28th Panaga Triathon 2008

Felt really bad after the race; felt that I didn’t do well as I was really struggling on the run leg.

The swim was ok, although the water tasted saltier than the usual swimming pool, but overall I was really pleased with my swim time.

Started off the bike leg feeling weak and unable to spin on high gear, so I was just spinning for the first lap. Fortunately I saw a few cyclists on the second and last lap that I was able to tag along with them, which really help my bike time.

The run was horrible, felt heavy and out of breathe. Was really struggling and only managed to speed up half way through and do a last dash towards the finish line. If it was a long run, I probably would have recover and get a second wind.

The swim-to-bike transition went smoothly, but the bike-to-run was a bit of a mess. I was really rushing that I forgot to get out of my bike shoes towards the end of the bike leg and had to hop around with my bike shoes on.

After getting the official results, my overall time wasn’t as bad as I expected. I did manage to come before Bahar by a minute plus. :) Sorry bro, beginners luck I guess. Next year lagi. I just need to improve my swim and do more brick training so that I can run faster.

Overall, it was a pretty well organized event and the place is just amazing. I hope next year the organizers will consider doing a sea swim instead, would be more exciting.

Thanks to PnG for accompanying me on the bumpy ride to KB very early in the morning and taking lots of cool photos. Thanks Playa. I owe you one.

Pictures below courtesy of PnG.

late as usual

rushing to get ready

men in tights

swim - 11 mins 20 secs

bike - 43 mins 8 secs

run - 24 mins 20 secs

Overall Time - 1 hr 22 mins 26 secs

15, 60 and 25

15 mins, 60 mins and 25 mins…. That’s my target splits for tomorrow’s Panaga Triathlon in Belait for 500m swim, 24km bike and 5k run. This will be my first “sprint distance” triathlon and will be my first time joining this event. More info on the event here.

Overall, I’m just hoping to finish the race in under 1 hr 45 mins.

Since I am planning to run the Singapore Marathon in December, I’ve been concentrating more on my running, and neglecting my bike and swim training. I just hope I’ll be able to finish the race tomorrow and not be left too far behind. Guarantee kena sayur by Bahar and his team anakpanyu, as they are in top form from their Powerman race.

Please have mercy. :) Let me draft behind you guys tomorrow.

Last Thursday morning, did my one and only ‘brick’ session for the race. Did a 30km ride and ran about 20 mins. It sure was painful, but at least it gave me some sense of what it’ll feel tomorrow. I should have done more ‘brick’ session. I just hope I won’t get any cramps.

Seeing as it’ll be a sprint race tomorrow, every minute and seconds will count, especially in transitions. So I’ve decided to wear my tri suit tomorrow. I’ve never actually worn a tri suit before, so tested wearing it while doing the ‘brick’ session. It sure is tight and revealing. Kalau badan lawa boleh lah…

sneak peek...

captain america???

Land of the Rising Sun

Was in Tokyo on a business trip with the bosses last week and since it was my first time to Japan, was really looking forward to seeing some sights.

However, the trip was packed with meetings, company visits, lunches and dinners, and by the time we finish, were too tired to go out.

It’s a good thing that I always bring my running gears with me wherever I go. It helps to exercise when you’re travelling, to fight off jet-lags, to burn some calories from all the lunches and dinners, and keeping fit, but most of all, to see and enjoy some sights.

Only managed to wake up early and dragged myself out of bed twice and went off for some sightseeing and adventure.

Here are some pictures taken from my morning runs:

First stop

the park in front of the hotel

path around the Imperial Palace

which way??

one of the bridge to the Imperial Palace

the lake surrounding the Imperial Palace

crossing still empty

saw lots of runners around

government buildings area

cold....

pumps are hanging from the ceiling.. (smart)

Eiffel Tower??? am i lost??

found an off-road track behind the tower

someone's backyard (lost)

Brunei flag flying high in Tokyo

the crazy gaijin

nice and warm....

fully automated...

Wet Sunday Long Run

Sunday is usually my long run day, so decided to go for a 2 hrs run in the evening. I usually prefer doing my runs in the morning but was just too tired to wake up early as I just got back from my business trip yesterday.

Only managed to run 4 times this week, not bad, considering how busy I was. My run this evening went well, except for the heavy showers toward the end, but did 2 loops of the Manggis-Sg Akar-Stadium-Berakas route with a feeding stop at home half way through. Oh ya, threw up a bit after my water stop, must have been the McD I had before the run. Not a good idea.

This week's runs:

Monday – None
Tuesday – None
Wednesday – None
Thursday – 45 mins easy sightseeing run
Friday – 55 mins easy sightseeing run
Saturday – 55 mins easy run (10+ km)
Sunday – 2 hrs steady run (23 km)

Note: Always keep hydrated, especially when doing long runs more than 90 mins.

Will post up some photos of the sightseeing run soon.

Second NYC Marathon runner dies

NEW YORK (AP) — Two runners who completed the New York City Marathon have died after their efforts — one shortly after crossing the finish line and the other several hours later.

Police say 58-year-old Sao Paulo resident Carlos Jose Gomes just passed the finish line Sunday afternoon in a time of 4 hours 12 minutes when he complained about feeling ill. He was taken by ambulance to Lenox Hill Hospital, where he died. An autopsy was being conducted Monday.

Richard Finn, a spokesman for the New York Road Runners, says the other man died several hours later. He did not give out any additional information. A call to the city medical examiner's office was not immediately returned.

At least two other runners became ill during the race and had to be hospitalized.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-11-02-marathon-death_N.htm

Radcliffe Wins Third New York City Marathon

2 hrs 23 mins 53 secs

NEW YORK — Paula Radcliffe defended her title at the New York City Marathon on Sunday to become the second woman to win the race three times.

"It was tough out there because of the wind - everybody wanted to run behind me," said the 34-year-old after her latest triumph.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,445965,00.html

Drafting isnt just for cycling, u can also draft when ur running. It helps in terms of wind resistance and by following someone else's pace.

2 hrs 8 mins 43 secs

Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil won the men's race for the second time in three years, passing Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco with about a mile to go.

Its surprising to see a non-african guy winning a big international marathon. Impressive.