It all started with a friend casually asking if we're interested to take part in this challenge and get to stay at Pangkor Laut Resort (PLR). Soon enough there were 14 of us who confirmed, registered and paid for it.
We drove our way up to the jetty and the hotel arranged for a private boat transfer for us to the island. How nice of them.
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| We're here!! |
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| #wefie before #checkin |
After the briefing, we went straight for lunch and collected our race kit and room key.
One of the staffs led us to our rooms and WUALAH! The room was awesome! Huge spacious toilet with an open roof bathtub and 2 basins so I don't have to share with my wife. The bed is so comfy and cozy that I can roll in whole day long. The best part is the personalized goodie bag waiting for you right on your bed!
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| My goodie bag has a Reebok shoebag, Reebok toiletries bag, iPanema slippers and TYR goggles |
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| Beautiful Emerald Bay |
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| Chilling by the bay |
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| Hornbills are common sights around the island |
The Chapman's Challenge consist of 3 parts:
- 3.8km road run around resort private grounds
- 2.4km jungle trail hike through the 2 million year old rainforest
- 1km swim at the Emerald Bay
I was pretty nervous on the challenge as I have never swam in the open sea without a life jacket before. And part of the challenge is to swim 1km in the sea. YES, FREAKING ONE KILOMETER!
The challenge started at 7am from the jetty with the run around the resort. It was quite an easy run.... Until we reach the most dreadful Steroid Hill. I couldn't run all the way up as the slope felt like it's almost vertical.
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| Still can smile before reaching Steroid Hill |
After the trail hike, all of us hesitated for a long time on whether to go for that 1km swim. Jane and I psyched each other up and we decided to attempt the swim together. At least we can look after each other if anything happens in the water.
Surprisingly, the swim was rather relaxing. The water was super calm and no jellyfish sighted (though I felt little tiny stings on my body). Both of us did a slow breaststroke swim all the way and sprinted the last few meters in the water. That was the dumbest decision ever which resulted the both of us having muscle cramps and limping our way towards the finish line. Brilliant!
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| Official Results |
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| Neh Neneh Neh Neh~~ Finishing tee and medal with my name engraved |
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| Fun photobooth by Fotobox which turns your photos into Gifs |
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| Dressed to Kill |
The night didn't end there as we continued to rock the night with our own booze in the room.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout the trip including the race, the stay and most importantly the company. With so much fun and goodies by Reebok, I wouldn't mind taking part in the next Chapman's Challenge on 12th to 14th May 2017. Billy, out.
Photo Credits:
- ToughASIA - https://www.facebook.com/ToughAsia/
- Running Malaysia Magazine - https://www.facebook.com/RunningMalaysia/
- Pangkor Laut Resort (YTL Hotels) - http://www.pangkorlautresort.com/the-chapmans-challenge.html
