MUDS08 saw Potential PowerMan and PowerWoman Elites

RUN!!!

BIKE!!!!

WIN!!!!!

Hey guys! Remember in MUDS08 we encountered the one we can say as the most consistent du-er of the event? She took part in all three legs of MUDS08 and won all 3 races in Women's Open category.

We're pleased to wish all the best to Malaysia's national duathlon elite, Mariana Mohamed who will be competing in upcoming Malakoff Powerman Malaysia 2008, which is going to take place in Sri Manjung, Perak on November 9, 2008. Wish Mariana will get better position than the incredible 4th place, which she got in 2007.

Hopefully, all du-ers will compete in Malakoff Powerman Malaysia 2008, make this only internationally accredited duathlon event in Malaysia grow, show the world that we are a beautiful country with large "duathletic" citizens.

What is Brick?

**taken from http://beginnertriathlete.com


What's a "brick" and why is it named so?

* Bike-Run-ICK!
* That's how your legs feel for the first part of the run.
* Named by Mark Sisson and Scott Zagarino one day in 1988 after they completed a
Bike-Run workout -- "Just another brick in the wall".

For us beginners, a brick is usually a bike/run combo. This simulates the bike to run transition - many think is the toughest part of the race. It should be done during your final training phase leading up to a race. A brick simulates the bike-to-run transition. It's wiggy. Have you ever had your leg go to sleep on you? You can move it OK but you don't feel like it's part of you. Really. It's like running on rubber pegs or running with a ball and chain attached to them.

Bricks are usually demanding on your body - don't make them routine. Definitely plan on doing 2-3 bricks during your final lead-up to your triathlon. When doing these bricks, you don't have to run your best time - go easy. I wouldn't even do your full miles. What might also work during your last several weeks to a month is to maybe do an easy mile of running after every bike ride.

Also, at the end of the bike leg, lower your gear and increase your pedal revolutions to loosen muscles tightened by pushing big gears.

If time is not a bother to you, it will definitely NOT hurt to take a few minutes to stretch those leg muscles.

But finally, the truth is that the 'bricks' I have been talking about are... well... whimpy. If your a serious triathlete, a true brick is to do several bike/run combos. Ughhhh!!!! Good thing we don't have to worry about that for now.



Stephanie Chok at Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series at Dataran Merdeka, April 2006

Invitation for training

Officially the training for the upcoming MUDS has started.

For the past 2 weeks I have been disciplined in my training and made it a point that I have to go for a long ride(50km is 'long' enough for me) and a long run(the loop near the neighbourhood is 8km approx) on weekends. So far so good. No major injury except for an off-on pain in the knee. Too much too soon maybe?

Normally saturdays are Putrajaya long rides for me, and sundays will be my long runs. The rides are done with friends(so that I will feel motivated to catch them!) but the runs are done alone. I can't find anyone to run around Bangi with. Maybe anyone who is reading this would like to join me on sunday long runs around Bangi? For kicks, we can add in the Equatorial hill climb of about 1km up and 1km down. I tried it once and I panted so bad when I reached the top that I had to take a 30 second breather before descending.. yeah it's THAT BAD!


++click to enlarge++

I find a few websites useful to measure the loop around the neighbourhood. At least you don't have to drive your car to measure the route(save on petrol!) and it proves to be quite accurate, too.

For runs, I use www.mapmyrun.com and for rides, I use www.mapmyride.com. And for those who just started running, Runner's World is packed with tips and also motivation, if you find it difficult to peel yourself out of the bed for the early morning runs.

Anyone game for a saturday ride and sunday run, do drop me a line at aini0360@gmail.com so that we can arrange for a ride or a run. Or even a brick :)