Penang International Triathlon & Duathlon 2014 (PgiTD)

My first Duathlon!! Some tough sh*t. No joke.

I couldn't sleep the night before even though I was really tired after a long day of floorball. I went to bed around 10pm after fixing up my bike and getting my shoes and clothes all ready. But after turning and tossing for almost 3 hours, I still couldn't fall asleep. My heart was beating so fast 'cause I was super anxious about my race the next day. Haha. First time ma. And I was all alone.

Long story short, I didn't sleep much. Woke up at 4am, and my heart beat even faster than last night. So fast I bang sai-ed twice before heading out. HAHAHA. Super kan cheong I tell you.

I reached the race site around 5:30am, but it was already peanut butter jam packed. And after seeing how professional and muscular everyone looked, I felt so intimidated that I wanted to just go back home. But then I look at the little biceps and leg muscles I have, I told myself, "I can do this!". =)

Our Chief Minister, Mr. Lim Guan Eng was there to flag us off. And I tell you... I waved at him like a crazy girl. Hahaha. 'Cause he was standing only 1 meter away from me!! Hahaha!! 

My first 5.5km run was strong. And easy peasy. Came back to T1 and prepared myself for the bike leg. A friend of mine, Dexter who is a professional triathlete in Singapore told me not to go too fast in the beginning of the bike leg as my leg could easily cramp up after the first run. So I went at a comfortable speed, and eventually picked up pace. Of course, the steep climb at Teluk Bahang Dam and the 800meter climb didn't make life easy for my legs, but surprisingly, I pedaled fine. Probably because I was familiar with the route so mentally I was prepared for it. 

And you have no idea how fast I rode downhill. I checked my speedometer and I actually hit 47km/hr!! Now that I think about it, I really thank God that I didn't crash, and am still in once piece, with my teeth and face still attached. Phewww.

The one part that pissed me off a little was when the volunteers taking care of the traffic yelled at us to pedal faster, as some cars are waiting for us to pass. In my heart I was like "Dude, do you know how hard this is and we are actually going as fast as our legs could?" =.="

 [Thank you Velocipede Works for the photo]

Then came the toughest part of all, the final leg. The gruesome 10km run that felt like a never ending one. After entering T2 and dropping my bike and changing back into my running shoes (Oh oh!! I tell you. All triathletes and duathletes should invest in elastic shoe laces!! SOOOOOO convenient!! Ok. Back to the story), I grabbed my Powergel and some raisins, and off I went. The first 2km was good. Then came the pain in the muscles slightly above both my knees. It keeps cramping. And it got so bad I couldn't even walk, not even slowly. Each step I take, my legs go jelly, and I will tend to drop straight onto the floor. Probably muscle fatigue. =( So I walked really, really slow. Like snail speed slow. =(

I finished the race eventually, time was so sucky I don't feel like telling you now. HAHA. Okay la okay la..4 hours and 20 minutes. I took a really long time for the last 10km. Close to two hours. My legs just couldn't go on. Next race!! I promise I'll be more disciplined, stronger and fitter. I pwomeessee. =)

[Post race kek sai smile]

[My skin tone literally went from fair (2nd line) to brown (6th line). Haihhh.]

 But the best part of this race, is meeting a friend I haven't seen for 10 years!! =) 

[Meet Christine!! Haven't seen her since highschool.]

It is indeed an amazing experience. And I know it sounds crazy, but I'm looking forward to the next triathlon. But firstly, gotta get my front crawl fix! =)

Yours,

5th CFAL & SCKLM 2013

What?!?! It's been two months since I last posted anything?!?! How can time fly so fast?!?!?! How can how can how can?!?!?!

*Shocked face*

I wish I could stop time. 4 more months and I'm turning 2*. =] But I know that as long as I walk with God, this life could only get better, stronger. =) #Gottahavefaith 

(I'M FINALLY LEARNING HOW TO HASHTAG!!!!! Thanks to my Floorball girls. LOL.)

So yes. September and October has been a sporty month. Hehe.

Nailed my first CFAL 82km round island in early September, finished slightly above 4 hours. It was raining heavily the whole journey which made downhill ride VERY SLOW 'cause I was scared I'd ruin my face if I crash. Serious. So I was riding really carefully & slow when going downhill. There were lots of accidents along the way, bandaged knee, bandaged arm, head etc. All thanks to the rain and slippery roads.

So I really thank God for keeping me, Benson, Jasmine and Elaine safe all the way, and helping me to continue paddling when my legs were failing. 82km without proper distance training is tough sh*t.

Conclusion: AWESOME RIDE!

[Benson & hedges and myself =P ]

[Elaine & Eeleen]

It's funny how we have almost the same name, same gloves & same arm warmer. HAHA.]

 

OH OHHH!!!! I won my first ever big lucky draw!!! Hehehehehehehehehe. I wanted to leave right away after the ride 'cause I was never lucky enough to win anything but Benson was bugging me to stay and said he will be my lucky charm. And who knew......who knew....... I won a RM2k++ road bike wheel set!!! =)))

I am one blessed girl!! =)

[Miche Syntium Axy Clincher Wheelset]

[5th CFAL 2013 Round Island ride medal]

[Kalah tak apa, gaya mesti ada]

Then month end came and it was time for my first Standard Chartered KL Marathon. Another marathon I went unprepared and suffered the consequences. =________="

I started the journey with Lavinia & her friend (which was actually Sarah Chang's sister which I had no idea about Haha), but lost them after 5km.

It was a painful run starting from kilometer 12. My leg muscles just decided to shut down on me, and started hurting like asdfghjkl@#$%^&*()?!!!. I tried to push myself but the pain was just too much to bear. If you know me well, I'm not the kind who gives up easily but this time, I just did. I started walking really slow starting from kilometer 15, not thinking about the time or distance. 'Cause I knew it was impossible for me to finish the race in time with my condition. Many times I just felt like sitting by the road side and call for emergency helper to carry me back. But that moment, that moment when I feel like I really couldn't go on anymore, Lavinia caught up from behind. That moment I felt like crying I tell you. She was like an angel sent to me at the right moment. =) So we started running again, really slowwwwwwwww. Not wanting to slow her down I asked Lala to go ahead when we were about 2km away from the finishing line, while I drag my feet across the line. Finished in 3:08. Not bad for an OKU.

[My angel which also provided me breakfast =) ]

[Shawn dreaded his 42km but eventually finished it too. =) ]

 

So basically that's it la. I'm really starting to hate the word distance 'cause it's torturing and hard. Zzz. If it's not for my love for food & the sense of achievement I wouldn't be doing all these. Dang. Lol.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head

It was my 3rd ride up to Balik Pulau yesterday, and as I was planning to beat my previous PB, mother nature has other plans for me. It started pouring very very heavily after I hit the hills. If I turn back, I would be soaking wet by the time I get home and will definitely be late for State training; If I push on, I may arrive safely ORRRRRR risk myself getting striked by lighting ORRRRRRR die from a crash.

[Yes. I stopped under the heavy rain to take pictures. =) ]

 [It was dark, gloomy, rainy and scary.]

Well, obviously I arrived safely if not I wouldn't be writing this post now right? Haha. But it was one crazy ride. Thinking about it makes my heart beat faster now. Hehe. It was so slippery I had to hold on to my handle bar with extra effort. I couldn't really brake too because it was so wet my brakes were failing. And the wind...fuhhhh. If I was any thinner it would have blown me away. Heh. The whole way, I was imagining the worst. 

E.g. A car coming from behind and hit me and I die.

Lightning strike and I die.

Lightning strike tree and tree fall on me, I die.

I slip, lose control, and roll down the hills. Body never found.

I slip, lose control, hit the floor and coma.

But I thank God none of these happened. My stupid brain has wild imaginations. 

By the time I reached State training, I was all wet. Even my eyes were wet. Don't ask me why.

Would I ride in the rain again? Maybe. Would I ride up and down Balik Pulau in the rain? No.

It's way too scary. 

Now I'm suffering from a back ache. Not too sure if I overuse my muscles while cycling or was it from physical training. But these pain keeps me sane. It reminds me that I am made of flesh and blood. It reminds me that I may be weak, but He is strong.

Jelly Legs

It was my 2nd time riding up to Balik Pulau yesterday, and fuhhhhhh!!! It felt great. =)

Unlike my first time, which I struggled all the way, started with a slight pull on the inner thigh, to cramping calves and toes; then I had to stop twice because both my legs were cramping so badly that my toes were on top of one another (very hard to explain laaa). 

But this time, even though it was tiring and still teeth clenching, I didn't stop. I just keep pedalling and repeating to myself: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13. And true enough, I did. =) On the way up, I received so many thumbs up from fellow cyclists, and that was the little little encouragement I needed. Google maps said my route takes 37 minutes drive and is a total of 22.7km to reach Balik Pulau market; Dreamer's meter said the same about the distance (minus 1 or 2 kilometers), and I took 45 minutes to cycle up there. Not bad what right..? =)

I wish I could show you the beautiful sunset scenery I saw while riding up Balik Pulau, but sadly I was in such a rush to training I couldn't stop to take any pictures. Next week perhaps..? =)

So my legs are super jelly now. It's jelly-er than jelly beans. =P I've been trying to walk elegantly at work today while having sore thighs and jelly knees. Cycling up to Balik Pulau for floorball state training, then some physical workouts.... Fuhhhhhhh. =) K.O. Really K.O.ed. However, it was a satisfying night as I proved myself stronger than I thought.

Now fingers crossed that my girls can go for Merdeka Cup, so we can go to KL and claim back what's ours: 

VICTORY.

Love,

Dreamer

Dreamer has been complaining to me why didn't I show her off with her new wheels, so here's a post dedicated to her. =P

Dreamer has recently been "blessed" with a set of 2nd hand full carbon wheelset while I burn a hole in my pocket. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank a very good friend for giving up the wheels at a very good price for me. =) And that fella is none other than Deswyn. Talking about Des, it is actually because of him I was exposed to floorball in the first place. But let's not make him feel too good about himself if not later he show off. =P

Anyway, back to the story, Des is now in Kindu, Congo for work. Why Congo? Follow his blog to learn more about his adventures and dreams. =) And because of that reason, he has entrusted Maddog under my care and also sold Maddog's wheels to me.

 [Ma new babies. They make me fly.]

Everybody say Hi to my pup - Brownie!! =) Emo la that dog.

[Maddog & Dreamer before the switch of wheels]

I actually switched my wheels and put it unto Maddog, not exactly appropriate, cos it's like putting a Perodua Kancil's wheels onto a Ferrari. =.=" But it's better than leaving Maddog wheel-less, paralyzed and immobile. =( No no no. Can't do. So til Maddog's master gets him a set of new wheels, he has to hang on to my humble wheels first. =)

[Meet Dreamer with her new wheels]

Ain't she sexy?! ;)

[Mom took this picture of me when I was getting ready for my ride =) ] 

The new wheels indeed felt sooooooooo good. Smoother, faster, lighter, sexier and yeng-er. Haha!! Just makes riding 10 times more interesting. =)

1 more month to my first 85km. *Nervous*

Love,

New Stuffs

I know spending at one go is really unhealthy, but I have been saving up really long for these babies!! :D

Guess who finally got herself an ORIGINAL Oakley?!?!? =)  Show off.

Taaaadaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

My Oakley Fast Jacket XL. =D

 

I love how it fits so well after I changed into the Asian Fit nose piece, and that the frame doesn't cut my ears when I run in it. Changing lenses has never been easier too!! =)

I also finally bought a speed sensor to monitor my riding distance and speed!! The only reason I chose this model is because it's polker dot. Hehehe. Super cute kayyy... As for the cadence sensor, that will have to wait. One thing at a time laaa.

[Cateye Strada Wireless]

And one last thing, this pair of high ankle shoes!! =)

I like how it's weally weally soft, unlike the kind Justin Bieber wears. Pffffft. Sorry beliebers. And the best part is, it looks like a pair of boxing shoes. Exactly what I wanted. =)

I will eat porridge and salted fish/salted veg/ fermented beancurd for the next few weeks. =]

Cycling and Me

I've had my road bike for about 4 months now, and never have I once regret buying that bicycle and getting myself involved in cycling and crashes and near death experiences. :)

Though I have to say, cycling has affected me in a way or another, both physically and mentally. Let me share:

1. I am 3 tones darker now. My mom said if I become any darker she's gonna burn my bike. HAHA.

2. I have learnt to be more considerate towards other road users, especially motorcyclists and bicyclists. One tiny mistake from us car users and we could have easily killed them. Just the same, some drivers could've easily killed me.

3. My heart and legs are stronger now. I wasn't tired at all while playing against Spearhead in last week's friendly though we only had 1 and a half lines of players. Cycling is a real good cardio workout. :)

4. I noticed I can't seem to close my legs properly lately. HAHA. So not feminine. And I really blame it on cycling. Tsk.

5. I feel cooler. Just because I'm doing something an average 26 year old person won't. :P

Okay. Brain dead. Can't think of anything more now. Goodnight peeps!

Love,

This Morning...

I successfully dragged my brother out of bed on a cold, rainy, public holiday morning, at 6am, just to go cycling with me. YESH!!! *Smirk* For those of u who don't know us, my brother and I are 3 years apart, but look very much alike. Which only means either I look like a guy, or he looks like a girl. HAHAHAHA. I choose to believe the latter one. :P 

Someone once commented that maybe my brother and i got mixed up in terms of personality. 'Cause I'm the one who's always outside in the sun and rain, running, cycling, sweating; while he sits at home enjoying the comforts of the roof over his head. But I'm sure God doesn't make mistakes la..:) I'm sure we are both given these traits to glorify Him in different ways.

So yessss, I managed to drag that lazy bum out of bed, and together with my aunt and uncle, we cycled from the foot of Penang hill to Straits Quay, then to Gurney, and back again. :) I really hope he enjoyed himself, 'cause I enjoyed bringing my little brother cycling around some parts of Penang Island. :)

=)

[Dreamer]

While we stop at the traffic lights at Cantonment Road, there was this stall selling apom (local pancake/crepes). Their pancakes smell soooooo good that my aunt couldn't resist. Thus..*the picture below*

[Spotted buying pancakes!! Haha.]

To be honest, I really miss floorball and the people I train with. I miss running too. These two are the things that keep my head straight and clear, and without them both, something just feel...
not right. :(

All About Dreamer

My dad is seriously turning my bike into a moving Christmas tree! But I understand his concern also laaaa. I hear about cyclists getting killed on Penang roads more often than I eat mangoes, which is quite often. :(

[Feel free to count the amount of lights and reflectors I have! =)]

 

But anyway, I took Drea (short for Dreamer), for service last Thursday 'cause she feels a weetle bit weird. And it turns out that the back tyre tube is leaking, gear is a bit off, causing the gear change to be a bit slow. And I also asked uncle to drop my handle bar a little lower. When I came back and took her for a ride... Whooosh!! That's more like it. =)

[Drea]

I'll get you a new set of tyres when I'm richer, Drea. Cross my heart.

Sick, AGAIN

Sigh. This is the 2nd time I've lost my battle to a cold in a month. I just recovered from bronchitis 2 weeks ago, and now here I am, coughing and  aching all over the body. :( Why oh why...

But I only have myself to blame for cycling under the rain last Saturday. Sigh. Didn't expect it to rain, it just poured suddenly, and I had no where to stop and hide. However, I never regretted my ride that day. Firstly, because I get to ride with my ever-so-adorable aunt; and 2ndly, I get to see so many road bikes on the road, as it was the Penang Pesta Cycling Open Championship!! :D I almost hit a divider 'cause I was busy staring at other people's bike. Hehe. And one of the cyclist thought I was one of the contestants and asked me where to get the jersey!! Hahaha!! I must have had the cyclist pro look! :P

[Sexy. All 3 of them. :P]

[Cyclists getting ready for the race]

[Cute g hotel logo :) ]

Went for lunch with parents in the afternoon after the morning ride, and I was immediately down with fever. My fever must have fried my brain 'cause I bought this pretty pricey little t-rex plush toy which I initially thought was a cute crocodile. =.="

[Meet Rexy the green dinosaur]

Please get well soon... Christmas is just around the corner... Don't let the coughing spoil this wonderful season...*Fingers cross*

First Ride

Went cycling with the boys for the first time yesterday. I was really, really nervous and scared 'cause it was my first time cycling on Penang roads. And if you've been to Penang, you'd know how crazy our traffic is, and how insane our drivers are, and how narrow our roads were made.

We started off from Gurney plaza at 7am. Weather was great, not too hot. Perfect for cycling. :)

The boys were really nice for waiting for me along the way and not leaving me behind though I was really slow. Haha. Deswyn was worried that I'll be bored cycling without someone in front of me (as the rest of them were already way ahead), so he overtook me and let me follow him. (But I know he secretly wants me to check out his b**t. HAHA.) Which made me even more depressed 'cause he made me realize how slow I was. =.="

Jason and Deswyn didn't manage to finish the route 'cause poor lil' Jason's tyre puncture along the way. =/ So Des had to cycle back home to get his car and fetch him and the bike home.

Overall. it was a good ride for a newbie and first timer. The hike up to Teluk Bahang dam was manageable. *Prouds* Dreamer did well too. *Double prouds* :)

[Calvin & Benson]

[Yours truly & Dreamer]

Special thanks to Deswyn, Calvin, Jason and Benson for making this ride a memorable one. :)

The New Ride

I've waited for this moment for years. And it finally came true.
Taaaaaaadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

[ Meet my partner in crime ;) ]

 [ Every hero needs a helmet to protect their heads :P ]

I'm still getting used to riding this stallion. It feels different because the tyres are really thin and thus needs more control. I haven't found a name for my bike yet. Any suggestions peeps? :)

And Penang Bridge Marathon is in 3 days time. I really signed up for sh*t this time. =.="

Dear legs, be strong this Sunday. *Fingers cross*