MMDS 2 Duathlon at Putrajaya

Please click here to view 412 great shots taken by Jason Lee. He was on a focus mission to take photos at the Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series 2006 at Putrajaya on Sunday 30 July, 7.30am.

There were a few shots where he used the advanced panning skill -- the camera is panned (or move) along the line of moving bicycles. The effect: the subject was clear but the background is blurred.

There were a few photos where he took at the flowers. The photos taken by him showed a wide sprectrum of style: from the long range tele photos to the macro close up.

Yeah, keep up the good work, Jason Lee.

Work is still in progress to build the link in Pacesetters Club Web site.

By KC

Duathlon MMDS 1 - The Best Action Photos

Jelita Run: Half the runners would not be able to tell first-hand what it was like running the recent Jelita Run on Sunday 30 April at Dataran Merdeka as that race only accepts women participants.

Please click here to read an interesting account written by May Ching. Alternatively, you can also visit her weblog by clicking the link at the left sidebar of this web site.

Duathlon: Pre-race briefing, collection of race entry pack, hi-tea and fellowship: Please click here to view 78 photos taken by KC.

After browsing through a whopping 800 photos taken by Jason Lee and Yours Truly, I have selected the following photo shots which I like. These are photos of “leng lui” (beautiful girls) and “leng chai” (macho, handsome guys). I believe you would agree with me.

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These photos are considered the cream of the crop as it is not possible to publish too many of them at the main page of this web site that will affect the data transmission response time.

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Looking at the photos, I recognize that Duathlon race is very pleasing to the eyes: the jerseys in vibrant colour add varieties to the sports; the tight-fitting biking shorts and body hugging jerseys highlight the masculinity and body curve of the racers; the designer sunglasses look cool despite basking in hot sun; the aerodynamic helmets looks futuristic.

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Above all, the main attraction would be the wonders of human engineering invention – the gorgeous road racing bicycles. Another observation was that the racers in Duathlon are muscular as compared to runners who are lean – especially Yours Truly.

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One lady friend of mine who lives in Hong Kong commented that as long as there are four seasons in a year that promote wearing different types of clothing at different times of the year, that add diversities to life. When in tropical country, we just wear the same type of clothing – especially guys – as the weather does not change much.

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Since there are two distinct types of activities – cycling and running – in Duathlon, it is much like having two seasons in a year that requires different type of apparels. In running, all we need is a vest and mini length shorts – not much variation can derived from there. Anyway, we have to accept that different games demand different type of gears.

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To view Duathlon photos, please click at the April 2004 Archives at the left sidebar. Scroll to the right posting.

By KC ... :-)

Transition From Running to Biking

Story by Chee Wee
Written by KC

The racers rushed out of the Transition Area in style. Some of the Duathletes were looking great and cool much like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible II movie when they transformed into biking actions after running 10km. With muscular and tan bodies in designer sunglasses, vibrant-coloured jerseys, tight shorts, aerodynamic helmets, black leather gloves, they pushed their gorgeous racing bikes swiftly out of the cordoned area. Oh gosh! I wished I (Chee Wee) was like one of them rushing out the Transition Area and not standing outside watching the real hot and exciting actions taking place.

At the Starting Line

It was an extraordinary Sunday morning on 23 April. After completing a 10km training run within the vicinity of Bukit Aman area, I ran to Dataran Merdeka – the starting area of Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series #1. I managed to arrive 15 minutes before gun-off for 10km run in the first segment of Individual Long Distance Event. I was glad to meet most of my running friends and to support them since I was not participating in this race.

I ran with my friends for the entire 10km course. Running with them and yet not actually participating in a race was a very different experience. I felt “light” without the pressure of securing position or completing the course within certain timing. Along the course, I was happily exchanging pleasantries about latest running events with other Pacesetters runners. Of course, I have to explain numerous times why there were no bib numbers on my vest.

Somewhere near Parliament area, I met up with Tony and I ran with him for the last one kilometre distance. Approaching the traffic junction at Bukit Aman car park and Monument, I saw KC was busy taking photos by standing in the middle of the road. Not to worry, the area was cordoned off and no vehicle was in sight. My only worry was that he could be knocked down by runners who were very focused in their runs and could not see him. I also saw a few of the Pacesetters runners cheering the racers.

Transition Area

Returning to Dataran Merdeka, it was an eye-opener for me to see the transformation of racers from running to cycling actions. I had careful observation from outside the Transition Area – an area cordoned off for safekeeping of the racing bikes when the race was in progress.

According to the Organizer, Quick Release Adventure, there were about 500 participants this time – a significant increased in participation. The price of each road-racing bicycle was ranged from, say, RM 2,000 at entry level to exceeding RM 25,000 of pro grade. For ease in calculation, if each was valued at RM 5,000-00, the estimated values of those bicycles there were a whopping RM 2.5 millions!

Much activity was going on in Transition Area. When the racers entered into the Transition Area, they would quickly run to the predetermined slot to retrieve their racing bikes. For those who were wearing the cycling shorts and gloves when running, they just have to put on the helmets and sunglasses and off they went out.

I saw a few runners in running shorts were struggling to put on the biking shorts. I believe those were avid runners who do not believe wearing tight biking shorts when running. A few just rode the bikes in running shorts showing their sexy, fair thighs and hairy legs.

Light my Fire

Seeing the action, there was the fire in me wanting to join them in cycling. I almost wanted to go round looking for a bike. On second thought, I decided not to do things hastily as I have not done any training on biking other than running marathons. Besides, I have heard of the dreadful NCE (numb cock effect) when the saddle kept hammering the buttocks for hours. Oh Yes! I was told that legs muscles could cramp in cycling.

Some were having problems with their bikes. There was one cute girl who was screaming for help urgently in need to replace a punctured tyre of her bike. Even the Event Announcer was seen rendering help by announcing to the crowd the needs for a new tube. Immediately, two guys ran out from nowhere to offer her a new tube. She responded with encouraging words by saying "I LOVE YOU GUYS". Almost having the tyre fixed, another two guys were seen volunteering to pump the air into the tube; so, they were actually four people attending the bike at the same time – amazing! That was truly good teamwork in helping a distressed fellow racer.

After that, I was mingling around with Jason Lee who was busy taking photos with his 8-inch long telephoto lens and Nikon D70 SLR camera. I could see he was totally focused in trying to capture those great moments when racers zoomed by. Because of the flat terrain, the racing bikes were travelling at fast speed, much like Sepang F1 Circuit at the stretch of straight road.

Compare to pure running, I agree that Duathlon race is a much more exciting sports. I may consider buying a racing bike and join the other Penguin/Sunshine runners to participate in future Duathlons.

Yeah! I love you all.

MMDS1 2006 - Photo Albums

All photos taken by Jason Lee, an avid photographer, are ready.

Please click here to view 195 specially selected photos showing happenings at Dataran Merdeka.

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All photos taken by KC are ready.

Part 2 of album contains 165 photos of racers in cycling actions: close-up of beautiful girls; muscular and cool guys (despite the hot sun). Please click here.

Part 3 and the final part of album contain 99 photos taken at Dataran Merdeka. Please click here.




Following photos are by courtesy of Miss Yeoh SC, an avid photographer.

Part 1 contains 178 photos: Please click here to view.

Part 2 contains 172 photos: Please click here to view.



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MMDS #1

Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series #1 at Dataran Merdeka on 23 April 2006.

Part 1 of photo album taken by KC contains 125 shots (start of events and running), please click here to view photos.

Part 2 of photo album contains cyclists in action. Work is in progress (WIP).

Part 3 of photo album contains photos back at Dataran Merdeka... WIP.

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By KC

Prelude to Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series #1

This Sunday 23 April at 7.30am, all the brave racers will be competing in the Duathlon race starting at Dataran Merdeka. The format of the main Individual long distance category is to run 10km, cycle 45km followed by running another 5km.

For Pacesetters members who are participating in this race, please inform Mr. Jason Thiang (H/P 012-211 6280), PACM Team Manager for Duathlon, for two reasons. First, Pacesetters members would get additional 10% discount on the registration fees. Second, it would enable the Club to compete favourably with other organizations for the “Most Members Participation” awards.

According to the Event Organizer, Quick Release Adventures, they are pleased to see many new participants taking up the maiden challenges this year (36% increase) and congratulations to those upgrading to the Individual long distance either from Sprint or Team Relay events.

For those who are new in this sport, a racer requires a road racing bike to compete in the 45km cycling segment. Though a racer may chose to run the entire event, it is not encouraged as the organizer may have to change the name to Duathlon-cum-Ultramarathon race, which is not available worldwide yet.

The last 5km run would be most fun – from the perspective of both runner and spectator. The transition movement from cycling to running somehow causes “rubbery” effect or weakness in legs muscles. This, coupled with hot mid-morning sun, it is not unusual to see racers running in slow-motion mode or struggling to reach finishing line. It is similar to Superman was running into 'the wall' as though someone had slipped some Kryptonite into his tights. It is a test of human endurance to be able to surge forward to complete the race.

A highlight of the race schedule is as follows:

SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2006

At Hotel Plaza, Kuala Lumpur

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2pm - 5pm
RACE KIT COLLECTION

All participants need to collect their race kit and timing chip.

5.00pm - 5.30pm

RACE BRIEFING FOR SPRINT PARTICIPANTS (COMPULSORY)

All Sprint participants need to attend the Race Briefing by Race Director.

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5.30pm - 6.00pm

RACE BRIEFING FOR INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RELAY PARTICIPANTS (COMPULSORY)All Individual and Team Relay participants need to attend the Race Briefing by Race Director.

6.00pm Onwards
HI-TEA AND FELLOWSHIP.

Yes, Hi-Tea will be served free-of-charge for all long distance Individual racers only.

SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2006

Dataran Merdeka, KL

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6.00am - 7.00am ARRIVAL

All participants need to arrive at Start line to place bike and gear in TRANSITION area by 7.00am.

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7.30am OFFICIAL RACE START for INDIVIDUAL

All Individual competitors will start the race at 7.30am sharp.

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7.40am OFFICIAL RACE START for Team Relay

All Team Relay competitors will start the race at 7.40am sharp.

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7.50am OFFICIAL RACE START for all SPRINT competitors

All Sprint competitors participants will start the race at 7.50am sharp.

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12.30pm PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY

Race Cut off time for all competitors. There will be a prize giving ceremony at the race site to award the winners. LUCKY DRAW commences immediately after prize giving.

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1.00pm TRANSITION AREA CLOSES

Racers/competitors are required to claim their bike and belongings (RACE number must be produced for identification of bike owner) from thetransition area before 1pm.

SPONSORS for making The Race possible:

MALAKOFF Berhad – Main sponsor.

POWERBAR - The official energy bar and co-sponsor.

BROOKS - The official sportswear and co-sponsor. Bring lots of $$$ for the purchase of latest Brooks' products on display at the race expo.
ALLA FONTE - The official mineral water and co-sponsor.

OSIM - The official healthcare and co-sponsor.

100PLUS - The official isotonic drink.

To see more information on MMDS #1, please click here.

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By KC

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Cheering for Duathlon 2006

The 2006 Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series #1 race is around the corner – Sunday 23 April at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. This time, the following Penguin/Sunshine Runners will be participating: Meng, Tony, Weng and Siok Bee. It would be the maiden attempt for Weng and Siok Bee.

Siok Bee has bought a brand new Fuji road racing bicycle to take on the challenge. It took me a race or two later in last year to recognize that Fuji is a renowned brand in road racing bicycle and it can burn quite a big hole in your pocket to own one.

What happen to Yours Truly? Well, I would be taking photos instead after doing three consecutive Duathlon races in 2005. Hmmm… I do have tough decision to make whether to participate in a race or to take photos.

May I request those runners who are not participating in this race to cheer the racers instead? Here is the plan:

The race would start at 7.30am at Dataran Merdeka for the first 10km running segment. The racers would then continue with the 45km in cycling. Considering the top performers, they would require at least one hour to arrive at Bukit Aman car park.

Bukit Aman car park is the most ideal location as most Pacesetters runners would do their Sunday morning training runs that start and end there. We should assemble the cheerleading team at Bukit Aman car park at 8.30am to welcome the cyclists passing by the area. I assure you that there would be lots of fun and laughter cheering the cyclists zooming past.

I actually bought a road racing bicycle after standing there cheering cyclists last year. Instead of standing at the sideline seeing them having fun, I decided to have fun too. After I had bought the bicycle, Marvin sent me one e-mail: “KC, now that you have bought a racing bicycle, you need to buy another MPV or SUV to transport the bicycle.”

For more information of my previous Duathlon challenges, please click on the following archives (at the left sidebar of this web site):

Johor Duathlon – July and August Archives
Powerman – September Archive

For more information on Duathlon, please click here: www.duathlonseries.com.my

Below is the modified version of a published write-up of my first encounter of Duathlon in 2005.

Malakoff Dualthon Series #1 - 2005

Not many Pacesetters runners were seen doing training runs at Bukit Aman car park this morning. According to Mr. Bruce Wan – the great marathon runner who has done 33 full marathons – quite a number of the Pacesetters runners participated in the Nilai Half Marathon on the same morning which offered fantastic lucky draw prizes.

The Malakoff Duathlon Series #1 was also held this morning, 27 March 2005 at Dataran Merdeka. The format of this race consisted of running 10km for the first segment; cycling 45km and end with running another 5km – single-handedly done by a racer or in a group.

At 8.45am, we managed to assemble an impromptu cheering team consisting of Bruce, Kent Chan, Gurdev and I. Since I was holding the camera, obviously, I was the camera man there. The cycling route passed by Bukit Aman car park. So the strategic location was to station ourselves at the entrance of the Bukit Aman car park, right in front of the Teh Tarik stall.

Since we were not prepared, there were no placards for display of elaborated messages like: You can because you think you can; Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing; When the going gets tough, the tough goes cycling. Instead, our quotes were down to earth simple. There were lots of laughter; even the cyclists were amused with our quotes. Here are some of them:

Looking Good (when the cyclists smiled at us)
Do Your Thing (coined by Bruce. I was puzzled; Bruce explained later that just continue cycling)
Eat Your Power Gel (coined by Bruce; possibly for more power)
Cepat Sikit or You Can Do It (when the cyclists were struggling)
Cheers or Yam Seng (while holding up the canned soft drink; not sure it was meant for the holder or for the cyclists)
Come on, Baby (a few guy cyclists responded with puzzling look)
Final Lap (coined by Bruce; I believed it was a test of their mental alertness even though the cyclists still have two more laps to go)

At one point, Bruce introduced a new cheering quote such as “leng lui (pretty girl), go faster!” – only to cause identify confusion to the cyclists. Imagine you were cycling and the cheering team called you “leng lui” instead of “leng chai” (handsome guy). You would think that cycling alters certain parts of your body and makes you more feminine.

One cyclist was seen cycling with a punctured rear tyre. What a strong determination to complete the race. Another cyclist was heard telling us his calf muscle was cramped, but struggled on. Bravo!

Since all cyclists put on safety helmet and some put on sunglasses, it was rather difficult to recognize the gender. It took me a few practices to be able to identify the gender correctly. There were a few cyclists calling my name and I had a hard time identifying them too.

Then there was one lady cyclist who called my name while approaching us. When I took a closer look, she was Wendy. The sweet young lady from Ipoh who assisted in organizing the successfully staged Ipoh KRI 10km race in October 2004. I was surprised to see her participating in this race. I recollected reading her weblog that she likes biking very much. I presume this race was a good testing ground for her.

Our macho guy, Penguin-3 (Tony) came in after Wendy. We were puzzling that how could he be trailing behind Wendy. There was no scheduled pit stop for Penguin-3 for a quick Teh Tarik powered by Tongkat Ali for enhanced performance; instead, he stopped for a photo shot with the cheering team members, and raised the saddle to match his leg length to surge forward.

After cheering for more than one hour, I decided to walk to Dataran Merdeka to have a glimpse of more actions there and get connected with our friends.

This cycling/running race is fun, double the excitement of pure running. We may consider taking part next year. For other runners, how about going to the Bukit Aman same time next year to cheer and amuse the cyclists. It was real fun to be part of the ad hoc cheering team; we were laughing continuously – an excellent place to get non-stop laughter.

To the participants, I believe you would agree that it was encouraging to receive a little motivation and amusement quotes that cast smiles in your hearts. Cheers and see you at the next Malakoff Dualton race.

By KC

MMDS 3 – Johor Duathlon on 31 July 2005

Yeah, Penguin-2 and I survived the Johor Duathlon. Both completed the whole race in sub-4 hours. I was very satisfied with my timing: 3 hours 37 minutes. We did quite well considering that the race was Penguin-2’s maiden attempt. As for me, it was my second attempt after the Lumut Duathlon on May 15.

At the finishing area, I was quite shock to hear that a tough guy like Penguin-2, who clocked in 87km (more than two full marathon distance) within a 12-hour non-stop Kedah Ultra marathon, suffered muscle cramp at the biking segment. However, he was completely fine when taking on the final running segment.

The terrain here is challenging as the cyclists have to pedal hard for 5 ascents (hills). Unlike the Lumut Duathlon, the terrain there was as flat as airport. According to one experienced biker, the head wind was not that strong as compared to last year.

In biking, I was frustrated that no matter how hard I cycled, there were always fast cyclists who went past me, even the lady cyclists over-took me. But during the last segment of 9km running, I was having my sweet revenge. Most of the runners within my vision were just running in slow motion or walking due to tiredness. At round 11am, the weather was hot and sunny. With the full marathon experience, I was still able to run though the pace was slower. I was able to over-take at least 25 runners; I liked that.

Not only that I am busy with the running/biking, I am also busy with taking photos. To capture the moments for you, I have slelected 62 great photos to share with you.

Click here to view more great photos ...

By Penguin-1

Click here to view more great photos ...

All Set for the Johor Duathlon

Penguin-1, -2 and -3 work in the same organization. The management is organizing a Jogathon run this Sunday morning, 31 July 05, clashing with the Johor Duathlon. With the publishing of Penguin Runners in the Star Metro, Utusan Malaysia, METRO and Sin Chew Jit Poh newspapers early this year, many of the office colleagues recognize us, the Penguin Runners.

The Jogathon notice was prominently pasted in the lift. So whenever I was in the lift with the office colleagues, they would say to me in admiration: “Wah, you sure win lah;” or “Sup Sup Sui for you runners lah;” or “Give chance man.” As for Penguin-2’s experience, his colleagues said that it will be “Sure win” for him.

I told them that I would not be able to participate in this run as we will be going down to Johor for the Johor Duathlon. Since there was sufficient time while waiting for the lift to travel to ground floor, I elaborated that in the Duathlon, we run 10 km, cycle 60 km follow by another 8 km run. Immediately, they would reply in rather similar manner, though in different occasions, “Wah, terror lah, how could you do it.” To many of the colleagues, running 10 km is considered “really very far already”.

Back to biking: Since yesterday, I have been going through the check-list getting things ready. In running, a runner only needs to bring the following items: running shoes, vest and shorts. In biking, however, a participant would involve almost 10 times more items to bring.

So, Penguin-2 and I are all set for the Johor Duathlon – no turning back. Wish us good luck, will ya?

For your information, I have created an email address link on the left-hand sidebar of the weblog, just in case you need to communicate with us.

Coming up: Penguin-1, -2 and -3 are representing their organization to participate in the coming Rat Race 2005 event again.

Meantime, please click here to read Rat Race 2004 written by Penguin-1 and Penguin-3

By Penguin-1

Le Tour de Johor

By Penguin-2

Yeah, Penguin-1 and I had just purchased brand new biking jerseys for the Le Tour de Johor Duathlon race this Sunday, 31 July. So, as far as apparels are concerned, we are on par with the world-class cyclists similar to that Le Tour de France race, which was just ended last Sunday.

Comparing to Lance Armstrong’s racing bike, his endurance and skill,ahemm... we still have vast rooms for improvement. Lance Armstrong won his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race.

Let me share with you how we got these biking apparels: After the training at Putrajaya on 3 July 05, Penguin-1, LimFW (a biking enthusiast) and I were chatting with three Malay cyclists who were from Kuala Trengganu. We were spellbound by the beautiful and vibrant colour of their jerseys. It so happened that LimFW would be going to Kuala Trengganu for a business trip, and he was really kind to help us with the purchase.

According to LimFW, at Kuala Trengganu, he had to locate the Istana as landmark in order to establish the location of the bicycle shop. Without him knowing, there were two Istana there. He ended up choosing the wrong Istana to search for the shop. After much effort, he finally found the bicycle shop. It was a small shop. This little shop is quite interesting with all the bicycle frames and accessories hanging everywhere in it. A few national cyclists were seen frequent this shop also. The best thing was that the prices were very much cheaper compared to those selling in Kuala Lumpur.

Penguin-1 and I have been intensifying our bike training by going to the gym after work almost every other alternate days. So, we should be ready for the Johor challenge as psychologically, wearing a new jersey will also definitely boost up a person's level of self-confidence. For me, this will be my maiden Duathlon race.

By Penguin-2