VIPER CHALLENGE 2013 - I'VE CONQUERED ASIA'S BIGGEST OBSTACLE RUNNING EVENT!

Are You Game?

Hi there fellow readers, silent or outspoken one, my brothers and sisters in runninghood. Happy Monday y'all.... My apologies for keeping you waiting for my next entry... Being super busy recently, with all the workloads and other planning ahead.. I would love to share my not so recent experience in participating Viper Challenge 2013, dubbed as Asia's Biggest Obstacle Event. It was really the most mind boggling and nerve wrecking event I've ever participated so far. It really tested my physical and mental to the max, I tell you... And I'm glad I've conquered the feisty nasty serpent challenges!

First of all, what's Viper Challenge?

Viper challenge is a 20km Obstacle Course Challenge, which is predominantly filled with man-made obstacles that will put both heart and spirit to the test. It is Asia's first and largest obstacle challenge, like no other. Imagine obstacles Designed to take you out of your comfort zone, you will enter the challenge either as an individual warrior or as part of a team...  Whichever way you enter, you will finish understanding that cooperation and teamwork will be the likely factors that will help you to get across that finish line, without it, you will find it difficult to succeed. Even individual Warriors will depend on others participating in the course alongside them for a boost at times

(Source: http://www.viperchallenge.com/what-is-viper-challenge)

Me and my running buddies from WE ARE RUNNERS (W.A.R.s) group decided to register for this event as a team. Padel as the team leader, Dr Fong as the assistant/manager, while I and Fadzil as the other member. Fadzil was replacing Murni at the very 11th hour since she could not make it.

(Credits to Afong and Padel for all the wonderful pics)

On that morning of the event, Rashid and I departed early to fetch Fadzil in Taman Melati first before heading straight away to Sepang International F1 Circuit (SIC). It was the torrential rain with some thunderstorms that welcomed us that morning. I had a feeling that I might have to run in the rain and obviously the obstacles will be getting more and more muddier due to the heavy rain.

From left: Me, Padel, Afong & Fadzil

Team WARs before the flag off of the last batch. Still chirpy still happy  and full of energy!

Rashid started his slot at 7.20 am because he entered as an individual while the rest of us started our horrendous gruesome journey by 8.00 am. I soon found out that we were the last batch to be released on the second day. The first obstacle was very easy. We had to crawl under the fishing net. The second and third one required us to climb over the wooden wall with different height. The second wall was a bit challenging because it was higher and teamwork was much needed here to push your teammate to climb over the wall.  

Looks easy, right? Just crawl underneath the fishing net...

The fourth challenge was the most coolest of them all, like literally. We had to dip our body waist deep in a tank fiilled with ice cubes cold water and went underneath a wooden plank midway. Boy, I could not feel my balls anymore. LOL Half of my body was numb and I was shivering like hell... Brrrr!!!

Padel, Me, Fadzil and Afong after the muddy barb wire crawl. Pardon for the muddy smudges images of us!

Fadzil in action to cross the slippery muddy balancing pole...  He made it.. Can you spot me? =P

Padel, our team leader took the bullet for the rest of the team by completing the monkey bar... Bravo! 

After that we had to go through many more countless obstacles like barb wire crawl (I hurt my knees during the nasty crawl that really triggered my old injuries!), dusty trench crawl turned into murky muddy at the end of the crawl, balance beam (I fell off this one and hit my elbow on the solid soil, Ouch! mujolah xlebam dll.), steep hill slide, trye run, tyres hill, incline wall, cargo net, hill rope climbing, haystack wall, tried to do the monkey bars over water but it was so damn slippery and my upper body was so weak, so I had to skip that obstacles, takut terjatuh dalam air lumpur teh tarik tuh sebenarnya... Boohoo! Noted to myself: Need to sign up for the gym asap!

Members of WARS with some of our running friends and strangers united mid way...

Took our sweet time posing on top of the haystack wall

My Skechers GoTrail shoes were drenched most of the time but I seemed to enjoy every moment of it. The hilly route was awesome and running under the hot scorching sun at 1230pm was EPIC! We were roasted to perfection after the grueling 4 hours and 30 minutes (almost 5 hours ok!). I found out there were two different tones on my arm and legs after the Viper Challenge... Gosh!

WARS In Blue... =D

The super nasty giant hilly slide! Love the G-Force, just like a going down a roller coaster  weh!

After the slide... Coated with mud all over us... 

Fadzil's back were badly slashed by the sharp stones hidden underneath the canvas. Even his shirt was torn.
He received a shot for it but never whined about it all on that day. Totally anak jantan indeed! lol

Most of us in my WARs team suffered some scratches and bruises at the back, especially after the giant hill slide. "Thanks" to the sharp stones underneath the freaking hot canvas. Luckily I survived it without any scratches. Cuma satu bisul je pecah dan tersemburlah darah pada baju saya yang tebal ini... LOL! I really love the ending of our run. All five of us were holding hands in hands running together towards the firemen hose shower at the finishing line. It was worth with all the insane challenges we've endured!

Many thanks to our drinking water sponsor, SYABAS!  

Overall, it was very well organized event. Plenty of drinking water, albeit Syabas tank and Revive isotonics drink too. (Psst: The drinking Syabas tank felt like a Evian nonetheless  at that moment!) They really listened to the complaints from the 1st Day participants and improved their WS and plenty of medical volunteers around too. However, they still failed to serve us any mineral or isotonic drinks since it was super duper blazing hot by that time. They only provided us with Milo drink, ice-cream and the finisher medal, cert and finisher tee. I`m so thirsty, ice-cream or Milo won't be able to quench our thirst, ok!? 

                   

The Famous Five WARs with out finisher tee... Note that Afong got some sunburn mark on her face already. 

This is my must pose after the gruelsome challenge... Now I know the sky is the limit! Bring it on!

Next review:  Fascinating River Jungle Marathon 2013 aka Full Marathon #5. It was a full marathon full of emotions... Needless for me to say... Sigh... T_T

More of my Garmin data can be reached right HERE ya... =D

Ciao!

Borneo International Marathon 2013 - 4th Full Marathon On My Belt Earned The Hard Way T..T

O-Run Utan KL mana lah yg tososek  nih haa... #ohmytummy! LOL 

The Beautiful Run 

Hello there fellow followers, silent readers, dearest brother and sister, near and far... Welcome back to my humble shabby blog. As I am writing this entry on the Merdeka's Eve, I would like to share my recent 4th Fool Marathon experience with all of you out there. I labelled it Fool because I was so under training and not mentally and physically prepared for it this time around. I just don't know why. Perhaps due to the low mileage during Ramadhan and Syawal? Something wrong somewhere I bet. There were many factors actually. So please bear with me. =D

Looks doable within my target time frame but shit happened sometimes... Not my day then... =P

First of all, it was meant to be my 3rd Full Marathon (FM) before SCKLM. Since it has been posponed due to 13th General Election, I've decided to go for Hat Yai International Marathon in May in order to go for the Marathon Maniac (MM) title (kiasu much, yes I am... more to passion I guess... LOL) Unfortunately my MM dream shattered when they've decided to pospone SCKLM in June due to the chronic haze problem in Klang Valley. It's ok, as every cloud has a silver lining, I said to myself. My time will come sooner or later...

Took my racekit at Suria Sabah on Saturday... Nombor manyak ONG walaupon pace ke Laut China Selatan... =(

Carbo Loading Week

The week before the Borneo International Marathon 2013 (BIM), it was carboloading time. I had a spaghetti in the office, prepared by my colleague on Monday. Had a mixed bento with Rashid at Sushi King (Yes, we are Sushi King freaks, I have to admit... =P). I went to Sis Nannoor's house for Ziarah Raya with Rashid, Sis Eena Amir and Azri. We were served with fried noodles, nuggets and her signature dish, cheesy french toast ala lasagna. So filling indeed! Rasa macam nak tapau je malam tuh.. LOL! The carbo loading continued in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We had a scrumptious lunch in Upper Star Suria Sabah just after we collect our racekit on Saturday, 24th August. Followed by a very hearty seafood galore at Pasar Malam near the harbourview. Fuhhh, I felt like I was super stuffed and overloaded at the moment. Super delicious cheap fresh seafood, I must say... Deep fried battered calamari is my favourite dish ever! Love the curry flavour... Yummeh... Let's the makanthon begins, eh! @_@

Mixed bento session with Rashid Rmr at Sushi King... Sodapnya salmon tuh! 

Had this scrumptious nasik minyak at my relative's wedding reception... Authentic Nogori dishes! 

Cheesy french toast lasagna Sis Nannoor yang super sodap!!! Sinful much too LOL!

Me, Abg Ib (host) and Sis Eena... Both of you were the 1st batch to arrive... 

Thanks a lot Sis Nannoor and Abg Ibrahim for your hospitality n yummeh food... =D

Had a Thai style chicken and cheezy chorazo and tantalising mango juice for lunch at Upper Star Suria...

Butter prawns and  calamari for CL... Overdosed sudah bah ini... 

Sazmie, Me, Hafeez and Gme when we had our seafood galore CL dinner on the night before the event... Konyang gilos!

After that, I walked to my service apartment and tried my best to sleep. I was sweating when I woke up from my sleep. It was restless night for me as I managed to sleep more or less than 3hours as I had a shuttle bus to catch up by 1.45 am.

Wear this Reebok cap for my 4th FM... It was a gift from my BIL, Khairul... Sungguh memahami BIL aku nih hahaa! 

Circa 2.20 am, I reached Likas Stadium and deposited my bag and went to do my number 1 business. After having a warming up session (10minutes), we took some photos and wished each other good luck. I was thinking of doing my PB for this BIM 2013, targetted 5:30 after considering the doable flat route. Boy, my plan really backfired on me. About 2.55 am, we were flagged off. I was feeling so nervous. Tried to run my best during the first 10km but I failed miserably. Managed to do 1:14 (pace 7:28/km). I ran lifelessly from the stadium towards Kompleks Karamunsing and headed back towards the stadium. I tried to muster every strength and determination that I've got but none to avail. It felt as if as I was running my LSD pace all the way. The next 10km was a disaster as well. I screwed up my 1st hydration plan as I just had my energy gel after 12km. That's so not me... T_T

Me and my running buddy, Gme before the run... Credits to Arman Kuchalana for the photo... 

I stopped at Shell gas station for a Suboh prayer and toilet break. That costs me 10minutes or so. I didn't get my 2nd wind after that short break either. Because normally I'll feel a lot more refreshed and energized everytime I stopped by for a prayer or toilet break. That's weird... Gulped down my 2nd energy gel after 18km or so. Tried to stay as positive as possible during the hillly course in UMS. Not as steep as I've expected before. (Bukit FST UKM lebih tinggi dan mental weh!). They gave out a  banana in UMS to all the HM and FM runners. I maintained my sendu pace after I came out from UMS and running towards 1Borneo and Sulaman.

Must smile whenever cameraman Tey is around ok! Credits to Tey ET... Xie Xie Ni...

The dreaded mind boggling stretch felt like forever at that time for me. I saw several suffering faces from the famous speedy respective runners on their way back from the loop like Romzi Liu, Zamil, Aniza and Gme and his pacee, Suzana. It reminded me of the mental Jelutong Highway in PBIM. Luckily there were plenty of water stations along the route, every 3km for me to refuel and pour some water on my head. I was barely holding on to my sluggish/sloth pace of 9.30 when I saw my running blogger pal Yahya Iskandar running on the other side of the loop and encouraged me to stay focus and fighting spirits to finish the game. It was just another 500 meters from the 29km U-turn mark. I took my 3rd energy gel after 26 km, I guess. I had my 2nd banana treat at the checkpoint and was given a Powerbar too. The next 10km was my break or make point. It was getting hotter and the lesser runners within my sight. It really tested my mental strength as I was getting fatigue and started to have some mild cramps. I gulped down my last gel on 35 km mark. Thanks to the medic volunteers for their muscles spray and hot cream. The volunteers were still cheering for me as I ran passed them. That really lifted my spirits, eventhough just a little bit. I managed to overtake some of the runners as I ran passed the Tun Fuad Stephens Road. It was already 5:50 as I reached 40km mark. The last 2.195km felt like an eternity to reach. Finally I clocked 6:09 (unofficial) and 6:11:51 (official timing), still within the cutoff time of 6:30. Thank goodness! I was ranked 150 out of 196 in Men's Category and 297/353 overall. Not bad for a lemau run. Thank goodness it was not my PW run... Fuhhh =D

Almost there, almost home! Finishing arch within the sight... Credits to Ultra Runner Deo...

Post-mortem Analysis

Was it because of the lame song selections being played on my mp3 player during the 1st 10km? Or the soothing full body massage I had a day prior to the event that made me so complacent and relaxed? Or am I being overloaded with lots of carbs, protein and fat during the carboloading session? Or was it because of lack of interval, speed and tempo training that makes me run sooo slow and sendu? Or the lack of sleep? Maybe lack of  moral boost and support from my usual fellow compatriots runners (W.A.R.s and Le Sabuns Ultra) contributes to the lifeless run. Hopefully I'll get my running mojo back during this coming River Jungle Marathon 2013 (RJM). Sounds so military-ish hehee... It's going to be my 5th FM, my inaugural back 2 back Full Marathon events this year. Ready or not here comes the Queen of Amazon Jungle... Roar! LOL!

But before that, take a look at some of my post-race photo shoot session. It's a must y'all... Mihmihmih...

My immediate post marathon pic... Sampai xlarat nak bangun dah ok! Lermau tahap gaban...

Love this podium photo so much, I looked so kurus (feeling2 skinny apa salahnya kan) LOL... Congratz guys!

Delegasi Le Sabuns Ultra di Borneo.... Tahniah Buat Semua.... Sayangnya Chief Ray & Azmil tiada dalam gambar... 

Same same but different.... Running Co-Bear In Action... LOL

Love my 4th finisher FM tee v much although it was not accurate without the 0.195KM on the tee and medal.... ;D

The catch of the day, watery blister due to the hole in my Injinji socks.. Tulah gedik sangat Hahaha... T..T 

Till then, toodles!

P/S: RJM 2013 race review incoming guys.... I had a blast yesterday! Sooo much fun.... =D

Thanks a lot Mims for your doodle of me...  Two Back 2 back Marathons completed! Yayyy... 

SIFU ULTRA RAY - LEADVILLE TRAIL 100 (LT100) ULTRAMARATHON 2013 - LET'S MAKE THE HISTORY!

Man Of Action - Ultra Ray aka Razif Yahya

Why helo there my fellow followers, silent readers, my running brothers and sisters. Raya (Eid ul Fitr) is just around the corner in three days time. How's your preparation then? Let's put the Raya thingy aside, shall we? From the title above, it looks like we, fellows Malaysians are about to witness another history in the making in this auspicious August. We've heard about Ng Seow Kong's glorious Badwater 135Miles success, being the first Malaysian to be able to finish the most gruesome toughest hottest ultramarathon of its kind with 48 hours cutoff time. We also witnessed a Malaysian Ultra Lady Marathoner, Charlotte Teoh who had crossed the finishing line of Tour De Taiwan - 14 Days Round Island 1100KM run with our Jalur Gemilang. Now, it's time for us, fellow Malaysians to give our full support and prayers to our home grown, Ultra athlere, Mr Razif Yahya for his LT100 (160km) quest this coming 17-18 August, 2013. To make it even sweeter, he will be running during our Independence Month, August. Merdeka! =D

Frankly speaking, I've been his loyal silent reader and followed his running blog religiously ever since late 2010/2011. The way he wrote about all his FM and Ultra Marathon journeys were perfectly captured and awesomely inspiring othernewbie runners including me back then. Even until now, he kept on pushing his limits and really really inspired me a lot. Because of him and the relentless support and encouragement from his Ultra buddies, I've agreed to do my debut Ultra trail event, The North Face Thailand 100km Duo category by next year. Goshh, kuatnya racun mamat Ultra ini... Must train like a madman for this Ultra event from now on, I tell you... Just by looking at the training regime, I could sense the huge commitment in preparing myself for it... Train hard or else must embrace for the ugly consequences... Ngeh-ngeh... =P

Posing with my Ultra Idol/Sifu... I was starstruck back then... Jaw dropped mode... 

I first met him personally after Newton Challenge 25KM Run in Kinrara December last year. He was looking for me and I've never thought I would be meeting and had a light conversation with my idol up close and personal. I was in awed and starstruck. He did 50km run (2 loops)  from the route. Super insane! hehee... And it was history from there onwards. I was being invited to join Le Sabuns Ultra Malaysia team's LSD run every month. It was good to make more new running friends and it felt much much better and safer to run LSD in group in the night. 

Le Sabuns Ultra Support Station... Genius idea!

Le Sabuns Ultra MALAYSIA Team in Hat Yai, Thailand...

The bond between Le Sabuns Ultra Malaysia runners was reinforced when all 12 of us went to Hat Yai for the Hatyai International Marathon 2013. For the first time ever I felt like I was part of the family. A happy running family. We were very close and kept in touch with each other even after the Marathon. It's true that great minds think alike... Recently Le Sabuns Ultra M'sia organized our first bowling so-called match. Let's sabun all the alley... There were 7 of us, the man himself Sifu Ultra Ray, Ultra Arman, Azri, Kak Suzie, Kak Lily (the Birthday Gal), Razinah and I. Both of us were the organizer of this friendly event. 

Kak Lily (Ratu Longkang Sabuns) and Azri (Raja Bowling Sabuns) Well done guys!!! 

After three games, Azri won the Raja Bowling title, while Kak Lily won the Ratu Longkang title. Both of them were awarded with "Sabuns" and NUTRIMA cordials. It was super fun!!! We had a scrumptious iftar session together with Rashid joining in at The Oldtown White Coffee, Alamanda afterwards.   =D

Le Sabuns ULTRA Bowling Team... Who said we cant play bowling while fasting... Mihmihmihh...

Oops, enough with the throwback recap. Let's show our unconditional support and love to our Malay version of Man of Steel, my dearest Sifu Ultra Ray.... Together we will witness another unforgettable moments all the way from Colorado, United States. 

Just a brief info on LT100. The Leadville Trail 100 Run (The Race Across The Sky or the LT100) is one of the prestigious Ultra Marathon in North America, it held annually on trails and dirt roads near Leadville, Colorado, through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. First run in 1983, runners in the race climb and descend 15,600 feet (4,800 m), with elevations ranging between 9,200-12,620 feet. In most years, less than half the starters complete the race within the 30-hour time limit. The course is a 50-mile (80 km) out-and-back (from Leadville town to Winfield town then return back Leadville town), starting at 10,200 feet (3,100 m). The centre piece of the course is the climb up to Hope Pass at 12,620 feet (3,850 m) – the highest point in the race, which added more difficulties in completing the race due to the thin air and high altitude. You can follow his progress via the official website of the Leadville Trail 100 Mile on this coming 17-18 August 2013

For your info, he will be running LT100 for a cause, in supporting "Relentless" Anti-Human Trafficking. RELENTLESS is a cutting edge project at the intersection of health and justice. As a global health consultant to organizations that work with trafficked people, Dr. Katherine Welch (the founder of Relentless) helps to build their capacity in addressing their health needs as whole people. A diverse cross-cultural experience identifies various cultural nuances, gaps, and needs; as well as good models in providing care for trafficked people. Furthermore, she is involved in training American health care professionals about the health consequences of human trafficking, presenting at symposiums, workshops, grand rounds, and other medical conferences. Katherine also speaks at various venues and events advocating for the cause and challenging others to join the movement. For more info, please feel free to visit their website gorelentless.wordpress.com

In my humble opinion, I'm 140% super duper confident that he'll nail it down easy peasy, by looking at his Ultra mileage 2,421KM that he managed to clock in day in day out throughout 12 months of his training period, with average mileage of 201KM a month. We all know that all the Malaysian runners out there will be rooting for him. So there might be a wee bit of pressure on him then. Hopefully the pressure will be put into a good use then... So best of luck, dear distinguished Sifu Ultra Ray. Unleash your inner RayMau (Auummm!) and let your two boys picture be your lucky charm and strength as usual =D

Till then, I'm so super excited for you, Ray! Malaysia Boleh! Can't wait to see Jalur Gemilang soaring high and proud in Colorado soon!!! 

For more info and updates on the man himself, do click Stupe's entry HERE and up close and in person interview with Jamie Pang HERE too ;D

Ultra Ray upon finishing his recent Ultra TNF Phillipines 100km ... Super inspired!!! 

Till then, hasta la vista bebeh! Souvenirs from CO, please Sifu... Running magnet pon jadila, ye.. Hehee... =P