The mid week runs were full of anxiety & enthusiasms plus some nervousness which almost gave me a mental block. All midweek runs went well running 4-8-4 miles & weather was perfect.

18-Jan, the Day unfold as early as 4.30am at Lake Garden. We met up, suit up, solat, breakfast with sponsored half Powerbar & off we dashed.

Climbing away from the starting line out of Lake Garden compound was slow & steady, squeezing in between the 1000+ runners through the narrow road, in the dark. It was a breather once we reached Jln Parlimen. My pace was still steady. Along Jln Dato' Onn & Jln Sultan Salahuddin, I was a bit irritated by some jokers shouting among them...too noisy. The 20km runners passed us at Wisma Tani lead by 2 Kenyans & followed by a Polis runner a few seconds behind. Our 1st water station here at 5km mark.

We crossed Mahameru & started climbing into legendary double hill of Bkt Tunku. Still dark. Nizam & me paced ourselves which suddenly we noticed Bacin & Saiful were a few meters back in the dark crowd. They managed to catch up upon reaching "rumah P.Ramlee".

We crossed Jln Duta, felt exciting due to the flat terrain, turn around the Government's Building & reached the 10km mark water station. Bacin & Saiful were nowhere to be seen. Pace was ok.

We headed towards Sri Hartamas, our normal 20km training route but with a 2km detour. Powerbar handed out free Powergels along the route about 1km before the 3rd water station marking the 15km. Popped up the Strawberry Banana gel.

The run back from Sri Hartamas to Jln Duta has started to be a bit distracted with the sun started shining & some breeze along the way. Feet started feeling early signs of fatigue. The Duta water station which we passed earlier marked 20km.

Along the Tijani Condo route, I was tailing Nizam as we slowly climbed the short & long hills. Down we rolled towards the Arab School & a bit of frustration the next & last water station was another 1km. My sub-3 hours goal was not achievable since it was only another 10 minutes left, though my overall target was to finish 3:15. Overtook Azmar who was complaining of thirst. I pushed myself a bit more leaving behind Nizam & Azmar for the water station where I wigged my last Powergel.

The remaining stretch from there through Istana S'gor & Tugu Negara was nothing more than pain in the legs & feet. It was like running on beds of nails. I was also blaming the road crossfalls for the pain. Nizam managed to catch up & lead ahead.

Upon entering Lake Garden compound, I knew that I had to squeeze my last juice from my legs. Upon reaching the roundabout, an official informed of another 400m to go. Engaged to 2nd gear for the uphill & downhill. Dashed for the last 200m welcomed by Azahari who yelled for a picture. Clocked unofficial time 3:08.

Upon stopping, walking felt a bit weird when my legs were stiffed & in pain. Nizam & me tried to walk as we normally do after runs but we managed to walk a few. We spent the remaining time at Lake Garden having hot dog, cendol & drinks while chatting with some friends before leaving for Pelita Bangsar for a more cozy eatery.