My 2013 hightlights. Welcome 2014.

My highlights in 2013. Initially thought of using "flashback in 2013" but then felt not so nice until this morning listened to BFM Radio.... they're highlighting 2013 !

2013 is about to end in 1 day time. Attempted 2 Ultras Trail event in Philippines early this year and i had my first DNF in my life.

It's like wake up call for me. In the past, no matter how under-prepared i'm, I'm still able to overcome it. Overcome it with some prices to pay with some cramps, sore muscles post event.

But my first DNF due to my under-estimates
Under-estimate on the terrain (first time running trail in Kayapa, Philippines),
Under-estimate on the weather,
Under-estimate on the high latitude feel,
Under-estimate on the nutrition i brought along with me in hydration pack,
Under-estimate on the toughness of the raw natural trails in Philippines,
Under-estimate on the gears i prepared ( Cloths  & Jacket ),
Lastly
Under-estimate on my mental.

The event is H1 : Hardcore Hundred Miles Trail UltraMarathon which held in February 2013. It's my first time visit to Baguio, north of Philippines and the beautiful mountains!

In April 2013, I came back to Philippines again for another ultra trail event --> The North Face Philippines TNF100 Baguio.

After tasted my first DNF, I never under-estimates again.
I'm working even smart and harder for TNF100 Baguio.

Its were tough 100KM in Baguio & i made it to finishing line in 29 hours 5 mins just before the cut off time limit of 30 hours.
 

The 29 hours hard-earned  TNF100 medal rewarded me friendships and new friends i met during 100km course. We went through tough time together climbing up mountains from 200 meters to 2000 meters in the dark. 

Post TNF100, i slowed down in running although i'm feeling good, injury free and i went into cycling and boosting my cycling fitness preparing for the UCI - P2K friendship rides where we (P2K from Uptown, PJ) & UCI (from Ipoh) riding to meet up together in Raub on first day and riding together for next 2 days. 

Raub to Gua Musang on second day

Gua Musang to Ipoh via Cameron on 3rd day. 

Group photo @ Raub before our ride start. 

Details on MOB

P2K group photo at Gua Musang in front of the hotel before we riding up 100km to Cameron Highland and riding down to Ipoh shortly after refueled. :) 

It's was somewhere in May, and after cycling, i have about 3 weeks time frame to pickup my running back just in time for my SC KL Marathon 2013 42KM in June'13 but its was postponed to September due to thick haze. 

Much relief.  Since then, running and cycling on alternate weekends. 

Weekend LSD with Bukit Aman Runners from Lake Garden to Hartamas and back. 

In September 2013, with 2 weeks time frame focusing in running, I was running with free will free from any target, but i know deep inside me wish to run 5 hours 30mins. 

Running mojo were good and weather were good! I somehow managed to catch up 5:00 hours pacers in the last 2KM! hehe... 

Yes! I finally scored my personal best marathon timing in my home ground marathon! 

In November, I joints Bukit Aman Runner's Malakoff Powerman relay! I'm the cyclist. 

64KM 2 Loops with timing about 2 hours plus abit. hehe. 

After Powerman Relay, immediately have to restart kickstart back my running training for my Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM). Thanks to Renee, i joins her together with many other LYN Runners, we ran 30KM at Ammah Hills aka Newton Route @ Bandar Kinrara where LYN Runners always did weekly LSD.  

LYN Runner's usual group selfie after our run!

In November, I ran PBIM 2013. 

PBIM, not in my best mode compared to SCKLM in September as the starting time is at 2:00am. 

Last weekend of 2013, I ran with TPRC. 

2013. Its ending. Its also signify the beginning of the new chapter in 2014. More to come! 

Happy New Year 2014. 

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2013 PBIM : Baggage Counter - RM1.00 fees waived.

Updates:::

RM1.00 now is waived.

Penang Bridge International Marathon runner's handbook have indicated that RM1.00 will be charge for each piece of baggage deposit at the baggage counter.

BREAKING NEWS !!!!

PBIM create "WORLD RECORD" !!!! instead of Book of Record Malaysia. 

Baggage counter will charge EACH piece of baggage for RM 1.

My silly calculation : Let say 20,000 ppls x RM 1 = Yeahh...buta buta dapat RM 20,000. syoknya~~jom kita pi makan besar

p/s : PBIM, please explain laa sikit  dun bullshit me for charity purposes .

From: SeanWorld of MARATHON Facebook 

Which i fully agreed with SeanWorld !!! 

15th Marathon - My Personal Best SCKLM 2013

Yes. Its my personal best for my 42KM marathon today in Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013! I never know i could do my personal best! 

I was targeting between 5 hours plus and not later than 5 hours 30 mins. Starting off with good conditions. Nothing unusual happens on my legs and im just run in comfortable speed which i found its abit faster than my normal pace that i would do. 

First 10km - 1 hours 4 mins 

Second 10km - 1 hours 12 mins 

I know i'm faster, and if i'm able to maintain my speed until 30KM, i most likely can hit sub-5 timing and i overtook the 3 5:00 pacer runners, they're behind me! hehe...  But on other hand, I'm worried about 30km mark as i only have 2 weeks running training for this SCKLM. My speed slowed down significantly when i'm crossing 30km mark and even start to walk. 

When i reaching at the Mutiara complex at Jln Ipoh, my habit told me to grab a Coca-cola like last year. Last year, the weather were hotter than this year. After i brought my coke, i drank it and whose know the 5:00 hours pacer was running fast from behind! I'm trying to catch up with them but failed. The Coke have gas and I felt bloated when im drank it so fast just try to catch up with the 5 hours pacer! argh... 

It's continue and i'm just run walk run walk trying hard to run to over my bloated situation. Somehow at KM33, the bloated feeling magically gone after i had a cup of water. It's time to run! Run to catch up 5:00 hours pacers ! Im just felt good. 

At KM35, James distribute milo popsicle which really helps a lot ! then came to KM 36 support station, just 1 sip of water, and then came to LYN Runners support station! Hong Lan passed me a cup of coke and im just grab it and drink! I never hold back, lucky the coke were no gases unlike the tin coke. This round the coke helped! 

Walk up the steep hill after Rinjani, and from there onward, i pickup my speed and ran downhills... After the downhills, i saw the white balloon which was about 700 meters away i guess, i need to run faster a little more! Finally i managed to catch up with 5:00 hours pacer and others just after Sogo before turning into the Jalan TAR! Phew! Sub-5 is coming! 

Finally, Im going to complete my 42km marathon with sub-5 timing since my virgin marathon in Singapore back in 2009 Dec. 

We Sing Song...we were excited and we were crossing finishing line together! 

Photo credit to Ah Ming. 

Awesome finishing with 5:00 hours pacers YKK, the Gold-man and Renee ! 

Wonderful sub-5 marathon! I love it. 

See you in 2014 again. 

SCKLM - My 15th marathon, Hospis Malaysia

Coming this Sunday, 29 September 2013,  its Standard Chartered KL Marathon ! Finally, its going to be realize and no more postpone after haze in June.

I will be carrying "I run for those who can't. I am running for Hospis Malaysia" bib with me in the SCKLM this Sunday.

Just counted, this SCKLM will be my 15th marathon! My 14th marathon was SCKLM 2012 ! haha... Time flies ! My marathon numbers are so less compared to my other running friends. There's some change of focuses since 2012 and same goes to 2013... 

For some, you might not knowing what's Hospis Malaysia but if you can recall, Royal couple Prince William and Catherine visited Hospis Malaysia last year Sept 2012. 

Photo courtesy bernama.com

http://www.hospismalaysia.org/

For more information, kindly click the link about to find out more about Hospis Malaysia. 

All the best to SCKLM runners! 

Malaysia Armed Forces day - Perarakan Raksasa ATM 2013

The KL folks been complaining about the fighter jet flying around their offices, loud sound, annoying sound over the social media in the weekdays and include today also. 

But they never bother to visit the Perarakan Raksasa ATM day at Dataran Merdeka. I'm always wanted to visit and find out more about our army forces who protect our country. 

After i did my 10km double hill run, and also breakfast at Brickfield, i realized i have spare time! Thus i'm landed myself at Dataran Merdeka for the showcase of army forces. 

Always seeing tanker from far. Today i see it in front of my eye and touch it. 

Lot of kids are queuing to feel the gun! 

Argh. Once upon a time, they're famous in battling the enemy in Sabah. Suddenly cant recall the special forces name. 

Guess what i spotted in Dataran Merdeka! Two cute kids! 

With tourists. 

Spotted this special force too! 

Tank !!! 

Walking, walking and i came to this booth where the officer let me to wear the real size of parachute bag and the big bag army wear during their combat. It's big and heavy, during the training, army walks 120KM with the bag, the weight not include guns yet. I were imagined that I can run/walk for 100km but with much much lighter weight of my hydration pack! What's i'm compared to these! Army Rock!   

Not everyday you can spot these plate numbers. haha... 

Today and tomorrow Sunday 22 Sept, there's basically whole army departments are opening their booths to recruits youngsters to joins army. Air force, Navy, Army etc etc many more! 

Youngsters,  if you're dream to protect our beloved Malaysia, it's your opportunity first step to realize your dream by sending your application by tomorrow at Dataran Merdeka! Dont miss it. 

Another army equipment on display at Dataran Merdeka. Tomorrow, after my LSD and breakfast, i shall bring my EPL-2 Olympus camera and go tour again, if everything are smooth. 

Salomon Trail Run - Registration open tomorrow 11/9/13

Register @ http://www.myraceonline.com/

BHP Orange Run 2013 - Registration

BHP Orange Run 2013
Registration & Collection of Bib :
Date : 28-29 September 2013
Time : 10.00am – 4.00pm
Venue : BHPetrol Mutiara Damansara, BHPetrol TTDI, BHPetrol Damansara
Utama, BHPetrol Damansara Jaya, BHPetrol Sg Kayu Ara, BHPetrol SS2,
BHPetrol Bandar Sri Damansara (Kepong/Batu Caves bound)

Super Ticket - Cycling with P2K & UCI

Do the route look familiar??? 

Okay, this round, more information. 

it's Super Ticket to heaven. 

For us, P2K, starting Uptown - Raub - Gua Musang - Ipoh (Via Cameron Highland) 

Using google map plotting the distance amounting to 471KM. 

While for UCI (United Cycling Ipoh), they lagi hebat. Salute. 

Ipoh - KKB - Raub - Gua Musang - Ipoh. Really big big loop ! 

Distance definitely higher than us. 

Two cycling groups going to meet up at Raub on 24 May 2013, Friday. it's going to be exciting! 

Thank you P2K senior management for joining this UCI inter-states cycling tour! 

p/s: paiseh for the blur blur 1st photo. 

TNF Philippines Baguio 2013 - 1222

My Philippines friend helped me to collect my TNF Philippines Baguio Ultra race bib ! It's lucky 7 !

In two weeks time, i shall be running on the mountain slopes of the Cordilleras again with my fellow Philippines friends! 

Happy Chinese New Year 2013 - Snake Year

恭喜发财，蛇年快乐！Gong Xi Fatt Cai, Happy Snake Year!

Brought postcards, get ang pow long from Royal Selangor Pewter! How's nice ! hehe... 

Without fail, I visited Royal Selangor Pewter Visitor Centre at Setapak. 

Beautiful CNY theme decoration! 

Oh yeah! My favourite postcards are back on display ! Im loving it! 

HUAT ah! 

More Postcrossing postcards to send and receive ! 

When I free, when i free, i shall share postcards i received via postcrossing! 

Happy Chinese New Year. 

From

Chin Ann.  

Standard Chartered KL Marathon - SCKLM 2013

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon celebrates five years running and opens registrations on 30 January!

Kuala Lumpur, 29 January 2013 – Runners, get set go! Mark your calendars for the last Sunday of June this year, as the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 has been confirmed to be held on 30 June 2013.  Participant registration for this year’s marathon will officially commence tomorrow at 6:00 pm, 30 January 2013.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon through the years has come to be regarded as an iconic event for the country. Last year alone, the event attracted over 28,000 runners from 48 countries, a 108 per cent increase since its inception in 2009 (with 13,500 runners).

Overwhelming response to Malaysia’s largest marathon

In 2012, participant registration closed six (6) weeks ahead of the deadline following an overwhelming response from the public. The event saw a total of 28,050 runners; with 3,168 runners in Full Marathon, 5,727 runners in the Honda Half Marathon, 491 runners in the MSIG Ekiden, 3,812 runners in the 5KM Fun Run and 541 runners in the Kid Dash, with the 10KM taking the lion’s share of participation with 51 per cent  or 14,311 runners.

Following the overwhelming response, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 is looking forward to increasing the 2013 participation to 30,000 runners from all around the world.

The total number of participants throughout the four years of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon stand at 80,928 runners (2009 – 2012), with a strong record of participation increase each year. With this fifth year edition, the Marathon would have welcomed some 110,928 runners to Malaysia’s flagship running event with a total prize pot of USD520,000.

Highlighting Malaysia on the global map

Globally, data as of 2011 shows a total of 256,000 runners have participated in the Standard Chartered Marathon series that takes place in nine (9) markets around the world – Bangkok (Thailand), Dubai (UAE), Jersey (Channel Islands), Mumbai (India), Nairobi (Kenya)Stanley (Falklands Islands), Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

The highlight of the Kuala Lumpur race is navigating a challenging route that weave between beautiful and historical landmarks around the city of Kuala Lumpur. The throng of cheering spectators and supporters additionally adds to the overall festivity of the event.

Last year, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon celebrated a new Full Marathon Men’s route record of 02:14:45.32, set by Kennedy Kiproo Lilan. The Women’s Full Marathon winner was fellow Kenyan Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno, with her time of 02:40:24.84. Shaharudin bin Hashim retained winner of the Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s category with a time of 02:42:27.57.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon is once again made possible by title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank in partnership with the event owner and organiser Dirigo Events, and co-organiser Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Running enthusiasts can sign up at the official website www.kl-marathon.com

Early bird discounts on registration fees are available till 28 February 2013.

Connect with the other runners through the Standard Chartered KL Marathon Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon and keep up-to-date via twitter at @scklmarathon.

Additional:

MPIB Run - 2013

First race of 2013, it's MPIB Run 2013 for 12KM distance. It's probably the first and the last race for short distance race in 2013. Previously, I always wanted to join race organized by Runners Malaysia, but somehow i missed it previous year. So come 2013, no matter what, how, why, where and when, i told myself i must join! 

As expected, MPIB run never fails to excite runners! I was surprised to see red balloons were given FREE to runners. So, without any hesitation, i went to get 1 balloon and tie to my hand! wahaha... Running with flying balloon....   

It's been such a long time since my last running photo during a running race.... Plenty of photographers were taking photo during a race!

Dont you just like love the balloons? 

Group photo with LYN runners group. :) 

Thank you everyone who taking photos of me and many other runners! 

Result:

269 A0733 TAN CHIN ANN Net time: 1:11:23 Gun Time:  1:12:45

269/1225. hmm not bad. not bad... :) 

http://myraceonline.com/download/mpib2013/12mo.pdf

Penang Year End Trips 2012/2013

I... I.. I been planning and thinking of blogging my Penang year end trip 2012 / 2013 since the day i back at KL on 1st Jan 2013. Somehow, i can squeeze out time to blog about it. 

My previous blog on G.Nuang took me 3 nights of installments to upload 50 photos and finish it... so i thought i can do so with my upcoming blog entries which i wanted to blog since Dec 17.... which i must blog and share my experience with others.

The Famous Kuay Teow Th'ng at Hutton Road !!! 

It's already famous, plus when you had cycled round island for 80KM, the famous Kuay Teow Th'ng instantly upgraded become my world tasty food ! 

Food without drink is not complete! 

100 Plus are my best companion drink after sport! 

Not many people when im were there... lucky me! 

Friendly boss... 

Hutton Road - A road that i always passby when i was in penang back then. 

The famous kuay teow th'ng is located at Hutton Road. Parking might be a problem, but if you lucky, u can park in front of the shop! :) 

  To be continue. 

9.32pm, 18 Jan 2013

Updated
10:04pm. 21 Jan 2013
End. 

Sundown UltraMarathon 2013 - 14 September 2013

I got to know this, Sundown UltraMarathon 2013 is back! Sundown UltraMarathon 100KM was my virgin Ultra race back in 2011 June. It's was my stepping stone to other ultra races since then. 

Date: 14 September 2013. 

Will i join again this year? 

It's a difficult question for me. Back in 2011, i joint because of 1 undisclosed reason. While that was back in 2011, the reason no longer valid. 1 undisclosed reason lead to surprises in my running life since then. I falls in love with trail running and joint two ultra trail races back in 2011 and 2012. While this year, i'm also planning another ultra trail races... 

it's all about trail race. I'm not sure whether im still in for the road race. I'm just not sure anymore. 

btw, im just realized, i never blog about my Sundown UltraMarathon experience... =.=''' 

Argh... Sundown UltraMarathon 2011 - Hall of Fame

98

G0289

CHIN ANN TAN

14:41:07.48

Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2012/2013 Day 1

31 Dec 2012

Malakoff Interstates Fellowship Ride 2012/2013

Time: 7:00am
Distance: 180KM

I never joins Malakoff Penang interstates before. Thus I decided to join this year. With off season in cycling and back to training 2 weeks before today, I'm successful complete 180KM without any problems!

No problems on bike nor gears nor tyre ! I'm physically and mentally managed to complete with so called "Honeymoon" ride pace. At one point, I'm feel like sleepy & boring!

It's 180KM with 3 stops. It's speed controlled ride. A maroon color pajero leads us. The starting point for this year begins at Bagan Jamal R&R area.
Guess many were disappointed when found out this year no Penang Bridge crossing. The 1st 60KM, some Padi field scenes, palm oil estate and importantly we rode past my hometown which is Serdang Kedah. We have our 1st stop at Caltex, Selama Perak. The next 60KM, and we still will return to the same Caltex for second stop. I never aware or know that, Selama side Perak have some awesome cycling route with some hills that can makes my heart go excited since I'm mostly on honeymoon pace with 1st peloton !

It's not too bad the 1st 60KM I achieve average speed of 31KM/Hr! I was drafting behind the first peloton all the way! Now you know why I called this "Honeymoon" Ride! Haha

In the last 40KM, I'm with the first peloton, the speed were increasing slowly from 25km/Hr plus to 30km/Hr plus... During last 10KM, suddenly "boom" sous heard! It's was one of the cyclist tyre blow! Then after that suddenly front peloton shouting SLOW ! It's seem two cyclists fell and 1 of them were at middle of road! He quickly got up, trying his best to stand up back, he try to grab his sunglasses I think and we were so fast that can't stop in time trying our best to avoid hitting him! Thank god, I'm just few CM away from his wheel! Then we continue as normal...

When we hits the highway, there's cyclists start to sprint and our speed hits 40km/Hr and above! Too bad, no one can draft with, I can't breakaway like others, just try maintains my speed around 35km/Hr...

The whole journey ends around 2.00pm plus. Basically my body wet for 7 hours! Hand dah kedut!
Checked out when I arrived, collected my goodies bag and jersey! After that quickly grab lunch to refuel. I'm still feel fresh!

After had my lunch, I followed Giant cyclists pedal back to Penang via ferry...

Thanks for the treat on ferry by S-Works Venge McLaren rider!

Back to hostel, cleaned my bike, my gears, my jersey and walked to nearby Penang road for famous Cendol and some other foods!

Regards,
Chin Ann

2012/2013 - Happy New Year

Another year. 2012 going to end in 2 days time. This year, it's something different for me. As my previous post, i'm joining Penang Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride which will be held on 31 Dec 2012 (Monday) and 1st Jan 2013 (Tuesday). 

While im going to Penang tomorrow, Saturday. Never thought of spending my New Year eve in Penang which it hardly cross in my mind as Penang is too congested during holiday period and festival ! I used to spend my new year eve by sleep at much earlier but it's seem this year un-avoidable.  

2012 ending. 2013 coming. 

There's some rough plan for 2013 which i tweeted it out in 140 characters. Now try to recall what i plan for 2013. 

Running Resolution

Runs a "Kuasa Besar" run which confirmed. 

Runs an Ultra race which in the planning. 

Runs few marathons namely SCKLM, Penang Marathon and lastly SC Marathon Singapore or Chiang Mai marathon! 

While i'm feel much excited about Chiang Mai Marathon which will be held on 22 Dec 2013 

http://www.chiangmaimarathon.com/ 

Initial thought: Fly into Chiang Mai via Air Asia and back via trains. It's going to be excited yet might be dam kaw boring train ride. Imagine Chiang Mai to Bangkok 756KM and from Bangkok to KL... it's can take up to 24 hours train journey but this is what i'm going to experience it. Perhaps spending my Christmas eve on the train? haha... 

Cycling Resolution

Basically after April 2013, it's will be off season for running. Then i shall target to achieve cycling mileage 10,000KM clock on my Giant TCR SL3 by year end. Finger cross. :) 

Weekend ride with P2K. 

Quarterly group trip ride. 

Budget 2013

Rakyat budget 2013? is the budget for you? for low income group or for the rich? You can judge yourself.