Botani Putrajaya Endurance Run 2016 - PUTRA 24 - My Race Report #DNF Version =)

"Never Let Success Get To Your Head, Never Let Failure Get To Your Heart" - Anon

Hola! A little a bit introduction about this event. Taken from the website. Botani Putrajaya Endurance Run (BPR) was a road running endurance event for runners. BPR comprised of two events, PUTRA 24 and UNGU 55. The first of its kind running event in Malaysia, a unique inaugural race experience in Botani Putrajaya Park. Since I only joined PUTRA 24, I'll share my running experience about PUTRA 24 yaa...

PUTRA 24 was an inaugural 24 hours endurance running race around 5.5km loop inside Taman Botani, Putrajaya. This race is open to all genders and nationalities. 

The main objective was to promote endurance running inside the beautiful Putrajaya Botanical Park. Furthermore, this race was held to create awareness towards appreciating nature and promote activities to save our nature and rainforest. 

It’s a 5.5km loop route inside Botani Putrajaya Park with a Cut Off time of 24 hours. Runners with the most distance covered within 24 hours will be declared as Winners. Absolutely no pacers allowed.

For the record, PUTRA 24 was my 13th Ultra run that I participated since 2013. It was held in Botani Putrajaya Park, from 8.30 am 30 April - 8.30 am 1 May 2016. I was very excited at first knowing that I would be doing loops after loops in this beautiful pristine Botani Putrajaya Park. Since it was an inaugural event, I would definitely love to give it a try.

Cikgu Syed & I - Kita Selfie Dulu Team Marathonbaker! =)

Ultra Mommy Nelly from RK in the house y`all! Congrats on your PB!

Running Doc Chen from Sarawak... Nice meeting you again after 24H event! =D

My running buddy Hazman encouraged me to sign up for it. Thanks to Running Project for giving me the opportunity to run this inaugural event. I would love to see how far I can run during the 24 hours time. How well I could run especially during the wee hours from 12 midnight until 8.30 am. Let's put ourselves to a test, shall we! 

Reached the starting venue around 7.30am. Had one Marathonbaker RunBananaz energy ball before the run. Met so many familiar faces, old & news friends. Everybody seems to know everybody. Love the small number of participants. Just nice for a starting place at the iconic wooden bridge towards Visitor Information Centre (VIC). 

Briefing session by the RD himself

We had a briefing session by Race Director Razif Yahya at 8am. We were informed that in order to get the finisher entitlements, we had to run at least 11 loops. 1 loop is equal to 5km. However they soon changed the minimum distance rules to 12 loops since they realised it was 4.6km per loop. So 12 loops x 4.6KM = 55.2KM. Easy maths, right? 

Group photo before the event - Pic Credits to PIXEO

The flag-off was being done by President of Perbadanan Putrajaya, Dato Seri Hasim Ismail by 8.30 am sharp. We ran towards VIC and went left towards the stairs & another wooden bridge below. It was pretty wet & slippery so we had to run gingerly around this area. 

Then off we go running the concrete stretch along the lake. There were so many things to see along the way. Beautiful roots, unique tropical trees, some colourful flowers and I saw some squirrels playing around the trees too. There were many shades along the lakeside stretch.

The weather was just nice, ideal for a morning run. But not for long, it was getting hotter around 10.30am. The endless concrete stretch will lead us to the big tunnel ahead. After the tunnel runners will have to run a little bit of incline in order to reach the u-turn point. There were timing mats at the nursery area. 

Running back from the tunnel uols during the 2nd loop... Thanks to Deo for the pictures...

After the u-turn point, I ran uphill towards the greenhouse and went right downhill going back to the tunnel. The hill was a bit steep & will be quite challenging once you have done 6 loops and above hehee.. 

Feeling2 Flash - Running towards the finishing line at the end of the lovely wooden bridge... Pic courtesy of Deo

 After the tunnel, runners had to take left towards the slightly incline stretch. There was a public toilet & resting area here at the right side. U just need to soldier on to reach the wonderful garden after the incline. I could see some stingless bee hives on the left side among the fruit trees. It's like running in the nature.

After the FL we had to run across the hall for the next loop. You could rest around this area for quick break, eat or change to a new fresh clothes. Pic courtesy of PIXEO. Amirul Aizat was in this picture

I was so happy upon reaching the garden within the fence. The WS was there to provide some hydrations and some food to the runners. Plenty of bananas, watermelon slices, kaya/planta sandwiches, biscuits were served at the WS. The 100Plus isotonic drinks, Coke & red sweet syrup drink were provided too. Icy cold. Enough for all the runners. After had some drinks and refilled my bottle, it's time for a home run down and across the wooden bridge. That's one loop. Just keep on repeating the loop. Run - Walk - Jog - WS - Repeat. =D

Here we are, all four Marathonbaker Ambassadors... Congrats to all three for your amazing finishers!

I managed to do two loops in the morning because I had to go out and attend some family matters. Family First yaa... Could not argue much... Hehe... I heard there was a heavy downpour in Putrajaya with thunderstorms. Looks like the weather forecast was correct after all during the race briefing. 

Here were some of the pictures that I managed to snap during the first loop... 

Go Go Rudy, Ucu Aman, Shamim & Izwan Mambo! 

At last I managed to reach back at the starting line to continue my run. It was already 12.30am. Time was ticking away. All I need to do was to run as fast as I could to compensate the time I've wasted before. 

Running in such wee hours possessed its own challenges. Besides sleepiness, you had to be extra alert with your surroundings. The moon was visible on that night. Orange moon was a true beauty up high in the sky. There were some dark stretches along the way. Some of the lamp posts were not functioning. Luckily I brought along my trusted powerbank torch light to light my way & blinker for safety purposes.

Running on the concrete stretch felt like never ending especially at night. I could not see far due to the low visibility. Even if I flashed the route with my torchlight. That's the only part that I dreaded the most. It's good for your mental & physical endurance though. Hehee... 

I heard so many creepy sounds coming out from the forest especially around the u-turn point. I kept on reciting surah Kursi & zikr while running towards the dark eerie stretch. Could see some volunteers were sleeping in the building nearby. Poor thing. They must be really exhausted manning this area and the timing mat devices all day long. 

According to my plan, I intended to do 11 loops but somehow I was running out of time. I did some calculations while running and I had a new target. To complete 10 loops before 8.30 am 1 May 2016. It was doable until I had a very serious cramps on my hamstrings and calves on my 9th loop. I could not even walk at all. It was sooo painful. I really had to blame myself for not preparing any ORS sachets or salt sticks with me. I was looking for a place to rest for a while. Then I saw this leather cushion seats near the building by the lake. I was thinking of having a 5-10 minutes break when suddenly I dozed off for about 20 min++. Damn... I woke up when I was feeling so cold due to wet sweating tee and morning breeze. 

Looking at my watch, I knew that I could only complete one lap before the cutoff time. I just walked all the way until I reached the tunnel because I did not want to have cramps attack again. Tried to run a bit. No more cramps. Looks like muscles were already relaxed. I just jogged my way towards the WS when I bumped into Dzul Izwan. We speed walked together. Congrats on your 24 loops ya bro! Amazing Top 6 placing woo! Kudos... 

Me & Izwan... Pic credits to Pixeo

Finally I crossed the FL before 8 am hehee... Sadly I had to DNF this nicely organized event. Hutang 3 loop saja lagik nih... Adeii... It was definitely doable if I started 2h30min - 3 hours earlier than my midnight run for 3 more loops. Ah well there's no need to regret. My time management sucks. Period. However I've tried my best. I ran with my heart out. I did not cheat my way for the Ash Be Nimble finisher tee and finisher mug. I'll take it, 9 loops = 41.4km (My Garmin watch recorded 45km) as my longest run and mileage for this coming FM in Thailand. I did enjoyed my run, morning & night. =)

Congrats to all the top winners, finishers for PUTRA 24, Ungu 55 & Ultra Women category. You guys were amazing. Truly inspiring indeed. Thanks once again to the all the selfless and dedicated volunteers, supporters, photographers, crews and organizers, Running Project,10 Senses and Taman Botani Putrajaya,  for organizing this smooth inaugural ultra run event. However since it was the first edition, there were rooms for improvements for the next year's edition. 

Congrats to Aman & Tahira for being the Champions for Men (PUTRA 24) & Women's category (Ungu 55)

Now, here are my pros & cons for BPR 2016: 

PROS

1. Plenty of food & icy cold beverages for all the runners. The support crew was amazing and efficient! I love it the most!

2. Friendly volunteers manning the deposit bag section, water stations & several junctions. Thank you guys! 

3. Awesome event tee design by 2ndSkin. Super comfy too.  

4. Generous amount of buffet spread for lunch, dinner & breakfast for everybody. I heard the Tau Foo Fah was the best seller among the participants. Lariss uols... Yums! Love the spicy Nasi Lemak Rendang Kerang & Sambal Sotong! Yummeh! 

Siyesly sedap giler! Pedas pun pedas lah hehee....

5. Clear direction markers along the route during the day time only. You could never get lost along the route.

6. The crews were checking up on the participants with their motorcycles and cheering on for them too. 

CONS

1. Some parts were slippery, need to be extra careful and put some signage/signboard. Even the wooden bridge before the FL had some uneven steps protruding. I had to run gingerly at some parts. 

2. There were no blinker/reflector at the safety cones and direction markers. The cones were difficult to be seen at night. 

3. The organizer was very lenient when I could see some runners & lady runners ran without any headlamps or hand torch. The briefing about not wearing mandatory items like headlamps will be disqualified, (DQ) was that just for formality? I wonder...  Mandatory items are meant for safety purpose if I'm not mistaken. 

4. There is no water supply at the restroom near the u-turn point at the Nursery area. Did no. 1 business there during my morning run. However I had to do no.2 business in the toilet during my night run and had to use my drinking bottle. I just could not flush away. oops sorry for that! They only provided one tank of water at the urinal area. Well, not so many water left actually inside the bin.  

5. The sudden change of rules due to the shortage of distance, from 11 to 12 loops. From 5.5km (referred to the event's website) to 5km to 4.6km (actual day). 

6. Hopefully they will provide finisher medal for the next year's edition. That would be a very nice momento for all the runners who kept on pushing themselves for 24 hours. Maybe with some options with or without event tee, perhaps? Just some suggestions from a mere mortal like me.  

Well, that's all for now. I had so much fun running and encouraged each other too since we're running loops. Will definitely be back next year to finish what I've started. 

I'll see you guys again in 2017 yeahh... Group photo after the event by PIXEO... Thanks for the memories!

P/S : For more pictures and results, feel free to visit their Facebook page Running Project and Pixeo HERE

ROUTE 68 CHALLENGE 2016 - Epic 50KM SAGA!

Ever since I Did Not Finish (DNF) at KM48 68km category for R68 2015, I was so determined to finish my unfinished business. To slay this mental mind blowing killer route this year, no matter what. Honestly I was so traumatized with the bloody blistering heat last year that I've decided to downgrade to 50km this year. Seriously, I just want to get it done and dusted only. Hahahaa! Thank goodness I've made the right decision hehee...

Furthermore I've already had two DNFs for this year (Pink Ultra 2016 - 100km Duo & Kyoto Marathon 2016). So I could not afford to have another DNF. Berkecai mentalku nanti hehee...

I've asked my dearest training buddy Hazman to collect my racekit since I was away in Penang running 12km MHWHNightRun & JJCM Penang during the REPC hoho... Thanks bro!

Before the race day, I managed to squeeze in two 34-35km simulation route training. Wanted to get the feel while enjoying the elevation and lovely microwave heat. That really helps a lot! I felt safer running in a group too compared to running duo. Hehee... Thank you folks for joining my Upacara Lenggang Perut 34KM training before! =D

Two days before the run, I drank a lot of mineral water. Fearing the super hot and sunny Sunday due to El Nino phenomenon I was expecting dehydration & cramps would be some of the major issues during the hot and humid race.

The day before the race, I have been invited to attend the Exclusive Preview Day for Dragon Run in The Ranch, Genting Highlands. I took it as my warming up run along the 5 obstacles samples. Just want to loosen up the muscles and get physical. I'll blog about it in my next entry. Thank You CitrineOne for such a lovely invitation. I had so much fun too.... =D After having a scrumptious dinner and chit chat with Ben, Joll & Judin, I headed back to my crib and called it a day.

Managed to snooze a quality sleep that night although I was still feeling a bit sleepy upon reaching the race village circa 5.30am++. I had to rush to the venue because I need to hand over Marathonbaker Mocha energy bars to my fellow running friend, Ijan. He took part in 70km category. That's insane! After the flagoff I immediately went to the Dewan Orang Ramai and performed  Fajr prayer. Now it's time for me to prep up physically & mentally for the run.

 With Abam Jawa @ Nosly n the house y'all..ould not find his wifey, Eena Amir though...

Make sure all the mandatory items were there then I`m good to go!

After the quick inspection on all the mandatory items, I went into the starting gantries. We were being flagged off at 7am sharp. Off I go. Running at an easy pace at the first 3KM. Tried to run even at the first incline or whenever I saw the almost flat stretch. After 5km or so I tried to speed walk because I already felt my left calf tend to tighten up and cramp. After the first WS (KM5.5) I continued to run walk run along the incline. I smelled a stench at one of the corner but at first I thought it was a dog or monkey's carcass. Little did I know that I smelled a 3 Days rotten corpse once I ran back at the same spot. Yikes! Creepy much... ~~

 Stopped at the nearest bush for my no.1 business before reaching the 2nd WS (KM10) Refilled my bottle and off I go. No time to waste. I need to reach the next WS/Check point before 10am (3 hours). Jeff Ooi already told me earlier that they were very strict about the cutoff time implementation this time around. No more mercy. So I kept on run - speed walk - run until I reached the A3 Genting Sempah CP (KM16.5) by 2:45:23 ! Woot2! First mission accomplished..

I ate some biscuits, watermelon and bananas while refilling icy drinking water + 100Plus + ORS. I started to feel cramps had already building up on both of my hamstrings. No time to waste here as I had to make it to the u-turn point KM25 by 1 hour++ 

 From there onwards, it was a 8.5km++ downhill run all the way. I started singing/chanting Crush song by Yuna featuring Usher during my downhill run. I kept on repeating the down, down, down, down lyrics hoho! I continued running/jogging down the hills as I need to compensate the time I've spent during the uphill battle. I really really require enough buffer time for me to get back to A3 CP before 1pm.

The downhill run felt like forever to reach the u-turn point at A5 CP. It was already getting brighter and hotter. Met so many dedicated photographers along the way. That really brighten up my mood & day. Thanks folks! Finally I reached the u-turn just in time for a quick break, refilled my bottle, put more ORS. No time to feast on the delicious looking spicy Nasi Lemak at that Checkpoint. Plus I don't want to run on an upset tummy later on.

Amik lap ciked tang corner nih hohoho! =P

Running with Nasa & Yahya (not in the picture) on this uphill section...

Almost There... I could see the Genting Sempah huge signboard already... Super Happy!

Managed to cling on to Mr Yahya & Ms. Nasa, the ultra power couple on my way back to CP A3. We were speed walking all the way along the gradual incline. It was getting hotter and stuffier. So i put on my shades, buff and cap. That helped a bit hehee. Thank goodness Sis Suzie passed by and offered us cold Cincau (Black Jelly) drinks. Really need that icy cold sugary stuffs at that time because there were no longer ice cubes at the next WS. Thank you so much Sis!

Fearing that we might not be able to reach the CP before 1pm, they kept on reassuring me that we can make it in time. The incline was getting steeper at some point, meaning that we were getting closer to A3 CP. I really had to stop at the spring water at the roadside just to drench my face, head & buff with the cold water. Felt so refreshed & alive to survive the hot sun.

Finally we reached CP A3 back by 12.45pm (5:46:44). Yayyy! I took a longer break here just to get rid of the pebbles and put some ice cubes in my cap to cool down my head. Had some bananas, watermelons, biscuits coz I felt so hungry! It's already lunch hour hoho... After refuelled with Marathonbaker Runbananaz & refilled everything I made my way back when it was still cloudy and not so bright hehee... Thank goodness I really need to get moving by that time coz 3 hours solid was not enough for me! 😝🙈

Fun Fun Fast Walk All The Way Down....

 After going uphill at the steep incline in Genting Sempah, I tried to run all the down. It was not that easy. With cramps started to threaten my both hamstrings. I decided to go easy but kept on moving. Again upon reaching at the crime scene, I thought I've arrived at the WS. Apparently there were many homicide police vehicles at the corner and I could see the family members of the victim at one side, mourning. Poor them. Felt awkward running through the crime scene, just like in CSI series.

After that I stopped at the next indie Solat Station to cool off my head and face. The icy cold syrup drink was definitely a heaven sent.. Not too sweet, just nice! Thank you so much akak baik hati tuh... 😍 👍 

Solat Station & Iced Cold Syrup Drink to quench my thirst... Thanks for your support ladies! =)

 Not long after that I stopped at WS A2 to put more ice cubes in my drinking bottle. Although it was no longer hot and bright but the humidity was insanely a killer! It's impossible to run downhill in this weather. Felt so hazy too.

As I reached A1 CP, I knew I was running out of time to finish within the cutoff time. I could afford to DNF after running the whole route. Afer munching some bananas, I tried to run speed walk run. The final 5KM felt like forever. Apparently it was 2KM extra according to my Garmin. I really forced myself to run my heart out during the final 3KM. I gave my all. Finally I made my dash when I saw the FL Gantry was within my sight. Crossed 52km++ at the finishing line in 8:53:26 (Average pace 10.40 min/km) . Yayyyy!

Almost there almost home.... Credits to Ms. Azyan

Ready or not, here comes Big Diva LOL!

Yeahhhh.... Officially a proud finisher at last after two attempts!

Victory!

At last I managed to redeem myself from the DNF last year. The awesome finisher medal and finisher tshirt were my ultimate motivation to finish strong!

Me & The Running Kaki People... Congrats to all of us!

Me, Azim & Addy Mohamad Hatta - Congrats folks!

Congrats Yimster for your 5th placing spot in 70KM Men's Category & Ijan for finishing strong 70KM too... Woot2!

Say My Name Say My Name....

 

Thank You so Much MARATHONBAKER for the Runnylicious RunBananaz Energy Balls & Syco Bar! I just had them during and after my run.... All natural full of goodness!

After the run, it's time to take some pictures with all my friends. Congrats to all the proud finishers regardless of 50km and 70km categories. For those who DNF this edition, fret not. It's not the end of the world. Come back stronger, train hard and smart to finish your unfinished business next year then. It was definitely a tough route for most of us.

Congrats to Mr Jeff Ooi and fellow organizers for the strict cutoff system and smooth running event, all the selfless dedicated volunteers at every WS, to all my friends who came to support all the runners under the blazing sun, Abg Nosly, Razinah, Atiqah, Amalina & Sis Suzie. Special thanks to al the dedicated photographers, ET Tey, Rany Tan, Sumer Heh, Maui, Ray, Soon Endurah, Chen Hong Bing etc. You guys were fantastic and amazing!

I really had a good time. No blisters, just minor chafings at the thunderous thighs. My knees were behaving well too. Thank goodness, syukur! Except for the sore hamstring hehee...

Official Results were out already....

Did a Recovery Run With My Finisher Tee... Hohoho!

Till then, toodles chuols! =D