30th Panaga Triathlon

sequenceXSClick the picture above to Join our Facebook Group or click here

Sorry for the lack of update. It has been up and down this year especially my beloved grandmother passed away recently.

Anyway, I was not really prepare for this event – less bike less run but more on my swimming.

bike-pngCycling

run-pngRun…so slow….

My overall time for the 30th Panaga Triathlon (1:40:12) has improved slightly comparing with last event (1:43:35) . I still need a lot of improvement.

This week is my Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlon in Miri. A week after that is Singapore Marathon. I am really killing my self lol and wish me luck.

Conclusion? More and more training and lose that beer belly. Urghh.

By the way I uploaded all the photos on my Facebook account and if you happen to be an FB user please add me up and join our Triathlete Group there.

Click here for the photos

Badass Labi Ride

I had a mixed feelings doing this ride but I just ‘go’ for it. I have no idea how the ride is going to be. I thought Sg Akar route was the worst last time but NOOOO! This is terribly-sick-torturing and good for my next year event training. The day before Ahmad Fathi and I went for a normal 60k route between Kapok and Shahbandar and made a U-turn in Jerudong Park.

I woke up at 5 in the morning and the usual stuffs- getting ready. Went out from the house at 6 am and started to packing up my bike into my Hilux. I told Ahmad to bring some rope and bike stand because I have some idea on how to put the bike on the back of my car by tying it up without taking off the wheels. I stole this idea from seeing some cyclist doing so. How on earth I cant think any of this?!!!

Labi-Ride-Copyright2009-Pixels-N-Grains 1Civil-Service-Club-PNG

LabiRideByPNG01

We arrived at the Sungai Liang Recreational Club sharp at 7:30am and one-by-one some ELITE cyclist arrived.

LabiRideByPNG02

LabiRideByPNG03

LabiRideByPNG04

We are ready to go!

LabiRideByPNG09

On the way to Labi I had to push my self more and catching up with the group. I felt down when going uphill. I thought the hill was very steep. My  climbing technique  was messed up that time.  Should have gone with the small gear front and keep on spinning. I was a noob.

After less than two hours of riding we arrived at this tuck shop. I thought we were going until Teraja but we did not. They arrived earlier than I am. I was seriously far far far behind.  I was alone most of the time. DAMN I WAS SO SLOW!! This weight is dragging me lol.

LabiRideByPNG05

Alid, one of the strong cyclist. He made my riding like a pussy whip.

LabiRideByPNG06

Atak on the left, he is the ‘Tauke’ who bought us drinks and food at this shop.

LabiRideByPNG07

Most probably the best Road Bike I have ever seen in Brunei and look at those Carbon Wheels. Its ZIPP 404 front and rear using SRAM RED components. The body alone is around BND 6k. Total cost more than BND10k. Dream machines. Atak owns this bike

LabiRideByPNG10
LabiRideByPNG08

On the way back, the group left me far away behind 5-6km stretched. I could not catch them up as they fades away that fast. Its just that the Labi road is so hilly – non-stop. At one time you enjoy going downhill at about 40-50 km and after that there’s an uphill waiting for you and this goes on and on until the end.

Ahmad called to check whether I was OK. I told him I was strolling around but actual fact that I am fat and slow.  They arrived at the Liang recreational centre when I was still at the 6km mark cycling my ass off. This shows that how poor my cycling was. It was a good thing that I know my limit is and I was not disappointed with my self, instead it gives me motivation to carry on, train hard and maybe I can do better next time.  I enjoyed the ride back to the Liang recreational center more than going to Labi.

LabiRideByPNG11

Faizal and Ahmad 20 minutes after I arrived. They were waiting for me. lol.

LabiRideByPNG12

Faizal and I after the WELCOME TO HELL route.

LabiRideByPNG13

Trek Madone 5.5. Frame it self cost around BND 6800 – 7200

LabiRideByPNG14

Admiring the Modone 5.5

LabiRideByPNG15

Overall, it was fun ride and enjoyable. We will come back  and going to put into my training calendar after Raya, Insyallah.

On Garmin:

Labi-RideByPNG450

Click the above picture for larger view.

If you see the green line thats the pattern of the road. Its quite hilly right? The highest elevation was more than 100m. My cadence (orange line) considerably week. If you like to see more info on this click here.

NEED MORE POWER AND LOSE SOME FAT!

Its a bit ambitious but I am going for 42K

Singapore Marathon 2009 on the 6th December. Done my registration, the only thing to do is applying my leave in December (still early) and buying tickets to fly there. Insyallah.

Standard Chartered 2009 Marathon

Interested? Register your self for early bird discounts! http://www.singaporemarathon.com/

Civil Service Club in Brunei

Lets talk about our  Civil Service Club in Brunei which is located in Menteri, Jalan Kota Batu.

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG000

Since my Microsoft training finished early today, I made my re-visit to this club after 15 years not-going-there because I was a kid back then when I used my own Aunt member’s card. heh.

When I arrived there, I was impressed by the outside label is still in tack and the surrounding is clean and still being maintain. Next to this club is Menteri Golf Club.

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG001

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG005

Now the real deal comes, when I went through the main entrance I saw this receptionist busy clipping her nails and I was asking politely whether I can make my little ‘tour’ and with unfriendly face with jelingan she said ‘buleh eh’ . I think because she’s pregnant and have no-mood at all to serve a customer like me. heh again.

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG003

Then I saw this poster title

“SUKAN BEBAS TEMBAKAU – MENDAPAT KAD MERAH LEBIH BAIK DARIPADA MENDAPAT PARU-PARU HITAM”

in DIRECT english

“Free Tobacco Sports – Receiving RED card is better than getting Damage Lungs” something like that.

I was laughing my ass off. lol. Continue with the tour…

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG006

Looking right up is where VIP rooms for watching TV and lounge area. I bet its redundant.

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG007

oohh and including a lot of rooms…. Prayer room is a must!!

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG012

Lets check out the Swimming- My main reason to go there. So, from:

Monday – Thursday : 13oohrs-21oohrs (which I highly doubt it open until then)

Friday – Sunday : 0900hrs-21oohrs

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG015

Swimming pool still looks decent and clean. Its around 20m-25m long and from 0.5m to 3.5 m deep.

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG013

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG017

The kid’s pool

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG016The Rules and Regulations of using the Swimming pool

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG014

The changing room still looks decent. Cant be bother to go inside because it was dark and looks spooky haha

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG011

Other than that here is the Gym area. Its pretty sad =(

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG008

Sorry for the blur picture. The place have:

  • 3 Badminton Courts
  • 1 Basketball Court
  • Snooker Room
  • Tennis Court
  • 3 Squash Courts
  • Maybe more..

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG010

I went further inside the building-An empty Snack Bar. This other side of the building is where all the Squash Court, Badminton Court and Snooker Room is located. Its quite dark.

CivilServiceClubBrunei-PNG009

Taking a quick peak in the Snooker Room. Again its redundant.

After that I stopped my tour and heading back home. On the way to the parking lot I talked to this security and asking him several questions.  Basically the only place is being use is the Badminton Court and sometimes is the Swimming pool.

Honestly, the place is quite dead and I wonder what if a private sector took over this place instead? I think twice to register my self up although the monthly fee is DEAD CHEAP. Do you think upgrading the facilities will attract more Goverment Servants to go there? Is the place not convenient? According to Brudirect there is about 2000 members registering with this club. Active members?   Whats your thought on this Civil Service Club?

P/S Sorry for the poor quality of my photos. Taken using my iPorn.

I think we all need this! LightLane

LightLane was originally created for a design competition to promote commuting by bicycle. Although the concept did not win, the response was overwhelming, encouraging the inventors to continue development. Click image for hi-res version.

More info http://www.lightlanebike.com/about.html

I’m fat and finished my 1st Official Half Marathon

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-120

Another benchmark this year – My first OFFICIAL Half-Marathon. I did run for 21k in December last year but this one it felt different. I felt much more stronger, faster and more stamina.Prior to this Marathon I did some not so intensive training. My peak was at 12k and I rest about 4 days before the race due to minor injury on my left knee. I just do not want to risk it. First of all, here were my training logs before the race (also you can see my activities on the sidebar) and then some photos on the road to Phuket Marathon heh!

  1. Day 1 | Short run due to nature call lol
  2. Day 2 | 10k run and 1000m Swim
  3. Day 3 | 10k run
  4. Day 4 | Brick 20k bike and 7k run
  5. Day 5 | 5k Miri run
  6. Day 6 | 12k run
  7. Day 7 | 7.5k Flat Course
  8. Day 8 | 12k run
  9. Day 9 | 12k run
  10. Race day 21k

The photos “Road to Phuket Marathon”

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-006

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-003

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-002

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-018

Arrived at Tune Hotels at around Midnight. Jack was on the way to KL. This hotel is 7 mins walk from LCCT. Easy.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-008

Room was small as expected but it is better than the one at One Borneo.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-015

My morning meal

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-021

Walking distance from Tune Hotel to Food Garden

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-024

KFC Nasi Lemak

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-025

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-032

At Coffee Bean

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-026

For another round of meal while waiting Jack to arrive from KL

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-033

and there he is..

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-029

Urghhh…. I wonder why LCCT is full of flies.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-034

Now, its Jack’s turn to eat his meal

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-039

at Marry Brown by the way

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-035

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-047

Off to Phuket. Gorgeous aerial view

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-045

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-049

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-052

Queuing took longer than flying to Phuket

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-051

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-054

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-056

Run Paradise banner outside the Terminal

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-057

We rent a car for 2000 thb

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-061

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-062

This guy took Jack’s Passport and License with his Camera Phone haha

After the airport we went straight to Laguna Phuket resort to pick up our race pack. The ride was about 20 mins from the Airport.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-082

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-076

Yeah, for Athletes ONLY!

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-066

This year’s sponsor is Nike.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-067

My name is somewhere there. We were the only Bruneians participating in this Marathon.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-070

Special desk for Japanese runners.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-071

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-072

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-073

My BIB no is M1391

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-074

The finisher’s medal 42k, 21k and 10k

From the registration we went to check in to our cheap hotel call the Patong Beach Lodge. The drive was about 25mins from Laguna Phuket hotel.  Its the most cheapest hotel that I have been in to. Cost us $27 BND per night with Aircondition, not-bad-looking room, Swimming pool and Breakfast

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-083

We were making our tour of Patong area hmmmm what could Patong offer us?

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-084

Infront of our street there is a Cristin Massage haha

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-085

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-086

This is JUNGCEYLON mall. Biggest mall and probably the best mall in Patong

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-092

Around Bangla road. A lot of ‘professional job’ offered as cheap as 2000 thb

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-097

Bruno anyone?

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-098

Dont know what CALL LONG means. Where is the number?

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-099

Bangla Road.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-093

Lets check out Patong Beach

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-110

Some chick in Bikini

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-107

Gorgeous View

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-116

Got to love this sign

Then we went for our Carbo load that night. Cant be bother to go to Laguna because driving at night in Phuket so dangerous.

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-118

The race day : I woke up around 4 that morning and preparing my self for the race. For me its not a race – I just want to cross the finish line within my target time which did not happen. I wanted sub 2:20 but instead 2:30. Anyway, the route for 21k was not as expected. I got to go through all those small villages and with unpleasant smell. I nearly puke couple of times and the humidity level was so strong that I quickly dehydrated but thanks to the water station, ice sponge and watermelon which keeping me moving on. I was nearly giving up because of the heat but I looked beyond the finish line and the AWESOMENESS NEEDS TO CONTINUE! and I did not regret it in the end.

Overall I was extremely happy and the adrenalin start pumping again once they called my name at the finish line! Congratulations to the organizers for doing an excellent JOB!!! :bowdown:

“HAMSUL SULAIMAN FROM BRUNEI in FINISHING HALF MARATHON!”

That was just awesome! I was screaming and jumping like CRAZY!!!! Will definitely do Half-Marathon again either in KK or Singapore !

Place Bib Name Category Nation PlaceCat CheckPoint NetTime FinishTime
371 M 1391 Hamsul Sulaiman M 30-39 BRU 75 0:52:02 2:28:45 2:29:05

I did not take any pre-race pictures but instead post race. Enjoy!

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-122

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-125

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-132

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-140

finish-phuket-half-marathon

Crossing the finish line was AWESOME

PhuketMarathon--PixelsNGrains-131

I will see you again PHUKET MARATHON. Still FAT!

My Garmin EDGE 705

I have been waiting for 1 month over  since this arrived. It was back ordered due to out of stock. I guess a lot of people trying to grab this little gadget.

What is EDGE 705 all about?  It is a bike computer navigator which comes with GPS with optional Heart Rate Monitor, Cadence , Barometer and Speedometer. Basically the Edge 705 is a sophisticated version of a normal bike  computer.

edge--PixelsNGrains-011.JPG

Yup, another purchased from  Wiggle. I had to pay BND $38.30 cents for Custom Tax.  The 0.30 cents was for clearance fee hehe.

edge--PixelsNGrains-012.JPG

Edge 705 with Heart Rate Monitor and Cadence.

edge--PixelsNGrains-014.JPG

This is European version that comes with European road maps and Micro SD but I guess the map is useless at the moment.

Garmin Edge 705

Maps, quick guide, cables, charger, HRM and cadence

Garmin Edge 705

Actually I was surprised how little it is.

edge--PixelsNGrains-017.JPG

My iPorn is much more bigger which on the other hand…

Garmin Edge 705

…. the box of Egde 705 is bigger than iPorn. lol.

I will mount this little gadget and will try it out on my bike later.

The 29th Panaga Triathlon photos – May 2009

bahar-pixels-n-grains

Awesome event. Look forward for the next one! Congrats to the organizers!

Photos are unsorted. Thanks to my big brother.

Click to the link to continue

Continue Reading »

Swim, Bike and Run ….. 29th Panaga Triathlon

Last year I was behind the lens and this year..

panaga-swim-pixels-n-grains-com

Swim : 11:17 – I predicted to do within 14-15 mins and this is better

panaga-t1-pixels-n-grains-com

Transition 1 : 3:01

panaga-bike-pixels-n-grains-com

Bike : 49:13 – I predicted under 50 mins (Parutt ahhh labu)

panaga-t2-pixels-n-grains-com

Transition 2 : 2:24

panaga-run-pixels-n-grains-com

Run : 37:40 – My target time was supposed to be under 35 mins. A bit disappointed on this leg.

panaga-friends-pixels-n-grains-com

Friends

panaga-playbuis-darat-pixels-n-grains-com

With all the Playbuis darat.

Conclusions :

  1. My total time is 1:43:35
  2. Overall position is 37/41
  3. I am happy with my swim – 2 months ago I do not know how to swim.
  4. Need more training – If I want to do Half Ironman better be well prepare.
  5. Improve on running – I was a bit disappointed with my run. Maybe because my ankle was hurt before the race.
  6. Lose more weight
  7. Lose more weight
  8. Lose more weight
  9. Seriously, I need to lose this weight
  10. The bike and run leg on my Garmin
  11. Happy what I have achieve so far. No wonder this sport is addictive. I lost interest in doing Marathon now hahaha.  Next?

Brunei Cyclists are going to do RIDE OF SILENCE

Brunei Darussalam – What is Ride of Silence? according to Ride of Silence’s site is “in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways in a silent-slow paced ride max 20kph” . To all Brunei Cyclists, Please do join us  this Wednesday:

Date : 20th of May 2009

When : Wednesday

Time : 20:15 hours

Venue : Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah (The main entrance infront of Budiman Walk)