Every Medal Has A Story

Singapore Duathlon 2010
10K Run. 36.5K Bike. 5K Run.

The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible

The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before.


"We are judged by what we finish, not by what we start"
- Anonymous

"The starting point of all achievement is desire."
- Napoleon Hill

Day I Became An 84km UltraMarathoner :)

I made it !

"One day your life will flash before your eyes.
Make sure its worth watching."

Live the Dream!

"You move from doing things to show other people you could, to where you do things to look into yourself, into your soul, and see who you are and what you're all about."
- Scott Weber

The Finishing Line

"The finishing line isn't given; it is earned."
- Unknown

Wish me luck :)

Number 11 :P

The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you.
And you don't have to listen.
- Nike

PS: Unfortunately, I didn't get to hear Taylor Swift serenading to me during the run as I had finished the race before she got a chance (blame it on her name which starts with the ltter 'T' and thus she ended up somewhere at the bottom of my playlist).

1 Year Later...... Operation: UltraMan!

Do not lose hold of your dreams or asprirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live.
- Henry David Thoreau

ran my 1st Marathon in 2008 - to prove to a certain group of pupils that you can achieve your goals if you pursue your dreams with persistence and not to underestimate the power within.

1 year later with a week to spare will be the 1st anniversay of the run. And this time I will attempt the 84km Ultramarathon (the equivalent of running 2 marathons back to back).

The first time I saw the 84km competitors crossing the finish line, I looked at them in awe. I'm sure that 84km is a seemingly impossible distance to many. But secretly, I asked myself, "If these people can do, why can't I?" Sure you can argue that maybe they are gifted with the natural abilities of a runner but I'll never know whether I can complete this distance if I never try.

I know I'm not fast. Or experienced enough (have only started long distance running in less than a year).

But one thing I do know for certain is that I'll do my very best.

And since there is no sure thing is Life and that I may fail in the attempt, at least I will live with the knowledge that I did not go down without a fight. That I will not go through Life regretting that I never attempt the 'impossible'.

And to those who do complete the Ultramarathon, you know you'll always be an UltraMan :)

not 'this' UltraMan.... but close enough :)

Wish me luck everyone.

9 months later...

my personal recount here

Mission Accomplished

T-Minus 1

my race bib - I like the yelow-blue colour scheme

With 1 day to go, will Mr Danny finally 'evolve' into an IronMan? :)

This is it...

9 months in the making.
9 Days to go.

Do I have what it takes?

Wish me luck everyone and don't forget to write your well-wish in the 'comment' tag below :P

If You Make A Promise......

...... follow it through.

the IronMan 70.3 - 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run
my toughest race ever

March 2009

Train Hard . Race Easy.

Yes, the road to PSLE and the PSLE itself may be tough. But so is the Ironman :)
So let's strive hard to do our best for the goals we want to achieve.

If the mind can believe it, the body can achieve it.
- Unknown

From A Marathoner to A Triathlete - The Journey

Disclaimer from Mr Danny:
Do not try the following activities without adult supervision. Marathons, triathlons, open water swim and long distance cycling are serious sports. Failure to comply with this disclaimer can result in serious or permanent injury or even death.

To my pupils, the only 'race' you should be participating and intend on winning is crossing the finish line that is your exams and ultimately your PSLE.
Mr Danny himself had crossed THAT finish line a long time ago.
... and when you are 18 years old and above (the legal age to enter marathons, etc), then you can try them out :)

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Prologue

This is it.

The day I hoped to realise my dream of completing a triathlon. A triathlon is basically a race that involves completing 3 legs of a race (a swim, bike and run) in succession.

Completing the race was part of the deal I made to my class way back in March challenging that they can achieve anything they hope to achieve if they first have a dream and and work hard for it. On my part I will do something I (and many others) once thought was impossible to do and that was to run a full marathon.

Fast forward 7 months later, and I have completed 3 Marathons, 1 Half-Marathon and I Ultra-Marathon. Basically, my mission is over. However, once you have achieved your dreams, you need to ask yourself this question; "Is that it or can you do more?" The answer for me is clear and obvious. I can do more. And so I challenged myself to completing a triathlon by year's end. The problem was, I have always been a recreational runner, swimmer and I have not done cycling for almost 10 years.

Journey to the Race

I started off from home at 7am in the morning on my brother's aging 5 year old mountain bike. I decided not to take a taxi to East Coast (where the event was held) and use the opportunity to cycle there as a warm up. It is about 21km from Choa Chu Kang to East Coast. The cycling leg of the race was also 21km. Then, I'll be cycling home which will add another 21km. That's 63km in total but still fall short of the IronMan 70.3 cycling distance of 90km which I intend to do sometime in the future. But the greater the challenge, so too will the glory be. I think my wish came true when it drizzled as I left my house.

I thought the drizzle will stop but it did not let up at all. My only concern was the camera in my bag which I had wrapped in a plastic bag in anticipation for such inclement weather.

I Have Arrived - East Coast Park Carpark E2

I was drenched when I reached the race venue 2 hours later but since I was wearing my wet-wear race suit, it did not matter as much. The journey was slow and uneventful and I had plenty of time to appreciate the cold quiet morning of a Saturday morning where I believed most people will still be in the comforts of their beds.

the race map for the day

The time was 0900hrs. My race was scheduled to begin at 1025hrs. The scene was chaotic. There were people from all walks of life. From the young to the old, the disabled and able-bodied and others who I simply could not categorise at this point. They number in the hundreds and each competitor, I believed, had a reason (or reasons) to race. So did I. But I think the number one goal all of us had in common that day was to finish the race.

Getting 'Tatooed'

I then realised that many of the competitors have numbers tatooed on their arms and legs as it was a race criteria. So I scanned around and saw the 'tattoo' booth and lined up to get my 'tatoo' as well. In the queue, I struck up a conversation with a fellow competitor named Victor; a heavily built man who was at least a head taller than me who had done multiple swim events before. He regarded himself a 'swimmer' and he can swim one lap of the swimming pool (50m) in 1 minute. My fastest time for 1 lap is 1min 27 seconds. I told him that this was my first triathlon event and he generously shared with me some useful tips on open water swimming and cycling. I listened attentively to his advice. Afterall, he had more experience.

the number 'tattooed' on my leg

*On a footnote, I do not regard myself as a runner, swimmer or a cyclist. I only do them at a recreational level.

Ready, Set, Go!


We parted company after we got our 'tattoos' and wished each other the best of luck for our races. The race was delayed by thirty minutes because it was still pouring and the 750m open water swim was cut short to 200m because of choppy waters. I was thankful that the organisers did not cancel the swim leg of the race as what I heard happened the year before. It won't be a triathlon if there wasn't a swim component.

After I placed my bike on the bike racks, I made my way to the beach where the Swim-Start was.

the bike racks

my ride - a brandless 5-year old modified mountain bike.
Beside it is a black COLNAGO racing bike which I believe costs at least $4000/-

The Swim Leg

My race started sometime at 1040hrs. With one short blast from the horn, I ran into the water with rest of the competitors. I swam away from the crowd, navigating my way along the less crowded outer lane where the pack of fast swimmers were in the lead. I stayed calm and actually felt comfortable. At the half-way mark, the current got too strong and I ended up being push to the inner lane and started swimming in the path of fellow swimmers. I kicked somebody twice and had to switched to frogstyle so I could surface to see where I was going and was afraid someone would kick me in my face. The danger was omnipresent and very real. In my panic, I ended gulping sea water and since my swimming rhythm was broken, a thought ran across my mind to call it quits. But I remained calm and before I knew it I could stand in the water as my feet found solid ground.

Time taken for 200m swim : 6min 40 seconds

The Bike Leg

Once I reached the beach, I started running towards my bike only to find that my heart was beating wildly and my legs felt like jelly. The swim took more out me than I realised. Somehow I managed to get to my bicycle and started running with it (you are not allowed to cycle in the transition area where the bike was parked) to the start of the bike-leg of the race. My heart still thumping wildly, I started pedalling fast and hard, all the while trying to catch my breath. My plan was to cycle non-stop for the entire 21km with an average speed of 25km/h.

All in all, I had to complete 3 6.67-km lap (which adds up to 21km of course). And amongst all the 3 disciplines, I think I perform best in cycling. The first lap was interesting as I get to somewhat enjoy what the sights East Coast Park has to offer. There was no water point and I guessed I did plan well considering I was carrying my hydrating pack with me.

Once I reached the end of the 1st loop, I realised that there were 2 more laps to go. More and more riders started overtaking me and those who did were riding pure racing bikes as compared to my mountain bike. I knew that if I was riding a racing bike, I could go that much faster.

Anyway, nothing eventful happened on the bike leg of the race except that on the 3rd lap, I heard a loud crash and as I turned my head back, I saw one of the competitors being thrown off his bicycle upon crashing and he was dragged across the ground from the force of the impact. Fortunately, I saw him picking himself up and shrugging off the accident.

The accident reminded me of the unforseen dangers that lurked in the race and I told myself to be extra careful.

Time taken for 21km bicycle race: 54min 27 seconds
Average speed : 23.3km/h

The Running Leg

I had to start the running leg as soon as I dismounted from my bicycle. My legs now felt like lead and every attempt to lift them was a task by itself. I started off on a slow jog and that was all I could muster from my pain-wrecked and enervated body.

"It's your first triathlon. You do not need to push too hard."

"No matter the timing, you have already secured the medal."

Those were some of the excuses that rang through my mind as I fought against the pain. However, I knew that I would regret it if I did not do my best. A saying once goes; “You can quit and no one will really care....but you will always know.”
The 5km seemed to take an eternity to complete but eventually I saw the finish line and with a sudden burst of strength and sheer determination, I sprinted to it.

It was an indescribable feeling to raise my hands up high, flashed a tired but satisfied smile and crossed the finish line. I may not come in first place or second or third, but everyone who crosses that finish line that day was a winner.

And at least now, I can say that once in my life, I have successfully completed a Sprint Triathlon.

Time taken for 5km run : 37 min 38 seconds

the hero of the day with the trademark cool pose and cooler sunglasses :P
Once the race is over and medal is won, then you can smile :)

One of my favourite medals to date. It has the 3 disciplines of the Triathlon etched on it; Swimming, Biking and Running.
And it also validates the end of one journey that started 7 months ago with a simple word;- 'Finisher'

"Medals aren't just made of metal. They are made by all the hard work, sweat and tears that the athlete puts in to winning that medal."

the last 100m dash to the finishing line. The competitors with the serious-desire-to-win look and concentrating hard to overcome the pain and discomfort they must be feeling (do you see them smile DURING the race?)
Notice the congregation of the crowds and supporters on the left.

some guy crossing the finish line where the finisher medals await. He can only manage a slow jog as the race had rendered many competitors to near exhaustion.

Physically disabled competitors whose will to win clearly surpassed many able-bodied persons
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my 1st Sprint Triathlon results; not the first but never the last :)

Mission Accomplished :P

Next stop;- IronMan!

The Will of Iron

Strive for greater dreams and success....

I Made It! :)

Didn't beat my previous record but only missed it by 3 minutes. With a cramped leg at that :)

Total distance ran so far : 105km (2 marathons + 1 half-marathon)

Moral of the story:
Even during the darkest moments (when my left leg began to cramp at the 16km mark and I was to run with a limp), just bear with it and never quit. Sure it wasn't the time I was trying to achieve, but I took on the longest race available for this event (21km) and finished it in less than 3 hours.

The pain was agonising but the smile at the finish line was definitely worth it :)

So to all my pupils, never give up!

Time To Go For A Little Run...

14 days to go....

Always keep your goals in sight. Never forget the promise you made to yourself. Believe you can and just do it!

What It Means to Set a Personal Best

Once upon a time I ran 2 full-marathons in 15 days. I must confess that completing 42km on foot never crossed my mind as possible as I always thought that the human body has its limits. However, it took a challenge and then a change in my perception that got me on track in completing the distance.

It was a feat I overcame with much hardship through hours of training, discipline and determination. It was everything but easy. Through it all, I had faced my share of critics who did not think I was able to complete the distance and bade me ill. Even my doctor told me that I could not do it and to train for a year; time I do not have. Honestly, there were times I even doubt my own abilities. Even so, I persevered and refused to allow those negative words to get in the way of my goal and that is to complete a marathon.

And deep down, I wanted more. Completing 1 marathon would fulfill the goal I had set out to do but surprisingly many people seemed to have done it. However completing 2 in 15 days would be a much more significant accomplishment and something I believe I can do.

The day came and went and I succeeded. In the words of the Adidas advertisement, I had achieved my impossible.

Now, that the race has been won, I find myself wanting to aim for a higher goal. To achieve a personal best and breaking the past record. Not because I am greedy for fame, recognition or all that but because deep down I believe that I can do better.

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So as you my pupils study for your exams, ask yourself whether you had set your goals and how far you think you are from achieving them. As the day grows nearer to the exams, you should be disciplined in your preparation and getting ready to meet the exams head on. You should be striving to get better scores than the ones you got from the last exam instead of merely aiming for a pass. It won't be an easy path, that I assure you. But no worthwhile victories are ever easy. Do your best and your critics will be silenced forever. And most importantly, you'll feel so much better because deep down you know that you have achieved.

Life is too short to think small.

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And so, I'll be competing in 3 more marathons in the last 3 months of the year, back to back. With the 2nd and last marathon within 14 days of each other. I do not wish to elaborate more except to say that when you have a goal, you have to go all out to achieve them. Never let regrets take the place of your dreams.

I hope, I'll report my success to you, my visitors, by year's end. The journey to my marathon goal is not yet over.

The best is yet to be.

You Can If You Believe

"The pain is temporary. The pride lasts forever."
- Unknown

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And in your dreams though impossible things may seem someday,
somehow you'll get through to the goal you have in view.
Mountains fall and seas divide
before the one who in his stride takes a hard road day by day, sweeping obstacles away,
Believe in yourself and in your plan, say not- I cannot- but i CAN.
The prizes of life we fail to win, because we doubt the power within.

Showdown at Sundown!

31st May 2008
more details here

This is it everyone. 15 days to the day I run my first marathon.
I've made so many changes since the day I planned to run the marathon (about 2 months back). At first I planned to run the Standard Chartered Marathon in December but not before running the 21km half-marathon (Singapore Bay Run ) for experience. However the more I train, the more confident I got and so decided to attempt the nearest available marathon which is the Adidas Sundown Marathon, Singapore's first night marathon.

the 42km route

I've trained for it, did my background research on it, believe in myself and my abilities, and all that is left is to hope for the best. That should be the attitude in facing any challenges.

Will I stumble and fail in my attempt or will I sail past the finish line with hands raise in victory? In Life, there's no guarantee but one thing I can be sure of is that I will do my best!

Some men succeed because they are destined to, but most men succeed because they are determined to.
- Greame Clegg

Everyone has his/her reasons for running the marathon. I especially like the last one :)

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To all well-wishers, you may leave your comments in the 'Comment' tag below. Your support is appreciated and thanks in advance. And to the naysayers and critics, get ready to be disappointed :)

One Small Step

map by Google Earth

Today I completed the 7km route with only one rest period. It took me 50minutes to complete the route. Ran 8km on Friday evening and a short 2.4km on Saturday so I was still feeling the soreness in my legs.

Anyway, that is only one-third of the 21km half-marathon. Seems like a long way to go but I will and must persevere.

Training for a half-marathon is tough. But looking back, I've made improvements over the past month such as being able to run longer distances without rest. 24th August is the day and that would be another 4 more months.

I am partly doing this to prove to my pupils that even without any experience except with hope, heart and determination, one is able to accomplish his/her goals. Hope I can see this promise through.