tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9145008639146055052024-03-14T12:31:48.954+07:00TriGlobeHave you got the will to surmount mountain-high obstructions? If the whole world stands against you sword in hand, would you still dare to do what you think is right? (Swami Vivekananda)Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-10291311027606750242009-08-20T22:47:00.002+07:002009-08-20T23:35:40.183+07:00Le Fruit Triathlon<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/So17OycbFkI/AAAAAAAAALo/WV3wrAhb_O4/s1600-h/4301_95057316260_88197086260_2460839_7940397_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372085424512243266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/So17OycbFkI/AAAAAAAAALo/WV3wrAhb_O4/s320/4301_95057316260_88197086260_2460839_7940397_n.jpg" /></a>Yeah, I know. I disappeared from the face of the planet. Just too busy doing other things. So I’ve got some catching up to do on my blog. I’m working on it.<br /><br />Here is my belated race report for Le Fruit Triathlon 2009. As the defending champion, I couldn’t resist being on the race list again this year. To be honest, I absolutely love this competition. Nothing beats X-TERRA or long distance duathlons/triathlons. Le Fruit is an X-TERRA race that consists of a 750 m swim, 40 km on-road/off-road bike, and an 8 km run on the beach.<br /><br />Le Fruit triathlon took place, as it has since its first race, in Mue Ne. The organizers had decided to change the course from the previous years due to logistical reasons. Some of the off-road sections used in the past were no longer usable because of construction or newly paved roads. The changes meant there was more on-road cycling this year, but on a hillier terrain. Using a road bike would have been ideal for the first part, but the off-road sections made it impossible for the second part. No big deal as I feel incredibly comfortable on my mountain bike, maybe even more so than on my race bike.<br /><br />The swim was only 750 m long and I was looking forward to see how much I had improved on my swim. My swimming times have never been better thanks to a change of approach in training. I no longer do workouts which include many short sets such as 10 x 100 m, but focus on long sets such as 4-5 X 700+ m. It has had an enormous effect on my speed. The swim was very chaotic. The waves made it virtually impossible to see the buoys so I was constantly looking up trying to spot them. The organizers had not connected them with a rope, which would have made life a lot easier on the athletes. Nonetheless, I came out of the water in third position.<br /><br />Transition went lightening quick, and I immediately took over first place by jumping on my bike. The first two guys were swimmers, but had no triathlon experience. I had decided before the race that my strategy was to hammer the on-road part of the race. For some reason, I get much faster in my rhythm on my mountain bike than I do on my race bike. For a large part, I was averaging more than 40 kph. Not bad with 26 x 1.95 tires. I thoroughly enjoyed the on-road section of the course because of the nasty hills, but the off-road section consisted of too much downhill. I used these moments to rest the legs and focus on not doing anything risky. I really didn’t feel like crashing. As I got into transition, I knew I had a huge lead. Towards the end, we had to bike a u-turn section and that allowed me to see if anybody was chasing me. Nobody in sight!<br /><br />That meant I could take it easy on the run and just get it over and done with. I didn’t have to push myself and treated it as a practice run. Running on the beach is an absolute delight. So relaxing! I won the race by 17 minutes in the end. Le Fruit isn’t a competitive race, but great fun because of its location.<br /><br />After the race, I had to do the obligatory TV interview. Before, during and after the race, I had a camera crew following me. Always funny to get interviewed by a bunch of journalists and then see yourself on TV. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-81343524506778101142009-08-07T11:53:00.002+07:002009-08-07T11:59:51.389+07:00Beetroot juice 'boosts stamina'<div align="justify"><strong>Drinking beetroot juice boosts stamina and could help people exercise for up to 16% longer, a UK study suggests.<br /></strong></div><div align="justify">A University of Exeter team found nitrate contained in the vegetable leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake - making exercise less tiring.<br /></div><div align="justify">The small Journal of Applied Physiology study suggests the effect is greater than that which can be achieved by regular training.<br /></div><div align="justify">Beetroot juice has previously been shown to reduce blood pressure.<br /></div><div align="justify">The researchers believe their findings could help people with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases - and endurance athletes.<br /></div><div align="justify">They focused on eight men aged 19-38, who were given 500ml per day of organic beetroot juice for six consecutive days before completing a series of tests, involving cycling on an exercise bike.<br /></div><div align="justify">On another occasion, they were given a placebo of blackcurrant cordial for six consecutive days before completing the same cycling tests.<br /></div><div align="justify">After drinking beetroot juice the group was able to cycle for an average of 11.25 minutes - 92 seconds longer than when they were given the placebo.<br /></div><div align="justify">This would translate into an approximate 2% reduction in the time taken to cover a set distance.<br /></div><div align="justify">The group that had consumed the beetroot juice also had lower resting blood pressure.<br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>Mechanism unclear<br /></strong></div><div align="justify">The researchers are not yet sure of the exact mechanism that causes the nitrate in the beetroot juice to boost stamina.<br /></div><div align="justify">However, they suspect it could be a result of the nitrate turning into nitric oxide in the body, reducing how much oxygen is burned up by exercise.<br /></div><div align="justify">Study researcher Professor Andy Jones - an adviser to top UK athlete Paula Radcliffe - said: "We were amazed by the effects of beetroot juice on oxygen uptake because these effects cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training.<br /></div><div align="justify">"I am sure professional and amateur athletes will be interested in the results of this research.<br /></div><div align="justify">"I am also keen to explore the relevance of the findings to those people who suffer from poor fitness and may be able to use dietary supplements to help them go about their daily lives."<br /></div><div align="justify">Professor John Brewer, an expert on sports science at the University of Bedfordshire, said: "These findings are potentially exciting for many people involved in sport and, but will almost certainly require further more extensive studies before the exact benefits and mechanisms are understood.<br /></div><div align="justify">"We must also remember that exercise and training and a sensible diet will always remain as the essential ingredients for a balanced and healthy lifestyle."<br /></div><div align="justify">Dr Simon Marshall, of the University of San Diego, has carried out work on exercise and health.<br /></div><div align="justify">He said much more work was needed involving many more subjects to draw firm conclusions.<br /></div><div align="justify">"Certainly, a diet high in nitrate-rich fruits and vegetables is good for your heart health and this study provides further evidence of this." </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8186947.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8186947.stm</a></div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-63111307005373034152009-01-04T23:27:00.002+07:002009-01-04T23:37:08.375+07:00Lei Clijsters<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDlefc8w8I/AAAAAAAAALQ/LjCXEi38df0/s1600-h/kvm-ploeg-straatsburg88.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287478274534720450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDlefc8w8I/AAAAAAAAALQ/LjCXEi38df0/s200/kvm-ploeg-straatsburg88.jpg" border="0" /></a>An iconic Belgian sports figure has passed away today. Perhaps known better as the father of Kim Clijsters (the famous tennis star and former number one), Lei Clijsters lost the battle with lung cancer early this morning.<br /><br />Before he managed his daughter’s tennis career, he was a top class football player who captained the last Belgian team to win a European Cup. He represented the national team in two world cups, including our fourth place finish in Mexico 1986.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDld5tnwfI/AAAAAAAAALI/zlLLZYEq6rE/s1600-h/1548_p-20040413-001T1W_0JWWJHUX.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287478264404099570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDld5tnwfI/AAAAAAAAALI/zlLLZYEq6rE/s200/1548_p-20040413-001T1W_0JWWJHUX.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My deepest sympathies go to the family Clijsters. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-47609308740743310862009-01-04T23:07:00.002+07:002009-01-04T23:18:09.390+07:00The ailing machine<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDhLh91u-I/AAAAAAAAALA/znSd8lBWnmg/s1600-h/meniscus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287473550745517026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDhLh91u-I/AAAAAAAAALA/znSd8lBWnmg/s200/meniscus.jpg" border="0" /></a>We’re down and out again. I pulled some ligaments in the big toe of my right foot. Currently, I’m receiving ultrasound and laser treatment for the injury. As that wasn’t enough, an MRI has shown degeneration of the meniscus in my left knee. Result, I’ll be out for 6-8 weeks. Since I will begin my course in about two weeks, perhaps it’s a bit of a blessing. Just focusing on studies and rehab will keep me busy enough.<br /><br />I don’t expect that it will have too much of an impact on my racing season. I don’t have to peak until August and November anyways, so I should have plenty of time to recover and get ready. The prospect of having Powerman Singapore and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya added to the racing calendar is incredibly exciting. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-15624249737956874082009-01-04T22:32:00.002+07:002009-01-04T23:06:15.812+07:00Goat penis<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDeWbLkuNI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ezo9I2j73rk/s1600-h/goat_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287470439367751890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SWDeWbLkuNI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ezo9I2j73rk/s200/goat_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Just to put you at ease: no, this is not a twisted pornographic blog post. Last night, I had dinner with some friends at a goat restaurant. I knew that one of the culinary delights on the menu was goat penis. When it comes to food, I have no limitations. To put it simple, they wouldn’t allow me to compete in fear factor.<br /><br />It was a pure coincidence that I ran into some of my ex-students. I immediately asked them if they could order the goats family jewels for me. Out of pure excitement, I asked them how big it was. Obviously, the others at the table started laughing. Sometimes I can be endearingly naïve.<br /><br />I expected the chefs to cook or grill it, but it turned out they had only cut it up in smaller pieces and we had to cook it ourselves in a pot of soup. Practically everybody at the table thought I was off my rockers for having ordered this dish. Still, I couldn’t resist my curiosity. The penis had been sliced into small pieces, as were the balls.<br />Overall, I have to say it was in interesting experience. It was tasty, but not to say a culinary mind blowing highlight. Another box in my to-eat-list has been checked.</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-75429196462338654582008-12-28T22:56:00.003+07:002008-12-28T23:27:06.957+07:00Holiday Greetings<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284877960476157586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeogSt45pI/AAAAAAAAAKg/jXrgJIaWhzQ/s200/DSC00291.jpg" border="0" />With a few colleagues/friends, we went to Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate Christmas. I had experienced one Christmas before in this motorbike mad city and remembered it to be insane. The crowds would not disappoint me and in combination with Vietnam’s first leg victory over Thailand in the ASEAN Cup, everybody more or less went berserk.<br /><br />We had German cuisine for a change and I thoroughly enjoyed the bratwurst with red cabbage. As a starter, I had Hungarian goulash soup and it was really to die for. It brought back some memories of my mother’s home cooked meals.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeogSJoEwI/AAAAAAAAAKo/S2YbkicVTDc/s1600-h/DSC00298.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284877960324059906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeogSJoEwI/AAAAAAAAAKo/S2YbkicVTDc/s200/DSC00298.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I’d like to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope all your wishes and dreams will come true. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeogwa7HII/AAAAAAAAAKw/QkIY_L9NnNk/s1600-h/DSC00303.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284877968449674370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeogwa7HII/AAAAAAAAAKw/QkIY_L9NnNk/s200/DSC00303.jpg" border="0" /></a>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-38379637580719292592008-12-28T22:24:00.004+07:002008-12-28T22:48:35.973+07:00Vietnam stage late rally to clinch Southeast Asian title<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeb23QpD6I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Lt5o8zwFMXY/s1600-h/tn_2008-12-28T144739Z_01_HAN04_RTRIDSP_2_SOCCER-ASIA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284864054591557538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeb23QpD6I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Lt5o8zwFMXY/s200/tn_2008-12-28T144739Z_01_HAN04_RTRIDSP_2_SOCCER-ASIA.jpg" border="0" /></a>HANOI, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Vietnam scored a last gasp second-leg equaliser to finish 1-1 with Thailand and clinch the Southeast Asian championship for the first time on Sunday.<br /><br />With the match tied 2-2 on aggregate and seconds away from extra time, the dangerous Le Cong Vinh leapt high above the Thai defence to head home Nguyen Minh Phuong's free kick and spark wild celebrations at the My Dinh stadium.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Three-times champions Thailand, upset 2-1 in the first leg, had most of the chances and went ahead after 21 minutes when Teerasil Dangda beat the goalkeeper to head Sutee Suksomkit's free kick into the net.<br /></div><div align="justify">Thailand paid dearly for their misfiring and conceded a disputed free kick deep into stoppage time, which Vinh flicked into the net to earn Vietnam their first international title.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Here are some pictures I took in Vung Tau. Everybody came out onto the streets with their motorbikes and lots of people were waiving the Vietnamese flag. They were certainly enjoying the moment.</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284866715344340610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeeRvVihoI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/b7eugkJ-TP0/s200/3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284866692025571554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeeQYd6WOI/AAAAAAAAAKA/CaXBUdpB-pE/s200/1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284866698419807378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeeQwSapJI/AAAAAAAAAKI/OLvtnBAbbo4/s200/2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284866727010896882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SVeeSazEC_I/AAAAAAAAAKY/sf4UbjLv3E4/s200/4.jpg" border="0" /></p></div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-35681936069642419892008-12-23T17:07:00.002+07:002008-12-23T17:15:09.707+07:00Belgian PM's resignation accepted<div align="justify">The Belgian king has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Yves Leterme's government, but asked it to stay on in a caretaker capacity.<br />Former PM Wilfried Martens has been asked to mediate in efforts to put together a new government. A palace statement said Mr Martens had accepted.<br />Analysts tip another former PM, Jean-Luc Dehaene, as favourite to head a new interim coalition.<br /></div><div align="justify">Mr Leterme offered to resign amid a row over the sale of troubled bank Fortis.<br />The moves come after a series of consultative meetings over the weekend to consider the impact of the government's resignation during the current financial crisis.<br />Mr Leterme only took office in March, nine months after a general election had resulted in political deadlock founded in tensions between Flemish and Walloon groups.<br />He tendered his resignation in June after he failed to push through plans to devolve more power to the regions, but the king rejected it.<br />Court ruling<br />Fortis bank has been one of the European banks hardest hit by the credit crunch, leaving it desperately short of cash.<br /><br />The government was forced to take over and sell nearly all of the company's assets.<br />Hundreds of thousands of investors were left with virtually nothing and so began a successful legal action effectively preventing the asset sale.<br />Earlier this month, the Brussels appeal court ruled in favour of the shareholders and froze the sale of most of Fortis to France's BNP Paribas, which was supposed to have been finalised this week.<br />Last week, Belgium's Supreme Court president said there were "undoubtedly significant indications" that members of the Belgian government had attempted to influence the outcome of the court case. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Belgians sometimes make sarcastic jokes that they live in a banana country, crudely referring to what happens politically in some third world countries. I hope this will be the start of a political rejuvenation, because with all due respect, bananas taste better in South East Asia/Africa/South America than in Europe. </span></strong></div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-9735342838361709542008-12-19T21:26:00.003+07:002008-12-19T21:33:11.600+07:00Belgium's government in crisis over Fortis<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SUuwQZfZ9RI/AAAAAAAAAJw/TUnIfD3LBMU/s1600-h/16714193.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281508783789045010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SUuwQZfZ9RI/AAAAAAAAAJw/TUnIfD3LBMU/s200/16714193.jpg" border="0" /></a>RNW News<br />19-12-2008<br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme has been accused of trying to influence a judge in the Fortis takeover case. On Thursday the opposition called for his resignation. A higher court, the Court of Cassation, is investigating the matter.<br /></strong></div><br /><div align="justify">Prime Minister Yves Leterme of Belgium After an eight-hour session on Thursday evening the cabinet decided that neither the prime minister nor any ministers would step down. Belgium's VRT public television is reporting that ministers were discussing the possible resignation of Mr Leterme, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Didier Reynders and Justice Minister Jo Vandeurzen over the affair. It has not been confirmed that all three were involved in the alleged pressurising of the judges.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">A decision on the ministers' position has been postponed until publication of the Cassation Court report about the judicial procedure that led to the verdict in the Fortis case. The court will report on Friday.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>So what happened? </strong></div><br /><div align="justify">A week ago the Court of Appeal in Brussels declared that the government's sale of the Fortis Bank to BNP Paribas of France should not have taken place without shareholders' consent. The sale of the state-owned bank has been frozen for 65 days. A senior official from Mr Leterme's office contacted court officials in an attempt to prevent the Court from reaching this decision. The Prime Minister has confirmed that there was one such contact.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Earlier on Thursday, parliament wanted to question Mr Leterme about his contact with judges in the case, but he failed to appear. The speaker of parliament had been sent a letter by the Court of Cassation, which contradicted the prime minister's earlier assurance that he had not tried to influence any judge.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Avoiding a new crisis</strong></div><br /><div align="justify">The parties in the governing coalition are not eager to break up the cabinet, which is made up of five parties: two Liberal, two Christian Democrat, and one Socialist. It took nine months to agree on a coalition programme, during which time Belgium was practically without a government. A new period of political uncertainty, particularly during a difficult time for the national economy, is something that many politicians in Brussels say they want to avoid. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Kristof: I feel ashamed, embarrassed, disgusted...</strong></span></div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-49274183823718254232008-12-18T21:03:00.003+07:002008-12-18T21:26:33.536+07:00Life in Vietnam<div align="justify">It’s been a pretty busy time lately. Not really because of a huge amount of work or anything like that, I’ve just been busy trying to collect my thoughts. Trying to fit some of the pieces of the life jigsaw puzzle together. The most important decision I have made is that I will stay at least one more year in Vietnam. Leaving would have too many negative impacts on both my teaching and sports career.<br /><br />Ultimately, I would like to continue combining work/studies with my duathlon and triathlon career. I achieved some great results the past year and would like to see where the sky limit is for me. As I’m still young, I feel I can still make progression in certain areas, especially on the bike and swim. Keeping a status quo is at this time the best way to go.<br /><br />I have started training again for the upcoming season. I’ve had a bit of a setback concerning my left knee. The inflammation has returned and for the past week or so, I’ve only been able to swim. I hope there is no extra cartilage damage. I’m going to assess the situation and hopefully with some rest, the injury might solve itself. Otherwise, it’s another date with the MRI machine and I’m not looking forward to that.<br /><br />The injury comes at an unfortunate time as for once, fortune might have decided to give me a bit of a sponsorship boast. Through my coach, I might be able to get a new bike for free. It would be a Valdora Cycles frame, Profile Design bars, Hed wheels and Token components. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281136257413516514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SUpdcgmRjOI/AAAAAAAAAJo/gNVyk8vY-hE/s320/Phx_Wht.jpg" border="0" />Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-1691972127729109782008-12-04T22:26:00.002+07:002008-12-04T22:34:48.574+07:00Lizi and Hintong's Wedding Mama Mia<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STf4ZZRZFhI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Txdr5jRN10U/s1600-h/n1405935629_30175406_4259.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275958603652077074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STf4ZZRZFhI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Txdr5jRN10U/s200/n1405935629_30175406_4259.jpg" border="0" /></a>As promised, here are some pictures of the wedding of the Mama Mia gang doing their duties for the groom.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275958600189024898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STf4ZMXvGoI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LV75g_GGrcM/s200/n1405935629_30175399_5034.jpg" border="0" /></div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-44270986309732169502008-12-03T23:46:00.004+07:002008-12-03T23:51:44.431+07:00I guess I'm a lazy bastard<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STa4u3eausI/AAAAAAAAAJI/7LwZvOYaFRQ/s1600-h/lazy.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275607128816138946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STa4u3eausI/AAAAAAAAAJI/7LwZvOYaFRQ/s200/lazy.gif" border="0" /></a>Last night, I covered uncountable and countable nouns in my intermediate adult class. I gave certain instructions and the students had to write a noun compatible with 6 different quantifiers. One of the instructions went as followed: Write down some things you can buy with your salary.<br /><br />The first person to complete the instruction was my female student Van. She gave her answers and concluded the exercise by saying “and only one husband”. I couldn’t resist the temptation and had to ask her how much she was willing to give for a husband. She gave quite an ambiguous answer and I continued by asking her how it would work. Do you go to a room with a big glass window and you just choose the candidate you like most? I like number five, please. And then suddenly she said: “Don’t worry teacher, I wouldn’t want to buy you. You’re <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STa4duPfKYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/uaVLptV3BfM/s1600-h/Lazy_tshirt.jpg"></a>too lazy. You’re never home and never cook your own meals. I can’t rely on you, especially if I have children.”<br /><br />I spontaneously started laughing. How could I argue? I am lazy to cook my own meals. Why would I when I can buy them all prepared and ready to eat for US$ 2? I think I’m going to stick to my laziness. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-43078917333922164852008-12-02T11:04:00.002+07:002008-12-02T11:34:40.039+07:00Writing is therapeutic<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STS6WP1qNzI/AAAAAAAAAIw/BefZ1MuZm1Y/s1600-h/Simpsons+-+Peace+Man.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275045954929178418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STS6WP1qNzI/AAAAAAAAAIw/BefZ1MuZm1Y/s200/Simpsons+-+Peace+Man.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of the greatest weaknesses I have is that at the core of my heart I want to believe that all people are genuinely good. Obviously, doing so spells naivety and it’s just not a realistic philosophy to adopt in today’s world. The last few days, Asia has been rocked by tragedy in Mumbai and sheer political lunacy in Thailand.<br /><br />Up to this day, the most amazing trip I have ever made was my four month tour of southern India seven years ago. The whole experience was more than mind blowing. I remember arriving in Mumbai and absolutely hating it without any rational thought. I knew I had to give this metropolis another chance. Just before I went back home, I stayed a few days in this cultural hub and fell totally in love. To watch the Taj Hotel being ravaged and scores of people dying by terrorists who totally defy the core of Islam, has been hard to bear. India has just had its own 9/11.<br /><br />Perhaps lunacy isn’t the appropriate word to describe the current crisis in Thailand. Maybe economic and political suicide is a better summary. One million people could lose their job due to the struggle for power. The government and the opposition are giving a new definition to hypocrisy. And the normal Thai is sandwiched between all this mess.<br /><br />Another character flaw I have, besides my naivety, and I know it sounds like a contradiction, is the difficulty I have to trust people. Living in Vietnam certainly doesn’t help. I’m not going to get into the psycho-analytical reasons, but generally speaking foreigners fall into a different class. That means you always have to hold your guard. When you actually meet a local who you might get along with, might appreciate as a friend, and then have more lies and deceit slapped in your face, it hurts twice as hard.<br /><br />My mission for the next few weeks: find some people who are genuine, folks you can trust. I’m tired of this protective wall around me. It’s starting to suffocate me. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-68710785863666435482008-11-30T19:09:00.000+07:002008-11-30T19:11:31.329+07:00Terry Fox Race<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STKCvBor-DI/AAAAAAAAAIo/YBej_xNxB24/s1600-h/terryfox2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274421858008823858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 196px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/STKCvBor-DI/AAAAAAAAAIo/YBej_xNxB24/s200/terryfox2.jpg" border="0" /></a>About 6,000 people joined the Terry Fox race this morning. Together with a few friends/colleagues, we entered the race. Since it was a charity run, I wasn’t expecting a competitive atmosphere, but to honour Terry Fox, total perseverance was my only motto. I guess it was fairly easy and I managed to cross the finish line in first place, about 15 seconds ahead of the second guy. I’ve been taking it easy over the past few weeks, so I can feel I’m getting a bit out of shape. Time to start getting my act together again.</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-53355140311061838812008-11-22T23:31:00.005+07:002008-11-22T23:42:26.824+07:00Malaysia outlaws yoga for Muslims<div align="justify"><strong>Malaysia outlaws yoga for Muslims<br /></strong>By Robin Brant BBC News, Kuala Lumpur<br /><br /><strong>Millions of people in Malaysia have been banned from doing yoga because of fears it could corrupt Muslims.<br /></strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSg1OqTEIwI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/fBWmMpOPchY/s1600-h/_45230391_yoga_ap226b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271521889825858306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSg1OqTEIwI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/fBWmMpOPchY/s200/_45230391_yoga_ap226b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Islamic authorities have issued a ruling, known as a fatwa, instructing the country's Muslims to avoid yoga because of its Hindu roots.<br />To most people yoga is simply a sport - a stress-busting start to the day.<br />Malaysia's National Fatwa Council said it goes further than that and that elements of the Indian religion are inherent in yoga.<br />Announcing the decision, the council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin said practices like chanting and what he called worshipping were inappropriate and they could "destroy the faith of a Muslim".<br />The ruling is not legally binding but many of Malaysia's Muslims abide by fatwas.<br />Yoga classes here are filled with mostly non-Muslim Malaysians of Chinese or Indian descent, but in the major cities it is not uncommon to see several Muslim women at classes.<br /></div><div align="justify"><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Prayers and gym<br /></strong>For Muslims across Malaysia the day starts at 5.30 in the morning, as the call to prayer goes out.<br />A handful of the most devout arrive at a mosque in the western outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.<br />Over the other side of the road, in the shadow of the Mosque's golden dome, a few others start arriving to start their day - at the gym. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSg1Oj8ElGI/AAAAAAAAAIY/IHvoQhd0zm4/s1600-h/_45230413_hinduyoga_ap226b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271521888118805602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSg1Oj8ElGI/AAAAAAAAAIY/IHvoQhd0zm4/s200/_45230413_hinduyoga_ap226b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Each is carrying a yoga mat, slung over their shoulder.<br />Adam Junid is a Muslim Malaysian who does both - prayers and gym, specifically yoga.<br />An engineer in his 30s, he goes to a weekly class for about 30 people.<br />"I don't think it interferes with the religion at all," he says.<br />"In fact it helps you, makes you healthy and more aligned and it helps you become self aware," he adds.<br />Adam is a rarity because it is mostly women and not many Muslims who do this.<br />"The yoga masters repeat that it actually can be quite compatible with religion," he said. "It makes you a better person."<br />Yoga comes in many forms. For some it is a stress-busting sport. For others a serious bit of soul searching.<br />What Adam does once a week is the serious stuff. The class I sat in on was two hours long.<br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>Spiritual experience<br /></strong>It included breathing exercises, with the help of the tick-tock of a metronome.<br />There was meditation, then half an hour of darkness for intense relaxation.<br />Before that some of the class managed a very stable headstand. Others could touch the back of their head with their foot.<br />"It can go with any religion," instructor Mani Sekaran told me.<br />"Or it can go with those who don't believe in any religion, because<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSg1O491IZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/bNz_vW4NUGU/s1600-h/_45230418_mosque_afp226b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271521893763326354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSg1O491IZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/bNz_vW4NUGU/s200/_45230418_mosque_afp226b.jpg" border="0" /></a> it's purely sports," he added.<br />He is also founder of the Malaysian Yoga Society. A bald and very fit man, he once did martial arts.<br />"If I want to train for an Olympic gold medal... whether I believe in a religion or not doesn't matter. I just keep on training."<br />"Based on that we can use yoga to enhance whatever we are doing, whether it is religion or whether it's spirituality... but it [yoga] is stand alone."<br />During the class I sat in on, yoga's Hindu roots were mentioned, albeit briefly. A spiritual experience was on offer for those who wanted it.<br />This is the point where some Muslims in Malaysia worry about yoga. They think it is encroaching on their way of life.<br />One Muslim student told me that she combined yoga techniques with prayers. That concerns some Islamic experts.<br />"If people want to practice yoga, the physical exercise, I think that is no problem," Professor Osman Bakar, from Malaysia's Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, told me.<br />"Many Muslims would say fine. But they would object to the mixing of the two things."<br />"Islam is a complete way of life. Islam is able to cater to the needs of Muslims; spiritual needs, intellectual needs and other needs, material needs. So there is no need to bring in elements from outside," he added.<br />Adam's yoga class ended with a quick discussion about self-awareness, concentration and why people do yoga. I was not sure if this was a weekly occurrence or for my benefit.<br />He told me that yoga has made him a better person. He has no plans to stop. </div></div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-21530423836672425292008-11-21T18:41:00.001+07:002008-11-21T18:43:21.131+07:00Diego Maradona<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSaeviOLP8I/AAAAAAAAAII/6RaYP-8yL7w/s1600-h/Maradona_Peter_Shilton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271074953361047490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSaeviOLP8I/AAAAAAAAAII/6RaYP-8yL7w/s200/Maradona_Peter_Shilton.jpg" border="0" /></a>Diego Armando Maradona was recently appointed as the new manager of the Argentinean national football team. He took his huge ego to Scotland for his first game in charge, and obviously the British press had a field day.<br /><br />Terry Butcher added to the sports headlines by refusing to give a hand to the Argentinean football legend. He was still angry for the infamous “hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup. Maradona’s reply? “Terry Butcher who? I’m getting criticized by a nation which won its only World Cup by a goal that didn’t even cross the goal line. How ridiculous is that?” Touché if you ask me.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">He came, he saw and he conquered.</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-33654646417932891522008-11-21T00:46:00.001+07:002008-11-21T00:49:09.909+07:00Terry Fox Race Ho Chi Minh City<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWivvurPyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/3-41_DX0-9E/s1600-h/terry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270797880056823586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWivvurPyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/3-41_DX0-9E/s200/terry.jpg" border="0" /></a>For the past two weeks, I have done everything in my power to be as lazy as possible. A year of full on training definitely deserves some downtime. Although I have no races planned for 2009, I’ve already been in touch with my coach and we are going to maintain my fitness level with a support program over the next few months. It will be tricky to see how I’ll combine it with my studies early next year, but it should be manageable.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="justify">I have registered for the Terry Fox run on November 30 in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a race that is or<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWivMcmO_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/qvdiVp-ErMM/s1600-h/nlc010246-v6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270797870585756658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWivMcmO_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/qvdiVp-ErMM/s200/nlc010246-v6.jpg" border="0" /></a>ganized all around the world to raise money for cancer research. Terry Fox was a young Canadian athlete/cancer activist who I admire immensely. He is/was simply a true hero. The race itself does not have a competitive character as the main focus is on raising funds for cancer research. Nonetheless, I will go full out in the 5 km run. I thoroughly enjoy running races and I don’t have to worry about impacts on training schedules at the moment. It’ll be fun. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-36425160504716309502008-11-21T00:17:00.003+07:002008-11-21T00:26:22.095+07:00Lizi and Hintong's Wedding<div align="justify">One week after Powerman, I returned to Malaysia, this time for my good friends Lizi and Hintong’s wedding. I had the honour of being one of the best men. I had been looking forward to the event for quite some time now and I knew how much effort both the bride and groom had put into the organization of their marriage.<br /><br />The best men needed to help the groom reach his bride by assisting him in some ac<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWcjj0dn2I/AAAAAAAAAHo/lbsBEBSu4AA/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270791073631674210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWcjj0dn2I/AAAAAAAAAHo/lbsBEBSu4AA/s200/1.jpg" border="0" /></a>tivities set by the bridesmaids and family members of the bride. As we reached the bride’s home on the back of a 4x4 pickup truck, the gate was closed and we weren’t allowed to enter. We were greeted by one of the bride’s sisters who gave us some garters to wear. One on our head, three on both wrists, and two around each ankle! I was already wondering what I had gotten myself into. The next moment though would scar me for life. We were asked to dance and sing, while holding carrots and cucumbers as microphones, to Dancing Queen sung by Abba. This was rapidly turning into a nightmare, but luckily one of the best men is an aerobics instructor who sort of guided us through this painful ordeal. Finally, we were allowed to enter the gate.<br /><br />Next step was entering the house. We had to answer some questions about the brid<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWcj92at8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/qElfU-NxJ0w/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270791080619194306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SSWcj92at8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/qElfU-NxJ0w/s200/2.jpg" border="0" /></a>e and the groom. This went without too many hiccups, and before we knew it we were in the house. We had to do a few more dance routines and come up with a catchy phrase to “seduce” the bride. Unfortunately, Abba music continued dominating in the background and I felt like voluntarily admitting myself to the nearest mental institute. Eventually, we were allowed to go up the stairs where we faced a locked door. The bribing had begun: some ampows for the cousins, some cans of Tiger beer for the sisters and at last we managed to get the groom to his bride.<br /><br />To seal the marriage, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony was held at both parties’ homes. It meant sharing tea with both the elders of the family and the younger ones. Once completed, the food was ready to be served.<br /><br />The wedding party was held at the Equatorial hotel. Before the big bash, both the bridesmaids and best men joined a photo shoot with the newlywed couple. After showing off our lovely pink shirts, doing serious and silly poses, carrying bridesmaids up the stairs, being mistaken for being the actual groom, having Nicole David (World #1 squash player) pass by, we had a short break before the guests would arrive.<br /><br />In the mean time, I had been told that I could stay in the bridal suite, in the room adjacent to Lizi and Hintong’s. The party was fantastic. The food in combination with the red wine was to die for. Plenty of rounds of both were great excuses for me not to enter the dance floor, all to the great frustration of some of the bridesmaids and the bride herself. Sorry ladies, I’m just not that big on dancing, plus I was still getting over my Abba experience. The scars were too fresh.<br /><br />At the end of the night, some of us decided to go up to the bridal suite for some more partying and drinking. One by one though, most of us started passing out. It had been a long day and for me personally the fatigue in combination with French Chardonnay was taking its toll. I slept on a couch which was incredibly comfortable. Nobody had bothered to turn off the lights and that made a deep sleep quite difficult. After a while, I started hearing some pretty passionate noises next to my couch. Less than five meters from where I was sleeping, two friends of the couple started getting it on. I don’t need to draw any pictures, do I? I was so exhausted and disinterested that I just turned around and continued counting my sheep in dreamland. I must admit I was very tempted in telling them to get a room, but for some reason I was just knocked out, I didn’t have the energy. Finally, the naughty couple moved to the bathroom where she was certainly enjoying her climax and disturbing my sleep.<br /><br />The next morning, I met up with everyone again and evidently we had a few things to talk about. The newly-wed couple was so exhausted they weren’t able to enjoy their wedding night in a way you might expect. But that’s where the irony starts kicking in! Guess who the naughty gentleman was? The bride’s ex-boyfriend! At least someone had some action.</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-2881633510339985352008-11-12T01:34:00.003+07:002008-11-12T01:45:01.061+07:00Powerman Malaysia 2008<div align="justify">(Pictures are courtesy of Master Photographer Tey)</div><div align="justify"><strong>Powerman Malaysia 2008 = 11 km run – 64 km bike – 10 km run<br /></strong><br />For the fourth straight year, Powerman Malaysia was the apotheosis of my season. This grueling long distance Duathlon attracts some of the best athletes in the world and enough age-groupers to make most European race organizers drool. Even though I have a somewhat love/hate relationship with the event, politics and my ego were quickly shoved aside to make place for the sporting challenge.<br /><br />Thanks to Emma, I was able to get a ride to Lumut. It must be said, if it wasn’t for my excellent navigational and co-piloting skills, we might have ended up in Penang. A couple of Emma’s legendary flapjacks kept my concentration level at full alert and we managed to narrowly escape some wandering encounters with the Kampong cows.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRnRZJzpVlI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/csOxGDj1oy4/s1600-h/Powerman+2008+(1).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267471469245978194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRnRZJzpVlI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/csOxGDj1oy4/s200/Powerman+2008+(1).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Race tactics were pretty simple. Maximize my run and control the damage on the bike. I tend to take some time to really warm up properly. I guess I should become a spokesman for Diesel engines. The main protagonists quickly took the lead of the race. Jason Spong and Anthony Le Duey took off and their pace was too high for me to follow. I decided to stick to my race plan and follow my instincts. Four kilometers into the race, I could feel the extra pistons going off and my running rhythm simultaneously took off. I entered transition feeling extremely comfortable just behind former winner Chrispine Osmondi and just ahead of Danish top duathlete Aksel Nielsen in fifth position (Time: 36:16).<br /><br />I didn’t try to fool myself on the bike. My confidence has/had been rock bottom for months. Yes, I have improved my efficiency on the bike, but on the other hand my speed has not shown any significant improvement over the past two years. I managed to stay in a good position until the second part of the first lap. I am not able to push the necessary gears at this level.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRnRZ7-C0BI/AAAAAAAAAHg/un5XwhogM1M/s1600-h/Powerman+2008+(10).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267471482711363602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRnRZ7-C0BI/AAAAAAAAAHg/un5XwhogM1M/s200/Powerman+2008+(10).jpg" border="0" /></a> I’ve stopped beating my head in over this fact. Training conditions aren’t ideal where I live, I have no cyclists to train with, and I could use a technical overhaul of my current bike. Although, I must admit the technical aspect is a lousy excuse, it’s the still the engine that matters.<br /><br />During the first lap, I lost one of my water bottles at a bumpy stretch. I decided to go back and retrieve it. The race was still long and I wasn’t willing to take any additional risks, especially when it comes to hydration and nutrition. Aksel Nielsen told me after the race he had also lost his bottles, but he left them. He totally bonked on the second run. I kept my rhythm and I was very much looking forward to the end of the bike section and start the second run (Time: 1:47:09).<br /><br />The psychology of running off the bike is if you really think about pretty simple. No matter how bad you might feel, at the end of the day everybody suffers immensely. That th<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRnRZirXScI/AAAAAAAAAHY/6Hiv72LEZtE/s1600-h/Powerman+2008+(3).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267471475922127298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRnRZirXScI/AAAAAAAAAHY/6Hiv72LEZtE/s200/Powerman+2008+(3).jpg" border="0" /></a>ought has always comforted me and I can’t resist a game of Pac-man whenever I can. I have a naturally high running pace, even if I am ready to drop dead. I never felt I was running fast, but Jason Spong told me he had the exact same feeling, still I managed to catch quite a few of the other elites. The moment you pass another athlete on the run, you can see the mirror breaking into many pieces. Mentally it’s a home run in your advantage and I have met very few athletes who have the strength to keep all the pieces glued together. Overall, I managed the fourth fastest time off the bike (Time: 40:41). If you only take the run into account, my cumulative time was fourth fastest of the field. That in itself is a huge achievement considering unlike all the other elites, I am not a full-time professional athlete.<br /><br />Before Powerman, I had set two goals: Finish in the top ten and be the first “real amateur” to complete the race. I achieved both! My final time was 3:05:45. That was exactly ten minutes behind Andy Sutz, the winner of Powerman Zoffingen 2008. I was able to talk to him after the race, and he quickly noted Powerman Malaysia was tougher than Zoffingen. The heat and humidity can be excruciating in Lumut.<br /><br />Jason Spong reclaimed his title from 2005. In an awesome 2:43:13, he blew away the competition. A deserved winner who is a class act as a person.<br /><br />Overall, I’m very pleased with my season. I set certain realistic but challenging goals and I reached all of them. That in itself shows I gave it my best and in the end there’s not much more you can do. Now, I’m looking forward to a break from training. Play some football on the beach with friends, go kayaking and anything that doesn’t resemble Duathlon or triathlon. Oddly though, in two weeks’ time, I will probably miss my training schedules already. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And last but not least, congratulations to everyone who competed as age-groupers and finished in the top three. Well done Emma and Simon!</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-51606817294795602682008-11-04T23:54:00.003+07:002008-11-05T00:11:24.338+07:00Final Preparations<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRCBvBPpblI/AAAAAAAAAHI/rDvISFQQqbE/s1600-h/genie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264850609184009810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRCBvBPpblI/AAAAAAAAAHI/rDvISFQQqbE/s200/genie.jpg" border="0" /></a>High time I wrote something again. Don’t want to see my blog turn into a fossilized artifact.<br /><br />In less than a week, Powerman Malaysia will take place. For the past week or so, I have been tapering and religiously following my coach’s schedule. My hamstring is fine and I’m obviously pleased about that. Thank goodness I let common sense prevail and handled the situation well. Ego sometimes needs to take a backseat if you want to move forward or achieve your goals. There’s just no point in continuing when one is down, but it doesn’t mean it should have negative effects. Cross training rocks!<br /><br />Thanks to Emma, I’m able to get a ride to the race site in Lumut. Although I’m very much looking forward to the race itself and the accompanying challenge, I know I’m not particularly welcome at the race site. To simplify matters, let’s keep it at “politics”. Mentally, it’s not ideal. Hopefully by catching up with my Malaysian friends, I’ll be able to distract myself from the negative vibes.<br /><br />Over the next few weeks, I will have to make some major decisions. As it turns out, there are some issues with my work permit in Vietnam. Even though, I turned in my original Flemish documents and English translations, the Vietnamese government needs to have the paperwork in Vietnamese. The only way for me to do this officially is by once again validating my degree at my university, go to the ministry of foreign affairs, then go to the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels and finally to the Belgian Embassy in Hanoi. To me, that just sounds like an administrative headache, not to mention the financial implications.<br /><br />My company has suggested that I could stay on until the end of my contract, change my visa status to a student visa from January to March while I study my course, but it would mean (unless I get the documents), I can’t resign a new contract. The main question though is why should I do all this administrative mumbo-jumbo? I have no ambition to stay in Vietnam. Both in Thailand and Malaysia, the documents I already have were more than adequate.<br /><br />It’s far from ideal to prepare for my June 2009 exam, but I might have to move earlier than anticipated. Oddly enough, I could stay in Vietnam if I decided to work for a Vietnamese owned school, but I will happily pass on that possibility. Furthermore, I feel it is time to go and perhaps leave South East Asia. I’ve enjoyed the past 6 years, but the newness or the challenge has slowly disappeared.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRCBvOkLSuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/MPCfpB1yBK4/s1600-h/oman_rel96.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264850612759775970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SRCBvOkLSuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/MPCfpB1yBK4/s200/oman_rel96.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Next Monday, I am going to meet my former boss from CfBT in Kuala Lumpur. I might as well kill two birds with one stone: race and apply for a new job. CfBT has various projects running in the Middle East, more specifically Oman and the UAE. Some of them involve teacher training and ultimately those are the kind of projects I’m interested in the most.<br /><br />Financially, the Middle East is an attractive option and the region around Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat is getting good reviews. There’s a whole load going on out there, and I wouldn’t be me before having done some research. Muscat has a running and triathlon club. Sounds like my kind of place. I like the geographic diversity of Oman’s landscape as it is not only Desert. Its political policies are quite progressive for the Middle East and most of all, it’s politically stable. Who knows, I might be in the land of the flying carpets and genie bottles in the not so distant future.</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-19166230775085942572008-10-26T18:26:00.001+07:002008-10-26T18:38:16.198+07:00Hamstrings<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SQRWkNd6_PI/AAAAAAAAAG4/tfPw2vVCvyw/s1600-h/ato_hamstring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261425444766022898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SQRWkNd6_PI/AAAAAAAAAG4/tfPw2vVCvyw/s200/ato_hamstring.jpg" border="0" /></a>With exactly two weeks to go before Powerman, training has been disrupted by my left hamstring. Since last weekends race in the Philippines, I haven’t been able to run. I tried to go for an easy run two days ago, but had to quickly abandon that plan. The good news is that I’ve been able to cycle pain free. Still, not being able to run properly just before the race of the year is a major bummer.<br /><br />Most likely, I have pulled the hamstring. As there was never any swelling, I’m assuming there is no tear in the muscle. I hope by resting a few extra days and taking some anti-flammatories I should be able to resume some light running on Tuesday. Since running is my strength, I don’t believe it will be too much of a set back, but the situation is far from ideal. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-80407580709055812182008-10-20T22:35:00.003+07:002008-10-20T23:26:11.017+07:002008 Philippine Duathlon Open<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPyv8ok9jjI/AAAAAAAAAGw/yd0zIcBKv5s/s1600-h/traplogo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259271921081355826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPyv8ok9jjI/AAAAAAAAAGw/yd0zIcBKv5s/s200/traplogo.gif" border="0" /></a>Reality checks can be bitter sweet at times. After this weekend’s race in the Philippines, I have a double feeling about my performance. On the one hand, I’m extremely pleased with my run performance. On the other hand, I’m a bit disappointed with my sixth place position, but in all honesty I’m being too hard for myself. I was beaten by five national athletes. What do you expect?<br /><br />I knew that if I wanted to have a shot at winning the race, I would have to run a very good first 10 km. And that’s what I did, but to my surprise, athletes who I had beaten before, were able to follow the tempo. We had to run four two-and-half km laps. The first two laps were led by another competitor and the eventual winner Catiil, but gradually I started catching them and for the last lap-and-a-half I more or less dictated the tempo. At all times, I felt very comfortable, although I did pick up a slight strain in my left hamstring. I decided to continue as I felt it wasn’t serious enough to quit. I finished the first 10 km run in 33:29, a few seconds behind the other three of the leading group. I did not sprint into transition as the others did, as that usually just blows up in your face later on in the race.<br /><br />I did not have a bad bike, but still I struggled. I don’t have the explosiveness to keep up with any decent cyclist. I don’t have any training partners and I knew before the race this was going to be my biggest weakness. It was also an undulating course, which is the kind of course I am totally not suited for. It’s either flats or monstrous mountains, but anything in between I struggle on. Three more guys passed me on the bike, but my aim was to catch them on the second run. I saw them running when I entered transition after 1:09:34 on the bike.<br /><br />What can I say about my second run? With a strained right hamstring I pulled a fantastic 17:03 off the bike for the last 5 km run. And still, I only managed to catch one guy, so I finished 6th overall. I just wasn’t able to beat the two hour mark, as I finished in 2:00:06.<br /><br />The ambiguous feelings I have stem from the fact that if I were to be stronger on the bike, I could actually compete for a podium place in a race like Powerman. Nevertheless, the reality is that I can’t enjoy the luxuries of proper training partners, full-time commitment to the sport, on site professional coaches, etc.<br /><br />This does not take away the amazing performance of the Filipino national team. They did a wonderful job and some of their athletes have improved tremendously. If the SEA Games were to be held today, the podium would be all Filipino. They don’t just have one Ryan Mendoza, they have four or five of them running around, and all of them are in their early twenties. A 16-year-old, who competed and won in the sprint category, managed a 16:32 for the first 5 km run.<br /><br />I was hugely impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the Filipino Triathlon association. They have a proper system in place, backed up by an excellent coaching team. In the years to come, this South East Asian country could become one of the leaders in Asia’s multi-sport scene.<br /><br />I would like to thank the Triathlon Association of the Philippines for inviting me to the race and taking care of my accommodation in Clark and Manila. A special mention goes to Mr. Carrasco and Rick Reyes, who invited me to stay at his home for my last night in Manila. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-87130777019907947332008-10-14T23:23:00.001+07:002008-10-14T23:47:19.531+07:00The wedding planner<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPTM9MwE1II/AAAAAAAAAGo/2jQsVR5917s/s1600-h/pdr0115l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257052016815166594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPTM9MwE1II/AAAAAAAAAGo/2jQsVR5917s/s200/pdr0115l.jpg" border="0" /></a>As I was walking down the stairs from class, one of my Vietnamese teaching assistants gave me an invitation card for yet another wedding. “Who’s getting married?” I asked her. “Mai is”, she replied. I had to think for a second and then it hit me. The first thing that came up in my head was “you’ve got to be kidding me.”<br /><br />Am I working at a school or am I in the middle of a soap opera without knowing it? A bit like Jim Carrey in The Truman Show. Our dear bride-to-be used to have an affair with one of our teachers. Obviously, she kept a Vietnamese boyfriend on the side, but he was kept in the dark about her little romance. Then again, this being Vietnam, I’m sure he has a few girlfriends on the side too.<br /><br />The ironic thing is, the above mentioned teacher only left our school two weeks ago. They sure don’t take a lot of time to take care of business in Vietnam. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-32492689226829243692008-10-12T20:43:00.005+07:002008-10-12T21:55:01.367+07:00Not a gambling man<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPIPYsZTVVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/D2_znP_VFnQ/s1600-h/im10b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256280632003351890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPIPYsZTVVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/D2_znP_VFnQ/s200/im10b.jpg" border="0" /></a>If anyone followed my advice and put money on Craig Alexander at a local betting shop, don’t forget to buy me a drink next time we meet. I’m extremely pleased to see a fantastic athlete like Alexander win the Ironman in Hawaii. Here’s an excerpt from the press conference. I think it says enough about what a great athlete he is.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Some other aspects of today’s presser that told much of the story of the race:<br /><br />Turns out that Craig Alexander said some encouraging words to Andy Potts as he went by him on the bike.<br /><br />Of the man who had never run further than 15 miles, had never done a 100 mile bike, but still managed an eighth place finish, the ever-sportsmanlike Craig Alexander had this to say:<br /><br />“I was really happy for him to get eighth,” Crowie said. “He’s definitely a danger if he ever wants to focus on this race. He’s a pretty quick learner.”<br /><br />When asked why he would encourage a competitor like that, Alexander said:<br /><br />“When you reach out to people in the race it takes away a bit of the pain.”<br /></strong></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPIPEmjdFtI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bv8kbbCv_0g/s1600-h/im7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256280286837937874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPIPEmjdFtI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bv8kbbCv_0g/s200/im7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I’m also pleased that Rutger Beke has made a successful come back. Considering he had a four minute time penalty during the bike, it took an enormous amount of mental strength to keep his focus and not do the easy thing, which would be to give up. In that perspective, it reminds me of my race in Desaru where I had a very bad swim, but never gave up. The satisfaction of reaching your goals afterwards is indescribable.<br /><br />Also, I’d like to congratulate Carmen for her inspiring performance in Kona. You are truly an Iron(wo)man.</div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914500863914605505.post-21007335854766110612008-10-11T21:46:00.006+07:002008-10-12T21:56:25.584+07:00Heat & Sanity<div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255921818812133314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPDJDBGFr8I/AAAAAAAAAGA/kFcDQAvw5gw/s200/_44003643_germany_afp416.jpg" border="0" />Roughly 90 km from where I live, there’s a city named Bien Hoa. There’s nothing mind-blowing about the place, apart from the fact that it has a quite famous mental hospital. The moment I even mention Bien Hoa and their infamous hospital, my students always chuckle. I’m seriously contemplating having my mental sanity assessed by the local psychiatrists. Then again, I hope they have moved on to modern day techniques and have dropped old ones such as lobotomies. Just kidding! :-D<br /><br />One of the main reasons I love living in South East Asia is the weather, and I can now officially declare the rainy season to be over in southern Vietnam. OK, that’s not entirely true; currently it is the stormy season. Vietnam does frequently get hit by hurricanes which create enormous amounts of damage and deaths, especially in the north of the country. Just a week ago, a storm ravaged some northern provinces.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPDJKGkgr0I/AAAAAAAAAGI/QECWA9RCBoc/s1600-h/263026046_55d826e045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255921940540993346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-Dj_kBMA1Xg/SPDJKGkgr0I/AAAAAAAAAGI/QECWA9RCBoc/s200/263026046_55d826e045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The end of the rainy season has brought scorching hot weather with temperatures over 35°C. For some reason, this shift from Mother Nature has had a positive effect on my training. For some reason, I thoroughly enjoy running in this heat at midday. For some reason, I just think that’s not normal. The Vietnamese certainly don’t. They must be amused seeing me on another masochistic and torturing run every day. Crazy foreigner!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="justify">I’m really getting excited about next week. The Open Duathlon Championships in the Philippines will only be my second Duathlon of the year, but unlike the first one in Singapore, I’m much fitter and will not hold back on particularly the run. It’s going to be full on business and I will try to give it my best. I’m going with certain ambitions, but realism keeps me in check. I have various tactical scenarios in my head for what might happen and most importantly who might be there. The goal is to utilize my strengths to the maximum. </div>Kristofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420945605806812487noreply@blogger.com0