It was only a short weekend getaway but I felt as if I’ve been away for long….. Catching up on personal/work emails, forums and some blogs that I’ve been following, which they all are part of my routine over the weekend…It was also probably because the trip was all full of activities, I hardly have time to think of anything. When I got back, it was like having to switch my mind back to the reality......

Anyway, the 2D1N team building trip to Bintan turn out to be soooooo much fun!! Much more than what I anticipated. Although am part of the organizing committee, I have no idea what the ‘surprise game’ that my admin and my boss had in mind for the rest of the 8 of us (in 4 teams).





We were told to bring swim attire, sandals, extra cloth and running shoe cuz we’re going to get wet, dirty and murky. Boss gave a briefing to everyone and showing us the presentation, it turn out to be……………”The Quest Technical Support Amazing Race” around Bintan lagoon. Find your clue, complete the challenge, solve the puzzle, try your luck in order to get to the next stage.

Boss, our host for the day gathered us at the lobby. We were to go to the “Adventure Golf” as our 1st stop. Where is the adventure golf?? “You got to find. Good luck and see you there” is all she said. 5-4-3-2-1 we ran as hard as we could. It was barely 50m from the lobby and my team happen to be the first to arrive..haha….

The challenge began……………….

Stage #1
4 mini golf holes. I handed the golf stick to my trusted partner (KY) to do the job. Done~!

Next Clue: Where did Susie O’niell do her training?
“Who is Susie O’niell?”
We both look at boss our host “Who is Susie O’niell?”
Boss: “You don’t know?? Hmm…she took part in the Olympics”
Me: The pool?
Boos: I think you’re right
Me: Aiyah…..should have said Michael Phelps!!!!

We were the 2nd group that got out of the adventure golf. Another one coming very closely to us. Searching high and low, running all over the resort to find the pool. We reached, but nothing was in sight…It was quiet although we did get some stares from the stranger. KY check with some crews around if there’s another pool somewhere. There’s another up there… Oh man…gotta climb and jump over the drain to get there fast!!
Found it! We were the last to reach :( Nevermind….it’s just the 2nd stage.

Stage #2
Challenge: Lots of colorful balls with alphabet floating in the pool. You are supposed to find the alphabet to make out “Quest Technical Support”.
Me & KY jump straight into the pool together with the rest of the team to grab our alphabet.

Completed. Our next clue: Where did Leonardo DiCaprio shot his famous movie
Me & KY: Titanic!!!!! Oh!! The beach!!!

Getting tired man!! Ran another few hundreds meter to the beach. We were the 3rd to arrive

Stage #3 (a)
Challenge: Fill that bucket of water with the towel provided

Done! 3rd or 4th to complete I think…..

After everyone bucket is filled up, adjourn to another starting a few steps ahead. You see a squarish area with taping around it. The next clue is hidden underneath the sand. You are supposed to find it.
This is tough! The weather is hot.

Stage #3
I think we took like 5-10 mins digging in to the sand. We were all coated with sand by now….I noticed the first two groups who got their clue is all by the side. And so I move to the side to start digging the sand. Lo and behold!!
Clue: Where do you usually use a cue --à Billard room!!!

We reached the billard room with 2 other groups together.

Stage #4
Challenge: Solve the puzzle on a piece of paper and answer 5 questions related to Quest to test how well you know about YOUR company.

Poor pool table by the time we left (3rd team to leave), are all filled with water from our wet shirt and sands……. Host ask us to get back to start point and boss will be there to meet us.
Yay!! Mission completed.

Results will be announce during the night BBQ session......

Rested 15mins, rinse, change partner and we're all set to go for another race..............................

As far as I can recall, this 2-3 weeks is the most horrible week at work for 2009. Expected since it’s quarter end but still certain thing irritates you so much…Sigh…nevermind… Oh...apart from work, I'm also getting very.......very irritated indeed with some postings and comments in the forum lately. Not that these people had my respect in the first place, but they are really degrading themselves in my humble opinion.

Anyway, no cbd but still managed clock a decent mileage after work for 2 hours. And I think I did found ‘my pace’ finally….after several attempt. A pace that I can last long, a pace that I can switch off and go auto pilot and most importantly not hurting the poor knee. Great……

Some shuffling on this week workout schedule since there’s quite a fair bit of happening around. Boss in town, out of town over weekend, dinner appt (ya…they are alllllll related to food)…hmm……I’ll squeeze out some time here and there.

Since the change of management in Planet Fitness , now named as True Fitness, people over there have been getting rather aggressive persuading potential and even existing customer to extend their membership even though their expiry is like 1.5 years down the road. Me……is one of the victim. Interior designed changed…..now more like a disco with a DJ station and a special room for special pass holder to get a massage. Unfortunately, none of this impressed me. Not at all. IF there’s one thing that they should change, it has to be the toilet facilities!!!! The toilet flush is sooo pathetic as usual, the shower curtain looks rather disgusting. And yeah….the shower…. Big time CMI.

On the other hand, they do bring in a lot of new machines – which I hardly use. Anyway, rather disappointed, guilty, unhappy about the super hot Sunday run, instead of going spin class, I decided to hop on to their new treadmill with built-in TV&stereo after pump class. Km after km, watching channel 8/U it did managed to distract my attention quite a bit. One hour is up…I’m done for the day… The moment I step down, there this mild giddiness and suddenly felt like all energy is drained off. Strange…. Maybe the TV positioning too close to me? Maybe it’s just a typical treadmill effect… Nevermind…rested a while, all is good. Conclusion………….IF I have a choice, I would prefer to stick to nature :)

After weeks of waiting, it’s finally here. I was told not once, not twice but 3 times that the first few sessions is going to be…..boring. Ok! Got it! Mentally prepared.

Oh yes…..Finally…… after much hesitation and the fickle minded me…decided to have an official coach.

So there we go, the 7 of us started the first session. Once again we’re warned…the first few sessions will be cold and boring… Hmm…. I haven’t been coach on any discipline at all. Never ever..So, it was a pretty new experience to me. Listening to his theory, demo and it’s our turn to do it… Uhm….Not as boring as I would have thought ….It was ok… Just that like every student, they can’t wait to see the fruit of their labor. So, patience and doing it right is all I need…..:) The next moment I look at the clock, it was 45mins done. 15 more to go…that's fast.....

End of Quarter......I hated it most, especially at this downtime, everyone is trying to meet their quota...bugging and making noises everywhere. So tempted to put up a big big "LEAVE ME ALONE" signage...


Regardless, I was still able to make it to CBD yesterday. Very much in need of that endorphin kick once again. Although the menu was not very appetizing but having good company at times will do wonders. I have no intention to do the planned 4x stairs climb so was prepared to do extra loop around SG river alone..... I would go for stairs at times on my own but consecutively 30 storey x 4 is not my cup of tea at all. Somehow.....more and more is saying they wanted to skip the stairs and happily agreed to do the loops with me. So the 4 of us ended up doing 1 extra...extended loop. Longer than what I intend to...Kena cheated!!!

Anyway, I kind of like the pacing yesterday. Definitely not something that I can maintain for long distance but endorphin is kicking high in the air!! As usual....I slept like a pig....don't even remember my alarm went off at 6+. Body clock woke me up...!!

So over the weekend, I was supposed to catch him in action at ECP. For those who doesn't know him, he is like......hmm....David Beckham? Tiger Woods? but in the context of a triathlete :)

The plan to do my LSD on Saturday night so that I can be at ECP to catch him and the rest was totally ruined when it pours with lightning all over. Nevermind I thought, sleep earlier and I'll do a wee hour run on Sunday.

Sunday came, woke up, changed ready to go......it rain AGAIN!!! $&%@&#$%&*@# That's baadddddd.. There goes my plan again!!! What now?? back to the bed..... Next moment it was 930. Suprisingly the weather is still good. Too good not to head out. I know I'm going to feel so guilty if I don't and wasted yet another Sunday. It was 10:15 when I started but felt as if it was 7am..Niceee.... Yeah..first time starting to run at this hour. I reckon I'll finish before 1pm the latest. Hopefully the good weather will last. Last minute change of route due to the starting time - which happen to be a blessings in disguise. Incorporated some loops and humps throughout that 2.5 hours. Mainly around Selarang Camp, Loyang, Netheveron Road and PR. It was peaceful, quiet, serene throughout. Luv it!!! Yah...I ended up clocking the highest mileage I've ever done in monnnttthhhhhhhhhssss...Yay!

Can't believe it's coming to the end of work week again!!!! Busy busy busy is all I can say for the first half of this week.

Mon - Work was alright, only managed to squeeze in 30mins gym. Thereafter went to visit the cute little xiao niu.
Tues - CBD Fort Canning 3 loops
Wed - Trying to do two sides breathing on front crawl. Ha...Need A LOT A LOT MORE practice. Back to work after swim.

Today.....it has been none stop since 8 hours ago....Am so glad is settling well as end of the day approach and not jeopardizing my workout plan..... Yay!!!It's Friday tomorrow!!!!

Duathlon Extended Version

Why extended? Because instead of a run-bike-run, I did a bike-run-bike-run-bike…haha which I believe many, in fact majority is doing the same. Start point at seletar/mandai was not easily accessible by me (for sure), so with Jodan giving me a ‘no problem’ signal, we rode to the start point together from Yishun. I’m getting better but somehow I am still getting tense up when riding alongside with the traffic…sigh…..

First ever duathlon race, quickly setup my stuff at the transition area asking Jodan to help me check if I have everything in place properly. Spotted my all time favourite supporters - LT & Joanna!! Looking for more familiar faces, chit-chatting...Ready To Go......

Run – 3km
Was it the downslope at the start or if I’ve warmed up from the earlier ride, the starting pace was moderately hard to my standard. But given the short distance, I should be able to maintain throughout. Somehow, it felt shorter than 3km to me… Without long, the ‘run-in’ section is already within sight.

T1 – run/bike
My bike location was near the bike-out area, also mean that I’ll have to run quite a fair bit from the run-in section to get my bike. Was panting a little so better take this transition to catch up my breath.

Bike – 15km
All I was aiming for on the bike leg is no crash, no puncture, no slippery ground regardless of how long that will take me to complete. There was a little disruption at the start for a few seconds but thereafter, it was all ok. 1st lap of the bike, hearing a lot of “On your right on your right” with people zooming past me. How many mountain bike overtook me?? Maannnnnnnnyyyyyyyyy…. LOL!!! Doesn’t matter to me anyway. Undulating terrain along Mandai…..up and down...I’m mentally prepared. Just before reaching the 1st u-turn point, I guess that’s the steepest slopes. While I was happily enjoying that moment of “I can fly” on the downslope, it’s time to tap on the break and prepare for the u-turn. And guess what? It’s the same steepest slopes that I’m going to climb now. Argh…….. this same slope, I hit my highest speed of 39kph and the lowest speed of……11kph..haha…crawling up.....
2 loops done..Yay!! No crash!!!!!!

T2 – bike/run
Took my own sweet time chatting with LT & Joanna while at transition. My first comment, how on earth do they manage to do 90km on desaru rolling hills!!!! Ok..I’m unfit to do that at this current state. Full stop :)

Run – 3km
Easy easy baby steps…… enjoying the atmosphere at the reservoir, unknowingly the speed increase as I approach the finish line…as usual for everyone I guess… got people cheering clapping, no matter how tired must act a bit and finish strong….haha…..

Oh..and the most fulfilling thing about this race....it's painfree. My knee is holding up real well this time round :)

Picture speaks a thousand words.......(courtesy of LT)

**Forwaded from my boss.....

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't DisguiseYour Voice. !

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,Switch to Espresso.

5. On all your cheque stubs, write ' For Marijuana'

6. Skip down the street Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat,with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Car Park, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

Now, does this make you SMILE?????? This is Called .. ............... ..... THERAPY

"Stole" some training tips from MF Safra (minus the intensity, speed and duration..haha), I tried out another short and sweet sessiong to break some boredem in the routine. (2.2k + 18 storey stairs) x 3. Why 2.2? Because that's the smallest loop around neighbourhood. Why 18? because that's the highest I can find around my start/end point. It ended up a suprise when each sets get easier as time goes.

Funny though during one of the sets when I reached the 18th floor, I was walking along the corridor towards the lift, passed by a few units. There's this unit along the corridor with windows open wide. Late night, windy and quiet, this long hair lady in pyjamas was standing right at the window facing out and not moving at all. Ya, she's just staring outside. BUT it really did freaks me out!! Almost scream my lungs out! I think she had a shock seeing me too....

Had a 2 seconds of panic attack again yesterday evening. Was riding along the park at quite an odd hours to ahem (copyright of someone's term)....'keep the leg fresh' for Sunday. Nice cooling evening with serene surrounding I was cruising happily until crossing a bridge. There's this 2 cats which I spotted them earlier on, lying happily right in front of me. By the time I saw one of them, it's kinda late for me to tap on the break cuz my hands are in the middle of the handlebar. So I have no choice but to swing it to the other side. And to my horror the other cat is just at the other side!!! So that split of 2 seconds I'm riding right in the middle of two cats in the dark with minimum lightning. If only I'm in pilot mode (which I hope will not happen during biking), I would have either ran over them, or crash my bike on the bridge divider, plunging myself into the river ^_____^

I was rather disturbed lately on the fact that the knee problem is back recently. Didn’t stop me entirely from physical activity, just some discomfort here and there.

However, this incident taught me to see things in a different perspective. In everything, count your blessings and give thanks to God. In the last couple of run, I am force to start slow, so slow that I shouldn’t be out there. Sometimes, I even have to start off limping a few steps before the knee finally settled down and ready to go for a slow jog. Also as a result, one side of the leg felt so light, another side of the leg felt so heavy because I’m trying to adjust the way I land my feet…etc. Just yesterday, my left leg felt so numb probably because the knee strap is too tight or I’m just overly controlling the landing. With all that taking place in the first half an hour or so, what amazed me was the outcome of the run. The second half always seems to be lighter, faster and stronger when the body is properly warmed up, breathing under control, knee settled down. Felt so good that I dun mind the first half an hour struggling…haha…I call this…… Blessings In Disguise

Sometimes, we ought to look things at a different perspective. At some point, we even need to learn thru the hard way. Why you? I don’t know. Only God knows. You may ended up having a real bad cramp in the middle of a marathon despite the months of effort and all of a sudden, it is no longer a reality to achieve a PB. You could be at the top of the career ladder and suddenly everything is down the drain. You may be in tip top condition and suddenly being told that you can’t run anymore…..Yes, that’s life. But does that matter? Maybe, maybe not. But ultimately, you’ll be groomed, polished and end up being a stronger, wiser person inside out. Friends out there struggling with life, career, health, relationship…..Stay Strong…..

Random thoughts......

I would have to say this is a pretty nice medal, as in comparison with the yearly "round" medal from SCM & AHM.... Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, uncle and aunty...this is just a casual comments, no special intention, no hidden agenda.... :)

The pool was kinda crowded. But it was still bearable to do some decent laps with occasional disturbance here and there. 2 groups of kids were having their classes - one on the left one of the right. So yeah... the rest of the adult are all jammed up in the middle.

I was observing the kids while doing my laps. They can really swim and swim non stop with different stroke and drills. And when their coaches (one of them happen to be my neighbour) demand them to tread water with 1 hand for 5 minutes, they guai guai follow instruction. No older than 10 years old I'm sure.... Impressive!!Ha.... I'm not sure if I can do that and sustain for 5 minutes.

That being said, I still don't understand...... why do they have to wear pyjamas to swim? And barely 1 meter tall, why do they have to be train in adults pool instead of training pool?

Test The Knee Strap Run was my theme for yesterday.

CBD is doing interval today which I'm not comfortable given my current wobbly knee condition. I had both the patella strap and pattstrap on the pathetic knee and see how it goes. Was meant to be tight to compress and limit the movement of the knee cap, felt a little uncomfortable at a start. But it does reduce the impact. It wasn't a 100% painless run but it is not to the extend that I can't run. Needless to say, I went home and pop in Dr.Low's inflammation pills and keep icing it..haha... "Runners are stubborn", Mr A commented. I should have let it rest :)


*******************

It has been freaking cold in the office last couple of days. So cold that my colleague commented that productivity level has gone down. I wore a thick long sleeve blouse this morning. The sun was shinning bright the moment I step in this morning and it is still as bright! $##@&#%&*@%#(!@

Can someone enlighten me? Why on earth would some ladies wanna to put on make-up before going for a workout? This was not the first nor my second time witnessing this in the gym's changing room.

While I do understand the 'wanna look good' attitude among many of us and there's nothing wrong at all. But applying more eye shadow, mascara, lip stick before a workout.......hmm...... ok..apart from the looking good, I see no other logic. Unless they have special skills which I don't, they will have to be soooo cautious when wiping off sweat from their faces, making sure their mascara won't smudge, No?? And don't they ended up having more breakout and pimples with sweat trapping underneath the pores?.......

Official Results out!

Gun time: 23:42
Position by Category: 13

Swim time: 5:57
>> Most likely the current pushing me forward heh? Or it could be shorter than 200m :) Never managed to clock under 6min in pool.

Transition: 1:37
>> Probably one of the thing that I enjoyed most....Could have just wear race belt during run out instead of standing still...Nevermind...... enjoying every single bit of it.

Run: 16:04
>> Waited maybe a min plus at the run out area waiting for buddy. Run wasn't as good. Breathing was hard. But didn't bother too much.....

One down......next one...in 3 weeks time.......

22 Feb 09 ---- She completed her first ever Swim Run event and truly enjoying it!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day before, I informed Susan that I’m putting her contact as my emergency contact since JC is having his training in the morning. I told her it’s my first open water swim event, I dunno how it’ll turn out. So make sure her phone is turned on in the morning in case the medic or hospital call. And my race starts at 830. Spent like half an hour preparing a checklist and packing all the stuff… Oh man….I have one full bag of stuff to bring!!!

We reached Tg Beach and get ourselves settled at the transition area. Arranging my stuff in sequence and found a prominent sign to remember where my spot is. Greatttttt…… I saw the marking of the turning point for the 200m swim..Ok…the distance looks comfortable.

We were walking around and dip ourselves while waiting for 830. And one thing I observed...... majority of the participants looks darn fit man!!!!!

8.15am, I went to the start point with Tao and met up Lala & Eugene. We both are nervous indeed. Gun off at 830 the fun begins!!! Tao requested that I keep an eye on her and I agreed. But merely 20m away, I have lots of ppl surrounding me, goggles is getting a little foggy, I decided to just swim and swim and swim. Thank God I didn’t get kicked or punch. Just a slight body contact with someone at the start. The rest are all well. Zig zagging here and there and managed to overtake quite a fair bit. Turning in the next 100m into the transition area, I spotted Roonz from a far. Taking her as my target, I look no where except her…hehe..Roonz…are you reading this?? Nearing to the shore, she is there cheering for us ;) Yay!! I completed the swim!!

Ran into transition and about ready to go when Tao came in. Get my way out of the transition (so that my transition time will not be longer than swim time :) ) Waited for her at the running path. The run itself….was ok except some hard breathing. Finishing together in…xx:xx:xx…. Oopss….didn’t bother to look at the watch at all. Probably it’s somewhere around 25minx plus minus. But who cares….I’m luvvvinnngggg it!!

Smiling faces everywhere...................................

This little girl since young as a kid can never swim even after many many attempts being taught by her dad/siblings. While starting learning together with the rest of the siblings, all managed to learned but not her. She either stick herself close by the wall like a lizard or ended up having a runny nose. All she can do was to float face down and kick her little feet.

Many many years later from childhood to adulthood, she pick up the guts and self learn all over again (with the help of some close friends). It was one of the most amazing thing that she felt from inside out when she can finish one lap effortlessly in breast stroke. She even emailed her sis immediately to tell her that she can now swim!!!!!! Two years later with quite a fair bit of practicing her swim, she caught some bugs from her crazy mates and signed up for a mini Aquathlon race (200m swim & 2.5km run). 200m in open water?!?!? Unbelievable. Not knowing how to tread water, that’s a bit scary. And so again, she started to bite the bullet and slowly force herself to swim in the middle of the pool and tread water in the middle of no where. Grabbing along her kakis who is experienced in open water swim, they ventured into Tg Beach giving herself a taste of open water swim……

She is now ready for 22nd Feb 09……….. How will it turn up??

Talkative Run - I like it.

Yesterday's run to Fort Canning was one of the most chatty one. On the way up, talk to Tao all the way. On the way down, talk to Burnz all the way. It was also quite a pleasant an enjoyable run because the speed was comfortable enough for us to talk. So no lung bursting kind of pace. And I felt pretty fresh throughout. Even when going up hill, the talkative one continues to talk where I just gave a 'ya', 'ok' kind of response..haha

Had my regular heavenly watermelon soymilk once again. Managed to spread the addiction to Burnz and licht this time round....Niceeeeeeeee

Yesterday's workout theme was "Run with the Stranger Run".

Just had the Pattstrap delivered to me few days ago, I decided to strap it on and venture out to Fort Road. Unexpectedly, this time round was the knee patella of the other side of the legs giving problem. A very familiar pain when I first got injured. Sianz..... Remove the strap from ITB and place it on the knee instead. Say it as co-incidence or not, the compression did help. At least it doesn't hinder the run as much.

Then...I was wearing the wrong shorts. Abrasion!! every runner's enemy. Wasn't a pleasant one but just move on. Had a quick sip at petrol kiosk before making my way back, said hello to another runner coming towards my direction. Can't rmbr how he look, but he had a very colorful headband. Reaching Marina Promenade, this same guy overtook me. He seems to be enjoying his MP3 very much. It's 1+km more to my end point, I decided to tag along with his pace, which happen to be my tempo pace. I followed him throughout the entire Marina Promenade stretch, maybe just about 1-2 steps behind him, overtaking the rest of the runners one after another. Haha...Shiok!! Ya..that entire 1.15hr, only the last few minutes gives me the endorphin kick!

Where there's Bad Hair Day, there's also Bad Run Day. No doubt, it was one of it for me in yesterday's MF run. I thought I was feeling quite good at the start. But just about reaching the foot of MF, my lower back is giving problem. Some numbness that I reckon it could be due to the biking the day before? Stretch and stretch at the traffic light, taking it slowly on the way up. MF oh MF..... love the hills yet it has never been easy even after so many past attempts. Well...I wasn't panting as bad as my 1st time going up. Still it's a bit tough on the legs.

There was quite a few of 1st timer for MF today. But I think they did pretty well.
Reached the top I decided not to do the loops. Back not well, tummy also not well. Went down with a few them. The body does felt really weird tonight. First the lower back, then the tummy, then all of a sudden, felt like energy is draining off. Not as if I've run many many miles. And it even lasted till now....:( Nevermind..... hopefully a dip in the pool will ease away...

I didn't have a good sleep on Saturday night because.....I slept too much in the afternoon?? So needless to say, I had a bit of a struggle getting up on Sunday to meet the sentosa gang.

Anyway, the plan was executed as what was agreed. This time round felt rather peaceful looking at the calm sea, unlike the first visit with strong winds and drizzles the entire morning. Suprisingly the water felt much colder despite the sunny weather. The first thing when we reach, IMD said wah...the tide is high. I'm like oh no!!!! He said high tide is good, won't get to see what's at the bottom. See nothing better than seeing something down under.

And so we started the laps to the other side of the island. I requested Tiwazz to be next to me, he agreed with no hesitation :) At the end of 4th lap, lady boss challenge me to tread water 5 mins to gain some confidence in deep water. I took up the challenge...minus the 5 mins. Tread until I'm tired which of course didn't last very long..haha.... I must have kicked too hard. Tried again on the 5th lap and relax on the kicking, felt so much better this time round....

10 laps and I said I wanna go for the run..Took my own sweet time before Tiwazz reminded me that I need to run out of the water and do the transition...Haha..Still I take my own sweet time. Now the highlight of the day and the awkward part.....the tri top feels strange. I felt as if I'm not wearing anything in the run. Dunno whether it's the tri top making me a bit uncomfortable or the swim, my engine could not start up, my legs are a bit heavy. No momentum at all..Hmm...nevermind...I think I enjoyed the swim & the company today....:)

It was quite an interesting 'me & my mp3' run yesterday. Of what supposed to be a 800x track work, I ended up doing something totally different.

PR - Tampines Ave 2 - Simei Road - Upper Changi Rd - Tanah Merah - Bedok - Kembangan
Distance : approx 12km

Interesting because this is my first time exploring the Simei - Kembangan route, passing by the park connector around Expo. The route was not congested, quiet at some point but decent enough to do a solo run, except that few hundred meters around Bedok Mrt. In addition to the endorphin kick and fresh pair of legs, I'm nothing but contented.

I lost my bike!!!! It happen when the tyre tube burst during the start of the event. Stationing it by the site while trying to get someone to help, to my dismay it disappears when I get back to where it was!! No longer around, trying to search high and low, I can feel my heart rate increasing every seconds. Finally, I checked with the security guard, only to be told that he kept it for me fearing that someone will took it away......

Phew......The next moment, I woke up and I'm like "Luckily it's just a dream".....:) And as a results, I'm half an hour late to work this morning....

This lump of mine suddenly appear on my right ITB for no reason. Ya, and it happen on the week where my mileage is so low. So...ITB problem may or may not caused by running??

It was CBD 3rd anniversary. With the 8km run from TP - F1 Route and back, there's lots of talking among the few of us. This morning, as I took a glance at his and her blog, both were mentioning about "O" "T". Haha...Needless to say, I'm charge guilty as well. I'm one of them kepo-ing around this term. With the strong headwind and nice scenary from esplanade towards F1 and probably the festive mood, I had a relax run. Managed to get the speed monster to run with me for the first half of the route at a recovery pace for her...

Oh and back to the fooooddddddd we had after the run, I had the best potato salad ever!!! Thought I did have some recognition in my recipe of potato salad, now I better go stand and hide in the corner. I think ours (susan,joyce,myself) are still quite a way to reach thissss standard. Next time, must get recipe from the missus already.....

CNY for this year is different from every other year. It doesn't looks like CNY to me as a start. Regardless, the first day was always visitation to relatives house as usual. In fact, every year seems to be a routine, even the type of conversation we had:

Relatives (giving ang pow to me) : Next year your turn to give ang pow to my kids ah!!
Me: Smile
Relatives: Got bf or not
Me: Smile

Grandma (giving ang pow to me): Saying all the well wishes and "After new year find a good husband"
Me: Smile & acknowledge

Apart from that, the week wasn't a very pleasant one cuz we were kind of worried about the heart ablation surgery that my grandma is going for on the 3rd day of CNY. Thank God that it all went well way beyond expectation. The surgery was a success and she's 99% healed. Don't even need to be on medication, which is what has been happening in the pass 10 years. Despite the 'not so pleasant' new year, I'm nothing but just thankful of how things has turned up.

So..... as expected I'm on super low mileage last week. Managed to squeeze in some swim session in between hospital visits between those few days. And who knows what happen to my freaking ITB, there's a lump on the right side and I was woken up by the pain 2 nights ago. Time to play red toy again.....!!!!

Not long ago I was commenting to someone that there’s nothing for me to look forward to and every workout just seems to be a norm procedure of keeping fit. The next challenge is almost like half a year down the road. Too far away…..

It’s coming to end Jan now and without realizing, that half a year is only 4 months away!!! Adding on to the anxiety, I now have 3 races, possibly 4 leading up to end May. That is on average once a month! And what have I done to prepare??? Ha..ha.haha…..

Anyway, not entirely new to me BUT it is still as hard since Day 1. Splitting a 4km into 5 x 800m on track is freakingly tough! Ya..I was supposedly to do more sets but I punctured at the 5th set… Nevermind….try harder next time……

So...next week seems to be feasting week...I wonder how much mileage I can clock in or if there will EVER be one..... I've just requested Dad to bring me to one of the famous hilly place that's popular among runners....But then..things doesn't take place as expected sometimes....:) So we shall see.......

Lunching in at the office now, and being Friday, that should mean R&R if no hiccups.

Staring at my bowl of Salad from a newly opened shop called Garden Salad, felt so refreshing and healthy simply by looking at it! Haha..Too bad....I only thought of taking the pics after I've finish half a bowl. Don't assume it's salad and it's not filling. Here's what I have:

romaine lettuce
carrot
cabbage
beetroot
raddish
corn
olive
cucumber
tomato
eggs
onion
raisin
peanuts
celery
capsicum
tuna
kidney beans
couscus (whatever spelling)
pasta (abt the quantity of 2 table spoon)

All this mixing in homemade honey and soy sauce. Simply Delicious!!!!!!!!!!

I must have been a bit overly ambitious wanting to do too many things at one go at a wrong time wrong place. My mind is itchi for a swim and my legs wanted more from the previous sessions.


Can't decide which one to go for and brought two sets of gears to work. Up until I knock off, I still can't decide. I go for both. At least it ease off my mind a bit although I don't know what's the outcome would be like.


So there I go and put all my stuff ready in the gym before I head out for a run. Pack and arrange everything so that once I'm back I can just grab and go for the swim..Talking about smooth transition here?? The run......Oh man!! Lots and lots of construction along the way. Wasn't that enjoyable and I cut short the timing, make a u-turn back to the gym. Now the transition, hmmm.... rather troublesome. I need to walk several hundred meters, take escalator before I reach the pool side. That's not the main problem. The water is freaking freezing cold!!! It has been windy in the last couple of days and cloudy but never have I expect it to be that cold. The ang moh lady next to me ask me to dip in to the water and get moving to get myself warm up and so I did. Still.......it is way to cold for my comfort. I think I did about 20 laps (25m length) and call it a day. Finger is numb........:(

Weather for the night - cooling and windy

It was another therapeutic, in fact once in a blue moon run where I feel that I can go on and on. With the right beat on 93.3, strong wind, not-so-weak legs, the endorphin kick in pretty quickly this time round.

2 x 12 mins tempo and a couple of 200-300m (forgotten how many) before I call it a day. It's getting late and I have tonnes of household chores to settle. Short one but real sweet session :)

IF only I can be more sporty with sea sports........

WANTED: Caretaker for islands on Great Barrier Reef.

SALARY: A$150,000 (S$155,355) for six months.

JOB SCOPE: You scuba dive, snorkel, sail and go bush walking. Meet and talk to the locals and tourists. Give media interviews, post a weekly blog, photo diaries and video updates. Feed the fish, clean the pool and collect the mail.
TOURISM Queensland (TQ) is offering A$150,000 for a once-in-a-lifetime job to a lucky hunk or babe in search of a living.

Sounds like it's too good to be true? There's more. You'll work flexi-hours and stay in a fully-furnished three-bedroom home with great views on the luxurious Hamilton Island of the Great Barrier Reef. The package includes return airfare, travel insurance and free use of a computer, digital video, digital camera and Internet access.

"This is the first time something of this style and magnitude has been undertaken by Tourism Queensland on a global level," says Mr Anthony Hayes, Tourism Queensland's chief executive officer, commenting on the A$1.7 million marketing campaign.
TQ hopes to "achieve cut through in what is an increasingly cluttered travel market", create greater awareness and excitement over the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef as a fantastic and unique tourism destination, and have a flow-on effect to other destinations in Queensland, he adds.

Finally, my first post for 2009. Shall not go over the usual review on 2008 nor resolution for 2009. But a couple of incidents in the last couple of months did trigger some thoughts in me. We never know what's gonna happen tomorrow. So do not procrastinate on things that you wanted to do, do not take things for granted, spent more quality time with family and friends.

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Brick training is tough!! Strangely in comparison with run/bike, a bike/run gives a totally different feeling on that pair of legs. Felt like tau-huay....:)

I gave myself many many excuses...yes it's excuses of not going for CBD yesterday. Let's see....

- it was a very quiet day at work so I'm all ready to leave on the dot at 5pm. Can't shop for the next 1.5 hours to wait for 7pm run because I have been doing that shopping during lunch hour in the past few days.
- need to be home early for some errands
- sudden urge to explore new route
- sudden need to do a solo run. Just me, the road and the mp3 kind of run

So I dash off slightly after 5 and is all ready to explore...Amazingly, just by changing into running gear, it convert you instantly from being a lethargic sleepy head to a semi-energized person. Suntec-Marina promenade-nicoll-mountbatten-fort rd-ECP B1. I have always wanted to do this route for ages and ages. It never get materialized for whatever reason. It didn't take too long for me to reach B1. Of course not because I'm fast. Perhaps I'm happily looking at the surrounding. They all looks new to me..haha....And by the way, now I finally know where's Mountbatten swimming pool is... LOL!!!!

Till then....HAPPY NEW YEAR to all....... May all of you continue to stay healthy, stay strong, stay fit, stay handsome and pretty...:)

Christmas Day 2008 marked my virgin ride with my new babe. I set out from home at 6am sharp, slowly made my way to Changi Beach to meet the rest.....

The ride was a little bit shaky occasionally. Not as stable as I want it to be. But today is purely a short and sweet trial session, let my babe see the world kinda ride...Few humps along the ride but all the tips given actually helps a little although at one point of time, I couldn't change it back to the gear for flat road, no resistance on the pedal...Gotta stop and figure out..:)

It was really a short ride along Coastal Road, no point to even mention the distance covered...hehe...Thanks to all buddies for keeping me accompany and 'orientating' me... Good morning ride but input > output again....Feasted on ECP MacD before the rest continue their 100-150km journey ride.

I have no where to rant but here........

On the eve of Christmas with gloomy skies, I see more and more people logging off from msn. One after another....Some was off at 12, then 1pm, then 3pm...... Everyone at the other side of the office have also left. My side...we're still here.... Not because we're busy but simply because there're people elsewhere (who is crazy enough) and not celebrating Christmas needing our help. And no...this is not an ad-hoc thingie..This is the fact..It happens every year....No early release for Christmas and New Year's eve. Soooooooo demoralizing..... I will make an attempt to apply leave next year onwards.....

Clicking my mouse, reading magazine, checking out forums....that's it for the next 1 hour....

This week has been and is going to be full of agenda, activities...

Let see...Monday ----- Is it an honour or pure stupidy in agreeing to be a guinea pig for 'him' to try out his newly acquired skill?!Haha...apart from the big blue/black/red mark that was left on me and tao as a souvenior, I think it was a pretty good session, though the pain especially on the ITB is beyond my description...haha.... And then....I was being questioned yesterday, "does your muscle and ITB felt more release now?" Hmm..... it took me a couple of seconds to say yes with a little bit of uncertainty..haha... Too overwhelm by the pain maybe.....Ok lah..for the benefit of doubt, sport massage needs to be done periodically. One session will not be enough to tell if it really helps or not...right? Portfolio & testimony will be given...:)

Yesterday was Christmas run at CBD. Short one up MF then the all time favourite makan session. Nothing but pure laziness in my mind. Not in the mood to chiong or even climb up MF..haha... U-turn with T just before the 4M barrier Kg Bahru slope. The return journey with Fennel far more enjoyable. The food......as always..............

Wed - spent the whole morning changing the blog skin...:)

After one whole year of emailing, conference call, meetings and more meetings....the time of the year has finally come. Throughout the entire year, this period is the quietest.....this period is the time where you will have some peace at work........Finally!!!!

My department are given a sum of money every quarter called the 'fun budget'. Do whatever fun stuff u want for team building. But as part of cost saving plan, no fun budget for Q4. But it's Christmas, it's end of the year. We need to be pampered and be rewarded with all the hard work :) Of what is supposed to be just a log cake, drinks and some chicken wings and nothing more sponsored by a few of us, guess what......................... we ended up having THISSSSSSSS for lunch just now!!!

donut factory, polar e'clair & egg tarts

pizzas, wraps, old chang kee (gyoza, curry puff, fish ball, sotong), KFC, chicken pops,french fries

With all that fatty stuff, there is a need for some healthy salad for sure

More items not captured.....Root beer, wine, sparkling juice, sushi platter, ice cream log cake.....

How many pigs are feeding here?? Just the 10 of us..... I reckon it will take hours and hours of intense workout to burn them off...THAT IS ONLY...if I can do hours and hours of workout...haha....

DAMAGE DONE!!!!

I bought myself a Christmas present....It must be the most expensive things I've bought for myself....I shall survive on loti and plain water from now on......:)

Times are bad...In a day, I have 2 calls from anonymous :-

1) Education center - asking if I'm thinking of pursuing my education. No thanks...
2) Insurance - offering me a good saving plan. No thanks

and the usual never-ending credit card company offer me this and that.........NO THANKS.....

Being a public holiday….I should be sleeping in late especially with the cooling wet weather. I was awaken by the rain at 5am and alarm rang off at 6am. Why am I doing such silly thing again? I dunno…I’m infected by the ‘bugs’ is all I know…..

I was still wondering whether the swim today will materialized with such wet weather while on my way to meet Tao. In addition that we (all the crazy one) are doing this at Tanjong Beach. Strong wind & rain is not a good combination to swim in open water, no? But as expected, when that someone decided to do it, ‘he’ will do it regardless…there’s no bad weather, only weak minds….

So 8th Dec 2008, marked my 1st time swimming in open water. Hmm….let’s see…the last time I soak myself along the beach (no swimming) was during a holiday at Pulau Tioman and that’s like…..>10 years ago? The adventure starts….Get myself settled down in the water and try out a short distance..Not too sure how to express myself but it was indeed a good experience.

Firstly, sea water is so ^$&%*&#$@!$ salty. Super irritating. Can’t imagine those on ironman soaking themselve in there for 2 hours!

The guys went off to the other side doing their 400m laps while myself, Tao and Fennel is still staying near shore, trying out various method of swimming along. Soon after, we decided to slowly swim over to where the guys at… I was happily targeting the guys from the other end and taking my time to swim across, trying very hard not to panic and affected by the waves and current. The next moment, Tao called up to me from a distance away. I stopped and S***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness – it scared a hell out of me!!! I couldn’t touch the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m far away from the 2 girls.. Ok..I really got a little panic honestly….I don’t know if I’m really treading water, I’m just kicking all over and make sure my head is still above water… As if I’m being chased by a shark….swam as fast as I could to the shore!!And drank some sea water along the way…:( Thanks Tao for calling me out…. I seriously dun know what happen. I thought I’m swimming in a straight line??? And the best thing is…I’m not even on freestyle. Breast stroke all the way and I really thought I know where I am heading!! Damn it…took me a while to re-compose myself…. Panic big time man!!! Come to think of it….dunno to laugh or to cry…..

And then, re-group with the guys, was given another challenge to swim across to the other island. Which means….I’ll have to swim thru the deep water!!! ^_^Contemplating for a few minutes before I give it a go with the condition that the strong one must swim side by side with me. Ok..LT happily agreed and provide me his strong arms if I’m in need :) The distance is a bit deceiving which is a good thing for me cuz…it doesn’t seem to be that far as I thought…and without me knowing…I’ve reached the other side…wohoo!! Oh yes…still need to swim back to the shore…I had another man escorting me back….Ha…

and guess what…I have sea sick and nausea after the whole thing…probably swim too near the shore..the waves are stronger. But but but…I’ll panic if I swim too far away from shore…So nevermind..I’ll choose to have sea sick instead..haha

Oh, and the holiday adventure is not over yet…decided to catch a movie with the gang after lunch…We went for “Quarantine”. Have no idea what the movie is all about, just tag along. This is a once in a blue moon where I pay to suffer really..Beginning till end….the shooting of the film is ‘live’..Ok..I dunno how to describe it but that 1.5 hours..the camera is shaking all over the place… I officially declare I’m sick!! I’m nauseating!! Close eyes for like half the show…sigh…. We went for kopi and I told the guys as if I just got out from an operation room..I’m weak, cold, nausea…while sipping in a cup of milo..haha…But apparently, I’m not the only one who felt the same hor….

And the nausea lasted till bed time……Hmm….maybe next time have to pop in motion sickness pill before going for open water swim????

This year...being my first time volunteering at SCSM sgrunners support station, I managed to witness the whole event at 29km mark, seeing the first runner all the way to the last 1% runners I would say. Many many different facial expression. Some ignore our cheering, some look at us without expression, some smile back, some wave back, some say thank you..another...one-armed man whom I reckon is a sub 3 runner greeted us back with a good morning & thank you...So sweet....:)

It was almost 6 hours stationing at the support station but supporting along with a bunch of great people, full of laughter and funs...the time went pass pretty quickly. In additon, the 2-4 hours was busy helping the runners, cutting hydralite stick most of the time...haha..It gets a little out of control at some point of time, where all I see was hands with their palm open wide surrounding me. I couldn't tell if all of them are from sgrunners but I can see from their facial expression, that they are truly in need of the fuel. Hmm....Being runner myself..... I know how they feel..... Help as much as I can....Just quickly close up the ice box when the crowd goes away...so that it won't draw anymore attention to other ppl and make sure to reserve some that have place their "order" with me. In a way, I'm glad that I can bring some "life" to the exhausted runners, hoping it can boost them up for the remaining 13km.....:)

It was pre-arranged to collect SCM racepack yesterday night followed by carbo loading dinner...I reached Expo at 7pm sharp and was amazed that at such hour, the queue is still as long...For the past years the queue is expected to be long and chaotic for the first few hours but it should subside towards the end of the day...But I was so wrong at this time....To cut the story short, it took me no less than 45mins to clear.......

Anyway.....I was compensated by getting myself some real good deal from Pearl Izumi...Muahahaha......Someone bought the same pair of shorts but I paid just half the price....**hiak hiak hiak**...Couldn't control myself and text her immediately......

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On leave today but ended up waking up earlier than normal days for some errands. And then...it was bike hunting the whole afternoon..... Oh man.....this is as difficult as choosing the right husband.... Colours that attract, price that is within budget, size that fits....... The chances of getting all this is really not that high..... Try harder......

While I did mentioned that I should do more laps in a public pool, I seriously need to re-consider my options. About 2/3 of the lane are all block for classes, I head out to the training pool instead. I can only do a decent 2 lap in the beginning and before I knew it, there's this bunch of kiddies jumping in, and swimming over in all directions!! When some saw that there's no proper 'traffic', in the pool, everyone started to swim in all possible directions including me......

Maybe I should just stay with public pool to practice water treading and nothing else.......^_^

And so......I made my 2nd attempt two days ago. I was put on hold for quite a long time when I called up to make sure that the person I'm looking for will be around. Nevertheless, I took the risk for another time since the shop is on my way home......

It's fated...... after like half an hour chatting...etc he checked his stock and there's only 2 model available for my size... One is so low end there's no point getting, one is perfectly fine, good deal but the color really sux...^_^. The next batch will probably have to wait till Jan or something.......Sianz...x100 So what now..... I dunno....I'll probably have to sacrifice more of my time to go hunt for another one....:(

I am nothing but tired this morning...... I need more sleeps.......... Lack of sleep from the workout cum the late night DVD few days back, the idea of going to 3 classes at one go yesterday, turned out to be 2.5 in the end :) I sneak out for a 20mins break to chat with my spin 'classmate' who fell asleep while spinning ^_^ ***faint*****


On a side note.......IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trainer give a short briefing to all when we reached the top of FC. 4 loops of 1.2km in interval speed....Uhm..... But.....I'm already on tempo speed in the first few km keeping myself within a distance with the group. And now interval speed for 4 loops....Hmm...giving myself excuses again....I'm not running SCM, so I'll just tag along in recovery speed and to settle down my heart rate a little...No interval for the time :) I still need to conserve some energy to go back...And...Ihad a great company on the way back jogging/running/walking :)

Oh...and I must say that Mr.Bean soyamilk with watermelon juice is heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!

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I must have been too pampered of having the luxury to swim in a pool that hardly have more than 10 swimmers. It's smaller than the usual 50m pool and is within my height in the entire pool. As expected, I got a little panic when dipping myself in a public pool with many swimmers around. Got worst when looking down the pool seeing that it's deeper than my heights. Haha.... I think I need to go to the public pool more regular to get used to all this obstacle and practice on my 'vertical breast stroke' :)

It was supposedly to take place yesterday evening but it didn't materialized!!!

First time ever.....I felt dissapointed of not being able to spent that money...^_^

The last time I visited Mt Faber was before Gold Coast Marathon. That’s like 5 months ago. 1 year ago that killer slope in Kg Bahru is killing me. 1 year later, it is still as tough!!! The fact that I have not been doing those slopes for a few months and with some sng-ness from Monday’s class, the tough gets tougher. I can almost feel the juice squeezing out from my leg muscle…uhm…a bit exaggerate lah…but that’s the way to describe the built up of lactic acid…no?? :P Then again, I also think that I’m having a little bit phobia on that slopes. It’s mind over body I’m sure. I do think that I can conquer them but everytime when I’m about to approach that slopes, I know for sure I’ll be greeted with my legs screaming and lung bursting, even though that may not be the case at times….Oh well…I just need more training…

Perhaps I should also join in the rest of the gym go-ers, in particular to this branch that I always go to, whinging about the recent big hoo-haa that they made after the change of management.

Why do people make so much changes in process, exterior layout, internal management after there is a change of management? Is it all about telling people that they are now the boss, they have their way of doing things and the so call intention to improve things actually creates a negative impact to the gym go-ers without them knowing......

Apart from all those mess resulting from the renovation,

1) Spin class is now in a much smaller room but with more bikes. Cramp!!!

2) Need to obtain a token from the reception if you wanna to go for any classes. This is not the same as the stickers that they used to issued out because why?? Someone will now be walking around the classroom or waiting at the door to collect the token back from you...... And the token is just a piece of paper. Either you must have a pocket else chances of loosing it is high....... Nothing but troublesome...Maybe....the new management wanna to create more job opportunities.....

3) The so call ladies section was teared down....Dunno if that is still the ladies section but there's no more privacy at all with the partition teared down. Now, what's gonna happen to those ladies who doens't feel comfortable working out with the guys??

There should be more suprises coming up in my next visit...I'm sure..........

It just feel so strange....After the visa approval, I had a dream the night after that....It's a yellow/black Cannondale :) Muahahahah

In addition to that hour of run in the morning, that close to 2 hours in the pool has sent me drop dead on my bed before 9pm :) The moment I know I'm still alive, is 5.59am and yet!!! I'm still feeling exhausted now??!?! Apart from the 200m warmup swim, the rest are all drills and drills and drills.... progessing well but not as slippery as I want it to be .....Patience I will be.....

And by the way.....I've just given a verbal visa to go-ahead to splurge aka invest on something.....hehe...Yay!! I've one item less to consider in my justification :) Now...I'm putting this up here so that I'll hold myself accountable and get it done soooonnnnnn........ Just in case....he'll come to me say "talk talk talk so much still haven't get it!!!". ***finger cross**toe cross**, hopefully this is not 3 minute heat and will add more colours to my workout very soon:)

Something is very wrong with my........digestion system the entire week!! I felt hungry like half an hour after my main meal?? And....I don't feel full after having a sumptious lunch? ^_^ Does looks more of a psycological thing but why??? The everyday routine is still the same...maybe there's a slight increase in my workout intensity in the last 2 weeks but still it shouldn't react this way.... Whatever it is........all I need is discipline and self control!!!!!!

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Today's topic at church was rather appealing and just in time for me to do some self reflection. Have I been demonstrating a Christian characteristic in my surrounding?? Who am I to those in my community.....I guess regardless, we are still a bunch of blessed one, although life may not be as smooth as we want it to be at times. There's light at the end of the tunnel, there's always someone Up there, looking after us. So...live life to the fullest and with thanksgiving each day.....Suddenly......I have so many "garn chu" today after reading a friend's blog and after an in-promptu kopi session with another this afternoon....haha.....

I finally made a comeback to CBD after more than 3 months of absent. It was a “just do it and whack” decision as I’m feeling a new weird sensation on a new spot at the knee. I totally ignored that and made my way to CBD. With some ache here and there after yesterday pump and spin class, I’m not sure if I could hold up doing the loops at Fort Canning. Just whack, I keep telling myself.

Glad to see some oldbies as there seems to be quite a fair bit of new faces to me. Start point to FC followed by 6 loops up there…….Nice……… but I have no intention to do 6 at all..haha….
Mentally prepared that the group is no longer the same as it was when I first join CBD 2 years back. The pace will be fast I know. Warming up myself as I tagged closely to the mid-last pack. Soon it as just me and Joanna after her usual toilet break. Pace remain pretty fast…for me at least…..but I like J Give me the shiok-ness inside out. Now…..how good will that be if I could hold on to this pace till the end….

2 loops is all I wanna do up there. Nothing more for I still wanted to make my way back comfortably….haha…excuses excuses… Anyway, I had a nice chat with Xiao Di as he pace me all the way on our way back. Such an encouraging young man he is. Super energetic and full of jokes, even give me a few challenges to do some interval….

To sum it all, this just do it and whack run ended up pretty well. I’m also very satisfied with my new CBD tee. The reflective stars is the best…Can spot our kaki from far in the midst of darkness…Cool!!!

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A trip that I have been looking forward for almost a year and was supposedly to take place next week, was cancelled last minute due to insufficient takers to conduct the course…. With all my tickets and hotel booked, I now have to cancel all of them…..:( NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At a glance……..

26th GE 10Km run – demolished the initial thought of DNS GE run after DNF in Real Run. Had Tao running with me from start to finish. No nagging pain, just a little weak mentally but didn’t get a PW. I had 2 jellies, 5 cups of orange Gatorade during post race followed by Chwee kuey, chng tng and chee cheong fun with tao J

27th – Silly me. Woke up at 630 on a public holiday and sit in a conference call for 1.5 hrs. Karaoke in the afternoon with JC and some of his Safra gang. The day ends in a glimpse. There goes my precious holiday

28th – Busy busy busy day at work. Surprisingly feeling good to cover another 10km run around neighbourhood

29th – Conference call again at night. Slot in a 4km tempo on threadmill before going back to office.

I’m tired…………………

I must be on drugs!!! The most stupid creatures on earth.

While I have already made plans to go do some hiking on Monday Deepavali and happily agreed with the gang to start at 7am, I scheduled, proposed and is going to chair a conference call between 3 countries at 7.30am on Monday a public holiday. Now that everyone has confirmed their availabilities (at work and the hiking gang).......... I just have to beat and whack myself up for such stupidity!

1 -2 -3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11............................. It's 11!!! That's the total no. of dead & semi-dead cockroaches I saw at my void deck yesterday when I came back from my evening run!!! DISGUSTING!!!!!!
Maybe town council sprayed some insecticide around that area or something??

1 word to describe the silence in the past 2 weeks -------- BUSY!!!

Last week was training in Melbourne and I hardly have more than 30mins a day for Internet and emailing. So I’m kinda lost touch with the ‘world’.

Monday was R&R as we arrived Melb in the morning. Met up with sis and the 2 cuties.
Tuesday training starts. Caught up with James for dinner along Riverside Southbank
Wednesday continue with training. Team dinner at Crown
Thursday last day of training. Overbooked myself for after-work appointment!! Squeezing in a kopi cum gossiping session with Jas (ex-colleagues) followed by a sumptuous yummylicious dinner with another 2 gals.
Friday depart Melb in the morning.

So……while someone did text me from 3000+ miles away to remind me NOT to slack and make sure I slot in some running session, I failed the mission :( Slacker!! Trying to console myself that it may not be a bad thing cuz I need to carbo load for Sunday’s real run…hahah.

Back on Fri and with the usual stuff, Sunday came the day for RealRun. My last run was like a week back. How will I fair, how has my nagging spot been behaving lately. Argh….whatever … Just do it, stop, walk and even DNF if necessary. So to cut the story short, I ended up u-turning together with the 10km runners. The same nagging spot is giving some signal when I was abt to exit the trail portion, all the way to the junction of Coastal road, I decided to u-turn and crawl my way back to the finish point. Not as bad as Shape run as I did decided to stop immediately and not pushing thru the pain. Nevermind……..

Back to work on Monday, meeting, phone calls, emails shooting here and there until today… it was the busiest week since a few months back?! But then, I’m still able to squeeze in my gym session and light running like after 530..hehe..Finally, I’m always glad and thankful that things are slowly settling week as the weekend is drawing near…hence this blog is back alive again…..

Whenever boss is in town, it means more carbo loading session. And that's what exactly been happening in the last 2 days......^_^

It's Friday and I'm leaving for Melbourne this weekend YET I still have tonnes of 'personal' stuff to settle prior to departure. Too much to an extend I think I'm a bit disorganized now..........

2 weeks since my last post. I shall not kill my brain cell to recall what happen in the last 2 weeks. Regardless...... knowing that starting from today till end of next week, workout will be min as there's lots of 'after-work' agenda laid up. I decided to have a more frequent and longer workout since last week which.....went pretty well except triggering that sensitve itb!!! Nevermind....ice, stretch, roll as usual.....

45mins at pump class followed by all-time-favourite Ram's 1hr spin class. I must say, this is my first time enjoying spin class after about 5 attempts? Either my butt will ache halfway, my head will spin instead of my leg, I couldn't perspire and felt nausea....all sorts of crap. Things seems to be a lot more enjoyable yesterday. Now I know why 'some' ppl say they look as if they just got off from the pool after spin.

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My 3.5 year old Nokia phone have been throwing tantrum to me lately. Well, it has been month, but it got worst in recent weeks. Reboot itself and shutting me off while I'm talking on the phone, sms-ing and even when I am doing nothing to it. It's also putting me in shame when it shut off while I'm in a conference call with regional management!!! &!#%$&...While I'm not a fans of changing phones whenever there's new model, I think I've had enough. Sadly, there's not a single Nokia phone in the market now that is to my liking. I don't like high-tech gadget and dun need all sorts of fancy stuff. Just regular sms and phone calls is all I need. Sis say my niece will definitely ask me to get a Sony Ericsson because it is more "canggih"?? Hmmm...New malay vocab to me...it means "modern". Niece said Nokia is for old people woh... So old fashion....Uhm.....ok... it's the new generation now....Let me think abt it.....

It was pouring like cats and dogs with strong wind blowing in all direction the moment I stepped out of my house this morning. I stood at the void deck for 5 mins deciding what am I supposed to do now. No matter how big the umbrella is, I'm going to get drenched. Shall I

a) take a cab

b) take a bus to the train station or

c) drench myself and walk to the train station

Option A would not help much because I am very reluctant to pay for peak hours + ERP + traffic jam. Option B will not help either seeing that the bus stop is cramp and I'll probably be drench just by standing at the bus stop. So I proceed to option C. As expected, knee level all the way down........The fact that I"m wearing a close toe shoe really didn't do me any good. It's disgusting, irritating with my feet soaking in a wet shoe and with a totally wet jeans.

Next, the train took much longer than usual to reach the station. Nvmd..doesn't matter. When it finally arrived, I took the corner seat and the rest are a norm, only to find out that the train suddenly stop half way thru. 15mins passed. The train moved a little then stops, jerk a little here and there, it reaches the next station but refuse to open the door. And it goes on and one like this on alternate stations. When it finally reached my destination, it is already 1hr 10mins from the time I board the train. Usually it took me barely 25mins. Doesn't matter.... I alighted, took a seat nearby and do some cleaning on my shoe and feet. Need to do another 10mins walk to office. Can't stand walking in such condition. Finally I'm at the underground floor abt to reach my office. To my horror, it is FLOODED!!!! Shoes and feet is wet again!!!

Nevermind....I hold on to it... Now, while I'm typing this, everyone in the office are given half day because of F1 starting their trial very soon.... Going to be noisy and probably crowded around this area EXCEPT my department!!! Because why? my lao pan say so......:( I'm demoralized. I can't wait to end the day........

As I re-visited Coastal Road yesterday on bike, I couldn't believe how I managed to complete that stretch on foot alone on two ocassions!! It is sooooo long the end point is no where to be seen. Then again, that stretch is getting livelier compare to where it was first constructed. So, this time round when I was cycling instead of running, it gives me a totally different feel. Simply therapeutic - perfect environment for me to do some reflection and go into deep thoughts :)

1:40hr run followed by 1:45hr of cycling along Coastal Rd - I went home feeling contented while indulging in my glass of homemade beetroot & carrot & celery & apply juice. Enuff said.....:)

Tanjung Rhu – My newly found running ground. First time running around Tanjung Rhu, no doubt, I’m going to list this as one of my favorite running spot. Nothing really exciting, just the surrounding that is so serene, peaceful, non crowded and some pleasant sights that you get to see.
Lots of tai-tai strolling around with their kids and maids. I’ve lost count of how many breeds of dogs I’ve seen. MANY!! In all shapes and sizes.

The run itself ----- another typical bad-run day. Feeling the lethargy since afternoon and sensing that something is not right to the body…hahaha…more reason to slack… 1.5hrs from start to end… I did nothing when I get home except from hitting the bed at 9pm and totally knocked off within 1 minute..Nice…….

The month of Sept is a bit unusual for me this year. I attended 1 funeral and 1 wedding within a week and another wedding coming up next week. 2 weddings & 1 funeral.

This wedding that I went to yesterday, was a friend of mine for xx years. Ya..can't remember exactly when we knew each other but it was more than 10 years for sure. Actually felt quite honored to be the first to know he's getting married lah but considering that I know him pretty well and knew quite a fair bit of his history, I still couldn't believe that he is getting/already married now..... Ha...I'm bad I know...... Maybe he has really grown up :)

Alarm rang at 5:45am. I turn it off and negotiating to myself to snooze another 10 mins. The next thing I know...it's 6:45am!! Haha.... I stare at the ceiling for a while and the only movitation that drag me out of bed -- All the rest of the gang are either doing their 70.3, MR Progressive or their usual LSD. I shall not slack. Drag that lazy bum out of bed and get ready for my 1st LSD since GCM.

Maybe I've not properly warmed up yet, maybe this and maybe that.... unless I'm 2 hours awake before doing a morning run, else most of the time I'll struggle for the first half an hour or so. This morning is no difference. Slowly making my way to CV, time checked when i reach Loyang junction. I'm 10mins slower than my usual pace!! Thankfully the download kinda help to kick in a bit of a momentum and lasted me till Changi Beach before my H2O break. Sigh....It takes month to built the stamina, it will take months ago to re-built that now. Anyway, no major hiccups on that knee and ITB. It's good news :) Did a few loops around CB and get my brekkie at CV. Auntie say today is the last day. The whole of CV hawker is closed tomorrow onwards till Oct for renovation.

Saturday was an outing with Thomson gang to Hortpark - alexander arch - henderson waves- lead by JC the "local snake" of that area.

Many of us, in fact the majority is visiting this place for the first time and something hilarious of these first timer.....

Susan - "I'm actually expecting to see waves with water" (when she saw the wooden made waves)

Derek - This place should be spelled "hotpark" because it is very hot (SUPER LAME)!!!

Albert - Got pulled by us to join in wasn't well prepared and was to smartly dressed for such outing

Pik Wan - Sole came off at Henderson Waves

Me - A bloody blister in between two toes. Serve me right for not wearing a proper shoe.

Ended the walk close to 8pm and proceed to dinner at ABC food center. I'm totally zonked out when I reached home, almost 11pm. It's a whole day activity starting from 9am at church... Slept for almost 11 hours..haha....Old liao old liao...

If there's one skill that I wish I could possess now, it will be speed reading.

Looking thru tonnes of resumes is no fun at all....Hmm.....Maybe I should shortlist by....looking at the pics? See who can give me a good "first impression"?? Evil me!!

Back, shoulder, quads aching after the 2 classes yesterday...Not much irritation on the knee...It's a good sign...I missed having such ache actually...ha...

On the other hand, my free-style sucks....really sucks... More of a rojak sytle than anything else. I dunno what I'm doing....OK..Enough said! Try harder.....

As far as I can remember, I think I had my best evening workout yesterday ever since GCM. That’s almost 2 months ago. Extremely cautious of my physical activities ever since the injury, I’m taking every single advice from everyone. As long as it won’t aggravate the condition further, it will prevent more injury, it will speed up recovery, I shall listen and take no risk :)

So, after a few sessions on the threadmill over the last few weeks, I decided to do it on a track. A 10min detour jog from home to Meridian JC at Pasir Ris where they open the track for public in the evening. That 10mins jog is pretty satisfying actually. Ya, first time out on road and still feeling comfortable after 10mins. I started the loop immediately. There’s this group of ang moh playing soccer at the JC soccer field. Looking at them from head to toe, left to right, doesn’t look like a JC student at all. Oh well, looking at their soccer game while doing the loop. Interestingly, I managed to do some experiment on myself although not an intention at all initially.

It was a comfortable pace throughout and I thought since I could not open up the stride or run fast at this point, maybe I’ll just focus on my posture and make it a habit to run with the right posture. I started to feel some signs coming up from ITB and at the same time, I happen to realized that my posture is out, I’m hunching a bit. Straighten my back and tucking in that 1 big mid pack of mine, the strain is gone!!!! Hmm…I thought I’m just being over-sensitive. And then, it happen for the 2nd and the 3rd time!!! Back straight + tummy suck in + arm relax = no strain…Haha….Luv it!! Completed 6 loops decided to go for another 6 loops on the opposite direction. This Mr. Aaron have been reminding me to go opposite direction when doing loops in the track. Couldn’t see what’s the logic and dunno if there’s any scientific proof, I still heed to his advice lah.. If the theory is true, at least I’m on the safer side. If it wasn’t, I have nothing to lose either except feeling a bit odd running against everyone’s direction..Ha….Even more surprising, the 2nd set of 6 loops seems to be faster than the first… Short, sweet, satisfied evening run :)

A bit slow but Desaru candid shot can be found at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/chong.suetting/DesaruHIM2008

One year ago, it was my 1st attempt to participate in a semi-long distance race. The Army Half Marathon/Sheares Bridge Run/Singapore Bay Run….whatever you call it. Fall in love running that kind of distance as soon as I completed the race, mainly because it was my first, there was not a single expectation from myself. I did not push, I just soak myself in to the atmosphere.

1 year later, while I was so enthusiastic to train well for this, I decided to DNS because of some aggravating pain in the ITB and patella tendon. Running have been very minimum and mostly on track/threadmill. So anyway, I decided to make my way down to Padang to soak in the atmosphere. It does felt a little helpless seeing everyone running and you can’t but but but…… to rest is to run longer… I convinced myself.

Reached City Hall MRT and the moment I stepped out….oh my goodness!!! It is sooo crowded! I make my way to the padang and……$#*&^$(#*^%( it was disgustingly muddy. Even more $&^#*^&*#@, I’m wearing a almost brand new shoe. Ya..it was sparkling white. I just wore it once and it’s now soaking in the mud!!! No matter how I detour, I couldn’t get out of that muddy field. That place is getting so crowded with many many thousands of 10km runners waiting for their race to be flagged off. It gets even worst when everyone started returning from their 10/21km run. Not only my sparkling white shoe is no longer sparkling, I got stuck in between those “ah ping ge”. CROWDED! MUDDY!SWEATY! What a combination! And the need of having to find a few buddy among the 70,000 crowd, it’s really not getting any fun. And I missed out the group photo taking, because I’m lazy to move over to the other side and walk over the muddy fields again…haha…

And by the way, I didn’t run but I ended up having to ice my ITB when I get home…..The results of walking and standing for 5 hours :)

Ok..it’s slightly late than the rest…but here’s my thoughts:

Aug 15 2008 marked my virgin trip to Desaru!! Yea, never been to Desaru before. All that I spoke to are telling me the same – “there’s nothing much in Desaru”. I acknowledge and didn’t bother too much about the comment since it’s my first time. In addition to the Triathlon event that I’m going to witness and give my support, it’s going to be an exciting trip. A weekend getaway to laze around is probably a better definition of this trip. No stress, no need to keep checking on my list whether I’ve got all the powergel, bodyglide, plaster blah blah blah…Totally stress free :)

Reached Desaru on Friday late afternoon, checked in and as expected laze around till dinner time. Hmm…Desaru is really nothing much..haha…. The event on the following day was a long one. 2km swim, 90km bike and 20km run. I witness how strong the waves when the triathlete start their waves. Can never find the guts of doing it. At least not now. By the time the race ended, it’s about 6pm. Ya…truly a whole day event. I think I felt more tired than anyone else doing the race...haha..

I was being questioned “Am I tempted to do a tri event after seeing all this triathlete in action”. Hmm…..wait till I recover from my pai kah then think abt it. The biking also seems to be too technical for me at this point of time. Also my first time trying to ride on a racer, I felt a little bit wavy…… But ya…amazing seeing all sorts of expression on the face.

My 6 years old nephew in Australia and the one whom I've spent some time with while in GC called me yesterday. He said "I called you yesterday but you were not at home. Mum say maybe you are running in the olympic marathon"

Random thoughts again......

Worried/stress/upset/annoyed/ is what I have been feeling this couple of weeks over every single little thing at work/life/church. Hmm......Not really the usual me...but could it be the lack of endorphin and/or lack of quiet time with Him........

Ponder upon I will.............Meanwhile, cross train/min running plan is still progressing well at least :)

http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/Schedule/AT.shtml

17 Aug / Womens Marathon/ 7.30am
Urgh!!! Not in town... Doubt we can catch it over there?

24 Aug /Mens Marathon / 7.30am
S*** It's AHM!! I'm not running but I'll be busy kepo-ing at the race site!

My running life is rather pathetic or almost non-existent (although given a clearance of 30mins on road) in the past few weeks. My initial plan of a short 5km run yesterday morning turned out to be a disaster again. I couldn't last for 1km. This is the 2nd time I'm doing the same route, same time and having the same pain struck on me at the same spot!!! What happen?? I thought I'm to the road of recovery. A 2.4km on the threadmill last week seems to be perfectly fine. Hmmm..maybe this route is a jinx?!?!?! Dissapointed ---- Yes I am but am admitting the fact. If you're injured, you ARE injured. Just need to be patience.

Got an sms from a running buddy that says "No run won't die. Use the time to do things that you have always wanted to do". Another says "this is a good time to pick up some cross training". So...I have all my cross-train cum minimal running planned on hand with different combination of gear - mainly shoes, knee guard, insoles :) *** plan is always a plan....whether it's executed as per plan.....ahem...a different story*** First of all, I think I really need to learn to luv the track and threadmill. Go soft and easy for my poorly injured knee for the time being.....

On the other hand, looking forward to this coming weekend outing...I shall get some inspiration from the gang!!!

After 12 days of a "semi-sedentary" lifestyle, 3 physio session, zero running/cycling/swimming, I finally got a clearance from doc to do a no more than 30 mins run on flat road with the following condition:

- start with 30mins, progressively add another 10mins for subsequent day
- new way of tying my shoe lace to provide better side support
- ice the itb/knee if feeling sore
- take anti-inflammation medication if pain arise

And so, the long awaited day comes..... Extremely conservative in the run but did try out different running method. Small/quick stride works the best. No major pain. Big stride, can feel the strain is coming. Sigh...... I'm starting as a baby once again :)

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CBD gang is going up MF today!! wuahahahahaah.....I miss those hills :(

Vacuum and moping floor also strain the ITB????? ***Faint**** sian x 100 ^_^

Playing detective

A while ago over msn:

Linus says:
hi, what are you doing

**oh..linus is pinging me..must be something abt this sat**
ST says:
working...what else do you think?

Linus says:
haha, maybe you doing something else

Linussays:
some secretive

**Something is not right. Block the suspicious Linus and SMS-ed the real Linus. Ask if he's on msn and did he msn me 2 mins ago**

My sms: Hey, are you on msn now? did you just msn me?
Real Linus: Nope. I'm not on msn. Is the person using hotmail or live account?
My sms: Hotmail. I've blocked him. He sounds weird.
Real Linus: Hmm..that must be the person that hacked my account then. Talk to him lah. See if can find out who is he :)

^_^ Looking at another victim's blog, it seems that these hacker will ask "what are you doing" or similar question??

Ok people...LISTEN UP. I won't be so boh liao to msn you and ask "what are you doing" ok? If you see that from my msn acct, pls SMS me to confirm hor!!

The verdict is out! I have a right tendon inflamation and a right leg ITB syndrome. Yes, loud and clear. I have ITBS!!!

Strongly recommended by Roonz and some real positive remarks from forum, I called out The Clinics @ Cuppage to make an appt with Dr Low. To my suprise, I can see him today. He gave me a very good first impression which is very good. Anyway to cut the story short, he did some test and anlysis. This is what going to happen:

- no running for 10 days
- must finish the entire 1 week anti-inflammation medication even though there's no more pain
- no cycling, no lunges, no yoga, no knee lift, no eliptical training
- no swimming in breast stroke. Only can swim in front crawl which I do not know how. ha....

After all the analysis (somehow I enjoy the analysis process), I was then referred to Leslie at 1 Physiotherapy. Again, I made an appt with them on the spot and managed to get a slot today. So make my way from Cuppage to Capitol Building.

Some initial assessment done and Leslie started the deep tissue massage on the ITB. Wahhhhhh!!!!!!!! Now I know what the running kaki meant by "sweet sweet pain". It's not sweet to me at all!!! IT IS PAINFUL!!!!! VERY PAINFUL!!! Next is the ultra-sound treatment...Hmm..can't rmbr what's the ultra sound for..anyway, this was a relaxing one. Not struggle, no teeth biting like the massage.

So, with all the restriction for the next 10 days, what am I going to do now? I can't just rot at home, sleep work and eat. If this happen, I'm just going to end up being more grumpy, more temperamental for sure :)

Looks like I can't do anything that need to have my knee bended. Hmm...should I do something with that flabby arms and stubborn fats on the tummy???? Or...maybe it's time to learn front crawl? If and ONLY if I'm vigilant enough :)

I broke yet another personal record in Shape run yesterday ------ The most painful run 2008.

I thought I'm said I'm going to hang up my leg until recovered. So, serve me right. A walk to the train station this morning took twice the effort, twice the time to reach and a visit to the physio is now a must! The moral of the story is "kiang is enough, dun keh kiang".

Visiting SeaWorld in Gold Coast is probably one of the best itinerary I’ve had throughout that entire week. All because I like seeing dolphins. There is a dolphin nursery in there and seeing how good they are being taken care of makes me wonder……. How good will it be if I can be given such opportunities, working in such serene environment. At least for sure I know I won’t be caught in “everything also urgent” situation or having to be a hypocrite to pacify demanding customers. Then again, how many dolphins in Singapore can I take care of? Apart from that few pink dolphin at Sentosa?? Dream on bah…..

Ok. I hope I'm not hook to this marathon thingie and classifying myself as another "crazy" one. Before I can think of anything, I need to nurse my pai kah first.

But can't help it, here it goes --> the top 10 world class marathon. None from Asia, all these are going to cost a bomb.

1. London Marathon, April
2. Berlin Marathon, September
3 New York City Marathon, November
4 Chicago Marathon, October
5. Boston Marathon, April
6. Stockholm Marathon, June
7. Rotterdam Marathon, April
8. Paris Marathon, April
9. Honolulu Marathon, December
10. Amsterdam Marathon, October

After yesterday's CBD run which is the 2nd run after GCM, let me officially declare that :

I AM PAI KAH!!

Time to hang up the legs......:(

Sudden thoughts..... Regardless of whether you completed a marathon in 3 hrs or 7 hrs, as long as you've done your best to push yourself towards the finished line, I guess it is an achievement that is well respected.

Was just glancing thru the Gold Coast Marathon race results and something really caught my attention:

BIB: M1761
Name: MARGARET CRIBBENS
Gun time: 07:09:02
Chip time: 07:06:27

I saw this lady with 3 others dressed themselves in yellow & red after both U-turn point. I can see that they are all enjoying the morning breeze, enjoying each other company. No stress on their face, just pure enjoyment. What truly amazed me is she is running a marathon to celebrate her 80th birthday!! She is 80 years old! Finished her marathon in 7:09, 51 sec before the official cut off time! Nothing but applause to her.... I doubt I'll still be running when I turn 80 honestly......^_^

Ok. Pictures speaks a thousand words. Here it goes:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/chong.suetting/GoldCoastJul3112008