Back to the pool

After the C**** outbreak on March 2020, pools (of course) were closed, it was re-opened, but things got worse back then. My team were practicing in an apartment’s pool once as alternative but since I was unvaccinated back then, I never came.

Yesterday was marked as my first time, pool swimming again with an old squad whom I never met for the past 18 months. Additionaly, I’m glad my swimming wear still fit me and I didn’t lose the buoy, fins and paddle hahahaha! Only my open water google was broke, torn into half.

I came late due to heavy traffic as a subsequent of heavy rain! (Pheww Jakarta!) so I missed the warm up session – i did it alone! Then I hugged the coach spontaneously!

My coach gave me different swimming set, i did it all alone, but then I stopped, gave Parvita and Dondok a hug in the middle of the set ~~~ in the middle of the pool 😅

Dondok was a C***d survivor. I never thought the reunion could be soo sentimentil! I mean, our practice was twice a week back then. On weekend, sometimes we went out for dinner. However, I wasn’t that close to them, but not seeing them for almost 20 months is different story! I’m glad we “made it” some how.

Glad things slowly return to normal and I am able to reunited with my swimming squad again. I thanked God for that!

The pandemic tought us how short life is.

Back after 20 months!

Quick dinner and catch up after the practice

(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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year End Gift

Early this year, my sister told me she got the Ballot to run in Chicago Marathon.

“you got the ballot?”

Gee…I forgot to register.

Then I remember, I didn’t even sign up for the ballot.

Simple, I had booked ticket for four to Russia on June.

Ha ! Certainly I wouldn’t have budget for another long-haul, expensive trip. Better not positioning myself between this and that!

Something came up, my sis couldn’t make it to USA this year, she has to defer to the following year, which is…2020.

Well, next year I’m going 42. I have plan for myself, doing 2-4 FM in one year. #42K42Y or 42 KM 42 years. Hahahahhaha! But I’m not sure on which event I’ll be participating. Thinking of Jogja on April, but I had signed up for a bike race in Lombok (also in April).

There will be noooo way my supervisor allows me taking another annual leave. Then I’m thinking about Bandung, Gold Coast, Jakarta or Chiang Mai.

Last October, I tried my luck again- somehow ! My second attempt for Chicago marathon’s ballot.

Registered and I forgot until last night.

I just had my strength training with a new club, the coach is my close friend.

Then we went home by Train and we just reserve our seat then there was a message from my sis:

“you got the ballot?”

Oh my…I checked my mail! Zip zero nothing nada!

Tried again…

“Application Update for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon” and it said…

🙂

Alhamdulilah!

Buat yang di kereta terakhir jurusan Rangkasbitung jam 8.30 pm malam kemarin….maap banget ada yang teriak teriak di Gerbong 2 yaaa!

It was me! I couldn’t be happier! Sumpah! I just love how the universe works with our luck…I mean, last time I was in Berlin – my first WMM, it was also with my sister!

And wish me luck, gonna be my 5th Full Marathon and my second World Major Marathon.

Yes!!! I don’t think I’d be able to run another 2-3 marathon next year! Mahal boo ke Amrik! Hahahah!

PS : my second degree cousin who now lives in norway will also joining the event.

I did read my Berlin Marathon race recap, and I did write my next WMM is Chicago! Hahahahaha!

(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!