Run #2736 at Unknown

Today marked my debut as GM, with our runsite located at the northeastern coast of Penang Island – quite a distance from our usual haunts and also my humble abode. Being a public holiday tomorrow coupled with school holidays, I decided to head off early to beat the traffic. Murphy's Law being what it is, the traffic was suspiciously smooth, and I found myself parked at site by 4pm for a 5.30pm start. But early is always better than late, so I happily sat in my air-conditioned office-on-wheels, multitasking on my phone until 5pm before slowly getting myself ready for my new responsibilities. The weather was still blazing when circle was called. After a few words from our hare, we were off! About 10 members bravely headed up the designated trail while the rest did their own thing – some movement beats no movement at all, as we always say. My regular hiking partner (aka my shadow) was MIA today, but luckily a temporary new shadow appeared and accompanied me throughout, with plenty of chit-chat along the way. What a wonderful opportunity to connect with one of our younger members – fresh blood in our club. Here's hoping for many more new faces to join our merry band! The designated route stretched about 4km, which took me one and a half hours to complete. And what a trail it was! Felt as fun and thrilling as zooming down a slide, working up a sweat like playing in the rain. Truly superb running. Bravo to our hare for today's excellent effort. Dinner arrived in the form of authentic Thai cuisine that set all our bodies ablaze – in the most delicious way possible! Post-dinner circle was called for our customary down-downs. We welcomed today's special guest from East Malaysia, whom we normally only meet during school holidays – always a pleasure to see her again. After two charges for both my shadows (old and new), our hare was summoned to ice for laying such a fantastic run, preparing that mouth-watering meal, and subsidising our beer. Fellowship flowed freely after circle closed. Next week's run at Waterfall Big Car Park, same time. See you all there! ON ON!