Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Run EZ Riders Run


You never KNOW what you can do till you try

Sports in its true definition embrace all kinds of competitive activities that involve physical effort and skill and when applied meaningfully, could be a gauge to one’s personal challenge. EZ Riders not only cycle but also indulge in other sports as well, primary for the purpose of diversion due to weather, environmental and circumstantial changes.

The Sundown Marathon provided an opportunity for some of the EZ Riders take up the challenge and to gauge our physical and mental ability besides our normal activity of cycling.  Only recently we have cycled to Sedili and Desaru for a distance of 200km and me 100km respectively, thus by participating in this marathon in the 21km and 10km run was just a mere 10% of what we did on bike. No big deal. What we actually need was some training in preparation for the marathon.

Sundown Marathon was held on the 26th May 2012 and when the big day arrived, as early as 7.00 pm many runners assembled at the starting point. Most of this group opted for the 10km run which was supposed to start off at 10.30 pm. The 21km and the 42km run start off at 12.30 am and are expected to come in later. I, full of excitement, came and joined the crowd at about 9.30 pm and immediately soaked in the atmosphere. As I mingled around, unconsciously I was measuring myself against these runners. They came in all kinds of shapes and sizes, tall, short, fat and thin. Some of the guys and ladies were as fat as wine barrels and I said to myself, “can they run?” doubtful of their ability, whilst some were trim and fit. Then I came across some, guys and ladies who were ultra fit and that have me wondering how to keep pace with them. As I was deep in my thought, something attracted my eyes. Upon closer scrutiny, I saw that their tag was different from mine with different color and a bold 21km was emblazoned on the right side. Oh, lucky me, what a relief. My fellow running colleagues will have a problem pacing with them.

No mountain is too high to scale

Then the announcement came to assemble and be ready for the run. The crowd was huge, maybe 8000 runners or more. Finally the whistle blew and off we went. Due to the huge crowd, the going was very slow initially, virtually walking elbow to elbow. As the momentum increased, many runners were squeezing and sneaking to overtake. I did the same and overtook those who were slow. Just like the OCBC 59km cycling event, it was fun and challenging as I overtook more and more and then, right in front of me I saw the fat ones whom I mentioned earlier. How can that be ……….. hmmm maybe they managed to queue to the front before the run. They were panting and hissing away. I overtook them easily. I have much admiration for their “can do” spirit to take part in this competition in spite of their size and they were seriously trying very hard to complete the race. How I wish some of our office ladies who are enjoying a sedentary life could exit from their comfort zone and engage in some form of physical activity to lead a healthy life style.

In this marathon, I ran a very good race, the best thus far as I did not stop or walk. I just followed and synchronized myself with the flow, on and on I ran, not letting my fatigue overtake me. It was great, enjoyable and I felt rejuvenated and even sprinted at the last 100m to the finishing line. I am sure that the rest of the EZ Riders have the same kind of feelings as me. I did not, like many of them, stop even for a drink except the last drink station before the finishing line. It was a feat for me since I had my leg operation 2 years ago. During my training session I hardly manage 6km not to mention 10km. My fellow running colleagues did even better. Four guys and two ladies ran 21km under 3 hours. If 10 minutes or more were taken out due to serious bottle neck situation, the timing will be even better.

I am looking forward to the next run, maybe the Standard Chartered Marathon, anyone?

Cheers to the EZ Riders.
 
Raymond Yow
5th June 2012