INSPIRATION FROM A FRIEND

People do great things, and most inspiration stories comes from a person beating his limitations to achieve things beyond his reach. The further and more unreachable the goals, the more inspirational it becomes..

Here's one of those stories (I only wish my posting could do the story justice).

Rafiq Khan is the biggest guy in our batch. He's big.. what more with a KHAN's blood and KHAN's diet! Genetics and life style, the odds were against him to slim down.

Although he played a few games (tennis, squash, hockey- games typical of a Khan), people saw his appearance rather then the sportsman. He was often teased and looked down because of this. This was Rafiq a year ago!

Then the training began! His cousin 'dearest', OP Shazly Khan (90-94 Eagle) started a training regime. Such regime often coincides with activities where other royal 8ths took part in. For example, a 'stroll' up to Genting. (Refer to blog report: Lamb and Genting 21/9/07 http://royal8th.blogspot.com/2007/09/lamb-and-genting-2192007-make-sense.html )

 

Note: Shazly with a stick in hand

& they marched up to Genting!

Ni muka yang influence Rafiq naik

ke Genting!!

A month ago, Rafiq took the next step- purchasing his road bike.. and as reported in an earlier posting- the virgin ride was almost 100km!!

So, after the exercising, training, purchasing.. what was one to do? Well, this was where trickery and pressure comes in.. everyone in the group (except for me) went to take part in the A-Farmosa Triathlon. And these guys convinced Rafiq to do the sprint event. On the eve of the race, with everyone phsyced up and eager to go, they pressured (read Shazly pressured Rafiq in public) to do the full monty- 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. And that was what he did.... I don't think that he was prepared for it, nor did he believe that he could complete the course.. he knew that his body will take an extreme amount of punishing.. he had nothing to lose.. (except hospitalization?).. be if.. a BIGGGGG if, if could endure all the pain, fatigue and survive the ordeal, he could prove to himself and others that all the training and and effort is showing results.. Completing the course would mean that he was actually reaching for heights that he, himself, thought impossible to reach..

Anxiety got the better of him that evening. Nervous, scared, excited etc.. he slept at 3a.m.! After 3 hours of sleep, Rafiq woke up to face one of the biggest physical challenge of his life.

The photos below captured the moments..

Pre-race anticipation

After over one hour, he completed the 1.5 km swim..

then on the bike (40km) and finally the run.. almost at the finishing line, he had friends running along side to cheer him on!

Notice the FINISHER's Medal on his chest?

After Rafiq completed his Triathlon, I've received calls for me to also complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon.. There were the typical "wehhh.. Upiq dah buat.. engkau bila lagi?"..

To date, he has lost about 40kgs!! Please refer to the Bagan Lalang Ride report (April 08) to see how much he 'reduced'

My friend, you have inspired me.. and I will start my training this evening- Fitness First Menara Maxis- RPM Class!! I will be training and I'll keep training, and hopefully, in a few month's time, I be at the same ranks with you- as one of those 34 year old- over weight guys who have completed an Olympic Distance Triathlon- THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING!!

I hope that my report does not steal the thunder from the achievement's of Kam (also first time completed Olympic Distance Tri.. Ironman hopeful for 2009!), Ala Usat, Stupe, Chief Kutu, Shazly, OP Sofiyan...

Ala's mail to Mr. Johan Jaafar

"Ala's responding to an essay/story in the NST dated 3rd May 2008. Story at: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/Columns/" - Kam

Mr Johan Jaafar,

NST

Sir,

Asalamualaikum, First of all, I am a fan of your weekly columns and essays in the NST. Today i read your article regarding Cikgu Adnan with joy and with pride not to mention admiration for the man. I am one of the hundreds if not thousands of students having passed under Cikgu Adnan's wings. He was my arts teacher and company commander when I was studying in the Royal Military College between 1987 to 1991.

When you mention to OP's (old puteras/ ex student of the college) about Cikgu Adnan, people will remember the gentle but stern arts teacher. People will remember also the calm composed gentleman that he always was. Those interested in arts will testify that he was a keen arts teacher who encourages his students to strive harder. Two of my batch mates who were mentored by him are now established architects and Interior designers, no doubt cikgu Adnan being a big influence in their chosen career.

But people may not know, that besides being a wonderful individual cikgu Adnan is actively involved in all those activities that you had wrote about.(marathon running, biking, mountain climbing and a lot of other adventurous stuff) He has also spent a lot of time doing charity work. Despite being in his his golden years where most people would take it easy, cikgu Adnan continues to inspire others. Just last month at the Kapas - Marang swimathon, he kayakked along my batch mate attempting to finish the race. He was among the last individual out of the water in the 6.5km race but there was cikgu adnan giving him encouragement all the way.Who would kayak in the hot sun for 3 hours just to accompany someone to make sure he makes it? Without cikgu, my friend said he wouldnt have made it. Cikgu adnan continues to motivate even till this day!

Which brings me to my first encounter with him since leaving college 17 years ago in 1991. Not surprisingly it was the KL Marathon where he nonchalantly overtook me and a fellow OP. Needless to say, he finished ahead of us half his age. This man is inspirational. I just hope more teachers, if not more people would be like him.

The next time you have your teh tarik with him, wish him all the best. A lot of 30 to 40 year olds from RMC are encouraging him on his Beijing epic. Knowing him, it will probably be a walk in the park.

Dr Hisyam Salleh

Subang Jaya.

Bagan Lalang Pix

Aku tak amik banyak gambar because i was too preoccupied thinking of the unexpected.

At the meeting point, MTDC Bangi and a glimpse of my new babe.
Mat Licin, OP Shazly, OP AJ, OP Bandit and me. OP Fadzil aka Chief Kutu was busy managing the crowd.
Refuelling and re-grouping at Shell station near Sepang town.

Yeah, baby. Lunch time. Belasah kaw2.

Total distance = 98.97km.

Bagan Lalang

While the THREE STOOGES went for the Klang Marathon, the 'BIG & WIDE' BOYS went cycling to Bagan Lalang.

Nothing fancy. just Upiq and Bandit, along with another 19 riders started their ride from MTDC to Bagan Lalang. We ate nasi lemak/nasi ayam/roti canai for lunch at Sepang Gold Coast. Then rode back under a scorching sun and searing heat. Total distance: slightly above100km.

We went with a few HARDCORE riders (OP Chief Kutu, OP AJ and OP ShazlyKhan). There were also a group of 'tour-ers' (meaning that these guys have superb endurance..).

One of the tour-ers was Mat Licin, the chap who'll be cycling with Cikgu Adnan to China in August! We'll beliasing with him to organized a send off (ie kita akan kayuh dgndiaorang, during their Malaysian leg).

Anyway, was quite impressed by Upiq's development, he got himself a 2nd hand Felt! And may I add, the bike was well utilized, completed 100km on his 'virgin' ride. Imagine the fun Upiq is gonna have with the slut! Total ride time around 4hrs++.

Here's to a healthier Royal 8th..

Upiq will post some of the pix he's got during the ride.

Reporting with a tan.. Bandit

Klang Half Marathon 2008

Did Klang half marathon with Ala this morning. Met Joejo at the stadium. He ran 10k. In fact his company "DCM Tooling" sponsored the medals. He said it made of white gold + platinum + silver and some plutonium. Boleh gadai kat pawn shop. Nice job bro! Macam lambang Superman sikit.

Tioman International Eco-Challenge 2008

13-15 May 2008 (Tue-Thu)

The disciplines include running, mountain-biking, canoeing and other exciting activities. Set within the tranquility of the island paradise participants will explore the mountain, jungle tracks, villages and the beautiful beaches of this island.

Challenges in this race relate to nature, culture and adventure – “the Amazing Race” concept, promoting extreme sports combined with traditional games, folk culture and eco-challenges.

The race will be flagged off by HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah at Kg. Salang.

Day	From	To	Remarks
Day 1	Salang	Juara	Flag off at Salang – Running and mountain biking(5 hrs) - night stop at Juara
Day 2	Juara	Genting	Canoeing (6 hrs) - night stop at Genting
Day 3	Genting	Tekek	Running - Finish at Marina

Details about the race, pls check the website www.eco-challenge.com.my

Kapas-Marang Trip & Swimathon

Just to inspire you guys especially former college swimmers. If I can do it you guys also can do.
Cikgu Adnan was our support crew. Since I was the slowest swimmer among the group, he followed me most of the time and like bandit said, he did a good job at dictating me not to give up half way. More race pix in my blog & facebook. I wonder who else in our batch has done this race before?