A Sarong Finish

Gun time: 4 hr 57 m 38 sec. Net time: 4 hrs 56 mins 19 secs.

Put on the Sarong without breaking stride man

Brother

Its dropping

Fav. KLM Pics

Tip getting her team numbers (took a long time)

The sub 5 is for you brother Ngae. We did it.

PRICELESS - with my best buddies at the finish

I always try to applaud all our wonderful supporters (Kash & Col Lai in front). THANK YOU supporters.

I'm not a natural runner. Its pure effort the whole way

Peter Chan in front of me

Adeline, always happy

Paul Lee, even more in front of me

Our hero, MAC

In my books, the best supporter at IM Langkawi. Cheering us at that run turnaround at midnight. NIK, THANK YOU

KL Marathon 27 June 2010

Pics will come later

It was the best organised KL Marathon ever (no mean feat that). Thank you to the organisers, SCB and the numerous volunteers (many from Pacesetters).

TIP

My wife took part in her first "race" in Malaysia, the 5km family fun run that she did with two neighbours of ours. All of them enjoyed the day out. We will try to do this more often which is much better than just waiting for me for hours.

MEETING FRIENDS

We have a wonderful sport, its just nice to exchange pleasantries with so many of our friends. The greetings started the moment I got out the car.

Before the run: a blog reader, Wai Mun, TSB, Major Kalam & Nurina, Azmar, Dicky, Ralph Justin Dixon, Jenny Lim Kui Eng, Lyn To, AJ, Yusran, Keat Seong, Ong Boon Hin, C.K., Adeline, Paul Lee, Peter Chan.

During the run: Nik, John Tan (cheering us), Jap Sam, Ariff, Colonel Lai, Randy & Ivie & K.K. Lee, Meng (5hr pacer), another runner who also had on the "running in memory for Ngae" number, the Power Bar people and of course the many new friends we made on the run.

After the run: May Senn, Mac, Awaluddin & friends, Connie and Elaine (my wife's team members).

MY RUN

I wasn't quite sure what to expect before the run. The average time for my last eight Marathons was 7 hrs 47 mins. Yes I am a crap runner. But secretly, before each race, we always hope for that "dream race".

The first 20 km was fine, comfortable pace and no pain in the thighs. Then the tightness in the thighs started to come. The Half Marathon people started to come by. They were flying. I was feeling embarrassed that people I know would come storming by. Luckily the route for the runners split at the KLCC traffic lights. No embarrassment I thought.

But I was slowing down. Between 25 km and 30 km I was really slow. I couldn't find a running position that had no pain.

At the 30km mark, I made the best decision of my life. Lets throw all caution to the wind, go for broke and try to go sub five hours. So it was heads down, arms throwing and just mental tenacity the whole way. I overtook a lot of people the last 12km. It was stress and doubt the whole way. Can I maintain this? Can I get sub five? Why is the route turning left (Dataran is on the right)? I must have looked impressive to Randy, Ivie and KK. I hope they didn't notice the road was downhill at that point. I called my wife, "Sweetheart I am about an hour ahead of schedule, standby with the sarong".

4 hrs 56 mins and I could see the finish arch. Put on the sarong, ran down the finish chute pumping the heavens in honour of our brother watching, NGAE. This simple tribute actually brought a tear to May Senn. She is a lovely person and has a hip Dad to boot.

My time was 4 hrs 57 min. The finish area is always a lovely moment of our lives. There was my wife, Adeline, Peter Chan, Paul Lee, A.J., Meng, SK and so forth. We heard that Mac was lying flat out on the table and trooped over to see him.

One year, R.I.P.

The best entertainer ever.

Jens Wilkens wins Bali Triathlon (20 June 2010)

Gosh our Mr Nice Guy, Jens Wilkens has won the Bali Triathlon that was held on 20 June 2010

Jens receiving his Hawaii slot (pic from Simon's blog)

Full results
Yee Sze Mun also finished the race. Others I know are Bali regulars, Robin and Daryl Stanley from Darwin.

Miscellaneous pics by SK, Stupe & Juliana

AJ's birthday was a lovely gathering of the Ironman Community. I didn't realised I missed everyone so much.

Birthday boy was happy

With the pretty ladies You're rubbish mate, but tell me more

The Group

Isn't she lovely... Good job Mr & Mrs TSB

Adults could learn from this (TSB & Stupe's)

SK, where did we go wrong? (SK was an outstanding Sportsman at our school. Incredible person)

About a week ago, before a Bukit Aman run

A Very Happy Birthday to Ironman A.J.

Birthday Boy, A.J. and Adli

All the pretty ladies, Juliana Ali (still heavyweight champion of the World) and Tip

Food was sumptuous. AJ was the perfect host, making sure everyone was alright

Ladies first, Mrs TSB and Mrs SK

Ironman AJ is a total nice guy. He invited about 30 of us (all from the Ironman community) to a sumptuous Birthday Dinner at the Hadramawt Restaurant, Chulan Square. Even though he was footing the bill, he was the busiest person that night making sure everyone was alright.

I overheard him say quite a few times that "he was having dinner with "close friends". I am touched, for anyone to consider us to be close friends (I'm the same actually, my Ironman buddies are my closest friends). Thats the thing about our sport, you can be anyone but once your passion is to swim, bike and run, you are just one of the boys, very down to earth. Not only does our sport breaks down status barriers, it also breaks down racial barriers. I suppose it breaks down any social barriers that this world has. Long live Sport. Long live the Ironman, just that Malaysia doesn't have one anymore, pity.

AJ just had a serious medical scare recently, fainting on the bike whilst doing the Malakoff Charity ride. Luckily an ambulance was always in tow. All of us were very concerned for AJ. Malakoff is probably the largest corporate supporter of multi sport in Malaysia. Sponsoring Powerman, Duathlons, Charity Rides, MUDS (University development), numerous Runs and even providing employment for Malaysia's top duathlete. And does AJ have any airs about all of this, not in the slightest.

As this was actually the second time that our group was having dinner here, mingling with each other was seamless as everyone knew each other. With AJ constantly interacting with the Restaurant staff, the food was actually the best Middle Eastern food I have ever tasted. The fruit drink was so thick, it was almost as thick as a fruit itself.

The happy lot included:

1. Host A.J.
2. Adli (who came with a very pretty lady. Very happy for you Adli as you are a very nice person).
3. Yusran and Hazura. We miss Yusran's antics. He is planning to do Ironman Nice, yeah baby.
4. Stupe and family.
5. TSB, wife and the most beautiful daughter I have seen. Way to go TSB.
6. Mr & Mrs Ish and daughter.
7. C.K. and Jaja. Sir really concentrates when he is eating good food. Congratulations Jaja. Time to put the tan back in your cheeks.
8. Jason , thinking of Ipoh
9. Mac and Adeline.
10. Juliana Ali came with a secret. A Secret Recipe cake that is.
11. S.U.O. Kam
12. Mr & Mrs SK
13. Mr & Mrs Bandit
14. Ariff and May Senn. May Senn is going to rely on her outstanding race day tenacity to see her thru IMWA I think.
15. Me and Tip
16. Mr & Mrs Laif (have I missed anyone?)

Early during the dinner, I told AJ I was going to do something "a bit naughty", something that mainstream society in Malaysia may frown upon. And what was his reply after all of two seconds, "I WILL JOIN YOU". So we will both be doing the Perth City to Surf Marathon.

AJ is our man. A very happy Birthday Sir.........

One week to KL Marathon

The nicest surprise of the day was to see Peter Chan, whom we have not seen since IM Langkawi (27 Feb 2010). Peter completed his 20 km run and will be doing the full KL Marathon.

Before last week's run (thanks Juliana)

"ENERGY BARS": Repeat customer, Paul Lee (doubled his order) and we had a new customer in Peter Chan. Tip also sold to Wai Mun , Jenny Lim and two others whom my wife doesn't know their names. I don't think we make any profits from the sales, but it makes my wife soooo happy. Her happiness is definitely priceless, so thanks everyone for your support. I assure you the bars are made with love and passion by Tip.

Paul Lee actually knows his foods very well (he is a walking encyclopedia on what is good food) having reduced his weight from 87 kg to now 63 kg. The "trick" was he made a mental decision to change his dietary habits, and stuck to it. Not many people can do this.

Paul Lee, my wife and Peter Chan (thank you kindly gentlemen).IM China buddy (Hoo) and Marathon Des Sables hero, Ralph Justin Dixon Paul, Peter, Ralph, Hoo and myself will all be doing the full KL Marathon this weekend. The Marathon of course is inhonour of Brother Ngae. We have not forgotten.

MY RUN. A huge group did the 10.8 km double hill or the 8 km walk. Tip completed her third 8km walk with lesser complaints now.

I went to Sri Hartamas with John Tan and Adam Loh. Its been so many years since I've ran with them as my running has deteriorated so badly. But we were running together this time, just like the old days. They dropped me on the Hartamas hills, don't matter. They dropped me again on the way back, but I got a good time. 20km in 2 hr 10 min. The additional "8km" was a disaster as I took a short cut and walked back. Time to taper......and watch the food intake.

Another nice Sunday morning.

Another nice Sunday morning

I think the trick to having a wonderful morning is to greet everyone on the run and clap them too. They will reciprocate, it will make their day and it makes our day too. Definitely my favourite time of the week.

Before our respective runs started, there was a group photo (where is it Juliana?). There was AJ, Kam, Juliana, Sam Pritchard, Carmen, Bee, Chris Khrang, Mac, Adeline, John Tan, Lee, Jenny Lim, Wai Mun, Gane & brother, Lawrence, Paul Lee, Don Khor, Meng, Ralph Dixon, Denis Oakley and many familiar faces either at the car park or running. Because of a common hobby, we have been friends for even up to 25 years.

Our first customer, Paul Lee. Thank you kind sir.

RALPH JUSTIN DIXON & Marathon Des Sables

I have known triathlete Ralph since the nineties. He is a corporate big wig now (gosh what happened to me). Its been nice to watch his athletic progress from initially being a newbie with Coach Chan to his outstanding performance at the recent Marathon Des Sables. Ralph's MDS blog. Ralph is now a regular at Bukit Aman on Sunday mornings.

Now, wait for this..........You know how much he collected for charity.....RM250,000

MY RUN STATS;

28 km. 3 hrs 21 mins versus 3 hrs 18 mins last week. One more run next Sunday, then its KL Marathon baby.........

IM China Confirmed

Air Asia flies there.
Alas, I don't think I can go. Lots of Meetings at the office around that date. Is a whirlwind trip possible?.

Pro, Jocelyn Wong was very quick to contact me. I have duly obliged her request.

Finally

I have been waiting for six months for them to show the IMWA Dec 2009 Race. I've watched the 2007 and 2008 IMWA Races hundreds of times, each time I go on the Trainer in the mornings.

Finally the 2009 Race will be shown on Channel 811, Astro Supersport:

1. 12 June. Sat. 10.30 P.M.
2. 13 Jun 6:10 am.. Sunday
   "The event takes place in the scenic coastal town of Busselton on the Western Australian coast. "
3. 17 Jun 4:00 pm . Thursday
   "The event takes place in the scenic coastal town of Busselton on the Western Australian coast."

IM Australia 2010 (Port Macquarie) is also being shown on Monday, 14 June 2010 at 7.00 p.m.

(I got "AstroMax", which is able to record programmes. They don't sell it anymore.)

P.S.

O.K. seen IMWA. Now I have another recording to keep me company in the still of the morning. They showed my back for half a second. Other Malaysians featured included K.K. Lee and Chef Rob. It was such a hot day.

I was surprised to see Jason Shortis in tears. He always finishes his race. Cheered me at Langkawi as I finished last. Always obliges my photo requests. My hero.

Lisbeth Kristensen went in the ambulance. We have been using her yummy recipe from the TBB site.

OK, saw IMA. The program was very well done. Many beautiful and artistic shots. My hero, Jason Shortis dnf his 50th IM. The first two males were the same as for IMWA. A lot of tears were shed by the winners and age groupers. They gave a lot of time to age-groupers going over the finish line. Still for me the most exhilarating moment of my life, finishing an IM. The Aussie crowd are just superb, everyone is there to help your day.

I'm looking forward to Busselton baby.

Bond University (Gold Coast) Reunion

Bond University is the only University (out of three) I went to, that I managed to graduate from. Bond Professors regularly come to KL and hold small reunions at The Mandarin Oriental actually. This one was last night.

Even though I never meet any of my actual classmates (who are from all over the world), its just nice to share camaraderie with people who went to the same University. Lots of warmth and smiling faces, people genuinely happy to see each other.

I thank the University for holding this lovely get together and look forward to the next one in October.

Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures, definitely better than nothing though.

UM Law Professor (wants to do the Ironman once), Suresh Kumar and Seumas Tan Brett Walker from the University
Geraldine Mackenzie, the Dean of the Law School (considered the top Law School in Australia) I went to the University using my own savings. I chose Bond because the Gold Coast is one of the top few Triathlon training locations in the world. Some of its students (eg. Grant Hackett 1,500m) were actually World Champions. Jackie Gallagher (Triathlon World Champion at that time) frequently used the Pool and Gym facilities. Many top Triathletes and even the not so top ones would come from all over the world (I actually met life long friend, multiple IM Lisa Lynam from Canada here) and use the University Pool and Gym. The swim sessions were simply incredible.

The nicest thing I liked about the Gold Coast was the picture perfect blue sky. I used to spend simply ages just gazing at it wondering how come it was so perfectly blue.

GOLD COAST MARATHON 2011

I have stupidly missed the coming Marathon in July 2010 (its always the first Sunday of July). Pacesetters / Air Asia / Marathon people gave a dirt cheap package. I very much intend to do the Marathon in July 2011. About two weeks ago, I have already offered to pay the 2011 package for someone.

I do hope the 2011 Marathon trip does materialise. Bring the missus (what a trip it would be for her) and friends. Visit the beautiful University, meet anyone still around and get my butt kicked in the Pool. Phew Paradise.

(Come on Paul Lee, lets go)

Run in memory of Ngae

New pics by PM Tey (thank you).

Tip did her longest ever walk (8 km)

Lets see whether I will wear a sarong for all the races this year

Julie Foreman (new friend), Emma, Sam (happy 60th) and Ben (3 hrs flat at Rotterdam)

I have been with Pacesetters Athletic Club since 1984 (more or less). They have always rallied around when a member is in need. When a member has had an accident, cancer, wants to race overseas, a bereavement etc., Pacesetters will rally around. Even for total strangers, for the less fortunate, its members will rally around. I suppose this is the camaraderie of running together.

This morning it was especially nice to see Tri friends I have not seen for such a long time and was wondering whether they were even in the country. Steve Lee and Karoline, Jap Sam. Jaja Shah.

The run was nice. Myself and many people were in sarongs (brother Ngae's trademark). I took the opportunity to greet everyone on the run route to Sri Hartamas and this time I got more smiling faces than the usual Sunday.

Pics are all from Juliana Ali (thank you). Brother Tey is busy with work and will upload his pics later.

So sweet. Wan (former President) and Juliana Ali did the honours Brother Tey, what would we do without him. Most came dressed to the nines. Hee hee. Look who's back I acknowledge I look silly (who cares)

I've known them since Day 1, 1989

RUN STATS (in SARONG):Ran to Petronas, loop and back in a very good time (2 hrs 13 min) for me, (no long ride on Saturday as it was a working day). Then plodded 8 km (1 hr 19 mins). Total time including 3 stops was 3 hrs 38 mins. I can't see myself finishing the KL Marathon.

BE THERE

Its a call to arms that this country has never known people. The enemy is at the beach. Robin Hood (it was only an average movie) needs us.

I am a Selfish Triathlete. I did not go to my brother at his time of darkness. Never again.

This Sunday, Bukit Aman 6 am to 6.30 am. Be there.

We will be;

• Loud and annoying.
• Have only love for everyone of all races.
• Not have an ounce of malice for anyone.
• Run in sarongs (ask me if anyone needs one or five).

A RELIEF

Its only now, after sharing Ngae's final journey with many people that I love, I feel I can finally write something.

FIRST FEW DAYS

I got the news late on Saturday night by SMS from my IM China buddy, Hoo. I started to shake, "whats wrong?" asked the wife. Made a few frantic phone calls to Joo Ngan to get more information. Hands still shaking, should I tell E? I could see her breaking down, so it was a no. Let someone else do it.

A FAMILY LOSS

I couldn't sleep, my missus couldn't sleep, Joo Ngan also couldn't sleep. This was shocking news. I have never ever experienced anything like this. I have never had a close bereavement. This was a bereavement from a family that I cherish. I started Marathon running in 1984 with the Pacesetters from Bukit Aman. We saw each other 6 days a week. We were closer than family. I have always considered, initially runners and later Triathletes to be my closest family.

MY CONNECTION WITH NGAE

We were training buddies for IM MSIA 2006 & 2007. IM 2006 was the year Ngae embraced our wonderful sport. He called me "Sifu". He called me "brother". He told everyone at Bukit Aman (very loudly) that I was his sifu. He didn't tell anyone that I came in last at IM 2006. He was full of love. There was not an ounce of malice in him. He never ever bad mouthed anyone. He was just loud annoying love actually.

When he was fit, he was the first person I would call. "Brother, tomorrow Frasers ok?". We did that 200km ride just the two of us umpteen times. We did Genting (he ran barefoot after a mechanical problem). We went to PD (he slept on the beach with his daughter), swam for 2 hours in the strong sea current, then did the 65 km loop twice (just once for me). We had so many brick workouts in the heat at Ulu Langat. He waited for me every time on the run. We could run in the Kampongs and he would immediately endear himself to the locals.

MULTI-RACIAL

He endeared himself to all races. He nearly married a Malay in Sarawak. The Baju Melayu was all done. Even Malays don't wear Sarongs to run or after their runs. He loved all races and they all loved him back.

I was distraught the first few days. My missus was even worse. "Don't show his picture", she said. So I took down my RIP post.

I saw E did a post around 7 am Sunday morning. It was too well written. The post was cob wash. It was written by an excellent writer, not by someone in grief. E's second post was different. That was written by someone in grief. I went like a cry baby "I can't handle this E", I cried.

When Ngae was fit, he was my closest buddy. When he was experiencing his darkness, I never went to him in return. This must never happen again. I must must go to his service and cremation. This was the last chance. I made arrangements at the office so I could go.

SERVICE & CREMATION

E smsed. Absolutely perfect. Its the first time we both attended this type of funeral. It was the first time I have seen a dead face. There was love, calmness and serenity all over the place. It was so nice to see so many family that I love. People that I have known since 1984, people that I am with more than my real family.

Joo Ngan and his mechanic, Dr Tan, Jason Thiang, Hoo, PM Tey, Juliana Ali (the only other Malay there I think), Wan Yew Leong, Pin Pin and daughter, Pacesetters runners, Paul Lee, Bruce Wan etc. Seeing so many people I love, gave me a relief, forgot that I was supposed to be distraught. No tears at all.

Fit looking lot (I would only spoil the picture)Ngae's Marathon Des Sable cert
Love and serenity
IM Hoo (a very very cheerful friend to have)