Rebecca Ilham's Blog, page 5

MPIB Run 2015: There, and Back Again

I fell in love with races starting at Padang Merbok and covering Bukit Tunku during MPIB Run 2014. This was also where I ran my first 12 km. Thus, it is only appropriate that I returned to this race. Not to mention that by Jan 2015, I hadn't ran the course/parts of the course for almost 6 months.

I was jittery pre-race. Mostly, it was due to my determination to attack the run as a race. My pace has been improving of late, and I truly wanted to test my limit by not running too conservatively as usual. Therefore, that might be the reason why I didn't really enjoy the race. I felt that the hills that I loved so much were neverending, the Tijani flat stretch was boring, the many walkers dominating the whole width of the closed lane annoying.

In the end, yes, I did ran better than before. In fact, if the course was exactly the same as last year down to the last milimeter, then I was 14 minutes faster, which means my pace was > 1 min faster for every KM. I have never thought I would be able to do this, thus yes, there's happiness in progress and achievement (especially when it meant ONE YEAR of training).

Today, another surprise awaited as I checked the preliminary result. Ranked 53/2827. That is top 2%. What an icing on an already very good cake! Alhamdulillah!

Longest LSD Thus Far

Today's run - the photo above was taken at ~ halfway mark. Stopped for water and toilet break thereafter. Took the 2nd piece of energy chew a couple of kilometers later.

Refueling frequently (took energy chews at KM6, KM11-ish and KM17-ish) while running long is indeed eye-opening. Do not feel as worn out as two days ago when I did 15.5 km WITHOUT fuel, just water. Also, while I did feel like dragging my feet during the last few KM's, I was actually running faster than in any of HM races that I'd participated in (sans fuel, of course).

Today's (secret, unannounced) target was a half-marathon distance. With the discovery of the new stretch of pavement, I thought I could finally try the whole course out. There were some underestimation though, that saw me circulating the lake again after 17-ish KM, running on pavements that lead into/out of residential area and doubling back at the end of my usual route because the total distance was 0.1 km short, hehe.

I have to admit that the usual mental battle did occur after 14 km. To be exact, after burning ~1000 kcal. Made frequent, odd stops thereafter, just to catch my breath, sip water and rest my tired legs. My lower body hurt post-run, but nothing as bad as after my first HM last March. There were blisters on my feet, but nothing as bad as after SCKLM 2014  in October. 

Overall, I'm happy. Hope to run this distance every Sunday for the next few weeks when I'm not racing. This training regime is part of my #RoadtoFM2015 :)

First Run of 2015

2014; in kilometers.

Made a last minute aim to cover 1000 km in 2014. Alhamdulillah, two days before 1/1/2015, ran my last run for 2014, and brought the mileage final tally to 1005 km. 2014 has been a kind, good year of running and racing. It was a year that saw progressions from 10 km to 12 km to 15 km to 21 km. It was also a year in which my pace becomes better, my nutrition improved and my priorities became clearer than ever.

Thus to kick-off 2015, there was nothing better than getting out of work as soon as I could, get home and retire early. Went to sleep before 8.30 pm to be exact, and slept for - guess what - 11 hours. Had half a mind to skip the morning run but then the good rest would be such a shameful waste.

It was already 7.40 when I hit the pavement, but the weather was excellent for running. The skies were overcast, and the sun was nowhere to be seen. My target was 12 km, thus after a sip of water and popping a Gu Chomp energey chew in, I decided to just take RM 2, and left the chew behind.

The first KM, my warm up KM, was an agony as usual. I was usually slower as I didn't stretch out prior to running. My body took time to warm up, and once the muscles were loose, I was usually okay. Thus, even though some parts of my body were screaming, I decided to just brave it out. I knew my pace, and the feeling would get better later.

Stopped at KM 6 for a sip of water (bought a bottle) and a potential toilet visit. Took a few sips just to ensure my body that I was hydrating it, and decided that I could hold the toilet visit. Held the water bottle in hand until the next traffic light, something that I hated to do, before trying to shove it inside my pants' left pocket. Guess what - it fitted well. Except for the slushy sound, I decided that I could live/run with a water bottle poking out of my pocket, haha.

It was my intention to check out a new stretch of pavement this morning. It was a flat stretch, quiet on the pavement but busy with incoming cars. From drives, I estimated it to be 2 km each way. It was my intention to run it both ways before returning to my starting point using my regular course.

There were two things that I underestimated. First was the ambience. I expected it to be quiet, but it was tad too quiet, especially along the stretch before reaching the marketplace. It was also longer that I initially thought, by 0.5 KM, and that was only until Kelab Tasik Putrajaya. At this juncture, I decided to run by the lake. The promenade faced the back of Bangunan Perdana Putra (Prime Minister's Office) and Masjid Putra. The atmosphere was serene and calming. There were a few other casual walkers and people exercising thus I wasn't really spooked out on safety.

Did not do entire stretch though, just 1 KM of it. Turned out that covered only 0.5 KM on the main road pavement. At this point my Garmin already recorded 10 KM, thus I knew I might get 10 miles, which is my usual long run distance.

Nope, I didn't get 10 miles. In the end, I got 15.46 KM. The last couple of kilometers were an agony. I didn't re-fuel, thus I could feel that my legs had no energy left. They were "exhausted" and heavy. I soldiered on anyway, for I could reach home faster by running than walking, anytime.

The hard run took a toll later - slept for almost 4 hours in the afternoon. Well, I am planning to run again tomorrow, thus I need all the rest I could get.

Happy New Year!

The good :)
 Bangunan Perdana Putra from the promenade.

 Masjid Putra from the promenade.

 A part of the new course.

Cheap pants, deep pocket, hehe.

Running and Reading and Writing

Osakajo-kouen, one week before 2014 Osaka Marathon.
I did my 16-km long run this morning. The last time I did it was back in late September, I think, two weeks before SCKLM 2014. My breathing, while no longer haggard, still felt constricted. But I soldiered on; I knew that if I postponed this particular distance (revised the distance to 12 km last week), it would be akin to opening the gate for other excuses (not to run).

My main aim for today was simple. Just distance. That is the basis of running - distance, distance, distance. Even short and middle distance runners (5k, 10k) also incorporated long runs into their training regime; who says it is exclusively for half marathoners and above? There is something about distance that makes a runner stronger - it is the time when runners train their muscles to endure the physical hardship of the task at hand, it is the time when runners train their mind to battle negative thoughts and break the wall, it is also the time for runners to dig deep inside and learn to trust their hearts. 

The results will speak for themselves. Chances are that runner who walked not even 2 km into his/her race did not log a lot of miles prior. Having a good grip at the basis of something will see you soar. Okay, let revised that down to racing strong and finishing strong. As with other essential basic things, distance is something that luxuries cannot buy. Not that expensive compression tights, rolls and rolls of kinesiology tapes, fancy running skirts, etc. Have you seen those runners on podiums (not that we run to win top prizes)? They just wear running vest and shorts (but yes, they don't have much fats like us mortals)!

With that said, running is not unlike writing.
 A good, strong piece of writing also has its own basis. It is reading, reading, reading.

However, just like there are quality miles and junk miles in running, there are also quality reading and junk reading. Runners learned over time what works and what doesn't in enhancing their running performances, and readers/writers should be able to do the same. Staying dormant at lower-quality of reading spectrum is not dissimilar to limiting their potential to be better readers/writers. They need to search and find the light of the sun, for thereafter they will never be able to sit contentedly under the not-so-bright lamp anymore.

Penterjemahan Budaya

Mempelajari bahasa asing adalah memasuki pemikiran penutur aslinya.

Tadi di kelas にほんご, kami mempelajari beberapa kata sifat (na) atau めいようし dan dua kata kerja (どうし).

Salah satu kata sifat berkenaan adalah じょうず (な) yang bermaksud "bagus melakukan sesuatu." Daripada itu kami diajar membina ayat. Kata ひらおか-せんせい (Cikgu Hiraoka), kami tidak boleh mengatakan:

わたたし は うた が じょうず.
Watashi wa uta ga jouzu desu.
Saya pandai menyanyi.

Dalam budaya orang Jepun, tidak ada istilah angkut bakul angkat sendiri. Justeru, walaupun ayat di atas betul daripada aspek bahasa, ia bersalahan dengan aspek lain yang harus diberi perhatian jika tidak mahu ditanggap biadap.

Perkara yang sama diingatkan kepada kami tentang kata sifat へた（な）yang bermaksud "tidak bagus melakukan sesuatu." Kita boleh (dan digalakkan) mengatakan:

わたし は うた が へたです。
Watashi wa uta ga heta desu.
 Saya tidak pandai menyanyi.

Namun, sekali-kali kita tidak boleh mengatakan orang lain tidak pandai menyanyi!

Last Race of the Year: Putrajaya Urban City Run 2014

Photo courtesy of Running Malaysia Magazine
Concluded my 2014 running calendar with this unique race. Taken place in my adopted city (inshaallah this will be my permanent home), Putrajaya, its route is designed to encompass the entire landscape of the city. Thus, runners were made to run through a roofed parking space in a government office building, along sidewalks by the huge man-made lake (we went by Heriot-Watt University campus, Marina Putrajaya, serene residential area that made me thought it must be nice to be rich), up and down the stairs of Jambatan Seri Bakti, the infamous zig-zag running track uphill to PICC and parks tucked in between office buildings.

I have called this city home for three years, but I have to admit that almost the whole route is alien to me. It was indeed a great route to get to to know different parts and sides of Putrajaya; hopefully it will make a comeback next year!

Am deeply satisfied with the team that managed the race. Have been communicating with one of the volunteers via Twitter, and am not surprised at how well it went. This is a race managed by people who run, for people who run. They understand everything, and take no exception in almost all aspects. I was particularly impressed at how warm and friendly the volunteers were/are (the MC was awesome - I like how he used proper Malay, as it is rare for MC to speak in the national language at running events), ample distance markers, helpful marshals and efficient water stations.

I did say almost, though. Because the route was underdistanced. Not that I minded that much because it wasn't my best race; I was secretly pining that it would :P


So here's to 2014, a good and productive running year.
I will be more discerning about racing in 2015. I think ;)

Hujan Hujung Januari dan HSPM 2013

Alhamdulillah.

Sesuatu yang tidak pernah disangka-sangka, yang juga tidak sekali terlintas akan terjadi.
Hujan Hujung Januari memenangi Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia (HSPM) 2013 bagi kategori Buku Sastera Dewasa (Kumpulan Cerpen).

Segala puji bagi Allah kerana hanya Dia yang mengizinkan berlakunya segala sesuatu. Semoga Dia juga menetapkan dan merendahkan hati, serta menguatkan diri agar menulis dengan lebih baik.

Terima kasih saya juga kepada Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka yang menganjurkan HSPM 2013, penerbit ITBM dan PENA serta editor yang mengerjakan manuskrip buku ini.

Yang lalu biarkan berlalu. Kini cabarannya adalah memperbaiki diri. Semoga hadiah ini mematangkan, dan menajamkan.

How many shades...

Osaka-jyo, Osaka18 October 2014

 Momijidani-koen, Miyajima
19 Oktober 2014

Genbaku A-Dome mae, Hiroshima
19 Oktober 2014
...of gold do you see?

Officially Graduated

Alhamdulillah.

Today was my graduation day from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Indeed, it was a very different experience from my bachelor degree graduation five years ago from Colorado School of Mines, USA. Fisrt thing first, I had my parents with me on this auspicious day. Five years ago, I was moody even from the night before. The next morning, I put on the black robe and walked by myself to the Green Hall.

The ceremony in the US had less protocols, but the one in UKM was decked with formality. I was silent on my seat (with 6 other friends graduating from the same programme, under supervision of the same supervisor) most of time, soaking in the atmosphere.

I loved the music played by the gamelan group - traditional tunes and traditionally-inspired new numbers - and efforts by the varsity choir. It was also my first time hearing the varsity song "Varsiti Kita." Singing the national anthem "Negaraku" twice today was also a different experience for me, for I have gained a better deeper understanding of its simple lyrics over the years.

I am grateful for this opportunity. Do I want to return? Yes.
When? Inshaallah, soon.

MAKNA's Founder Night Run 2014

Malam tadi saya menyertai MAKNA's Founder Night Run 2014 sempena ulang tahun ke-20 Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA).

Saya tidak suka sangat berlari malam - saya rabun dan berlari tanpa cermin mata. Berlari siang pun saya gagal tentang orientasi, apatah pula apabila berlari malam. Saya pun tidak lagi mengapa saya menyertai larian ini akhirnya. Mungkin kerana mahu mengubat kekecewaan terpaksa DNS Auckland Marathon pada 2 November.

Lokasi mula/tamat adalah di Kompleks Sukan Air, Presint 16 pada jam 8 malam untuk kategori 15km. Karnival MAKNA juga berlangsung di sini, semenjak jam 12 tengah hari lagi. Ayah dan Mak menghantar ke sana, dan akan menunggu di sekitar Presint 6/5 itu sementara saya menyudahkan larian.

Berbeza dengan larian-larian sebelum ini, saya belajar menghargai keperluan memanaskan badan. Sebelum ini saya hanya meregang badan sahaja kerana beranggapan sebarang aktiviti belebihan akan mencuri tenaga yang seharusnya disimpan untuk larian. Namun setelah memanaskan badan dengan berlari sejauh 5 kilometer pada Mizuno Wave Run Ogos lalu, sebelum menyambung larian sejauh 16km kemudiannya tanpa sebarang masalah, saya yakin untuk berlari-lari anak sehingga badan mula berpeluh.

Larian dilepaskan tepat jam 8. Tidak ramai pelari kategori 15 km. Larian sangat selesa kerana dua lorong jalan ditutup dan dikhususkan untuk pelari. Saya sememanngnya sedikit klaustrafobik, lebih banyak memilih lorong luar yang lengang berbanding lorong dalam yang sesak. Larian tiada masalah, saya menyedari saya berlari laju daripada kebiasaan namun sememangnya kali ini saya ingin menguji kemampuan dan keupayaan.

Justeru, walaupun irritated dengan beberapa pelari lain yang seperti menyaingi dalam diam, saya harus berterima kasih kepada mereka kerana secara tidak langsung mereka telah menggalakkan saya mengekalkan serta melajukan rentak larian. Saya seorang solitary runner - saya tidak suka bersaing atau disaing, hatta bunyi nafas dan geselan fabrik pakaian pelari lain pun merimaskan saya. Maka untuk "melepaskan" diri daripada mereka, saya terpaksa melebarkan langkah.

Ujian mental tiba pada KM 11. Saya mula berkira-kira untuk memperlahankan rentak. Ketika itu juga, pelari 15km bergabung laluan dengan pelari 10km. Kebanyakan pelari 10km berjalan (lenggang kangkung) dan mendominasi hampir kedua-dua lorong jalan. Saya semakin rimas.

Namun kemudiannya, saya perasan kehadiran seorang pelari 10km yang lebih kurang sama rentak dengan saya yang menggalakkan pelari-pelari yang sudah mula berjalan atau memperlahankan rentak. Dia akan datang dari belakang, menyentuh belakang pelari berkenaan dan membiarkan tangannya di situ buat seketika, seperti mengajak pelari berkenaan berlari bersama dengannya.

Ketika itu saya memutuskan untuk mengikut rentaknya. Malah, saya hampir sahaja menegurnya dengan hasrat memintanya menjadi perentak (pacer) saya sehingga tamat larian. Barangkali dia juga menyedari saya mengikut langkahnya. Saya sedar dia menoleh sekali sebelum melajukan langkah. Saya tidak terdaya menyainginya lagi, hanya mengekalkan rentak dengan azam untuk tidak membiarkan perentak misteri ini hilang daripada pandangan.

Saya mengikutnya sejauh kira-kira 2km. Apabila dia memperlahankan rentak, saya yang sudah disuntik semangat baru (semangat 2km lagi sahaja untuk seksaan ini berakhir!) meningkatkan kelajuan dan berlalu sambil menggumam terima kasih dalam senyap.

Tatkala mendaki flyover di hadapan kemudiannya, terjumpa pula seorang peserta berkerusi roda. Melihatnya gigih mendaki dengan menggunakan kudrat bahagian atas badan melonjakkan lagi semangat - saya mengenepikan petua run inclines by effort, sebaliknya saya run by speed.

Jarak larian sedikit underdistance, namun inilah buat pertama kali saya bertahan dengan rentak ini sejauh ini. Alhamdulillah.