THE DEPARTURE

My last blog entry on work related subject was in March 2012. It was not because that was my last date at work but it was because I was so busy building my empire that I didn't even have time to breathe, let alone blog. So busy that I was clocking 18 hour day, 7 days a week, travelled to 12 countries in 10 months, spent more time hearing foreign languages than my own mother tongue and slept in hotels more than in my own bed!

After endless pleas for more help which fell on deaf ears, I gave my notice to leave that shocked most people, including my husband because I loved everything that I was doing - the company, the nature of work and my team. My bosses grovelled for me to stay, my colleagues arranged for endless training during the transition period to make sure they cover all bases and my PA was too distraught to even do anything except to make sure I had a smooth exit. 

The only people who were happy I was leaving was the Client Shell. I thought it was because they felt I was not good enough for them. It turned out that they had been waiting for the moment so that they can offer me a position within their organisation. And as soon as I left the company, they did....

However, I had worked in Caltex (later known as Chevron), I know what it takes to survive there and I don't think I want to go to that same place again.

So, thanks for the offer but perhaps no thanks, for now. 

COMPETITION

I finished first place in my age category in the recent Yoma Yangon International Marathon and I thought I would be overjoyed with the outcome, but I wasn't and since then, I kept questioning myself why.

Now that I am not working, I have a bit more time to reflect on my life, my goals, my achievements and my failures and upon reflection, I think I may have the answer to that nagging question. 

The trigger point was when a group of us started talking about competition. 

I think everyone who knows me well, would know I am a very competitive person. There is no doubt about that. It is in my genes and my dad made sure it stayed there by further instilling those qualities in our family members. So, the Kazim clan would compete for everything - to be the best badminton player in the family, the first in class, the prettiest, the toughest.... 

This trait has helped me succeed where others have failed but it does not always come with a happy ending. As I grew older, I realised that competing against others are just so tiring and most times it didn't really mean much because the people you compete with may not even be at the same level as you in the first place, may have better facilities at their disposal, may have different goals and priorities, may train and peak at different phases than you, may have god's gift of a genius brain and pretty face. How do you then compare?  

So, I learnt to compete, not against the world but against myself. I am the only person that matters.  My result is the only result that matters. So, when I came in first in this marathon, I was not overjoyed, because although I am better than everybody else in my age category, my timing was NO better than my previous races. So, as far as I am concerned, there was nothing to be overjoyed about because the only person I am really competing is ME and I did not win in this race....

THE JOURNEY OF A PEDALLER v.2012

The extent of my cycling less than a year ago! 

Bought my first race bike in April 2012. The choice of names boiled down to Rafael (Nadal) or Tiger (Woods) - my two sports idols. Since the bike is Italian (Mediterranean), I opted for Rafael. 

Carmen and Sam not only helped me with the purchase but they are also the force that brought me into the world of triathlon. You guys are truly my inspiration! 

  

My inaugural ride organised by KZ, Zafuan, Shuhaimi and Syariz in Tekala. I rode the hills in high gears that caused my quads to be on fire. Only after the ride, I learnt from Shuhaimi how to shift the gear for climbing! Da..... 

My first race that involved cycling was PD Triathlon 2012. In preparation for that I attended the pre-trial race organised by Tadonamo and clocked in 40km on the bike with a lot of hard work. My special thanks to Richard, Syerol and Azli for the encouragements when I was too nervous to plunge in the open sea or too tired to attack another hill or too numb to run after cycling. 

I raced my first race with my running shoes and only bought my first pair of cycling shoes long after that. I had so many "jatuh bodoh" that I felt like giving up on those shoes! Thanks to Chee Keong Loh and Leo for nursing my first cycling wound.

Despite the few triathlon events I participated, cycling remained a challenge for me. The turning point for me really was when I cycled with Rupert at the Powerman Trial where he shared with me some cycling tips. I followed his advice diligently and that finally seemed to help me make the sport not just bearable but enjoyable.

I knew I had to seriously clock in some mileage to build the rotary muscle but I also knew I didn't have much time for training, too slow to join most riders and too inexperience to ride sole. So, I started participating in cycling events where I do not have to ride alone, but still ride at my own pace.

My first race (also my first attempt at over 100km ride) was at Cyclosportif Race in Port Dickson which I was happy to finish without any jatuh bodoh or a puncture. 

Broga is known amongst the cyclists as the hills to conquer and I did that in one of the races. The timing was not great but at least I was seated on the paddle throughout the ride!

My first podium finish for cycling was at Grandfondo KL event in December 2012 where I came in 1st  place in my age category. Thanks to Nur for being there to ride with me and to pick up my winning prize. What a great way to end cycling in 2012!

May there be more great and fun rides to come.

1PASSION

DIFFERENT FACES

DIFFERENT COURSES

SAME PASSION