Powerman Malaysia 2013

Strollerman back in action. Photo: Kamaruzaman

Statistic Run 2013

A day before Powerman, i ran a 10km race on Saturday. The Statistic Run organised by Department of Statistics with the conjunction of World Statistic Day.

I decided to run with double stroller with my two kids, yeah finally the Strollerman is back racing short distance races. It was my first 10km for the year, i haven’t run a 10km for a very long time. My lung gonna really burn for this.

I completed the run roughly in 58 minutes, for RM25 you’ll get a nice orange t.shirt, A&W breakfast after the race and certificate. Medal was only allocated for podium winners. We had fun running the 10km, my only reward was the expression of other runners when overtook them during the race. It was priceless moment, some were surprised and other just a bit annoyed being overtaken by a guy pushing stroller. But they were okay once we exchange pleasantries and smiles.

One of the runner that we overtook commented “ahh dua orang sekali dia tolak!”, he smiled and laugh. That was the highlight of the day!

The volunteers manning the junction were excited to capture us in action with their smart phones cameras. We’re dully obliged and waved at them, the kids had fun filled day. We went swimming right after the event. Nice, a brick session.

 

Photo: Asree & QQ’s Snap

Powerman 2013

I didn't have the same preparation as last year edition due to nursing my injured knees. The plan was to finish this within 5:30 hours. Last year i completed my maiden Powerman in 4:36 , this year i wouldn’t dream to emulate that timing with my lack of running mileage; but my cycling mileage was steady though. I did the bike route few times, plus attended the Tadonamo Powerman simulation two weeks prior.

Met many friends just before the start of the race, there were friends from the Freedom Freaks SG, Cikgu Syed, Carin, Khairi Muin, Frank, Stupe, Dett and others. Plus I wished the birthday boy Enaikay a good race. I only missed out Captain G that morning, i wanna wish her good luck for her maiden sprint event.

Cikgu Syed and i, warmed up a bit before the race and walked to the start line. My Garmin GPS watch showed 6:58 am when we’re flagged off. As expected i was struggling during the running leg, to maintain under 5:30 pace was a huge challenge.

They change the route this year, started infront of MOF instead of PoJ. More nasty inclines especially the route behind MoF.

I completed the first loop (5.5 km) in 29:18 – good enough for someone lacking training mileage, but it was surely a struggle.

The sun came out on the second loop, i put on my white Optic Nerve shade over my eyes and trying to focus and keep up with Lini Kazim (one strong runner), she must have a strong core. That’s what you get when you ditched your core exercise Ray!

Completed the first running leg in 59:04 and i was out of breath, i pushed too hard i guess. Soon after, Uncle Foo (1203) came and joined me at the transition area. I really took my time there, consume salt tablet and one powergel before putting on my cycling gear. It took me 5:22 mins at T1, haha wasted!

At the end of first running leg, turning into the transition area. Photo: Dexter Khoo

I pushed my bike and rode on it, it felt different, i felt fast on the bike. I overtook few cyclists before turning right after the Seri Wawasan bridge.

Was it the Powergel supplying me with amazing power and energy, or i just imagining it. Somehow, all the inclines along the cycling route felt easy. Thanks to the weekly Wednesday and Friday Putrajaya Night Ride (PNR) session. Wohoo, i was flying on my bike…it doesn’t make sense somehow this statement. But who cares, this is my blog anyway lol.

I overtook many Sprint cyclings along the way completing the first loop. I saw Kak Tiff (Justiffa) climbing those nasty incline at PICC, i cheer her as i passed by – she looked strong. Congrats Kak Tiff, great maiden Sprint debut there!

Happy to complete the first loop (32km). Photo: Dexter Khoo

Well somehow the good times doesn’t always stayed with you. On the second loop of the bike leg, my bike chain broke off at 37km. I looked at my watch, it’s 9:15 am. As soon as I come down from the bike and saw the broken chain, i knew it’s game over. It’s a permanent DNF.

Sometimes mechanical failure is out of our control, when it happened you’re totally hopeless. But I am ok though, life goes on, there will be other races i know. Most importantly, i came out of this injury free and my knees are getting better. The only downside, i need to change the bike chain.

What do i get from this edition Powerman? I finally gain more knowledge and understand the technique of proper cycling, well after a year that is. I loves the cycling leg, if not for the broken chain i might bettered my Powerman record, maybe around 4:15 hours.

Now, that’s enough cycling for me this year. I’m going back to beautiful mountain trail for my next adventure.

To all Powerman finisher you guys are awesome, especially if it’s your first Powerman and Duathlon. Stand tall and chin up, be proud, you deserve this accolade.

To the kliwons and the cheaters, come on fellas. There many people watching you with their eyes and taking photos with cameras. We know who you are, we do not need to put up with this nonsense. Set a good examples for the future generations, it’s all i’m asking.

Now the organiser is taking action against this poor soul. This i would like to applaud very much, may i suggest banning these people from registering the next edition of Powerman Malaysia.

“FINISHER T-SHIRT & FINISHER MEDAL (Long distance individual participants)
For all long distance individual participants, please note that as long as you have completed the required laps and finished the event, you will receive a finisher medal. If you finished within the race cut-off time of 5 hrs 30 mins, you will also receive a finisher t-shirt. However, for all those who finished AFTER 5 hrs 30 mins, it is stated clearly on our website that you WILL NOT be entitled to a finisher t-shirt. This shirt has to be earned.

Please also note that we will counter check results with the list of participants who collected finisher medals and finisher t-shirts at the finisher tent despite not completing the required laps. If you did not complete the race, you should NOT have crossed the finish line or collected any of the finisher items. Please return the items immediately.”

See you peeps again at Powerman 2014

Game over folks! Let’s go home and have lunch. Photo: Asree