SMARTER Five Hills Challenge

Date: Sunday, April 15th 2007
Time: 7am
Starting Venue: Tasek Lama
Other destinations include: Subok, Marakucing and Mentiri before heading to Bukit Shahbandar by either 1pm or 2pm
Purpose: To promote awareness about the issue and to raise funds.
Webpage: http://smarterbrunei.multiply.com/


If getting to know intimately 5 different hills, in different part of Brunei/Muara district, in just a few short hours, sounds like a true masochist dream, then it probably is. But as the organiser was keen to point out, this is not a race. Participants can choose how they complete the physically demanding course (and on a beautifully hot sunny day).

But walk them or run them, the 5 hills promise to offer all mere mortals a real challenge.

Tasek Lama: My first time here. The organiser took their time to flag us off. After a few days of relative inactivity, I was almost desperate to give my body a good pounding. The first challenge was pleasantly tougher than I thought. But I like its relatively safe jungle trails. I came out of it feeling fully refreshed and ready to take on the other 4 hills.

Subok: Probably the easiest (but with the most beautiful view) of the 5 hills. An excellent workout nevertheless.

Marakucing: The trails were straightfoward enough and a real delight to run through. This is probably my first choice to go for some bit of fun hill running.

Mentiri: Whoever manage this portion of the challenge did their jobs superbly. This was my first time here. The trails were clearly labelled and participants can choose 3 routes of different distance. And because of the tall trees and lush vegetation, it feels like you're running in a cocoon.

Shahbandar: The mid afternoon 1pm climb means this is easily the toughest hill to conquer. I did the 9 hills in slower than my usual time, and having to almost crawl up the last hill. I said almost ..

Having chosen to take on the challenge with a "run hard or go home" attitude, it feels good to push the limit of my body. I'm stronger and fitter, physically and mentally because of it. I've also gained a whole lot more understanding of the SMARTER organisation and the disorder autism. You guys have my respect.