20 Years (NOT) Too Late

How You Doing...

2012-02-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Last night felt especially weird. On our bed, there was a frail baby between us, but Aiden has already joined Iris in the next bedroom. It felt like it was just few weeks ago when we had Aiden, all wrapped and motionless. It was the first time it struck me that we simply have 3 kids in our house. It was surreal, to say the least.

Batman Jr. was born 36 weeks, 2.4kg (5.3lbs), 08.37 hours, 30 January 2012.

Alhamdulillah syukur...

Thanks for all your kind wishes, and coming out of your way to visit us.

Out of Service

2012-01-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Being in a food-loving country, we all have our favorite hangouts. The very least, I have one. A place I frequented on lazy weekends when nothing else in the world matters, when the laundry can wait, the car I could delay washing. A place where most staff knows me and my family.

But sooner or later, we'll end up having a bad time at what is supposed to be our favorite restaurant. And when that happens, you might be startled at how upset you will become. Surprised even, on the things that ticks you off. It probably won't be the food, or the 5-year-old ambience that's to blame.

I can always shrug off missing few shrimps in my curry mee, or lack of flavour in them, since the chef didn't mean to dissapoint me. But everyone takes poor service personally. Get my food with not a quirk of smile on her face finds me unworthy. Getting my drinks very late and I'll feel worse, because I would be expected to tip.

But I understand, poor service is the result of a restaurant having an unfortunate day. Perhaps the chef snapped at my waitress and made her sulk. More than likely, poor service could be inevitable, caused by a staff with less-than-interested spirit in you/me. It could also be the the fact I was having a bad day, and anxious at all the things around me, easily irritated even by the sight of slow moving snails in my path. This colossal chain of events, especially when we are so 'close' at heart, well, practically a second kitchen, caused multiple frictions. One bad day, everything came crashing chipping the plates.

When you have a place so dearly, we tend to overlook the details - prints on our glass, stains on the forks, dirty plates, soggy salads, pretentious meals, overpriced bills, etc. Because overall, we paid for the experience. We went again and again for the camaraderie, if you will.

But bad service leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Along with it goes the gargantuan laughter, the free-flowing ais kosong, shameless orders for ice-creams, and a group of people I fondly called friends.

I do not know whether I would risk visiting the place again, and face the possibility of another bad service. Scouting for another new good spot will take me years, so I do not know.

Sometimes I wonder why does things have to be complicated.

(I heard what you are implying - that I am complicated. Apa-apalah...)

Reality Resolute and Everything Now

2012-01-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

2012.

Reality check.Creative-check, I’d say.

Indeed a cliché,I look upon the new year with hopes to do better things. That’s all there is, kan? To be the better person, be a betterMuslim, spend more good quality family time, eat more healthily, run longer,lose more weight, wardrobe makeover, learn more, swim more, cycle longer, getnew shoes, watch plays, collect the stamps, learn to play drums, help theneedy, participate in social services, donate blood, pass exams, grow organicplants, get a cat, and more.

It’s alwaysabout more, bigger, better. Subhanallah,what have I become?

It’s onlyJanuary, but we have all year mapped out. But I look up high for uncertaintiesand spontaneous adventures to keep me going. But some realities are certain,and already taking the front seats.

Reality 1 –Batman Jr. is coming. Last time, before Aiden arrives, we managed a trafficfree bedroom when Iris moved into her own room at 3. Now, with Aiden still withus, Batman Jr. will add more orchestra to our room. The playpen, swing, andarrays of plush toys, not forgetting the diapers, ointments, extra towels andthe whole fiasco will take permanent residence in our room for another 3 years.I cannot discount when there are many trying times when Iris would insist tobunk with us (she’s a tad jealous).

It is just amatter of days before we’d hurry to the hospital, and bunk at the hospital’s sofabed. And I am thankful our earlier decisions to buy baby stuff in neutralcolours are adaptable to Batman Jr. Had they all be in their pinks, we’d haveto round another shopping spree.

Reality 2 – Irisstarted her first day in the mainstream school, and I spent the whole weekferrying her around between morning and evening school. She took it like a realsport – smiling and not worrying a thing. That’s what being at playschool since4 would do. I can never get instrumental enough for her. I missed her when she’sat school, and we’d secretly stopped for ice-cream, just the 2 of us, when Ipicked her up from school as she’d go on about her new friends, school, etc.

It simply meansfitting her schedule against ours. Homeworks, tuitions, swim class, diet,orderly sleeping time, campaign to run for presidency, world domination.

Reality 3 – I failedone paper in my professional exams. I know I have never been the studious typein the family, and my state of dyslexity makes it more difficult to understandthe stuff I was reading. And this year I have to have a go at it again, buryingmyself in the codes of conducts, Acts, legislations. To be honest, I do notsurely know what to do with it yet, had I pass the papers. However, again, Ihope, things will fall into places and I’d be able to chart a better qualitylife.

Let’s see if Iam cut out to be one, once and for all. If not, perhaps I should joinMasterchef Malaysia Season 2 and cook varieties of Maggi Mee.

And 2011 was notmostly kind. I drifted a lot, not knowing where I was heading. After apurposeful 2010, I spent half the time in 2011 worrying about trivial things. Iforgot to keep the little things that matters. Honestly, I forgot most things Idid last year. The most memorable events are when we found out about BatmanJr., and how I suffered in TNF100 and SCKLM, our family (shopping) trip, andAmy Winehouse’s passing. I think I have been overly complacent.

And it is 2012.The year the Mayans predicted the end of the world. On the very day before my38^th birthday. Or so they predicted.

Looking back toa mediocre 2011, I have better hopes for this year. As much as I aspired tobecome a philanthropist, or a successful Chef, but for the purpose more fittingfor the contents of this blog and its kind readers; my head revolves around howto enjoy my 7^th marathon. Singular because, I have only 1 plannedfor 2012. It is more that a mouthful. To break the 4:45 comfortably, andinjury-free. Perhaps by June, my shining Newton will be worn and seasoned forthe adventure across KL City. But so far, every dates I have with her gives mea specific blister on my right toes. Love hurts, eh.

But in allhonesty, I will have to be more creative to find ways (and time) to enjoy somealone time. Although most ideals always dwells down the idea of having a maidaround, I’d have to be more resourceful. The immediate target is morning runs,which conveniently slots between dropping the girls off, and work that I have asweet 75minutes alone. And although after-works are still favourable due to itscrowd and chick factor – soon wifey would insist an earlier curfew in view ofBatman Jr.’s feeding time. The only good thing is she’d be in a 3-months leave!Hopefully that should be good enough for my 18-months training for SCKLM.

But what’sbeyond that will sap away my creative juice. If any of you who are in the samesituation as me, please share your wisdom.

In terms ofpersonal achievements, I see no shame in trying to go longer, faster, etc whenit’s in my (and our) nature to see progress. Only last weekend during the FTAAAX-Country at Padang Merbuk, I sniffed the air for the excitement of smallraces, and the small hidden trails on the tray sparked the excitement ofGenting Trailblazer. Small, short 10K races were the ones I started with, andperhaps it’s the way it should be for this year.

With 2011’saddiction to Cheezels and banana cakes, I hope that is a phase I could press onahead without. It will be interesting to see how the mediocre cooking expertiseto match the Australia’s Junior Masterchef’s offerings when I whip everydayfood for Iris’s breakfasts, morning snacks, and afternoon snacks… as well asall of mine.

Happy New You,everyone.

Review - Bukit Pelindung Escapade

2011-12-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Ifound out about this trail from Meor’s Dailymile entry. Again, this reinforcesthe fact that such opportunities are available when one seeks it out, but if oblivionsare at large, gajah depan mata pun tak nampak.And while Kuantan is a beautiful place to live in, I share a special connectionto this birthplace of mine. Traffic is easy and their drivers are not annoying,a lot of beautiful beaches, mee calong,keropok and fresh seafood off TanjungApi and Beserah market.

Therefore,a short getaway was welcomed, and with anticipation of this Bukit Pelindungthat Meor has gotten all prepped up, almost exclusively. I was quite sure itsregular patrons, mostly elderly making their morning rounds does not blog aboutit. Quite understandable, the younger regulars in Bukit Pelindung are mostlyMTBers as documented in few youtubes.

It’sthe monsoon season, and the morning I spent tossing around looking at the rainoutside was futile. I needed to see this trail Meor talked about for months, butI was trying to stay away from any cold. In my aunt’s kitchen, I could smell nasi lemak boiling and the sound ofdried chilli paste being fried with belacan.

Tak boleh jadi ni…

Thanksto a skill I almost perfected over years of late morning runs, I grabbed myrunning bag by the door, reached for the keys and phone, and went out. At leastmy wife knows where I’d be going.

Thelocation of the RV area into Bukit Pelindung is not apparent, so if coming fromBeserah/Kuantan area into Teluk Chempedak, look out for Sekolah Afzan on yourright (after Sekolah Menengah Teknik), and the entry is on your left where you’dsee lots of bungalows, and a road leading up to a hill where you’ll see anapartment on your left after these houses. Lots of cars are usually parked bythe roadside. But by the time I reached the parking area at the foot of BukitPelindung, it was drizzling and no one was there. Don’t be afraid when you aregreeted by many dogs howling.

Goingup, almost immediately I hit face first on a steep incline. I decided to walkup after a bad case of lower back pulls on Friday. Walking/running up thetarmac road, which leads to Telekom towers and their cool-weather office at thetop of the hill, is taxing, like going up the Steroid Hill, times 3 – as theroad meanders up and up and up into a seemingly never ending climbs.

Butthe climb is littered with awesome collection of forestry plantings withMeranti, Mempening, Merang, Balau, Keruing etc etc, and deep gorges below thatdips just next to the walkway. With no railings, this is a place kids may needto be watched closely. And the road has a lot of resting benches by theroadside to rest, almost at every 100m. I had to turn off my music, and listento the raindrops falling on the leaves, and the sound of the faunas. Thick fogdescended upon me at times, and it was pretty cold, considering I went up in myskimpy running shorts and Salomon’s drifit.

Theview on top of Bukit Pelindung is a bit of a let down, as I expected to seeKuantan’s skyline and rolling beaches from Teluk Chempedak into Pantai BatuHitam, but the reserve jungle is still thick and high, all I could see wereferns, trees, and few telecommunication towers strutting beyond the fogs likeAlton Towers in winter. The road ends at the Telekom office (must be one hellof an office), and it is road down to the start.

Iimagine it would be a cool and quick dash down, even with my Ghost and slipperytarmac, I’d be down in 15 minutes tops. But some 100m from the towers, therelies a secret detour into a trail. The walking track of 1.88km from that pointinto the Teluk Chempedak beach itself has a 220m elevation on descent. I stoodthere for a few minutes, weighing my options. By then, there were some 5walkers plying the tarmac, few motorbikes and 2 trucks from Telekom revving upbetween the last half hour. I wondered what I would encounter in the trails,but it did not register anything as my heart was urging me to jump in.

‘Tryfor 15mins’, my brain said. ‘If you don’t like it, turn back’. Ok, sounds likea plan.

SoI swiftly entered into a trail, wet and water puddles everywhere. The rain hasstopped, and the fog disappeared, but I cannot make out of anything beyond5metres to my side. Even the tarmac quickly disappeared once I entered thetrail. The only sign of civilization along the trail is the seats provided forwalkers to rest and soak in the experience.

SoI went. The first view was a steep climb on a staircase, into a hut. Then, thetrail gets deeper, and I forgot the 15minutes curfew as I dashed ahead into arolling trail. Although the trail was wet, but it was not super slippery as thetrail base is sand. But sometimes coming down boulders and heavy roots wouldimpose danger of sliding down butt first. But the trail is quiet and serene,and air is crisp. There were not a lot of sounds except for the twigs andleaves, but enough to keep me alert for incoming danger. The eyes kept lookingdown for snakes, and I was forever worrying for wild boars, after seeing theirfresh dugs just outside the trail.

Onetime, the Sony automatically plays a Coldplay where Chris Martin was almosttalking in his hit ‘Fix You’, I jolted with surprise as it sounded as ifsomebody/thing whispered into my ears from my back. Seriously creepy.

Ithink halfway down, the trail started to branch out into many smaller trails.Evidently enough, when it’s a place for MTBers, there are bound to have manytechnical alternatives, which made me doubt certain tracks. But in the end I maintainedmy strides on the big trail, and kept moving. There were times when Iencountered bushes thrown against the main trail, even tree trunks that fellacross from all the rain this season, but the trail is wide enough to read, soit was ok.

Butlike the Dream Trail, running alone is not so ideal. I was out of my comfortzone, especially not knowing the trail at all, and where I would end up. Theonly guy who knows about the trail is Meor, who was nursing his pregnant wifein TTDI, and whether I’d see anyone running the trail at all. The trails aresimilar, albeit remote to my liking, but it allows you to be aware of yourfooting and the surrounding. And the Bukit Pelindung trail has a lot of dipswhere you could fly down off the boulders and hills, or hurl yourself up ifcoming from Teluk Chempedak.

Notlong, I encountered a marked area, possibly recently used for a MTB event. And thetrail was becoming more confusing with many new additional trails branching outwhich made me try some of those, backtracked and ahead. In the end, it is safeto be on the main trail.

However,I did not bring any water and fuel (rookie mistake), and tackling the hillssapped me out very quickly. But by then, I could already hear a splashing beachbelow me, and within 15 minutes, a small window ahead draws a curtain and reveals the breathtaking beach at TelukChempedak (although, the sea was like a whirpool). And that was it, TelukChempedak in your face.

Hooray!

Thetrail is a short one, no doubt, but the enough element of fun and fear wasadequate, given trying it for the first time. I would think that on my nexttrip to Bukit Pelindung, I’d have to chart a longer route. From the beach, Iran up into the road, and towards Taman Teruntum, in high hopes to thread thesandy beach to Taman Gelora, and back. However, even in low tide, my run abruptlystopped as the beach is not runnable between Teruntum and Gelora, so I headedback to the carpark (along Jalan Alor Akar, etc) in full monsoon rain (evenhard rain without thunders are always welcomed). Overall distance was perhaps8k-10k, and my cold sweat made the most of it coming down Bukit Pelindung.

I missed this Road Safety Awareness campaign when I was a kid!

The beach at Taman Teruntum - looking towards Taman Gelora beach

Back to civilisation

Nik Fahusnaza having a field day at a free range

Imagine Kapas - Marang... seram!

Shortand sweet.

Althoughnot the same I could muster when sitting at the dining table for breakfast withsambal ikan bilis staring back at me.But life is like that. You win some, you lose some. When balance is what I waslooking for, a short, intense run with family getaway together is always awinning strategy.

So,the Bukit Pelindung in one of the top ten list of to-do things in Kuantan now.Until the next trip!

Powerman 2011

2011-11-15T06:53:00.001-08:00

Progress often brings me to new adventures. That adventure this time was Powerman. After many moons of running and swimming, the first Duathlon beckons. Although the training was nowhere near complete with just few weeks to spare post TNF, I thought that Batman is ought to be whipped out for some action.
But like TNF was shocked by the death of Kharis, a.k.a. TSB in the final eves of the trip, for Powerman we were rattled by the sudden death of a fellow cyclist, Ibrahim the day before our trip. And hence the mind plays precautionary measures into our preparations, and our drive up to Seri Manjung was marred by moody skies and cool weather.

I have been accustomed to picking up race kits at shopping malls, parking lots, open field etc, and seeing familiar faces was somewhat I look forward to. Those we the windows when you see your running allies in work dresses, apart from their skimpy weekend uniforms. But coming to the briefing area for Powerman, almost immediately I felt dwarfed coming to a prestige duathlon event like this - what with people were parading blind expressions. Or at least that was how I felt, somewhat inferior as compared to a friendly atmosphere in the running fraternity. The evening when we went for the briefing at the hall, I was at my discomfort by the sheer sight of faux arrogance by some, and at awe by the brush of power. The only consolation was being carted away to the refuge of our hotel room, and later with familiar faces at dinner, set by beautiful bay next to the Outward Bound. I didn't want dinner to end.

Used to swim with Richard (hope to get back at it soon) and he's coming back a lot stronger now. And of course, the AirAsia X CEO - Azran Osman Rani. A cool boss, and aspiring sportsmen (pic credit : Cyn)

Back in the room, we had little time to ogle at the bad newscaster-ship over the Sea Games on the telly, as the prep starts right away. It was the most complicated preparation to date - in the end, for fuel I ended with 5 GU Gels (1 at T1, 3 taped to top tubes, 1 at T2), 2 Mars bars (reserve fuel), 1 Zip Bar (pre-race), 1 packet of Chomps, few asamboi, 3 ORS packets, 2 bottles of Gatorades (for the bike).

Laid down the Sloan, jersey, cycling shorts, bibs (for jersey, helmet (left and front), bike), belt, bottles, tube, ID, championchip, running shoes, flipflops, cycling shoes, helmet, gloves, small towel. Plus a fresh change, and arrange them all in the Transition Pack.

I decided to leech on the cycling jersey throughout, where I'd put in the gloves (to wear when approaching T1), Sloan deepheat rub and some ORS.
And the night before we set the bikes up - seat posts, rations in the pouch, pump the wheels, and some spits on the bikes, then finally the asap with the coal and some asam limau thrown in.

All those are not with additional glass of sweet Milo, and roti telur and dhal for supper. I closed both eyes to these sinful days, and enjoyed my first roti telur in ages, as we yapped about everything under the stars and the moon.

The morning of the race, we RV-ed at McDonalds for a simple coffee and breakfast in full view of many participants cycling from Lumut into Seri Manjung (such hardcores that they are), and arrived at the race site in hurried pace to secure the bikes in the transition area. I do not know how strict they would be, but it was something I would not want to experiment. But getting the rear wheel was a challenge made easy when Diket coyly secures everything in a fizz. And getting everything I'd need at the transition into the pack the night before was easy as I just dropped the whole thing, and split into the running holding pen. But one had to pause and look at those expensive bikes and drool.
But in the hype of swish-swashing in the transition, I was questioning what on earth I was doing there. Probably my severely lack of training caught my conscience off-guard, and was trying to tell me to knock myself silly. This is a completely new territory.

But as I was standing facing the open sea earlier this year for the Singapore Biathlon, freaking out, thinking all the stupid thoughts, and positive thoughts together - quietly I knew I would sail this through.
I imagine a modest 65mins for the first run, 2.5 hours on the bike, and 75mins for the final run would be achievable. Just thinking of the elusive finisher's t-shirt, no less.

Band of Brothers

In the holding area, generally the eyes were feasting on multiple shots of cycling jerseys and all sorts of comics. Some were wearing helmets for the run, some equally equipped with cycling gloves, mostly running with cycling shorts (myself included). Its amazing that no similar jerseys were donned (except for the team jerseys of Bukit Antu, OCBC and the likes) - so we were all spared by the wardrobe malfunction. But I felt at home that morning, despite different to the normal running shorts and all. The air was light, atmospheric smells familiar when running was put to the grind first.

As a common strategy, when the horn blew, everyone (almost) adopted an easy pace for the first running leg, on a conscious effort to reserve energy for the second running leg. But the runners in us kept our traditional LSD feature in saying hi-s and cheering the nasi lemak seller. With the aromatic grilled chicken to the savoury sambal along the road, it was music to my tummy. And the route is littered with children who flock the side kerb to watch us run, and probably trying their luck at the generous offerings of Gatorades at the 4 water stations. They came out in their school uniforms, fixies, and bestest of friends, almost to ridicule our running in the hot sun.

At one point, the sound of synchronised plods between the three of us running was delicious. One of the best 11k run to date for me (not in terms of time, but running experience).

And so the first leg was done in a very comfortable pace, as Diket, Azmar and myself cornered into the stadium ground into the transition. I pulled the Sloan, lather onto the quads and hamstrings, and downed a GU gel, and off to get the bike. Getting into transition was easy, but marred but inconvenient incident when the plaster tape I had from this morning stuck to each other, and when putting on the cycling shoes, I had the toes all bundled on top of each other, at all directions. Tweaking them on both feet took precious time off, but once that was sorted out, putting the helmet was quick and I found a trail of Diket right out front. I was on track.

I took off to the road on a light gear, trying to maintain my speed - and few turns later exiting the town into the main road into Damai Laut. Quickly I realised my odometer was not sending any readings (which I later found out that the front wheel was fixed upside down), but with many rider zooming past, I went ahead, only faster when I saw a water station ahead. I was always curious to see how do they actually work so I reduced the speed, and put out my left arm and grab a bottle of cold Gatorade. Few sips of those, I rode while holding the bottle and feeling stupid. I downed another gulp and threw the precious hydration. Too bad. But I later learnt to call out for the hydration of choice, and the selected volunteers would come out and reach for you. Kinda cool too.

The first cycling leg was enjoyable, to say the least. I managed to stay behind Diket until the major climb at Bainun's bridge when baffled by the bridge, I lost my bearings and delayed in my hasty attempt to shift gears. And the view on top of the bridge is awesome. Stretches of mangrove forest beyond what I could see in the low tide. But all was good and I returned back into Lumut still smiling. However, beyond the 40th km, almost immediately both feet swelled up and pushing against all walls. As a result, in between the numerous effort to unclip, and air wiggle the feet alternatively, ultimately I had to stop at the turnaround point near Damai Laut, and air the feet in open air. Suddenly I was brought back to Penang Bridge Half Marathon when multiple cramps forced me to admire the foul smell of the water below, under the magnificent city skyline of Penang.

Regardless, I arrived at the transition (T2) and a walk/run in the transition area was unbearable. It was almost a Godsent when I took the shoes out, ran on the grass and quickly slipped into Ghost, downed a GU gel, and off I went. What made it all worthwhile (at that point in time) was the sight of Azuria holding a cold bottle of Coke like an offering. The sun was up and the thin hot air slicing, and a sip of cold Coke is all you need sometimes.

100 metres out, a strong surge of tight knots on both quads floored me to a semi squat. The multiple spasm continues and saw me admiring the uneventful stream from over a bridge. It only subsided in the second loop of the run, although possibly the adrenalin takes over, and sheerly motivated by the finisher's t-shirt. And I had Puisan as company, who brilliantly carried her water bottle and filled it with ice water. A squirt of those in the high afternoon picked up a little bit of pace. Definitely a clever trick to continuous ice shower.
Overall, the second running leg was not uneventful, and didn't lose its appeal any bit. What can I say - first love dies hard.

Coming back into the end of it all, I arrived at rows of barricades littered with PowerBar signs. After all these years looking at the setting in blogs of the IMs and triathletes alike, I found myself coming back into one. Surreal, to say the very least. As I passed through the gantry into the less-than-impressed spectators, it was a noble thing to come back to an icy cold towel (classic PowerBar towel, no less), and that exclusive finisher's t-shirt. Not a fan of the colour - but I'll have fun having my wife jeering at me when I flaunt it at social gatherings. Heheheh...

And that tan line... I felt like a kid with a KitKat.

The tan line felt like a badge of honour.

Beyond the finishing gantry, Powerman served simple food in the form of melons (would be super if it was cold), taufufa (for some odd, sweet protein) and cendol (OMG-ness!). The second stage was a full lunch during the prize giving ceremony, when the Organiser did not have the slightest idea what a sportsmen would need in their system post-Powerman. Despite the protein, we were served with white rice, super hot black pepper roasted beef, pasta with cream and bolognaise sauce, marble cakes, karipaps etc etc etc. A buffet spread fitting for politicians, I forced some food as my stomach was growling. Suddenly, a McChicken was more appealing. I needed more sugar!

When we finally regrouped, the Powerman virgins talked the most (myself included), like kids yapping about their day out in the zoo, as we went on and on and on, on transition, on cramps, on people lapping us, on timing, on etc. I think the adrenaline lasted us the drive back to Ziff's place. Even my iPhone battery didn't last that long with all the WhatsApps rallying around.

In retrospect, I have loads of respect for this event. The format is different to what I was used to, but the setting and atmosphere are addictive. I truly enjoyed the runs, and had I put enough heads into the cycling, it would have been sufferfest-free. The Manjung and Lumut folks are friendly, and overly accommodative in us invading their streets, and without a doubt, Powerman is a well-oiled machine. Pain and soreness aside, the lure to come back next year came merely an hour after the event. Aduhai...

Without question, my cycling skills are poor. Body form was defected which caused my back stiffened like a rod. And I need to get another pair of cycling shoes (crap!) to allow for the expanding tissues. One piece of advice from a cyclist friend was to build a base of 200km cycling distance per calendar week! I vomited air with faint smell of peanut butter sandwich I had for breakfast. A trainer would have been a better investment. To date, I have yet to figure out how I'd turn myself around in cycling, into my life before the dawn of PD Triathlon next year.

But yeah - my escapade in Powerman was great. Unquestionable event, great company, scenic road trip, and a Gila-Gila-Remaja outing. I did not suffer from any blister, or muscle cramps, so that was a good thing.
Thanks Ziff, for the ride and company. Diket and the whole gang (Azmar, Dett, Akmal, Nizam, Alwin, Izuan, Azu and etc) for taking the inferiority out of the question. I have been really blessed, Alhamdulillah.

Still Got the Blues

2011-10-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday - a week post TNF100 Singapore. My wife is away to Penang for a short holiday, and I have been babysitting the princesses. I have dragged them across the city the evening before, and they were completely spent. Aiden woke up around Subuh for her milk, and Iris still curling, now fully covered under the duvet on a cool Sunday morning. It was 6.45 a.m., and as the sun fast breaking up, I lay flat staring at the ceiling fan, feeling hollow. And completely confused. My mind eagerly waking my me up, saying that I needed to be somewhere. I needed to do something. I ought to put my running gears and head out into somewhere.

For some crumbling seconds, I almost felt guilty.

The week after the big adventure is always a state of confusion for me, as much as the week leading to it. The biggest dialogue I'd always have still spirals to weight management, how paranoid I am to gain all the weight I worked so hard to lose. I always wonder when shall I start running again, and should I rest longer. Will the blisters turn into a gangrene, or at least manifest in itself thousands of worms feeding on the dead skins.

But the blisters are all dried up, and the left pinky toenail has completely fallen off. So did the big right toenail. I have cut them off and planted in the pandan pot as edible sculptures for the ants and cockroaches.

And I have always hate the carboloading week when I force myself to eat. A natural progression for long distance runners is not a natural progression for a fat guy trying to lose his weight. Eat more to stock on carbs and exercise less? Insane, right?

Since I joined TNF Singapore back in 2009, I have learnt about the glorious brunch they put up, and it is one of the motivation I kept coming each year - for the Double Chocolate Cookies. And this year was no different. After 2010 edition where we came close to food rationing, this year they stocked well on cookies - peanut butter, oatmeal, raisins, double chocolates etc, as well as curry puffs by Mushroom Cafe (halal meal), a wide selection of Subway sandwiches (non-halal meals), a wide array of fresh cut fruits, strawberries, bananas, apples and all. Truly, coupled with a running event like no other - I felt the fees I have paid was well worth it.

So naturally, my confusion with food for pre and post runs are not dumbfounded. It is even celebrated. But what I strongly disagree is the strong camp which advocates glorious food in the name of carboloading, and celebration. I think this is a time bomb.

At least for me. With such food, I cannot afford to be careless. I think the saying 'Run to Eat' is misleading, as though running is an escapism so we could eat senselessly. That could have been the most careless and insensitive reflection any runners would want to associate themselves to, and for the beginner runners coming in - those words are disparaging.

And when I would fantasize traveling into exotic locations to run, I found travelling into the race city is also not easy for me. Shall I sleep the entire trip? Would I find trouble to sleep at night? Shall I get 2 seats to stretch my long legs? Should I bring a book (non-running book, regardless) to read during the journey? What if I needed to go after the litres of Gatorade I have been sipping?

And the doubts you keep hearing in your head. I have so far some good and junk miles under my, err, shoes, after starting 'training'. I have found pleasure in running everyday, and discovered some pain and fatigue, and been feeling pretty ok I'd do myself justice when running the TNF, but that nagging feeling - 'have I done enough?'.

Well obviously those will never be enough, but it was all I could do. But I knock myself silly with these doubts. The same doubt returned after the run, dragging my feet heavy and telling me to stay in bed, and withdraw from running. That I deserve this break. This Zero Week.

But a week post TNF100, this unconscious-self have long forgotten the sharp pain that ground him to a screeching halt at KM34.6, and already ravishing about the the next year's edition. So I think that could be the plan. I would aim for Standard Chartered KL Marathon, and a TNF Series per year, maybe 2 TNF Series if I am lucky and have some dough to spend, and that's all I needed to keep busy. Perhaps the dream for a triathlon event is still apparent somewhere in betweens. Sounds like a plan. Good thing to know something tangible comes out from this unnecessary confusion.

And the trip to Singapore has been the smoothest thus far. I am grateful, and Kash has been a selfless host. After some months and FB-ing, it was heartwarming to meet a great friend like her, after all these months. With the comfortable night at her Dragon Mansion and the twilight event that took place, it was set to be a great run. But I was still doubting myself when we were gunned off, and that was the last time I glimpsed into Kash, and left her at the back. Sorry partner - the thought of braving 9 hours beyond Lor Asrame made me going upfront to minimise risks later when running at 2 p.m. But thanks Kash! And I can never thank you enough!

I had no chance to book-shopping in Bras Basah, and meeting my friend Mohammed, or visit the many gorgeous homes around Singapore, or replenish my Individuel.

I could recall many encounters of this withdrawal syndrome over the years I run, especially when the big race is over. I suppose it's a silly way the body is telling us to slowdown, having tagging with the brunt over the weeks. But I have allowed my body to recover and rest the whole last week, and I hope now it will be re-awaken in time for Powerman. Then, only after then, I'd worry over the next race and think how to deal with it. Perhaps my slight-dyslexicity state keeps me anxious over petty things.

What I would strive to achieve is a minimum of 7-hours sleep/nights.

That already sound like a win-win situation.

TNF Singapore, 100 Duo, October 2011

2011-10-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

I think from 2012, I shall be calculative in events I'd partake. No, wait... extremely calculative. Nothing genius here - races are getting really expensive. Race fees, and on top of that are travelling, lodging, fuel, tolls, preparation for hydration and hydration, not to mention all those items required intensively during training sessions. What with the baby Batman's arrival in February - I'd have little room in my pockets to wiggle between flight tickets and ERL fees.

2012 I foresee is the year all pirates shall be awaken.

Having said that, there are races I'd register without a blink. No wait - I'd blink, but will find my resources to fulfill this insatiable fantasy. A fantasy that makes me feel like a million buck, like I am a superhuman. A superhero. I suppose I am like that. It is currently a fast personal trait that I hate about myself. That feeling, goes without saying, is like a page of an awesome travel destination, ripped from a magazine somewhere. An image not cohesive with the picture and reality. A reality I mostly cannot afford (not yet, but maybe one day...).

So TNF Singapore is one of them. I scratched my wallet long time before the registration was open. I feel that it has a different appeal to the road races I've ran in, and I liked to think that I am a different breed of runners. Running 50k in the gorgeous woods and punishing open trails in Singapore is an event I was waiting for. Regardless I trained for it, or not, is beyond discussion. I felt that this was my playground. So when the drama of registration unfold in the past months, I'd been coy and silent about it, but truth is - I was disappointed on how it turned out in the early part of the registration. Whatever happened - I cannot fathom or think what the reasons were that I was sidelined so easily. The feeling was horrible when you have a familiar place being torn apart from you. I became disoriented, and didn't feel grounded. Irony because, it was not a grounded place to start with. The male-mantra was easily "don't fix it unless it's broken" gave me a new meaning. From last year's race, it seemed, I was broken.

I needed to fix myself too - as this great race is easily gobbling all sides of my resources dry. I do not harbour any ill-feelings in any way, so please spare this plot from any Cerekarama Director. It's just that, unconsciously at the back of my head, I know this reinforces my belief that running is in fact, a solitary sport.

Coming into the third year, my preparation could not have been any worse. For the trainings, it only picked up speed post Ramadhan when the mileage peaked at 100+k/weeks. The target was more on endurance and time-on-feet training, and very little speedworks. I tried, but in the end I was too fatigued from running mornings and evenings, 7-days/weeks. I cannot find the energy to speed, but to speed things up as I counted the laps and time when to complete the mileages, and get on with it. But in the end, I felt comfortable running the trails at FRIM, so I thought I did OK (which was, of course, wrong).

Regardless, October came in eventually. By the final weeks, I still logged 100+k/weeks, and only the final 5 days prior I forced my shoes to lay idly basking in the hot sun at the balcony. And the weather had been quite sneaky with most rain showers after lunch. Sometimes the evening runs were rewarded by cool, after-thunderstorm wind, but mostly the heat stung my dark skin and rendered my vision blurred. In the final days, I sorted the the renewal of my passport, and book the bus ticket. Pushing everything to the last minutes almost reinforces my laidback to going to this race. Something tells me that this third year, I'd almost gotten things in an auto mode.

As for the race itself, their hesitant decision to move the race to start an hour late proved lethal to many. OK, proved lethal to me at least. And standing at the starting line alongside my partner, I incidentally had an image of TSB, whose passing is still fresh. A young guy, loved by many, had been in my mind since the day he died, and so with every stride, every exertion was calculated. Every pain, chest discomfort, disillusioned and temporal blurry visions were channeled to questioning myself, had I been pushing my maximum heart rate. At any point, I knew I started a lot slower as compared to TNF 2010. I was overly careful to listen to all the red flags my body threw at me, where at any given moment, I'd just have a go at it.

Another point was I ran in Ghost 3. Having lost TerraX 2 weeks before the race left me with no window to break a new one. And with the size 13, it was a gigantic effort to drive around looking for a perfect fit. After a couple of flings up to Steroid Part 2, I was confident the Ghost would not disappoint. Well, Ghost cannot disappoint, because I had no Plan B.

By then, Ghost had done roughly 60k on trails, and the effect of many road miles has made the Ghost sweet without the socks. This decision was a disaster, I later found out.

This year, with slight deviations in the route outside MacRitchie (into the Durian Trails), and rerouting of Mandai, Lor Asrama stretch - I had the routes about 60% in memory, so it was easy to lay out the routes, its hopeless rocks and bricks, and I was able to enjoy the run. But I have been rather unfortunate sometimes, when missing a route marker sent me into a wrong direction, and needed to backtrack. And fortunate to the major part of the route as I ran alongside Singaporean colleagues who had trained and knew the trails well, and put me/us into a good path. I almost can imagine my frustration if I were to run at night. I later found out, some pedestrian moved the markers, or was it pedestrians?

I think I maintained a good pace coming out into Mandai, and had a considerable rest at CP3. Frank caught up, and we chatted away when attacking the harsh trails, 365 Hill and the remaining of it all. Needless to say, coming back to Mandai felt I have returned into civilisation. Funny, because I only exited the trails into the road that leads to the Zoo. But coming out of that trails felt like I have passed an insurmountable challenge, like I have cleared a clogged drain, and now I was able to speed back to the CP3 for replenishment.

Once I reached CP3, I pulled half a dozen plasters as the heat of Lor Asrama really worked my left toes, and the sweat down to the shoes, and some cold shower earlier by 365 Hill were a combination of stupidity and recklessness to attempt an Ultra distance that particular day. By then, the left toes were screaming as I tried to put some plaster on the wrinkled and wet skin, but none stuck on except sending extra pain directly to the brain. I looked up to the sun, glitched off the afternoon track and listened to my growling stomach. I popped one KitKat bar, and the aftertaste burn in my throat. That will not go well. Downed some salt, a gel, some water, and I was off. There was only 34k, not an easy one at that.

Over the many moons I started running in races beyond half marathon distance, there were many events I shared with fellow runners, talking proudly how black our toenails have become. I remembered my first blister, and when the first toenail came off (SCKLM 2009, no less), I smiled for hours on end. But a blister this particular TNF gave birth to was super nasty. Some 500m into the trails, the blister popped on my pinky left toes, and I was floored by the excruciating pain. I felt like an open wound soaked in acid when the stain and foul fluid from the Ghost, a fine mixture of sweat, 100+, water and soil. Even after a minor 'procedure' of double plastering the toes proved hopeless when the plasters doesn't stick on wet toes are wet, hence all effort to run was futile. What's was left made me choose to walk with just my sock from Mandai to CP4, passed the Park Connectors, and passed the long trail next to BKE into the next medic tent. The sun was unforgiving, as I hobbled under the sun, mostly tiptoeing on stones like hot coals, and walked under the shade, while holding the left pair of Ghost. I weighed my option of calling it quits, as request for an ambulance ride back to the finishing line.

But that would have been too easy. And that reaffirms that I am not a barefooter.

And thanks to the medic at CP4, although not without some delay, I was mended, and I was convinced it was all he could do. Clean the toes, wipe it clean, put some plaster, and tape them. I grit my teeth, pulled up the Ghost, and walked in pain. It hurts just the same as before. It hurts when I stepped on the rocks, and it hurts when I coasted downhills. But that is the only locomotion required. After all, I cannot hail a cab in the middle of the trails. I just needed to move ahead. Whoever created the saying 'pain is temporary, the glory is forever' must have gone through some shitty times.

But thankfully, there are times when adrenalin rush would overrule the pain, especially when I passed some spectators patiently clapped their hands, and uttered what a well done a job I was doing, or when the landscape opened to some breathtaking landscape, like when rolling trails unfolds in front of you (mostly downhills on the way back), that the brain was paralysed from the pain.

Somehow, coming back to MacRitchie and the customary ice shower, I felt re-energised, and able to block the nagging pain on my toes, rubbing against the third change of socks. Regardless of the pain, the distance was less than 10k to go, and that was a motivation in itself. And the last section of the trails, even with its meandering routes and unreliable markers, only one unmistakable vision counts - when the trail clears into views of the lake, and suddenly burst into an open sky, into the lakes and back the the cafe. That was a utopia of some sort.

And bursting into that very image brings huge relief that the end is near. That no pain could ever defeat me, as adrenalin rush takes over. Even though the end feels more like a cheap wedding karaoke, but still, coming back to the supporting warm hearts beats the scorching sun, and after passing the gantry, I was relieved that it is finally over. I am not sure if I was relieved the race was over (so I never have to do it again), or relieved that I completed the Ultra in one piece, and alive. It is hard to discover myself when the mind is numb when approaching the finish line. For sure, I was certain I was ecstatic that the route beyond Mandai was over once I exited near Singapore Zoo. That felt like a finish line for me, or at least that I like to feel, being closer to where I could hail a cab.

Only after some Double Chocolate cookies and few strawberries later that I managed to gather enough gut to open my socks and check on the toes, not before peeling layers of tapes, gauzes and plasters. Whoever was enjoying their post-lunch meal next to me must have been swearing me and my next generation. The pinky left toe, apparently had a huge blister at 360degree. Once I would be ready to peel off the dead skin in a week, I would have gotten a completely new skin all around that toe, and the dead skin would have been a perfect skin glass. Gross is a state of mind. And the next toe looked like a popped balloon, all wrinkly with the skin tore open along the tape the medic put on earlier. And I had a little peninsular of blisters under the ball of the left foot, all proud and waiting to be sliced open.

But apart from that, TNF this year has proved that at that pace, I was spared any muscle cramps. Only the day after that I felt my stiff shoulders, and sore back from lugging the hydration bag, and the sore quads from over-compensating the blisters. Quietly, I was grateful I do not have to run at Timpohon, in an attempt to conquer Mount Kinabalu in 2.5hours next week. *phew*.

Me and Kash vowed for a suspension from TNF Singapore 2012. I do not know how long will that last, and for me that will be mirrored by the ClimaCool shirt on offer next year. Judging from their similar medal design over the years, I need to look beyond the lazy medal to register for next year.

However, I'll put down a note of this year's mistakes, so hopefully next year, when I open this log to find wisdom, I'd find some;

Mistakes:

a) I never learnt not to wet the shoes when splashing cold water on me at water stations. However, sweat drips down into the shoes easily, so there's no solution yet.

b) did not tape blister-prone toes. Next time, my toes would look like deep fried prawn fritters. Whatever it takes.

c) carried too much water. 1.5litres of water/isotonics was too heavy. While I can now imagine how I felt like when I carried the extra 4.47kg on me, that weight in water was too heavy for me (I had to stop at KM3 to pour out precious 100+ into the drain).

d) stick to Mars bars, ditch the quick sugar fix. When the brain's on fire, all cheap chocolates burns badly. I should have chucked them all to the monkeys instead of carrying them around Singapore.

e) Ghost is only good for 20k trail run, not more. Period.

f) I had 2 pieces of wholemeal bread with Nutellafor breakfast. Nope... not nearly enough. I remembered the pasta I had for SCKLM 2010 3 hours before the race was a good fuel.

g) While running sockless is one simple pleasure I have discovered, the sweet freedom definitely did not work with Ghost. Perhaps another marriage with a better suited pair would do justice. And perhaps it's time I invested on Injinji socks, although I hate the wiggly feeling in betweens.

With that pace, and that distance, I gobbled 3 gels. I had a banana while the medic taped the wounded soldier. Some Chomps, a KitKat bar, handful of asamboi, and about 6 litres of fluid with ice and 4 Nuun tablets. Sadly, the buah kurma and the remaining gels were purely weight training, which is responsible to this severe soreness on my shoulders.

Well, in this quest to run into my 70s (insyaAllah), I could see many of these mistakes coming my way. And looking back, I doubt running TNF Singapore next year. This year had been not enjoyable, but I am sure when the wind swept my way at the right time, I'd bow. The question is not so much of whether I'd register, but whether I'd be able to enjoy it.

Suppose I have another year to find out how gorgeous the event T would be like.

Disclaimer

2011-10-12T02:44:00.000-07:00

I have missed writing terribly. In the past times I'd go back to the first months this blog was created, and read the lines in its naivety. I didn't know what a Full Marathon was, or any particular shoes to buy. I certainly did not line runs after runs on weekends, and definitely not thinking of multi-sport, and leveraging my buying power into the new pair of shoes instead of the dining chairs my wife had wanted so much. I wrote to zero audience then, and I was blind to feeling vulnerable to put myself bare in the limelight. It was a silent diary to record my feeling at the very moment, and record the things I did and needed to do to lose weight. Much similar to the diary I had back in primary school, which I kept for English classes (and used as a mechanism to polish my English). But over the years, I have lost half of that fun, after everything I wrote screaming for attention, or at least fashioned to demand friendly comments.

I know that am not a novelist. I am not a story-teller. I am an office rat. I grew up not having to entertain anyone. I am just a guy who happened to discover something ought to be discovered 20 years back, like stumbling into a treasure chest which lies half exposed by the beach. Certainly there is nothing new to sweat it out - 99% of my school friends did just that. I just needed to go to the beach.

I lost track of myself some time ago. Priorities came piling up, and in the end I managed a minute-to-minute event. The image of who I wanted to be is sometimes smudged, and mostly ended with a romantic visual of me running a sandwich store. Looking at it, it is one of the scariest moment I could imagine being at this point of my life. After all, I have 3.5 souls counting on all the actions I do every single day. And I can be a lot careless with my judgments, my Finance Minister would agree.

And I lost track of this blog, this particular space when ramblings are acceptable, but not a private venue to express the darkest secret, and the deepest sorrow. It succumbed to become a half-forced happy place - even times a self-made podium. Understandably, it is bleeding hard to keep logging away when you actually move/run/swim everyday without coming across to sounding brash and bragging. It is challenging to emotionally reflect on things, and whatever everyday, talking about the ambience on the run - when I mostly don't think about a lot of things when running everyday. The head is filled with mileage demands, keeping score of all the nagging pains, of where to run next, and sort my To-Do-List.

But in blogging, I felt I have gone away with many friends reading too far to step back and be emotional about petty, personal stuff. Blogs, it seemed, when writing for a group of avid readers - should be most times silent of personal angst. Running, it seemed, should balance personal negativity onto the tarmac, and into the drain. Really?

FRIM Farewell for Fkash

2011-07-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Kash is leaving on a jetplane back to Singapore, and over the last weeks, there have been FB markers, SMSes etc regarding the run-picnic in FRIM, up in the Helipad/Steroid Hill.

So here is the plan;

RV Point : Cafe/Mosque in FRIM

RV Time : 6.30 - 6.45 a.m.

Autobots Roll Out : 7.00 a.m.

Running Route : The Dream Trail, Rover Track, Dusun Durian, Steroid Hill, Steroid Hill Part Deux, Helipad, Tea House, Dicterocarp Arboretum, Jalan Kapur, carpark

Distance : 15-16km

Note :
FRIM charges RM5/car/person. Additional person in the same car will be charged RM1 (if I'm not mistaken), so carpool if possible.

This will be a farewell trail run for our dear friend Kash, so if you don't mind, bring some snacks in your Camelbaks to share up the Helipad. Do not be tempted to bring mee kari up there. Up in Helipad, and halfway on Steroid Hill, there will be water taps for cleaning purposes only.

Since it's the 9th of July, please DO NOT wear anything yellow to represent the Bersih Op, or anything provocative.

As there will be some first timers joining Kash for the run, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you all to please remember that there will be no water stations in the trails, so please be self sufficient with your hydrations and fuel. I will bring some chocolates and deep heat rub, just in case. Do not forget your handphones. Normal running shoes are fine, but trail shoes are recommended.

The pace will be mild, considering Kash is having a swim date in Templer at 10.00 a.m. We are expected to reach Tea House at around 9.00 - 9.15 a.m. Considering the hot weather nowadays, the pacats may be away.

Hope to see you guys there.

Homework

2011-07-04T00:35:00.000-07:00

I had a special one-on-one session with (drum roll......................) Omar Yip yesterday. Well, not exactly, but Shanaz was puffing behind us (puff?) that I had Yip all the way.

Yip was kind enough to offer his eyes and legs after we asked him to look at our strides. He was the latest one to brutally put it that I have yet to put my long legs into full use. If was as though I have an expensive bike that I do not use... o, wait... I do...

We headed off to Hartamas around 7.20a.m., a little late than usual, with an easy pace. And over the course, I ran along Yip, looked at him run as he sprinted off, we sprinted up the hills, and talked about a lot of thing - I wanted to quit a lot of times. It is not an easy feat following a fast runner like him. Try to go to KLCC Park and tag along Ahmad Lamchanak for a few laps and you'll know what I mean.

Yip, is after all the podium finisher. He run for placing, for money, for glory. If you have followed his blog, you'll know he is extra-ordinary. When I first stumbled upon his blog many years ago, I thought he was a loony. But he is humble and approachable, much like Jamie Pang.

So listening to him as how he runs to the top 10 spot is something else. I know I will not be there at the spot, but to hear his perspectives are refreshing.

So his verdicts on my run are;

a) my shoes are not suitable. I need to get a racing shoes to run lighter and faster

b) I run inefficiently. There are too much vertical movements, jumpy-effects to my runs that creates tension and insulate my speed. I need to keep it steady and keep it lateral

c) to work on core muscles - that will help to propel myself forward, and lift my knees higher to open my strides

d) my strides still too small (so kedekut, like that...) - need to lift both feet higher to increase stride length

e) my long strides (whenever it pops out) is powerful, but aerobic level is too low. Remedy is intervals on hills, so there goes Bukit Antarabangsa

f) pumping arms is subjective

g) I run looking down, counting pebbles. Head to look straight, body not haunch to allow better respiratory regulation

i) I lack self believe (huh?)

He also ask me to watch how the pros open their strides, and watch Jean Pierre and the rest of the Kenyan leap. Sure - I'll lose another 20kg.

That is a long list. I have not been running systematically since a very long time. Ian taught me HIITs, hills, etc, but the last of them and the Cooper Test felt so ancient. I am however, not an athlete, so the question comes to how far would I be willing to explore this. My biggest objective is still to manage my weight.

OK, that's a lie. I do not want to worry about my weight when I turn 60, and unconsciously drag myself out of bed to run, so I could manage my weight.

Regardless, this is my homework for SCKLM 2012.

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2011

2011-07-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

It is a week since the daunting SCKLM 2011. The blisters are dying up, and I pulled the entire big left toenail last night. As of now, 3 of them toes are nail-less. The soreness were all long gone, but I am limping from the torturous traditional massage I got from Hj. Ismail of Dato' Keramat. He literally caused me multiple cramps during the massage itself as I was howling. Cruel old man...

SCKLM 2011 - the hardest I have worked for a medal. Period.

With the chain of events scattered along the training weeks leading towards the race, I knew I was not ready. I let the fear eat me up, as I casually slipped into my other priorities. The approach was not optimal, and deep inside, I knew that. But the stakes were high, I wanted a PR.

Progress is natural. We all want progress. I looked at the uncles and aunties zooming past me every week and cursing myself.

I was cursing myself because, I was merely humbled by them apart from the expensive shoes I put on, and the ridiculous dailymile entries to boast my runs for the week. No, wait... humbled was an overstatement... I am ashamed of myself.

So when the morning of the dreadful day, I had thunders in my heart. Half of me didn't want to be there, another half was not sure why I was there in the first place. And standing in the holding area, 15 minutes before gun-off, alone - was daunting. I felt like I was back to SCKLM 2009. No watch, no pacenotes. So when the gun went off, I just put my music, and ran. Lupe Fiasco was grinding me in the right tune, and I was caught in the moment. I only saw Azmar briefly before he went on to chase the first 4:00 balloon. I think I saw Azhar fleeting by before Brickfields.

The run felt really good and I maintained a hard pace. The route was familiar, and I ran through all water stations. I simply did not want to lose the pace. Somewhere after the 14km marker, Richard Tang said hello, and I straddled behind him. The pace was great, and I felt great. The initial fear was gone, and I felt good drafting him. The pace was not fleeting, and manageable. But after the 18th km, the left quad sent a huge protest. I was sidelined, and watching the green balloon disappeared in seconds. Damn!

The next few kms were shuffling and stopping to stretch as I was afraid the yellow balloon will come soon. I was hell - the quads sent strikes after another within minutes, and I would have dribbled the foam from the Nuuns I was sucking, but it was too late. I did not hydrate properly, and it was payback.

The yellow balloon passed me at the 24th, and I was shattered. I was back in town, and the RM20 would be enough to get a cab back to Dataran. I was seriously considering that option, as it was not at all enjoyable. My mental health was crippling. And coming into Jalan Ipoh did not help, when I was forced to walk more than I'd like to run. When I felt better, I would run, whenever the cramp came back, I'd stop, stretch and walk.

When you are only halfway done, it is not pretty. Sure, a cab would be an easy solution, but I told myself this would not be the day. Not today, not now.

I finally arrived at Kak June's waterhole - I felt like crying! Carol and Lawrence arrived at the same time, and we spent some time to drink and take a breather. Tried to gulp on a bread to no avail. And Nik was very kind to give me the push through Tijani. This familiar course was the toughest that day. I kept on stopping and walking - and embarrassing enough to be doing that with my sparring partner. We blitzed the route many weeks ago. Along this stretch we saw Henry having a field day on his lazy chair, and Yip cycling around (thanks for the Snickers!) offering help.

The sweet meandering descent down Bukit Tunku hills were punishing, but I did get some wind there. But as soon as the 5:00 balloon coasted by, I picked up pace. No! Not above 5!

After the Bank Negara, the adrenalin started to kick in, and I ignored the tightness in the left quads, and the right ankles, and charged Jalan Raja Laut towards Sogo, sometimes reduced to walks. I made sure I was running in front of the pink balloon, and crossed the line at 4:50. A huge relief! After getting the medal, I was not in the mood to hang around. I was spent! I had huge blisters on both feet, and already I was crabbing to the car. Besides, a 2 hour drive to Kuantan awaits.

So yeah - it sucks when you do not progress. And it sucks to know it all boils down to the amount of trainings I had put up with. And I think I am entitled to kick myself in the butts one in a while.

But it is done and over with. I think my mistakes are;

a) Running too fast too early

b) Not hydrating enough in the first 10k

c) Not listening to the body - if I was unfit, I should not have run at all

d) No breakfast that morning - ooops!

e) No enough sleep the days before - major!

f) Nuun tablets/ORS a little too late

g) I showered at water stations. Must remember NOT to shower as the cold water slides down, steams off the warm feet, and causing the shoes to wet - big mistake!

h) Not enough training

i) doubting myself - mental disfunction

j) Bad running form to

What I'll keep for the next marathon;

a) this collection of music, and Sony Walkman was awesome!

Yeah - the hardest one yet. I'll remember this as the defeat, and we'll see how I could unlearn my mistakes this year.

But I am glad it is over - I could go back to short runs and trails, and eating normally again. Seriously, I cannot comprehend how others could train and run Ultra, but my hats off to them! For now, I'd be happy with my swims and halfs.

Just Next Week!

2011-06-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's the most (gastronomically) tiring week of all - the carboloading week. Lo and behold - it's the Marathon Week already. The order of this week will be to eat, and sleep more, and keep the legs fresh.

What I have learnt last year, apart from resting and eating more, was to drink lots of water and spread the ORS generously in the last 3 days. This year, I'll stretch that to the whole week, in tandem with the food fest. And with my current sleep pattern ranges from 2-hours (yeah, I know!) to 6-hours/days, it could be quite a challenge.

I will just eat what I normally eat for all meals, in bigger portions. I have given hope (for this year's SCKLM) to read, plan and preach proper hydrations and diet - of what should have beens, etc. With the current situations, I'd stay safe in the familiar territory. I'd pack on near-expiring free gels from TNF last year, ORSes, Sloan deep heat, some gatorades, some Mars bars, some money, and my music. I need to sort the music though...

I had some decent runs this weekend - the first being with the Xtramilers where I ran along Alex and the pacers (Izuan, Shanaz, Nana, Irwan, KA, Alvin, etc) from Kelana Jaya LRT to Pizza Hut, TTDI. We started at 4, and reached TTDI at around 7 a.m., for a total of approx. 19km. Although the stretch did not offer some good hill simulations and speed drills, but it was an awesome avenue to support a good cause, and having fun all at the same time. And I figured, I could always fall back to the 7:30 pace we had that morning when I needed to rest a little.

Thanks to Mizi, I got a ride back to KJ and drove off to FRIM. I was super late, and relieved to know Kash and Nik have started running. As much as I love going into Dream Trail with them, that was not the day. We regrouped at Rover Track, at the end of Dream Trail. We fell into each other's pace and it was awesome to be in familiar turf. Been a while since our last... er, trainings.

The plan to run Kinrara on Sunday was scrapped as I woke up to a tinge of pain on my right foot. I must have twisted my right ankle somewhere in the hype of running on Saturday. Not exactly the right time to get it, but it is what it is. The plan to visit the hills need to be revisited after the marathon, hopefully more intense and closer to home. Knowing a Father's Day lunch was inevitable, it was hard not to get the gears and run.

But hey, it's the Marathon Week - it's officially the food fest, so why not.

A week to the marathon - I tell myself I was better prepared last year. But going through las year's entry, I was as mentally wrecked as I am today, but yes - I was physically more prepared. I suppose this year I am jittery because all the familiar comrades are nowhere near within the radar, and the hype is somewhat smudged.

The remaining few days prior to the marathon, I'll continue to run and soak in the atmosphere at KLCC parking where the surge of runners seen positively, and go get a haircut.

This year, I'll be running for the struggling overweight guys who dares to get up and exercise for their health (jangan lah cakap chewah...).

2011-06-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Oh-my-freaking-God! Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2011 is just 11 days away!

I was browsing their website just now and the clock is ticking like a death sentence. 11-freaking days. I kid you not - I am scared. The last time I ran the distance was year, so there it is. I do not know how my friends could do a FM every other weekend nowadays like squeezing Febreeze into the air - I cannot even begin to fathom how gigantic a scale this is.

I know some people are thinking I am kidding myself, that I am ready for this etc etc etc. To be frankly honest - I am not sure. My heart is not entirely saying yes, and my feet are still pretty much in the box in the store. When the day comes, I will have chills and the whole animal kingdom drumming in me. I forgot that running a marathon is not an easy feat.

I need to finish compiling my playlist this weekend!

I need to finalise my pace note. One plan is to run with Izuan, so we'd push each other, but we'll see.

I need to visualize the routes again, and psyche myself that the Jalan Ipon and Jalan Kuching stretch is not that bad.

I need to get my hydration and meal acts together, and start stuffing them.

I need to think of the reward for me post race - most probably some long sleep and lounging around doing nothing.

And this year I will be missing some fellow comrades. Surely not as fun.

Outrunning Fear

2011-06-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ooops, sorry if you are expecting something else. I am still fighting a demon in me.

"A lot of confidence is built by overcoming fears," - Peter Gilmore (infiniterunning. com).

"These sessions show that you're physically capable, so mentally you become more self-assured on race day."

THE FEAR: NOT FINISHING

New distances can intimidate runners. To move beyond the fear of the unknown, focus on volume with long runs that extend beyond race distance (except for marathoners). "Physically, it's essential," says Gilmore, "and mentally, you see that you can accomplish it."

THE WORKOUT: LONG RUNS
Complete three long runs that are one to two miles longer than your goal race distance (22 miles for the marathon). One run proves you can do it; three seals the deal. Slow the pace so you end strong—another confidence-booster, says Gilmore.

*tarik nafas*...

2011-06-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

Waking up to run the trails at FRIM felt more effortless, as compared to braving the sub-6 a.m. traffic to Bukit Aman, that I know. With Standard Chartered KL Marathon seemed like a gaping crocodile downstream, I can't help to think how handicapped I am, as compared to where I was in the same spot last year.

The question is what happened?

I had planned a long 30 on Saturday, but thanks to a Japan-bound colleague and high sugar, I woke up just before 7, and FRIM seemed like a viable option. It was however a stressed run, having to endure the sleepy and deserted trails. No fleeting laughters, or chasing up smokes and catching up on races whatsoever from running buddies, either nursing injuries, or hard at training elsewhere.

But it is always nice to conquer the Steroid Hill, and the hurried rush running down it, although every step was not without constant reassurance to keep me going. Had it be for my heart, I might have stopped at the Tea House.

Come Sunday, I was ignorant enough to attempt a 30, from Bukit Aman to Kiara and back. The moment I stepped out of the carpark, everything in and on me started their loudest protests. I thought I would need to make a U-turn as close as from JKR buildings had it not because of the thought of a wedding coming up that afternoon. Most psyching myself did not work that morning. But in between talking myself through, I arrived at Tijani, and the final push into Jalan Duta. I stopped, and turned back. I cannot run all the way if I am not enjoying it. The hell with it!

It was when I was climbing Double Hills when I realised that I have been sleep deprived for weeks! My pace was everywhere, the chocolate bar and vanilla cream for breakfast felt heavy in me. Suddenly I cursed on 2 bottles of gatorade in my back - such unnecessary weight for nothing if I do not even reach Hartamas. What was a seamless solo run towards Petronas becomes so alien to me.

So that's it! I just need to get more snooze time (which is quite impossible with my current workload) and I'll be OK.

*standing up* I am a runaholic, and I am fighting my running blues...

When people asked, I'd say that it's off-season.

I just need to get back in the groove. I think it is time to return to small 10k road races, provided their fees are not costing my limbs. The immediate one shall be Siemens Run.

Oh, by the way, anyone looking for a (possible) TNF100 partner?

Click!

2011-05-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone should press the button 'Refresh' once in a while. Been quite a stretch since I pressed mine. I suppose when I actually said that work takes priority, and my runs shall supplement my work - I hardly understand then what I was talking about. I did not fully understand the demands it entails, and how was I going to react to them.

Many things zoomed past in the last few months. Dailymile has taken a role of what this blog used to do. What it is as a place to log in trainings and my feelings at the time of training has become a place of sheer mockery at times, as many feel-good comments are made simply out of obligations.

Although it is still exciting to chart progress, it also serves as a grim reminder of how much I was lacking.

Lacking - another word to define you are not self-worthy. Nowhere near good enough. And when we say we train, we want to be great! For some reason, at this moment I felt that it is a wrong concept. Great for what?

Reality check - this is the Marathon month! Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2011 is finally lurking behind the next corner, and there is nothing I could do, except if I were to choose to DNS. My trainings have been inconsistent, and crappy at most. Many weeks when I was supposed to peak, I chickened out and bury my face deep in Building By-Laws, National Land Code etc. With my last full marathon actually was SCKLM 2010, I am freaking. A PB?

Not a chance!

Through series of interviews that I have had in the past weeks, I advocated about my passion for running, and the healthy lifestyle. But what I have expressed seemed to be a one side of the coin, where the other darker side gives me a sadist addiction that sucks me dry all the time. If you are in same shoes, you'll understand what kind of addiction I am talking about.

But talking to medium of why did I first started running in the first place, and in reflection of where I am at the moment gives me a massive blow. A big reality check.

BIG!

I have steered off course from a point when I started this. While I am thankful that people draw inspiration from me, but I need to dig deep to draw inspirations myself. And that should start with me.

The deck chair is Godsent! Super easy on my back pain! And with the cool breeze, lounging at the balcony was almost therapeutic!

I returned to the office after a 3-weeks study break, and that ended my fling with food. Honestly, the days I spent getting all bored reading legislations, Acts and Code of Conducts, I minimised my physical activities on a pretext to stay out of trouble. No rain-running, no over-swimming, no over-distanced, etc. Flu bug is the last thing I'd want to catch which may halt me to a grinding headache and bedridden days with running nose and no books. And at the same time was a constant flow of placebos. I made myself to believe that I need caffeine and junk food to stay awake etc, and such false allegations I forced onto myself I shall never repeat.

Everything goes through a phase. Towards the end of it all, I had massive headaches for a week, which I called as acid lactic build-up in my head. And the enormous feeling of restraint, not being able to find time to run and swim - disappointing.

I am thankful all the things I have learnt over the years have (so far) kept me within the safe side of the ledge, but I suppose if I am not careful, I'd tip over and slip.

*touch wood*

Anyway, it is good to read all friends are doing exceptionally well, running around the globe and enjoying themselves. This Tuesday morning, I raise my mug of hot teh 'O' kurang manis to you guys.

Bukit Jalil Aquatics does not have pool tiles...

2011-03-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

So what goes through your mind when doing long swims?

For my solo long runs, I have many issues sorted out, and plans planned. Better when running without music, running through the still of the morning while figuring how to butter my wife to cook me pasta after pasta, without sounding like a broken record comes almost naturally to me.

So, solo swims?

My mind was half filled up with keeping scores of laps after laps. That was a whopping 80 laps, I had to break up my counts every 100metre. The other half was enjoying the warm section of the pool where the sun peeked inside the tensile-covered pool area. It was really warm outside, and the piercing sun on lane 4 - lane 8 alongside the other solo swimmers doing laps. Suddenly the stiff neck from the long drive from J.B. was lifted. I was buoyant in the chlorine-filled pool.

It is amazing to me to be in the pool and rotor-ing my arms for 1 hour plus. I am sure any athletes out there would say that it was nothing, but this was an achievement in itself. I remembered how jubilant I was doing my first non-stop 2000m in mid 2010 - that was freaking awesome!

And to break that with a night swimming of 3000m 2 weeks ago, and now - feels like I am doing a P.O.S. for Kapas-Marang Swimathon! Coming out of the pool feeling fresh is, well, refreshing.

Ooops, wait..... wait, WAIT, I said...

No, I do not intend to swim solo in the open South China Sea for 6.5k.

So, OK, I should detest for my self-proclaimed status as swimming-pool-spinster. Ah, what the heck...

I have yet to master how to think and sort myself out in the pool, not without missing the counting of laps, similarly if I were to swim in the open sea, I'd be more preoccupied to freaking out if something happened to me, than be totally calm and swim free.

The journey is still far.

But I wonder what people do beyond a certain swim distance? Say, once we exceed 6000m, do we do a 10k swim on Saturday mornings, still? Seems that swimming is not directly comprehensible as runs and rides, where mileage is key, to go further, to go faster. Swim just asks for the endurance sans the distance.

Nice?

Base Mileage, SCKLM T-13

2011-03-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

In honour of Shanaz's upcoming Paris Marathon, and Daniel's first FM at Energizer, both events coming real fast in next few weeks, I joined forces to fulfill the demanding mileages, and used the opportunities to kick myself in my butts off my workstation, and easy mornings. Truth be said, the first 2 weeks from Men Health's 16-weeks marathon training are a complete waste. The rate of my stress levels escalates higher than the required mileages off of me, and I do not see a light yet, at least not until June. Come June 2011, I'd wear whatever excuses I could use that morning at Dataran Merdeka.

The first weekend, Saturday 19/03/11, we hit FRIM trails at 6.30 a.m. - the menu was 4 loops on the tarmac as it was too dark to venture into Dream Trail mostly. There was Shanaz, Daniel, Izuan, Ian, Azuria, Faris and myself - attempting at the big 30k. Been awhile since that figure cropped up.

But looking at the start time, and our cautious pace that morning, I doubt I'd be able to go the distance. Everybody was saving their knees for the demanding trails and significant Steroid Hill Part 2 that awaits in the second leg of the run, and I have a reunion to go to that afternoon. Whatever it is, the buffet spread has to be justified, and I stayed with the aerobic level of consistency, hopefully to burn the excess fat to make way for the new fat coming my way. *Sigh*

We completed our 4 loops tarmac run in almost 2 hours (14+k), and a quick rest with 100+ and few bananas later, we hit the Dream Trail mercilessly. Immediately we were divided into 2 groups, with me, Shanaz, Izuan and Daniel plugging away, and Ian with Azuria and Faris at the back. But there was no stopping in the trails, as the leeches were all jumpy from the rain the night before. But I got my first fall here that morning, from the squattered fallen branches, and suffered little cuts as a sign of such bravado (heh :D).

We came to Rover Track, and went on towards Steroid Hill. I made a turn here, as the guys preceded up the helipad. Coming down solo on a deserted trail was comforting and scary at the same time. I imagined that I will have to do lots of solo trail runs soon as Kinabalu approaches.

Total run about 26k +. Very good outing!

Part 2

We took Iris and Aiden to I-City in the evening, and checked-in in Shah Alam. After a long night, and blissful sleep, I sneaked out in the morning to re-visit part of Adidas King of the Road's route. The last time I ran here was 2009 in KOTR from Shah Alam Stadium.

This time, starting from Shell near Plaza Masalam, I took towards the Bukit Cerakah exit, into Seksyen 7, into a local lakeside jogging area, and went back along UiTM, and ended up doing bigger loop of the Taman Tasik Shah Alam, up the mosque, MAIS building, and back.

Total mileage is roughly 16k was all I could muster. Long overdue family breakfast awaits, and fool-yourself swim session with Iris is a must!

The second weekend, Saturday 26/03/11, Shanaz was courteous enough to 'lambung' us to do Newton @ Kinrara. The route so nice and demanding - how could you resist? This time were Shanaz, Daniel, Irwan and myself, and we started almost after 6.30 a.m. after waiting for all comrades to arrive safely etc.

The Newton was a straighforward run, but I have to warn you guys when running with Daniel - he is a speed demon (hahahahahaha!). When I remembered correctly of the torturous run months before, i was mindful not to over-exert myself, and stayed within the aerobic zone. After all, the after effect from the long 4000m swim the day before was working up my right calf, so I had extra cash just in case I need to hail a cab back home. The option to bail out from Newton was not possible, as the guys do not know the route at all. Crap! This is the sort of motivation I needed to get going...

As the run started, it was like a harmonious outing. We stayed together, except when Irwan chose to stay back. We headed towards T1 at the 8th km, and pitstop at Esso at the 12th km, and into Lestari Perdana for T2, and back to pitstop at Esso at the 21th km, and headed back.

Overall, the Newton route seemed shorter, and more manageable now, Alhamdulillah. I have always loved this route, and that day we were spared from the Mat Rempits and stray dogs. If it weren't for the long drive to Bukit Jalil, I would not mind trading this off with Bukit Aman, but not sans the crowd.

Had we started to run earlier, it would totally doable to run early, as it is well lit, and traffic was light, and the road was broad. And if running shorter distances, a brick would be possible, with the Bukit Jalil Aquatics located so near to the site.

Soon, very soon...

No Pain No Gain?

2011-03-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's 15-weeks into KL Marathon.

If one thing I would want when getting on a marathon plan is to be injury-free. The closest I came to it was training for TNF100 last year - the mileage demands were super intense it created a whole whirpool of curiousity spanning all the way to San Francisco. Some time we runners can be a tad jealous, aren't we?

According to Ultrarunner Neal Gorman, some of his ways to steer clear off injuries are;

1) Listen and feel our body when going through trainings as opposed to all the HRM and other gadgets. We know our bodies.

2) Physical Therapy and Strength exercises to keep the old injuries off. Stretch and stretch. Overused muscle or tendon's natural defense is to tighten, causing inflammation and pain.

3) Core exercises! Dips, caf raises, one-legged squats, sit-ups, bridges, leg raise bridges, push-ups, chin ups

4) Yoga - sorry, but will skip this one.

5) Sports Massage will kick in as the mileage climbs, once a month. I will progress my (blind) massage from Week 12 onwards.

6) Exercise common sense. If we have a certain injury, other body parts usually over-compensate, and as a result further injuries. Rest is also part of training.

7) Do not rush recovery, it will make things worse. Active recovery works best for me, instead of putting my feet up the whole day.

8) Warm up always before the run, not stretching the cold muscle. Run/jog for 10 minutes, although usually it was super hard when you cangkuk friends already sprinting half way. But warming up is good to gauge how do you feel that day.

9) Cool down with quick stretch post-run focusing on the big three - quads, hamstrings, calves. Also focus on hips as they connect legs to upper body and make everything possible, considering the amount of swaying we do when running.

He ended his article with this,

'You feel equally as good taking care of your body doing this stuff. It might not be as fun as a trail run, but it's definitely worth it."

LOL!

Find My Own

2011-03-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

When all fails, always resort to your first love.

I have seen some marked improvement in my swims. Going the distance, and maintaining my speed are on the menu these days, but the week was marred by few ad-hoc meetings and farewell lunches, and sent my swims scattered like the many hues of blue tiles in the pool - oblivion. I managed a swim at Bukit Jalil Aquatics, but other days were concentrating to make sure next month's paycheck is in the positive side. But other than that, it really is a matter to break the 3k mark.

I am getting a hot-and-cold relationship with cycling now. I guess the biggest obstacle for me is to find my around to cycle on my own, like running and swimming. Until that day comes, RPM classes are as good as it gets to sweating it out. And I wonder why with cycling, I do not feel I was burning enough calories for the day. If any of you are in my shoes - that is a red flag!

So Saturday came, and I was adamant a LSD is a must, and I must reach Hartamas this time, on my terms. The hell with the Bukit Tunku's one dark stretch, I'd say. If I got scared, I'd run faster that course...

And that Saturday (05/02/11), I arrived at the empty carpark, and started running. It was horrible - my legs started screaming the moment I headed out... seriously. My head was enjoying the still air, but my legs were having a mind of its own. The battle intensified at KTM Bank Negara's climb, but regardless lost the war. It gradually disappeared in the ascends of Bukit Tunku, and I was finally able to enjoy the run completely.

The thing about Saturday LSD at Bukit Aman is, you really have to start beyond 7a.m. in large packs, or you'll be alone if started earlier. Either you run in packs, or brave the route yourself. Given the circumstances, I was out of my comfort zone that morning, but the thought of Nasi Kerabu waiting at home for lunch was heart-wrenching! Solo hunter I was that morning... so I eat alone.

Bukit Tunku was great. I was spared any drama, even the stray dog that came close to my knees did nothing, and went away. As I approached Jalan Duta, the train headed by Jamie, Jeff, Daniel etc zoomed back from Hartamas, with Frank slightly behind. These guys started at 5a.m., and thanks to my late night, my initial plan to join them that fine morning was bashed.

The subsequent visual experience beyond that was always pleasured by the thoughts of how many Malaysians afford themselves nice homes in Duta Tropika etc, just to kill my thoughts of pounding the road. And as I reached the Petronas, Doris just started to make her way back. I just had a very quick toilet break, and started to run back. And the journey back was a little more colourful with may packs of runners headed to Jalan Duta and back.

I love it when running on road, I do not have to be too conscious about everything. I could think about a lot of things, sorting myself out, sorting my to-do list for the next week, cooking a recipe for lunch, or simply lose myself in a Mat Jenin world. Different kind as opposed to keep counting the 40th lap, 41st lap, 42nd lap etc, or having to worry about the front peloton, and how to shift the gears.

And I have not been sorting myself out lately, no wonder I'm such a mess!

So, after a successful LSD on Saturday, I plotted another LSD in Bukit Aman on Sunday, and knowing all too well that I'd discount myself on Sunday - I have called the help of the expert. And alhamdulillah, Nik answered and agreed to run. When he agreed, I thought I was in for some speed training, no less.

But the final guest left late from the unplanned birthday makan-makan for Aiden on Saturday, and thanks to encore of the American Idol, I hit the sack very late, and accidentally hit the silent mode on my phone. The time Nik was waiting, I was super late when I arrived at 6.30a.m., and the carpark was superfull from runners for AdiNation Breakfast Run.

No time for lambong etc, we immediately started running. I could sense Nik's pace was everywhere, and breathing uncontrolled, so we took the pace easy. The newly polished dad needs a lot of rest these days... so we ran easy - pace still intensified, but nowhere near slow as we were just above our conversational pace.

We headed to Jalan Duta, and when we reached Duta Tropika, he was kind enough to offer a discount into Solaris Mont Kiara instead, as the time showed close to 8a.m. - I need to send Iris for her swim class, but Nik refused to run to Hartamas alone. To make up for the distance, we attacked Double Hills instead. Still in steady pace, we caught up with many stories. The last time we ran together was weeks ago, and when we run almost everyday, many happened in betweens.

As we came down towards Lengkok Girdle, we ran into Shaharuddin's school of runners, and I saw pieces of me in them when Ian forced me into my first kilometre, which felt like ages ago (ok, ok... Ian did not force me...).

We upped the pace a little, and arrived at the carpark satisfied. That is what I could rely on when running with Nik - a pure sportsman. Thanks to him, my discounts were not because we wanted to, and the workout was super good. And I felt good feeling my feet throbbing again. It is amazing when you finish running, you feel like going on for more. First love?

Cerita Basi 4/4

2011-03-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Date : 27 February 2011

Agenda : Ride Bukit Jelutong - GCE - Batu Arang - Dragonback - Cahaya SPK - Bukit Jelutong

Another Sunday, another ride. When Ziff told us of the 97+ km, I paused. Yes, I have to pause. Not everyday you would get to go the distance once covered in your car. Heck, the last time I rode my trusted Suzuki between JB and KL was 11 years ago.

Arrived at the RV quite early, and we were in for an easy morning as one by one of use arrives. I hardly know Azahari, Bahri, Darren etc so our jokes did not fly through, but that needs a lot of work. Finally, our rose drove in, nad Kak Tipah rolled out Amira ready for action. After a quick set-up, we were off. The route took us into GCE, and plying the route are so many riders in so many groups. Well aware of the distance, I paced myself easy, but making sure I won't get left behind. This is a new territory, and I do not know how to get back on my own.

From GCE, we came into Sungai Buloh area, into Kuang, into some industrial areas, into some 'trails'. Habis tayar bertempek-tempek kena tahi lembu. As I primarily on a lookout for the front peloton, I lost track of the places we were at. But we stopped for a pitstop somewhere in Pekan Batu Arang. This time I had what I used all the time - few bars of Mars, and some drinks. No thanks the nasi lemak etc. WHat I later found out, I should have OD-ed on the ORS too.

Petronas as the main sponsor

We moved out, and after some serious downhills which saw me zooming in at 61kph tops, sans the lorries etc, into some short clearings, and the Dragonback looms. It started easy, into medium, and into high intensity. I cranked standing a couple of times, but in the end managed the top of Dragonback, halfway through, just fine.

What a bloody relief!

Master Jedi and Ubi Wan

Belakang Naga conquered

After some compulsory camwhoring, we attacked the remaining hills. But I remember the most what we termed the 'Brokeback Mountain' approaching Cahaya SPK. I was on the onset of a severe right quad cramp, building up everytime I pulled my saddle up. The initial thought of resting at the top of that climb vanished when I was floored right in between the climb. Thanks Ziff for staying with me in otherwise would be a damn lonely and hot stretch.After some rest and hydration, we climbed again, and tackled all the hills which feels like eternity. By now, the faster riders would have enjoyed the comfort of the air-conditioning in their cars.

After the torturous and dreadful climbs, we reached GCE again, and into Bukit Jelutong we went, and back into our RV point. My feet are swollen from the thick socks I had. But in the end, I was happy to see the 7-11, although at that point my odometer only showed 82+ km. Dem!

It felt so good to have made it back. To be able to be off the saddles, and lay flat on the ground, no fumes, under the shades and occasional breeze from Domino's Pizza. 3 big rides done, and by the following week, I'd get back to my normal calls for Saturdays. For some reason, the rides are still not warming up to me. I start to doubt that riding is even for me, but I'd have to give this few more tries.

Cerita Basi 3/4

2011-03-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

When you have full fun activities EVERY week, most times on both Saturdays and Sunday, it is amazing how dated and ancient it could sound like. I felt like our fun days are similar to car sales in KL. Any given car plate number will be 'old' after 2 weeks, and you are out of the race :D.

Writing this out is more for memory tracking of one of the days I took Batman out for a spin lesson with the Otais. The menu for the Sunday (20/02/11), thanks to the absence of Iris' swim class for the month, was to ride from IIS to Janda Baik en route Genting Sempah. I have done Genting Sempah before, where I suffered massive backpain on the way back, so this will be a testament if I have it in me to tackle the endless climbs.

The guys waited at McD Taman Melati as I hurried Batman into the car, and left to the RV point at IIS. Next time I'd take the Wira and slap the seat down, lah... lagi senang. After the morning ritual of catching ups and etceteras, we hit the road, and the morning wind swept our way easy, passing the hospital inside where tonnes of riders gearing up. It was like passing a grandstand or somesort, where riders check each others' bikes and gears. For some reason, this justifies and OK-ed on guys checking on each other, and when all of us were in our tights, I would reserve my views to the greens instead.

Having said that, the climbs were awesome. I got a good grip on gear shiftings, but still too scared to reach out for my bottle, and ended up almost dehydrated, but thanks to many small stops, I managed few sips. And thanks to Ziff's gotong-royong the day before, I have someone to pace with. Other riders are just too strong!

In between the many stops we had, I'd heave a sigh of relief as the climbs are taxing. The severely low riding experience on my part with what gear to use, when and which, plus the extra weight I have been carrying the past months were quite overwhelming. The guys in the front peloton zoomed away in a breath, and you could see them riding effortlessly. And it between the dripping sweat off my chin, what I could think off was how nice it would be to run this course. Unbelievable!

At Genting Sempah, we regrouped and headed on to Janda Baik for breakfast. I was growling, and hence did not show any sign of protest. Coming down towards Janda Baik was rolling downhills, and putting a big crank was delicious. But it caught me unsuspectedly, as coming uphill at the main junction, I was still with the big crank, and as I fiddle my way on how to drop it, I was already stationary in the middle of the hill. Thanks to Saifol, I recollected my shattered ego and we slowly made our way to the pitstop.

We had a relaxing breakfast, when my proposal for chocolate bars for fuel was rejected by Kak Tipah, and insisted that I eat more calories. I have never been a big eater in between and right after my races, so the maggi chowdown did not gel well, let alone the telur goyang. But immediately after the pitstop, we hurried down with one single objective - to ride up McDonald's hill.

After a quick regroup to tarik nafas, we tackled the McDonald's hill, with me zigzagging away, and stand whenever it was too strenuous, but in the end - success! Memang muhasabah diri...

And from then on are multiple downhills. I made a novice mistake in putting a small crank, and only saw the guys blasting off in corners, and disappeared in the greens. When Kak Tipah came from behind to point the mistake, massive cramp on my left quads sidelined me by the roadside. We stood there, stretching, for a good 15 minutes before headed down again. Lest to say, when we arrived back at IIS, the guys were all ready to roll back to their weekend duties.

All in all, it was an enjoyable ride - all 80+ km of them. Not easy, but doable. It is just something I could not muster doing alone for the time being, so until then, I thank friends who allowed be to tag along.

Cerita Basi 2/4

2011-03-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

Date : 26 February 2011

Agenda : LSD, Bukit Aman

It was quite awhile since my last LSD to Hartamas, after series of holidays and etc. These days, my wife would tease me if I purposely miss my runs.

It felt like forever, that talking myself up the bed, into the car etc felt like forever. After these years, picking my running gears are no longer a big deal as everything gets packed before bedtime. But driving to Bukit Aman needs a lot of convincing. Why? Why do I need to drive all the way?

Regardless, there I was at the deserted carpark. Saturdays are never crowded anyway, and breaking away from the carpark is never easy when all you have are a pair of shoes and the zooming cars. As I moved towards Bukit Tunku, I felt myself hesitating going into the dark alone, I either slowed down to wait, or mostly sped on to catch groups in front of me. I caught up with Jamie and Frank moving back from Hartamas, and struggled past Tijani.

Today, I managed Solaris again. As I stood at the Duta Tropika junction, looking towards the Hartamas route, I felt like the route has abandoned me. I felt unwanted. There are so many time I would throw myself into that route, sort of sucked into it. That day, the vacuum was not turned on.

Made my way back at a break of a dawn. The sight of red skies and fresh air brought me back to the love for the runs. In running terms, I have sinned - I have neglected my runs terribly, into swims and some rides. I misses my runs. That morning reminded me of the joy runs once were.

I went home with a promise. A promise to run more. Not for the races though, not to lose more weight, but for the love of it. It was simple then, it should be now.

Found this pic in the archive, when one of our fewer group LSDs, when we started to get to know each other (l-r : Nik, myself, Kash, Ian, Fadil, Rashid)

Cerita Basi 1/4

2011-03-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

Date : 29 February 2011

Agenda : Latihan Bata - LSD, Bukit Aman and swimathon-geli-geli, Bukit Jalil Aquatics

Running was not eventful, a simple start from Bukit Aman into Solaris in loops, and back. I started late, and cangkuk-ed Malcalm and Calvin, catching up on our runs. I first met Malcalm when we started AdiNation KLCC together, and we went on many runs together. He was one of the 6:00hr pacer in SCKLM last year, and this year running as the 5:30hr pacer. We are the losing-weight-runner-buddies.

A lot has happened in between, which makes our plods towards Jalan Duta effortless. But that also means I succumbed to his pace, and slowed down considerably. A quick time check at Jalan Duta - I will not make it to Petronas, and went on my way around Solaris and Dutamas a couple times, and headed back. Met Cik Tipah and her proteges doing chorus rehearsals for Hari Pahlawan, with air milo ais ikat tepi, I might add. My reward of cool Milo at Gerai Abang Rahman awaits! and with few karipaps tapau-ed, I headed to Bukit Jalil with 30 minutes to spare.

Arrived Bukit Jalil Aquatics in time with Nik, and Ian came by from his run. We were soon joined by Saiful , and all of us eagerly waiting for King Mambo to make his first appearance at the pool. As the sun breaks free, and the clouds soared high in the warm air, the glimpse of the black Livina peeked through the greens, and here he was, gleaming!

It was early, and we had a lane to ourselves. Considering the nature of 'basi' this story is, the rest of the adventures are best illustrated here. It is amazing swimming with seasoned swimmers - there are lots of things I could learn everyday.

A week post Singapore. I am feeling the swims.

2011-03-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Aiden turns 1 last Saturday. How on earth did she managed our one year behind baffles me.

At 1, she walks/runs, enjoys outdoors or any drives around (she's restless being at home), has 4 big teeth, imitates you well, and whenever no strangers around - talks too much and loud.

tapi macam biasa, orang lain excited nak makan the cake :D

aktiviti favourite - korek hidung orang lain :D

Happy Birthday, beautiful!

Certified Amphibian

2011-02-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

That's what it says on the medal.

I went to Singapore with a heavy heart - especially knowing how dreadful East Coast Park actually is, and being only my second time swimming open water. But, as always, the trip was paid, and I have traveled all the way and braved Geylang at midnight - I might as well complete this.

This time I stayed at The Betelbox Hostel - an easy B&B, apparently highly regarded, located at 200, Joo Chiat Road. Smack right in the middle of the 'war zone', I snatched the last bed for the night. SGD20/night, I got meself a bed, bedside lamp, sheets and a pillow, clean toilets and a hearty breakfast of toasted white bread with generous spread of Nutella, and white coffee to help with the digestion. I spent the night waking up every few hours, checking the time etc, but still very quietly, not waking up other 7 roommates. As I sat by the bench alone for an early breakfast, I was freaking!

With such heavy breakfast, my initial excuse to DNS was immediately void, and I tried to not to think about it, as I walked to Paya Lebar station, MRT-ed to Bedok, and I was whisked to the race site. One of the thing I love about Singapore races are, they have dedicated volunteers in dedicated tees waiting at all corners at bus stops, MRTs etc, to ensure we were escorted to the right directions. And, running and swimming gears in MRT at 6 a.m. is not frowned upon, you immediately felt one-of-the-gang. Very der cool, wan...

with bikers, joggers and runners at ECP, but still orderly

When I reached F2 Carpark, straight to registration tent where Ian and Rais were waiting. Number collection was smooth, and since my wave will not start in another hour, I headed to the beach to 'ambik berkat'. At the same time, Wave 1 was about to start, so we all hurried to the shore to see Kash and other 'red cappers' chopping the water. Despite a close eye, we all missed Kash as she sped off from the start.

mana Kash?

Sapa la agaknya yang depan sekali tu?

tengah plan nak sewa kayak for Kapas Marang 2011

Ian - kena buat Corporate Athlete's tri-suit daa...

That done, I queued for the body marking. Despite the long queue, it was very fast. And on top of that, they have a Priority Lane for access by the next outgoing Wave. Cool, huh? I wish they have that lane when I queued for lunch at boarding school - a dedicated SmartTag lane...

I hope I could get Ian's pic of me being stamped like a piece of meat, my second body mark. I felt like a big boy :D - getting a stamp of brotherhood woohoo!

Dropped the bag, and re-joined Rais and Ian at the shore, and entered transition place to gather my stuff. Another first - I found myself in the middle of people with a box spot of about 1'x1' where I could arrange my running shoes, bib, drink, towel etc. After arranging all those, plus my knee guard, I went off, but kept looking back to record in my mind of the landmarks, had I might panic and bedazzled coming from the shore later.

Everything was sorted out, in the midst of Wave 4 getting ready to be released. As they entered the sea, Ian and I headed to the warming up pool (still in the sea) for swimmers to 'test the water'. Much like warm-up lanes at marathons etc, this one sees swimmers going up and down. The shore dips deep immediately after the water edge as I pushed myself in, but I tried not to think about it so much. Looking down, water is murky and I couldn't see a thing. Great!

I used this time to familiarise with the temperature, water condition and water treading, and shifting between freestyle and breaststroke, when I would need time to rest and sight later on.

We went up and get ourselves into the holding area - all of us the yellow cappers. O by the way, all waves are differentiated by the colour of their swim caps. And we all have the 2XU caps... neat!

Nothing much happened this time, my mind was completely void - no fear, no unease, no butterflies. We exchanged good-lucks, etc, and it was already countdown. All of a sudden, I see hundreds of flapping arms and feet.

I was in the middle pack, and as soon as I started swimming, the nightmare started. I had swimmers left and right, some swimming below me, some crawls above me. Some were courteous, most were just not caring. Why should they? This is not a pageant competition, kan? Anyway, I remembered the simulation we had last weekend, and it was nothing compared to this. If I was tailgating, I mostly found my arm slapping somebody's butts, or some swimmers doing the crossing breaststroking were gliding my, ahem, privates, or simply being kicked by more breaststroke swimmers. Halfway, I panicked when someone flicked my shorts by the waist, and I was freaking trying to say afloat and pull my pants back up again. But in all honesty, I was fine with the whole thing. It just felt like we were a group of salmons making our way back to spawn!

But yes, the first 200m to the first turnaround was not pretty. At the turnaround was another ugly place, where at a hairpin, we were making our turns in a group, but beyond that, the water was clear. A quick sighting confirmed that I was swimming some 25m off the string, and I could not see many swimmers around me. The next 700m or so was quite fun.

We turned again, now back towards the beach but not as tight as it was before. As I breath primarily to my right, the high sun at the turnaround pierced into my eyes for a few strokes, but when the turn was done, it was all good. I could see the string next to my right side.

Bad idea!

That was where other swimmers were flocking, but it didn't appear for me to steer to the left, so I figured I would just swim. On many occasions when I tried to tread water, or breaststroke - to sight, I was immediately pedaled with swimmers without mercy. So I did what I think was right, follow the swimmers, especially the ones doing their breaststrokes, and I'd be ok.

The return journey felt long. As I sight sometimes, I could see the beach on my right getting closer, but as we were swimming diagonally back to the starting line, the distance was anywhere but near. At this point, I slowed down to ensure I have enough energy to reach back, and I kept telling myself not to stop and hang by the buoy - I just needed to swim. There was a point I remembered thinking - why on earth did I trade this for a comfortable morning on my bed? Why did I even bother?

Despite all that, I was delighted when I saw a dude next to me started standing up. Finally, I am home. The vision of me DNF-ing my PD swim weeks before was completely erased. I finished my swim leg!

Yabedabedu...

Off to the transit area, but I stopped to shower. On second thought - that was completely unnecessary. Should have just gotten the footwash, and straight into transition. I put on everything, but turned back and take the shoes off etc, and put my knee guard on. The past week of minor running has caused some discomfort on my left (posterior) knee. And crap, I lost Ian!

I grabbed my Gatorade, but found impossible to drink at all. I must have swallowed so much sea water during the kicking and gliding and flying fiasco, that I was all gassy in my runs. Nothing goes in, and I stopped few times to vomit air. The first 500m of the run was good, but I slowed considerably. Even though different muscles used in the swim, my lack of experience in brick session tells my body to slow down, and enjoy the race. I just do not want to stop, and run to the end.

We headed between ECP towards the U turn, back to the lake and do our second loop back to the U turn, and head back. I could see the finish line from more than 500m away, but I did not push at all, until Sam's TNF partner came coasting from my back, that I got the wake up call, and started sprinting. I could have put on more running speed throughout, but I guess I was just lazy.

I saw Kash and Ian on the end of the road, and we were all smiles. I finished my bloody Biathlon!

Split time : swim 36:23, run 0:59:57. Total time 1:36:48, position 627. Buleh lah...

However, I can't stop thinking, or feeling inadequate of how short the race was. In my scale, it was not even enough to visit McDonalds. Pardon me, for I do not intend to sound snobbish, but I had hoped the workout to be more intense. Had I run my 10k pace, it would have been adequate, lah kot...

However, we rested, do bag collection, finisher's tee, medal etc, we headed for shower, and took a cab to Arab Street. Nasi Beriyani Ayam was on the chopping block, although it's American portion floored me completely, we had a great afternoon! Thanks very much Rais and Kash for your hospitality!

We took a cab, and Kash dropped me and Ian at Novena. The rest of the afternoon, I had a wonderful time with old office friends as we sat down over Nasi Penyet (for them) and pasembur, and later delicious ice cream, while catching up on gossips.

Mango Sorbet, Tiramisu, Sneakers Mars, Double Chocolate etc. Makan free pulak tu, lagi lah best!

Artisan Ice Cream parlour, off Novena... memang terbaek!

All that fun was cut short when I received an SMS from Tsar, and after confirmation, I rushed into Promenade, and walked to Marina Bay Sands. I have made some arrangements to meet him and go swimming at the infinity pool on the 59th floor, if access permits.

tunggu Zarin, wa datang...

tengah layan, tangan dah penat, tak control strokes dah... patut le Eric kata entry cepat sangat...

view memang layan!

hah, kan wa dah cakap... ni khas buat Ijam!

And we were there, woohoo! Never mind the crowd - it was super hot and blinding with poor visibility and slight haze, but the CBD is in perfect view. Without hesitation, I jumped in, and as other people were lounging around and taking pictures, I was not coy to swim laps hahahah. What an experience! Swimming at the rooftop of a building, I have done, but at this height it was something else. However, the experience fell short due to its commercial factor, so it was more of a scene from Hugh Hefner's photo shoot. I just spent 10 minutes swimming around and taking pictures, with Tsar waiting patiently on the deck, and it was done. Another mission accomplished. I cannot thank Tsar enough, for without him, this experience would not be possible. But he was too coy to show off his swimming prowess - mesti banyak buat secret swimming tu... :D

cool, kan?

Changed etc, and we headed out to Promenade MRT. Tsar headed to Novena, and I headed to Changi via Paya Lebar. More than enough time to check-in, shop, surf and post meal. SO there - a Singapore getaway. I had a smooth flight back, and had a great time under the sun. Didn't get enough tanline I had hoped but that can be worked out later.

So until TNF - adios Singapore. It's time to run for KL!

Brick Building

2011-01-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

Holidays!

Singapore Biathlon is 2 weekends away! I am planning to do a brick session as follows;

Date : 05 February 2011

RV Time : 8:30 a.m. at PADE, Shah Alam (knowing PADE, the queue will be long)

Swim Start Time : 9:00 a.m. (to pay entrance fee of RM3.50)

Swim Distance : 1500m max, feel free to customise

T1 : own car at carpark

Run Start Time : estimated 9:45 a.m. (very hot ooo!)

Run Distance : 5k only (PADE - Stadium Shah Alam - Water Station #1 @ Ziff's house (ni tak rasmi ye...) - Stadium - PADE)

Please bring your own goggles, swim caps, hydration etc.

Jom, jom, jom...

Deep Trouble (Port Dickson Open Water)

2011-01-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

Whatever I said about riding downhills are scary - I take that back. Nothing... NOTHING, beats what I went through this morning!

With Singapore Biathlon coming in 3 weeks, Kash and Ian were all too kind to offer to do open water swimming at PD for me to familiarise myself outside our pool, after Eric can't make it. I was seemingly nervous and dejected, and ignorant at the same time. After all, I've registered and the worst case scenario would be stuck at the line, like I was at PADE last year. Can't be bad, right?

before the everything, Bayu Beach as witness

So we gathered - myself, Kash, Ian, Nadia, Jaja, Kabus and Amir, later joined by Nazli when we were in the water. The sea was calm when we parked at Bayu Beach, and I was calm. I had a good dream the night before about the swim, but kept on having the images of saltwater crocodiles during the day. We changed, and hit the warm water. Ian and Kabus are the designated sweeper on both right and left, and Nazli in the front. The first testing drill was to swim some 50m out to the first post, turn left to second post, and head back in a triangle.

Without warning, we swam, which I realised too, without warm-ups.

Pro camni le kot...

I had a push and started swimming, and felt very buoyant in the water. Everything I see below was just murky green, nothing beyond 1 metre off my goggles, so it was ok. As I turn to breathe to my right, I saw Jaja and Ian, but I soon broke away, and found Nazli's fingernails on my hands. We made the turn, although I drafted out to the right a little, and managed to return to Nazli, and we turned at the second post, and back. I managed few sightings, and looked back to the gang behind and swam. Instead of making a triangle, I swam a rectangular pattern when I heard Kash called out, and I readjusted back to the shore. When I felt the shore with my hands, I felt relieved. Finally, I am back.

First round was a success. I have never swam out that far, but I was not feeling nervous whatsoever. Instead, it was kinda cool! The strokes were easy, not laboured, and felt 50% less than the drills we did with the coach. I thought, doing 5 sets of these today would be OK, I'd be alright.

But no, Ian pointed out 2 bungalows, seemingly 2km away from our shore, across the marina. Swim to the second post, and head out. I estimated that I'd be able to complete, not feeling eager or proud, but I supposed that's the confidence I built up swimming for awhile.

Again, without time to think, and after my coy proposal to swim by the shore to the marina was submerged in their laughter, Nazli started to swim.

I set my eyes on Ian with the buoy on my right, and was pleasantly happy to see Jaja's green cap next to me. So we swam to the second post and turned left towards the bungalows. As I breathe to the right primarily, I see blue skies whenever I turn my head up, and at that point, it was still happy thoughts. Without adding speed, I was toetouching Nazli again, and steered to his left, so I could see him when I breathe. A quick turn at the back I say bobbing heads of Kash and Ian, as I scanned Amir in his kayak. There was no sign of him.

In fact, I was happy to pace Nazli and felt completely relaxed swimming with him. At that point I know, my worst case scenario would be climbing onto his back (hahahahaahahahahahh!). Once in a while, I sighted, and we were making good progress.

Until Nazli decided to stop and wait for the rest!

My mind went completely blank as I looked back at Nazli in stationary, as the rest of the gang approached him, and I completely forgot how to stop and tread water, so I figured, I would just swim. My calculation looking at the bungalows, I am somewhere halfway, so I'd make it. So I happily swam.

Minutes went by when I looked back and couldn't see anyone, and I sighted, I saw I was swimming towards the open sea, and the bungalows are going further away on the left. The current was pushing me out, and I could feel it's energy!

I quickly swam to the left, hard flutterkicks until I see the buildings ahead aligned in front and trudged on. This happened about 5-6 times when I realised that I was actually swimming further out to the sea. That is when I started to panic. That was the time I needed to cough it out, sneeze the extra phlegm in my chest, and calculate on my survival. The rate of sea water in my mouth could have easily equals the gatorade for my LSD, and more.

What should I do? The first though that came to mind was the guys had went straight to the bungalows, having Nazli heading them, and arrived there while I was moving further away. And they would not be able to see my blue head somewhere, and I'd be lost, drowning, all alone! I was scared shit! I cannot think to stop and breaststroke for a while, and re-focus, as I was too stricken and overwhelmed with all the mind numbing thoughts. I'll tell you - the fear is indescribable. When I was at that point, I knew I was alone in the open sea!

Giving up is not an option - but I need to rest, hold on to something but this is not a lap pool... the bed of the water where I was could have been easily 10 metres deep. Again I sighted for Amir, but in my hastiness, I made a quick turn and aborted the kayak plan.

First time doing open water - catastrophic!

I would have done this!

The first sensible thing I could think of was to swim to the nearest shore. I steered left - hard, seemingly back as I roughly worked the geography and the sun on my right. OK, I was moving away from the sea. I looked up and see the shore SO FREAKING FAR! My heart stared to pump hard, and I felt some cramps building up on my right calf, possibly from the overkicks when I was panicking just now.

I tried few minutes and looked up again, and with my soft pulls, I could feel the currents are going away from the shore, and I was not making any progress.

This would be a do-or-die situation. The images of my family, and weird enough, of Nik and Azam hanging by the string on their first open water attempt was both intimidating and comforting. I was seriously freaking out. But I put more energy to my pulls, and finally I could see a clear landing spot near the rocks, some 500 metres away. I just swam, and swam, and swam. Just ensure I was going at it directly and swam. That is all I need to do, no less. Some 250m away, I crossed Amir in his kayak in front of me, and I was relieved! I remembered shouting his name, but I could see he was pedalling away from me, so I just head on with my pulls. The brief excitement sent my left PF on strike. The sharp, sudden pain brought my left feet to a frozen state, with only right kicks. Damn! It must have been the ride up Genting Sempah on Thursday! Or was it the run yesterday. Crap! Crap! Crap!

But needless to say, I arrived at the rocks, with Amir nearby. Shaken, I assured him that I was ok, and he was off to fend off the guys. Clearly he was awed why on earth I was turning back, as he thought I was making good progress. Little did he know...

When I finally managed to stand up with my wobbly feet, I saw the gang swimming some 100 metres out to the sea and off the bungalows beyond the marina, before turning back in. Looking at that gave me chills. I wished I was one of them, that morning, approaching the pin and claim the victory for the day - but today was not the day. It is not my day.

I went down in the water again, and swam by the shore back to our start point. The remaining time was spent building sand castles while waiting for the guys to return.

We had a sumptuous meal post swim, and everyone bid farewell, and a promise to do this again, soon. Great! A chance to balas dendam, apabila ilmu cukup di dada...

Shark's eyeview perspective (touch wood!)

Looking back, now, in the comfort of our study room, am grateful I made it back. Syukur Alhamdulillah!

But I need to do few things before the Singapore Biathlon - to be confident to tread water, learn to sight more often, and learn how to pace (apparently I was swimming too fast - probably because how freaked I was!). I know there is no turning back, when I have to stand by East Coast Park on 12th February 2011, but I need to conquer my fear. I also need to learn to swim freestyle to breaststroke to freestyle too. Because post swim today, I have an unfinished business.

It would have been a great day, but with the shortcomings on my part, it was a given. I, have lots more to learn, and more experience. But looking back, I was in the deep, man! That in itself, to me, was something. It is, well, bloody liberating! Kash and Ian were right. I have totally enjoyed my swims, and had I knew how to behave and think wisely during the swim, it would have been an awesome day. To gain a certain level of confidence is what Mastercard says... priceless.

Don't believe me? Try swim out and let loose.

Sentuhan Pertama, Sentuhan Kecundang

2011-01-20T05:48:00.000-08:00

I am sitting at home, back all sore. Broken, actually. The first ride up to Genting Sempah with my office mates was all gorgeous and painful and scary at the same time.

This was the first time Batman rolled beyond the gerai. First ride, baby! The day before, few flashes across the sky calls for a fun day out, and Batman answered!

I arrived at the RV point smelling all new. The jersey, the bike, the helmet, the shoes, cleats, the whole works. The tights requires some 'acclimatizing', and walking with the cleats on was weird. But being a runner, I arrived the earliest, in fact we rolled out just before 9 a.m.. In my vocabulary, a brick with 20k Bukit Aman - Hartamas - Bukit Aman LSD would be feasible.

In the excitement to go riding, I completely forgot my fuel at home, and resorted to 2 karipap from the gerai along the road while waiting for the guys.

When Azlan came in, we prepped the bikes. After all is good, we decided to climb first without waiting for the rest, and so off we went. Clipping on required some actions as I wobble by the road side trying to clip. After all the drama, we rode up the rolling hills. It was... OMG! The air was cool, and the sun peeked through the umbrella of trees. I was paying more attention to following Azlan while concentrating to learn the effects of the shifting gears - front and back. Not a good place to learn it, but there I was, sometimes standing up to have a feel of the bike.

When we arrived at the communication tower, there are few hairpins with inclines which stops our conversations abruptly, when both of us bowed down and just pedal. It was when he shouted another km to go that I left him behind. We were supposed to stop at McD at Genting Sempah. But when I arrived at the top of the hill, where some 12 cyclists gathered, I sprinted down, not knowing that was the end. What went down must come up, and that one in particular was short, steep climb. Kena kencing daa...

Shortly, we regrouped when our mates arrived, and it was time to roll down. Rolling down was scary! The guys sped off that I cannot even smell the rubber, but I was very cautious on my brakes. I read somewhere that sudden braking might topple the rider over, and that is one scary image. Coupled with the big lorries coming up that morning, I was doubly cautious on bends, although when mastered, could have been one hell of a ride!

And coming down at some speed on uneven roads was painful, I gathered. Even the smallest hole causes some discomfort, but when the road is smooth, wallawey! I let the wind picked up, and ride.

To be honest, I was not fatigued as much as finishing a run, or high enough after a great run. For now, it didn't feel like I have exerted as much, and coming downhill didn't help either. I didn't feel like I sweat that much (although the sweat rate is no right way to gauge level of intensity), which did not allow me the ticket to indulge at the dining table. This thought, of course will be re-visited in the near future.

What I know was, by noon I was completely wasted! I slept for hours from the ride, I suppose mostly from the brain overdrive, looking out for potholes, lorries and navigating down. I was tired, and coupled with stiff back, I had a slow evening today.

It has been a good day out. But I sure am missing my runs, I still can't get over it.

But that doesn't discount the things I need to get soon - gloves, pump, spare tubes, blinkers. But why lah bikes are not fitted with side mirrors and honks? Sure would be helpful, yes?

Now, open water beckons.

Swim Trial, Port Dickson

2011-01-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Singapore Biathlon is approaching fast! To be brutally honest - I am nervous like a jelly (what?) with the prospect of swimming 200 + 700 + 400 + 200m in an open water, the most of the leg as compared to the 10k run leg.

So, me and Kash have a proposed an open water swim in PD (by the Avillion Admiral Cove, site for PD Triathlon swim leg, no less), and the proposed date is (tentatively) as follows;

Date : Saturday, 22 January 2011, or the Sunday on 23rd.

Location : Avillion Admiral Cove, Port Dickson

Time : 8.00 a.m.

Distance : hopefully a full 1.5k into the marina, with a start of parallel swim along the shore

Assistance : Kash mentioned that hero hubby, Rais, will assist to kayak alongside the swimmers

I think I will swim wick a buoy between my legs :D.

So, come and join us. There is also a proposal for a BBQ on Sunday, and if we are lucky, we could ride in PD as well... jengjengjeng... or swim by the beach?

Steroid Hill, Part Deux

2011-01-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

It has been 3 days - no, I have not got on the saddle and ride out this weekend yet. Went out looking around and 'researching', I only came home with a padded shorts. The shoes will come in next Wednesday, and I am out to get a helmet in the next few days. This is so exciting - there are so many things to look at! But for starters, I will get on with the essentials - pants, helmet, cadence/speedometer-thing, shoes, clip, and perhaps a Trek World Racing jersey if I have some money left.

Instead, the weekends were filled up with maintenance runs - with Saturday saw me running with the big boys. Rashid and Kam joined me, Kash and Daniel to run FRIM.

We started from the carpark, into the Dream Trail, Rover Track, towards the Steroid Hill. After making good progress, and cutting rest times to regroup since we maintained a close peloton (thanks to Daniel who kept Kash company) where I dug dirty secrets about the stuff around the world from the 2 IMs. The who's who, the juicy bits, the sad stories, the triumphant finishes, etc.

On top of the so-called Steroid Hill, Kam lambung-ed us to the helipad. A go-ahead from all, relieved from all crazy wedding receptions the weekends before, we walked slowly entering the Steroid Hill Part 2, before the trail meanders into delicious curves and downhills when we caught the second wind and ran it. The trail from then on was sandwiched by pine trees (?), and in the moody morning, it was awesome where no bushes in the tropics were seen, and as we raised in the elevation up to the helipad, the views are breathtaking!

I'll stop here. If you want to know, join me next week, because it is so gorgeous - with the steep climbs and all. Promise!

The helipad itself was unevenful, we came down it doubly quickly and arrived at the familiar descend down the Steroid Hill. A quick regroup on top of the trail overlooking the over-zealous Sungai Buloh Trail, we stormed down towards the Tea House, and took the short cut back to the carpark as the time inched closer to 10 a.m., and I promised wifey to fetch her to her office.

Ah... the trails always ended too soon.

And on Sunday, I took off Bukit Aman with Nik, Diket, Dett, Daniel, Azmar and A'eshah on a morning that resembled a small race. The carpark was packed, and the road blitzed by many fast runners!

We started easy, as jokes were steadily served as an entree after the long absence of the fellow Kings. On the climbs of Bank Negara KTM, I broke away, eagerly wanting to end the suffering of the dreadful hill. I know the guys were close behind me, but as we entered the Bukit Tunku's infamous meadering climbs, I heard many hard stomps behind me. In the darkness, I assumed Diket and Daniel switched on their engines and hooked me.

Thanks to the nasi beriyani the dinner before, I stepped on, thinking I'd pace them as much as I could. By then, their sweet sound of thumping racers were really articulate. I could almost see the wicked cadence and full form from the sound of it. To my horror, I looked back, and it was 2 runners, but Diket and Daniel. I let them loose at the junction to Open University, and waited on as Daniel came around, and we continued running.

The first time running the course, Daniel is one strong runner. I have been running alongside Daniel in FRIM many times before, and he is one fast horse! We ran past Tijani, and quickly arrived at Jalan Duta interchange, and wait to regroup.

The next half was cool and collected, where we stayed as a group, and I used the opportunity to ask many novice questions about biking, accessories etc. All I have to do is ask for assistance, and these guys are generous enough to advise. But the group did not stay long though. At the last incline after the new Palace, I was running with Azmar and Daniel, and started pushing up. Daniel followed in hot pursuit, and we pretty much had it strong all the way to Petronas. That has to be the sweetest and nicest stretch in the entire route!

Petronas was buzzing as always - bumped into KA, Karen, Dzul, Puisan, Alexis etc etc. But my turnaround time was up, and we made our way back. We stayed in a pack until the Masjid Wilayah, when Daniel pulled out, and I followed. A quick time check with him says I was late, but we ran still in visible distance with the rest. After the Jalan Duta, and passed Tijani 2, I hinted to Daniel that I cannot wait, and both of us went on without the gang (sorry guys!). Tijani, Sasana Kijang, commuter station, and we were home run.

We arrived back at the carpark, and me and Daniel parted ways. Tak sempat nak lepak minum lagi...

Stretched, and sped off home. The weekend is ending too soon! I hope next week, I'd take my bike for a short spin. Time to poke on Bluey and Mr. Smith!

B is for Beskal

2011-01-06T02:26:00.000-08:00

2011. I'd do without any concrete resolutions like previous years. 2011 will be the year of gratitude - for family, for weekend playtime, for work that pays the bills, for improved health. I'll enjoy every day as it comes.

I have a great start so far - spent 3 days babysitting, bonding with the girls, cooking for them, wash their poop etc. You know what? My wife is jealous... ahhahah! This week, I am giving work a second level priority. Heck, I have zero mileage in runs and swims.

O yes, my delivery is finally here! I am severely handicapped in this new investment, and being a designer, aesthetic values most times left me with very small window of options. My size does not help in this area.

So I scrambled to Treknology this afternoon out of fear that Steve would splash it in red paint the longer I delay the visit, and there he was - steady and handsome, still bearing the smell of the vacuum in the box. Steve puts us on a fluid trainer (intentionally to lambung me to buy one), and went through bike-101, from fitting, to shifting, to taking out the front and rear wheels. Geez... the last time I owned a bike was a Carrefour-brand mountain bike 13 years ago which I re-sold after 2 weeks. But I remembered the long fling with my BMX through primary and secondary school - we went through everything together.

This Sarip Dol's clan continues the tradition of buying myself a present for birthday, since Canon EOS back in 1995, to Arcam in 1997 and more.

Getting it in the car was my second challenge - having to swirl around the baby seat, plush toys, bunnies and my office tools. No - do not tell me I need a bigger car. Perhaps an external carrier would suffice.

We are home now. I'll take some time to shop for shoes, blinkers, shorts, helmet, glove and etc. I also have to catch up on the jargons, fast! The virgin tri event is still a long way, so I'm alright. I am a late bloomer, so please bear with me. If I lack behind, or say the wrong things - please be patient :D.

I won't lie - I do feel a little disgusted. I felt I have betrayed my runs and swims. I looked at the 2011 race calendar and training plans - it is tough to put cycling to be at par with the runs and swims. Suddenly I felt I have to run and swim more to make up the guilt. Is this normal, this withdrawal syndrome?

But today, my friends - I am half a MAMIL. With the fashion-crazy sport that a biking is, I hope I'd do ok.

New Year's Dream Trail 2011

2010-12-28T01:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Year weekends - book-ended and somehow quiet, does not calm my throbbing heart. Berdebar-debar. Macam orang bercinta - makan tak kenyang, minum keluar tepi bibir...

Macam orang angau...

But, remember the fantasy ride above?

And especially to those planning a big BBQ feast at our celebrity UltraMarathoner that evening, feel free to join this maintenance trail run;

Where : FRIM

RV : Carpark, near cafe/mosque

When : Saturday - 01.01.11

Meet time : before 7 a.m.

Roll-out : 7 a.m. (we try our level best)

Distance : 15km

The Sunday LSD from Bukit Aman - Hartamas - Double Hill - Bukit Aman is still on.

No Wet Suits!

2010-12-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

Simply inspirational! This kid could have swam Kapas - Marang and back, and more. Swim Ironman distance? - merely karipap mini in packs!

On another note, 2011 starts early with my first race registration for Safra-Singapore Biathlon 2011. This is already mind-numbing, but I am excited to see this through.

SAFRA NATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
We bring NSmen closer together

Dear Syahril Nizam Kamaruddin,

Thank you for using SAFRAOnline. We are pleased to inform you that your online transaction is
successful. Booking details are as follows.


Please print this receipt as a reference.
Receipt No.	IN003127010	Date/Time	21-Dec-2010 09:48:29
NIRC	A17603009	Amount Paid	$58.00
Name	Syahril Nizam Kamaruddin	Mode of Payment	VISA Credit Card
Email Address	syahril.kamaruddin@gmail.com	<	0 Pts

Time to be BFF with the pools.

B is for Biathlon

2010-12-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

My final race for 2010 is done - with Chin Woo Biathlon.

It must have been the most laid-back race I have been to, to date. Collecting the bib on Saturday, I was given a shirt and carpark pass, as Don Khor lounging around the cafe. No goodies - having paid quite a sum - was a little of a letdown.

And thanks for visiting relatives, the dinner came heavy on carbs. The drill that night was spent worrying what to pack - goggles and cap, Ghost, socks, etc, as I played simulations how I imagined the morning would go. Boleh sawan rasanya.

In the end, I had the Ghost, goggles and cap, Speedo, gatorade, a GU gel, 2 chocolate bars (pre and post) and 2 bananas, a shirt for after the run, and towel. Quick check with Hanchik and Ijam confirmed race starts at 7.30 a.m. - great! no need to wake up so early.

Race day

Woke late as expected, after my mind worked overtime playing youtube in my head. Grabbed the gears, and drove wifey's car to race site. Morning traffic on Sunday was a breeze as I zoomed along MRR2, and arrived at 7:20 a.m., parked and headed straight to the pool. Sips of gatorades and the GU gel, as I caught sight of Ijam and Hanchik at the holding tent. Fuh! Lega dapat tengok muka member...

usha amoi

I was scheduled on Wave 5 with Ijam, Lane 8 (Hanchik on Wave 4) at 8:50 a.m. Quick look around the pool saw Lane 8 is somewhere around the 4m deep. Aiyah! Went to have my first-bloody-body-mark, and the rest was spent chilling at the pool edge, admiring the super fast kids swimming a whirpool (really) when one-by-one the faces of familiar strangers and pros surfaces - Richard, Sofian, Chris, Ketua Reban etc - meriah sungguh!

When Hanchik's leg was called, I immediately felt a twist in my tummy. Mine will be next! What if I suffer a cramp? What if my goggle fogs up? etc etc etc. But watching Hanchik going at it was quite comforting - him taking his time, strokes after strokes. And so does Richard. Suddenly it felt like our normal pool drills.

I can do this!...

My very first body mark - jakun giler...

Wave 5 was finally called - and I was still a little reluctant. But Don Khor spilled the juice - 32 laps of swims and the marshal will knock the kickboard on the last 50m - and we were off to our designated lanes. It was kind of chilling, but looking down the lanes, I have no other direction to go to. This was it. Suddenly Michael Jackson came knocking with his tunes and moonwalks.

I shared my lane with a Ms. Yang, and both of us splashed into the pool once it was empty. A quick dip, and warm up laps. The pool was very warm (very der nice one) and clear, as I was suddenly attracted to the depth of the diving end (very der nice also). Warm-up done, and all we could do was wait around for the last guy from the previous wave to finish.

It was around 9:00+ that we were off. I was too preoccupied on the task at hand, that I forgot what Don was saying. But off we went. I felt pressure suddenly took the best off me, seeing the fast swimmer on my right lane, that I automatically tried to give chase. Of course that was just stupid. I spent 100m trying to find my pace, breathe correctly, pull, etc.

The swims were fun, but my head was not processing anything except gauging my halfway mark every lap on the sight of the giant clock ahead the diving platform, and counting my laps. Turning on my 18th lap, I realised our lane was not manned. Great! I'll lose counting my laps. True enough, in the end I felt I did extra 2 laps before the kickboard appeared above my head. But then again, I might just be delusional, lah.

Out of the pool, wiped the feet with my running shirt, socks on, and shoes (need to get meself locklaces soon). Didn't want to leave my cheap goggles and swim cap there, I just hang them on my neck, and slipped the cap between my Speedo, and started running.

The start of the run felt really good. Body light, head light, and the Ghost just took it all away as I sprinted downhill. But after that it felt slightly funny when climbing the first incline, as though my feet were still doing kicks in the water (heheheh.....). But it was runnable, until the side stitch came knocking on lower left torso - hard. This, thanks to light breakfast (only a banana and a gel). I had my gatorade bottle with me but I couldn't even take a single sip.

The first lap saw me going out towards Wisma Tun Sambanthan, up the main road towards Dewan Bahasa, left turn to Jalan Maharajalela - Bomba, the Al-Bukhary mosque, V.I. and turn left into the stadiums again. Just after OCM, picked my ribbon #1, and turn left. One loop done. Pace felt like 6:15 - real slow.

2 more loops with my hand still pressing the side stitch, but more bearable now. I picked up speed and overtook few guys. Picked my ribbon #2, and off I went. The last lap was when I managed the run without the stitch, and drink a little. This being typical me - over cautious on unfamiliar territory which ended up with running around in laissez fair fashion. Macam tak pernah tengok the DBP building before, tapi those will be the time to be a critic etc...

The marshals were aplenty, there was only 1 water station serving water within the 3x2km loops. It was really an easy run. On the final lap, with 3 ribbons, I was given a clearance to head back. Hanchik was waiting by the roadside, and ran with me to the foot of the hill - lending me his speed booster. He left me there as he was rushing to Seremban, and I looked up the Chin Woo hill - another 500m of push. Sprinted up, arms close to ribcage, exhale hard - Tey was waiting at the finishing line. Up the hill, the road cleared into an open carpark, and on my left was a table full of watermelons with roughly 6 people there, and on my right was 2 ladies. One taking down the time, and another giving out medals. No gantry, no music, no emcee, no nothing :D.

Seriously, I felt shortchanged. No Milo, no 100+ - there was no mineral water for crying out loud. But, I will not be a grumpy cracker, and took it all in. Rest with some cool melons, and walked to the shades just above the hill waiting for Ijam to return.

Encik Ijam returned strong, but we didn't wait long. Ketua Reban and Sofian were still doing their laps, and I had to rush to a meeting, then to cook etc.

All in all, this will be a melancholic event. People say that the first cut is the deepest, and so it is. And it was not that bad. I have truly enjoyed the swim, and can significantly improve on my runs. There were enough taikos around to see and learn too, so we would never be short of excitement. I will definitely return next year.

Now, with December halfway gone, I have a full January for intense swimming (I hope) and open water swims before February comes. It's a promise.

Makanthon - Jamuan Sup-Sup

2010-12-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

Been a super busy weekend, but not without the customary runs and a biathlon event. Yesterday, we were graciously invited for the Soup Party at Bukit Jalil yesterday. Thanks for the invite bro - a good way to overeat on delicious food after the not so intence race in the morning (now I am NOT entitled for a Monday rest day :D - all those extra calories will have to be shaken off).

Not surprisingly, I decided on the menu very late, and hence did not prepare the menu to be shared with all during the party itself.

The Soup Party requires everyone to bring a soup dish to share, and share the recipes as well. Brilliant!

So here is the menu and manual for all to share of what we prepared;

The Devil (Chocolate) Soup :

10oz of dark chocolates (80% - but I put more chocolates for kicks)

4 cups of low fat milk

1 cup of sweetened milk (susu pekat - boleh migraine ni. So I'd cut it in half next time around)

Vanilla extract (anyone knows where to get the beans?)

5 tablespoon of cornstarch

5 tablespoon of cold water

blueberries/raspberries for garnish

oat cookies/vanilla sticks/almost biscottis for dips

How to :

1) Warm up the low fat milk, sweetened milk and vanilla just about to a boil, then remove from heat, and let it cool for 20 mins, and strain

2) Double-boil the chocolates (not to over-burn) until silky smooth. Keep stirring

3) Add cold water to cornstarch, a little at a time until it forms a slurry. This will get tough as the cornstarch thickens, but worry not - keep stirring.

4) Once the cornstarch slurry is consistent, add it into the silky chocolates to form a good, consistent chocolate mix. The mix should be quite thick.

5) Add the milk mix into the chocolate, stirring consistently to achieve the liquid you wish to achieve. It should be thicker than the hot chocolate drink, but still drinkable and hick like a mushroom soup

(I would steal some of the thick chocolates, and dilute it in the leftover hot milk to make hot chocolate drink for later if I want to bribe Iris on something)

6) Serve hot, or serve hold - with biscottis and the berries. Or put mini marsh-mellows, or vanilla ice-cream too :D

gambar hiasan, tiada kaitan dengan hidangan hari Ahad semalam

Renung-renungkan, dan selamat mengamal :)

Mari Belajar Berenang

2010-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is a note to self and fellow friends. Read other posts here.

Five Common Swimming Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

1. The Mistake: A Weak Leg Kick

"People often think kicking is all about propulsion, but a weak leg kick fundamentally affects body position and has a knock-on effect for the whole stroke," says Furniss. Using a kickboard, do a kick set after your warmup: 8x50m (with 45 seconds rest after each 50). This should be at a fast pace, using a shallow, strong, steady kick. Don't do this at every session but, when you choose to do it, make it your key set.

Top tip: a good kick demands great ankle flexibility, something triathletes often lack. To loosen up your ankles, try kneeling down and sitting on your feet with the tops of your feet against the floor. Gently lift your knees off the floor and hold for 10 seconds. Do this four times and repeat on alternate days.

2. The Mistake: Poor Breathing Timing

"If your technique or timing is off when you turn to breathe, you risk destroying your body position and your line in the water," says Furniss. "And you might end up feeling as if you're running out of oxygen." Common mistakes are breathing too early (as you're pulling through the water) or too late (while your arm is in the recovery phase). Think smooth and low as you turn your head, and imagine the timing of the turn is prompted by the pull of your arm underwater. Rotate your head rather than lifting it. Never hold your breath, and breathe out fully as your arm pulls through the water.

Top tip: Holding a kick board or pull buoy in front of you with one hand, practise single-arm freestyle to nail the timing of your breath.

3. The Mistake: Wide Arm Recovery

"That swinging action - when the recovery phase of the stroke is too wide - gives a lot of unwanted lateral sway to the stroke," says Furniss. "This will destroy all the hard work you're putting in to going forward in a clean, straight line." For a more efficient recovery phase, bend your arms at the elbow as your hand comes out of the water. Make sure you lift your elbows high, and keep your hands loose while the arm is recovering.

Top tip: A drill called trickle-freestyle is great for encouraging high elbows and discouraging a wide recovery. As your arm goes through the recovery phase above water, gently trickle the fingertips over the water's surface before putting the hand back in as normal for the next stroke.

4. The Mistake: Short Stroke Length

"Most people's stroke gets shorter as they try to get faster," Furniss states. "But that's actually very inefficient. Effort goes up but control goes down, leading to lots of extra resistance as they take more and more strokes." The most efficient way to swim is by slowing down. Think about the length you're producing from one end of your stroke (outstretched fingertip) to the other (outstretched toe). The longer you let that long line stay in unbroken contact with water, the further you'll travel per stroke.

Top tip: Swim an endurance set (say, 10x100m) at a controlled effort of around 85 per cent of your max. As well as timing the 100s, count the number of strokes you take (one arm pull). Maintain this pace, or even reduce it.

5. The Mistake: Inconsistent Pacing

"In a triathlon, adrenalin and excitement can make swimmers go off too fast," says Furniss, "but they often end up blowing up. And that's before the bike or the run. Learn to pace yourself well and you'll have a much more successful race." Don't go out too fast in the swim section of a race, no matter how tempting it might be. Start at a slower pace, and then bring a stronger kick in halfway through the swim at the same time as you start to ramp up your effort.

Top tip: Practise race pace in training by swimming negative splits. If you're doing 10x100m, increase the pace throughout the set and make sure you swim each 100m slightly faster than the previous one. This will build an awareness and feel for a pace you can maintain.

And If you do only one thing...

"The best bit of advice I can give concerns the foundation of front-crawl technique," says Furniss. "And that's the kick. I know triathletes are often told not to worry about their kick, but I think that's a mistake, even when you're in a wetsuit. You can still work on your kick in training. A good kick encourages a better body position, which in turn will improve your technique and make you go faster for less effort. If you never kick, you'll never achieve a really good body position."

Bill Furniss is a Speedo coach. For further information on Speedo visit www.speedo.co.uk, or for a free online training programme check out www.swimfit.com.

Does Fish Carbo Load?

2010-12-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

I welcome back all Marathoners from the sunrise of the Singa Land. It's one hell of an event, I'll tell 'ya. 19,000 full marathoners pounding could have generated enough energy to at least light a 'reban ayam'.

And I know most of you are hardcore runners, but I have a question that has been bothering me. You all know about the benefit of carbo-loading week, or pasta party before your long runs. You even enjoy the indulgence, I would assume.

But what about before our swims?

Do we carbo-load and hydrate before our (long) swims?

If yes - when do we start, what food do we consume, when will be the last meal, hydration plan? What would be the food not to consume? Would the food I take and all the food I avoid prior to my runs works the same for swims?

I know for sure my body won't swim with food not 2 hours set in.

If no - sure or not?

When I picked-up swimming early this year, my morning swims and afternoon getaways were fueled by Gardenia's chocolate loaf, which did give me a 'feel-good, stomach is full' factor, probably from the sugar rush from the cream and carbs. I somehow outgrew them out of health concerns. For now, bananas at my elevenses would suffice.

And since the swim mileage starts to get a little longer than usual, I found my throat burning and dry - and the next best water available is without a doubt not potable.

Geez, how do people swim 3.8km, or 6.5km? Tabik spring pun tak cukup...

I hope our swimmer/triathlete friends could share and shed some light into this. My thanks in advance.

No Diket - we do not bring our pace note for the swim, bro :D

Morning Glories

2010-11-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

It's the end of November, breaching into December 2010. So fast, one. I woke up this morning, and (in my head) clapped, and told myself this will be off to a great week. Eventually (I hope), this will lead to the start of a great 2011 ahead.

We had our quiet 7th anniversary lunch yesterday, me and wifey, sans the kids - enjoying our lazy hours not thinking about dishes, diapers, sand arts, nail polish etc, and I managed a proposal for my physical activities for 2011. Apart from the customary runs; diving trips, Kinabalu II and possibly a multiple event were approved by the Finance Minister. I have to, however, limit all extra travels from February - July 2011 to facilitate for professional exams.

It's good to set eyes on achievable somethings. Running a marathon taught me that.

So What REALLY is the Story, Morning Glory?

2010-11-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

I find it is a cliché when people says family comes first.

In this world today where Steve Job robs us all, apparently, work comes first. Above all and everything, work does comes first.

Work pays the bill, buys the toys for our kids, gadgets we wanted, fuels the car to ~~races~~ family gatherings, etc etc.

Another cliché? How about 'when you love your job, you do not have to work a single day'. What a bull of crap!

All those quotes are void of realities - deadlines, costs, objectives.

At least in relation to my job it is.

It feels like ages since I lost my grooves. I had to steer work like treading carefully in sea of ice. In all honesty, some things had to be compromised, and I hate compromises.

Just yesterday, Kash said this is a marathon withdrawal syndrome? Is this how it feels - when pushing a simple run feels like shoving the dusts under the sheets? When running feels remorseful and pointless?

I know I am not even remotely an athlete, but these past weeks of work reminded me of my old self when exercise was basically walking from the sofa to the fridge. How is it fair for me to run and swim without any regards to my flip side of the coin.

Just like Malaysian food, we know they are mostly bad but I want it all. I want to spend hours in the pool until my fingers turns blue, or run until my shoes are soaked from my drenched sweat, and go to work and nail those bloody presentations. I want to be Superman!

Yesterday, I managed a hot date with Ghost again, after she slowly collected dust of neglect. With my ipod, it was much an uneventful run, soaking in the post-rain evening. I miss those quiet runs when I sort many problems in my head when running, like putting jigsaw puzzles into places and seeing the bigger picture, channeling all anger out and reasoning, etc etc.

At least I think I know how to squeeze the stress out. Negative addiction to a drug? Possible.

What's the Story, Morning Glory?

2010-11-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Lactic acid build-up in my brain!

Work has re-defined stress to an all time high, and I hate the constant supply of maruku in the office!

The Terminal

2010-11-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

We balik kampung-ed for the Hari Raya AidilAdha, and I swear it felt like stranded in an airport. A real long case of Tom Hanks and bewilderment. I was stuck in clothes I have in the luggage, work, and moving around the house was really like a buffet table. I would walk around my mother's Jasmine garden, her orchard, sit around and watch the telly and always ended up in the kitchen. And the spread was endless. Iris benefited from all the shopping into my mom's make-up pouch, get her grandma to buy her all sort of girly things. Time stopped, but I kept eating all my favourites. And now I am afraid to get on the scale.

Me in denial is me being complacent. And I hated that.

I always hated it whenever I was not able to sweat it out, and I wonder if this is what a negative addiction is? Why can't it be a few-days-without-a-workout thing, like picking up shirts for ironing every Sunday?

I know why. Because I hate the feeling of being out of control, and consciously knowing I am letting the fat to settle again. All of a sudden, I need to be a control freak - why, doctor? Why?

November is passing, and I am on the verge of my 3rd year anniversary of my losing-the-fat battle. This week 3 years back, I had my appointment fixed to see Ian at Maxis Tower as we sat around the lounge and I filled up my questionnaires. Everything is blank to me now, I can hardly remember what they were - this Dory-brain of mine could not remember beyond 2-days memories. But I knew then I was about to embark on something to shed the title Mr. Shrek once and for all.

Approaching my 3rd health-freak Anniversary, I need to re-assess my objectives. Over the last years, reading back my blog entries - I felt like I have lost my objectives, and it sounded like an echo of certain waves from fellow bloggers. Many of the things I did in 2009 and 2010 were echoes - I do not understand why. I know some races were not customary but there I was - remorseful in the end.

I am lost.

Would they be losing excess body fat, build mass, run faster, run further, do triathlons, do biathlons/duathlons, so international races, openwater swimming, swim Kapas-Marang, diving, etc, etc and etc. I want them all, and I am too greedy.

(sel-sel otak tak berhubung)

On top of those, I have my professional exams coming in April and July, school enrollment etc (if possible) by year end, few travels, and spruce up family economics.

I need to sort myself out. The 2011 race calendar is taking shape, and it is already causing feeding frenzy. The only thing that is standing between me and the registration button for Sundown Ultra is the 80k LSD.

I wonder when will my healthy appetite for races will translate into a healthy appetite to my professional life?

muahhs!

2010-11-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

New girlfriend.

Went out for our first date yesterday, and wow!

We need lots of hot dates, before our first outing in Kota Singa, 4 weeks ahead.

(pic cilok-ed from Rozmy's)

Free Mud Spa 2010

2010-11-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Great races in KL are hard to come by. After 2 years of learning how to participate in running the races, suffice to say that many races in KL are, to me, superficial and monotonuous. I have learnt to pick-and-choose, based on exclusive criterias, and must-do races.

Since my first time doing it in 2008, Genting Trailblazer is a must-do, hands down!

Since all (almost) RBUs were there, I'll save a lengthy report and pics, as they are all the same. Chances are, I'd nick 'em from FB anyway. It was worth noted that the route has changed slightly with an addition of some fresh trails earlier used for the Cross Country, but the remaining course are similar. Lack of rainy days did offer a more runnable tracks and less slides down the hills. And since there was no division of Adventure and Competitive Category, we had the trails practically pristine, void of the cow shed situation in last years'.

My partner was a little bit under the weather this time, unlike his gungho-ness. I am glad he is recovering just fine.

Trailblazer this year taught me how to be unselfish too. Teamwork is paramount, and I failed when my partner needed me the most. Hours pounding the tarmac on LSDs down the drain, they were all pointless. At one point, I was worried sick when 2 medics were seen running down, and it could have been my partner. What one earth do I tell his wife? Yes, running trails are not anywhere nearly as easy as road runs. But, lucky he was ok, or I'd be in deep shit!

The exit, the obstacles etc... and if it's any consolation, we had a good spread, like TNF, too. Giant bananas, (bland and distasteful) kuetiaws, chocolate cakes, boiled eggs etc. Freeflow of cold Milo and 100+, water - good stuff.

We left when Jaja and Amy returned from the trails. Glad everyone returned safely, injury-free, and still have the humours intact. Happy Birthday, Diket and Nik! - thanks Ziff for organising, and thanks KJ, Tiff, Azza and Deo for travelling all the way. And the best-est of luck to our dear Shanaz in ING NYC Marathon!