Siemens Run is back! Having had its first run in 2004, Siemens is anxious to repeat the run as part of its long-term corporate responsibility commitment towards advancing sporting opportunities, community vitality and health.
Siemens Run 2010 - What are you running for? was held on 18th July 2010 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur to bring people together for charity.
Off to a flying start!
Drummers set the pace for the runners during flag off.
The two finish entrances created some confusion for the runners in the boys category. They were the first to come back and instead of heading towards the right, they dashed into the left....
Personally, I found Siemens run had successfully incorporated the fun element in running. Cheerleaders and drummers lined the last kilometer leading towards the finish line, encouraging and cheering for tired runners. (Insert thumbs up here)
3...2....1...Jump!
Michele Tan, one of the fast women in the country. She won 1st prize in the Women Open category.
The Orange Man of HooHa spotted!
One of the few stroller friendly races in Malaysia. The route for Dream Run is flat and fun. Great for daddies and mummies with babies who love to run.
While the guys had cheerleaders to feast their eyes on...The girls also got equal chance to check out the abang-abang hensem....
...and the Bollywood-like actors/ drummers? LOL!
Daddy's little girl.
The Dynamitez....
The best solo cheerleader awards goes to....
She really cheered her heart out for the runners. Ever smiling and erm...loud too. Heheh! I think one of the runners gave her the leafy crown on her head.
A young runner who couldn't complete his run took a ride from the official.
Wanna lick his lollypop? ;)
Hahah! Actually, the lollypops were given free by Renaissance Hotel to celebrate their 14th Anniversary. Sweet!
I caught The Pirates practising their stunts backstage.
1 Malaysia drummers in action. The drummers where featured during the race along the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman earlier.
Sinnaponnu Seenivasan, 73, from Kepong, was the oldest participant in the Siemens Run 2010.
She caught the eyes of everyone Sunday when she completed the race dressed in a batik sarong and blouse, New Straits Times reported.
Sinnaponnu, who has been participating in the event for the last 30 years, must be laughing her way to the bank with the RM1,000 she received as a token of appreciation.
Don't shoot the photographer! LOL!
More photos in the slide show inclusing pictures of the winners in all categories.
Background music - What You Waiting For by our very own Mizz Nina feat. Colby O'Donis. Can't find any song with the title "What You Running For" LOL! The tune from Mizz Nina is close enough.
ENJOY!
Acknowledgment: Thank you Siemens Malaysia, especially to Ms. Goh for the invite and all the info we needed for the blogpost.
The Nike LunarGlide+2 is set to debut this July 2010, aimed at providing the best possible experience for all avid runners out there. The new edition promises consumers a wide range of advantages to ensure optimal performance while running in comfort. The Nike LunarGlide+2 running shoes are gender specific, custom designed to specifically cater for the respective needs of men and women.
Comfort is imperative when running as it ensures an injury free experience and the Nike LunarGlide+2 is certainly miles ahead of the competition with its Lunarlon cushioning system that delivers a light weight blend of ultra plush cushioning, springy response and support for runners. The enhanced Dynamic Ride technology lets the shoe adapt to every stride taken for customized support with excellent cushioning.
The Nike LunarGlide+2 is equipped with external heel counter that secures a runner’s heel in the best fit possible. The shoe also has an extended ultra light and ultra strong Flywire panel that gives exceptional support while an improved inner sock-liner provides for a plush and comfortable feel.
With the Nike LunarGlide+2, durability is taken up a notch through its rubber waffle fill soles that increases traction coupled with deep gender specific flex grooves to enhance flexibility for smooth and efficient strides. Furthermore, the LunarGlide+2 is a Nike+ enabled shoe and tracking your runs has never been easier with this revolutionary system.
For the women’s edition, the Nike LunarGlide+2 features special woman’s Elite Fit that enhances comfort and performance along with all the other fantastic features that are incorporated into the Nike LunarGlide+2.
The Nike LunarGlide+2 defines a new meaning in running with top of the line features that provides runners with optimal performance accompanied with the best possible comfort. The shoe is also designed to withstand the harshest running conditions thus ensuring durability, giving runners an extended experience with their Nike LunarGlide+2 .
The Nike LunarGlide+2 is available at all Nike stores in Malaysia from July 2010 and retails for RM399.
I am still reeling from the shock of her sudden passing. Reve Moine was a dedicated Selangor Sociey for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) volunteer, staunch animal activist and a friend.
I knew Reve through a mutual friend, Marianne who is also a volunteer at SPCA. I was fortunate enough to have a rare chance to travel with Reve to Noah's Ark (NANAS), an animal sanctuary in Johor. It is a beautiful place. She showed me compassion and lots of love to all the animal there. She loved them unconditionally. You could see it from her actions.
I dug out all the archived video clips and photos I took from NANAS and made this special tribute to a special friend. I hope you remember her this way too. Selfless, passionate and kind.
M. Gandhi used to say, "The measure of a society can be how well its people treat its animals." And I am sure if we had more caring "Reves" in our society, our world would be a better place.
Here's a quote that I picked from one of Reve's Facebook status update.
""oh i wish........ peace in everybody s heart!!!!!!!!! life is so beautiful to be lived!!!!!!!! don't forget for sure to share and to give to needed around you!" - Reve Moine (1954-2010)
Goodbye, My friend.
Rest in Peace.
NOTE: The funeral service will take place at St John Church, KL on the 12th July 2010 at 10am.
Fourteen Pace Makers (pacers) were deployed to SCKLM 2010, all experienced runners, setting the pace for the Full Marathon at 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours and 6 hours with helium inflated balloons tied to their bodies.
How did they fair against their target time? Did their goals burst with the balloons? We managed to catch up with some of them.
And here are their stories.....IN THEIR OWN WORDS. (I am too lazy to edit and correct the grammar, spelling, syntax errors what not...LOL!)
Tan Chow Seng (3:30 Pacer)(right):
1) How far are you from your target finish time? Over about 1 min.
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
Finally, I know what the feeling run with a balloon liao...ha~.that is my first time to be pacer, during the race can't run with my mind, must maintain and focus on speed & timing for my pace, try to encourage somebody follow me.....
very enjoy~got a lot support from people on the streets,volunteers and other runners.
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
Yes!
Ronnie See (4.00hr Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
- Came back in 12minutes 14sec. feeling great after 30km, so push a little bit faster.
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
- Being a pacer, it gives me a real experience how to run a proper marathon. My first two marathons ran out of steam after 30km, due to I always start very fast and impatient. Being a pacer, I have to be patient and run at consistence pace, because there are a few follower pacing wit me as well. After 30km, I'm still feeling good. From there on, I saw runners start to slow down the pace, some even walk already. So lesson to learn, start slow and finish strong. I can't wait to run another marathon!!
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
- If there is an opportunity again, answer is yes!
Hong Zi Shen (4:00 Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
I was a sub-4 pacer but I had my target set to 3:58:00 and I completed in 3:57:18 so technically I was only 42 seconds ahead of my target. =P
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer? The friends that I met along the Marathon journey are certainly something unforgettable! Marathon journey to me is more than just 42.195km. It comprises of the preparation stage, the actual and the post.
Friends that assisted me throughout the whole event, friends that I trained with, took picture with, cheered with, chitchatted with and of course the people that I met on the actual day, all these are the most valuables of all! Until now, I am still adding my SCKLM friends and busy tagging photos in the Facebook! It's fun! These are what make one's life wonderful!
3) Would you run as a pacer again? Yes, I would certainly love to if I get the chance again! It's so fun!
Lai Fong Sang (4:00 Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
I was pacer for 4 hours and eventually completed 7 minutes ahead of targeted time. I believed it is still within the acceptable range, 4 hours pacer does not means that must complete exactly 4 hours. I have successfully maintained almost constant pace for the entire run.
My main objective is to assist those followers to be qualified as sub 4 marathoner, thus I need to run a bit faster in order to secure wider margin of sub 4 objective (take into consideration of leg cramp, exhaustion and hitting wall at the most crucial last few km).
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer? Run with a big balloon tied at body is really a unique experience! I have to ensure that I can lead followers till the end without exhaustion or walking, therefore I need to monitor my pace carefully. I could not run too slow to avoid off target and at the meantime to ensure I have energy to push till 42km.
When I cross the finishing line, the cheers from public and other runners is simply amazing! Like welcoming home a hero, a lot of unknown runners asking to have photograph taken together. What an exhilarating experience!
3) Would you run as a pacer again? Definitely yes if I were given the opportunity as pacer again!
Kevin Chow (Pacer 4:30 Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
Came back 8 minutes ahead of pacer time. If you can run a 4:30minutes full marathon, why not a little faster if you outdo and push yourself on race day?
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer? Followers especially strangers running beside me (and at the back following the balloon) and exchanging their running experiences. From locals to foreigners. Made alot of friends. A lot of support from people on the streets, cheerleaders, volunteers and other runners.
Wearing a balloon is a paparazzi magnet. Anyone who has a camera will take notice and shoot you. People will cheer you, I remember at tourists areas, foreigners gave me hi fives and tonnes of support.
And the appreciation from runners who followed me, even though I told them I'm pushing them a bit, they told me never mind...at least they won't be lazy and start walking or slow down. Some even offered power drinks and gels to me. And the cheer when a pacer return to the finishing line is tremendous! Like welcoming home a hero. Exhilarating experience.
3) Would you run as a pacer again? A definite yes.
Stanley Cheong (4:30 hr Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time? Exactly on target finish time. No more, no less :P
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer? To be in the shoes of a 4:30hrs pacer really is a self discovery of oneself in terms of slow consistent pacing, communicating/supporting fellow runners, wind resistance from the balloon. Being a fast paced runner (normally), I really enjoyed being put in a situation to really understand what would a 4:30hr pacer do & resist the temptations to run fast.
No doubt I have been running for quite some time now, I still believe there is always something new to learn/discover when one is running a marathon. Sometimes one must slow down to really analyse the surroundings that happens around them & it was a worthy experience indeed!
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
Definitely! No doubt about it!
Wong Kei Ming (5:00 hr Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
I did not expect to complete this marathon within 5 hours as I had just done a 20k and a 32k during training with only a month to prepare. Unexpectedly, I managed to get 7 minutes advantage in this marathon.
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
Actually it was not ideal to run when the rain poured before the race started. My boots were heavy containing water and it was tough to run. However I did quite well in the first 21k with 2 hours 20 minutes and in fact I was quite relaxing running in this pace, so I did not need to afraid of not achieving sub 5 hours even if I ran 2 hours 40 minutes in the next 21k.
But anything can happen without expecting. I did not expect also some of my follower pacing me for the entire journey, many thanks to them, I was enjoying it and happy to have you guys running side by side. Happiest thing was I completed the full distance with a smiling face instead of pushing extremely hard like dying for something, I have never done any race with a smiling face dashing to the finishing line. I was so grateful and satisfied even though I was not doing a personal best time.
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
So far I don't think of becoming a pacer again for full marathon as I always loved shorter distance, I prefer to be pacer in half marathon instead of such a long 42k. Who knows I would be pacer for 42k again? :)
Tan Lian Meng (5:00 pacers)
1) How far are you from your target finish time? Came back just on time below 5 hours
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
My balloon burst before the start. Was luckily given another balloon but unfortunately my balloon got ripped by a garbage truck after 26 km or so:( no one following me that made it a bit boring, had only 1 Singaporean guy an brought him to the finish below 5 hours.
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
Yes but will not be running a marathon for some time, will stick to shorter distances like half ! Hehe cause got balloon phobia, nonetheless great experience!
Wait a minute! How come there was a female pacer (above) in SCKLM? I thought the pacers were all male???
Hahah! Actually, Ai Ling was helping Kelvin Ng to carry his balloon.
Kelvin Ng (5:00 Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
I was under pressure when I reach 35km mark .. I'm worry I could not reach in 5hrs, I meet John Tan under bridge .. he told me I can make it .. but my leg start to cramp ... after 36km .. I hear Ailing calling back at me"Kelvin I'm coming ..." I was so happy now I can pass my balloon to her ... I said please help me on the balloon ... when I reach at 39km I have a very bad cramp by no choice I have to walk and I start to run back at 41km ... my finishing time is 5hrs 19min .. Thanks Ailing helping me bring back the balloon with her finish at 5hrs 05min
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
This three guys Jack Lo for Singapore, Ong Poh Seng and Jeng Hann ... was pacing with me from Loke You until 35km .. we will laughter and entertaining along the run and other experience at Jln cheras a motor cycle pass by opposite way shouted ... (lari pun mahu ambil balloon) ... I said kanasai in orang ... we all laughter ...
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
Yes but may be I will ask for 5hrs 30min instead. :)
Malcalm Chew (6:00 Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
13-14mins ahead
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
I was unforgettable, because I pace with the same guy during my 2nd marathon. He was happy to pace with me and he also encourage others runner to follow the pacer :)
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
May be, but not so soon. After the bad comments from follower, I think it is time for me to achieve my target 1st before helping others.
Henry Chin (6:00 Pacer)
1) How far are you from your target finish time?
I finished 5hr 53mins , close to my 6Hr pacer target ;p
2) What was your unforgettable experience as a pacer?
I enjoyed the little moments when other runners asked me about why I was running as a 6 hr pacer (6 hours, not boring ah ?) , and also the final 5kms where I get to "pull" few runners to finished sub-6 with me, overall I am glad to have ran as a pacer, to experience the 'human-side' of running - when you care less how yourself finish, but focus on to help others finish..
3) Would you run as a pacer again?
Yes, I will do it again if given the chance..
Check out the slide show below, photos taken before the race was started. The pacers were like little kids getting their balloons! :P
ENJOY!
Any of you readers followed the SCKLM 2010 pacers? We want to hear your stories too. Please leave them in the comment. Thanks.
I'm taking a break from posting stuff from the Standard Chartered KL Marathon to bring you photos from Ella Concert at Istana Budaya, KL. I was one of the lucky contest winners who got the chance to watch Malaysia's Queen of Rock in action and meet her after the concert. Yay!
What a concert!!! Ella opened with a fast number "PPP" from her Ella USA album. Even though Ella was backed the Orkestra Simfoni Kebangsaan’, the element of rock still took the centre stage! There were at least 4 guitarists, including Joe Wings.
Ella is a such joy to watch. Her stage presence is amazing. She is funny, vivacious and sometimes, manja. I don't know how to translate that word to English. Heheh!
After PPP, she delivered Rama-rama, Sepi Sekuntum Mawar Merah and Pengemis Cinta.
In her second segment of the show, Ella showed up on stage wearing an elegant evening gown....singing "Ulek Mayang" and "Jauh di Mata"
My jaw almost dropped to the floor. I have never seen Ella dressed like that! And the funny thing was Dato' Ahmad Jais accidently stepped on her flowing gown. Not once but twice, providing some amusing moments during the show. LOL!
Ella sang a duet called "Budi Setahun Segunung Intan" with Dato Ahmad Jais. I enjoy the traditional duet.
Ella not only knows how to rock, she knows how to "lenggok" as well!
No offence, but I think this dress makes Ella looks top heavy. Heheh!
Ella previewed two new songs in the concert, “Mana Menghilang” and “Kita”. I could see that Ella was chocked on emotions when she was singing "Kita", a song dedicated to her late father and family members.
This is Joe Wings. Goreng-ing the guitar like no body's business. LOL!
Ella invited her rock buddy, Awie too. FYI, Ella and Awie used to co-star in a 1993 movie called "Pemburu Bayang". Some snippets from the movie was shown to the concert-goers.
What a dynamic duo - Ella and Awie belted “Baldu Biru” and “Dua Insan Bercinta” much to the crowd's delight! They were screaming for more.
Awie joked that he used to sing "Dua Insan Bercinta" in some weddings before he got famous with his band, Wings.
In the 2 hours concert, Ella managed to squeezed in “Simbiosis”, “Nuri”, “Puisi Hamba”, “Kitalah Bintang”, “Layar Impian”, “Kesal”, and “Standing In The Eyes Of The World”. I wish she could have included "Demi", one of my Ella favourites.
I enjoyed myself very much. It was a rock concert, in the comfort of aircon and carpeted floor. Hahah! I am so thrilled that I get to see her in concert after all these years. Always been a fan of Ella especially when I was in high school.
THANK YOU ELLA FOR THAT SENSATIONAL CONCERT @ ISTANA BUDAYA!
The T-shirts, CDs and other merchandise flew out of the shelves after the concert.
Ella sang birthday song to a local entertainment reporter, Abie after the concert.
What a lucky guy, eh?
I managed to snap a few photographs with Ella before she got mobbed by other fans. She told me she liked my T-shirt very much....
It is her face that is printed in it. Hahah!
FYI, Dayang Nurfaizah also attended Ella concert. Check out her pictures HERE.
No interview here. I'm not an entertainment reporter. LOL! Anyway, I bumped into Fahrin Ahmad, a popular actor near the Garnier Truck. FYI, Fahrin Ahmad is the brand ambassador for Garnier Men skincares.
While chatting with him, I also taught him how to put on the d-Tag on his shoe....
Erm...This stretching is good for rugby, but running? Heheh!
Fahrin has lent a hand, erm rather two legs...heheh for Run For A Cause, a charity program for SCKLM 2010.
Just like my favourite songstress, Dayang Nurfaizah, Fahrin Ahmad is also a Malaysian AIDS Council Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter.
The donation pledged for Run For A Cause goes towards helping Malaysians infected and affected by HIV.
Check out the limited edition T-shirt for the supporters of the cause. Nice eh?
I left the Garnier Truck and went looking for my fellow runners in Run For A Wish. I didn't see Fahrin again until I spotted him with Sazzy Falak's hubby, Nazril Idrus near a bridge in Brickfields.
Lari-lari ni pun sempat posing untuk kamera. :)
These are more like paparazzi shots....at 4km water station.
See Fahrin guzzling up the water. Heheh!
Fahrin finishes his 10km in 1:29:51. Not bad for a non runner. :) We hope to see more local celebrities taking up running as a healthy sport.
Check out the video below. Also congratulations to Malaysian AIDS Foundation Cheering Team who won the top prize in the cheering competition.
