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Friday, September 30, 2016

Boss vs Leader - Which Are You?

My domain www.tristupe.com will be renewed for the 5th year in a row. I've been blogging since 2004 when I look back. Superb journey and loads of sharing. The peak of it was in 2012-2013 where a lot of tips were shared. I dare to say that those writings and sharing pretty much shaped how many others (especially you readers) approach your lifestyle changes and training. I thank you for the support. I felt I've left this part of me far too long and neglected. I was making the decision to either continue, or just stop writing altogether - I guess I will give it another try.
Places I Never Been Before - Checked
A major realignment happened where I have a late (as in age) career change and a major step upwards in terms of roles and responsibilities (very blessed). It's daunting when you are too old to be a junior and too young to be a senior in a company. The old adage about experiences equals to age still holds true for some industry. For the past 21 months, I have:

  • Travelled 31 times, with a handful until end of this year;
  • Each time between 2 nights and 2-weeks;
  • 90 days last year and this year to date - 90 days; and
  • 230,000 miles with points across major airlines and alliances.
3rd Tallest Free Standing Structure In The World - Checked

Naturally, my passion for triathlon races, or races in general has taken a back seat. While it's easy to justify these races as "not able to pay the bill because Stupe, you are too slow even for Top 10", the more challenging reason is due to time differences (read: Jet Lag, major ones) and most major races requires you to be present at least 2-days before the event (Ironman or Xterra, as an example); and this is also true for marathon/run races where the race kit collection typically happens up till a day before the race. I've lost contributed a lot of entry fees to many race organisers in 2015, and has grown wiser since.


Image from ZoneOfSuccess.Com
For today, I recently had a conversation with a friend. The dilemma was on how to be more of a Boss. It was almost unheard of - as the dilemma of the older days were always about being less of a boss, and be a leader. And by being a leader, it usually being "with the team".

I could relate to that personally as I was a "Boss" before. Being the eldest in the family that almost came naturally. I failed as a "Boss" previously as i realised when dealing with the Gen Y and the Millennium, you have to change your way. At that point of conversation with that friend, it was still a tough differentiation. 
As an example, my colleagues that reports to me refer me as "Boss" as I am (in my company term), their Line Manager (aka Supervisor). So technically, I am someone of certain authority to be Boss.

There are more than sufficient write up about this dilemma both on printed media and on internet - almost debated to death as most Boss think they are leader and unfortunately many leader do not always see themselves as Boss. I begin to reflect on it myself, and what has changed since taking the role as "Boss" to my colleagues. 

Perhaps to overthink a bit more, the most obvious change was how I used to dress up to work - it was all slacks, tailored shirts, cuffs and leather shoes. Now, it's Dockers, short sleeves, with a messenger bag or even my fluorescent yellow Camelbak Kudu, and an Ironman tag holder to remind me of "better days". Not helping that I take trains and ride a motorbike to commute to work. Granted I do get driven when I travel outside of the country, so I am a Boss to a certain extend.
Ironman-Has-Been
I have a conversation with my wife asking if my reflection was correct. She can't speak for my friend, but she say maybe for me specifically, I may be overthinking and over reacting to my self reflection. In a very big way, she saw the changes in me - from being a Boss to be a Leader. No easy task if you knows the dynamic of my current position, or how I came into this position. Imagine the client you used to report to today, reports to you tomorrow. 
Yes? Image from Pinterest
So what is your advice to my friend, and to me? How to be more Boss, but still have the "Leader" traits? Not an easy balance, and definitely not worth to overthink it unless I have serious attitude of being a pain in you know where Boss - which I can almost certainly confirm I am not through feedback from both my staffs and my boss, and his boss, and his boss' boss. 
Or you can always take the road less taken to be a Leader Boss
Back to this blog, in the coming weeks or months, there will be significantly more updates from me. There are older articles that need revamping and updating. I will start finishing up reviews I've started and still in drafts, perhaps share a few things regarding the travels I've done. Revamp. Change. Come back fresher, and hopefully with a few race reports in between. 

Later. 

Yours,
Stupe

Sunday, September 25, 2016

TWO-TIME IRONMAN® MALAYSIA, LANGKAWI CHAMPION DIANA RIESLER RETURNS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE TITLE WIN

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 14 September 2016 – IRONMAN® Malaysia, Langkawi returns to the Jewel of Kedah Island on 12 November, 2016. Last year’s race saw German female professional athlete Diana Riesler bag her second consecutive IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi win.

Having finished the 2015 race with a time of 09:37:06, and the 2014 race in 09:26:38, the German pro returns to take home her third consecutive title win.

On her return for the third consecutive IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi, she said “I’m very excited to be coming back to Langkawi to defend my 2014 and 2015 title wins. IRONMAN Malaysia is one of my most favourite IRONMAN races in the world. I have been fortunate enough to race this location in the past and every time it was fascinating, taking in the beauty of Langkawi’s nature during the race.

On the Tropical IRONMAN Adventure, she said “the beauty and outstanding event touched me deeply. The scenery is stunning, the event is well organized and the race course is one of the most unique I have raced.  Everybody who wants to do a very special IRONMAN has to put IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi on their bucket list.”

“We are very pleased that Diana Riesler has decided to return and defend her 2014 and 2015 title wins. She is a strong athlete, with an iron will and a passion for triathlon. She has a long and celebrated history with IRONMAN, and we wish her the best of luck this November,” said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia.

The second annual IRONKIDS race will take place on November 11, with organizers expecting up to 300 participants aged 5 - 12 years old for the 100m dash along Cenang beach. Sports enthusiasts will have a chance to check out the latest sports and lifestyle offerings at the IRONMAN expo at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, which will also host Pro Athlete sharing sessions and athlete briefing sessions.

The Langkawi race returned to Malaysia after IRONMAN set up a new office there in 2014 following a 3 year hiatus from the previous licensee. IRONMAN Malaysia will see the end of the three year contracted term with Malaysia Major Events (MME). The event has definitely put Malaysia back on the global calendar. Last year’s race brought in 59 professional athletes from around the world, including Riesler and male pro champion Mike Aigroz of Switzerland. Malaysian athletes made up 17% of the close to 1000 participants. The people of Langkawi have benefited greatly from the event from the aspect of both tourism and personal involvement. IRONMAN appreciate the support from MME, the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and the people of Langkawi for making IRONMAN Malaysia a great success over the past few years.

IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi will take place on Saturday 12 November, 2016.

For more information, visit www.IRONMANMalaysia.com.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Skechers GoTrail Ultra3 Review

It has been months since my last blog entry and i apologize for not being "up to date" with my postings. In fact, for the money I spent to host my URL (www.tristupe.com), I am not getting the Return of Investment (ROIs) - posting wise. Rest assured I am still very much into blogging and the reason for missing out were because of my work and travelling commitment. 
GoNew


My last review of Skechers were back in March this year where the GRR5 which was a total revamp of the previous GRR series - or to put it bluntly, a total change to how Skechers approach their products. When I received the news that I will be receiving the GoTrail Ultra3 way ahead of time, I can't wait. It was also the week that Skechers Warehouse in Malaysia caught fire, and burnt all stocks (current and yet to be launched model) up in smoke. Somehow, the pair meant for me and Deo was saved as it was sent in advance to our regular pick up point - I call it lucky!

Skechers has went on a journey of Minimalist to fully cushioned shoes. The Resalyte material continue to lend the cushioning at the midsole while the material upgrades were evident from model to model. With the Skechers GoTrail Ultra3, the game changed in terms of cushioning and stability, and down to the sole durability. Compare this to the first generation GoTrail I reviewed 3-years ago.

Back To Basic?
I was initially less than excited about the new model, as it seems Skechers is taking a step back from producing lightweight minimalist shoes that I grew very fond off. Shoes that are suitable for all foot type and are very forgiving as it doesn't restrict of forces you to change your running gait. Having used the Skechers Ultra and UltraR (or Ultra Road), I grew to like the additional cushioning it may provide especially when I run everyday, sometimes twice a day. This happen during my travels - and i truly enjoyed the stability and additional cushioning. However, the two biggest complains I have with the Ultra and UltraR are the usually softer landing, that the shoes felt sluggish, and that the soles shows wearing out pattern fast. I also learnt that despite it shows wearing out fast, it's still very much good up till 500km with no compromise on the grip (Ultra) or the cushioning (for both). Obviously, with the new GoTrail Ultra3, my expectation were somewhat "calibrated" towards lesser expectation. And I was so wrong.
GoTrail Ultra3 : Red
The color of choice this time around was Red, as the shoe before this, the GRR5 was blue. The other available color in Malaysia is Blue and Grey. My first impression as I held it in my hand was how impressively light the shoe felt despite the bulk. It sort of accentuate the Hoka series in terms of cushioning. The rated US9 size comes in at 11oz, which is similar to the UltraR. This Ultra3 seemed to carry over some feature of UltraR and improvised on a few key items. The most obvious was the outsole where it was a complete overhaul and do not have the GoImpulse Pods. The sole was harder than usual and felt very convincing for the trails in terms of grip-abilities and having large  drain/channel that will help in dispersing any mud, dirt or soil that get stuck in the trail. These deep channel also helps in providing great flexibility and potentially good transition when running. Experience tells me that these feature are important. I have written about Trail Shoes feature this in 2012, when the Brooks Cascadia5 was my all time favourite. For the record, I still have the Cascadia5, though it's super underutilized after I found the joy of Skechers.  
upclose with the Ultra 3 soles
The Ultra3 is made/designed for Ultra runs, meaning the shoe is designed for longer distance running with the cushioning and comfort via  the Ultra-class midsole design and next generation Resalyte cushioning mid-sole. One thing I noticed too, is that the shoe looked like it has a wider footprint when look from the top. The sole sort of extend outside of the shoe shape, so to say.
Tall shoe. Heel is 36mm stack. Notice the up-curve and how it extent outside of the heel cup. Evidence of wider footprint.
How does this add to the usability of the shoe? With wider footprint, it should lend more stability. This were visible when looking from the rear towards the heel cup as well. Despite the height, the Ultra3 is  4mm drop shoe. Stack height is 32-36 forefoot-heel. 
32-36 Fore-Heel stack. 4mm drop. Neutral feel.
The toebox of the Ultra3 was the next thing I noticed. it's wide. Skechers however note it as "medium" in their website. It's by far the widest I've experienced and for an Ultra and trail shoe, that is important. I was told that the Hoka may have tighter front and restrictive mid-foot wrap (anyone to verify, Hoka owner?) where else the Ultra3 felt like a welcome change. 
Wide with Reinforced toe. Notice the silver detailing which is the reflective finish
As expected, the MStrike remains standard where the Skechers Performance encourages Midfoot strike instead of heel striking. Again, the ability to run forefoot/midfoot landing has very much to do with how you are able to correct your running posture. 
What Are Those Holes On The Side?
I was looking at the side of the sole and noticed two holes on both inner and outer side of the sole. Logic tells me that it will, or should allow water to get out - and in. The position of these holes were mid of the mid-sole, and one may ask is there or how will the water logged inside can get out? 
Holes at mid of midsole. Why?
A little checking revealed that under the insole were 4-channels that will drive water out from the side.
Covered in mesh, in case sands gets in from bottom
Even the innersole or liner has holes to help express water out. The engineers at Skechers has thought of it in totality.
8 chevrons to allow water out
The upper part of the shoe is a combination of both synthetic and mesh material which lend to both durability and reduced weight. At this bulk, material engineering plays a big influence to the overall weight. 3D printed overlay lends structure and support to the shoe, giving a good fit to the foot.
Close up of the mesh
3D overlay adds to the structure
A welcomed change is the replacement of the Quick-Fit loop at the heel cup with a proper loop, which really helps pulling the shoe back up without unlacing. The tongue is about the same padded as the UltraR, which is essential for comfort in a long run or race. These small changes (loop) and consistency (tongue) is what adds to the final 10% of what gives the satisfaction to the users in my opinion. The details, it matters.
With reflective detail at back logo and loop. Nice
Use Review
The Ultra3 surprises me with the responsiveness when compared to the previous bulkier GoRun Ultra series. Everything from the toe box space, to how it fits the midfoot section, and the heel cup provide the stability. How it gives the assurance to the run both on and offroad, the flexibility and usability in all condition makes me use this for all runs since receiving this about 6-weeks ago. I've clocked close to 250km since, mostly clocked in my run when I travelled.
Street of Prague
Cobblestones of Europe with the GoRun Ultra
In the trails of Petrin Hill, Czech
And cobblestones of Prague Castle
Unfortunately, I did not manage to test this in the street of Bangalore and Manila - but they felt as good on the treadmill performing speedwork and Interval training. Not forgetting the two Running Clinics the team conducted during the period of testing. The Ultra3 has been extensively tested by Deo for his Nuang training, that he too, are convinced that this may just be "the" ultra trail shoe he will be using for his upcoming A race.
Confidence on the trail as on the road at fast switchbacks
The Ultra3 gets two thumbs up from me, and this has influenced the decision for wifey to buy one as well to replace her aging GoRun Ultra and GoRunRide4.
Last pair of US7 Grey left
Customised with laces from GoRun2 and GoRun UltraR
Note: This pair of Skechers GoTrail Ultra 3 is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is available, but limited sizing for now. Retailing at RM499 for men (Semenanjung). RM10-20 more for East Malaysia.

Monday, August 08, 2016

STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON 2016 ANNOUNCE WINNERS

Kuala Lumpur, 7 August 2016 – As Standard Chartered KL Marathon welcomed its last runner across the finish line, many runners were already exchanging tales of strength, perseverance and motivation. Such was the scene at Dataran Merdeka where 35,000 runners took part across various categories.

Flagged off by Tan Sri Datuk Mohd. Sheriff Mohd. Kassim, Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, Ajay Kanwal, Regional CEO ASEAN & South Asia of Standard Chartered Bank, and Mahendra Gursahani, Managing Director & CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, at the break of dawn, the runners made their way through the city; absorbing the vista of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks such as the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Parliament of Malaysia, the National Museum, Menara Standard Chartered and Dataran Merdeka which served as the race village.

The Marathon also saw Kennedy Kiproo Lilan from Kenya defending his title for the fifth time in the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, and Hirut Beyene Guangul from Ethiopia crowned champion of the Full-Marathon Women’s Open category with the respective times of 02:18:57 and 02:39:02.  

The day was made even sweeter as Sheela A/P Samivellu set a new national record of 01:24:44[1], securing the first place in the Honda Half-Marathon Malaysian category.

Enjoying the victory, Kennedy said, “I am so happy to win the Standard Chartered KL Marathon again. It was a great race and everything went really well and I am very thankful for that.”

Expressing her joy, Hirut said, “It was a challenge from start to finish, but I enjoyed it a lot. Winning is always special and I am still buzzing from the excitement of crossing the finish line.”

Completing the top three in the Full Marathon Men’s Open category are Tonui Kiprop from Kenya with a time of 02:18:59 and Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo from Kenya with 02:19:24. While in the Full Marathon Women’s Open category are Naomi Jepkogei Maiyo from Kenya with a time of 02:39:14 and Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno from Kenya with 02:41:09.

Malaysian Full Marathoners also put up a brave display with returning champion, Muhaizar Mohamad winning the Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s title with the timing of 02:39:23 and Yuan YuFang taking the Malaysian Women’s category with a time of 03:19:04

At the press conference with the winners, Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events, Race owner and organiser of Standard Chartered KL Marathon, said, “As a race organiser, we are delighted with the outcome of the race. We are humbled by the support shown by the runners today and inspired by their endurance and spirit in taking on the challenges. We look forward to continue to make Standard Chartered KL Marathon the premier race in Malaysia.”

Making the race a true platform for people to do extraordinary things were 60 visually impaired runners with their running buddies taking part in the 5 km Fun Run category, 36 runners with autism together with their parents in the 3 km Kids Dash and over 300 Standard Chartered Bank staff running in red tutus across different categories. 

Their participation in the race was supported by Standard Chartered Bank in their efforts to tackle avoidable blindness, raise awareness and educating the public on autism and HIV.

Under Standard Chartered KL Marathon’s “Run For A Reason” initiative, a total of RM444,848.00 was raised for the beneficiaries Standard Chartered Foundation, Hospis Malaysia, Yayasan Sejahtera and IJN Foundation. The funds were raised collectively by approximately 364 runners and Corporate Challenge participants who also did their part in raising awareness towards the beneficiaries they selected.

Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, Mahendra Gursahani, said, “Standard Chartered Bank is proud to provide a platform for people from all walks of life to accomplish extraordinary goals. These acts are a brilliant demonstration of what personal empowerment can do for the human spirit. We salute all runners that took part in the marathon, and we thank them all for the great support shown.”

Completing the race experience over the weekend, the event organiser and owner, Dirigo Events held a Friendship Run and Pasta Party before race day to foster a sense of camaraderie and fellowship amongst runners from around the world.

This year’s edition of the race also marked the first time Standard Chartered KL Marathon implementing a new checkpoint system commonly practised in international marathons. The purpose behind this was to ensure the safety of the runners and that the roads were handed in a systematic manner. Other changes included an extended seven-hour cut-off time.

Both moves were welcomed by the relevant authorities as Standard Chartered KL Marathon looks to achieving higher international standards from a sporting and organising perspective. A total of 5,595 runners finished the Full Marathon within seven hours, 8,160 finished the Honda Half Marathon within 3.5 hours and 12,804 finished the 10KM, 2,400 finished the 5KM and 750 kids completed the Kids Dash categories.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016 is made possible by title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, along with event owner and organiser, Dirigo Events Sdn. Bhd. and co-organiser Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

Supporting the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016, are Gold Sponsor, Honda Malaysia; and official partners Seiko, 100 Plus, adidas and Pacific Regency Hotel Group.

Standard Chartered KL Marathon is sanctioned and supported by Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF), Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletic Federation (FTKLAA), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Association of International Marathons, Distance Races (AIMS).

Winners of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016

Full Marathon Men’s Open
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
Kennedy Kiproo Lilan
KEN
2:18:57
2nd
Tonui Kiprop
KEN
2:18:59
3rd
Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo
KEN
2:19:24

Full Marathon Women’s Open
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
Hirut Beyene Guangul
ETH
2:39:02
2nd
Naomi Jepkogei Maiyo
KEN
2:39:14
3rd
Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno
KEN
2:41:10

Full Marathon Malaysian Men
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
Muhaizar Mohamad
MAS
 2:39:25
2nd
Mohd. Jironi Riduan
MAS
 2:39:57
3rd
Tan Huong Leong
MAS
 2:41:54
Full Marathon Malaysian Women
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
Yuan YuFang
MAS
 3:19:04
2nd
Tahira Najmunisaa Bt. Muhammad Zaid
MAS
 3:28:01
3rd
Melissa Lim Yi-Xin
MAS
 3:31:29
Full Marathon Veteran Men
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Joseph Mwangi Ngare
 KEN
 2:25:57
2nd
 Jonah Kipserem Tarus
 KEN
 2:38:04
3rd
 Julius Kimtai Rotich
 KEN
 2:45:29
Full Marathon Veteran Women
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Margaret Njuguna
 KEN
 3:04:01
2nd
 Cochet
 FRA
 3:25:19
3rd
 Caroline Nduta Ngugi
 KEN
 3:29:19

Honda Half Marathon Men Open
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Charles Munyua Njoki
 KEN
 1:07:44
2nd
 Samson Kiplagat
 KEN
 1:11:10
3rd
 Samuel Muya
 KEN
 1:12:12

Honda Half Marathon Women Open
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Hannah Wabera Gathingi
 KEN
 1:22:20
2nd
 Tabitha Wambui
 KEN
 1:22:42
3rd
 Sheela A/P Samivellu
 MAS
 1:24:44

Honda Half Marathon Men Veteran
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Nakamura Tsubasa
 JPN
 1:25:13
2nd
 Guianus Bin Salagan
 MAS
 1:28:18
3rd
 Chan Shan Ching
 HKG
 1:28:53
Honda Half Marathon Women Veteran
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Nakamura Tsubasa
 JPN
 1:25:13
2nd
 Guianus Bin Salagan
 MAS
 1:28:18
3rd
 Chan Shan Ching
 HKG
 1:28:53
10km Speed Men Open
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 James Karanja
 KEN
 0:33:32
2nd
 Azwan Bin Bunjing
 MAS
 0:35:48
3rd
 Chew Jee Keng
 SIN
 0:36:38
10km Speed Women Open
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Mak Rainbow
 CAN
 0:40:50
2nd
 Danielle Nant
 NZL
 0:41:46
3rd
 Tan Sok Hue Sumiko
 SIN
 0:45:20
10km Speed Men Veteran
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Jeffrey Ross
 GBR
 0:36:37
2nd
 Lim Khon Seng
 MAS
 0:37:38
3rd
 Khoo Hua Seng
 MAS
 0:41:22

10km Speed Women Veteran
Position
Name
Country
Time
1st
 Tan Pei Leng
 MAS
 0:49:13
2nd
 Lorna Wong
 MAS
 0:49:27
3rd
 Leong Poh Yeng
 MAS
 0:51:45
Corporate Challenge
Position
Name
Time
1st
 Turner International Malaysia Sdn Bhd
 2:48:33
2nd
 IDC Market Research (M) Sdn Bhd
 3:07:56
3rd
Valuecap Sdn Bhd
 3:29:20

Ministries Challenge
Position
Name
Time
1st
 Jabatan Penyiaran Malaysia
 2:31:25
2nd
 Department of Irrigation and Drainage
 2:34:43
3rd
Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia
 2:37:32

Universities Challenge
Position
Name
Time
1st
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia
 2:06:26
2nd
Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas
 2:38:13
3rd
Universiti Tenaga Nasional
 2:46:46
For more information and updates on SCKLM, please visit:
Website: www.kl-marathon.com