Jaja
I now swimming at Bukit Jalil because of the motivation there.
Many triathletes, old friends are being coached there four times a week (RM 180 for 3 months). I swim on my own.
I now enjoy very much swimming there.
Sorry naaaa.
Going to Fuzhou today (Wednesday) , coming back Tuesday. All take care
34 years of endurance sports. Endured a heart attack and major surgeries, but I'm still at it. Only Open Water Swimming now. Very ably supported by my Thai wife, Tip. We are living in Malaysia and I swim to stay healthy.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Ironman China 2008
Ironman China 2008 just over.
Three Malaysians names on the result list. Yee DNF whilst Ong went sub 16 hrs. No wonder I saw Ong cycling alone between Bentong and Genting Sempah twice the Sunday before China Ironman.
Three Malaysians names on the result list. Yee DNF whilst Ong went sub 16 hrs. No wonder I saw Ong cycling alone between Bentong and Genting Sempah twice the Sunday before China Ironman.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Its Been Nail Biting
Chelsea has just drawn its game with Wigan thus effectively handing the BPL title to Man U. I suppose winning 1 - 0 all this time has finally caught up with them.
Last season I thought was one of Sir Alex's most incredible achievements after edging out Jose Mouurinho's Chelsea. Chelsea had the two previous seasons won the league with miles to spare. The news that Jose had left Chelsea at the beginning of this season perhaps meant that Man U would have everything its way.
But it was not to be, 2007 - 2008 was nail biting the whole way through. There was a real top four this time around. Chelsea were still good under Avram Grant. Arsenal started with all guns blazing but everyone seemed to knew that their bubble would not last due to their youth. I think the general expectation was that Man U would retain its title as after all it had added four very good players to is Championship team.
Its such a pity Portsmouth knocked us out of the FA Cup. That's the beauty of football, on its day any team can win. Thats why I and many football admirers would know that the BPL is the competition to win. It doesn't lie, the team at the top at the end of the season, is the best team in the country.
LFC has got 18 titles (kudos to them - blasphemy?), Man U should now get 17. Catch them boys.
The Champions League to football followers worldwide in general is probably more prestigious. As Sir Alex puts it, we now have a fantastic chance. The biggest ever nightmare for me would be losing to LFC in the Moscow final. They are very capable of doing it in the Champions League. It would render meaniningless United's marvellous record against them.
Last season I thought was one of Sir Alex's most incredible achievements after edging out Jose Mouurinho's Chelsea. Chelsea had the two previous seasons won the league with miles to spare. The news that Jose had left Chelsea at the beginning of this season perhaps meant that Man U would have everything its way.
But it was not to be, 2007 - 2008 was nail biting the whole way through. There was a real top four this time around. Chelsea were still good under Avram Grant. Arsenal started with all guns blazing but everyone seemed to knew that their bubble would not last due to their youth. I think the general expectation was that Man U would retain its title as after all it had added four very good players to is Championship team.
Its such a pity Portsmouth knocked us out of the FA Cup. That's the beauty of football, on its day any team can win. Thats why I and many football admirers would know that the BPL is the competition to win. It doesn't lie, the team at the top at the end of the season, is the best team in the country.
LFC has got 18 titles (kudos to them - blasphemy?), Man U should now get 17. Catch them boys.
The Champions League to football followers worldwide in general is probably more prestigious. As Sir Alex puts it, we now have a fantastic chance. The biggest ever nightmare for me would be losing to LFC in the Moscow final. They are very capable of doing it in the Champions League. It would render meaniningless United's marvellous record against them.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Reunion with Dilbargh
In 1996, I studied at this place in Australia. I choose this place because the Gold Coast is one of the top few triathlon training locations in the world.
The University Pool
The pool was frequented by the likes of Jason Shortis, Brad Beven etc. Jenny Alcorn was the coach for the Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club (she still is actually). I joined them for swimming sessions and Sunday rides. I had the opportunity to draft behind World Champion Jackie Gallagher quite a few times.
One of the reasons why we go back to school is to make life long friends. For one of the semesters I had the pleasure of sharing a house with some of my classmates. All of them were from India.
A few days ago, one of them (Dilbargh Gill) was in town and we were able to catch up. Dilbargh has a "dream job" with a top Indian IT Company . This world class Indian Company provides IT services to FIFA, AFC, Tour De France, the A1 , even my beloved Man U. Dilbargh heads the Sports Division and travels 150 days a year.He has a lovely Doctor wife working with the Harvard Medical Centre in Boston and a brilliant lawyer brother with a top legal firm in New York (they are both "trained" by him).
One of the pleasures of school is the lifelong friends that we make. Dilbargh, it was great to see you again.
The Ironman's Smile
Nothing beats the sense of satisfaction when at the finish line. (Photos are courtesy of PM Tey and Jaja).
This smiling Japanese chap completed his Ironman No. 63 a few days after his 63rd birthday
New dad Edwin and Shiraz
Triathlons transcends race and everything else
Happy Jap Sam
Happy Major
Omar, Ariff, Bacin, Azmar, Stupe
Brother Yusran
Brother Ngae
Yep, it sure was a loveday day (night). See everyone next year.
Smiling Yap (Ong had a stomach upset and didn't start, poor guy)
This smiling Japanese chap completed his Ironman No. 63 a few days after his 63rd birthday New dad Edwin and Shiraz Triathlons transcends race and everything else
Happy Jap Sam
Happy Major Omar, Ariff, Bacin, Azmar, Stupe
Brother Yusran Brother NgaeYep, it sure was a loveday day (night). See everyone next year.
Hail Queen Dimples
Monday, March 03, 2008
F1 CYCLING RACE
Carmen on the way to Kona
Nicklas from the Swedish Embassy. He is a stronger cyclist than me, but was lapped after 6 laps
Mac and Adeline
Marinna's husband, Awea and Zabil
Joo Ngan and daughter Jackie before the start
Tun Dr Mahathir graced the occassion. I have seen him at the Country Heights Duathlon in the early nineties, the Langkawi Ironman where he had the foreign triathletes in stitches with his wit and at the Tour De Langkawi where again he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Tun, thank you.
ESPN was there
Joo Ngan at the start. He finished a very respectable fourth, beating even cyclists that were much fitter than him
Raffique Rashid paying homage to the sacred turf. He cycled in slippers.
Our legends, Ah Seong and Ija
Sunday, March 02, 2008
WELL DONE IV
Yee at 70 yrs 8 months completing his Ironman No 13. He nearly equalled his PB
Steve has lost so much weight (boo)
My boy
Guess where Simon is from
A Professional Triathlete
(pics all from PM Tey, thank you)
WELL DONE II
Pictures are courtesy of pm tey and jaja
The happiest face that night
The nurses are awesome
Well done Abu
Dunkirk here I come
Priceless family photo. Well done IhsalSunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Back to my school (RMC)
Our last training session before Langkawi was at my old school, The Royal Military College.
Thank you to Major Kalam, Nurina and their lovely family for their organisation, arranging for us to gain access and acting as the support crew.
I have not been back to my school for thirty years. Some of the other old puteras (like Stupe) were not even born when I was there. A lot of changes, but the familiar sports field where my college buddies used to excel in Rugby, Football and Hockey was still there. I only played a measly game called cricket (because no one else would want to play). The cricket field is still there I am happy to note.
We had a Sportsmen Prayer placed at the fields, it goes like this:
Sportsmen Prayer
"Oh God, please help me to win for I always want to win. But if in thy inscrutable wisdom thou willest me not to win, then make me a good loser. For when the great scorer comes to write against your name, he writes, not that you won or lost, but how you played the game."
We excelled at Sports and Studies (a little bit). Many of our former students are leaders in the Armed Forces, Government, Politics and Business. I must be the only twit that is not doing well.
The Day's Training
SWIM
1.5 km swim in the pool. My time was 28 mins 29 secs. Famous and funny Azwar was in front. I noticed everyone actually did not have a streamline body, legs dropping, elbow dropping etc. These are common mistakes by beginners.
BICYCLE
We all started together going through the congested Sg Besi town. That town may not be much, but during my student days to be there was heaven. Then to Putrajaya. The Group split, I have no idea where the front boys went. Luckily I had Chan and Adrian for Company almost all the way. Ariff was cycling well. I think a lot of the group will have good bike splits at Langkawi. I enjoyed the ride. Used big gear here and there, aero position felt comfortable. It was 50 km on my meter. Don't think I can match my last year's 6 hrs 50 mins though as my cycling mileage is less.
RUN
The front group had started their run, so I ran alone. I felt so motivated when Azwar shouted "go old putera". Yes he is right, this was my stomping ground during school. We did our road runs on the same road. Thanks to Major and family for the water support.
My new shoe , all the clothing all felt OK. So I guess, I am ready as ready can be.
Thank you to Major Kalam, Nurina and their lovely family for their organisation, arranging for us to gain access and acting as the support crew.
I have not been back to my school for thirty years. Some of the other old puteras (like Stupe) were not even born when I was there. A lot of changes, but the familiar sports field where my college buddies used to excel in Rugby, Football and Hockey was still there. I only played a measly game called cricket (because no one else would want to play). The cricket field is still there I am happy to note.
We had a Sportsmen Prayer placed at the fields, it goes like this:
Sportsmen Prayer
"Oh God, please help me to win for I always want to win. But if in thy inscrutable wisdom thou willest me not to win, then make me a good loser. For when the great scorer comes to write against your name, he writes, not that you won or lost, but how you played the game."
We excelled at Sports and Studies (a little bit). Many of our former students are leaders in the Armed Forces, Government, Politics and Business. I must be the only twit that is not doing well.
The Day's Training
SWIM
1.5 km swim in the pool. My time was 28 mins 29 secs. Famous and funny Azwar was in front. I noticed everyone actually did not have a streamline body, legs dropping, elbow dropping etc. These are common mistakes by beginners.
BICYCLE
We all started together going through the congested Sg Besi town. That town may not be much, but during my student days to be there was heaven. Then to Putrajaya. The Group split, I have no idea where the front boys went. Luckily I had Chan and Adrian for Company almost all the way. Ariff was cycling well. I think a lot of the group will have good bike splits at Langkawi. I enjoyed the ride. Used big gear here and there, aero position felt comfortable. It was 50 km on my meter. Don't think I can match my last year's 6 hrs 50 mins though as my cycling mileage is less.
RUN
The front group had started their run, so I ran alone. I felt so motivated when Azwar shouted "go old putera". Yes he is right, this was my stomping ground during school. We did our road runs on the same road. Thanks to Major and family for the water support.
My new shoe , all the clothing all felt OK. So I guess, I am ready as ready can be.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Personal (negative) thoughts for 23 Feb 2008
Just by having negative thoughts I suppose, does not augur well. Anyway, I do have lots of negative thoughts for this year's event.
The mental preparation
For the first time, I just "gave up" mentally many times in training for this year's event. I took the taxi home once, tried to find the taxi on other occasions, contemplated just giving up the sport when coming back from Fraser Gap, cut short my rides etc.
I fear the same mental weakness may just persuade me to give up on race day.
The Swim
Normally this segment does not give me problems. I did not swim much (because the swim is not that important in an Ironman). I do have a 45 X 100m (4.5km) session logged in, done in the now pritine Shah Alam pool.
My concern is the steel plate in my left arm. Sometimes it just seems to ache for no apparent reason. Hope it doesn't have a mind of its own on race day.
The strategy on race day is to conserve energy. If the pros start 15 mins earlier and its a two loop course, then I will be lapped on the swim. So demoralising.
The bicycle
The new "open" route scares me. I really struggle around Kuala Kelawang in the extreme heat. I much prefer the hills and trees at Genting Sempah. The breeze at Genting Sempah feels like a natural air conditioner.
My last year's bike was ok due to the many trees on the cyling route. The new highway I suppose has no trees.
Maintaining adequate food intake is a real concern. The bananas on the route saved me last year.
This year I will spin more and probably have a slower bike split. The idea is to save the thighs for the run.
The run
The run is the biggest concern. It takes me 8.5 hours to struggle through the marathon (the top pros finish the whole race in 8.5 hrs).
I have actually done some run training this year versus none last year. These last 12 days, I will wear the new shoes and new custom in-soles around the house to wear them in. Two days ago, I ran in them and it felt so good. But my right arch (which is FALLEN) ached like crazy. I have another shoe which does not give pain to my arch, but it has a very stiff sole and I run flat footed in them.
My margin to the cut-off time the last two years was only around 8 minutes. So no margin for cramps or long toilet calls.
So why do it?
The feeling at the finish line, nothing I have known so far in this world matches it. Langkawi finish line.... here I come.
The mental preparation
For the first time, I just "gave up" mentally many times in training for this year's event. I took the taxi home once, tried to find the taxi on other occasions, contemplated just giving up the sport when coming back from Fraser Gap, cut short my rides etc.
I fear the same mental weakness may just persuade me to give up on race day.
The Swim
Normally this segment does not give me problems. I did not swim much (because the swim is not that important in an Ironman). I do have a 45 X 100m (4.5km) session logged in, done in the now pritine Shah Alam pool.
My concern is the steel plate in my left arm. Sometimes it just seems to ache for no apparent reason. Hope it doesn't have a mind of its own on race day.
The strategy on race day is to conserve energy. If the pros start 15 mins earlier and its a two loop course, then I will be lapped on the swim. So demoralising.
The bicycle
The new "open" route scares me. I really struggle around Kuala Kelawang in the extreme heat. I much prefer the hills and trees at Genting Sempah. The breeze at Genting Sempah feels like a natural air conditioner.
My last year's bike was ok due to the many trees on the cyling route. The new highway I suppose has no trees.
Maintaining adequate food intake is a real concern. The bananas on the route saved me last year.
This year I will spin more and probably have a slower bike split. The idea is to save the thighs for the run.
The run
The run is the biggest concern. It takes me 8.5 hours to struggle through the marathon (the top pros finish the whole race in 8.5 hrs).
I have actually done some run training this year versus none last year. These last 12 days, I will wear the new shoes and new custom in-soles around the house to wear them in. Two days ago, I ran in them and it felt so good. But my right arch (which is FALLEN) ached like crazy. I have another shoe which does not give pain to my arch, but it has a very stiff sole and I run flat footed in them.
My margin to the cut-off time the last two years was only around 8 minutes. So no margin for cramps or long toilet calls.
So why do it?
The feeling at the finish line, nothing I have known so far in this world matches it. Langkawi finish line.... here I come.
Friday, February 08, 2008
I'm Ready
I'm ready for Langkawi.
The highlights of my training have got to be:
1. Taking the taxi sapu from Kuala Kelawang back to Pekan Batu 14. Managed to overtake Ngae and Yusran in the taxi.
2. Finishing 10km of the GE 30 KM run.
Well Dr Tan is happy that he has company to slug it out for the last position.
It starts at 7.45 a.m. for age groupers. So my loved ones will have to wait till 12.45 the next day. (Gosh I have to catch the plane back on sunday).
I'm staying at Langkasuka (where they do the race briefing). Dr tan is there too, Leong will be there from the US. I think Joo Ngan is coming too.
The highlights of my training have got to be:
1. Taking the taxi sapu from Kuala Kelawang back to Pekan Batu 14. Managed to overtake Ngae and Yusran in the taxi.
2. Finishing 10km of the GE 30 KM run.
Well Dr Tan is happy that he has company to slug it out for the last position.
It starts at 7.45 a.m. for age groupers. So my loved ones will have to wait till 12.45 the next day. (Gosh I have to catch the plane back on sunday).
I'm staying at Langkasuka (where they do the race briefing). Dr tan is there too, Leong will be there from the US. I think Joo Ngan is coming too.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
RUN AND SWIM DAY
I know there are quite a few serious workouts going on today, but I decided to chicken out.
Morning run
It was running at Lake Gardens. Exactly the same run as on New Year's day. Bukit Aman Car Park to Sri Hartamas Petronas and straight back. No extra loop at Petronas or anywhere.
More runners today, quite a few did extra loop to log 30 km.
Time to Petronas: 1 hr 9 mins
Petronas stop: 5 min
Time back: 1 hr 6 min.
Total 2 hrs 21 mins versus 2 hrs 23 min previously.
3 pm SWIM
Went to the Shah Alam Pool. It is absolute perfect. Clear blue water, a whole lane to yourself. The pool is now managed by Shah Alam City Hall.
I was very surprised I could do 31 X 100m. My wife had an extra long wait at Tesco.
It was a good day. I didn't get sick, no showering immediately after the run or the swim.
Next run is the GE 30km run on 20 Jan 2008.
Target is to keep track of the Kenyans, I mean finish without walking.
Morning run
It was running at Lake Gardens. Exactly the same run as on New Year's day. Bukit Aman Car Park to Sri Hartamas Petronas and straight back. No extra loop at Petronas or anywhere.
More runners today, quite a few did extra loop to log 30 km.
Time to Petronas: 1 hr 9 mins
Petronas stop: 5 min
Time back: 1 hr 6 min.
Total 2 hrs 21 mins versus 2 hrs 23 min previously.
3 pm SWIM
Went to the Shah Alam Pool. It is absolute perfect. Clear blue water, a whole lane to yourself. The pool is now managed by Shah Alam City Hall.
I was very surprised I could do 31 X 100m. My wife had an extra long wait at Tesco.
It was a good day. I didn't get sick, no showering immediately after the run or the swim.
Next run is the GE 30km run on 20 Jan 2008.
Target is to keep track of the Kenyans, I mean finish without walking.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
3rd 180km
Just got back from my third Broga Loop ride.
6.48 am left home
Up Ampang Hill
7.30 am met everyone else at Pekan Batu 14. A big group due to the army students. Bacin, thank you for the Power Bar.
7.48 am, the group left. I was promptly dropped at the traffic lights after only 50 m. Never saw them again (I had wanted to ride on my own anyway).
Semenyih - puncture. Took me a good 13 mins to fix, that is using gas cannister. But the puncture was fixed.
Passed Broga, the group not there.
Water stop at Lenggeng.
Up the Lenggeng Hill and then Bukit Tangga. Bukit Tangga is quite tough.
Reached Petronas Kelawang same time as last week (12.06pm). The petrol boys told me the group had left a very long time ago. So I took my time, about 20 mins stop.
It was hot. Hotter than last week. I was suffering so stopped at Titi town. There is a new shop there. The ice and cold water did wonders.
But I was struggling now. Essentially I struggled all the way back. Ate everything I had trying to get my energy back. Power Bar taste absolutely awful, but it works.
Up Perez, the sun went. Struggled to Pekan Batu 14, sugar cane. Struggled up Ampang Hill. It was so tempting to start walking, but I didn't. It started to rain at the top.
4.32pm reached home versus 4.23 pm last week. Gross time out was therefore 9 hrs 44 mins. Even the Security Guards didn't know when I rode out.
Time on meter: 8 hrs 36 min
Distance 179.5km
Average speed 20.8 km/hr. Oops slower than 21.1km/hr last week.
Tomorrow I am going to...............sleep whole day.
6.48 am left home
Up Ampang Hill
7.30 am met everyone else at Pekan Batu 14. A big group due to the army students. Bacin, thank you for the Power Bar.
7.48 am, the group left. I was promptly dropped at the traffic lights after only 50 m. Never saw them again (I had wanted to ride on my own anyway).
Semenyih - puncture. Took me a good 13 mins to fix, that is using gas cannister. But the puncture was fixed.
Passed Broga, the group not there.
Water stop at Lenggeng.
Up the Lenggeng Hill and then Bukit Tangga. Bukit Tangga is quite tough.
Reached Petronas Kelawang same time as last week (12.06pm). The petrol boys told me the group had left a very long time ago. So I took my time, about 20 mins stop.
It was hot. Hotter than last week. I was suffering so stopped at Titi town. There is a new shop there. The ice and cold water did wonders.
But I was struggling now. Essentially I struggled all the way back. Ate everything I had trying to get my energy back. Power Bar taste absolutely awful, but it works.
Up Perez, the sun went. Struggled to Pekan Batu 14, sugar cane. Struggled up Ampang Hill. It was so tempting to start walking, but I didn't. It started to rain at the top.
4.32pm reached home versus 4.23 pm last week. Gross time out was therefore 9 hrs 44 mins. Even the Security Guards didn't know when I rode out.
Time on meter: 8 hrs 36 min
Distance 179.5km
Average speed 20.8 km/hr. Oops slower than 21.1km/hr last week.
Tomorrow I am going to...............sleep whole day.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
I got it figured out
I have figured out why I am always sick, down with the flu.
Its due to taking a cold shower soon after a workout. The biggest culprit is the cold shower at Lake Gardens in the morning after a run. Even cold showers after a swim, gym (before when I went), after the GE 15KM run, all have made me sick.
there
Its due to taking a cold shower soon after a workout. The biggest culprit is the cold shower at Lake Gardens in the morning after a run. Even cold showers after a swim, gym (before when I went), after the GE 15KM run, all have made me sick.
there
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