Running In The Jungle

Susee (2nd row) & her team of volunteers in the boiler room

Save Our Rainforest Run 2016 (SORR 2016)

Tomorrow, 2,000 participants will be running & walking 15km inside the forest reserve at Sungai Menyala in Port Dickson, and the best part is that we will be planting 1,000 tree saplings. Admittedly, the rate of trees being chopped-down far outweighs the numbers being replanted. However, in reality, it is a monumental task for Non-Governmental Organisations such as the SORR 2016 organiser, PEKA (Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia) to find more sponsors because the relevant Forestry Departments, themselves, are doing practically nothing to prevent powerful Timber Tycoons & Building Barons from destroying our precious Rainforest under the pretext of “development”. Nevertheless, every tree counts, and goodwill events such as SORR 2016 are invaluable to highlighting to the general public regarding the importance of PROTECTING,SAVING & PRESERVING our life-giving flora and fauna for future generations. So, if you are joining us tomorrow, give yourself a big pat on the back for supporting Mother Nature. There are many more ways that we can do our part to preserve our natural resources, and it is even becoming universally cool to save our planet from global-scale man-made destruction of our environment. Won’t it be great if we really walk the talk, and we take accountability for all of our own actions affecting the balance of nature.

Jungle Running Tips

I was requested by PEKA to share some of my key tips on what Save Our Rainforest Run participants can do to make their SORR 2016 experience, whether it is their first or fourth time, more enjoyable and memorable. My tips below are based on my own jungle running experiences and on my previous participation in SORR 2014: My recommendations are by no means exhaustive, and in case of any doubt, you should ultimately contact PEKA for any clarification.

10 Trail Tips

1. Drink, drink & drink some more. Given the current heatwave and the natural sauna-effect of the jungle, keeping yourself hydrated before, during and after our run is of paramount importance. Drinks lots of water the night before. You can bring along a small water bottle and sip periodically during the run. You can also top-up with water at the drink stations provided along the route. After the event, continue to drink water & isotonic drink to aid recovery.

2. Get all your gear ready, especially your bib number and event Tee, and rest well the night before the event.

Mr & Mrs Happy Runner

3. Wear proper hiking or running shoes as the trail will be uneven and sometimes wet.

4. This is not a race. So, run and/or walk briskly according to your level of fitness. If you are not used to exercising, then you should just walk briskly and take a short breaks if you are feeling tired. If you are feeling dizzy or unwell, then immediately notify one of the available medic Personal to assist you.

5. Plan to arrive at the venue at 6:00am or earlier, so that you have time to find a parking space, and enjoy the breakfast provided.

6. Do not leave any cash or valuables in your car or anywhere unattended. Bring a spare change of clothes and slippers in case the trail is muddy.

7. Do take part in the pre-run warm-up session in order to minimise the risk of muscle injuries or cramps later.

8. At flag-off, start slowly and do not push the other Runners. It is a 15km Trail, so there will be plenty of time and space to overtake the slower Runners later.

9. Always work as a team, and help each other complete the various given tasks as efficiently as possible. Never leave your partner behind. Do not veer off the marked course without notifying an official beforehand.

10. Do not litter or damage the surrounding environment. If possible, do pick-up any litter left behind by others.

We Are Environmentalists!

You do not have to be a hardcore tree-hugger to be an environmentalist. If you pick-up other people’s litter, then you are an environmentalist. If you wash your car using rain water, then you are an environmentalist too. Every little bit that we do for the environment counts. I hope that by participating in SORR 2016, we will appreciate Mother Nature more, and it will inspire us to do even more to save and protect our natural treasures.

Corporate Social Responsibility

PEKA has received fantastic support from the corporate sector. However, it takes a lot more resources to continuously educate and promote the Public on the importance of sustainable development without destroying our ecosystem. If you or your company want to find out more on how you can meaningfully help our environment, please contact Susee Ram (PEKA) at +60 16-201 0204.

About The Author

Gus is the Founder of Running Toons and a HIIT Fitness Coach. As a sports writer, he has contributed numerous insightful articles to The Star newspaper, Running Malaysia magazine, Cycling Malaysia magazine, Cycling Evolution magazine, Swim Bike Run magazine and more. LIKE Happy Runner and follow gusghani @Instagram.