A post from Shilpa - The Boys standing up by themselves

Hello,

a few mins ago, Sid n Seb stood up on their own in their individual cots...........


it was very very cool - almost spooky that they did it within mins of each other -


Sid grabbed hold of the cot railings and supported himself up and then after about 5 mins, Seb did exactly the same............


Sid managed to stay on his feet for about 5-6 mins happily chewing away the railing.......whilst Seb stood up for about 3 mins before falling.............

thought I’d catch it on camera and share with you guys.........

Shilps

Back to Work

Well, it had to happen, I'm back to work now!!! In fact I've been back for a couple of weeks believe it or not. It was a choice of sitting home and getting a bit of work done or sitting in the office and at least not getting any further behind.

I've had a couple of days off here and there though. Some great friends came over to visit from Melbourne, Bob and Julia with their kids Alistair and Joanna.

The kids had a great time especially when they teamed up with Ian and Siti's little ones, Izyan, Nina and Alasdair plus a gang of others.

Also Ashley came down from Bangkok to lend his support too. We drank more wine than you can shake a stick at and ate more food than I thought was humanly possible.

I'm really starting to get fat (really - just like old times), so I started a diet yesterday. In fact I should be eating half as much as I used to as I am doing no exercise at all but I am ending up eating twice or even three times more! Got to get a grip. Anyway that's it really. No training for the foreseeable future, another 2 1/2 weeks before my next CT Scan and then we'll see.

Thought I might add a couple of bonus photos of the boys in their shades.
Hey dudes, let's chill by the pool.

Alive and Kicking

"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated" seems a very poignant quote from Mark Twain.

As some of you will be aware I had a visit from the Grim Reaper on the way home from a ride on Saturday. This manifested itself in the form of a couple of idiots driving a Ford EconoVan.

I was on the last 10k of an easy 130k ride with Mr Chan's group and the National Juniors. I was riding along at about 31kph with beautiful clear weather, on a huge open road with very little traffic - I was contemplating getting home and having my Maggi Noodles and my easy afternoon run when there was an incredibly loud crash as I was first flung backwards by the impact (smashed the van's windscreen with my head - helmet took the full force, I didn't even have a headache, but I still keep finding bits of broken glass lodged in my wounds); then rapidly forwards and down towards the tarmac.

It was instantly clear what had happened, there was no time for reflection, no visions of my life flashing before me, there was a flash of light however but I think that was the sun coming into view as I hit the road.


I confess to shouting out a futile "Noooooooooooooo....." (I've always wondered what I'd say in similar circumstances, my choice of words would have been "Oh Well Ay!" but I guess you're not at your literary best in such circumstances.












Several things were clear though, I was now travelling faster than my original 31kph, I was losing what felt like a lot of skin on the road and clearly the next step in this "Series of Unfortunate Events" was that whatever hit me was about to drive over the top of me.......

These were clear thoughts that went through my head, the last being the most urgently in need of addressing. As I was decelerating I turned my head in the direction that I was sliding in the futile hope that I could somehow affect how I got run over and perhaps survive. I was somewhat surprised to see an empty road behind me - now that was strange and lucky and I knew it. Somehow the van had missed me but where was it?

During the whole event I didn't know what had hit me and not only did I keep consciousness throughout I was very conscious of most details except this one. I didn't know whether it was a car, a van or a truck and didn't get so much as a flash of wheel, body or colour - it was only later when a witness provided me with the details that I knew my adversary's form.





As soon as I was stationary the very first thing I did was wiggle my toes, thank goodness, not only did they work but no apparent pain in my legs. Fingers, hands and arms the same. Head seemed clear but my back was aching badly and this so soon after the impact was not a good sign. I rolled over onto my back to relieve the pressure and waited.

This is when the good and kind people of Malaysia demonstrated their humanity and compassion. I am humbled by their concern and support. This began at the roadside and hasn't abated since. THANK YOU kind strangers whose names I do not know and THANK YOU good friends that I have known over the years.

Actually the roadside assistance didn't start off too well, as the first people to the scene in their desire to help and to get me to safety, tried to “help me” stand up to get me off the road. This I knew could be fatal depending on what internal injuries I might have and certainly could lead to paralysis as I knew something wasn't quite right with my back. I made it clear I wasn't moving anywhere until the ambulance arrived and the crowd went about making me comfortable. Water bottle handed to me almost immediately, helmet off, sunglasses put back on my face, bicycle pouch and computer removed from the bike and handed to me.

An ambulance was called and then the next thing I was asked was whether I'd like them to call a friend. Amazingly I recalled my wife's hand phone number without difficulty (which I considered a very good sign under the circumstances). They soon handed me a piece of paper with a vehicle registration number and vehicle type. Apparently a lady had seen the accident through her rear view mirror and upon seeing the van continue without stopping had the foresight and consideration to take down the number.

Moments later another piece of paper was handed to me with a name and telephone number of a man named Jafar. He said he'd look after what was left of my bike and that I should call him when I was better.

It was not long before the ambulance arrived (no more than 30 minutes and probably much less). I arrived at Kajang Hospital and was dealt with very professionally and efficiently which instilled great confidence. They took my details and called my wife to make sure she was clear where I was. As soon as she arrived I felt like things were already getting back to normality and off I went to have my X-rays. Soon after I was in the ward and being ever the optimist I assumed I'd be kept in overnight for observation of my strained back and then released - sadly it wasn't to be.

However, as I lay in the hospital a chap came to my bedside wearing a Newcastle United football shirt that I recognised from the crash site - it was my new friend Jafar. He'd decided to jump on his motorbike and come and make sure I was OK. It turned out that he rides a mountain bike from time to time and once I'd said hello to him on a ride to Kuala Klawang. Jafar then took my wife back to his house to collect my wrecked bike and then came back to finally make sure I was OK - What a diamond of a human being.

However, when my wife returned and couldn't locate either a doctor or a nurse she decided that enough was enough and arranged an ambulance to get me to Damansara Specialist Centre where a friend had recommended a Spinal Specialist. Upon arriving there I was whisked in for more X-rays and put to bed on a spinal board (simply put, a rock solid board to support my back - very very uncomfortable considering the pain I was already in).








I saw the specialist and was scheduled for a CT Scan on Monday morning. In the meantime I was told not to move or leave the bed for any reason. Bathroom visits were the bed bound portable kind but at least I was looking forward to the nurses giving me the sponge baths. Sadly I was horribly disappointed, firstly they insisted that these would take place at 4 a.m. every morning, secondly they didn't seem to realise how painful road rash is, thirdly they didn't seem to remember how painful road rash was from one minute to the next, and finally when it came to sponging my fun bits they gave me the sponge and said do it yourself!!!!!

So here I am flat on my back after a near death experience, everything settling down but contemplating what the prognosis for my back might be. A dangerous time to start worrying or even go into shock perhaps - NO CHANCE, from that moment on I had visitors none stop - it was fantastic (although I did have to repeat my story 1,000 times). I'd sent out a few SMS's to let people know that I'd had an accident and before I knew it I had people visiting me from the guys I'd been riding with, fellow cyclists, fellow triathletes, golf friends, running friends, drinking friends, work friends, family friends, my swimming coach and some people I'd not seen for months. If people couldn't visit they called and texted - it was amazing, Maxis must be wondering why the sudden peak in their business.

As I said earlier I am humbled and forever grateful for the support that everyone gave me in hospital and continue to do so now. THANK YOU, no person could have asked or expected for greater care, solidarity and friendship; I am truly fortunate!

As for my poor old back it turned out that I have four cracked vertebrae and will have to wear a body brace for a minimum of six weeks and cannot even leave the house for the first two weeks. Alas, Desaru half Ironman this weekend is a non starter and I am very disappointed that this also means that Florida Ironman in November that I entered a year ago is now out of the window.

I’m entered for Phuket in early December but that looks doubtful (we’ll see) so the next target is Langkawi Ironman in February.

As I hope my epitaph will read “Oh Well Ay!” – this sums up my take on adversity. These are the cards that I was dealt and this is what I will deal with.

My next and most immediate mission is to get the Malaysian police to take my statement. They refused to come to the hospital or accept my wife’s statement – they only agreed to see her after the intervention of the British Embassy!!!! They are refusing to even contact the owners of the van that hit me until I personally go and make a statement.




My wife asked what would have happened had I been killed – the police chief said “but he wasn’t killed lah!”, when she asked again he laughed uncomfortably. What we did find out is that the van is registered to a company but has no tax or insurance.

One thing the police, the owners of the van and the driver will find out is that I am very tenacious. Also I have nothing to do for the next 2 or 3 months so they all are going to get very used to hearing from me.

I’ll keep you posted. Also as time goes by I’ll add some more photos to this post so check back if you’re interested.

My final thoughts on this all – Should I stop riding because of the dangers? I have two sons now and I must think of them.

I’ve given this some considerable thought and I have concluded that if the dangers and the chances of death or serious injury are so great, then I should never have started riding a bike at all. That is not to dismiss the dangers, they are real and will not go away but to give up something that you love because of the fear of what might happen is tantamount to giving up on part of yourself, part of the fabric of who you are.

I totally respect anyone that has had a serious accident on a bike (or even a near miss) who has given up riding. It is their choice and is part of what makes us human, it is the instinct of self preservation and if this overrides the feeling of enjoyment then there is no longer any enjoyment and they must do something different.

As for me, I cannot stop, I must continue, I must overcome and conquer – whether this is to overcome and conquer fear or just idiots driving a van with their eyes closed – it will not be without some fear and trepidation but it will be with a smile on my face.

And what of my boys? If I wrap myself in a cocoon to protect myself, then surely I must do the same for them. None of us will enjoy the full glory that life has to offer – mediocracy, compromise and a life without a little adventure and danger is no life at all in my view.

Ultimately, they will come to their own conclusions and I intend to be around to offer my guidance and support – I will no doubt try to dissuade them from base jumping but if it’s the joy and freedom that riding a bike that they want then that’s what they shall have.

Ride safe and ride hard!

The Boys at 8 Months cont...

How's this pose?

Hey dude get out of my light, I'm going to look so cool in this photo

Sid, pass me a beer will you.

How many more photos are they going to take? Hang on let me see if I can grab the camera.

My turn Seb, I'll have it.

Now these are the sort of babies Mummy and Daddy dreamed of having.

The Boys at 8 Months

A proud Nani with her grandsons in their new chick pulling kit

The boys putting Daddy through his paces

Now tell me again, how exactly does that camera work?

Hey parents, it's time to get down from here isn't it?

Uncle Ranjan getting some practice in.

Ancestors and Rellies

Now let it be known that this rather cheerful and contented looking couple are my parents. Furthermore, I believe that we should all aspire to be as cheerful and contented as they look when we retire and/or reach their age.

Looking good guys - stay with the programme - it's working

Well knock me over with a feather. This is my baby niece, Kirsty. She was born shortly after I went on my travels around the world in November 1989 (I recall that I was in Las Palmas at the time).

I think you will agree that she has turned into a gorgeous young woman. (Be warned though, there will be 24 hour security when she visits and her cousins Sid and Seb will dribble on you if you get too close).

Mummy and the Boys

Just after the boys turned 7 months.

Shilpa and I often take the little chaps to La Bodega for a Full Monty breakfast (the boys just get milk). Usually on a Saturday or Sunday after my run.

On this occasion we discovered that they had high chairs and we decided to see how the little fellas would fair - they did jolly well and seemed to rather enjoy it - for now at least.

Shilpa is now in Thailand with the twins. Visiting their Nany and Nana (Grandma and Grandad). Being spoilt and getting loads of attention no doubt.

Miri Triathlons 2006

Miri started off with great expectations. I had a game of golf on Friday as soon as I arrived followed by a sprint distance triathlon on Saturday (650 metre swim, 20k cycle and 5k run) and the Olympic distance triathlon on Sunday.

I turned up at a magnificent golf course that has been sculptured out of a swamp - gorgeous. I unwrapped my brand new X18 Callaway driver and off we went. I played pretty poorly but enjoyed myself. Or at least I did until the storm blew in. That left me very wet and for only the second time in Asia freezing cold. I had to have a hot bath to warm up again.

Went for dinner with the gang, Mr Chan, Kevin, Eugene, Stephanie, Beverly, Wei, Sheenie to name but a few. A really great atmosphere was in the air, a real holiday spirit, it was great. After dinner the girls decided that they needed a sugar rush so off to find a McDonald's Sundae it was. Unfortunately, we had the issue of a flat tyre to deal with first. It was clear that this was going to be a slow painful process so I went for the easy/quick option and changed it for them myself. A little while later there were 8 people somehow squeezed into a Proton Saga only to find McD's closed - KFC and Coffee Bean provided the sugar content necessary and then it was off to bed.

The next morning the ocean was far too rough and infested with jellyfish, so the race was relocated to the nearby Marina. A great location I have to say. I had a good warm up, Mr Chan then gave us one of his classic briefings (to supplement the one I attended the day before - you'll see the significance later) and then the gun went and the race was underway.

I had what I considered was a good swim for me, on the bike I soon caught Don Khor before the big hill and Kevin Chan at the top. Kevin, myself and later Stephanie all worked together until we hit the hill again on the way back. I think they must have stopped for ice-cream or something though, as that was the last I saw of them.

Out on the run I saw that Iwata San was just a few seconds ahead but rapidly pulling away. I knew I'd have to accept second place at best. Then it all went very wrong; as we came to the exit to the Marina everyone in front of me took a right and disappeared. Mr. Chan had clearly said in his briefings that we were to take a left and stay WITHIN the Marina complex. Not only that but I could clearly see a nearby drinks station. I ran to the drinks station in semi panic asked "Where to go? Where to go?". They shrugged there shoulders and said they didn't know but everyone else had gone out of the complex so I should too (even though they knew there was another drinks station manned just 500 metres up the road).

I simply assumed the course had been shortened at the last minute (such things often happen in Malaysia) but as I turned out of the Marina towards the hotel and finishing line a marshal physically blocked my way and insisted that I run in the opposite direction. Now I knew it was screwed up. But hey what the hell the weather was nice.

I followed the bike course to the nearby turnaround a kilometre or so away and came back as everyone else in front of me had done. In the meantime the slower runners had been directed to run the correct course!!!! Effectively 3 different courses had been run, all more or less the same length. I resigned myself to the fact that an impending disqualification was looming and was accepting that although it would have been harsh under the circumstances it was the most logical and likely outcome. As it happened it turned out that we all ran more or less the same distance and the leaders would have been clearly the leaders regardless of the course so the results stood and I got my second place in the over 40's category (4 races in a row I've been a bridesmaid with a second place).

Dinner was another Chinese restaurant and Wei and I took advantage of Miri's very inexpensive beers and put the world to rights - not too smart considering the 7:30 race start in the morning. As it happens I set my alarm for 5 a.m. and woke up without a hangover (we only had 3 1/2 beers each but it did seem a lot the night before a race).

The gun went at around 7:30 and off we went for the somewhat long swim probably about 1.7k judging by everyone’s times. I felt very strong and in control and had a good swim, this was confirmed when I came out of the water with Fiona Lim and then heard the evergreen Don Khor's name announced AFTER I'd got to my bike - now that's a first.

Started off on the bike, powered up the big hill again and headed out along the same (albeit extended course as the day before). I didn't feel as strong as I should but some days are just like that - perhaps the beer did have an effect. Some guy started drafting me but wasn't really strong enough to do much work. Then a double-decker luxury bus came by, air-conditioning, reclining seats, movies on demand... his name is SHAHROM (a world class duathlete for those of you that don't know). I jumped on his wheel and got towed along at an amazing pace. I did my best to help with the work but my contribution was shameful and embarrassingly small (sorry Shahrom but I promise I did all that I could). The rain and the wind started piling down and it wasn't very pleasant, until that is, we came across Iwata San and Kevin's group. Shahrom put the power down and we steamed past them at 50+kph, before they could jump on our back wheels we were gone.

Back up and over the hill, into transition, a little under 40k in 56:30 (Shahrom even faster of course). Quick transition and out onto the run (I was sure of the course this time, no more mistakes), Shahrom came past me like I was standing still within the first k but thank goodness he's not in my age-group. It was just a case of trying to run down the guys that were in my age-group, who I knew were still in front and keeping Iwata behind. Alas, Iwata caught me at 5k and the other 3 guys ahead of me were never seen again. The result was my fastest ever Olympic Distance triathlon, probably one of my best performances but my worst position in over a year with a 5th place. Ironic but it didn't detract from the enjoyment or the feeling of accomplishment one little bit - I loved the venue, I loved both races, the people in Miri are just so nice and friendly and of course my fellow athletes and friends are just amazing - you'll see me again in Miri next year for sure.

The prize-giving was fun too. Here's Sheenie and Wei looking like the perfect couple if onluy I hadn't been there.
This is me collecting my dosh and medal for second place in the Sprint.

The flight home was all a bit silly. I think they'll make me sit by myself in future.
My word, is my tongue that long, I even surprised myself!

The Boys - 7 Months and Already Playing for England

Check out the shirts - Thanks John and Emma.

The little super stars.

Mad little dancers too!

Or just mad!

This ones a bit worrying - they're looking a bit spaced out.

But still cute as anything

Malakoff Putrajaya Dutathlon 30th July 2006

My boys were not happy chappies the night before the race so ended up getting to bed somewhat later than I'd hoped. Woke up at 5:30 as some idiot had set the alarms (Oh yes that was me - time to get up! Have you ever been so tired that you felt physically sick - that was me).

I'd thought about packing the night before but was too tired so now it was a case of running around like a headless chicken to get everything organised. Did it in the end but got lost getting to the race (only 5k from home) and after parking illegally and promising the policeman I'd move the 4WD once I'd checked my bike in there were just a handful of minutes left to the race start. As it happened I didn't forget anything and had quite a reasonable warm up by running back to the car, parking it and then running back to the start line with still about 3 minutes to go.

The gun went and off we went, 10k run to start with and having done a similar race the year before over the same run course (Powerman Duathlon) I was hoping to better my 38:37 10k personal best, as it happened I managed 39:23 but was happy that it was under 40 minutes and I felt in control going into transition.

Don Khor (one of my arch rivals in this race) was about 30 seconds ahead of me but we left the transition area together.

I'm supposed to be a stronger rider than Don but he kept overtaking me and really putting the hammer down, it was only after the race that he admitted he was playing games with me - you can never tell with Don though, he is a very gifted athlete and doesn't run, he floats!

The ride went well and as it is a non drafting race this suits me as I'm stronger on the bike. At the end of lap one I caught up with Wei (one of my swimming squad - an amazing triathlete/Duathlete if only he'd get over his fear of riding long and hard with me he'd be on the national team.). Half way through the second lap of the bike I caught up Cecil (another training partner and buddy of mine - an awesome runner, and very strong cyclist & swimmer) a few metres on was Iwata San, an interesting battle was just about to unfold as I'd calculated that the distance left on the bike compared to the time he'd taken out on me during the 10k run would equate to about the same on the final 5k run - meaning that it was going to be close and there was no time for problems or slacking off.

I put the hammer down hard as I went past and a few kilometres later came to the last turnaround for the transition area. This time however, there was a marshal that almost knocked me off my bike indicating that we had to complete an additional 4k. Apparently this had been added to the course FOR BOTH LAPS of the bike that morning but no one had been told. The only people that got it right were those that didn't know the course and followed the tiny arrows on the road (only about 6 people). Sadly the leading guy got disqualified which marred the day a little because he really deserved better.

Anyway, back to my pain. T2 got off the bike and headed for the run, felt pretty good although it was getting very hot and humid (as Malaysia tends to do). The final 5k starts off with a 1k run to a round about and then back past the transition area so you can see who is coming after you. There were Wei, Cecil and Iwata all within 500 metres of me and 3 of the most accomplished runners in on the circuit. Dig deep, I thought and if they beat you they're going to have to earn it.




Came round the final turnaround to head back to the finish (about 1 1/2k left) with Wei picking up water about 100 metres behind. I was at full stretch but found some more speed and managed to hang on to the finish.















Very satisfying indeed.


















Wei scored his first age-group victory in the 30-39 age-group, Cecil also won his age-group 20-29 and I was very satisfied with 2nd in the 40-49 category. I was second to Razani who now competes with the age-groupers but is probably still Malaysia's best triathlete - needless to say I didn't even see him on the course all day).

Huge fun once again especially as I taught the youngsters (Wei and Cecil a thing or two - Guys I thought you were running specialists? Perhaps I should reintroduce that running clinic I promised you once before.)

PS Check out my top - wicked or what?