From Left: Kai, Myself, Tong, MeiQi, Clyde, Steven
Monday 30 June 2008
NP Adventure Race - The Pinnacle 2008
I'm alive!! Yes, I survived The Pinnacle 2008. Through all the concussions and fractures, I'm a survivor; we are survivors. 3hr 25mins...
From Left: Kai, Myself, Tong, MeiQi, Clyde, Steven
From Left: Kai, Myself, Tong, MeiQi, Clyde, Steven
Wednesday 25 June 2008
Another race!
New race; The Pinnacle 2008, organised by Ngee Ann X-ventures. It's taking place this Sat, 28 June 08. Pre-race jitters, stress, training..tell me about it. It feels like Adv S'pore 07 all over again (3wks of training for a total newb?!)
Await the race report =S (That's if I'm still alive)
Await the race report =S (That's if I'm still alive)
Friday 20 June 2008
My Views
Endurance Races Run Into Litany of Complaints(http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_249640.html)
Here's what I think, from the perspective on an endurance athlete (adventure racing is counted right?) as well as from the perspective of a race organiser (Avontuur de Republic 08).
Endurance Athlete:
Wa la! So many races on the calender, this is going to be so exciting. Variety to choose from, more races to motivate myself during training and more chances to widen my social network or like-minded athletes.
If I can't manage the XXX 21km run, maybe I'll try XYZ 15km run. Not bad right? At least it gives me more time to train up and complete the race =)
Yes, some athletes tend to look at who the organisers are as this can also tell (a)if the race is going to be a good one, (b)roughly the size of the crowd and (c)the cost of the race. I do think this is important, but given the lack of adventure races in S'pore, don't have much of a choice; train hard and attend all that the school is willing to subsidise =P
Race Organiser:
We always hope for the best to happen, that everything will go well and everyone will have a ball of a time. BUT, there will always be a worst-case scenario we haven't thought of (or refused to think about). But other times, it is really not our fault that the situation calls for an unaviodable change. However, we do have the responsibility of making sure every competitor (and marshal for this matter) gets the correct information and is able to complete the race based on the instructions given.
Much as we can, there will not be last minute changes and alway always (I cannot stress this more) have a back-up plan! Yes, do it once, do it good; but there are always things beyond our control.
We put in our best in hope that everyone will be able to challenge themselves and go one step further, our only wish is that the participants out there understand that we are doing our best.
Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of endurance races (adventure races, marathons, vertical marathons, biathlons, duathlons...) It's fine, perfectly in line with "A Sporting Singapore". It's fun for everyone but please, if you are an inexperienced organiser, do seek help and support for the race. Check your dates and locations, make sure it does not clash with other races/activities/events. Make sure everyone is clear about their job scope and NEVER NEVER assume. If you are not sure how an adventure race goes, ask. If your not sure of the usual procceedings of a triathlon, ask. Most importantly, do NOT do this for profit. Endurance races is not a business opportunity! Lastly, this last paragraph goes for all events/competitions, not just endurance races.
Here's what I think, from the perspective on an endurance athlete (adventure racing is counted right?) as well as from the perspective of a race organiser (Avontuur de Republic 08).
Endurance Athlete:
Wa la! So many races on the calender, this is going to be so exciting. Variety to choose from, more races to motivate myself during training and more chances to widen my social network or like-minded athletes.
If I can't manage the XXX 21km run, maybe I'll try XYZ 15km run. Not bad right? At least it gives me more time to train up and complete the race =)
Yes, some athletes tend to look at who the organisers are as this can also tell (a)if the race is going to be a good one, (b)roughly the size of the crowd and (c)the cost of the race. I do think this is important, but given the lack of adventure races in S'pore, don't have much of a choice; train hard and attend all that the school is willing to subsidise =P
Race Organiser:
We always hope for the best to happen, that everything will go well and everyone will have a ball of a time. BUT, there will always be a worst-case scenario we haven't thought of (or refused to think about). But other times, it is really not our fault that the situation calls for an unaviodable change. However, we do have the responsibility of making sure every competitor (and marshal for this matter) gets the correct information and is able to complete the race based on the instructions given.
Much as we can, there will not be last minute changes and alway always (I cannot stress this more) have a back-up plan! Yes, do it once, do it good; but there are always things beyond our control.
We put in our best in hope that everyone will be able to challenge themselves and go one step further, our only wish is that the participants out there understand that we are doing our best.
Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of endurance races (adventure races, marathons, vertical marathons, biathlons, duathlons...) It's fine, perfectly in line with "A Sporting Singapore". It's fun for everyone but please, if you are an inexperienced organiser, do seek help and support for the race. Check your dates and locations, make sure it does not clash with other races/activities/events. Make sure everyone is clear about their job scope and NEVER NEVER assume. If you are not sure how an adventure race goes, ask. If your not sure of the usual procceedings of a triathlon, ask. Most importantly, do NOT do this for profit. Endurance races is not a business opportunity! Lastly, this last paragraph goes for all events/competitions, not just endurance races.
Tuesday 10 June 2008
The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
Just finished a really really good (in my honest opinion) book , The Zahir by Paulo Coelho. Yes, it's rare to hear that Mel is reading a novel - a big step away from the usual magazines, so this also proves that the book is darn good. Here's a brief summary and some of the things that struck me.
It's basically about a man who finally found true love and gets motivation from his true love to pursue his passion for writing. He starts to take this love for granted when his career takes off and then one day, he suddenly loses this true love. The book then goes on to talk about his journey to find it again, through the trials of temptation, hate, comfort, cluelessness and a sense of loss. It may sound really cliched, but when you read the book, the author manages to describe it with words that really sink in and impact you.
Then comes the ending that is really really romantic (yes, as "tough" and "garang" as Mel may look, she does have a soft and romantic side; though it may only be 0.07% of her). There is a thorough description of what goes through the protagonist mind and heart as he goes on a journey to find his wife again. Especially the part where he is just outside her door =)
Read it for yourself to get the full story, this is only my version of it. Even Bear bear, Eeyore and Mr Turtle enjoyed it!
It's basically about a man who finally found true love and gets motivation from his true love to pursue his passion for writing. He starts to take this love for granted when his career takes off and then one day, he suddenly loses this true love. The book then goes on to talk about his journey to find it again, through the trials of temptation, hate, comfort, cluelessness and a sense of loss. It may sound really cliched, but when you read the book, the author manages to describe it with words that really sink in and impact you.
Then comes the ending that is really really romantic (yes, as "tough" and "garang" as Mel may look, she does have a soft and romantic side; though it may only be 0.07% of her). There is a thorough description of what goes through the protagonist mind and heart as he goes on a journey to find his wife again. Especially the part where he is just outside her door =)
Read it for yourself to get the full story, this is only my version of it. Even Bear bear, Eeyore and Mr Turtle enjoyed it!
Tuesday 3 June 2008
First Summit - Gunung Datuk
Goodbye to all the bad memories of not being able to summit Ledang, or not being able to make it for all the other treks like Stong or Nuang. I have finally made my first ascent! It may be easy, but the pride and all is still there; I made it!
This was quite a slow-paced and easy trek up and down, as there were some who were having a little difficulty. However, I salute you for persevering and completing the trek. Respect.
According to the signage at base camp, it was a leisure route which would take 2hrs, but we took a whole 3hr 30mins to ascend. Heavy backpacks? I've got to say the terrain was not very friendly for some, with all the constant; 90% step-like terrain. Some parts even had a 45% gradient which reminded me of rock climbing. It was a hinderance, especially the big backpacks. No excuse, but we do need more training.
Way up was fun, with all the calls for "Carooommees!!" (Caromes). Haha..I'm sure Caromes felt loved. That blur king, didn't watch his steps and almost knocked his head into a low branch. Haha..he was like "I saw you go across so easily I though there was nothing there" Sorry Bro... His 2nd accident had nothing to do with me, his hat got stuck onto a leave full of thorns. I had to go help him free. Blur king, but I've gotta commend him for being fully prepared.
When we reached the summit, the other groups had their tents ready pitched and it was only our tent left. Shocker; some, I mean most of them did not know how to pitch the tent?! And this was covered during training I'm sure! Tent was still up in the end, but with help from the seniors.
We then climbed higher to catch the beautiful sunset. The climb up was a bit scary, big boulders, rusty ladders and all. One wrong step and bye bye. But the sunset, it was awesome! Stupid me, decided not to bring my camera up at all, not even the compact one -_-" Never felt so dumb before.
Next up was dinner and debrief for Day 1. A few of us also played an unforgettable game of heart attack, Caromes the blur king provided lots of laughter and entertainment. Will not say more as I still value my life. Ask me personally if you want to know ;P There wasn't enough tents so a few of the seniors ended up sleeping outside. Nice view, counting stars and even shooting stars!! FWAH! It was freezing however, tee-shirt + jacket + sleeping bag = still freezing.. But it was worth it, all the chit chat and free aircon.
Daybreak! With all the dark clouds and thunder rolling in, we got a little worried and worked out a contingency plan. Thank God the weather held up and we were able to go up the summit again to catch the sunrise and all. Did a few rock climbing poses on the boulder, wait till the photos get in =)) The boulders there were really huge and fun for bouldering, all the natural finger grips. There was a small cave under the summit, went in to take a look but didn't stay long.
Descend was expected to take a shorter time, but i think we took quite long as well. Slippery terrain, 2 casualities and unhappy people. But it was still fun. 2 of them fell down the slope, one hurt her back, the other sprained her ankle. Kai carried the one with the sprained ankle down, together with Keith, Faiz and Caromes, while Nisa and I helped the one who hurt her back down. It wasn't easy, going down backwards and having to turn my head to look behind. Almost slipped a few time, but praise God, I'm fine! Wahahaha...
Finally reached base camp, and the rest were already in the water. It was time to wash-up and catch the bus back to Tampin town. Was a little late so Hazel, Dian and I had to run out to catch up with the rest. Macham amazing race! Hahaha.
From here on, it was makan @ KFC, bus back to JB and then back to S'pore! Home Sweet Home! Really enjoyed myself, thanks TrekEarth for allowing me on this trip, Caromes for the entertainment and Kai and Kai's daddy for the lift to Kranji MRT at 6am on Sat morning. Also thank God for the safe and memorable trip, I hope I'll grow closer to you as time goes by.
Picture time!!
Who says that adventurer's don't have/cannot have a soft side huh! But these soft toys only belong to Caromes (diver), Kai (adventure racer) and I (adventure racer).
View from the top of Gunung Datuk
An outcrop on the summit
The route up the summit; notice the rusty ladder?
And that's me, Eeyore and Mr Turtle on the summit
This was quite a slow-paced and easy trek up and down, as there were some who were having a little difficulty. However, I salute you for persevering and completing the trek. Respect.
According to the signage at base camp, it was a leisure route which would take 2hrs, but we took a whole 3hr 30mins to ascend. Heavy backpacks? I've got to say the terrain was not very friendly for some, with all the constant; 90% step-like terrain. Some parts even had a 45% gradient which reminded me of rock climbing. It was a hinderance, especially the big backpacks. No excuse, but we do need more training.
Way up was fun, with all the calls for "Carooommees!!" (Caromes). Haha..I'm sure Caromes felt loved. That blur king, didn't watch his steps and almost knocked his head into a low branch. Haha..he was like "I saw you go across so easily I though there was nothing there" Sorry Bro... His 2nd accident had nothing to do with me, his hat got stuck onto a leave full of thorns. I had to go help him free. Blur king, but I've gotta commend him for being fully prepared.
When we reached the summit, the other groups had their tents ready pitched and it was only our tent left. Shocker; some, I mean most of them did not know how to pitch the tent?! And this was covered during training I'm sure! Tent was still up in the end, but with help from the seniors.
We then climbed higher to catch the beautiful sunset. The climb up was a bit scary, big boulders, rusty ladders and all. One wrong step and bye bye. But the sunset, it was awesome! Stupid me, decided not to bring my camera up at all, not even the compact one -_-" Never felt so dumb before.
Next up was dinner and debrief for Day 1. A few of us also played an unforgettable game of heart attack, Caromes the blur king provided lots of laughter and entertainment. Will not say more as I still value my life. Ask me personally if you want to know ;P There wasn't enough tents so a few of the seniors ended up sleeping outside. Nice view, counting stars and even shooting stars!! FWAH! It was freezing however, tee-shirt + jacket + sleeping bag = still freezing.. But it was worth it, all the chit chat and free aircon.
Daybreak! With all the dark clouds and thunder rolling in, we got a little worried and worked out a contingency plan. Thank God the weather held up and we were able to go up the summit again to catch the sunrise and all. Did a few rock climbing poses on the boulder, wait till the photos get in =)) The boulders there were really huge and fun for bouldering, all the natural finger grips. There was a small cave under the summit, went in to take a look but didn't stay long.
Descend was expected to take a shorter time, but i think we took quite long as well. Slippery terrain, 2 casualities and unhappy people. But it was still fun. 2 of them fell down the slope, one hurt her back, the other sprained her ankle. Kai carried the one with the sprained ankle down, together with Keith, Faiz and Caromes, while Nisa and I helped the one who hurt her back down. It wasn't easy, going down backwards and having to turn my head to look behind. Almost slipped a few time, but praise God, I'm fine! Wahahaha...
Finally reached base camp, and the rest were already in the water. It was time to wash-up and catch the bus back to Tampin town. Was a little late so Hazel, Dian and I had to run out to catch up with the rest. Macham amazing race! Hahaha.
From here on, it was makan @ KFC, bus back to JB and then back to S'pore! Home Sweet Home! Really enjoyed myself, thanks TrekEarth for allowing me on this trip, Caromes for the entertainment and Kai and Kai's daddy for the lift to Kranji MRT at 6am on Sat morning. Also thank God for the safe and memorable trip, I hope I'll grow closer to you as time goes by.
Picture time!!
Who says that adventurer's don't have/cannot have a soft side huh! But these soft toys only belong to Caromes (diver), Kai (adventure racer) and I (adventure racer).
View from the top of Gunung Datuk
An outcrop on the summit
The route up the summit; notice the rusty ladder?
And that's me, Eeyore and Mr Turtle on the summit
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