Two is Better Than One, They Say

T-Minus 13 days to my BSN Night Run, followed by the Adidas King of the Road on the morning after. I've never done two separate races with just about 8 hours of gap in between, and to be honest, I'm not sure what was I thinking when I signed up for both of the runs. You can pretty much assume that this is what I'm feeling right now when I think about it:

I’ve temporarily benched myself for a few days in hopes of miraculously recovering with a few days rest since the injury I had before AND after the Standard Chartered KL Marathon last weekend.

The pre-SCKLM shin splint :(

I’ve been icing, massaging, KT taping, foam rolling, stretching and soaking like crazy! I’ve been drinking Coke Gatorades while silently stewing over my frustration of being, once again injured and sore so close to a race. No, make that TWO races. :/

For almost two weeks now I’ve been struggling with an injury that at first seemed like a small nagging pain, that’s gradually been getting worse and more painful and more debilitating as the days go on.

I’ve been in this position before and I know many, if not most, of you have been there too.  It’s a tough spot to be in and it’s beyond frustrating.  I’m not at the point yet where I need to withdraw from the race, however, I do know I’m going to have to keep my ultra-stubborn, bitch of an alter ego at bay and check in with myself throughout the race to ask myself when enough is enough. And speaking of enough, that’s about enough of my whining about being injured.

To those who are running the BSN Putrajaya Night Run on the 19th of Oct and the Adidas King of the Road on the 20th, all the best for your races. Stay hydrated and fuel well! Good luck and have fun!

An Ode to Injinji

Ok, well I *TRIED* writing an ode to my Injinji socks to illustrate just how much I love them while also keeping my post concise. It turns out that ode writing is really hard. I’d rather my poems just rhyme with each line. So, no ode.

Sorry about the title. Hehe.

Anyway, let me tell you about my love affair with Injinji.

Like most runners, I’m a total junkie when it comes to buying my running gear. I find it really hard to resist trying out the next best thing, and I'm fairly obsessive about what I put on my feet.

Ok, maybe that's just the feminine side of me, trying to justify my running gear purchases. :p

When I first started running a couple of years ago, I hadn’t a clue about what kind of kit I needed. When I ran my first race, I had a terrible time with my trainers and not so great socks. I came away with blisters and vowing to learn from the experience although it took me a while and a number of blisters and trying out of different socks to get it right.

Before I became an even more serious runner, I've never really given much thought when it comes to buying socks - being a woman, as usual, one of the first things I'd look at will be the colour. Other than that, who needs to give them much of a thought? They're just socks afterall.

Then I came to realize that when you step into your running shoes, comfort, padding, thickness and blister prevention are paramount... and ‘any old pair’ just will not do! Even if the colour is right, your feet deserve better. That's how I found out about technical running socks... or rather known as performance socks.

So when it comes to performance toe socks, one brand stands out above the rest: Injinji (pronounced in-gin-gee).

ike most runners, I’m a total junkie when it comes to running gear. I find it really hard to resist trying out the next best thing, and I'm fairly obsessive about what I put on my feet.  I’m therefore somewhat surprised that it took me so long to try out the Injinji toesocks. If you’re not familiar with the Injinji socks, they basically look like a normal pair of socks with one major exception – they provide individual pockets for each of your toes. Sure, I’d seen other runners report positively about their experiences with them, particularly about their ability to prevent toe blistering, but the strange looking socks always seemed like a gimmick to me. I couldn’t have been more wrong - these socks are awesome!

My initial reason for buying a pair of Injinji’s was so that I could
Read more at http://www.runblogger.com/2009/10/review-of-injinji-running-socks.html#f5fFBt7iVj5MFgZz.99

Obviously, Injinji are distinctive for their patented tetratsok design, which is a cool (if hard to spell) word they invented to describe the separate toe coverings; it’s the foot equivalent of putting your fingers into a glove instead of a mitten. This design has several intended benefits: it enables your entire foot to perform in a more biomechanically natural manner, and prevents the moisture - See more at: http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/07/injinji-performance-socks-review.html#sthash.FLPoTSBM.dpuf, if you have blister-prone feet - you might want to give these guys a try. 

I’m somewhat surprised that it took me so long to try out the Injinji socks. If you’re not familiar with the Injinji socks, they basically look like a normal pair of socks with one major exception – they provide individual pockets for each of your toes. Sure, I’d seen other runners report positively about their experiences with them, particularly about their ability to prevent toe blistering, but the strange looking socks always seemed like a gimmick to me. I couldn’t have been more wrong - these socks are awesome!

Obviously, Injinji are distinctive for their patented tetratsok design, which is a cool (if hard to spell) word they invented to describe the separate toe coverings; it’s the foot equivalent of putting your fingers into a glove instead of a mitten. This design has several intended benefits: it enables your entire foot to perform in a more biomechanically natural manner, and prevents the moisture buildup and “toe on toe” friction that leads to blisters. - See more at: http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/07/injinji-performance-socks-review.html#sthash.FLPoTSBM.dpuf

 At first, I admit, I thought they were the weirdest socks ever. Seriously. I mean, look at them. Weird.

And weirder still was putting them on. Poking each toe into the individual slots -- sleeves? toe thingies? -- well, whatever they are called, poking each toe into them was . . . odd.

But why would toe socks be more beneficial than regular socks? Well, there has been a shift in footwear, a shift to lighter weight shoes that give more ground feel. A more natural approach to running. Having toe socks allows for each toe to work independently. After all, toes must serve an important evolutionary role for them to have developed the way they have. They help with balance and while running, they splay with every footfall. With a normal sock, that outward movement is impeded because the sock will tend to hold the big toe and little toe closer together due to the design. Toe socks allow your toes to function much more naturally than a normal sock.

Now, this is all well and good, but let’s be honest; the shoes you wear have a much greater impact on the function of your foot than the socks you wear. So what if you don’t buy in to the minimalist movement? What if you’re a cyclist, can these possibly have any benefit for you? In short, yes. A lot of people suffer from friction blisters between their toes while running. One of the main causes of these friction blisters (besides tight toe boxes) is moisture. Normal socks do absolutely nothing for moisture between your toes. Injinji socks on the other hand are made of up 75% coolmax material (and 22% nylon and 3% lycra) which, as I’m sure you know is a very effective wicking material.

The individual toe things really keep my toes dry when I run, which is nice since I'm still feeling nervous about getting blisters after the Viper Challenge event.

The pair that I bought retails at RM59.90, not cheap for a pair of socks - but it is so worth it. If you're living in Kuala Lumpur - I have only found two shops that carry them: Running Lab in Tropicana City Mall and Athlete's Circle in Jaya One.

I love my Injinjis and they've become my go-to socks now. In fact, I wore them to almost all of my runs now. They are comfortable, thin, low-profile -- just right.

My new favourite socks!

Thank you, Injinji, for being so weird. And so great to run in. :D

Obviously, Injinji are distinctive for their patented tetratsok design, which is a cool (if hard to spell) word they invented to describe the separate toe coverings; it’s the foot equivalent of putting your fingers into a glove instead of a mitten. This design has several intended benefits: it enables your entire foot to perform in a more biomechanically natural manner, and prevents the moisture buildup and “toe on toe” friction that leads to blisters. - See more at: http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/07/injinji-performance-socks-review.html#sthash.FLPoTSBM.dpuf

Viper Challenge 2013

Well I promised myself that I'd write a post about this "most gruelling obstacle course challenge in Asia", but I guess I haven't gotten the mojo to write in the last couple of weeks (read: slacking), hence the extremely late post-event review.

Anyways, here it is. (See, if I said I'd do it, means I'll really do it). :p

Let me just give you some background of what Viper Challenge is all about.

The Viper Challenge is harped as "Asia's Biggest Obstacle Course Challenge" where participants need to complete a 20km obstacle course with 20 obstacles to tackle and overcome. The man-made obstacles were built by a team of Australian specialists and they have been carefully designed to not only challenge the participants' mental and physical spirit, but also to test the ability to be selfless and reinforce the importance of teamwork in the most demanding situations. It's not really a competitive race between teams as no time limit was set for the participants, so I'd say it's pretty much like a mini version of Tough Mudder.

On the day of the event, we (as in the KVRC team) reached the grounds of Sepang International Circuit at about 6.15am, as our wave was scheduled to start at 7am. It poured heavily that morning, so the release of the first wave at 6.40am was delayed and we were only released at about 7.30am. There were 10 of us in the team in total, all feeling pretty anxious and nervous, considering that we barely trained for the event at all. Yes, we're all intermediate runners, but we're aware that the level of core strength that this obstacle challenge demands isn't the same as what it requires to run in marathons. Despite our lack of trainig, we showed up anyway, purely to test our fitness capabilities and of course, to enjoy the experience.

Our team.
Top photo L-R: Marina, Olando, Emma, Azra, David, Me, Ezra, Ikram, Hatta, Ena

At about half-past seven, we were called to the starting line. None of us brought our camera/phone along while we were out completing the course, so here are a few pictures I shamelessly stole from Viper Challenge's FB Page of how SOME of the obstacles look like.

Starting line

Barbwire crawl

Ice Bath (My favourite of all!)

Us, ready to take a dip in the ice "pool"

Trail running in between obstacles...

Slope Climb

Balance Beams

Cargo Net

Monkey Bar

Tunnel Crawl

Downhill Water Slide

Tyre Climb

Slanted Wall

Haystack Climb

12-feet Wall (final obstacle)

 And all the way to......

THE VERY MUCH AWAITED FINISHING LINE!

So those are just some of what we endured during the event. What I like about obstacle course challenges are, aside from being able to test your physical strength, you also get to stimulate the mind. There is decision-making involved when you attack an obstacle, figuring out the best way to get through, over, or under it. So it's not just running, but overcoming the obstacles successfully as well.

As the 10 of us completed the final obstacle, we held each other's hand, all raised high up in the air, and sprinted towards the finish line together, screaming happily - celebrating the joy of completing the challenge in good spirit, incredible teamwork and lotsa fun!

I have to admit that completing the course was no easy task, and thankfully, neither I nor anyone in our team suffered any injuries, except for minor cuts and bruises from stumbling on the rough surfaces. It was an utterly challenging and mentally taxing experience for me. Many thanks to the organizers for improving the flow of the event for the Day 2 participants.

In summary.......

I paid RM102 and got myself tortured for about 4 hours under the blistering sun and humidity.

I crossed the finish line with my clothing literally covered in mud.

I had to throw out my favourite pair of Nike as it was completely thrashed.

But oh well, I guess all that does not matter anymore, because....

  I GOT A BRAND NEW T-SHIRT! :p

Bali Marathon 2013 : Race Report

Just four days after I returned from my Phuket Marathon trip, I left Kuala Lumpur yet again - but this time to Bali, also a destination I've never been to before, and yes, for another running event. :)

At the airport before taking off to Bali, I made friends with Asrul, a runner who's flying on the same flight as me, who also happens to be joining the Bali Marathon. He was traveling by himself, so my friends and I thought it'd be nice for him to join our mini-troop - And he did. :-)

We arrived in Ngurah-Rai Airport on a cloudy afternoon. Most of the Klang Valley Running Club (KVRC) comrades have already arrived a few days before. Knowing that I'll only be arriving in Bali on Saturday, I've therefore gotten Emma (a friend from KVRC) to help me collect my race kit at The Westin Resort in Gianyar on that day.

I caught up with the rest of the KVRC teammates that night for our carbo-loading dinner and to also collect my racekit from Emma. (By the way, did I tell you that I was so happy when I saw the jumbo-sized Pocari Sweat sports tumbler in my race kit? SO HUGE! TOTALLY RAD!). So we hung around to have dinner, and at around 10pm, we wrapped up.



RACE DAY
At about 3am on Sunday morning, we gathered at the Kartika Discovery Mall with the rest of the runners who opted for shuttle bus from Kuta pickup point. Journey to the Bali Marine Park took about 30mins.

Pic courtesy from Ena

By the time we arrived at the race venue, the place was already buzzing. Baggage drop was smooth and I was happy that I had an ample time to properly warm-up and stretch (and yes, camwhoring with everyone).

With my KVRC Girls, Ena and Emma - Marina is missing in the pic.

 

The race started off in the 6am darkness. As soon as the we were flagged off, I settled into my easy pace while many runners zoomed past me. The street was very dark as there were no street lights.  Luckily that stretch of road is mostly flat.

Here's an overview of the course:

The dawn was just breaking as I took the first turning after the first switchback at KM2.5 that took us runners through small villages, and green paddy fields of Gianyar Province. It was a beautiful scene.

The first rays of sun were dappling through the palm trees and foliage as we approached the first village. The noise and commotion from the cheering locals were deafening, and this was to be a similar story as we ran through each new village. Hundreds of children, all immaculately dressed in their school uniforms and some in traditional costumes lined the narrow street, equipped with flags and multi coloured noise makers chanting and cheering with huge enthusiasm. These boys and girls were REALLY excited to see us, some even tried to “high five” me as I ran past them. I was completely overwhelmed. (Gotta say that it was also a great excuse to slow down and "high-five" them back!) :P

Pic courtesy from Ena

Pic courtesy from Ena

At some villages, there were traditional performances and I just had to stop to take in the atmosphere.  It was awesome.  The aid stations, which was positioned approximately about every 2.5km, served mainly water although some had isotonic drink and fruits. Stations were well manned with plenty of water in bottles or cups for those who preferred them. Usually when I still have some water in my hydration belt, I wouldn't bother stopping at these stations - unless I was in dire need of some cold fluid.

I found myself slowing down a little as the sun and the temperature rose higher. It was hot, but I was coping well. Elevation climb was rather steep in the first half, but it eventually got easier in the last 3-4KMs as it was more of a downhill course.

I continued further to finish up the remaining distance and eventually made a final left turning into the bypass, and straight onto what felt like the longest stretch to the finish. It was somewhat intimidating to see the finishing chute from afar and the constant cheer from the crowd, but yet you're still plodding along! -,-

Right as the timing clocked 1hr 1minute, I crossed the finishing line! :D

On the way to the medal collection point, I headed straight to our meeting point which we've decided on earlier before we started the run (this is important if you're running with a group of friends at a new place!). We then merry up with the rest of the KVRC group and spent the rest of our morning taking group photos.

Pic courtesy from Ena

The KVRC Girls - Again, Marina is missing in the picture. -_-
Pic courtesy from Ena

The obligatory post-race shot. Hehe

My race results:

Total Ranking (Men & Women Category): 158th / 931 runners

Total Ranking (Women) : 34th / 367 runners

I didn't get to achieve my sub-1 target in Bali (I finished 1hr 1min, remember?), but anyhow, I was happy that I participated in the race with the rest of the KVRC family. Not to forget, two of my bestfriends (who are non-runners) also flew in to Bali to support me! Thanks Juju and Wanee!!! :D :D

Oh, and I made a new friend too!

And finallyyyyy... here's my blingies! :D

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2013 : Race Report

I kicked off Sunday by leaving the hotel at 5.30am and arrived at Laguna Phuket around 6am - just enough time for me to drop my bag and warm-up before the race starts.

5 mins after I arrived.

PRE-RACE CAMWHORE!!

Before long, sun was already out, and I headed to the starting line whilst simultaneously dealing with a pretty epic pre-race jitters because I knew that I barely trained for this run considering that I only signed up for it just 2 weeks before.

(Bad move, yes I know. You can all send me hatemails now).

So yes, because of that, I told myself  to take it easy so I won't injure myself for my Bali Marathon which was scheduled on the weekend after.



Most of the people I saw at the starting line were foreigners instead of locals. Not sure why. The race started on time and I was happy that I didn't have to weave around too much. The weather was rather pleasant too; not too hot for Thailand, probably between 22 ºC to 25 ºC - and not raining.


Not long after we started, we were already crossing the highway...

And then over to the countryside...

.... All the way to villages, small towns, paddy fields, and rubber plantations.

I was fully exposed to the sun by the time I reached 5KM, and started feeling a little exhausted by then so I took my first gel and maintained an average pace of 6:08km/h. I skipped the first and second water station to save time. And I regretted skipping the second one because by then I just realized that they actually handed out cold sponges to runners at some stations. SPONGES SOAKED IN ICE-COLD WATER. How awesome was that?! That was the first for me - never seen that being offered in any other races I've been to. Oh, and they offered fruits at certain stations too. :D

So yeah - screw that couple of seconds that I wanted to save- I have then decided to stop at every station that offers fruits and cold sponges.

Ha-ha.

The organizer of Phuket Marathon supports the "Green Runner" idea where you use your own collapsible silicone cup instead of the wasteful plastic cups at water stations. But I didn't see this being practiced commonly during the race. This eco-friendly idea is something new for me as well, as I've never been to a run where I was being provided with a re-usable cup to reduce papercup wastage.

Well yeah, I personally LIKE the idea, but the moment I saw the little green leaf-shaped cup in my racepack, I knew I was never going to carry it through my entire run. I guess carrying water with my own hydration belt is already considered as being environmentally friendly, no? Hehe.

I was starting to feel a little nauseous at 15km as it was at this point where I had some difficulty negotiating a short but very steep little hill. I took another gel and luckily within 10 minutes I regained my composure.

Based on on the elevation climb, the remaining 5km were flat or slightly downhill so I carried on at a very relaxed pace of 6:56.

Something that I truly didn't expect showed up at 17KM, where we were presented with a stretch of coastal road overlooking the Andaman Sea. Lovely! Too bad I couldn't take my phone out from the armband because it was slightly drizzling at that time and my hands were very slippery. The only shot I managed to snap was this one, but it wasn't a good shot because the view was blocked by the trees and I didn't want to stop for another mid-run photoshoot session. Nevertheless, I realized at this point, that the THB3100 (approx. USD 105) I paid for this run was all worth it.

 
The final 3 kilometres are always the most painful. I call it : ZE EVIL MARKER.

And I came across this at 19KM:

Very strategically placed, I'd say. -_-





Beyond 18km I was just about spent, but I managed to push myself for the final 3km anyhow.

I cruised all the way towards the end at a very slow 7:26 pace. Jusssssstttt about 50m before I reached the finish line, the event announcer called out... "AND WE HAVE ELIANA ANUAR FROM MALAYSIAAAAA!!!" followed by a loud cheer from the crowd. 

Seconds after that, I crossed the finish line and clocked 2:25:18...  while the crowd was still cheering for me!

 THE BEST FEELING EVER.

WOOHOO! \(^_^)/

Despite my lack of training, I'm happy that I managed to bag a new Half Marathon PB and came 22nd in my age group. Yes, my legs felt as if they were about to come off after the run, but so what......

I JUST RAN THROUGH PARADISE!