Ride With The Boys

Last Sunday, Darien, Jason and myself went for a ride from my house to Teluk Bahang. Approximate distance covered was 46km in a snail speed of almost two hours. It wasn't really a training ride but a leisure one since it was our first time doing it together. The ride touches on all 3 training philosophies of Innebandy!Co and it's a good reminder to myself on how this actually works.

Inner Circle

A player’s potential is determined by those closest to him

Darien will be doing this first OD triathlon in July and even though he doesn't admit this, I still think he is doing this because of my influence towards him. True story. That made him train hard for the race and when I cycled with him, I could see his determination to keep up with me. We're in that inner circle because we're more than just friends, we're teammates as well. And it made me push him to be better and stronger, vice versa. I don't want him to beat my time in Port Dickson this coming July, that makes me wanna train harder as well. Besides training together, we have a great time of fellowship + laughing at our good friend Jason. But one thing I admire about Darien last Sunday was, he was supportive and encouraging. When we reached the top of the dam he told me, we gotta go cheer for Jason. That is inner circle, caring for your teammates while competing.

Darien

Independent Culture

A team’s strength relies on the strengths of the individual

This is our off-season since our Floorball league has just ended but that didn't stop us from continuing to improve ourselves. If we continue doing this independently, no doubt when we come back for next season's league, we would be stronger, faster and better prepared. It's all your own initiative. It would easier if you have your inner circle to motivate you.

Jason and I

Insane Courage
The difference between impossible and possible lies in a person’s determination

Jason is so proud that he completed the ride with a folding bicycle. And his timing is not so bad, about 5minutes behind us? Quite good. Even though he knows he will be the odd one because we both were using a road bike. He did not stop trying to stay at our pace. He kept on pushing, and when he climb that last slope up the dam, he said he gave all he got. That is pure determination which equals to insane courage.

Insane Jason

This may look like a simple formula that I've came up with but boy, this is the most practical and simplest form of mental exercise to keep improving your game, whether its floorball, futsal, bowling, triathlons, etc. 

Taking a break while admiring the view

Honestly I had a great time together with the boys, they are so fortunate to enjoy all this at such young age. I wish I started certain things in life earlier. Oh...one more thing, on our way home, I hit a pot hole and punctured my rear tire. However, I still manage to cycle back home. Such a miracle but a pain in my pocket again.Looking forward for more. Not the punctured part but the rides. ^^

3 bikes that went up the hill; Ima, Maddog & Foldie

We Are The Champions My Friends

And we'll keep on fighting till the end. That's just exactly what Team LiveStrong did. They fought till the very end and that made me a proud coach. Congratulations to team Elite under the guidance of head Coach Sam Teoh.

Last week was the finale of Penang Floorball League for Div 1 and 2. I am a happy manager, coach and player of Innebandy!Co as we clinched the champions title for both divisions. On top of that 4 players from Innebandy!Co were selected as All Star. Haiya...didn't take picture of that. sigh.

Below are some of the pictures we took that night.

Pei Yi, Darien and Jason

Jason and Bryan (All star forward)

Happy cute Daniel Wong

Head Coach Sam also All star defender

Jason and I

Ter Min (All star forward) and I

Me

On a personal note, it was a good league for me. I did not expect to contribute that much to my team. Like I said in my previous post, this year is a comeback year for me and I did achieve the target set. Again, I would like to thank God for still giving me the strength and courage to walk and run. All glory goes to Him.

Innebandy!Co (Team Elite & Team LiveStrong) 1 - 1 Contact/Firebrands

Our last match against Contact was the toughest for the me. I really gave everything I have that night but it wasn't good enough. I guess I wasn't playing smart enough, I was too eager to win the ball back every time we lose it. Coach Sam did ask me to slow down as I was being lured by our opponents to play their game. But the temptation to run after the ball was just too much for me to resist. I literally ran till my legs turn jelly, falling on the ground quite a few times. I was mainly fueled by my mental strength during our last period; reciting the 7LOV in my mind while sitting on the bench. It was intense and gruesome.

Both teams played really well, I guess our opponent was ready to take us down that night, their spirit was high so was their goalie, Benson. He was on form. Seriously good! Shots after shots were talking at him, but we just could not find the net. This is the only gave that gave me muscle ache the next day!

I'm happy that Division 1 is finally over and it was another successful campaign for Innebandy!Co, 6wins and a draw is enough to secure our position as champions again. Sam scored the only goal for the night and to be honest, he wasn't on my goal scorer list. However, that was a superb goal. =) He posted, "feels good to score the last goal of the league for the team.all glory goes to God who sustained me and covered me from all injuries! not gettin a 2mins in a season for the first time was the bonus" in his Facebook.

LiveStrong was held back 1 - 1 by Firebrands. It was an unexpected result. But it's okay, we will be back in full force to claim our victory next week. We just need a win and that would give us a high chance to top the table in Division 2. If that really happens, it's double the sweetness and joy for me.

Team Elite & Team LiveStrong 2012 picture courtesy of Sally Giam

I like what Joseph commented about this picture. He said, "everyone looks good :) innebendians :)" I totally agree with him, everyone is so awesomely good looking. =)

Innebandy!Co (Team Elite) 9 - 0 Ztec

This is the biggest goal margin we've ever won against Ztec. Below are the past results and my simple analysis:

2009
Innebandy!Co 2 - 5 Ztec (LOST)
The team consisted of Saiful, Hafiz, Jeremy, Jun Wooi, Ter Min, Drew, Jo Wyee, Daniel C & Oliver. I remembered stepping on court having cold sweat when playing against these giants. They were unbeatable with the pool of high quality players. 

2010
Innebandy!Co 5 - 5 Ztec (DREW)
The team did not include Saiful, Hafiz & Jeremy. It was a decider match and we were really disappointed that the last goal was allowed, causing us the league title for the year.

2011
Innebandy!Co 8 - 3 Ztec (WON)
The team did not include Saiful, Hafiz, Jeremy, Jun Wooi Ter Min. We got stronger with no significant transfer of players out/in of the team.

2012
Innebandy!Co 9 - 0 Ztec (WON) The team did not include Saiful, Hafiz, Jeremy, Ter Min, Drew, Jo Wyee, Jun Wooi, Daniel C & Oliver.

I like what our senior pastor shared few months ago. He said, "Let's use our rich history as a springboard for the future". I rarely take down sermon notes but this was an exception because it speaks to me and to our club. We have been in the Floorball scene since 2003 and I'm proud to say we're one of the most consistent Floorball team in Penang and Malaysia. Producing consistent results all year long.

And the secret to our success is the leaders and the players of the club. No significant changes each year, thus bringing forward our developed skills and momentum to the following year together as a team. Our players and culture is definitely our 'springboard' to bring us to a higher level. I am not satisfied with where we're at now, I want to go higher.

Ztec is a good club and we have a special relationship with the coach and the players there but they simply couldn't maintain their consistency of 'seasoned' players causing them their 'fall'. It's a waste to see players leaving their respective clubs due to studies/work commitment, etc It happened to Innebandy!Co before, but our leaders were tough and creative enough to pull through it. I dedicate our victory to our leaders, players and fans who has been with us from the time of Blazing Eagles (2003).

Innebandy!Co (Team LiveStrong) 6 - 2 Cavalierz

Coming into the game with a defeat of 4-6 against Cavalierz in the first leg did not affect the team’s morale at all. The players in LiveStrong really live up to their name. None of the players showed they were intimidated by our opponents on court but insane courage. I like what Bryan Teoh post on his fb wall. He said, “Time to grow insane courage for this Saturday”. Well said, as that was what I wanted to see in the team since the beginning.

After our first win against Frontliners and a couple of changes in the team strategy/tactics, the team seems unbeatable at the moment. It is not because of their skills but because of their mental strength. They are so driven to win the rest of the matches till improving tremendously without realizing. They have rose from a 3 to a 7 in just 4games. All I can see is great potential in Team LiveStrong and without a doubt they will continue the legacy of Innebandy!Co and to be honest, Team LiveStrong is setting a great example for their senior players to follow.

Our strategy for the games was simple, I only mentioned two things to them.

#1. Play defensively and tight as a team.

#2. Don’t think yourself as just a muscle but a mountain.

Probably you won’t understand #2, you may ask the players in LiveStrong if you’re interested to know more. And it really works! For the first period, the team played a very solid defensive game, thus stopping our opponents from their taking shots at us. Imagine a 6 goal deficit to a 2 goal deficit, this I have to thank our goalies, Daniel Wong and Bryan Teoh for their exceptional performance especially Bryan. You really grew Insane Courage that Saturday. Not only that, we also have players like Radin, Ronnie Chand, Divesh Mohan, Winnie Giam and Sybrina Ng who put their names on the score board. Brilliant goals!

After the 2nd period, I knew we’re gonna win this game because the team’s confidence grew to the next level. Everyone played even harder and finish the game strong with a 6-2 victory. I even saw Pei Juen and Josephine laughing and smiling all the way when the team scores. I will make sure you girls get more game time in our next 2 matches. =) Another sweet victory and two more to go. Let’s ride this wave till the end together.

Team LiveStrong 2012

PAAA Round The Houses Relay

This isn’t the largest relay race in Penang or Malaysia but my first relay race since leaving primary school. I don’t remember doing any relay race in high school because I’m just not good enough. =P I got an invitation from my ex-high school mate, Cheok Teng, as one of his runner pulled out last minute. Since they need an extra runner, why not?. I met a few of them in our training sessions at PISA a few days before the race. Somehow sports people are just generally friendly and easy to mingle with. Our team captain, Chiat Fong even emailed me the race route for me to familiarize with before the race. Memang ada the 1^st LOV, ‘Leadership is Responsible’. Bagus!

2.5km race route

I reached Padang Polo School about 6.45a.m and the crowd was building up, not exactly the largest crowd but the atmosphere was there. Saw many familiar faces as Penang’s sport community is not that big. My captain passed me the race bib numbers to be pin on my jersey and talked a little about the race. It started to drizzle when we were asked to assemble at Padang Polo according to the team’s alphabets and runners in sequential form. Those really made me feel like I was in primary school again. Haha.

Soon, it was go time. Our first runner, Cheok Teng, took his spot at the starting line and BOOM! It began. The rest of us waited at the field for our turn as it is a 2.5km loop per runner. Yea, 2.5k may not be a lot but this is about speed. You’ve to burst yet last long enough to finish the race strong. I didn’t really train for this so the last 400 meters was torturous.

Cheok Teng M1 setting the pace

Being the last runner isn’t an easy task, as you’re the one finishing the race for your team and teammates. I didn’t wanna let my teammates down by finishing with a crappy time, so that was my source of motivation. I waited excitedly for the 7^th runner, Alaga, nice chap. In that moment, when the crowd is loud with cheers, I can’t wait to get hold of the baton and start running. As he got nearer my heart pounded harder and faster, soon the baton was in my hands. As I was running on the main road opposite Disted, a car honk at me at the other side of the road, I turned and I saw another ex-high school friend, Ee Liang and his gf, that motivated me even more. These are the little things which can pump up your adrenaline, support and motivation.

Team Run Forest Run 2 - before race

Team Run Forest Run 2 - after race

After turning into Padang Polo, I could see the finishing line but it felt like I was not moving. My heart was at maximum rate and I was already being fueled by mental strength, nothing else. Every stride I made, I had to keep telling myself why and what those strides are for. As I got nearer to the finishing line, I saw my teammates cheering for me, telling me I’m getting near, keep pushing, come on!, finish it, almost there, etc. I kept up my pace and cross the line the fastest I could. Oh man, my legs were burning, my muscles were stiff, and I just wanna lie down and close my eyes. Nonetheless, it was a good race.

I love this pic! Look at my supportive teammates! =)

The finisher's medal

After race home cooked porridge by one of the teammate's gf I think. yummy.

Even though I’m new to the group, but I felt the bond and support from them. I wanna thank Chiat Fong again for organizing this race so I could experience something new. Another thing that I notice is, most of my sports pics are ugly like sh*t. But I realized the uglier means the more effort you’re putting in. See example below. Have a great week! =)

10:11 (second fastest -ugly)

9:20 (fastest in our team but ugliest. haha)

Moral of the story, don't worry about how you look, performance and result is more important. ^^

Team Run Forest Run 2

Share The Hapiness Dedication Event

Last week, my manager shared to me about an event where you can get free chocolates if you make a dedication on stage. It is the Cadbury roadshow which was held at Queensbday last Saturday and Sunday. The stage was decorated like Charlie and the chocolate factory's theme, really colorful. It was suppose to be a surprise for Sam but the plan kinda fail as the 'presentation' day was on Sunday instead of Saturday when he was there with me.

The emcee for the event was Jeremy from Red.Fm and he's quite a cool guy. The organizer gave us a short briefing, introduce me to Jeremy and it was action time. Jeremy called my name (He made Deswyn sounds really cool. haha) and I walked coolly and calmly up the stage. He asked me who am I dedicating this to, I answered, "To Sam my buddy, but unfortunately he is not here today."

Jeremy(Check out his bling) and I (reading the poem)

I first met you when we were thirteen,
You look crappy, scruffy and thin.
Our journey of friendship started from that day,
And it continued sailing till this very day.

We did a lot of crazy stuff together,
Calling random girls from the payphone like a stalker.
We were desperate for girls to be ours,
Chasing them till their face turn sour.

High school was crazy,
As chemistry always make us dizzy.
Could never understand what was our teacher teaching,
Because we were too busy sleeping.


Left high school with nothing in our hands,
But we vowed to rise and defend,
Our future, career and family in our minds,
We gave our best in the next phase of life.

Next was our graduation,
Our parents stood proudly in the auditorium.
It was like a second chance given,
From God who art in heaven.

There is still a long journey ahead,
I thank God for you and your creative head.
We have great plans to be successful,
I know one day all our dreams will come true.

Forgive me for cursing you when I’m mad,
I don’t mean to make you sad.
Please don’t think we’re gay,
As our girlfriends are shopping, at Queensbay.

Thirteen years of friendship,
Passed in a blink of an eye.
I cherish our relationship,
Please don’t think it is a lie.

I guess that’s all I have to say,
Don’t kill me at the end of the day.
I just want my Cadbury hamper,
I will share it with you, after I collect it later. =)

I think that made Jeremy and those who were present laugh quite a bit. haha. Got down from the stage and collected my goodie bag.

The chocolates from the goodie bag

I was about to leave the stage, but he wants more cause he thinks I'm funny

I said, "Sorry bro, that's all I got for today. =P"

Actually what he really said was, you didn't mention anything good about your friend. I turn and said, that's what best friends are for, you can screw them and yet be close. Is 'screw' a vulgar word?hahaha. Ops. Anyways, this post is dedicated to my buddy, Sam.

Sam and I 2008

Sam and I 2012