Running for a cause…

I had informed my team-mates from the Buddies team to meet up in front of the bank near Ipoh Padang at 8.15 am, but I personally got there at 8 am. The sole male runner from my team was already there, all eager to run – he’s used to taking part in runs like these. In fact when I asked him earlier if he was willing to run 2 km for charity, he said it was too short a distance and asked if he could run 10km instead! Yennadey! This one charity run la macha!

Can saman this motorbike or not, for parking at the yellow line? (hehe… the officer was on duty lah!)

With a team of 4 females and 1 male, and yours truly being the oldest in the team, nobody dared dispute when I told them I wanted to run first. Cannot lawan madam chair lah kan? We weren’t running to win anything (although there were prizes for the first 5 teams to complete the run – but with so many boys schools participating, we didn’t stand a chance… so might as well just enjoy the run!)

My team – All smiles before the run!

Actually I wanted to run first to avoid having to run under the blazing hot sun. So yeah, the earlier I ran the better! But the weather was very kind on us today. Right to the very last runner, it wasn’t too hot.

Frankly, my run was more like jogging. I knew my limits, so to me my task was just to finish the run and pass the yellow sash to the next runner. Felt a bit “pancit” after the hilly part, but when I saw my colleague holding the camera to take my picture, I continued running and gave him a smile…

This is called the “control pancit” pose!

I wasn’t really bothered when youngsters overtook me, but when a few “veterans” did, I thought to myself… “Eh, tak boleh jadi ni!” So continued running I did, not wanting to be left behind. I’m not sure if I could beat this old man though, I had finished my run by the time he started his… :-)

He started off with shoes, but took ‘em off halfway thru… more comfortable without them I think!

The other runners in my team are quite used to taking part in runs – especially our 4th and 5th runners… they don’t usually miss taking part in the annual Ipoh International Run. Usually 10km would be their minimum; so today’s 2km was a breeze I’m sure to them.

BUT… my 2km was the most expensive run in my team at least. With each of them collecting less than RM100, my own personal run was worth RM1,050. So definitely no complaints from them even if I was slower than them in finishing the run!

Amongst the top 5 fastest teams to finish the run, 4 were teams from secondary schools, and amongst the runners from the 5 teams, only 2 were girls. The team which finished first, was a team of friends, all regulars at international runs.

And there was also a prize for the team with the best costume/attire, which went to this team…

Showing their backs to the audience during the photograph session.

No my team didn’t win any prizes, but all participants got to bring back a goodie bag each – consisting of a t-shirt, notepad, and… a tube of cream to relief muscular aches! Hehehe… guess they were already anticipating a number of unfit participants taking part! Well, I gave mine to my mother… Happy Mother’s Day! Muahaha! (cheapskate punya anak…)

So yeah folks, I think I did okay for the run. There were over 100 teams participating, and I think we finished amongst the top half (thanks to the other runners in my team lah!). For the moment, I am still feeling okay, body not aching… yet…

Yang penting, duit ada masyuuuuk…