Coming Soon- KLSCM 2025

Oh no! Full Marathon is just around the corner and I am not ready for it. I am constantly fatigue over the last few months and the training volume is light and low. I would be surprise if I can even finish the race in less than 5 hours. I am almost definitely certain that I will encounter major cramp and pain during the race. 

I can blame it on many factors- the Kraby trip (that disrupt a week's training), badminton training and competition (that affect a week to two's training), the low mileage (of 35km per week over the last 16 weeks, which is low for training period), the inadequate LSD and most importantly the missing of Tempo/Interval Run in the mid-week with running group like Asic, which I have plenty in the last two years. The age and general fitness is probably the biggest factor as the 'fatigue' is coming from nowhere and does not go away even with sufficient rest. 

Target for the race:

High Distinction:< 4'46'36 or < 6:46min/km

Distinction: <4'50'00 or < 6:52min/km

Credit: <4'55'00 or 7:00min/km

Pass: Satisfactory: <5'00'00 or 7:06min/km

Stategy:

Follow the 4'30 min pacer for the first 25km, then try to finish the balance 17km as close to 7min/km as possible. 

XiaoMi Pop Run 2025 Half Marathon

Final result is 2 hours 2 minutes 28 seconds, in an under distance race of 20.5km, therefore average pace is 5 min 58 seconds per km.

This is my 11th Half Marathon Race. The final result is 7th (out of 11) in terms of pace but 5th (out of 11) in terms of total time due to under distance. 

The below average performance is mainly due to lack of training and stamina as a result. I am able to run sub 5'50 in the first 8km, but drop to around 6'00 mark from 9-12km. Pace is slow at 6'05-6'35 from 13-19km and back to sub 6'00 in the final 1.5km. 

Always happy after a race irrespective of results. YY's pace drop off in the final 5km therefore finished 2'04. Lee is as good as ever, finished at around 1'54. Wei Bin did a 10km run instead. 

China Wine

Wines from China have improved a great deal. The winemakers are now Chinese and some of the wines are really of high standard. The most significant variety is "Marselan", which is a French grape blend of Cabinet Sauvignon and Garnacha. China Xinjiang / Ningxia region can produce the best Marselan around the world. 

There are also tea fermented wines that are very different. 

2025 Badminton Friendly Match with Chan Assoc

The much anticipated friendly match versus Chan Association is finally here. The competition is not as hard as the match vs GuangDong as the average opponent age is about 40. In the meantime, our representatives are also better compared to previous match. Final result is 14-4. A good comeback win. Many players are hoping for a next match following this victory.

Our double match results are 2-1, with the first one lost in 3 sets. It's a match that we should have won and it is really due to fatigue and high heart rates (up to 180bpm) that led to the defeat. I would need to improve on the badminton stamina if we wish to have further success in future. 

TC Team (Missing Jvn Li)

(Pre-Match Photo)

(After Match Photo)

Teo Chew Kung Fu Tea

Attended a Teo Chew Kung Fu Chinese Tea session. The more you learn about tea, the more you learn to appreciate. It's interesting to know that how little we know about appreciating tea after drinking tea for fifty years. Tea, like wine, is an art as well as a beverage. The preparation required some hand on experiences to master. In terms of consuming, one must know how to hold the cup, how to properly drink the tea, the fragrance/nose is equally important just like wine. 

The 21 style to prepare and appreciate Tea, although most of us barely perform half of them. 

Now it is time to prepare some Teo Chew Kung Fu Tea at home. Gear is ready. 

Best Steak Update Jun-2025

Following the blog last October, its time to update the best steak I have tried this year and steakhouse to try in near future. 

My personal Favourite: 

1. Chamber's Grill @ KL Hilton (Rating 4.7)

2. Maria's Steakhouse @ Sunway (Rating 4.6)

3. Senja @ Saujana (Rating 4.5)

4. Butcher Carrey @ Sri Hartamas (Rating 4.3)

5.Meat Point @ TTDI (Rating 4.9)

Steakhouse to try in near future. 

1. Prime @ Le Meridien (Rating 4.5)

2. Vantador @ Sri Hartamas (Rating 4.5)

3. The Beato Steakhouse @ Publika (Rating 4.5)

4. Jake's Charbroil @ Medan Damansara (Rating 4.3)

5. Kay's Steak and Lobster @ Putra Heights (Rating 4.6)

6. Grub by Ahong @ Section 17 (Rating 4.6)

7. Stoked Seafood & Bar @ Medan Damansara (Rating 4.0)

8. Tamaruya Meat Master (Rating 4.5)

9. Ynot Garden Cafe (Rating 4.6)

10. Bunny Wok & Grill @ Sri Petaling (Rating 3.8)

Xian Jing Run 2025

It is an individual running competition, yet it is also kind of a team event as different association is competing against each other.  

For the team, TC Sports Club finished 2nd, 4th, 11th & 12th (although podium finish is only for top 10) whilst Hokkien has 4 in the podium including 3rd & 5th. Therefore its a slight improvement for us.

In terms of personal performances, I finished between 13th-15th, which is at least 3 minutes out of the podium time. However, the 51 minutes finishing time is already 3 minutes faster than the 54 minutes last year. As a matter, I recorded a PB for 5km during the run (probably in the first 5km). Overall 10km results is not my best, however, the route is very hilly and probably one of the toughest race.

Malaysia Master Series 2025

This would be my first Badminton Live experience since the 90s and its definitely the first for Hong Yi.

Its the Malaysia Master 2025- Semi final. We watched about 6-7 out of the possible 10 matches, including three Malaysia doubles that won 2 and lost 1. 

There are also some fun & games and free merchandise.

Generali Half Marathon 2025

 I finished the race at 2'03 or pace of 5'50, which is my 5th fastest among my 10 races.  Although I do not achieve a PB, it's better than my pre-race expectations and I feel great during and after the race. My mate YY on the other hand, achieve PB but did not feel good about the race. This keep me wondering what is more important, the feeling or the record?

Photos are plentiful and some are quite pleasant as I wasn't over exert myself at the end of the race.

10th Half Marathon Coming Up

Heading for my 10th Half Marathon Races in two days time. The previous 9 races and my running time are as follow:

Rank 9:    Generali 2024 (Pace: 6'52, Time: 2'24)

Rank 8:    Twin City 2024 (Pace: 6'19, Time: 2'14)

Rank 7:    Twin City 2022 (Pace: 6'13, Time: 2'12)

Rank 6:    Garmin 2022 (Pace: 6'04, Time: 2'10)

Rank 5:    Penang Bridge 2022 (Pace: 5'53, Time: 2'05)

Rank 4:    KL City Day 2023 (Pace: 5'46, Time: 2'02)

Rank 3:    NPE Highway 2023  (Pace: 5'41, Time: 1'59)

Rank 2:    Hatyai 2023 (Pace: 5'40, Time: 2'00)

Rank 1:    Cybercity 2023 (Pace: 5'38, Time: 1'59)

I do not have high expectation amid poor condition lately. However, I do wish I can do better than the two races that I did last year. A time below 2'05, should I able to achieve, would consider a "Gold" achievement. The most important thing about this race is to feel good upon finishing. 

Carlsberg Factory Visit

I planned this factory visit for more than a year ago. Unfortunately we are unable to do the actual factory tour due to heavy rain on the day.

The beer itself is good (and obviously free flow). The food is acceptable too. The total attendances are less than the anticipated 70 pax (more like 60 pax). 

I'm most impressed with 1664 Brut, Carlsberg Super Cold and Connors. The Connors draft from factory taste really different from expected.