Malakoff Malaysia Duathlon Series (MMDS 1) - Duathlon

I was running slow. Decided to maintain my pace to avoid cramps later during the cycling leg. Near the end of the run, some people were walking and I managed to pass them. The slopes at the beginning of the run was quite gradual but long. Not sure if the distance is 10km but felt longer. Water that was given out at the water points are not cold. There were no signs of the distance covered along the running route. Felt 'high tide' during the run but decided to continue running.

Maybe I should have eaten a powergel before the run to give me more energy. The banana does not seems to provide much.

Managed to get into the transition smoothly. Before transition, I did rehearse mentally what to do thus that helps.

The highlight of this race is the cycling leg. The cycling leg is 3 laps of the cycling course. The first leg was great. I managed to average around 30km/h. My first encounter with the killer slope was great. I felt that all the spinning class I attended seems worth the effort. But killer slope was my first experience of such a slope during cycling. I have never cycled so hard in my life before. It feels great to be able to bypass some of the other cyclist during the climb. But back in my mind, I was wondering if I would survived the 3rd laps.

When I reached the peak of the climb, it was downhill all the way. It feels great to 'fly' down at 48km/h after the difficult climb. Then comes the 2nd killer hill. I remember this particular hill because it was the same one that I climbed on foot during the last Marathon. The last hill was not much a killer but it would be difficult to climb after the first 2 killer climb. Again it was downhill all the way until a sharp turn below. I had to literally stop, turn my bike and continue cycling. The road marshall thought something was wrong when I stopped. haha. That corner is about less than 1km away from Dataran Merdeka. I completed the 1st lap in 30mins.

The 2nd lap was ok but my speed decreases drastically. Still managed to climb the slopes but I can feel that I am starting to struggle. When I reached Dataran Merdeka, it was about 1hr 9mins of cycling.

During the 3rd lap, my energy runs out and my water in my aerodrink finished. Even cycling on flat road was a struggle. Going up the killer slope was a definite struggle at 10km/h. At some point I was wondering why did i torture myself by signing up for this race. It is at this point when I have to fight my mind of negative thoughts. My butt hurts, my back hurts from the climb. I can't wait to reach the end of the lap. I was frustrated for not being able to increase my speed. It was a relieved when I see Dataran Merdeka finally.

I should have a spare power gel to take after the 2nd lap. Should have an additional water apart from the gatorade that I have in the aerodrink.

I was able to get in and move out of transition quite well.

On my way out of the transition area, I had my powergel. Then I heard my name being called. It was Steven!! He had finished his race!!! I continue the last leg of the race in a slow pace at first. Trying to gain back my energy. Started to overtake a lot of people along the way. Most of them were walking. When I reached mid way, I started to regain my strength and picked up my speed. I saw Steven just before I reached the finishing line. He ran with me for a few metres and briefed me where the finishing line was. As I approached the finishing line, I sprint and overtake a few people in front of me.

Did some stretching. Drink the isotonic drink and the whole bottle of water given at the finishing line. Not able to eat the food that was given out because I don't have the appetite.


Not enough cycling mileage and lack of experience on slopes. Need to hydrate more during cycling and topup energy during cycling.


It is well organized event with 5 years experience. However, the Official Hotel was not a good one. Breakfast was late. Even at 6am, they are not ready.