Weekend ride : 25/7/2009

Menu : Bt14-Bt18-Genting Peres-Kuala Klawang-Bt18-Bt14
Actual : Bt14-Bt18-Genting Peres-Kuala Klawang-Bt18

Big group today. There were easily 12-15 riders at Bt14. Another 4-5 waiting at Bt18.

The train from Bt14 left around 745am. We met the Bt18 train around 20mins later.

By the time we got to Simpang Tiga, there were easily 23 riders going up Peres.

From Peres, when i thot most of them were going to Klawang, it turned out to be most of them turning back to Tekala. Special note to Senn, "You conned me again.. and again.. and again..!

Only 10 of us were stupidly brave enough to head to Klawang. And most of them were Ironman. IM Azwar, IM Bacin, IM Dicky, IM Ishsal, IM Abu, IM Adeline, Dek Dush (not sure an IM or not but he's damn strong), Alwin, Vicky and me.

Ride to Klawang was smooth. But riding back was not. It was hot, humit, hazy and hell.

While the rest were blazing up reverse Peres like Contador, Vickey and me were left behind to suffer. Well, i for one, has gottten used to being dropped by these mutants.

Anyway, on the way down from Peres to Simpang Tiga, Vickey alerted that my rear wheel was wobbling. We did a quick check at the Simpang and it turned out to be that one of the spoke had gotten a bit loose. As we were riding towards BT18, the wobbling got worse. It made me worried, now.

We catched up with the rest while they were having a drink at one of the stall 7km frm BT18 town. Alwin examined the wheel again and the news was not good. It was at that time i decided to search for a rescue. Luckily, Mac was still having lunch at BT14 and I SOS him for help. Mac being the ever helpful guy, had turned back came looking for me. He rescued me at a bus stop 500m before BT18 near the bahulu shop. Thus, my ride ended there.

Not the kind of ending which i had wished for but it's better to be safe than sorry. I was told that if the wheel condition deteriorated further, i could risk an accident should the wheel collapsed all together.

By then, i had covered 114km. The first long ride of the year. I'll take it anytime.

The Klawang ride and the torturous reverse Peres climb stood true to its name. I wish to conquer it outright, one day. Perhaps, one day i will but until then, it will always haunt me.

The lads are in town...

Awesome...

So does a Red Devil....

Muahahahaha....

PDIT - From sista's eyes

My lil sister did this wonderful tribute. Nak nangess wa tengok....

I love you, Jan. (She's the one wearing the blue Superman T-shirt)

PDIT 09 race report - from her eyes

The unexpected race report. I guess i have the unofficial team manager to do it for me now.

Click here.

My race report will come, soon.

Recovery

After a two full days of resting, i went out for a short run today. A recovery run, sort of.

Recovery rate has been better now. By mid-day today, i felt fresh again which in the past it would normally take three days to reach similar condition.

Most importantly, there's no sign of injuries or pain. I dont even need to pop up Ponstan (pain killer) pill which normally i would. I dont even take any recovery or protein drinks this time around. Body, legs, shoulder and mind are responsive and alert. Very good sign.

I'm spending quality time at home with my precious loved ones. Taking my mind off triathlon and SBR for awhile. Race report had taken a back seat as ive been collecting PD tri photos from various sources and will piece everything together when the mind is ready.

Training may start again tomorrow before picking up the pace as the weekend comes nearer.

In the meantime, im enjoying the rest and the body deserve its reward.

Odyssey

I've been waiting for this magical moment ever since i started doing triathlon....

At this point of time, i was the happiest man in the world....

Believe in your dream and it'll come true.

The odyssey continues...

Meal plan - PD tri

Early morning:
2 glasses of low-fat milk
2 raisins bun
1 banana
1 cup black coffee without sugar
Water

30mins before start race :
1 Powerbar
500ml water

Swim:
Gallons and gallons of saltwater

Bike:
1 bottle 100plus
1 bottle Nuun electrolyte drink
2 pieces of dates
Half Powerbar

Run :
1 Powergel
Loads of water at the water stations

All systems go

I did a quick what Yusran called Body System Testing (BST) yesterday and today.

Yesterday, i went for a quick swimming practice and except being slow as usual, i dont foresee any major problem.

Today, woke up at 530am (that's how the biological weekend clock works now) and went out for a quick ride (approx 10km) around the house to check and ensure that the bike is in good condition. More importantly, reminding the muscles what they're suppose to do tomorrow.

Got home, i swapped the bike with the running shoes and hit road approx 3km.

After all this, i felt fine and good. I passed the BST. Now, resting and enjoying some quality family time. This is also the best time to do mental conditioning and visualize how the race would tomorrow.

Personally, speed is not my concern. I not competing with anyone nor the time. Im competing with myself. Defeat myself, i shall.

Finally, good luck and best wishes to everyone. See you at the finishing line..!!!

PD tri 2009

I am looking forward to this year's edition.

It's not because it's an international event. It's not because this is the biggest local OD tri event. It's not because many celebrities grace the prizing ceremony. it's not... it's not.... it's not...

Then, why?

Because my loved ones will be there. It's their first time witnessing me in SBR. The thought of having them together for race day makes me overly excited. I can feel the adrenalin rush as i am wirting this. I feel like i am doing it for the first time.

Wifey, kids, sister and sis-in-law are riding in the bandwagon to join the PD beach party.

What more motivation can i ask for?

I promised myself that i will do my best and cross the finishing line.

I do, I tri.