The Mizuno Wave Run

On 15 January 2012, some members of the D'Utama Toastmasters Club signed up for the Mizuno Wave Runat UPM. Shi Wei, Sze Ling, Jonathan and Levin decided to try a new way of rocking a Sunday morning! Levin reports on how the going for the 10km was like!

Some of the D'Utama Toastmasters pose with other runners at the end of the Mizuno Wave Run

"On January 15, 2012 I joined my first run in more than 10 years, the Mizuno Wave 10km run. The men’s run started 10 minutes after the women’s. Once the announcer gave the green light, I was pumped with excitement and adrenaline. For the first 10 minutes, I managed to keep running before I had to slow down. As the many runners went past me, to my surprise I saw a couple strolling along with their baby. I thought myself how embarrassing it would be to outrun by a baby. I continued to pick up my pace but somehow one way or another, the baby was always ahead of me throughout the entire run.

Finally after the 3km, I reached the first checkpoint where I enjoyed a quick sip of Mountain Dew. Despite being tired, I continued on, not stopping for breaks. Not seeing the runners from my party, I thought I must be far behind, so I was determined to catch up. When I reached my second checkpoint, one of the guides keep showing the number 6, I was surprised that I managed to reach 6km faster than I expected to.

After the second checkpoint, the third checkpoint seemed like it was just around the next corner. So I kept on running and hopping to catch a glimpse of the finish line. As I approached the end, the final leg of the run involved running up a hill. But because it was so close to end, I did not want to stop for a break. Finally after a 1 hour 27 minutes 42 seconds, I crossed the finish line. Even though running is not exactly my favourite thing to do, I am glad I signed up for this. I would like to thank Jonathan Moh and Hoo Sze Ling for nudging me to sign up, where else before I was lamenting at how I allowed them to convince me into signing!"

(Photograph provided courtesy of Sharon Chrisdee)