tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158034028609686882024-02-19T23:42:11.600+08:00Doc On The RunRunning away (or towards, depending on how you view things) from the insanity that is life!!!Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.comBlogger534125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-72908242468837433592016-08-07T22:05:00.001+08:002016-08-07T22:08:56.711+08:00Much Ado About Zwift - Part 2 So.....<br />
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A follow up on my previous blog post......from where I last left off.<br />
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(Click <a href="http://peeass.blogspot.com/2016/06/much-ado-about-zwift-part-1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the last blog post)<br />
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The speed sensor was in place.<br />
I left out the cadence as it couldn't be detected with the sensor being right next to the flywheel.<br />
Using my Garmin watch, no matter how much I pedal, I couldn't get the detected speed to go above 24km/hr. The average was 18km/hr.<br />
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Frankly that was rather depressing.<br />
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So after the last post went public on Facebook, I had a few people (mostly those already on Zwift) who left comments or personally Whatsapp me regarding their own personal take on my "unfortunate" situation.<br />
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With some ideas thrown in and about, in the end, I'd decided one way or another I'd get my trainer "connected to power", and not just <i>virtual power </i>that I'd get via the speed and cadence sensor combo (I was already quite fed up with the perpetual low speed that my Garmin was detecting off the speed sensor against the flywheel).<br />
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As I was too cheap to get an actual power meter (I'd rather buy new wheels), and my trainer is on the old version side of the Elite Turbo Muin, it was decided that adding on the <b>Misuro B+ </b>would be an excellent choice.<br />
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Of course, being state-bound in Kelantan, I've resorted to online shopping for a lot of "necessities" these days.<br />
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I ordered a Misuro B+ from <b>Rodalink Malaysia</b>.<br />
That took 3 days to arrive.<br />
(Thank you Rodalink. Your online service was excellent!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx2Xwb2Lz8sLtyjOseYYVFkDVih0GQBWpUxhunOYECASEgF-MJr8ZOxy38X-53QAGzNarkCjEz70_kMBhMe03cwUp-VKyvjnd2dnyAV6_Tfi7IciH2roYQt9WMuNH-9IgDu4nXpH0HVs/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx2Xwb2Lz8sLtyjOseYYVFkDVih0GQBWpUxhunOYECASEgF-MJr8ZOxy38X-53QAGzNarkCjEz70_kMBhMe03cwUp-VKyvjnd2dnyAV6_Tfi7IciH2roYQt9WMuNH-9IgDu4nXpH0HVs/s400/IMG_7157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I've previously stated in blog, I'd put in the order for the ANT+ 2 from Aliexpress.<br />
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Took China Post 3 weeks to deliver it.</div>
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This was a real test to my patience as I was getting pretty accustomed to Lazada's (and now Rodalink's) 3-5 business days for delivery on most items.</div>
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But in the end...tadaa!</div>
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The dongle looked like a regular (albeit flimsy looking) USB thumb drive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPQ_nJZPsjunk5qRBBeXUW9EquKa0p_x2GC2VpPTSArJn0b0JBaV8t2im0LrT7mzKcMsDzO_1r-561msTcii0a96LqJGmCrHZ1GOKGZZCoAt5PiLMIwwKKUN3TkJEh8ouuriCLh7wEqQ/s1600/IMG_7260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPQ_nJZPsjunk5qRBBeXUW9EquKa0p_x2GC2VpPTSArJn0b0JBaV8t2im0LrT7mzKcMsDzO_1r-561msTcii0a96LqJGmCrHZ1GOKGZZCoAt5PiLMIwwKKUN3TkJEh8ouuriCLh7wEqQ/s400/IMG_7260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And to be sure, yes.....the inside portion is BLACK!</div>
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So now that everything had arrived, it was time to put this whole system to the test.</div>
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Heart rate monitor - check</div>
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ANT+ 2 dongle - check</div>
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Cadence sensor - check (yes, removed the speed sensor and fix the cadence sensor instead to the crank arm)</div>
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HDMI cable to connect to TV - check</div>
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Misuro B+ - check</div>
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And we are ready to roll.</div>
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Below is my exact day-in-day-out set up for Zwift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj458SV-lmqWNz2hIEq7a5gWfVKdOvz7nBJU6a1JhLE3NNIJefufjK33MCN1YS0Rb4wCge07jpcRWuaNPvmfOr8CnP2rXxbRWsvggU_g_tTESKK5NFabbMnW4GWxat0l0ch20yK_8lpSeo/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj458SV-lmqWNz2hIEq7a5gWfVKdOvz7nBJU6a1JhLE3NNIJefufjK33MCN1YS0Rb4wCge07jpcRWuaNPvmfOr8CnP2rXxbRWsvggU_g_tTESKK5NFabbMnW4GWxat0l0ch20yK_8lpSeo/s400/IMG_7505.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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I was told that the first thing I should do when starting such a "game" was to determine my FTP (Functional Threshold Power). So after 2 sessions of getting familiar with the set up of the whole "game", I did my FTP test.</div>
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Below are some snap shots from my first FTP test. </div>
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My result was a dismal <b>156W</b> after a soul wrenching 20 minutes of all out effort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs1O-gQOTxbhyphenhyphengDG97zK0nUgvQ7NK6fUVabySmZPQ-l-y9fCBtcO_FThHG1tD529VdK9T3VKvvifOFj78OOTbA2IZCXZ6A5xGy-DPAfRsesdwHQWl6h2pY4FJtcfvxS7CuAr6bLDg1fg/s1600/IMG_7501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs1O-gQOTxbhyphenhyphengDG97zK0nUgvQ7NK6fUVabySmZPQ-l-y9fCBtcO_FThHG1tD529VdK9T3VKvvifOFj78OOTbA2IZCXZ6A5xGy-DPAfRsesdwHQWl6h2pY4FJtcfvxS7CuAr6bLDg1fg/s400/IMG_7501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq7RiSamCchjfRy2prBB3yDq-4NwpHxE3AltYcsioPNx713bgEeTGxA8vHogbs2th-DiFed0vnnCabBQhhTaqxsvqGCfgwnJESjJnRuIg8EYFVRwL-2G07m4B-f1tLuZ4-vXGBOtKL8k/s1600/IMG_7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq7RiSamCchjfRy2prBB3yDq-4NwpHxE3AltYcsioPNx713bgEeTGxA8vHogbs2th-DiFed0vnnCabBQhhTaqxsvqGCfgwnJESjJnRuIg8EYFVRwL-2G07m4B-f1tLuZ4-vXGBOtKL8k/s400/IMG_7530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So now that I've gotten my FTP, I'll divide that number with my weight in kilogram (kg) for my Power-to-Weight Ratio.</div>
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With my weight stuck at 63kg since Ironman 2 years back, that leaves my power output for FTP at another dismal 2.476 (I'll just round it up to 2.48 to make myself feel slightly better).</div>
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If you'd please refer to the chart I've provided below, you'll see that 2.48 via FTP puts me into "FAIR" category.</div>
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Just slightly above "UNTRAINED".</div>
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After 6 years on bike.....I'm just slightly above UNTRAINED.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT1gY24qvnwhAm65SNLgmMIpA2ARtT0tTlwa-5IvKERiPFJPvQjsjLfNDvVR-vpexrjAre0tHBCH4cNqc2k321RvLiBuhAJaUZu-qlarcKDtYQGC535YPiOV2efjWFijJSBGBoYq-SbQ/s1600/IMG_7767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT1gY24qvnwhAm65SNLgmMIpA2ARtT0tTlwa-5IvKERiPFJPvQjsjLfNDvVR-vpexrjAre0tHBCH4cNqc2k321RvLiBuhAJaUZu-qlarcKDtYQGC535YPiOV2efjWFijJSBGBoYq-SbQ/s640/IMG_7767.JPG" width="528" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure about you, but this discovery leaves a very bitter aftertaste for me.</div>
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Therefore, 3 weeks ago (yeah been doing this only for past 3 weeks, mind you) I had decided that I would do something to increase that bloody number.</div>
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Thankfully there are pre-planned workouts to build one's FTP, all pre-programmed into Zwift.</div>
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But I decided it would be more fun to enrol into Zwift Academy (you can google for the extra details) and try to cramp all 3 months worth of training sessions into slightly over 1 month (Zwift Academy ends when the month of August does).</div>
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Starting with this program, I had to re-do another FTP.</div>
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This time around, I was slightly less naive and decided to progressively ramp up the wattage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpl5NodExId7bZHDceC8U7zMQ1qxNcFFRGyDbxVl34AHQIB2eVAenanHpNNzavrUuzaIkm_mM_osGbh7vLqNgZ5LIM5hfFpQoQWkpnsVF0hoSMirFcXxrIFU0ZWmHJW-vFUI2Dmx2NdBk/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpl5NodExId7bZHDceC8U7zMQ1qxNcFFRGyDbxVl34AHQIB2eVAenanHpNNzavrUuzaIkm_mM_osGbh7vLqNgZ5LIM5hfFpQoQWkpnsVF0hoSMirFcXxrIFU0ZWmHJW-vFUI2Dmx2NdBk/s400/IMG_7610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1sVrO3jeGv9yS9gUQWhpKFiwVIzwdUo8S8CwM_Ed7zucRbEVrPHQV_k83i7CehTF9tHj-LtpcAc6I621TQwHinVoQg6vsdx1dgQW8qzy8Iw8-Z8q1IAI7ah7Gsl2FwArMD90TEQ1ENk/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1sVrO3jeGv9yS9gUQWhpKFiwVIzwdUo8S8CwM_Ed7zucRbEVrPHQV_k83i7CehTF9tHj-LtpcAc6I621TQwHinVoQg6vsdx1dgQW8qzy8Iw8-Z8q1IAI7ah7Gsl2FwArMD90TEQ1ENk/s400/IMG_7611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU0JAxXC_rExey-IZtmkpzT23wEQjz8xyjOnv_WoXe3Sa6kIWcB-tGe3Ss1GmY67-nqXeSb6y4VifptShREwM_lXPnU9mhKAgJt7CjVw-DwJHyqvv7xpp9Qzr-04yePzdaAcJaSQat2s/s1600/IMG_7613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU0JAxXC_rExey-IZtmkpzT23wEQjz8xyjOnv_WoXe3Sa6kIWcB-tGe3Ss1GmY67-nqXeSb6y4VifptShREwM_lXPnU9mhKAgJt7CjVw-DwJHyqvv7xpp9Qzr-04yePzdaAcJaSQat2s/s400/IMG_7613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It would have been really awesome if I'd remembered to snapshot my end result of this FTP but I was just clinging on to dear life when that 20min ended.</div>
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End result: <b>169W</b></div>
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(Not that I got any stronger within the week.....but mostly because I'd become a little smarter about doing this FTP)</div>
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So up until the point of writing, I'm halfway into my 2nd month of Zwift Academy training.<br />
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Below are some random snapshots I took during one of the training sessions, the first one that Zwift debuted in London PRL course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICaQMdku9VUbiF-otjPKwAJcaxVE5ReMZm6u2PiHZ16h9Q0aTSfUA7P38J3muLZNi4C_Gn2yXNb5npYGyFH9P2qoKQ4rd4HPu7XvyIuJja223ebSleMaQvY1_Bx5FRE7Gx0c4TEsu6BI/s1600/IMG_7641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICaQMdku9VUbiF-otjPKwAJcaxVE5ReMZm6u2PiHZ16h9Q0aTSfUA7P38J3muLZNi4C_Gn2yXNb5npYGyFH9P2qoKQ4rd4HPu7XvyIuJja223ebSleMaQvY1_Bx5FRE7Gx0c4TEsu6BI/s400/IMG_7641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this is me after most training sessions.....I look on most days post training like a hyperventilating sweating zombie with proptosis....</div>
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....esp after Zwift group rides where the notion of <b><i>"All cyclist are liars!!!"</i></b> rings ever so true.</div>
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And as always, once I'm into something.....I'm obsessively into something.</div>
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The past week's worth of cycling alone on Zwift as per snapshot of my Strava account (didn't even take into account my running mileage yet). I realised I probably didn't even train that many hours per week for Ironman in 2014.</div>
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Go figure. </div>
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And yes....I'm now subscribed to Zwift on a monthly basis of USD10. </div>
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Considering the kinda hours I'm putting into this "game", that 10 bucks is so bloody worth it.</div>
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Laters!</div>
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-23511061372042674542016-06-29T21:07:00.001+08:002016-06-29T21:08:01.536+08:00Much Ado About Zwift - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So....<br />
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In efforts to<i> improve</i> my cycling mojo (kinda lost in enroute to Kota Bharu), I'd decided to sign on to Zwift....<br />
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.....which is a turbo trainer game that enables you to link your turbo trainer to your computer, allowing you to ride with other cyclists in the Zwift virtual world.<br />
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(yeah....talk about <i>needing</i> more cycling friends here who doesn't converse in the local dialect)<br />
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After much deliberation (and a lot of egging on by CL to join her to ride in the Zwift alternate virtual universe), I decided to really have a look into it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wcmRI9H0aRYfW-IgADYwGjCJTONrJZgLeVqCWMudBBjQF5Kke2kYWV-o6CCrih29cTOIYeB1HAvpP5KP16qttXzO9sueKk8un1LqdM9nGs4ppAu4zTPVZU2mzWqrnyW7_bVONFQalcg/s1600/IMG_6061.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wcmRI9H0aRYfW-IgADYwGjCJTONrJZgLeVqCWMudBBjQF5Kke2kYWV-o6CCrih29cTOIYeB1HAvpP5KP16qttXzO9sueKk8un1LqdM9nGs4ppAu4zTPVZU2mzWqrnyW7_bVONFQalcg/s400/IMG_6061.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Good thing for noncommittal people like me, Zwift allows for a free 14-day trial...no strings attached.</div>
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Brilliant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IL0JLMV6rG2Vgybhop9WlKZJwQIdfXb_OZWF__9N_3MxHEexLlC1QYXifiOvL7du5YdeK5FmtxiNsofaXN9Ao5B2sg78ZcjdI6YtHMoMHEhAxa8qO5pdaNtm0QdUQ8wfvBuuZi1xn-A/s1600/IMG_6062.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IL0JLMV6rG2Vgybhop9WlKZJwQIdfXb_OZWF__9N_3MxHEexLlC1QYXifiOvL7du5YdeK5FmtxiNsofaXN9Ao5B2sg78ZcjdI6YtHMoMHEhAxa8qO5pdaNtm0QdUQ8wfvBuuZi1xn-A/s400/IMG_6062.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Then I had to figure out if all my equipments would support my entry into the Zwift virtual universe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DyRIZbyBcwGuKFlfoaPkfi9FPS34DKLMyxb8aXoriyv8PWd6qEzPHgpYeXzB-2Qc7qWfprL3jVkFmxnbMwBeOZIN239546aV1VEeK8EPh-50a4vuphWOjMBlnexgwIGon5bVZszeg40/s1600/IMG_6063.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DyRIZbyBcwGuKFlfoaPkfi9FPS34DKLMyxb8aXoriyv8PWd6qEzPHgpYeXzB-2Qc7qWfprL3jVkFmxnbMwBeOZIN239546aV1VEeK8EPh-50a4vuphWOjMBlnexgwIGon5bVZszeg40/s400/IMG_6063.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJA8Dfqh61_Hu6mBwv4zx-_CGf9U_fAP-UA_eNwLYWKe_VfI_PNnaUm_jcK5htDixUEoz8cf11UoDeoQ_YihOj-LbiSYLpGM03qPKMEER8SZVHMNxNCtfi7IRd8GdGcFxlvNxUTWAAYc/s1600/IMG_6064.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJA8Dfqh61_Hu6mBwv4zx-_CGf9U_fAP-UA_eNwLYWKe_VfI_PNnaUm_jcK5htDixUEoz8cf11UoDeoQ_YihOj-LbiSYLpGM03qPKMEER8SZVHMNxNCtfi7IRd8GdGcFxlvNxUTWAAYc/s400/IMG_6064.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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It would be awesome if I had a "smart trainer" (and here I was <i>thinking</i> I was smart enough to actually own a trainer!) but thankfully my Elite Turbo Muin (circa 2014, bought for preparation for IMMY that same year) was in the list. So trainer-wise, I'm good to go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilE8eyBAIcVfoBPrFWy7mxEu7ydwrqKDD3M39AK2rKvKN3FeRoPNXz7vd3kUI0Zw5uuXUu0lV0bVOpKuE1nmDXX1Qvm3KjRi90r6iXjyDIHvHgbdYIlZHWlawzNfhSNwwAEsxyJ0MSjF4/s1600/IMG_6065.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilE8eyBAIcVfoBPrFWy7mxEu7ydwrqKDD3M39AK2rKvKN3FeRoPNXz7vd3kUI0Zw5uuXUu0lV0bVOpKuE1nmDXX1Qvm3KjRi90r6iXjyDIHvHgbdYIlZHWlawzNfhSNwwAEsxyJ0MSjF4/s400/IMG_6065.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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It would also be really awesome if I had a Power Meter. Unfortunately I couldn't justify that purchase these days as I don't ride much.....and I would <i>prefer </i>to have that Power Meter on my NeilPryde instead of the Colnago.</div>
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So virtual power it is.</div>
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And Indran was nice enough to loan me his Garmin GSC10 unit.</div>
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(I personally think the loan was to ease his guilt-ridden conscious for all those times I was stood up on the morning of many rides)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO5A3Sr9LrYbBuskqnnYjfBCyrKk1bUmJp6nMmPTdZ7W0t3a4fq_YA4hQ7HsX7eyulVg7S8koRPMuYmnwGP0lU2Dkg96x9riUJRQpH_bX9WauGMYzKOz5MTazcmJ9Qti8uvO-jNy5C60/s1600/IMG_6066.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO5A3Sr9LrYbBuskqnnYjfBCyrKk1bUmJp6nMmPTdZ7W0t3a4fq_YA4hQ7HsX7eyulVg7S8koRPMuYmnwGP0lU2Dkg96x9riUJRQpH_bX9WauGMYzKOz5MTazcmJ9Qti8uvO-jNy5C60/s400/IMG_6066.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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The next on the list was ANT+ dongle....which came with my old Garmin 310XT. Yes...<i>that</i> watch since 2010 is still functioning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9J06dZ2t_iJZTPWuXM0xFoh_LQL3RaKoRmqTCgkzaRIBeWt7Wnl8FCtmE9R6GOnqmr6sHu77Hmdcq-ji_IIcIQf3MuxqnSq7w-rDofrHM5BQbvaL_DJJ5HuQfNKDNGYVcSwNSkcprfM/s1600/IMG_6067.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9J06dZ2t_iJZTPWuXM0xFoh_LQL3RaKoRmqTCgkzaRIBeWt7Wnl8FCtmE9R6GOnqmr6sHu77Hmdcq-ji_IIcIQf3MuxqnSq7w-rDofrHM5BQbvaL_DJJ5HuQfNKDNGYVcSwNSkcprfM/s400/IMG_6067.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Additional item was the heart rate monitor, which I have been using intermittently during my treadmill runs...or my HIIT sessions on treadmill.</div>
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And voila! </div>
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Zwift account set up and now to get the bike-trainer configuration to work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9M4ULWvI0aOvUfeToF6OQFnkCVuCIEfZv7zN_TNAWCkrmuVKDjD8HeOSxoHoZ5Wr0GIb0s5sUJzzm0ipoflI089WjuJnBnzslu4F97c66Pf8EKyU7Ekrh4a3NBQdlZTlgwOeexomPrw/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9M4ULWvI0aOvUfeToF6OQFnkCVuCIEfZv7zN_TNAWCkrmuVKDjD8HeOSxoHoZ5Wr0GIb0s5sUJzzm0ipoflI089WjuJnBnzslu4F97c66Pf8EKyU7Ekrh4a3NBQdlZTlgwOeexomPrw/s400/IMG_6030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was told to place my speed sensor hanging off the chain stay near the flywheel as it will read the magnet inside the flywheel enclosure.</div>
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I tried manoeuvring it around so that I can downshift without the chain hitting the sensor.</div>
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Unfortunately after many tries (and many cable ties sacrificed), I'd concluded and this is the only position that detected that bloody enclosed magnet.</div>
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Yes...I realised downshift 2x and the chain will hit the sensor. </div>
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And yes...the sensor is touching the flywheel enclosure.</div>
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But one issue at a time. I only have limited braincells that can <i>tolerate</i> such inadequacies in equipment designs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuH8Gl6_joKECYjLXHC6il2jS4xC3-knYkduUvxlANYHfzUkzcwlOikdcPao5Oy203M_LjImgxRRD2d1dumH-h0P96a7coVIvMYfyvNQdFCx0Ve6WMP048KuAgPlwE8kQV7obdM2maXE/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuH8Gl6_joKECYjLXHC6il2jS4xC3-knYkduUvxlANYHfzUkzcwlOikdcPao5Oy203M_LjImgxRRD2d1dumH-h0P96a7coVIvMYfyvNQdFCx0Ve6WMP048KuAgPlwE8kQV7obdM2maXE/s400/IMG_6033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So now.....my speed sensor is working (my Garmin 310XT detected the speed as I spin on my trainer) and I have 14 days no-strings-attached trial with Zwift.<br />
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Next step is to get myself INTO that virtual universe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNDBCBhZkrRCjz-kHyMt8pPO4YLJ-JcDXwz0MbSY-0Mv7PXlQeePoJlYO59dYlpp9srJ-xLj_VQsP3MNe0sR8kF9IUBGL5dHbc0rqUN6DjFTnL1_Qlh_lVmSUG9iUtVJOCybq3YTCQc8/s1600/IMG_6069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNDBCBhZkrRCjz-kHyMt8pPO4YLJ-JcDXwz0MbSY-0Mv7PXlQeePoJlYO59dYlpp9srJ-xLj_VQsP3MNe0sR8kF9IUBGL5dHbc0rqUN6DjFTnL1_Qlh_lVmSUG9iUtVJOCybq3YTCQc8/s400/IMG_6069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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First step is for the program to search for my speed sensor.</div>
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I got on my bike and pedalled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMt5WskLrgGMbJ0sps97Jfh0OnMGG8VTXefgaH5ChOjApefNhCmUP2bsKjd0ISFYDxWdeOwHVVCP74KJ8cFEtorvm0OOCI1KEBVZsB4qqQfcR_nEqCCOMpobcQ-oUTpkG85KyHUYFeXc/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMt5WskLrgGMbJ0sps97Jfh0OnMGG8VTXefgaH5ChOjApefNhCmUP2bsKjd0ISFYDxWdeOwHVVCP74KJ8cFEtorvm0OOCI1KEBVZsB4qqQfcR_nEqCCOMpobcQ-oUTpkG85KyHUYFeXc/s400/IMG_6070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1 minute in......nothing.</div>
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I kept on spinning, hoping for a miracle.</div>
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5 minutes in......<i>still</i> nothing.</div>
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Hmmmm......I tried searching for my heart rate monitor (inaugural rides deserve to have the entire hoopla in situ), <i>also</i> nothing.</div>
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I know I suck at technological stuff but <i>this</i> is ridiculous!!! </div>
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So I did what normal sane person would do when lost. I googled "<b>Help, my Zwift would not sync!</b>".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1APn4EoNOTZDbPk5u8s-Dz7g-PcciicUKMbO-8q8HZzmj8r0jornSlMNfZ-odcEznOyD5Qlg1RT9ZZmQGu615yMhR9aP4Mlr-QkcL6en_oKQc8QuaBCKIohvlTXAJbv_JuJLuc_qDng/s1600/IMG_6071.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1APn4EoNOTZDbPk5u8s-Dz7g-PcciicUKMbO-8q8HZzmj8r0jornSlMNfZ-odcEznOyD5Qlg1RT9ZZmQGu615yMhR9aP4Mlr-QkcL6en_oKQc8QuaBCKIohvlTXAJbv_JuJLuc_qDng/s400/IMG_6071.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Did you know that there <i>is</i> a difference between ANT+ dongle that is USB 1 versus ANT+ dongle that is USB 2?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYV_50_Z0q_mAiGX_v9uh5JGbD52f7vtCBqDwBjhDGLtgjGwRHZsT6_8-zVcQK40Jh4AscMZ5F4BRCV47sOIynLynIs4c53lqZ8FuvnVgRtRyxcdgAQ469k4LNY0iHdz9eBcRmnpHWJs/s1600/IMG_6072.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYV_50_Z0q_mAiGX_v9uh5JGbD52f7vtCBqDwBjhDGLtgjGwRHZsT6_8-zVcQK40Jh4AscMZ5F4BRCV47sOIynLynIs4c53lqZ8FuvnVgRtRyxcdgAQ469k4LNY0iHdz9eBcRmnpHWJs/s400/IMG_6072.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Easiest way to determine whether your ANT+ dongle is USB 1 or 2 is by the colour on the inside of the USB (the plastic bit that inserts into the USB drive on the computer).</div>
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Apparently USB 1 is white....while USB 2 is black.</div>
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So I went and looked at my dongle......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3Z2twVyJntjrQ40vjvfCTgfCUkLqr52JAMZzsnxVnfPfsaPvxyhk1Z3poxGTG8hkV1SWNkzTChDCdFjD4XFpCW9G1HRc2WTdQLRr1dBe-zYRzNrVQbhgAuXjIY1nVl_EybmZp6_g94s/s1600/IMG_6060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3Z2twVyJntjrQ40vjvfCTgfCUkLqr52JAMZzsnxVnfPfsaPvxyhk1Z3poxGTG8hkV1SWNkzTChDCdFjD4XFpCW9G1HRc2WTdQLRr1dBe-zYRzNrVQbhgAuXjIY1nVl_EybmZp6_g94s/s400/IMG_6060.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Dammit.</b></div>
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Oh well.....you<i> learn </i>something new everyday.</div>
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I wondered how much an ANT+ USB 2 dongle would cost.</div>
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I went onto Lazada (I buy almost everything minus groceries from that website these days) and a replacement ANT+ dongle would cost me around RM300. </div>
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And <i>that</i> was the discounted price.</div>
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Amazon and eBay were going for slightly cheaper but it was above RM200 (including shipping and what-nots).</div>
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A little pricey to pay for something that I'm not entirely sure I would be using on a regular basis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9j9XmbleZSt5pFsIos9AGJ2w32Suh9739GLZRxMigadOKD0vz-8OVbSQA68Kj_frv3-SrB39TdWwNY4CUt5m_jIDlLsSG2qFtLqoEzHQoMrDWfiFeopXIUCl3Qjbqenc60rGFWxjLos/s1600/IMG_6073.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9j9XmbleZSt5pFsIos9AGJ2w32Suh9739GLZRxMigadOKD0vz-8OVbSQA68Kj_frv3-SrB39TdWwNY4CUt5m_jIDlLsSG2qFtLqoEzHQoMrDWfiFeopXIUCl3Qjbqenc60rGFWxjLos/s400/IMG_6073.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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So....thankfully AliExpress would sell me one below USD20.</div>
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In case you're wondering whether it would be Zwift-compatible....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7SzqEglWNChW3lZtK5J6oIDNnURnM7vdl5nl3iYiMhWeMuP9Eqre1oE0UQi6TIv-l8teSouPxk7BY8HIxWsqRzMP3jXeXNBwkwAd4RpFOlY_8TZHP0Bak1mTnATpwQB0AaxGvg9LGBU/s1600/IMG_6074.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7SzqEglWNChW3lZtK5J6oIDNnURnM7vdl5nl3iYiMhWeMuP9Eqre1oE0UQi6TIv-l8teSouPxk7BY8HIxWsqRzMP3jXeXNBwkwAd4RpFOlY_8TZHP0Bak1mTnATpwQB0AaxGvg9LGBU/s400/IMG_6074.PNG" width="225" /></a><br />
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It's good to know I'm not the only one looking for cheap ANT+ USB 2 dongle to enter the Zwift universe. </div>
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I guess if my 14-day trial ends before the dongle arrives, I'd just re-register under another email address. But I'm crossing my fingers for a sub-2 weeks delivery!</div>
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Later!!!</div>
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-23499768007089889502016-05-28T22:15:00.001+08:002016-05-28T22:15:31.606+08:00Airia 1.5 Running Shoes - the SaveHeartBeats experiment (Part 1)*<b><i>Disclaimer: yes, it has been a while. No we won't be discussing what happened for the last goodness knows how long coz that's not the point of this blog post!</i></b><br />
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Before I start....this post is about 3 years <i>overdue.</i><br />
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I reckon I owe them this blog post but let me explain why it took me this long.<br />
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Several years back, the nice people at <b>Airia Running</b> contacted me via this blog (when I actually did post something....anything!) wondering if I would like to test run their shoe and write a review on it.<br />
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I liked freebies (I <i>still </i>do) so obviously I said yes.<br />
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I gave them my shoe size and provided them with the address to the work place (I figured that would be the safest option, thus guaranteeing the arrival and reception of the postal parcel).<br />
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Then I waited.<br />
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And waited....<br />
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And <i>waited</i> for some more....<br />
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But nothing.<br />
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Then after about 4 months, Airia contacted me and I told them that the shoes never came.<br />
That was the last time I heard from them.<br />
[Not that it bothered me. The blogging activity winded down at an exponential rate that I at one point contemplated to shutting down the entire blog page. But I was too sentimental (and lazy) so blog became status quo]<br />
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....<i>until</i> 3 weeks ago.<br />
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Airia contacted me once more, stating that my email address was in their database and now they are launching a self-experiment of sort comparing Airia running shoes with any other running shoes of choice, and comparing the heart rate at the end of an moderately paced 30 minute run (moderate pace is totally self described....what Airia posted on their website, the runner was to reach anywhere between 75-95% of maximum heart rate at end of 30 minutes) and the difference in end heart rates between the different shoes ran in.<br />
I looked at the website for this self-experiment (click <a href="http://www.saveheartbeats.run/" target="_blank">HERE</a>), read through the basis of the experiment and the methodology, and I figured this would be pretty cool to test out.<br />
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Of course I lacked the most important part necessary for this experiment. I didn't actually own a pair of Airia shoes. So I emailed them back about the previous shoe misadventure.<br />
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Where the <i>initial</i> shoe ended, one could only guess. I do hope with as much optimism that I can muster that some customs officer has suddenly took up running, lost a lot of weight, ran several ultra marathons then incidentally fell in love with cycling and is now training for the upcoming Ironman event end of this year. Optimism.<br />
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Airia instead did not dwell on the past (thankfully) but asked if I would be interested in participating in this test. I said I was. Extremely, in fact (of course, I didn't tell them that I was now residing in Kota Bharu, Kelantan and was extremely bored running on the treadmill and needed something, like an experiment, to spice things up).<br />
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So they suggested I sign on to be a test participant and they will send me a new pair!<br />
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So last week, I filled in the online form for the new pair of Airia shoes....and prayed for the best. That, or another customs officer will get into the whole running and triathlon scene....either way, some good will come out of it.<br />
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Lo and behold, DHL presented me with my new Airia 1.5 running shoes this afternoon. Big YAY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMDOKXKeP458Y03z-lP6U7UpKqOQLoHPumHhhFg_htyV53UuuAIafIezOiDp5VR6mdXebHkFqkB-hCZhP3iBmfy2yDEgjcrOkZzjrTLgcD1DLwTNB_TcTQe5vnAj0wY3XHHw-A_BLeu4/s1600/IMG_4842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMDOKXKeP458Y03z-lP6U7UpKqOQLoHPumHhhFg_htyV53UuuAIafIezOiDp5VR6mdXebHkFqkB-hCZhP3iBmfy2yDEgjcrOkZzjrTLgcD1DLwTNB_TcTQe5vnAj0wY3XHHw-A_BLeu4/s400/IMG_4842.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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*<i> Being in Kelantan for the past 1 year has made me very fair. Cue the 'Qu Puteh' jokes.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRN3OeBfXM0kyr_01cvRO1z7BjEqWUgTRg_zLgqdRDNTo_Sbe8df1bR8P5_fFYPmP0JGCA5wGWa0ZbknKNKYVLgGoRWzLdEgq6HUSv3He5bOjmpFe-17qKua4AXlZb675hhGYO225VCM/s1600/IMG_4834.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRN3OeBfXM0kyr_01cvRO1z7BjEqWUgTRg_zLgqdRDNTo_Sbe8df1bR8P5_fFYPmP0JGCA5wGWa0ZbknKNKYVLgGoRWzLdEgq6HUSv3He5bOjmpFe-17qKua4AXlZb675hhGYO225VCM/s400/IMG_4834.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnY7y58wo3heJZfSglfmrtxOJ7oW2tUIV_t-EXI2NQqzffHDeydc9tbccE_FxTsicKlQlQ8sKSl0vGU_26ruRQzkgfq6Kn8gXyWG-Pa1Wy7sALk2tIhwvnPfwQ7UdUyEacQgfbeDuGE8/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnY7y58wo3heJZfSglfmrtxOJ7oW2tUIV_t-EXI2NQqzffHDeydc9tbccE_FxTsicKlQlQ8sKSl0vGU_26ruRQzkgfq6Kn8gXyWG-Pa1Wy7sALk2tIhwvnPfwQ7UdUyEacQgfbeDuGE8/s400/IMG_4861.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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*<i> Notice how the toe box is shaped. This forces the toes into extension.</i><br />
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I read through what was needed of me to record the heart rate while running in one of two shoes.<br />
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I need to run in Running Shoe A, twice a week with a rest day in between.....then in Running Shoe B, twice with a rest day in between runs as well.<br />
I figured this was to ensure the heart rate stays relatively "stable" and not increase due to fatigue from 'running-too-damn-much'.<br />
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Then I thought to have more of a control in this study, I should eliminate other factors that may cause a more fluctuant change in the HR....such as getting used to a new pair of shoes and its related issues (i.e. blister, ill-fit, I-don't-love-the-shoe-syndrome etc etc)<br />
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So I took it for a test run.<br />
The aim was to do a 5km on treadmill (the one that I will be using for the experiment) at a much lower HR, say 60-70% of maximum HR. A slow and steady run on a Saturday night, post dinner. This would be the beta test.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI4sLIdI-N3okU9JCKfNa2eUxT5CY2j4RnUZjn4yuUpxWrSC-CcspGuvx-gHajvY0XIAKhVciC4VCmDa9a9f3qGVdwunIAamrflZAjv92_3hmWC3rknQ_-fdScGC523w4uvx2FFChF8g/s1600/IMG_4856.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI4sLIdI-N3okU9JCKfNa2eUxT5CY2j4RnUZjn4yuUpxWrSC-CcspGuvx-gHajvY0XIAKhVciC4VCmDa9a9f3qGVdwunIAamrflZAjv92_3hmWC3rknQ_-fdScGC523w4uvx2FFChF8g/s400/IMG_4856.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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*<i> I had a lot of time to strength train, thus behold my muscular thighs</i><br />
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The way this shoe was built, forces your feet into pronation and toes into extension. It forces you to run on forefoot. I know they say the same shit about Newton shoes and barefoot-mimicking shoes (and as I own them all at one point or another, I'd like to think that I know when a shoe is really forcing my feet to go forefoot!) but never before like this.<br />
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As I ran, I notice that I do not pronate as much on my right side compared to the left...or rather I resisted forced pronation on my right side. Never really realised that as most running shoes do not force your feet into that position. But in the Airia 1.5, I couldn't help but feel the differences between both feet and how it's affecting my running biomechanics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hC6dPUfiEndQCSU1DrFrR4bcBFEJmNk_NdhgYA3nxVSClMvT80XjqQkbEgtjvXbtfOo8AhCBCQAxGR7BEvdvu2Sw7AakZcubYpjVMO6EOYGg7GxfigguinY3PdMYqUkd1WcSPdYvUB4/s1600/IMG_4859.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hC6dPUfiEndQCSU1DrFrR4bcBFEJmNk_NdhgYA3nxVSClMvT80XjqQkbEgtjvXbtfOo8AhCBCQAxGR7BEvdvu2Sw7AakZcubYpjVMO6EOYGg7GxfigguinY3PdMYqUkd1WcSPdYvUB4/s400/IMG_4859.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3auh6Qp8EOMBWvS5NLruljKoIEI57zHV7zF65U_CZWqRYVn7Xup6YRTreItYaT5G0Ktve-EkyRlS5L6SrRaGgl9bLarQ2u82mTXuX4TpWfSl2BTF5FDdwGRy22fXUEs8cWPQZQ5qYcDc/s1600/IMG_4860.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3auh6Qp8EOMBWvS5NLruljKoIEI57zHV7zF65U_CZWqRYVn7Xup6YRTreItYaT5G0Ktve-EkyRlS5L6SrRaGgl9bLarQ2u82mTXuX4TpWfSl2BTF5FDdwGRy22fXUEs8cWPQZQ5qYcDc/s400/IMG_4860.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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* <i>Forced to end at 3km due to blister :(</i><br />
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1km in, I developed a hot spot medially on my right foot, just 2cm proximal from my first metatarsal joint. By 2.5km it was a painful blister. I stopped at 3km with hopes to try again in 2 days time....wearing thicker socks and shoe laces re-adjusted.<br />
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So....big pat on own back for having the foresight to do a beta test/pilot study before the real data collection.<br />
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In retrospect, prior to saying yes to this experiment, I was curious about Airia as a whole. I googled it up and it turns out they reached out to quite a few bloggers to test-run their shoes and write a review. I read about 5 of these reviews.<br />
Everyone (the five that I read) was a bit taken aback/flabbergasted/curious (<i>take your pick</i>) by the design of the shoes. One said that these shoes made her run faster (or so she thought). Another had a blister issue that killed it for the shoe. And the best bit of it all.....Runner's World did not make any mention of this shoe so far (the Googling was done 3 weeks ago after the end of a very busy clinic day, so if there were any new updates or old reviews that I missed, kindly ignore previous statement and drop me a comment....which I will get to replying.....<i>eventually</i>).<br />
But I said yes coz I was keen to see if what they claim of lower heart rates are true or not.<br />
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So....stay tune for Part 2.<br />
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Laters!<br />
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-14610916017946505672015-05-14T13:27:00.001+08:002015-05-14T13:27:13.379+08:00This little app called Strava....<br />
<br />
Yes...it's<i> not</i> new.<br />
<br />
I've been told the greatness and the awesomeness of Strava by some (quite a lot of) friends and family-in-law (yes, Austin....I'm talking about you!) who revel in the fact that they had just beaten their previous personal best timing on a certain stretch of road....or repeatedly reminded whoever that was willing to listen (that poor ear would be me) how he or she was now (then) the KOM or QOM (King or Queen of Mountain) for one or another incline on some God-forsaken road or highway.<br />
<br />
<i>Brilliant.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Great job.</i><br />
<br />
<i>This information that you just provided blew my freakin mind!!!</i><br />
<br />
Yeah....that was my standard answer.<br />
<br />
<br />
"So when are you getting on Strava?"<br />
I knew that question was coming.<br />
<br />
"Steve the iPhone doesn't have too fantastic a battery life with the GPS turned on".<br />
My standard reply.<br />
<br />
This was 2 years ago.<br />
Life was simple and peaceful then.<br />
<br />
<br />
So a couple of weeks back, I was on a run with Lini when the Strava topic came back up again.<br />
<br />
"Steve the iPhone doesn't have too fantastic a battery life with the GPS turned on".<br />
<br />
<i>"Yeah that sucks, but now you can sync it directly from your Garmin!".</i><br />
Hmmm....I wasn't expecting that reply.<br />
<br />
"Really?!?!"<br />
No...I was hoping that you were just kidding about it.<br />
<br />
<i>"Yes!!!!! That's how I transfer all my data onto Strava!!!!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
"Erm.....oh really...."<br />
<br />
<i>"Yeah....so you go download Strava onto your phone....then transfer those data over from your Garmin connect!"</i><br />
Damn.<br />
<br />
(A little back story: I just figured out how to use Garmin connect about 1.5 months ago after owning the orange brick of a Garmin watch for nearly 5 years. Some would say I'm techno-ignorant....I'd like to think I'm a late adopter of trends)<br />
<br />
So I downloaded Strava.<br />
Added a few people that I knew (thank goodness for Facebook for linking everything in).<br />
And did some workouts.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQsa6c-UQBEwQI1IMn_sJ8fslmkklG9Mq_P-6dqT2UbsDSS8wO6Gh7aNlmcE8opMQLbOP-zQSgVXJT-2di8JFmoiIPs6BKkvdVMToBu_7G5kzGB5xXM7I4_HhiNz8qcQW55ul2NQFupE/s1600/IMG_8362.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQsa6c-UQBEwQI1IMn_sJ8fslmkklG9Mq_P-6dqT2UbsDSS8wO6Gh7aNlmcE8opMQLbOP-zQSgVXJT-2di8JFmoiIPs6BKkvdVMToBu_7G5kzGB5xXM7I4_HhiNz8qcQW55ul2NQFupE/s320/IMG_8362.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
And as promised, the workout data got synced automatically from Garmin Connect.<br />
<br />
Then I waited for myself to get hooked.<br />
<br />
Waited.....and waited.....nada.<br />
Zilch.<br />
I must be one of the rare lucky few, that silly apps like Strava would pose no threat to!<br />
<br />
<br />
Then one day, I followed Bryan to climb some shit inclines around Beringin Loop.....<br />
<br />
I thought I was going to die. And Bryan thought he was going to die of boredom waiting for me at the top of each climb.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, survived....went home....turned on the Macbook....let everything sync....took a shower....looked at Strava on my phone.....<br />
<br />
And saw.....<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnfLmFMsVkdoSoWIF_cj-rEj9VXo-5HUR4hlXtevz38L7YOC8BRfk0HamznfgqHzv41PBogmTDhZMnwDFcbEB1rUwhoVGWYAHZm97MJUGkRnMqbiSwba3ce400cmQ6slc0-jxDSMCVqw/s1600/IMG_8363.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnfLmFMsVkdoSoWIF_cj-rEj9VXo-5HUR4hlXtevz38L7YOC8BRfk0HamznfgqHzv41PBogmTDhZMnwDFcbEB1rUwhoVGWYAHZm97MJUGkRnMqbiSwba3ce400cmQ6slc0-jxDSMCVqw/s320/IMG_8363.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Like...<i>for real</i>!?!?!?!<br />
<br />
Maybe nobody sane does that route on bike.....I mean not everyone has a death wish.<br />
<br />
But apparently I was very wrong.<br />
There are plenty of not to sane people out there.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb1ZwNvo1tP2LqIszZr_j9uDrGy62gtOmhmH-qEORFdnn4UGUMsff-IE7zK5-GowmVV_jO2TjnNwRm7ywl3RCKRXYmwJi9ZyWnPrEDGoFKVvnnrUepVojci1YHQ1ErQnaueeRd3yDBxE/s1600/IMG_8364.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb1ZwNvo1tP2LqIszZr_j9uDrGy62gtOmhmH-qEORFdnn4UGUMsff-IE7zK5-GowmVV_jO2TjnNwRm7ywl3RCKRXYmwJi9ZyWnPrEDGoFKVvnnrUepVojci1YHQ1ErQnaueeRd3yDBxE/s320/IMG_8364.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Take this segment, for example.</div>
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This was my second time cycling up the Damansara Science Center and both times a truck drove so close to me that I had to seriously ponder if the ambulance would make it to me quick enough, for a chance to regale tales of my near brush with death days later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu0AAtnTW4a452JXMp6s5Ls_8gZrERclmRwDAtoO8r4McM8g6IUs19OffWf32N2IFesO3jh5g0z-EaxUvji7zQ3bcakK-hnNEViFV2MAOA9W6ECFZ21UUntlGAun17LZzk1jiHs4OnO8/s1600/IMG_8365.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu0AAtnTW4a452JXMp6s5Ls_8gZrERclmRwDAtoO8r4McM8g6IUs19OffWf32N2IFesO3jh5g0z-EaxUvji7zQ3bcakK-hnNEViFV2MAOA9W6ECFZ21UUntlGAun17LZzk1jiHs4OnO8/s320/IMG_8365.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And yes....plenty of not to sane people out there.<br />
<br />
Once I got that thought out of the way.....<br />
<i>"I wonder if I can beat Lini's timing".</i><br />
<br />
<br />
And that was it.<br />
<br />
I was hooked.<br />
<br />
<br />
.....sucker.....<br />
<br />
<br />
So....are you on Strava?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Later!!!!!Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-48934244545424153692015-03-27T21:44:00.002+08:002015-03-27T21:45:52.664+08:00Predictability = Progress<br />
<br />
I like <i>predictability.</i><br />
<br />
Yes....you read<i> that</i> right.<br />
<br />
In fact...I like everything that is associated with predictability.<br />
<br />
I like routines....schedules....planning....direction....unwavering path....reliability.<br />
<br />
I take comfort in knowing my set routines....knowing that I can plan my days ahead....knowing that there is a schedule to follow.<br />
<br />
However, there has always been a somewhat negative connotation to the word: Predictable.<br />
<br />
It has been associated with being mundane....slightly old-fashion....boring....and in today's fast paced, Gen-Y fueled world, UNPROGRESSIVE!<br />
In fact, today's world brings forth the message of CHANGE.....ADAPTABILITY....INNOVATION (and other similar BIG words).<br />
<br />
When I tell people that I like routines and schedules, I'm labelled as boring.<br />
People tell me to "lighten up....loosen up....chill".<br />
They happily and ignorantly equate liking predictability to <i>being</i> predictable. I refute that notion.<br />
<br />
And I beg to differ that predictability equates to being unprogressive.<br />
<br />
Predictability, for me, means that I will show up at the hospital and will be in the clinic at said time every single day of the week unless I've written on the board stating that I'm taking the day/s off to "chill" (which more often than not, I find myself pretending to be leading a life of a pro-triathlete and thus inviting my other "full-time pro-triathlete" friend out for cross training session with a trail run at Kiara).<br />
<br />
Predictability also means I shall treat every single patient under me with the same amount of care regardless of their medical issues/problems (unless you, as one of my previous said patients find yourself under the care of another doctor because I have developed counter-transference towards you; because I strongly believe once a doctor has developed counter-transference towards a patient, the care for that same patient will ultimately be sub-par one way or another, and therefore it is for the patient's benefit. I am <b>'predictable' </b>that way) and I shall be trawling the web sphere for latest updates on treatment and management of my patients' ailments.<br />
So who says predictability is unprogressive?<br />
<br />
In triathlon training (or any endurance sport)....predictability is key to success.<br />
You need to know what your training schedule is going to be like leading up to your main races and at each training session, what your aims and goals are going to be.<br />
All great athletes thrive on training schedules and routines.<br />
The ones that perform well stick to their training plans with little variability here and there (life is <i>unpredictable</i>, after all).<br />
Oh...and those that don't bother with training routines (or training as a whole) but <i>yet</i> do well....are either <b>lying</b> to you.....or extremely<b> genetically</b> gifted (I've had the pleasure/displeasure, depending on how you view it, of meeting some of these former AND latter groups of people).<br />
<br />
But what about <b>"living on the edge"</b> or <b>"just being unpredictable"</b>, you may ask.<br />
<br />
Well...I'm not sure about you...but I personally find that these days too many people are "living on the edge". In fact, so "on the edge" that many in droves are signing up for long distance running races when they themselves barely train just because they are "unpredictable" and being that is "cool"....or perhaps everyone they know is doing that event (that is ADAPTABILITY for you) and they are <b>'going with the flow'</b>.<br />
<br />
In fact, so "cool" that few days post event, after all the selfies with the medals were posted and 'liked' on Facebook (and every other social media platform), that hobbled into the clinic with limb/s or joint/s in so much pain that they are unable to carry on their every day activity and demanding a "quick fix" because they are SO "living on the edge" that they have another long distance event this coming Sunday that they <i>'just HAVE to run'.</i><br />
<br />
Some days, I 'predictably' roll my eyes after listening to yet another same story of 'no-training-but-let's-all-sign-up-for-a-full-marathon' thing. One too many times perhaps.<br />
<br />
Or how I 'predictably' face-palmed myself when these same "on the edge" folks come in with the latest "cool" item such as Rocktapes (I'd like y'all to know that there is a time and place for taping....but just not for when you're trying to be "unpredictable") and they'd like to be 'taped-up' all over so that they could participate in yet another event that they failed to train properly for (can someone say INNOVATION?)<br />
<br />
Bring PROGRESSIVE means taking it <i>one</i> step at a time.<br />
<br />
Train properly...adequately....with time for enough rest.<br />
Building a strong base equates to longevity in your sport of choice.<br />
Add mileage modestly.<br />
Runner's World doesn't simply recommend a 10% increment in total mileage every week for nothing.<br />
(for crying out loud, guidelines are made for a reason!)<br />
Predictability in your increment of mileage and intensity.<br />
Plan for it....as cliche as it sounds, if you fail to plan...you plan to fail. It goes the same way in endurance sports.<br />
<br />
And if you want to progress in endurance sports....don't ever forgo strength training. You are nothing without strong, well functioning muscles. It keeps you going stronger for longer and keeps you injury free as long as possible....at least until you decide to be "unpredictable" again.<br />
<br />
If you're injured....don't force your recovery just because all the "cool" people are racing this weekend and you 'just have to run that race'. There will be many more future races that I'm sure are equally as "cool" as the one you've missed. Take care of yourself and rehab/pre-hab well. You have many MANY more years to live with your pair of knees/ankles/hips and you don't want <i>them</i> to give up on you<i> before </i>you're ready to call it a day.<br />
<br />
THIS is what being PROGRESSIVE is all about.<br />
<br />
But you know what...I may just be ranting from a bad day at work.<br />
<i>She just doesn't want that much patient load</i>, you may say.<br />
Yes...of course that is true...there's a reason why I'm not a surgeon (coz in my opinion surgeons thrive on high work-load).<br />
<br />
However, most of the above rant stemmed from these facts....<b><i>I've been there....I've done that...I'd suffered...I'd almost given up.....but and I've innovated and I've progressed.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
And if you've been following this blog since its creation 7 years ago (yes, it has been THAT bloody long!)...you'd have known I'd done some pretty stupid and "living on the edge" things before.<br />
I have experienced it....I have suffered through it....thankfully I had learnt from it...and I have grown from there.<br />
<br />
And now...I'm all about predictability....training routines....training schedules which include strength training/cross training/core training/adequate days-off.....pre-plans for events....proper periodisation....proper tapering....and hopefully at the end of the day, I hope for a pay off with good race results.<br />
<br />
Everyone is free to choose however they want to train/life their life.<br />
<br />
<br />
.....just don't tell me that PREDICTABILITY equates to being UNPROGRESSIVE.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Laters!!!!!<br />
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-79266516449632683142015-01-25T21:57:00.000+08:002015-01-25T23:03:55.047+08:00Avoiding the bonk? I'm now on Carbo-pro....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Has anyone reading this, NEVER ever hit the wall or bonk royally during a quick-paced long ride (or even during a marathon)??</div>
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Nobody???</div>
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Yeah...I thought so too.</div>
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Physiologically, the mainstay fuel that the body relies on during your swim/bike/run is glucose and the body stores it as glycogen (in your muscle and liver) or if in excess, as fat, unfortunately.</div>
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Once it depletes itself of the stored glycogen and the body starts needing to convert fat into fuel (it's not very efficient), you "hit-the-wall" or in cycling term, "bonk".</div>
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Of course, one may try to train the body to rely on fat as fuel (there is ample supply of fat in your body but limited glycogen....the unfair facts of life) when one "trains on empty" but I shall withhold my opinion on that notion but if you're keen to know more, do pop by <a href="http://www.tristupe.com/">Tristupe's</a> blog for more info. </div>
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I'm not saying it doesn't work (the science behind it is pretty solid, and the idea is doable).....I'm just not a fan.</div>
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But coming back to "hitting-the-wall" or "bonk".</div>
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I've bonked many times.</div>
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So often during my Ironman training last year that it no longer is funny.</div>
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But when you're on the saddle for 6 hours-plus trying to keep up with the boys (which ultimately always led to the demise of a good and enjoyable ride), you tend to bonk.</div>
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And once you get to the point of no return and the body starts needing to rely on your fat storage, it is superbly difficult to get back on track. Which means you're left with 40-50km of riding back to the car (or wherever the end destination is) feeling like the cement truck just ran you over, multiple times.</div>
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It's never a good feeling.</div>
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However.....you can prevent the bonk....or in my case prolong it before it hits me.</div>
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The only way around it is to have constant intake of glucose/carbohydrate from the get go.</div>
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My aim is always to <i>only </i>inch near the danger zone with the end-point of ride destination less than 10km to go.</div>
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(Everyone has to have their personal ride KPIs.....this is mine....<i>plus</i> multiple selfies....but that's another story)</div>
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The 6 months leading up to the Ironman....I've tried many modalities that I can stomach.</div>
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After all, nobody likes waiting for you that long when you're holed up in some God-forsaken petrol station's toilet with stomach upset, somewhere between Bukit Jalil and Lukut (although that does happen on off....not that I'm saying it happened to me).</div>
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So 'tolerability' of your GI system is bloody important.</div>
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Besides GI tolerability....palatability is also next in the list of important things to consider. If it taste like crap...you won't be downing it that much over the next 5-6 hours so that's not gonna help much.</div>
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So in my case...I'd started with the Malaysian all-time favourite....100 plus.</div>
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1 can provides 89 calories with 22g of sugar. Not too bad. But not quite enough. And after a while the taste gets to you....or at least to me.</div>
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(So I tend to mix it with Redbull. I love love LOVE Redbull...especially when it's 3-plus hours into a ride and you're tired and you're praying someone else in the group gets a flat so you can all stop and take a breather)</div>
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I've also done Gatorade...multiple artificial flavours and colourings to choose from.</div>
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1 bottle gives you 120 calories with 30g of carbs. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Another favourite of mine was Accelerade in Fruit Punch. 1 scoop provides 60 calories but only 10g of carbs. Not adequate despite me really liking how it taste. And it's really pricey in my opinion for so little carbohydrate (and then Alp started calling it my night-cap drink...ish).</div>
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Don't get me started on Hammer's Heed. Aside from their electrolyte tabs, I tend to shy away from Hammer due to "palatability issues"....but thats really a personal taste.</div>
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My personal favourite leading into Ironman was High 5 Energy Source Plus 2:1. It came pre-packed and I just stuffed them into my bike jersey during the race. Each packet provided 177 calories and 44g of carbs with the perk of 28mg of caffeine. And I like the taste, surprisingly.</div>
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For your local supply of High 5 energy-whatever, head on over to <a href="http://www.hobbies-sports.com/" target="_blank">Hobbies Sportswear website</a>.</div>
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Alternatively....the mainstay of getting in lots of extra calories would be popping energy gels. But like everyone who rides with me on a regular basis would know...my bike handling skills suck. Which means I do need to stop the bike to consume the gels. Unless I was looking for an excuse to have a rest from the continuous sufferfest of a bike ride, I would rather just keep going.</div>
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That's why I like my calories and carbohydrate in my water bottles.</div>
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Recently, I got my hands on this new product called Carbo-pro.</div>
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It is a tasteless powdered form of complex carbohydrate that is suppose to mix well in water and will provide the necessary fuel source during my long rides.</div>
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The label states that 2 scoops of Carbo-pro has 200 calories and provides 50g of carbohydrate.</div>
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Considering what I've just told you right up till now...50g is quite a bit comparatively.</div>
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So I test-tasted it on a few of my regular weekend rides.</div>
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(which reminds me, I need to cut back on Saturday AND Sunday rides, and return to running one of the weekends)</div>
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And you know what....I <b><span style="font-size: large;">love</span></b> it!!!!</div>
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Yeah...it mixes alright in the water (you might need to shake the bottle a bit more vigorously) and it doesn't taste of anything.</div>
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So these days, I have it with Redbull (for the added oomph and extra calories..plus I really like the taste) or High 5 ZERO effervescent salt tabs (which also does contain some caffeine but zero calories).</div>
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Despite 2 scoops being the recommended minimum, I've tried 3 scoops per water bottle (that would be 75g of carbs per bottle) on one of the longer torture sessions and it amazed me that I could still climb the last shitty hill on big crank whereas previously I would have spin all the way up like a wuss </div>
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(or at least that was what I was told).</div>
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I'd looked through the info section at their official website...and they even recommended (of course they did...it's good for sales!) it as pre-workout (if you're not the breakfast sort of person) <b>AND</b> post-workout drink (to top up the glycogen stores within 1 hour of cessation of activity). So it's kinda an all-in-one sort of drink....</div>
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(but I'm sticking to Endurox post ride....I just really like the taste)</div>
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Anyway if you're keen to try Carbo-pro....it's now being sold at these centres:</div>
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<a href="http://www.hobbies-sports.com/" target="_blank">Hobbies Sports</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.orbitcycle.my/" target="_blank">Orbit Cycle</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com.my/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FMENG-THAI-Bicycle-Centre%2F127000394018736&ei=zPDEVL_hBMnk8AX7qIDgCw&usg=AFQjCNHq3EUN5ZFRc7Ms1TSwkinm7dInEw&sig2=SHF0NhSw7upUBxRUeUsmwg&bvm=bv.84349003,d.dGc" target="_blank">Meng Thai</a> Bicycle Center </div>
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<a href="http://www.biketechsubang.com/" target="_blank">Bike Tech Subang</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com.my/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftriplemellow&ei=QfHEVLnjL4j68QWfo4HICw&usg=AFQjCNFcmFrDPhx8goYqyoacgVzA9X44Aw&sig2=J0zhf6AZB7E3R02pixzYYg&bvm=bv.84349003,d.dGc" target="_blank">Triple Mellow Cafe</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com.my/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvelocipedeworks&ei=YfHEVIXnINC68gX49oKQCw&usg=AFQjCNFFzPEXbTCpBt17-CwDZwxRrS_OVg&sig2=OC8vi5U8-vGcXHxLarmT9Q&bvm=bv.84349003,d.dGc" target="_blank">Velocipedeworks</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.h2c.com.my/" target="_blank">H2C </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.max-bikes.com/" target="_blank">Max Bikes</a></div>
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The NEXT time I'm being subjected to the sufferfest of chasing the boys along MEX highway, I'm gonna go 4-scoops Carbo-pro (100g of carbs, y'all!!!)......coz y'know....I don't want to be the last idiot to get back. Just saying.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjET9HzlhEm2A5wbQIFj7TibI6PnVPzGgMkz8w09bcfQNDfa7gypH-73rKla8kKmLIPLdAkpc6vGkJRm6bddIBUXCPZHPa9W6pz4Wrw3MrySoTvuAdo-RAHbOqlmIc0mbyGc8kD3AJxcak/s1600/carbopro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjET9HzlhEm2A5wbQIFj7TibI6PnVPzGgMkz8w09bcfQNDfa7gypH-73rKla8kKmLIPLdAkpc6vGkJRm6bddIBUXCPZHPa9W6pz4Wrw3MrySoTvuAdo-RAHbOqlmIc0mbyGc8kD3AJxcak/s1600/carbopro.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy training.....and may you avoid the bonk as long as it is legally possible :)<br />
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Later!!!!!<br />
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Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-52491397705205894972015-01-12T21:05:00.000+08:002015-01-12T21:05:31.947+08:00Beer Mile Run 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last Sunday of 2014.</div>
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What better way to end it on a 'high' note, than to participate in a (hush hush, its "underground") Beer Mile Run?!?!?!</div>
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The inaugural Beer Mile Run 2014 was held at some god-forsaken place in Taman Botani, Klang. </div>
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(we got lost getting there...and we were following Waze!!)</div>
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The concept was simple.</div>
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Down one can of beer.....run 400m (around some unoccupied shop lots), down another can of beer.....run/walk another 400m....down 3rd can of beer....stumble along another 400m and trying your darnest not to throw up.....forcefully will yourself to down the final can of beer....and crawl back the remaining 400m.</div>
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Ladies have it slightly easier. I got to pick a partner...and we're drinking Somersby.</div>
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Yes...I was told repeatedly that it was a girly drink.</div>
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No....you don't have to be a girly girl to like a girly drink.</div>
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Yes...you may disagree with me.</div>
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No...I have no qualms of introducing your nose to my fist.</div>
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* All pics were obtained from Yim's and BKLTL's Beer Mile 2014 Albums*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvwzLajLTgUllrsn5iGBJp2_4K4Om4mpoDDMgB8-6GgNpOvBcO4mt0azpnh5gx_DZwohJ5UdLeTW8Tisr0UqcbHIh1ltGnk829li_NGVBg4gsd4KbUGugAM83l_0t7MxxrXVaHR3D5lo/s1600/beer+mile+-+pst+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvwzLajLTgUllrsn5iGBJp2_4K4Om4mpoDDMgB8-6GgNpOvBcO4mt0azpnh5gx_DZwohJ5UdLeTW8Tisr0UqcbHIh1ltGnk829li_NGVBg4gsd4KbUGugAM83l_0t7MxxrXVaHR3D5lo/s1600/beer+mile+-+pst+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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My 'relay-team' of two. Can always depend on PT for helping me down more 'fruit juices'. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKssay46oiOn7CymUchH7wrB9zr4XIFWFuCHLwYsDr1c2LOPwicGroBhB3P45iIuh3Ufw5zkq1_0xQhPcGk8qeybqWBE1bKGnt-b8X7eDfzNXCHVLEP3iyny6pKyyGXfkkOKUtHOA5dCA/s1600/beer+mile+-+downing+sommerbys+-+bkltl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKssay46oiOn7CymUchH7wrB9zr4XIFWFuCHLwYsDr1c2LOPwicGroBhB3P45iIuh3Ufw5zkq1_0xQhPcGk8qeybqWBE1bKGnt-b8X7eDfzNXCHVLEP3iyny6pKyyGXfkkOKUtHOA5dCA/s1600/beer+mile+-+downing+sommerbys+-+bkltl.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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My 'girly-drink' was a little difficult to down. And having that much fluid in the stomach made running very very difficult. 400m of nauseated discomfort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew0HW-Q4G3cf2-2V4C15y5fASM2RmZdHBew_-wFhFcXO43RIF7SrOU6FOJ4SWQy9NCvuJvltT9oThfZINO7rC0ZXbM_w5F3VDNhRC8VeZP9UTO7zZt2JTo0JXMhKE07RUoMkk_hlCrnA/s1600/beer+mile+-+wannadie+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew0HW-Q4G3cf2-2V4C15y5fASM2RmZdHBew_-wFhFcXO43RIF7SrOU6FOJ4SWQy9NCvuJvltT9oThfZINO7rC0ZXbM_w5F3VDNhRC8VeZP9UTO7zZt2JTo0JXMhKE07RUoMkk_hlCrnA/s1600/beer+mile+-+wannadie+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trying my hardest not to regurgitate. Burping seemed to help. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-xV6XP-bpWdR6vwUk3j1rjcb2dz8V38YQJgsc1_sWUJwHcZKoMcxEyJ_kqJ7zDXxfmAESUWsoeKRjiu_7_ImgmJLYHe3YvMLrzPWfAso8vWqSNEPnVFKopItqSQvvfnx1xlnzIG1ywE/s1600/phuitin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-xV6XP-bpWdR6vwUk3j1rjcb2dz8V38YQJgsc1_sWUJwHcZKoMcxEyJ_kqJ7zDXxfmAESUWsoeKRjiu_7_ImgmJLYHe3YvMLrzPWfAso8vWqSNEPnVFKopItqSQvvfnx1xlnzIG1ywE/s1600/phuitin.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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PT was super fast!!! (both in the drinking and in the running bit)</div>
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Of course, we won the female relay :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuy0eOYGQ7ob1r2WR2xI8DaYI2W_yvV9duoTDWc4Dm-ecJ5CZcF8KSWYysHTKCh-j6CP3a7_pBHRVTIp_FuOJyPeQ8_lLSrlAM7CdzW3As-T7KrJwKAQSoIuSZeIcFVZo_t815UbrNT4/s1600/beer+mile+-+alvin+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuy0eOYGQ7ob1r2WR2xI8DaYI2W_yvV9duoTDWc4Dm-ecJ5CZcF8KSWYysHTKCh-j6CP3a7_pBHRVTIp_FuOJyPeQ8_lLSrlAM7CdzW3As-T7KrJwKAQSoIuSZeIcFVZo_t815UbrNT4/s1600/beer+mile+-+alvin+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Alvin...the organiser of this awesome 'race'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjwEqbsHgGLXm9rbIQqKn8TRbsommeupa_nbz3eygcF8_o6j-6Q-ZX-PCjrhLYg-qlGYz1_DwSMFs2CJaszecn8fEbHhyiEZ10ODQHCwJCcT9_4_B8xrTzYyB8JRooIVwA0DuvqYQpeo/s1600/beer+mile+-+bryan:rup:leo+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjwEqbsHgGLXm9rbIQqKn8TRbsommeupa_nbz3eygcF8_o6j-6Q-ZX-PCjrhLYg-qlGYz1_DwSMFs2CJaszecn8fEbHhyiEZ10ODQHCwJCcT9_4_B8xrTzYyB8JRooIVwA0DuvqYQpeo/s1600/beer+mile+-+bryan:rup:leo+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think everyone was having trouble finishing the 3rd and 4th can of beer. </div>
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Taking a breather, boys?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHabXLb74jE9aTa6KvzCLZQmcsusWrcDd-JZT9oS6xZTsBtMDBaLYxzz76T8-8ZEdvlRDd6bil7Q0EkU-B5xFwog3VlwaLMh0LSikSaAwK3k1Hj0p7jXKkjCd53sfdzmcCUGdHjaizEU/s1600/beer+mile+-+luis+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHabXLb74jE9aTa6KvzCLZQmcsusWrcDd-JZT9oS6xZTsBtMDBaLYxzz76T8-8ZEdvlRDd6bil7Q0EkU-B5xFwog3VlwaLMh0LSikSaAwK3k1Hj0p7jXKkjCd53sfdzmcCUGdHjaizEU/s1600/beer+mile+-+luis+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Champion drinker and runner, Luis!</div>
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He downed all 4 cans like it was H-two-O!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuBtmG352DJBGI9zn6rgWWe8Xt0nlmJb4d7UbiZyQsvMbTdJpSMM-RK3jGuTtPpewCN2iR5xuOhkq-NdlyYi7EU-_ZfO16uWqb_cYKKulpdtPmMRYyu1YwXltadZ2ovC8ZV-q8kDVezg/s1600/beer+mile+-+lydia+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuBtmG352DJBGI9zn6rgWWe8Xt0nlmJb4d7UbiZyQsvMbTdJpSMM-RK3jGuTtPpewCN2iR5xuOhkq-NdlyYi7EU-_ZfO16uWqb_cYKKulpdtPmMRYyu1YwXltadZ2ovC8ZV-q8kDVezg/s1600/beer+mile+-+lydia+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lydia was the only female who didn't do a relay. And she finished the run ahead of most guys. Awesome possum, Lydia!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvqiZombg8b7Oh1FfUPVuMYarOvOjLL0unaE-zOfs47lKEYI1EqaASNjSQQu55cGkUILnBpjQBX9Fw7OqRlyWcIkx3NBg7UDqcI0jwpklSJmeupOwPQBqsZ7pdA1-QkqA0GP2dSFWz2o/s1600/beer+mile+-+rup:bryan+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvqiZombg8b7Oh1FfUPVuMYarOvOjLL0unaE-zOfs47lKEYI1EqaASNjSQQu55cGkUILnBpjQBX9Fw7OqRlyWcIkx3NBg7UDqcI0jwpklSJmeupOwPQBqsZ7pdA1-QkqA0GP2dSFWz2o/s1600/beer+mile+-+rup:bryan+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apparently drinking and running simultaneously can cause cramping of one's hamstring. </div>
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I did offer medical aid (we had free-flow of 'itchy-powder') but was declined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7AktZ9D1Qi-u7BAkE46NhM_ke_uTSbfV6Xkzsg3hZUriYHBs8rCqnwp_Gmy3w4sVhfgopvHpIDBEaJIzauBwU6tMRYZS2w2ioD4PnTxXk-Par80EEC_nBWyUN4cLiXBDRw4MY98mDU8/s1600/beer+mile+-+prize+-+yim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7AktZ9D1Qi-u7BAkE46NhM_ke_uTSbfV6Xkzsg3hZUriYHBs8rCqnwp_Gmy3w4sVhfgopvHpIDBEaJIzauBwU6tMRYZS2w2ioD4PnTxXk-Par80EEC_nBWyUN4cLiXBDRw4MY98mDU8/s1600/beer+mile+-+prize+-+yim.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The prize-giving ceremony. Thanks Alvin!!!!</div>
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Thanks Yimster for the awesome pics!!!!</div>
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Last 'race' of 2014....not too shabby at all!!!!</div>
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So....Alvin.....we will see you in 2015??</div>
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(I figured we need to defend our winning relay team title)</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
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Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-56464110934729696402014-12-31T21:30:00.000+08:002014-12-31T21:30:00.406+08:00Farewell 2014....Hello 2015<br />
As I was sieving through my (bare minimal) blog entries for the year of 2014, I realised that I didn't make my regular New Year resolution list.<br />
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I thought perhaps I didn't want to make my list public but as I flipped through all my pretty notebooks, I realised I didn't jot anything down at the start of 2014.<br />
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No resolutions.<br />
Nada.<br />
Nil.<br />
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And y'know what?<br />
2014 turned out to be pretty swell despite not having any pre-set expectation of it.<br />
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But lets briefly run through my 2014 as I remembered...coz I wasn't exactly diligent enough to blog every single "milestone" down this year.<br />
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So here are the few stuff that I shall remember 2014 as:<br />
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* The year I cut down on my running races to an absolute zero...(at least the ones I actually turned up for)<br />
* The year I only did triathlons and cycling events<br />
* The year I finally got a cycling trainer and learnt to love being on it for hours on end<br />
* The year I converted into a full-out ISM saddle rider (no more regular saddles for me, thank you)<br />
* The year I DNF a triathlon race<br />
* The year I gave up Brooks running shoes for good (I'm not all for Hokas for longer runs and Sketchers for my shorter runs)<br />
* The year I fell in love with Ribena mixed with Malibu<br />
* The year I learnt to swim freestyle (but still breaststroked the 3.8km at Langkawi)<br />
* The year I finally became an Ironman<br />
* The year that my weight steadfastly remained at 63kg year round (with or without Ironman training)<br />
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Now with less than 3 hours to go before we usher in the new year of 2015, I reassure myself that its not too late to come up with my New Year resolution.<br />
And I'm gonna keep it short and sweet.<br />
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2015 is going to be the year that:<br />
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* I maintain my weight year round at 62kg (weight loss is probably the number 1 item on the resolution list for the majority of the female population and dare I say male population in this country. And being realistic, I'm just gonna get myself 1kg lighter than I was in 2014)<br />
* I shall learn the proper techniques of applying the bloody eye liner (ditzy but true)<br />
* I will run a sub-2 half marathon<br />
* I will podium at a century ride event<br />
* I will get through my final exam<br />
* I will better my 2014 IM Langkawi timing (and I did promise myself to get my timing as close to Lini's 2014 timing as possible)<br />
* I shall stop treating coffee as a necessity<br />
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Yeah.....that'll do for the moment.<br />
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Now you'll excuse me as I need to sleep early for tomorrow's 120km ride. Coz y'know...I need to start working on my first item resolution of maintaining weight at 62kg year round. 2015, after all, starts tomorrow!<br />
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Happy new year peeps!<br />
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Later!!!!!<br />
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-83641455747330109922014-12-30T21:55:00.001+08:002014-12-30T21:55:14.098+08:00Team Bunanamo Rides to Melaka - 20th December 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once upon a time (perhaps some time back in early November), there was a group of overly enthusiastic triathletes who were undoubtedly bored post-Ironman and looking for a good adventure, and decided that they were going to arrange their very own interstate ride.</div>
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Yup...they wanted to ride into Melaka for the glorious food.</div>
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And since they were going to ride that far, might as well make it a century distance.</div>
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Well....since it was their "off-season" (I don't know about you but I don't really feel "off-season" regardless), they didn't want to ride back to KL. </div>
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Coz...y'know....that would be too much mileage...plus the fact its "off-season".</div>
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Thus started the planning for an epic ride cum holiday with full gusto and enthusiasm. </div>
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So on the 20th December 2014 morning, the group of us gathered at Kajang to start the inaugural (as the planning for the next epic ride is on the way, but not anytime soon....coz we're still "off-season") Team Bunanamo ride. </div>
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Planned distance....158km.</div>
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Three support cars.</div>
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Three very awesome support car drivers.</div>
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The grand launch of team cycling jerseys.</div>
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Printed team banners (plus banners of related sponsors).</div>
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The promise of a damn good time.</div>
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Pre-ride briefing went something like this:</div>
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"....bla bla...fellowship ride..."</div>
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"....bla bla...ride slow and ride together...."</div>
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"....bla bla...will take this ride easy..."</div>
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"....bla bla....king of mountain..."</div>
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"....bla bla....race hard to win KOM jersey..."</div>
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"....bla bla....follow distance markers as set..."</div>
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"....bla bla....please refer to map if in doubt or lost..."</div>
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So at 8am (the pre-ride briefing and photo sessions took longer than anticipated....that's because one can never have enough photos of themselves taken), we set off from Jade Hill, Kajang and onto Lekas Highway with first pitstop at Seremban before heading to Senawang onwards through trunk roads.</div>
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<i>*New team jersey and Dylan-the-awesome!!! Photo courtesy of Fendy</i></div>
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Once we hit the highway....there was no "taking it easy", no "fellowship ride" (unless ur in the front peloton, then yes it was indeed a pleasurable fellowship ride) and definitely no "ride slow, ride together".</div>
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There was however, the "king of mountain" which was the 3km mild incline of a hill just before the exit to Seremban town.</div>
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And since there were only three female riders in contention, yours truly "won" the title of Queen of Mountain (QOM). It wasn't much of a win if you only manage to drop a few guys on the climb. But since there was a free jersey involved, I was quite happy about it. </div>
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I like free stuff. </div>
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A lot.</div>
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Before reaching the top of the hill at the toll exit for Seremban, we had accumulated 2 punctures. One, a tubular....the other a clincher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxe34WolnRFo9bW4I4I6emWI-CgPYkLxGKj7vrgS8E4FlgeW1VVH905Jy8cODs0f9UoScHY3TvkYvzmdhsWiLo99CguPu7z7sc0yR3sy3GubyJQFhjHZnJHRxWSeatgvCNNdreTOPdejA/s1600/melaka3-pt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxe34WolnRFo9bW4I4I6emWI-CgPYkLxGKj7vrgS8E4FlgeW1VVH905Jy8cODs0f9UoScHY3TvkYvzmdhsWiLo99CguPu7z7sc0yR3sy3GubyJQFhjHZnJHRxWSeatgvCNNdreTOPdejA/s1600/melaka3-pt.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>* we-fie just before Seremban exit. Pic courtesy of PT</i></div>
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At Seremban, we rode into town and had a quick refuel before heading off onto the trunk roads heading south to Melaka. If I ever thought driving around Seremban town on a busy weekend was bad, riding through that traffic on two wheels was worse. And I only say such as I've yet to discover how bad riding through traffic would be when in Melaka.</div>
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The ride on the trunk roads were not too bad. Traffic was decent and road conditions were surprisingly on the good side. However the headwind was punishing. At least the weather held up. At 90km in (I think we were just entering Rembau), the sky was starting to look very grey and with distant sounds of thunder heard. </div>
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High possibility of rain. And from the looks of things, it would be a pretty heavy downpour.</div>
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Decided for a reroute from there for a shorter distance. Main aim was to get to Melaka ASAP. No fun getting caught in heavy rain when riding through trunk/coastal roads. Malaysians as a whole, do not have good eyesights despite how fluorescent one's jersey is or how bright one's blinkers can get. </div>
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(In the end, we achieved 145km...just 15km short of a century)</div>
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<i>* re-fuel at Seremban. Pic by PT</i></div>
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After riding for another 10-15km in, it started to drizzle. Then the tiny occasional droplets became moderately heavy pelting rain. Thankfully it was only for a short duration before it returned to the docile drizzle. </div>
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Refueled at some random Petronas station.</div>
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At that point, it was only 30km more to hit Melaka town.</div>
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Also...to my delight (ok perhaps I'd twisted a few arms and pouted in utter defiance for it), we stopped at McDonald's for late lunch.</div>
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Chicken fold-over never tasted this good!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF3S9x-ctFpf-zJQrX3pMyZSKxhp-r_HVDbRSzYxPyJWnOLl2166kHoGrPFqDjvkIyARsJw5elk1upEDAO8cZdSDTHMT1ijcHgE4hWf08grwrs8onIvw-CBMmJrjhfUDV1D17ywucqxg/s1600/melaka4-pt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF3S9x-ctFpf-zJQrX3pMyZSKxhp-r_HVDbRSzYxPyJWnOLl2166kHoGrPFqDjvkIyARsJw5elk1upEDAO8cZdSDTHMT1ijcHgE4hWf08grwrs8onIvw-CBMmJrjhfUDV1D17ywucqxg/s1600/melaka4-pt.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>* Finally at McD's. Pic by PT</i></div>
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With our tummies filled, we rode on to A'Famosa fort.</div>
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We had planned to have a group photo with our banner in front of this popular monument in Melaka.</div>
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Traffic was shitty leading there. </div>
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Cars were bumper to bumper. Motorcyclists swerving in and out of lane. A bunch of pink-clad cyclists trying not to get massacred while riding.</div>
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Had never prayed that fervently while riding as I had while riding through that weekend-school-holiday traffic. And also realised that I forgot to renew my travel insurance. Nor did I update my will. </div>
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Never had I been that grateful that I reached A'Famosa alive...(and never had I been this happy to see the remnants of that fort!!!)</div>
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Once reached, it was the mandatory we-fie and group photos.</div>
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<i>* we-fie. Pic courtesy of Steve-the iPhone</i></div>
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<i>* group pic with team banner. Pic courtesy of Rupert's phone</i></div>
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<i>* Happy campers finally reached the hotel. Steve-the iPhone</i></div>
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After photo session, a short ride to the hotel for a quick shower and rest before dinner.<br />
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Post-dinner, we had prize giving for the KOM/QOM (free jersey!!!) and lucky draw. I'd gotten myself a pair of Compressport socks....which were 2 sizes too big for me. So if you receive a pair of awesome socks for your birthday, do me a favour and just graciously accept it. </div>
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<i>* prize giving ceremony. My QOM jersey. Pic by Fendy</i></div>
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The night was still young and we headed to Movida for drinks. I was (and still am) a sissypuss when it comes to alcohol. Only Somersby for me, thank you very much. And as always, it was good fun to watch grown men misbehaving and going all weird while being incredibly drunk.</div>
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<i>* Pic by PT (or rather PT's camera)</i></div>
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We were at Movida until wee hours of the morning. Needless to say, I was severely sleep deprived. Thankfully we hired a bus for the journey back. I can't imagine riding back in that condition. </div>
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Almost everyone was knocked out on the bus ride home. </div>
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I can't remember a better sleep than the one I had on that bus. Totally knackered.</div>
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<i>* let's go home. Pic by Fendy</i></div>
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Before ending this blog post, allow me (without sounding like I just won't the freakin Emmy award for the most melodramatic scene) to thank these people below:</div>
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Big thanks to the Bunanamo Ride planning committee (you guys know who you are) for the weeks of planning the route, logistics, transport, prizes and sponsorships etc etc. Without the hard work of these few men and women, this ride would not have come to fruition. </div>
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Big thanks to Kathy, Lydia and Mohan for being the ever patient support car drivers. It ain't easy to drive a car at 25km/hr for 6-7 hours straight. Oh and more gratitude to Mohan for being the designated driver post-Movida. Thank all-high-powers that we didn't get pulled over by the cops!</div>
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Big thanks to Alvin (and big pat on the back...as this was his longest ride mileage to date) and Yip for sponsoring the drinks at Movida.</div>
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Big thanks to Siew for sweeping the last rider.</div>
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Big thanks to Fendy and PT for all the pics. </div>
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And FINALLY....big thank YOU to every single member of the team that went. This ride wouldn't have been this epic without every single one of you.</div>
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<i><b>* cheers to an awesome upcoming 2015!!!!</b></i></div>
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Apparently talks of cycling to Ipoh are currently in the works. Fingers crossed we'll get that ride done before the second half of 2015.</div>
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Cheers and Happy-ushering-in-2015!!!!!</div>
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Later!!!!!!</div>
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-9112179670657277922014-11-23T17:55:00.000+08:002014-11-23T17:55:34.046+08:00Hatyai Century Ride - 9th November 2014<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of those training days a couple of weeks before jetting off to Langkawi for the Ironman, Yip brought up his plans post-Ironman.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently plenty had been pondering ways to counter their post Ironman-blues.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yip, among many other things had signed up for Hatyai Century Ride about 6 weeks after. With full gusto, the group of us agreed to go as well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So fast forward 6 weeks later, on a wet and drizzly Sunday morning, we cycled from our hotel in Hatyai to the start of what was going to be one of the smallest century rides ever.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A total of 140 participants.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I guess I was so used to plenty of other cyclists at century ride...so many that while gathering at the start line, you can barely see the front arch or the last cyclist at the very back.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But here I was…the LAST cyclist at the very back, with full view of the start arch right infront of me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought to myself….this was going to be one hell of a ride.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The boys had already mapped out a sort-of plan (which in actual fact besides the plan to podium, it wasn’t much of a plan) and they were gonna gun off from the very start to take a lead and to latch on to the front peloton. If only they knew they WERE the peloton.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Phuitin and I just wanted to find someone to follow along until the very end. 160km without a peloton was just too huge a reminder of Ironman bike route. But judging from the turn out at the start of that race, we would have been bloody lucky to find anyone to latch on to.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then….we started.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Within 5 minutes we could no longer see the guys.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Photo courtesy of We See :)</span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cycled with Phuitin the first 30km. We sorta stuck to these few dudes who were doing pretty consistent pace. And then we hit the hills. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was use to pedalling up hills fast (need momentum!!!) to enjoy the downhills so I took off quickly when I saw it infront of me. After several uphills and down, I lost Phuitin. I figured she’d catch up soon so I continued pedalling. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A 100m infront of me was this guy in purple compression calve sleeves (it was bright enough to be difficult to ignore) and so I followed him from then on. He was doing a pretty decent pace and I was intrigued at how good his bike handling was that he was able to refill both his bike bottles all while cycling…take mineral water from passing car or from volunteers….put in back pocket….unscrew cap of bike bottle in bottle cage….fill in with water from bottle at back pocket….toss empty mineral bottle away….cap back bike bottle….take filled bike bottle and placed it in back pocket….take back bottle cage bottle and placed in front….take another mineral water bottle from passing car (we seem to have a lot of cars handing out water!!!!)….repeat whole series of action. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was so captivated by his whole filling of water bottles that I forgot that I too needed to drink.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wished I could have continue following him behind except that I have terrible bike handling skills and I really would like to refill my own water bottles. And maybe pop down some High5 gels. So reluctantly, I stopped to do the needful and hope like hell someone else was gonna come by so I could draft. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No one came.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cycling alone wasn’t too bad. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, cycling alone in an unknown part of our Northern neighbour where the majority of people speak a different language and all you can muster at that point in time in local tongue was hello and thank you, well now THAT was bad.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Couple that fact with poor signage (signage? what signage!?!?!) along the route and plenty of major intersections….it was about to get even worse.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most part of the ride, I was riding on faith (‘yeah I think going straight is the correct way’ sorta faith) and was banking a lot of my choices on luck (I’d still like to think of myself as an extremely lucky person….who just needs to channel that luck into buying lotteries). </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some mild inclines and subsequent downhills….puddles of mud and ponding along the roads (I’m starting to really like the word “ponding”)…..I looked down at my Garmin watch and it said 80km. Half way mark. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I heard the worst sound one can hear while cycling. The hissing of a punctured tire.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stopped and started with the fixing then a local cyclist came and helped. Then Ka Chin came and helped too. The local cyclist said I was the first woman in this ride. I was doubtful…but while fixing, I saw Kellie zoomed past me…I knew that 5 minutes ago, he was absolutely right.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh well….</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soon we were back on the saddle and off we went. Ka Chin was very nice to offer to let me draft….but I could tell he was suffering and looked a whole lot worse off than I did. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just looked dirty. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were winding through some narrow kampung roads with plenty of potholes and uneven roads. The local guy was awesome. He told us which road to take and which sign said what which will lead us to where. Before we knew it, it was the next water station. Ka Chin told me to go ahead. I did offer to let him draft me but he declined as he wanted to rest longer. So the local guy went ahead with me. After some prepping on which roads to take ahead, he too bid farewell. I think he was waiting for someone who was actually in the race. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was already 120km. Another 40km more to go. It was like one classic GCE loop distance. I don’t think I have an issue with the distance. I just didn’t want to get lost…or worse, another puncture!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Did I mention I was out of spares?</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sun was out with a vengeance by that time. I was hoping that the dirt I was covered in was going to give me some sort of sun protection. I too sometimes marvel at my own optimism. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were a few turnings that I wasn’t quite sure of but every time I slowed down at intersections, someone (passerby or local person or another rider from the back) would yell out to me which way to take. There were also a few times that I wondered if I trusted their given directions. But not that I had much of a choice. So I just continued pedalling. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally with less than 20km more to go, we hit the highway that was just up and down for the longest of time. Was still feeling pretty good at that point despite having slowed down quite a bit. And I knew I was on the right route as I overtook 3 cyclists on the uphill bit of the highway. This was starting to feel like cycling to Lukut during our Ironman trainings. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the end of that highway, there was a small piece of paper with a red bold arrow on it (the kind of flyer sized paper where people advertised their lost cat or dog and stuck them on lamp post or similar vertical objects that you typically find flyers being stuck on) directing me to turn left. I thought, how ironic it was that I was placing my faith on a small red arrow coz for all I know I could be cycling back to Malaysia at that point!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that turning, it led me onto another highway…this time, pancake flat….very hot…lotsa cars…..and even more vague signage along the way. I cycled slowly for 3-5km. Didn’t see a cyclist infront of me. Neither did I see one behind me. I stopped and hailed down some random dude and his girlfriend on a motorbike. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I gestured to them….cycling, ahead? Blank stares. I gestured to the bib I'd attached to the front of my handle bar. More blank stares. I stared at them….they stared back at me. Then I pointed to my bike….and pointed behind. Oooh yes yes, nod nod…..more bikes behind.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thanked them. It was the only other Thai word that I knew. They were back on their jolly way and I was relieved with knowing that there were more idiots behind me on bicycles, likely to be participants of this same century ride. If I was lost….I took great comfort in knowing I wasn’t lost alone. Misery loves company, eh?</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I continued pedalling. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then at a traffic light to turn right, I saw on the traffic light post another red arrow pointing right.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went closer just to make sure it wasn’t someone advertising for a lost cockatoo that looked like a red arrow from afar. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It wasn’t (phew). </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I turned right and continued pedalling. I was finally back in town!!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Praise all higher powers in this universe!!! I wasn’t lost after all!!!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The traffic heading into town was awful.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(mental note to self: your travel insurance expired last month)</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Slowed down tremendously. No fun getting hit by random vehicle in foreign land...not that I'd ever tried.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then infront of me, a traffic police and he was gesturing me to cycle into a pseudo left lane created with yellow cones.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did as ordered….and just ahead of me…the finishing gantry!!!!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Woohooo!!!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I saw Phuitin there and I was like…either she was on stealth mode and overtook me while I was nursing the puncture, or one of use got severely lost.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(turns out she got lost at the first major intersection and she used waze to cycle back to the hotel)</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And….more people got lost so in the end, I was the women champion of this race!!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(I wasn’t too proud of the fact that I won due to other people getting lost)</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway….I cycled 165km in 5:45. Would have preferred sub 5:30 but it’ll do.</span></span><br />
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Later!!!!!!</div>
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Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-90201807924369446472014-10-16T22:04:00.000+08:002014-10-16T22:10:04.201+08:00Post Ironman SyndromeSo.....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You've trained hard for months.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You've anticipated the event for many moons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You've been anxious.....been nervous....been freakin out....every single day leading up the the actual event itself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then you finally toe the starting line.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Adrenaline high for many hours until you crossed that elusive finish line.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
You receive that much coveted medal...the finisher towel and shirt....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You're on a high. You made it!!!!<br />
You finally ARE an Ironman.<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And then.......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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........you feel nothing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
An abyss.</div>
<div>
Emptiness.</div>
<div>
Zilch.<br />
<br />
OMG....what is happening, you wondered.<br />
You should be on cloud 9 for the next few weeks. You just don't understand why you're feeling this way.<br />
<br />
Then...it hits you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are now aimless.</div>
<div>
You now have many hours on your hands...hours that previously were spent logging mileage upon mileage on all three disciplines.</div>
<div>
You're fidgeting.</div>
<div>
You're bored.</div>
<div>
You're getting a freakin withdrawal!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then you ponder.......what's there to life after an Ironman?<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Welcome my dear friends to a phenomenon I'd like to call <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Post Ironman Syndrome"</span></b> (PIS).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
You may have known it by other names.</div>
<div>
Post Ironman Depression Syndrome.</div>
<div>
Post race blues.</div>
<div>
Post-event-blues.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Whatever.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a minute nutshell, its the anticlimax some people experience right after a big race that they have prepared endlessly for.</div>
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<br />
Unfortunately for me...this is nothing new.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I'm severely prone to getting post race blues.</div>
<div>
The bigger and more anticipated the event....the worse the "depressive" symptoms.</div>
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(I put the inverted commas to minimise the actual severity of the meaning "depression" as clinical depression is a whole other issue altogether and should not be taken lightly)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I thought since I'm no newbie to this syndrome, I should be fine after all.<br />
<br />
I'd even prepared for the buffer to be on the safe side. I signed myself up for some "cushioning" races (to cushion the fall that is the syndrome) within the immediate 2-3 months.<br />
Small and short races. Just to trick the body and the mind that all in this universe is well and as it should be.<br />
Or something similar.<br />
(Technically you just need to have something to look forward to, that's all)<br />
<br />
But somehow...it didn't work.<br />
<br />
It is so bloody pathetic!!!!<br />
<br />
I've been looking forward to all that free time post-Ironman. What happened to all the things that I'd planned to do?!?!<br />
All the books that I've wanted to read (and books that I didn't want to but HAVE to read)?!?!?!<br />
Or all the movies that I promised myself I'd watch (and wasted my time downloading)!?!!?!<br />
Or about the other activities that I wanted to do, like learn to mountain bike or attempt crossfit or head back to yoga?!?!?!?!<br />
Or meeting up with friends that weren't swim/bike/run related!?!?!?<br />
<br />
I don't know. I just didn't have any answers.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway....someone said that it'll all go away. Just needed some re-adjusting time.<br />
<br />
Someone else said re-adjusting takes quite a while. Better just throw yourself in another activity. Suggested heading back to trail running.<br />
<br />
Another person said just sign up for another big race so I'd have something to look forward to.<br />
<br />
<br />
I considered all those advices.<br />
<br />
So I signed up for Ironman Cebu 70.3.<br />
<br />
<br />
And suddenly all is well in my universe again.<br />
<br />
<br />
Later!!!!!<br />
<br /></div>
Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-41843137732797245762014-10-01T23:19:00.001+08:002014-10-01T23:19:32.396+08:00Ironman Langkawi Malaysia - 27th September 2014<br />
<br />
My phone beeped at 4.30am.<br />
I think I barely slept. I turned to hit the snooze button.<br />
<br />
Then I remembered.<br />
<br />
OMG.<br />
Today is <i>the </i>day.<br />
<br />
It's showtime.<br />
<br />
All those months of training....of logging mileage....of being perpetually exhausted.....of being sore and sleep deprived.<br />
It all boiled down to this very day.<br />
<br />
In 3 hours time, I'd start my 3.8km swim, 180km ride and will end my day with a 42km run.<br />
<br />
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*<i> Racking Dylan at transition. Pic courtesy of Phuitin</i></div>
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Transition closed at 6.30am.<br />
I arrived with 45 minutes to spare.<br />
Enough time to pump both tires, set my Garmin on the bike, mentally prepare myself for the race and....OH MY LORD, WHERE THE F**K ARE MY WATER BOTTLES!?!?!?!?!?<br />
<br />
Forget calm and collected.<br />
All hell breaks loose.<br />
I was freakin the hell out!!!!<br />
How can I forget my water bottles...AGAIN!?!?!?!<br />
What the hell is wrong with me!?!?!<br />
Could this be a bad omen!?!?!<br />
OMG I think I forgot my water bottles for Putrajaya 7 as well and as I remembered correctly (coz you rarely forget such shit like that), I DNF-ed that race!!!!<br />
<br />
WTH is that gonna happen today as well!?!?!?!<br />
<br />
<i><b>(to cut the drama short, Kelvin saw me freakin out and went back to his hotel to bring me his spare water bottle and then all is calm and collected once more. Thank you Kelvin Cupido. You really know how to calm a nervous wreck of a girl down)</b></i><br />
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<i>* We got this!!!!!!!</i></div>
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* <i>All happy and smiles before the start of the race :)</i></div>
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*<i> Pics above courtesy of Gary...written cardboard courtesy of Karen</i></div>
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And once we were shoo-ed out of transition....made our way to our swim start according to our supposed swim duration, for our rolling start off the jetty platform.<br />
<br />
I was nervous. Anxious. A hundred and one things that could go wrong flashed through my mind.<br />
I could drown. I could have a panic attack. What if I'm exhausted at sea? What if I get attacked by a group of anti-swimmer jellyfishes!?!?! OMG what if I DNF before even getting on the bike?????<br />
<br />
No wait, hold on a moment there, girl....think happy thoughts. HAPPY FREAKIN THOUGHTS!!!<br />
Think McDonald's ice cream....sunbathing....Maaji bikinis....adopting a puppy that Phuitin's gonna baby-sit on behalf after Ironman....oooh smile for the photog!!!<br />
The line heading to the swim moved along....happy thoughts filled the small space that is my head and before I knew it I was getting into that murky, mud-filled water and my race had begun.<br />
<br />
I glanced at my watch...7.38am.<br />
Here goes nothing!<br />
<br />
I swam along, and tried my darnest not to kick anyone in the process.<br />
This was gonna be a long swim. I will try to make it back within 2 hours.<br />
Yeah 2 hours is doable. I kept telling myself that. I can make it back in 2 hours.<br />
Before I knew it...I was at the turn around...I glanced at my watch....50 minutes....ok ok still on track.<br />
I can make it back in 2 hours. Just don't slow down.<br />
By the time I got back to the finish (and hit my shin against the wooden step...dammit!), I knew I finished way before my 2 hour target.<br />
In fact, it was 1:34!!!! Good job breaststroker!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Ran to transition and the volunteers (awesome group of kids!!!!) handed me by transition bike bag and I ran into the tent to change out of my smelly swim gear and into my cycling outfit (this was becoming quite a fashion show and I had three outfits to change). Without the care in the world (I did apologise to the volunteers in the changing room first!), I stripped down to my birthday suit....wiped myself clean....and struggled to get into my (dry) tri pants and sports bra. I'm not too proud to say that I needed 2 other volunteers to help me get myself into my clothing. Took a whole lot of vaseline and wipe it all over myself, put on my cycling jersey, rubbed in more sunscreen...helmut, sunnies and gloves on, thanked the volunteers profusely as they were packing my wet items back into my bike transition bag, and ran out to get my bike.<br />
I was rather relieved to see that there were still quite a lot of bikes racked at transition.<br />
Phew...I'm not the last idiot standing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-emeLqFIS3HG8slrDmsz_7btQX5wMVqYsfHbrHxJEuAtuNvFf5omx35uGKA6Sehnsa6ZEyI3e8poN6fOEnPC2hXm94oD6h1yDias7Q4xPuCZBmzjT_srhY-U2g9X246-vu10HRTUVFw/s1600/bike-shanaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-emeLqFIS3HG8slrDmsz_7btQX5wMVqYsfHbrHxJEuAtuNvFf5omx35uGKA6Sehnsa6ZEyI3e8poN6fOEnPC2hXm94oD6h1yDias7Q4xPuCZBmzjT_srhY-U2g9X246-vu10HRTUVFw/s1600/bike-shanaz.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<i>* Getting out of transition pic by Shanaz</i></div>
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As I was cycling to meet the first hill, I glanced down at the water bottle that Kelvin went to get for me, I felt grateful and very blessed.<br />
A real good state of emotion to be in as it negated everything else that I was feeling physically while climbing the first three hills.<br />
I don't know if it was all those rides to Lukut and MEX highway...or the 3 weeks of relative rest and reduction in mileage....but it felt a whole lot more easier.<br />
<br />
I completed the first 90km in 3:34 and thought, ok....I think I can get this done in less than 8 hours (taken into account that I'd be a lot slower in the second round).<br />
<br />
I have to say that climbing the first hill all over again on the second loop was incredibly tiring and painful. My quads were starting to twitch which meant it was gonna cramp anytime soon. And after the second climb...I thought to myself, oh no...I don't know if I could climb the third hill as it was a lot longer. No matter....will figure out when I get to that hill.<br />
<br />
As the 3rd hill approaches, the twitches in my quads were getting stronger and more frequent.<br />
I got off my bike.....and I pushed up that hill.<br />
No shame in it. I wasn't the only idiot pushing. And it felt like Phuket all over again.<br />
<br />
Enroute to Datai, I was feeling exhausted. Drained. Tired. Achy.<br />
And sore. Not my legs but funnily enough, my arms.<br />
My triceps were starting to hurt.<br />
I just need to survive Datai and then its the home stretch back.<br />
Just need to survive another 20km of rolling hills.<br />
I was worried I may not make the bike cut off.<br />
I was getting slower and slower. I really just want to make it back before the bike cut off.<br />
I just need to get back in time to run.<br />
<br />
Stopped to refuel at the turn around just before the turn off to Datai stretch.<br />
Downed a banana...took more de-gassed Coke...stretched my arms and triceps.....told myself to hang in there and that I was more than halfway done....and off I went again.<br />
<br />
At that point, I was no longer concentrating on my timing (or lack of it). I knew I was getting slower. I knew I was getting really tired. And I can't shake the soreness in my arms away (note to self: get acquainted with the aero-bar next year!!).<br />
<br />
I went into the Datai stretch with intentions of just surviving that 20km no matter how slow I was going.<br />
Survived to the end of Datai and u-turned back.<br />
At that moment, I glanced down at my Garmin. It was around 140km in. I only had another 40km more to go. I had 3.5 hours before the 10:30 bike cut off. No matter how slow I was, I was still going above 20km/hr. And I am dead certain that I can complete 40km in the next 2 hours (or less), which means that....I WAS GOING TO MAKE THE BIKE CUT OFF!!!!!<br />
<br />
Wait...not even that...I WAS GOING TO MAKE THE BIKE CUT OFF WITH ENOUGH TIME TO WALK THE BLOODY 42KM!!!!!<br />
<br />
And suddenly it was like something clicked in my head and I was overjoyed.<br />
Overjoyed and extremely happy.<br />
<i>I was going to make it!!!!!</i><br />
<br />
And like magic, the rest of the ride was easy peasy.<br />
The hills were flatter....the headwind was less stronger....the aches and pains melted away.<br />
I couldn't stop smiling for the entire ride back to transition.<br />
So THIS was what it felt like to "have fun" during your Ironman race.<br />
<br />
I got back to transition with a bike ride time of 7:16.<br />
That left me with almost 8 hours to get this 42km over with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma73x67FatjBFh1_asCTYob-90DO0mL8ax8RONpegshS-iTVTiLFyxvKTGP_BxeLL5tZuN_14c57PpI7gSTZSGRrUHBLwTMgE5eKBq6M8GzbHKj4ue6mKPvECww8I_iiJzBdD9WfXswY/s1600/bike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma73x67FatjBFh1_asCTYob-90DO0mL8ax8RONpegshS-iTVTiLFyxvKTGP_BxeLL5tZuN_14c57PpI7gSTZSGRrUHBLwTMgE5eKBq6M8GzbHKj4ue6mKPvECww8I_iiJzBdD9WfXswY/s1600/bike1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>* Bike pic courtesy of Holland T. Album</i></div>
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I ran into transition tent, was given my run bag and got into the changing tent to get myself into fresh and dry running gear. Slapped on more vaseline, downed a High5 gel...and off I went to run my 30th marathon (which happened to be part of this Ironman).<br />
<br />
I ran the first 2km until I've gotten my first arm band and felt all that de-gassed Coke, water, undigested bananas and energy gels sloshing in my stomach and making me super nauseated.<br />
<br />
I had to stopped to walk a bit. Each time I tried to resume running, I would feel my gastric content making an exit up my oesophagus. And since vomiting during race had become such a personal taboo (the last time I vomited during a race, I was pulled out and forced to DNF), by hook or by crook I was gonna keep my gastric content where it belonged....in my stomach!!!! (and hopefully down the intestines to be absorbed)<br />
<br />
So....I walked the first loop.<br />
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Bumped into Andrew Lim. He overtook me on the bike and I found him on the run (or rather on the walk). I kinda liked the company (I mean, after all it was gonna be one hell of a long evening) so I asked if he would like to walk with me.<br />
Surprisingly he agreed. As we approached the turning heading back to transition before running along to collect our 2nd wrist band, I proposed that we run along the main road ahead. I had a lot of friends with cameras and I would like to have some photos of myself attempting to run. I told Andrew that once they were our of view, we could resume walking. He happily agreed.<br />
<br />
So that was our modus operandi for the 42km.<br />
We ran whenever we see a cheering crowd with cameras...and we walked once they are no longer in sight. We also ran certain stretches as to keep the run/walk momentum going.<br />
It worked. We were gaining ground.<br />
Andrew said this was his first marathon. He had a rather low run mileage through out his training for Ironman (I'm not exaggerating when I say low mileage....after all, how high can a weekly mileage of 3km be?) and he was getting tired. But he said he wanted to follow my pace. He said he was worried he'd walk (very slowly) for the rest of the way if he didn't follow me.<br />
I felt bad. And since I liked talking nonsense with him, we continued our run/walk together.<br />
<br />
He asked if at the rate we were going, if we were going to make it.<br />
I glanced at my watch.<br />
Yes...we are going to make it.<br />
And I'm gonna get us back in 16 hours.<br />
<br />
Got our 3rd band.<br />
<br />
It was getting dark by then. Andrew was getting quiet. A bit too quiet.<br />
I sensed he was getting very tired.<br />
So I did what was once done for me when I was getting tired and weary during my first full marathon.<br />
I told him stupid running stories. Funny running stories. Stories of being conned into signing up for races.<br />
I told him about how I started running. I told him about signing up for my first full marathon with so little mileage logged (that was a stupid thing to do, btw) and I told him how "some people" convinced me that I could do my first ultra marathon of 84km....and the subsequent year got conned again for the 100km. Told him about the "wonders" of walking in a 100km race (don't ever follow my footsteps...I was dumb and still am!).<br />
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I guess my stupid stories must have gave him something to think about other than being in pain and exhausted.....coz after a long period of silence, he suddenly muttered, "<i>wow...100km....on foot</i>".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulx910xWtgA0ZoOoY-OOqVT2va9HgG1U1WkjEBOOcteR18rSwpmBebdXtPflCZFbn1T957EbPHQTPJWhZG5Kk0raOTJH-DLiv3yzE02f3UfniZ1wbG0MYJiyIA4Aw5IYSE2MIuysygTI/s1600/run-kam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulx910xWtgA0ZoOoY-OOqVT2va9HgG1U1WkjEBOOcteR18rSwpmBebdXtPflCZFbn1T957EbPHQTPJWhZG5Kk0raOTJH-DLiv3yzE02f3UfniZ1wbG0MYJiyIA4Aw5IYSE2MIuysygTI/s1600/run-kam.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>* Run pic courtesy of Kam!!!</i></div>
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4th wrist band and last 10km to go.<br />
<br />
This was the home stretch!!!!!<br />
We continued our walk/run agenda.<br />
Our conversations had dwindled down to some "are you ok, bro?"...."let's walk a bit longer"....."we're gonna be there soon"...."take your gel and salt pills"..... and "wow....100km, on foot!!!".<br />
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As we approached the stadium area, Phuitin ran past us on the other side and said....run faster...you can make it sub15!!!!!<br />
<br />
Nonsense, I told her...there's no way we could make it sub15.<br />
Or could we?<br />
<br />
I look down at my watch. Calculated with my fingers (the most accurate way of calculating stuff).<br />
Well, I'd be damned. We do have a damn good chance of making it 15 hours if not less.<br />
I turned to Andrew. We shall try and run a bit more....ok?<br />
<br />
We ran (just a bit more) and he turned to me and told me to go through the finishing chute first.<br />
I thought that was very nice of him.<br />
So I thanks him and said perhaps we should aim to run into the finishing together NEXT year.<br />
He nodded happily in agreement and I wondered if he got the irony of it.<br />
<br />
So I crossed the finishing line...alone....in 15:02:44.<br />
<br />
Was expecting tears and extreme elation. But after receiving the finisher towel, taking pictures with Andrew and offering congratulatory handshakes and hugs, all I felt was hunger.<br />
And as I stuffed my face with the complimentary pasta (which tasted awesome!!!!), all I was thinking about was whether I could beat this timing next year.<br />
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Sigh....I never learn!!!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWGPxzvweAorxYbDnPwAtAnTjYx0dG0uiKkF_TIl_lTApjoJxvH9OMyWQnYStaZWjIvrm7zLRWZMY2snA6PNbe9xTaXM9gJFsu-ZXsOURVjdVtT8fNQNWrqqGfGD9sFTUaN5h_CwW3fY/s1600/finishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWGPxzvweAorxYbDnPwAtAnTjYx0dG0uiKkF_TIl_lTApjoJxvH9OMyWQnYStaZWjIvrm7zLRWZMY2snA6PNbe9xTaXM9gJFsu-ZXsOURVjdVtT8fNQNWrqqGfGD9sFTUaN5h_CwW3fY/s1600/finishing.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>* Finishing pic courtesy of Michelle</i></div>
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I would like to thank quite a few people in this Ironman journey and knowing that I won't be able to name every single one of them...I'll give it a shot and name as many as I can recall off hand.<br />
<br />
Firstly...I'd like to thank my cycling group (the Bunanamos) for the time we've spent training together. I enjoyed the push...the tough love...the sarcasm...the support...and the makan time we've had together. I liked how we're all kiasu with the same intensity.<br />
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I'd also like to thank my whatsapp chat group that comprises of me, Phuitin, Bryan and Winnie. This chat group that came about just before our Challenge Philippines race and continued until today. You guys kept me extremely hardworking trying to keep up to your training hours. And Phuitin is the best running buddy ever!<br />
<br />
Thanks to Rupert for his compact crank. I would have pushed my bike a lot more had it not been for the fact that I downgraded to compact from my Ultegra crank. And yes..I'll be returning it soon :(<br />
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Oh not to forget my other important whatsapp chat group comprising of me, Agnes, Lini and KC. You guys kept my sanity intact with your level-headedness and common sense.<br />
<br />
I would also like to thank my colleagues for putting up with me complaining that I'm hungry all the time. I'm sure we would have gotten a lot more work settled if I didn't need to run off to pantry to eat so often.<br />
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Also....big thank you to Yin Fook and Velocipedeworks for helping me with my bike and all bike related shit. You guys rock!!!!!<br />
<br />
Not forgetting lenglui Aileen Har who had been my agony aunt since the day I started my Ironman training. She dealt with all my doubts and insecurities about my training over a good cup of latte.<br />
<br />
To all those who came to Langkawi to support the race (there's too many of you to name but you know who are you!!!)....appreciated your waiting under the hot sun for many hours and all those cheering when I ran past. It really helped lift my spirit when I was down.<br />
<br />
Special mention to Terence Poon...the man who planted this seed many many years ago when I could barely cycle 40km and had just ran her very first full marathon. The same man who conned me to run 100km...twice!!!!! You taught me that impossible is nothing. And if Andrew Lim would like to venture into ultra marathons one day, I'll pass him your number!!!!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Later!!!!!<br />
<br />
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-22815378504446782082014-09-24T20:37:00.000+08:002014-09-24T20:37:47.628+08:00Finally packed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OMG!!!!</div>
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I thought ironman training was tough....then I thought tapering was tougher.</div>
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But nobody warned me how terribly horrid packing for the actual race would be!!!!!</div>
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Imagine this hypothetical scenario (yeah so it may actually be 100% entirely true as well):</div>
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1. You are packing your bike and all bike related stuff. To save time (as to not head over to the bike shop and get someone to do it for you), you've finally mastered dismantling the bike and protecting the frame and related shit, and you started somewhat thinking of yourself a bike packing pro (do me a favour and just continue entertaining this little delusion of mine). You skilfully place the bike into the huge arse bike box, figured there was still a lot of empty space and start stuffing your cycling and running shoes into it. Then thinking one part of your packing is done (the relief was overwhelming), you seal the box, write your name on it and start packing your clothes instead.</div>
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29.5 hours later you remembered that you've left your water bottles, helmut and saddle bag on the kitchen counter and you have to re-open the bloody box to stuff them back in coz you're a little short on empty baggage space.</div>
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2. You're still deciding what you're gonna wear for race day and after speaking to a few newbies (and just about everybody else) you've decided you're gonna change out of what you've intended to wear for the swim. So now you've got to figure out your clothing for bike leg and run leg (I mean since you're gonna change on bike...you might as well change for the run). I mean its a damn good idea to ride 180km on properly padded bike shorts....except you just remembered that you didn't quite train your perineum in your padded shorts and its been taking a beating with those barely padded tri shorts. And the last time you rode long on your only properly padded bike pants, you remembered getting quite bad chafings. Well....too late for all that shit so you decide on the tri shorts anyway but just get your arse into a dry pair....just in case. Then since you're such a worrier you figured better bring a few pair of everything and decide at the hotel in Langkawi which set will go into the transition bags.</div>
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Thats when you realised that your backpack might (most likely will!) burst at the seams in the attempt of stuffing all the clothing in. Of course thats just about the time you re-open the bike box for the 3rd time to stuff your extra space-wasting-excess clothing in.</div>
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3. Oh...right about now is when you realise you have yet to pack the extra pair of goggles....and you can't find all those extras that you know you have stashed somewhere in the house.</div>
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4. And since you're paranoid enough to pack that many sets of clothing (and that is just for the race itself), you figured you better pack more pair of socks and leave some in the special need bag. Then you remembered that two pairs are still in laundry (coz you JUST had to run as you were feeling horridly fat from tapering and the appetite has yet to receive a memo from the brain that the activity level has tremendously reduced). You swear to whatever higher powers that govern the universe that you will NOT forget to pack those socks before leaving tomorrow morning....but you also know that you're that forgetful you might as well be buying a few pairs at the race expo when you get into Langkawi.</div>
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5. You like to have a headlamp at standby during the early morning transition set up....but your headlamp is out of battery. You're out of spare batteries. You're just too tired to drive out to the nearest convenient store. Swear that you'll get some batteries tomorrow. Then swear again that you'd not forget.</div>
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6. Suddenly remembered that you do have a pair of compression tights. Somehow you just can't find them. Panicked ensued. Then you remember the last time you wore those tights were after Hong Kong Vibram 100 and that seemed like a whole lifetime ago. Maybe you could do without. After all, you don't want Rupert telling you how inferior 2XU is compared to Compressport.</div>
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7. On the note of suddenly remembering, you swore you'd bring your foam roller. But you're bloody lazy to re-open the bike box for the fourth time. And you're running really low on duct tape to close back the box. </div>
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So yeah....I'm really stressed out over nothing right now.</div>
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Alright 12 hours to go before lugging my now extremely heavy bike box and head to the airport.</div>
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See you guys at Langkawi and fingers crossed!!!!!</div>
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Later!!!!</div>
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-72252434781019213412014-09-21T14:32:00.000+08:002014-09-21T14:33:48.644+08:00Confessions of a not-so-strong-triathleteIts one week before D-day.<br />
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In fact it's less than a week to go (and as Bryan just reminded me....it is officially 6 days till show time)<br />
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Frankly I'm not too sure if I'm completely ready but I guess it'll have to do.<br />
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I'm never gonna be any stronger than I am at the moment (and even that, it's pretty slow in comparative) plus I'm really sick of training so much that I just want the event to be done and over with.<br />
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So...what have I been up to from the last blog post until now?<br />
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Well....we made another trip back to Langkawi (and THIS time around I got my sunbathing time!) and I'm glad to report that the second time around, the route somehow felt a whole lot easier.<br />
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.....that, or all those idiotic training rides to Lukut and back via MEX highway paid off.<br />
Oh and not to mention the ride from Genting Sempah to Fraser's Hill and back (the one that saw one crash too many).<br />
Plus downgrading to a compact crank. Not that it made the route any flatter....just that I didn't swear on anyone's grave as frequent as the first trip try out.<br />
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* No recce ride would be complete without "issues". This time around I had severe back pains (which resolved after changing the seat post height and tilting saddle downwards and backwards slightly)</div>
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* During our swim at Black Sand Beach....the boys wanted to swim to the nearby island and back. Unfortunately had an untimely encounter with a much dreaded jelly fish. I would have offered to drive except nobody quite trust me driving a manual car. I did assure everyone that theoretically I "could" drive the van (I mean how difficult could it be?) but everyone wanted to stay alive for the 27th September 2014's event.</div>
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* Everyone after their >180km ride. Someone said alcohol was great for recovery. Can't quite remember who though.</div>
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* We even had a unofficial briefing on the swim/bike/run route!!!</div>
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The group decided that with 3 weeks prior to race day, we would still do another century ride to Lukut via MEX. This would be our last ride on this route. </div>
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Thank goodness coz I really can't stand riding this route any longer!</div>
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And this was one week after the 2 bike loops in Langkawi.</div>
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Whatever doubts about not lasting the distance, this last ride to Lukut eliminated it. I was amazed that I could still ride with tolerable discomfort and no food stop until Sri Kembangan R&R along MEX highway, on the way back to the car. </div>
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* This was Indran's first ride with us. He was surprised that there wasn't any sweeper (besides Phuitin and I) and that the boys were so fast. Let's just say I was really surprise that he came back to ride with us the following week!!!!</div>
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Misery does love company :p</div>
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The very next day I found myself up at 5.30am for an early morning run with Phuitin around TTDI.</div>
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Our last long run.</div>
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We ran a 1km loop for 2.5 hours. </div>
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If ironman training has taught me one thing...it was that I could endure the most boring shit for the longest duration ever!</div>
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(and this was the first time ever someone stole my half full Gatorade. Go figure!)</div>
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And after that....."taper" week started.</div>
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To the uninitiated.....taper is a term some arsehole made up to make you feel better that your race is around the corner and trick you into thinking that your training is gonna get slightly easier before your doom on race day.</div>
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Not wanting to be the only idiot who was taking it easy (peer pressure is and forever will be an integral part of ironman training)...I stuck with the plan of what everyone else is doing. And for a while there I didn't think I was tapering at all.</div>
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Weekday trainings were more or less the same intensity and duration.</div>
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I later found out all taper really meant was shorter long rides and long runs.</div>
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The group started riding back at Putrajaya and repeating the 70.3 bike route several times.</div>
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(I can still tell you that riding that route brings back bad memories aplenty. Doesn't quite help each time I ride pass Cyberjaya, I automatically feel nauseated)</div>
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* Having our home made laksa at Leo's house after our Malaysia Day's ride.</div>
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On the upside....having to run anything less than 2 hours became a breeze. </div>
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Finally!!! Something that felt remotely close to tapering!!!!</div>
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* Our last taper ride. It was gloomy and mid-ride, rained cats and dogs. </div>
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* I knew I've always had big thighs but this whole ironman training shit....just made my thighs unproportionally huge!!!! And not like it helped me power through the hills anyway. If I could I'd tell my quads to stop hypertrophy-ing!!!!!!</div>
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Sigh.</div>
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So its 6 days till show time....and still a not-so-strong triathlete.</div>
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Oh well...it'll have to do.</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-42264037906828671412014-08-24T14:32:00.001+08:002014-08-24T14:35:40.061+08:00Strangers At 47 - new cafe at Section 17, PJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Since the incident descending Fraser's Hill that left Bryan with a fractures right clavicle (and thus ended his IM training abruptly), he has been enjoying lots of leisurely down time. </div>
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So leisurely has his last few weeks been, he has been going around enjoying good food. </div>
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So when he told me of this new cafe that opened at Section 17 (same row as Kanna Curry House) and raved about how awesome the food (and barista!) was, I told him that I NEED TO GO AND TASTE THE AWESOME FOOD too. </div>
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Strangers At 47 had been up and running for over a month now and due to staffing issues they only open from 3pm until 10pm weekdays, 10am to 10pm on weekends.</div>
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...and Bryan wasn't kidding about the awesome food.</div>
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They don't have an extensive menu...but an adequate one. Savoury crepes and sweet crepes....and your regular caffeine-based fixtures.</div>
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Bryan says it's like going home each time he visits this place. I wonder why....</div>
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The latte was undeniably tasty. Good blend of Sumatran and Brazilian beans. </div>
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The dessert sweet crepes weren't really my thing.....</div>
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The savoury crepes however, were just exactly what my stomach craved!!!!!!! </div>
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My fav: Lethal Schrooms</div>
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We went back quite a few times (Bryan has now been a regular fixture of sort) and the nice lady barista recommended the green tea latte. I personally love cafes that offer green tea lattes. In my opinion not enough cafes venture into green teas other than that in a tea bag.</div>
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.....not too bad :)</div>
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More savoury crepes to soothe the growling tummy..</div>
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Bryan was keen to convert Phuitin into a fan. I think she felt the portion wasn't big enough.</div>
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....but she did however enjoyed the fried sweet potato fries!</div>
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I gave the sweet crepes a go....(I was still hungry). I think they make better savoury crepes...IMHO</div>
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Enjoying hot chocolate. ....</div>
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I guess we shall be seeing Bryan at this place a lot more. And since he is still under OKU status and is unable to drive, I shall be seeing this place a lot more too with Bryan :)</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-51142611406159789552014-08-20T22:44:00.001+08:002014-08-20T22:44:46.998+08:00Desaru 113 Triathlon - 16th August 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This was the "test-water" race.</div>
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The race that I'd use to bench mark how much more bucking up I'd need for Langkawi....(not that I have that much time remaining to buck up anyway)</div>
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The race that I'd use to gauge if my preparation had been adequate.</div>
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I didn't have a target for myself. I just wanted to complete it in one piece....considering the last half-iron distance I was in landed me in the medical tent with an IV drip on my left hand.</div>
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But the uncles got together and decided that I'd (by some miracle of God) sub-7 hours.</div>
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Frankly I thought they were a tad optimistic.</div>
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My fastest half-iron distance to date is about 7:30-ish. 'Ish' being very lenient.</div>
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But since optimism is the general theme throughout the whole Ironman Langkawi training, I told them I'd give it a go and hope for the best. Miracles do occasionally happen.</div>
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* At Lotus Desaru Resort picking up our race kit. Picture courtesy of Fendy</div>
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* Preparing my race kit. My fav Soas Racing tri tank (I just love the colour scheme), best tri pants ever...Zoot!!!, TYR goggles (I think I need new ones as my current one was starting to leak) & the ultimate energy gels and sports bar that doesn't taste like cardboard by High5</div>
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* I'm a little jealous that everyone I was rooming with in Desaru was sponsored by Compressport. I figured I too "need" to pose in Compressport wear for the heck of it. Oh and I'm waiting for Rupert to get me some freebies from Compressport. Still waiting, ya.</div>
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Picture courtesy of Gary...best H.A.B. ever!!!!</div>
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* Racking my bike on race morning. Picture courtesy of Gary</div>
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On race morning, was feeling a bit jittery. Bad memories of Ironman Putrajaya 70.3 in my mind like crappy screenshots on an Android phone (speaking like a true iPhone lover). But whatever it is, this would be more of a training than a race. I guess I just needed to keep reminding myself that.</div>
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* Post body marking....me, Phuitin and Karen. Picture courtesy of Gary</div>
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* Lounging around waiting for the tide to rise. A little calm before the storm. Picture courtesy of Gary :)</div>
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The swim start was a mass start. I guess there weren't that many participants that warranted a wave flag off. Race scheduled to begin at 8am but the tide that morning was low and race started nearly half hour later (I think). </div>
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At a glance, the sea didn't seem very rough. It looked pretty calm and possibly an easy swim.</div>
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But once we got in the water, the waves were huge and the sea turned out pretty choppy. </div>
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Avoided the crowd by swimming to the inner edge. I didn't want to hurt anyone, y'see. But I guess people tend to swim into me despite me trying my darnest to avoid them.</div>
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2 loops of a 1km swim loop. Came out in 47 minutes. Breaststroke. Can't complain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoU4I5rB0M73ZRWe4uAH8JzdCTMgEDPGM0EnOOvkxNph-aGduHd48hJryCvwo5QHUUEbMxUdxa1CUye2Zi1D-OGbmU55IS_2lXhcgAWeAGRGD5JnnN5V2kHNUKUYn9EmkspgN6NbRK_w/s1600/desaru+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoU4I5rB0M73ZRWe4uAH8JzdCTMgEDPGM0EnOOvkxNph-aGduHd48hJryCvwo5QHUUEbMxUdxa1CUye2Zi1D-OGbmU55IS_2lXhcgAWeAGRGD5JnnN5V2kHNUKUYn9EmkspgN6NbRK_w/s1600/desaru+bike.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Picture courtesy of SwimBikeRun Singapore</div>
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Got out of water and ran to the bike rack. </div>
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Contemplated going to the toilet. </div>
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I don't know about you but I kinda suck when it came to peeing while swimming. And don't get me started on trying to pee while on the bike. Ain't happening.</div>
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In the end figured I could hold it in for 3 odd hours and off I went on the bike.</div>
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The bike route differed tremendously from the previous Uncle Chan-organized Desaru race. This time around, we cycled out 6km of rolling hills (they were really hills and not exageration for blogging purposes) then 3 times of a 13km loop and cycled 6km back to the transition.</div>
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The 13km loops were a killer.</div>
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Bad road conditions....rough surfaces.....potholes abundant....</div>
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Tailwind on the way out....horrible headwind on the way back.....u-turn at the top of an uphill climb.</div>
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And throughout the entire bike leg.....all I could think of was how much I regretted not heading to the toilet before jumping on my bike.</div>
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Good job, Puisan......that was terribly smart of you.</div>
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Finished the bike leg....racked the bike....put on my running shoes and did my quickest sprint to the nearby toilet. I reckon my Garmin recorded a 4:00 minute pace.</div>
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The run was 3 loops of a 7km route.</div>
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Partially flat and mostly shaded.....partially hilly and exposed to the horrid elements that is the killer sun!</div>
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Tried running the flats and downhills....walked the uphills.</div>
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I kinda liked this mode of running. Helped me break the run leg up so it didn't feel too boring or monotonous.</div>
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The first 7km loop....I was barely shuffling along. I was trying to get in as much fluid as I can (coz I didn't dare drink that much on bike for above mentioned reason) and the sloshing feeling in my stomach was bloody annoying. </div>
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The second 7km loop was easier. My legs got used to the momentum of actually having to run and my stomach stopped complaining. By the third 7km loop, I was tired and extremely sunburnt. Been pouring ice water all over myself in poor attempts to cool down. That must have washed off a lot of the sunscreen I'd feverishly applied earlier that morning and now I was feeling the burn on the skin especially my shoulder, arms and face. Also I was starving but the energy gels provided by the organisers seemed to trigger the gag reflex in me so I refrained from taking anymore of it. </div>
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After getting out from the last hill...there was about 2km more to the finish line. I had 15 minutes to go before 7 hours as recorded by the Garmin. I had no choice but to run if I wanted to meet my targeted time.</div>
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*scroll down for results*</div>
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Anyway.........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCnYLrD5KKhVzhvQND3NHbeMFd7Z1tz8dP0G88EPWcj53KT-TTc8Ddzwpsa7ZMNBT_T0rr8lkYnKL_ZhyphenhyphenjIOb6F-390fxkc0f5YfMQ1rC25tSU1lKLHlhHjvKkUDuwYA3Qgm4s8EL0pw/s1600/desaru+finishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCnYLrD5KKhVzhvQND3NHbeMFd7Z1tz8dP0G88EPWcj53KT-TTc8Ddzwpsa7ZMNBT_T0rr8lkYnKL_ZhyphenhyphenjIOb6F-390fxkc0f5YfMQ1rC25tSU1lKLHlhHjvKkUDuwYA3Qgm4s8EL0pw/s1600/desaru+finishing.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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* Crossing the finishing line!!!! Picture courtesy of Joe :)</div>
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* Rupert won 2nd placing in his age group. Someone is obviously buying dinner!!! Picture courtesy of Gary</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxQd2YDz0uI6L0QKaWPx_MY_kikRDxkPxzxdVNOI1pNO7tPdryFyuMmNfeZ3HudJzQ7aaRA4GORK_4YuZF5VF_atNcVPmVT-1fMOfqu6s-O0rW_SdT8f8FEibRQh5YG909qVsfG5to1E/s1600/desaru+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxQd2YDz0uI6L0QKaWPx_MY_kikRDxkPxzxdVNOI1pNO7tPdryFyuMmNfeZ3HudJzQ7aaRA4GORK_4YuZF5VF_atNcVPmVT-1fMOfqu6s-O0rW_SdT8f8FEibRQh5YG909qVsfG5to1E/s1600/desaru+finish.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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* Happy coz we survived.....and we're gonna be getting free dinner. Picture courtesy of Karen</div>
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* And yup.....met the target with less than 2 minutes to spare. Talk about cutting it very close. Oh...and I finally got the multisport timer to work. So it wasn't Garmin's fault after all....but it was user-malfunction, unfortunately</div>
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Oh...and BY SOME MIRACLE OF GOD!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKL1gzOZAtX8Op7vxDJI8e3ZZ-tsUa8J73p9bCwbB4WN1gEp7EDWMUJmJoc-2QZGNUph9esAmrlJRaiGQLps39UekfJHoYZtMOXnsgBTzUHDDpzVukAE6QEAYi0j9myNwQRnGsSubtKE/s1600/desaru+silly+face+finishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKL1gzOZAtX8Op7vxDJI8e3ZZ-tsUa8J73p9bCwbB4WN1gEp7EDWMUJmJoc-2QZGNUph9esAmrlJRaiGQLps39UekfJHoYZtMOXnsgBTzUHDDpzVukAE6QEAYi0j9myNwQRnGsSubtKE/s1600/desaru+silly+face+finishing.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Picture courtesy of Fendy :)</div>
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So now....back to more training.</div>
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5 more weeks to go. 2 more weeks to peak.</div>
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All I can say is...I'm tremendously looking forward to my taper.</div>
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Results as per timing chip</div>
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Total time: 6:58:41</div>
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Swim: 47:31</div>
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Bike: 3:18:55</div>
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Run: 2:48:03</div>
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Transition: wasted time aplenty</div>
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It'll do.....it'll do :)</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-32008011132876360212014-08-14T23:10:00.000+08:002014-08-14T23:10:54.402+08:00Port DIckson International Triathlon - 10th August 2014<br />
This was where it all started.<br />
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The beginning of conquering one (ok maybe in my case, 2) fear.<br />
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The beginning of a possibility.....the possibility of one day completing an Ironman.<br />
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4 short years ago.<br />
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And as I countdown to less than 2 months to toeing the line at Ironman Langkawi, I thought coming back to where it call started was pretty appropriate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i3CIQUFB1G6_GsEXZTCJNyOxnw7cn70VOFpcOWeV6OCr0GNW5YlCPtNljK0c4xBVWGcd_YPdBBYU0vE4uK-fl3Rv-j3TpVyv32nkTCmPu-ONR6aO8cRk4nSANvsiIrzPM1UEe5AMIg8/s1600/pdit+trisuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i3CIQUFB1G6_GsEXZTCJNyOxnw7cn70VOFpcOWeV6OCr0GNW5YlCPtNljK0c4xBVWGcd_YPdBBYU0vE4uK-fl3Rv-j3TpVyv32nkTCmPu-ONR6aO8cRk4nSANvsiIrzPM1UEe5AMIg8/s1600/pdit+trisuit.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since was using every smaller tri races leading up to the Ironman as dress rehearsal, been trying to sort out what I would wear...my nutrition...etc etc.</div>
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I've decided I like my High5 Energy Gels and will start stocking them up by the truck loads before September rolls around. This shall be the bulk of the gels I'll bring with me on race day. Interspersed will be GU's Salted Caramel gels (I like the salty taste to it) and will keep a couple of 2nd Surge gels (they really pack the oomph when the going gets really tough) for the last 20km of the run.....assuming I do get myself to the run. Fingers crossed.</div>
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*<i> Picture courtesy of Winnie Thor (aka "mummy)</i></div>
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I'm always amazed at the amount of people and bikes that can be packed in such a small transition area such as the open car park of Avillion Admiral Cove Hotel...which was where the transition area was set up at.</div>
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And it was great to meet and catch up with so many people that I've acquainted and (some) got to know very well through this sport at this race. Almost everyone who races triathlon was there that morning....(sorry Stupe....we did miss you)</div>
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* <i>Picture courtesy of Joe</i></div>
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Ladies were the second to last wave to start the swim...just before the relay swimmers jumped in. </div>
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Initially Uncle Chan wanted the ladies to go first....which I thought was a pretty bad idea from all angles looking into it. Ladies in general don't swim as fast (ok...so Sue Teoh and Irene Chong can beat the men in the swim but I ain't talking about these sorta swim-monsters!) and with 5 minutes interval before the next wave (which would have been the younger men), most women would have been caught in the struggle of elbows and knees and kickings and grabbing hands of the faster male swimmers. </div>
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I know some women griped that they won't be able to catch a relatively faster male-powered peloton and thus wasting energy cycling alone....but seriously I don't think tossing out safety in swim could justify a couple of minutes faster on the bike leg.</div>
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At least that's my opinion.....one can beg to differ vastly on this topic.</div>
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The sea was rather calm that day and the swim was relatively easy.</div>
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Got out of water and started the 800m beach run which I thought sucked.</div>
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I took a bit of time at transition this time around. Was deciding if it was worth it to go take a leak before getting on the bike (I'm not one who can pee while cycling....and I am not going to subject my bike to that sort of torture) but in the end realised this was gonna be a fast race. I'll pee later.</div>
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Hopped on the bike and off I went.</div>
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I didn't push that hard on the bike. Drafted on off. Decided to let go of a peloton coz I figured it would have killed me on the run. </div>
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And I don't know if its all that training and mileage I put on the trainer and on road...but this ride felt easy....and before I knew it, I was back at Avillion....racking my bike....putting on my running shoes (decided to go with my flat Sketchers coz it was only a 10km run) and got myself out of transition and into the run leg.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS54o-kmVIpr0n7S0wZntb7-u7FR1NfQ88mqdU868mIJotra3RtywnluIvxqLGTLIG2hXjKyFTNzvjOmhxTkpIoOB7Unr_aVLZeYfyNibwKeWklqG4z-PTcI8YgJYWcN1DCyE-t_8RH4/s1600/pdit+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS54o-kmVIpr0n7S0wZntb7-u7FR1NfQ88mqdU868mIJotra3RtywnluIvxqLGTLIG2hXjKyFTNzvjOmhxTkpIoOB7Unr_aVLZeYfyNibwKeWklqG4z-PTcI8YgJYWcN1DCyE-t_8RH4/s1600/pdit+run.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a> * <i>Picture courtesy of Jack Ah Beh</i><br />
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I only had one aim on the run.</div>
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To not stop and walk.</div>
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And man....I really really wanted to walk. Perhaps out of habit....perhaps I've missed a brick workout or two too often....or perhaps I was just lazy. But I really wanted to walk and it took so much self-convincing to get legs to continue to run.</div>
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And I'm proud to say that I achieved my running aim....(lofty, but heck...at least I had some sort of an aim)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84m2D4Aa3L6EpCV0Db5G1LVRPtLT3gduD0vKixzAmhB3XAfXoqA8bCWf8JceU3WVPrepypiHqoMtVigOu91e7v1YtE4qSd3gsKPJAbbPPBf9Kf4vmeIjk4ng9yoIlIygBe7vhqqRNbCc/s1600/pdit+karen+gary+chubs+rupert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84m2D4Aa3L6EpCV0Db5G1LVRPtLT3gduD0vKixzAmhB3XAfXoqA8bCWf8JceU3WVPrepypiHqoMtVigOu91e7v1YtE4qSd3gsKPJAbbPPBf9Kf4vmeIjk4ng9yoIlIygBe7vhqqRNbCc/s1600/pdit+karen+gary+chubs+rupert.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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* <i>Picture with Karen, Chubs, Gary and Rupert, courtesy of Fendy (Kental Fan club)</i></div>
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*<i> Picture with Pat....courtesy of, well...Pat.</i></div>
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* <i>Picture with my favourite tuxedo man....picture courtesy of Fendy</i></div>
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* <i>Searching for airplane? Pic with Phuitin courtesy of Fendy (again)</i></div>
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* <i>And the sarong man is back, y'all!!!!! Aiman and Yimster.....and you've guessed it...picture courtesy of Fendy :)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIlGy1cr47OPawvqWWGGWfVX71xOw4HrLntWLnSld-_6WxB2KhQwa4QG-XbQx9j5MT6gGg3xkplwkq55h-QTK6l23YtwUfnP3fzrdVVo9PddJBASbprIvV9SkIdFXRibL-MBjwuF2EwI/s1600/pdit+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIlGy1cr47OPawvqWWGGWfVX71xOw4HrLntWLnSld-_6WxB2KhQwa4QG-XbQx9j5MT6gGg3xkplwkq55h-QTK6l23YtwUfnP3fzrdVVo9PddJBASbprIvV9SkIdFXRibL-MBjwuF2EwI/s1600/pdit+selfie.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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* <i>Selfie with Alp and Vincent. Picture courtesy of Vincent</i></div>
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Overall....I'm pretty happy with my timing. Turns out I came back in 2:51:44.</div>
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Swim time: 37:55</div>
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Bike time: 1:16:41</div>
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Run: 57:06</div>
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I'm now convinced that the run was under distanced coz I don't quite believe I could run a 10km sub 1 hour after a swim and a bike ride. </div>
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Anyway...now back to training for the big kahuna!!!!!</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-5695856851552343022014-08-03T19:56:00.000+08:002014-08-03T19:56:00.450+08:00The unveiling of the new Nazare2 at Velocipedeworks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you've recalled....I've been riding on a NeilPryde bike since 2011.<br />
Yup....when NeilPryde only had 2 bike models...the Diablo and the Alize.<br />
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Andrew recommended the Alize. No regrets since.<br />
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Anyway of late, Alize had been rebranded under a new name (in 2013)....the Nazare.<br />
(heard of the awesomely ludicrous lawsuit case by Specialized?)<br />
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By the way.....United Healthcare Pro Cycling team has been riding successfully on the 2013 Nazare.<br />
In 2014, the new upgraded Nazare2 is ready to take on the cycling world by storm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DubXAVHmM0vBBU0oiDX7vAITnkW9FIwYexQ8nH6po4tSk5d-dAMQwVWPYT5XzKHfukhvGSOkBSRJx2q7vrNqArSFoocRNJ0fUW5FRAwWlMmy5Wz8ZGfLxFwibIfNLdK2aFfogAMeM5w/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DubXAVHmM0vBBU0oiDX7vAITnkW9FIwYexQ8nH6po4tSk5d-dAMQwVWPYT5XzKHfukhvGSOkBSRJx2q7vrNqArSFoocRNJ0fUW5FRAwWlMmy5Wz8ZGfLxFwibIfNLdK2aFfogAMeM5w/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last Friday, Mike Pryde (the division manager of NeilPryde Bikes, who's based in Hong Kong) came to Velocipedeworks to introduce the Nazare2.</div>
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I'm not gonna pretend that I know exactly what Mike was going on about (all these numbers and wind-tunnel testings.....that's another reason why I can't stand research and statistics) so please...head on over to NeilPryde Bikes <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.neilprydebikes.com/">website</a></span> to read more....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy81PkEjCN4lXSoDqTJvp6q07qKySUJsCtuFOXMayZA0e-R6Wm0lrX8Xa3VBd6-J9bGLQ175pjsNeAIbo3mcau1bpFHut6Go0p9a0doylitnbiOQP8qsmjazIsq2GvA9faDRdIiTAxGqo/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy81PkEjCN4lXSoDqTJvp6q07qKySUJsCtuFOXMayZA0e-R6Wm0lrX8Xa3VBd6-J9bGLQ175pjsNeAIbo3mcau1bpFHut6Go0p9a0doylitnbiOQP8qsmjazIsq2GvA9faDRdIiTAxGqo/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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All I can tell you is....its a<i> really nice</i> bike...</div>
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(anyone care to sponsor an upgrade?!?!?!?!)</div>
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Mannnn.....I really want myself a new bike....even if it's just an updated version of my old bike :p</div>
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After the introductory session regarding Nazare2 and the NeilPryde bikes line-up (come to think of it...I don't mind a Bayamo as well...or a new Zephyr for future touring purposes, say around Taiwan....Melbourne to Sydney....etc etc), Mike did autograph signing session.</div>
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Not on paper.....that's so old fashion. Autographs on the bikes, obviously!!</div>
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Mr-6-Pack looking pretty starstrucked as Mike signs his podium-worthy Bayamo.</div>
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He said he's never gonna clean his bike ever again.</div>
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Spotted another Bayamo all ready for Langkawi Ironman.</div>
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And of course....a group picture is always MANDATORY!!!!!</div>
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6 weeks till D-day.</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-52953403057412208922014-08-02T19:16:00.002+08:002014-08-02T20:30:48.723+08:00Not-so-epic-but-still-a-century-ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the last "epic ride" still fresh in mind (and in muscle memory), we headed off for another century ride.</div>
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This time around, we rode from Bukit Jalil to Putrajaya via MEX then on to Sepang, then to Lukut...and return.</div>
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The initial ride to Sepang Shell petrol station went without a hitch. </div>
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We got told off by the petrol station owner again (we got told off on a previous ride) for interrupting her regular business. I think some may have vowed never to provide business to this Shell ever again....(although I seriously doubt it will ever happen. We forgive and forget too easily)</div>
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Mr-6-Pack showing off his brand new Compressport arm sleeves. Yup...someone's getting some sponsorship deals these days.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Riding with Yip and Leo added extra pressure cause they push the average speed way too high. Of course it doesn't help that Lini and Rupert were also conspiring to increase the ride speed. </span></div>
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Did I mention Lini is gonna kill the female competition at Langkawi Ironman!?!?!?! </div>
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That woman is ON FIRE!!!!!</div>
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Thankfully Yim came along cause I was no where near their pace and he accompanied me throughout the entire ride. </div>
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What would a ride be without a group pic.....</div>
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Oh and don't forget the selfie with the group!!!</div>
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I've always hated the road to Lukut. Hate with a capital H!!!!!</div>
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But it mimics the Langkawi Ironman bike route very well. Adequate climbs....horrible headwind....occasional crosswind.....occasional bad road surface....narrow roads.....more climbs.</div>
We stopped at Lukut for a quick meal (the food sucks by the way), refuel and headed back.<br />
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Mr-6-Pack promoting the world's most awesome sports bar by High5. Yea...doing his job to get more sponsorship.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlH6BKPmgyZuulc4zkDJ3egR_M15zKvfzgJF7tEMC3qZVV5w88sCyu5I9UlmzbWbusupHhczfiWSQbpJKRCuNCCnbMRrR7FFOa8unxhsNOviZxeIBxaqfvfvf0alIomuRNmdsLsB8WRs/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlH6BKPmgyZuulc4zkDJ3egR_M15zKvfzgJF7tEMC3qZVV5w88sCyu5I9UlmzbWbusupHhczfiWSQbpJKRCuNCCnbMRrR7FFOa8unxhsNOviZxeIBxaqfvfvf0alIomuRNmdsLsB8WRs/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since we boycotted the Sepang Shell Petrol Station, we decided not to refuel there and headed straight on to the next Petronas Petrol Station at Salak Tinggi instead....apparently our business was more appreciated there. </div>
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It was a bloody hot and extremely sunny day. Really awesome for race day simulation training. So hot and horrible that everyone hid inside the air-conditioned petrol station until we were ready to face the heat and headwind again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t95wXhhDZezFi0SI-ZnPXrzaNTyUgR-_PXWszPdfEEH9LP8htkGp43XZscNgSnfOrVIOwQygNsse9MuxE-qquClf0NaB2yIWFCBDiYMC-0WSPUGU31o1Jtoa8Cgs7uv1dkIC2P9LlxI/s1600/IMG_7365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t95wXhhDZezFi0SI-ZnPXrzaNTyUgR-_PXWszPdfEEH9LP8htkGp43XZscNgSnfOrVIOwQygNsse9MuxE-qquClf0NaB2yIWFCBDiYMC-0WSPUGU31o1Jtoa8Cgs7uv1dkIC2P9LlxI/s1600/IMG_7365.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started having cramps as we were entering Putrajaya. Been popping regular Endurolyte tablets but I guess I needed more. I was sweating tons and my cycling shorts were stained with salt residue from my sweat. Ok ok...definitely something to look into to prevent similar occurrence at Langkawi. </div>
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We stopped at Sri Kembangan R&R along MEX Highway to take refuge from the heat while I stretch out my legs.</div>
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My legs were sore and in pain. The guys (and Lini) decided to continue on KESAS for another 20-30km of added bike mileage. Yim and I decided we were done for the day.</div>
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We logged 167km and I was in too sore to even attempt a brick. </div>
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The next best thing would be to get some real food into our stomachs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrSs8bS3zmMZcKSHTTcbc80BG6b8dBBNJRh-2Il2-avDyDxVjPxuZTfNCb0TDJBiBY45T7vArYWC8QJX6zDmvTZntapYnUuyEYnmNfPOjf1CKDnMSll52hi025RRKuzMSFt_QWPrb-xg/s1600/IMG_7368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrSs8bS3zmMZcKSHTTcbc80BG6b8dBBNJRh-2Il2-avDyDxVjPxuZTfNCb0TDJBiBY45T7vArYWC8QJX6zDmvTZntapYnUuyEYnmNfPOjf1CKDnMSll52hi025RRKuzMSFt_QWPrb-xg/s1600/IMG_7368.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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According to my Polar, I've burnt over 4000 calories and was starving. </div>
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FOOD....GIVE ME MORE FOOD!!!!!</div>
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Anyway....after resting for over 30 minutes, I finally got up to get to my car and realised that now the generalised soreness had dissipated and I'm left with a deep ache at my right groin region. I almost cried trying to get into the car.</div>
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Yes folks...I think I've pulled my Adductor Magnus muscle. </div>
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Now excuse me while I scream in utter dismay and shed some tears of disappointment into my pillow (and maybe after that, I'll start icing it)</div>
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Later!!!!</div>
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Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-81285095660865045562014-07-31T11:44:00.002+08:002014-08-02T20:28:51.473+08:00Random photos from training....<br />
Was syncing my iPhone to my spanking new Macbook Air (uncle Daryl would be so proud of me....at least now I would stop hounding him to upgrade his so I can have his hand-me-down-Macbook) and was going through all the photos I've taken with the phone, deciding which to sync and save....and which to delete and bid adios! (omg...there's almost 3000 photos in the freakin phone and I have no idea where half these photos were from!!)<br />
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I figured let's share some photos which I felt was pretty memorable (at least those that I remember the occasion, from which the photo came from) and justify for future continuous photo taking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa53DxJbsdQx0pLZ23O680UcRGgnj3dz6gshZfw5x0VY_M2QnH96o4RQPEhB8J-KtP8-5sAJkycA9v3Wmh3hGVFUYTdz_n_LgyEtKkAPWRXHflyXIO4PU2rJ-k34xbjVoDNlsO_UT3K0/s1600/IMG_5665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa53DxJbsdQx0pLZ23O680UcRGgnj3dz6gshZfw5x0VY_M2QnH96o4RQPEhB8J-KtP8-5sAJkycA9v3Wmh3hGVFUYTdz_n_LgyEtKkAPWRXHflyXIO4PU2rJ-k34xbjVoDNlsO_UT3K0/s1600/IMG_5665.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* One of those days that Pat and Lynn decided to join us. This ride, we rode from Putrajaya to Bagan Lalang via Sepang. It was around 115km in distance (a little bit more mileage if we decide to stop for one of the best wantanmee in Sepang Airport Town).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4ekl0PzZ05IbmuZQubMwWXjDv94IirDtgOsi7FekK4k45DacSubeZAUl16vRwIiYUAulmanLhyphenhyphenRsEe46x5Sp3bvQKYoXsc7SuAbjWpWeCxImL3d3EnWg0le7P-acawptwAjJFLRRsSc/s1600/IMG_5668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4ekl0PzZ05IbmuZQubMwWXjDv94IirDtgOsi7FekK4k45DacSubeZAUl16vRwIiYUAulmanLhyphenhyphenRsEe46x5Sp3bvQKYoXsc7SuAbjWpWeCxImL3d3EnWg0le7P-acawptwAjJFLRRsSc/s1600/IMG_5668.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Trying to get everyone into the photo frame. I'm getting so good at this selfie/groupfie shit that I could almost teach a bloody class. But for instagram sake (coz I LOVE instagram), I took one just of the group so it'll look nice (and fit well) for instagram.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFxnfbr_jc4MNt94n2OYPt1RVFfUpb-K9pdD3vnfn6LazN8dou4jP5ES8S9woissmTKKyu-Djj2Vmu8Qh0svlPOn5HuUvhzKEK2sy93Kc9Pjx6gIxg7v_FoLn-kUcgNiO1gJriuR4A4w/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFxnfbr_jc4MNt94n2OYPt1RVFfUpb-K9pdD3vnfn6LazN8dou4jP5ES8S9woissmTKKyu-Djj2Vmu8Qh0svlPOn5HuUvhzKEK2sy93Kc9Pjx6gIxg7v_FoLn-kUcgNiO1gJriuR4A4w/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Like seriously....can anyone remember what life was without instagram!?!?! (my parents would say I'm being melodramatic with my social media crap again)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ojEmeZHZmCa6BAFeuAgrU2JtYhHmgeja2u7SKXgCpJIEle2Ev0Z1vUcYpxt-LanApQAB06F8NVZsaewLeYLwyUmoG0jbtjduyyDwzkRRUw_AEDPXaTZVX1eqpWkjpCGelMT8TQ638Gw/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ojEmeZHZmCa6BAFeuAgrU2JtYhHmgeja2u7SKXgCpJIEle2Ev0Z1vUcYpxt-LanApQAB06F8NVZsaewLeYLwyUmoG0jbtjduyyDwzkRRUw_AEDPXaTZVX1eqpWkjpCGelMT8TQ638Gw/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* No training ride would be complete without someone getting a puncture. Thankfully it's almost never me (but then better not say it out loud...might jinx myself!) </div>
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This ride, Mr-6-pack had 3 freakin puncture. Anymore punctures and we would be out of spare tubes!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtq7u4mIkWbuj90FIpaZK2A4SeTA3BxLkbR0dMi7JccOvl5DXFrBVGCgFiDap7forfjxBlYJZ6I5KN-2LEaIavALMJEyL2CBjOdrwt_aUHq7nFc-pEvEceapF5C8y1uHv1UKYKt2n4Pc/s1600/IMG_5731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtq7u4mIkWbuj90FIpaZK2A4SeTA3BxLkbR0dMi7JccOvl5DXFrBVGCgFiDap7forfjxBlYJZ6I5KN-2LEaIavALMJEyL2CBjOdrwt_aUHq7nFc-pEvEceapF5C8y1uHv1UKYKt2n4Pc/s1600/IMG_5731.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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* One ride, we decided to TRY (that's the perpetual keyword here) to follow the BJCC Ezriders (honestly I can't remember the last time they were "easy") from D'Bayu Bukit Jelutong to Tanjung Karang. The plan was...no food stop....follow the train....140km.</div>
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Obviously we weren't having that great a day so Phuitin and I decided we'd make it to Kuala Selangor for food stop and follow Andrew and Yinfook back on the second train.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkE7T0M6Zt837I4c9KJGK_FYBma1y7j04LyfLahMtf15li-aDxIID5-qCshH_udCauXZQoq9Xh-2bWW_QKnnLrP88n0-T25TUPJsab4Pf1zyU_W_bLmjvCwkjBG9rIfm9921r5-tS_b0/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkE7T0M6Zt837I4c9KJGK_FYBma1y7j04LyfLahMtf15li-aDxIID5-qCshH_udCauXZQoq9Xh-2bWW_QKnnLrP88n0-T25TUPJsab4Pf1zyU_W_bLmjvCwkjBG9rIfm9921r5-tS_b0/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* So....obviously we LOVE foodstops. Isn't it apparent!?!?!?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc6UqnF6qZpavfgnvxnA-iAs4ssN_qrhMpMtX0BExkXwXoLTVpJ5PZ3LQ_-iqTOCjzw1KMmwmiyb3ByGX02lbfqeMrtnAReqDquyBvNsahAfiLjpysxUSTuROrUYuJDNdxP_mz6IODQ4/s1600/IMG_5801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc6UqnF6qZpavfgnvxnA-iAs4ssN_qrhMpMtX0BExkXwXoLTVpJ5PZ3LQ_-iqTOCjzw1KMmwmiyb3ByGX02lbfqeMrtnAReqDquyBvNsahAfiLjpysxUSTuROrUYuJDNdxP_mz6IODQ4/s1600/IMG_5801.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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* Lately at some of my fav cafes, been drinking this awesome weird-fruit-mixed smoothie. Only issue is....it's a bit too tiny. But a good option on those no-caffeine days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvtgs2y3219QJFXbkdqaW2l9ECWSyw9z0k9h-NvmxZmMLKeMooMzBgNncOejpp71As6Y4Wkr_2Bnusg1accrnbHB93JZaVINm6cu58Px5AumaCE83RmD5Rfl1Ehk1g80AkoRYPtH_nJE/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvtgs2y3219QJFXbkdqaW2l9ECWSyw9z0k9h-NvmxZmMLKeMooMzBgNncOejpp71As6Y4Wkr_2Bnusg1accrnbHB93JZaVINm6cu58Px5AumaCE83RmD5Rfl1Ehk1g80AkoRYPtH_nJE/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* The Kuantan Century Ride where we debut the VelocipedeWorks jersey 2014. I actually preferred the 2012 version and material but apparently this was the upgrade. Oh well what do I know about jerseys, rite? But it was cool to have everyone together for this ride.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1iQYvMlFCBQclBnmk_9Vmh2S0YY_QY1In9KsHrHEkBhojMTPJrQMZt-yOURs053wZ2YxVsYO9UbU41l66-837qWgOrCQh_D0PDbwDaWOSgywyyq4TK-wnWWTPhyL_Lt0tGtdurhNDo4/s1600/IMG_6074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1iQYvMlFCBQclBnmk_9Vmh2S0YY_QY1In9KsHrHEkBhojMTPJrQMZt-yOURs053wZ2YxVsYO9UbU41l66-837qWgOrCQh_D0PDbwDaWOSgywyyq4TK-wnWWTPhyL_Lt0tGtdurhNDo4/s1600/IMG_6074.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Our cool group pic. Let's hope 2015 we'll have a better material and a different colour to add to my collection!</div>
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* I found this ride much easier than 2013. Clear the hilly route early in the race. I guess I was more prepared and a whole lot fitter since starting Ironman training to keep up with a good peloton. Woohoo to me!!! (ok...and Yim too!)</div>
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* Just before the Puasa month started, I had to cover the Grand Prix Badminton for Junior game and had worked until 1am the night before my scheduled long ride and only got to bed well after 2am. So obviously I couldn't wake up in time for my long ride (I'm getting old and I need my sleep). So I missed the ride to KLIA2. And since my training program stated that I NEED my long ride, 2 hours on trainer and I've perfected the selfie-pose while on trainer!!!! (for all the things that I could be awesome at, I had to be good at this sorta nonsense crap....sigh)</div>
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* The day after my missed long ride, headed down to PD for the "annual" Tadonamo Triathlon Clinic. I reckon we use to be more fun and personal but for the sake of growth of the club.....oh well. With one of my fav people from the club, 'Dato' Syerol :)</div>
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And I am still waiting for my Optygen!!!!!!</div>
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* KiaKaha Fitness with Coach Jessen organised a trial spinnerval class at the KiaKaha studio in Taman Tun. OMG almost died!!!! On the flip side, first time on trainer in air-conditioned room!!! Awesome class and highly recommended to unmotivated individuals on bike trainers. Do look up KiaKaha's facebook page<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KiaKahaFitness"> HERE </a>for more info.</div>
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* With our increment in training hours, so did the increment in our appetites!!!! This is our favourite bit of Ironman training.....the need to always eat!!!! One of our long lunch breaks with Phuitin and Bryan at Bangsar Shopping Center.</div>
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* The day we cycled from Putrajaya to Port Dickson and back. I personally HATE the road heading into Lukut. The undulating route....the headwind....the crosswind....the cars (this ride, one pick up truck tried to run me off the edge of the road...thankfully I braked just in time!). But this route sorta mimic the Ironman Langkawi bike route and was good for training. I sucked at climbing...period.</div>
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* At Tristupe and Aileen's house....which by the way is like second home on some days. I'm still waiting to move my clothes into Ryan's under-utilised walk in closet!!!! </div>
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On this day, Tristupe extolling the virtues of proper foam rolling with his home-made foam roller. Click <a href="http://www.tristupe.com/2012/09/triathlete-on-budget-diy-foam-roller.html">HERE</a> to learn how to make your own foam roller and prepare to yell profanities!</div>
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* Mr-6-Pack trying out the foam roller for his upper back. I'm sure he was trying his darnest to hold back the tears. It's ok bro....real men apparently do cry :p </div>
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* Over a long weekend, a group of us decided we were gonna head up North to the beautiful island of Langkawi to recce the race route for Ironman Langkawi #immy #roadtoironman</div>
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Everyone took the earlier (cheaper) flight from KLIA via MAS (we are still supporting our national air carrier) while I decided on a later flight and flew from Subang Airport via Malindo Air (in my defence I bought this tix a long time ago and was initially planning to go alone coz everyone thought I was crazy to wanna go Langkawi to see the route beforehand.....hmmm look who else is crazy now!!!!).</div>
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* This trip ended up like a Ironman Langkawi race tour and serious training camp!!! Yip printed out all the maps and pamphlets for everyone and we chartered a huge arse van to ferry EVERYONE around.</div>
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* All happy faces before the torture next day. I only enjoyed the tour...not the training FYI. This picture was taken at Pantai Pasir Hitam, along the way to Datai.</div>
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* I knew the bike route was going to be hilly. I was hoping it would be a gradual long climb as oppose to quick and short inclines (my personal preference). Anyway I concluded at the end of the 90km loop that I was gonna downgrade to compact crank....(IMO, I thought it would be an upgrade but according to Bryan, anything smaller than my original crank was a bloody downgrade)</div>
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* Camwhoring always brings such happy times.....and then we had to cycle back which pretty much killed any happy associations I've had with this pic. </div>
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* The whole lot at Cenang Beach, which frankly reminded me a whole lot of Kuta, Bali minus the magic mushrooms and Bintang Beers. </div>
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* We loved this shirt so much that we bought it for Bryan (coz neither me nor Phuitin wanted to wear it).</div>
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* Our group picture selfie at the iconic eagle statue.</div>
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* Shopping is always fun. Shopping for cheap choccies was even better!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIACcM1p8-rlVODXXuGMuCTUwkvFPdTcb2044yub_15e1ILRNVGtaw36_R7EsapbGyEWZkhdtM4zUcgp44WgaaKK0FIe5hZFA5AiwXkAqgypVVKIdIMdpfIpsSYqFHCucU6H_JlJvZxo/s1600/IMG_7033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIACcM1p8-rlVODXXuGMuCTUwkvFPdTcb2044yub_15e1ILRNVGtaw36_R7EsapbGyEWZkhdtM4zUcgp44WgaaKK0FIe5hZFA5AiwXkAqgypVVKIdIMdpfIpsSYqFHCucU6H_JlJvZxo/s1600/IMG_7033.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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* Mr-6-pack and his 'metal-junk'. Back in the workshop after his epic Broga ride where (apparently) he dropped everyone on the climb and made everyone questioned whether he had compact crank on. Mr-6-pack would like everyone to know that it wasn't about the bike..it was the 'engine' that made the whole difference....(but I found out later that his 'metal-junk's crank was indeed smaller than the standard)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcKn6oMHI-gJ1xmKyTRB2vpK0JAq42u4LNOLVIQrb_333lr1u7b_P_-IliLZCJCAqmm19-BaxpCC_iwfZZHWo3jV3x0thmOAZOQ6IzCn9Cvn0yDHxWFluT90qrWzxOuGanpa6rC-H1wI/s1600/IMG_7168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcKn6oMHI-gJ1xmKyTRB2vpK0JAq42u4LNOLVIQrb_333lr1u7b_P_-IliLZCJCAqmm19-BaxpCC_iwfZZHWo3jV3x0thmOAZOQ6IzCn9Cvn0yDHxWFluT90qrWzxOuGanpa6rC-H1wI/s1600/IMG_7168.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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* This is me with my #beastmode turned on...(I have Eugene to thank for for the #beastmode trending hashtag). Apparently strength training is an integral part of Ironman training....and also the part that I tend to forget. But since getting told off several times for not following 'advice/wisdom', I decided to #HTFU and get on with my strength training.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lzu-0FvJqpBntOoaVHcRic8YM8BmJ0t4LaaoMkKlyBBYZA8PXRJmUmsSLR4oPPnShSs1NmOU9c1fGgQ1oVPf4UNallHNBrJkK6vN1Mpk1qGQEfwduhNNzByPsHA3ei6LD-4WaQass_s/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lzu-0FvJqpBntOoaVHcRic8YM8BmJ0t4LaaoMkKlyBBYZA8PXRJmUmsSLR4oPPnShSs1NmOU9c1fGgQ1oVPf4UNallHNBrJkK6vN1Mpk1qGQEfwduhNNzByPsHA3ei6LD-4WaQass_s/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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* A snapshot of my last Saturday's Epic ride from Genting Sempah to Fraser's Hill and back. The one that Bryan and Kenneth fell. The one that killed one's Ironman dream. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zCt9Mq18QmEFpm9bbgApNmQBHs1HOda5MeTntHalEz1GrOqX5gNjbMYhFD03OCP6r1jYA8QwEHypQZRTZ5wstKvksV258CyY3AJEAke_u7EZj3dd2YXMW_nMLnIdYek702Bi5MwEnOY/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zCt9Mq18QmEFpm9bbgApNmQBHs1HOda5MeTntHalEz1GrOqX5gNjbMYhFD03OCP6r1jYA8QwEHypQZRTZ5wstKvksV258CyY3AJEAke_u7EZj3dd2YXMW_nMLnIdYek702Bi5MwEnOY/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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* I was the 3rd last to return and it was getting late. Mr-6-pack drove his car alongside me the last 6km back to Genting Sempah. This pic courtesy of Mr-6-pack :)</div>
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* Selfie with Leo on the way back to Genting Sempah. This was the ONLY pic I took on the entire ride. I wished I'd taken more. </div>
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Currently 8 weeks till D-day.</div>
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Compact crank - on.</div>
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Big gear training on trainer - on</div>
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Figuring out what to wear - definitely ON!</div>
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Figuring out nutrition - work in progress</div>
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Trying to get enough sleep - work in progress</div>
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Trying not to freak out - failing miserably</div>
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Later!!!!!Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-88177804564273541992014-07-28T18:17:00.001+08:002014-07-28T18:20:31.424+08:00Things I L.O.V.E. right now Let's talk about ditzy stuff.<br />
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This whole training talk is really wearing me down and after 2 days post a-bit-too-long-a-long-ride, I was still exhausted PLUS my quads are still feeling pretty sore (so obviously I ditched the long run yesterday...oh and today as well).<br />
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Let's talk about erm....stuff (literally).<br />
These are some stuff that I'm totally digging right this moment!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Sweaty bands</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhbn-MLCzOKvH5nlwhJLoFvXgUsiVExuVO-6m6n0n7tRsKxSiO8_spjiEnp6WZfYlORuGX0Ql7K6n6bLmbkjfjrWDNfhYfRH6Vp7vFM1LRemMlD1JTvqdQBu3D1CjGro_QD3Hpg9zAO0/s1600/sweaty-bands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhbn-MLCzOKvH5nlwhJLoFvXgUsiVExuVO-6m6n0n7tRsKxSiO8_spjiEnp6WZfYlORuGX0Ql7K6n6bLmbkjfjrWDNfhYfRH6Vp7vFM1LRemMlD1JTvqdQBu3D1CjGro_QD3Hpg9zAO0/s1600/sweaty-bands.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sweaty bands are the BOMB!!!!! </div>
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Previously, I've used stretchy regular headbands (you know...the sort you purchase from accessory shops and the works) when I run to keep stray hair from irritating my eyes/face/me but they tend to slip further back and finally off my head and I have to keep re-adjusting it.</div>
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But with Sweaty Bands....never an issue.</div>
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Oh....and the colours and patterns were awesome!!!</div>
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Anyway my fashionista buddies from Sukan G are bringing them into Malaysia and I get my regular stocks from them. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sukangirls">HERE</a> for their Facebook page.</div>
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Or...directly purchase them off the official <a href="http://www.sweatybands.com/">website</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Sun Off A Beach sunscreen</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYTkEw3ZuYI20fz2pPeEVmlVLEagrrxUSA4Rbv23vRRqllGLuHElQm-i0dgZSfKw7VH2USzFqj9mYalR2rjytL_1tu9-oFNPxDTdZXnxDZ51HBDPFLerNY10P4AckKVoclJvaaBzF2Qk/s1600/sunoffabeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYTkEw3ZuYI20fz2pPeEVmlVLEagrrxUSA4Rbv23vRRqllGLuHElQm-i0dgZSfKw7VH2USzFqj9mYalR2rjytL_1tu9-oFNPxDTdZXnxDZ51HBDPFLerNY10P4AckKVoclJvaaBzF2Qk/s1600/sunoffabeach.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the recent Xterra Putrajaya, I found this awesome sunscreen in the race kit. And they had a stall at the race expo and since being affordable, I bought a large bottle to give it a go. After all, I was using them (sunscreens in general) at quite an alarming rate with all those cycling under the hot sun for many hours on end. </div>
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What I initially liked about it (and being truthfully honest) was that the packaging was extremely cute and the name was very catchy (ditzy...I know). Secondly, I like how it doesn't smell like the regular sunscreens. So I've been a Sun Off A Beach convert for the past 3 months and regularly use the Sport sunscreen in SPF50 (they also come in Anti-aging, Sensitive-skin & Kiddy sub-type).</div>
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Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SunOffABeach">HERE</a> for their Facebook page.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Ash Be Nimble sportswear</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFUdwv_uSa9maSagVtwwm40pYNdra_XMO64IjQI3WZWoW3Rn1eoRX6DFzTc7yaxE5UId4yJuWASAIe456vRjxkRC7z686lVnhSerrY_UxoBaZ2K4MOwiAC7qk7CpM1EhyBtGse0-VfCI/s1600/slideshow_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFUdwv_uSa9maSagVtwwm40pYNdra_XMO64IjQI3WZWoW3Rn1eoRX6DFzTc7yaxE5UId4yJuWASAIe456vRjxkRC7z686lVnhSerrY_UxoBaZ2K4MOwiAC7qk7CpM1EhyBtGse0-VfCI/s1600/slideshow_3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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During the race expo for Malaysian Women Marathon (MWM) 2014....the one that I dropped by for shopping purposes and not because I was participating in it (to be fair, I was racing Kenyir Lake Triathlon that same day), I stumbled on this start-up brand called <i>Ash Be Nimble</i>. I thought the name was adorable and the logo totally cute!</div>
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This line of ladies' sports wear was a labour of love of Hui (a very fast trail runner!!!) and she models all the stuff you see in the website. Yup...that lovely lass above is our fast-paced and fashionable entrepreneur. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4gVDXhRJ3QDr8LSdLdNTyFBFTAyYLUNUJu6XPaBcTwMNG3zg-YoAA01zgrPh-KeUqIB174wclDSnd-aPrrZquZzwyF0mU87VQ0e14Hbf01ihKr80DWOwnrgUbG7rF_SWn6cU0yUOgtM/s1600/MG_4618_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4gVDXhRJ3QDr8LSdLdNTyFBFTAyYLUNUJu6XPaBcTwMNG3zg-YoAA01zgrPh-KeUqIB174wclDSnd-aPrrZquZzwyF0mU87VQ0e14Hbf01ihKr80DWOwnrgUbG7rF_SWn6cU0yUOgtM/s1600/MG_4618_large.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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And since that very day, I've been a HUGE fan and a supporter of this local brewed sports wear. The sports bras are affordable and unbelievably comfortable plus the colours are meant to be fallen in love with! The range is still limited at the moment but Hui adds on new stuff every so often and I foresee big things in the near future for this brand.....so click <a href="http://www.ashbenimble.com/">HERE </a>to check out the website.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. SOAS tri kit</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaCOk5IOXs1obdGlDon93jPmW8c2jcSw5aPusmhkDZmyYjAddAKE1W5ofICkRsWX_F0Y7MZn0V8a9S3pfZXw92XpSbsG7mmsCJA2Wj7FEbnP3Jn_d-wA9Jr9BchIR4pn_n8bgqig1uOE/s1600/2014_Spring_SA-13TT-VIN_action1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaCOk5IOXs1obdGlDon93jPmW8c2jcSw5aPusmhkDZmyYjAddAKE1W5ofICkRsWX_F0Y7MZn0V8a9S3pfZXw92XpSbsG7mmsCJA2Wj7FEbnP3Jn_d-wA9Jr9BchIR4pn_n8bgqig1uOE/s1600/2014_Spring_SA-13TT-VIN_action1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I came across this brand while flipping through the pages of Triathlete magazine a couple of years back and thought the idea of a tri kit with the female form in mind was a great idea....not just shrink a male tri suit and call it a female suit. And I really like a tri top that looks like a tank with a built in bra and no zip. So I put in my order when I found it on sale online and got Gracie to mail it over. The top is long enough to cover the lower tummy (since I had my six pack safely covered under layers of fat) and the shorts are very comfortable that doesn't cut into my midsection like some other tri pants. Oh...and the pockets!!!! </div>
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Pockets on the tank...and pockets on the shorts. If you like pockets (where else are you gonna stuff all those energy gels!?!?!) this is the kit to get.</div>
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However...the drawback is that you can only get it online at the moment. No one in Malaysia sells it at time of blogging. Click <a href="http://www.soasracing.com/">HERE</a> for the website. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Pedicures</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdRuL9ePIGq7lBYDaLtCK4ANxbHiEFmuv78eIq3QuPMTaOhZ1IVzxEDM_lqhisam37-y3CCDbgvAaQO1z5BRcRP2s_igcck0sjM34El-smFtFuccaMmKIDH1uksBsKPNeyjwhZaBdCDk/s1600/JacIvyNailSpaManicureV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdRuL9ePIGq7lBYDaLtCK4ANxbHiEFmuv78eIq3QuPMTaOhZ1IVzxEDM_lqhisam37-y3CCDbgvAaQO1z5BRcRP2s_igcck0sjM34El-smFtFuccaMmKIDH1uksBsKPNeyjwhZaBdCDk/s1600/JacIvyNailSpaManicureV2.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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I get black toe nails on off. Hate it. Looks unsightly. And eventually the toe nail falls off. Sigh.</div>
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But whenever I get all my toe nails intact and looking normal, I celebrate by getting a pedicure. Then I got addicted to getting pedicures and made sure I never get a black toe nail ever again!!!!</div>
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I highly recommend Jac & Ivy Nail Spa. Click <a href="http://www.jacandivy.com/">HERE</a> for their website.</div>
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Anyway I'd stumble onto this awesome place coz I was stuck at Plaza Damas waiting for the heavy rain to stop and I figured I might as well get my nails done (I was getting sick of pink). And since then I keep going back to this place. Awesome!!!!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. High 5 Energy Gels & Bars</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT1Djwhfoe5yF8l5f6h6m-JU6xI73iCI4v0gSIj_6FDoNpON8ZIAC_I2rzluXjkIKaKJmVcrdgvO01lIui6tqPzUvMDny8KXlGwvR4MdnK1R3uP1JDuV5Wzz4Q-2R12tHo3pwBoxb-Yc/s1600/high5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT1Djwhfoe5yF8l5f6h6m-JU6xI73iCI4v0gSIj_6FDoNpON8ZIAC_I2rzluXjkIKaKJmVcrdgvO01lIui6tqPzUvMDny8KXlGwvR4MdnK1R3uP1JDuV5Wzz4Q-2R12tHo3pwBoxb-Yc/s1600/high5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember how I stumbled onto Ash be Nimble at MWM 2014 race expo?? Well...I also stumbled onto a lot of other cool stuff.....like these High5 energy gels and bars.</div>
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What I like about this gel is the liquid-ness of it as oppose to the sticky, goo-ey regular gels like Powergel and Gu gel. And its not overtly sweet like the other gels. The taste is a lot more palatable. Although I'm used to the likes of Powergel (creature of habit and a lot of big races keep giving them out along race route), this makes for a good alternative when the icky artificial flavouring of Powergel gets to you and you'd like a different (albeit less icky) artificial flavouring of another gel. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0wARdn-Fs4mv_O7MUZFr4Lum9ScROkc9Q0QV5-DhFkSV-zcHtArN8FI9rwTqdDv9H4CxGS_Tabh1xCRUZdOqirth3c6acnvgCBaplumekVlY5h3vswOVXGAgzivlVxH4rehRAGo1f4Y/s1600/high5+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0wARdn-Fs4mv_O7MUZFr4Lum9ScROkc9Q0QV5-DhFkSV-zcHtArN8FI9rwTqdDv9H4CxGS_Tabh1xCRUZdOqirth3c6acnvgCBaplumekVlY5h3vswOVXGAgzivlVxH4rehRAGo1f4Y/s1600/high5+bars.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfqKYblpdXw_NdYfOMJecL_BNmtAZBOApaQB-GpnkrUXo5YYYifpTcTAbKokMrA1NmlBr3RRESIrLCpwFrG2DR33CZjtHa_ZDhQTfyW-IGaJa9I_AMEDsuIKhiAvqPsvxbj3wFWS8BsQ/s1600/high-5-zero-hydration-tablets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfqKYblpdXw_NdYfOMJecL_BNmtAZBOApaQB-GpnkrUXo5YYYifpTcTAbKokMrA1NmlBr3RRESIrLCpwFrG2DR33CZjtHa_ZDhQTfyW-IGaJa9I_AMEDsuIKhiAvqPsvxbj3wFWS8BsQ/s1600/high-5-zero-hydration-tablets.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sports bar and electrolyte tabs are so awesome they deserve a whole blog post dedicated to it....which I think I'll do just that (so wait for it!)</div>
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Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/High5NutritionMalaysia">HERE </a>for the local distributor of High5 Energy <i>everything</i>!!!!</div>
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Later!!!!!</div>
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<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-91867256263483294522014-07-27T02:12:00.001+08:002014-08-02T20:29:19.804+08:00So epic even my bum hurtsA couple of weeks back, quite a few of us flew over to Langkawi to recce the race route for Ironman Langkawi.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Well....I initially bought those air tix for a little R&R (coz y'know....my midsection is getting a tad too pale for my liking and my bikinis were a bit underuse of late) but somehow along the way it became a race route recce cum holiday....and by the actual traveling time itself, became a full blown triathlon training camp. With motivator, SAG vehicle and 'trainer'-cum-tormentor thrown in as well. I ended up sick and almost injured.<br />
<br />
Anyway long story short (too exhausted from training to even wanna go sunbathe....and where do I even get the time to fit that in!?!?!?!), I found the cycling route morbidly torturous and came home with new found determination to get myself a compact crank for the bike.<br />
<br />
Lini analysed her Strava data (miraculously her iPhone had enough battery life to accommodate Strava....or perhaps I should really stop taking so many selfies enroute), and concluded that distance, elevation and duration wise....the 180km bike ride at Langkawi was intriguingly similar to her Genting Sempah to Fraser's Hill and back ride.<br />
<br />
And what better way to test out my newly installed compact crank than hitting those elevations all in one day!<br />
<br />
Of course we had to be smart about it and picked the first day of a long public holiday (Raya celebrations) to do this ride. And we had to pick the most popular pitstop on many travellers' list before they hit the highway towards the East Coast, as our starting point.<br />
So traffic was horrid.....parking was almost non-existent.....and lest to say, the cycling from Genting Sempah to Bentong was claustrophobic with the influx of traffic attempting to avoid the Karak Highway. It was always a good thing to know that my dues to my insurance company were up to date.<br />
<br />
Road quality rather sucky if you ask me. Somebody isn't doing their job. Ahem.<br />
<br />
After a quick brekkie at Bentong, we headed towards Fraser's Hill via Tranum (apparently durian farms aplenty)...undulating all the way until we started the 20km of uphill-ness until The Gap. Of course.....I was the last to get there....but I got there, and that's all that matters.<br />
<br />
From The Gap.....another 8km up to the clock tower.<br />
Regardless of normal sized crank or compact....my quads were on fire!!!!<br />
I guess this stretch never gets easier.....unless gene doping becomes possible (I bet it is at some underground super-secret lab) and I could infiltrate my genome with some super-strength-muscle-gene-coding that allows me to effortlessly whizz up that hill.<br />
<br />
I was starving when we finally got up there.<br />
But after a quick refill....obligatory group photo at the clock tower....my toilet break.....we headed back down to The Gap.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing. I suck going downhill.<br />
Just as much as I suck going uphill....but with a whole lot more fear, anxiety and flashes of my-life-ending-in-several-possible-but-extremely-morbid-and-terrifying-manner.<br />
(oh...is it just me?)<br />
So whenever I go down such windy (and crap quality) roads.....I jammed the brakes to prevent my parents from cashing out my life insurance (I just really like to pay the insurance company for staying well and alive).<br />
I swear.....there ain't no better way to work out your flexor digitorum longus than jamming the brakes as hard as physically possible while the meter still reads a speed of 45km/h.<br />
<br />
After 8 horrifying kilometres down....(I was the last as always....apparently jamming one's brake while going downhill ain't very popular with the general cycling masses..or at least the ones that I was with) we had one casualty......someone skidded at the last sharp cornering and ended up with half his body in extensive abrasion wounds.<br />
At least the bike was more or less alright.<br />
<br />
Packed the dude off in the support car and we continued down the 20km of downhill from The Gap to Tranum. Did I mention I was hungry?<br />
<br />
The weather had been gloomy the entire journey up to Fraser's clock tower and as we descended...it started to drizzle....and then a light rain for 1 minute....then poured like those water-works of a sappy Korean drama.<br />
It was so heavy that I had more flashes of my-life-ending-in-several-possible-but-extremely-morbid-and-terrifying-manner. But since no one stopped I thought I shouldn't either. And continued jamming the brakes very hard...until I could not really feel my hands....or fingers.<br />
<br />
With 5 more kilometres to Tranum.....I suddenly saw the entire group waiting at the side of the road.<br />
Hmm.....never a good sign.<br />
Second casualty of the day.<br />
Skidded on oil slick on the road made worse with the flowing rain water.<br />
Cracked helmut.....broken clavicle.<br />
The support car had to turn back to pick up the new patient and send all to nearest hospital.<br />
<br />
The rest.....decidedly shaken and disturbed.....continued the journey back at a much slower pace.<br />
<br />
I was fully soaked and was starting to chaff in my tri-pants.<br />
Stopped to slather loads of vaseline.<br />
Still painful.<br />
Still 55km to go.<br />
<br />
Told myself that the support car hadn't enough space for another person (too much junk in the back seat) and I had no choice but to tough it out.<br />
<br />
By some act of miracle I found myself in Bentong with the rest and filled up all our bottles before heading back.<br />
Since we had wasted quite a bit of time packing off our two casualties....we were running out of daylight and still 35km more with most of the way an inclination. So as a group we decided to skip food (I'm sure in some other person's universe, that makes for a good idea) and try to rush back to Genting Sempah before the sunsets.<br />
<br />
That 35km was torturous.<br />
If a bunch of sadistic idiots got together to come up with the most torturous thing to do to someone....I am quite sure (at least for today it was!!!) it would be that exact 35km.<br />
Bad chaffing everywhere....tired....hungry....in pain.....bad road conditions.....and going uphill.<br />
Yea....rushing for time was the least of my worries.<br />
<br />
The first 20km.....pure torture. Everywhere hurts. Parts of my body that I didn't know exist hurts.<br />
But somehow....the remaining 15km.....seemed less torturous.<br />
Oh I don't know.....maybe God really loves me.....or I had a second wind.....or that bloody can of Redbull finally kicked in.<br />
(best rm3.20 ever spent!)<br />
<br />
And before I knew it...I was back at my car.....sheer disbelief.<br />
Garmin says 186.5km.<br />
Wow......<br />
And after taking in the epic-shit that I just did....the pain magically disappeared!!!!<br />
(yeah I wish!!!!! Unfortunately no such luck)<br />
<br />
Anyway....I'd like to thank Velocipedeworks for the support.....Alex and Leo Fong for the company.....Leo Loo for breakfast.....and Mr-six-pack for coming back in your car to make sure the slow cyclists (ahem, me) got back safely.<br />
You guys rock!!!!<br />
<br />
To uncle.....I'm so sorry about the broken clavicle. And for the possibly broken Ironman Langkawi 2014 dream. I guess sometimes shit happens. Will bring you out for Asahi when you feel better.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh...and no regrets with the compact crank.<br />
<br />
<br />
Later!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-50994472212363669622014-07-09T00:04:00.002+08:002014-08-02T20:29:46.356+08:00Embracing the bonk<br />
I know.<br />
<br />
It's been a while.<br />
<br />
What happened, you ask.....<br />
<br />
Erm....in a nutshell, <i>life</i> happened.<br />
<br />
But enough with pseudo-philosophical crap.<br />
<br />
Here's a little glimpse into a teeny tiny part of my #roadtoironman training bullshit that happened quite a few weeks back.<br />
This story in hindsight poses the question of how hard can one bonk and how adept are you to handle it.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately in my case....very hard....and not too well at all.<br />
<br />
This happened one week after Kuantan Century Ride (KCR).<br />
(if you must know....the ride went extremely well compared to the year before. Partly because I was more prepared for the distance....partly because this time around I was better acclimatized for the heat....and partly because I knew what to expect)<br />
<br />
The usual suspects suggested a ride to Sg. Tenggi, which upon return trip should hit around 160-ish kilometers.<br />
Somehow, along the way someone said it would be a good (no...GREAT!) idea to ride a back to back century distance. After all that would make for excellent Ironman training.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh09wnr-iCnN-i0i1vAJurb99RSNppYJOo0cuRg-bBuZNfDp2Pef8l1IAg-tucELNbuAIgOCbE4L4a6xTG4FrSopygPEybJKMUEEkGkjDPfnfDsVHgxb16uK9hKAtigoa3qeR-ptx0iLI/s1600/bonk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh09wnr-iCnN-i0i1vAJurb99RSNppYJOo0cuRg-bBuZNfDp2Pef8l1IAg-tucELNbuAIgOCbE4L4a6xTG4FrSopygPEybJKMUEEkGkjDPfnfDsVHgxb16uK9hKAtigoa3qeR-ptx0iLI/s1600/bonk1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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*<i> Picture courtesy of Alex</i></div>
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<br />
That would all sound fine and dandy if we did not take into consideration that the whole training business was back in full swing the Monday after KCR and I was already feeling the ill effect of the lack of rest (this whole rest-business could never be over emphasized!!!) when on Wednesday post-KCR, I find myself on the trainer cycling to nowhere for 2 hours and thought that I was gonna keel over anytime soon.<br />
<br />
So on Saturday, with good reasoning thrown out the window, we headed towards Sg. Tenggi.....we brave (yet extremely stupid few) men and women......and then the worst shit happened.<br />
<br />
........the body decided it didn't want to do another century ride.<br />
<br />
It started with my unable to keep up with the peloton. I thought perhaps I was just tired and hungry (I'm always hungry, come to think of it) and perhaps a fuel stop ahead would solve this.<br />
<br />
My forearms decided to cramp.<br />
I'm not sure about you but I've never had both my forearms cramping before. Not on bike. Not on run.(ok...maybe somewhere along the way of an ultra at around 95km where everything in the body just shuts down but that is a totally different ball game, mind you)<br />
Not ever!!!!!<br />
But the pain from the forearms were horrendous. Next thing I knew....my shoulders started to hurt.<br />
Then my left foot.<br />
<br />
This was getting ridiculous. I was not even 80km in and everything was hurting. WTF!?!?!?!<br />
<br />
I stared at my Garmin watch (I've started using my under-utilized 310XT as my meter these days) and watched as my speed dropped from 32kmph.....28kmph....25kmph.....22kmph....and I no longer see the group in front of me anymore.<br />
Then the brain joined in the mutiny and the slew of negative thoughts came rushing in.<br />
Seriously...WTF!?!??!<br />
In moments such as these.....you either cave in....or you HTFU.<br />
<br />
Till this moment, I'm disappointed (extremely!!!!) to say that I caved in that day.<br />
<br />
.....I cried.<br />
Yes <i>while</i> riding.<br />
And as I stared at the meter that said 20kmph and I was<i> struggling</i>.....I cried somemore.<br />
.....it wasn't a pretty sight.<br />
<br />
Everything inside of me was screaming to stop.<br />
I was alternating between cramping and being in pain.<br />
I couldn't switch off the water works and I was still sobbing intermittently.<br />
My body wanted no more and my mind was wholeheartedly agreeing with the notion of stopping.<br />
<br />
I was all ready to hail down a cab to take me back to my car. Unfortunately there was no cab in sight and I had no choice but to continue cycling.<br />
<br />
The entire group kept stopping to wait for me. I felt bad that they had to slow down just because I couldn't HTFU.<br />
It was so bloody frustrating and I wasn't able to will my body to continue.<br />
And it was even more frustrating when the negative voices were so loud in my head and the doubts I've harboured all came rushing in.<br />
No matter how hard I tried....I couldn't get myself to think positive.<br />
<br />
<br />
But I made it.....not by choice (I still couldn't hail down a cab when I really wanted to and before I knew it, I was almost back to the car park).<br />
<br />
Back to back century rides....with no rest in between.<br />
Dumbest shit anyone could have done.<br />
<br />
However.....since dumb is as dumb gets, there was a silver lining to this whole "drama" of mine.<br />
<br />
The realization that I wasn't as tough as I would like myself to be, mentally.<br />
I've always thought that I could weather through a lot of crap just by being positive and upbeat and all those rainbows and sparkles and unicorns and shit.<br />
But it turns out that I couldn't. I wasn't tough enough up there in my grey matter.<br />
<br />
Or perhaps...another way of looking at it....I never worked on the mental aspect of this whole Ironman training.<br />
All I cared about was logging hours and mileage.<br />
(I also care about losing weight...but since that has been stagnant for a really long time now and take into consideration that I really LOVE to eat....I just had to give up caring about it)<br />
<br />
Which then pose another question....how on earth do you HTFU mentally!?!?!?!?<br />
Coz it scares the living daylights outta me when I consider that THIS whole "breakdown" could happen on race day. I need to learn to cope or have some form of buffer system....but how!?!?!?<br />
<br />
<br />
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<i>* Pic courtesy of Alex...again</i></div>
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<br />
Honestly...I have no bloody clue.<br />
But if anyone has any suggestions or ideas......by all means....I'd love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh.....the following week I took an easy week of training and I felt a whole lot better (physically and mentally) and back into the swing of things.<br />
<br />
So yeah.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Later!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-42561573388110601032014-05-11T21:43:00.003+08:002014-08-02T20:30:33.396+08:00Getting back to square one<br />
Training has been a little iffy since the 70.3 incident.<br />
<br />
How iffy exactly?<br />
Well it has been a perpetual cycling of sick--> get better --> resume training --> sick (repeat!)<br />
<br />
Here's a brief run through my week by week account:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>First week post DNF</b><br />
<br />
I took 5 days totally off training....got on a stronger antibiotics and as I was getting a bit too intimate with the Ventolin inhaler, was simultaneously put on Prednisolone as well.<br />
The day I completed those 5 days of medication, I felt awesome enough to head out for a moderately distanced ride.<br />
But unfortunately the very next day I was sick again....(and somewhat stupidly forced myself to go for a 5km run still. Yes I can be "smart" that way)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Second week post DNF</b><br />
<br />
2 days later felt better and tried getting in some training time on the bike trainer. 30 minutes was definitely better than zero.<br />
As I didn't feel any worse than yesterday, sneaked in another hour on the trainer the next day.<br />
Yeah...I figured I was on my way to recovery this time around. Definitely...no doubt about it.<br />
<br />
I fell ill the next day.<br />
<br />
It was really starting to test my patience.<br />
And for someone who has very little to begin with....that wasn't such good news.<br />
<br />
Took a couple of days of just work-eat-sleep-repeat-throw-in-a-MC-day-in-between.<br />
<br />
I was worried to return to training.<br />
Going through the cycle again was very frustrating.<br />
Then again, it's not like I have a choice.<br />
So back on the trainer I went.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Third week post DNF</b><br />
<br />
Initially got myself pedaling not more than an hour per session on the trainer and forcing myself to get to bed by 9pm.<br />
3 consecutive days of such.<br />
Didn't fall sick.<br />
Decided to throw in a 5.30am pre-work morning run.<br />
Sure....my nose was blocked for the entire 8km but it felt alright.<br />
<br />
I figured it was time to get outdoors for a ride again.<br />
This time around, 93km to Cyberjaya and Sepang through MEX highway.<br />
The next day...a 2000m swim then later that day a short 6km run.<br />
I think I'm getting back on track. I felt like I was on a roll!!!!<br />
But to be sure, I took the following day off to rest.<br />
<br />
Then ta-daa....I woke up feverish that Sunday and had to call off the pre-planned long ride. But towards the evening I was feeling better and extremely guilty for not being able to do my long ride....so it was 2 hours on the trainer pedaling to no where fast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Fourth week post DNF</b><br />
<br />
....and<i> THIS</i> past week.....so far (I'm trying my darnest not to jinx it) things have been going well for me.<br />
I managed to do what I had planned to do (minus the swim as every time I planned a swim sesh, that evening itself there would be a heavy downpour. I figured God must not want me to swim much) and I was religiously getting myself to sleep before 10pm on most days (I got to bed as early as 8pm twice).<br />
<br />
And by Sunday (as in RIGHT NOW), I managed a feeble (but considering the shit I've been through, then this IS pretty EPIC!) 9.5 hours of accumulated training this week.<br />
<br />
Best of all....no fever, no sorethroat, no blocked airways, no nothing....!<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course I'm hoping for more EPIC training weeks to come and fingers are perpetually kept crossed to ensure no more sick days.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm going to be a little ambitious and try to get my training hours to 13 this coming week.<br />
Despite my mini bold statement I just made above, my real main aim is to stay ill-free and injury-free as long as I can.<br />
<br />
But to be on the safe side....I restocked my paracetamols, just in case.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Later!!!!<br />
<br />Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2715803402860968688.post-52883246258879276532014-04-16T20:41:00.002+08:002014-08-02T20:31:24.502+08:00Ironman Putrajaya 70.3 - 13th April 2014<br />
<br />
This is not quite the race report that I've initially intended.<br />
<br />
And let me just get it out of the way......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I DNF this race.</span><br />
<br />
It took me a few days to really get over it. Caught me a few days earlier, I might have gone a little teary and emo-wreck on you.<br />
<br />
A very quick run down on what happened....<br />
<br />
The swim (that was delayed coz some VIP was late due to....as expected..."bad traffic") went on without a hitch. Our swim wave was suppose to be at 7:41. In the end it started about 15-20 minutes late. Apparently I clocked in 47:29.....(thanks Chee Keong for letting me in on this info as I wasn't quite in the mood to check). In retrospect, I was and still am a little impress with my timing. My swim wave of age group below 35 (women) weren't that huge thus swim wasn't that chaotic. However I didn't quite like the deep water start.<br />
<br />
I got out of water and ran into T1 to grab my bike.<br />
I really wanted to get the cycling done and over with before it gets blazingly hot.<br />
The first 45km I was a little bit tired but I guess I'd ease into the second loop and just get it done and over it. My focus was...just get onto the run!<br />
Somewhere at 70km into the bike.....I suddenly realized that my breathing was rather laboured.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some back story.....<br />
<br />
<br />
I wasn't feeling well the weekend that Penang Triathlon was being held. I lost my voice completely, had prolonged fever and very bad dry night coughs. The voice returned 5 days in and the fever eventually subsided after about a week (and if I were to be honest with myself....it was bloody long and I was starting to get very worried). However the night coughs continued 2 weeks after the onset of sore throat. Some nights (and occasionally some afternoons) breathing was an effort. But I wasn't exactly gasping and I wasn't wheezing. But I did take some bloods and had a chest xray done...unfortunately that was done about 5 days after I started being sick and most blood parameters were more or less normal. Some resolving viral pneumonia at best. Started on Ventolin (doctors self medicate...a lot!!! Don't try it at home, folks!) and felt better.<br />
But I figured I'd be alright.<br />
<br />
As I'd realized by now....I'm a serial liar to myself.<br />
I wasn't alright.<br />
<br />
<br />
....and at 70km into the bike ride....I knew I was in trouble. I couldn't breathe.<br />
I stopped by the side of the road where Aileen and Bandit were at snapping photos. I told her I couldn't breathe. She told me to drink some water and catch my breath. Asked if I was ok.<br />
She looked panicked. I felt kinda bad.<br />
Told her I'd be fine and rode off.<br />
Its only 20km more.<br />
<br />
At 75km in....the water station in Cyberjaya.....I felt like I was sucking air through a constricted straw.<br />
I pulled over at the medic tent.<br />
"Do you guys have Ventolin or a nebulizer!?!?"<br />
They have nothing but deep heat rubs.<br />
It would have been awesome if all I had at that point were leg cramps.<br />
I got off my bike and got under the tent to catch my breath.<br />
I must have looked like I was hyperventilating coz the girl manning the tent handed me a plastic bag to breathe into.<br />
I got up and contemplated continuing the journey. It was another 15km. I could easily make the bike cut off. I'd still have 3 hours to power walk the 21km...(if there was any one physical attribute that I could rely on in times of desperation...I could always rely on the fact that I could walk....<i><b>fast</b></i>!!)<br />
<br />
As I got up....I had an uncontrollable urge to vomit.<br />
I ran behind the tree, bent over and projectile vomited out my entire gastric content.<br />
And it was a lot of fluids!!!!<br />
I knew then my body did not absorb even a drop of water that I had taken since the start of my bike ride.<br />
Somewhere within my subconscious (y'know...the bit that I usually try my darnest to ignore), I knew I was in big trouble. My body wasn't absorbing any fluids. Must have been dehydrated quite a bit at that point and not to mention the fact that I lost quite a lot of fluids via my sweat ducts. A volunteer handed me some cold isotonic. I carefully sipped it to not trigger another regurgitative episode.<br />
<br />
Its only 15km.<br />
Its not that far.<br />
I've done this route plenty of times.<br />
It is definitely doable.<br />
<br />
A volunteer asked if I wanted to continue.<br />
YES!<br />
I can make 15km in 2 hours.<br />
<br />
I got back on the bike and started pedaling.<br />
Only 15km. Just a little bit more. Just get back to transition. Just get into those Hokas and start walking.<br />
I can still make it.<br />
<br />
At 86km (the last water station in Putrajaya) I felt like I couldn't breathe again.<br />
I pulled over at the medic tent (yet again). The volunteers came and poured cold water all over me and offered me cold drinks.<br />
I told them I just need to vomit (body just wasn't absorbing anything I put into the GI tract).<br />
After vomiting (nothing much came out this time around), I turned back and saw that the ambulance just arrived.<br />
They told me that I couldn't continue the race anymore....that I was suffering from heat stroke.<br />
That I was better off being sent to the medical camp back at transition for observation and IV drip.<br />
<br />
4km away from transition.<br />
<br />
That I was just told I was suffering heat stroke.<br />
<br />
The delusional part of me argued NO....I could still make it.<br />
The doctor in me reasoned that I could be carried off the run route in a stretcher in full view of spectators and their clicking cameras after I collapse midway on the run...which to be frank was kinda embarrassing.<br />
<i>Sometimes you just got to love the doctor in you.</i><br />
I got into the ambulance...(after they assured me that Dylan would be taken back to transition for me to collect once the race is over)<br />
<br />
And as they drove me back to medic camp....I wanted to cry.<br />
<br />
I was disappointed. Severely.<br />
It was one thing to DNS a race....but its another to know you're more than halfway in and you won't be completing it.<br />
<br />
Anyway....after one pint of IV normal saline and my blood pressure back up to normal....I was discharged from medic camp and went off to search for my friends.<br />
<br />
Yes...I <i>lived</i> to race another day.<br />
<br />
But on a more interesting note....I realized that we sometimes say the darnest things to our fellow participants when they do not complete a race....and these are some of the stuff people told me (which frankly when the wounds were still fresh...was really annoying to hear)!<br />
<br />
1. oh don't worry....there will be other races<br />
--> ....I know there will be other races. But I trained hard for THIS race and for that reason alone I would have liked to finish racing it!<br />
<br />
2. ....at least you're safe and alive<br />
--> yes that is true...but really I feel like something just died inside of me when they pull me out of the race. But thank you for reminding me that I'm not dead physically.<br />
<br />
3. ...you made the right choice by pulling out!<br />
--> Erm...I didn't really make the choice. The medic made it for me.<br />
<br />
4. Why the fuss...it's just another race!<br />
--> It may be just another race for you...but when I've spend many months preparing for it, it no longer was another race. It was THE race.<br />
<br />
5. No worries la...you got a free slot and you didn't pay a single cent.<br />
--> Yes...this is as true as the fact that your frontal cortex is now located in your scrotal sac.....you anencephalic anal orific!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the end....</span><br />
<br />
I went through the Kubler-Ross model of grief (go google it for crying out loud!) and now I've accepted the DNF.<br />
<br />
I was initially in denial. How could this happen!?!?! This isn't happening for real!!!!<br />
I was then angry!!! I trained so hard and I've done the mileage and the hours under the sun and now you're telling me that I'm suffering from heat stroke!?!?!?! This is SO not fair!!!!!<br />
I was then bargaining....if only I didn't stop at that last medic tent. If only I had told the volunteers that I'd be fine after vomiting. So many if-only's and what-ifs.<br />
I was then depress. Do I really need to elaborate?<br />
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And finally...I've reached acceptance. Yes I DNF. And no...its not the end of the world. And as true as they all say...there will be other races and events.</div>
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*<i> Lining up to get Crowie's autographs....we were such groupies!!!!!! Selfie (groupfie) courtesy of Gary Fong (the ultimate HaBs)</i></div>
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* <i>At bike racking the evening before. Thanks YF for the pic :)</i></div>
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* <i>Thanks Wendy for the pre-swim pics. Your tan lines are the ultimate!</i></div>
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<i>* Thanks Alex (SamAY) for the awesome pics. So when are we cycling Ksel for McDs again!?</i></div>
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* <i>Since Mr Anonymous going semi-pro, I promised to promote his "pro-ness" on the blog. Oh and I was told to mention that he would like more sponsorship. Pic courtesy of the elusive Nik Om :)</i></div>
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*<i> The semi-pro looking awesome on the run! Pic courtesy of QQsNaP</i></div>
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*<i> Uncle Bryan looking so serious on the bike. Pic off Nik Om :)</i></div>
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*<i> Bryan on the run. Pic by QQsNaP</i></div>
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*<i> Ivan's first 70.3....and many more to come, right? Pic from QQsNaP</i></div>
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* <i>When I grow up...I wanna look like Karen!!! Pic from Alex</i></div>
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* <i>Ooooh..when I grow up...I wanna be as fast as Lynn Guan with minimal training!!!! Pic courtesy of Ameeyn</i></div>
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*<i> Super fast Lynn off the swim. Pic by KHTang :)</i></div>
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<i>* Phuitin and new wheels!!! Pic by QQsNaP</i></div>
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*<i> Going strong on the run!!!! Yes...those 5.30am weekday runs were not done in vain!!!!</i></div>
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<i>Pic also by QQsNaP!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-sWPxKxMwxW4s43RmlMgL3wHPKr6ldCByHMjkxIF3v0pL-42ACOS6dRDya9-wB7aX3F-uVmvUi0O5EFMIkVgsWqEgRlEKzE6dVCFP90fHtC402EyvIR6WvALyPSzLufKwysVk8XAYpo/s1600/phuitin-khtang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-sWPxKxMwxW4s43RmlMgL3wHPKr6ldCByHMjkxIF3v0pL-42ACOS6dRDya9-wB7aX3F-uVmvUi0O5EFMIkVgsWqEgRlEKzE6dVCFP90fHtC402EyvIR6WvALyPSzLufKwysVk8XAYpo/s1600/phuitin-khtang.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>* And another one before our wave swim started :) Thanks KHTang for this pic!!!!</i></div>
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There were some other interesting issues that I later learnt about this race and the organization from some friends who were marshaling and trying to enforce the proper rules and regulations in racing IM races. Apparently no amount of international branding or international pricing could take the Malaysian mentality away from a lot of local racers. But I guess this could wait for another blog post for another day.</div>
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In closing, as a reminder to myself.....there will be other races and I shall live to see another day.</div>
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Later!!!!!!</div>
Puisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459635009262829362noreply@blogger.com2