Getting into the harmony zone
Races are perfect for driving home the message of unity, says iflix group COO
KUALA LUMPUR: Iflix group COO Azran Osman-Rani, a regular at international triathlons, believes these events unite all Malaysian athletes.
The bond between members in the Malaysian team taking part in such triathlons – a competition involving running, cycling and swimming – is further forged through sharing accommodation, logistics planning and spending time together.
“It creates a level of intimacy and acceptance that is quite unique. It’s very different from just tolerance,” he said.
Malaysians in a foreign land often have to rely on each other when problems crop up. For instance, during the Challenge Taiwan in April 2014, they had to figure out how to transport their cycling gear via land from Taipei to Taitung in eastern Taiwan.
In Taitung, those good at assem- bling bicycle parts were tasked with putting the vehicles together while those who spoke Mandarin had to help when it came to communicating with the local folk.
“There’s not a race when no one has forgotten to bring something or that no bike needs fixing. Races are really perfect to drive home the unity message,” said Azran.
Back home, the 46-year-old trains with the Bukit Jelutong Cycling Club on weekends, clocking at least 100km on each trip to places like Tanjung Karang in Kuala Selangor.
Riding in a single file at a speed of 30kph to 40kph, the cyclists have developed a strong sense of trust to ensure a smooth journey.
Besides cardiovascular benefits, the father of three boys said cycling was addictive as he found that it put him in a mental zone or “flow”, during which he was fully immersed in a feeling of energised focus.
“It’s a great time to come out from day-to-day decisions, to reflect and get ideas,” said Azran, who is currently working on a health start-up which he hopes will be rolled out later this year.
The Star Media Group and property developer Sunsuria Bhd will be organising the cycling event, Ride for Malaysia, at Sunsuria City in Putrajaya on July 30.
Join fellow Malaysians as they cycle together in harmony to celebrate National Day. For more information and registration, go to sites.