While I am still considering (cost is the main concern) I set reminder for the last day of early bird. But i set the wrong day, and missed the early bird!!! I can't forgive myself for this careless mistake!!! I almost give up for this race because of this. Ya i know, drama! Lol~ Thanks to our drama queen - Yen, she keep daring me to join this race and she would join too if I do. Then Xiaojin and Leelian also interested to join too if they manage to borrow bike. After some discussion, we decided to go for Sprint (or short) distance.
It is difficult for us to do cycling training compare to LSD, and lots of hazards on road these days quite risky for us, novice cyclist. After like poisoning each other, we decided to join classes in Cycology - indoor training, safe from vehicles and weather. LOL! Besides that, I also went to Bike Elementz to learn some basic bike "first aid", just in case! I don't wanna DNF because of small issue like puncture.
Pre-race
I am not able to collect race kit and check-in bike with the team as I have classes the whole day. Driving like Fast and Furious rushing to race site at Putrajaya once my class ended. Luckily I have asked assistance from organizer and save some hassle during this process. Racekit collected, bike checked in within 15mins! Did not get the pre-race kan-cheongness vibe as others because not much people at the race site other than supporting crews. Saw Yen's and Xiaojin's bike beside me, feel a bit relief!
Since it was a bit time wasted for me to go back and forth from Putrajaya and home, I decided to overnight at my baobei Ling's house at Cyberjaya. Carbo-load with cheese naan recommended by Ling. Nice, delicious but full, should be enough for my race tomorrow!
Race day
The good thing about staying close by is you can have atleast 30mins more time to sleep! Had my usual breakfast and head to the race site, as we have plan to reach earlier so that could get a nicer parking spot and more time to prepare. Finally met my team at the transition area doing final checking on bike. The level of excitement shoot up when we were doing out bike check and also seeing other elite participants warming up already.
Calm before the storm - Zizi, Me, LeeLian, XiaoJin, Yen [Photo credit: Powerman Malaysia]
Elite Classic was the first to flag off, they are really really fast!! Even before short category flag off, they already back for second loop! We were happily cheering for all the elites when they blazing thru the start/finish area. Soon after that, it is about the time for us to get ready to roll! We did some light warm up before we manage to squeeze ourselves into the starting area. It was so crowded and everyone was so eager to start. We got flagged off not long after the last waves of Classic distance participants pass thru. One of the reason I always dislike about big event is that too crowded and I have the difficulty to find my own "pace (rhythm)". You have to zigzag to overtake or be careful someone cut into your line or sudden slow down from runner at the front etc etc. *The main reason I have not run SCKLM*
According to Yen and LL, I was super fast, over-paced at the beginning. It might due to the excitement, and I just too focus to run and avoid others hence picking up faster pace without noticing. The first run leg was ok, as the loop for running was quite nice to run. Running towards the transition area everything still feels good. Was a bit confuse at the transition entrance as there're 2 entrance for different category, have to look carefully and not going to the wrong one.
Out from the transition and heading to "warzone" [Photo credit: David Lau]
On my previous Duathlon in Kerian, I planned to ride with avg speed of 23kmh on my foldie and it works well. So I raise the bar higher since I have changed to road bike and wanted to try how I can hold up for avg 26kmh. There were a few climbing session especially the "butterfly" connecting route to u-turn. When I was struggle to maintain my cadence to go up while cursing in my mind, I heard loud "wind breaking" sound from the back, and seconds after that those Pros was off-saddle pumping up the climb with noice from their high-profile wheels. LOL! So I know when I should keep to the side to make way for those Pros passby. For me, climbing and going down to build speed still manageable, the toughest is to maintain my speed on flats. I have to keep reminds myself to keep pedaling and do not get lazy to go free gear.
Just when you think that you're doing fine and prep talk to yourself to keep up the good work, shitty things happened. I saw lots of bottles on ground during bike course and finally I have become one of the contributor. Around 2/3 of the course, I dropped my bottle. Luckily no cyclist behind me and those who coming able to see the bottle and avoid it. I was panic for a moment but remember what all experienced cyclists always told me, "do not stop suddenly no matter what during group ride unless you are sure that clear to stop". My last 10km was in miserable mode due to this misfortune. I always admire those who able to finish without drinking water.
The yum~yum~ expression of finally get water! [Photo credit: Jack]
The true face *suffer* u-turning towards finishline [Photo credit: David Lau]
Finally!!! We did it!!! I did not PB for this but happy that timing not too bad after the side stitch attack. Think on the bright side, maybe it is indication I will come back to revenge and train again for PB.
Post-race
Whenever people asking me why I keep joining races, and one of the reason would be - after race celebration! The sense of completion, satisfaction and mostly the feeling of "fighting and complete together with your team".
Self-reflection: I was forgetting myself in the excitement, and mental not strong enough to easily get affected.
Powerman, just like Ironman or Standard Charted KL Run, is an international iconic race event. The arrangement from the pre race to the end was smooth and well organised. Ok la, worth what we have paid and we did get extra - the suffer (temporary) and the joyful memories. So, 2019, shall we?
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