Once upon a swim

As all great stories begin with "Once upon a time..."

 

OK. Here's the thing. I decided to sign up for swimming classes, finally!

Today, I completed my 8th lesson (which is also the last) at Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya

 

It was a truly wonderful experience getting to learn to swim properly, the coach couldn't believe that I had been using breaststroke in my triathlon swims. Hahaha...you see, I have indispensable stamina, that's why!

 

Before I say goodbye, I took a few pictures with Li, one of the instructors who have been consistently persistently correcting my freestyle swim.

 

Let's hit the pool!



 

Underwater picture

 

Surface picture. Li and I, with coach Raja at the back, busy teaching kids

Picture taken from the deeper side of the pool

Starting anew

If life has a "RESET" button.

We cannot start over a new beginning but we can start today and make a new ending.

Mannerism of running at big events

Running has become a fashion, rather than passion.
Being a runner for more than 15 years, I learn to respect individuals for sharing the same route as me, just because...anything can happen on the race day. You can't expect first class treatment just because you have paid for the race. In fact, there are many things you can do as a runner.

1. Proper hydration- If you drink properly, you never need to use the washroom aka portable loo. I ran many races but it was only during my first full marathon I stopped at KM32 for the loo. Still I believe that I could have planned my hydration strategy better that I didn't need to stop even for full marathon. In the end, I don't have to worry about long queue to use the washroom.
The trick is, know your body well, drink adequately to replace lost fluid, don't over hydrate.

2. Proper start- Know your running speed. If you are relatively fast, start ahead; otherwise, start at the middle or back of the pack. Starting at the wrong point can be dangerous, stampede is the last thing you want.

3. Behave yourself- I hate couples who hold hands and walk during a race. I also saw people who stop suddenly during a run...just to take a selfie. These are the reasons why I seldom join runs below 20km unless it's really cheap and I am in good form to outrun the general crowd.

4. Give signals- Just like driving, you keep to the left of the road to give way to the faster runners unless it very crowded. If you want to stop to tie your shoe lace, please signal before you move to the left of the road and signal to stop. This is very important when the runners around you are running at similar pace.

5. Drink station- Normally the first table will be cramped with thirsty runners, I would suggest to stop at the further tables, quickly choose a cup, move away and drink.

In a nutshell, Malaysians have improved (according to my observation). Good job and happy running.

Cycling and I

First picture with my first roadbike, Porsche

After my first full marathon in Oct 2013, I wanted to give up on running because I completed my "Grand Slam" for having to earn at least a medal in all the distance competed in the Olympics (My birthday wish when I was 12). I didn't run for weeks due to lack of motivation. 

One day I decided to go for a leisure ride, then I started to ride faster and eventually went on sprinting like a raging bull. Suddenly the sound of wind reminded me that I was once a good long sprinter, adventure seeker. 

My body is not in good shape since that bad ankle sprint followed by a series of flu and cough, cycling has sort of help to regain my confidence. Now I feel great again, thank to cycling.

Bandit

Before I start, I have to mention this.
In Malaysia, illegal motorbike racers aka Mat Rempit are seldom caught for racing. I observed and applied this to myself.

One pleasant Saturday, I was home alone and I craved for KFC. I enjoyed the chicken while browsing the internet and watching the Asian Games. I came across a post---2XU Compression Run, 21 September 2014 at Lake Garden. Inspired by the spirit of Mat Rempit, I decided to join the run, without registration of course. I need to prepare myself for a big race in October.

I woke up as early as 3.45am. Due to last minute decision, I did not prepare my breakfast therefore I had to run without empty stomach. I parked my car at Padang Merbok as Lake Garden was over crowded. I walked into the check in point like a boss. The race crew must be too tired to spot me. *grin* One more thing I needed to avoid, to be seen by friends, it did not happen, I met a few.

The starting lane was narrow so I ran really slow, not to step on other's feet and it was still dark. I warmed up after 2km but then suddenly...my stomach started to grumble.

I had chicken last night. Where's the chicken now? 

I broke the golden rule of pre-running---never eat too much the evening before and start with an empty stomach. Now the chicken wanted to come out and I started to curse myself (silently of course) until, until...

TADAA!

My life saviour at the water station!

For your information, you would normally see a few of this in a 21km run but thank goodness there were plenty this time. There were 2 at the water station, male and female. There was a long queue for the gents--->once again proven my theory that men $h!+ more than women. I didn't have to wait so i went into the ladies' box. The "box" was well-equiped with toilet paper and water. The entire operation was smooth, took less time than expected.

This is exactly how I felt at that moment

Unloaded, rejuvenated. I continued my run smoothly until...the legendary Bukit Tunku appeared before me. KM5-KM16 was entirely surrounding Bukit Tunku. Finally, a hill to die for.

I met a few friends along the way. They were so focused in their run. When I was on downhill after the U-turn, I heard familiar voice. A good friend who happened to run without a bib.

We ran the last 4km together. He was very noisy although the organiser put notice to remind runners not to make excessive noise. He's such a motivator and we finished together.

I continued one more lap at the Lake Garden to log 25km for that day. My right ankle responded to the distance quite well. I hope I am ready for my big race.
_____________________________________________

I talked about this incident at the speech contest.
Come~on, I know 70% of the audience, they also know me. Let's be Jing Yi, the surprisingly naughty rather than Jing Yi, the want to impress. I was pretty happy.

Mentoring

I always like to talk about mentoring in Toastmasters.

To succeed, you need 10% theory, 10% mentoring and 80% hardwork.

Without theory, you can still ask a mentor.

Without hardwork, you can still be a "no body".

But having the knowledge and zeal to pursue yet without proper guidance, you can easily steer off the course.

I am glad that I am always surrounded by wonderful people.

DNS

I hate it.

DNS means quitter, even with the most solid reason, I still see myself as a loser.

This is my pain killer. It keeps me sane.

I will take it this time.
I won't miss it again.

I promise.

Root . Embrace

Hanfu Camp 30/8-1/9/14

Only because my computer can't type Chinese words that I wrote this post in English. It has been ages since I wrote that many Chinese words in 3 days. The venue is just perfecto, if only if the organiser learnt to coordinate better and be more well-mannered, I won't give that many comments.

I took very few pictures. This picture was taken on the last day at the Sky Terrace of Chin Swee Temple.

3 Favourite things:
- The cool weather and clean air
- The beautiful and majestic temple
- Adding more volume to my bucket of water

3 Not so happy things:
- Brainwash-orientated lecture
- People clueless about the Chinese civilisation
- MSG overloaded meals

3 First time experience:
- Drive to Genting Highland
- Can't recognise my own name in the certificate. Come~on la
- "Han-style" Archery...I know I have some talent with this

365 days later...

This is the day. Perhaps this is the better choice.

It was my thought when I reported to work here.
I know I am not that kind of typical "GenY" who changes job very often. It was a choice, to start after one year of exile.

My first job was a marketing job although I asked for an engineering position. It seemed like the interviewer (who was also the lady boss) thought I have the potential to become one of the best CPO traders in Malaysia. I proved myself in doing marketing, ending my probation in 6 weeks, instead of 6 months. My boss (who I called "Tan Sri") also like to bring me to places. It was a good exposure for me, meeting important people, business and alcohol, I knew it's going to end soon.

My second job was a design job. Once again I proved my capability of being an engineer by training, securing contracts worth close to one million in just 3 months. I really like to see my capability being measured by money. Office politic was another thing. Perhaps having some "permanent fixtures" in the office is equal to petting chaos. Just when I thought I was going to settle down for at least a couple of years, someone from there called.

It took me 4 months from that call to the day.

Now it's still in my thought.

This is the day. Perhaps this is the better choice.

The Khmer Tour

I love to travel although I didn't get to do as many as I wish.

Cambodia is my 4th country, after Vietnam, China & Singapore.

I like to experience the culture and heritage, so Cambodia, being the home country of one of the most phenomenal world heritage site, the almighty Angkor World Heritage site, had given me a wake up call.

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge regime, under Pot Pol's extremism, killed 3 million people, either by torture or planting thousands of landmines across the Thai-Khmer and Vietnam-Khmer border. Yet, as of today, the people of Khmer live their lives believing that they are living the hopes of the diseased. Such cruelty over the past had grown their anxiety and desire for peace and harmony.

This land belongs to the peace-loving people.

In a few more years' time, this country will recover from their painful past and soar into a liberal society.

And I am so fortunate to live in Malaysia. Although we did experience racial conflict and dispute, our issue is so microscopic compare to theirs.

My take away from my trip to Cambodia: Your problems are always microscopic, it's you who magnify it. Life is tough but never too tough that you can't handle.

The Landmine Museum

From the stupa at the Killing Field

The Torture Prison

Let the game begin

When you realise that your first OD triathlon is coming in 2 months time, you forget how to joke.
My past experience (2 so far) had taught me that I need to change my "frog style" to "front crawl", or else I will be fully burnt out in the cycling leg.

Swimming is my weakest leg in triathlon, I know since day 1. Nor I am good in cycling, I often misjudge my stamina, cycling is not as easy as it looks. After these 2 weak legs, I have no choice but to drag myself (instead of dash) to the finish line.

I need to figure out the best training strategy with 2days/week training. And it's hard. I can't afford to overtrain on Saturdays and have no strength to continue on Sundays.

I have the will to finish what I have started but I want to finish strong this time.
More time in the water, more power in the paddle and stronger stride to the finish.

Training is going to be hard.
Let the game begin.

KT Conference Take Home Message

Message #1:
Terengganu is a state abundant of keropok.
I've tried at least 5 different types of keropok over the pass 4 days. It's the main reason behind the coughing. Worth the try.

Message #2:
You can take Jing Yi out from her job but you cannot take the job out from her.
The sunrise, sandy beach are the most memorable. For most people, those were the only things in their head. I was trying to locate all the oil fields and gas fields. Gosh! Help me please.

Message #3:
It's not just about work
Of course, I didn't just spend to come to the conference. I wanted to stay away from the city. KT is just superb for my getaway. I like the airport and The Crystal Mosque. I really like the architecture. (Besides the amount of money spent to build them)

Message #4:
Servant leadership at its best
You really see it here. Although there are some "dictators" around, I was surrounded by humble people. The working world is not so dirty after all if you spend some time to talk to some individuals.

Message #5:
Room of improvement
The largest room in the world is the room of improvement. My honour to witness some of the best speakers in Malaysia. Loghandran was unfortunate as the first speaker, the hand free mic went malfunction and in the end he had to project his voice over a hall of 500 people. What a bad day for him. Knowing this opportunity, Palaniappa spoke at his best and clinched the title.

Message #6
Survival of the fittest
During the lunch before I left KT, I saw Victor Ong and invited him to the same table. He said he is the one who got time disqualified. Trust me, I had never seen him with such emotion. He joined Toastmasters almost the same time as me, he is more diligent than any other Toastmasters, he deserved to be the finalist. I tried to enlighten him but then I stopped. I know the feeling of being disqualified but I also know that he will be the "cockroach" of his speech and he will come back in the next speech contest.

Message #7
Growing up is not an option
I know the journey will come to an end. Just like the sun which sets after every sunrise. What awaits after the sunset is another sunrise, so is the way of life. You need to grow up, face changes and strive beyond.

Visualization

Visualisation is a powerful tool as it sets your direction.

One bad thing about visualisation:

You visualise success, so you don't feel excited upon crossing the finish line. That explains relentless and resilience some people have. They are self-motivator. They keep moving, accomplish one goal after another.

So I learn to visualise...

New beast to tame

There's a new best in town, waiting to ramp the wind, slice the hills and cruise me for my new hobby. I was told by a friend that her friend is selling her racer and the price was a pretty reasonable one.

Although it burnt a hole in the pocket, I think it's a good purchase, I didn't bargain simply because it was recommended by my friend. Should I say that "I spent for the bike" or "I earn from the bike". Whatever it is, the return of investment on fun and excitement is always hard to measure.

Gonna spent hours understanding this beast before I take it out and hit full speed.

When running isn't cheap anymore

Running is widely recognised as one of the most affordable sports in the world, mainly because...the least you need is a pair of comfy shoes to run.

However, due to the recent price hike in EVERYTHING (well except "Kangkung"), the fee of running road races has increased in staggering rate.

In 2012, I ran half marathon with a fee of RM 45. In just 3 years time, I have to pay up to RM 80 for a half marathon. At this rate, perhaps, somehow, I should ORGANISE one. $$$

This a pretty good excuse for me to venture into triathlon --->Where I need to pay RM 20-50 more than typical road runs but I gain more satisfaction --->3 disciplines, mature participants, better overall fitness improvement. The maintenance is expensive though.

I am serious, triathlon is an expensive hobby, say:

You need to prepare for not one, not two but THREE sports.

You need to decide which discipline to train for the day,

The plus points are:
1. You are less injury prone as you don't focus on certain muscles all the time.
2. More flexibility in training.
3. More friends--->cyclists and swimmers here I come!
4. And.....

You will gain more "macho" sunburn mark aka tattoo

Life without track racing

While I was browsing through the internet, I found this interesting article:
31 insanely clever remodeling Ideas for your new home.
Not to say they were totally brilliant but they were well thought of.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It's my 2nd year without track racing and the below will tell you how much I miss track racing:

1. Seriously, you are telling me that you pay 40-50MYR for a 10km run just to 'paktor', snapping pictures? And don't really care about obstructing other runners. *my worst 10k experience during Nike Run 2012*haven't run any 10k runs since then*

2. Young runners normally dominate 10k runs but Veterans (Uncle Oliver and Auntie Patsy if you have heard of them) show their zeal and passion with even distribution across 10k, 21k and 42k. *wait? Who's the Veteran?*

3. Basic manner of running: Simple things like keep to the left, no high elbows, no pushing and NO PEEING seem so hard for some people. *I yelled at a guy who just simply stopped and peed before me*I panicked and freaked out*

These are also some of the reasons why I move into unconventional distance and events. I would say I am daring enough to complete the Viper Challenge and Morib International Triathlon. Penang Urban Triathlon was meant for beginner.

A few friends advised me to go back to 10km but I don't really enjoy squeezing through the crowd.

Moving forward, I will train harder to improve my running time which has been dropping since 2013. Train harder for triathlon.

First Post of 2014

Finally, something not related to running, at least not more than 40%.

People would normally write their new year resolution at this time of the year. Why should I do something which is so mainstream?

Looking at my performance in 2013, I should deserve a "F".

Most of the time, "I'm busy" is the answer you get whenever you approach someone. Telling others that you are busy is indifferent from avoiding responsibility and procrastinating.
Read why busy isn't respectable anymore.
Gotta procrastinate less and become "BETTER", not "BUSIER" although sometimes, I am really busy.

But there should be some justification to my weight gain with my increase mileage--->I am being NOT PRODUCTIVE
RUN further & faster, SWIM & CYCLE by improving techniques.

2013 allowed me to settle down on most things, 2014 would be a good year for me to do MORE things, things I want to DO.
Gotta WORK diligently smart, SPEAK with eloquence. 

This post might not resemble what I think right now, I just want to stay awake...since 4.30am.
*yawn*

Transpire.Transform

It goes back to year 2009, the year I join Toastmasters.

If Toastmaster doesn't change a single thing about me, I must be in trouble. I never take pictures of myself when I go "clubbing". As I read through Victor Ong's post, he has more pictures of me than any other Toastmasters have. Trust me, he's the most diligent Toastmasters I've ever seen since I join TI. 

Something I found browsing through blogs 

(My very first speech, "The Ice Breaker" & Me, speaking at Bank Negara as the club mentor)
By just looking at the pictures, I see my growth.

Some argue that communication skills comes first, some says leadership is the utmost important.

Being a typical libra, I believe in becoming an all rounder. One that goes beyond both is charisma. I am still searching for my definition for the word 'charisma', I can't really describe it but intuitively I can tell if a person has it.

Still, it has been a long way for me and there's a long way ahead. I know one day my home club can no longer cater for my learning, I need to continue to absorb and give back to my home club. I hope they would eventually understand that I'm doing this to prepare them to face the real world.

And after almost 5 years, I am ready to reach out for more.

One of my most enjoyable experience as the General Evaluator at MIMKL, Dec 2013.

Eni Mini Myni Ton

There is always first time for everything. For a person who had raced more than 100 times, I was in a dilemma if I should continue running. More over after I fully retired from track racing, road race is seemed to be my only option.

Having to become a track racer for more than a decade, completing races are no longer trilling to me. I need something which is more exciting. I registered this mini triathlon since July and was looking forward to it everyday. It was a 800m swim-24km cycle-5km run eni mini myni ton.
I admit that I sacrificed my high weekly mileage to train on my swimming and cycling discipline which are still requiring A WHOLE LOT of improvement. It was fun (considering it was just 15% of a real Ironman event) but I need to work on my techniques and transitions.

Overall, I enjoyed myself. The drive from KL to Penang and Penang back to KL was even more exhausting than the race. Should reconsider if I were to travel this decent distance to do a triathlon. 2 days from now I will be doing my first open water swim. Kinda worry but I believe I can (as I always do!). After that I will "study" myself and improve and get ready for the real game.

But before that, I need a good tri-suit and a good bike-racer!!!

My "Grand Slam"

I made it.

I had officially raced every distance in the Olympic Games. 100m to 42.195km, track, road, mud, beach, gravel, stone, forest trail.

It was like earning the "grand slam".

It was 50% physical, 50% mental.

I mentally conquered it, there wasn't a single moment I felt like quitting, I knew I'll finish it anyway.

I need to work on my physique. I was just too unfit after missing 2 marathon opportunity and left with 3 weeks to prepare.

Way forward. Although it's my first marathon, it was my #106 registered race. I'm learning from every race and my experience has made me self-motivated. If I were to improve my time, I need to prescript a better training system.