Sabotage Attempt at Aviva Ironman Singapore

I know this news is a bit outdated, but I would just like to share, just in case some haven’t heard about it.

“ While the cycling leg of the race was going on, some metal tacks were scattered on the road near the Keppel Flyover. One witness told Channel NewsAsia about 30 to 40 participants had their bike tyres punctured by the tacks and had to drop out of the triathlon as a result. In response to media queries, event organiser Hi—Tri said it cleared up the metal tacks immediately after being told of the incident.”

Channel NewsAsia - Monday, March 23

I only found out about this from the taxi driver on my way to changi airport to go back to Brunei.

They must have already cleared the road before I hit the road, as I didn’t see any tacks around. Lucky for me I was slow on the swim. :)

Race Day - Aviva Ironman 70.3 2009

Arrived at the race site around 6.15 a.m. and got myself numbered. The transition area was already packed with all the competitors, some were stretching, some were fixing their bikes and some were just sitting down relaxing and chatting.

As always, I was rushing to prepare all my stuff, making sure my bike was ok and trying to do a bit of stretching as well, before being called to go down to the beach.

Since this is a long distance event, I decided not to use a tri suit and just wear something that I’m comfortable with. A few seconds or minutes lost at the transitions would be better than the pain I would suffer from chafing from using a tri suit. I also felt the last time I race that it affected my run.

Before the start of the swim - don't know who this mat salleh is, the cameraman just asked the two of us to pose for the camera.

Now I really understand the term “the human washing machine” – the swim was so crowded, especially at the start and at every turn. Got smack on the face a couple of times, body and legs being pulled and other swimmers swim over me (literally). Picture taken from Reuters.

Swim Time - 51 mins 58 secs

T1 - 3 mins 47 secs

My aim was to do it under 1 hr. I was really satisfied with my swim time and thought I could have done it faster if I pushed myself a bit harder. I was being a bit cautious not to go all out. When i reached T1, noticed that a lot of bike was out already. Had to play catch-up.

By the time I hit the road, a lot of the racers were already on the bike. But surprisingly, I was able to overtake them one by one. We had to do 3 laps of the bike course and there were a number of steep, high and long bridges. The bridges were a nightmare but it was a good place to overtake the other cyclists.

Bike Time - 2 hrs 47 mins 34 secs

T2 - 2 mins 30 secs

There were lots of cyclists by the side of the road with punctured tyres, some were trying to get them changed, and some just stood still and watched the race goes by. I think this leg is the most risky part of triathlon, mechanical problems especially punctured tyres can happen anytime. For e.g. my friend Keeran’s handle bar came loose at the end of his second lap, he lost valuable time, but was lucky to get it fixed and finished his bike leg.

I was really praying on the bike to finish without any problem.

Run Time - 1 hrs 40 mins 34 secs

The run leg was the most painful, especially on the last lap of the 3 lap course. I think I might have taken in 5 power gels on the run, just to keep myself going and to give some boost. However, I was really satisfied with my performance on the run; I kept on overtaking the people in front of me and only a handful of people passed me on the run. The course was flat and fast, with only 1 walkway bridge we had to go up and down.

Total Time - 5 hrs 26 mins 26 secs

By the time the missus and ‘aaesyah arrived at the beach, they were too late. I was already packing my stuff to go home.


Overall, the race was just awesome / excellent. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It was fun. I enjoyed doing this distance more than the Olympic Distance.

Less rushed, more relaxed and more time to recover. And being a runner, there’s more time for me to chase others on the run. Will surely do this event again in the future.

As for the full Ironman, I respect and salute all the Ironman finisher; I can’t imagine doing double what I did, not yet….

Will need to train more, harder and smarter, but bring it on…. :) (next year lah)

a well deserved bath for my baby - she did good

Pre Race Singapore Ironman 70.3 2009

On Friday, went to the Aviva Ironman 2009 race expo at the Playground @ Big Splash at East Coast Park to register and pick up my race pack.

wuhoo... my ironman goody bag..

aviva running vest for all competitors

the "cool" competitor's wrist band (bragging rights) - had to wear this the whole weekend

a big crowd at the race merchandise stall - takut abis stock

the pasta party / race briefing

Went back to the expo on Saturday afternoon to check-in my bike

rows and rows of cool bikes left at the beach overnight.

I never thought of covering my bike, but since it was raining, I just had to improvised. Macam basikal buruk saja.... hantam sajalah..

While queuing to check-in my bike, saw a few pro triathletes. The guy in the black/white top is current Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander @ "Alexander the Great"

After everything was done, bike tucked in for the night, decided to just go for a walk to check out the race course. The organisers were still setting up some of the props and all.

the swim course, looks scary..... starting to get very nervous

the swim exit

the "Finish" - can't wait to cross this line

To Shave or Not to Shave..... ????

Since I started triathlon last year, I’ve been getting comments from friends and fellow triathlete that I should shave my legs for races.  They didn’t really explain why, just a mention of aerodynamics and other stuff, and I didn’t really take it seriously.

But since I’ll be doing quite a big event this Sunday, I thought I’ll Google the issue up and see what comes up. What a surprise that there’s tons of stuff on this.

Basically people are still debating on the benefits of shaving most of the body to improve performance.

So, is it just a myth or a proven scientific fact??? 

Basically, the benefits that were always mentioned are:

1)  1) Aerodynamics – probably applies more to swimmers

2)  2) The Bike Crash – helps the healing process. No hair to contribute to infection and Band-Aids peel off much easier.

3)  3) The Rub-Downs – Massages are more effective when applied to shaved legs

     4)  Keeps you cooler 

Should I????

 “because, when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you swim good.”

Some interesting articles on the issue:

http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_swim/tno_swimarticle_12.asp

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Ironman-Triathlon---Should-You-Shave-Your-Legs?&id=266477

B$200 short....

Picked up my prize money from the organisers :) B$500

I’m short $200 for my trip for the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore:

Plane Ticket : B$330
Registration Fee for the race : B$370
Total Cost : B$700

Any sponsors????? or donations???

With the race this coming Sunday, it's tapering time....

Dissapointed and Happy

Last Sunday, managed to get 6th place in the Brunei Triathlon and bagged myself B$500.

Performance wise was really disappointing, especially the swim leg as I was really struggling to get my rhythm and sighting, as the course wasn’t properly marked. Was going zig zag during the swim.

Start of the "human washing machine"

was really relieved to exit the water

Didn’t really push it on the bike, just maintained a steady pace trying to save for a good finish run. However, did manage to overtake a few cyclists, including Mr. Boombastic towards the end.


The run went well, except for the whole run being under the hot morning sun and the limited water station (there was only 1). I did manage to overtake 3 runners in my category to finished 6th place.

a dissapointing 2 hrs 51 mins

I guessed Leo managed to join in on the run, by hiding in ZM’s ‘behind’

with the international playas...

Dissapointed with my performance, but happy to have won some cash.. i think this is the first time i've won cash prize in a sporting event.