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*