I turned 37 on Satuday in what was the best birthday anyone could have.
It started with my sons' sportsday where I was invited to run in a 4 x 100 parent vs teacher race. Being used to longer distances, doing a flat-out 100m sprint wearing tennis shoes and cargo shorts is pretty painful. I can still feel the pain today. With the help of fellow LeTuanger Yusran, we won the race.
Then my kids took me for a birthday surprise. Half an hour in a fish spa. We spent the first five minutes daring each other to put their feet into a tank filled with lots of hungry little fishies. Once we put our feet in, the next 10 minutes were spent giggling away as the tiny fish started nibbling on our feet. It was very ticklish, especially when the fish got between our toes and under the soles. When we finally got used to it, we only had about 10 minutes to enjoy it before our time was up. It may seem disgusting to have little fish nibbling at your feet but once you get over that and get used to it, it's actually quite therapeutic. It felt a little electrifying, like those vibrating massage chairs.
The day got even better after that. My beloved Senn took me out for high tea at the Saujana where we "bumped" into AJ and Julie. They were apparently on the way to go flying but decided to stop at the Saujana to wait the rain out. While having tea, AJ invited us to join them and me, who has dreamed of being a pilot ever since I was 9, couldn't refuse.
We drove out to the hangar at the old Subang Airport and there it was: a Cessna with a big Happy Birthday banner strung across its wings! AJ, Julie and Senn had been planning this all along! I suspected that it was more than coincidence for us to bump into them at Saujana!
The deal was I was to fly the Cessna with an instructor and Senn, while AJ and Julie would tail us in another aircraft behind. I was actually going to pilot an aircraft! A lifelong dream come true!
We took off and took a hard right towards Kapar, where the instructor showed me how to do some maneuvers. We did a long left turn, then we pitched up, then did a stomach-lurching pitch down, which almost threw my lunch out! Then the instructor showed us a couple of stalls before we headed back to Subang. Then the instructor said, "I assisted you on the take-off, and those other maneuvers, now you're going to assist me on the landing." What?! He wanted me to help land the plane? The last time I tried that in a simulator, it wasn't very pretty.
Anyway, I lined the aircraft up to the runway using the instruments and pretty soon we were on the approach. We got lower and lower and then he eased off the power and asked me to pull back on the yoke. And before we knew it, we were back on terra firma.
Man, what a rush! I finally flew a plane, an actual plane! I was just speechless throughout the flight and after I was grinning ear to ear like a Cheshire cat on the way back in the car!
But the day hadn't ended yet. There was still the satay feast with the LeTuangers at Restoran Malaysia in Kajang. It was a long drive but the food was worth it. And the company was priceless.
So a big thank you to all LeTuangers. You guys have made my special day even more special. Especially AJ and Julie who made a lifelong dream come true. And a big, huge thank you to my darling Senn, who painstakingly made this all happen.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You've all made me enjoy birthdays again.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Why I Love Ironman Langkawi
For three years now, I've been making a trip, a pilgrimage so to speak, to the mystical island of Langkawi at the end of February for what is billed as the toughest show on Earth.
The Ironman Langkawi.
The reason I make this trip every year is not for the race. Yes, the race is an integral part of the trip but it's not the most important.
The most important part of the trip is the trip itself.
Going to Langkawi, to me, is akin to going on a company trip. Except the company is called triathlon.
From the moment you arrive in Langkawi, you meet up with like-minded people. When you land, when you check-in to your hotel, when you register and pick up your race kit, when you attend the briefing, when you check your bike in, when you check-in for the swim, you are reacquainted with your mates from the local triathlon scene.
It's like a big party. A party that goes on for a week.
And it's not just participants. It's also the supporters. The first time I went, we had a handful of friends who were there to support us. The numbers grew the second year and this year, with the formation of the LeTuang group, the numbers grew even more.
The atmosphere is always festive. Local eateries, who have gotten to know us over the years, are always looking forward to our arrival. They know we can really eat. Yusran has taken the extra effort to do some major PR with the owners of these establishments to ensure the we enjoy only the best culinary delights in Langkawi. One restaurant even makes us autograph the Ironman poster every year which he will then display proudly in his restaurant!
Of course there's the small matter of the race. But like I told Stupe, we're going for a holiday but, since we're there, we might as well swim 3.8km, bike 180km and run 42km!
Speaking of the race, mine was not as heroic and inspirational as Senn's or Stupe's. Nor was it as dramatic as Ishsal's or Barath's or Bean's.
The day started slow. The swim was slow, not because I was struggling, in fact I thought I had a good swim, but I was just slow.
My bike leg was painful. For the first 50km, I couldn't hold any liquids down. I basically redecorated the Langkawi landscape with my puke! I had puke on my arms, my legs and down my chest. At 35k, I stopped by where Mac was parked to puke my guts out.
At 50k, I had to stop to pee. After that, I started feeling a bit better but still didn't have the legs. I was secretly wishing for a flat, or a broken chain, or a snapped cable so I could pull out.
But I had to beat Bukit Hantu, my nemesis from two years ago. I was not going to quit until I had conquered it all three times. Then something happened after the third time I climbed it, my legs suddenly realised they were in a race! After that, I was flying.
After going all out in the last 40k, I thought I'd be walking the marathon. And the first 1k was difficult. 3k in I caught up with Senn who'd been racing with a one-inch gash in her right foot, and did a run/walk with her. At 8k, she told me to go ahead. She would continue to set her personal best by 48 minutes! That is an Ironman!
Because of the run/walk at the start of the marathon, I was able to save my legs for the end. And that saved me a good 13 minutes from last year's marathon.
In the end, I crossed the line 8 minutes faster than last year. It was a tough race, and one I thought I didn't deserve to finish, what more set a personal best, but I'll take it anyway.
In truth, all that didn't really matter. What really mattered was the spirit of camaraderie and friendship that prevailed throughout the race week. It was this spirit that kept me going, even though my race was not as inspiring as the others. And it is for this reason, that I'll be back in Langkawi next year. And while I'm there, I may as well swim 3.8km, bike 180km and run 42km.
The Ironman Langkawi.
The reason I make this trip every year is not for the race. Yes, the race is an integral part of the trip but it's not the most important.
The most important part of the trip is the trip itself.
Going to Langkawi, to me, is akin to going on a company trip. Except the company is called triathlon.
From the moment you arrive in Langkawi, you meet up with like-minded people. When you land, when you check-in to your hotel, when you register and pick up your race kit, when you attend the briefing, when you check your bike in, when you check-in for the swim, you are reacquainted with your mates from the local triathlon scene.
It's like a big party. A party that goes on for a week.
And it's not just participants. It's also the supporters. The first time I went, we had a handful of friends who were there to support us. The numbers grew the second year and this year, with the formation of the LeTuang group, the numbers grew even more.
The atmosphere is always festive. Local eateries, who have gotten to know us over the years, are always looking forward to our arrival. They know we can really eat. Yusran has taken the extra effort to do some major PR with the owners of these establishments to ensure the we enjoy only the best culinary delights in Langkawi. One restaurant even makes us autograph the Ironman poster every year which he will then display proudly in his restaurant!
Of course there's the small matter of the race. But like I told Stupe, we're going for a holiday but, since we're there, we might as well swim 3.8km, bike 180km and run 42km!
Speaking of the race, mine was not as heroic and inspirational as Senn's or Stupe's. Nor was it as dramatic as Ishsal's or Barath's or Bean's.
The day started slow. The swim was slow, not because I was struggling, in fact I thought I had a good swim, but I was just slow.
My bike leg was painful. For the first 50km, I couldn't hold any liquids down. I basically redecorated the Langkawi landscape with my puke! I had puke on my arms, my legs and down my chest. At 35k, I stopped by where Mac was parked to puke my guts out.
At 50k, I had to stop to pee. After that, I started feeling a bit better but still didn't have the legs. I was secretly wishing for a flat, or a broken chain, or a snapped cable so I could pull out.
But I had to beat Bukit Hantu, my nemesis from two years ago. I was not going to quit until I had conquered it all three times. Then something happened after the third time I climbed it, my legs suddenly realised they were in a race! After that, I was flying.
After going all out in the last 40k, I thought I'd be walking the marathon. And the first 1k was difficult. 3k in I caught up with Senn who'd been racing with a one-inch gash in her right foot, and did a run/walk with her. At 8k, she told me to go ahead. She would continue to set her personal best by 48 minutes! That is an Ironman!
Because of the run/walk at the start of the marathon, I was able to save my legs for the end. And that saved me a good 13 minutes from last year's marathon.
In the end, I crossed the line 8 minutes faster than last year. It was a tough race, and one I thought I didn't deserve to finish, what more set a personal best, but I'll take it anyway.
In truth, all that didn't really matter. What really mattered was the spirit of camaraderie and friendship that prevailed throughout the race week. It was this spirit that kept me going, even though my race was not as inspiring as the others. And it is for this reason, that I'll be back in Langkawi next year. And while I'm there, I may as well swim 3.8km, bike 180km and run 42km.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Oops.. They Did it Again
Three different bike courses in as many years.
I've been to Ironman Langkawi three times and this will be the third bike course. In fact, in 2006 it was a different bike course too as well as 2005, so make that 5 different bike courses in five years.
Anyway, this one looks to be the mother of all bike courses. It looks like it combines elements from all the previous years' courses. It's got the Bukit Malut climbs from 2005 (albeit in reverse), the flat out blast along Air Hangat Road from 2006, the steep, short climb along Padang Gaong Road from 2007 (the one that killed me back then), and the airport roundabouts from 2008.
One thing it doesn't have (and I'm quite thankful for that) is the LISRAM Highway climbs.
Here's what it looks like:
And the route profile:
Looks tougher than previous years' but at the end of the day, we still need to cycle the 180km anyway, so no point worrying about it now. Just need to remember to take it easy, don't push too hard, especially on the flats, and spin up slowly up the hills.
And be glad that I have a 27t cog on the back :p
I've been to Ironman Langkawi three times and this will be the third bike course. In fact, in 2006 it was a different bike course too as well as 2005, so make that 5 different bike courses in five years.
Anyway, this one looks to be the mother of all bike courses. It looks like it combines elements from all the previous years' courses. It's got the Bukit Malut climbs from 2005 (albeit in reverse), the flat out blast along Air Hangat Road from 2006, the steep, short climb along Padang Gaong Road from 2007 (the one that killed me back then), and the airport roundabouts from 2008.
One thing it doesn't have (and I'm quite thankful for that) is the LISRAM Highway climbs.
Here's what it looks like:
And the route profile:
Looks tougher than previous years' but at the end of the day, we still need to cycle the 180km anyway, so no point worrying about it now. Just need to remember to take it easy, don't push too hard, especially on the flats, and spin up slowly up the hills.
And be glad that I have a 27t cog on the back :p
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Weekend Report
Ouch!
I can still feel the lactic acid in my legs and the saddle sores on my crotch! This being the result of a pretty heavy weekend with long rides on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday took us around the Fraser Loop: HOA - Genting Sempah - Bentong - Tranum - Gap - KKB - Batang Kali - Ulu Yam - Batu Dam - Batu Caves - HOA.
The morning didn't start out too good. As I left the house, it started drizzling and by the time we got to batu caves, it was a downpour. Called everyone up and we met for breakfast at McDonald's.
Soon the skies started to clear and at 8:09am, Senn, Adeline, Azmar, Kam, Mo and I started riding.
Overall, the ride wasn't as tough as it was the first time I did it. I think the weather, which went between overcast and light rain, certainly helped. If we had done this ride a couple of days earlier, I think we would have all suffered in the heat. As it was, the climb to the Gap was pleasant with a light drizzle and by the time we got to Batu Dam, we weren't as beat up as we expected to be.
Mac and Jim joined us at the Gap. They were there to drive support and take pictures for SK's photo album project. They also provide some much needed sustenance in the form of ikan bilis and kacang goreng!
We finally rolled in to HOA at about 7:15pm, the last 10 kilometres or so in total silence. It had been a long day for everyone and I don't think anyone was in the mood for conversation during the closing stages of the ride. Most likely everyone was thinking about food!
That all changed when we got to HOA, however. Suddenly everyone was alive, most likely elated that the ride was over!
Well done to everyone, especially Kam (he had a minor spill coming down from Gap, but soldiered on like the brave Ironman that he is), and Mo (he thought the ride would be over by lunch, he had no idea what was in store for him when he mounted his bike!) for finishing what is probably one of the toughest rides around.
Senn and I, along with Mac and Adeline, went straight to Tony Roma's after the ride to fill up our empty stomachs. We would be needing it for Sunday's ride.
Sunday, we did the all-time favourite Broga Classic Loop: Batu 18 - Tekala - Semenyih - Broga - Lenggeng - Bukit Tangga - Klawang - Perez - Batu 18.
From yesterday's group, only 3 of us, Senn, Adeline and me, were crazy enough to do this ride. Everyone else opted for the Malakoff ride, a run or rest. We were joined by Mac, Elaine, Adli, Don Haider and Kannan.
The ride started off slow enough. From Batu 18 to the T-junction, we just cruised along. Once we got to Tekala, we let Don, Kannan, Elaine and Adli go. We were on recovery pace and just didn't have the speed to keep up with them.
SK was around this time, taking pictures with his crew. He took some lovely shots which I hope to post up when I get them.
Anyway, the ride was fairly easy, my heart rate not going up to Zone 5 at all. There were a few hairy moments, like going down one of the hills after Lenggeng at 72km/h with the crosswinds throwing me about as well as descending Bukit Tangga with very strong winds.
Of course, we had the mandatory stop at the Peres Waterfall Spa and Resort. Although, again, the weather was kind to us, a dip in that waterfall is always welcomed.
We finally got back to Batu 18 around 4.30pm. I still had enough in my legs to do a nice 10km time trial from the T-junction back to the car. I had a blast blasting down that road.
Kudos to Mac for finishing this ride when he didn't have the confidence to. It took some coaxing but he did it. Well done!
That's it for long rides. This weekend is all about the run, and then it's time to taper. These back-to-back long rides are just what I need to boost my confidence for Ironman. Finishing it suddenly seems possible now.
Now, let's not do these back-to-back rides ever again.
I can still feel the lactic acid in my legs and the saddle sores on my crotch! This being the result of a pretty heavy weekend with long rides on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday took us around the Fraser Loop: HOA - Genting Sempah - Bentong - Tranum - Gap - KKB - Batang Kali - Ulu Yam - Batu Dam - Batu Caves - HOA.
The morning didn't start out too good. As I left the house, it started drizzling and by the time we got to batu caves, it was a downpour. Called everyone up and we met for breakfast at McDonald's.
Soon the skies started to clear and at 8:09am, Senn, Adeline, Azmar, Kam, Mo and I started riding.
Overall, the ride wasn't as tough as it was the first time I did it. I think the weather, which went between overcast and light rain, certainly helped. If we had done this ride a couple of days earlier, I think we would have all suffered in the heat. As it was, the climb to the Gap was pleasant with a light drizzle and by the time we got to Batu Dam, we weren't as beat up as we expected to be.
Mac and Jim joined us at the Gap. They were there to drive support and take pictures for SK's photo album project. They also provide some much needed sustenance in the form of ikan bilis and kacang goreng!
We finally rolled in to HOA at about 7:15pm, the last 10 kilometres or so in total silence. It had been a long day for everyone and I don't think anyone was in the mood for conversation during the closing stages of the ride. Most likely everyone was thinking about food!
That all changed when we got to HOA, however. Suddenly everyone was alive, most likely elated that the ride was over!
Well done to everyone, especially Kam (he had a minor spill coming down from Gap, but soldiered on like the brave Ironman that he is), and Mo (he thought the ride would be over by lunch, he had no idea what was in store for him when he mounted his bike!) for finishing what is probably one of the toughest rides around.
Senn and I, along with Mac and Adeline, went straight to Tony Roma's after the ride to fill up our empty stomachs. We would be needing it for Sunday's ride.
Sunday, we did the all-time favourite Broga Classic Loop: Batu 18 - Tekala - Semenyih - Broga - Lenggeng - Bukit Tangga - Klawang - Perez - Batu 18.
From yesterday's group, only 3 of us, Senn, Adeline and me, were crazy enough to do this ride. Everyone else opted for the Malakoff ride, a run or rest. We were joined by Mac, Elaine, Adli, Don Haider and Kannan.
The ride started off slow enough. From Batu 18 to the T-junction, we just cruised along. Once we got to Tekala, we let Don, Kannan, Elaine and Adli go. We were on recovery pace and just didn't have the speed to keep up with them.
SK was around this time, taking pictures with his crew. He took some lovely shots which I hope to post up when I get them.
Anyway, the ride was fairly easy, my heart rate not going up to Zone 5 at all. There were a few hairy moments, like going down one of the hills after Lenggeng at 72km/h with the crosswinds throwing me about as well as descending Bukit Tangga with very strong winds.
Of course, we had the mandatory stop at the Peres Waterfall Spa and Resort. Although, again, the weather was kind to us, a dip in that waterfall is always welcomed.
We finally got back to Batu 18 around 4.30pm. I still had enough in my legs to do a nice 10km time trial from the T-junction back to the car. I had a blast blasting down that road.
Kudos to Mac for finishing this ride when he didn't have the confidence to. It took some coaxing but he did it. Well done!
That's it for long rides. This weekend is all about the run, and then it's time to taper. These back-to-back long rides are just what I need to boost my confidence for Ironman. Finishing it suddenly seems possible now.
Now, let's not do these back-to-back rides ever again.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
First Race Report of 2009
GE30k.
The organisers were a little sadistic this year. There were hills, hills and more hills. According to Mac, there were 34 hills in that 30k stretch. More than one hill per km.
Anyway, it was a good race for me. Going in with a 4-hour target, I was pleasantly surprised when i crossed the line in 3h13m. Surprised, but in a lot of pain.
It seems everyone bettered their personal bests on Sunday. Senn improved her time by almost an hour while most others improved by about 15 - 30 minutes. Congratulations and well done to all the finishers, both 20 and 30k.
The organisers were a little sadistic this year. There were hills, hills and more hills. According to Mac, there were 34 hills in that 30k stretch. More than one hill per km.
Anyway, it was a good race for me. Going in with a 4-hour target, I was pleasantly surprised when i crossed the line in 3h13m. Surprised, but in a lot of pain.
It seems everyone bettered their personal bests on Sunday. Senn improved her time by almost an hour while most others improved by about 15 - 30 minutes. Congratulations and well done to all the finishers, both 20 and 30k.
Friday, January 16, 2009
How to Survive Ironman Langkawi 2009
No, this is not a post dispensing tips on how to get through an Ironman. This is an actual question I'm asking myself.
Come February 28, I will be attempting my third Ironman Langkawi. The first one, I DNF'ed because I just plain gave up, using cramps as an excuse. I came back the next year with a vengeance, finishing with a decent 15h33m.
Overcome with joy of having finally crossed the finish line, I decided to come back this year, with a goal of going sub-15.
Forgedaboudit.
There's just no way. The 2008 season started promising enough, with personal bests at A Famosa and Kenyir. Then came PD. And the crash. And the wrist injury. That put me off the bike and out of the water for six weeks.
Then, just prior to Powerman, I had to deal with knee issues, my ITB reminding me that I'm not all that young anymore. That made running impossible.
After Powerman, I took a two month sabbatical, to rest the knee and also to go to the Holy Land to perform my Hajj.
I just started training again. Slowly trying to build up some mileage on the bike and the run. And I do mean slowly. Swimming? Not even close.
But really, it's much too late. There's just not enough mileage and not enough time to achieve the volume required to do an Ironman.
So what to do?
Guess I'll just plod along on race day and see what happens. One thing for sure, bettering last year's time ain't going to happen. Finishing within the 17-hour cutoff also looks unlikely. Maybe I'll DNF again. Or maybe even DNS. Or maybe I'll go sub-13! Yeah... right!
Whatever it is, I'll be there in Langkawi come February 28. And come what may, it's going to be all fun in the sun!
Come February 28, I will be attempting my third Ironman Langkawi. The first one, I DNF'ed because I just plain gave up, using cramps as an excuse. I came back the next year with a vengeance, finishing with a decent 15h33m.
Overcome with joy of having finally crossed the finish line, I decided to come back this year, with a goal of going sub-15.
Forgedaboudit.
There's just no way. The 2008 season started promising enough, with personal bests at A Famosa and Kenyir. Then came PD. And the crash. And the wrist injury. That put me off the bike and out of the water for six weeks.
Then, just prior to Powerman, I had to deal with knee issues, my ITB reminding me that I'm not all that young anymore. That made running impossible.
After Powerman, I took a two month sabbatical, to rest the knee and also to go to the Holy Land to perform my Hajj.
I just started training again. Slowly trying to build up some mileage on the bike and the run. And I do mean slowly. Swimming? Not even close.
But really, it's much too late. There's just not enough mileage and not enough time to achieve the volume required to do an Ironman.
So what to do?
Guess I'll just plod along on race day and see what happens. One thing for sure, bettering last year's time ain't going to happen. Finishing within the 17-hour cutoff also looks unlikely. Maybe I'll DNF again. Or maybe even DNS. Or maybe I'll go sub-13! Yeah... right!
Whatever it is, I'll be there in Langkawi come February 28. And come what may, it's going to be all fun in the sun!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Not So Powerman (now with pictures)
I was not in the right state of mind for this race.
The events of the past week had made me physically, mentally and emotionally unfit for this race. And I knew it. Yet, like a stubborn old git, I went and did it.
Race morning and my strategy was simple: race as hard as you can, harder than you've ever done, so hard that it hurts. Not the good hurt, mind you, any kind of hurt. If it hurts, maybe, just maybe, it'll take away the hurt from my heart. That's what I really needed to do.
I figured with this strategy, I'd end up with a personal best or in the hospital.
The first run went ok. No, better than ok. I was running at approximately 5:30 pace the entire 11k, and felt good. This go-harder-than-usual strategy seems to be working. And the hurt was coming fast too, but so far, it's been the good hurt. Gotta keep it up.
Arrived in T1 in about 58 minutes and change, 4 minutes faster than last year. So far so good.
Got on the bike. New race wheels, new position, I was determined to go faster than last year. Last year I had to battle cramps from kilometre 10 onwards. So far this year, no cramps.
I was going as hard as I could yet, could not put out the speed I was hoping to. This seemed like the beginning of the end. And I was hurting too. My right knee was starting to stiffen up, and my neck and shoulders were killing me.
Still I went as hard as I could. Just kept pushing it, but the average speed was getting lower. Got off the bike in about 2h12m, 5 minutes slower than last year.
To make things worse, when I got off the bike, my knee completely refused to work. It just wouldn't bend. I hobbled into T2 in pain and considered calling it a day.
Then I remembered the strategy, go hard till it hurts so it can take the hurt from the heart away.
So I hobbled out of T2. Perhaps not the smartest thing to do but hey, I was physically, mentally and emotianally unfit, remember?
I tried running, but it just wasn't happening. This guy sprayed something on my knee and rub it down real hard, and that seemed to work. For a while.
I was soon walking again. Just beyond the first drink station, I stopped and stretched my ITB. That helped, I was able to run all the way to the next water station at around 6:30-7:00 minute pace.
But as soon as I got back to the stadium, I was walking again. On the second loop, Vong showed up on his bike and gave me an ice cold can of 100Plus. Thanks Vong, you're a lifesaver.
I was later joined by Bean, Ishsal and Omar. We would walk a bit, run then walk again. Towards the end, Ish and Omar went off, and I managed to put some space on Bean. I crossed the line in a miserable 4h48m, 8 minutes slower than last year.
So did my strategy work? Of course not! I neither got a PB nor ended up in the hospital, but I was much closer to the latter. There were a couple of times out there when I thought I was going to faint. I was seeing spots and everything was spinning. And while I did hurt a lot, it never took away the hurt in my heart. Oh well, can't say I didn't try.
As I type this, my knee is in a lot of pain. As such, I will be skipping the Penang Marathon next week. I don't think my knee can endure a 42km run and I don't think I can endure another weekend like this one.
I'm also thinking this could be my last Powerman, because I'm not so Power after all...
The events of the past week had made me physically, mentally and emotionally unfit for this race. And I knew it. Yet, like a stubborn old git, I went and did it.
Before the start, already not in the mood to race.
Race morning and my strategy was simple: race as hard as you can, harder than you've ever done, so hard that it hurts. Not the good hurt, mind you, any kind of hurt. If it hurts, maybe, just maybe, it'll take away the hurt from my heart. That's what I really needed to do.
I figured with this strategy, I'd end up with a personal best or in the hospital.
The first run went ok. No, better than ok. I was running at approximately 5:30 pace the entire 11k, and felt good. This go-harder-than-usual strategy seems to be working. And the hurt was coming fast too, but so far, it's been the good hurt. Gotta keep it up.
Going hard, faster than usual.
Pain is good.
Arrived in T1 in about 58 minutes and change, 4 minutes faster than last year. So far so good.
Got on the bike. New race wheels, new position, I was determined to go faster than last year. Last year I had to battle cramps from kilometre 10 onwards. So far this year, no cramps.
I was going as hard as I could yet, could not put out the speed I was hoping to. This seemed like the beginning of the end. And I was hurting too. My right knee was starting to stiffen up, and my neck and shoulders were killing me.
Hurting real bad up that bridge.
Still I went as hard as I could. Just kept pushing it, but the average speed was getting lower. Got off the bike in about 2h12m, 5 minutes slower than last year.
Thank God the bike leg is over.
To make things worse, when I got off the bike, my knee completely refused to work. It just wouldn't bend. I hobbled into T2 in pain and considered calling it a day.
Then I remembered the strategy, go hard till it hurts so it can take the hurt from the heart away.
So I hobbled out of T2. Perhaps not the smartest thing to do but hey, I was physically, mentally and emotianally unfit, remember?
I tried running, but it just wasn't happening. This guy sprayed something on my knee and rub it down real hard, and that seemed to work. For a while.
Suffering.
I was soon walking again. Just beyond the first drink station, I stopped and stretched my ITB. That helped, I was able to run all the way to the next water station at around 6:30-7:00 minute pace.
But as soon as I got back to the stadium, I was walking again. On the second loop, Vong showed up on his bike and gave me an ice cold can of 100Plus. Thanks Vong, you're a lifesaver.
I was later joined by Bean, Ishsal and Omar. We would walk a bit, run then walk again. Towards the end, Ish and Omar went off, and I managed to put some space on Bean. I crossed the line in a miserable 4h48m, 8 minutes slower than last year.
Hobbling to the finish line.
What a miserable 4h48m.
So did my strategy work? Of course not! I neither got a PB nor ended up in the hospital, but I was much closer to the latter. There were a couple of times out there when I thought I was going to faint. I was seeing spots and everything was spinning. And while I did hurt a lot, it never took away the hurt in my heart. Oh well, can't say I didn't try.
As I type this, my knee is in a lot of pain. As such, I will be skipping the Penang Marathon next week. I don't think my knee can endure a 42km run and I don't think I can endure another weekend like this one.
I'm also thinking this could be my last Powerman, because I'm not so Power after all...
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