Monday 22 December 2008

Nike Pro

There's Nike Pro, and there's Nike Pro Ultimate. Vaguely, both does look the same. Most people will thought that it is a muscle compression garment. But to me, the material is quite thin for a muscle compression suit. Then, after being explained by Wong from Nike, it's more to an undergarment which will keep your cloth dry. A dri-fit clothing, while holds up your muscle.

I was given a Nike Pro Sleeveless to be tested out. First time I wore it is when I ran at Taman Bukit Kiara, I purposely wear the Nike Pro, with my running singlet on top. It feels good as the heat and sweat being dissipated off evenly, but then if you tuck it in (the Nike Pro), you can feel your pants become wet, because of the sweat.

Second time I wore the Nike Pro is at Gunung Jerai Eco Cross Country. I was at panic at that time because I can't wear just running jersey with waterbag as I will get chaffing on the arm. So what I did was, I wore the Nike Pro and then another T shirt on top. I didn't get any chaffing out of it, no nipple bleed. For the whole 45km run.

Now most of the time I wore it during my morning run, as I won't feel that much cold. But still, I wore another singlet or shirt on top of it.

I must say, even though it is thin, it does do the muscle compression thing, but then you need to get the one size smaller from your body. And no chaffing so far.

Sunday 21 December 2008

Jerai Eco Cross Country

"Its not as easy as you think". That's the main slogan of the race. And the bunting were everywhere within the course. Thank you for reminding us dear Mr. Organizer.

It's a 4 member per team. Me, Doc Hisyam, Mejar Kalam, Denis Oakley. Our team name is "Teh Susu". Left KL in about 2000, arrived at Pantai Murni around 0100, set up camp behind Mejar's Naza Kia and sleep until 0600.

And then race at 0800. We din't go to the briefing on the day before, Friday. And we were late in collecting the bibs, but nevertheless, we manage to get our bibs even after some complication caused by the secretariat.

Just like what one of my friend in the Navy (Rahman Pascal) told me. It's a 90% road running, 10% trail. Lucky he told me earlier, manage to inform the team about using road shoe. Thans Rahman.

We finish around 1603. 8 hours to finish the course. As per Mejar and the gang would say, start slow and steady, finish it strong. I didn't intend to run fast on this race, just enjoying it. Take it as a road trip I guess.

First section which is road running for the first 10km, we ran together, actually it's more like jog together. At a steady pace, manage to overtake some other group, even though we are at the last when we started.

Then 4 km run up to Gunung Jerai. Denis was in front, while I was a bit behind, Mejar and Doc was behind, walking up to the peak. Waited for them at the water station.

Then it was a 13km road, downhill. We walked all the way as some of the team member having problem with their knee.

And another 17km of flat running. This is where Mejar told us to run at our pace. So me and Dennis shoot off. While Mejar and Doc walking.

I was detained at the quarantine area as there's not enough team member, 15 mins later, Dennis arrived at the q-area. After waiting for an hour plus, Doc and Mejar finally arrived. Our position is 15. Cool by me I guess.

After that we went for some light meal, and left.

I'm at McDonald while writing this, just finish my Double Prosperity Burger. Buurp..

Thursday 18 December 2008

Alternate lunch

Ever wonder that you want to do something else then eat or sleep during lunch? Ever think that you want to do something new?Something different? Thats what happen to me, to be thinking with Ironman is near, Jerai Eco X, and with my swimming form that need to be corrected. I concluded that I need to do something during lunch time. Hence, swim, run or trail run during lunch time.

Since I join Bukhari's class in Shah Alam, I have been swimming at Damansara Perdana, it has been going on for two weeks something I guess, then an idea pop up into mind, "
Why not running as well?"
So I started running at TTDI, while running I saw the MTB trail, another idea pop up into mind, "Why not I trail run?"
Yesterday I did a trail run, it was too short as the trail is being block by a huge tree.So it was short. So today I did a 5km on the park, and 2km on the trail. Tiring..And today is super hot.

Monday 8 December 2008

Selamat Hari Raya

To all my friends,Selamat Hari Raya Hajj.

Sunday 7 December 2008

Singapore Marathon 08

Singapore Marathon - Full 42km - 4hours 42min. A slow and steady run. No cramps tho, manage to sprint weakly on the last 1km.

Nice route, flat all the way. Organizers was great. Good supporters/volunteers. A lot of water and the banana was big. A lot of runners..

A lot of tense caused by this race, to me of course.
Can I do it?
Will I cramp at km 25?
Is my training enough?
Is my nutrition enough?
Can my body stand it?
But then, it is all come in to one answer. "I don't know, that is why I need to run this race, because I want to know"

Peed few times during the race, it's ok to over hydrate, it's not ok to dehydrate. Manage to keep my pace, and uh, note to self, do know about your shoe better, as I used a Saucony A2 Fastwitch, which I later learn that it is not suitable in running more than half marathon.