See you all at Sundown.
From Team Tri Seekers (Bernard, Lam & Steven)
22 April 2008
Sundown Ultra Marathon
Yup, it is confirmed that Team Tri Seekers will be doing Sundown Ultra Marathon as our final countdown. Though it is exactly a week before our Gobi Race, we feel that we will still take on the challenge. Experienced or seasonal ultra runners will tell us that we are nuts to get ourselves injured. Well, we know the possibility of that risk. Therefore, we are going to pace properly and definitely slower. Our aim is to complete before the cut off time (if possible). Secondly, we want to support our kind sponsor, Powerbar (aka Athlete Circle) for meeting our nutrition needs.
See you all at Sundown.
From Team Tri Seekers (Bernard, Lam & Steven)
See you all at Sundown.
From Team Tri Seekers (Bernard, Lam & Steven)
20 April 2008
More changes
Sad to say, or should i mention Happy to say in another bigger way....
Again, there are going to be quite few changes to my race calendar this year.
I cant comment anything at this moment as things are not finalised yet.
Well, all i can say it is related to my new job scope in which i am still finalizing with my company.
Watch this space, folks!
Again, there are going to be quite few changes to my race calendar this year.
I cant comment anything at this moment as things are not finalised yet.
Well, all i can say it is related to my new job scope in which i am still finalizing with my company.
Watch this space, folks!
11 April 2008
Gunung Belumut
I did this Mountain Race one week after the KL marathon. Initially, was skeptical about my recovery although my legs seem fine by Sat ( And i still went to do 10.5km with 5kg load at Mac in the morning).
Met Chin in the morning and shard a cab to Woodlands Chkpoint. 30minutes later, we were on our way, walking across the Causeway to the Malaysia Chkpoint. Boarded our bus in JB and ate the porridge bought by Steven ( i actually asked for teh...). Had a short nap and 1.5hours later, we were almost near our destination.
This was my first visit to Malaysia Nature Reserve Park and it was refreshing, not realising what was expected to come. Kelvin, Camper's Corner gave us a short brief and it was time to go. William, Kim Hong and Alvin set the pace super fast and within few minutes, they were literally out of sight. I stayed at 4th place, not wanting to push too hard and early. The trail was wet, muddy, lots of exposed roots, hanging branches etc. In my opinion, it was rather harsh environment compared to our friendly Macritchie and BT. Caught William halfway point and we were together for the vertical climbs. By then, could feel my legs are telling me that they were tired. Had to slower the pace and by then Danzel had catched up. I tried to pace him behind and used him as my motivating factor to keep going.
Reached the summit in 1:27 hours. Was told after the race that the one way route was only 5km. This is the longest timing i have done for 5km run, or rather uphill run.
I knew my descent are usually better in terms of reading the trails. By then, i could feel my legs are getting tight and i hope that it would not give way during the descend. I maintained my pace and I used that as my advantage to move down the mountain. By midway, i have caught up with Danzel who was having some problems with his quads. I told him to follow closely behind me but he couldn't and asked me to go ahead. I pushed the pace slighter faster since it was downhill. I was surprised that all the while, my legs were still holding in place. After running downhill for almost an hour, i could hear the sound of the waterfall and i knew that the finish line was close.
Was so relieved to see the flight of stairs and concrete pavement. i cruised in and finished 4th with a time of 2:27 hours. Never mind the time or even the placing, i was glad to finish in one piece, although i had few minor cuts on my leg. The cooling water at the waterfall was a good treat to the tired legs.
We waited for the rest of non-competitors and had our dinner at Kluang town. Traffic at both Causeways were ok and we reached Singapore before 11pm. Thank God i had 2 days of rest.
Met Chin in the morning and shard a cab to Woodlands Chkpoint. 30minutes later, we were on our way, walking across the Causeway to the Malaysia Chkpoint. Boarded our bus in JB and ate the porridge bought by Steven ( i actually asked for teh...). Had a short nap and 1.5hours later, we were almost near our destination.
This was my first visit to Malaysia Nature Reserve Park and it was refreshing, not realising what was expected to come. Kelvin, Camper's Corner gave us a short brief and it was time to go. William, Kim Hong and Alvin set the pace super fast and within few minutes, they were literally out of sight. I stayed at 4th place, not wanting to push too hard and early. The trail was wet, muddy, lots of exposed roots, hanging branches etc. In my opinion, it was rather harsh environment compared to our friendly Macritchie and BT. Caught William halfway point and we were together for the vertical climbs. By then, could feel my legs are telling me that they were tired. Had to slower the pace and by then Danzel had catched up. I tried to pace him behind and used him as my motivating factor to keep going.
Reached the summit in 1:27 hours. Was told after the race that the one way route was only 5km. This is the longest timing i have done for 5km run, or rather uphill run.
I knew my descent are usually better in terms of reading the trails. By then, i could feel my legs are getting tight and i hope that it would not give way during the descend. I maintained my pace and I used that as my advantage to move down the mountain. By midway, i have caught up with Danzel who was having some problems with his quads. I told him to follow closely behind me but he couldn't and asked me to go ahead. I pushed the pace slighter faster since it was downhill. I was surprised that all the while, my legs were still holding in place. After running downhill for almost an hour, i could hear the sound of the waterfall and i knew that the finish line was close.
Was so relieved to see the flight of stairs and concrete pavement. i cruised in and finished 4th with a time of 2:27 hours. Never mind the time or even the placing, i was glad to finish in one piece, although i had few minor cuts on my leg. The cooling water at the waterfall was a good treat to the tired legs.
We waited for the rest of non-competitors and had our dinner at Kluang town. Traffic at both Causeways were ok and we reached Singapore before 11pm. Thank God i had 2 days of rest.
KL Marathon 2008
Boy, i was glad that it was over! This year, the marathon seems slighter tougher than the previous year. It was humid to begin with. I was perspiring badly before the 3km mark. Also, seemed lots more car and had to contend with the fumes from the cars.
Overall, i still did better than last year. Overall pos, Cat pos and the official time had improved. More significantly, i did not stop at all and my legs did not suffered any cramps. Most probably, thanks to the recent trgs i had with the KK team. It has strengthened my lower limbs but i know i still have lots of trg and strength workout to do.
Was again happy to see my wife and son at the finishing line. Learning from last year's race, this year we opted to stay nearer the start line. So both of them could leave the hotel much later and still able to catch me. We stayed in Ancasa Hotel and it turned out our hotel room was a mega suite (two rooms into one). KL shopping was a treat for my wife and as usual, ended our trip with the Bah Kut Teh.
Here are my result
RkCat RkTot Bib EngName Country OfficialTime ChipTime 10Km HalfWay 30Km
41 94 278 LEW BUANG KENG Singapore 3:43:14 3:42:43 0:54:00 1:47:23 2:36:59
KL Marathon 2009? Only time can tell. As of now, i will give it a pass for the third time.
Overall, i still did better than last year. Overall pos, Cat pos and the official time had improved. More significantly, i did not stop at all and my legs did not suffered any cramps. Most probably, thanks to the recent trgs i had with the KK team. It has strengthened my lower limbs but i know i still have lots of trg and strength workout to do.
Was again happy to see my wife and son at the finishing line. Learning from last year's race, this year we opted to stay nearer the start line. So both of them could leave the hotel much later and still able to catch me. We stayed in Ancasa Hotel and it turned out our hotel room was a mega suite (two rooms into one). KL shopping was a treat for my wife and as usual, ended our trip with the Bah Kut Teh.
Here are my result
RkCat RkTot Bib EngName Country OfficialTime ChipTime 10Km HalfWay 30Km
41 94 278 LEW BUANG KENG Singapore 3:43:14 3:42:43 0:54:00 1:47:23 2:36:59
KL Marathon 2009? Only time can tell. As of now, i will give it a pass for the third time.
27 March 2008
Marriage Breakthrough Weekend
Received the good news that we are confirmed for the MaBtW. Both of us have heard of this retreat through our longtime friend, Andre. It will be exciting that we are going together with Grace and himself.
Halleluiah!
Halleluiah!
Events Updated
I am including some new and exciting events that i plan to do this year.
Looking forward to it.
Looking forward to it.
6 March 2008
Latest - NTU Vertical Marathon
Received the latest news from Chin and Steven. I came in 6th position! In the process, i won myself a prize.
2 March 2008
Planning for 2009
I have started planning the race(s) for 2009. As usual, mainly to block the dates in advance. Also, my workplace will be having its TA next year too. Hence, it will be wise to plan ahead and eventually narrow down my choices. I am still working out to do either one super major race or two "smaller scale" races. Whatever it is, it still depends a lot of my financial committments.
After much initial researching, here is the list of potential races:
After much initial researching, here is the list of potential races:
- Coast to Coast Longest Day Championship - Feb
- Keen Adventure Race (with CK) - April
- Gore Tex Transalphine Run (with Lam) - Aug to Sept
- Ultraman World Championship - Nov
- Silverman Triathlon - Nov
NTU Vertical Marathon
Completed the Vertical Marathon at Republic Plaza this morning. A very good lung pumping workout. I was happy to go under 10mins. Rest of my team mates did well too. Especially to Kim Hong and Chantel who were in top 10 positions.
To think that 280m above sea level is only 1/15 of what we are going to experience in KK.
To think that 280m above sea level is only 1/15 of what we are going to experience in KK.
21 February 2008
Standard Chartered HK Marathon - i did it!
Here is an extract that i wrote to NTUC Sport & Wellness and Mt KK team
HK was cold on the first day i stepped there on last fri. Weather was looming 11-15 deg whole day. The temp itself was bearable but not the chilling and gusty wind that blew upon you. Realised that i was not going to "survive" the 42km wearing only my T-shirt, i had to scurry and find a hiking shop and bought myself a base layer. Gloves was next on the list and luckily for "Lady Street" (Pasar Malam), i got myself a cheap pair of wool gloves.
Expo
It was held at the Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. They converted the football hardcourts into a big expo and finishing area. As like other race expo, there were diffrerent sports brands marketing their products. What was interesting was the flexibility and gait test conducted by the HK Polytechnic University. Since it was free, i did a trial with them and was pleased with the results.
Race Day
Race started at 7:45. Lucky for me, my hotel is almost right in front of the start line. When i went there, there were already many runners doing their warm up. Boy, it was cold and i thought i do a short warm-up to get the body going. After a short speech, race started. At the beginning, the street roads were slightly narrow and so most of the average runners (like me) had to go through a slow pace for about 10 mins. Once we hit the highways, the field is spread evenly and there were more space to move around. That was where i started to increase my tempo and was doing a 4:30-4:40min pace. At 12km mark, saw the race leader and also our Singaporean elite, Ramseon heading back. Sceneries were only confined to highways and tunnels. To make it slightly worse, the air was quite foggy and couldnt see anything nice landscape.
I kept to my fueling regime and was surprised that i was able to stay a consistent pace. At 30km mark in the last tunnel, my watch read 2:28hrs and my body was still managing the pace well. I was thinking that i might have a chance of doing a PB in this course. However, i knew that the true test would appeared only at the 34km mark. True enough, i saw the incline slope at the end of the tunnel but what i did not know that the incline slope would also lead to a steeper one. I reduced my pace and slowly ran up the "hills". Felt a tight hamstrings at 38km and had to ask the Med Officer to apply some deep heat. Took a look at my watch and it read 3:11hrs. I was gambling whether should i go under 3:30hrs for the last 4km. In doing so, there is a chance that i might pull my tight hamstrings and risked the remaining distance walking. Or should i reduce my pace and finish the race conmfortably? Since i knew this course will be PB, i opted for the latter. Hence i went on at 5:30min pace for the next 2km. The crowds got larger and were cheering for all the runners, i felt a "renewal" in my legs at the point in time.
. I increased the tempo again and cruised into the finishing line, overjoyed and elated coz it is all over.
Post Race
Went to Korean BBQ buffet and "whacked" all the meat (protein carbo load).
In summary, i think that for some of us, this race could be a PB due to its cooling weather. Others may find it slightly tough due to terrain. For me, i am glad that i have done it and in the process i have also ran a PB.
Expo
It was held at the Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. They converted the football hardcourts into a big expo and finishing area. As like other race expo, there were diffrerent sports brands marketing their products. What was interesting was the flexibility and gait test conducted by the HK Polytechnic University. Since it was free, i did a trial with them and was pleased with the results.
Race Day
Race started at 7:45. Lucky for me, my hotel is almost right in front of the start line. When i went there, there were already many runners doing their warm up. Boy, it was cold and i thought i do a short warm-up to get the body going. After a short speech, race started. At the beginning, the street roads were slightly narrow and so most of the average runners (like me) had to go through a slow pace for about 10 mins. Once we hit the highways, the field is spread evenly and there were more space to move around. That was where i started to increase my tempo and was doing a 4:30-4:40min pace. At 12km mark, saw the race leader and also our Singaporean elite, Ramseon heading back. Sceneries were only confined to highways and tunnels. To make it slightly worse, the air was quite foggy and couldnt see anything nice landscape.
I kept to my fueling regime and was surprised that i was able to stay a consistent pace. At 30km mark in the last tunnel, my watch read 2:28hrs and my body was still managing the pace well. I was thinking that i might have a chance of doing a PB in this course. However, i knew that the true test would appeared only at the 34km mark. True enough, i saw the incline slope at the end of the tunnel but what i did not know that the incline slope would also lead to a steeper one. I reduced my pace and slowly ran up the "hills". Felt a tight hamstrings at 38km and had to ask the Med Officer to apply some deep heat. Took a look at my watch and it read 3:11hrs. I was gambling whether should i go under 3:30hrs for the last 4km. In doing so, there is a chance that i might pull my tight hamstrings and risked the remaining distance walking. Or should i reduce my pace and finish the race conmfortably? Since i knew this course will be PB, i opted for the latter. Hence i went on at 5:30min pace for the next 2km. The crowds got larger and were cheering for all the runners, i felt a "renewal" in my legs at the point in time.
. I increased the tempo again and cruised into the finishing line, overjoyed and elated coz it is all over. Post Race
Went to Korean BBQ buffet and "whacked" all the meat (protein carbo load).
In summary, i think that for some of us, this race could be a PB due to its cooling weather. Others may find it slightly tough due to terrain. For me, i am glad that i have done it and in the process i have also ran a PB.
| Over-all Pos-ition | Gen-der Pos-ition | Cate-gory Pos-ition | Cate-gory* | Race no. | English Name | Chinese Name | Country | Official Time | Net Time | 10km Time | Half Way Time | 30km Time |
| 434 | 384 | 73 | MMS | 20516 | LEW BUANG | Singapore | 3:33:21 | 3:32:37 | 0:52:02 | 1:42:13 | 2:28:18 |
Our hotel
My "dream" finishing time
Me doing the free running test
Post Race Dinner - SK and Candy
Lam - Enjoying the Dim Sum Lunch
Another Event Smoked Out
Just two weeks ago, i was hoping that i can try my hands on the new multi-sport : Adventure Racing. I am hit by another bad news. I am now officially unable to do any AR event in Nov as i have to work. There goes the anticipation and hopes.
See how it goes in 2009.
11 February 2008
The Adventure Itch is Back
My wife is right. She said that i would never give up racing. She made that statement after i almost freaked her out by wanting to participate in Ironman China and Silverman. Lucky for her (and me), Ironman is definitely out this year. What's left is now Gobi March and KK Climbathon.
So why and where is the itch coming from??
Adventure is the word. Gobi and KK are purely running events. To me, adventure should encompasses different elements just like the Ironman( you swim, bike n run). To fill my "adventure" morphine, i look around and was surprised to receive an sms from Enrico :" Yo, wana to do the Anaconda Adventure Race"? So happened that our Trifam friend, Wilson (a student based in Australia) did the race last Dec and he put up his entire race report. http://www.triathlonfamily.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4333
After reading, i was like...Hmm, worth considering and to top it off, they had a race in Geographe Bay (same place i did my first Ironman). Also, our friend (Mythos) who migrated to Perth, offers to bring us there and back over the weekend. Somehow, logistic is almost settled in a sense.
I am definitely considering but now i have to work out the budget first.
So why and where is the itch coming from??
Adventure is the word. Gobi and KK are purely running events. To me, adventure should encompasses different elements just like the Ironman( you swim, bike n run). To fill my "adventure" morphine, i look around and was surprised to receive an sms from Enrico :" Yo, wana to do the Anaconda Adventure Race"? So happened that our Trifam friend, Wilson (a student based in Australia) did the race last Dec and he put up his entire race report. http://www.triathlonfamily.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4333
After reading, i was like...Hmm, worth considering and to top it off, they had a race in Geographe Bay (same place i did my first Ironman). Also, our friend (Mythos) who migrated to Perth, offers to bring us there and back over the weekend. Somehow, logistic is almost settled in a sense.
I am definitely considering but now i have to work out the budget first.
3 February 2008
Darling Maygane, You're 1!
I love January. Two of my darlings are born in the month of January. We celebrated my wife's birthday earlier and now it is Maygane's turn. We had the birthday bash at our condo's function room (which is awfully big and good). Our close friends, relatives and CG members were there to celebrate with us.
23 January 2008
Happy Birthday!
We celebrated Sharmaine's birthday in Prego on 16 jan. Though it was a simple dinner, we were happy that God has blessed Sharmaine for the last 1 year. It was no easy to go back work after 1 year of no pay leave. We pray that He will continue to watch over her for this new year.
Excellent fries we have ever tasted
Jayden with his mischievous grin
Surprise!
Happy Birthday, Darling.
BTW, we have never felt such a excellent service provided by the Prego's staff. Very attentive, detailed and most of all entertaining to us and esp Jayden! Keep it guys.
Jayden - The Page Boy
They say marriage only comes once. Not for Jayden.. In his life, he will be working the aisle twice. He is the only choice for his godpa (aka Daniel) who got married on 11 Jan 2008. We were worried sick on actual day that he would be up to his mischief. However, we were wrong! He was so cool, handsome and suave...Even most ladies at the wedding were quite smitten by him..We overheard some comments such as "Aiyo, look at the boy..so handsome" and " Wah, a lady killer next time"???..Anyway, he did well and he was the star of the night (in his own right).
Not forgetting his lovely page girl, Jazelle who was also dazzling. Really like a model cum celebrity when taking photos.
To Daniel and Cherlene, Happy Blissful marriage forever.
Oh yah, his godma (aka King Loo) was there too. Took an photo with him and Xinyi.
9 January 2008
Desaru Ride - 12 Jan
I will be joining a group of Sgrunners, Joyriders n Trifamers for this Sat ride to Desaru. Est. dist is more than 120km, starting from Sin to Pengarang Ferry Terminal. The ride back will be the bumboat. I am not sure if i am ready for this long ride as i have not ridden since IM Swiss. Since i might be going to IM China, i thought of using this ride to gear up for it. Sure, i am going to suffer but if it is easy, then what's the point? My philosophy is to take a step at a time and stay with the mid pack. No hero's stunt or anything..My aim is simple, make it in one piece to the ferry terminal.
Yes, i will be using my 606 coz i simply do not trust my training wheels in that terrain! If i am flat in my trg wheels, i am as good as handicap.. No point taking risk. And i am going to change to Vittoria Corsa tire.
5 January 2008
Hi 2008
My first post for 2008.
What a good way to start 2008 with two days' of leave. I have been lazing at home (should i say nursing my sore legs), playing with my kids, met up Charles n company and yes, swimming.
I am looking forward to 2008 and May God continue to give us his abundance love, grace and blessings this year.
Catch u guys soon
31 December 2007
Happy New Year
Wishing everyone that we know a Happy Blessed New Year! May everything goes well in 2008.
From:
Bernard, Sharmaine, Jayden and Maygane
Ultra Pain
Total 64.28km. Time taken (including breaks) is 9:33 hrs. This is the total distance i have covered in my first cross country ultramarathon. Could have gone for the 7 loops but decided to give my sore ankles a rest. Anyway, i am not able to go the top 10 with the 7 loop effort. At least 8 loop to guarantee with top 5.
Man, this is the longest distance i have ever run. As the title suggests, my legs are ultra-sore now. It is a good experience and i am humbled by it. I thought i was able to do certain things but i knew things were not always planned it would be. I have learnt a few things for this events.
Congrats to all those who completed 5 loops and above. You guys and gals persevered and did well. If anyone thinks gals can't run, you are super dead wrong! I am totally impressed by the females who went for this event. Keep it up ladies!
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