NEW ROUTE & RUNNING IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE CHAN SUET YIN

Where: From my house Section 20, Petaling Jaya to Bukit Aman car park

Distance: Approximately 24.57 km

Date: 25/6/2006

Time: 0535

Timing: 2 hr 46 min 42.59 sec

Decided to try the new route and I found it very interesting and not so boring. On the way to TTDI Park (running through residential area in SS2, I was running along Jalan SS2/2), I passed by house no. 399. This was quite a sad memory to me. In 1993 (could not remember the exact date), I was at Suet Yin's (my secondary school classmate) house with friends and classmates to complete our assignments. A year later (in 1994), I was shocked and surprised to hear (during recess time, the announcement made by Mr Ong Hock Thye, our discipline teacher) that she had passed away (at the age of 15) due to anaemia. My other classmates attended the funeral and I did not go as I was afraid to attend at that time. I had ran passed the house 3 times since last year and including today. Whenever I ran passed the house, I'll remember her. Almost 12 years had passed since the demised of my classmate, Chan Suet Yin. I'll never forget this in my life as I never had the opportunity to see her for the last time before the funeral. Whatever it is, this run (fro my house to Bukit Aman car park for the first time) is in remembrance of her.

After passing her house, the run continued into TTDI Park and to Sri Hartamas Petronas station (passing by the Securities Commission and Plaza Mon't Kiara). After the Petronas station (after running the big loop), as usual the route was to run back to Bukit Aman car park. I arrived at Bukit Aman car park at approximately time 0825.

Thanks to those who had taken care of my bag which consists of my drinks and shirt.

18 JUNE 2006 - HAPPY DAY AND SAD DAY

Why happy day ? This was because I managed to achieve my target of running below 2 hour in a half marathon for the first time although towards the end I knew that it was impossible. With high determination, I did not give up and I made it and the timing was less than 20 seconds to 2 hours.

Why sad day ? I lost my money and mobile phone. After the run, I was at the stadium waiting for Ronnie for breakfast. Suddenly, my stomach was not feeling well. I immediately rushed into the toilet and I perched (“Lau Sai”). After perching, I forgot to take my pouch out of the toilet. I only realised after chatting with Sim. I immediately rushed back to the toilet to retrieve my pouch. When retrieving my pouch (it was already open), my hand phone was gone and approximately RM200 was also missing. Other items such as I/C, driving license, coins (approximately RM2), medal, MP3 player, pen and MP3 player remain intact.

This was the second time I lost my hand phone and money. As a result, on the same day, I had to go to Maxis centre to reactivate my mobile number and purchase a new mobile phone.

P. J. HALF MARATHON 2006 DETAILED REPORT

Pre-race

My legs were still fresh from my recent ultra marathon in Kedah. I still felt some soreness on my legs due to a hard 6.5 km sprint run on Thursday, 15 June 2006 at KLCC Park. I decided to apply some deep heat rub on my legs in order to prevent muscle cramps when running. This time my target was to clock below 2 hours. My usual running shoes (Adidas Supernova Control) were still in wet condition and I decided to wear my old Adidas running shoes (the shoes I have been using from the third week of July 2004 until early May 2005) and the shoe condition had almost worn out in terms of grip.

Race day

The run started at time 0630. I started with slow and relax pace first and later at a faster pace. In order to save time, I decided to skip water station and sponging station until after 10 km mark. In order to replace the water, I substituted it with plum powder drink (mixture of Taiwan and local plum powder) and I drank it when running i.e. no stopping at the refreshment and sponging station. I felt very comfortable when running at a fast pace passing by the first refreshment station (skipped) and reaching the first sponging station. Upon reaching the first sponging station, my right eye suddenly felt some itchiness due to the sweat and I wiped it with my right hand. Without realising it, I had wiped it with my right hand that still had the smell of the deep heat rub. As a result, my right eyes felt the burning sensation and very uncomfortable. I was forced to stop at the first sponging station and I applied some water from the sponge to cool my right eye. Later, I increased my pace faster in order to cover the lost time.

When running towards the flyover to the old Subang airport road, DK (PM 4) and Tony (Penguin 3) had overtaken me. I told myself that I could not let those two runners to overtake me. I decided to run as fast as I could and this was boosted by the music from the MP3 player. I managed to overtake DK first after the second refreshment station (skipped). Tony’s pace was fast and I decided to use him as my pacer. Later I managed to close up the gap and overtaken him after the second sponging station (skipped). After that my body started to feel the heat as the sun was shinning and I stopped for a drink at the third refreshment station (very thirsty). Later I continued my run passing through the U-turn at Terminal 2. I stopped at the third sponging station to cool my body with water from the sponge.

I continued my run passing to the last refreshment station and I felt extremely thirsty and I decided to drink all my plum powder drink and a cup of water and 100 Plus. Later, I continued my run to the last sponging station with legs still looking strong like never been running at this fast pace before. I stopped o cool my body with water from the sponge. I felt thirsty and I decided to drink the water from the sponge as there is no cup provided and I had earlier on discarded my water bottle. Later, I continued my run until I reach the T-junction and had to turn left.

At that time, my legs felt tired at I started to reduce my pace until I was forced to walk for a while as my toes had some blisters that caused pain to my toes when running. Some runners had overtaken me and I was encouraged to run as the finishing point was quite near. Looking at my time, it was almost close to 2 hours and I felt that my sub-2 target was impossible. Upon reaching the stadium with less than 2 minutes to the 2 hours time, I decided to try my very best to hit the sub-2 timing. I decided to sprint although my legs muscle felt pain and my toes were also pain due to blisters. For the last 200 metres, I had around 1 minute and 20 seconds to go and I sprinted and at my fastest pace. I was screaming while sprinting as my legs muscles were tired, pain and my toes were also very painful due to blisters.

Finally, I managed to cross the finishing line in 1 hr 59 min 40.26 sec (new personal best and first time running below 2 hours in a half marathon) in 150th position for men’s open. It was so close to the 2 hours time. I was glad to achieve my target and my strategy to skip water stations and sponging stations really worked.

Post race

I believe that I could improve better in the future. I’ll continue running the half marathon (in any event) until I managed to achieve what I wanted. My happiness turned into a sad day for me. Stay tune for the next posting.

P. J. HALF MARATHON 2006

Distance: 21 km
Timing: 2004 (19.5 km) = 2 hr 15 min 40 sec (missed certificate by 40 sec)
2005 (21 km) = 2 hr 9 min+
2006 (21 km) = 1 hr 59 min 40.26 sec (New personal record)
Previous personal record = 2 hr 00 min 27 sec (Ipoh International Run 2005)
Position = 150th with medal and a certificate of merit which will be posted to the runners later.

The standard has risen for this year as compared with last year. If I were to run like last year’s timing I’ll never be able to get a medal. Stay tune for details of the report.

100 KM CHARITY RUN FROM SUBANG JAYA TO PORT DICKSON UPDATE

I would like to thank the following persons who had contributed for the forthcoming charity run.

1. Rohaizad bin Norpiah RM100
2. Tan Swee Huah RM50
3. Aiman Cheah Tiong Chap RM20

I had also contributed RM40 for myself for the charity run. Should you have any interest to contribute for the charity run, do contact me at 012-2478525 or email me at jasonlfh@gmail.com

I’ll try to get the receipt for those who have contributed for the charity run.

3RD KEDAH 12-HOUR RUN / WALK DETAILED REPORT

This is my 2nd ultra marathon. I have not been racing for the past 3 months since the KLIM 2006. I have not been doing any long runs since 1 month ago. This was not a well-planned race. It was my very last minute decision to go to this race due to busy schedule. Departed from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar at time 1130. Arrived at Alor Setar at time 1800. Took a 20 minutes ride via a taxi to Kubang Sepat. Did not have enough time to take my dinner and I just eat some apples and Powerbar before the run.

The race started at time 1900. Each runner is required to run in a loop of 3.5 km. For every completed loop it would be counted as 1 completed loop. The time allowed is 12 hours and runners had to run as many loops as possible. Runners have to run pass the half way check point in order for his or her results to be certified. No short cuts are allowed. 50% of the route is tar road and 50% of the route is untarred road (i.e. sandy road with some rocks, not like the one in MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore).

I could not remember my timing splits well. All I could remember was:
Lap 1 = 19 min+ (3.5 km completed)
Lap 3 = 1 hr 4 min+ (10.5 km completed)
Lap 6 = 2 hr 34 min+ (21 km completed)
Lap 12 = 6 hr 2 min + (42 km completed)
Lap 18 = 11 hr 50 min 34.74 sec (63 km completed)

For the first 21 km everything was fine as I ran at a very relaxed pace. The weather was quite humid and hot. I was stopped for 7 minutes by a reporter from Guang Ming Daily for an interview. The refreshment provided was not up to expectation (not so much variety as you can find in the Singapore 12-hour run) as you could not expect much from the organiser (having short of man power). The fruits were quickly consumed by the fast runners and I was lucky as I brought my own apples as refreshment.

After completed 21 km, my stomach started to feel hungry. I really wanted some oily food to replenish myself but could not find such food. I had to rely on my Powergel and fruits to replenish my self.

After running more than 10 laps, my legs started to get tired. I had to walk and run for the rest of the 7 km. After 42 km, I decided to change my shoes as I had blister on my toes. I also had some rest and ate some apples and water melon.

At mid night, it started to drizzle. Before completing 49 km, I felt dizzy and giddy when running on the road. I could not run straight (i.e. I ran zig-zag and could not focus properly). My sugar level could be low. After completed 14 laps or 49 km, it started to rain heavily. I decided to rest and ate some refreshment. The weather was cooling and I just doze off without realising it.zzzzzzzzzzzz

When I woke up, I realised that it was time 0415. I had slept for 1.5 hours without realising it. Immediately I rushed to the route to resume my run. After running for 17 laps, I decided to take a break as my legs were tired. When I resumed the run, I felt myself freezing and could not run fast due to the cold and raining weather in the morning. After, 1 km, I managed to regain my momentum. As the 12-hour time limit was approaching, I quickly increase my pace. At the last 1 km, I managed to run as fast as I could to reach the check point. Finally, I managed to finish the 18th lap in 11 hr 50 min 34.74 sec. I managed to get a finisher medal and a certificate of completion (minimum, must cover at least 50 km for men) with name written in Chinese for the first time.

Based on my observation, the overall standard has dropped for this year as compared to last year in terms of timing and distance covered by runners. Most of the route does not have street lights. At certain point, I dare not run at a fast pace as I was afraid of kicking into stones or stepping into holes. My night vision was not so good. When running on the road, most of the time I had to run along the white colour line on the left side of the road for the first 4 hours. There were cars passing by. It was quite risky if I were to run outside the white line or to overtake as the chances of being knocked down by cars is high. Most of the cars were speeding at high speed probably around 70 km/hr to 80 km/hr. According to the organiser, the run for next year may be changed to Jitra whereby runners will run around the lake and passing through a golf course with lights.

Thanks to those who had supported and motivated me for this run.

100 KM CHARITY RUN FROM SUBANG JAYA TO PORT DICKSON

I got this form from Mr. Brcue Wun, a Pacesetters member on 11 June 2006. According to Bruce, this is a charity run (not walk as stated in the form) for a distance of 100 km from Subang Jaya to Port Dickson to raise funds for a teacher to undergo a kidney transplant in China costing RM120,000. The run will start from Subang Jaya Buddhist Temple at time 1800 on 15 July 2006 (not time 0000 on 16 July 2006 as printed in the form).

This event clashes with the Seremban Half Marathon which is scheduled to be held on 16 July 2006.

For further information on this event, you may contact Mr. Lee Chewee Hoe, the organising chairman of the Triathlon Association of Negri Sembilan at 012-233 7899 or other mobile numbers as stated in the form.

You may help in this charity run by donating generously any amount as you wish. All payments by cheque are to be made to Triathlon Association of Negri Sembilan. In order to start the ball rolling, I have contributed RM40/- for myself. I’ll be running this charity run for 100 km in order to raise RM120,000. Should you have any interest to support me for this run, you may contact me at 012-247 8525 or drop me an email at jasonlfh@gmail.com I shall make an arrangement to meet you.

Your kind contribution for this charitable event is very much appreciated.

Thanks.

ROUTE SURVEY

Cycled from Bukit Aman car park (exit) to Hartamas Petronas station (exit) via Bank Negara route. Distance = 9.84 km (based on my bicycle speedometer). If you compare with Pacesetters' running route map, it is 9.8 km. The distance is almost accurate.

Cycled from Hartmas Petronas station (exit) back to Bukit Aman car park via big loop at the Petronas station (normally used in the Pacesetters' 30 km trialrun) and Bank Negara route. Distance = 10.57 km (based on my bicycle speedometer).

Total distance = 20.41 km

Petronas big loop = 0.73 km

3RD KEDAH 12-HOUR RUN / WALK

My first ultra marathon / run finisher certificate with name written in Chinese.

(Official Press release)

Event:3rd Kedah 12hours run and walk

Date:8/6/06 -9/6/06

Time:7pm-7amMinimum:50KM(Men),45km(Women)

Venue:Kubang Sepat,Alor Setar.

吉北長跑協會主辦的第三屆12小時走／跑公開賽于於8.6.2006晚上七時由准拿督鐘清忠先生揮旗起跑。

這項具挑戰性的比賽今年仍獲得七十多愛好者參加，而且出席率有所提高。

這次的參賽者在經過漫長的夜晚和冒著午夜后連綿不斷的寒雨和積水，陰暗碎石路，很多人都還能滿足地完成了他們各自己的目標。

今早八時由主席楊善元先頒獎給以下的前十名優勝者。

101.5km--Champion冠軍：劉道發Liew Tho Fatt（Penang, 檳城) 0164897093

87.5km--1st Runner-up亞軍：阿都拉曼Abdul Rahman Diah(Kubang Sepat古邦色拔)

84.0km--2nd Runner-up季軍：駱明宗Loh Beng Chong(Penang,檳城）

73.5km--4th第四名：陳經國（Alor Setar,亞羅士打）

73.5km--5th第五名：蘇聯僑（尤侖）

70.0km--6th第六名：胡振華（高岭，Kedah）

70.0km--7th第七名：謝亞（王+民）（Kubang Sepat古邦色拔）

70.0km--8th第八名：陳汶富（Alor Setar,亞羅士打）

66.5km--9th第九名：陳清來（Kubang Sepat,古邦色拔）

66.5km--10th第十名：林文益（尤侖)

安慰獎（男至少50公里，女至少45公里）

63km--王幼綢（女,端影）

63km--林方浩 (Selangor雪蘭莪)

59.5km--譚賀銘（日得拉）

56km--陳清財（尤侖）

56km--洪桂花（尤侖）

56km--李文星（Bukit Pinang)

56km--Bua Keow(日得拉)

52.5km--黃傅漢（端影）

52.5km--Phuah Chee Kien(Selangor)

52.5km--林僑榮（甲板）

52.5km--陳惠真（尤侖）

52.5km--Yu Song(Penang,檳城）

今年的賽會也獲得以下熱心人士的贊助經費：

RM1000--准拿督鍾清忠

RM500--符朝南女士

RM400--泰山（霹靂）塑膠工業有限公司

RM200--蒲復才先生

RM200--耀輝企業有限公司

RM 200--德興貿易

Results courtesy of Mr. Tey

Stay tune for details of the report.

4 JUNE 2006

Data: 4/6/2006
Time: 0745
Location: Putrajaya
Activity: Cycling (from Dataran Putrajaya to Cyberjaya to trunk road heading towards Dengkil and back to Dataran Putrajaya)
Distance: 40.84 km
Top speed: 40 km/h
Average speed: 20km/h to 30km/h
Timing: 2 hr 32 min

It was almost one month I did not cycle. I told myself that no matter what the condition was I must cycle to Cyberjaya. The condition of the road especially on the motorcycle lane was quite bad on certain stretches. There were rocks and sand on the motorcycle lane. At one part of the motorcycle lane, there was a pothole. I almost fell of from my bike as my bicycle almost hit the pothole. Luckily, I managed to apply the break in time. Along the way, I had to stop 3 times to fix my bicycle chain. I was surprised when I tried to increase my speed after going down hill but the bike could not go fast and when I stopped for a while, I tried to increase my speed but my bike could not go fast although I use the highest gear. Later, I discovered that the bicycle chain had come off from its original position. Perhaps this could be due to changing gear problem (i.e. using wrong gear when ascending or descending).

On my way to Dengkil from Cyberjaya using the trunk road, there were many vehicles speeding along the road. After cycling for a kilometre on the trunk road, I decided not to take the risk to cycle to Dengkil as it was dangerous with many vehicles speeding. I decided to cycle back to Dataran Putrajaya.

Observation

1. Speed getting faster from previous ride but not fast enough for competition.
2. Will try to go for longer distance for the next ride.
3. Level of confidence increased for long ride as my thighs were not tired at all but I had a slight pain on my buttock perhaps due to cycling for more than 40 km for the first time and a long period lay off from cycling.

3 JUNE 2006 - PACEMAKERS' ANNIVERSARY RUN 2

OX Turbo Snail and OX Rocket Turtles team.
Geok Wah from OX Turbo Snail.
Group photos before starting.

Distance: 2.6 km (2 laps) X 4 (Relay)
Location: KLCC Park

Did not participate. Acted as a photographer and reserved (last) runner. Ran for 1 lap for fun in 5 min 43.85 sec before resuming my role as photographer.

To view the rest of the photos, go to http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jasonlfh/my_photos

and select album PAR PHOTOS.

MT. KINABALU PHOTOS

This photo was taken from the flat ground of Laban Rata on 27 May 2006. Trail going down to Mesilau route or Timpohon gate at time 0632.
Morning view of Laban Rata rest house on 27 May 2006 at time 0605.
This photo was taken at Laban Rata on 27 May 2006. Sunrise at time 0601.
This photo was taken at the flat ground, infront of Laban Rata rest house on 27 May 2006. Sunrise at Laban Rata at time 0549.
This photo was taken on 27 May 2006 at time 0542. Sunrise at Laban Rata.
This photo was taken from Laban Rata rest house on 26 May 2006 at time 1847. Laban Rata at dusk.
This photo was taken on 26 May 2006 at time 1825. Sun set at Laban Rata.
Photo taken on 26 May 2006 at time 1451. Rapids flowing down from the mountain. This picture was taken from Laban Rata rest house. At that time it was raining heavily.
Photo taken on 26 May 2006 at time 1346. Timpohon trail after 5 km mark and Pondok Villosa.
Photo taken on 26 May 2006 at time 1206. Mesilau trail after 4.5 km mark and Pondok Lompoyou.

To view the rest of the photos, go to my photo album at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jasonlfh/my_photos

and select Sabah Day 1 album to Sabah Day 4 album to view photos.

25 MAY 2006 TO 28 MAY 2006 (UNFULFILLED WISH, SO NEAR YET SO FAR)

25 MAY 2006

Departed from Low Cost Carriage Terminal (LCCT), Sepang to Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu International Airport at time 0700. Arived at Kota Kinabalu after 2.25 hours flight. Travelled around Kota Kinabalu for some shopping before departed to Kinabalu National Park. Arrived at Nabalu, a small town before the Kinabalu National Park at time 1300. Had lunch at a restaurant near the Kinabalu National Park. At time 1445, we departed to Mesilau Resort. Stayed for a night at Mesilau Resort.

26 MAY 2006

Date: 26/5/2006
Time: 0826
Activity: Mountain climbing, Mt. Kinabalu
Distance: 10.72 km from Mesilau Resort to the summit, if you are using the Timpohon gate, the distance is 8.72 km. From Mesilau Resort to Laban Rata resthouse = 8 km, From Timpohon gate to Laban Rata resthouse = 6 km

Height: 4,095.2 metres (13,435 feet)
Location: Mesilau trail, Mesilau Resort
Mission: To reach the summit the next day before the sun rises
Who: Fang Hau, Tony Quay, Francis Toh, Kelvin Lee, Toh Saw Gin, Michael Siow, Elyna Tan, Lim Ho Ming, Lee Li Li, Agnes Chong, Ong Yong Sen and Yong Kar Leong
Equipment: Hiking boots, knapsack, windbreaker, poncho, sweater, torchlight and digital camera

It has been my wish to witness the sunrise from Low’s peak since my first attempt in 1995. This was my third time attempting this mountain. In 1995 and 1996, I managed to reach the summit but missed the sun rise as my pace was too slow and at that time I was not physically fit.

This time, we were allowed to hike at our own pace (we need not go in one group) as everyone has different level of fitness. The journey from Mesilau trail started at time 0826. The first 1.5 km was an uphill and followed by downhill after the distance. After 1 km, there was a shelter, Pondok Schima. Stopped there to have breakfast and snap some photos. Later, the journey continued to the next shelter, Pondok Bambu located after the 2 km mark. Arrived at Pondok Bambu at time 0933. Stopped there to have early lunch and snap some photos.

The journey continued to the next shelter, Pondok Nepenthes, located after 2.5 km mark. Arrived at Pondok Nephentes at time 1014. Stopped there for some food and snap photos. Later, continued the journey to the next shelter, Pondok Tikalod located after 3.5 km mark. Arrived at Pondok Tikalod at time 1044. Stopped there for some food and snap photos.

After the fourth stop, I decided to increase my hiking pace from a relax pace to average pace. Arrived at Pondok Lompoyou, located after the 4.5 km mark, at time 1156. Stopped there to snap photos and later continued the journey to the next shelter, Pondok Magnolia, located after 5.5 km mark. Stopped there to nap photos and later continued the journey to the T-junction. In 1995 and 1996, the T-junction did not exist and the Mesilau route was opened after year 2000.

At the T-junction, if you turn left, you will come down to Timpohon Gate. If you turn right, you will reach Laban Rata rest house. After reaching the T-junction, I felt bored with the hike to Laban Rata as the view was not that nice as compared to the Mesilau route. I felt bored and decided to listen to my MP3 player while hiking. The songs really motivated me to keep on going at a faster pace. I won’t listen to MP3 player if going for hiking at other mountain as it is too risky to do so. Arrived at the next shelter, Pondok Villosa, located after the T-junction and 4.5 km mark of the Timpohon trail, at time 1337. Decided to snap some photos before continuing to the next shelter.

Later, I continued my journey to the next shelter, Pondok Paka, located after 5 km mark of the Timpohon trail. Arrived at Pondok Paka at time 1400. Decided to snap some photos before continuing the journey. Fifty metres before reaching Laban Rata rest house, there was a sudden heavy rain. I did not have sufficient time to retrieve my poncho. When I retrieved my poncho from my knapsack, my body was already wet due to exposure to the rain. At that time, the weather was cold and I was sweating. Arrived at Laban Rata rest house at time 1438. Had my second lunch and then slept for a few hours. Later in the evening, I woke up to witness the sun set and had my dinner. I slept at time 2000.

27 MAY 2006

When I woke up, I had headache. I still remember in 1995 and 1996 when I reach Laban Rata rest house, I had headache and I took Panadol. The next day, I was fine and I managed to continue up to Low’s peak. This time early in the morning, I had headache. I guess it could be due to the cold I caught as a result of body exposure to heavy rain before reaching Laban Rata rest house yesterday. I really wanted to climb up to Low’s peak to witness the sunrise. I could still remember clearly what my teacher cum outdoor instructor, Mr. Zolkifly Abdul Majid, mentioned to the students in 1995. “If you have fever or headache, never ever attempt to climb this mountain as it may cause you further complications.” I decided not to take the risk in hiking up beyond Laban Rata as it I did not want to cause any further complication to myself and Tony (the team leader and organiser). After having my breakfast, I was even advised by one of the guide to rest and not to proceed when I was seeing other team members departing from Laban Rata rest house to the summit. At that time, I told myself that the question of reaching the summit was not so important. What was important was my own safety. I guess I made the right choice of not going up the summit when I had headache.

After resting for a few hours, I woke up at time 0500 and prepared myself to witness the sunrise from Laban Rata. The sun began to rise at time 0545. The view was magnificent. The weather in the morning was quite cold around 9 degree celcious. At time 0745, I was in the rest house to wait for the rest of the members to arrive. Had my lunch at time 1045. With the permission from Tony, at time 1059, I departed from Laban Rata rest house to Timpohon gate. I just wanted to reach Timpohon gate as fast as possible. So I decided to run instead of walking down. On the way down from Laban Rata rest house to the T-junction, the trail was slippery (due to rain) and steep. I could not run but only descend at a fast pace. It took me almost an hour from Laban Rata rest house to reach the T-junction. After that, I ran all the way down to Timpohon gate. Arrived at Timpohon gate at time 1252. Had to wait for a few hours (I guess three to four hours) for the rest of the members to reach Timpohon gate.

Later departed to Poring Hot Spring (my third time coming to this place) to stay overnight at the hostel.

28 MAY 2006

Woke up in the morning at time 0745 went to the hot spring to soak my legs inside. Later had breakfast. The next activity was hiking to the canopy walk. Departed from Poring Hot Spring at time 1120. Arrived at Kota Kinabalu at time 1330 to have seafood lunch. Later went to Filipino market to shop around. Left Terminal 2 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport at time 1850 for Kuala Lumpur. Arrived at LCCT, KLIA at time 2103.

Notes:

I managed to recall some of my experience in climbing Mt. Kinabalu (first mountain climbing trip) in 1995 from my log book. Here is the summary of my experience.

Date: 29/11/1995
Location: Timpohon gate
Start time: 0820
Distance: 8.72 km from Timpohon gate to the summit

Height: 4,101 metres (13,455 feet) (at that time that was the height of the recognised height of the mountain before it was measured using sophisticated equipment a few years later)

Timpohon gate to First Trail Shelter (Kandis Shelter) (15 minutes) (time 0820 to 0835) passing through Carson Falls and rested for a minute.

First Trail Shelter (Kandis Shelter) to Second Trail Shelter (Ubah Shelter) (12 minutes) (time 0836 to 0848).

Second Trail Shelter (Ubah Shelter) to Third Trail Shelter (Lowii Shelter) Arrived at time 0917.

Third Trail Shelter (Lowii Shelter) to Fourth Trail Shelter (Carson Camp, now called Mempening Shelter) Arrived at time 1002. After the third shelter onwards, had to use walking stick provided by the guide as my legs were too tired.

Fourth Trail Shelter (Carson Camp) to Fifth Trail Shelter (Villosa Shelter) Arrived at time 1047. Rested for five minutes.

Fifth Trail Shelter (Villosa Shelter) to Sixth Trail Shelter (Paka Cave Shelter) (50 minutes) (time 1052 to 1142)

Sixth Trail Shelter (Paka Cave Shelter) to Laban Rata rest house Arrived at time 1300.

Total time taken: 4 hr 40 min

Temperature: 15 degree celcius

Date: 30/11/1995
Location: Laban Rata rest house
Start time: 0300
Arrive time at Low’s peak: 0617
Time taken: 3 hr 17 min
Temperature: 3 degree celcius

Low’s Peak to Laban Rata rest house (2 hr 10 min) (Time 0700 to 0910)

Laban Rata rest house to Timpohon gate (2 hr 20 min) (Time 1020 to 1240)

I lost my log book for the 1996 expedition. What I could remember was I took almost 6 hours from Timpohon gate to Laban Rata rest house on 28/12/1996. The next day, the journey started at time 0300 and I arrived at the summit at time 0700. From Laban Rata rest house, I took 2 hr 9 min to reach Timpohon gate. I only walked down at a faster pace.

This time I took 1 hr 53 min from Laban Rata rest house to Timpohon gate. I ran down most of the time.

Although the Mesilau route was 2 km extra, the view from the Mesilau route was magnificent as compared with the Timpohon trail.

It has been almost 11 years since my first attempt and this was my first time I did not reach the summit due to conditions beyond my control. I have yet to witness the sunrise from Low’s peak. I don’t know when I will be able to do so in the future.

To me the question of witnessing the sunrise from the summit is not important as the safety aspect is the most important consideration. If you are not feeling well, do not take the risk in climbing. There is still another chance in the future.

I’ll be back to this mountain again one day. I’ll keep on trying until I manage to fulfil my wish of witnessing the sun rise from Low’s peak.