After the Penang Bridge Run this run will be my 3 half marathon for year. Since after Penang Bridge Run I was not is tip top condition due to the unpredictable weather and occasionally having cough and flu. This year is my 2 attempt for Putra Jaya and I was not expecting any good time but only to finish the run before 1hr and 50 mins.
Ronnie and Tey was having difficulties of collecting my running bib from FTAAA, poor Ronnie had to go 2 times to FTAAA office to rectify the matter and at last with the help of Norehzan and Tee Teck Bee my bib was finally issued (hand written).
I needed transportation cos I have no car on that morning and thanks to Jason for his kindness to fetch me and Joviet. Poor me had to get up as early as 3.45am cos Jason was running the full marathon and he need to get to Putra Jaya by 5.30am.
We arrived Putra Jaya 5.15am parked our car and proceeded to the stating line and there I met PM5 and then came Kelvin Ng and few pacesetters member. Took some group photos and wish those running full marathon best of luck.
The weather was pleasant with cool morning breeze. I was hoping the weather will cooling thru the entire race. The full marathon was flagged off exactly 6am and the 1/2 marathon 30n minutes later so we jsut lepak in the "kandang". Not many participated the full marathon only 300 took part and the 1/2 marathon I think not exceeded 500 runners.
The flagged off was very punctual and I told myself not to be over ambitious just keep pace and maintain for the entire journey. Justin teh hopper was side by side and certain distances he went ahead but I was tailing him about 50 meters behind. Lai Fong San as usual started very fast but eventually he slowed down I managed to leave him behind.
Justin and myself were pacing together until one stretch I was about to "lau sai" and had to slow down , damm frust. Just before the long and torturing flyover Onn Chai came and interupted the pace. He overtook me and tekan with Justin, so both of them pia kau kau lat till the end.
I was watching these 2 fella and when reaching the 16km mark I was about to "lau sai" again and this time just terrible and stopped for a couple of minutes. I told myself forget about clocking good time. After a while I started to run slowly and evetually the pain and the "lau sai" was under controlled. I managed to chase back the runners in front and passed the Mosque thinking it already home stretch and fortunately I did not turbo kau kau lat, the finishing line seem near but we had to detour a big loop before reaching the finishing line. The detour was the most killing part. Many was being "fooled".
I was damm slow towards the ending and was a bit let down by the stomach upset but overall I enjoyed the run. The planning and the setting of the refreshment and parking and luggage area are well organised. Thumb up for them.
How I rate this race, I should say 8 over 10. I shall be back next year.
