2003 January - February

President's Column | Announcements | Articles

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

War Chest
On our first Exco Meeting for 2003 on 8th January 2003, our treasurer Chen KS tabled the draft accounts to the Committee. It is remarkable that we are able to have our draft accounts for the year ending 31st December 2002 tabled by the second week of January 2003. In fact a draft copy was already extended to me as early as the evening of 31st December 2002 itself. Well done Chen! PACM sets the pace in everything we do, including drafting accounts. Going through the accounts, we are indeed proud of ourselves; we have a surplus of RM22,000 compared to a mere breakeven position the previous year! The contributing factors to the healthy surplus are larger cash sponsorship, larger member base, lower expenses (in particular the racing team) and a healthy third source of income via event organizing, advertisement in the Footloose, sale of books, sale of shoes, sale of Power Bars and the revenue from outstation logistics for members. You can scrutinize the numbers from the detailed accounts that have sufficient disclosures. The best thing of them all, is that we have no debtors and no creditors; ie we collected all our dues and paid off all our creditors as at year end. What's left on the balance sheet are just RM76,000 cash and RM4,000 stocks on the assets side.

The cash we hold, or war chest as I call it, would give us the flexibility as we move deeper into event organizing as our strategic initiative. In the past, we normally do not dare to commit an event unless and until we have the sponsors lined up. Now we are able to commit while waiting for the sponsors to come back. This is a great relief from the management angle as we can dictate the pace towards the successful implementation of an event. I will discuss further in the next paragraph how we now make full use of this new financial strength to leverage ourselves.

Of Club's Sponsorship & Event Sponsorship
Last September and October, we discussed the strategic direction of the club based on a working paper written by Munning Jamaludin. Among the key decisions taken were :
" We want to be more financially independent
" We want to have an event under our name and move deeper into event management.
These two decisions led us to make certain decisions towards sponsorship. In the last two years, sponsorship monies are higher than membership fees and therefore, we need to manage down our dependence on sponsorship in the years to come. We have started developing a third source of income in 2002 as outlined in the earlier paragraph but it is still small in relation to sponsorship. We would need to build on this third source of income. With all these objectives and strategies in mind, we have decided to have a two-tier sponsorship for 2003. Tier One shall be club sponsorship involving cash and kind and Tier Two shall be Event Sponsorship. We also realistically take one more consideration that an event manager would inevitably have to work with different shoes distributors in different events. Therefore, we must not have a shoes distributor as the Tier One sponsorship (Club's Sponsor) to avoid any potential conflict of interests. With all these reasons we made a bold decision of not inviting New Balance / Stream Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd to continue as the club's sponsor. Accordingly, we invited Milo and Awana to continue as our club's joint sponsors and they both agreed to our proposal. On 21st January 2003, we sealed the sponsorship for 2003 with Milo and Awana. We would like to put on record our thanks to New Balance / Stream Enterprise for supporting the club for the last four year since 1999. We still hope to work with them as an event sponsor of which opportunities are plentiful.

Having firmed up our club's sponsorship, we worked quickly to invite sponsorship for our events up to May 2003. We sent out our two main events to a number of potential sponsors on 9th January 2003 testing the market for the first time on this new sponsorship concept of the club. We are extremely happy to note that by 27th January 2003 we received offers from a few key sponsors. That night, the Exco had a special meeting to allocate the sponsorship and we decided to award the 4 x 3km Road Relay to adidas as title sponsor and Milo as main sponsor. Our inaugural 15km Run goes to Nike as title sponsor with Milo and Awana as main sponsors. As for the smaller events, we did not go through a mass invitation and instead we awarded it on a negotiated basis, with Brooks taking the Bonding Breakfast Run on 23rd Feb 2003. At the time of writing this we are still waiting for the response from another shoes distributors on our Youth Track Challenge on 8th March 2003. 100PLUS made a comeback to the club and have agreed to provide drinks for all the PACM events for 2003. This is indeed a very good start for the club as we have proven we are bankable to the sponsors as an event manager. What we need to do now is to make a success of all the events we organize and ensure that all parties, sponsors, partners and runners are happy in their association with us. This is important, as the continued support from all parties would depend on how we manage these events. I would need to call on many of you to volunteer your services to help out the club in these events in the months to come. So don't try to avoid me…………

Moving on from the event sponsorship, we would also negotiate for discounts from the shoe distributors. So far Brooks have confirmed a 30% off, using their loyalty card. We are arranging to issue the Brooks' Loyalty Card at the Brooks' Pacesetters Bonding Breakfast Run on 23rd February 2003 with an introduction to their products. For a start, only the 707 members with their expiry dates June 2003 and later would get the Brooks' Loyalty cards. The rest of the members would get their cards when they renew their membership. We are actively working with adidas and Nike for similar arrangements.

PACM's Spirit
When I first mooted the idea of a 30km practice run in the Peer Support Program, it did not occur to me that we need to organize a full blown run with drinks stations and all. It was a call from Yew Chee Chung 10 days before the event on the importance of doing it properly. Even after the call I was still reluctant as I thought I might not be able to garner the number of helpers in such a short time. Thinking it through the next half-hour helped me to decide that Chee Chung was absolutely right and I called him back to confirm that we will do it. That Sunday (12th Jan 2003) I called a short meeting before the talk by Dr. William Chan and to my surprise we have more than enough helpers. For the record, Yew Chee Chung, Lawrence Lim, Gary Goh, Carina Tan, Uncle SH Tan, Jimmy Tong & son, Andrew, Ken Kan, Gerald Pereira, Chan Wing Kai, Sonny Ng and Jenny Leong helped in the event. Most of them switched their long runs to Saturday and in the case of Lawrence and Gary, they were injured but willing to get up at 3.30am, reporting to me at 4.30am to man the water stations. Datuk Dina Rizal too gave us his support by providing Power Bars and Gel for the run. Datuk Dina came in at 4.30am to speak to the runners about the use of Power Bars in marathons and he was most impressed with the turnout (132 runners) and the way PACM organized things to support our fellow members and a handful from the public. I think it is a foregone conclusion that we need to do a similar 30km practice run on 11th May 2003 for those going for the marathon in the Penang International Bridge Run. Thank you and I had great satisfaction organizing this practice run.

On 2nd February 2003 (2nd day of Chinese New Year) we had our usual Sunday morning run. After the run, we went to measure the route for the Nike Pacesetters 15km using a map drawn by Munning; David Lee on his racing bike, Gerard Pereira on his motor cycle and Phoon YH and I in my car. The following Saturday (8th February 2003) I went on the route again with Munning to measure the route with more accuracy, deciding on the exact start/finish location, the 5 & 10km point for the drink stations and to finalize the route map. The route is now officially measured and it is 14.8km. The following week Munning went on to measure the route for the adidas 4 x 3km Road Relay. I worked through the Chinese New Year to draft out the entry forms and worked closely with our ever-reliable printer, Francis Cheng/Kenneth Choo. Wan Azlan (our former national swimmer) of adidas did his part with the cover design for the 4 x 3km in double quick time. If everything goes right over the next few days, we would be releasing both forms at the KL Marathon on 16th February 2003………….a true story of PACM's spirit.

Wan Yew Leong - 13th February 2003 | wanyl@alliancebg.com.my

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Purchase of New Balance Products
Stream Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd via their New Balance specialist shop at Bukit Bintang would continue to extend their 40% discount on New Balance products at their outlet in Bukit Bintang Plaza (LGF 007, Lower Ground Floor, Tel: 03-21489671) until further notice. A new batch of stock has arrived; NB 716 and 831. Please produce your membership card for identification.

Purchase of Brooks’ Products
We have arranged for Brooks to issue Loyalty Cards to all our members. The Loyalty Cards holders shall be entitled to 30% discount for Brooks’ products in designated outlets. The first batch of 707 Loyalty cards was issued to members with expiry date June 2003 and later at the Brooks’ Pacesetters Bonding Breakfast Run on 23rd February 2003. Thereafter the next batch would be issued as and when members renew their subscriptions.

Sale of Power Bar & Gel
The club has been appointed an official stockist for Power Bars. We are selling at 15% discount from the approved retail price (Protein Plus Bar at RM7.60, Energy Bar at RM6.00 and Gel at RM4.60) As these are items with expiry dates, only Jimmy Tong, Phoon YH and Wan are keeping them. We would normally bring them to sell after our Sunday runs. Area Groups may order them via Phoon, Jimmy or Wan.

Renewal Notice
We have more than 300 Members with their membership expiring on December 2002. The renewal notices have been sent out individually in early December 2002 and you should have received them. You are requested to renew your membership with your respective group leaders or direct to the club by mail. Members with their membership expiring December 2002 would have their Footloose discontinued after March 2003 if renewal is not received by then. It is not necessary to send your existing card for renewal.

Sale of Power Bar & Gel
The club has been appointed an official stockist for Power Bars. We are selling at 15% discount from the approved retail price (Protein Plus Bar at RM7.60, Energy Bar at RM6.00 and Gel at RM4.60). As these are items with expiry date, only Jimmy Tong and Phoon YH are keeping them. We would normally bring them to sell after our Sunday runs. Area Groups may order them via Jimmy.

Renewal Notice
We have more than 300 Members with their membership expiring on December 2002. The renewal notices have been sent out individually in early December 2002 and you should have received them. You are requested to renew your membership with your respective group leaders or direct to the club by mail. Members with their membership expiring December 2002 would have their Footloose discontinued after March 2003 if renewal is not received by then. It is not necessary to send your existing card for renewal.

Card Replacement
Members who lost their cards or want a new card during renewal instead of a renewal sticker label are required to pay RM5 for a new card.

New Membership Cards
There are several members that we have not produced their new cards because we have not received their photographs. Please send your photographs with your name and PACM number written at the back of the photograph to Cik Hazlinda Hashim, 111, Jalan Rasmi, Taman Rasmi Jaya, 68000 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Pewter Key Chains
Pewter key chains at RM8 per piece are available for sale to members. The key chains were ordered in conjunction with the recent track meet. These are collectors’ items as we are not going to repeat orders for this design. Those interested can check with their Group Leaders or contact Sonny Ng.

Club’s 2002 Running Vest
Limited stock of running vest, grey and orange (Ultra Man Color) are now available for sale (retail at RM38 per set). No rerun for this model and it shall be collector’s item. Stockists are Jimmy Tong, Phoon YH, Sonny Ng & Wan YL.

Club’s 2003 Yellow T-shirt
The club’s yellow T-shirt for 2003 is for sale at RM12 per piece. Limited stock left, with Sonny Ng and Jimmy. We would like to see all PACM members wearing the club yellow T-shirt after the run and during prize giving.

Advertisement in the Footloose
In order to earn some income for the club, we are soliciting advertisements for the Footloose. Our rates are;

· Cost of production plus RM160 – full page color
· RM200 – full page black and white
· RM120 – half page black & white

For advertisers who advertise a full page, they shall be given one opportunity to market their products during our functions such as breakfast runs. Interested advertisers may contact the editor. (The club reserves the right to reject any advertisement without disclosing the reasons) Those interested, please contact our Editor Munning Jamaludin (03-79828757 office) or Ms Lee Kim Ying at the same office.

Beginners’ Group for Sunday Runs
There will be a beginners’ group on Sundays starting at 6.30AM at Bukit Aman Car-park, and it will be led by Phillip Chew and Hazlinda Hashim. Even walkers are welcomed to join this group. This group is for those who don’t want to run long distances, and who want to have a relaxing Sunday morning jog or walk. Perhaps 3km or 5km. Please see Activity Page for contact numbers.

Photographs for Sale
Chan Wing Kai has been taking photographs of the club’s activities and members during races. These photographs are available for sale at RM1.00 each for 4R size. Please contact Chan to view the photos and to order from him, or your Area Group Leaders if you are picking any photos from the Footloose. Chan can be contacted at 012-3990766.

Club’s CD – images of 2002
The club has produced a CD of more than 120 pictures of the various club’s activities in 2002 (Power Point) at RM10 per copy. You can actually print your pictures direct from this CD at home with a color printer. Those interested can order from Munning Jamaludin.

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ARTICLES
1st 30K Training Run | Summer Running in Sydney

1st 30K Training Run by Sonny Ng
The Club has passed its test in organizing the first ever 30km long run for participants of the KLIM; for members and nonmembers alike.

After the usual Sunday runs, a group of us will go for our breakfast. Sometimes the President, in spite of his busy schedule will also join us. On one of this breakfast morning he mentioned about wanting to organize a 30km run for the members, as the last long run in their training before they taper off. I was sure the President was glad that most of us agreed with his suggestion! That started his “machinery” rolling. Nestle was called in to support the run by supplying the “POWERBAR” bars/gels for the runners. Positive ideas and suggestions were noted and acted upon by the President. Many, like Jenny (my missus) and I, who would not be running the Marathon, volunteered spontaneously to assist in one way or another to ensure that the 30km run will “kick-off” without a hitch.

Days before the Sunday run, The Star published an announcement by the President that the public can also join in the run. Come “D-Day” Jenny and I arrived at the Bukit Aman car part at 0445 hours. The “sea of people” took us aback. “Ayoo!” my wife exclaimed. “So many people one ahh!”. Datuk Dinah was already given a briefing on the benefits of the POWERBAR bar/gel. KK Oon led the warming up exercise before the start of the run at 0500h sharp. Being a 2-time Marathoner myself, my adrenalin was also pumping when I witnessed the large group of runners begin their run.

Some 5 minutes after the runners left, our dedicated Photographer, Chan took us along to the first “Refreshment station” which was located close to the Selangor Properties Apartments along Jalan Langgak Timur(it was also the 15km, 25km “Water-Holes”). Before we left the Car Park, a new member who came late hopped into Chan’s car, followed by another car that was bringing 3 teenagers. We drove to Jalan Tun Ismail and dropped them in front of the French school to join the rest. These people were about 12 minutes late. Jimmy, Chee Chung and a few member volunteers manned the first station. Both Jenny and I joined in to assist to get the cups filled and handing the water to the runners while Chan was busy “shooting”. At this station almost all runners received their water and continued on their way without stopping. Some even passed this station without drinking. At this juncture, I would like to urge runners not to pass-up any water station. It’s also a training to rehydrate. You have got to let your bodies get accustom to it and you will never regret it.

When the bulk of the runners had passed, its time for us to get ahead of them at the second station, which was located at the Sri Hartamas Petronas station. Carina, Kan and Gerard were the people in charge. We got into our act again when the runners arrived. Giving them encouraging words, passing drinking water to them. One of our member had even asked me for embrocation which I replied in the negative. This station closed at about 0630 hours. Chan drove us to visit the “Sel. Prop. “ Station again to help for sometime before we proceeded to the 20km “Water-Station” which was located at the Memorial Park and manned by “Uncle” S.H. Tan and Lawrence. Lawrence had to abandoned his first attempt to run a Marathon when he injured his right foot. Smart move fella! In the meanwhile, before the first runner reached the 20km “Water-Point” (Pesiaran Sultan Salahuddin) Chee Chung had already positioned himself just before the turning at the traffic lights along Jalan Palimen to guide the runners (especially the public) to the remaining 10km (the reverse double-hill). Glad you were there, Chee Chung! There were many who asked for directions here after they had quenched their thirst. When most of the runners had passed this post, we returned to the Bkt. Aman Car Park. When I was mingling at the car park with the runners, I came across two familiar faces and decided to make some enquiries pertaining to the KLIM and the 30km organized run.

They were:- Chong Tirk Woay (1675) Age:34 and Ee Kok Kiew (1676) Age:47

Sonny : Is the forthcoming KL Marathon your first?
Chong : This will be my second; I ran the first one at the Penang Bridge Run in 2001!
Ee : The KLIM on the 16/2/03 will be my fourth Marathon run.

Sonny : When did you first started training for this Marathon?
Chong : I started in late November last year!
Ee : My serious training started only in December 2002

Sonny : What was your time when you did your last Marathon?
Chong : Not too good! I returned with a time exceeding 5 hours!
Ee : My last run was in Penang last year and my time was 3 hours 47 mins.

Sonny : Are you both better prepared this time?
Chong : Yes! I am sure I will be doing a sub 4 this time!
Ee : My time will be more or less the same as last year; maybe I may be able to clip off a few more mins.

Sonny : How was your Run this morning?
Chong : I had a good run and I came back strong! I still have some “reserve” to run further!
Ee : Well, I enjoyed my run! After the 30km route I did a few extra km more!

Sonny: Is this your first 30km training run?
Chong : I have done a 30km run prior to this!
Ee : In my preparation for the KLIM, I have run a 27km, 34km and this morning I also ran 34km.

Sonny : Did the Power Bar/Gel help in giving you the extra energy?
Chong : I took only the gel. I think it works!
Ee : Consuming the gel gave me the needed energy but I drank a lot of water along the way.

Sonny : What do you think about the Club organizing such a training run in preparation for the KLIM?
Chong : The club has paved the way for other clubs in the country to follow. I would urge the club to consider holding 2 long distance training runs instead of one to create public awareness of the PACM and the Marathon.
Ee : I am very grateful for the Club to organize such a run for the members and non-members to train together. Holding another long run will drain the club’s operating expenses. Thank you!

Sonny : Do you have any relatives running the KLIM?
Chong : I am alone!
Ee : I have a brother, Kok Jin (1677) Age:38, who will be running the marathon for the first time. He is here this morning and I am pleased with his progress!

Sonny : Ee! Are you coaching your brother for the race?
Ee : Not directly! I gave him a structured program and he just had to follow it.

Sonny : Do you think that there’s room for improvements in the next long run that the Club proposes to prepare runners for the June Penang Bridge Run?
Ee : If the next long run will be also open to non-members, then there should be more directions signposts to alert them of the roads to follow. If there is going to be a press release before the long run, it will help if the route of the run is printed.
Chong : What will happen when something untoward happen to a runner while running (an accident for example), can his/her family make the club liable?

Sonny : On behalf of PACM I wish you both and also Kok Jin all the best in the KLIM.

Good Luck!

Well, that wraps up the interview, anyone for breakfast? finally, lets join hands in giving the Club and the President a victory cheer: “ All For ‘Wan’! And ‘Wan’ For All “

Sonny (1646)
Gasing Hill Area Group

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Summer Running In Sydney by Viviene Kartsounis
Hello from sunny Sydney, and wishing all Pacesetters and their families a happy and prosperous New Year. It seems that the older you get the faster the years fly by, so remember to make the most of 2003 while you can. This last year certainly went by very quickly for us and we have been in Sydney for almost a year now. It has taken the family a while to settle into a new environment, new schools and new jobs, but we can now begin to relax and appreciate what the place has to offer.

As Sydney is such a beautiful city I have decided to entice as many Pacesetters to this part of the world as possible – either for a holiday which could include a few good runs, or for a race, of which there are plenty. For the rest of the year I shall keep you up to date on the Australian weather (to warn you), and the different runs and races in the greater Sydney area, plus the major Australian races happening through-out the year. There will be web sites for you to check all the detailed information and enable you to register for any races that you may be interested in. If it is more expensive as a foreigner then let me know and I will do it from here.

Sydney is lovely at this time of the year, with very varied and unpredictable weather. The long summer days begin at 5.45am, usually cool, (about 18oC), and invigorating for a quick run before work. The daytime maximum temperatures range between 26oC and 43oC, and it can be dry or humid, depending on which way the wind blows. It is very difficult to run in 43oC heat. The sun finally sets at about 8.15pm and it’s a rush to get the kids to bed on time. Sydney is now 3 hours ahead of K.L. time and we move back to a two-hour time difference at the end of March. We have had very little rain this year and the drought and bush fires have been very severe. We have also had a few very smoky days which brings back memories of those face-masked hazy times in K.L. Again, not very good for running.

Running in a new place is always very interesting, and a very good way to get to know the area. I have hooked up with a few running groups, the largest being the Sydney Striders Running Club, who have a very comprehensive running program catering for all levels of runners. Their web site is www.sydneystriders.org.au and they have a number of set runs each month, which are open to all, and which usually cost a few dollars. The main runs are:

1. First Saturday of each month. 10km Time Trial. All results published on their web site. A good competitive run.
   
2. Every Saturday morning (except for Time Trial day). Bush run. 10 to 15km from a different location each week. A small dedicated group who run at a good pace, but never leave anyone behind.
   
3. Every Sunday. From 6am (staggered starting times). 15 to 30km. A different route each week with all information and maps on the web site. These Sunday runs are as social as you wish them to be. The slower groups stop for water every 5kms or so, then wait for the group to re-gather before continuing. The more serious groups start a little later, talk less and finish sooner. As there are so many runners it’s best to start with the slower group and then just latch on to the group that suits you as the run progresses. The runners range in age from teenagers to 60 year olds and the friendship and support is great. This is a great way to see the different suburbs of Sydney. Most courses have a few tough hills - so be warned!
   
4. Mid-month. Sydney Marathon Clinic. 21km, 10km and 5km run/walk. Starts 7am and 7.30am. Have not tried this yet.

There are also many localized runs, which are not advertised, but prosper through word of mouth. I do a tough 12km bush run every Wednesday morning at 5.30am before packing the kids off to school and heading off to work. It’s a tight squeeze but worth the rush. The bush here is very different from the Malaysian jungles, and the snakes and spiders a lot more poisonous! The terrain is usually very rocky with lots of pebbles, and there are often wide fire tracks to follow. The vegetation is much tougher with a different kind of aroma, the noisy birds are very beautiful, and we see an occasional wallaby. One big difference is that the trails are made to be as pedestrian friendly as possible. Steps are often cut into the larger rocks to avoid any treacherous climbing and wooden steps are constructed for steep trails – quite different and quite a surprise when coming from Malaysia. One thing common to both the bush and the jungle is the chance to escape from the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life, to forget the routines and realities that await us in civilization and it’s the best place to sing and no one can hear you. If someone does suddenly appear, then just hum softly to yourself. Go on, give it a try.

I have started a nighttime ladies road running group, and we meet every Thursday at 8pm and run a social 9kms. It’s a small group with varied abilities, but it’s one good and healthy way to keep in touch with friends. We hope to keep it going all through the winter, although that will be tough, and we are all committed to running the Sydney Half Marathon in May. There are a number of good races coming up in 2003 and a wide variety to choose from:

8 March - Blue Mountains Six Foot Track Marathon. 46km. (very tough)
13 April - Canberra Marathon. Very scenic and relatively flat. A favourite for many Sydney runners.
16 – 18 May - Sydney Trailwalker 100km. Organised by Oxfam. 48hours limit for teams of 4. Bush endurance race.
25 May - Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon (popular run with limited entries, so register well in advance)
1 June - Queensland Half Marathon
15 June - Traralgon Marathon, Victoria
6 July - Gold Coast Marathon, Queensland. Popular, scenic and relatively flat. A good excuse for a beach holiday.
14 Sept - Sydney Flora Marathon. 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km. Not so popular - hilly second half!
19 October - Warrumbungle Marathon, N.S.W. 50km, 42.2km and 10km. Off-road run.

The bold events are the Sydney races and detailed information can be obtained from www.coolrunning.com.au

So, if you are planning a vacation in Australia why not squeeze in a run or a race. If you are coming to Sydney then please do not hesitate to contact me and we can meet for one of the runs or races listed above. My e-mail address is available form Wan Yew Leong or Munning, and I would love to meet up with a Pacesetter or two (or six) and catch up on all the news. My thoughts are so often on Malaysia, and especially my running friends there, and my heart is still lost in a jungle somewhere.

Well, that’s all from Sydney today. Hope to see some of you here this year, or next.

Bye for now,

Viviene Kartsounis (Sydney)

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