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.

Tanjung Nangka to Damuan

Even at 4pm, it would be an acceptable running weather except Brunei seems to be experiencing a heat wave and I'm running through some of the more environmentally exposed part of Jalan Tutong. The visible absence of trees that would cool the surrounding air means instead the sun seems to be hovering a couple of inches above my head.

The family has earlier decided to bring the kids to Persiaran Damuan about 5pm. On a whim, I decided to make the journey on foot and starting earlier at 4pm. I had expected the weather to be hot, but was not fully prepared for the intense heat I feel around Bunut. Damuan with its many shady trees was a welcome relief and when I passed through its main gate, my watch indicated a running time of 1hr and 5 minutes. Despite the heat, it was a good run of sorts.

Route: Tanjung Nangka to Persiaran Damuan
Distance: 11km? (wishlist: Garmin Forerunner 305!)
Time: 1hr 5mins
Weather: Unforgivingly Hot! (4pm)

Company Fun Run, 5.144km, 29th Mar 07

A yearly Company Fun Run that began 3 years ago. I haven't missed one yet. In fact, one of my very first 'race'. So definitely an event that will always have a special place in my heart.

Each year, participants number has steadily grown from 500+ in 2005, then 700+ and approx 1000 this year. Participants has also began to truly embraced the fun spirit of the event as evident from the increasing number of people wearing customes during the run. I saw several clowns, Mr and Mrs Superman, and the eventual winner, a Red Indian complete with head gear and battle axe.

The fastest runner on the day clocked in at approx 17 or 18mins. I clocked in at 26.59mins. I'm only beginning to like the idea of trying to run faster and 5km could be a distance I can grow to like instead of my usual longer distance. I look forward to more speedwork sessions and hope to do better next year.

Event: Company Fun Run
Distance: 5.144km
Time: 26.59min.

Cabaran Larian Pantai PMS, 18Mar 2007

I woke up around 4.30am today.
It's been a while since I had to get out of bed this early.
But its race day. The 15km Larian Pantai in Tutong to be exact, organised by the lovely folks of Persatuan Melayu Sengkarai.

For some carbs, I ate some IndoMie and hydrate myself with 100Plus before making the 25 minutes drive to Pantai Seri Kenangan. I've not been fully prepared for this race, having only run maybe twice 10km since Brunei Marathon. But I'm here primarily just to give my legs some reminder of what a long run feels like, and hopefully make this event a catalyst for a much better workout the rest of the year.

The fields of participants seems to be made up of 80% army hardcore runners and 20% other uniform personnel. Not good for my other goal. Which is *ahem* not to finisih last.

We were sent off around 7.15am. The first 6km on tarmac seems to be the hardest. I was soon feeling some pain on my lower left leg. But as we approached the turn into Tutong beach, I felt lighter and was soon able to pass some runners. I enjoyed the 6km or so beach run. The beach was not all level so my knees were feeling the impact but otherwise, it was such a good feeling running along the beach with the cool morning winds on my face. This was my first time in Tutong beach and I'm impressed by its cleanliness and overall beauty. I might bring the family here during the holiday. As I left the beach and back into the tarmac road, I could feel my legs actually getting stronger and was soon able to pass some runners. I picked up more speed as I head into the home stretch and was able to pass the finish line at 1hr 28mins.

Number 50 out of 79 runners.
Not bad for my first long run of the year.
Nothing to boast about and I still have some more speed work to do.
But I have no complaints.
At least I didn't finish last and
I'm enjoying my run again.

I'll probably remember this event as the first race I didn't wear my trusted camelback
and for winning a prize from the lucky draw.
And more importantly, also for confirming that taking ORS during the run helps to prevent my usual cramping. An overall satisfying Sunday run.

Pit Stop

What more could you ask for? A working desk with a beautiful view, plenty of good food to keep one satisfied (in fact the Nooodles restaurant serves a fine Hong Kong Wantan mee) and the lounge has lots and lots of space that you don't feel crowded by other people. I could spend a long time here ... or until my flite anyway and that's still 5 hours away!) . I love Malaysian Airlines Golden Lounge. They seems to get this one right.

Let's see the shower and gym later ...