這篇文章 Ride with TADA, Every Trip Protected by YAS 最早出現於 YAS。

這篇文章 YAS x AlipayHK World’s First Dynamic Accident Insurance Based on Your Spending 最早出現於 YAS。

Join us as we unravel Jay’s unique experiences, training tips, and winning mindset that fuels this inspiring athlete’s success.

How did you get into OCR (Obstacle Course Racing)?

Before getting into OCR, I did a lot of running since I was 9 years old, a passion I developed from my father who was a running legend. I remember my first Viper Challenge in 2013 which involved running and obstacles. I slowly improved by reducing my finishing time for each challenge.

While doing OCR, I was also doing road running. Both training are totally different as one is cardio and the other is strength. However, my father advised me to focus on just one, so I decided to do OCR and entered my first Spartan Malaysia in 2015.

Did you already embrace the Spartan mantra and mentality before entering Spartan events?

I’ve always been a competitive person, so I have my own way of doing Spartan Race. That means during the race, I put friendships on hold. After the competition, we’ll become friends again.

I don’t share how I do my training because I don’t want to reveal my weapon to my enemies. But I do stand-up paddling and run at a pace of 6, as well as intense 2-hour workouts every day.

What are some of your best memories?

In 2019, I traveled to Sweden in temperatures below -19 degrees to take on a 8.2-kilometer per loop. I had to complete a minimum of six loops to earn the finishing medal.

What’s another country you had the opportunity to explore or visit?

I participate in the Spartan Trifecta World Championship in Greece every 1st week of November every year. It feels more like a family reunion than a race, where everyone comes together, no matter their background.

I make sure to do at least one Trifecta each year—three races in one weekend. Out of 5000 people, I managed to get 84th placing. I’m proud to have the most trifectas in Malaysia—19 and counting. I’m aiming for my 20th, and soon after, in Phuket will be the 21st.

What was your first Spartan race overseas like?

For Singapore, it was nothing different. But Europeans are crazy because they started at pace 3, going 25km in 2 hours with obstacles. They are like beasts or monsters.

Have you had any injuries?

No injuries so far. I don’t do warm-ups or warm-downs. My pre-race ritual involves eating a green apple just half an hour before the race on an empty stomach. The last meal I have is an early dinner the night before the race.

I’ve tackled a 100km race in 16 hours or more with the same routine. My heart rate typically stays between 150-160, occasionally hitting 170-180. Stress levels will be around 55-60. You have to train your body until your body listens to you. I don’t do a carbo load.

How do you maintain a lean physique?

It’s all about the mindset. For example, incorporating activities like running while carrying a sandbag not only trains your cardio but also builds strength. I also did 10,000 burpees in a month before during the Covid-19

What’s your routine like?

My routine starts at 5:30 am with a cold shower and a spoonful of raw honey. Then at 7:30 am, I have a green apple, some bread, and coffee. I kick off my work at 7am till 4pm. When its 5 pm, it’s time to dive into training.

How does being a vegetarian impact your workout?

Well, I’ve noticed I can do more than a friend who isn’t a vegetarian. I believe it’s a mix of food, mindset, and training your body to listen to you. When your body is ready, your mindset will be too.

What are some of your goals for next year?

The first is to bring back Spartan Shield from Sparta by completing a minimum of 13 trifectas in a year. Secondly, I want to train 4 to 7-year-olds for Spartan Kids. I want to inspire people to go to Spartan races and hear them say, “I am here because of you.”

這篇文章 Beyond The Obstacles: An Exclusive Interview with Jayakumar Tharmalingam 最早出現於 YAS。

Malaysia witnessed its first Spartan Race event in the thrilling realm of Obstacle Course Racing back in 2015. This upcoming event marks the glorious return of the Spartan Race in Peninsular Malaysia since 2019 and is anticipated to draw the highest attendance for any Spartan Trifecta Weekend in Southeast Asia for 2023.

Spartan Race is a trailblazer in the world of Obstacle Course Racing, with events tracing back to the United States in 2010. Today, it hosts over 160 races annually across 55 countries, engaging 1 million participants worldwide. Notably, Obstacle Course Racing is now confirmed as a signature sport for the 2028 Olympics, solidifying its universal impact.

The event’s recent Official Launch welcomed esteemed dignitaries, including:

1) Yang Berhormat Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan – Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC)
2) Mr. Sulaiman Suib – Senior Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia
3) Mr. Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim – Director, Experiential & Events, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau
4) Mr. Kumar Renoo – Cluster General Manager of IOI Properties Group
5) Mr. N. Sanjay – General Manager of Gamuda Land Leisure & Hospitality
6) Mr. Michael Goodwin – Group CEO Unbreakable Events South East Asia

The 2023 Spartan Race KL Trifecta Weekend expects over 6,000 racers, achieving 90% of target registrations so far. With 1,200 international participants from 30 countries, it’s well on track to sell out soon – thanks to the passionate Spartan community.

Hosting the event is Gamuda Cove, offering a lush Malaysian tropical wetlands experience bolstered by GL Play. Partnering with Marriott and Bonvoy, the event delivers a complete ‘racecation,’ inviting families to enjoy SplashMania Water Park, which aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s vision for a family-friendly sports and nature destination.

Teaming up with Spartan Race for the 5th time, YAS is more committed than ever to safeguarding every participant, whether they’re conquering the course for 1 day or embracing the ultimate challenge over the entire weekend. Through ACTYVE, every racer will be well-shielded against the cost of dealing with damages and injuries, allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on the race and giving their best.

Gertjan Tijms, Marketing Director of YAS, emphasized, “The Spartan Race Kuala Lumpur Trifecta Weekend 2023 is not just an event; it’s a testament to the spirit of resilience and determination that defines Spartan athletes. Similar to the unbreakable spirit of SPARTAN, YAS is committed to pushing the limits and challenging the conventions within the insurance industry to provide anyone with protection when it matters most. Together with the “Unbreakable Events” team in Malaysia, YAS is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every participant, so they can give their best on the course. Get ready to embrace the Spartan spirit, AROO Malaysia!”

The Spartan Race KL Trifecta Weekend 2023 is sponsored by TOP Detergent Malaysia, Potatoes USA, and Ozone Fitness, organisers of the Spartan Kids event, which saw over 700 registrants from Cempaka and ELC International School to date.

Additional partners include COWA Coconut Water, Dever Malaysia, Himalaya Sports Candy, Yogood, Hausboom, The Stretch Clinic, F45 Desa Parkcity, EPRO Kinesiology Tape, and Sun Zapper, all contributing to making this event unforgettable.

Follow @spartanracemalaysia for updates and highlights!

這篇文章 YAS X SPARTAN MALAYSIA: SPARTAN RACE KL TRIFECTA WEEKEND 2023 GETS A SAFETY BOOST WITH YAS! 最早出現於 YAS。

What bike(s) do you ride (and which is your favorite)?

• The Specialized SL6 Road bike.

How many hours do you cycle per week?

• At least 4 hours.

What inspired you to start cycling, and how did you get into it?

• I started cycling with a bunch of friends who used to play badminton together. I continued to cycle because I found inspiration in a community of older runners and cyclists. Riding alongside friends who share the same determination and perseverance gives me strength to continue cycling.

What are your favorite cycling routes or trails, and why do you enjoy them?

• One of my favorite cycling routes is the “Dai Bao Ride,” which starts from Leisure Mall and goes to Lekas. I really enjoy this route because it is both fun and fast.

What are your go-to tools and gadgets you can’t cycle without?

• CO2 and patch.

Is there a cyclist who inspires you? Why?

• Tsen Seong Hoong because he won a gold medal for Malaysia during the 1995 SEA Games in Thailand. Despite being older than me, he is still very strong and determined.
  
  Ng Yong Li because he is very strong and trains very hard. Whenever I ask him a question, he doesn’t answer; he just keeps pedaling.

How do you train and prepare for long-distance rides or races?

• For the upcoming June Powerman, I will start training one month before the event. I usually alternate between running 10 kilometers one day and cycling 60 kilometers on another day. 

Can you share a memorable experience or adventure from one of your cycling trips?

• My first Malaysian round island cycling trip (except Kedah due to lockdown) with 3 friends in July 2020. We rode from Kuala Lumpur – Air Tawar – Sitiawan – Penang Island – Kelantan – Terengganu – Kuantan in 18 days. We cycled along the seaside, and the scenery was awesome.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start cycling but doesn’t know where to begin?

• Buy a cheap bicycle and ride around the neighborhood.

Who should we interview next and why?

• Zac Kong because he really has the heart to improve in cycling. He is very good at calculating power input.

MY BYKE Stories is a new feature article series by YAS that highlights the amazing cyclists of Malaysia and their stories.

這篇文章 MY BYKE Stories: Wong Siew Yong 最早出現於 YAS。

What bike(s) do you ride (and which is your favorite)?

• I currently ride an Alcott Ascari Lite. Her name is Little Leilah. It’s the only bike I’ve had since I started cycling not long ago, and I’ve grown quite attached to it. Hence, it’s my favorite one so far.

How many hours do you cycle per week?

• I used to cycle about 10-12 hours a week, but it’s been drastically reduced the past month. I currently cycle only about 3 hours a week. Definitely hope to pick it back up once I get an indoor trainer.

What inspired you to start cycling, and how did you get into it?

• I was inspired to cycle because of my job. I’ve met a lot of friendly people when I stepped into the cycling industry and they’ve been motivating me to get on a bike and start cycling and promised that I would love it. Fortunately for me, they were right – I absolutely enjoy cycling.

What are your favorite cycling routes or trails, and why do you enjoy them?

• I would have to say that my favourite route would be the route that led to Jugra Hill [Rimbayu > Morib > Jugra], which I have only been through a couple of times. The scenery is absolutely stunning, especially right when the sky turns bright in the morning. This route had very few cars and a pretty smooth road.

What are your go-to tools and gadgets you can’t cycle without?

• I carry a little saddle bag with me whenever I cycle. It’s small but packed with a spare tube, allen keys and some bandaids for emergencies.

Is there a cyclist who inspires you? Why?

• All cyclists are inspiring in their very own way. The best thing about any sport is that you get people from different walks of life sharing that one common interest. All the cyclists I’ve met are extremely positive and friendly, and that’s why this is such a lovely community to be in.

How do you train and prepare for long-distance rides or races?

• I think the most important thing I’ve learnt is to have enough sleep and eat enough food when I know I’m approaching a long-distance ride. Outside of that, just make sure that you’re training at your own pace. Cycling shouldn’t be something that stresses you out. My most frequent training route would be the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE). I feel like this is one of the safer routes to cycle and train.

Can you share a memorable experience or adventure from one of your cycling trips?

• My most memorable moment was cycling my first 200km. Apart from finishing 200km, I am extremely blessed to have received a lot of support from a close group of friends who intentionally joined me for this long distance trip because it was something that I wanted to achieve personally. They were encouraging and patient, and taught me the strategies on how to conquer such a long distance ride. They took great care of me throughout the entire ride, made sure that I was hydrated, fueled with food, and so on. I’ve learnt a lot about my own body and mind on this journey. Cycling isn’t a difficult sport. With the right support and strategies, cycling is extremely fun!!

What advice would you give someone who wants to start cycling but doesn’t know where to begin?

• The best way to start cycling is to start connecting with other cyclists and get insight into what the cycling community is really about. You certainly don’t need the most expensive bike or equipment to start this sport. At the end of the day, you are your own cyclist, and the only thing you need is a positive mental attitude!

Who should we interview next and why?

• I think you should interview Zack Tay. Zack is extremely passionate about cycling for great reasons. He also has an amazing platform where he caters to a lot of beginners who want to start cycling. Zack is helpful and friendly and definitely adds value to the community. I believe that he is an asset to the cycling community.

MY BYKE Stories is a new feature article series by YAS that highlights the amazing cyclists of Malaysia and their stories.

這篇文章 MY BYKE Stories: Carmen Chew 最早出現於 YAS。

What bike(s) do you ride (and which is your favorite)?

• Currently, I own three bikes: one EMC road bike and two Polygon road bikes. My favorite is the Polygon Helios A8. So far, it is the best-performing bike I’ve got.

How many hours do you cycle per week?

• Around 7 hours.

What inspired you to start cycling, and how did you get into it?

• My parents inspired me to start cycling. One time, they took me on a 50km ride with a hilly route. At first, I suffered while climbing, but then I felt great during the descent. I experienced a new sense of freedom as the cold air flowed past my face. That’s when I became addicted to cycling.

What are your favorite cycling routes or trails, and why do you enjoy them?

• Hulu Langat area (Genting Peras & Bukit Hantu). There’s less traffic and the road conditions are good.

What are your go-to tools and gadgets you can’t cycle without?

• Spare tube, hand pump, and tire removal tools.

Is there a cyclist who inspires you? Why?

• Uncle Yong (my teammate). He is 50 years old now, but he is still so strong. He can still ride with young people, doesn’t get dropped, and wins the podium sometimes. He is an old man with a young heart. I hope I can do the same thing when I get to his age.

How do you train and prepare for long-distance rides or races?

• Normally, I will use an indoor trainer, focusing on SST and VO2max training programs. I only have long-distance training (group rides) on the weekends. For race preparation, I will increase my training load a month before the race, like 2 hours ride per day.

Can you share a memorable experience or adventure from one of your cycling trips?

• During the Audax 400km event, it was raining the whole day (24 hours). It was the toughest ride ever. The whole of Selangor was flooded, yet we kept going to complete the 400km challenge.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start cycling but doesn’t know where to begin?

• Explore a different place to ride every time, check Google Maps, plan a route, and make it an adventure.

Who should we interview next and why?

• Uncle Yong (Wong Siew Yong). But he doesn’t know English, so you may have to interview him in Mandarin.

MY BYKE Stories is a new feature article series by YAS that highlights the amazing cyclists of Malaysia and their stories.

這篇文章 MY BYKE Stories: Alvin Wong 最早出現於 YAS。

We at YAS, are excited to be involved in L’etape Malaysia by Tour de France, their first race event in Malaysia, and YAS as their official insurance provider.

What does this mean?YAS covers all the participants, staff, and crew during the event against any accidental injuries and damages to personal items carried with them during the race.Most enthusiastic cyclists may know that there are three Grand Tours of professional cycling events in the world: Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a Espana.All these races have a similar structure where it is carried out over the period of three weeks with different stages of terrain – the flat, rolling, and of course the mountainous.

According to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) International Cycling Union, the world governing body for sports cycling – Tour de France is the oldest, most prestigious, and most widely attended annual sporting event in the world.

Like most races, competitions, or tournaments, there are only a handful of professional sportsmen and women competing in the world. Tour de France introduced L’etape, a sportive series designed for amateur cyclists to feel and ride like a Tour de France rider in the most beautiful places in the world.

This year, L’etape will have the race event at Desaru Coast, the South East of Peninsular Malaysia. After nearly two years of border closure during the country’s COVID lockdown, Malaysians finally have some sporting events to look out for again. We will be hearing and seeing those familiar phrases like we watched those grand tours on the screens- attacking the hills, breakaway, drafting in the peloton and the list goes on!

If you are a seasoned cyclist, we bet you would not miss such an opportunity. Even for a newbie, it’s a phenomenal experience. If you did overlook this, there are other countries to explore this year, or stay tuned for next year’s race with https://www.letapemalaysia.com/

這篇文章 YAS x L’etape 最早出現於 YAS。

For a little throwback, let’s recap the top 5 interesting things that happened in Spartan Stadion you might not know!

1. Spartan Stadion is for all levels of fitness

Spartan Stadion is a 5km, 20-obstacle race through the world’s most famous pro sports stadiums. It is not a difficult race, but it is not easier compared to similar obstacle courses either.

It is recommended to follow the guidelines set out in the Spartan Race training article before the race and to warm up properly in the morning, not long before the race.

2. Spartan Stadion is organized in a world-class stadium

The Spartan Race Stadion 2022 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor. The state-of-the-art Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club’s Sultan Ibrahim Stadium will host Malaysia’s first Spartan Stadion on Sept 3 and 4.

It is the iconic home of the Southern Tigers and was also bestowed the Stadium of the Year award by StadiumDB.com.

3. Finish the race, get bragging rights & memorabilia

Finishers will not only get the sweet sweet bragging rights & good stories to tell their friends. They will also receive a medal that is ⅓ of the Spartan Trifecta.

Complete the Spartan Trifecta honor, earned by completing one of each Spartan distance – Sprint (Stadion included), Super, and Beast. This is a big flex within the community.

You will also get a finisher t-shirt (which is also a bragging rights piece, that you can wear to the gym), Also, the amazing professional photos chef’s kiss.

4. Highly interesting obstacles you don’t often face

There are 20 obstacles throughout the race. The first one is to climb 4 & 5-foot walls. What a way to start!

Other challenges include; running up and down stairs, running up and down stairs + a big water bottle in both hands, monkey bars, multi-rig obstacles, lift & carry 100 pounds of stone. Ahh, the usual. What if you can’t do it? No worries, replace it with 15 burpees then you’re set!

5. Injuries? No worries with YAS

The challenges can be seen as tough, and most would love to protect themselves (in case any injuries happen). YAS protects almost all participants via technology-driven on-demand microinsurance.

GPS-enabled insurance is one of the most advanced insurance products in Malaysia. The product covers the participants’ RM 2000 worth in personal accidents and personal belongings during the term of the event.

We are more than proud to be supporting the Spartan series. Hence, the next event after the Spartan Stadion is the world-recognized Spartan Borneo trail in Sarawak.

If you want to try or find out more about the YAS app visit https://my.yas.io/

這篇文章 Top 5 Interesting Things That Happened in Spartan Stadion You Might Not Know! 最早出現於 YAS。

The Selangor 600 program is a 600km cycling event that tours around 9 districts in Selangor to visit charity homes & Selangor cycling interest points.

Part of the places visited by the participants are rice fields, historical sites, coffee factories & indigenous villages. The tour was held for 5 days from 6th September 2022 to 10th September 2022. 

The participants of the 600km cycling program consist of Selangor youth athletes which are Muhamad Qayyim Bin Mohd Saipul Anuwai; Zamirul Azrezza Bin Zulkefli; Muhamad Iqbal bin Zuraini; d Muhammad Adam Haiqal Bin Mohd Shairul Faizal.

YAS is proud to be part of the event by providing protection to all the youth athletes in ensuring their rides are covered with peace of mind. For 5 days during the event, they pressed “GO” prior to starting their ride on the YAS app, and “End” after their rides.

On the community side, a total of RM 20,000 has been donated to various charity houses in Rawang. These donations are contributed by Selangor Youth Community (SAY), Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor dan Worldwide Holdings Berhad.

Visit @yasmicroinsurance & @cyclingselangor Instagram to find more great footage of the event. 

YAS is a microinsurance and technology company providing on-demand GPS insurance that provides instant coverage in everyone’s daily movements, anywhere and anytime. 

這篇文章 Selangor 600: 4 Amazing Selangor Youth Athletes Cycle 600km for Charity 最早出現於 YAS。