MUDS 2012: Kakithon Turned to be Kakikacau!

It was a sunny day on 19 May 2012, when the second leg of Malakoff University Duathlon Series 2012 (MUDS 2012) which had been held at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor. This was a second trip for Kakithoners went to the race fully sponsored by Malakoff Corporation Berhad.

The team show the increased number of participants, as Mr Blackopoulos participated in Men's Open Category,  Jiha in Women's Open Category, Wong & Syamsul Bahtiar (Men's Uni), Lau & first timer Afiedah (Women's Uni), Mixed Team (Afiq, Amirul & Tiang), last minutes withdrawn mixed team (Fikry, Gan Chau, Li Ting).

the inside view of our bus (need some interior modification for this bus) to be look as good as Profesional Teams in cycling world  We reach as early as 6:30 am at race venue

Pre-race pose: Girls of Kakithon                                             Me and Race Director, Melody Tan

Wong, looks so serious as Kakikacau

the starting of 3km run                                       the front pack before entering T1

 this couple seems familiar?

Amirul leads the front bunch during cycling leg                             Wong tailing the main contender

Wong as Kakikacau!                                       Jiha lose to white chick

Post-race pose

The result, Wong once again being a Kakikacau for Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia domination when he stole the fifth place in Men's Uni Category. Meanwhile, Jiha still on the podium when stood on second runners-up after lost to two white female racer. In Women's Uni Category, Lau & Afiedah seal 8th and 9th places, while our mixed team got fourth place, less a minute to kacau UPNM domination on the podium.

As a bottom line, Kakithon this year is not a strong contender for top podium finish. As we are now more concern in spreading & promoting the word "DUATHLON" among students in UTM campus. To compete & finished the race, is the main focus to keep an interest & implement 'duathlete' lifestyle among newbies. But we're still on the main track to be kakikacau for UPNM podium domination!

MUDS 2012: The Flying Start

Malakoff University Duathlon Series 2012 (MUDS 2012) kick started on 12 May 2012 in Universiti Malaya. There were sunny day and heated with more than 500 participants in this year first leg.

Kakithon Multisports Club this year sponsored by Malakoff Corporation Berhad. This great opportunity dealt since late March 2012 when Malakoff asked Advisor of Kakithon, Mr Blackopoulos in searching the new talents and growing the number of participants from southern region higher learning institute. The first solution was organizing a Malakoff-UTM Duathlon Clinic which was be held on 28 April 2012 in UTM Sports Innovation & Technology Centre.

As a result from the duathlon clinic organized, there were a number of new talents rose to compete in MUDS 2012 this year. Plus, they competed in full duathlon at their first attempt!

This year objectives were not to be on the top of the podium for Kakithoners, because of series number of injuries among our top athletes. They injured themselves after following 'irresponsible' their 'trainer' program for MASUM Athletic Meet in early April. Poor to them.

Jiha, is another icon, top female athlete and legendary MUDS Women's University categories contender proved again that the age was not a hindrance to perform well in Women's Open Category in this first leg. She won the title and claim top of the podium as her kick start race season this year.

Lau Siew Kong and Syamsul Bahtiar both of them were the first timer did full distance. The 'veteran' Lim Kar Sing, just recovered from injury Wong Chin Chun and Amirul Ali who rode in Jelajah Malaysia 2011, competed in Men's University Category. While 'cannot run yet injured' Gan Shih Chau team up together with  Tiang Siew Ping & Afiq Jaafar were the first timer in duathlon relay race.

Jiha at the top of podium for Women's Open Category

Wong (in red) won 5th place for Men's University Category

The result, Wong Chin Chun stole 300 points from Men's University Category, Lau Siew Kong is a minute away to be on the top five ranking, Syamsul Bahtiar & Amirul managed to be on top 20 for Men's University Category. Our mixed relay team still the strongest among others university competed except five UPNM teams. 

As a bottom line, Kakithoner trip to the opening MUDS 2012 really different from previous four years. With a sponsorship, Kakithoners grew their number of competitors, grew the interest among newbies and the most important is contribute to rising the number of MUDS participants.

Fitness Adventure Challenge @ Mount Ledang 2012

It was an adventurous weekend I have together with my Fitness Class students. The program named Fitness Adventure Challenge @ Mount Ledang really tested the participants to the limit of their physical fitness, mental toughness & social interaction. The program just lasted only 39 hours after the kick start at UTM with 28 participants plus me as a coach.

We started to hike from the headquarters after guide's briefing at 2:30 pm and arrived at Kolam Gajah Campsite at 5:30 pm, two hours of 650m climb from the Gunung Ledang Lagenda Resort. We cooked dinners & rest at night to prepare the body for early morning hiking in the darkness to the summit of Ledang for sunrise watching.

At 2:30 am, the team started hiking in darkness and cold morning at 650m altitude. The challenges were really tough, we need to climb a steep inclination average at 65 degree climbing a rope on the steep rock face and climbing the stairs for tackling the cliff.

A cup of tea & kebab as celebration at the top of the Mount Ledang Summit

At 6:30 am, the team already at the summit of Mount Ledang (1276m) and celebrate their victory in conquering the challenges they met before. The low temperature and high wind really tested their physical ability to stand on the summit. The team took a rest & breakfast at the summit while waiting for our last person arrived.

After two hours rest in the clouds & coldness at the summit, at 8:30 am we hike down back to the Kolam Gajah Campsite. We descent to campsite via different route as we climbed to the summitand reached there before 11 am. Then, it was a rest at waterfall and cooking time for lunch. I take my bath and sunbath on the rock surface before give the girls a helping hand to fry 'ikan masin' and 'papadom'.

At 3:20 pm, we hiked down to headquarters and arrived at 5pm. Later we need to declared all the stuff we brought down must meet the quantity as we brought it up a day before. I love this practise because it teach the community especially Malaysian about consevation and responsibilities to the natures.

Finally at 10pm we already did our 'final examination' for this semester Fitness Co-Curricular activity within 39 hours. Congratulation to all my students & all participants because you guys already conquered the sixth most difficult summit to climb in Malaysia!

AR: Team Dynamics

I was in excitement when I will do three adventures during my next three months. This weekend I will do my ultralight weight two days hiking in Mount Ledang Outdoor Fitness Challenge. Early Jun and July there are Putrajaya Urban Adventure Challenge (one day race) and 7th Perak Columbia Iron Bound Challenge  (two stages race) respectively. 

As a rule of thumb you should have team mates that are both physically and mentally compatible. Physically compatible means you are have about the same physical capabilities. If you are a strong runner and a weak biker, then you will want team-mates that are similar. The results of picking team-mates that don't match your abilities is a frustration, when you want to run and your team-mate must walk. There are ways to overcome this, towing is common and there are chances to rest your team-mates, like when you are paddling. 

Mental compatibility is also important, if a person drives you crazy when you are not racing, they are only going to be worse when you are racing. It is never a good idea to push this issue and have them find out how you feel when you are in the stress of a race. Thus, there are usually lots of chances to find races that work well with you.

The Elements in AR

In June 2012

In July 2012

One of the major reasons teams don't do as well in a multi-day race as they hope is poor team dynamics. The longer your race is, the more important this intangible piece of the puzzle becomes. This doesn't mean you don't have to worry about who your teammates are in a Eco-Challenge race because certain teams blow up in that race too.

Races are physically demanding and mentally stressful. But you are never quite sure as to how someone will handle the ups and downs of a race. Physical exertion combined with sleep deprivation can cause peculiar behavior, even from people who you've known for a long time. 

The best that you could shoot for is to make sure you did your homework and everyone has a clear idea of where each teammate stands. Just having taken the time to focus on these issues will put you way ahead of the other teams and also give you a better chance of having a great race experience.

Selection criteria for your team mate: 

• Selecting the right teammates will be the second most important factor to having a fun and successful race
• The most important characteristics of a good teammate and adventure racer are the following: similar race goals, ability to train correctly on their own, a real team player, no attitude/ego, can handle adversity, good fitness/athletic skill base, has equipment (or is willing to spend money on it) and, most importantly, fun to be with
• Discuss with your teammates all potential race situations (willingness to suffer, reaction to DQ, reaction to not reaching pre-race goal, dealing with a lame teammate, dealing with a screwed up race organization, etc.) to make sure you are in agreement as to how the team will deal with each
• If possible, find an experienced racer to do your first race with
• First place to look for potential teammates is your current circle of active buddies
• Another good place to look is the Internet - there are many sites that have team-finder applications
• You can also go to a race and get to know people who live in your area - most of them will always appreciate a training buddy or future teammate
• When you find someone, commit to common goal - a race - and stay in touch
• Train with that person as often as possible before the race; no one wants surprises

As a bottom line, there is no science as to choosing your teammates, just common sense, lots of communication and tackling the issue earlier rather than an hour before a five day race. Plus I will race with my own girlfriend!