Titi 100 : The Not Running A Race Edition

Both Zaini and I actually registered for Titi Ultra Marathon, but we decided not to be crazy hardcore like some of you runners out there (heh heh) and slinked out from it when we still had the chance. 

When the organiser was looking for volunteer and support crew, I immediately gave our name to be a part of the team. Not running, pass water and fruits to Ultra runners also can la. ;-)
We were stationed at CP4 together with 6 awesomely helpful and chirpy Pengakap and two deadbeat medics.
Turn left to CP4, runners! 
Hard work zone!

What's the big deal about carrying heavy stuff, right? At least it didn't involve us running uphill this time. Driving through the route with hubby, I was like "WHOAH! When is this hill ending???" 

Salute those running it. Both 50K and 100K. More so those running starting their run under the blistering hot 4pm, ran in rain at one point and finishing like some 18 hours later.
Both hubby and I were at CP4 and CP7. 100K runners need to see us twice Saturday night and Sunday morning. Whether they wanted to or not. ^^

Son helped out too but he decided to ditch us and follow his buddies; Suzie and Arman's kids and helped out CP5.
 One photo before work begins. 

The first 100K runner arrived at around 7.40pm after the CP got really busy after 8pm. A steady stream of runners came in an hour or so after that; some alone, some in pairs, some in threes. Some runners had some issues and unfortunately I wasn't able to help since I'm clueless about pretty much everything and the medics didn't seem to have anything to help either.  They were actually pretty much unable to do anything other than smoke, eat and drink copius amount of 100-Plus nicked from the CP cooler box, that is.
 
After the first runner arrival, Zaini shuttled back and forth from CP4 every hour or so to the roundabout about 5K away to check on the two boy scouts stationed there for road marshalling.Can't just leave two kids in the middle of nowhere and forget about them all through the night, can we?
 
 
It was really great that Yim who is an accomplised ultra runner accompanied me later. His wealth of experience was shared with runners (and myself too). He took care of those coming in to CP7 after running 63.5K, not only handing out drinks, fruits and food but also dished out advices and giving a bit of pep talk to motivate runners. Plus being stern not to let runners linger too long, if they want to reach the next CP before CP closing time too! Heck! He even gave away some of his stash to needy runners : sprays, ORS, gels...

Yim even drove for kilometres in the middle of the night to scour for some ice for the runners when it was apparent for us that we won't be getting any more ice for our CP. His effort was timely because runners arriving CP7 did ask for ice and that was despite what was being told to us earlier; that runners won't be needing any ice anymore. Thank you Yim! *muaks*

We were supposed to close CP7 at 3.30am and the lorry and bus to pick up the scouts arrived around that time. While the scouts got busy to close the water station, there were still runners arriving to CP7 and we were informed that there were more behind them.

Not wanting to let the runners arrive to an empty CP7 without any fluid repleshisment at the very least, we put aside a few bottles of 100-Plus, mineral water and some fruits and carried it to the junction where they would run before the turn into CP7 proper, and stood by the roadside waiting for them with what little we had. 

Some runners arrived later, some still wanted to go on and some had doubts as they seemed to be in pain. It was up to the runners to decide whether to DNF (did not finish) or to continue even after the cut-off time but Yim was on hand to advice the runners on what to expect should they decide to trudge on. Some got us worried as they insisted on continuing on despite injuries.

We were there until 5.30am and left only after the few DNF runners that were being gathered at CP7 were picked-up and a sweeper car drove to CP6 to check on whether there were any more runners still running from CP6 to CP7.

Hubby drove slowly past runners along the route and we tried to scan every runners, just in case someone needed help. Saw a lady friend who was doing the 50K, running strong towards CP9 and we waited for her there to cheer her up (maybe it just annoyed her and slowed her down. I dunno. hahaha)

Saw more familiar faces (or rather, their backside) when we continued our drive back to the finish line. I dunno they noticed me yelling "Go Go Go" as we passed them by. Yell saja la...Hahaha

Don't think Chief Jamie and Cap'n Skechers noticed us passed them too. Either they were too focused on finishing or too zombified already. Heh heh

We got to the Start/Finish spot at around 6.30am. Had thought of waiting and cheering for runners who would be arriving to the finish line but as luck would have it, I got tummy cramps. Really bad one that made me not really keen to move at all. Ugh. Why does it have to come today and at that time???

So after 30minutes, I told hubby I rather be at home instead of being uncomfortable and in pain sitting in the car, at the Start/Finish line.

Friends, sorry we couldn't cheer for you. You guys and gals rocked Titi 50/100K Ultra Marathon! Big congratulations to everyone!

I learn a lot from my experience today. I met a lot of awesome people today. A lot of gracious runners. 

I learn that an ultra marathon is not something one decide to join on a whim or because someone you know run one. It's about knowing your limit, pushing it and having the commitment to train for it. Would I try and do it? Maybe. But I definitely would not want to run an ultra marathon because it's the next big craze in running. That I learn today.

50K is not "just add another 8K" to a full marathon. A 100K is not a walk in the park. My deepest awe to all who attempted this.

To the organiser, to the crews, to the volunteers and especially to the runners, thank you for the experience. 

Again, to those who ran : CONGRATULATIONS!

Comments

  1. Sounds like it was a fruitful event!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Replies
    1. Yeah none. No fun without bettle support cars, right? :P

      Delete
    2. Nah. We need Beetles and zebras. :(

      Delete
  3. I know right, girls always hate that...and for me I always very bad tempered on the first day...@.@!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Better not make you angry on your first day! Hahaha

      I'm usually OK with it, but I guess cramping up got worse due to not eating right (last meal was lunch the day before) and being occupied and awake from Saturday all through Sunday morning.

      Guess am old already lah ;)

      Delete
    2. Aiyo, you're not that old la......btw you better take care ya!!! =]

      Delete
    3. Thanks. :)

      Nothing a few minutes of sleep can't heal anyway ;)

      Delete
  4. wow, it's fun running and equally fun supporting and helping those runners as well huh?? but i am quite surprised they brought in Pengakap to help at the CP, hmmmm, something new for me, or at least i remember Mak Glam have never blogged about the Pengakap at the running events..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Usually volunteers wereuni/college students, as I can recall; with maybe St John's Ambulance volunteers.

      But getting scouts/pengakap is a great idea. Really.

      The pengakap were very disciplined and very happy to do their assigned duties.

      Delete
    2. I remember Raimie also pengakap?? next time get him to wear his uniform there, haha!!

      Delete
    3. Hahaha

      But wear Pengakap cannot curi tulang and must work hard, play hard. ;)

      Delete
  5. surely you learn a lot from experienced runner and it may not be easy to learn from them too, it's all about opportunity, timing, chances and most importantly the "click" both of you can have.. glad that being a volunteer, you earn back what you have offered - something that is useful to you for your entire life.. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so true, SK.

      I was given a great opportunity to learn from this runner (he was the fastest Malaysian at TNF Thai 100K last week).

      He is humble. He is generous. He is FUN too!

      I am so thankful that he decided to stop at our CP and be there until we closed up. So thankful.

      Delete
    2. .. and you treated him with unlimited supply of 100 plus?? haha..

      Delete
    3. It was the opposite!

      He even had to dig stuff out from his car to put out for us & runners.

      Delete
  6. i join you to salute to all who participate in this ultra run.. and yes, i agree with you that 50K is not just marathon + 8K but for any distance short or long or ultra long, it's all about determination and you will power.. CONGRATULATIONS to those who did it~~ :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, big congrats to them!

      It was 50K of crazy hills! Sure wasn't a full marathon + 8K. Actually eve on normal route, you can't compare running 42K and 50K as being the same.

      This is the first 100K ultra marathon held in Malaysia too, if not mistaken. There are other distances offered elsewhere but no 100K.

      Delete
  7. awesome support kak lina, abg zaini & raimie.....
    thumbs up to those rocking TITI 50k & 100k.

    btw, yimster rocks.
    *hi yim!!*
    :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Memang salute lah those who did Titi. Bukit mencanak.

      And yeah, Yim rocks!

      Sangat bertuah he was there at CP 4 & 7. And he waited until we were sure there were no others runners lagging behind that had yet to arrive CP 7.

      Banyak ilmu dapat semalam. :)

      Delete
  8. no run but still can join in the fun right? :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. rain and hot sun ah...adoi...really salute them . But I guess they already got ready for it mentally

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They should have prepared for it because running those distances are no joke and runners should have known what's in store for them.

      Delete
  10. CP4 and CP7? How? Meaning after all runner pass CP4 then you all run up to CP7 ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the same place but runners did a big 20+km loop after CP4 and return back to CP4 (which is now became CP7) before continuing straight ahead back to finish line, another 40km run.

      Delete
  11. Err...if like that the Medic is for what? Thought they helping the runners.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's why lor.

      What a waste saja to have them with us. :(

      Delete
  12. Yim sounds like a great guy. Ohh..Now I baru tau CP got closing tie punya. I thought open till every runner passs the CP. Sorry ah for my jakun-ess :p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yim is a great guy. A great runner too. Humble.

      For logistics purpose, every CP in any run have closing time. Sometimes, the CP are manned until the last runner came but usually it'l be manned to the bare minimum.

      Lorry driver also want to go home, you know. hehehe

      Anyway, check points cut-off are enforced so that runners don't lag too far behind. The organiser was lenient to let slower runners past the cut-off still run but if its overseas run, the runners are stopped and taken back on sweeper bus already.

      Delete
  13. Looks like doing volunteering at CP is as hard as running the marathon leh. Have to run up and down and then be mindful to help runners. Guess sometimes not all runners will appreciate and say thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most do.

      These are one friendly and humble and positive bunch of runners.

      Even got runner remarking it must be hard to be standing and cutting fruits all through the night. And she was running 63K already that time. I was touched. I didn't do anything much but they still appreciate it.

      Delete
  14. Though my race route didn't take me past your CP, good job to you and all the volunteers for putting up the great support at all the check points! Didn't notice you guys la, just heard cars zooming by shouting words of encouragement. Totally zombified!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nick!

      And congrats on your finishing Titi 50K! :)

      Delete
  15. CONGRATULATIONS to the success! With the help from you and family, it brought everyone so much fun! I know you are a good party's live wire anytime!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha

      I'm very shy and reserved, you know right? ;)

      Delete
  16. I salute these tough runners for this Sunrise to Sunset event. It made me think if I could ever have that kind of stamina and willpower to run like them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Terbalik.

      It was from sunset to sunrise! 4pm to 10am for 100K. 12am - 9am to 50K.

      You can Anay! But you need to patiently train and build your stamina. :)

      Delete
  17. I think one of these days I try jadi volunteer pulak la. Macam best. Bulih rest kaki.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha rest from lari only but you gotta stand the whole duration of the event and cluck like mother hen looking after people.

      But yeah, at least not running. Wakaka

      Delete
  18. Well done to all runners & what a good job you volunteers did. Bukan senang nak jadi volunteer crew kan...bukan macam bukak kedai runcit. Huhu. Lina...you selalu 'lupa' yang you dah buat 50K. :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Orang yang bukak kedai runcit lagi ohsem!!! Sebab diaorg lagi selfless gitu. I <3 kedai runcitss :-)

      Delete
  19. I just could not thank you enough to all the hardworking, deddicated Pengakap and Girl Scouts, abang2 Rela dan Polis, forever cheerful and friendly volunteers and race crew for the awesome and warm kind gestures. You guys were my heroes and heroines that made the run felt less excruciating physically and mentally....

    My utmost respect for all the crews who braved the hot searing heatwave, rain and bone chilling night, from dusk to dawn, who selflessly stayed wide awake all night long and manned the CPs effortlessly...

    Thank you very very much... It was a very memorable event as it was my maiden 50km Road Race.... *happy tears ;D

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow! From morning until the next morning? Must be tiresome. And like the pengakap. Hehe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tiresome? No lah! Absolutely not! We were too busy having fun to even be sleepy. :-D

      And yes, everyone loves the pengakap last week :-)

      Delete
  21. Wow, who are the heroes who ran uphill? I salute them! I can die climbing a flight of stairs. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ECL,
      You're funny!

      You're so active lah! All those running around attending events... those required lotsa stamina! :)

      Delete
  22. Amazing, Lina! I can shop, but can't exercise. Lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shopping at physical shop and malls is kinda exercising too! You still burn calories! LOL

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts