Christmas Island Flora and Fauna Half Marathon

4th October 2008 - Christmas Island...here we come!! We ran a different marathon here - running into the bushes, gravel road, woods and then back to the 'pain-my-ass' road again before turning back to the woods and ending at the field. Even though I was suffering badly, especially my buttock due to an injury a week before, I enjoyed this run very much as it brought us back to nature.

Although the run was delayed for an hour from the original 7am, participants did not complain much as the weather was still cooling. I can imagine if this were to happen in Malaysia, most of the runners would have already voiced their anger! Except for this minor hiccup, I think the Organiser has done a great job as a first-timer. Water stations were adequate. Distance markers were clearly displayed at every kilometre. Warm and friendly faces were there to greet us at the finishing line. A choice of burgers or fish n' chips and ample fruits were served after the race. I couldn't be asking for more except my own fitness and condition which has currently hit rock bottom! Nevertheless, I am happy to be the fifth runner to cross the finishing line in a time of 1:45:59. Every runner was presented a medal, certificate and a running vest.

Wai Mun made me (and the nation? hahaha!) proud when she came back third in the women category even with a detour of about 6km! Well, the dreamer and her day-dreaming again! Hahaha!

For additional reports and pictures, please read Wai Mun and Julie's blog.

Report : PCC Interstate

Woh, I'm recovering well thus far. The doctor has removed the 3 stitches above my right eye brow today. While the pain is still there, it's bearable. I'm still going for dressing on my left elbow every other day. The doctor said it's healing pretty well and the wound is clean. Some dead skin have started to shed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the well-wishers and also those who have helped me during and after my unfortunate mishap. I recalled many cyclists stopped and came forward to help and comfort me even though I don't know some of them. One cyclist asked me to lay down and Kenny Kwan helped by putting my head on the helmet. Someone took care of my bike and its accessories. Few of them asked for my wife's contact number, unfortunately there was no signal at that part of the world. Then Adrian came with his support car and drove me to look for my wife and a clinic.

Dear friends, Wai Mun and I are deeply touched by your kind gestures and assistance. We sincerely wish to say a big "THANK YOU" from the bottom of our hearts.

More reports are featured here.

2008 PCC Interstate Cycling

The Sceneries




The Peloton



The Camaraderie





The Support


Local Famous


The Casualties

Shape Run

As the name suggested, this 10km run is really for the "out-of-shape" people like me, to participate and have some fun. So when the opportunity arose, I just got a spare BIB to run to sweat it out!

Surprisingly, even though we had cycled almost 70km yesterday, my legs still have the power to push the distance. I think I must be running under the influence of Usain Bolt - my new idol! I was the 7th person in my category to cross the finishing line. My time was 45:10, no bad for a Sunday-runner like me.

Although I was not entitled to any prize due to technical reason but what the heck, I was very satisfied with my performance! I think I'm almost ready for the Powerman. I just need to start training seriously in the next 2 months and hope to peak by November 9.

Wai Mun didn't want to let me outshine her - she also got 7th position. It's always great to have such a competitive life partner to make our life interesting, isn't it?

2008 Adidas King Of The Road

This year's KOTR event venue was shifted to Shah Alam instead of Sunway. Nevertheless, I think overall the 2008 Adidas KOTR was well organised. It could be flawless if plain water stations were also provided (organiser provided only isotonic drink!) and distance markers were displayed.

As the entry form stated that the distance will be a 22.7km half marathon, I had mentally prepared myself that it's going to be a long race. However, the never-ending of uphills and round-abouts had really caught me by surprise! I should rename this KOTR as "Killer Of The Round-abouts".

And if this was not enough, another surprise awaited me at the finishing line - I won RM200 for my 10th placing! With a timing of 1:47:46, I believe I was really lucky today because under the normal circumstances, I would certainly be empty-handed.

To add to my joy, Wai Mun also won the same amount with a 10th placing! We celebrated our rewards at the nearby Secret Recipe after the race.

2008 KRI Century Ride Report

Written by Scott.

Hi! I'm Scott. I'm 5 months old. I'm excited and pleased to share my experience in my 1st cycling competition in Ipoh last Sunday.



I was asleep when John excitedly woke me up to prepare for the Century Ride. Apparently he has already been sleepless 2 nights before the race! Once everything has been set up, John, Wai Mun and I slowly got ourselves to the Starting Point. While John mingled around with his friends like Tomatoman, Gerard, Michelle, Yit Thing, Siok Bee, Lisa, Gane, Chee Chung, Carol and my god father Lok Chan Chuen, I observed and saw so many hi-tech and branded bike, eg Cervelo, Time, Trek etc. Most cyclists looked seasoned and fit. Immediately I had a goose bump! John was to cycle me for 160km this morning and it would be our farthest so far.

When the race flagged off at 7.10am, John and I gingerly started our debut at the back of everyone. It was not a mad rush as we were there just for the experience. Nevertheless, whenever we saw Wai Mun and Bro Tey taking our photos, we posed confidently!



After a few kilometres, a train was formed, led by cyclists wearing the LeTua jerseys. John and I quickly followed them from behind. Michelle and Tomatoman also followed suit. It was so much easier and faster by drafting behind them.

Soon we reached the 20km mark. Suddenly I felt strange and then realised that I had a flatten rear tyre. Oh no! Left with no other choice, I moved to the roadside and wonder what to do as John didn't bring any airpump with him. Fortunately, Tomatoman was kind enough to turn back and came to our rescue! While we were figuring how to fix the tyre, an official mechanic brother came and helped. Soon, everything was settled in 10-15 minutes.

We quickly continued our journey. This time there were no cyclists at sight either in front or back of us. I felt bad and guilty especially to Tomatoman as I have delayed him. Immediately I set a goal in order to put my saviour back to the peloton. I got in front of him and pushed as hard as I could, with him drafting behind. Later, we found ourselves overtaking one or two slower cyclists and then a group of cyclists.



As we reached the kampung-road of Sayong, we were welcomed by a huge incline. There were a few cyclists who got down to push their bike. Still, Tomatoman and I kept pushing and were awed with the rolling uphills and downhills ahead! Yahoo! I totally enjoyed this roller coster ride!

I think I've pushed too hard at the countless uphills that John has his both thighs cramped at about 75km! Being inexperienced, he obviously didn't know what to do at this situation. To come down from the bike and stretch his legs? Or just carry on... but what if he falls down and hurts his rib again later? He was a bit confused but by luck we made a right decision by changing to lighter gear and continued. The cramp just vanished after a while. What a relief!

We reached our first check-point at 76.5km where we met Jason Thiang, Chicken Yong, Ken Kan and Michelle who has done credibly well thus far. John filled his stomach by consuming 2-3 bananas at one go. Jason then suggested that we formed a train and off we went.



I managed to follow Jason and Tomatoman until 88km when John had his second attack of cramp. This time it was on his hamstring. Again, I had to slow down incredibly and soon, the image of Jason and Tomatoman became vague and then slowly disappeared out of sight!

At this point, my average speed was 29.7km/hour. By cycling alone, I knew I couldn't maintain anymore. Therefore I decided to focus on completing the ride instead! Soon, mentally, we were at peace.

We reached another water station at 103km in Manong. John swallowed his packet of power gel provided by the sponsor and refilled his bottle of water. There were now 4 cyclists and we formed a small group and pedalled on. John felt good after this water station perhaps due to the effect of the powergel. Now, I'm left in dilemma - should I increase my speed and move on? or stick to this "not so fast" train? Eventually, I chose the latter as cycling in a group, irregardless of the speed is definitely more fun and easier.



At 118km, we had our final check-point in Kuala Kangsar. I was so glad to meet Tomatoman here. I saw Jason having his breakfast in the nearby coffee shop! Talk about enjoying life...Hahaha! Tomatoman and I wasted no time and continued our journey back to Chemor. Soon, we passed Hospital Kuala Kangsar where John was born (this is the 1st time in his life he actually saw the place of his birth)!

After a few kilometres, sensing that Tomatoman was slowing down, I moved forward hoping that he would follow closely. But it was not to be. Later after the race, he told me he has a leg cramp too! Sorry bro, I didn't realize that.

As John pedalled on alone he was thinking of calling his no 1 supporter - Wai Mun to expect our arrival. But before we reached Chemor, we had to handle so many traffic lights near Sg Siput town. Just like a slow runner taking part in a marathon race, there were no marshalls to take care of your safety towards the tail-end of the race anymore! This is my only regret about this otherwise well-organised event.



After slightly more than 6 hours of cycling, we finally reached the finishing line. Of course there was no grand or powerful ending like what we always see on TV in the Tour De France or Le Tour De Langkawi! But the fact that we were able to overcome some obstacles and complete the whole 160km made us feel so good. Yes, John and I are still proud of ourselves.

P/S many thanks to the following persons:
1) Tomatoman for the tyre repair and pacing,
2) Tey for the wonderful pictures (John didn't know that he looks so stunning until he saw your photos), and
3) my no 1 supporter - Wai Mun for driving me to-and-fro Ipoh. Sorry to keep you waiting so long at the finishing. I promise I'll come back earlier next year.

Till then,

Happy cycling and see you next year in Century Ride!

Still excited,
Scott



Official time : 6'05"
Cycling time : 5'44"
Distance : 159.28km (vary between riders)
Average : 27.7km/h
Max : 57km/h

Position by Age Group : 89/165
Position by Gender : 195/334
Overall Position : 205/361

2008 Century Ride

One for the album.


Off we go... see you after 160km later.


Home sweet home.


My NO 1 supporter and fan!


Scott and his first medal.

More report coming soon....

What A "Fishy" Experience

Wai Mun and I went fishing today. Believe me or not if I say we do not need any fishing rod or other equipments, but just use our feet to fish? You'd better be because it's true! However, it's not the normal kind of fishing but a fish therapy. Here, we feed the fishes instead of the fishes feed us.

When we first put our feet in a treatment pool, we giggled and almost cried out. There were many tiny toothless Turkish spa fish, of the Garra rufa species, nibbled off the dead skin on our feet. The feeling? Something between hundreds of tweezers and tiny suction cups gently pecking at your feet.

According to enthusiasts, the feeding sessions by these 9cm- to 12cm-long fish can leave you feeling massaged, glowing and with improved skin.

Many people also believe that the Doctor Fish therapy can cure problems like psoriasis, a disease that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.

After the session, we could immediately feel the difference on our feet. They are much lighter, brighter and smoother. We will surely have more of this session in the future! Who knows, it may even help us run faster!

What A Boring Week

First of all, I would like to thank all my friends for showing your concern about my injury. For your update, the fracture is slowly recovering now, although there is pain on and off especially whenever I lift my right hand. I hope it won't take long to heal. I'm expecting to start some brisk walking by next week and proceed to jog, run and better still cycle from then onwards. Things gotta be slow and steady. There's no need to rush as I'm not a pro and don't depend on cycling for a living...but currently, I'm just so bored to death! Get me outta this computer...! hahaha!

So what did I do this whole week? Nothing, actually! Except getting up at the wee-hour to watch this Euro 2008 thingy. Frankly, I'm no fan of football. I woke up just because I had a bad headache due to too much sleeping, it seemed. There are a few teams that are quite impressive eg. Holland, Portugal, Croatia and Germany. I always like the Dutch team since Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit time. Therefore I wish them a good run in the Championship and be the Champion again! If you see me wearing orange cycling jersey, you know who've won.

As for me, I hope I will share the same spirit as the Dutch and be on top of my game - albeit at my own standard as soon as I'm ready to hit the road again.

Batu Arang Ride

I had a bad fall yesterday during my ride to Batu Arang. Blame nothing but myself for being careless and not focus while cycling. I hit a patch of sand at one of the corners and "crash" I was down on the ground!!! Thanks goodness, there were sand, mud and grass at the side of the curve, I had a soft landing. I was fortunate cos' if I were to fall to my right, I would end up on the road with some incoming cars behind me. That could spell more disaster!

As I was on the ground, the first thing I did was to try yelling at Dr Raymond who was just 10 metres in front of me to inform him a man is down. Immediately I felt my chest pain and a slight difficulty in breathing. The next thing I did was of course to check my precious bike which every riders would do...hahaha! The last check was then on the damage body, if any?

We - Lisar, Gane, Dr Raymond and myself then continued our journey to Batu Arang. Just a few kilometres to the destination, we had a climb. I must say this is the best part of the whole 100km of our ride. A view from the hilltop overlooking the green and beautiful palm tree estates. Quite refreshing to an otherwise boring, flat and stressful ride where we had to keep a constant look-out for traffic, potholes and any other obstacles.



We met the gang of Emma, Siok Bee, Christie, KK and Randy at a coffee shop in Batu Arang. Apparently, Emma also crashed during the ride but escaped with a minor injury. When they saw the back of my jersey filled with stains and sand, they teased and asked if I had a mountain bike ride instead of a road bike...hahaha! Hey! What are friends for, laughing at each other mishap!

After breakfast, we bade farewell and proceeded with our own journey. Dr, Lisar, Gane and I returned to the same route where we came from. Nothing much happened this time...

As soon as I unclipped my shoe off the pedal and came down from my bike, I instantly felt a sharp pain on my right rib. I predicted something worse than I thought as I've experienced that similar pain before. I broke my rib about 3 years ago during a fall while playing ping-pong! Yeah! I know you can laugh out loud because I am such a fragile old man now!

I went for an x-tray in the evening and confirmed that I've a hair-line fracture on my right rib. Well, nothing major but just a slight pain which I have to endure for the next couple of weeks. Hopefully I can start cycling and running again after a month or two! Meanwhile I will volunteer myself to help man our vehicles at the Bukit Aman car park on Sundays morning.

Lastly, to all my concern friends and teammates, I have one sentence for you - I may be down but I'm not out yet! Keep running and cycling safely and I will be back to join you guys soon!

RMAF Half Marathon

Not long after we parked our car, we were chartered in a bus to bring us to the starting point of run.

When the race began, fireworks were displayed on the air until we left the 2km long air-way. A good effort made by the organiser although it was not as grand as it was last held in the early 90s.



We were required to run almost the same route as the KLIM. I must say the organiser had done a good job by having the safety cones along the roads and making sure it's safety first for the runners. Water stations were adequate and we were even provided a power gel.

As I have yet to recover from yesterday's cycling, I just made sure I finished the run and qualified for a medal as my birthday gift! I completed in 1:40:16 for a 52nd position. What a good number to buy 2552 or 5225! Hahaha!



Yes! Today I turned 40 and like many people say, life is just beginning! I quite agree with the saying as you may've observed, I have just started cycling and travelling to places I've never heard of before. I'm still learning new things and meeting new friends. I'm so blessed to have met good people so far, people and friends who share the same passion and values in life. May I make a birthday wish here to wish all the friends I know, a healthy and enjoyable life for the years ahead!

Titi Ride

Yes, I finally exceeded the magical 100KM of cycling in one ride!

This morning, I rode with the Iron Lady - Lisar Onn to a little town in the state of Negeri Sembilan called Titi and back. Honestly, I fell in love with Titi at first sight. This town is so simple, peaceful and clean. I wish to stay here with Wai Mun when we retire. I think she will like it too.

Anyway, we started our ride from Pekan Bt14, proceeded to Pekan Bt18 (Gerard joined us at this point), then Genting Peres (Gerard turned back here) and straight to Titi. After having our breakfast, we continued the journey where we came from earlier.

The route offers a magnificent and scenic view with some mountains and a waterfall at the backdrop. There are plenty of greens. Air is fresh. Furthermore, the weather this morning was fantastic with some mist near Pekan Bt18 and Titi. I assure you this is the best day for cycling! Anyway this is not the highlight of my experience. The highlight is how I struggled up the 14km-long hilly stretch of Genting Peres on the return. If not for Lisar's constant motivation, I think I'd have given up!

Cycling with Lisar is really fun. I confessed I had goose bumps when she called me to join her. I was excited at the prospect of riding with an Iron Lady yet I was worried I would be "tortured" by her - her speed of course! In contrast, she kept reminding me to go slow and save some energy for the return leg. That advice is really a music to my ear! Hahaha! An added bonus to this ride is she makes good cookies too! Now I felt fortunate and really enjoy cycling with ladies! Hahaha!

Thanks to Lisar's company and pacing, we completed the ride at a total distance of 109.76km. Total time 4:29:42. Avg speed 24.4 km/h. Max speed 56.6km/h.

NB 15KM 2008

As mentioned in my previous posting, I took part in this year's NB 15km just because of this....



Isn't it unique and cute?

Anyway, I finished the run in 1:10:14 for a 58th position in the Overall Men category. Not bad considering I just cycled more than 90km the day before.

The hilly terrains would prove too much for many runners. However judging from their facial expressions, I believe not many would complain about that. Everyone seemed to be satisfied after they had completed their run.

As expected, this race was well organised with sufficient water stations, good traffic management and a runner-friendly running course. Thank you to the volunteers for their effort and time. You did a splendid job!

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Saturday, May 17 - We cycled from Pekan 18-Pangsun-Pekan 18-Genting Peres-Tekala-Pekan 18-Pangsun-Pekan 18 for a total distance of 94km. I believe 60% of our ride was at speed of 30km/hour or more, for which I was very pleased with. Our very young team (in experience not in age of course!) has certainly been progressing. Keep it up teammates!

A'Famosa Triathlon 2008

I can't imagine I did it - I woke up as early as 5am, drove an hour (about 100km), waited almost 3 hours for my turn to race and then drove back - just for that 10km run!

Yes, I was in the thick of action again, this time I was to run in the Mix Relay for the A'Famosa International Triathlon in Melaka. Dr Rum started with swimming which is his forte, our gutsy lady Yit Thing did the riding and I was the anchorman in the running segment.

Mind you, this doctor can really swim! He was one of the first few to come out from the water. By the time he passed the ribbon to our rider, our team was fourth. As Yit Thing is quite new in cycling, we expected our ranking to drop eventually. Nevertheless, she did her very best and came back safely. We were told there was a crash involving 4 riders with one of them having to be sent to the hospital!

Honestly when I received the ribbon, I was in a dilemma : should I go all out or just take it easy as I knew by then we were out of the podium finish? Thank goodness I chose the former. My form today was much better compared to yesterday. Furthermore the stress on my both thighs did not bother me at all while running and that further boosted my confidence level.

After running with all my heart and might for 40:34, I finally hit the tape to complete my first experience in a back-to-back 10km race. Even though the race course is slightly under-distance, I'm very happy and satisfied with my performance this morning. To add icing to the cake, we were surprised to learn that we were 2nd Runner Up during the prize presentation. And this is what we got ....


By the way, I would like to congratulate Tomatoman and Ultraman Yip for their Third placing in the Men Relay, Michelle for her successful debut as a Triathlete and many more who have participated.

Bomba Run 2008

Picture courtesy of Lee Yin Fook aka Pm40.

This is my first 10km run after don't know how many donkey years! Yes, it's that long! I took part just because I'm into this Powerman thing in Nov or else I would rather sleep in the comfort of my bed! Hahaha! Just kidding!

The Run, on a 10.9km-undulating course, this morning has highlighted some of my weaknesses especially on the strength of my leg muscle as well as the speed. I have also lost my sharpness and credence in this type of short distance running. Thank goodness I still have 6 months to polish them up!

For the record, I did 50:48 for a 28th position. Wai Mun got 8th and earned herself RM100. How envy! I made her buy breakfast after the run. Hehehe!