Hello everyone. This is indeed
a surprise and am honored to be asked to submit a simple write-up about my
running journey. Thank you Captain Ronnie See for the opportunity and
invitation to Pacemakers Malaysia.
My name is Eugene Chan Chew Jin
from Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Currently, I am residing in Klang. I’m 42 years
old (2020) and had started taking part in running events since 2012. My main
objective was to have a healthy lifestyle and keep in shape as I noticed I was
slowly putting on weight. I still recall my running friend from Klang, Dennis
Teng and Mr. Lim Tow Suan (KPAC), asking me to join the Brooks Half Marathon
2012 @ Bukit Jalil National Stadium. I did the 10k event in 53 minutes…not a
bad start!! That was the beginning of my running journey as I participated in
events from time to time. It took a turn for the worse in Aug 2015 when I was
rewarded my first podium (Men Open No.9, AXA Hearts in Action Run @ Setia Alam)
and an anterior tibial stress fracture on the left leg. It took me about 6
months to recover (no running) and was limited to physiotherapy and
subsequently core workouts. It took me another 3 months to be where I was
performance wise prior to the injury. Quite frustrating to say the least as was
always itching to run, but at least I knew the lay-off was better for the
long-term. A few things I learned, one is to replace worn out shoes
(1,000-1,200km max mileage), do not over stress the body but instead gradually
increase the mileage, and eat the right food with sufficient calcium and
supplements.
Throughout 2015 and 2016, my
race times was slowly improving. Partly is because I increased my weekly
running mileage and kept it consistent (5 runs per week). The other part was
also reading a lot of running material and getting lots of advices from more
seasoned and elite runner….elites like you! I was elevated when I managed a sub
4 hour in my first FM in SCKLM16….a big highlight for me till this day.
2017 was a breakout of sorts as
my times started to improve further. I was running about 200km per month as
mileage. For events, I run anything from 5k to HM, but occasionally will do the
odd 30k and FM. I even did a 50k at Titi Ultra 2017 where I literally limped
home after the 25k mark and finished 8th. Probably my last ultra
event ever – scared and painful!!!.
In the 2H 2018, I was
“promoted” to Men’s veteran category. Fortunately for me, it made it a little
bit easier to get into podiums as the field was smaller and we older guys don’t
have to go head to head with the young guns from the Open category.
And for 2019 with an average of
300km+ mileage a month, it has been my busiest year to date with 27 events
after removing the 5 that was canceled/postponed. It is also my most successful
year for me as I had achieved all my PBs in 5K, 10k, 15k, HM, 25k and 30k. Only
bump but inexcusable for me, no sub 4 for KLSCM19 as I screwed up my strategy.
Below is the list of events I
took part in 2019.
|
Running Events - 2019
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|
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No.
|
Date
|
Running Event
|
Distance
|
|
|
1
|
19/01/19
|
Spring Run 2019
|
6K
|
|
|
2
|
27/01/19
|
FMM 50th Anniversary Run 2019
|
10K
|
|
|
3
|
23/02/19
|
YCW Run 2019
|
6K
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
03/03/19
|
Kong Hoe Fun Run 2019
|
8K
|
|
|
6
|
31/03/18
|
Key Power Sports Run 2019
|
25K
|
|
|
7
|
07/04/19
|
Mizuno Wave Run 2019
|
HM
|
|
|
8
|
13/04/19
|
Score Night Run #1
|
HM
|
|
|
9
|
21/04/19
|
2019 BSP 12K Run
|
12K
|
|
|
10
|
27/04/19
|
Natura Run For Hope 2019
|
HM
|
|
|
11
|
05/05/19
|
VOMOS Challenge Klang 2019
|
6K
|
|
|
12
|
12/05/19
|
PAR15 Series #1
|
3K
|
|
|
13
|
25/05/19
|
Gravit8 Furmily Run
|
1K
|
|
|
14
|
16/06/19
|
Dragon Back Run 2019
|
HM
|
|
|
15
|
23/06/19
|
Rock to Rock Run 2019
|
10K
|
|
|
16
|
30/06/19
|
Tanjong Sepat Cross Country Charity Run 2019
|
12K
|
|
|
17
|
07/07/19
|
Seremban Half Marathon
|
HM
|
|
|
18
|
14/07/19
|
IJM Allianz DUO Highway #1 - NPE Challenge
|
HM
|
|
|
19
|
28/07/19
|
Score Day Run #2
|
10K
|
|
|
20
|
04/08/19
|
Saucony Run Malaysia 2019
|
30K
|
|
|
21
|
18/08/19
|
CICM 10th Responsible
Care Run 2019
|
HM
|
|
|
22
|
24/08/19
|
IJM Allianz DUO Highway #2 - Besraya Challenge
|
13K
|
|
|
23
|
01/09/19
|
Extra Joss Extra Half Marathon
|
HM
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
29/09/19
|
SCKLM2019
|
FM
|
|
|
27
|
06/10/19
|
5th EventBiz Charity Run 2019
|
15K
|
|
|
28
|
20/10/19
|
MPKJ Half Marathon 2019
|
10K
|
|
|
29
|
03/11/19
|
We Love Klang Run 2019
|
6K
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
|
01/12/19
|
Sekinchan Ultra 2019
|
30K
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
|
I’m not sure if I will improve
further or not for 2020 and beyond, but one thing I can be certain is that as
long as we remember our original objectives (ie. staying healthy n injury free,
meeting friends, run happy etc..), it is already a huge achievement. Podiums
are just bonuses. The greatest competitor in the competition is oneself. If you
have given your best, that’s all that matters. There is no short-cuts in
running, or in life for that matter….we just have to keep giving our best and
keep staying true.
See you guys in soon and keep
those advices coming!!!!
brought 2u by Eugene Chan @ PM13
Facebook : click here!
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