Interstate 2010: Extended version

The climb to ulu yam...

Now downhill towards ulu yam

I hope it doesn't bite...

It rained near slim river....

Can't remember where this was...but it's 50km to ipoh.

Perak has nice mountains...

Finally reaching Kangsar...

At the start of the first day....

Now that is a cool bike...

It had rained hard early in the morning...

Stopping at Gerik...

Banding..it's as nice as people say it is...

But...I got to rush off to Kota Bharu...

This is almost reaching the top...it had been a tough climb from Banding...

Titiwangsa rest area...

Another view from Titiwangsa...

Kota bharu....it's now cycling southwards towards Kuantan....

Padi fields...

Reaching Pasir Puteh...

Reaching Kuala Terengganu...

Resting at Zaharah Mosque...

Having breakfast at Dungun before heading for Kuantan...

I think this is kerteh...

Paka looks out of place with it's refinery...

It was so hot I downed 3 glass of coconut water...

At batu hitam...finally reaching Kuantan...

Now it's back to KL

It's another 249km...

Near sri jaya....

I spend alot of time with this view...

Cycling up towards Genting Sempah...on the highway!

Most brutal climb to Sempah...

It's getting dark...so it's all the way to Gombak.

I've heard of the interstate held annually, but till now, haven't participated in any. When Jezamine pestered the rest of us to ride 3 days among the hills of perak to the flats of east coast kelantan, I thought if it was possible to ride more than that. The question was how much time it would take.

What I had in mind:

Day 1: KL to Kangsar

Day 2: Kangsar to Kota Bharu

Day 3: K.Bharu to Kuantan

Day 4: rest

Day 5: Kuantan to KL

Roughly estimated distance is more than 1000km. I kept thinking it over, and over again. There's questions of supplies, what to bring, what to wear. I only told a handful of people cause I don't know if I could pull it off. The worst case is to hitch a bus home if conditions becomes too unbearable. I was thinking of asking my bro to follow, but decided otherwise. The maximum distance will exceed 300km, and you just have to had done that, to know how it feels, and still be willing to continue the next day.

Day 1:

I knew this route after driving from KL to penang on trunk roads. Around 7:20am, I rode northwards on MRR2 until the Ulu Yam dam. The climb up the dam was hard, and slowly the elevation went up until the peak. Then it was high speed to ulu yam for a rest and drink, before moving up towards Tanjung Malim. I didn't really know if it's in Selangor or Perak until some signs showed it was Perak.

Rain clouds was gathering as I approached Slim River. The roads were straight and rolling, so cars were really going fast. I witnessed a tragedy just before slim river. A motorcyclist was lying underneath a mangled car. I believe he's a goner.

Then it started to rain, so I tucked in at a bus stop to wait it out. Afterwards, it was again cycling passing tapah, bidor, and I believe I hit 180km in Kampar. As usual, it was hot. I was feeling pretty ok but tired by the time I hit Ipoh at 215km. Had something to eat before speeding off to Sg Siput, and in the last few kms to Kangsar, I was really bonking.

I hadn't refueled enough. So when I reached Kangsar at 7:30pm, I just have to eat something at the mamak. Jezamine, Kenny, Gerard, Debbie were already there, and they were kind enough to let me stay one night.

By now, I was wondering if I could even cycle to KB.

Distance: 270km

Day 2:

There was lots of cyclist at the starting line, all eager to ride. As we speed towards Lenggong and Gerik, the scenery was spectacular. Hills and mist greeted us from every view.

My strategy was just to draft. This is needed to conserve for the next 180km after Banding.

Already at the start the strong ones were moving at the head of the peloton breaking away from us. I toead in line with Faizal and Adzim, Poh Seng and Iwan, while they pulled us towards Gerik.

Another problem I was having is the bag. It's 3.6kg, and this is probably a heavy burdern to shoulder, literally. Climbing hills is tough. Climbing with weights stuck on your back, up in the noon sun, with windless air, is hell.

But I was really thankful of the granny gear I was having. Poh seng then mentioned I could put the bag in their support car.

After Gerik it was climbing for 20km.

I thought we have another 10km to climb, when it was actually downhill all the way to the resort. But...the road up the resort is a steep 20%, albeit for short few meters.

Distance was 139km. After refuelling with water, I took my bag, bid some friends farewell, before heading towards Kota Bharu.

Now, it's all a lonely ride from here. Little did know that the path from Banding goes up for another 30km! It was so tough, I was bonking. Reason was I had only raisins since Gerik. After 15km, thank god for the rest area, I stopped for lunch and prayers. Chatting with a lorry driver revealed it's all climb from here.

When I finally reached the rest area at Titiwangsa, it had took me 3 hours. I stopped and eat for at least 30 minutes before speeding downhill towards Jeli.

From Jeli, as I looked back at the mountain range, I thought as if I've escaped a prison of hills.

From here, it's another 50km to Tanah Merah, then 50km to Kota bharu. I was tired, and was wondering if I should just bunk in Tanah Merah. You see, if I stay in Tanah Merah, then the distance to Kuala terengganu will be much shorter.

But I thought about the goal of KB, and all I need now, is just to pedal, regardless if I was bonking, tired, sleepy and on the verge of quitting.

Another challenge was the darkness. There's no street lights up to Tanah Merah, and all I had was the front lamp, giving luminance for at least 2 meters. After riding so long, I had butt pain and each bump on the road, is enough to make you cringe.

I saw the sign towards tanah merah, and turned in. The darkness just turned surreal. It was so dark, and the stars were so beautifully hung up in the sky. I almost veered off the road when I took a look. Finally I did reach Tanah Merah.

It's just another 40km plus...So I rode on, and on. I noticed the flat terrain were padi fields, but nothing much you can see. After the roudabout at pasir mas, it was going over a bridge for the final 20km. I was so tired, that every KM reached means so much.

By 4km, it was already near the town area, where I had to stop for some drinks. And finally I've reach KB at 11pm.

I quickly check into a hotel, went for Nasi Kerabu, then slept.

Distance:320km

Day 3:

Because of the weight of the bag, and the underwear outer line causing deep pain, I thought it's best to not wear one. My palms were pretty much in pain from holding the handlebar.

At 8am, I speed of, in hope of reaching kuantan, or maybe if not, as close as possible.

The roads were very very flat. So I could go aero at long period of time, pushing 30kmh. But the sun was hot, and I had to constantly remind myself to drink every 5km.

By the time I reached the border of Terengganu, the roads were once more rolling hills. Nothing much to say but it was tough and hot, when reaching Kuala terrenganu at 163km. I stopped by Zaharah Mosque to rest, and eat some snacks. By this time, the only real food I had was 15km after KB, nasi kerabu.

I wasn't really hungry, so I thought of skipping lunch until night time. Not that you can really eat under this heat anyway. It was soon a decision I would come to regret.

I was bonking very very hard on the way towards dungun. But it was also other reasons. Riding high mileage for the past 2 days, takes a toll on your body. You know you are bonking, when the highest speed you could pedal is 25kmh. And my right knee was having pain as well. Standing up to pedal is almost impossible. But you had to, just to relieve your butt.

The coconut trees, and sandy beaches on my left were so enticing, I wished I could stop, and just sit down under them. But I can't. I got to pedal. The purpose of this ride was to seek my limits. And now I am looking at it...head on. Eyes glazed, sleepy, and hungry, slowly I pedaled towards dungun. A few k before that, I decided to stop and have some fried rice.

I knew by another 130km from dungun to kuantan is doable, but dangerous. After having dinner, I think I could continue, but decided to stay a night. I can't risk another night of cycling in unknown roads.

Distance: 238.8km

Day 4:

After having breakfast, it was back to cycling. This time, the morning was fresh, and the view scenic. Hot, but it was something I just got used to it. The skin on the back of my neck is already sunburned, so I don't really feel much pain there.

I always loved the coastal roads at this part of Terengganu. The beaches are lovely, it's as though a paiting was drawn right on it. But I didn't stop until I reach Batu Hitam, and celebrated the reaching of Kuantan with ABC.

4 days of cycling and finally I've reached home.

Distance: 131km

Day 5:

The final leg. I couldn't wait. I've ridden this route twice before, and it was going to be a long day cycling.

By the time I reached Karak it was 4plus. After having KFC, it was 5:15pm.

I knew if I took the old route bentong, it'll be climbing bkt tinggi in the dark. Time was just not on my side.

So I risked it by using the highway all the way up to Sempah. The 3km climb up to sempah was probably the most brutal climb since I had. Passed by Sempah, but didn't stop. I can't stop now. It's already 7:05pm, and darkness will come soon. So I sped off into the tunnel, and all the way towards Gombak toll.

Then it was MRR2, and stopping by McD. It was the first stop after Karak. I'd also noticed the distance using the highway was 20km shorter.

For the next few KM, I pedaled hard and fast back home. Surprisingly I was feeling ok, and all I need now is rest.

Distance: 259km

Total distance: 1222.5km

---

Riding such long periods of time caused pain on the palms. Quads are also in pain, but not much on the feet. Usually it's the extremities with contact on the bike will experience soreness...and that including the butt.

But...it had been a blast. I did this ride without even knowing if I can finish it within a timeframe of 5 days, and to have done so, I am content enough.

A big thanks to all my friends who had helped, and shown concern during the ride.

Kapas Marang Swimathon 2010: Land in Sight

My bro...

Teoh...it's his first time.

Enjoying the fast ride to kapas...the water seems oddly calm.

Sandy beaches, and blue waters..

Anxious swimmers at the starting...

Now you can see there's 2 groups going different directions. I am betting the right one is heading towards the marine boat, which is wrong.

The landing...

The one arm guy...faster than me!

Silly shirt...

More and more swimmers getting back. This year more than 220 participants made it back.

This years' kapas swimathon has the highest participants numbering more than 300. As usual, for this swim, I treated it as a holiday rather than a race. My bro tagged along, but just as a spectator.

Met with Teoh, Raymond Tan, Elaine and some friends (PS Sim) from singapore. Also, met with some guys from UPM swimming club. And Jason Tiang is also joining for a first timer.

After a bus ride from KL, and a hearty breakfast at KT, we headed for registration. Then it's off to the blue small paradise of kapas. I just couldn't wait to dip into blue clear water filled with corals and colorful marine fishes.

---

I had brought along the trusted rifle scope. And it prove to be a great confidence booster, as I could even spot the bright orange balloon on the shores of pantai kelulut. I could even see 2 small buoys at the far end. Didn't really went for briefing, as I roughly know what to expect. It's my 4th time anyway.

The only thing you need to do is know where to land regardless of buoys and marine patrol boats. Buoys could get lost, and boats will move, regardless of what they told you. Then compensate for current all the time. You have to realize that the current changes from the start to the end. So, always keep an eye of where you are going.

Once you know this, it's a matter of swimming and getting ashore asap.

And also before the swim, drink enough water, cause there won't be any for the next 2-3 hours.

---

At the starting line, you could really see the strong swimmers from the average. Strong and fast ones usually have strong upper body parts.

The horn blew, and it's time to swim. Now funny thing is, the group started to break into 2. One heading right, another left. I have no idea why so, but I knew where to go, so that's that. One lady was tagging behind for 1-2km. I'd guess she doesn't know the way. And it was pretty hard to see the landing as well once you're in the water.

But as time passes, the shore came closer, and the radio station on the left of the landing, came into view. I could now see the balloon. So, it was swimming as hard as possible, with more kicks.

But as always, nearing the shore, is tougher. Maybe it's the fatigue. Or maybe I am not just a good swimmer. But I set my sights on landing and just swam, counting the strokes up to 50 before glancing at the landing. Now, even if you're in the water, you can still navigate. Just observe the position of the sun during breathing, and you can roughly steer in the right direction.

Landing was close, and suddenly a huge wave brought me crashing into the sand. What a landing!...so I went to put on that silly shirt and got the medal, with the time of 2:26. My bro was there snapping pics...he said he'll be interested to do this next year.

Now, there was this guy with one arm. Yet he swam faster than me! Swimming is perhaps the hardest discipline to master. I've been swimming for years, but the improvements are minuscule.

Oh well...it was fun, and that's the main reason I always back at Kapas.

Double broga in two days

Leonard, waiting for me patiently at peres...

The end of suffering, at least for broga loop.

I thought PCC ride to broga falls on saturday. That morning was really heavy with clouds, and rain looks like it could come anytime. I'd hope the rain be dumped elsewhere, as I rode up Ampang hill. Then I was lucky to meet Leonard, who was also doing broga. After some chats, I realized it was tomorrow and not today. Oh well, since we are here, we might as well ride on.

Then it rained. And pretty soon, we're riding in the wettest condition. I was just hoping not to skid on the downhills. Broga is tough not because of its' distance, but it's the many tough and long climbs you've to endure.

I was riding my roadie, so climbs seemed so much easier than the tri. We rode together but often I find myself drifting futher behind. He was very strong on the bike. I was just hoping to preserver enough energy to do the peres climb.

By noon, the sun came up, which was a relieve to the cold and wet ride prior. As usual, the toughest part is to climb back Ampang hill, and back to home.

166k done.

---

There were 2 groups on sunday. P2k and PCC. PCC starts from tekala, which is much easier cause you don't need to climb the notorious bukit hantu. Shorter as well.

I wasn't sure to do this. But I felt not that bad, so I setup the TT bike, and rode fast to catch P2k depart from bt 14 hulu langat. Looks like a lot of strong riders. The ones I knew were Sean Chang, Jacky but not many. During the ride, after introducing to Danny, he asked me if I could reach broga on the TT. Well, I said "let's see how".

I tried to hang on up bkt hantu, but as usual, the strong p2k riders went up like mountain goats.

Then I decided to go solo TT mode down tekala to get a drink. The peloton then passed, and I had to put on the TT legs again and chased the group down.

Stayed with the peloton until lenggeng, and again, some riders rode uphills like it was an easy thing to do. Then up bkt tangga, where I did manage to catch some later.

Stopped at klawang, and we had manage to caught up with riders from PCC. It was getting hot now, and I'd just wanted to ride home as fast as possible. Now suprisingly, I felt better riding today compared to yesterday. It was really a solo and fast affair from klawang, and some p2k riders managed to caught up after 2km into the climb up peres.

Got up to Peres, and I was still feeling strong, but I have to eat. One thing I have to have, is enough food and hydration in long endurance activities. I couldn't go on if there's nothing much left. It's one of the reason why I had dnf during the singapore run. I just have to stop and eat something, then continue on my own pace, and not really following another guy's pace.

Then on the way up Ampang, Sean was climbing up as well. I thought of riding together but he looks fatigued.

So there, another 166km.

---

I've not ridden for a long time, so it'll take some time my bike fitness to come back. Just have to work more on speed.

NTU Run Round Singapore 2010 218km: Part of History

At the starting point in NTU.

Tobias, Henry Yong

With Lynette..

Janette, Mok, and Kok Chiow

Each core runner has vehicle support...and police escort as well.

Near Kranji way

Mok receiving medical assistance at the first main checkpoint 45km.

The green rubbish can is filled with iced water. You could soak your whole body in there...

The director and Mok having a talk..but he decided to dnf.

Lim Ngee Huat...60 years and still going strong at East Coast park.

Pacing Melvin after Mountbatten..Thank god for flyovers above

Still running happily in the morning sun..

Then it was hell...

PS Sim, Melvin lee..

And the finishing...job done.

NTU ultra run of 218km is organised as part of their alumni celebration this year. Running one marathon is hard. Imagine running 5 marathons. And they would try to do it within 36 hours.

I came with the intention of seeing if I could run the whole thing. I had also looked up google street view of every single checkpoint for route familiarization. I am not so worried about food and hydration at this point. Just need to know which path to take.

Lynette Gan was gracious to provide accomodation at her house near Pasir Ris. The next saturday morning, as usual, had breakfast, and plastered some parts of the feet. Then we took an hour long MRT ride to the nearest station, and then a taxi to NTU. Met with Tobias, Henry Yong, and some new friends as well. Looks like each 9 core runner will have a support car tagging along.

8:30am, and we're off. Since it's the first checkpoint, many NTU students joined in. And as we approached the second, we're relieved from the relay runners (relay runners will run according to set timeline) and we're pretty much left with the core runners and some pacers.

At this point, it's not so hot but humid. We're running all along until Lim Ngee Huat started walking as part of his strategy of running and walking. I told tobias I'll move forward with Adrian Mok, Chua Kok Chiow, with fellow pacer Janette (champion lady of Sundown 84km). The pace was pretty fast. I felt I could keep up but was a bit worried if this is the pace all the way. Had some powerbar for refueling.

Halfway through marathon distance, the temperature went up a few notches. And we're soon drenched with sweat. It was hot, and it reminded me of IM langkawi. Now the amazing thing is, these runners didn't dropped the pace.

By marathon distance around 1pm, I was beginning to wonder if lunch is provided. The first main checkpoint is actually at 45.3km near Evans Road #15. The core runners had cold iced bath to soak their legs into it, as well as massages. Everyone was pretty fine at this time. I tried to have some bread to refuel. Soon, the other runners came along. I think the time spent at the station was half an hour.

Then it was back to running with Mok, Chua KC, and Janette. The temperature was seriously high, and my energy was low. I really felt I needed to eat something solid. Yet these guys were still going fast. I soon dropped the pace and started walking. Tobias who was pacing Ngee Huat came by. In the midst of all that, I decided to stop. I couldn't imagine going through the barren woodlands in this heat. I was also wondering why I came down here to suffer.

So I detour at Sixth Avenue off Bkt Timah Road and tried to have roti prata, and cold herbal tea. The roti tasted horrible, and I could only finish half of it. Then I gave a call to lynette saying I was bailing out. At this point I only did 48km. Then it was a long train ride back to pasir ris. My legs were still ok actually. I just cannot continue because of the heat.

---

Had some sleep in the train, then more sleep back home. Now each support car has a GPS device, so we could track them real time online. So, estimated time to reach Pasir Ris station (which is quite near our place) was roughly 2am. Lynette and I headed to Tampines for some dinner. I was thinking if I should running from Pasir Ris to the end. That would be another 89km.

Back home, slept a bit more, then we hauled ourselves up at Pasir Ris drive 3. Yong yuen cheng has already went past. But we're in time for Mok and Chua KC team. And these guys were seriously fatigued, in pain, incoherent. They had just completed 129.3km. I know at this point it's the hardest. Lack of sleep will also affects one mental state.

As they went off again, I decided to paced them again. Mok and Chua KC were having some conversation of asking Chua to go first. Looks like signs of quitting for Mok, and he doesn't want to slow things down for Chua. So Chua went ahead, and I was left pacing with Mok. He told me to go ahead as well, but I mentioned I am ok pacing him. We're the only ones both running now.

From our chat, he seemed bogged down with some other issues at work, and an old injury. Signs of quitting was there. I told him if we can last until morning, we can probably make it. Then we stopped some where near changi village at around 3:40am, and he went for a nap. At 4am, he had trouble standing up cause both his legs muscles were stiff. And his body temperature was hot as well.

After sitting at the bus stop for a few minutes, he decided to call it quits. The director of the run came by for a talk with him. But try as he might, Mok can't go on. He was mentally and physically unable to move on. It was a hard and emotional decision for him.

Now, I was left all alone. Melvin lee and Lim NH already left 1 hour earlier. It was 5am now. So I started running hoping to see if I can catch them. It was night but the humidity still lingers. Running along the 9km straight airport road was tough. My only worry was water because I haven't got enough of it. Luckily I reached east coast park and there were some water. Also did the dawn prayers, before running.

It was now morning. Suddenly I saw some blinking lights ahead, and knew it was one of the support vehicle. Turns up to be Lim's car. So I decided to paced with them until Mountbatten. The pace however was very slow. It was running and walking. I really could go fast, but this was not a race. At this point, it's better to support the core runners.

At Mountbatten 161.8km, Melvin Lee's gang was already there. His feet were wrapped up in bandages for blisters, I suppose. Looks like some parts was swollen. I wondered if he can really run now. It's only another 57km.

So we continue on running. The main pacers are now Freddy and Sim PS. Freddy set us for a pace of running and walking of around 8-10 min/km. The morning turns into afternoon, and it was again hot. Amazingly Melvin could still run. He looked pretty stoked, and not much conversation except for directions and support.

The hardest and hottest part was the west coast highway. The hard part is not the distance, but the heat. This makes IM looks easy. At times I felt I could run faster. We had a stop at the final 31km for rest and food. Lynette came by with some food and drinks, and she would support us in the car until the end.

After the highway, we detour into Boon Lay area, and some parts I can't really remember because it went through housing. The last 3km, Melvin was running more consistent, and it was then back to NTU. The crowd was cheering, and he crossed the line in 33 hr 10 min.

Another 4 runners added to the list of core runners to finish. These folks are truly superb. And I was glad to be a part to witness its' dramas, high and lows, and be a part of history. Total distance for 2 days 136.93km.

---

The hardest part of ultra running is putting forth your mental fortitude after your physical is gone. You're in pain, and it's a lot of pain. Blisters, fatigue, digestive system havoc, heat stroke, lack of sleep is what you have to endure to go through this. I think the toughest part is the heat. For 2 days, the same high temperature stayed.

As for myself, I've got some hot spots on the feet, 1 blister but legs are pretty much ok. Pain as usual, but not as bad as MR25 8 loops.

Bareno Run 2010: Speed test

The uncle on my left was sprinting all the way....so I just can't lose...

My bro coming back in 1:16..not too bad.

This was not in my to do list actually. But after hearing the run from Keat Seong, Jenn, and Kevin Siah, during lunch with the rest of the gang, I thought it would be probably a good idea to crash the race. So I egged my brother to join as well.

Woke up around 6am, had a piece of bread and we're off. Managed just to get in time a few minutes before starting. Managed to bump into KS, Jenn, and kevin before the race. We're in the back pack, and when the race started, it took some time before the pack thinned and allowed us to get into running mode.

Soon after the first left turn into the highway, I was picking up the pace and passing runners. Passed by Fairuz, then Yee Choy (Roger Yee's dad). Then it was soon heading back to the stadium. Met Tey (the ever dedicated sports photographer), and that's when I realized the 10km guys were coming in.

So I tried to hook up to an indian runner in blue shorts, but he was too fast. But soon he slowed a bit further down, and I could make a pass.

But the highlight of the day was, when I found out Ronnie and Kenny Tan were in front. You see, we had made a wager to beat Ronnie during lunch yesterday, just for fun sakes. Now that I was tailing him, I tried to think if I should give chase?

Given the pace that I was able to muster, it was in fact doable. So, I ran past the duo, say hi, and then pushed the pace further.

But I wasn't pushing past bonking stage, since I don't know the route well. Then a veteran in orange vest came blazing past. Gave some chase and managed to pass him back. He would turned out to be finishing with both of us crossing the line.

Managed to caught up with Barry Lee, which was another surprise. He was indeed pushing it real hard. So I just keep tailing behind. But when the hills came, he dropped back.

Back to the finishing in 1:05:05. And the weird thing is, I didn't felt bad. The marshalls were wondering about my bib but I just showed I had none.
Based on the timing I could have got 11th in Men Open 15km.

Anyway, it's all for fun.

My real focus is actually on Singapore's NTU 218km run within 36 hours. The furthest I've been on foot is 147km, and that took 26 hours. Tobias (the 3rd guy in his IM langkawi age grouper), is taking part as well. And yes, we are somehow scared.

How on earth do you cover more than 5 marathons distance in one run? I really have no idea.

But remembering this might help..."You don't have to be fast, you have to be fearless..." (quote from the book `Born to Run` when commenting on Leadville ultra 100miles)

*thanks to Frank for the pics...*

Ironman Langkawi 2010: Survival mode

Body marking...

Still not getting my bearings right after the swim...

Now it's time to cycle..


Bukit hantu...




Finally finishing...how bout golf for a change?

Ironman has long passed. It's never easy. You could do all the training, and still not perform during the race.

As for training, I decided I would take a change and focus on intensity. Reason is, I had done lots of endurance, but lack the speed and raw strength. So, it's less mileage but more intensity during training. Good thing was, after a few weeks, I began to sense I could put in faster speed.
I added some strength workout and weights as well.

Coming race day. Swim was pretty ok at the start. I was near Hugo. Thought of drafting him...but as usual lost him somewhere. I thought I was going fast, but when I took a look at the distance marker, I thought that couldn't be. It seems like all that powerful swim strokes had no effect. Took a very long time before I reached the u-turn. The current was also pretty strong there. Coming back was a bit faster, but still the strong current messed with the direction. I found myself pushed over the red buoys, and once smacked into one big buoy. Upon reaching time was 1:22. Last year was 1:16. I could sensed that it'll be tough for a lot out there.

Then into the transition, and out on the bike. Could hammer in the speed on the big loop, while not pushing it so hard. At this point, the clouds were still in the sky. I really hoped it would last.
As I went into the 2nd small loop, I passed by 3 water stations without water. That was really really demoralizing. Guys were scooping out ice and refilling their bottles. Some supporters
bought mineral bottles and offered them as we passed by.

As the path going into the hills neared, I stopped by one of the houses, and asked the kids to refill. It was hot now. One participant dropped by and mentioned some other guy said 'I am finished...'
I understood it pretty well. During a race, we need all the hydration to keep the momentum going. Stopping the bike just to refill is only, one of the WTF moments.

Then, it was back to pedaling. Raymond Tan was pretty fast as we passed by each other a few times. As I neared the end of it, I popped in some powerbars and drank. Time on the bike is 6 hours.
Improvement of 16 minutes compared to last year's.

Now time for the marathon. And by this time...it's like in an oven. Transition took some time. Went to the loo to pee, and coming out realizing I couldn't feel my balls.
I think too much time on the saddle might have caused this? Or maybe the bike fitting wasn't proper.

Anyway it was then running. And in the possibly worst conditions. I dreamt of lying on the bed back in the hotel, instead of this. For the first 2 loops, it was pretty ok.
But as the third loop ends, I was beginning to slow down. Something wasn't right with my stomach. Looks like I am going to puke but I withheld it. I was trying to pinpoint what went wrong?
The powerbar? gatorade? heat?

At the end of the 3rd loop, I stopped by a medic tent to get some plaster (handyplast) for the feet. Blisters was started to form on both feet due to the heat and soaking socks.
And to my surpise they didn't have any. The guy said he can put some tape and gauze to cover it.
But then how could I run? Another WTF moment. I might as well get it fixed in the best possible manner. I thought this is 101 first aid, but really I was shocked.

Each step is a pain because the blisters are on the soles. But I carried on. If I can't run, then it was walking.
Then by the fourth loop, after done a quick prayer at Condo Istana, I sensed that I got to puke. And I really did. That was a relief. At least now I felt better.

As the day turns into night, I was into my final round. Roger went passed me, urging me to run. But I couldn't. I saw him walking and running into the darkness, going from left to right, then left.
The ambulance were busy up and down. You could hear the siren blaring a few minutes apart. This is hell. There's no doubt about it. And if you are in hell, just move on.

A guy in green shirt (nik), had been cheering a long time. And as I head for the u-turn, he said something like 'Finish strong'. I had been walking all the while. So I forced myself to run, with
the pain, fatigue, stomach upset. Running is faster than walking. And I want to end this fast.

With some walking and running, I finally made it to the turning into the podium. People start cheering. I made a run for it, clapping the hands of the spectators. Finishing an ironman is always sweet.

My time was 13:42. It was way longer than last year. But with all the mishaps, I was just happy to complete it.

To all the supporters, I am truly grateful. Without you guys, we'll probably not survive this or not pushed on.

And as for the management, they could have done better. Seriously I don't mind the simplistic medal, or t-shirts, but during race, adequate care should be given on distributing supplies.
It's like a war. Winning one depends on a good logistic supplies regardless of how strong you are. To not have all this during the race is not right.

They might as well change the title from Ironman to Adamantium-Man. Iron is too soft.

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Summary: Still a lot of work to do. It's back to the drawing board. I know my weaknesses, so now it's the time to focus on that.
To all those who have done the IM or DNF, and planning on doing it next year, try training consistently all year round.
This way, you won't feel rushing towards the last 3 months because your work is pretty much done. Bottom line is, each week you got to do something.

I think there's 2 general goals in training.
Train to get back at the same fitness level. Another is to train to reach a higher level. It's time to go higher.