida (Thanks for the Muallaf movie treat).

For more photo, please check out my Picasa album.

Click here for RUNWITME'S PHOTO VAULT.