Personal Fitness

Fitness - the condition of being physically fit

I did a run on the morning of the first day of MCO, 18 March 2020. That time, definition and activity restricted during MCO was not clearly spelled out. Only later that I found out jogging was a prohibited activity under MCO.

During 3 months of MCO, I only manage some simple floor exercise, usually last between 20 to 30 mins. No running, no cycling at all.

55 days later, on 12 May 2020, I did my first run after the lockdown. It was only 5km and it felt like forever. I had to stop to walk twice. 5km used to be short and easy, but it's a different story all together when one is not fit.

It took me 13 runs over the course of  1 month to build back a basic form of fitness. I am very happy to say that I can now run 8km without going breathless, and without the feeling of wanting to stop to walk. I am actually enjoying the run. Over this past 1 month, I have covered 84km with 13 runs. That's an average of 6.46 km each session. The shortest run being 5km, and the longest being 10km.

Fitness requires commitment. It takes consistent cardio workout to maintain. 2 weeks of inactivity is all it takes for it to go away. Then you have to start from zero again to build the fitness back to what you used to have.

I enjoy the feeling of being fit. I want to be able to go out and do outdoor activities and able to enjoy the process. Without fitness, it'll be a torture. The focus then would be to get it over with to end the suffer, than to enjoy the outdoor.

Another half marathon

It's been awhile since I last wrote a post here, 13 months, that's how long it has been. A lot has change since then. I am no longer an engineer. I am not working in corporate world anymore. I am not writing so much anymore. I think I should start collecting memories again, life and experience came and went too fast. I need to slow it down and enjoy it more. So here I am today, trying to start penning again.

So, I have a full marathon race coming soon in 1 month time. I have not been running enough to complete 42km comfortably; i.e. I am under train for this marathon. I have lost my motivation in running. My longest distance so far is 19.5km, prior to this was 15km. Because of that, I sign up for a half marathon to encourage myself to cover longer distance. I haven't been running half marathon races for awhile now, so it is kinda exciting to be running one.

Chin Chin found us a half marathon, it was the Fire Fighter Cyberjaya Night Half Marathon. Wei Koon was also interested so all 3 of us signed up. We travel to KL on Sat morning in Wei Koon's comfy little Jazz. Chin Chin has a pacer photo shoot and pacer briefing in Mid Valley that same day, so we hang out in Mid Valley until her thing is over at 3pm. Then we had a short rest in her sibling's house before driving to Cyberjaya for the run, starting at 8pm. Visibility was not great, but it didn't look too bad. Haze haze haze :(

A fallen tanker on the highway causing traffic jam, near Bukit Merah

My plan for this run? Run it like a LSD. No racing. Cap at a usual easy LSD pace of 6:25 to 6:40 mins/km. At the start line we met Hui Sung, fast runner from Penang. I wasn't feeling well then, I don't know why, perhaps nervous? Even with a LSD plan in mind, I am still quite kiasu. Can't finish too slow...I have a reputation to keep...haha. 2hr 30mins is the max time I gave myself. Cannot be slower than that.

So off we go at 8pm sharp. The first km was hard to run at my own pace. Everyone around me ran so fast! My watch was showing a sub 6mins pace. I can't possibly maintain that kind of pace for 21km. NO way, slow down! It's hard to slow down when people around are running so fast. You just kind of go with the flow. I manage a 6:11 mins/km average in the first km. I keep reminding myself to slow down. The road was very dark too, no street lamp at all. There were lamp post but all not working. After a while, I got into my own comfortable pace maintaining between 6:20 to 6:30.

At the first water station, I saw people crouching on the ground helping themselves with drinks, there were no tables and I don't see water. Only 1.5l bottles of 100 plus. I decided to skip that water station even though I felt quite thirsty. A few km more, I started to see people walking. Haiz, can't understand why people would want to sign up for a running event and start walking after 5km. What's the point? Should just save the RM70 and walk in nearby park. Not far after the 5km mark, our 21km route merge with 10km and I was regretting not taking a sip at the first water station. With the 10km merging in, I am quite sure water is going to run low in the coming water station if the first one is so badly managed.

True enough at the 2nd water station, I heard the volunteer said they are low on water but they have 100 plus. He didn't even pour the water into cup, but holding a 1.5l bottle of water. I take that bottle from him (and surprisingly he hand it to me) and pour some water into my mouth. Pass it back to him after that and continue my journey.

The 21km route was kind of rolling. The climb was long though not very steep, but it was still taxing on my under-trained legs. The distance went by very slowly. At 12km water station, I decided to take a gel. At that point I was still feeling alright. I was over-taking people. There wasn't very many women in sight, so no one for me to chase after. At 15km, we pass by the Lim Kok Wing University. Only 6km to go, I told myself. Can't wait for this to be over, my body was starting to get really tired. I am not breathing hard and not short of breath, just my legs and body tired. Signs of under training. There was a malay lady 200m ahead of me. I make her my target and push on. Slope over slope we had to overcome.

At 3km to finish, I was surprised by a small size lady coming from behind me running strong overtaking me. Right after that came a hill! Hill was never my forte, the distance between this lady and the malay lady got further and further away. I took a deep breath, re-strategise my steps (switching to small step but higher cadence, read that it is better for uphill run). The Malay lady also slowed down and was overtaken by small size lady. I was getting close to her too. I continue to trail behind both of these lady refusing to let go. Ahhh! Finally it was downhill. I pick up my pace, overtake the malay lady and chase after small size lady. 1km to finish, I was just right behind her...and then I was running side by side with her. We pace together for awhile, until when I see the finish line ahead, I give all I have left and pick up my pace. Speeding to the finish line, I can feel the cramp on my left calf and inner thigh of right leg. It was just a few hundreds meter to go, I pushed to the finish line and yes! Made it and was given a 9th placing finish tag! Wow, surprise surprise. I was very happy with myself. 2hr 12mins was my time which average out to 6:22mins/km pace.

Turns out all 3 of us also get placing. Chin Chin got 3rd place and Wei Koon at 10th. We stayed for prize presentation ceremony at 11pm. More good news at prize presentation. I got upgraded to 8th place and Wei Koon at 9th, not sure what happen there but it's good news so I am not complaining. Both of us got a plaque, and Chin Chin had more. She get cash prize RM500 as well as a box of KT Tape. All 3 of us didn't go home empty handed ;)

From Penang: Hui Sung 1st place Women Senior, Wei Koon 9th Men Senior, Chin Chin 3rd Women Open, me at 8th Women Open

Stinky as hell, we stop by Jejantas Sungai Buloh for a quick shower, then head straight back to Penang. Arrived in Penang at about 3:30am.

Whew! What a long and tiring day, but satisfying... :)

This and a finisher is what I get for landing in 8th placing

First experience with Penang Run Series

I ran the Penang Run Series today. Penang Run Series is an interesting concept whereby the series consist of 4 half marathon distance races with different route each time. All the races are point-to-point, meaning the start and end point is a different place. By the end of the 4 races, participants would have covered around Penang Island on foot. The 4 races are 2 to 3 months apart.

Today I ran the third series taking me from Sg Pinang in Balik Pulau to Teluk Bahang. It was a tough route as it brings us up the Balik Pulau hill; 5km of continuous uphill. The Nine Emperor God Festival is often associated with rain. True enough to the Chinese belief, the rain started the night before as I was going to bed. When I woke up at 2sth, it was still pouring. When I leave the house at 3.30am, it was still raining!

When I reach Tg Bungah, the rain has slowed to a drizzle. After meeting up with Sam, Gary and AL, we continue in a car to have our car park in Teluk Bahang where the end point is. Gary is the driver. At the time when we leave the car to board the bus, it wasn't raining anymore. We board the bus, and after about 35mins or so, we reach the start point at Sg Pinang. It was 5am. Queued half an hour for toilet and by the time I am done with toilet, I feel the droplets of rain again. The rain was on and off for next half and hour and amazing enough, the rain stopped as we're queuing up at the start line. At 6am sharp, the start gun went off. So was the rain. It was as if the gun broke a hole in the sky and the rain just poured down on the poor runners who are already cold. Instead of starting the run, I ran into the shed for cover.

Before the start (with Boon Wee, Paris and their friend)

Many other runners did the same thing, they hide in shelter hoping the rain would once again stop. It continues to rain cats and dogs not showing any signs of slowing down. 2 mins past before I decided to go for it. Run in the rain, wooohooo!!

Within seconds, my shoes were soak. It was all the way running in the rain. At some point it does slowed to a drizzle, but never for long. It was cold at the beginning, but I warmed up after awhile and it doesn't bother me anymore after that. Whenever I feel thirsty, I just need to close my mouth and swallow. I can feel the fresh water in my mouth already. I choke on water when the rain was too heavy, too much water going into the mouth...hilarious.

It was a really fun run for me thanks to the rain. Enjoyed the route up Balik Pulau. I've bike there often enough, but this is the first time I am going up this road on foot. On the downhill slope - 4.5km of downhill - many people overtook me. You would have think going downhill is effortless and easy, not for me. I was going downhill at almost 7mins pace. I ran the flats faster than my downhill. I had to stop to stretch a couple of times going downhill when I feel my right knee tightening up.

The view was beautiful at Teluk Bahang Dam. We had to run into the dam and u-turn out. It was very windy there. It was another 2km to the finishing line. Went down that slope from the dam to butterfly farm, pass Escape Themepark and there it is, the school which serves as the finishing point. It was not raining anymore at that point. I finish in 2hr 22mins.

It stopped raining when I finish (with Paris who finish in 2hr 12mins)

Took 2 cups of Vico, a couple of photos and splash...there it goes again! Everybody run for cover. Some just don't care anymore. The rain continues on in full mode for the next 2hrs. The performance, and prize presentation ceremony still had to go on, all while the rain is pouring. I don't think anybody can hear what the MC was saying because of the noise coming from the zink roof where we're taking cover.

We stayed until 10 plus in the morning, cold and wet. Car was parked quite far away. Had to walk under the rain to get to the car. The WW gang gathered and enjoyed the superbly tasty Roti Jala near the Teluk Bahang roundabout. Sharing our run stories, and of our friends result in Melbourne who also just completed the Melbourne Marathon.

It was a very well organized event despite the rain. I am glad I decided to run it...

Cheers to running!

SCHKM 2013

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is my 5th marathon so far.

As with all my other marathons, I train for it not wanting to suffer or get injured during the 42.195km run. Running marathon is not something that I will take lightly. Even with 2 months training, I still find it very tough to complete, it will always always involved some sort of pain...no matter how hard you train. (I am saying this as a normal human being, Kenyans are super human...they seems to be born to run so 42km is nothing to them)

Anyway, 2 months prior to event day I have started training. Bought a new pair of running shoes on the New Year (new year gift to meself) and from then I started my marathon training in it. I actually do not have that many weekends to train for LSD (Long Slow Distance), juz 6 weekends. So I started my first weekend with 21km LSD, the next one 23km, 25km, 21km, 30km, 25km...and that's it, 6 weeks homework done! I felt really tortured during that 6 weeks...I dreaded weekend during those times. I was so glad when it was all over.

Huge SCHKM poster on the wall in one of the MTR station in HK

And so, CNY week flew past and it is time for Hong Kong. Time to get the marathon over and done with. I was expecting HK weather to be colder but the few days before the marathon when I was there, temperature hover around 19C to 22C. It was cool but wasn't cold.

I was traveling with Chin Chin, both of us running the full marathon. Our race bib collection date is on Saturday and collection is in Victoria Park in HK Island. Few months before today, we received a letter that state our registration information and collection date and time.

Banner directing us to the collection tent

Victoria Park is quite a big park. Many people were running around the park that morning. I was also tempted to do a short run to warm up the legs, but I didn't have running clothes with me at that time. Bummer...should have pack it in my bag :(

On top of that, I was having problem with my legs on Sat because walk too much the day before. We joined Gim May and gang for makanthon and shopathon on Fri evening. Because we wanted to makan along the way, we walked 3 MTR stations instead of riding it. Bad decision. Woke up feeling some sort of pain on my left hamstring. I am quite sure it is not phantom aches or imaginary pain.

Got my runners pack and happy! The bag will also be use as a check-in baggage during marathon day

We were looking out for other familiar faces at collection area but didn't bump into anyone else. Whatsapp Gim May and gang and nobody responded to us (there's free wifi in Victoria Park provided by HK Gov). So we left the collection place headed for a carbo load lunch, and the plan is to go back to rest early and hope my poor leg will feel better the next day.

Here's what's in the bag for a marathon that cost HKD300; a bib, a baggage plastic bag, a technical T-shirt, a runner's guidebook, a statistic book showing you information about SCHKM (price money, number of runners for past few years, sponsors, etc etc)

We were all staying in Tsim Sha Tsui where the marathon start point is located. Gim May and gang manage to book a guesthouse closer to the startline, where as our guesthouse is one MTR station away.

On race day, I woke up feeling nervous (as like all other race day). Get ready, had breakfast, unload waste (hehe) and took the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui station. It was cold and windy that morning. I had my disposable raincoat on to keep warm.

Tey always has his camera handy

We walk towards baggage deposit area, there was a long row of trucks waiting for us. My truck was no. 47, so I actually had to walk quite a bit to the last few trucks. Submitted baggage, we slowly make our way towards the start line. There's so many people everywhere. From the brochure, it mention that there were 72,000 runners sign up in total. 13,000 people signed up for full marathon category alone. Organizer even have to split full marathon runners into 2 different group, the faster group started at 6:40am, while the slower group starts at 7:10am. Well, me, of course, belongs to the 7:10am group :-)

I was quite far back from the start line because I had to go queue up for toilet. It was so cold that morning that I had to go more often than usual. Before the start, 2 MC were talking in Cantonese...poor angmoh-s would be so lost don't know what they are talking about. Throughout the race, all announcements and cheering were in Cantonese. Not very foreigner friendly lor...

We were let off on the dot at 7:10am (according to my watch which were sync to GPS time). One or two km after the start, we leave behind Tsim Sha Tsui's concrete forest and reach an open area, both side of the road were slope with little trees. That little piece of green slope becomes peeing ground for many guys. So many of them started running to the side of the road and mark their territory, LOL. It's a sight to behold.

Km4 is the first water station. I was quite thirsty at that point so I ran towards the water station. There were really so many people that I had to stop completely not able to move forward at all. I learnt later that actually, water station in HK Marathon stretches 500m or more (about 10 tables) so there's no worries about missing water stops. After the first water station, I got smarter. For the following water station, I usually skip the first few tables and let the crowd thin out a bit then only I run to the table to grab water.

Full marathon runners run across 3 bridges and 3 tunnels; Stonecutters Bridge, Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, Nam Wan Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Tunnel and Harbour Tunnel.

On the first bridge, Stonecutters Bridge is where the port is located, I think. Because there were a lot of those containers and those metal thingy I see near Penang Port. This is where I saw the first accident. Opposite the road where runners coming back, saw this old man lying by the side of the road with blood on his face and he seems unconscious. I am guessing he fall face first on the road. There were people helping him.

After the first bridge we went into a tunnel to pass this hill very similar to the Ipoh tunnel. It suddenly felt very warm but nothing too uncomfortable. My pace automatically increased to 6 mins/km pace because of the sudden absence of wind and I was running at the same effort. Never underestimate the power of wind, it can tires you down. The wind had been strong that day, running on the bridges was tough...so I am quite happy to be in the tunnel away from wind.

Coming out from the tunnel, we continue on to Tsing Ma Bridge and u-turn at one point. We get to see who's ahead of us and say hi to familiar faces; only if they heard me calling them, sigh, runners with earbuds stuck in their ears. Back to the start of the Tsing Ma Bridge we make a sharp turn onto the last bridge called Ting Kau Bridge. As we were reaching the sharp turn, I saw a 2nd accident happen just in front of me. This guy, I believe having tired legs, just trip and fell knee first on the rough tar road. Ouch! I heard the sound of skins scraping the road...it sounds really really painful. As it was downhill that time, we had a bit of momentum on us so with a fall, for sure the scrap would be real bad.

It was about 18km at this point. I wasn't enjoying the view anymore because it is just bridge, water and a lot of roads. I started to feel the pain on my skin at underarm (brushing of skin on arm with jersey) and my chest (brushing of skin with sports bra). No thanks to the new bottle of Body Glide that doesn't prevent chaffing. My old bottle works really well for me but this new one doesn't work :(

I stop at the First Aid tent to get a plaster from them. Stick it to where it pains and continue on. Plaster helps on the chest, but the underarm one wouldn't stick. It was really uncomfortable and painful. Ran into the 2nd Tunnel and again, my pace improve to low 6 mins/km pace. It was around km26 coming out of the tunnel. I am looking forward to the Harbour Tunnel linking Kowloon to Hong Kong Island as I remember that it will be km 31 when we enter it, which is also very close to finish line. At this point, I can't wait for the marathon to be over. Everywhere is in pain!

Doing some calculations in my head along this boring 6km, it seems that I will still meet my target finish time of 4hr 40mins. I am pretty happy with the thought of that. Boring...until came the Harbour Tunnel. Steep down into the tunnel (~20m below sea level), 2km in the tunnel and 500m very very steep climb back up. 500m to climb from 25m below sea level to 5m above sea level, after been running 34km. That is like a super duper tough feat. If that is not tough enough, after coming out from the tunnel, we have to run up a ramp, some sort like a flyover some more. Arghhh, I slow to almost a walking pace.

Coming down the ramp, we ran along Victoria Harbour towards Victoria Park where the finishing line awaits. At this point, the marathon and half marathon route were already joined together so there were really a lot of people. At some parts, it was really tough to run as there were many people slowed down to walk already. I was really tired and in pain. I saw my 4:40 goal slowly slipping away. I wanted to run faster, push harder but there's just no more energy in me to do so. Pain and tired is the only thing in mind, and of course the disappointment of not meeting my targeted goal. Regardless, I still have hope to better my previous Personal Best.

I kept running (or what it seems like running to me) with a very heavy feet, dodging people along the way.

And there it was, the sign that says last km to the finishing line. Wow, that must have been the longest ever 1km I have ever ran...

Zoom! and I did it. I cross the finish line at 4hr 45mins. 2 mins better than my previous Marathon time. Yay!

Boo! that I missed my goal by 5mins :-(

We were urge to keep moving forward as not to block the finishing line. Walk along...and just right ahead, I saw Chin Chin. She finished a min ahead of me. As we continue walking, this guy standing beside us suddenly collapse on the floor. He had some sort of seizure. First aid-er quickly rushed to his help. As we walk along we were passed goody bag and finisher medal. In the end, reached our baggage collection area. Collection was fast, I just need to go back to my truck number and they can find my bag very quickly.

Look at the amount of people; Background: skyline of Hong Kong

Overall, it was a very well organize event seeing that there are 72,000 runners. Volunteers are cheerful and helpful. Temperature was cooling at around 20C. The problem is the overwhelm amount of people, the many 'hills' that I have to climb (bridges and flyovers), the windy condition and the crowded road.

I ran from 7am to 12pm. Got a very clear tan line of my running jersey on my shoulders. I didn't put sunblock.

Look dry right? If in Malaysia, I sure wet from head to toe (still can manage a little smile although I am very much in pain)

And that ends a very long story of my fifth marathon experience.

p/s: sorry no photo from the run. I am serious runner, no carry camera to run :-P

A packed weekend

I had a packed weekend.

Saturday

On Sat is Ben Swee's Running Clinic in the morning starting at 7.30am. I am back to running now after many months of break due to injury, and this is my 2nd week back. I am taking a conservative approach in my come back, don't want to rush into it and get injured again. Today I plan to do a 8km jog in Botanical Garden before the running clinic which will be in Youth Park. I started at 6.37am (7mins late causing me only able to finish 7.55km).

The running clinic was organized by My Triathlon Shop, which officially open one day before on Fri 10 Aug. They sell Inov8 brand of shoes and at this running clinic, they have trial shoes for participants to try on throughout the duration of the clinic. I tried a pair of Road-X 255. It is a minimalist shoe, very little cushioning making my feet very close to the ground. That's the 'IN' thing in the running world now, minimalist shoes. Read Born To Run and I assure you, you'd be able to catch up to that hype.

All right, so after marking attendance (we were pre-registered) and putting on new shoes, the running clinic started by us running a few rounds around the Youth Park field. Then we go back to the stage area and was shown some dynamic stretching from hands to legs. Arm swing, leg swinging, bending on the hip, star jump and...er, that is all I can remember for now. Then off again to another few rounds of running. After that we were ushered off to the field for more strengthening exercises.

Stretching, which I think can tell from the photo I am not doing a good job :P

Lunges, many different way of it; static lunges, jumping lunges, moving-forward-lunges...by the time we are done with lunges I must have done a hundred times of it on each leg. Squats, also did many many times of it, static as well as moving squats. Running by lifting knee up high, butt-kicking run, hop + squat both legs, and single leg hop. Basically we were ask to do all sorts of leg exercises, it was very tiring and I sweat non-stop throughout.

When we're done, we went back to the stage area and was served Hammer Heed, it an electrolyte drink of strawberry flavor. The taste was quite mild and quite nice to drink. And most importantly, it was cold drink...very refreshing after such tough exercise. Next we moved on to stretching. Sitting down on the floor bending the waist, lying down strengthening the core, a couple of minutes of plank followed by side plank. And many other stretches that I think I have now forgotten. Sigh~

At the end of it, I was tired and hungry as it was near to 11am already. And I have been out running since 6.30 in the morning! Lastly was lucky draw. There was some Hammer products to give away, some socks and water bottles all sponsored by My Triathlon Shop. I was one of the lucky ones to win a pack of Hammer gel and Hammer Heed melon flavor. Am going to try them out one of these training days :)

Me, presented with my lucky draw prize from My Triathlon Shop taukeh soh on the far right and Mei Ling, a kind helper for this clinic in the middle

In the afternoon, I went into office to work for about 3hrs+. Been really busy at work and have a lot of things left to do. I had to left work even when I didn't finish with it because at night is i-Run 2nd Anniversary Dinner at Red Rock Restaurant on Macallister Rd in town. Car pool with Miow and Chin. There's plenty of lucky draw prizes for the night as well, contributed by the runners. From electrical appliances to sports equipment like shoes, cycling jersey, recovery drinks (sponsored by me and Chin Chin) and cash prizes. Dinner was a bit crazy as alcohol was involved. I was sober throughout. Didn't do much socializing, just sit at the table and eat eat EAT!

Sunday

Woke up to a lot of muscle soreness on inner thigh, buttocks and abs. All thanks to Ben Swee's running clinic exercises the day before. That tells me one thing, that many parts of my muscles are not activated in running, I have to find ways to strengthen and build up these muscles. I plan to dedicate a day out of a week to do the exercises shown during the clinic. Body movement today is a bit slow with all the pain around, but I am happy with the pain...haha, yea, I think I am sick. Like to torture myself and will be very happy to get muscle pain. No training for me today, sleep-in day.

I eventually wake up at 8 something and got into office to work a little. Had my breakfast in the office too. Free coffee ma...haha. Left at 11am to attend 2nd day of Ben Swee's training talk. Today's topic is nutrition, training plan and transitioning to barefoot running. Quite an informative talk on the training plan. Break for lunch at 1pm, and continued with another topic by Samuel, covering about barefoot running and how to slowly transition to it without getting injured. I left half way to attend MPSP Green Run volunteer meeting.

I volunteered to help with Andrew's running event, MPSP Green Run to be held on 26 Aug. Meeting is at Youth Park at 2pm. I was assigned to the start/finishing line team. Was briefed on the running route, and some information about the event. Then our own small team have a discussion on what to do on event day and task assignment. The meeting was done by 4pm. The running clinic is still on-going so I head back there and was in time for the Q&A-win-a-prize session. I didn't win any prize though, coz I don't know how to answer the question they asked...haha, been missing a whole big chunk of the talk.

After the talk, I tag along when Chin Chin bring Yee Hua and Ben Swee for a short tour of Penang Heritage zone sculpture + mural. We walked around Armenian St, Cannon St, Acheh St and then moving on to the Tan Jetty and Chew Jetty. Of course, stopping for some street food when we see it.

Fish ball, pork ball, roti bak kua and many other food on sticks

When we're done touring Georgetown, it is starting to get dark and we drop Ben and Yee Hua to Ocean Green Restaurant where they'll be having dinner with their friends. Heard this place serve good seafood...**saliva dripping

We went to get our own dinner after dropping them and basically that ends my very packed weekend. And no, I am not going to wake up at 4am to watch Olympic closing ceremony.

Cycling back to hometown

Date: 14-15 Apr 2012 (Sat/Sun)

As part of PCC Interstate 2012 training, I decided to cycle from Penang to Taiping and back the next day. I sent out invitation to some of the cycling kaki few weeks before hoping to get some company into doing this together. Due to everybody's busy schedule, in the end only Ewe Cheong joined me. And Chin Chin was so kind to offer support in car in case we encounter technical problems with our bike and also help to carry water, plus our clothes and basic things.

Ewe Cheong and I started our adventure in Bayan Lepas and we cycle to Penang Ferry Terminal. It was a beautiful Sat morning. I think we were very lucky as for the past 3 days, it has been raining in the morning. However, it was a very humid day.

The crew in this adventure (left-to-right): Ewe Cheong, Chin, and myself posing in front of the kastam building opposite ferry terminal

Took us 20 mins to reach Ferry Terminal from my house. Ah Miow is so nice, she purposely come to Ferry terminal to bid us goodbye and wishes us a safe ride to Taiping.

The sky at that time while we were on the ferry. Quality not bad at all. Taken from my new iPhone :)

At around 7.45am, we started from Butterworth Ferry Terminal. Taking the trunk road towards Taiping, we pass Bukit Tengah, Bukit Minyak, Simpang Ampat, Sungai Jawi, Nibong Tebal, Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai and lastly Kamunting.

We make a stop in Nibong Tebal for breakfast. Nibong Tebal is almost half way point of our ride. The first half of it was not very pleasant because there was a lot of traffic lights and the road was very dusty from road construction.

The journey after that was much better, there were less lorries, less traffic lights, road is flat and is much wider than previous roads. The only problem is strong headwind.

Next stop we make is the small town of Bagan Serai. Stop by this small kedai kopi to buy water. The uncle and aunty operating the shop was amazed when told where we were going. It was getting really hot by then, and I was really exhausted already. Another 25km+ to reach Taiping. Pheww...

Meet up with our support car 10km down from Bagan Serai and make another quick stop to further refill water then it was all the way to Taiping. I was all burnt out and keep feeling that left calf of mine twitching, warning that a cramp is coming. I have to ask Ewe Cheong to slow down and I drafted behind him from then onwards till we reach Econsave in Kamunting. We had another short break at Econsave before ending the ride at my mother's shop another 3km away.

More than happy to reach Econsave Kamunting

Switching to car, I drove Ewe Cheong and Chin Chin to Larut Matang foodcourt for lunch then send them to hotel to shower. I book them into Cherry Inn which cost about RM30 per person for a night stay.

In the evening, I brought Ewe Cheong and Chin to Sepetang for curry mee. It was only so-so. Not as good as people claim it to be.

Foreground is curry mee and background is laksa

The first railway in Malaya was built here

The next morning, we repeat the same route heading back to Penang. This time I am more tired than the day before. Legs felt heavy but I am determined to do it. Off we go at 7.30am.

We make the same stop as the day before, in Bagan Serai which is about 30km from our start point. 2nd stop was another 20km away which is not far before the town of Nibong Tebal. This time we stop for dim sum breakfast. The place was totally crowded and they keep running out of food. We had to wait for quite a while. Ewe Cheong and I, pushing our bike towards the restaurant and in our cycling clothes, had to endure people's curious look. I can't remember the restaurant's name, dim sum was not very good.

By the time we're done and ready to continue our journey, it was starting to get hot. My legs totally felt like jelly despite the food. That's what un-fit means. By then, we've only done about 50km. Less than 30km to reach Butterworth!

I need another stop when we were somewhere near Bkt Minyak. It was getting so hot and I was really tired. And this was 20km away from where we last stop. Sitting in the petrol station, I wanted to wrap up the ride and get into the support car already. I really wanted to end it so badly. The feeling of giving up is terrible I tell you, I am so reluctant to end it but at the same time was so tired. Checking the map, it seems to me it was just another 10km+ to go before we reach Butterworth. Hrmm...

After some thinking, I decided to die die also go for it. Ewe Cheong at that time was still strong, but he was very easy going, he let me decide. My decision was to ride until Butterworth and end there. We will both get onto the support car and cross into Penang Island coz it will save us more money...hehe. Our options are 2 bike + 1 car go onto ferry separately (cost RM9.80) vs. 1 car cross the bridge with 2 bikes in the car (cost RM5.60).

In the end, I manage to tahan till Butterworth before I call it a day and hop into support car ending the day's workout. In total, Ewe Cheong and I did 88.3km + 78.4km = 166.7km in 2 days.

It's a good start to my new bike, and a good start to PCC Interstate training. Thanks Ewe Cheong for the ride company and Chin Chin for the support. You guys rock!


Day 1 workout data:  http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/113455993
Day 2 workout data: http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/113809207
*Go to Splits and Graphs tab for map and km-by-km info

SCKLM 2011

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2011 mark the third year of my participation in KL Marathon. For the past 2 years, I did half marathon. This year though, I decided to sign-up for full marathon. Partly because the registration fee for full marathon is more worth it compared to half. Full marathon registration fee is RM60, half is RM55. With just RM5 more, I get to run 2x longer the distance which means I get to drink 2x water. In addition to that, I get a finisher T-shirt if I finish 42.195km within qualifying time (6hrs).
I know this kind of thinking is crazy, paying RM5 more for 2x the suffering...2x the pain. Runners are crazy ppl!

I started my training only after PCC Interstate Ride. That was about 8 weeks before this marathon. Everything went well, until 3 days before the big day. At my last tapering run on Thu, my left knee starts to hurt real bad. It's usual to feel some knee pain once in awhile, a short period during run and it will go away if I continue to run, or when I finish the run. But this time, the pain lingers on. I couldn't fully bend nor fully straighten my leg, the knee felt so tight. I was really worried, not knowing what happen and what had caused the pain. My mental was under attack...do you know that in a marathon, mental strength is much more important than physical. The mind alone can get you through it, but physical strength without mental would just mean quitting half way..

For the next few days leading to the marathon, I dare not think about setting finishing time goal. I just hope I can run, because after many weeks of training and not being able to run would be so so sad. I iced my knee everyday, after ice I usually feel better.

On the morning of marathon, I woke up to an OK knee. Not in perfect condition, but it feels much better compared to 3 days ago. I told myself I'm going to try to run. And that I should give up running if I feel pain, should not be stubborn and continue to run if it hurts.

At 5am sharp, we were flagged off. And so, I ran in my own comfortable pace, which is around 7mins/km pace. Knee felt ok...

Along the way, I see familiar faces of friends and regular running kaki. We have 2 buses traveling from Penang, so there are plenty of familiar faces to bump into :-)

I was taking the run easy. Trying to maintain 7mins/km pace, little did I know that my watch actually needs re-calibration after the battery was dead a week ago. That inaccurate reading of the watch nearly caused me my sub-5hr finishing.

At one point of the run, we actually share the route with the half marathoners. So we get to meet those fast half marathoners like the Kenyans. I think that was somewhere in km15. Seeing the half marathoners running so fast, it gave some boost to my own running too. They ran with big step and yet very fast cadence. Born to run?

At 20km into the run, I was still feeling pretty good. It was 7 plus in the morning and the sky is bright enough to see that it was covered with clouds, dark clouds that indicate that rain is coming. I have been praying for rain since the day I sign-up for this marathon. I love running in the rain...cool surrounding makes running easier and less painful. So I was really happy and excited that my prayers will be answered. I keep looking at the sky and it makes me smile.

Somewhere in the 20km is when I realized that I am not in a comfortable position in getting a sub-5hrs finishing time. There must not be delay in this 2nd part of the run in order to achieve target. I start to keep monitoring my watch to make sure I don't slack. There were moments of anxious, excited, worried, stress because I was at the borderline of hit or miss. Every minute and every second count.

The route took us from KL City, out of KL City before going back into the city to the finish line. As we run out of the city, the clouds starts to disappear. At that time, we were almost at km30 already, and it was 9 plus in the morning. The sun was up, no more clouds, traffic on the road builds up and the surrounding temperature rises. And of course at km30, my body was getting really tired. The fact that there were a lot of idiots on the road, being stuck in traffic, keep honking and honking even though they know that honking will not get them anywhere doesn't help me feel any better. What's wrong with these people anyway? Digital signboard has been put up on major road to notify road users about road closure before event date, there were publicity around advertising about this once-a-year International Race in the city and yet, these people chose to drive on the affected road and then get angry when they got caught in traffic jam.

I think it was also around this time when I saw HH? Or did he call out to me? Hmm, can't remember. We ran together for awhile, until km36 when he decided to drop back. I still remember I told him it was just another 6km to go, but my persuasion skill wasn't good enough to keep him motivated. So he drop back. While still running with HH, I saw Yip on bike with Milo cans visible on the side mesh pocket of his bag. Wah, so tempting. I was thinking to myself, if only I can grab some of those Milo in can. At that moment, the guy in front of me, who obviously knows Yip, took a can of Milo from his bag but before he drank it, something happen. Ahh, think somebody else offer him something more interesting, so he pass me the Milo can instead. Another wish come true incident?!! I very gladly took the Milo can from him, shared it with HH. Yumms...! I love Milo in cans! And of course ice cold Milo from Milo van too!

Saw Tey at one of the water station, think it may be km36 water station. He gave me a pat on the shoulder and ask me to go get my sub-5hrs. Haha...thinking back about that, the situation was funny. His words has it's effect. It gets me moving...
At crucial times like this, any form of encouragement will always help in pushing one further. I felt the effect, and I know the feeling. So the next time you see a runner struggling, give them some encouragement, you may just help give them the little push they needed.

Not far from km36, Bukit Tunku awaits!! I saw the signboard, Bukit Tunku. Well, the name Bukit not necessarily means it is hilly rite? I try to keep a positive mind. But soon, the hill emerge. Many people were walking already but I refuse to stop to a walk. Although I am slow, I keep in the running mode. "Small step, fast cadence and arm swing motion...!!" That was my chant.

There will be downhill at the end of this, no worries. I can see the top already. But then, arghhh, a left turn at the end of the top came another hill. Whew, that was such a disappointment, expect to see a downhill but was greeted by a slope instead. Take a look at my watch and I kept running...painful I tell you. Water station at km38 was at the top of the hill. After that it was downhill, finally!

Thought I could go faster when go downhill, but half way into it I felt cramp coming on my calf. To prevent it, I was forced to slow down. I had to pray and hope that the cramping feeling would go away soon. Leaving Bukit Tunku, we were once again back in KL City.

At one of the corners, there were these bunch of familiar faces and they call out to me. "Taiping!! Go go go...!" They were the group of runners from KL that I get to know in Taiping Lake Garden after the incident with 2 Indians on motorbike. It was so nice to see them again. I waived to them and continue chasing after my sub-5.

After a few more turnings, I was on the last 2km to the finishing line. That must be the longest ever 2km I've ever run. They were never-ending. At the last traffic light before Dataran Merdeka, a bigger group of supporters were seen cheering. They are my Penang running friends. They cheered really loud, help me with my last push towards the finishing line.

In my happy mode with all the cheering from the Penang runners. Thank you all who cheered for me :-)

When I crossed the finish, the clock on the arch shows 4:59:26. YES!! I got my sub-5hrs! So close, man!
My net time is 4:57:57.

One for the album. Finally ending it after almost 5hrs of running

It wasn't a PB, it wasn't a great time, but the satisfaction of completing 42.195km, some more within targeted time is indescribable. You have gotta run it to experience it :-)

This must be one of the happiest marathon I've ever run. Come to think of it, all 3 of my marathons so far were a happy one. I am grateful for what I have, the ability to run.

------------------

I think this year, the organizer has improved a lot. Water station handling was good. They have enough water for everyone and the station is every 2km apart. Just nice.

However, pacers still have plenty of room for improvement, at least for the two 5hrs pacers with white balloon. I don't know about the other faster pacers.

Taiping not safe to run anymore

Like the past 4 Sundays before today, I am doing a long slow distance (LSD) as part of the training to Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (SCKLM). Today’s distance is 32km, my last and longest training distance before tapering and cutting back down on distance.

Lately, sun rise is extremely early where the sky starts to bright up at 7am and it starts to get a bit hot starting 8am. To prevent getting too much sun, I started my run at 5.20am. I am not alone today as sis decided to accompany me even though it starts at such ungodly hour.

We ran towards Taiping Lake Garden from home, it is about 4 to 5km away. All is well until we reach Lake Garden, at this particular stretch. I heard a motorcycle coming from behind, and I was telling my sis about this stretch being a one way road and there’s still some stupid idiot riding in illegal direction, which by the way, is very normal because the road around the lake has been changed multiple times and I guess, the general public are confused as a result. For safety reason, I always make sure I run against traffic. As soon as I finish saying it, there was a loud bang, the motorcycle pass by and I feel pain on my backside. Everything happened so fast.

What actually happened was the 2 Indian guy on motorcycle came from behind and hit me on my backside (I don’t know with what, but it sounded like a text book hitting the table). I was wearing hydration belt on my hip, with water bottles (photo below if you don’t know what is a hydration belt).

Till today, I still couldn’t figure out what he used to hit me, my water bottle still intact and not spoiled. I was stunned, a bit blur, it took me awhile to know what just happened. I was worried they may come back, because after all, Taiping Lake Garden is a loop-loop road, but sis said, they may be afraid to come back for a second time. So, we continue to run in the same direction.

After awhile, they came back! This time from opposite direction. They came to our side of the road, trying to scared us or something and then leave. Fortunately they didn’t stop to do anything. Not knowing what to do, it was still dark that time (still not 6am yet) we can only continue to run. I found a stone for defense, that’s all I can do. When we reach the split road to Bkt Larut, there were 5 policemen on 5 motorcycles doing their rounding. That sort of provide some relieve, it did occur to me if I should stop them and tell them what happen. But then on second thought, there isn’t much info I can tell them, I cannot remember what the Indians were wearing, or their bike number plate. On the other hand, I thought about all the trouble that would caused me if I were to stop them; like the police may want me to make a police report at the station, or stop my running and etc. I am adamant to complete my 32km this day! So I didn’t do anything and just see them passed. It will be bright very soon anyway.

The next lap, heading towards me, I saw a group of men running together forming 2 lines with a leader in front. The leader has an Energizer Night Marathon headlight on his forehead. We passed each other saying our good mornings and then after awhile, sis and I decided to turn back and stick with them for safety reason. And it seems like they run at my LSD pace, luck is on my side :)

I stick to the leader and we chatted while running, while sis stick to the bigger bunch at the back. Found out that they are on an annual family trip (each of the men travels with their family and they travel together) and this year they decided to pay Taiping a visit. They are doing a 10km morning jog around Lake Garden. They will be running the SCKLM too, some full, some half-marathon. It was at the end of the run that the leader told me he was actually in a bit of a struggle trying to keep up with me during our run together, oppss, sorry Hee Sang, sorry that my joining you disrupted your comfortable pace :P
(hope I got his name right...)

After finishing 2 loop of 5km with them, we parted at the foothill of Bukit Larut. They are stopping there to buy the jeep ticket for their later visit up to Bkt Larut. The ticket counter opens at 7.30am. Sis also decided to stop there, so I am left to complete the remaining of my 10km alone. It was already bright by then, so I'll be safe

Today I was in good form. Maybe the early morning shock, and the nice chat with new runners gives me new energy...haha.

On my last lap, this guy who I kept bumping into during my loops (he runs in opposite direction of me) approach me and we had some talk. I've seen him many times before in my usual weekend run in Lake Garden, also a frequent runner. Found out that he is from Taiping but working in KL, will also be running SC KLM full marathon in another 3 weeks. Forgot to get his name though, I'll call him Pokey (coz he has short pokey hair). We didn't talk long, because I'm ending my 32km already and my family is waiting for me at Bkt Larut foothill to go breakfast.

As I'm stretching near our car, sis and I telling the story of scary encounter with Indians on motorbike earlier in the morning. Pokey walk by also finishing his run, and he said something that reminded me how lucky I am to have such a supportive family.

Sis accompany me to start run at 5.20am, mum & dad adjusted hiking time so that they can meet me at my half way point to provide me water support, and finishing hike around the time I finish my run so that we can all go breakfast together.

Yes I am lucky. I am thankful to have a family that truly supports me, no matter how crazy my hobby/dreams are.

PCC Interstate Ride 2011

April 29th - May 1st 2011 - The longest bike ride I've ever did in my life! 456km in 3 continuous days

Another event come and go...
After completing this one I must say, I admire myself...
No, this is not trying to do any self-praise. If you know me personally, you'd have know that I almost always never give enough credit to myself. But indeed until today, I cannot believe that I actually completed it. The more I think about it, the more impossible it seems.

What is PCC Interstate Ride?
PCC is a cycling club. It stands for Pedalholics Cycling Club and is based in KL. Every year, they organize this event called the Interstate Ride, which in the cycling community, it is a very big and popular event which only opens to a few hundred cyclist. The Interstate Ride is a continuous 3 days road cycling event, cycling in and around Malaysia across states. Each year, they have a new and different route which start and end at different location, this makes it logistically difficult especially if you're traveling with a bicycle. i.e. if you drive to start point with your bicycle, and after 3 days you end in a totally different place, how you go back to the start point to get your car? Not only this, there's many many other logistic things that needs to be taken into consideration.

This year, the route takes us from Raub, Pahang and ends at Damai Laut, Perak.

The route provided by PCC with their short description:
Day 1 Raub- Brinchang (145km): Freakishly hilly
Day 2 Brinchang- Bukit Merah (200km)- Grindingly long & undulating
Day 3 Bukit Merah- Damai Laut (120km)- Enjoyably Flat & short

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Day 1: Raub Rest House to Star Regency Hotel, Cameron Highlands

The day starts early. Had a breakfast of maggi goreng and teh tarik at mamak before gathering up with others at Raub Rest House. Started that day's ride fresh and strong.

A group photo with Penang group before the ride

Started with the Penang group and lots of other riders. We were going at around 25 to 30km/hr in a group of 30 to 40 cyclist. I can't remember how long we go but I was guessing about 40mins when a group of cyclist with their P2K jersey overtake the peloton and then leading the peloton at a faster speed. The group's speed went from 30 to 32 to 35 and that was when I dropped off. It was really tiring to keep up with them. I decided to give up chasing and save energy for later up hill climb.

I do not know when exactly the Cameron Highlands uphill climb begins. It started gradually and before I know it, I needed more and more energy to move forward. I cycle alone most of the time because I cannot keep up with anyone at all when it comes to cycling uphill. I have to admit I am very bad at hills.

Stopping for sponge cake bought the day before in Raub

The road up to Cameron Highlands from Raub was very quiet, very few vehicles and it was nice for cycling. You get to absorb the nature, the environment. The weather that day was just nice...cloudy and misty, which at later time turns to rain.

Lots of greenery, which I have a lot of time to appreciate

It was rather demotivating when I was slowly climbing and when I look up, there it was, the road where I will be at when I turn that long winding road up ahead. It looks so high up, and so far away.

I almost break-down and give up around km100 to km120. Was getting grumpy and upset because my support car wasn't waiting for me at the pre-agreed distance of 120km. The strong wind does not help with the climbing at all, and around this time, it started to drizzle and then rain. As I continue to pedal painfully up the hill, my grumpiness slowly fades. Maybe the rain cool me down, outside and inside. My support car was actually not far ahead, still in the 120km range, but you know, when you consistently cycles at an elevation gain, a few km feels like forever.

At the car, I have all the intention to hop into the car and end that day's cycling already. Was really exhausted. But thanks to my kiasu-ness, and encouragement from some cyclist from Miri, I discarded that thought and continue my journey of pain.

Thanks guys for the encouragement along the way. Unfortunately, didn't manage to get a proper group photo with them in the end

After some refill into my tank (food!!), I continue to cycle. At one point, I look back down the hill and I thought to myself, "OMG, look at where I came from. The slope was so steep and I manage to conquer it". I was amazed at what I can do. From then onwards, I've got a mantra to chant every time I hit a tough slope. And that gets me going for the next 2 days.

"I've seen it all, nothing I have not climb before. This is nothing compared to what I did earlier"

This may look like a normal road to anybody, but it is a very long and tough journey to my destination

Stop for lunch somewhere along the way at some shophouses. It was really cold because of the temperature at higher altitude, plus I was completely soaked from the rain and sweat.

Despite the cold, I felt much better after a proper lunch. By then, cyclist were spread out far apart, some fast ones were already at the hotel and slow ones were still struggling somewhere along the way.

The last stretch to the hotel was the worst part of the ride. There was a traffic jam leading to the hotel, and it was quite a steep slope, fumes from all the old diesel jeep and car trying to get their way up that slope is really terrible. But at that time, I was so eager to end that day's long journey I just don't give a damn to anything anymore.

I finally reached the hotel at 3pm after 8.5hrs on the road.

The face of a tired happy cyclist

Had a long long wait for check-in at Star Regency Apartment. It's a very dingy hotel, not very clean. I wasn't very impress. After a long wait, manage to check-in. So many things to clean up; the wet gloves, wet shoes, cycling jersey with dirt splashes at the back, muddy bike, sweaty helmet and etc etc. Phewww, let me tell you ar, cycling is one the most troublesome sports!

Data from bike computer for DAY1

Total moving time: 7:20:15
Total time: 8:30:00
Total distance: 148.07km
Average speed: 20.1km/hr
Max speed: 57.5km/hr

Dinner is included with the registration package together with accommodation. So that night after clean-up, we had a buffet dinner and at the same time, there's a briefing on 2nd day ride and some sharing of photos of the day. Food was bad, bluek :(

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Day 2: Star Regency Hotel, Cameron Highlands to Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

At 6.30am on the morning of second day...this is how I look...

Waiting for the start, utilizing all the time I can get to catch some extra sleep

It was cold in the morning. To add to the discomfort, I had to wear the same shoes which are still wet from yesterday's rain. And I don't get to wear my glove because they are also still wet.

The 2nd day ride started with yet another climb towards Equatorial Hotel. The feel of the butt on the saddle gives a HIGH feeling to everyone that morning. After having your butt sitting on a small bike saddle for 140+km the day before, this would be the most painful thing everyone has to endure that morning on top of the climb to Equatorial. It was hard to get my engine started, and once started, it still was not easy. I thought it will be downhill all the way from Cameron to Simpang Pulai, but I was very wrong. I remember after the Equatorial Hotel hill, there's a short downhill but after that, there were a lot of uphill yet to be conquer.

The reward came after all the hills. It was really downhill after that, but don't you think downhill is easy. It was NOT!! My fingers were so numb from pressing on the brake all the way down, I had to stop half way down to give my fingers a rest...LoL.

Reached Simpang Pulai at about 9am and we had our breakfast stop here. Gather the Penang group and Team Independent Racers (IR) from KL so that we can form a peloton together.

There's really not many photos from the second day. What I can say is that it was a hot and long long long ride of 200km to Bkt Merah passing through Tambun, Tanjung Rambutan, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas and Changkat Jering.

The second day ride was more of a group ride. We stayed together in a peloton because it makes cycling so much easier if we work together. The weather was very unforgiving. It was so hot that most of my tan lines were from this day. We had to take a break quite often, every 20 to 30km, if not we may just faint.

The road from Bkt Merah Laketown Resort entrance to the Suria Service Apartment where we stay was another tough section. The section after the entrance was really really steep, I had to come down to push my bike :P

Finished the day's ride around 5-ish pm. Was really glad the longest ride of PCC Interstate is over. I was so relieved.

Data from bike computer for DAY2

Total moving time: 7:39:25
Total time: 10:30:00
Total distance: 198.96km
Average speed: 25.9km/hr

See the big difference between moving time and total time? We took a lot of break due to the heat.

Since we reach quite late, this time we don't have to wait too long for our room. After clean up and shower, we headed down for yet another buffet dinner. This time, the food was a little better than the day before, but still wasn't fantastic. As usual, dinner was accompanied by briefing and photo sharing of the day.

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Day 3: Bkt Merah to Swiss Garden Damai Laut Resort, Lumut

This is the only morning that we weren't provided breakfast before the ride. Chin and I decided to drive out of the resort to look for food. We were lucky because there was this nasi lemak stall and a warung just outside of the Bkt Merah Main Entrance. We had nasi lemak and teh tarik/kopi which was cheap and nice...yummm, love the nasi lemak.

Since today's ride is a shorter one compared to the past few days, 120km, the start time was set at 8am.

The route brings us into some small kampung near Sepetang, the road was bumpy and in pretty bad condition. There was also a crash, and that poor guy had to be admitted to hospital. After the kampung is the flat trunk road passing Terong, Pantai and towards Segari/Damai Laut.

Today's ride is also peloton-based, staying together in a group. Very little stops on this day, we aim to finish it fast with minimal rest stops.

I don't know why, but all 3 of our hotels have to have a very tough access road. The road into Damai Laut is very far from the main road, and it comes with a gradient. Quite a torture when you are so near yet so far to the finishing. Ended my third day ride around 12noon.

A group photo with Team IR. Thanks for looking out for me along the way.

The third day is D BEST!! Besides having NO MORE ride the next day, Damai Laut is the BEST-est hotel of all 3 days. Good buffet dinner, fantastic buffet breakfast, nice swimming pool, free kayak session, and flat screen TV in the room with Discovery channel (my fav channel). What a way to pamper oneself after 3 days of long hour cycling.

Beautiful swimming pool, and the blue sea in the background

Data from bike computer for DAY3

Total moving time: 3:51'09
Total time: 4:30:00
Total distance: 107.55km
Average speed: 27.9km/hr
Max speed: 46.5km/hr

As I completed the third day ride, I was overwhelmed with satisfaction and I felt really proud of myself...haha. I'd have to say, the first day is the toughest of all 3 days because I am bad in hills. Hmm, maybe what I need is a better bike ;)

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To sum it up, I am glad I take up the challenge signing myself up for PCC Interstate Ride 2011 despite the scarily long distance. I had a lot of fun being out on the road, traveling across states on the road bike.

It wouldn't have been easy if not for my support car out there looking out for me throughout the 3 days duration. Chin Chin and her black shiny car --which is not so shiny after the 3 days :P -- had been providing water and food support. It gives a sense of comfort knowing that help will be around when you need it.

The aftermath of 3 days under the sun? Plenty of obvious tan lines on the hand and thigh. Fortunately, I don't have any on my face :-)

The dot thanks to the hole on glove, and the tan line around the wrist is result of not wearing the sleeve properly. It's the opening between glove and sleeve

The tan line on the thigh are more obvious than any other place. But sorry lar, not going to show photos of my big fat thighs :P

Given a chance, I'd like to sign up for PCC again next year. Hopefully by then, I have a better bike already.

Kenyir Triathlon 2011

...continue from previous post...

The next morning when I woke up, I was so nervous about the race that I didn't notice any other things around me. It was until Miow called me that I know it was actually pouring outside. We were suppose to meet at the carpark at 7am then go to the start point together. The start point, also the transition area is where everything will happen. It is 2 to 3km away from our resort. Because of the rain, we delayed our gather time to 7.15am.

It was still pouring when 7.15 came. I had no choice but to go. I am not going to give up after all the long journey to reach here. So I pushed my bike out into the rain, carrying a large recycle bag with transition things in it, wearing my slippers and in no time, I am cold and wet waiting for Miow and Johnny to go to transition area together.

It was hard getting to the transition, the road was downhill, brake that doesn't work, on slippers, large recycle bag, cold. Hmph...one word to describe, miserable!

Got to the transition area. Hang up the bike, unpack and arrange transition things in the provided basket then off we go to queue for body marking. Do I hear you asking what's body marking? I tell you ar, it is the coolest things that only triathletes get. To have your bib number written on your arms. Some ppl must be thinking i am nuts at this point, nvm, obviously you're not a triathlete *blek :P

Queuing to get the coolest thing a triathlete can get *wink
Privilege people like Miow and me have umbrella carrier (in yellow) to shield us from the rain...thanks Chin!

Despite the rain, the cold and the nervousness, plus the possible change of plan by the organizer from swim-bike-run to swim-run due to safety reason, I had plenty of fun running around getting ready, taking photos and meeting fellow friends.

Yay, finally my turn

Still have some time before race start at 8.30am. We went for a test swim. Was really surprised to find that the water was warm. Syok! No wonder so many people dipping in the water lar..!

Me in blue, ready to go test water. See, so many ppl dipping in the warm lake water

The water was not as dark and scary as I have imagine. It was actually quite clear and I could see my arms and the person swimming in front of me. Pheew, that gives me some sense of relief. After the test swim, I felt better. Not as nervous anymore.

The swim course. 2 loops along the outside of the triangle makes up 1.5km swim (it wasn't exactly 1.5k, under-distance)

At 8.30am, we were flagged off. In the end, organizer did not remove the bike leg but stress again and again that we should be extra careful and whatever it is, safety always comes first.

The initial stage of the swim was tough. There were so many people around, and let me tell you, I hate those breaststroke swimmer. Sorry, but this stroke is not "public-friendly". The nature of the kick and stroke is outwards, so you tend to kick and shove people to your left, right and kick people at the back! I got a couple of kick, on the shoulder (which bruises the next day) and rib. Fortunately none on the face, thank GOD!

The 2nd loop was better when people spread out more. And during this 2nd loop, I notice that white rope just below the water that follows the triangle swim route. Following that rope, I don't have to keep lifting my head out of the water to check if I'm swimming on the right course. Sighting with freestyle is difficult, it takes a lot of effort to lift the head out of the water. Something that I should practice more next time.

Completed the swim ok. Got out of the water, still feeling strong. One down, two to go.

At the transition area, I put on bike helmet and ate a gel. Had problem putting on my bib, only manage to get it on after a while. Wheel the bike out of transition area and the first thing that greets me is a hill. Huffing and puffing and pedal really hard up that short but steep hill. Wow, conquering that hill really had my heart beating hard and fast.

After that hill, it was a scary roller coaster ride. Rolling hills with some corners. At one point, i really shouted out loud, too scary. The rain was so heavy at one point that I had to use my hand to shield my eyes, else I cannot see! Rain drops poking my exposed arms, that was painful.

On my way back, when I reach the super steep hill (the one with a lorry breakdown and blocked one lane of the road, the same part where I screamed earlier when I come down that hill), I came down to push. I am a very bad hill cyclist. A lot of time, I had to push my way up, and this time, I decided pushing it is less painful than cycling.

I was so tired by the time I reached the top. At the last part of bike route before reaching transition area, there is another hill and this time, I cycle through it. Down that hill and that's the end of bike leg.

Classic!! Screaming (again) down the slope because I cannot stop even with both front and rear brakes pressed hard
This is the last downhill before reaching transition area

I was pretty blur from this point onwards. I even ran out the wrong way after loading bike. The marshal call to me and show me the right way. He asked me if I'm Korean!! Do I look like one? -_-||

Love to run in the rain...cool and refreshing

Run route has a number of hills too. Like cycling, I am not good running on slopes either. I manage to keep at a pace between 6:35 to 7 mins/km. I wasn't pushing hard, just run however fast my legs could carry. I was already counting down the km ahead of me. Can't wait for it to be over, I was tired already.

Water station were serving ice cold water even though it was raining and weather was cold. Always got a cold-shock each time I take a sip at water station.

I run and I run...conquering the last steep hill before reaching finishing line. 500m before finishing, Tuan Tuan fly past me. I was too tired to give chase, plus, she's not in the same category as me. So I let her go and I slowed down a bit so that I get to cross the finishing alone and can get a proper personal finishing photo...hehehe.

But unfortunately, I think nobody manage to capture my finishing photo holding the, urm, what do you call that banner THING they hold across the finishing arc? Anyway, no biggie. I get plenty of hugs from fellow friends. Warm hugs.

The sense of satisfaction, and happiness is hard to explain, especially with my limited vocab. Sorry. At that moment, I very much agree with what Ben told me before. He said, completing a triathlon gives you 3 times the satisfaction of finishing any other single leg event. Very true indeed.

A happy finisher. Aihh, but I don't look very happy, do I?

According to the official result here, this is my time:
9 604 Cheah Lie Wei Malaysia 0:37:26 1:31:13 0:55:38 3:04:17

First number is swim time, followed by bike time, run time and total time.

I finished in 9th placing in the Women Open category and I got RM100 for prize money. It isn't very much but nevertheless, I am super super happy that I completed my first OD Triathlon.

Journey to Kenyir

The much anticipated weekend is finally here. It is the weekend of Kenyir Triathlon in Terengganu. I am excited but at the same time nervous. My first attempt in triathlon. My concern? Having to swim in the man-made lake which I remembered from my previous visit, has dark green water that is popular with angler for huge Toman fish. Other than that, I am also worried about the hills, I heard the bike and run course is hilly. And I am pretty bad at it.

We have 4 cars from Penang, traveling together. Gathering at Bin's house at 4am in the morning, we load our bike and bags into the car. All 4 cars are big car, they are either MPV or 4x4, so cool. Love that Suzuki Grand Vitara the most :)

Hard at work loading bikes

After a quick McD breakfast at Greenlane, we are ready to conquer the 8hr journey to Kenyir.

I was traveling in a CRV, with Ben, Eddie, Tuan and Miow. The 3 of us girls at the backseat and the 2 guys take the front seat, who also take turn on the wheel. Tuan and I are both first timers. I was fortunate to have them as car pool kaki, they are a bunch of funny cheerful people. We had a lot of laugh in the car. But then again, most runners/bikers/triathletes are fun fun people to be with (that is not a typo, they are so FUN i need to repeat the word twice). And they are very kind and helpful people too. Always willing to lend a helping hand.

Taken during one of our petrol/toilet break. Our bikes hanging on the bike rack

After 6 plus hours of traveling, we finally reach Jerteh. We stop here for lunch.

Crossing the road to the other side in search of food

After some walking about, in the end, we manage to find a Chinese chapfan kopitiam, which charge us very expensive. Ben had his at the price of RM8, and my rice come up to RM5. It is just normal 2 vege + 1 meat dish :(

Half way eating, it started to rain heavily. And this is where my Kenyir raining experience begins. The rain did not stop even after we're done eating. Ben sacrificed himself to cross the road, get the car and come fetch the rest of us. He only have a banner to cover his head.

Another 1.5hrs later, we reach Kenyir Lake resort from Jerteh. The Kenyir Lake Resort & Spa has a designated carpark, and they will have buggy service to drive you into the resort. You can either take buggy or walk to move around the resort area.

Because of the rain, it was very hard for us to get around. The buggy service was slow and the fact that we have a bike and all the gears, the unloading and the process of getting to our room was tough. I was surprise I didn't catch a cold from this trip being exposed to so much rain.

My faithful Vitus, has been with me for almost 1.5 years now

Went through the check-in, then bib collection and then we get things ready for tomorrow's big day. i.e. pin bib, pack up stuff that needs to be at transition area and etc, while we wait for the rain to subside so that we can go 'test water' in the lake.

Men's and Women's design of this year's Kenyir Tri drifit shirt. Tuan holding the men's on the left, me holding the women's

We even go out to the jetty anticipating the rain to stop. It turns out to be a long wait and in the end, decided not to swim because it was really cold~. We only took some photos at the jetty place then go back hotel room to shower and be ready for dinner + briefing.

Clear shot despite the rain

These people makes the trip so much more fun.

From left: Lynn, me, Chin and Miow

In the evening, it was still raining and we couldn't walk to the hotel lobby area for dinner coz no umbrella. I would have to say that Kenyir Lake Resort and Spa that has a 4-star rating is pretty crappy. Being an individual chalet resort with no covered walk way around, they don't even have umbrellas in the room. We waited quite a while for buggy but there's still none. Coincidentally, there's a mini 2-seater buggy meant for technician to go around the area parked in front of our chalet. The 3 of us sat in the buggy to shield ourselves from the rain until the 2 technician came back and chase us off. There's always advantages being a girl, and this time we utilize it ;)

We try to get the technician to tumpang us to the lobby area but how to sit 5 people in a 2-seater buggy? After some persuasion, one technician offer to stay back while his colleague fetch the 3 of us to the lobby...hehe **wink wink

Food was quite bad for a hotel standard food. Batu Maung chap fan also look tastier than what they have. Choice of dishes were also very limited. I like the potato soup the most. Had it with bun and butter. Nothing else worth mentioning.

Briefing was quite short. Just Uncle Chan explaining to us how the swim-bike-run course is like, where's the hill, where to turn, how many loop to go and etc.

By the time we head back to chalet, it was still raining. Hmphhh, 'long life rain'. SIEN nia. It had been a long day traveling to Kenyir, I slept like baby.

Have to thanked the tiring journey, if not I may be too worried and can't get to sleep.

Next up, the race. The big day :)

Stay tune for update.