Nautica Tide Temp Compass Launched in Malaysia

Thanks to collaboration with Nautica Malaysia and their authorized distributor company, I've received a new-yet-to-be launched unit tagged with model number NAI210000G or better known as the Nautica NSR103TTC. 

It will be retailing at RM949 in Malaysia. There will only be 9 units in Malaysia and they can be viewed at the retails outlets in the end of this review below. This is limited edition for Malaysia market and is within the 2015 Spring collection. Available only in Black-Yellow combination. 

First Look 
Solid. That was my first thought when I held the Nautica NSR103TTC for the first time. The unit assigned to me has yellow straps (yay!) and comes with contrasting black-yellow face. The watch is large - at least 45mm diameter (I later found out it is 46mm diameter and 14mm thick) and the strap is a nice 22mm width. 

3-press button and one screwed in crown were the visible feature apart from the very intriguing watch face with 4-hands that adds to the complication (a term used to describe a watch beyond the simple display of hours and minutes. In short, it provides the user a more complex functionality, which adds to the watch's allure)

At first sight, it does not look like other chronograph watches - and the function to be able to check temperature, tide and a compass is a misnomer as I usually relate these features to a digital watch instead. It was strange to see this on an analog watch. Strange, but a welcomed sight and will be noticed due to the bold yellow color (no complains on Yellow here for the extrovert me)

The Nautica "Sail" logo on the screwed-in crown

The watch face size sits nicely on my wrist and at the size that I like. For some of you that may like the large casing diameter watch, 46mm is at the same size as the Seiko Monster Dive Watch (about same price) or the more expensive Bell&Ross or the Tag Heuer Aquaracer. 

Back of watch noting the Model Number, Material of construction and water resistant to 100m. Unmistakable "Sail" logo dominates the back casing

This comparison will give you a good idea how big the watch is if you own any of them. For me, it is about the same size as my 920XT (at 48mm). The size doesn't bother me as I am used to wearing large-face watch - maybe due to failing eye-sight. 

Temp-Tide-Compass

Daily Use
I was asked by a few person if I am wearing a new watch - being a predictable person that I am, it is easy to see if I am doing something differently. Naturally the timepiece became a conversation starter. A hotelier commented that I am "loyal" to my company due to the color of the watch. Can't blame her for trying. Another asked if I ever get confused with that many dials on the watch face and asked if it does more than just "tell time". 

Buckle-type system to secure the strap

The strap is flexible and secure the TTC neatly on my wrist and sufficient holes to cater for all (men's standard) wrist size, even with a wetsuit on should you bring it for snorkeling or diving (it has 100m water resistant function). Very important that the screw-in crown are screwed in to ensure complete seal, otherwise water will enter and it will be the end of life for the watch.

Screw-in back casing adds to the water resistant confidence

Conversation aside, I found myself showing off the features that tracks the Temperature, Tide and showing the Compass needle moves as I turn my body. The outer bezel works too, which meant the graduation of the degree could be used for simple map reading and navigation. Swanky!

Textured strap on the inside that contacts the skin

Tide - Temperature - Compass
The Nautica TTC has 3-dedicated press buttons to activate each of the functions. Pressing the lower left button activates the Compass. Red button on upper right does the Temperature and the lower right completes the Tide tracker. Calibration is possible for both the Compass and Tide function which is included in the manual. I've calibrated both the Compass and Tide function and can confidently share it is "almost" accurate as long as I use it correctly. 

Lower left - compass

Lower right - Tide

Upper right - Temperature

The Temperature accuracy is effected by the skin-watch contact and you can get better accuracy if you leave it on a surface to measure it after it reaches equilibrium. Not an issue as the digital temperature watches recommend the same - or has higher sophistication to account for the skin surface temperature.
As comparison, I wore the watch in a room set to 18degree C and it reads 25deg C. After removing it and leaving it on the table overnight, it clocked in at 22deg C. Obviously the air-condition may not had been able to go as low as 18deg C. In the name of testing, and as the unit are able to go as low as -5deg F (that is -20.5deg C for us Metric people), I will leave the watch in the freezer one of these day and report back here.

Temperature

The Tide Tracker is unique. The watch face is divided into two-halves where the Tide is tracked. On the left side tells you it's a declining tide and on the right is increasing tide. So, if the Red-dial moves around the left side of the watch, it indicates declining tide. The Red-dial will moves with time from the "high to half to low" to gives you an idea where the tide is; useful if you need to know (like me before the race so I know the sea condition). It doesn't tells the "depth" though. Detailed instruction to calibrate available in manual and I've mine came correctly set (against the tide chart from Port Klang). 

The Red Dial pointing to the tide to be on the increase (right side of watch face) and naturally moving towards "high tide"

The compass function is a no brainer - but just do not place electronic nearby/next to it when in use. I experimented with my phone next to it and the needle were biased from the expected north. Accuracy wise, not too bad as it co-relate with my phone compass and a map reading compass I have. 

Point To My North

Is It Worth Your Money
If you are in the market to get a watch that tells you more than just time, this is a good choice without going "digital". It live up to the Sports theme it made up to be as it allow both formal and informal usage as a watch that will suit many occasions - I wore this to my team's meeting for a change. Again, this retail for RM949.00 and in my opinion, worth the money for the features and persona. 

Sexy from the side. 14mm thick

The Nautica TTC (NSR103) comes with mineral glass (standard) and with Japan movement. It runs on battery (not mechanical) and the strap is synthetic rubber. Rated at 12ounces or 340grams (same as one side of my Skechers GoRun!) and 100m Water Resistant. With ability to do Temperature measurement, tracking Tide and showing you where North is. Add that to the everyday wearable factor be it in office or out in the trail, I would say it has good value for money. 

Putting it all together

Technical Specifications
Brand/Model : Nautica NAI21000G or NSR103TTC
Dial Window material : Mineral Glass
Display : Analog
Clasp : Buckle 
Case Material/Diameter/Thickness : Stainless Steel 46mm / 14mm
Strap Material/Width : Synthetic Rubber 22mm
Strap Details : Textured on inside. "Nautica" branding on outside
Bezel Material/Direction : Stainless Steel Multi-direction
Number of Dials : Four (Hour-Minute-Second and Red-multifunction dial)
Date Display : Yes
Movement : Japanese Quartz
Bezel Function : Compass degree and 24-hours indicator
Water Resistant : 100m (please ensure crown are securely screwed in)

Official Press Release:
NEW YORK, NY - For immediate release - Nautica Watches charts a new course with the launch of the NSR 103 Tide, Temp Compass. As the name suggests, this new sport watch gauges temperature, tide cycle and geographic direction in a colorful design that’s true to the brand’s heritage. Bold color accents on the dial and the temperature pusher set the stage for a fashionable yet functional time piece that gets you going in the right direction. A fourth hand functions as the compass needle, temperature and tide-scale indicator. Temperature and tide calibrations are aligned in concentric circles on the dial. The temperature is registered in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, while the tide scale measures high, low and half tide. The bi-directional turning top ring carries the compass markings so it’s easy to set to the north position as indicated by the compass needle. The 46mm case is rugged but not overbearing and set on a water resistant synthetic rubber strap. Sport meets function and fashion in the new NSR 103 Tide Temp Compass, a ready-for-adventure timepiece that’s perfect for the active sport watch enthusiast.

ABOUT NAUTICA Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 75 countries with 265 full price Nautica® branded stores and over 3,000 Nautica branded shop-in-shops worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company’s five largest brands are including The North Face®, Vans®, Wrangler®, Timberland® and Lee®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind®, Bulwark®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders®, Splendid® and Smartwool®. For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com.

ABOUT NAUTICA WATCHES Introduced in 1994, Nautica Watches for men and women combine distinctive styling, bold colors and unique design. Inspired by water, the Nautica brand reflects an authentic, active heritage and spirit. Nautica watches embody the best of classic, American style with the latest in technical innovation. For more information, please visit www.nauticawatches.com

Note: This Nautica TTC is sponsored by Nautica Malaysia via their official distributor. Expected to be launched on May 1, 2015 and retailing at RM949, available at :

1. Watch Engine 1 Utama - T: 03-7722 1002 
2. Hang Thai, Bangsar Shopping Village, KL - T : 03-22828832 
3. Time Galaxy, Sunway Pyramid, Selangor - T: 03-5631 8533 
4. Swiss Time, Imperial Mall, Miri, Sarawak - T: 085-422993 
5. Swiss Time, Bintang Mall, Miri, Sarawak T : 085-429928 6. CP Time, Imperial City Mall, Miri, Sarawak T : 085-426993.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Nautica Malaysia or their Authorized Distributor Company.

Press Release : Mission for Missing Children Trans Titiwangsa Ride 2015

The good people in MfMC will be riding again. As they said in their email to me, the trip this time will be Repeating what they did last year cycling from Singapore to Hatyai and raising awreness on children's safety, they are back this year with another event, MfMC Ride for Missing Children-Trans Titiwangsa Ride 2015 from 1-4 May 2015. They will visit Sek Keb Gemang in Jeli on 4 May 2015 and give brief talk on children's safety.

Below is the official circular from them. I wish them all the best and good luck! Ride Safe!

Mission for Missing Children atau lebih dikenali sebagai MfMC merupakan sebuah organisasi sukarelawan yang tidak menjana pendapatan dan bebas politik. Objektif penubuhan organisasi ini adalah untuk mewujudkan kesedaran masyarakat berkaitan isu keselamatan kanak-kanak menerusi platform rekreasi termasuklah aktiviti berbasikal, larian, berenang, triathlon, mendaki gunung dan sebagainya.

Bermula 1 hingga 4 Mei 2015, sekumpulan wakil MfMC akan menyertai misi kayuhan kesedaran bermula di Kuala Lumpur dan berakhir di Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Kayuhan ini merupakan kesinambungan kepada misi kayuhan kesedaran yang telah dijalankan pada 2014 dari Woodlands, Singapura ke Hatyai, Thailand.

Sepanjang kayuhan merentasi banjaran Titiwangsa ini, wakil MfMC akan berhenti di beberapa lokasi terpilih termasuklah di sekolah-sekolah, pasar-pasar dan tempat awam untuk kempen kesedaran berkenaan keselamatan kanak-kanak.

Justeru, pihak MfMC amat menghargai dan berterima kasih jika pihak Tuan/Puan dapat mewar-warkan atau memberikan satu slot di program terbitan pihak Tuan/Puan agar kempen kesedaran ini dapat diperluaskan kepada masyarakat.

Info mengenai MfMC dan misi kayuhan boleh diperolehi di laman Facebook MfMC:

https://www.facebook.com/MissionsForMissingChildren

Press Release : EOBI Teenz Power Program

Would you like to have better relationships with your children?

Do you wish you could communicate better with your children? 

Do you feel as if your children have changed into someone you don’t understand as they entered their teens?

Would you like your children to develop more confidence and have better self esteem?

Do you worry about the life choices that your child will make?

The Teen Power program by EOB International is an experiential, transformational personal development program that is designed to help teenagers:

-          Understand themselves better

-          Realize their true potential

-          Have more confidence

-          Make better choices

-          Communicate better (especially with siblings and parents)

-          Stand in their power, especially against peer pressure

-          Find a sense of purpose and create what they want in their lives

The program was developed in the USA, and will be run by Ms Burge Smith-Lyons, who has been helping adults and children live better lives through transformational, empowering workshops and programs like this for the last 34 years.  The program is an amalgamation of segments of many different programs from around the world, taking the best personal development teachings from each and putting it into one program.  The powerful concepts and ideas in the program are taught using SuperLearning and Experiential teaching methodologies that create more impactful and lasting results.

Throughout the 2 day program, the participants will undergo various games, exercises and activities that will help them achieve the objectives stated.  On the second day, one or both parents of each child are also required to join in to understand what their child has gone through, and will be taught communication methods as well as how to support their child in their growth and change.  Then the parents and children will join together in activities and exercises to create bonding and practise working together.

The details of the program are:

Date      :                     9 & 10 May 2015 (Saturday and Sunday)

Time     :          9am-7pm Saturday

                        9am-6pm Sunday

Venue  :           D Villa Hotel, Ampang

Fees     :           Normal rate                = RM1,986.00 per person             

                        PROMOTIONAL rate   = RM1,686.00 per person (since it is the first time in Asia!)

EARLY BIRD rate!!       = RM1,386.00 per person (before 28 April 2015)

(All fees inclusive of all materials, meals for 1 child for 2 days and lunch and tea-break for 1 parent on second day)

What parents are saying about Teenz Power:

“What did you do to my child (age 12)? He is more assertive and self assured than ever before! I can tell a big difference in his confidence.”

-          Lynn White (Atlanta, GA, USA)

“My child (age 14) is not the same child. She always wanted me to do things for her and followed me around. She has more confidence and belief in herself than I ever imagined possible.”

-          Marie Evans (Hiram, GA, USA)

We have enclosed a leaflet that explains a little more about the program, and you can also check out http://eobinternational.com/workshop/kidz-teenz-power/ for more information, orhttps://youtu.be/2Bo1eV9uKGg for a video about the EOBI Teen Power Program.

For registration information, please click on:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FaHgPEN939a_fTB5RWxz3pvkqLNbmtPCet-tucM_-bs/viewform 

(If you are interested. Use TRISTUPE as a reference so I know you had signed up through this website.)

We will also be hosting a free preview that explains the program in more detail on 22 April and at the end of April.  For more information or to book your seat at the preview, please contact Gin Hai at+6012.387.7946.

Wishing you blessings of abundance! 

Press Release : Go for Gold with Jabra

Stand out from the crowd with the all new stylish Jabra Move^TM Wireless in Gold combining fashion sense with musical sensibility

KUALA LUMPUR: 15^th April, 2015: After the highly successful global launch of the Jabra Move^TM  Wireless headset, Jabra the world’s award-winning Scandinavian headset maker now gives you the super stylish, Jabra Move^TM  Wireless in Gold which lets you stand out from the crowd in true fashionable style.

Packing all of the lovable features of the regular variant, the Jabra Move^TM  Wireless in Gold shines out with its striking colour that makes it the perfect fashion and music accessory for anyone seeking the perfect combination between staying trendy while enjoying high definition audio and music. 

Jabra products have always been well regarded worldwide for premium wireless sound and ergonomical designs.

Now, with evolving trends, the global headset maker is staying in tune with customers by providing products that not only sound and great, but also afford plenty of fashion appeal and style. As headsets increasingly become an essential digital device in daily life, looks now play a key role as consumers seek to reflect their personality to better distinguish themselves from the crowd. 

With gold being a popular choice in Asia, it made sound sense to introduce the colour to a mass appeal product like the Jabra Move^TM  Wireless. The new colour variant is priced the same as the other choices in the Jabra Move^TM  Series.

The Jabra Move^TM  series is lightweight, simple to use and offers best in class performance at an unbeatable value. Designed by the world's top acoustics experts, it delivers unparalleled sound quality compared to similar products in its range. 

Features include:

·   Jabra's iconic DSP noise reduction technology for crisp digital reproduction with rich and full-spectrum stereo audio effects.

·   High-quality call performance in true HD Voice.

·  Control music and calls directly from your Jabra Move^TM  Wireless headphones.

·  Connects to all Bluetooth® ready devices

·  Ultra-light and adjustable headband that fits all head-types.

·  Cushioned, angled ear cups provide ultimate comfort

·  Premium durable design for life on the move:

- Stainless steel headband

- Tested to the max: Drop (1.5 m), bend (10,000x)

- Dirt resistant fabric

·  Optional cord for analogue connection, perfect for use on flights or when the battery is low

·  Up to 8 hours talk/ music time and up to 12 days standby time

Music and fashion enthusiasts should not miss this. The Jabra Move^TM  Wireless in Gold (and other variants in the series) are priced at RM399 and is sold at: ALL IT Hypermarket Sdn Bhd, epiCentre, Machines, Radioshack and Viewnet Computer Systems. Experience the freedom to “Move” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzcJNxRh8Uc.

For more information about Jabra Move^TM  Wireless products, please visit:

http://my.jabra.com/products/bluetooth/jabra_move_wireless/jabra_move_wireless

About Jabra

Jabra is the brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN) - listed on NASDAQ OMX. Jabra employs approximately 950 people worldwide and in 2014 produced an annual revenue which amounted to DKK 2,871 million. Jabra is a world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of communications and audio solutions. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back more than two decades, Jabra’s consumer and business divisions produce corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality.

Distributed for and on behalf of Jabra by Mustard Tree Communications

© 2015 GN Netcom A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Netcom A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications subject to change without notice). Dolby® and the double D icon is the registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

Amazing Landscape Over Arctic Circle

My flight back from Toronto via CX829 took the scenic route and flew over the top of the world literally, aka Arctic Circle. The landscape is amazing. Frozen Arctic Ocean, buttery smooth snow covering mountains, shadow casted by the sun (almost 24hours!)  from the other side...and i just flew through my second sunset (once over Canada Arctic Bay and now into top of eastern Russia towards Ulaanbator).

I took a 2mins video and sharing it here at my YouTube channel. Enjoy the sight; I know I did.

http://youtu.be/MHHPtchDQ9U

Do It Like A Man : Packing For Business Travel

A nifty trick I have picked after doing some research and improvising on a few items. Biggest challenge is to keep those work shirts, usually long sleeves and the pants, creases free and ready to be used without any re-ironing or minimal ironing. Many would had roll up these clothing to save space. Some even places papers or big paper napkins with the thinking the softer material will prevent creases. So how do I suggest we do it?
Here is how - Bundling in layers
The biggest possibilities of creases is because clothes were pressed without buffer. What if we bundle them up? I first layout a sarong (you see why at the end).  Start by placing the easiest to crease as the first layer; my pants. I place them opposite each other.

Lay the pants out first

Then I start to place the shirts in alternate manner with the collar in the middle of the bundling. Ensure all buttons are secured to minimise creases. As you can see, I am allowed to be smart casual in this meeting and what better way with chequered and stripes long sleeves (plus its -1 degC to 4degC in Toronto).

then the shirts

Once you laid out all the shirts, take your underwear, socks, t-shirts, other clothings and place them neatly in the middle. The shape of this arrangement determine the shape of your bundle. As my travelling case is a 75cm hardcase, I sort of lay this out to be same width as my case.

The important middle bundle

Once done, you start to fold in the sleeves and then the bottom. Do this with conscious effort to ensure smoothing out the fabrics. Continue to do this until it is all completed.

fold in, start with sleeves

then wrap it up from the bottom. Repeat.

Almost done.

For the pants, its as simple as folding it in to the bundle. If you have to bring a coat/blazer, the coat/blazer will be the first item instead of the pants.

Fold in Pants

Once completed and happy with the shape, tuck in the sarong (or what my daughter call "like envelope") and you have completed the bundle.

Enveloped

Place it into your case and fill up the empty spaces with shoes or other packings. I like to compartmentalise my packing and for this, I packed the shoes and other items such as my chargers (or things not going to be with me in the flight, not expensive items of course) into a backpack - which can be used at destination, or as an extra carry on (due to shopping???)

Add caption

Upon arrival, remove the bundle and hang them up. If some minor crease appear, don't worry unless it bothers you badly. If the creases were bad, maybe consider ironing it out - or leave it in the bathroom and let the hot shower steam smoothen it up. 

After 24hours

A more extreme measure for lazy traveler is to place the pants under your sleeping mattress, and let the weight press the creases off. A bit tricky if you get the folds or line wrongly and you end up with a worse crease. Good luck!

Add caption

With the clothes hanged, I can now go and sleep and hope the jet lag won't come visiting.

Just some minor ironing required before I wear them

Press Release : Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya Ready To Roll

I may not be racing this weekend, but I am very much keeping abreast with news of the race. Due to work travel and having started in a new organisation, I've decided that the career will come first this year. Reading all the news of ongoing races, including this one in Putrajaya this weekend is making me green with envy.

Race safe to all of you taking part and do not forget the race report and photos. I be reading them.

-----

2015 TIME IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya all geared and ready to go!

From left - Keat, Amberger, Croneborg, Alexander, Watkinson and Edwards

Putrajaya, Malaysia (April 3, 2015) – The TIME IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya is all geared up and ready to run into its second consecutive year with a line up of world class international pro athletes leading this Sunday’s race.

During an official professional athlete press conference held earlier this morning, pro athletes set for this year’s edition were joined by Geoff Meyer, CEO of IRONMAN Asia Pacific, along with Hon. Dato' Rogaizat Abdullah - Vice President, Corporate Services, Putrajaya Corporation, Mr. Tony Nagamaiah – General Manager of Malaysia Major Events and Mr. WF Lee - Chief Entreprise Officer of TIME dotCom Berhad.

With approximately 1,400 participants expected to grace Putrajaya this weekend, CEO of IRONMAN Asia Pacific, Geoff Meyer said “we are delighted to be heading into our second year here in Putrajaya and having TIME dotCom Berhad as our title sponsor has really cemented our continued growth and success here in Malaysia”.

“We are also excited with the increase in Malaysian participants for the race this year. It is evident that there’s a fast growing interest in the region which is also why we have decided to host a duathlon to help the grassroots prepare themselves and get inspired to embark on more serious races like the 70.3 edition, hopefully next year!” continued Meyer.

“We have participants from 55 countries gearing up for Sunday here in the beautiful city of Putrajaya. We would have not been able to have had such an great city venue if not for our amazing partners at Putrajaya Corporation, and Malaysia Major Events”, ended Meyer.

The race is set to take place in a new venue this 2015 within Putrajaya at the Anjung Floria located in Precinct 4. Participants and supporters can enjoy the ambiance at the Royal Floria Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival, filled with beautiful green scenery and an aesthetically unique Seri Saujana Bridge as the backdrop for the swim start and finish.

Hon. Dato' Rogaizat Abdullah - Vice President, Corporate Services, Putrajaya Corporation expressed his excitement at being seeing the event being held for the second time in Putrajaya.

“With our wide spaced roads, pedestrian walks and scenic view, Putrajaya provides one of the best landscapes for an event of this caliber. With the starting and finishing of the race happening at Anjung Floria Putrajaya in Presint 4, I was informed by the organizer that this year’s edition of the race will explore new grounds within Putrajaya and therefore, we are excited to see what Putrajaya and TIME IRONMAN Putrajaya 70.3 has to offer this year.”

Professional athletes on the panel for a Q&A were, Craig Alexander (AUS), Rebekah Keat (AUS), Josh Amberger (AUS), Amelia Rose Watkinson (NZL), Fredrik Croneborg (SWE) and Parys Edwards (GBR).

Malaysians and audiences from the world over can expect to see the five-time IRONMAN World Champion (and course record holder for the IRONMAN World Championship) Craig Alexander and Australia all-star triathlete Rebekah Keat headlining this year’s race.

Alexander shared his excitement for returning to Malaysia once again and coming in as the official ambassador for a second time. “There’s always amazing energy here in Malaysia. It’s good to be back not just as ambassador like last year, but as a competitor. Putrajaya really is remarkable, the road surface is just beautiful and it’s rare to be racing within a city course so I am really looking forward to it”, said Alexander.

“It is going to be a tough race for me with the heat and humidity but I am ready to give it my best!” assured Craig ‘Crowie’ Alexander.

Rebekah Keat, who will be racing in Malaysia for the first time, shared how thrilled she was to be racing in a tropical city “The roads are looking great and I can’t wait to check out the bike course today!” As for concerns with the weather, Keat said “Australians should really be climatized and familiar. I’ve been training in the South of Queensland, the weather has been similar, maybe some differences in the humidity but with the right hydration and focus it shouldn’t be too much of a problem” ended Keat.

Also on the pro panel was Parys Edwards of the UK who has been in Asia the past 8 weeks. “I’m quite attuned to the weather. I grew up in Africa so the heat is similar. I’m just predicting a tough run with the humidity but I’m excited and looking forward to racing this weekend!” said Edwards.

As a professional seasoned triathlete Edwards advised first timers to “Always stick to the plan of your race. There’s a tendency to get over excited. Be conservative with energy, lock in your time plans and maintain race pace!”.

Thrilled to be racing for the first time as well is New Zealander Amelia Rose Watkinson, “the courses look amazing. It’s hot, but the fact that it’s so beautiful here just makes up for it!” said Watkinson.

Thailand based Swede Fredrick Croneborg is hoping to improve his placing from last year’s edition. “It’s going to be a competitive race. We’ve got a great start list here. I am really looking forward to it.

I put a lot of thought on how I’m going to map this out compared to last year and I’m exited for Sunday,” said Croneborg.

Lastly on the panel was Josh Amberger of Australia. The young triathlete will be racing for the first time in Malaysia. “I’ve been here to Malaysia on a holiday a few years back. Being here again in such an immaculate city was a good choice I’ve made and I’m happy about it. I’ve been training hard and 70.3’s are my favourite to do. In Australia trainings are tough and they teach you to grit your teeth so I hope this Sunday is going to be great for me!” said Amberger.

TIME IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya is proud to have Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel, PowerBar, Brooks, Rudy Project, 100Plus, F&N Ice Mountain, GH Speedbikes, Compressport, Prima Odyssey Travel & Tours and Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur to partner and support the 2015 edition of the race.

Race Day starts Sunday April 5 at 7:15am. Catch all the actions via @IRONMANLive.