Wish upon a star *

Best pie in New Zealand (so far...)

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:04:00 +0000

I've been in NZ for 5 months now. Let me share with you this: meat pie is in the list of popular food in NZ.

Before I come to NZ, when someone mention pie I'd think of something sweet and it fits into my dessert list. In NZ, pie is not so much a dessert but appetizer or snack or even lunch. Pies are easily and widely available, sold in supermarkets, bakery as well as superette (NZ term of convenience store).

I've had my fair share of pies while traveling New Zealand. And so far, the best pie that I've ever had had to be the one in Thames, Coromandel Peninsular. "Food For Thought" is the name of the shop. Other than award-winning pies, they also serve cakes, coffee and breakfast food but it's the pies that they are really famous for.

One of the award-winning pie, mince and cheese

Can't wait to eat!

Be sure to pay this shop a visit if you're in the small lovely town of Thames, previously a gold mining town.

I'll be traveling...

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:34:00 +0000

I have always love to travel from a young age.

I wish to travel the world one day. So far, I think I'm making good progress...

Starting Aug, I will be backpacking in New Zealand traveling under the working holiday visa.

I am very excited at the same time anxious about the uncertainties that may happen there.

Things at work has a 360degree change. Initially worried about my financial situation upon return, but now I think this has been resolved...i think lar...things are still not firm yet.

Another 3 days to last day. Then Port Dickson Triathlon in the weekend. Then it is packing time.

Can I fit everything in a 50 + 10 litre backpack? *Scratch head

SCKLM 2011

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2011 mark the third year of my participation in KL Marathon. For the past 2 years, I did half marathon. This year though, I decided to sign-up for full marathon. Partly because the registration fee for full marathon is more worth it compared to half. Full marathon registration fee is RM60, half is RM55. With just RM5 more, I get to run 2x longer the distance which means I get to drink 2x water. In addition to that, I get a finisher T-shirt if I finish 42.195km within qualifying time (6hrs).
I know this kind of thinking is crazy, paying RM5 more for 2x the suffering...2x the pain. Runners are crazy ppl!

I started my training only after PCC Interstate Ride. That was about 8 weeks before this marathon. Everything went well, until 3 days before the big day. At my last tapering run on Thu, my left knee starts to hurt real bad. It's usual to feel some knee pain once in awhile, a short period during run and it will go away if I continue to run, or when I finish the run. But this time, the pain lingers on. I couldn't fully bend nor fully straighten my leg, the knee felt so tight. I was really worried, not knowing what happen and what had caused the pain. My mental was under attack...do you know that in a marathon, mental strength is much more important than physical. The mind alone can get you through it, but physical strength without mental would just mean quitting half way..

For the next few days leading to the marathon, I dare not think about setting finishing time goal. I just hope I can run, because after many weeks of training and not being able to run would be so so sad. I iced my knee everyday, after ice I usually feel better.

On the morning of marathon, I woke up to an OK knee. Not in perfect condition, but it feels much better compared to 3 days ago. I told myself I'm going to try to run. And that I should give up running if I feel pain, should not be stubborn and continue to run if it hurts.

At 5am sharp, we were flagged off. And so, I ran in my own comfortable pace, which is around 7mins/km pace. Knee felt ok...

Along the way, I see familiar faces of friends and regular running kaki. We have 2 buses traveling from Penang, so there are plenty of familiar faces to bump into :-)

I was taking the run easy. Trying to maintain 7mins/km pace, little did I know that my watch actually needs re-calibration after the battery was dead a week ago. That inaccurate reading of the watch nearly caused me my sub-5hr finishing.

At one point of the run, we actually share the route with the half marathoners. So we get to meet those fast half marathoners like the Kenyans. I think that was somewhere in km15. Seeing the half marathoners running so fast, it gave some boost to my own running too. They ran with big step and yet very fast cadence. Born to run?

At 20km into the run, I was still feeling pretty good. It was 7 plus in the morning and the sky is bright enough to see that it was covered with clouds, dark clouds that indicate that rain is coming. I have been praying for rain since the day I sign-up for this marathon. I love running in the rain...cool surrounding makes running easier and less painful. So I was really happy and excited that my prayers will be answered. I keep looking at the sky and it makes me smile.

Somewhere in the 20km is when I realized that I am not in a comfortable position in getting a sub-5hrs finishing time. There must not be delay in this 2nd part of the run in order to achieve target. I start to keep monitoring my watch to make sure I don't slack. There were moments of anxious, excited, worried, stress because I was at the borderline of hit or miss. Every minute and every second count.

The route took us from KL City, out of KL City before going back into the city to the finish line. As we run out of the city, the clouds starts to disappear. At that time, we were almost at km30 already, and it was 9 plus in the morning. The sun was up, no more clouds, traffic on the road builds up and the surrounding temperature rises. And of course at km30, my body was getting really tired. The fact that there were a lot of idiots on the road, being stuck in traffic, keep honking and honking even though they know that honking will not get them anywhere doesn't help me feel any better. What's wrong with these people anyway? Digital signboard has been put up on major road to notify road users about road closure before event date, there were publicity around advertising about this once-a-year International Race in the city and yet, these people chose to drive on the affected road and then get angry when they got caught in traffic jam.

I think it was also around this time when I saw HH? Or did he call out to me? Hmm, can't remember. We ran together for awhile, until km36 when he decided to drop back. I still remember I told him it was just another 6km to go, but my persuasion skill wasn't good enough to keep him motivated. So he drop back. While still running with HH, I saw Yip on bike with Milo cans visible on the side mesh pocket of his bag. Wah, so tempting. I was thinking to myself, if only I can grab some of those Milo in can. At that moment, the guy in front of me, who obviously knows Yip, took a can of Milo from his bag but before he drank it, something happen. Ahh, think somebody else offer him something more interesting, so he pass me the Milo can instead. Another wish come true incident?!! I very gladly took the Milo can from him, shared it with HH. Yumms...! I love Milo in cans! And of course ice cold Milo from Milo van too!

Saw Tey at one of the water station, think it may be km36 water station. He gave me a pat on the shoulder and ask me to go get my sub-5hrs. Haha...thinking back about that, the situation was funny. His words has it's effect. It gets me moving...
At crucial times like this, any form of encouragement will always help in pushing one further. I felt the effect, and I know the feeling. So the next time you see a runner struggling, give them some encouragement, you may just help give them the little push they needed.

Not far from km36, Bukit Tunku awaits!! I saw the signboard, Bukit Tunku. Well, the name Bukit not necessarily means it is hilly rite? I try to keep a positive mind. But soon, the hill emerge. Many people were walking already but I refuse to stop to a walk. Although I am slow, I keep in the running mode. "Small step, fast cadence and arm swing motion...!!" That was my chant.

There will be downhill at the end of this, no worries. I can see the top already. But then, arghhh, a left turn at the end of the top came another hill. Whew, that was such a disappointment, expect to see a downhill but was greeted by a slope instead. Take a look at my watch and I kept running...painful I tell you. Water station at km38 was at the top of the hill. After that it was downhill, finally!

Thought I could go faster when go downhill, but half way into it I felt cramp coming on my calf. To prevent it, I was forced to slow down. I had to pray and hope that the cramping feeling would go away soon. Leaving Bukit Tunku, we were once again back in KL City.

At one of the corners, there were these bunch of familiar faces and they call out to me. "Taiping!! Go go go...!" They were the group of runners from KL that I get to know in Taiping Lake Garden after the incident with 2 Indians on motorbike. It was so nice to see them again. I waived to them and continue chasing after my sub-5.

After a few more turnings, I was on the last 2km to the finishing line. That must be the longest ever 2km I've ever run. They were never-ending. At the last traffic light before Dataran Merdeka, a bigger group of supporters were seen cheering. They are my Penang running friends. They cheered really loud, help me with my last push towards the finishing line.

In my happy mode with all the cheering from the Penang runners. Thank you all who cheered for me :-)

When I crossed the finish, the clock on the arch shows 4:59:26. YES!! I got my sub-5hrs! So close, man!
My net time is 4:57:57.

One for the album. Finally ending it after almost 5hrs of running

It wasn't a PB, it wasn't a great time, but the satisfaction of completing 42.195km, some more within targeted time is indescribable. You have gotta run it to experience it :-)

This must be one of the happiest marathon I've ever run. Come to think of it, all 3 of my marathons so far were a happy one. I am grateful for what I have, the ability to run.

------------------

I think this year, the organizer has improved a lot. Water station handling was good. They have enough water for everyone and the station is every 2km apart. Just nice.

However, pacers still have plenty of room for improvement, at least for the two 5hrs pacers with white balloon. I don't know about the other faster pacers.

I've decided

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:34:00 +0000

Tendered my resignation letter today.

Made an important decision in my life to leave this comfort zone and pursue what I want in life.

Call me immature. Call me brave. Whatever it is, I am glad that I've made the decision. I wanted a change in life, and so I make the change.

I am grateful to have a supportive family. Thanks to my dear friends who shared your thoughts with me, spending time listening.

Taiping not safe to run anymore

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:05:00 +0000

Like the past 4 Sundays before today, I am doing a long slow distance (LSD) as part of the training to Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (SCKLM). Today’s distance is 32km, my last and longest training distance before tapering and cutting back down on distance.

Lately, sun rise is extremely early where the sky starts to bright up at 7am and it starts to get a bit hot starting 8am. To prevent getting too much sun, I started my run at 5.20am. I am not alone today as sis decided to accompany me even though it starts at such ungodly hour.

We ran towards Taiping Lake Garden from home, it is about 4 to 5km away. All is well until we reach Lake Garden, at this particular stretch. I heard a motorcycle coming from behind, and I was telling my sis about this stretch being a one way road and there’s still some stupid idiot riding in illegal direction, which by the way, is very normal because the road around the lake has been changed multiple times and I guess, the general public are confused as a result. For safety reason, I always make sure I run against traffic. As soon as I finish saying it, there was a loud bang, the motorcycle pass by and I feel pain on my backside. Everything happened so fast.

What actually happened was the 2 Indian guy on motorcycle came from behind and hit me on my backside (I don’t know with what, but it sounded like a text book hitting the table). I was wearing hydration belt on my hip, with water bottles (photo below if you don’t know what is a hydration belt).

Till today, I still couldn’t figure out what he used to hit me, my water bottle still intact and not spoiled. I was stunned, a bit blur, it took me awhile to know what just happened. I was worried they may come back, because after all, Taiping Lake Garden is a loop-loop road, but sis said, they may be afraid to come back for a second time. So, we continue to run in the same direction.

After awhile, they came back! This time from opposite direction. They came to our side of the road, trying to scared us or something and then leave. Fortunately they didn’t stop to do anything. Not knowing what to do, it was still dark that time (still not 6am yet) we can only continue to run. I found a stone for defense, that’s all I can do. When we reach the split road to Bkt Larut, there were 5 policemen on 5 motorcycles doing their rounding. That sort of provide some relieve, it did occur to me if I should stop them and tell them what happen. But then on second thought, there isn’t much info I can tell them, I cannot remember what the Indians were wearing, or their bike number plate. On the other hand, I thought about all the trouble that would caused me if I were to stop them; like the police may want me to make a police report at the station, or stop my running and etc. I am adamant to complete my 32km this day! So I didn’t do anything and just see them passed. It will be bright very soon anyway.

The next lap, heading towards me, I saw a group of men running together forming 2 lines with a leader in front. The leader has an Energizer Night Marathon headlight on his forehead. We passed each other saying our good mornings and then after awhile, sis and I decided to turn back and stick with them for safety reason. And it seems like they run at my LSD pace, luck is on my side :)

I stick to the leader and we chatted while running, while sis stick to the bigger bunch at the back. Found out that they are on an annual family trip (each of the men travels with their family and they travel together) and this year they decided to pay Taiping a visit. They are doing a 10km morning jog around Lake Garden. They will be running the SCKLM too, some full, some half-marathon. It was at the end of the run that the leader told me he was actually in a bit of a struggle trying to keep up with me during our run together, oppss, sorry Hee Sang, sorry that my joining you disrupted your comfortable pace :P
(hope I got his name right...)

After finishing 2 loop of 5km with them, we parted at the foothill of Bukit Larut. They are stopping there to buy the jeep ticket for their later visit up to Bkt Larut. The ticket counter opens at 7.30am. Sis also decided to stop there, so I am left to complete the remaining of my 10km alone. It was already bright by then, so I'll be safe

Today I was in good form. Maybe the early morning shock, and the nice chat with new runners gives me new energy...haha.

On my last lap, this guy who I kept bumping into during my loops (he runs in opposite direction of me) approach me and we had some talk. I've seen him many times before in my usual weekend run in Lake Garden, also a frequent runner. Found out that he is from Taiping but working in KL, will also be running SC KLM full marathon in another 3 weeks. Forgot to get his name though, I'll call him Pokey (coz he has short pokey hair). We didn't talk long, because I'm ending my 32km already and my family is waiting for me at Bkt Larut foothill to go breakfast.

As I'm stretching near our car, sis and I telling the story of scary encounter with Indians on motorbike earlier in the morning. Pokey walk by also finishing his run, and he said something that reminded me how lucky I am to have such a supportive family.

Sis accompany me to start run at 5.20am, mum & dad adjusted hiking time so that they can meet me at my half way point to provide me water support, and finishing hike around the time I finish my run so that we can all go breakfast together.

Yes I am lucky. I am thankful to have a family that truly supports me, no matter how crazy my hobby/dreams are.

PCC Interstate Ride 2011

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sun, 29 May 2011 13:06:00 +0000

April 29th - May 1st 2011 - The longest bike ride I've ever did in my life! 456km in 3 continuous days

Another event come and go...
After completing this one I must say, I admire myself...
No, this is not trying to do any self-praise. If you know me personally, you'd have know that I almost always never give enough credit to myself. But indeed until today, I cannot believe that I actually completed it. The more I think about it, the more impossible it seems.

What is PCC Interstate Ride?
PCC is a cycling club. It stands for Pedalholics Cycling Club and is based in KL. Every year, they organize this event called the Interstate Ride, which in the cycling community, it is a very big and popular event which only opens to a few hundred cyclist. The Interstate Ride is a continuous 3 days road cycling event, cycling in and around Malaysia across states. Each year, they have a new and different route which start and end at different location, this makes it logistically difficult especially if you're traveling with a bicycle. i.e. if you drive to start point with your bicycle, and after 3 days you end in a totally different place, how you go back to the start point to get your car? Not only this, there's many many other logistic things that needs to be taken into consideration.

This year, the route takes us from Raub, Pahang and ends at Damai Laut, Perak.

The route provided by PCC with their short description:
Day 1 Raub- Brinchang (145km): Freakishly hilly
Day 2 Brinchang- Bukit Merah (200km)- Grindingly long & undulating
Day 3 Bukit Merah- Damai Laut (120km)- Enjoyably Flat & short

--------------------------

Day 1: Raub Rest House to Star Regency Hotel, Cameron Highlands

The day starts early. Had a breakfast of maggi goreng and teh tarik at mamak before gathering up with others at Raub Rest House. Started that day's ride fresh and strong.

A group photo with Penang group before the ride

Started with the Penang group and lots of other riders. We were going at around 25 to 30km/hr in a group of 30 to 40 cyclist. I can't remember how long we go but I was guessing about 40mins when a group of cyclist with their P2K jersey overtake the peloton and then leading the peloton at a faster speed. The group's speed went from 30 to 32 to 35 and that was when I dropped off. It was really tiring to keep up with them. I decided to give up chasing and save energy for later up hill climb.

I do not know when exactly the Cameron Highlands uphill climb begins. It started gradually and before I know it, I needed more and more energy to move forward. I cycle alone most of the time because I cannot keep up with anyone at all when it comes to cycling uphill. I have to admit I am very bad at hills.

Stopping for sponge cake bought the day before in Raub

The road up to Cameron Highlands from Raub was very quiet, very few vehicles and it was nice for cycling. You get to absorb the nature, the environment. The weather that day was just nice...cloudy and misty, which at later time turns to rain.

Lots of greenery, which I have a lot of time to appreciate

It was rather demotivating when I was slowly climbing and when I look up, there it was, the road where I will be at when I turn that long winding road up ahead. It looks so high up, and so far away.

I almost break-down and give up around km100 to km120. Was getting grumpy and upset because my support car wasn't waiting for me at the pre-agreed distance of 120km. The strong wind does not help with the climbing at all, and around this time, it started to drizzle and then rain. As I continue to pedal painfully up the hill, my grumpiness slowly fades. Maybe the rain cool me down, outside and inside. My support car was actually not far ahead, still in the 120km range, but you know, when you consistently cycles at an elevation gain, a few km feels like forever.

At the car, I have all the intention to hop into the car and end that day's cycling already. Was really exhausted. But thanks to my kiasu-ness, and encouragement from some cyclist from Miri, I discarded that thought and continue my journey of pain.

Thanks guys for the encouragement along the way. Unfortunately, didn't manage to get a proper group photo with them in the end

After some refill into my tank (food!!), I continue to cycle. At one point, I look back down the hill and I thought to myself, "OMG, look at where I came from. The slope was so steep and I manage to conquer it". I was amazed at what I can do. From then onwards, I've got a mantra to chant every time I hit a tough slope. And that gets me going for the next 2 days.

"I've seen it all, nothing I have not climb before. This is nothing compared to what I did earlier"

This may look like a normal road to anybody, but it is a very long and tough journey to my destination

Stop for lunch somewhere along the way at some shophouses. It was really cold because of the temperature at higher altitude, plus I was completely soaked from the rain and sweat.

Despite the cold, I felt much better after a proper lunch. By then, cyclist were spread out far apart, some fast ones were already at the hotel and slow ones were still struggling somewhere along the way.

The last stretch to the hotel was the worst part of the ride. There was a traffic jam leading to the hotel, and it was quite a steep slope, fumes from all the old diesel jeep and car trying to get their way up that slope is really terrible. But at that time, I was so eager to end that day's long journey I just don't give a damn to anything anymore.

I finally reached the hotel at 3pm after 8.5hrs on the road.

The face of a tired happy cyclist

Had a long long wait for check-in at Star Regency Apartment. It's a very dingy hotel, not very clean. I wasn't very impress. After a long wait, manage to check-in. So many things to clean up; the wet gloves, wet shoes, cycling jersey with dirt splashes at the back, muddy bike, sweaty helmet and etc etc. Phewww, let me tell you ar, cycling is one the most troublesome sports!

Data from bike computer for DAY1

Total moving time: 7:20:15
Total time: 8:30:00
Total distance: 148.07km
Average speed: 20.1km/hr
Max speed: 57.5km/hr

Dinner is included with the registration package together with accommodation. So that night after clean-up, we had a buffet dinner and at the same time, there's a briefing on 2nd day ride and some sharing of photos of the day. Food was bad, bluek :(

--------------------------

Day 2: Star Regency Hotel, Cameron Highlands to Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

At 6.30am on the morning of second day...this is how I look...

Waiting for the start, utilizing all the time I can get to catch some extra sleep

It was cold in the morning. To add to the discomfort, I had to wear the same shoes which are still wet from yesterday's rain. And I don't get to wear my glove because they are also still wet.

The 2nd day ride started with yet another climb towards Equatorial Hotel. The feel of the butt on the saddle gives a HIGH feeling to everyone that morning. After having your butt sitting on a small bike saddle for 140+km the day before, this would be the most painful thing everyone has to endure that morning on top of the climb to Equatorial. It was hard to get my engine started, and once started, it still was not easy. I thought it will be downhill all the way from Cameron to Simpang Pulai, but I was very wrong. I remember after the Equatorial Hotel hill, there's a short downhill but after that, there were a lot of uphill yet to be conquer.

The reward came after all the hills. It was really downhill after that, but don't you think downhill is easy. It was NOT!! My fingers were so numb from pressing on the brake all the way down, I had to stop half way down to give my fingers a rest...LoL.

Reached Simpang Pulai at about 9am and we had our breakfast stop here. Gather the Penang group and Team Independent Racers (IR) from KL so that we can form a peloton together.

There's really not many photos from the second day. What I can say is that it was a hot and long long long ride of 200km to Bkt Merah passing through Tambun, Tanjung Rambutan, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas and Changkat Jering.

The second day ride was more of a group ride. We stayed together in a peloton because it makes cycling so much easier if we work together. The weather was very unforgiving. It was so hot that most of my tan lines were from this day. We had to take a break quite often, every 20 to 30km, if not we may just faint.

The road from Bkt Merah Laketown Resort entrance to the Suria Service Apartment where we stay was another tough section. The section after the entrance was really really steep, I had to come down to push my bike :P

Finished the day's ride around 5-ish pm. Was really glad the longest ride of PCC Interstate is over. I was so relieved.

Data from bike computer for DAY2

Total moving time: 7:39:25
Total time: 10:30:00
Total distance: 198.96km
Average speed: 25.9km/hr

See the big difference between moving time and total time? We took a lot of break due to the heat.

Since we reach quite late, this time we don't have to wait too long for our room. After clean up and shower, we headed down for yet another buffet dinner. This time, the food was a little better than the day before, but still wasn't fantastic. As usual, dinner was accompanied by briefing and photo sharing of the day.

--------------------------

Day 3: Bkt Merah to Swiss Garden Damai Laut Resort, Lumut

This is the only morning that we weren't provided breakfast before the ride. Chin and I decided to drive out of the resort to look for food. We were lucky because there was this nasi lemak stall and a warung just outside of the Bkt Merah Main Entrance. We had nasi lemak and teh tarik/kopi which was cheap and nice...yummm, love the nasi lemak.

Since today's ride is a shorter one compared to the past few days, 120km, the start time was set at 8am.

The route brings us into some small kampung near Sepetang, the road was bumpy and in pretty bad condition. There was also a crash, and that poor guy had to be admitted to hospital. After the kampung is the flat trunk road passing Terong, Pantai and towards Segari/Damai Laut.

Today's ride is also peloton-based, staying together in a group. Very little stops on this day, we aim to finish it fast with minimal rest stops.

I don't know why, but all 3 of our hotels have to have a very tough access road. The road into Damai Laut is very far from the main road, and it comes with a gradient. Quite a torture when you are so near yet so far to the finishing. Ended my third day ride around 12noon.

A group photo with Team IR. Thanks for looking out for me along the way.

The third day is D BEST!! Besides having NO MORE ride the next day, Damai Laut is the BEST-est hotel of all 3 days. Good buffet dinner, fantastic buffet breakfast, nice swimming pool, free kayak session, and flat screen TV in the room with Discovery channel (my fav channel). What a way to pamper oneself after 3 days of long hour cycling.

Beautiful swimming pool, and the blue sea in the background

Data from bike computer for DAY3

Total moving time: 3:51'09
Total time: 4:30:00
Total distance: 107.55km
Average speed: 27.9km/hr
Max speed: 46.5km/hr

As I completed the third day ride, I was overwhelmed with satisfaction and I felt really proud of myself...haha. I'd have to say, the first day is the toughest of all 3 days because I am bad in hills. Hmm, maybe what I need is a better bike ;)

--------------------------
To sum it up, I am glad I take up the challenge signing myself up for PCC Interstate Ride 2011 despite the scarily long distance. I had a lot of fun being out on the road, traveling across states on the road bike.

It wouldn't have been easy if not for my support car out there looking out for me throughout the 3 days duration. Chin Chin and her black shiny car --which is not so shiny after the 3 days :P -- had been providing water and food support. It gives a sense of comfort knowing that help will be around when you need it.

The aftermath of 3 days under the sun? Plenty of obvious tan lines on the hand and thigh. Fortunately, I don't have any on my face :-)

The dot thanks to the hole on glove, and the tan line around the wrist is result of not wearing the sleeve properly. It's the opening between glove and sleeve

The tan line on the thigh are more obvious than any other place. But sorry lar, not going to show photos of my big fat thighs :P

Given a chance, I'd like to sign up for PCC again next year. Hopefully by then, I have a better bike already.

PISA swimming pool closed indefinitely

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Tue, 10 May 2011 00:48:00 +0000

After all these while of wondering what happen to PISA pool and when will it reopen to public, I finally saw the notice during one of my running days in PISA compound.

It is sad to learn about the pool closure. PISA main swimming pool has been closed since March 2010. The Bayan Lepas folks are now left to swim either in their small condo pool or travel to the nearest public pool (which is not near at all) in Paya Terubong.

No date on when the notice is posted, but I only seen it in April 2011.

Here's how the notice sounds:

NOTICE

POOL CLOSURE

THE main swimming pool at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) Aquatic Center is closed indefinitely for repairs.

The repair works will be carried out by the company which will be awarded the tender to build the Penang International Convention Center (PICC), which is next to PISA.

The pool has been closed since last month. According to a statement from the Penang Municipal Council, the swimming pool will only be reopened once the PICC is completed.

The recreational and children's pool still remains open to the public.

Kenyir Triathlon 2011

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:36:00 +0000

...continue from previous post...

The next morning when I woke up, I was so nervous about the race that I didn't notice any other things around me. It was until Miow called me that I know it was actually pouring outside. We were suppose to meet at the carpark at 7am then go to the start point together. The start point, also the transition area is where everything will happen. It is 2 to 3km away from our resort. Because of the rain, we delayed our gather time to 7.15am.

It was still pouring when 7.15 came. I had no choice but to go. I am not going to give up after all the long journey to reach here. So I pushed my bike out into the rain, carrying a large recycle bag with transition things in it, wearing my slippers and in no time, I am cold and wet waiting for Miow and Johnny to go to transition area together.

It was hard getting to the transition, the road was downhill, brake that doesn't work, on slippers, large recycle bag, cold. Hmph...one word to describe, miserable!

Got to the transition area. Hang up the bike, unpack and arrange transition things in the provided basket then off we go to queue for body marking. Do I hear you asking what's body marking? I tell you ar, it is the coolest things that only triathletes get. To have your bib number written on your arms. Some ppl must be thinking i am nuts at this point, nvm, obviously you're not a triathlete *blek :P

Queuing to get the coolest thing a triathlete can get *wink
Privilege people like Miow and me have umbrella carrier (in yellow) to shield us from the rain...thanks Chin!

Despite the rain, the cold and the nervousness, plus the possible change of plan by the organizer from swim-bike-run to swim-run due to safety reason, I had plenty of fun running around getting ready, taking photos and meeting fellow friends.

Yay, finally my turn

Still have some time before race start at 8.30am. We went for a test swim. Was really surprised to find that the water was warm. Syok! No wonder so many people dipping in the water lar..!

Me in blue, ready to go test water. See, so many ppl dipping in the warm lake water

The water was not as dark and scary as I have imagine. It was actually quite clear and I could see my arms and the person swimming in front of me. Pheew, that gives me some sense of relief. After the test swim, I felt better. Not as nervous anymore.

The swim course. 2 loops along the outside of the triangle makes up 1.5km swim (it wasn't exactly 1.5k, under-distance)

At 8.30am, we were flagged off. In the end, organizer did not remove the bike leg but stress again and again that we should be extra careful and whatever it is, safety always comes first.

The initial stage of the swim was tough. There were so many people around, and let me tell you, I hate those breaststroke swimmer. Sorry, but this stroke is not "public-friendly". The nature of the kick and stroke is outwards, so you tend to kick and shove people to your left, right and kick people at the back! I got a couple of kick, on the shoulder (which bruises the next day) and rib. Fortunately none on the face, thank GOD!

The 2nd loop was better when people spread out more. And during this 2nd loop, I notice that white rope just below the water that follows the triangle swim route. Following that rope, I don't have to keep lifting my head out of the water to check if I'm swimming on the right course. Sighting with freestyle is difficult, it takes a lot of effort to lift the head out of the water. Something that I should practice more next time.

Completed the swim ok. Got out of the water, still feeling strong. One down, two to go.

At the transition area, I put on bike helmet and ate a gel. Had problem putting on my bib, only manage to get it on after a while. Wheel the bike out of transition area and the first thing that greets me is a hill. Huffing and puffing and pedal really hard up that short but steep hill. Wow, conquering that hill really had my heart beating hard and fast.

After that hill, it was a scary roller coaster ride. Rolling hills with some corners. At one point, i really shouted out loud, too scary. The rain was so heavy at one point that I had to use my hand to shield my eyes, else I cannot see! Rain drops poking my exposed arms, that was painful.

On my way back, when I reach the super steep hill (the one with a lorry breakdown and blocked one lane of the road, the same part where I screamed earlier when I come down that hill), I came down to push. I am a very bad hill cyclist. A lot of time, I had to push my way up, and this time, I decided pushing it is less painful than cycling.

I was so tired by the time I reached the top. At the last part of bike route before reaching transition area, there is another hill and this time, I cycle through it. Down that hill and that's the end of bike leg.

Classic!! Screaming (again) down the slope because I cannot stop even with both front and rear brakes pressed hard
This is the last downhill before reaching transition area

I was pretty blur from this point onwards. I even ran out the wrong way after loading bike. The marshal call to me and show me the right way. He asked me if I'm Korean!! Do I look like one? -_-||

Love to run in the rain...cool and refreshing

Run route has a number of hills too. Like cycling, I am not good running on slopes either. I manage to keep at a pace between 6:35 to 7 mins/km. I wasn't pushing hard, just run however fast my legs could carry. I was already counting down the km ahead of me. Can't wait for it to be over, I was tired already.

Water station were serving ice cold water even though it was raining and weather was cold. Always got a cold-shock each time I take a sip at water station.

I run and I run...conquering the last steep hill before reaching finishing line. 500m before finishing, Tuan Tuan fly past me. I was too tired to give chase, plus, she's not in the same category as me. So I let her go and I slowed down a bit so that I get to cross the finishing alone and can get a proper personal finishing photo...hehehe.

But unfortunately, I think nobody manage to capture my finishing photo holding the, urm, what do you call that banner THING they hold across the finishing arc? Anyway, no biggie. I get plenty of hugs from fellow friends. Warm hugs.

The sense of satisfaction, and happiness is hard to explain, especially with my limited vocab. Sorry. At that moment, I very much agree with what Ben told me before. He said, completing a triathlon gives you 3 times the satisfaction of finishing any other single leg event. Very true indeed.

A happy finisher. Aihh, but I don't look very happy, do I?

According to the official result here, this is my time:
9 604 Cheah Lie Wei Malaysia 0:37:26 1:31:13 0:55:38 3:04:17

First number is swim time, followed by bike time, run time and total time.

I finished in 9th placing in the Women Open category and I got RM100 for prize money. It isn't very much but nevertheless, I am super super happy that I completed my first OD Triathlon.

Journey to Kenyir

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:47:00 +0000

The much anticipated weekend is finally here. It is the weekend of Kenyir Triathlon in Terengganu. I am excited but at the same time nervous. My first attempt in triathlon. My concern? Having to swim in the man-made lake which I remembered from my previous visit, has dark green water that is popular with angler for huge Toman fish. Other than that, I am also worried about the hills, I heard the bike and run course is hilly. And I am pretty bad at it.

We have 4 cars from Penang, traveling together. Gathering at Bin's house at 4am in the morning, we load our bike and bags into the car. All 4 cars are big car, they are either MPV or 4x4, so cool. Love that Suzuki Grand Vitara the most :)

Hard at work loading bikes

After a quick McD breakfast at Greenlane, we are ready to conquer the 8hr journey to Kenyir.

I was traveling in a CRV, with Ben, Eddie, Tuan and Miow. The 3 of us girls at the backseat and the 2 guys take the front seat, who also take turn on the wheel. Tuan and I are both first timers. I was fortunate to have them as car pool kaki, they are a bunch of funny cheerful people. We had a lot of laugh in the car. But then again, most runners/bikers/triathletes are fun fun people to be with (that is not a typo, they are so FUN i need to repeat the word twice). And they are very kind and helpful people too. Always willing to lend a helping hand.

Taken during one of our petrol/toilet break. Our bikes hanging on the bike rack

After 6 plus hours of traveling, we finally reach Jerteh. We stop here for lunch.

Crossing the road to the other side in search of food

After some walking about, in the end, we manage to find a Chinese chapfan kopitiam, which charge us very expensive. Ben had his at the price of RM8, and my rice come up to RM5. It is just normal 2 vege + 1 meat dish :(

Half way eating, it started to rain heavily. And this is where my Kenyir raining experience begins. The rain did not stop even after we're done eating. Ben sacrificed himself to cross the road, get the car and come fetch the rest of us. He only have a banner to cover his head.

Another 1.5hrs later, we reach Kenyir Lake resort from Jerteh. The Kenyir Lake Resort & Spa has a designated carpark, and they will have buggy service to drive you into the resort. You can either take buggy or walk to move around the resort area.

Because of the rain, it was very hard for us to get around. The buggy service was slow and the fact that we have a bike and all the gears, the unloading and the process of getting to our room was tough. I was surprise I didn't catch a cold from this trip being exposed to so much rain.

My faithful Vitus, has been with me for almost 1.5 years now

Went through the check-in, then bib collection and then we get things ready for tomorrow's big day. i.e. pin bib, pack up stuff that needs to be at transition area and etc, while we wait for the rain to subside so that we can go 'test water' in the lake.

Men's and Women's design of this year's Kenyir Tri drifit shirt. Tuan holding the men's on the left, me holding the women's

We even go out to the jetty anticipating the rain to stop. It turns out to be a long wait and in the end, decided not to swim because it was really cold~. We only took some photos at the jetty place then go back hotel room to shower and be ready for dinner + briefing.

Clear shot despite the rain

These people makes the trip so much more fun.

From left: Lynn, me, Chin and Miow

In the evening, it was still raining and we couldn't walk to the hotel lobby area for dinner coz no umbrella. I would have to say that Kenyir Lake Resort and Spa that has a 4-star rating is pretty crappy. Being an individual chalet resort with no covered walk way around, they don't even have umbrellas in the room. We waited quite a while for buggy but there's still none. Coincidentally, there's a mini 2-seater buggy meant for technician to go around the area parked in front of our chalet. The 3 of us sat in the buggy to shield ourselves from the rain until the 2 technician came back and chase us off. There's always advantages being a girl, and this time we utilize it ;)

We try to get the technician to tumpang us to the lobby area but how to sit 5 people in a 2-seater buggy? After some persuasion, one technician offer to stay back while his colleague fetch the 3 of us to the lobby...hehe **wink wink

Food was quite bad for a hotel standard food. Batu Maung chap fan also look tastier than what they have. Choice of dishes were also very limited. I like the potato soup the most. Had it with bun and butter. Nothing else worth mentioning.

Briefing was quite short. Just Uncle Chan explaining to us how the swim-bike-run course is like, where's the hill, where to turn, how many loop to go and etc.

By the time we head back to chalet, it was still raining. Hmphhh, 'long life rain'. SIEN nia. It had been a long day traveling to Kenyir, I slept like baby.

Have to thanked the tiring journey, if not I may be too worried and can't get to sleep.

Next up, the race. The big day :)

Stay tune for update.

Trying Tri for the first time

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Wana to make a quick note in my mold-growing-blog that I have take up the courage and finally registered for Kenyir Triathlon.

I have had the thoughts of doing a triathlon late last year after missing out on Port Dickson Triathlon and I told myself I'd try to do Kenyir which will be early of the year. I was quite disappointed when I learned that Malakoff Penang 26km date clashes with Kenyir Tri. It took me a long time to finally decide to give up Kenyir for Malakoff because Malakoff is home race and Kenyir is a long way to travel.

Who knows after I make up my mind, Kenyir Tri organizer decided to postpone to a later date, from Mac 27th to Apr 10. So now I can actually do both!!

Took me forever and ever to sign-up. After a lot of psycho from fellow training kaki, I finally sign-up for the Olympic Distance (OD) Triathlon 2 days before registration closing date.

I will have to swim for 1.5km, bike for 40km and run for 10km within 4.5hr to qualify. I paid RM80 of registration fee, and am now starting to freak out because I've not have enough training. I haven't been doing bike-run training for a while now, and my swim still have not improve. I still swim 1.5km in 45mins, and that is in a 50m pool with lines at the bottom to make sure I don't swim zig-zag. Who knows how I'll do in a green lake?! OMG, think Toman fish!! Stay off my little toes you ugly fish!

So this is it, no turning back. I am going for my first triathlon. Wish me luck! I need lots of it.

PG Malakoff 26km 2011

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:39:00 +0000

The first weekend of cheng beng. A lot of rain. And a lot of traffic jam leading from cemetery stretching to almost the whole Penang.

This is the 2nd time I attempted the Penang Malakoff Odd 26km race. Don't really like this race since I first know about it because it is expensive (RM55 for non-pacesetter member) and the fact that it is 26km. 5km more than the usual half marathon distance. Do you know that 5km is A LOT after you have run 21km continuously?

Runners being runners, I just cannot let go of a race so near to home ground. So I signed up in the end.

When I wake up at race day at 4am in the morning, the rain was pouring outside. "Do I really have to do this under the rain? Brrrr...so cold". But I still get up and get ready for the 5.30am run, hoping that the rain will stop by then.

Wish come true. Rain stopped. I started with a conservative pace of 6:30 to 6:40mins/km pace. The start of the route was of multiple hills, first hill up Mount Erskine, 2nd hill up Vale of Tempe, 3rd one is towards the end of Jalan Lembah Permai and the last one up the Tanjung Bungah slope. That was more than 10km of rolling up and down. The rest of the route is mostly flat until the Youth Park part, which is the ending.

Initially, my plan was to take it slow and easy at the first part and then perhaps push harder when I get to the flat if I still feel ok. But that day, I wasn't feeling good even before reaching Gurney roundabout. Feels a blister coming on the right big toe and my left calf is tightening up. The thoughts about last years' terrible cramp keep lingers in my mind. "Let me finish this with no cramp, pls". I keep telling myself don't cramp don't cramp, I don't dare to run any faster than I was already doing. Better be slower than to cramp half way and have to walk.

20km mark, I was running slower already.I can't get myself to run any faster than 7mins/km pace. But I keep on running...a lot of self talking and self motivating at this point onwards. Around here, a Malay dude over take me and complimented my shoes. "Nice shoes", he said. Haha, yea, something that cheers me up when I was feeling so tired.

After I passed Padang Polo, the road leads to merge into Jalan Utama. There was a traffic police there stopping the traffic for runners to cross the road. It was quite a major road. I was running in this pack of 3-4 runners and I was the last in the pack. The traffic police shouted at me to run faster, think because he's kind of stress stopping all the cars kua. This is at km24+/-. If I have leftover energy that time, I would have shouted back at him. "Lu ingat wa tak mau cepat kah?!! I mau PB punya tau" (PB = Personal Best, referring to finishing time)

So far in all my road races experience, I always seen helpful traffic police and RELA members that direct traffic. This is the first time I encounter bad behaviour from traffic police. One bad out of many good ones, I think that is quite acceptable :)

Finished 26km run in 2:53:53. Not the best of time and not as good as what I've hope to achieve but nevertheless, it is my personal best time and I completed it cramp-free and injury-free.

The blue fish crosses the finishing line at Malakoff 26km, Penang 2011 in blue Newton shoes :)

Park & Ride Program to Bayan Lepas FIZ

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:26:00 +0000

Today (1st March, Tue) is the start of the Park and Ride Programme to Penang Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ). An initiative by the Penang State Government.

Yesterday (Monday) on my way to work, I saw this new, nice and clean bus stop in front of Pentamaster. Driving past it, I can read the sign on it that says "Park and Ride". At that moment, I thought 'Oh wow, we have such thing as a Park and Ride. That's so interesting!'. I told myself, I must remember to Google this when I get into office.

Not until lunch time when I was sitting down with colleagues that I recall about the bus stop. So we talked about it. Seems like not many people know about the program. Out of the 5 of us around the table, only 1 have read it on the paper (ok, maybe it's our fault for not reading more newspaper).

Anyway, later that day, we received a company-wide email from our facility department informing us of the program. It comes with a 4mb PDF attachment containing some details of the program and time schedule of the buses.

I love the sound of the program launched by the state government and I hope the program will be a success. For it to be successful, it will need participation from targeted people like you and me (people who work in the Bayan Lepas FIZ), especially for those who lives over on the mainland side.

I am playing this small little part I can by helping to spread the news about this. I've uploaded the time schedule of the bus and you can find them at this link.

Some little info from the PDF:
The Rapid Penang bus will start from Bandar Sunway in mainland and travel across Penang Bridge to the Industrial Zone. There are 3 different route, called A, B and C. It's FREE.

Come people. Let's ride! In support of the state government's effort, saving the environment and saving money :)

I wonder how was the response to the program today...

An evening out with Gary

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Sat Jan 29 2011 4pm
Weather: Cloudy

Recently my bike, Vitus, has had a new company at home. It's a mountain bike (MTB), his name is Gary.

Vitus (left) with his new friend, Gary (right)

After many months having Gary around, today I finally decided to pump up the tires and take it out for a spin. I didn't know where to go, so I sms Andrew to check if he's home and have nothing to do. If so, I want to ride to his house, probably go for yamcha. While waiting for his response, I ride near my house to get a feel of the bike and handling, at the same time testing out the gears to see if everything is in working order.

-------------------

**By the way, both Vitus and Gary are not mine. I feel so lucky to be able to do cycling, all thanks to WeiKoon for Vitus and ChinChin for Gary

While I'm at this, might as well put up an advertisement to help Chin Chin out. Gary, full name, Gary Fisher is up for sale. It's a mountain bike with front suspension. Everything is in working order (I personally tested this out). The bike was shipped back from US, er, a couple of years back. If interested, please contact me for details, I will help you fwd them to owner.
--------------------

I ride to the Marine Jeti, which is very near to the Penang Bridge, sort of underneath the bridge. I have never been there before, although often times I do my evening runs there but have not go alllll the way in.

Underneath the Penang Bridge

Following the road, I cycle deeper and deeper where the road gets narrower and narrower. Seeing that there's still more road to explore, I decided to check out where it will end.

Heading towards the reclaimed land where The Lighthouse Waterfront is in the middle of construction

The road seems endless. On and on I cycle...

Pass through construction signboard

Following the small concrete road, with the coastal highway on my left and the construction site on my right, I keep going...

There's a numbered sign at each floor, the top floor currently is 15...and they are growing fast!

I went deeper and deeper until I see this:

It's the Coastal Runners!!
Btw, check out Gary, it has a stand...it's so cool! Bicycle nowadays don't have them anymore

I was happy with what I encounter along the way, and I wasn't even expecting to reach till the Coastal Runners. That's a surprise :)

Unfortunately, that's the end of the concrete road already. So I had to make my way back out, taking the same way where I came.

Making my way back out

The familiar coastal highway (now Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu). I've run on it during Penang Bridge Marathon, I've cycled on it during Malakoff Interstate Ride and various other cycling events, and I've definitely drive along this road countless times before.

It took me about 45mins to fully explore this small road until the Coastal Runners and back out, I am still feeling fresh. Unfortunately up to this point, I still have yet to hear back from Andrew. I guess he must either be sleeping or doing some outdoor activity. I decide to do some hills by paying a visit to The Sanctuary. It's a newly completed gated community filled with hill side luxury bungalows (a bit of an elevation but not really hill lar...).

And nearby, there's this new condo which I have no idea what it is called. Have always pass by this on my way home, but have never know where it's entrance are located.

It's not very high, and it looks classy

Making a big round, I went around it and reach the side of the condo.It looks just as nice from the side, if not better.

Check out the 3 odd palm trees at the top of building :)

Upon closer checking, I also spotted the swimming pool, covered underneath the building. Nice! :)

I want this place, if only I have $$ to buy :(

Swimming pool of the nice condo

That ends my exploration of the day with Gary. It took me a total of 1hr 15mins by the time I reach home. On my way back, I passed by this nasi lemak stall and was tempted to buy...haha. Back at home, I enjoyed my packet of nasi lemak bilis telur and a packet of Milo from the fridge. Yummm....nothing can beat a nice meal after exercise.

Today's ride brought back memories of my school time where I spend a lot of times on my mountain bike. Feels like I am back in the old days where I cycled to school. That time, in the evening, I'd cycle around my housing estate exploring roads that may lead to something interesting.

Looking for PISA pool replacement

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:38:00 +0000

For almost a year now the PISA pool has been closed, and there's no sign of it re-opening anytime soon. I need my swim! I have been thinking for a while now how I should arrange my time and logistics to get myself to a 50m pool. My options are USM, which is nearer to my place, and Permata Pool, which is super far away. But I'm not a USM student, how do I get to use the pool?

The most do-able option from what I see is the Permata Pool in Paya Terubong. Today, I attempted to try out the feasibility of getting to this pool as a long term solution to the absence of PISA.

I was back from work by 6+pm. Changed, pack and I was ready to go in 15mins. I decided to go with motorbike to avoid jam. I take my motorbike through the BJ roundabout towards Relau, up the Tun Sardon Hill and into Paya Terubong. It was about 12km and it takes me 30mins on the bike to reach Permata Pool. Entrance fee to the pool is RM4. Hmm, I can't remember how much was it when I last went in Jun 2010 but I think the price has increased.

Verdict:
Not feasible to swim in Permata Pool as a usual every-other-day workout if you are staying in Bayan Lepas area.

First of all, traveling to Permata Pool by car will take forever because of the high traffic volume in the evening. So motorcycle is the next best option, and it consume less petrol too. But I can tell you that it was really scary to ride a motorbike during the rush hour, especially at the BJ roundabout. Maybe I just need to ride more often to get used to it. I've been spoiled with a car for too long, pampered with air-cond, radio and plenty of car space. When I reached Relau, the situation does not get better. The road there were narrow and it was so full of vehicles, it was disaster waiting to happen when all those motorbikes squeeze through the middle of the road right beside on-coming traffic. A lot of huge and 'smoky' bas kilang...arghh! Third comes the Tun Sardon/Paya Terubong Hill. It was a nightmare cycling up this steep slope (which by the way, I still haven't manage to conquer it without jumping off the bicycle). I didn't know it will be scary on motorbike too. It was so steep that I think my mbike may die sooner than its intended lifetime if I go up and down it too often.

I will think twice the next time I need to swim in a 50m pool.

On another note, on my way back from the pool, I pass through this road side pasar malam in Relau. It is quite a big scale pasar malam on Monday night. Lots of stalls and lots of people. Next time I shall pay the pasar malam a visit. But maybe not the Permata Pool anytime soon.

Revisit Laksamana Trail

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:53:00 +0000

After almost 4 years, I am back on this same trail called Laksamana Hill. If you have not heard of this, let me tell you, it is Penang's Longest Hiking Trail. Well, that is what the signboard says anyway.

Thanks to Andrew and his i-Run gang for organizing this trip and I am fortunate to be one of the invited ones. I sign-up for it without too much hesitation. Have always wanted to do it again after that trip with colleagues back in April 2007.

After so many years, I have forgotten most of the previous experience and the difficult terrain of the trail. I only vividly remember it to be a very long hike, and that half way through it, I was rewarded with the beautiful scenery of Teluk Bahang Dam and it's surrounding hills.

This time, I am doing this with a bunch of runners. There are 45 of us, chartering a bus to fetch us from Youth Park to the start of the trail in Teluk Bahang. It takes about 30mins of bus ride from Youth Park.

Once there, took a few group photos, queue up for toilet, which cost 30cents per person, a short briefing by Andrew and we're ready to go. Started the hike around 8.15am.

Re-visiting this hiking trail, I find the trail noticeably narrower. At some part of the trail, it was so overgrown with bushes (some plants that looks like paku pakis) that the trail is almost not visible. I've got a lot of scratches on my legs from these paku-pakis because I was wearing shorts. You just have to 'chiong' in-between the narrow opening of bushes.

Just came out from the almost non-existent trail behind me

The platform at Eagle Point is also no longer able to support any human weight. It is now a dilapidated half crumbling platform. There's missing planks here and there.

The platform that allows you to take in the awesome view. Sadly, it is old and not properly maintained, no longer safe to stand on it.

There's a reason why this spot is called Eagle Point. We can actually see eagle glide gracefully nearby. Because we are at such a high point, the eagle is either at our eye level or slightly below us. It was so cool I tell ya!!

The terrain after Eagle Point is mostly downhill. This is the part where you will find garden gloves useful because most of the time, you'll want to hold on to that white rope. Right before we exit the trail onto tar road, we have to go through a steep uphill climb. That was tough!

The first batch of us reach the tar road slightly after 11am. We waited there for everybody to reach before taking the 4.7km tar road up to Penang Hill. The beautiful and colorful flowers that I remember lined the tar road were missing this time around. That is just sad :(

Arriving at destination, Penang Hill

The first thing we do is of course eat!! I had the nasi lemak and a ABC topped with ice cream. I find the nasi lemak not as good as I have remembered it to be. Anyhow, it feels so good to have something to fill up the stomach after a tough hike.

After lunch, we take the kereta sapu (MPPP lorry) to go back down to Botanical Garden. The tram is not up and running yet, so we have to go down via tar road. There was also this nicer Toyota Landcruiser-like jeep that fetch visitors up and down Penang Hill, but they wanted to charge us RM10 per person for a trip down. We think that it is too much to ask and they are being too greedy, so we opt for the MPPP lorry which cost us only RM4 per person.

I had fun re-visiting this trail. If I have the chance to do it again, should bring along parang or big scissors to clear the trail.

The 365 days of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:23:00 +0000

As like past years, I look back at what I had done in the last 365 days and do a summary as a record. This is what a person with short-term-memory-lost symptom needs.

2010 had been a great year, with plenty of satisfying achievements and sufficient holidays (maybe a little too much). Career-wise is kind of disappointing though. Well, you can't have everything rite?

This year, the running virus spread uncontrollably over me. It is like a disease went out of control, I keep signing up for races that by the time I realized it, my calendar was full of circled weekends. At least one race a month except Mar. I did 2 full marathon, 3 half-marathon, 1 duathlon, 1 trail run, 4 cycling events and many other rojak distance runs. Completing all these races bring along satisfaction. The damage? RM1238 for races' registration fee alone, yet to include traveling and accommodation cost. I had a mild heart-attack after adding all the numbers up 0_0

The list of races I did in 2010:
01 Jan Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2009/2010 149km RM30
06 Feb Putrajaya Night Marathon Half-marathon RM35
25 Apr Bidor Half Marathon Half-marathon RM40
30 May Malakoff 26km Penang 26km RM40
27 Jun Standard Chartered KL International Marathon Half-marathon RM45
25 Jul Taiping Heritage Run 15km RM30
01 Aug Century Ride Ipoh (Cycling) 100mi (161km) RM100
19 Sep Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Full marathon RM386 (AUD135)
26 Sep Newton Run 25km RM60
03 Oct Tanjung 10k, Penang 10km RM10
17 Oct Campaign For A Lane 2nd Edition (Cycling) ~80km RM50
31 Oct Genting Trailblazer 14km ~RM200
14 Nov Powerman, Sri Manjung (Duathlon) 5.5k-32k-5k RM70
21 Nov Penang Bridge International Marathon Full marathon RM60
12 Dec Starwalk Penang 10km RM12
19 Dec Penang Round Island Relay (team of 12)
31 Dec Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2010/2011 ~70km RM50

At the end of all these, my personal record for marathon is 4:47 (Sydney Marathon), half marathon 2:09 (SCKLM) and 56mins 10km (Tanjung 10k).

I've also slack a lot more in updating this blog. All I do nowadays is running/cycling, training and join races. If that is all I write, I'm afraid I might bored my readers to death with my very limited vocab and same-old description. Even I myself has gotten a bit tired of my own writing.

This year, I've also did some major traveling. Been to Macau and HK in Mac, Sydney in September and Koh Lipe in December. Din do any diving this year lor...insufficient fund :P
Did I mention before that I love to travel? Since young, I have this dream of traveling the world and venture beyond this place I called home.

I have a new goal come year 2011. I wish to run a marathon in a different country every year, that is if I can fill my piggy bank fast enough to make it possible. First thing is, I gotta work harder to earn money...pray pray kena lottery :D

Dreaming of an entertainment room

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:23:00 +0000

Watching movie in cinema is so expensive nowadays. On a weekend, one movie ticket ranges from RM9 to RM12, factor in popcorn and parking, it comes to about RM20 for a movie session.

I wish to have a sound proof entertainment room in my future dream house one day.

With a quality HD TV, comfortable Lazy Boy chair, full set of home theater system and a bunch of close friends to share this with. We can do a movie session once a month or so. No traffic and parking problem, no annoying ringtone and people discussing movie plot and no freezing air-cond. We can even be the annoying ones that talk in the movie without people shush-ing us...haha!

Ahh, how good life would be if things happen the way we want it to be...

...always been a dream, still remains a dream...

Free stay at Lone Pine Hotel!

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 14:05:00 +0000

Waking up Friday 3rd Dec, I had a lucky feeling and decided to pack up my gym bag consisting of a set of running clothes, swimsuit and goggles, a set of clean clothes and sleeping clothes.

Today is my department's annual dinner at Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringhi. Check out Leang's blog for some really nice photos of the hotel here.

The day before, an email was sent out to everybody that one of the attractive prizes to be given out is a one night stay at Lone Pine Hotel and the stay had to be on the night of the annual dinner itself. Anybody who feels lucky is advised to pack some clothes so that they'll be ready for the stay that night.

We reached Lone Pine at about 5pm. There were already quite a number of people there, while the organizing committees were busy getting the registration counter ready. Lone Pine is an old hotel in Batu Ferringhi, had recently been renovated and just re-opened in November this year. The hotel had a simple design but looks very elegant. The cheapest room rate had an unbelieving price tag of RM880 per room!!

Outdoor dining: The tables are ready for us!

While waiting for the dinner to start, a few of us were sitting around in the Lepak Corner of the hotel, talking. The topic of conversation then go to the lucky draw prizes of the night. We've got some pretty decent prizes up for grab such as the XBOX 360, LCD monitor, pillow, blender and not to forget a one night stay at Lone Pine hotel. My supervisor then said that even if she won it, she will not stay because she has to go back to her family. She then conveniently point to me and another colleague, "I'll let you girls to stay if I got it". I was feeling really excited when she said that, especially when I had everything packed in my car already. And, that's also how my free stay come about :)

Prizes up for grab

I think it was about 7pm when we start to queue for the buffet food. Ladies were given the privilege to take the food first; the rest of the gentlemen had to stand in line, stomach growling and saliva dripping waiting for their turn.

Half way through the food, it is time when the MC will be giving away the free room. They pick 4 lucky people up to the stage and each of them were asked to sing a pre-selected song. The song were played once for them to listen, and then they need to sing. 2 of the songs were Lady Gaga's, 1 from Katy Perry and 1 from Taylor Swift. Best singer get the room. My supervisor is a karaoke lover and she has a sweet voice, she easily won the game even though she has not heard of Taylor Swift's Love Story before (i am puzzled though, how can anybody not heard of Love Story??)

With the room key card

The room had a King size bed, it was huge!! 3 can share the bed without getting in touch with the person beside. At the balcony, there is a sofa and a jacuzzi-like tub. It's just a small tub, only suitable for dipping the feet.

Big bed. That's my supervisor in the middle. Thanks for the room.

From here onwards, my phone battery died and there's no more photo that I can share. Forgot to pack phone charger and I didn't bring camera.

After the dinner was over, we had a walk at the Batu Ferringhi pasar malam. Then off to bed. As usual, like a pig, I slept like a baby that night. But the other 2 friends who shared the room said the bed is uncomfortable, it's noisy and they didn't sleep well. Overall, they are not very happy with the experience.

The next morning, I woke up early to do an early jog along the Bt. Ferringhi stretch. I contemplated for awhile whether to run or not because it was drizzling, but I end up running anyway. I ran from the hotel heading towards Teluk Bahang Dam, turning back as I reach the winding road. That's actually the nicest stretch to run but because I was alone, the winding road is narrow and there were big buses using that road, I decided not to go further. It was a short 30mins run, but a satisfying one.

I reach back at the hotel dripping, not sure of sweat or rain. Went back to the room and found my friends were up and ready, so I quickly change into dry clothes and went to breakfast with them. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, spent one and a half hour eating! The food is actually quite good, and a lot of variety too. I rate them 8/10.

My friends went back after breakfast, and I get the room all to myself. I love hotels :)

Rest for awhile, waited for breakfast to digest a little before I go for a swim in the pool. At 10 sth, the pool is still empty. I did laps in the nice empty square pool. Weather was cool and nice, cloudy and not much sun. Love the lazy chair beside the pool, they are really comfortable. Wish I could lie there longer, but I had to check-out soon. Went back to the room for a shower, pack up and it's time to leave :(

I had a really great day and a good experience staying at the expensive hotel, until when I stop to fill gas on the way back to learn that petrol price was up 5 cents the night before.

Another side note, I think my friends officially label me as crazy cause I packed along running clothes and swimsuit everywhere I go, and I run + swim in the same morning at a foreign place, alone...haha.

Another incident in the pantry

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:59:00 +0000

I acted impulsive and told someone off in the pantry this morning.

The Background
Since a few months back, my company has been actively hiring. At about the same time, they change the water filter/dispenser to another brand. If that is not enough, they also change the Nestle Nescafe coffee machine to the current one called Bevanda. Honestly, the Bevanda coffee sucks. The black one is so bitter that however much water I add to it, it still taste so bad. Whereas the pre-mixed one is overly sweet that there isn't much coffee taste but just sweet.

The few changes created a situation where there is shortage of hot water. We either ran out of hot water or the hot water isn't hot at all. Sometimes when I forgot to check before filling my cup with 'hot' water, my coffee becomes very geli because the mixture wouldn't dissolve properly. Yuck! There goes my morning coffee.

The Effect
First, the hiring increases people that use the pantry. Then there was also cubicle swapping. A non-engineering department was switch to my level where they consist of mostly aunties. I know I will be an aunty very soon, or maybe already is aunty by now and I shouldn't call them that way but sometimes I can't stand them. So I am going to be bad and call them aunty anyway.

Secondly, the changing of the coffee machine cause a lot of people to make their own drinks, mostly 3-in-1 drinks. This cause more demand for hot water.

This point I am not sure but it may be a contribution factor to hot water shortage too. The new brand of water dispenser may not be as efficient as the old one. Maybe it takes longer time to boil the water or maybe the capacity is smaller.

Last but not least, we have more inconsiderate people using the pantry, which I blame the aunties.

The Situation
I tested the hot water from multiple water dispenser in the pantry. Found one that is still giving out hot water. So I move to the side and empty a packet of 3-in-1 coffee into my cup. While I was doing that, 2 ~~aunties~~ ladies came in and started filling their thermos with hot water from the dispenser I tested. 1 filled and done, ok, fine. "She better leave some hot water for my coffee", I was thinking to myself. So did the 2nd lady, she filled up her mini thermos. Ok, fine too. What boils me up was when the first lady started filling up her 1.5liter of Tupperware water bottle from the hot water tap. There is the normal temperature water and the hot water option. By then, can see that the water slow to a pee pee drips. And the 2nd lady said in Hokkien to the 1st lady while looking around at the other water dispenser, "Oh, no more hot water". What is the purpose of filling up your 1.5liter water bottle with hot water? Didn't you already have a whole thermos of hot steaming water? Filling that big drinking bottle is of no use, by the time you want to drink it, the water would have been cooled to room temperature anyway. I just had to said something then. "Wah, the way you are filling your bottle, big and small bottles, no wonder we ran out of hot water", I said in Hokkien. I walked away as I finish my sentence, not waiting for response from any of them.

The Reflection
I know I should have just shut up, not said anything and go get my hot water from the pantry at another floor, but I just can't hold it anymore. We'd be seeing each other again in the pantry and it would be awkward. But then again, I can't remember their faces anyway. So even if we come face to face again, I won't know it's them, is this consider good news or bad news? It is people like that in this level that are causing all the hot water shortages. We don't see this problem in the pantry one floor below although they have just as many people in that level.

PBIM 2010

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:27:00 +0000

It's the annual Penang Bridge Marathon. Here is where I started my long distance running 4 years ago. This year, in the 5th year I finally switched it from Half Marathon to Full Marathon.

Because it involved closure to the Penang Bridge, they wanted to have the bridge to be reopen as early as possible. So the Marathon start time had to be early too, at 2am in the morning! The night before, I had dinner at 5.30pm and I was in bed by 8pm. Being the usual piggy that can sleep anytime anywhere, I had a well rested night. Awake by 12.30am to prepare for the loooong run.

We were flagged off 3 minutes earlier that 2am from in front of Queensbay Mall. First we headed towards Bayan Lepas. Turn around at Seagate and then head towards the Penang Bridge. It was all good until when I was on the bridge, I start to see lightning flashing. And by the time I reach the midspan of the bridge running towards Mainland, I start to feel headwind. I tried running behind runners about the same pace as me to shield from the wind, it helps a little. But after about 1 to 2km, my 'wall' slowed down so I had to overtake him. By then it was hard to find runner running at about my pace.

I was a bit pissed running at the stretch from midspan of the bridge to the tol at the mainland due to the lack of water station. The planning of the water station wasn't very smart. In the middle of the bridge was a water station (~12.5k) and there wasn't any water after that until the end of the bridge right before the turnaround point (~17.5k). Ok, maybe from the look of it now, 5km wasn't that long but after more than 10km into continuous running, when the tiredness starts to kick in, 5km feels long. More so that we need to fight headwind along the way. Right after turnback, when we're at the opposite of the bridge, there was another water station, which is just, like, 1km away!! (~18.5k). Why not move the drink station @17.5k so that it is balance between the other 2 drink station?

The wind was even stronger after the turnaround point. Hiding behind other runner didn't help to block the wind this time. The rain started when I was at approximately km20. It poured very heavily to the point where I felt the rain 'hitting' hard on my skin. The rain felt so refreshing and cooling, it has been awhile since I last run in the rain. I was kinda chanting "I love the rain, I love the rain" as I continue to run, more happy than ever. The rain was so heavy that I couldn't really open my eyes to look ahead, so I just had my eyes on the road and only check ahead once in awhile. At that time, we had a lot of Half marathon runners merging with the marathon runners. I had to avoid them left right center. But, I still had a lot of fun running under the heavy rain :)

The rain allows constant hydration too...haha. Water practically just drips into my mouth, and they taste sweet :)

The rain slowed to a drizzle as I reach the end of the bridge turning down to Jelutong Espressway (~27km), running past E-Gate, Tesco and all the way to the turnback point at Maccalum Street (~33k). It was amazing running on the Jelutong Expressway. I drove so many times along this stretch and this is the first time I was actually running on it! Driving seems so long but the run doesn't really feel as long, which is weird. Maybe it's the feel good feeling after the rain. At this point, the rain had stopped.

After the u-turn, I start to feel like my left calf is about to cramp up so I stopped at one of the medical tent to get it iced. As I started running again, the shin in turn feels not too good so I stopped at the next tent but they ran out of ice. As there's nothing else I can do, I try to talk myself over it. Tried slowing down and tried to use more of the right leg instead. "But I wanted to achieve sub-5hrs target!". After awhile, I started pushing again. I really wanted to achieve a sub-5 target.

I felt really tired when I pass E-Gate again (~37k). Stupid water station ran out of water, forcing me to drink 100 Plus. I don't drink 100 Plus during run because I will get stomachache. I took 2 small sip of it, fearing tummy pain but even then, I get some pain after a few minutes of consuming the 100 Plus.

With a lot of pain in the feet, knee, shoulder, and practically everywhere!, I continue to run. On top of that, running even harder because I am very very close to achieving target. A few friends call out to me at the Gold Coast roundabout, cheering me on...it feels great to see familiar faces. They help me to hang on there. As I reach HSBC, there was a truck with a big clock showing the marathon time 4:57:00 (official time). 3 more minutes to reach the finishing time towards my goal!! At that time also, another group of running friends were there to cheer and gave support. It keeps me going. I crossed the finishing line with 4:57:58 on my watch (net time). I'm not sure what was the official time like but I sure hope it is something below 5hrs. Will have to wait for the timing chip results.

I was in a lot of pain after ending the run, but nevertheless, very very happy and satisfied.

Some of us who train together in preparation for this marathon
From left: MeeLan, Liza, ChinChin, PeckYee, me me, er...don't know who

I am proud to say "I AM A MARATHON RUNNER!"

Photo stolen from Andrew's FB album :P

The Power factor

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:01:00 +0000

On the morning Nov 14 2010 Sunday, standing on the start line of Powerman Malaysia in Sri Manjung, I was ready to take on the challenge of completing a Duathlon.

Start line. Background is the Majlis Perbandaran Sri Manjung's Mini Stadium

The main challenge of this race is the unbearable Lumut heat. It was very fortunate for me as for my first attempt in doing this, it actually rained in the morning prior to the start of race. The rain slowed to a drizzle and eventually stopped before race starts. The cool surrounding temperature helps to make this a little easier.

At 7:50am sharp, my category was flagged off. Before that, the Individual Full Distance had been flagged off at 7.30am and the Relay Full Distance was off at 7.40am. The Full Distance category will do an 11km run, 64km bike followed by a 10km run. As for me, I was in the Sprint, supposedly meant for beginners. Everything was halved of the full distance.

Started the first run feeling alright. Target to run at anything below 5:45mins/km pace, and I managed to do that. After about 2.5k, we pass by this Malay stall selling kuih and ayam percik. Who on earth eat ayam percik at 8am in the morning?! We had to run through the smoke coming from the grilled chicken. Hmmm, the aroma gives me POWER! Haha. I was pretty happy with my first run because I met target. :)

End the run as I approach the transition area.

End of first run: Running into the transition area

At the transition area, Andrew was the first to call out to me. He was happily waving to me and manage to snap of photo of me too (pic above). Ran to my bike, put on the helmet. I still have time to tidy up my hair a little, haha…coz some of the shorter hair stuck out everywhere from under the helmet.

With Vitus in transition area

Pushed the bike out of the transition area and out I go on the bike. I am a minimalist on the bike. First, I don't own a bike (this one loan punya), I don't have a bike computer to check cycling speed and no bike shoe. But it doesn't matter lar, I am very happy having this bike and able to do races like this. It is always good to be content with what one have instead of always wanting what one don't have. On the cycling route, head wind was strong throughout the whole 32km. It was an out-and-back, I assume that if the wind appear as headwind when I go, then it should be a tailwind on my way back but that is not the case. Both ways I had to fight headwind, which makes cycling harder. People kept over-taking me. I get to check all their nice bikes, and all of them look so cool and comfortable on their aero-position. At that moment, how I wish I have an aerobar too :(

The last bridge before the turn back point is a steep climb. I am not a fan of hills, I find them so hard to conquer. Slowed down tremendously, especially the second climb after turning back at the u-turn point. Bike was no fun. The road wasn't exactly in a good condition, almost the whole course has cracks on it.

I saw a couple of bikes stopped by the road side along the way, most of them got a punctured tire. Such an unfortunate thing to happen during a race. I felt so lucky that up to this point, I’m still safe. There was a road sign, "7km to Petronas", which also means I am about 7km away from the end of bike leg. I was talking to myself "Please please let me end this 7km safely".

At one point, I saw MeeLan on the side of the opposite of the road. She called out to me. I thought she had a punctured but after some shouting between us, found that she actually had a cramp. The cramp was so bad and wouldn't go away that she didn't manage to complete. No problem, try again next year MeeLan. Come back stronger!

Alas, I reached back to the transition area safely. Temperature was rising even though it was a cloudy sky. Hang up the bike back to the designated spot, remove the helmet, put on my cap and I’m ready to go for the last run.

End of bike and start of 2nd run

Can’t recall much about the last run. I just remember that I kept telling myself "it’s just 5km to end this". And so I kept running. Again, have to run pass the ayam percik smoke. Yummy! I stopped and walk for a short while at all 3 water stations while I drink water. It was so refreshing to have that cup of ice-cold water down the throat. It was already quite hot at that time, around 9.30am. I felt myself recharged after each of those water station, and that kept me going.

As soon as I cross the finishing line, I saw my parents standing not too far away, mum holding an umbrella. I guess they didn’t know which finishing line I’d be crossing, so they just randomly find a spot and stand...haha.

I got a medal, a towel soaked in ice-water and a bottle of mineral water for completing the race. And of course a whole lot of sense of achievement.

Overall I was happy with the result, 2hr 4mins wasn't too bad a time. I'd say that the race is not really too tough because in most of the trainings, I did it with the bunch of fit people who sign-up for the full distance. I've done longer distances in training with them, although I don't usually take training seriously. I slack and curi ayam whenever I'm tired because all this while, it has never occurred to me that I will do this kind of multi-sport. I join their training just for fun. Eventually, after some psycho psycho from fellow training members, I end up doing Powerman.

Completed a Powerman, I am now a Powerpuff girl...haha. Thanks to Ah Mak for giving me that title. I think it is so cute for Ah Mak to associate Powerman with Powerpuff girl :)

Water bottle incident

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:33:00 +0000

Something funny happen at work few days ago.

It was a usual morning, coming into office, put my bag, dock the laptop and head to the pantry with my coffee cup and water bottle to be filled up. I use a 1.5liter Tupperware water bottle at work. And as usual, level 3 pantry is out of hot water to make 3-in-1 coffee. My lousy company is too poor to provide enough hot water for it's level 3 employees. So, I left my Tupperware water bottle in the pantry and head down to level 2 with coffee cup for hot water.

When I went back to the pantry, I found that my water bottle was gone. And in another corner of the pantry, there was another look-alike water bottle left around. By then, I figured someone must have mistakenly took my bottle. The person must have been quite blur, although the bottle was of the same type, the color was a bit different. Plus, the bottle left there has faint marker writing on it.

Hoping that the person would realize it soon, I didn't do anything but keep going back to pantry to check. By lunch time, I got really impatient. I wrote a note on a post-it note and stick to the bottle left in pantry. It sounded something like this

"Somebody mistakenly took my water bottle. Please return it to me. This bottle belongs to you".

And I left my name and phone extension on the paper. I also mention about the marker writings on the abandoned bottle in the pantry.

As much as I hate doing this, I have no choice (I live by the policy of keeping a low profile status, displaying my name publicly in the pantry is not my style). With that I think almost the whole level 3 people knows that Lie Wei lost her water bottle.

It was not until the next day after lunch that I got my water bottle back. It was placed at that corner where the previous water bottle was. There was no sorry note or anything at all and my old post it note was still there.

For the next few days, when I met people in toilet or pantry, they will ask me if I've got my water bottle back...haha..so yea, I'm sure everybody now knows that Lie Wei lost her bottle and got it back. Way to go in maintaining a low profile. To this date, I don't know who took my bottle.

My never ending adventure

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:46:00 +0000

It has been awhile since I last visited this page. It has been quiet...

Hrmmm, so what's new with me lately? Let me see...

Well, for one, I haven't been swimming for a long time now. Since April. My favorite 50m indoor pool in PISA was closed down due to leakage. And I don't enjoy swimming in my odd-shape condominium pool.

I've also bike a lot less after Century Ride in early August. The weather always go against me when it comes to cycling.

Anyway, nowadays it doesn't really matter that much whether I get to bike or not because I've had the achievement of finishing 100miles already. The remaining target of the year is to run 42.195km. Yea, the Marathon!!

For the past 2 months, I've been running a lot in preparation for the marathon, which initially I plan to do it at Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) end of November. I started my first long run in early Aug starting out with 23km. It's a good starting LSD distance for me considering that I've been running quite a decent number of half marathons.

My record of August long run on Sunday

So that was what I had been doing for the next 5 weekends, trying to increase the distance by a little every week if I can. At that time, the plan was still as preparation for PBIM at end of the year. But then at one point of time, the idea of running Sydney Marathon came about. After some serious thinking, I decided to be adventurous and follow my heart. I signed-up for Sydney Marathon which took place on Sept 19th. Thanks to all the trainings, I finished my first ever Marathon in 4hrs 47mins...and I finished it with a happy face :)
(shall dedicate a full post on this if I am not being lazy)

The following week after Sydney Marathon, it was the Newton 25k race, somewhere near Bandar Kinrara, KL. I signed up for this race very early of the year, at the time when I have no idea that I'd be doing a marathon. It is actually quite crazy to be running 25km race right after a marathon the week before, but no choice lor, already sign-up. The course is super hilly and it started so late that the sun was burning on my skin before I could finish. Nearly fainted at one point because of the heat...had to slap myself out of it. Eventually, I finished the 25k with a lot of pain.

The race maniac continues...

It was the Tanjung 10k race in Penang the week following Newton. I had a target in mind, have to finish it under 1hr. That morning, I woke up to a heavy rain. Initially planned to car pool with Kenneth and Liza but after some early sms-es, both of them decided not to run it. As for me, I don't care about rain. Already sign-up why not run it right? I'll be soak in sweat after the run anyway. I drove myself to the start area at Jalan Sepoy Lines. At the start line, I was surprise to see Kenneth there. He decided to turn up at the very last minute because the rain had stopped.

The run was flagged off on time. I started slow and tried to push harder at the end. Finished the race in 56mins 14secs. To my surprise, I actually get placing with that finishing time!! Placing was never in my mind at all, so I didn't suspect anything. After crossing the finishing line, I queue up multiple times for MILO, one of my favorite after-run drinks. It was almost 9am and weather is cloudy and still quite cool. Decided to do more runs in Botanical Garden, so off I went running. It was not until late that morning that congratulation sms came in, then only I know I got 5th placing. A runner friend helped to collect my prize (so glad I have friend that are kind enough to collect prize on my behalf). It was a shoe bag (just what I need now), a few cans of Milo, one HoneyStar cereal, 1 packet of Maggi mee and 2 packet of 3-in-1 Milo. Simple prizes but I was really happy :)

Today, after many many months of dragging, I finally registered for PBIM 2010 full Marathon. It's just 7 weeks to go before the marathon, on 21 Nov. It will be a very different run compared to Sydney Marathon; running in temperature range of 11C to 20C in Sydney versus running in a MIN temp of 27C in Penang.

It's a challenge and I wanted to put myself through the test. Let the running obsession continues!

"Leg say no, Heart say YES"

--a banner I saw when I was running Sydney Marathon. These simple words put a smile to my face. So simple yet motivating.

Running Summary Bar Chart as of Oct 2010

100miles on wheels...

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:24:00 +0000

...with no carbon footprint. Fueled by food/fat/calories.

Century Ride. They call it the marathon for cyclist. I am proud to say that I did it! :)

A 100miles/160km of cycling. How far is 160km? Imagine traveling from Penang to Kuala Kangsar, I think that would approximately make up 160km.

I was in Ipoh last weekend to participate in Century Ride Malaysia organized by Kelab Roadrunners Ipoh (KRI). This is the longest ever bicycle ride I've done in my life. ONE HUNDRED and SIXTY KILOMETERS!! I did it in 5hrs 57mins...

There are only 44 female cyclist out of 590 participants. I must say I enjoy the ride. We were flagged off at 7am at Bkt Kinding Resort, a resort in the middle of some oil palm estate. It rained the night before, making it a cool morning. The ride didn't start out too well, I spent the first 20 to 30k chasing the peloton ahead of me trying to stay close to them but I kept being at the back of the pack. I have no idea how fast they were going but if they were going at the rate that I couldn't catch up, I'd say probably at a speed of more than 35km/hr.

Fed up of chasing, I decided to cycle at a comfortable speed. I got lucky when Mr. Discovery Channel come along. I call him Mr. Discovery Channel because he was wearing a jersey with Discovery Channel sponsors at the back ;) He ride at the speed that I can manage and is very consistent, it was easy to draft behind Mr. Discovery Channel.

I was following behind him for a very very long time until we start to hit the hills. He slowed down quite a bit as more and more climbs are approaching. Thought I'd ditched him for a while to maintain a certain speed up the hills and kind of anticipate him to catch up later on, but he never showed up anymore :( So I lost Mr. Discovery Channel. He's on a Willier bike.

Water stations were available approximately every 40km. They have water, 100plus, banana and bread. Throughout the ride, in total, I consumed 1 PowerBar, 4 bananas, 2litre of 100 Plus, 1litre of water. After the ride, I had 2 cups of 100 Plus, a bowl of chendol and half a biji of coconut water.

The route bring us through quiet kampung road, very few cars and we'd see kampung kids standing by the roadside waving as we ride pass. I enjoyed the ride up to the last 20km. The route turned to 'super' rolling (in comparison to gently rolling), I started to get tired plus, the weather got really hot. I think that time must have been around 11.30am kua.

I must say that the company along the ride helps me in getting through it. Was riding with Chin from the start. Met Miow and Andrew somewhere after the 2nd water station and we cycle together for a short distance. Am so glad to see Peter aka the Gu and Alan come along, err, not sure when but I think should be around the half distance mark (80km or so kua). 4 of us formed a peloton and more cyclist joined us to make it an even bigger peloton.

Along the way, I saw many cases of flat tires. And after the ride, heard many cases of crashes too. I am thankful that I completed it without any untoward incident, although I did witness some bloody accidents.

As a result of completing 100miles, I get to eat fried chicken and many other food without guilt for the next 7days. Ahhh, I am going back to Taiping to enjoy my favourite siew bak this weekend. Can't wait!!

Now, should I buy myself a bike already? If so, I also need a bike computer, er, and bike shoe perhaps? Everything also $$$.

Bike riding, I like

noreply@blogger.com (LieWei) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Went cycling with some G Club members today. This is the second time I join this group. Chin got in contact with them from the G Club forum first time around. Call us simple minded or call us crazy, which ever it was, we trusted the forum people and decided to join them for our first long ride with the group. And they turn out to be fun and decent people to be around with. We did about 126.5km on the bike at Mainland the first time, starting from Butterworth to Jawi, Serdang, Kulim, Sg. Dua, Bagan Ajam and back to Butterworth. It was so much more refreshing to do a new route compared to the usual Tg. Bungah - Titi Kerawang - Balik Pulau route I usually do on the Island. I had a lot of fun cycling that I decided to join them again for yet another long ride today.

Just like the first time, I meet up with them at jetty on the Island as early as 6.15am. The only difference today is that I joined them alone, no more Chin as company. Anyway, just like the runners I know, this bunch of cyclists are really discipline with time. I reached there at about 6.10am and they were already there, unloading bike. We took the ferry over to Mainland and started the ride at 7am.

There were 6 of us; Darren, Alan, Chia, Daniel, Peter and me :)

Today they were riding at a much faster pace then the last time. As usual, I am totally ignorant of the direction we're heading. It's full concentration on cycling alone. So if I were to lost them, I will be completely lost.

Map of the route we covered this morning. Info from Alan's GPS

We were headed to Mahang via Kulim, passed by Kulim High Tech Park. Took us 2hrs 6mins to reach Mahang from Butterworth Jetty, 60km. Mahang is a really small and ulu town, the road from Kulim to Mahang was rolling...up and down, up and down all the way. And there were very very few cars. Luv it!
(rolling hill i like, purely hills i hate)

Elevation info from Alan's GPS. One killer hill in between km 80 and 90.

At Mahang, we took a 30mins rest before turning back.

We actually took another different route when heading back, this time other than the rolling hills there's one big giant hill to climb. Alan said it's 7% gradient. Was huffing and puffing heavily, heart rate goes up to 173 at this climb.

My rolling heart rate resulting from rolling hills.
The 2 smooth curve is after a break, I stop my watch during breaks, so there was a cut off of data within that time.

At this point, the 6 of us were split into 2 groups; I was with Peter and Chia. Chia is a great cyclist, I was trying hard to keep up with him and when I did, I drafted behind him. He's a very consistent rider, so drafting behind him wasn't too stressful. During our break, he told me that he was going at about the speed of 30 to 35 and at one point, he was going at 40km/hr, which means I also did it at 40km/hr! I don't have a bike computer, so I am actually clueless how far or how fast I went. Didn't know I could go that fast, but then again, I was drafting lar... which means I don't have to overcome all those wind resistance.

After the 7% hill, we stopped at a petrol station to wait for the 2nd group. Took a really long break here as the 2nd group were no where in sight. Peter made a call to one of them, turns out Alan had a flat tire, twice!! They were finally here after almost 50mins. Changing flat tires are tough, I'm not sure if I know how to change or not. I don't even carry a spare tube with me :P

Last leg, another 1hr plus of cycling and we reached back to Butterworth. Weather was really good today. It has been really cool in the morning, and all along the sky was cloudy. However, we can feel the heat during this last part of the ride even though it's not exactly sunny. Of course hot lar, it was around 12pm in the afternoon.

Overall, we covered 127.98km according to Alan's GPS in 6hrs, including 2 breaks. We could have finished it earlier if not for the back to back flat tire. Today's ride is a good ride. Great rolling route, great company, perfect weather! Within this 6hrs, I finished 500ml of Nuun, 1litre of 100plus, 325ml of Revive, 500ml of plain water and one and a quarter bar of Power Bar.

Time summary:
02:06:19 60km Butterworth-Mahang
00:37:54 Break #1 Mahang
01:20:16 Mahang-b4 Kulim
00:49:17 Break #2 Somewhere before reaching Kulim
01:19:38 Kulim-Butterworth

Ok lar, I think I am now ready to do Ipoh Century Ride 160km in 2 more weeks. Hope I don't die.