Daily Log 21 May 2011 - getting ready for my 5th running event, The 7km Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Azlan Shah 2011

The Bridge where we'll be running DAILY LOG 21 MAY 2011 PRE RACE PREP THE 7KM LARIAN HARI KEPUTERAAN SULTAN AZLAN SHAH 2011 I have arrived at Kuala Kangsar, the venue of the Inaugural Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Azlan Shah 2011. This run is held in celebration of the 83rd birthday of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah. A remarkable age for a remarkable man and I am happy to join in the celebration.

Welcome poster I am registered for the 7km event which has a cut off time of 60 minutes. The last time I ran a 7km was at the FT Day Run (which also happened to be my first ever running event). At that race, I managed a time of 63 minutes, 3 minutes outside the cut off time for the race tomorrow. I feel good and optimistic about going under 60 minute tomorrow. Once we checked into the Riverside Resort (a stone's throw away from the Start and Finish line) we decided to survey the route to see what it's like. I'm happy to say that it's quite flat and friendly except for 2 inclines which shouldn't be too difficult to negotiate. Each km of the route is clearly marked which is a first for me. Race organizers usually marked halfway points so this is a nice touch and gives me the opportunity to really pace myself.

The finish line I had the chance to look at the Start and Finish line and I have to say they look impressive. The organizers are putting the finishing touches to the venue and I'm told that there's going a carnival mood throughout the event. Going out to town I can see lots of 'unfamiliar' faces, unfamiliar with the town that is. It's like the while town of Kuala Kangsar is invaded by men and women in tights and dry fit t-shirts. A lot of them also brought their bikes (wish I had brought mine). It looks like it's going to be a real fun affair tomorrow.

So for His Majesty DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah, Happy Birthday and I hope for many more in the future. About Reza Ali Reza Ali Reactivated tells of the journey of Reza Ali as he embarks on transforming himself from a 120kg (35kg overweight) 46 inch waist unhealthy and unfit person to someone who can compete in a triathlon. Don't be afraid to dream. Take action. Correct your mistakes. Learn from failures. Bit by bit, you will get closer to your dream. If I Can Do It, So Can You..... Come and support Reza by joining theReza Ali Reactivated Fan Page on Facebook