(race recap) Tahura Trail Run 2020

My second Half Marathon Trail Race

 I did this race back in 2015, when I did it with my elementary-year-kids.  I wrote, I wanted to try Half Marathon, but it was impossible to do it back to back in that year. I signed up for 2016, but I couldn’t make it, also in the following year….and the following year except in 2019, because surely I’d had Ironman Bangsaen on February. Ngga usah kebanyakan gaya bikin bokek aja.

So, last August, I signed up anyway, to check long the pending bucket list! Knowing the fact, that I – most likely would travelled solo.

I didn’t have trail shoes, it was completely broken on Messatila Half Marathon, so I have to buy another one from New Balance. The reason? I also used NB previously and it – somewhat – affordable ones ;). I need to replace my road running shoes, since Kayano 26 doesn’t do good ( di lego ngga nih sepatu ? Ha!)  So, I refuse to burden my expenses on shoes…. ( I lied, tho’ – women never had enough shoes, asked Cinderella!)

Anyway, after Langkawi,  I managed to do trail run four times and it was an extra challenge for this overweight middle age woman. The first time I came back to Pondok Pemburu route with Tina and Afiza, it was a challenge to keep up with them, but heck…..demi Konten Instagram– the show must go on!

Twice with Skolari squad, witnessing that age – is truly – just a number. I-considered- those senior citiziens are strong, climbing Pondok Pemburu route cem Kancil ketahuan mencuri ketimun sama pak tani, larinya lincah bet!!!!!!!!!Cih!

Malunya gw, rasa ingin menyembunyikan wajah di dada Daniel Craig! btw,  blio di Knive Knife Out cakep bener ya, andai  rang londo di kantor seganteng blio, disuruh lembur betulin spreadsheet gw ikhlas….asal ditemenin di sebelah.

Note that Skolari holds training twice a week, Thursday and Saturday, combination between running form coaching, strength training etc. Training camp  holds in GBK and it’s free! Do join them! or simple follow their IG @skolari (endorse boleh, min? Penulis haus popularitas)

Anyway, I picked up the  Bib in Jakarta, so it would be hassle-less  for me once I arrived in Bandung, realizing, I’m not familiar with this city. Previously, I contacted my Ria, my former colleague who lives in Bandung to pick me up on the way to the starting pen.

In agreed time, Ria send me message telling she already arrived in agreed place, I hop on a white car that parked there and… Supirnya shock half screaming

“MAU KEMANA BU? ”

anjrit, gw salah mobil choy!  Mobilnya Ria ternyata yang di belakang. Blur blur like Sotong!

Soon as we arrived, reunited with Amel-who is my former colleague as well and her husband. The four of us took Half Marathon distance.

I didn’t realize the Cut Off Time, nevertheless I assumed it would be do able for me, since the track famous for beginner’s friendly.  It was raining the previous day and I was thinking the route would be slippery like what happened when I did Messastila.  The race was postponed for 15 minutes yet the good news was, COT was extended for another 45 mins considering yesterday’s weather!

HALELUYA!

I was pretty sure, I could finished this race before COT then ! Notice then none of the trail race I’ve participated that I finished before COT! Nyiahahahhahahha….DNF terus, gw tetep  daftar terus! Being over confident I am,  yang penting update status!

 7.15 sharp, flag off! 

• First 200 m, I still ran with Ria and Amel.

• Then the track going up….and climb…and up again! I cursed that I didn’t bring track pole with me, but I think I was good with my breathing. Coming back to Akbar’s class do me good. First 2 Km was housing and café complex as Dago Pakar is famous for its look-out area, being the highest point of the city (kali yaa, sok tau aja gw). I lost Ria’s sight, the advantage of being a local, running on undulating track was her daily exercise (of course, this is my excuse).
• Water station was just-fine! I said just fine since they only provided Mineral Water (on gallon) for the first W(ater) S(tations) but they gave bottled-isotonic water on the next WS, yet I always run out sliced-watermelon.
• Then it came the combination of  dirt, local farming area, villagers’ housing complex and my halusinasi.   Bottle neck took place in some area when the track is single, climbing and bit slippery and when I was waiting inline to cross basic-bamboo-bridge, I saw a familiar figure:

 “Ehhh…loe anak Niaga  kan ya Cabang Makassar?”

He was my former colleague. I was in Makassar for business trip while he was stationed there. I was pregnant with number 2 at that time, so I haven’t see him for more than 14 years.  Funny how my brain works, suka mengingat yang ngga perlu diingat.   Untung juga si Dani inget gw, kalo dese lupa ama gw tengsin juga akik.  Then we had pep talk while climbing, before I left him *sombong*.

• At Km 5,  which was at the  peak ( at least it seemed on the peak), another WS was available and cheering station from RIOT community. This guy was soooo funny. Anyway, I asked a random participant who took her time – not so ambitious – to take pic of me. Being alone most of the time since I lost Ria and Amel.
• As I took a sip of water and turn left…and witnessing an u.n.p.l.e.a.s.a.n.t view, another hill!
  While proceeding my journey, another participant asked  me:
  • “Kita ndaki sampe Km berapa ya?”

“Hmm….16K kali yaa?”

“Yang bener loe! Ngga mungkin ah! 10K kayaknya deh”

Me (dalam hati): Numpang mobil aja gw salah, baca peta lagi

• In Km 8-9 check point or so, where the marshals manually check the bib, one of them said “sudah ada 6 orang mbak yang finish”. It was  slightly over 2 hours after flag off and I was amazed. Ini yang sudah finish figuran di Sinetron Tutur Tinular (ketahuan umur)  apa gimana sik? Bisa loncat loncat di pohon pasti!

 

• Before pines forest, there was also water station next to a “pa-ma convenient store” a.k.a warung where I saw few participant taking break for hot tea and Indomie! One of them offered me, I was in doubt since I (think) I was pretty hungry, yet  stomach was uneasy.

• Good thing about this race is the committee provided folding plastic cup to reduce the disposable ones. The thoughtful thing for the earth.
• I looooove the track in Pine Woods, so refreshing, a bit foggy with a-then-considered-flat track. Being slow as turtle I am, I gave my way to faster participant, no need to hurry! I have plenty time to brag about!
  One of the participant who passed me (later I learn his name is Rian) asked:
  •  “Ngga ikutan S (entul) U(ltra) T(riathlon) mbak?
  • Me : ya ngga lah gela.  Eyronmen biasa aja gw DNF 2x, mau SUT pulak! (karena COT-nya 7 jam 30, – admin) eh….Kok lau tau, gw tri?  ~ How do you know I do tri?
    Him : kayaknya sering liat.
  • Hasekkk… biar dua kali DNF  tampaknya gw cukup femes! Padahal bisa aja Rian salah orang ya, gw aja ke GR an.

 

• In Km10, we had reached the highest point. Cem kehidupan, setelah tanjakan pasti ada …tanjakan lagi! Merde!  Belum kelar juga nih tanjakan, bebs?
• I guess the way down was at Km 11, where we run thru another dirt, villager’s housing complex, farming area and of course, another halusinasi from me. I fell down many times, just like when I was in Messastilla. Apparently, body balance is still an issue for me.
• It was 5K before finish line, I saw a shocking track at least it was for me. A trunk as a bridge and I was  alone, clueless how to cross that back-to-nature-bridge. I step very slowly – wish I join gymnastic class when I was younger, while holding to any branch and I could find but unfortunately, it was not firm seperti janji mantan. Kayaknya gw  memutuskan ngesot deh, I think I drag my butt to cross that! The name is also the effort – namanya juga usaha buat finish.
• Later, I arrived the familiar area! Ah ya, I had reached Taman Hutan Raya tourist area. The same track when I did 6K with my kids 5 years ago.
• I heard Azhan Zuhur when I was about to cross the finish line….and….nobody around to greet me! Rasanya kayak WA ke gebetan delivered, centang dua biru tapi ngga di balas! P.A.H.I.T ! The least favorite thing about solo racing, nobody you’re familiar with – greeted you at finish line…hih! As slow runner,the Bintaro Trojan Runners squad greeted me, many picked me up near the finish line…snif snif. And My Garmin never worked well in any trail race, yet the official result as follow:

With Dani later on

Done and dusted

verdict:

• During the races, I took 1 Endura gel , two soy joy and two cups of Mizone ( I pour to the folding cup ). It was enough to keep me moving.
• Yes, the track somewhat, friendlier than any trail races I’ve been participating. But I do realize, my endurance was much better when I did BTS 30K then this one.
• Kang’ kekernya banyak bebs! Ma kasih ya! Di tengah hutan kayaknya  gw cakep(an), kecantikan natural gw terpancar saingannya tanah sama puun soalnya.

 

 PS : all photos are personal except marked otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(race recap) Ironman Langkawi 70.3 2019

After Bangsaen 70.3, I was a bit curious about completing half-distance triathlon race. If only questions popped up.  On March, I gave another shot! I would try my luck on October.

To swim better, I decided to go back to Akbar’s class, I was with him since 2015, I quit in 2016 when doctor told me not to swim yet.  The practice arleady move to Gelora Bung Karno which obviously closer to my office. It will be easier for me to commute.

Swimming in pool for speed session obviously different with open water swimming which is required in triathlon.  So  around March, I’m back with the squad again ,twice a week as opposed to my previous preparation for Bangsaen which was only once a week.

As I also write here, I have my running coach that gives me schedule on Sunday, Monday the latest, because obviously I lack of my running mileage. The reason why I can’t make it on Bangsaen.

But, building up my running really takes time that I only had max 2 a week for bike training. Pre-race MISTAKE.

Ok here’s the recap :

Saturday October 26^th, 2019.

• We had breakfast at the hotel. Me, not having my caffeine for a week finally in big relief. I sip a cup of coffee eat pasta and bread.
• In agreed time, we went to The Danna, a nice resort 20-min-drive from where we stay, where the swimming leg started. Unlike any other tri race I had participated, they had different transistion area  for T1 ( from swimming to bike) and T2 ( from bike to Run) even the finish line. Hence, they gave us 3 bags, Street Bag (for our needs after the race), Bike Bag (our needs from in T1) and Run Bag ( our needs in T2). For Bike leg, I prepared myself with a  bottle full of Infinite, a powder-form food and should be dilute with 600cc water. I think this cool, I wont left anything behind like I forgot my bike shoes when I was in Thailand.

• We had sholat subuh near by, since when we arrived, the transition area was not open yet when we arrived.
• Preparing stuff, wishing everybody good luck, we droped our Street Bag on Truck. When I just about dropped mine, a male Caucasian about my age yelled in panic. He forgot that swimming google and swimming cap were still in Street Bag and finding yours in stack of thousand street bags is just like finding a needle in the hasystack!  But fortunately, he can find his! He must be a good man then ! hahahah
• I took gel with me and bottle of water with me.
• There were 3 waves for Half Ironman distance, the red cap ( fastest), the blue cap (middle) and the white cap (slow or not sure)  I was in blue cap wave with expected swimming time 45 – 55 mins.  COT for swimming leg was 1 hour 10 mins, similar with Bagsaen. Seeing how calm the water was even after heavy rain the night before, I was pretty sure I’ll swim better, close to my Bintan’s timing.
• There, I swam, very relax. The water was somehow warm, the sun hasn’t rise yet. It is expected that I got kicked, can’t help it. I followed all the floating flags, there was time I swam a little bit too far but I did practice my sighting so I kept myself from track again.
• I forgot how the swimming track look like, thing I regret that I skipped technical meeting on the previous day. You know, in every triathlon race, there will be technical meeting from the committee to introduce you how the track looks like, the transition area, the do’s and the don’ts.
• But on the last turn, I saw some white caps were overpassing me. But if take a look, I’m still around the blue caps. Means, I swam with others who are in 2.30 – 2.45/100 m pace.
• There, I got it! 51 mins! I saw Jelly and Lily cheered me! Wow! They didn’t race yet willingly travel to The Danna for this! Wow!

• I took my Bike Bag, then I confused where to go. See, behind Bike Bag Storage Area there was a changing room, there is  where we should prepare our stuffs! I lost my 15 seconds! Ha! Took white balero, put skirt on, hijab and glasses. Owh, this was the first time I used different top for my tri race.
• My favorite leg! Bike leg ! Langkawi Ironman race is famous for its hilly, undulated, steep hills! Rear Derrailleurs  killers! If you don’t know how to handle your bike.
• When I rode , I was wondering why I was so tired! Many participants passed me. I wonder why I ride sooooo slow especially in hilly area. Was it my legs?
• We took u turn after one steep hills. Of, unfortunately, bike course wasn’t steril. So I had to compete with any other vehicles.

See my Tyre?

• The nightmare came, I got flat tyre. A local  participant warn me I had flat tyre! OH EM GEEEEE!!!! This explained why I was soooo slow. I changed my tyre and pump my rear tyre with CO2.  Lucky I had learned how it worked. I continued. In down hill I still feel something wrong with my bike. I didn’t do it properly! I forgot to secure the tyre tube. I took my second CO 2 ( tabung kecil Co 2) I was panic, the gas pop up hopelessly. I cried! No way I’d finish this race and it has been one hour on in Km 19. But I tried my luck.

what Co2 look like

• Lucky, supporting car came and helped me but he didn’t have bike pump with him. “Kakak calm sajalah, it will be ok. My friend will come in 5 minutes” he calmed me. Which seem take FOOOORRRREVERRRRR!!!!! That was  my worst nightmare among all the races I joined. CLUELESS AND HOPELESS! The other bike mechanic finally came WITH A BIKE PUMP! I begged him to be quick, it was 1 hour 15 mins already. NOw I wonder, how does he know I understand Malay? hahahahah.
• Bike then oke, I continued my journey. For Langkawi Ironman, the 70.3 and Full Distance take place at the same time! So, there were many full IRONMAN Participants around me. Whoooo, they must swim very fast.
• The rest of the track I was considered ok. We bike through village, by the lake, with local kids asking free bottle (on water station they gave us cold water in a bottle). I didn’t take the bottle with me. Tapi ya, ada teman saya, orang Algeria kerja di Jakarta, Doel kami memanggilnya, Dia “buang” bidon ini ke anak kampung, di penalty panitia. Suruh berhenti 5 menit! Hahahahah Kasihan Amat. Jadi peraturannya kalau ketahuan buang sampah, di penalty. 
• Remember I said considered ok? Because when we took right turn after we cruised the city, that is where other night mare continues. Bike Track in Langkawi is famous for its THREE SISTERS and ONE MOTHER IN LAW! They are HORRRRRIIIIIBBBBLLLLEEEEE!  This is where you would see, many people CHEERIINGGG YOU UP, because it was THATTT HORRIBLE!!!! These are the places where participant hop off their bike and WALK with the bike!
• I forgot on which those scary hills, a participant in front me made sudden stop. I didn’t prepare for this and I was too close with her as well. I fell down, my bike chain was misplaced. Rantai lepas! OH WHAT A RACEEEEEE! 
• Short story, in one of those horrible hills, I DID WALK WITH MY BIKE a.k.a NUNTUN SEPEDA! I felt slighty cramp on my right inner thight! I rode my bike while messaging my thight! I really wanted to stop!

• and in last 15K, we had to under go MOTHER IN LAW Hills, LONG endless hills under one hot scorching sun!
• FINALLY! OWHHH FINALLY! I arrived at Mahsuri International Exhibition Center, where the transition 2 was.  I dismounted and fell down again!  I asked the committee whether I was still eligible to run? They said yes, and there I ran!
• Running track was a 2-lap-course, and on (my) Km 4 I saw Cieko (Km 14). He motivated me as I was soooooo damn tired and we even held hand so I could keep his pace. Another participant said “owh you guys soo sweet” We both laughed. Baek baek Cik, ada fotograper snapped kita, susah jelasin ke istri loe ntar…I joked. Yet, Since I was tired, Cieko somewhat faster in completing the rest of his 7K.
• The MICE is close to airport. As you know, it expected Airport Area should be clear. No high trees, no shades. NOTHING! DIRECT Sunlight. Hahahhaha

• Anyway…long story short, I completed the whole track, they give all the finisher, medal and towel but if you check the timing track, it stated DID NOT FINISH!

Sedih? PASTI!  I didn’t feel this sad when I was in  Bangsaen, and now I’m pretty sad that I didn’t finish my second Half Ironman race either.

But during endurance sport like this, I learn that you never lose, it is either you win or you learn! I learn that, Ironman race probably is not for me, sudahlah…patah arang! Ikutan color run 5k aja paling bener! Ahhahahahah

PS : read better recap here from Evan.

PS again : and if you wonder, the Street Bag will be available on the finish line, while the BIke Bag  were transfred to T2. So participant will pick their bike, together with bike and run bags.

What the three sister hills look like. Sorry i have no idea who owned the pictures.

(Race recap) Singapore Triathlon 2019

I never planned this race, Maya asked our swimming squad to sign up for this race one month before the D-Day as she’d be doing relay with Mas Emir ( her boss ) and Adhit (her spouse).

Some signed up as relay team (so there were 3 relay team among us) and some considered individual. i check my training plan, it suit me well. i had to do Tri Race simulation – Olympic Distance. But later I changed my mind. I refused the hustle bringing my own bike, I’d rent instead. They had 2 choices Road Bike and Mountain Bike, I opted the later. Simply, because it is 50 SGD cheaper! Ha ha! So I downgraded to Sprint Distance.

So, Singapore Triathlon 2019 was my second attempt doing Sprint Distance, officially.

Sunday, Sept 27th 2019

We woke up not so early. I learned that transition area would not be closed during the race. The regulation quite loose compare to other Multisports Events I’ve joined. We even put our bike on the D day.

So we arrived early to East Coast Park, I took my bike and proceeded to transition area, showing my wrist band.

My rented bike

Then Manda ( I often called her Sapi Bule) and were looking for toilet, do the “business” and lined up to get our body marked. And it was soooooo long. The committee seemed inefficient. And it wasn’t body marking with stamp, they used Black Marker (alias spidol). Meh!

Then we grouped with others, waiting for our wave. Female Sprint Category had the latest wave, at 9:05 Singapore Time.

My crazy swimming squad

The current was uneasy, I saw many longer distance participant carried away from the track then they were evacuated by boat. I thank God I didn’t sign up for OD!!!

Not until 9.15 am, that it was finally our turn, the last wave. Here’s the recap:

• Soon as I entered the water, as predicted and expected, i got kicked on my head. Oooo I hate swimmers who did breast stroke during the first few mins!
• Seeing previous participants carried away by current, i paid attention to the rope on my left, so I’d swimming in the right path! I’m a-right-sided- swimmer. I take breath better on my right, so it was challenging for me to take breath from left side.
• Few mins later, I heard people cried for help and F word! I told you wave and current was uneasy. Everybody hanging on rope so I lost the sight of the rope. I freaked out!!!!
• I swam harder, man this wasn’t easy! I shallowed sea water and I puked!
• Until there were three girls in front of me, TALKING! One of them told me “you can overpassed me, she’s drowning”. God fordemit!! How Can I passed you guys when I’m not even moving!!!
• I saw my watch and it said it was already 600 m but I was stillllll farrrr from the sea shore! I almost cry! I haven’t make the last turn to the sea shore.
• Just to cut story short, i swam almost 1K for almost 50 mins! My worst speed!!

Tired Ugly Face

Transition Area

Adil, took my pic and gave my glasses. He was suppose to take pics of other participants, but he stuck with me hahahah! I asked him to get my glasses ready and when I’m done with my swim. I didnt use contact lens.

• I ran to transition area, and heard my name was called.
• I saw Thea, Adhit and Dondok and said to myself, Thea done with the bike? She must rode very fast! Because I know Astrid is a fast Swimmer To note: astrid – thea – ali doing relay OD. Dondok – vita – Kunthi doing SD relay.
• I put helmet on, my running shoes and cursed I didn’t bring baby powder with me. I used powder to reduce the water from my wet feet.
• Bike Track was a-6-Km lap. So i must rode 3 lap and it was hooooorrrrrriiibbleeeee! The bike was heavy and I wasn’t familiar with the bike. Hard for me to change the gear.Huh! I’ll never do Tri race with MTB again! Lucky I only did 18K! My thighs and my feet were tired. And I don’t have my bidon (bottle) either. I forgot to bring one.
• But on second note, I noticed that Singapore Triathlete are sooo humble! Even the longer distance participant don’t wear fancy brand. Few of them were riding with their running shoes and running jersey. They don’t have expensive bike either. If the race was held in Indonesia, I bet the suits, shoes, etc could cost up to 700 Dollar! Head to Toe orang Indonesia, pasti merek mahal! Ngga usah bahas sepeda!
• Well, I planned to ride with in an hour, considering it was MTB and not my bike, but I did better than that!
• Here come my weakest leg, RUNNING! Oh my GOD seemed it took forever to do 5K run at 11 am Singapore Time!!!!
• But I managed to walk-jog-walk-jog….and….did the run below 45 mins (within my target of 8:30mins / K)

They gave ice cream!

Later I found, Astrid got sea sick. So Thea haven’t do the bike when I saw her in transition area. Made it even worse, she got flat tyre twice! And only did 4 laps (instead of 6). But Ali ( the runner) allowed to Run. See? The event was loose. Hahahahah i also learned that the evacuated swimmers are still allowed to continue the race. Well ya whatever! I was there for fun!

Race Recap : Titan Run 2019

Saya lupa, sejak kapan Titan Run ini hadir. Kehadirannya setiap Agustus memang ditunggu banyak runner. Karena, race rasa kondangan! Makan makan setelah race heboh macam kenduri, plus….Durian!

Saya baru tahun ini berpartisipasi, itupun gratisan kantor. Saya jadi tidak tahu berapa fee-nya, konon lumayan mahal.

Balik sebentar, sejak akhir April lalu, saya punya coach lari, pelatihan online. Dia kasih menu, saya kerjakan. Awalnya seminggu 5x, pas puasa seminggu 3x, sekarang 4x

Hasilnya, speed saya membaik. Kan saya sering tulis di sini ya, i lost my strength. Sejak 2016 speed saya melorot ke 9-10 mins per menit, bahkan saya DNF pas Jogja Marathon dan kena COT pas Ironman Bangsaen.

Nah, selama pelatihan, speed saya membaik. Masih lelet sih, tapi membaik.

Contohnya awal April 1 jam cuma sanggup 6.5 K terus bisa 7K, 7.2 K bahkan pernah 8K.

Makanya ada lomba ini saya pengen buktikan hasil latihan saya.

Titan run ini selain makan-makannya yang membedakan dengan race lain, dia diselenggarakan selalu hari Sabtu dan punya signature distance, 17.8K.

Dulu sih kalo ngga salah 17 dan 8K

Yep, karena hari merdeka, tahun ini punya kategori 45K duo (jadi masing-masing pelari 22.5K)

Saya sampai nginap di the Branz, apartemen sebrang Aeon Mall-BSD, tempat start-nya.

Akhir akhir ini sulit bangun pagi.

Paginya saya makan kurma, roti gandum dan minum kopi susu.parahnya ngga bisa BAB paginya.

Here’s the recap :

• flag off, 5.15 am! Pagi butaaaa dan peserta 17.8K ini ada 1000 orang konon.

Terakhir saya lari di BSD khusus lomba lari saja kayaknya tahun 2015 ya pas 2XU, habis itu kapok. Panas banget karena BSD lagi dikembangkan. Banyak konstruksi dan minim pohon.Tapi rutenya sih pasti mirip mirip. Tahun 2017 lari di BSD karena powerman.

• Dan yaaa benar saja, rutenya aih familiar. Keluar Aeon belok kiri, putar balik terus sampe komplek Qbiq. Belok kiri. Dulu waktu powerman lewatin rute ini. Selain itu saya baru sepedahan di situ dua minggu lalu sama Bayu. Enak banget saat itu dingin. Tapi saya tidak bisa memenuhi target pribadi saya bisa sub 8’ atau at least pace 8. Melorot ke 8:06/km bertahan sampai sekitar 8K

• oh race ini ada hiburan juga, Dj, tari daerah,dll. Lanjutin lari I know familiar figure, ketemu mbak lala. Beliau baru pulang ikutan Gold Coast Half Marathon. Lagi hobi-hobinya lari. Welcoming her 50’s !

• terus belok kanan, ada hiburan tarian Kalimantan. I stopped to take pic with them. Rute ini ada 3x U-Turn sehingga bisa lihat Ika di sisi lain. Duh, kalau paginya ngga dibangunkan Ika via whatsapp, bisa bablas lagi ketiduran.

• Nah saya lupa diputar kemana lagi, pokoknya ngga sampai Sumarecon dan akhirnya balik lagi ke area Qbig.

• Ini putaran terpanjang dan ketemu Marion on the other side.

• Di putaran ini Km 13, pace saya makin melorot ke 8:15 min/K. Tapi saya happy sih, ngga masalah sama lutut apalagi kram. Ngga bloating juga. Di Km 14 saya makan kurma 3 biji untuk energi. Tiap water station (per 2.5K) pasti minum.

• RunID kalau bikin race selalu menyenangkan ya. Marshal ok, water station juga ok. Tapi di tiap water station tidak ada makanan sama sekali (khususnya untuk long distance) seperti pisang atau semangka. Jadi refuelling ya mandiri.

• Setelah 16K, melewati the Branz dan memutar ke area finish. Itu nanjak boooo!

• Akhir kata saya finish 2 jam 28 menit untuk 17.8K (average pace 8:15). Jauh dari target pribadi 8:00 tapi better lah dibanding Bintaro Jaya Half Maratbon

• Masuk race village lagi, biasalah reuni runner. Dan Langsung ….makan! Antri soto betawi Haji Mamat, Chat Time dan Durian!
• Oh ya, pengaturan ambil makanan juga bagus sih. Dipisahkan buat yang 5/10K dan 17.8/45K duo. Bahkan yang antri durian depan saya tidak dapat durian lagi hahaha kasihan. Tapi fair sih, kan short distance selesai duluan.

Air BnB The Branz

At Km 4-5

Traditional Dance

Akhirnya bisa nyusull Ika juga di Km 10

Usually, the happiest girl after 3rd bowl

Durian

Last Finisher 45K duo

Mbak Lala, Marion and I

Finish Happy

Ironman Bang Saen 70.3 Race Recap

Where was I?

Ah ya…

We woke up really early, get dressed and I couldn’t eat. Mami Vitri pushed me to eat at least banana and even made me a cup of instant cofee.

A shuttle bus (in a form of TukTuk) picked us up at 4.15. the hotel gave us a sandwich and mineral water for breakfast, I left it at my room….then decided to bring the sandwich. From Wheeler Bed and BIke , only took 5 mins, approx 2.5K, shortly we arrived at transition area.

And what is a race without drama?

That very moment I realized I left my bike shoes at the hotel! DAMN! I forgot what I did, seems I ran to the drop off point and realized it would do no good. The local said there would be another shuttle bus but I doubt. Friends told me to calm down and I tried, entered the transition area and prepared my stuff. Tried to call Alvin who was still in hotel, but he didnt hear. I  figured if I walked back and forth, it could take 1 hour or so, I still have spare time before the transition area close at 6.00 am.

I ran back to drop-off point, and fortunately the last shuttle bus (with Alvin in it) came. I asked for the driver’s mercy, with the help with locals, figured out my condition that I NEED to go back to hotel. The driver said yes, he dropped me off, I asked him “please wait for me for 10 minutes!” With a 20 Baht on his hand! 😀 It wasn’t bribing I hope.

I run frantically to my room and got it! FIUHHHH now I can smile! probably I couldn’t finish swim leg due to the choppy water, but at least I tried (to get the bike), didn’t I? As I re-entered the transisition area, I heard the MC said Fun Fact about this event. He said that in term of age group, the most participants come from Male 40-44! wooo, target market gw donk, mana mana aja nih yang available. *jahil* Udah tenang soalnya. 

Another drama, ban sepeda kurang angin. The was a local participant telling me I should get my wheel pumped.

Damn! I was looking for a pump with an adopter (related to type of the wheel). Agak susah nyarinya, ternyata ada team dari Indonesia yant bawa! Bagus deh, ngga usah ngoceh pake bahasa Inggris. That local guy helped me with my bike, he pumped the wheels. Kap Khun Kaaaaa! Probably excited that someone from overseas came for the sake of this event! He told me he haven’t done Bintan, yet. I assumed it wasn’t  his first time doing half IM, he knew where the events are held.

Fortunately, next to my bike was an empty space, seemed the 1307 cancelled her. There ,  I took Subh Pray.  Next to me (1305 and 1304) were also  Indonesian. I met Dini several time. She gave me dates for extra energy and I asked for her sunblock too. Lupa bawa booo.

I took a gel and small bottle with me, dropped my bag to BAG DROP station, and off to starting pen, I was in Pink Lane. The slowest swimmers, whose pace is 2:30 / 100m and slower. I met Evelyn, good! Had friends to chit chat, then later with Luwung, and Indonesian designer lives in Bali. We entered the waiting area.

The different between Bangsaen and Bintan, the waiting area provided bottled drinking water and plenty of them. Another thing, the EO didn’t allow us to swim after 6 am although race starts at 6.25 am.

Regrouped with another Indonesian (Including the man behind me). An oriental looking guy came and asked

“Kalian dari Indonesia ya?”

He is Jery (or Geri), an Indonesian living in Laos for several years. He has done that and this half Ironman across South East Asia and annually do Tri Race in Bang Saen. Actually, it was the first time for the 70.3 distance was held under Ironman organizer. Jery also told us a bit about the city, although it’s quite and small, it holds many sport events during a year and the pretty girl next to us is a Thai Model! @mymanow IG nya #penting

Biar wa ngga tegang, wa ngoceh aja terus! I took my gel and drink and another drink. Swimmers entered the water by 5 people, 5 seconds each .

Here’s my recap, it is going to be soooo long.

• The water was unfortunately still choppy. As predicted, being a slow swimmer I got kicked many time.  I saw many swimmers hanging on a rope.
• The course was form of an isosceles triangle, 700 m – 500 m – 700m. Berapa luas segitiganya? #krik
• I pushed hard against the water, otherwise it would take me nowhere like yesterday.
• I’m a right sided swimmer, I took breath better on right, besides the rope also on my right. Make sure I didn’t get too far from the course.
• But I remember I have to switch to left side too, breathing on right side , gives pressure on my right ears. After Bintan, my right ear isn’t normal anymore, it has low tolerance to water pressure that gives trouble during my drill.
• When I took breath from the left, it offered beautiful sunrise.
• Done first 700m, I took left turn with sooooooo many swimmers macam zara lagi sale. Hard to move and the ropes that kept the buoy float were disturbing as well. I reached ones and made them as stepping stone (rope)
• Even 3/4 of the course I still saw some swimmers hanging on the rope and marshal asked were they ok or not. Including the green cappers too. It was a hard sea. But a calm sea will not make a good sailor #apeuuu 🙂
• Each 100 meters marked by a buoy and abt 200 meters before the sea shore I saw my watch it was 50mins something. I still have 20 mins left before the Cut Off Time.

• I pushed even harder. Then I felt slightly cramped on my left calf. Oh no!  This is my very first sport, I love swimming my entire life, not completing this leg wasn’t an option. Not today! And I made it. Exactly 1 hr, 9 mins slower from Bintan 10 mins from COT.
• Alhamdulilah!!!! Untung tuh sepatu gw ambil tadi! I said to myself!
• Run to transition area, I took a fit bar and alike, a sip of water, and ready to go, yet put the bike back as I think I need Tri Vest on. Kurang kece foto gw nanti tanpa TriVest. Run out to transition area. It was sooooo big as it held 1500 participants. (Hope it also answers question, why no rental bike or alike in Tri event like this 😀 )

Bike LEG

• The most scariest leg for me as I had flat tyre on my last Tri Race at Bintan Triathlon.
• We already tested the bike route and Bang Saen famous for its flyovers. The least favorite about the route is there are sooo many speed traps. I saw cyclist lost its tumblers.
  

  That expression tho’

• I think I was doing fine on first flyover, another two I said to myself, as yesterday, my friends and I were discussing the route
• Cyclists were passing me and I looked at them and said “youu…swim slower than me?” #pongah  I silently asked them. Hahahhah kampret sombomg bener gw! When I tackled the flyover, I murmered  Yes, here come one, yes two!  One (flyover) to go, it was the longest flyover or….I thought it was. Wait whatt???? Masih ada flyover lagi???
• Then it took us in alternate road next to highway. Lurus aja jalannya macam orang mudik. Route was boring and dry.  Then we took left to villagers area. Around Km 20 was a water station I opted not to stop. Km 25 or something I saw the potential winner making his way back to the city.
• But I can say, I enjoyed the route, undulating, flat, sharp turn, a combination of flyover Bintaro, Kuningan, Gatsu and those beautiful small villages during TDA, Jogja. Chon Buri area is sooo quite, saw locals cheered us up Tapi ngga meriah aja. Emang Indonesia kebanyakan penduduk kali ya.  I think I was soo closed to God since I made pray and dzikir every other mimutes, jangan pecah ban lagi ya Rabb! Please no bike drama! I keep looking at my watch, 30K, 35K…if I took OD I would have finish this leg in less than 15 mins. Why I gave my OD Sungai LIat Triathlon bib up?  Although not hard core, I train regularly. Also the reason why I jumped up to Ironman Distance. See, mending mengutuk selama race  dibanding nyesel  ngga daftar kan apalagi Did Not Start? hahahhahaha!
• There were still speed traps along this course, sebagian saya tabrak, sebagian saya menghindar ke kiri yang ngga kena trap. 
• I could passed few cyclists and said “Excuse meeee. Bike on your right” when I wanted to pass them. I felt like I’m the coolest South East Asia female cyclist. nyiahahhahahaha #pongahlevel2
• Then I stoped my bike to get my tumbler filled with water. I had two bottles with me, plain water and Isotonic. I ran out plain water on Km 35’s I think. Continue my bike and tried to get isotonic drink from Marshal Hand without stopping my bike, and again, gw berasa keren bener!
• We made U-turn in Km 40’s something, saw few cyclists behind me on my way back.
  
• There was a scenic yet scary route on the way back, by the side of Ban Bhang Pra Reservoir. There was a bridge in front of  us and when  I looked up, I saw cyclists there! Eh gileee jekkkk, nanjak lagi maleeeh? This was the route and why the photographers exist on every tanjakan? muka saya ngga ada yang bener!

 

• I actually couldn’t recall what really happened. The area was quite on my way back (ya iyalaaah gw lelet, udah ngga ada peserta lagi) I kept riding, kept looking at my watch, 50 K, 55, 65 K and so on. I took both gels (that whas taped on my bike) within 10-20Km distance. There was banana provided but I didn’t stop. Things I regret later.   Also met another Indonesian, both using road bike instead of TT bike. salip salipan gitu deh, hahahhaha. Pas nyalip minta jalannya  pake bahasa Indonesia aja.  Later I knew, many of friends including Acha, Ika and BTR did tracking me. Worrying my whereabout, monitoring via Ironman Tracker app. Thx friends. *blowing kisses*
• Just around 10K back to race area, Evelyn passed me. I look my watch, it was almost 11.30 am, I had spare time before COT at 12. 00 pm.
• So, finished in 3 hr : 40 mins. With the headwind / side wind along the course (bikin berat boo) I think I was doing fine. Another wish was granted that day! Alhamdulilah!

Run Leg

• Back to transition area, I took another fit bar. Took my bib with me and drank plenty of water. 
  
• I was almost 12 pm when I started the run, under hot scorching sun! I did power walk as @ayu_soemardoko told me. But those evil hills laid on Bangsaen Seashore were devil!!! drained my energy to the lowest level. #lebay ⁣
• When I jsut started the run, I saw Vitri was making her last loops, she told me water station were good! plenty of food.
• It was a-3-loop-track, steep hills, and hills and hills again! Go check my Strava account for details. If you ran Bali Marathon, the similar hills like in Km 21, repeat 9 times!
• Vitri was right, there were sooooooo many food available, isotonic, cola, water melon, gels, banana even its ice cream and its traditional food made from sticky rice.
• I saw many army and there was a group of people, covering one lady. She was the princess,  the first grandchild from the late Rama IX.
• Since it was looping, saw many friends and they were motivating me. Sunu, Pak Idham, Bagus and the younger Bagus.
• around 3K before the end of the loop, they gave us rubber band in three color. Princess and her group took her second and I of course took the first rubber band.
• Done first loop,  mein Gott! another 14K. I never sign up for a race again EVER!!! EVER, ever! I cursed myself during this hot sunny day. I shouldn’t waste my money, I could just lying on my bed today. get manicure, pedicure, hair spa, full body massage. What a waste of 8 hrs ++ geee. 
• I can’t remember what I ate, I stoped in every water station, eat that banana, water melon, ice cube, cola, isotonic in random oder. I took sponge threw them repeat countless time,
• Near finishing the second loop – which also the check point Cut Off Time, the committe still allowed to go. I really wanted to give up, yet there was no appropriate “resting place” it’s either hot (34 degrees, thank you very much), many garbage (by Water Station ) smelly — yang namanya even kayak gini banyak yang pipis sembari jalan aja..so, imagine yes? 😀  and even …. monkeys 🐵 , ya dalah yaaaaa gw lanjutin aja dengan sisa sisa⁣ tenaga.
• But fortunately, I didn’t get cramp. I was doing oke. I was the last person who got the 3rd loop rubber band! The marshals were about to go back to race village. -__-    I knew I couldn’t make it. meh!

NOTE, that Briyani wasn’t for me!

• On my way to third check point, there was intersection. It was near my hotel, and there was no marshal anymore. I had to cross the streed muyself. they already open the road for public. double meh!
• Long story short, technically I managed to cross the finish line, but 9 mins after they close the gate.⁣
• The race director came to me and said he was sorry I didn’t make it and gave me a T shirt.
• Ingin kuberkata kasar “kata loee enjoyable course maliihhh!” cih! 
• I talked to him on Friday, as I explaiend to him I wear hijab I need long pants on swimming leg. In Bintan, I had to argue as the rules didn’t allow pants above the knee. Lupa gw kenapa aturannya.
• And muss ich sagen, thank you very much Mami Vitri, Bu Thya and Sunu  who had patiently waiting for me. The ladies got their Personal best Time on this devil course. 

• Came back to transition area, regrouped with Natali and Dini. None of us finished this race. hahahhahaha! Natali was only 2 mins too late! kejam kalian panitia! 
• I saw that local guy who pumped my wheel, he made it. when I told him I didn’t he said give it a try another year. “Or I’ll see you again in Bintan!” yeah right!  Unfortunately I can’t remember his name.I even forget his Bib though he was in front of me on transition area.

So why it didn’t work.

• My refueling is big homework, i suffered from bloating few days ahead. I was hungry during run leg yet keep drinking cola and isotonic.
• I barely practice long swimming.
• Of course, the  run as well.
• I should have my weight lost few kg as well.  Perhaps.
• yet, I break my own words, I’ll sign up for an endurance again. hahahahahhaha

My viem for this race

• Give it a try! It was a good race. Thailand is affordable for Indonesia, food are great! I regret I didn’t extend my stay in Bangkok.
• The finisherpix is FREE!!! Otherwise it took USD 100 or something!

SEE YOU ON THE NEXT RACE! 5K color run :)) :))

PS : re-read my Bintan Swim Leg recap, I lied.