Call it a Year

Year 2011 is almost closing its curtains..lots of joys and cries throughout the year..this year has brought me into a better person in term of personality n fitness..i've started many new things such as alpine climbing, triathlon and road racing which i personally regretted for not knowing them earlier..this year, another two marathons done - Singapore Sundown and Penang Bridge..making new friends through these events just made me realize how to special the events are in every single heart of the contestants..they come from different backgrounds with different goals..they tried to follow their dream of challenging themselves to the limit and so was i..its just a matter of challenging myself while experience the hardship and complete the course in whatever it takes..being part of Macam Pro and Kontol Team i feel like a family..a big hearted family..very ambitious and strong..they taught me how to a great leader to your family, doing things u love without neglecting your loved ones..time constrain is not the factor why we cannot enjoy doing endurance hobby as well we try to include the young men to love the game..as a beginner, i call it as a lifetime achievement because i managed to train and fought till crossing the finishing line..at one time i can feel the different when i look into myself in past years and recent year..fitter and crazier..thanx to all for the opportunity given to me in finding my inner side..and though to my family and love one, i should give u big thanks and hugs for the endless support and consideration..its time for me to bring the best in me in every angle of myself..even though i loss the focus sometimes, but with your help and guidance i could find the right path..with ups and downs throughout the year will make me maturer and wiser in every aspect of my life..thanx for the moments that we shared and i will cherish it for all my life..

Hopefully 2012 will give me more opportunities for me to learn and test myself..we've been discussing for 2012 events and still planning..just need the chances and willpower to realize it..be grateful with what being blessed to us and somehow we must remember those are in needs and try share our beautiful lives with them because we never know till when we will be at the top..Alhamdulillah

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2011

42km is a crazy course in running field..the finisher should have a huge determination in completing it..this year PBIM was held on 20.11.2011..good number huh?me and nyamok decided to compete in full marathon while chapx will do half marathon course..with no proper training and mileage we headed to the event with mixed of feeling..whether can finish or not..for me its the 5th marathon in 2 years time while nyamok is a marathon virgin..he wanna try it since watching me completing the event for some time..with no high expectation we ran together along the route with another 1000+ FM runners..its a breathtaking route since we ran along the Penang Bridge with no vehicle at all and on our own time..with very slow pace and enjoying the view, we passed 30km mark in 4hrs and stopped for Subuh prayer at nearby Shell..almost 30minutes rest then we continued the run till the end..it was a mental strength challenge in completing the course and nyamok was the one i should care of since this is his 1st marathon ever..we motivated each other until crossing the finishing line..we clocked 6:27hrs..its ok for 1st timer..but for me i need a better result after this..trying to clocked sub 6 for next event..its a great experience running together with my running mate and should be the stepping stone to others to join us..with painful joints and muscle strain, the event never let us down..now we are searching for another marathon event..but before doing it, proper training must be done..lesson learned..cmon guys, we love running!!

We've made it!!!

I'm Sorry

Recently, i feel like hurting few hearts..feels like im not concern bout others feelings..am i that bad?feel so terrible and confused..sometimes we have done things that hurt people without we knew it..it is hard to find whether our deeds are right or wrong..it takes thousand thoughts to realize that we are doing unsuitable manner..but, nobody is perfect..we can learn and try to improve ourselves..im still in learning process..to love, to work, to understand people is not as easy as u blow candles..but then try to accept the reality about our wrong doings and learn good lessons from that..to those who had been hurt by me, im really sorry and promise to be a better person..

Weapon Arrived

ive been waiting so long for this time to come..me and ipin went to BikePro and asked Joe (one of the mechanic) to built my bike..fortunately, we went there early and not many customers yet..so Joe can completely focus on building my bike..

Frame: 2010 Eddy Merckx EMX-5

Seatpost: EMX FullCarbon

Groupset: Dura Ace 7900

Crankset: Dura Ace 7900 53/39 170mm

Cassette: Dura Ace 7900 12/25

Handlebar: Deda Elementi Zero100

Stem: Deda Elementi Zero100 100mm

Saddle: Prologo Scratch Pro 

Wheelset: Mavic Cosmic

After 3 hours of close monitoring, the bike was complete and ready to be ridden..wow, its damn cool..i love the colour scheme..thanx to Joe for building my bike with lots of love and advices..finally, i have my own bike and ready to rumble..perfectly fit me and the weight is around 7kg..the patient is paid off..off we go guys!!

Joe and the frame

introducing my new Belgian wife - Cik Kiah in da house...!!

PJ Half 2011

In the early Sunday morning, 30th Nov 2011 i headed to Stadium Kelana Jaya participating in PJ Half Marathon accompanied by Capek, Nyamok and Apit. Flagged off at 6.30am and as usual we were late for more than 3 minutes..good weather and route, we ran towards Federal Highway and made a U-turn at Canon Bridge before turning to Subang Airport road. i reached 16km mark in 1hour and half and targeted that i could finish the race in another half and hour..with faster heart rate and tireness, i couldnt make it on time and clocked 2:11:32..it was my best time for Half Marathon event..wish to improve the timing in near future..fully satisfied!!

5km mark (picture by Malaysia Runners Network)

 

finished with satisfaction (from left: me, Apit, Nyamok, Capek)

 

Perfect

After a few months of survey, ive found my best and suitable bike frame..it is 2010 Eddy Merckx EMX-5 Team Edition..since i'm 5'8" then my frame size should be 50-51..ive logged my body measurement in Fit Calculator built by www.competitivecyclist.com..ive been given the suitable frame size and other essential bike measurement in choosing the best geometry..a big thanx to BikePro for having this desirable frame with my preferred colour..and thanx to Ipin for giving the chance for me to own a bike..since i already had the Dura Ace groupset, i just need to buy stem and handlebar..the frame comes with its seatpost and fork..nice combination from Eddy Merckx..will start to send the groupset next week to BikePro to build the bike..

perfect colour combination and design..full carbon frame

F.A.S.T

taken during OCBC Challenge
credit to: brownteddy - Flickr

Rainy Day....

this song got me!!

ENJOY

OCBC Cycle Malaysia 2011

Last Sunday morning (16/10/11), we, Macam Pro Team participated team of four category of 52km Challenge event which started and finished in Dataran Merdeka..it was a 5 laps of 10.5km route race consisting of short climb through Bukit Tunku, and descending down to PWTC and Chow Kit before entering Jalan Sultan Ismail and passing KLCC..all the cityscape being covered up and ended at Dataran Merdeka..but some of the cyclists could not complete the 5 laps due to heavy traffic and the police could not hold the flow anymore..the organizer has been advised to closed the Challenge race immediately as to clear up the traffic chaos and to avoid any unexpected incident between cyclists and other traffic users..everybody was given a cute gold finisher medal..overall, the event was superbly done by the organizer and the crowd were awesome..im sorry to those could not complete the distance and hopefully the organizer will take this into account..looking forward for next year edition with great route and crowd..thanx God there was no major accident during the race which represented the awareness of cyclists participating in big race..cheers!!

From left: Me, Nik, Ipin, Yusran

From left: Abe, Yusran, Me, Kicuk, Ipin (missing in action - Kepet)

Hunt Continues

Looking for a new wheelset..i think this is The One.......HOT!!

Dura Ace WH-7900-C50-CL

Mission Accomplished!!

As i told before, im looking for a new groupset and ive found a person that offer a good price for new 7900 Dura Ace complete set somewhere in Penang..his name is Lee and we decided to meet at Mc Donald's Greenlane to close the deal..after inspection and discussion, i was agreed with the price and paid for them by cash..the set is in perfect condition..cant wait to mount them on my new frame which i have not bought yet..haha silly me..never mind, great item comes with patience and passion..Thanx Lee for the worth bargain!!

the biggest catch

Very Bad Invasion

I have never know that there is a biggest and craziest book sale in Malaysia..the news were largely spread throughout Facebook and my sister is one of the fan who waited eagerly till the day come..the book sale is held from 7th to 16th October 2011 at MAEPS, Serdang..we headed there on the very first day just to be among the earliest book lovers to grab the most wanted books..since some of the books were very limited, first come first serve concept was applied by the organizer..no book reservation in permitted..the books sold were insanely cheap and out of our mind..it did not make sense that a book with retail price RM100++ being sold at RM15..that was insane!!

i grabbed my favourite books and some of them is very rare to be seen in any bookstore out there so i considered myself as super lucky..most of my favourite books are true story based narration and about the mountain expeditions..i found them very interesting in knowing the survival and the experiences..at the same time hope i can finish all the book ive bought and will built my own mini library in near future..wish me luck =) thanx to the Big Bad Wolf Sale organizer for making this kind of fair which for me encouraging people to own books in low budget since we know books are sold in quite expensive prices..so what are you waiting for?go get em guys!!

Total: RM250++ (does it make sense with this kind of books??)pffftt..

Groupset Hunting

Recently i was having a deep thought about buying a new groupset for my bike..fortunately, i've found a person that can fulfill my dream and we had a good conversation about the set..since he's offering a new one with good price then i decided to set a meeting somewhere in Penang..huhu cant wait to see every single new piece which later could be mine..its a 2011 Dura Ace 7900 groupset!! He offered me with 53/39 standard crank and 12/25 cassette..this kind of set will perform better on flat route than compact crank..i have studied about the performance and durability since i will be using it for a long period..the finding was encouraging..for the time being im using Ipin's 7800 set and never disappoint me..this would be my long term project to built a bike with good and quality accessories..let's pray for me..hehehehe i'll update about them soon..Penang, here i come...!!

2011 Shimano Dura Ace 7900 groupset

Good to be Back Again...

its good to be back in office again..almost two weeks being away conducting training at Melaka and Port Dickson..miss the working environment and my personal chair..hmm can fall asleep any time whenever sitting on it..have your own sweet time working on your task and meet the deadline..

Who is The King?

Yeah, Adidas King of the Road (KOTR) 2011 finally arrived at Malaysia..this popular event is held annually at 5 different ASEAN countries including Singapore, Philiphines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia..All the homegrown winners from these 4 events will be chosen and compete in the grand finale KOTR Philipines.. 

For me, this is another most awaited running event because this event has a very limited participation..only the first 7700 registered runners will be on the road for 16.8km and 10km categories..im participating in 16.8km and worried whether i can finish it or not since my muscle did not recovery yet from the grueling Desaru Tri..flagged off at 6.45am on breezy Sunday morning, me n Aizat (Nyamok) started late because need a proper warm up..we started almost 6 minutes after gun time and try to chase the crowd..the route chosen has good alleviation, up and down the road along NPE..good distance tagging and water stations at every 2/3 km..

i completed the run at 1:51:00 and still waiting for official time because our late start..im satisfied with my performance and looking forward to improve the time for next year edition..Last but not least, the medal is awesome!!

Hardship and Good Lesson

Fuh, i had completed 116 Desaru International Triathlon 2011 for the very first time..it means ive done two full course triathlon in a year without any sprint exposure..what i can say is that i was totally finished..with zero experience for long distance course, i never knew what to expect, the grueling condition and the hardship to complete it..its all about the mental and physical test..

The event is held at Lotus Desaru Resort on 24th September 2011..i just finished my Budgeting System training for the Ministry at Malacca the day before..so i had to travelled from Malacca to Johor Bahru coz i decided to stay a night at my friend's (Kicuk) house somewhere in Taman Nusa Idaman....Kepet and Panglima arrived later since they departed from Kuala Lumpur..we had our dinner at his house and prepare for tomorrow journey..we started the journey to Desaru at 6am in the morning and estimated to arrive around 7.30am..We took the new Ulu Tiram-Desaru expressway and reached there on time..after light breakfast we headed to Lotus Desaru Resort to start the race at 8.30am. 

During the race kit collection session on Friday, we asked Yahya to pick the kits for us but then my name was not in the starting list..maybe its due to my uncleared payment during the registration..thank God one of our team member - Suhaib could not join the race since he had other commitment..so i decided to take his number and race as it was mine..hehehe..

This year's competition are done by two loops for every course..the race started with 2km swimming course along the Desaru beach..the current was quite strong and its hard to swim against it..upon the completion of swimming course, i headed for 92km returned cycling course along the hilly route from Lotus to Kg Punggai..more energy needed to complete the cycling course since it was noon and the hill quite steep..during the last loop back from Kg Punggai, i could feel my both tights were starting to cramp and my empty stomach needed something to be filled up but my mouth could not accept anything except for water..so i just tried to finished the cycle and began the 22km running course..

arghhh, i could not run at all!!my legs felt numb and painful every time i tried to move them..so i walked along the way to 5 km U-turn point..after stopping at few water stations then the pain became lesser..i tried to run slowly and alternated with walking..the heat and arid sunlight had burned my skin and the pain was all over the body..finally i've done the two loops of running course and reached the resort entrance..its almost there and could hear the host voice calling for the athletes..i ran slowly and the world became brighter when i saw the finishing line..hahaha yes, i completed the race!!!..in a very hard way and experience..but sadly my timing was not good - 8:40:43..huh, it was a great day of my life completing one of the most fearsome event..long distance and big expectation against no proper training.. 

Thanx to all the Macam Pro team mates and other triathletes for the support in realizing my dream..your spirits and everlasting friendship are awesome!!looking forward for next year event and i promising to myself that i wont take this event for granted and prepare well for it!!need to improve my personal time..

Sayur!!

totally finished!!

The long distance triathlon virgins
(from left: Abe, Kidin, Yahya, Me)

Macam Pro Team
(from left: Kicuk, Kepet, Nik, Ipin, Me, Panglima)

We are family!!

Now Everything is Impossible??

Desaru Tri is just around the corner..no proper training, 1 week workshop in Malacca, tight schedule...arghh how am i gonna prepare for this..?or else just pray n bare with it..hope that i can finish no matter how hard it is..i do not want to think what's gonna happen during the race which is actually already expected..hahaha..please pray for me that i can complete the day in one piece..clock is ticking but im not doing anything yet!!!

Vuelta a Espana 2011

Finally Vuelta a Espana has closed it curtain for 2011 with the win by homegrown rider - Juan Jose Cobo  (Geox-TMC) after 21 grueling days after a total 3295km of racing. Team Sky riders Chris Froome and hot favourite, Bradley Wiggins finished behind by 0:13 and 1:43 respectively. It was a big win for the Spaniard since this is his first Grand Tour win and even sweeter was spectated by his fellow countrymen. Last year winner, Vicenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) fails to retain his title and finished 7th for this year Vuelta's  final general classification by 4:31 margin. The final stage took place from Circuito del Jarama to Madrid, 94km won by Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) and Cobo successfully secured his narrow lead by 0:13 to Chris Froome till the finishing line. Well done to every riders for a great performance which no major incident happened along the race. Hope to see for a new challenge and form from all pro riders for next year Grand Tours. Cheers!!

A moment of reflection on the GC podium as the Spanish national anthem is played for race winner Juan Jose Cobo (Geox-TMC) flanked by Sky's Bradley Wiggins 3rd + 1:41 and 2nd Chris Froome 2nd + 0:13

Juan Jose Cobo (Geox-TMC) with the best prize of all... being on the top step of the podium with your kid on the final day

Salomon X-trail Run 2011

Yeah, today i was successfully done Salomon X-trail Run at UPM, Serdang. It was my 1st post raya run and i was breathtaking seeing everybody challenging themselves again..after a month of recession due to Ramadhan, we took part in this competition with so many expectation..since i dont have the opportunity to train well yet having so much oily and fatty food during Raya i had to beat myself along the course..have to cross a hilly route passing through cow's and horse's field while dodging cow's dungs was a bit challenging..it getting tougher when i had to climb hilly and slippery road at a few sections and almost hit the wall..the weather are perfect and i enjoyed the sweating feeling..the medals were given to the 1st 100 runners for each category and i was none of them..hehe timing was ok around 1:10:34..just assumed as my training session since i have a bigger challenge waiting in Desaru..overall, i enjoyed the event and wish to go for the medal next year..perfect weather, perfect atmosphere and perfect memory..glad to be sweated again...hahahaha

from left: Kak Khairul, Kepet, Ipin n Me (Team Mcm Pro)
picture by Malaysia Runners Network

Beware...

Guys, please dont simply fall for any good-to-be-true promotion..especially girls..sometimes u are promised with good quality of items and free gifts..some are using lucky draw as the component..those are typical tactics used by the certain companies to sell their products..please remind your parents to be extra careful with any persuasion and sweet words from the promoters..even the promotion is real, but with large amount of money for uncertified items/services it could be a disastrous deal..make good decisions and assessment before participating in any dodgy promotions which finally we realize that the items/services are not worth with what we have paid.. 

Pity to those aunties and mothers (especially) who were being trapped by this kind of tactics..somehow they actually dont even need the items but without good judgement/advice they will fall for it too..dont waste our hard-earned money to any scams out there..I INSIST!! 

Value of the Day

Conducting/managing people is tough..there is a situation where everybody is in stress and things need to be completed immediately..the art of organizing people lies by showing the good value of the leader..its inappropriate to just directing here and there but playing a role in leading the team to reach goals..its either related to your job or not, helping each other can be fun..no one could ever question about their role because we share the hardship and tiredness..its even better if rewards given for every the accomplished task..for the leaders, please make an initiative and have a sense..i learned that big things never done without  teamwork..even all the members are women, its better than thousand full-of-excuses men..believe me u will  enjoy the moment and everybody is happy..teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success..

it takes a long time to nurture teamwork culture and sense of belonging in an organization..but it worth taking much time working on it..love blooms and respect earned..

happiness only real when shared

Clash of the Nations

This year, the world is focussing to Auckland - which being chosen as the host of 2011 Rugby World Cup edition..20 best teams from around the globe will be competing to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. Last edition winner, South Africa Springboks will be there to defend their title and the majestic trophy..the opening ceremony and the first match will kick off on 9th September 2011 between the host, New Zealand and Tonga. 

Through the observation, New Zealand All Blacks has greater chance to win the title based on venue and recent performance..but it wont be an easy task..Australia Wallabies and England will be the biggest rivals in taking the trophy away from their grasp..the final is scheduled to be played in Auckland on 24th October 2011. Let's the war begin!!

Moving In

After 4 days of hard work of packing, we have settled at our new building..unfortunately, the cafeteria dont open yet and we need to find own alternative to have our breakfast and lunch..the nearest cafe is at AGC (Attorney General Council) which is located beside our building..somehow the food are below par and very limited since a few ministries also moving in..another place is at KBS (Ministry of Youth and Sports ) but it is 1km away..It will be a waste if we spend more time traveling and the food is not good..

I got my room at 14th floor which is designed for Finance Department..for lower grade officers (41/44), we are placed in a room for two..its not a big deal since the room are build based on our kelayakan..by the way, sharing room means sharing ideas and knowledge..but i dont like the concept  because interaction with supporting staff is limited since all the activities are done in room and far from each other..the sense of togetherness and task accomplishment are not there..hmm, just be grateful and try to do the job as perfect as u can..

I cant cycle yet to new office since unpacking session not done..and yet i have to find the suitable place for my bike..its not proper to place the bicycle inside the room and a space that i can see her all the time..huh, so demanding!!may be it takes a week to adapt with the new environment and still, the work have to be done without excuses..

crime scene

first day at work (pot pet pot pet)

Time is Running Out

Oh gosh, the 116 Desaru International Triathlon 2011 is just 16 days away...it consists of 2km swim - 92km cycle - 22km run..no proper training yet..is this the sign of DNF? (Do Not Finish)..yeah, its possible..but definitely i wont let that happen coz it like a curse if any of our team member has been shown the exit way during the race..and also have to beat each other's timing since any of us with latest timing will be announced as "SAYUR"...it's a nightmare, dude!!

First Alpine Attempt

Successfully conquering the Syue Mountain at 3886m above sea level..it was a great attempt since it was done during winter..Thanx to the team for making it real to me..it is about passion and hardship..everybody pushed themselves to the limit and survived along the craziest journey..what's next??

the six stupid Malaysians

p/s: will try to post full report if have time..anyone interested?

Together we stand

Team Hoyt - Such an inspiration...

We Learn....

p/s: weapon kena POWER!!

New Born HERO

Thank God, our best loving couple - Syafiq and Herdi has been blessed with a new born baby boy on 29th September 2011. Long awaited moment is paid on the last day of Ramadhan and the boy was safely delivered at 5.15am..We are proud of having a new member and name given is Muhammad Sayf Ahadith bin Mohd Syafiq. U are most welcome!!

New sweetheart in da house

We need style, bro!!

the Mother (left) and Aunty Comot