Lake Kenyir International Triathlon 2012 Race Report

After our floorball league game against Spearhead (which we won 17-2), Sam and I started our grueling journey to Lake Kenyir with the help of GPS. It is our first time going to Terengganu and the road there is not like the Plus north-south highway but a single lane ‘highway’. Thus overtaking cars is not that easy. Even though the distance is about 400+km but it took us 7 freaking hours to reach out destination.

When we arrived there, the carbo loading dinner was about to begin. When the green light was given to ‘feast’, the crowd went for the food like there is no tomorrow. I guess it’s pretty normal for races like this, as it was Sam’s first time; he was laughing away and comparing them to our church’s big party (a community project by our church where free dinner is being offered) because they were filling their plates till mountain high. What a sight.

[The race pack]

Then it was briefing by uncle Chan, as usual his funny jokes cum briefing filled the hall with laughter. Everyone was in a relax mode. He mentioned his objective for organizing triathlon races in Malaysia was for the participants to have fun; he added Chris ‘Macca’ Mccormack (One of the IronMan world champion) comes to his race because he thinks it is fun. =)

After a 5 hours plus sleep, it was time to go. I’ve been stuffing myself with lots of carbs for the whole day, night and morning, thus making my ‘tangki tahi’ full. Just as I was about to leave the chalet, my body was ready to release all the toxic. Thank God the timing was right, or else, it’s gonna come out in the lake or during my ride.

Walked to the race venue, settled “maddog” down, arrange my equipment, food, drink, etc and got by body marked ‘209’. Talked to a couple of Penang tri friends and even made a new friend (who proposed after the race!).

Look at my watch, 30 minutes before the race start, started eating my vanilla powerbar, miss eating it! Green light was given by the MC to warm up in the lake. It was pretty clean, but towards the end, the visibility range was about 1 meter. We had to do 2loops around 3 large buoys. I hate the swimming part the most as this is my weakest discipline.

The race started at 8am sharp, massive splash and traffic as usual. Getting a few kicks is pretty normal. I got a little panic and immediately stop swimming because people were coming from the back, left, right and all directions towards me. I tried to not be bother by all this and continue swimming. After the first 200M, I got the momentum of it. I swam out of course twice at the 2^nd buoy, same mistake twice. I really suck at it. I think I took a snail time of 40minutes to complete the 1.5k swim.

I was so glad when I came out from the water as biking and running is more of my strength. I knew I had lots of catching up to do on the bike. Came out, dried my feet, no fancy T1 stuff and quickly get to the road. It was a lonely ride, no one to draft and a few cyclist here and there. At the 15Km mark, I saw a group of cyclist heading towards T2 already. Kind of depressing. But I continue pressing on, told myself to continue to give my best. After the U turn, Max came from behind and told me to follow him, I was glad there is someone to finish the cycling course with. We stayed with each other till the last killer slope which ‘killed’ a lot of cyclist.

That is a mental challenge to me, most cyclist start pushing their bike up the slope, one even took of his shoes and start running with the bike. I almost quit, but I told myself, you’re cycling now, so put your ass on the saddle and finish it strong. Seriously I almost cried, it was the most torturing slope I’ve ever rode on. After pushing my body and keeping my head strong for about less than a minute, the ‘hill’ was conquered! Phew…what a relief and I was just ride behing Ah Mong. My goal was to stick with him till the end. Bike time: 1 hour 15minutes

Into T2, I put on my shoes and kept an eye on Ah Mong. He was slightly ahead of me, but I never let him get out of my sight. Pacing and trailing him for the next 8KMs but he was much faster than me towards the end. The hot weather and running across the scenic dam was another mental challenge to me. I knew I had to stay strong and finish the race as fast as possible. Running time: about 1 hour.

I manage to overtake Ben halfway on the dam and finish the race with an unofficial time of 2 hours and 55minutes. Not an impressive result but at least I achieve my personal target which is to complete it in under 3hours. So now I can say that I’ve completed Malaysia’s toughest triathlon. =) I almost missed the finishing line, went to the wrong lane but I was quick enough to realign myself. Things to improve on, my swim and my finishing pose!

Special thanks to Sam for being my driver, bellboy, photographer and a supporter. You made this ‘road trip’ a memorable one. Hope you can join me for PD tri in July. Hahaha!

funny ending ^^

My Dream Comeback

Of course not about blogging. haha. But about my achievements in sports and life. After my knee surgery in September 2010, I thought 2011 would be my 'comeback' year, as I was physically 'normal' enough to start training. But boy' it was a disappointing year. Why?

I was 3rd in the point chart for the PFL Div1, I wasn't selected as All Star due to crappy performance, I only did 1/3 of an OD triathlon, I 'hit the wall' during the round island ride for CFAL Edition 3, I was at 173 placing out of 500 riders in King Of the Mountain, I completed the PBIM half marathon in 2hours and the finisher's picture of me look like sh*t.

[KOM's Result]

[Official Pic, small and bad looking =P]

Life as an external auditor made training time even harder to find. You would be labelled lazy if you don't OT. It would affect your evaluation if you always leave office on time. And the longer you stay in the firm, more workload will start pouring in. I always wanted a healthy balance between work and life but I will never achieve this as long as I'm there.

Fortunately, my wish was granted. I got a new job (will talk about it in another post) and I really believe its God's blessings and provision upon my life. Hence, training is back in full swing yo.

First competition in 2012 is the annual PFL Div 1, as of to date things are looking pretty sweet to me. I've never stayed on top of the point chart ever since Ter Min-asanity begun. It will be hard for me to keep this position throughout the whole league but I'll try. =) Term congratulated me and said that if there is someone above him, he is glad that the person is me. I think he is just trying to be nice, pretty sure he will go out to claim his title. Anyhow, he is an inspiration to me and many floorballers out there.

[PFL Point chart as at 25th Feb 2012]

It's gonna be a tiring weekend for me as I have a game against the speedy Spearhead and an OD triathlon the following day in Lake Kenyir. Wish me courage in the swim, speed on the wheels and strength in my legs. =)

Team Elite for PFL DIV1 2011 Part 2

Forgot to include a few more team elite players...hahaha

[2011] This person is another reason why we have a higher chance of holding, kissing and harassing the trophy (Miss you so much my baby T, come back to me ya). In previous years, our defense is the weakest but with Timo behind (legendary full back), the puzzle is finally completed. Great to have you back in the team and glad to be in the same line as you. Got TIMO!

[2011] Latest signing from 'Spain', hail Puyol a.k.a Ping Hooi (Nicholas), another speed demon with an angelic smile. Still can't believe we have him in our team. An asset to team elite, even though he just join the team, he could adapt to our culture and playing style quickly. Bravo!!! Also very consistent in this performance...expecting more goals from him.

[2011] She's the coolest girl we've ever have after Val. She's tough yet she's gentle, unlike our 'great wall', Pei Li. Somehow I just enjoy watching her train, kinda entertaining. Hopefully she gets some playing time or else I have nothing much to write. LOL.

[2011] Calvin disappeared to NS, came back then disappear again. haha. He really showed the team and myself what commitment is. Paying RM50 and being there for just one game. Not knowing whether he would be played by the coach, yet he still do it. I've seen you improve and it's really a waste not having you till the end of this league. Looking forward to partnering you in future tournaments. All the best in KL.

Trophy gone because

I trained too hard...really crazy...

Team Elite for PFL DIV1 2011

I wrote something like this last year. Click here. I introduced every player in Team Elite for Div1 and conclude that, the team was the strongest ever for the club. I was right as we ended our campaign without a lost.

This year's PFL is even more special. It is more emotional for me as I treat this as my comeback. Just 5 months ago, I could barely walk with confidence and the first thing that came to my mind was, I need to be ready for my team when Div1 comes. Hence, the mental and physical struggle I had to go through to reach today. I've not gotten the green light from my doctor but....hahaha. If my teammates need me, I will be there for them. =) Alright, time to cut the crap.

This year's team elite for Innebandy!Co

[2010] He is one tough bull/Park Ji-Sung and real quick in taking rebound.

[2011] A more mature player this year, I think he is a threat to our opponents. Still as hardworking as usual. Shots are getting more consistent. An aggressive player with a soft heart. =) Seriously. If he adds a little creativity ("brains") into his game play. That would be awesome!

[2010] Rubine our solid rock in defense always making it hard for me to score during training. He has grown a lot! Way to go.
[2011] He has grown even more now. Serious shit. You're dope =) He is our backbone for line 2. He may look a little blur blur and stim stim, as if he's high on weed but look at him man. He is still solid. Put a little more weight and muscles, you would be like me. HAHAHAHA.

[2010] Our very own christiano ronaldo, Previn. hehehe. Has speed of lighting that will burn your a** if you don't watch out. Run baby run! I wanna be fast like you. =x
[2011] You're still so fast that I would book you if I am a policeman. This year you're not only fast. But you're fast and skillful. Definitely better than last year. This guy has better stick work and has been scoring at least a goal in our previous games. Keep up the good work. Good to have you back in the team.

[2010] The 2009 rising rookie, Darien may not catch the attention of the crowd this year but I tell you, he is one player who knows what creativity is, and that is essential. Keep it up.

[2011] No longer a rookie but an elite player with heavy responsibility on your shoulder. Our defender who plays with creativity. He is the guy the coach will rely on when things don't look quite right. (I just realized I wrote about creativity for him last year, it is proven. He is ^^)

[2010] Wild card, David Kok! This is the Messi in floorball. A genius on court with good killer instinct. With more games in his pocket, he would be unstoppable. ^^

[2011] I am right about this, look at this genius now. He is really unstoppable. He really live up to his name, slaying down any 'Goliath' that comes in his path. I'm really glad he came back to floorball and inne. Without him, line2 would be incomplete.

[2010] Bryan, my partner in crime. I wouldn't trade anyone to play on top with me. I'll always remember him as a cry baby in state training last time. But today, he is the one that will make others cry. I feel he is the better version of me. Good job!
[2011] Somehow the way he plays/control/shoot the ball is different from all of us. That is just so unique about his game play. He plays floorball gracefully with a super killer instinct. How about that? siao man. As I sitting on the bench penalty, I was amazed with him running up and down. It's just something he wouldn't do years back. Respect bieber looi. I mean respect respect =)

[2010] Mamaroyong Nicholes, we missed him in last year's PFL and it's great to have him on board this year. He is unpredictable and that makes him unstoppable. Sometimes we don't know what he is doing but that's the element of surprise for our opponent! =p

[2011] I think you gain some weight. Try to shed them off your butt man. ahahah. kidding kidding. Super senior player who is super committed. Sometimes you would see his 'just wake up look' in training. Have to sacrifice his nap you noe. Not easy. With his vast experience, he could contribute to line 2's success this season.

[2010] Captain Lin Ken...the best in his field. I guess he is one person who will determine whether we will get the Gold medal this year or otherwise. Always giving good feedback, ideas and tips. A really good loud motivator that will drive us throughout this campaign! The backbone of team Elite!

[2011] This year the most used words from his mouth, "Chill boys, chill boys X 1,000,000" If someone can record all his actions up on video. It would be the most entertaining thing to watch. Not in a funny le. He is just full of actions on court. A great captain who know the ins and outs of floorball thus making him super knowledgeable. He is like our lawyer you know. Team gets a foul, he would walk up straight to the ref (judge) to seek further explanation and etc. Super pro lo! hahaha.

[2010] He is the brains behind the club, without him I wouldn't feel as confident playing with a different strategy. Without him, is like curry mee without curry mee chili, plain and mild. An experience solid defender with killer instinct and most importantly, he play with brains.

[2011] I really need to thank him for his support and encouragement since my surgery. He went through it before, and he gave me good advice and counsel on how to recover and gain confidence in my legs again. 12 years of friendship, 8 years of floorballing together, all the hard work finally paid off. Let us continue to be hungry for more.

3 new additions for team elite's Div 1.

You may read about my comment on Pei Yi via innebandy's blog. Coming into Div 1 to play with the big boys would be a good experience for her. That would make her even tougher, and hoping to see more game time. Then we would see how this 'karate kid' struts her stuff on court.

Eric Wong. hmmmmmm. This player is really full of surprises one. Sometimes he exceeds your expectations, sometimes he don't. But he is still pretty fresh here so can't blame him for that. More games and experience, is all he need. And also pls pls remember open your mouth. Communication is really vital. For i.e after my B2, I open my mouth and shouted and Bryan, "BALL BALL I'M OPEN!!!" And it's a goal. So learn k? You really have great potential, could tell easily.

Leon. The youngest player to join elite div1 team. After only a few months of playing floorball, you had to suffer with us in our trainings. Such a great guy. I can tell you're a very humble person. Just remember the 'law of the bench'. I shared that mainly because of you. One day you'd be the starters. A bench player when placed correctly, will be more valuable than the starters. Just don't quit yet. Just like in life.

Here I end my long winded post. So again like last year. Can we finally lift the title after a drought of 3 consecutive years?

YES!

YES! YES!

YES! YES! YES!

Finally...

I've achieved my weekly target based on my STAR training program. It took me 4weeks to finally achieve it and the satisfaction is just yummy yummy yummy. I've learned a few things from it.

1. It's not easy to achieve those targeted heart rate for x time. Because we wouldn't know which zone we're training at and that makes it difficult.
2. You may be training hard but you may not be training effectively. Something to ponder on.
3. It is not that easy to improve your fitness level without a guide/coach.
4. I have to go through that kinda 'shit' every week if I really want to improve.
5. Your weights training/body pump does not contribute more than 5% of the THR because it's a different kind of training.
6. I need to train at least 4 times a week.
7. You can't cheat. =(

But I do not know how effective this STAR training program is and I'm gonna be the white mice experimenting it. You may ask how would I know whether my fitness level is improving? Well, there is this fitness test function that comes together with my Polar FT80.

The result of the Polar Fitness Test is called OwnIndex. It is a score that is comparable to VO2max (ml x min-1 x kg-1 ), a commonly used descriptor of aerobic/cardiovascular fitness. Your OwnIndex value rises as you get fitter. To follow your fitness progress, start by measuring your OwnIndex a couple of times during the first two weeks to get a baseline value. Thereafter, repeat the test approximately once a month. When I just started my VO2max is 62.

my result and the chart

So I will check my VO2max in a few weeks time. Fingers cross. So what do I get when I achieve my weekly target. This is really fun and encouraging. You get a trophy and it appears on your watch. This week's message was EXCELLENT. Haven't heard this for a very long time. Dang! It feels good and motivating.

=)

my watch before achieving target. just date and time

after reaching weekly target. date, time and a trophy

And you can't hide and take that trophy away from your display. So if people ask me for time, I can proudly show them my trophy on my wrist. Wah...damn champion. Hahaha. damn lansi me. Work until gila d. wohooooooooooooooooooooo.

My overall result from my polarpersonaltrainer. Never regret buying such a gadget, Viva Polar FT80. If you wanna improve, you gotta do something. That's what I call independent culture. I will be missing 3 weeks for Floorball training with Innebandy!Co's team elite. I guess this is the little I can do to prepare myself for the long awaited PFL division 1.

Life as an Auditor can be...

fun and exciting if you're client is nice, generous, friendly, beautiful, hot...oh oh...getting carried away. sorry sorry. er...let's continue..professional, helpful, etc. It would be more interesting if the nature of business is something you're passionate about. Perhaps auditing Louis Vuitton would be fun for some girls, or MAS, Trek, Polar, Astro, Genting, anything and whatever you're passionate about.

As for me, I am fortunate enough (or my company really got no choice d) to be on the audit team for a popular and famous gym outlet in Malaysia. Let's just call it gym X. I really learned a lot from this trip, even though it's only my 3rd day here. I see things from a management's perspective and it is not as easy and straight forward as it seems. I always thought it is an easy task to operate a gym but I was damn wrong.

And one thing that I notice about the gym goers here in KL is that this guys are seriously muscular and fit and tone. Makes me feel like a tiny mice everything I use the toilet there. Not forgetting them walking here and there nude. Why can't they just keep their seaweed to themselves. kns...so suey.

I'm trying to look things on the bright side of life. =) Even though I may not be a pilot but I'm thinking of joining the finance department of SIA or MAS in the near future. That would bring me closer to the planes. I guess by doing that I could cross out 'Dream Job when I was a kid' . I guess God really mean it when He says, He knows the plans He has for each one of us. Hor?