King of the Road KL

The day before the race, Firus and I went to collect our race packs at Sunway Pyramid, that was big and at some points, overlooked the amazing Sunway Lagoon where Justin Bieber had performed for MTV World Stage not too long ago. The collection point was full of energy, playing the latest Top 40 music and young folks doling out the goodie bags and manning the registration. There was the standard adidas stuff like apparel and their latest shoes.

When we collected our race packs, Firus got the ultimate lucky number (C3888) and the helpers made sure that he knew! The horrible fella was overjoyed and promised to frame his number tag!

 The running route was basically going up and down one of the major expressways, NPE highway. The challenge was getting there. Despite staying in a hotel that was relatively near, it was tough for a cab to bring us in the next day as the roads were being blocked. We could walk. But that would take us a good 40 mins! A good warm up but I'm not sure I had the strength to endure all that!



The next day we woke up at 5. As you can tell it's a lot earlier than I'm used to.. thus this stoned face! Strategically, we chose to take a cab and with luck, he managed to take us through the smaller roads to the residential area that was just behind the expressway.



We made walked there and it was really exciting to see the expressway signs flash stuff like- "this road will be closed for adidas king of the road" and "check Twitter for updates on the traffic situation". Very good use of social media!



As we continued walking, we were joined by runners and I went from being groggy to mildly excited. The road was huge compared to what I was used to back home. It was fantastic seeing everyone so enthusiastic, doing their stretching and warm-up jogs up and down and the highway when it was still pitch black. We did our own preparation as the crowd began to swell.



Standing behind the starting line, we heard the excited chatter of the runners, with some whipping out their cameras for pictures and others updating their facebook status. From their running attire, we spotted people from Singapore and many others from different parts of Malaysia, runners of marathons, school teams, state sportsmen all psyched and ready to go! The runners burst forth when the horn went off and there was this amazing drumming by some folks on the side, which I remember correctly, was possibly a school band. On the way back there would be a rousing group of percussionists, this time made of traditional drums and the like.



It was slightly smokey and the sky was still dark when we started, with houses lined along the side. Soon enough we hit the toll booths and it wasn't a breath-taking sight but it just struck me as utterly amazing to be able to set foot on this place normally reserved for vehicles! I thought it was funny and awesome at the same time!



Past that, the road got really wide and there was a lot of room for overtaking or running at your own pace. Being relatively out of shape and having not trained sufficiently, it took a lot of effort for me to hit the halfway mark of this 16.8km run!



On the home stretch, we were joined by runners who did the 10km race, with most of them tired out and walking. By then my legs were hurting like mad and I joined the crowd in their walk! After a cup or two of 100 Plus on the side I continued running, hobbling a bit as I finally crossed the finish line.



I confess to being ill-prepared but I enjoyed every moment of it. The crowd, the atmosphere and the sights were all fresh to me and it was great to be among everyone who fought so hard to conquer the distance and reach the end.



The majestic sight of Sunway Pyramid.



One of the cool things about this run was the different running tees that designed for the race! There were 3 for men and 3 for women so there was an amazing splash of colour as all the runners gathered at the end, taking photos and whatnot.



Firus was a good ten minutes in front of me. I really should've pushed myself harder! I was wearing the wrong shoes though so by the end of it all I couldn't wait to get my feet out of them and give them a break.



After that we, had a good meal at what I understand to be restoran kegemaran malaysia - KFC - overlooking the Sunway Lagoon. It was value for money and accompanied with a good view, possibly the best, most relaxing breakfast that I could have after the race.



Despite the pain (wow, the run really made my legs look good) I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. It was the highlight of this trip, definitely, and I've realised that this is the kind of stuff that gets me excited when I travel. It was a great experience, something "hardcore", something I'd remember for quite awhile. I'm keen to do other races overseas and when I travel in the future, I look forward to being part of something amazing, full of cheer and spirit, just like adidas' king of the road kl.

That Patong Feeling

There's a magic about Phuket, especially Patong. There's an energy unlike anywhere I've been before. The ratio of Caucasians to Thais are almost one is to one! It's an exciting mix of cultures all in one place - comforting Thai hospitality mixed with the thrills of Western entertainment. Also, almost everyone speaks English! If you're looking for somewhere that's different but not completely out of your comfort zone, this is the place to be.

We stayed opposite Hard Rock Hotel and at night we'd hear bands play Moves Like Jagger or some old Bon Jovi song. Venture further and there's the megamall of Jungceylon. For a more "Thai" experience, there are always roadside stalls, the OTOP market where you can try your bargaining skills, tailors, and Thai massage.

In terms of natural beauty, Patong is still gorgeous despite being under seige from urban development. The beaches are beautiful, especially at sunset. Buildings are relatively flat, retaining that old world charm. That's set to change as condos are springing up and hotels get bolder and reach higher into the sky. Now though, you can still have a full view of the hills surrounding the paradise that is Patong, so visit while you still can!

Trips to the surrounding islands are not to be missed. The weather's pretty fantastic this time of the year and the tour guides do their best to provide an enjoyable experience. Any trip on a speedboat will bring you to the highlights in the Adaman sea such as James Bond island, thrilling rock formations and breath-taking islands.

It's quite experience being in Patong. If you want quiet, you're better off at other beaches but if you want to be where the action is, there's no better place. The tour operator warned us of rowdy Russians who had been creating chaos along Bangla Street, but while we were there, it was safe and the place was bustling with energy of girls on bar tops and men drinking non-stop. It gives you the feeling that it's organised, yet it has surprises at every turn. The streets are fun to explore at night. Take a turn into the alleyway and you might get to experience even stranger adventures.

The sun and the sea, the people and the tea, are just some of the highlights of a holiday in Phuket. I returned tanned, happy and wishing that I had more time to spare. I certainly won't wait two years till I'm back there again!

My Travel Philosophy

Travelling, for most people, might be about getting away from reality and removing themselves from monotony. They want to relax and not have to think about anything.

But when I go overseas, I've come to expect something rather different altogether. I'm not looking for luxury or comfort. My senses are heightened - I'm greeted by sights that I have never seen and the chatter of a language that's unfamiliar. I try my best to take in everything, make notes in my head and investigate things that intrigue me. I want to do things I can't do normally - take risks, explore and challenge myself. It's always a challenge, doing things in another territory, speaking and relating to people with a different background. Because everything is new, you feel like you're learning all the time.

It's an amazing feeling.

Going overseas is all about being immersed in a different environment, a different culture. For me the WOW factor is never this is pretty or that is gorgeous. It's seeing a different way of life. Knowing not to take the good stuff in my life for granted is one thing I often take away. The other thing is going through the trip knowing that I'm made of tougher stuff, that I can go on when things get rough. Also, there's a lot to learn from the spirit from others and what they make of their life - their values, their beliefs. I like the feeling of being enriched when I travel, something that comes with being out of your comfort zone.

But then again, being out of your comfort zone is tiring! I'm not sure if I will feel well-rested, physically or mentally. But one thing's for sure - I'll be refreshed with a new perspective.

Adventures of Kim Vy

Bedok Reservoir Park - The Forest Adventure - Tampines Ikea - Night Safari - Grandparents' House - Chinatown - Hermit Crab