"You might have climbed TM's corporate ladder, but have you climbed up the stairs of KLTower?" Hehehehe. I might ask this question one day to TM's management!
Last Sunday, for a fee of RM25, I tortured myself, together with 3,000 other participants in the 8th edition of KL Towerthon. An experience that I would probably remember for a very long time. This year's event attracted the highest number of participants but being there by yourself, it does make you feel abit lonely. I was on my first 'solo' run as the rest of the gang couldn't make it but I do encourage them to do it next year.
KL Towerthon is a different animal all together. The torture began right from the beginning. From the starting line (opposite the Weld shopping mall), you run up Bukit Nenas hill for one kilometre until you reach the base of the tower. This is where I made a mistake, sapping alot of energy by running among the front pack runners! What was I thinking?? I thought it could give me an advantage to avoid heavy traffic. I was wrong...
eager to go...where it all began...
By the time I reached the entrance to the stairwell, I was still comfortable as I began to take 3 steps at a time. But I didn't know what to expect..although I know ahead of me are 2,000 more steps, leading up to the observatory deck, 288 metres above ground level. I continued with 3 steps strategy and even passed the 1st water station without stopping.
There was heavy traffic for the first couple of floors so I had to zig zag pass the slow climbers. I tried pushing myself further but eventually, my pace was reduced to walking. So at the 3rd water station, I stopped and literally sat against the wall, hyperventilating. I finished a bottle of water and took some time to regain my strength. I sat next to a participant who was motionless for a very long time! I got worried for awhile!
Condition was difficult. The stairwell, although well lit but very confined. Definitely not for those who are claustrophobic. Ventilation was OK but when you're running, at that altitude, you get to feel the effects of low oxygen. I felt like throwing up at times, gasping for fresh air. I stopped at every water station passed midway and each time, I took longer time to recuperate. I drank water not more than needed, just enough to quench my thirst.
climbing up the winding stairs...at dizzying heights!
At the final section, I was very close to crawling. I couldn't wait to get out of that hole. The beeping sound from the finishing mat couple of floors away encouraged me for a final push. Final assault taik kucing!...My mind said Go! Go! Go!. But my body was already like sayor pak choy. I felt I was not only dragging my legs but was also pulling my lungs and liver on the stairs.
Crossing the finishing line was sweet. Unlike a street marathon, you could use the downhill stretch for some breather. But this race is going uphill or should I say upstairs, gravity defying all the way. It took me 50 minutes from start to finish. The winner that day completed the race in a mind boggling 13 minutes and 40 seconds!!! Is that logic at all??? Well, he was from Kenya. Maybe they do this almost like a hobby from where they came from.
lupa nak gigit medal...
They had multiple categories of entry including from the OKU(handicapped) group. I waited after the race to cheer up other runners and hoping to see familiar faces from TM staff category. Unfortunately, I don't know any of them!!
a participant from the OKU category...nothing is impossible!
Not sure whether this would be my last Towerthon. But if I had to do this again, proper preparation is a must. Not for winning but more to survive. Usaha itu tangga kejayaan as they said it in malay. I now have a raw and shocking understanding of that!!
plenty of goodies...another medal for collection..
