All set for Kuala Lumpur Marathon - June 27

Thanks to Lisa and Wendy for your help in registering me for the race! You both are the best!

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010 - Registration Details

Dear JACQUELINE KUEH,

Your payment was received and you have completed your registration successfully. Your registration details as below:
Race Information
Registration Number: 540454023
Race Category: Individuals - Full Marathon
Registration Fee: RM 55.00
Runner Information
Full Name: JACQUELINE KUEH
NRIC/Passport No.: xxxxxx
Preferred Name on Finisher's Certificate: JACQUELINE KUEH


Race Entry Pack Collection Info

To collect your race entry pack, runners must bring their Identity Card/Passport only, a printout of this confirmation slip is not required.
The collection venue will be announced on our website shortly - please check the website again in the next few days.

Runners may appoint a representative to collect their race pack on their behalf who must present the following:

* Letter of Authorization signed by runner (download sample here: www.kl-marathon.com/downloads/authorization_letter.pdf)
* Representative’s Identity Card/Photo ID
* Photocopy of runner’s Identity Card/Photo ID

Important Notes:

* Appointed representatives can collect up to a maximum of six (6) race packs including their own race pack should they be a registered runner.
* Strictly no changes in T-shirt sizes will be allowed.
* Your bib number will be assigned to you later.
* No late collection will be entertained.
* Race packs not collected after the last collection date will be deemed as unwanted and the Organisers may dispose or re-distribute them accordingly.
* For further information about the race please visit www.kl-marathon.com

Please consider the environment before printing this confirmation slip.

Thank you!
Your Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010
Registration Team

A Great 19 miles today!

The week couldn't have ended with a higher note than this. I did it! I finished the 19 mile today with a good form, of course I was exhausted and trenched! Weather today in London is 10C, windy and rainy (feel like 7C).

The truth, guys, I have been feeling down this whole week. Last week's incomplete 19 miles set the tone for the rest of this week.

I was in such great pain last Sunday that Sarah had to literally put me on the bus to go back to hers. I was obstinated to finish it since I already did 17 miles! But my ITB, plantar fasciitis and a newfound injury - peroneal tendonitis - resulted from supination (underpronation) on my right feet were acting so much that my pain scale was still 8-9/10 even after popping two ibuprofen. Tuesday, I went to my physio, Harriat and did an ultrasound on that tendon. I have this suspicion it would my new trainer. While it corrected my overpronation on my left feet, it could might overcompensate for my right feet. On that day I had to swim instead of run. An insane 53 50m-lapses! As it turned out after my Thursday 8-mile run, the trainer proved to be culprit!

I was torn from the discovery: yes I knew what was causing the pain, yet it would mean I need to change my trainer ... so close to race date. Not ideal! That's why I bought the first pair a month and half ago.

So on Friday, I managed to get the Gel Foundation exchanged for a Asics Gel 2130 women, a less support and softer base (as I land pretty lightly). But I need to break it in slowly - two short 5-mile before any long runs.

Chagrined by all these injuries, the life-overtaking running schedules and my forever-inchoated PhD transfer report, I was irascible, moody and worn out. To add on to the hopelessness, Shiok was closed abruptly. There go the months of liaising and my fund-raising plan. Plus the collection for Paris Half was minimal! (but there again it could be still rolling in!)

The most discouraging moment was when I realized I am in this all on my own. Suddenly, the reality hits me that there isn't anyone there for me: no concern calls from friends or family. How I long for it? It can quite tough to carry on by myself sometime.

Hence, to be able to complete 19-miler today, with still physical and mental strength to do more, it was a copacetic achievement! I feels now I can go out there and do what needs to be done for the coming week! Special thanks to my running buddies: Sarah, Lindsay and Nat. Without your constant encouragement during these long runs, guys, I won't have do on my own! Of course, with a lil of a external help: the big G! Thanks!


Nat, me, Lindsay and Sarah.

Paris Half Marathon - 2 Mar 2008

My trip to Paris was magnificent. The city was just so charming and artistic. St Germain at the left bank where I stayed was just fabulous. One got the feel of a quotidian Paris neighborhood, where real Parisians lived in. I must say one thing, even the average Joe or I should say, average Arnaud was better-looking than the average-John you see here in London. Best thing, they were not superficially done-up like those you see in Avenue Des Champs-Elysées.

Here's some views from my hotel room: Sully St Germain at rue de Ecoles.





The night before the race, despite the light drizzling, I roamed around the city with a friend. One of the many shots - outside the Lourve,



Sunday, 2 March 2008 was the race day. I woke up 7.30am and took heaps of isotonic drinks and the high-energy snacks bar that I bought the night before at Au Vieux Camper. I could not believe my luck for at least five of these AVC shops were scattering around my hotel. My immediate supply for sport food.

By 9am, I took the metro from Chatelet on the right bank to the last station: Chateau de Vincennes on the yellow line. It was quite an amazing sight as the metro slowly got packed with runners every station it stopped till the last two stations. It seemed like the whole town was running the race! It is a great spirit to see that these city folks are so involved with such activities.



While walking to the main area to collect my bib ...



After all the struggling through the sea of people to the end of the hall to collect my bib,


these two frail but enthusiastic volunteers behind the counter insisted that I must show them my passport as an identity verification! I was like, GREAT! After all the hassle of coming to Paris and rushing a race, I could forget the one item that could make or break this: my passport! Brilliant, Jacque!! Like a chicken and a duck, we tried to explain to one another. But I was persistent that they gave me the bib in whatever limited French I got: 'we', 'non' and exaggerated body gestures. Finally they gave in and reluctantly passed me the bib, in spite of the clear rule indicated in the official letter (in ENGLISH) I brought with me to show them for collecting the bib! They smiled and waved when I took a picture of them. They must be thinking what a ignorant Chinese girl!



What can I say? I was relieved and elated that I would have my chip for official time recording and of course a running number bib to formalize the race!





A glimpse of the race point: Start and end point



Towards the start point, getting ready for the race ...



I guess maybe I was running late in the morning and had to rush for my bibs. Although I started the race with high spirit, I was not in a great form. I was not sure why or what, maybe I didn't hydrate myself well enough the last few days, maybe I forgot my vitamins throughout this trip, maybe I drank some alcohol during the last two nights, or maybe i was just all alone on this. My mind was playing tricks on me. Just 3 miles (6-7Km) into the race, I was ready to give up. I even talked myself into taking a toilet break at one of the brasserie along the way! It was not necessary at all! Sigh! I pressed on.

At the Km 9 mark, a dear friend, Alex came to support me. He managed to capture some quick glimpses of me near Chatelet (where I caught the train in the morning).





Then a few miles into the race, again I was very close in giving up. This time my ITB hurt a little, but mostly it was the bottom of my right foot that ached the most. Yape, a newfound injury! Irresistably, my mind just used that as an excuse to steal as much short walk as I could. Reason being, "I am in pain." I was indeed, but I knew I could endure that level of pain! Believe me, I has experienced some of it during training runs last week.

Somewhere along the way, my body started to feel weird. I was very uncomfortable with my outfit. I tried to disregard it, thinking this must be one of my mind tricks again. But after some self-motivating talk, it still didn't feel right! I zipped down my UnderArmor top. Suddenly, it felt breezy. My head was not aching as much. Then I took off my cap ... then my gloves. Instantaneously, it couldn't have felt more comfortable. Then it occurred to me that I was hyperthermic ... all this while! Now I understand what it means to be overdressed for a run. I used to tell my fellow runners I am that SE Asian that never get used to the cold. Guess I am no different, as I would still get overheated too.

By then, I was so sure that my time would be off by at least 10-15 mins from usual 10 mins-per-mile. But when I reached the 16 km(= 10miles), I checked my timer for the first time. It was 1:31:00. Ok, I was actually on time. I thought to myself, I might just be able to make it under 1:50:00 if I kept on running for the next 20 mins. And I tried. During the last 15 mins I felt like both my feet was on fire (literally), but it kinda masked the pain I had at the sole too. I ignored the ITB pain near my knee and sprinted on. At the 18-km, I was exhausted, this time, my body was failing me, not my mind. My mind was ready to attempt the sub 1:50. I started to walk, when an old French man (in his sixties) patted me on my lower back and encouraged me in French. I answered with hesitation,"We". Immediately, he replied in English," Throw that bottle and run!" He continued on with French, which con possibly mean pick up your speed, we are nearing the end of the race!

Then I just kept on running, possibly 5 mins per km till the end of race. I was out ... I didn't feel that I could run anymore. Obviously the sight of the medal was just rewarding.





I was disappointed with myself on how I performed at the beginning of the race. I could have done better. If only I stayed more positive, I think I would have made it under 2 hours at least. My official time is 2:00:14. My overall ranking is 12358 out of 18642, while my category (Seniors Femme) ranking is 907 out of 2338.

Guess what? I was so forgetful that I left my medal in the hotel. Hopefully the receptionist would send it to me as he said he would.

I need to train harder if I want to be sub 4:30 for the full marathon in April. It is week 11 btw. This week training is 6 miles on Tues, steady 10 miles on Thurs and slow 18 miles on Sun. Pray for me!

All ready for Paris this Sun.

I am so psych about Paris this Sun. I have booked for the flight two weeks ago and would be traveling with Air France.

My race number is 24480, and the race is starting at 10.00am at Esplanade du Château de Vincennes. It ends there too. The route is pretty ok, not the nicest part of town. I would need to be there early to get my bib. French authorities are more 'kiasu' than the Singaporeans! Before they can give the bib to you, you would need to show them a medical certificate that you would fit enough to run the half, so that you won't sue them if you happen to collapse and die during the race!

Mostlikely I would meet up with Sandra, a friend of a friend from Singapore. Of course as usual I would be doing the tourisy stuff on the remaining of the tiem. It is my first time to Paris! Guess that's why I am so excited about it.

Well, wish me luck!




--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: airfrance-internet-uk@email.airfrance.fr
Date: 15 Feb 2008 15:00
Subject: Your Air France Internet booking confirmation


THANK YOU FOR BOOKING WITH AIR FRANCE!
Please find your flight details below.
If you have booked an electronic ticket, you will receive a separate itinerary e-mail with your electronic ticket number.
***************************************************************
Book your TRAVEL EXTRAS on airfrance.co.uk
For extra savings and no stress make advanced bookings on car rental, hotel, sight-seeing tours & activities and airport car parking. Travel insurance is also available on airfrance.co.uk.
***************************************************************

Trip Plan for:
Kueh Jacqueline

Reservation Number:
Total fare for flight reservations: 111.20 GBP including tax
( total price shown is inclusive of 1 GBP service charge)


Flight reservations:

Flight: AF2671
From: Heathrow, London, UNITED KINGDOM - TERMINAL 2
Departing: 29 February 2008 08:45

To: Charles de Gaulle, Paris, FRANCE - TERMINAL 2F
Arriving: 29 February 2008 11:00


Status: Confirmed


Flight: AF1670
From: Charles de Gaulle, Paris, FRANCE - TERMINAL 2F
Departing: 3 March 2008 13:00

To: Heathrow, London, UNITED KINGDOM - TERMINAL 2
Arriving: 3 March 2008 13:15


Status: Confirmed

After a long pause ...

Indelible pictures of the baby orang utans in the sylvan settings that Borneo can truly offer has never failed to pull me back to my goal of raising ££. Running on my 2nd year of PhD, the experimental work is demanding a whole lot more time and efforts from me than I thought.

Of course, this volunteering program has still very much in my agenda, but ineffectual attempts to rally fund-raising partners has not been helpful. But I am still trying. I have contacted the next restaurateur: Shiok at Tottemham Court Road, very near my work place. Singapore/Malaysia cuisine spread in their menu looks good and tastes good too!! It is a great setting for buffet and socializing and even a corner jazz jamming (if Grace is still interested!) But Kenny, the manager is slow (or more like never) in getting back to me, after every discussion. So far, we have managed to negotiate the proceed percentage and the menu for the night. Now it is his turn to propose this to the owners. I have to run in a few times just to get a follow-up " I will contact my investors about this idea!" But I will just keep on trying.

Well, not everything is on the gloomy side. Training for the London Marathon is great fun. After Cardiff Half, I continued my training a month later, with a regular weekend run. It got more frequent when I was back home and Singapore during the year-end holiday. I practically run short half hour everyday. Well I was on holiday and there is nothing better to do but to drink and eat, so might as well incorporate some training. Good way to get rid of the overnight calories from the booze.

Since coming back to London at mid Jan and after recovered from my severe flu, I have been training heavily as it leads up the marathon. I basically got my training program from SmartCoach. Essentially, I train on Tues & Thurs (short, tempo or easy or speedwork run) and Sundays are my long runs. This Sun, I would be running 13.1 miles, with Lau. We would be doing the last half of the London Marathon. It is my first time running the route, so I spent this afternoon just planning it out. It is looking great.

Otherwise I ran with Sarah and co on previous sundays. Sarah, Lindsay and co are from All Souls too. Sarah is super enthusiastic about this first London Flora of hers. She would even remember each mile mark on the route that she planned out. Total efficiency! It is really helpful as in long runs it is easy to fall into the mode of aimlessness. Mile marks gives you a sense of accomplishment and an aim going forward. Hope I can do the same for this Sun with Lau.

Unfortunately, I have this injury: ITB syndrome. Iliotibial Band, which surfaced two weeks again. Since then I have seen a physio-therapist that practises chinese medicine (so I did acupunture, though I am not very comfortable with needles), bought a new pairs of trainers and went for a injury clinic to get professional help on preventive measures and strengthening exercises. I have joined the gym, Bannatynes near my work place for cross-training work to reduce impact on my ITB. I can exercise on the cross-trainer machine and best of all, swim!

ITB occurs because of the weak glut (butts) muscle, that causes the ITB to compensate for it. It ends up rubbing against the quads and shin bones.

So what is coming up next? Well my Paris Half Marathon!

I have booked my flight to Paris for this coming 29 Feb to 3 Mar. Might meet up with a friend (Fabian)'s super marathon friend, Sandra. Sandra is aiming for sub three and half for next year marathon! She did her Paris last year at sub 3:45. WoW! Impression ya. But she sounded really nice over the email.

Unfortunately, as usual, Mehri my housemate backed out on me last minute. I was upset as I wouldn't have anyone there to support me at the end of the race. But hey a girl got to do what she got to do!

My hotel: Hotel Sully Saint Germain, Latin Quarter hotel with medieval Parisian theme, is at the great St Germain Well at least the hotel is nice and welcoming, something for me to celebrate with!

Well, do keep on coming back for more postings. I would be more diligent in updating this blog, now that the marathon is nearing.

I have 8 weeks more to go. Wishing me well!

Marathon Training: Signed up for Paris Half Marathon

---- Félicitations ! ---

Vous êtes inscrit(e), au Semi-Marathon de Paris du dimanche 2 mars 2008.

Inscription pour :
Nom : KUEH
Prénom : Jacqueline
Montant : 26.00 Euros
Dossard : 24480

Vous devez maintenant compléter votre inscription en envoyant votre certificat médical (ou copie de licence 2008) à A.S.O. Athlétisme - 2 rue Rouget de Lisle - TSA 61100 - 92137 Issy Les Moulineaux Cedex.
N'oubliez pas de mentionner votre numéro de dossard.

En janvier, vous recevrez votre confirmation d'inscription indiquant la marche à suivre pour récupérer votre dossard, au Parc Floral de Paris.



You are now registered for the Paris Half-Marathon that will take place on Sunday, March 2nd, 2008.

Registration for :
Name : KUEH
First name : Jacqueline
Amount : 26.00 Euros
Bib number : 24480

You have to send your medical certificate to A.S.O. Athlétisme - 2 rue Rouget de Lisle - TSA 61100 - 92137 Issy Les Moulineaux Cedex - France.
Don't forget to mention your bib number on this document.

In January, you will be receiving a registration confirmation with the necessary instructions on how to pick up your bib at the Parc Floral.

Cardiff Half Marathon

So both Lau and I have signed up for Cardiff Half Marathon. Here's my entry receipt.

------events@runnersworld.co.uk wrote:

CONGRATULATIONS - YOUR ENTRY HAS BEEN ACCEPTED FOR:

EVENT DETAILS:
Cardiff Half-Marathon
14/10/2007
9:00am
Cardiff City Hall
Cardiff



Event website:
http://www.cardiffmarathon.org

Event details on Runner's World site:
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewEvent.asp?en=37571
EVENT ORGANISER:
Race Admin
PO Box 4129
Bath

BA1 0FX
Day: 0845 308 4001
cardiffmarathon@raceahead.co.uk

Organiser's note:
Please note that race packs (incl runner number, chip, luggage tag and booklet) will be posted out in the w/c 01/10/07 Barnardo's Cymru organise the Cardiff Half Marathon. We are a children's charity working towards supporting those who are struggling to overcome the disadvantages created by poverty, abuse, family breakdown and homelessness. Barnardo's Cymru needs £9 million a year just to maintain our existing services, but we want to expand our work and reach even greater numbers of children in need. If you would like to help give a Welsh child a better future and support our charity then please donate now by clicking on the following link www.barnardos.org.uk/donate_cardiff.html?ref=070077. Thank you.

YOUR UNIQUE REFERENCE NUMBER: runn651014

You paid £24.00. Your bank statement will show a payment to runnersworld.co.uk.

Choice of marathon

Ok I am not changing my date for Sepilok, coz it costs me £50 to change dates. Hell no!!

And I am gonnna run in one of the European marathon to raise fund. No point sequeeze my ass off to go to NYC to run and be a pauper for the next two years!! Europe is a whole lot cheaper to travel (if I book early, I can travel for like £0.50!! Can you believe that??) Anyway, my end point is to raise fund right?

With this change in plan, I will have more time to train and raise fund.

More update on the running in a few weeks time. I am settling well with work schedule and personal life, but need to get into a routine now. I should be able to start my mileage build-up training again soon.

Another one: Run for Free* with 2:09 Events

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/ms_events/running/ny_marathon.html

----on the website-----
Run for FREE*
Run New York for FREE if you book before May 1st*

We have teamed up with 209 Events, the official travel partners of the ING New York Marathon, ro provide you with a full marathon experience. They will organise your flights, accommodation and race entry fee for you, as well as throwing in a few extras. Simply visit their website at 209 events to select and book your package, quoting the MS Society as your charity.

There is no minimum sponsorship requirement for these places however we do offer some great refund packages to help you run for FREE!*

If you raise £1500 in sponsorship we will refund your flights and race entry fee up to £550.
If you raise £2000 in sponsorship we will also refund your flights, race entry fee and accommodation up to £800.
We do also have "entry-only" places in this race. Please click on the next tab for more information on these places.

*subject to terms and conditions Entry only places

The MS Society is lucky enough to have a number of "place only" entries in the 2007 New York Marathon. If you would like one of these places you will have to arrange your own flights and accommodation.

We ask for a minimum of £1500 in sponsorship for one of these places and they will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To apply please download our New York 2007 application form (79 kb) and send it back to us as soon as possible with a cheque for £100 (made payable to the "MS Society") to cover your deposit (this will be refunded once the minimum sponsorship has been reached).

Should you be able to raise over £2000 we will also refund £350 to go towards the cost of your trip.


Package


Fundraising pack with sponsorship and comprehensive tips & advice
Professional running vest
Regular newsletters packed with training information
Cheering points in New York
Support from the MS Running Team
Pre- and post-team get togethers in New York

Souvenir Newsletter


Please click on the link to view the 2007 souvenir newsletter.

If you would like a paper copy please email newyork@mssociety.org.uk and we will send one out to you.

NYM06 souvenir newsletter (586 kb)



Event Contact
Running Team
MS Society
372 Edgware Road
Cricklewood
London
NW2 6ND
Tel.0870 241 3565
Fax.0208 438 0877
newyork@mssociety.org.uk

Maybe through Rainforest Foundation ...

Today I found a website that support runners to New York Marathon.

http://www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/s-International%20Marathons%202007
---on the webpage----
International Marathons 2007

With our travel partners, The Rainforest Foundation is able to offer you the chance to run a Marathon in almost any major city across the World. A small sample of courses is on offer on the left but if there is a marathon that you want to enter and raise money for The Rainforest Foundation then drop us a line.

We’ll pay for your flight, accommodation and entry if you raise our minimum sponsorship. We’ll also offer you any training or nutritional advice you might need along with fundraising tips so that you can hit your fundraising total.

The New York Marathon has for some years been our most popular so if you see that times or dates aren’t confirmed on this or any others, still get in contact so we can look to reserve you your place.

Berlin
Boston
New York
Rome
Tokyo
Please contact Nick Tuchband on 020 7485 0193 for further information or to see what other International Marathons are available

They are located in Central London, I'll go visit them this week. Meeting is much impressionistic than just talking on the phone. Less see if I can do it this way.

Prep for the marathon

First webpage that I came about is these words:

Marathon is a commitment more than anything else. If you are planning for a wedding or taking up a new course, you might want to think twice about it. Time for training is crucial.

While researching for a training plan for my marathon, I found out at first I might not be able to do it. Most say you need to be running for a year CONSTANTLY, before you should consider running a marathon. But I came to this website where there I might just be able to make it for the marathon. Anyway, my occupational health nurse said that I am fit enough for the run and I should be doing better than other. I have a BP of 73/110 and a resting HR of 49. In the program stated, I would need to build up my mileage to be physically competent for training the marathon, which is 18-week long.

after much calculation, I would start my marathon training from 7 July to 4 November (the race day). Now that gives me now (Feb to July) to train for my mileage build-up schedule. It is again a 18-week long training. Just in time! Totally elated!

This evening, I have just busy keying in my MBU (Mileage Build-up) training log in my Google calendar. Basically it works like this: In Week 1, I need to accomplish 14 miles altogether, so it would be spread out in 4 alternate days of 4 miles, 3 miles, 4 miles and 3 miles. The training is progressive with less than 10% increment in distance each week until I hit around 35 miles a week.

Officially I would start 2nd week of February. But I think I better start training for the 3 miles itself!!! That's 6km!!

Wish me luck!

I hope I am ready for it. Now I need to look into running club in Reading to enrich my running. It can get quite boring running alone and also dangerous.