Powerman Malaysia 2010

Last weekend, had a road trip to Seri Manjung, Perak to compete in the Powerman Malaysia.  I did only the relays together with Mich and Ray. Ray asked me earlier when I was in Europe, whether I wanted to compete in the relays with them as chances of winning is a lot higher than competing in the individual event. I said yes, since I wasn't doing anything. Although money was hard to come by and not dropping for the sky but thought it would be good to go for a road trip and race outside KL and hopefully winning something to cover the expenses. Then it will be become a "makan " (eating) road trip instead.  We called our team MRK (sound like MR. K) being Michelle, Raymond and Kiat.

In the relays, we were required to complete the full duathlon distance of 11km run - 64km bike - 10km ride. Of course, Mich, being a lady, got to give her the privilege of running the first leg. Running the 2nd leg has always been a "no fun" leg since most of the time it will be very very hot day. Ray, of course, being the better cyclist, did the cycling leg. I haven't been riding since selling my own bike in Melbourne. Even so,  I was never good on bike. Not enough muscles in the legs!

Ray picked me up at around 10am and headed towards the LDP toll towards Sg. Buloh to meet the rest of the gang. Jason, Patsy, Pat, Lynn, San and Shih Ming. We headed to Kuala Selangor for a seafood lunch.

Stopped by a coconut drink stall for a refreshing drink

Lunch at Kuala Selangor

We headed straight to the Dewan to collect our timing chip before checking into our hotel. Met a lot of familiar faces in the hall and looking at the list of teams, it seems like this year a lot of teams have registered for the mixed relays event.

Stayed at Lead View Hotel, the same hotel I stayed 2 years ago when I was doing the individual event. Pretty decent hotel but more importantly it was really near to the starting line, which was less than 1km away. 

We headed towards Kampung Cina for dinner. A enjoyable dinner...where CC bought us some famous Foochow kompia for entree before the big dinner we had. Talked about carbo loading!

The next morning, headed out early to the starting line, although I can always sleep in being the 3rd leg runner. My race won't start till after 10am. Of course, it's always nice to mingle around with the rest of the athletes and witnessing the start of the race. I was hoping it would rain and it really did, as it drizzled for most part of the race. I think I wasn't praying hard enough as when it got to my turn, the hot sun came out and so is the humidity. I was targeting a sub-41 mins run, and hopefully breaking the sub-40mins 10km run. I had a long break from training after Berlin, but still did a couple of training session before this race, so I was quietly confident. 

Mich had a good start despite a strong field, and came in 5th before passing the timing ship to Ray for the cycling leg. Jasni wass leading the the mixed relays and he was so far ahead from the rest of the field. Since the field was quite big, I counted that she was coming in 5th place before Ray's leg. 

Mich coming in on the 1st lap with a number of strong runners

Did some warm up in the track while waiting for Raymond. It was still drizzling but the sun started coming out as soon, the heat and humidity came with it. It's going to be a hot race for me.

Cleaning Ray's shoe..hehe! (Removing timing chip)

Ray finished in less than 2 hours in his cycling leg and we were in 4th or 5th place. I started the race really fast and was hoping I could hold on the pace till the end of the race. However, passing the 1st lap, I felt really tired and the heat was starting to get into me. Did my best to cool myself down sipping some water and pour some water over my arms, shoulder and neck. Did managed to overtake a few runners in our categories but I wasn't sure who was in front. As I crossed the finished line, the official told me we came in 2nd. Yes! At least getting something back and making this trip worthwhile. (Oh! Didn't managed to break sub-40, but ended up with a 43mins timing. Looks like I need to train from ground almost zero again!)

Crossing the finishing line

Prize presentation

MRK 2nd PLACE!!

We had a slow drive back to KL, stopping by Bidor for a very very late lunch at 5pm. Haha. 

In this trip, the one moment I cherished the most is getting acquainted with Patsy Yap, who was there to compete in the individual sprint event. I have heard so much about her and met her in races  for many years but never really got to know her in person. I'm glad I did in this trip. She has completed the I2002 Ironman Langkawi, a gruelling triathlon race, where one has to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and run 42.195km. So what's so special about this feat as a lot of people has done it? Well for one thing, she is after all, 66-year old now (or was it 67? Well you don't expect me to ask a lady her age right?). That means she did it when she was 59 years old!

During the trip, she laughs a lot like a young kid, shared us stories about her adventures (races) and even when I was so exhausted after finishing the race, she kept asking me if I was ok and even got me fruits to eat. Touching! She completed her race earlier, a 'short' 5.5km run - 32km ride - 5km run. Imaging if you doing it when you are 67. That's insane. She shared with us that she only started running really late. At 50 (or was it near 50?)! Anyway, that's late but never too late! So what is her personal best for marathon. Get ready for this......4h 15m.....she did it in London Marathon. Well, I hope to see her again in races soon as she is quite a fun person to be with and she has been around the world for races, hashing, cycling and many more adventures. A truly inspiring person and for those out there who always giving excuses of feeling too old to exercise, you should take her as a great role model. I don't even know if I can run for that long, but will surely try to be active as long as I can! So, come on guys, get those running shoes from your shoe cabinet and go out there and do some exercise! It's never too late!

Me and Patsy

The Star actually ran a story on her 2 years ago, read all about it here.

Other Powerman Malaysia report from Tomatoman...