Hatyai Tour- Day 1

 Apart from the Hatyai Run itself, the tour has been quite pleasant. Here's some of the experiences worth sharing.

DAY 1

Gathering at KL Sentral. This is the first 'overseas' tour for TC Sports Club. 

Express Train is comfortable. Takes about 6hours.

Arrived Padang Besar

The border before heading to Thailand

The Train from Padang Besar to Thailand

Not so comfy but its really 'classic'

Finally arrived Hatyai. We gain an hour because of the time differences but its still 5pm (6pm Malaysia time)

We stayed in this acceptable hotel. There really aren't a lot of options in Hatyai. 

A short walk at the night market. Lots of market food including KING SIZE SQUID. Didn't try the food to avoid diarrhea prior to racing. 

Hatyai Half Marathon 2023

First International Race I ever participated. A seven hour train ride to a foreign country in a different racing condition (weather & timing) plus a month long sickness definitely affect my performance on this run. After about 5km mark, I am aware that it is unlikely that I will break my PB, yet, there is still a chance to have a good run. I am within reach from the 2:00 pacer in most of the race. 

The final results are just under 2 hour for the first 21.14km (pace 5:40/km) and 2hours and 38second for the entire race of about 21.25km. Second best result and I am satisfied with the results. 

Getting Ready for the Run.

Back from the Race. Two of us achieve PB.

Getting ready for the Race

Official photos from Hatyai Marathon (P1-6)

The finishing line

Final Official Results.

 

Cybercity Half Marathon 2023

 

Excellent Run! Finally! I achieved the Sub-2 in Half Marathon after setting this goal 3 years ago and four failed real race attempt. 

There are many factors to the success. The new watch help.

The new Asic Magic Speed 2 definitely help.

Good steady and reliable Pacer help a lot. 

Good running buddies help a great deal.

Non-stop adjustment to previous failed attempt is a key factor.

And last but not the least, strong mental and determination is the key to success. I once read an article that says, "your mind will break down way before your body does'. That is so very true.

~ The Route ~

At 12km mark (photo taken by Proffesional). Still looking strong.

Being a good boy, following the Pacer for most of the race.

Last 500m

Final 200 meters (Photo taken by Proffessional)

Jomrun IPIX Photo

2023 Race Schedule

My personal Race Schedule for the year is complete.

* Main Event

1. Yolo Run - 15km - Feb

2. KL City Day Run - Half Marathon - March

3. Cybercity Run - Half Marathon - May

4. Hatyai Run - Half Marathon - May

5. NPE Run - Half Marathon - July

6. Score Run - Full Marathon - August

7. KL Std Chart Run - Full Marathon - October

* Fun Run

1. Shell Run - 5km - March

2. Jogathon Warison - 10km - April

Note:- Red indicate completed.

Asic Magic Speed 2

My first Asic shoes, also first racing shoes- Asic Magic Speed 2. Original price RM 649, bought at RM 363 via Sports Direct website. Target Sub-2 for half marathon. Lets' see how it goes. 

 

KL City Day Half Marathon 2023

A week after the 15km YoloRun, I go for the KL City Day Half Marathon 2023.

My objective is to start with the pace of 5'40 and see how far I can 'hold' at this pace. Should I be able to hold for the full 21.1km, I will hit sub-2. This is my first real attempt at sub-2.

I did the first 12km at great pace, with an average of 5'38 (although my balance energy is less than 50% by the 12th km.) We head towards Bukit Tunku at 13th km and I struggle significantly thereafter. I even walk a couple of times to gather my breathe. 

Final average pace is 5'46 which is my Personal Best. I may fell short of the Sub-2 pace of 5'40 but its a 7 second /km improvement from my previous PB of 5'53. 

Net time 2'02'16 covering distance of 21.21km. Category Rank 159 of 1182. 

 

Yolo Run 2023

First Race of the year- Yolo (You Only Live Once) Run 2023.

The race is right outside my house (starting at Giant BK) therefore I have no excuse not to enter.

In view of the hilly nature of the road and odd distance (15km), I have a certain objective for the race instead of just pure time or pace. My target is steady pace of 6min/km for the first 10km and do a negative split 5'40 in the next 5km.

Final result - first 10km about 5'53 and last 5km about 5'35. Average is 5'44. Therefore objective accomplished. 

 

Badminton Competition (TC Assoc)

 After few months of preparation, the Badminton Competition is finally over. We received plenty of praise from participants although our own participants didn't go pass the first round. 

To put icing on the cake, HY won bronze in the Double Match. Good job HY.

Life on the Run

 

So very true. I am running out of space to keep all these essential items. 

Good bye Vivoactive 4

After using the watch for almost 2.5 years, I officially say good bye to this good Sports Watch. Surprisingly enough, I can still sell at RM 450 (net after courier) with the purchase price of RM 1,200.

What's even more surprising is that I am able to sell it within 24 hours, although there are many scam/thef trying to swindle me. 

Good bye Vivoactive 4. You have done a good job and have accompany through various journey. If only the battery didn't deteriorate, we would have even longer journey together.