I marked the end of my (running) year this morning at the Newton 25KM & 12KM Challenge 2012. I took part in the 12KM category. I met Jean there, together with her colleagues.

The event was held in Bandar Kinrara 5, near the Giant Bandar Kinrara. It was actually a rather small and simple running event – no huge ass booths for sponsors (only a few canopies) like what we’d seen at the KL Marathon and Penang Bridge International Marathon.

The 12KM route was rather tough as it involved a lot of uphill runs. I started running solo after a few KM, leaving Jean behind. Lol. IMO, there were sufficient water stations but I didn’t see a lot of medics on stand-by – only a couple.

The route mainly covered roads in Bandar Kinrara – a huge housing area in Puchong, therefore there were less vehicles. Plus it was 7am on a Sunday morning. I mean, who would be up and about apart from us crazy runners.

I hadn’t run for over two weeks due to hamstring injury. Good thing I recovered in time for the run and with minimal training (only 4KM in past fortnight, with a couple of futsal games), I managed to complete 12KM (though Endomondo app tracked only 11.88KM) at 1 hour 14 minutes and 33 seconds (unofficial time). The last time I did a 11.8KM at Men’s Health & Shape Night Run, it took me 1 hour 17 minutes 20 seconds. Slight improvement, and this run was much more enjoyable cos it was a morning run.

I dislike night runs.

The finisher’s medal looks nice, doesn’t it? :)