Report: Run To Gain 2014

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 01 March 2014 | Sunday
Venue: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Category: Kids (12 years old and below)
Distance: 2.5km
Afiqah Cheah: 3rd (15:43)
Akmal Cheah: last (but not least)

I acted as a manager cum pacer for my children as I was having health issues.  Couldn't run fast lest I ended up in HKL which is just a stone's throw away from the venue.


Afiqah & Akmal (hidden) during briefing


Afiqah & Akmal after the warm up


The start - both started from behind for safety reasons

I asked Afiqah and Akmal to start from behind because they were not trained for explosive start.  Children will be children and I have seen enough children fall at the start.


Akmal at the beginning of the race.

The first 500 metres was good as Akmal managed to follow closed behind and we were within the top 7.  Then he complained of stomache and began walking.  We tried to keep pace with the leaders and managed to close the gap but Afiqah requested to walk and I thought it was okay as the leaders were walking too.

I only allowed her to walk for 15 secs and then run again.  We managed to  overtake 4 other runners with the run walk strategy.  In fact in the last 500 metres, we walked for as long as 30 seconds!  It was a good result for Afiqah.  Her first podium in a running event!


Akmal coming in last.

I waited for about 3 minutes for Afiqah to catch her breath before looking for Akmal.  I was quite worried as I had 'lost' him twice - once at the zoo when he was 3 and once at the library when he was 5!  When I saw him, he was hardly half way and fortunately it was near the toilet.

I was in the nick of time as he needed to use the toilet.  After was done, we walked and jogged back. That was a two consecutive lasts in running event, the earlier one was in the Milo  X-country.


The result

The run was well organized but the prize giving was too late... waiting for the VIP.  Only medals were given to the top 10 runner in the Kids category.

Pictures courtesy of RunToGain

Report: World Diabetes Day Charity Run & Walkathon 2014

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 9 November 2014 (Sunday)
Distance: 5km (walk)
Time: 7.45 a.m.
Participant: Afiqah Cheah Binti Aiman Cheah
Category: Girls (9-12 years old)
Result: 5th
Time: 36:30

I did not race in this event as I was on duty.  I had prepared Afiqah to be in the top 50.  There had been a few races where she had just narrowly missed the last medal!

Just like me, she under-trained.  She only did 4.2km thrice on alternate days prior to the race.  I was quite surprised as she managed to keep up with her pace as she tend to slow down drastically at half way.


Top five winners in the Girls Category 9-12 years old

Report: Langkah Ceria & Pelancaran Kibarkan Bendera Wilayah Persekutuan Bersama YAB Perdana Menter

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 19 January 2014 | 8:00am | Sunday
Venue: Dataran Putrajaya, Precint 3, Putrajaya
Distance: 5km



A non-competitive event.  Quite well organized.  The distance is quite challenging for beginners.  My students enjoyed the walk.  It is their first time joining such event.


Picture courtesy of Fariz Iswadi Ismail, The New Straits Times, 20 January 2014

The Langkah Ceria programme is supposed to be held on the third Sunday of the month to promote 'active lifestyle' and family bonding.  So far the ones that I attended were well-organized.

Report: 1Malaysia 1Kilometre Walk 2013

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 8 December 2013 | Sunday | 7:00am
Venue: Dataran Putrajaya, Precint 3, Putrajaya
Distance: 1km

Category: Boys (Under 12yrs)
Akmal Cheah
Position: 10

Category: Girls (Under 12yrs)
Afiqah Cheah
Position: 7

This was the second time for Afiqah and Akmal in this event. As they were more matured, I no longer need to pace them.

There was no pressure for Afiqah as there was only 15 entries...all would get a finishing medal. She did well to finish 7th abiding rule 230.


Afiqah

Akmal had a tougher fight as there were more than 15 entries. I was glad that he was not influenced by some walkers who were not observing rule 230.


Akmal receiving his medal

No doubt we are encouraging youngsters in race walking but I think, getting the walking right is more important than finishing the race face using unfair advantage - blatant running and knee bending.


The winners for boys' and girls' category.

Pictures courtesy of www.racewalkermalaysia.com

Team Malaysia Fan Run

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 1 December 2014 | Sunday | 7:00am
Venue: Dataran Putrajaya, Precint 3, Putrajaya
Distance: 15km - 3km


Flag off for 15km

This edition is more 'community oriented' as not everyone could run the 10km or 15km distance.

The fun run fee was reasonable at RM20 with medals, certificates and the tiger t-shirt.

It was a good morning walk albeit with a price. Afiqah and Akmal were happy after the post event as there were game booths and inflatables.

Datuk Ong Kim Swee was there too and he was kind of a celebrity and obliged when fans wanted to take photogrphs with him.


The Fun Run Category

Pictures courtesy of StarMetro, Wednesday 11 December 2013

Report: 3rd Milo Walk Circuit

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 06 October 2013 | 7.30 am | Sunday
Venue: Taman Botani, Kuala Lumpur

Aiman Cheah
Category A Men Open (18 and above)
Distance: 10km
Time: 1:22:44
Position: 6

Afiqah Cheah
Category H Primary Girls 10-12 years old
Distance: 2.3km
Time: 17:53
Position 5

Full results.


The Champion in the 10km walk, G Suresh Kumar


The 10km Men Open Winners

It was a last minute registration for me as I was not on duty. With 10 finisher medals offered, there was nothing to lose as there were only 8 participants. Registration was also at a minimum of RM10.

It was one of the most difficult races that I had encountered. I almost gave up with 2km to go. I had dropped my pace to leisurely walk a kilometre before that.

My nearest rival caught up with me with 100m to go. I had about 1km gap 3km before the finish. I gave a final push and luckily I did not have muscle cramps. 10km has become a 'very long distance' for me at the moment.


Afiqah Cheah with her medal


Girl 10-12 years old winners


Afiqah did slightly better than the 2nd circuit. Akmal would be among the top 10 if he did not have stomache.


After the race

Pictures courtesy of G Suresh Kumar.

Report: Kejohanan Jogathon Majlis Sukan Kebudayaan Perkhidmatan Pendidikan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 16 November 2013 Saturday
Venue: Stadium Mini Seri Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 8.00 a.m.
Category: Men Veteran 40 and above
Distance: 3000m
Time: 17:10.21
Position: 3rd

Not a popular event at all. Only three participants for men veteran. So a complimentary 3rd placing. The only consolation was I was second from last among men participants.

I did not wait for prize presentation ceremony as I had to attend Integrity Course.

I hardly train as the organizer said it would be just about 5 laps... so I did 'train' to complete the 5 laps. No compalints to add 2 and half lap as that would be more of a standard distance.

Any way, I was happy that I still did slightly below 6 minutes per km. 5 mins 43.3secs to be more exact.
 

Lap	Time	Total
1	0:56.09	0:56.09
2	1:59.92	2:56.01
3	2:17.70	5:13.71
4	2:21.80	7:35.51
5	2:23.59	9:59.10
6	2:29.01	12:28.11
7	2:29.06	14:57.87
8	2:12.34	17:10.21

Report: Tesco Malaysia's Walk For Life

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 17 November 2013 | Sunday | 8:00 a.m.
Venue: Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 5km


The flag off (from left) Fischer, Rohani, Prof Hany and UMMC Medicine Faculty dean Prof Adeebah Kamaruzzaman

Not a competitive walk. Raising fund for underprivileged children undergoing leukaemia treatment at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).


Participants with Banner

The route is challenging because of the gradient. I had a stroll with Akmal while Afiqah walked with her mother. Along the route we had obstacles like tyres, maze and 'limbo rock'.


Queueing at Angry Bird booth

In order to complete at least 6 challenges to be eligible for lucky draw we had to go to the game booth. We did complete the Challenges albeit it was X-Late!

We had fun with just RM40 for the registration.

Pictures courtesy of TheStarMetro 21 November 2013

Report: Guardian Charity Walkathon 2013

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 27 October 2013 | Sunday | 7:30
Venue: i-City, Shah Alam
Distance: 3km & 8km


The flagging off

This is one of my favourite events. I have registered for the 8km walk and my family the 3km walk. Unfortunately, I could not make it. I drove them to i-city as early as 6.15 and was surprised that some participants were alrealy there!

My children enjoyed themselves after the walk......going for snow walk and trick art museum. Unfortunately, it rained heavily in the afternoon and they only went to the water world at around 4 p.m.

They had a whale of a time there despite the weather.


Beneficiaries of the proceed - National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM), National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and National Council of Senior Citizens' Organisation Malaysia (Nacscom)

Pictures courtesy of StarMetro 11 November 2013

It is a win-win situation. With a registration fee of only RM25 (early bird), we have free entrance to snow walk, trick art museum and water world which easily cost us RM55!.

Report: Larian Hijau

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 26th October 2013 | Saturday | 5.30pm
Venue: Taman Tasik Metroplitan, Kepong

Aiman Cheah
Category: Men Open
Distance: 3km
Position: 6

Afiqah Cheah
Category: Primary School Girls
Distance: 3km
Position: 9

Akmal Cheah
Category: Primary School Boys
Distance: 3km
Position: unknown


Picture courtesy of Utusan Online.

This event is in conjunction with Environmental Week at Federal Teritory Kuala Lumpur.

I only knew about the event after my wife told me that my children would be taking part in the colouring contest and the run.  It was passed closing date when I made an inquiry.

I took my class students to join me, one for drawing event and two for the run.

I was surprised to finish 6th because I ran at a 'slow' pace but it was actually quite punishing as I hardly train nowadays.

It was a mass start and I only caught up with Afiqah after about 5 minutes.  She was walking by then.  She started quite fast.  If she had been slower and maintained her pace, I reckoned that she could finish with a slightly better timing.

Afiqah was 4th in the colouring competition.


Afiqah with her prize for colouring competition

My student, Dominic was second for drawing competition.  Aqil would have been in top 10 for Secondary Boys category if he was not injured.  He was certainly much faster!

Report: Junior Development Programme - Circuit 3

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 21 September 2013 | Saturday
Venue: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 1200m

Category A Boys under 12 years old
Akmal Cheah
Time: 8:37 | Position: 6th

Category D Girls under 12 years old
Afiqah Cheah
Time: 9:02 | Position: 7th

Full result of Junior Development Programme - Circuit 3: Here.

Full result of all circuits: Here.


Before the start

The final circuit and I was glad to be there as I missed the first two
circuits due to school activities. Akmal's timing had improved but he could not keep to the proper technique - Warrant a disqualification.


Akmal - a caution for knee bending.  The one next to him was
blatant knee bending + floating

Afiqah's timing had also improved but at times she could be 'hopping'. Still a long way to go before she could do it naturally and comfortably.



Afiqah

..congrats and well done for both Aiman's kids.

Report: Milo-Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletic Association 2nd Walk Circuit 2013

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 08 September 2013 | Sunday | 7:30am
Venue: Taman Botani Perdana, Kuala Lumpur

Akmal Cheah
Category Boys 10-12 yrs old
Distance: 2.3km
Time: 23:30
Position:9th (last)

Afiqah Cheah
Category Girls 10-12 years old
Distance: 2.3km
Time:19:36
Position:4th

An official result is here.


Akmal 3rd from left in green shirt and Afiqah 5th from left in green shirt. Picture courtesy of StarMetro Thursday 12 September 2013

Both Afiqah and Akmal missed the first circuit due to school activities.

I find that Akmal did well despite being last. In a same level playing field he has avoided the last position twice during the JDP events this year.

Afiqah has improved too, by being able to be in the mid position.

Report: Run For Sight 2013

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 10 March 2013 | Sunday | 7:00am
Venue: Central Park, Bandar Utama
Category: Open | 5km
Team-mate: Lee Choon Foo
Position: 6-10
Time: About 18 minutes

It is good to see a good turn out. Probably a lower entry fee of RM50 per team compared to RM80 per team last year attracts more participants. Also the venue could be a factor.

My partner was already waiting for me when I reached there. As usual there would be warming up session and briefing.


Warming up

Before the end of the warming up session, I asked my partner to go to the starting line so that we could start at pole. I was surprised that we were not starting at pole position when I saw the pictures. I was in
front when I put on the blindfold. Shall I say that there are selfish participants who just came to the front and pushed you to the back.


I was hidden. My partner wore a white cap - Mr Lee Choon Foo.

It was amazing that the participants could run so fast at the start of the race. We were quickly left behind before I could start my normal running pace.

It was quite scary listening to the cars whizzing past....but according to my partner, the cars were at least five feet away from our side. That was not too comfortable. My sense of hearing became more sensitive when being blindfolded.

My partner said we were probably in sixth position going back into the park but the 5th team was already too far ahead. There was no way to catch up with them as Mr Lee was already panting. Well, just a charity
race... stroll and complete the race.

The race was very much under distance. The winners' times were fantastic as you can see at pm1.blogspot.com

I would probably return for the race next year if Mr Lee is still keen. Getting a partner is no easy task.

Pictures courtesy of Run-For-Sight-Blindfold's Facebook

Report: Roasters Chicken Run 2013

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 23 June 2013 | Sunday | 7:00am
Venue: Sunway Lagoon

Category: Adult male
Distance: 4.8 km
Result: DNS

Afiqah Cheah
Category:Kid Female
Result: around 30th position

Akmal Cheah
Category: Kid Male
Result: 49th

An event that my children have always been looking forward to. It may look a little pricey at RM62 and RM57 for adults and kids but then RM13 goes to Little Yellow Education Foundation - that leaves RM49 and RM44.

You also get Roasters quarter chicken meal worth at least RM15. So it's actually RM34 and RM29. Isn't that we normally pay that amount for running events, except organised by state athletics associations or the town councils? And the best part is the 'free' entry to Sunway Lagoon!


Thanks Mr Max Lim for entertaining me although you were busy snapping pictures

Since there won't be a ghost of a chance to be in the top 50 to get a certificate of participation, I decided to pace Akmal. Two years ago, he was easily in the top 50 - lean and mean. That's a different story lately. He is on the heavy side.

I pitied him for huffing and puffing to the finishing line - but certainly not to the point of abusing or torturing him. You can see the satisfaction in his face when the received the second last certificate.... his passport for the next Roasters Chicken Run!


Pacing with Akmal

Afiqah was about a minute behind Akmal - the girls started about 5 minutes later. We had a whale of a time at the theme park after the event.

Unfortunately, KL was enveloped in haze when we were going home.

Pictures courtesy of Max Lim and Mr Tey Eng Tiong. He missed Afiqah probably because he couldn't recognise her.

Report: Malaysia Breakfast Run

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 19 May 2013 | Sunday
Venue: Padang Kawad, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Distance: 7km
Category: Men's Senior (40 years old and above)
Timing Chip: Net time 00:42:37.70  Gun Time 00:44:49.76
Position: 61

I had wanted to register for a family fun run... but by the time I wanted to register, it was closed. Only the 7km slots were available, so I was still lucky to get a slot because entries were limited.

I got an SMS requesting to report for the run early as roads would be closed at 5 a.m. I thought that was too early as the run only started at 7.00 p.m. It would just take about 20 minutes to reach UPM from my place.

I left home at 6.00a.m and was shocked to see such a massive jam at near UPM toll booth. That was it! I might not make it to the starting line on time as my watch showed 6.15 a.m.

I decided to park along the highway to UPM entrance because there were just too many cars. It was already more than half past six and I did not know exactly how far was the starting line.

I walked briskly and once I saw the 6km marker, I felt relief because I was just about a kilometre away and there was still about 10 minutes. I quickly went to answer nature's call before rushing to the starting point. Luckily, it did not start at 7.00 sharp. It was about 5 minutes late.


At the start. Picture courtesy of www.facebook.com/media

I moved slowly to the front... not that front after all because I took about 3 minutes to reach the starting line. It was fun to run with so many people and be the king to the road...

I ran slightly faster passing the 4km marker. Only half the distance left and the experience at Bidor Half Marathon and Banana Relay tell me that I should be able to complete the race comfortably.

I think the distance marker was not accurate because it was quite impossible for me run 3:13.21 in the last kilometre!

Distance   Time        Total
1km          09:50.38  09:50.38
2km          06:30.57  16:20.95
3km          06:42.03  23:02.98
4km          06:31.38  29:34.36
5km          06:15.44  35:49.80
6km          05:49.21  41:39.01
7km          03:13.21  44:52.22


Sit-down breakfast: Attendees enjoying their breakfast at Milo’s first Malaysia Breakfast Day gathering. Picture courtesy of thestar.com.my/metro

The news report is at thestar.com.my/metro.

Finally it was not only a 7km run but an additional 7km walk (from the highway to the venue and back to the highway) It was definitely a good work out.

This was my best run in a year and was ready to check into "IJN Resort" on 22 May for a 4D3N wellness package - heart ablation

Report: Vitagen Healthy Digestive Walk

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 25 May 2013 (Sunday)
Venue: Taman Bandaran, Kelana Jaya
Distance: 7km
Time: 25 minutes
Non-competitive event

Quite a well-organized event by Vitagen. It is good that registration is only at RM20 for adults and RM5 for children below 12. Registration pack inclusive of goodie bag and event vest


Event vest

At RM5 naturally, children do not get the vest. I would be happier if the organizer give us a choice of getting a cheaper registration without a vest or the present rate with a vest.

The registration was a little slow... perhaps participants were to blame as many come late although participants were capped at 500. If there was an extra person or two manning the counter, perhaps, the speed will be twice faster... Participants queuing up according to names or registration numbers.


Registration

The warming up was late as registration ended up late. The flag-off time was some 30 minutes later.


Warming up

I believe the distance is much shorter that the intended distance of 7km. I took 14 minutes completing the first loop and 11minutes for the second loop. That should be less than 4km. However, the distance is just right because there were many children there. It was manageable for those 3 or 4 year child.

Like Kelab Runner Ipoh, the organizer printed our names on the certificate. This effort must be given a thumb up instead of the normal blank certificate.

I got my vest and bib after the event due to courier problem. I guess since there were 500 participants, bib and vest can be distributed at the venue... cost saving for the organizer or let us collect registration pack on our own...

Looking forward for the next walk...

Report: Famemas Run 2013

By Aiman Cheah Event: Larian Famemas 1 Malaysia 2013
Date: 3 February 2013 | Sunday | 7:30am
Venue: MSN Track, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Category: A (Men Open 13 Years Old and above)
Distance: 7km
Result: time unrecorded - Finisher medal

Category: C (Boys and Girls 7 years old and above)
Distance: 3km
Result: 11th (Afiqah Cheah)
Time: unrecorded

This is a small scale event as it is limited to 200 participants. The run is well organized.

However, the organizer is a little slow to respond registration via e-mail. I strongly feel that they should acknowledge receipt and could confirm if it is within the first 200 or exceed the limit and and make prompt refund if participation is over the limit. I only get a confirmation of participation mail on 31 Jan 2013.


Registration - race kit is pre-packed. Collection was smooth

Akmal at the start of the second lap on the track

Akmal reduced to walking

Afiqah finishing ... Venugopal is also finishing!

Aiman finishing

My ex-collegue Mr Karuna and Mr Ravi finishing

Prizes were offered to top runners in A category. It was just a fun run for me as I wanted to test 7km distance. Even at my peak, I won't make it to the top 50! Unfortunately, because I accompanied Akmal, I only ran at a faster pace in the last two laps. Any way, it was a good work out.

Afiqah did well to finish 11th. She was up with school athletes and for a no-time runner, that result was very encouraging. Akmal was too far away as he walked as much as he jogged.


11th position for Afiqah

Pictures courtesy of Mr. Max Lim. Thanks for great pics@RunWitMe

Report: Merentas Desa Terbuka POWP KL / Milo ke 28 - 2013

By Aiman Cheah

Date: 20 January 2013| Sunday | 7:30am
Venue: Tapak 'C' (Boat House) Taman Botani Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
Category: H (Kids Run Boy)
Category: J (Kids Run Girls)
Distance: 2.3km
Result: finishing certificate
Time: unrecorded

The children taking part in this events were certainly not 'fun' runners. Afiqah did put extra effort compared to previous runs and certainly it was not good enough. She was about 5 minutes late to get the last medal - 30th placing. Akmal was having a good time and only reached about 10 minutes after his sister.

They had a good time at the children's playground after the run while waiting for me to end my duty.

Events news at TheStar:Metro.

Report: Larian Morib 2012

Date: 30 December 2012 | Sunday | 7:30am
Venue: Morib Beach, Kuala Langat, Selangor
Category: G (Men Open 10 years and above)
Distance: 5km
Result: Finisher Medal
Time: 26mins 19secs

A 'cheap' event at RM10 per participant. I reached at the venue at around five past seven. I heard the annoucement that the flag off would be soon. It could not be because the 5km was supposed to start at half past seven. The sky was getting darker and it looked like it was going to pour soon. It did and the participants ran helter skelter looking for shelter.

I was not panicked as I had an umbrella with me.

Then about a quarter past seven the runners were called to the starting line. It was the start of the 12km category. Actually, the flag off had been delayed.

It was only drizzling by the time my category was flag off. I ran a slow race..... the was I had been 'training'. The route was almost parallel to the beach so the runners could enjoy the sea view. The wind could be strong at times.

There were more than five runners coming back before I reached the U-turn. That was very normal at my snail's pace. I was comfortable because I was not overtaken by other runners after 5 minutes of running - probably I was as the back of the grid!

I felt just as good as the Chardikala Run and I was happy to get a finisher medal - the first medal in an open race since Larian Menara Condong dan Bendang in Teluk Intan since April. Well outside top 20 and well outran by 10-12yrs old boys!


About 20 metres from the finishing line. Courtesy of Mr Yum Kin Kok who tagged my photo.

I find the event was a little dragging as the lucky draws ended at noon! Akmal with the running bib D119 won a hamper.

Wishing all readers Happy New Year 2013.

Report: Healthy Bone for Life Walkathon

By Aiman Cheah

Venue: KLCC Park (Menara ExxonMobil external car park)
Date: 16 December 2012 (Sunday)
Time: 7.30 a.m
Distance: 4km



I knew about the event a week before. It was past the closing date. However, I enquired but did not get any confirmation of acceptance. I took my children there because there was a colouring contest after the walkathon.

The children were lucky because they still got the walkathon t-shirt. The attendance was not very good although it was a free event.



The event was well organized. There were a lot of St John members along the 4km route. There were also refreshements for participants after the walk.