Limping Marathon Runner

On the news today.... the two little girls who ran away from home, is finally reunited with their family. Said to be running away from home, after leaving a note to their parents. Kinda reminds me of my own experience. Not that I ran away from home. But, when I was twelve, I was planning to run away from home. Run away from it all. Planned what are the places that I can go. What I can do (jobs) to see me through my secondary school studies. But, I figured out that I can't get far. I would be traced or tracked down. Its not like I am in the States. I can cross to another state or county. Finally, I shelved the idea... aside.. in one corner of my head. I might just have to do it one day.

Anyway, its a good thing that the girls are finally back home! Safe and sound.

A busy, yet, fruitful day for me. Morning talks weren't as what I expected. But, what took place in the noon till early evening gave me some better insights on mail routing. I just need more tests on my own. But..... you win some, you lose some. I missed my run. So, will have to make use of tomorrow morning.. for the run. See if I can meet some runners for TI swim session tomorrow night.

Ouch! Humans just like to shoot themselves in the foot. Fancy watching Korean drama after last night's probe. Haaahaaha. Now ... I need to cruise in chlorinated water to keep me in total tranquility.

I took a bus to the HarbourFront with a winner today. Carine, that is!! Wow! Girl Power! She came in 13th place for the Women Open Category. She was just mentioning in the morning that she was feeling tired! Well, I guess she could have gotten a better timing if she's feeling tiptop. Good for her!

Anyway, we reach our meeting point to gather with all the runners for a warm up session. At approximately 0840hrs, we headed towards the starting line. Already spotting a few friends along the way, we're ready to go! TLR and Carine went nearer to the starting line. I think most of us stayed at the mid or rear of the crowd. The first stretch of road run was okay. Hills posed a slight problem, but manageable. As always.. the sand run on the beach is always the killer. I think I'm better off walking.. but I still insisted to jog slow. My right knee was still holding up pretty well. Probably because I was going slow. After the sand, it was trail (not much of a trail, maybe artificial) and I saw Renohtaram. We completed the run at almost the same pace, with Kops21 just behind. Aww... my timing wasn't really fantastic. I enjoyed the run anyway.

We gathered for photo taking... everyone was lazing around, chit chatting.. It has been really fun meeting all. TLR, Fd, Carine, Taz, Kay, Penguin, Renohtaram, Tiwazz, Skyvers1810, BrokenRunner, Kops21, JessLance, Yojanjan, DreamRunner, Menmoch, Cyberkinetic, DO, Commando, Meteor, Alvo2102, Philip, Lyn, Yysiong and Eunice. Renohtaram mentioned that YankeeII was there.. but, sorry man... maybe I missed you out during the meeting up session?
Claim a cup of coffee from me the next time if I missed those names in the forum. But, there were a few non-forum joggers who joined us too. A few of those who mentioned that will meeting us, didn't appear too. I bet they went for the run too. Maybe didn't spot us. There's always a next run. In fact, just next weekend. Anyone feel like winning next weekend?



I stole this pic from Kops21. Pai sey, friend! But, your shot was really well taken.
Note: Can you spot the stuff toy penguin for the top photo?



Some pics from Fd too. I'm still scouting around for more good pics. Anyone?
Note: Who's that clown? The guy who is sheltering from the sun with his hands (top photo)? Yeah... its Babasing Balasing.

After the run, we're suppose to gather for some munch before heading home. But, ahhhah.. I think a few of us got separated. So, Renohtaram, Skyvers1810, Skyvers1810's friend (Barry?) and me (Babasing Balasing) went for carbo-loading recovery at Pastamania. Burrrp!

Update: 2230hrs
Incoming again? They take turns, huh? Are they all in cahoots? Guess there isn't a good or bad timing for this.

Much reading up, I need. I need to focus on other areas. Mail routing, anyone? Any expert out there? I know of one. But, it is not nice to ask.... due to conflict of interest in work, even though we're friends.

For the past few days, I feel like I am in a pressure cooker. Enough said.

But, tomorrow is Real Run Day! A good way to destress. Runs. Food. Photo-takings. Looking forward to meeting more runners that I've not seen before.

Talk about something else....
I happen to see a note that is taped to the monitor of a PC stating the following friendly message:
"For security purposes, please login (username) without password"
A hacker friendly message.

Our workplace seems or feels dull. Yes, everyone is focusing on work. Responsible people we are, indeed. However, I strongly believe they could use some exercise. Getting to jog can be a real challenge. Sports.. on the other hand, seems like an interesting option to them. I organised a badminton session somewhere near our workplace. Turn-out was great. We had around 10 person who turned up. There could be more.. but they had last minute arrangements. So, .. I seem to be their newly appointed Sports Co-ordinator. They could use some exercises. I bet their spouse would thank me for giving them a workout. Not trying to ask them to exercise like I do. But, just to inject some sense of personal fitness or well-being balance in their lives. Good for the heart. Good for the soul. A little looking forward to .. .. "When is the next game?!" when one goes to work the next day. I could almost see the sparkle in everyone's eyes when they turned up. Laughter on people missing while trying to serve or smash the shuttlecock. Kinda like team building, minus the pressure.

I have been featured because I bought a pair of new Asics shoes. Its new model Landreth II. Wow.. I think today's vistor count would jump higher. Let's see what would the statistics be by tomorrow. Food is digesting now. I think tomorrow I shall do the spreadsheet for running log. So, new Landreth II is going for a little stroll later. Or tomorrow morning? See how it goes.. suppose to have a rest.

I woke up at a rather early timing today. Around 5plus. Woke up by the sound of thunder. Oh no! Suppose to meet BrokenRunner for a run in MR. The sky was already red. But, by the time that I got out of the shower and ready to go, the sky cleared up.

Once reached MR, I saw Renohtaram and he got a new piece of gadget too. He is suppose to meet DreamRunner for a 20km run. Mm... I've not seen DreamRunner before yet. Maybe next time. Ah.. spotted BrokenRunner already and soon, Carine appeared. Oh. Carine was doing her secret ninja training today. hahh! 20km. BrokenRunner and I only went for a one round 11km (Plus a little extra hills on roads to make it 12km). We met jogging for 7km or so where we saw Meteor and Alvo2102. Man!! This place is crawling with familiar faces. After my run, I discovered that my AirMax can last for one last run, which is New Balance Real Run. So, I will be bringing her out for a last walk in the park. This Uncle Conan is slow. He can happily take his breakfast with Xena and then come to MR. Never even do a drop ship of carrot cake for me and yet he dares to ask for freebies from my Real Run rack pack. Hello... I have 4 safety pins as freebies for you.

REALLY slow on updates nowadays.. busy on fire fighting issues. Let me write more tomorrow.

Why? At times like these, a crucial life and death situation, a ball comes flying into my court. A challenge to my mental concentration? Maybe. A test of the stress level that I can take? Probably. Not exactly as bad as the previous encounter. I still need to focus on current matters at hand. Answers? Results? Later. Okay. Enough of ramblings... Never knew bombs could drop on me. Again.

I need my sanity back, so I can jog in a straight line.
I need my sanity back, so I can swim and remember to breathe after each stroke.
I need my sanity back, so I can cycle on a bicycle rather than a trishaw.

Already on a burn-out.. I'm totally tired..
But, I noticed a little perk-me-up..... event.

Off to 5km and back from trying out my new ASICS GEL-LANDRETH II ! Yipeeeee! Seems like I have been wearing shoes that has worn out? Once I bought the pair of shoes at the mall, I can't wait to try it out. Just like a 5 year old with a new toy!! I love my new toy. So bouncy.

Plus... Happy Birthday Dear Karloong!!! Muack!!

No energy... Too tired from digesting all the books. 1700 pages over. Finally!! Now, I'll just have to do a revision on the notes that I have summarised from the 2 books. Pah!

Much relieved now that I've accomplished the 2 books target, I went for a slow .. really slow 5km run. Stamina loss again after no exercise for 2 days.

My previous posts on people's attempts to matchmake introduce friends have created some surge in my blog access. Haaha... remarkable. Not to mention on comments on post. Maybe soon, I'll have to state what qualities my partner should have?

Definitely confused by work today, I thought that it is a Wednesday today. Clown. I even typed two "today" in one sentence.

No time on runs. I hate this feeling. Books books books... channeling all my energies on this recert event. I just want to get it done. Moreover the sky don't look good tonight. Its not an excuse and I really want to run. *bored* My Nike AirMax is already showing signs of wearing out (worn out actually). So, I need to check with CyberKinetic on how much did he paid for his shinning new pair of Asics.

I've been wanting to change this blog's layout. Again. So, I think I'll probably start doing it after my recert.

More MSN IM jokes or should I say "friend only" intro from my funny colleague, BlurC, today.
BlurC: Are you free now? Anyone looking at your screen?
Muggs: No. Why? Do I need to act mysterious or suspicious looking too?

BlurC: Huh?
Muggs: *roll eyes* Nevermind. Yes?

BlurC: I have a friend. Single. Ex-classmate. Want to introduce to you.
Muggs: *Gulp* (Trying to sound polite or interested) She belongs to your era? How old is she?

BlurC: Younger than me. What is your religion?
Muggs: Why? My religion xxx

BlurC: Huh? Oooo.... She's not a xxx. She's a yyy.
Muggs: I see.

BlurC: So? Just be friends first... why not?
Muggs: *Scratching my sideburn* Not... Aiyah.. see how... some other days lah.

Not again.

Looks like pace is picking up for me. More.. more.. more..

Disappoint short run. Just 3.5km. Timing is just not right. I think I have to drop this Sunday's Tri due to work commitment. Really disappointed. There is always a race again. But, still. ... .arrrrgg!

Today was really a coincidence that I bumped into Fd. Mmm... just outside my office, at the bus stop. Ha!

Ok... enough clowning around. Back to slides creation for tomorrow's event and more reading... My neck is hurting like mad.... staring at the screen .. till I get tortise's neck.

Let me make myself a honey lemon drink first....

Alright... I'm nerdy enough already. At this slow and steady pace, I hope to get it done by next week. Another training week ahead(next week). I hope I have time for this.
I want to do my cycling!
I want to train my swim strokes!
I want to read magazines in Borders!
I want my Pina Colada!

So, not much for today. Make notes, study, surf a little online, forum a little. I did throw in a run before I watch the National Day Parade. Happy B'day, Little Red Dot!

I was having a lazy morning. But, I thought.. "Nah" .. I should wake up for revision and I did. Caught a little of oldies Cantonese movies on national TV before heading off to MR for the "challenge". A personal test.

Today's run was really a fun challenge. Run 5km in 25mins in MR Trails. I've ran in MR trails before. But, usually not in this part of the reservoir where the intervals between slopes are shorter. It keeps my legs working and my mind guess. Most important of all, the SRBC mini training-racing-makaning-phototaking session again. Renohtaram was first to arrive followed by Carine. Then, along came TLR and most of us deposited our bags with him. I had to carry mine with me because I wanted to take some pictures. We headed to the Time Trial start point and registered for the event. At the same time wondering where is BrokenRunner... Ah ha... there she was... hopping along. I bet she'll be able to qualify. She brought her siblings along for the run too. We did some stretching and some warm up runs before the flag off at 5pm sharp. I could sense the power and speed in a few other veteran runners already. At flag off, we went "boom" .. I was a little excited. Alvo2102 overtook me after 1km or 1.5km from the starting line. I caught up with BrokenRunner on the U-Turn way back and I cheered, "BrokenRunner, c'mon!". Near to 800m left, a female runner overtook me(I only got to know from TLR that she is "Phishy_"). I tried to keep close and I saw Carine right in front before the finishing line. Nevertheless, I did a 23mins 48secs for 5km. It is definitely a good run for me today. I'm in the Tortise category (I thought I would be in the Snail Category). Ha!! Fd came just in time when we finished and we took several shots. Yeah.. I was clowning around, in front of the camera again. We socialised around a little and I met a few new faces. Skyvers1810 and Phishy_. We're a little hungry and headed to the carpark for a few more pictures. We saw Phishy_ again and we invited her to join in for the group photo. Hungry ahh!! Must eat.

We gathered the TPY central for our dinner. But, I ordered a less than spectacular Tempura Udon. Moreover the portions were just enough to feed a cat. Ahaa... Penguin joined us at the dinner. We dropped by at WOS for registeration of Mizuno Run (for those who have not done so). Okay, that was all for an fruitful amazing day. I thought it was over..... When I reached home, went online, these people are chatting in a conference!! Yeeks! While I was still hungry and I grab a bowl of porridge, they called me a pig... hahhaha... What to do.. ? I tend to eat more when I train.

Our attendance for this tiring and challenging slopes run in MR(no particular order):
Skyvers1810, TLR, Renohtaram, BrokenRunner, Carine, Phishy_, Alvo2102 and Balasing.
Fd and Meteor were the pom pom girls for today. Fd doubled up as official photographer and bag jagarer.



I like the shadow shot by Fd. So silly. I guess she was waiting for us to stand for the group shot till she got bored.

*Gulp*.... more interrogation. Now, its another person who does the "grilling session".

What do you know? My "requirement" has been classified as the "impossible to meet" condition. I am asked to quit dreaming. So, what now? Shall I lay some easy to find requirements like:
1) Rich woman?
2) Drop dead gorgeous babe?
I refuse to give in... anyway, I ended the wireless meaningless chat ... I thought the person had urgent things to ask me, I guess the problem can be solved... but, for me to give directions to the person, it is totally inapplicable IMHO.

So, I continued the chit chat with Beng and RLEK at MacDonalds till .... 11pm? Once I'm back home with my PC online, wow!! TLR and guys are all chatting!! Its a conference!! I think I chatted till 2plus am before collapsing on my bed.

Early this morning, I got to get up early to pass the Dive Comp to Donke. Then, its off I went over to Chini and 54Brownie's place to help them in shifting the furniture. *Phew* Took us sometime to shift those heavy stuff before going off for a great satisfying lunch.

Ooops. 2days already, lack of posts. Really tied down with stuff at work. Yep, I'm trying to catch up with new field in I.T and yet study for my re-cert at night. Everynight, once 11pm, I'll dump all things aside and change for my runs. Runs are my only way to de-stress my mind and yet stress my knees at the same time. Mm..

So many scheduled events to take note of. Even a farewell dinner for an ex-colleague who is migrating to Canada. Good for him!

Carine did an excellent job at a re-vamp work on SGrunner site. The entire layout looks clean and easy to the eyes. Neat stuff Web-Mistress! Seems like August and September is going to be a busy month for us. So little time, so many races! Plus, I have several concurrent tasks at work! *Concuss* Ggrrrr ... where's my Pina Colada?

Another million dollar jackpot question was asked today just before knock off time, via MSN. My funny new colleague.

BlurC: Whoa.. not going home huh? Wife won't scold huh?
Muggs: Wife? No lah.

BlurC: No wife? Girl-friend?
Muggs: Haha... no... no.

BlurC: Why? Aren't you married?
Muggs: Yes, I am.

BlurC: Then?
Muggs: I have 3 big kids already.

BlurC: !!!! Serious??!! How old?
Muggs: No joke. Big kids. My dad, my mum and my sis.

BlurC: ##@%@#!!^*^
Muggs: Haha..ha. Keyboard going to be spoilt soon. No, I'm not married and I'm alone.

BlurC: How old are you? 19-- ?
Muggs: It's 19XX.

BlurC: What are your requirements? I'll keep a lookout for you.
Muggs: *blink* #&%^**&% (Not another "I intro my this-that brother's friend's cousin's neighbor's daughter")

BlurC: Hey... your turn... keyboard spoil already.
Muggs: Ok, my requirements ....... Minimum Processor Intel Pentium or compatible 2.8-GHz processor, Memory 1024 MB of RAM, Hard Disk 100 GB of available hard disk space, PCI-E Graphics Card, DVD Writer, 2 GBitEthernet, Firewire and USB2.0. Plus 17" LCD.

BlurC: ....... Go home lah, go home lah!!!

Just when I think it is safe to roam the streets again......Terror strikes! I fear there will be more interrogation on this topic again. Eh.... . tomorrow on training... *phew* Saved by the bell!

Rising early to get over to Fullerton for a support role on seminar. Drat! I forgot to snap pics again. Too involved in the seminar stuff. Too many familiar faces, saying hello hi here and there. Once everything was over, it was near lunch time. I met up with Hamusa, Commando and Coulieo for lunch. Great meeting the guys again! Time flies when you are having fun. Too bad time was not enough for a quick coffee fix. Another day then.

I was kind of stoned for the whole of today. Down with slight flu and insufficient sleep. I hope I'll get better after a good night rest. Needing to sweat badly, I ran a 5km. I had to run anyway. 24min or so. Whoa.. long long time ago in a far away land.... I did it below 21min. Amazing. Guess I swallowed a cryptonite... Now lost all my super powers.

at Fullerton. Chatting with folks over a cup of mocha has let me learn quite some stuff. We took a break after some set up. I was analysing myself. Changes, I need. Let me get it over and done with for my paper so that I can do more. I have more to learn in life. I was so lazed back into the couch that I forgot to take some pictures! Gee.. Fullerton has been around for some time and I haven't set a foot into the hotel. But, I still remember those days that Beng and I took some pictures of ourselves in Uni Graduation gowns.

Great! Tomorrow's event will be interesting.... will be meeting some old friends again!

The heat wave during lunch time was really terrible. I would have preferred this kind of weather if I was in my swim wear. Practically melting...
Rest day for me after long run on Sunday. Training resumes tomorrow. Meanwhile, more reading up to do. Time is precious.