Spartan Race Malaysia insider guide a MUST READ!

What is Spartan Race?

For those of you who are not familiar, this is indeed an obstacle race. Unlike any other races that I have participated, I personally feel that Spartan Race is like an epic adventure to me. In every race they have the Elite category where you will compete for cash prizes, the Competitive which earns you bragging rights (you will receive trophies but no cash) and you have the open category (no trophies nor cash even if you come in 1^st)

There are 3 main Race Types

Sprint and as the saying goes “it’s not a marathon, it’s a SPRINT”

This is the easiest and shortest distance among all the race, therefore I will highly recommend this to those of you who would like to try the race for the 1^st time. The distance is about 3 miles plus and has approximately 20 obstacles in it. I may warn, that this race is highly addictive. You’ll definitely crave for more, once you get hook to it.

This was my result when I first joined Spartan race. Me and a group of friends which I managed to brainwash join me on my 1^st adventure.

Super “the middle child”

If you think Sprint is just a child’s play... then let’s up the Ante to Super. The terrain is slightly rugged over more than 8 miles and has approximately 25 Signature Spartan Obstacle. 

Beast “time to face the beast”

If you have taken the Sprint and Super before attempting the Beast, then I am certain that most of the obstacles here are somewhat similar. The course is now approximately 12 miles plus with approximately 30 obstacles.

The current race Spartan Beast Putrajaya it was, 19KM with 30 obstacles.

By completing all three in a year (Sprint, Super and Beast) you will unlock a special medal which is the Spartan Trifecta Medal.

From left to right, the round 3 colored medal is my first trifect from the 3 wedges collected from every medal. Small black thingy is my iTab which engraves my timing, Green medal represents Beast, Blue is Super and Red is Sprint.

To prepare for the race of course you need to be physically fit, however here are some recommendations to make your adventure better

1. This 3M gloves really comes in handy especially when your gripping ropes and also those hand bars. it gives you a better grip, thanks to the rubber protective material so you wont slip off those handles and it also protects your hand from rope burns. 

2. An old pair of trainers will do the trick, wear something that lightweight and has enough support to cushion the impact of your feet in every glide. These might not be the best as compared to trailing shoes but in the end of the race you can just throw them away instead of washing them. It's really hard to wash these pair especially when it went thru mud. if any of you knows any better solution to wash please leave me a comment. TQ

3. I use to run topless on my 1st race .. Owch! not a good experience, now that I have learnt.. I highly recommend you to use full compression. So that you will have LESS scares and bruises.. I said LESS ok.. I can't guarantee you will have none.. because in races such as these, you are bound to have a few. So, by using these you are actually protecting yourself from abrasion.

4. The purpose of this numbered headbands are actually to help sort out the photos from the race. After the race, you photos will be posted on the spartan website. All you need to do is to find your photo according to time or bib number which is this. So it needs to be clearly visible to the photographers for them to sort it out. In my opinion, it is really pointless because it doesn't really work.

On the event day you will be given a race pack which include

1. An envelope like this, take note the warning written on the back of the envelope in RED

2. The shirt is my own, it doesn't come with the race pack.. you will receive a T-Shirt after the race. It has the Bib Number, An electronic timing chip to track your time, and two wrist tag. The yellow wrist band is for you to secure the timing chip and the white band is a ticket to allow you access to the event site.

3. A few days before the event you will receive an email. In that email it will brief you about the obstacles and route which you will be facing.

some of you might ask What the hell am I doing here?

I love inspiring people thru the things I do, be it cooking, hosting, humanitarian aid, community work and etc. Besides that, I love to challenge myself on the things that ordinary people think it’s impossible to achieve and also for me it’s to prove to myself that I can. Plus, being in this adventure, I meet many people which has so many interesting stories and background.

In Unity we stand, and in Harmony we STRIVE!

I did this race with a very close friend of mine is battling with cancer. Despite his health condition he still choose to race. I remember clearly during the race in one of the obstacle he fell and hit his head on the ground. I was so worried cause he passed out, after gaining consciousness he still struggles thru the race to complete it, “a spirit of a true Spartan” to never give up. He even vomited along the way and suffered cramps and etc. before finishing the entire race.

But what I would like to stress here is that, in this adventure ..

You will be surprise to see how many Spartan came to offered help ..

Be it Chinese, Indian, Malay, Caucasian, Hispanic, Latin. We see no difference in Color!

Or Muslim, Hindu, Christian. We see no differences in Religion!

They offered so much help... from giving water bottles to salt tablets and etc.

We came as one Big Spartan Family, to conquer the course and help one another to get to the finish line.

A big and huge Thank You to all of you SPARTANS out there. It’s indeed each and every Spartan that makes a huge impact in making this adventure the greatest of Adventure of all. A tale to be told form one generation to another... and be proud to say “I had been on that Adventure”

Aroooooo!!

Images courtesy of Spartan.com and bloggers own

Baking with Golden Churn Butter

This simple recipe which you can do it at home is called Tarte Aux Pommes in French, which simply mean Apple Tart.

This are the ingredients needed;

For the dough which also known as Pâte Sucrée

190 grams Flour

95 grams Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)

A Pinch of Salt

Zest from One medium size Lemon

95 grams of Golden Churn Avocado Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil

(choose either one according to your preference, in this instance I used Avocado Oil)

3 pieces of egg yolk

For the Apple Compote or Compote de Pommes

3 pieces’ large granny smith Apples, peeled, cored and sliced

(since I didn’t manage to find those large ones, I use 6 smaller apples. You can use Red Apples for a sweeter note or Green for that slight tangy taste)

Juice from One Medium Lemon

1 pod of Vanilla Bean (Optional)

1 star anise

1 stick of cinnamon

65 grams of Granulate Sugar

45 grams of Golden Churn Avocado Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil

(choose either one according to your preference, in this instance I used Avocado Oil)

… and This is how you do it

1.     Preheat your oven to 205 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.     Lightly grease with Golden Churn Butter the tart mold you are using. Recommended size for this measurement is 25 cm or 10 inches.

3.     Now it time to work on the dough, on a clean marble surface sift the flour and the powdered sugar together. Bring the pile neatly together and make a well in the center, then add the chill Golden Churn Butter which in this picture I cut them in cubes.

4.     Now add the lemon zest and sprinkle the salt in.

5.     Use your hand and incorporate all the ingredients together. Use both of your palms to rub the butter and the flour until you attain a sand like texture.

6.     Make a well, and add the egg yolks. Keep on mixing until you get a lumpy texture, then bring the ingredients all together to for a big round dough.

7.     With the heel of your palm, firmly smear the dough away from you to ensure no lumps of Golden Churn Butter are left.

8.     Now leave the dough in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably overnight.

9.     Now it’s time to cook the apple. Melt the Golden Churn Butter and sugar in a pan on a medium heat, then add 1 star anise and 1 stick of cinnamon (it’s ok if you don’t have this vanilla bean). As it colors put the apples in and cook till its medium soft, then add the one pod vanilla bean. Don’t overcook the apples because, bear in mind you are going to bake it later. We want the apples to have some texture when you bite it, or else it will turn like baby food.

10.  When the time your dough is ready to use, roll out the dough with a rolling pin and on to you tart mold. Trim the edges accordingly, and bake filled it in with the delicious apple compote you made.

11.  Into the preheated oven, and set your timer to 10 minutes. Once it’s in the oven, reduce the temperature to 185 degrees Celsius or 370 degrees Fahrenheit.

12.  If you are in advance level of baking or maybe have some knowledge in baking, I suggest you blind bake the dough. So that the crust will be nice and crusty. Do this only if you experience in baking, if not it’s going to be a disaster .. Haha

13.  After 10 minutes when your oven Beeps.. rotate the tart the have even color through the tart. If your using those high tech stuff which has a rotating function instead, set the timer to 20 minutes. You must achieve a golden color on the tart shell and  a slight coloring on the apple. Wait the tart to cool and brush it with apricot glaze for that shiny effect. In this image I use a torch for some effects on the apple and glaze them shortly after.

Now go on.. Take a bite!

p/s;            I also do conduct private baking sessions, for more info you can always drop me an email at leoniel@hotmail.com

Golden Churn Spreadable Lighter with Avocado Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Golden Churn Spreadable Lighter with Avocado Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Over the weekend I was given an opportunity to put Golden Churn butter to the test. Being a Pastry Chef, I simply love butter. Golden Churn (GC) is a marque that needs no introduction, but for some of you who don't know.. well they have been around for more than 70 years. I believe what made them famous amongst users was their purity, flavor and its quality of GC butter. The brand claims to have no artificial colors or flavors, so with every wrapped butter, tubs or portions you can be sure to have the best of what a butter should be, which is the wholesome goodness and taste of an Australian and New Zealand butter, just as how it is intended.

This GC butter simply brings joy to the table in the morning. Its indeed perfect choice to accompany your toast or croissant. Yes! Croissant! I know some of you may say, the croissant is indeed buttery so why do you still need to add butter. Ha ha ha …  Well, for me there are no rights and wrongs to eating the croissant. The GC butter simply adds flavor to it, by giving you a hint of avocado or olive oil.

Overall, I would say the taste and quality are truly exceptional and it reminds me of my morning breakfast when I was travelling around Australia and New Zealand in the past when I was a flight attendant.

Joining me at breakfast today,

John Tay, Age 23, Gym rat

“As a fitness enthusiast, I do not include butter in my daily diet. This is indeed an exceptional, because it’s hard to resist the taste and aroma of the butter. The taste is lighter and apparently it contains lesser fat”

  

John Tay, Age 23, Gym rat

facebook.com/john.tay.315 

Nutritional Fact

W Bangkok and its Splendour ..

The House on Sathorn, Bangkok's Latest Culinary Experience Destination and one of the most recognizable landmarks of Bangkok

I am pretty sure for most travelers the W Hotel is anonymously known for its chic and stylish modern decor which markets towards a younger crowd. This week.. my readers will have a glimpse of what W Bangkok has to offer.

The hotel is located on Sathorn Road, within a ten minutes walking radius you can find Healthland Spa, Dean and Deluca cafe, 7-11 convenient store, Starbucks Coffee and some local cafe, BTS Chong Non Si and eateries.

It's really hard, not to notice this building. Just in case you are still wondering where the location is, this huge sign welcomes you at its main gate.

At every W Hotel you will realise that the lobbies are known as the "Living Room", The swimming pool is known as "Wet", the concierge is known as "Whatever Whenever" and if you managed to locate the laundry bag.. it's written "Wash" on it.

Enough said, let me show you the room..

This smart tablet is your one touch control, which you use to set the alarm, control the lighting of the entire room, air conditioner, check your room voicemail, and turn off and on the Do Not Disturb sign.

The living room area of the one bedroom Marvelous Suite

Honestly speaking, I am person that loves surprises and W Bangkok knows exactly what I want. How did they do it? That is indeed something to Wow about. Well, what I can tell you is that, they keep tract of your previous stay. Before your arrival, the W Insider will send you an email, welcoming you to their property and in that email they will ask if you have any specific request. If i have the time, i would normally reply them and tell them, the purpose of my visit would be for total relaxation, party, weekend getaway and etc.. it depends.. never would i have thought these information were actually useful for them to Wow each and every guest Whenever possible.

In this occasion, i was here for belated birthday with some of my close friends. That's why there were balloons. Looks at what the W Insider made for me! Well, it doesn't have to look fancy and grand .. but most importantly the thought that counts. It's indeed things like this (recognition) differentiate the service standards of W Bangkok from the rest.

I feel that things like a simple card like this one here, really adds personal touch.

These handmade cupcakes are simply too irresistible to resist.

Wine anyone? A chill Sauvignon blanc will definitely get my seal of approval. Hahaha..

This is another part of the Marvelous Suite which i really love. The layout and spaciousness of the area makes you feel as if your in a private powder room instead of a toilet. The partition is made out of stain colored glass, and there's this huge curtain which divides the toilet area and the bedroom. The curtains reminds me as if you're on stage and your about to perform.. then they draw the curtain and it's like "show time!"

This bathtubs are simply amazing.. while soaking .. i could watch my favorite channel or simply listen to my favorite tune. I'm not sure if you can see it but there's a small TV next to the bathtub.

At times, you just feel like eating all these snacks and be a kid again. If you're wondering to throw a last minute cocktail party, i think this room is self contain .. So if party is what they ask for, then party is what they will get ..

Another thing which I look forward on my every stay is the breakfast. I am a breakfast person, no matter how late i stay up at night, nothing can stop me from waking up to the nice aroma of an Arabica Coffee and a warm buttery croissant.

I say look no further ..

Finally, you should attempta visit to The House on Sathorn. It is believed that the 127-year-old colonial mansion on Sathorn Road which is just next to W Bangkok motions a nostalgic, theatrical flair to the city’s old-and-new scene with radical Asian-inspired cuisine and artisanal cocktails.