The last day of the year / decade

Today mark the last day of the decade - the golden 10 years of my life just past with a glimpse. I've made mistake and I learned from it. It's been a great 10 years. The first 3 years was a bumpy one - financial crisis, main root cause - credit card spending. Managed to clear it by working like a dog for 6 months. Pick myself up and move on......... time to buzz the hill.




Cycled up to PG hill. Nice weather and breathtaking. This is a snap shot of PG island on the last day of the decade. Cool wind and nice breeze. Looking back 10 years..... these are the events that I remember.



2000 - Was at Intel during that time - went back to work on the 1st January for the Y2k cut over. Parents was at home watching fireworks display around the world. Bought my first car in 2000 - a Proton Iswara.



2001 - I know some terrorist crash 2 commercial air plane into the WTC @ NY. Intel share drop. Happy Moments - My elder brother got married. Parents was very happy. I got drunk and puke the whole house.

The sad thing in 2001 - I have to drive my grandmother to the old folks home on that year.

I cried while driving her to the old folks home. She passed away in December @ the old folks home. No family member next to her.

2002 - Went backpacking - London, Liverpool and Dublin. Got dumped by a girl from Ipoh. I was fat - 95kg. Move from Intel Kulim to Intel PG. Work as a Shift Supervisor. Work OT for 6 months to clear all my credit card debt. During that period - I don't know the definition of day or night. I pick myself up on that year - I took up mountain biking and I told myself - I'm going to be fit and lean. My 3rd aunty passed away due to cancer.

2003 - My sister got married. I met someone in the office. She someone that looks like a Shanghai gal to me. She was a Product Engineer for Northwood (Pentium 4). Never talk much to her..... knowing that she comes from a rich family.... who am I? I can just admire her from far. Got transferred out to normal shift job - Project Lead for Autoplan & AUTO SFGI Kitting for Fuse to Order. Great exposure and great visibility for me in front of all the VF management. Report to a great manager - WC.

2004 - Great year - Finally managed to date the Product Engineer - her name is Jiin Siang. First date was on 14th February @ Gloria Jeans - Garage. Official date of becoming a couple - 21 March 2004. I was sent to US for 2 months in May - June. Got promoted on this year - one thing I remember - my boss WC drove all the way from Pg to Kulim to give me the package letter. 25% increment and the number amount of stocks..... blew my mind. 2004 was a great year to remember. When I was in US - WC visited me to check and make sure I'm in one piece.

2005- Bought an Apartment together with JS. I left Intel to join SAP consulting. Met another great lady manager name Linda Lim. She is a great coach and mentor. Got 30% increment for the year 2005. Lance Armstrong won his 7th Tour De France.

2006 - Not a great year at the begining. Was sent to China for 2 months assignment. Delayed my marriage registration. Work on a project @ Prai - tight schedule. Work till 2am-3am every nite. Got married with JS on 30th Sept 2006, the same date with my Chinese birthday. I never see my wife for the next 4 days after my wedding. I went back to work after my wedding ceremony. Got an offer from Dell - 1st interview on Tue, 2nd interview on Wed, medical check up on Thur and sign letter offer, Fri - fly off for honeymoon.

2007 - 3rd Day of CNY - met with an cycling accident. JS cried as she's shocked. My Elder bro did his Langkawi Ironman.

2008 - I lost my grand aunty. Very sad year. When to Australia and Hong Kong for holidays.

2009 - Tough year at work as I was reporting to a "stupid arrogant" boss by the name of Krishnan. He's the most screw up boss I've ever reported to. Got transferred out from the dept and luckily - got promoted. Biggest achievement of the year - Climb Mount Kinabalu under extreme weather conditions. Overall - it's been a great year!

Cycling - part of my life

For this 1 month - I've been cycling 715.3km. Clock 150km this week. My Giant ATX now weighs - 12kg. Weight reduce 1kg with a new fork. Performance improved - 0 - 84 in 25 minutes - improved 4 minutes. Great job! push like there's no tomorrow. but huge different!
Looking forward for more improvement!
Great news to all PG cyclist - we have a cycling lane! Share the road with cyclist
No roadtax, No license - just cycle!

Share the road with cyclist

Had a great weekend!! Saturday morning - trail running from Teluk Bahang National Park to Pantai Keracut. Total distance 3.2km one way. In total i ran 6.4km. I enjoyed the peace,the nature and the butterfly flying ahead while running the trail. Reached Pantai Keracut in 28 minutes. Then run back to sweep the remaining hikers at the back.

Reached home at 2pm. Took my shower - get my bike ready - time to buzz Pg Hill. Reached 46 station in 16 minutes. Reached 84 station in 25 minutes. Improvement of 4 minutes. Great! Experience a front tyre puncture while going downhill. Nearly fell.

Sunday morning - Round island 75km - great day and nice weather to cycle. Unfortunately, we experience a lot of reckless driver on the road who are very selfish. To all drivers out there - share the road with cyclist. Coz we have our love ones at home waiting for us to go back to them as well.

Perspective of life

Every day is a new day is a new begining..... Life is short so just give it your best shot! And why do we fall ? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.
Everyone in this world are given a chance to live thier life, some in good condition and some not that good. However, we have the right to choose to what path and what decision to make.

Decision Making - having the balls to make the right thing

In every stage of life we make different decision in life. So what is so difficult in terms of making the decision - is either you use your logical thinking or you let your emotional feelings take over the decision making.
Most of my decision making are based on supported data, facts and figures. This is life. The true fact. Maybe I was trained by good mentors and managers from Intel , SAP consulting to look at data accurately and making the right decision. Sometimes - is right and sometimes is wrong. so just bare all the consequences.

I used to have a screw up boss by the name of Mr. K. Johan - who don't have any idea to use Excel spreadsheet and intelligently challenge I would say. He's the most screw boss that I've ever report to. Don't have the balls to make decision and talk based on his instinct. His favourite words - "having said that", "based on my instinct" and "my instinct is telling me". In addition to that - he's an Accounting background person and possesed a MBA. This is a useless bugger!

Long weekend in KL

Woke up at 5am on Friday morning - went down to KL with 23 pax of food lovers and adventure crazy friends. First stop - McDonald's, breakfast - come to think of it - this is my first time having McD breakfast since 7 years ago. Reached KL at 12pm - Jogoya Japanese buffet, time to salmon and white tuna. Eat until you drop! Nice food and nice environment - we got the Chairman room - fit 21 pax. Then off to Pavilion for shopping - bought 2 Polo collar T-shirts. Evening dinner - went to Jalan Maharajalela for "tai lok mee" and "loh mee" KL style. Then off we go for a night view of KL after the rain.

Saturday - Supposed to go hiking - couldn't wake up and too tired. Skip hiking - went shopping. The Gardens Mid Valley. What impress me the most - New Balance - spend RM280 there. Bought a trail running shoe, 2 dri fit T-shirt. Happy! Very Happy! Super duper happy!

Sunday - Eat whole day - sinful day. Added 4kg into the body need the whole week ahead to burn the fats.

Cycling vs. Golf

Today my dad shocked me with a news that he's good friend passed away while cycling up BM Hill. Heart Attack - all of a sudden. May this mountain biker rest in peace. I went for my usual cycling route today (Home - Teluk Kumbar - Gertak Sanggul - Home) - 40km ride. A lot of thing run thru my mind - the risk of accident for cycling vs. playing golf - Cycling / mountain biking high risk sports vs. golf - hit the ball.... walk.... hit the ball.... walk... find the hole then hit the ball into the hole. Not my game - I wonder what kind of cardio excercise a golfer experience.

I started my cycling at 6:15pm - reached home around 7:45pm. It was already very dark. I cycle as fast as I can. Met Ooi & Judy - they cycle to Teluk Bahang - take half day leave to go cycling. Going to change my front fork tomorrow..... will get a lighter bike tomorrow.

Cycle hard - Livestrong!

Bad Sunday

Woke up early on a Sunday morning - waited until my neck become very long for my wife to wake up and get ready for cycling. Early morning argument on a Sunday morning. Decided to go cycling by myself. I plotted my own route : Home - Teluk Kumbar - Balik Pulau - Tun Sardon - Bukit jambul - Home. Total distance 43km.
Nearly got hit by a Kancil "L" driver - 1 inch to impact. Had a rear wheel tyre puncture on the way home, push the bike home - First half of Sunday - Bad day!

Afternoon went movie with KC and my wife - Wife make a big fuss about the trust issues when I received a sms from a female friend. Never talked to each other since then. Bloody sick of all this arguments. Further to that - bro in law thinks that I'm his servant - ask me to que up at GSC to buy popcorn for him - didn't know that I'm so easily to be used by people.

Went shopping at Tesco for cereal and oats. Don't feel like going home. Decided to stop my 2nd home for a drink - Baileys. What a Sunday!

Shade and Shoe

Which one to buy? Oakley GASCAN (top) or Oakley Five Squared (Bottom). Both almost the price. Looks cool.... can't wait to wear one of them...... oh la la.....

Talking bout shoe - this is what caught my eye. New Balance All Terrain 620..... looks cool with the black and red color.

Saturday hiking - nice weather

Saturday morning - the goal today is to beat my wife record of 17 minutes from Botanical Garden stair case to 46. I achieved 13 minutes 20 sec. Push myself to the limit - met a few of my father in law's friend along the way up to 46. Met with KC and Tannie along the way as well. I reached 84 in 25 minutes 30 sec. I feel great! Nice cooling weather and fresh air. No more block nose. I used to take 30 minutes to reached 84 when I was 75kg.

After hiking, KC, Tannie, JS and myself went for dim sum. Can't really eat - just drink a lot of tea. We were later join by Wes (Tannie's husband), Edmund and Ernest. Edmund is very adventurous. He can ask you a lot of questions and he remembers all the educational channel on Astro from 551 - 556. This kid is brilliant. I like this kid.

Going cycling later in the afternoon up to PG hill again - I miss the tea made by the uncle.

Oats for lunch

Here am I sitting in my office cube at 12noon. Skip lunch today after a packet of Nasi lemak for breakfast. I decided to make myself a mug of oats. That's my lunch. While reading some email from my cycling gang.... I think this is useful tips to share:-

1. Drinking water during ride

If your rear brake is on the right hand side of the bike, you shall use your left hand to hold your water bottle while drinking. Otherwise, when you need to brake, you press on the front brake… your bike will tumble and you will have serious injury. If you must use your right hand to hold the water bottle, then, switch your rear brake to left size of the bike prior to the ride.

2. Listening to music during ride

It is not encouraged to listen to music (especially on ear phones) during ride. You will not hear traffics around you and you cannot ride defensively.

3. Do not answer your H/P during down hill (Road and MTB).
I know a friend who actually crash (Road bike) when coming down at Teluk Bahang Hill when answering a call.

4. Scan the road ahead of you.
If you see any animals esp dogs, need to slow down as I have crash at Tlk Bahang down hill when a dog "insists" of crossing the road and hit my front wheel from the side.

5. Slow down at every blind corner during down hill
I nearly rammed into a car immediately after the blind corner as the car stops due to traffic jam in front.

Smoking while airplane is refueling

On Friday (11/13/09), I was on a Air Asia flight to KL. Plane landed on time @ LCCT. Upon disembarking, one Chinese man was lighting up his cigarette with his Zippo lighter. Brainless person, the airplane was in the process refueling as I can see the oil tanker next to the plane. Thanks to the alretness of the Air Asia ground crew, they managed to warn the brainless person to put off his cigarette. Great Job to Air Asia Ground Crew!

One Dirty Magazine

I was @ Borders last time looking thru the Adventure sports magazine section..... favourite place to hang out at BORDERS. Was looking for a Mountain biking magazine to read but one magazine caught my eye..... Trail Runner - One Dirty Magazine. One dirty magazine - was the tag line.

one of the article:-

Six tips to get you hooked on off-road running

Appreciate The Trail Advantage

Trail runners, preferring the rush of a swift river or the hush of mountain moonlight to the honk and roar of traffic, are attracted to off-road routes' natural settings. Not only mentally refreshing and de-stressing, trails are less physically punishing than their concrete counterparts. "Trails are easier on the body, not just because dirt is softer than pavement, but on uneven terrain every step is different, requiring you to use stabilizing muscles in the lower legs and hips," explains Denver, Colorado-based trail-running coach Adam Feerst. "In a flat road marathon you repeat the same muscle movement and stress the same ligaments over and over." To survive rough trails, learn to slow down or walk over especially technical or steep sections, not only to avoid tripping but also to allow muscles to recover and keep you moving efficiently.

Gear Up

Talk to a local running-shop expert about shoes most suitable for local trails, which fit best and offer the right combination of cushioning and stability (see also Trail Runner's fall and spring shoe reviews, November and May issues). Trail-specific shoes are generally beefier than road models, with knobby treads for better traction on dirt, mud and rock and reinforced uppers. For maximum protection, some models come with waterproof-breathable uppers and durable toe rands. Trail running attire should match the weather conditions, climate and season. Sunny conditions call for light-colored, moisture-wicking running gear (lighter colors reflect heat while darker colors absorb it). Essential in cold conditions, layering is the art of staying dry and warm without overheating. Use a three-tiered layering system including base, mid and outer layers designed to draw moisture away from your skin while keeping your warm. As you heat up, remove outer layers, cap, hat, gloves or unzip tops to allow better airflow. On all but the coldest days, one moisture-wicking, windproof layer will suffice for the lower body. Expect to encounter muddy trail sections, stream crossings and rough ground that can lead to any number of foot ailments. Blisters, caused by friction on the skin, can be a trail runner's biggest handicap. Either place a blister pad such as Blist-O-Ban or Spenco's Second Skin on known problem areas before you go or carry spare bandages in your hip pack. Padded trail running socks cushion your feet and ankle gaiters keep your shoes pebble- and mud-free. If your feet get soaked from crossing streams or bogs, you may be more susceptible to blisters and soggy shoes will feel heavy.

Stay Safe
Familiarize yourself with new trail with maps or guidebooks found at outdoor-gear, running or mountain-bike shops. The All American Trail Running Association's website (www.trailrunner.com) lists numerous trails by state, and this magazine features prime destinations in each issue. To avoid getting lost, pay attention to trail junctions and landmarks, and learn how to use a map and compass. Though it's wise to carry a cell phone, keep in mind there may be no network coverage outside town limits. Staying on the marked trails and making a mental note of your route (glancing behind you frequently is helpful) is the surest way to find your back to the trailhead. Inform a family member or friend of your intended route and return time, or write this information down in the trailhead logbook or in a note left on your car.

Fuel up
Every trail runner has unique nutritional needs based on body type, individual preferences, food sensitivities and training regimen but all trail runners need to monitor their hydration level. Always carry more water than you anticipate needing in case you are out longer than expected. On trails far from convenient, sanitary water stops, use a portable water-purifying system such as a micro-stove (boil the water), hand-pump filter, iodine and chlorine tablets or ultraviolet light. A key part of proper hydration is consuming sufficient amounts of electrolytes, the essential minerals that regulate water retention, blood PH and muscle function. Consuming electrolyte-containing drinks, gels or tablets is critical when running for more than an hour. When out for a long haul, combine electrolyte-balancing water with easily-digestible, calorie-rich foods such as energy gels, bars, bananas, dried fruit or crackers.

Share the Trail
Chances are you won't be alone out there. Be aware of animals in your area-know what do if you encounter a mountain lion (cougar), bear, moose, poisonous snakes or other dangerous wildlife. Pay attention to your route, and keep your gaze several paces in front of you, watching for roots, loose rocks or other hazards. Be aware of other trail users, yielding the trail to downhill mountain bikers and runners, keeping you dog on a leash. To avoid startling hikers and riders on horseback, call out when approaching them from behind.

Take Training Off-Road
Trail runners often require more recovery between workouts because they recruit more muscles to stabilize the body while moving over uneven terrain. Perform core-strengthening exercises on a ball, focusing on abdominal and hip stabilizers to help develop connector tissue while giving your joints a rest from the impact of running. Between hard, hilly trail runs, include several flat, short, easy trails for active muscular recovery. Running pace does not generally translate well from the roads to the trails. Five miles at seven minutes per mile pace may feel easy and comfortable on the road, but the same distance on trails may take twice as long. Given the varied terrain and rolling topography of most trails, gauge your workout on a basis of time instead of pace. Heart rate readings will also tend to fluctuate more dramatically on the trails as you travel over varied ground. As your trail running advances, add distance and intensity gradually to avoid injuries and burnout. Join a running camp, running clinic or ask your local running shop about group runs or upcoming trail races in your area. Preparing for a race can keep you motivated in training and give you a great sense of achievement when you cross the finish line.

Trail running gear to get you going
The Basics
-Trail-specific running shoes
-Padded trail-running socks
-Moisture-wicking shorts or tights
-Moisture-wicking shirt and lightweight jacket
-Non-chafing wicking underwear
-Hat with visor (mesh or waterproof)
-Sunglasses
-Watch with chronometer (optional: altimeter)

Conditions-Specific Gear
-Sunscreen-Water
-Sports drink
-Energy gel (runs over 5 miles or 1 hour)
-Hydration system (waist or hand-held bottle carrier or bladder and hose)
-Wrist computer (with heart-rate monitor, etc)
-Headlamp or flashlight
-Waterproof/breathable clothing
-Gaiters
-Ear warmers
-Hat-Gloves

Diet - Staying healthy = Eating healthy.

I wonder what had made me change my diet from Hokkien mee for breakfast last time to a glass of oats + cereals and grape fruit juice. Simple fact.... care about what you eat just like how you want to care for your love one (parents, spouse and love one). Staying healthy start with eating healthy.

Bicycle

This is my first time bloggin.... I'm not a writer nor a blogger.... Don't know what topic I wanna write..... the only interest I have...... cycling.

When I was small, I was scared of learning how to cycle. There was no small bicycle @ home. So I learn riding bicycle without landing my butt on the saddle as I was too short at the age of 9 years old. The bicycle was called as "Japanese bicycle"..... later I found out that it's called "Japanese bicycle" caused the Japanese Army used bicycle to advanced from Siam to Malaya. Similar looking type. That "Japanese bicycle" is the only mean of transportation for my mum and my siblings. I always envy the kids with BMX and they have 2 side wheels to help them to learn how to cycle without falling.

My mum bought a 2nd hand bicycle -"Chopper" for my 10 years old - I can still remember the price my mum paid for the bike - RM20. Good bike..... I rode it for 3 years. Then the bike was "decommissioned". Inherited a road bike with flat handle bar from my brother. That was my means of transport during high school. Stop cycling for 10 years after I have my motorcycle license.

Bought a RM200 mountain bike in 2002. cheap metal bike. Can't even cycle 5km during that time..... is not the bike issue.... is the rider issue - I was so fat.... until everyone that see me during that time said - "you put on weight" - 95kg. I can keep on going to write bout cycling.....

Ever since I started cycling in 2002. I managed to reduce 25kg. Now most of my friends will say - "you look thinner compare to last time"...... hahaha..... that's what I want to hear. Now I have 3 Mountain bikes @ home...... love riding during the weekday and weekend. Thanks to cycling - it builds the confident in me over the years.