Limping Marathon Runner

Looking for for up and coming badmintion sessions. One on Saturday, another on next Tuesday. Good to play some ball games.

Pretty good. Happy that I've achieved much today. Much to do tomorrow.

A good run of 8km... super! Feeling fantastic.

Haven't been too inspirational in writing lately. Maybe never was, yeah.. never.

Working isn't piling, but just overwhelming. Everyone needs you to get back to them. Oh well..

So, that can only mean one thing. Less run. With energy totally zapped out of my body, summoning strength to even blog.. that is just simply... a miracle. This noon, I was really tired and I slept at my desk during lunch time before heading for an appointment. I knew I couldn't take it and I had to set alarm on my mobile phone. I woke up 30mins later feeling a little more energized.

Have not been able to run much this week. Swearing that I would run tonight, while I was still in the office around 8pm, I did eventually run just now.

Satisfied.

Happy that I'll be meeting ZiMien tomorrow night for dinner. Let me take a breather.. go out.

I did not get myself a gift, which I really should. RS200? Plan put on hold. A better deal? Perhaps. I saw a web comics book. Yeah, I like to draw and doodle once in a while, for fun. Nothing too serious. While that book... hmm .. . contemplating

O-M-G ... Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit !!!!
Its coming to the movies! I have been a Wallace & Gromit fan since the day I saw its first show. Not giving this a miss, definitely.

Nothing out of the blue special..

Okay... going run.. *faint* clearing 99 mails from my inbox. How to run? Got reply mails and stuff. Think I can only run tomorrow early morning.

My day. Really, ... nothing out of the ordinary. On course.. today and tomorrow. Went out ... dinner with Beng and discussing his wedding montage stuff after that.. over coffee. Heh heh!! Out of the 7 tables... I already know those people in 6 tables of the wedding banquet!! Cool! While going through the pictures, I saw our younger days photo.. well.. tertiary studies days.... wahhhaha!! We look so.... funny!! Sorry guys.. can't show that here. I'll have to mask faces again and Beng will slaughter me. Think me will be busy helping him out. Got to get some nice clothes too.

Several well wishes SMSes from Renohtaram, 54Brownie and AGB. Thanks guys! My day is not ordinary anymore!

Early. Early. Early. I woke up at 0540hrs. Dragging my lazy bottom out of bed and on to meet the runners at MR for a 2-in-1 event. In fact, a 3-in-1!! I'll be distributing T-shirts (Santa Claus), doing a 10.5km run and a Japanese Shrine trek. Location (MR) set! Time (0645hrs) set! I reached there to find Kops21 waving as he spotted me. Carine, YankeeII, Cheow12 and Tiwazz were already there. Tiwazz is going for the shorter 4.8km with Fastlane who has yet to appear. Once BrokenRunner was here, we went off for a 10.5km.

I gave the SGRunners, who did the 10.5km route in MR, a good run today! Why? Good question.

We started the clockwise direction slow and easy. Talk about girl power. Let me tell you, they rule, okay? Carine and BrokenRunner were chatting all the way. Most of the guys were already silent around half way throught the run. YankeeII lagged a little behind once we were three quarter done with the route. I was behind checking if YankeeII was okay. Guess he was just tired.

Near finishing, I had to over take everyone to take a picture of them using my phone. When I passed BrokenRunner, I mumbled, "Run slowly, ok?" to her. Next thing, I sprinted at least a good 30metres ahead. But, I heard many foot steps picking up speed and I turned to see that the rest of the people (Kops21, Cheow12, Carine, Brokenrunner) sprinting behind me. When they found out that I ran ahead just to get ready to take a picture of them, they all shouted, "Sabo!!!". I almost collapse on the ground, die laughing.

Once we were back at the carpark, we saw the rest who are going for the Japanese Shrine. DO, DreamRunner and Lee (DreamRunner's friend). Bee was there too, whom I am meeting for the first time. Fastlane, Bee and Tiwazz came back from a 4.8km route. Menmoch had a late night and did not turn up. Bselby0, no where to be seen. DO left.. when the Japanese Shrine and Tree Top Walk started... Cheow12 too.

We started the route towards Japanese Shrine and Tree Top Walk. Within minutes in the trail, we saw Sotong. Seems like I was the only person who spotted Sotong when he was running towards us in the trail. I shouted, "Ooei, Sotong!!". I think Sotong saw us first.. he was waving madly with 6 tentacles. Next up, Bselby0 came running towards us too.. Too bad he couldn't join us for the walk. We reached the vegetation bashing entry point for the Japanese Shrine. We took some photos. I did not join them. Nah... I have my own fair share of being a basher. I get to do it every year. I waited for the gang.. but they came back empty handed without reaching the Shrine. Well.. not exactly empty handed... they took some photos while bashing.

Okay. Next stop, Tree Top Walk. We reached there in just a while because it was just around the corner. We thought that it would be a great idea to do the Tree Top Walk since a few of them did not try before. We took a couple of pictures there too before heading out and back to the carpark. By then, I was already totally drained... hungry!!! It was close to lunch. We went off to Adam Road hawker and I had a less than normal fish soup. *Bah*. Best thing!!! The run, walk and company!!!



In short, I did a cheater's LSD today!! 10.5km of run + 10.5km of walk! 21km.. half marathon.

I reached home and found a package sent to me by Karlooong too!!! *Muakz*
My present, a scuba bear figurine. A Charlie Brown card!!! Thanks Karlooong and Eug



Attendance for today's MR Run/Walk
Fall In!!!! :
Kops21, Cheow12, Carine, Brokenrunner, YankeeII, Fastlane, Bee, Tiwazz and DreamRunner

Somewhere in the parade square(MR):
Bselby0 and Sotong

Drop by the parade square(MR) to say Hello:
DO

M.I.A.:
Menmoch

Heart is willing but did not Fall In:
Eunice

Reassigned to another parade:
TLR and Fd

Interesting that someone I met today keep looking at my watch. *scratch head* What's wrong with mine? I paused and looked. Apart from being 7 minutes faster than the time on my handphone (reflecting the actual time), there weren't any other special settings. Nope. My watch don't show UTC / GMT. As a matter of fact, I peeped at his watch. Awww.... so that was why. Even from far, apparently, I could see that he has a Frank Muller watch on. The watch face design was a dead give-away. I love that million dollar face spelling out, "What brand is your watch?" look.

After my appointment, I stopped at a location for lunch. I saw SailorLee and we did lunch together. We are suppose to meet for SailorLee's baby boy first birthday.

1800hrs sharp. I went off. I have a tennis game with Taz today (with his colleagues). Reaching around the area around 1845hrs, I was looking around the area. I used to stay around there. It has changed a lot. Arriving at the tennis court, they have already started early. Wow! It has been.. maybe 6 months that I have not played tennis. It was a great game.. maybe my stamina dropped. Or.. trying to get my strokes back. I think I played real bad. Taz was getting his feel back, near to the end of the game. It was 2100hrs already and we decided to go off for dinner. Carine sms-ed me regarding this Saturday's run and guess what? Taz and I saw TLR and Fd a the food centre!! Taz spotted TLR in his SGRunners Dri-Fit T-shirt. We decided to leave the couple alone for some quality pak-tor time. I picked up the T-shirts from TLR to be distributed to the group on this Saturday's run. Not enough of meeting people I know yet? Willy from my previous office called out to me while I was reading a book on the train. Glad that he is still okay with work.

4 person that I bumped into today... all ... total coincidence. What a day!
No mileage clocked today.. but.. a good load of fun!

But, last night.. it wasn't THAT fun. Dead tired from work. Dreams that is shattering. Feels great when I was in the dream.. but, then .. once awake.. I feel shitty. Remembering dreams.... bad idea. Always a bad idea.

Zonked out. Stun. After a day's work, with an appointment ending at 1900hrs following by documents rushing (help out) till 2230hrs. I'll totally out .... no strength to keep my eyes open. Both eyes red. Let alone run my 8km. Can't ... resist ... the power of PILO. Tomorrow's morning appointment is early. I still have a game tomorrow after work. I need one.

Yay hey! 12 more days before Karloong's going to be back and that is really cool! First, I get my Oakley shades. Second, we wanted to surprise Bala. So, we're trying to contain the news and joy. I will try to get Karloong to jog once she's back. Time to get her fatty bom bom off the couch. Watching T.V. programmes and VCDs for 2 years... time to exercise.

I did my warm up at home. Take it that I'm afraid of the mozzies. Woo hoo.. finally.. can run... After a week plus of no exercise at all.. pigging out, I was finally able to run. Slow 5km. Slow? Its still 30secs faster than my normal run. I thought my stamina would degrade. Refreshed after a week's break. Maybe. Happily thinking about it. I wanted to do my warm down at home. Doing a warm down at my void deck would literally be sticking a notice on my back that says, "Bite Me, Mozzies!". I'm emitting heat and giving out CO2. Better to do warm down at home.

I was thrown into another realm totally once I stepped into home. I had to put on a yellow helmet, strap on my handy toolkit, grab a wrench and torch to fix a leaky tap. Didn't even get a chance to do warm down. Fix a tap quick (my warm down). Just a temporary fix. *Sigh* Too tired to feel anything. Can I have some leave in my hands first before things like this happen? Pissed? How to? I'm swallowing my piss...

DNS - Did Not Start
Not Domain Name Service. I was already awake at 0520hrs. Bathed, changed and got my own breakfast ready. Not going to be a long run.. I made 2 sandwiches. Grabbed my stuff and got out of my house. As I closed the door, it poured! Raining heavily! It was just 0600hrs and I'm suppose to meet Tiwazz at 0630hrs.

So, I was at the void deck of my block, messaging Tiwazz and BrokenRunner while eating my sandwiches. Looking at the sky.. there were even lightning and sounds of thunder... By 0630hrs, the rain was still going strong. Didn't think that it will stop even at 0700hrs.

I went back home, dropped my stuff and slept!! Terry Fox Run 2005 DNS! No pics!

Maybe I'll jog tonight.... No more rain, please.

Well, what do you know. Call it, "A Woman's Instinct". Kitty messaged me, "Any incoming?". I replied, "Good thing, no.". I spoke too early. I received 2. One from Turtle, another from ... someone else. Gee ... is Kitty a psychic or what?

Fast. Time flies when you least notice it. Busy with stuff in the office, testing and all. Now, its weekend already. My foot is better now! So much better as compared to limping earlier this week. I figured out that it's due my clumsy steps while walking. Must have "sprained, stressed" my right foot's little toe. Tomorrow's Terry Fox Run, I'll still be turning up for attendance. To run or not, I'll decide later. If I don't I will take be the SGRunnersX photographer covering this event. Seems like DreamRunner is out too, suffering from ITB. Another group is going to Desaru for race. IronmanDreamer is going for a half marathon this weekend too. Several races happening everywhere.

One week of rest, without running, I feel like a total slacker. On the other hand, my knees feel "better"!? Seems like less pounding = less clicking sounds produced? Okay.. coverage on Terry Fox Run tomorrow...

Slight burnt out from my work week. Slacking for today. More work to be done tomorrow after TFR. Suppose to help Beng do this montage thingy for wedding today. But, last minute change, something came up. We had a change of plan.

Plus.... I'm actually looking forward to this coming week with a few events.
Plus plus .. . I saw a few items in Ikea catalogue that I want to get. A computer table and a decanter (cheap!!). Some items like table lamp.. maybe later.. my room is still in a total mess after the painting.

Moon Cake Festival tomorrow. Enjoy people. My favorite festival where I can make some tea and ROC (Relac One Corner).

Strange....
I walk with my laptop bag. *Ouch*
I walk without my laptop bag. *Mmm.. ooh*
I walk at home without my shoes (I wear to work) *ahhhhhhhhhh*

Seems like all these are pointing towards my black leather shoes. I have another totally different pair (different make). Let's see what happens tomorrow.

Oh... some trailer is showing on the T.V. .. Ha! Its "Kiss the girls". Oh... I remember this show. Such a long time ago. Our first movie together. A jinx? Maybe ... never watch horror or thriller movies on your first date.

YEP... you've read it right! My foot! My right foot actually. Weird. I did all my stretching after my 21km AHM. Everything is fine, went home, slept and all. It was only around lunch time, yesterday, that I felt a little weird on my right foot. I think its more of a muscle pull on my right foot (right side of my right foot). With my backpack, super notebook on.. it only gets worse.

So... effectively, I shall have to stop most form of exercises. Still trying to isolate the problem. No choice.. I have to lose some stamina... I rather not risk any further potential chances of me running. Hmm.. maybe, its no show for Terry Fox Run... *finger crossed*

Warning: Health Hazard. Very long post.



1st Pic: Balasing with Roger
2nd Pic: Fixed BrokenRunner posing at the finishing line
3rd Pic: Gentle holding onto a $10 note with TLR in the background

If it had not been my urge to pee... I would have been late. Probably not able to reach in time to do my 21km. Why? I accidentally fixed the alarm time at 4.40am. Lucky thing for me, it was just 3.20am. Nevermind, I should wake up anyway. Time to shower and freshen up. My dad thought I am crazy, asking me why would I run so early in the morning. 3hrs of sleep only... not a fun thing to do before a half marathon.

So, I flagged a cab, picking up Renohtaram along the way. I explained to him that Carine couldn't make it. She is suffering from stitch, muscle pull. We stopped over at Fullerton Hotel and walked over to the event grounds. The first person we saw .. .. DreamRunner. We could not locate the rest of the guys at the location that we're suppose to meet. After we did our bag deposits .... we saw Skyver1810 with his friends. Renohtaram and I went around a few more times before doing our warm ups near the Esplanade. Along the way, I saw Eric and Peter, familiar faces from MR. At around 5.30am, we made our way towards the Start line hoping to catch a glimpse of the guys. Nope. No luck. We did spot DreamRunner again, where he introduced CheeryRunner and Pre to us. For the first time too.. we stood so close to the start line. I prefer the back of the pack, actually.

The horn sounded off and with a wave of the flag, we're off! Renohtaram and I went slow pace at first, trying to watch the trend of the crowd, avoiding a fast burn out. Within minutes, we Skyver1810 dashing past us on our left, really fast. Not too long after, it was TLR who went past us on our right. We maintained speed... the Sheares Bridge's grade of ascend wasn't as bad as I thought. I didn't want to take water sips until around 10km, just afraid that I would get stitch. I saw Renohtaram taking a drink at the first water point, I slowed down a little for him to catch up. I didn't want to stop. I reached the ECP stretch.. I saw people having BBQ and others who just woke up from the tents. Probably got woken up by pounding footsteps of a few thousand runners. The sky is still quite dark. Barely around 6.30am or so. Still a little sleep, I was running in a semi-conscious state. Some folks who cheered us with drums (sort of... maybe there's a better name for that?). Almost at each water points, they had portable mini-compo playing songs with fast tempo beats. Good to distract joggers who are giving up. While turning around, I saw my NS PS Chang. I'm always like to spot familiar faces during runs. After 10km, I started to take drinks for hydration and to cool off. Okay. I was stopped once at a traffic junction by the Traffic Police, letting cars pass.

At the stretch just entering the Stadium MacDonalds area, I saw DO. DO?! You must be kidding. I don't think he is pushing at his racing pace. By this time, Commando ran past us. DO was running along my side until near the Nicoll Highway bridge where he took off. He must have gone off to chase after Commando. Minutes later, I caught sight of a runner closing in from my left at the corner of my eye. Someone was running really close to me. A familiar face popped up. BrokenRunner! She was smiling and grinning... I said, "Ehhh .. hello!! Go go!!". As swiftly as she came, moments later, she disappeared. Once I passed the bridge crossing Kallang River, some shouted from behind, "Balasing!!". It was IronmanDreamer. "Hey!! Go man.. I'm hungry already.", at that point.. I was really hungry. Looks like my 4 slices of bread with peanut butter jam lasted for only 10+ km. My stomach was growling. I took some Gatorade drinks along the way and I felt a little better, slightly more energized. From then, I didn't see anyone else till I reach the end point. A quick glance at the official time, I saw it showing 2hrs 2mins. Okay. I'm satisfied. I've not exactly timed myself in a half marathon before. Most of the time, just running the distance. So, is this a PB? No idea man.

I collected my goodie pack and the guy took my BIB... grrr... I wanted it for collection. I found our group and I was distributing T-shirts and chit chatting with all the people around. A few new faces that I've not seen before. Fantastic! We waited for most of the them to come back before taking a group photo and heading off for breakfast or.. brunch.

Post-race: Most guys did between 1hrs 45mins - 1hrs 55mins. I think Ah Chuan did exceptionally well. First time meet the real person, totally honored. IronmanDreamer went to do a 12km with his darling after his own 21km. Ultimate!! A great day to achieve PB and then spend time with darling. Lolz. Roger (BrokenRunner's brother) did well too. I got a shock when I saw Joggers bleeding, while I called out to him. Seems like he fell, even before the race started.. Oh my.. take care man! A cool finishing for Taz who has just recovered for illness too.

Runners attendance taken (sorry if I missed anyone):
TLR, Fd, BrokenRunner (and Roger), Lyn, Siong, Renohtaram, IronmanDreamer, Alvo2102, Meteor, CheeryRunner, Pre, DreamRunner, Kops21, Tiwazz, DO, Sotong (and Mrs.), Gentle, Skyver1810, Deathscythe99, Commando, Philip, Cheow12 (and Mrs.), Taz (and mei-meis), Joggers, Fastlane, KeepRunning, Penguin, Dong, Shortlegs, Sanji182, chPear, Dasher, Bug and bselby0.

Runners should be somewhere out there... but did not see you:
_phishy, ShaunZer, Flip, phonmooda and scarecrow (TLR saw him).

Runners whom we missed dearly already:
Carine, Menmoch, Eunice, Cyberkinetic, Kay, yojanjan, Jesslance and Sxuanjing.

Runners see you soon:
Bee and bariumoxide

What am I doing in the office since its Kitty's Wedding day?! Sigh.. . no choice. I left for the Suntec at around 4pm plus to 5pm. Pacing in and out of the New Balance shop, pondering if I should spend on a Polar S200. I walked over to Adidas and spotted an Adidas running vest with a SCSM 2005 logo embroided on it. I couldn't stay around to collect the T-shirt from TLR and I got to head towards Fullerton.

It's a rather small wedding dinner. But, I like this kind the best.. the couple will get to mingle with the guests more. We had some games which really got the guests laughing. Kitty, we've all waited for this special for a really long time. We're all happy for you.

It was around 12am plus when I touched my bed.... Oh dear... got to wake up at 3.40am. AHM run tomorrow today.

Last day of course (which is today), talking about old times, with an ex-colleague who is working at the training centre. Good times we had, bad times we've shared. All that aside. The last mile of sprint for me, a test from the course Part II. Results will only be out about a month later. Still thinking about pastas... I did a search online and it produced the following:

500 grams mushrooms
375 grams Fusili
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large fresh chilli or 1 teaspoon chilli paste
2 tablespoon Italian parsley, finely chopped
150 millilitres cream
2 tablespoon parmesan cheese
freshly ground black pepper

1. Add pasta to a pot of boiling water with salt and a little oil to avoid the pasta sticking. Cook till al dente.
   
   
2. Place oil and butter in a pan. Once the butter is melted add the mushrooms and alloow them to saute over a medium heat for about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan.
   
   
3. To the pan, add chopped chilli, nutmeg (where the heck did this ingredient come from), cream, parmesan and pepper.
   
   
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and toss it into the sauce, add to the pan, the cooked mushrooms and parsley and mix well.
   
   
5. Place in a warm blowl and serve. You can add more nutmeg and cheese to taste if you wish.

Wine: Riesling or pinot noir.

Riesling... mmm ...woooo.... Pinot Noir.. cool.
sheeesh... hungry already.

Carbo-load ... shall we?

Update: 2330hrs
Damn... not a nice thing to hear this on the news.. but, ladies.. better be safe and keep a lookout. As if this world isn't in a mess already.

Stay away from dark places. Try not to be alone, if possible. Be alert. Be safe, okay?

*splatter splatter splatter*

Ahh... raining... so nice. Snuggling with my pillow in a SSLP ( Semi-Supine Lying Position ). But wait... I thought I am suppose to jog this morning?! Curses! It's 5 plus am. Damn... can't jog again. Better don't rain tonight. My shoes need to clock mileage and I need to hear the click-click in my knees. After sprawling in my bed till around 8am. I woke up, got ready and went off to attend my course for its Part II.

*Beep beep* more arrows coming in, *Beep beep* more appointments made for me ahead. No choice. This is work. This weekend will be crazy. Testing in the office in the morning till noon. Will be rushing over to Kitty's wedding. Sorry, babe! Can't offer much help in your wedding. I really wish I could. I wouldn't miss your big day for anything in this world! Then, its AHM/SBR on Sunday. Meeting up with everyone at around 5am. 21km is waiting for me. Okay, now on to embroidery of my running vest.



The shop couldn't actually do the cursive font that I passed to them. Anyway, I selected a different font from their list. Well, not too bad. Do say hi to me if you see someone wearing a Balasing vest running in AHM/SBR.

Later, at 2130hrs, I need to get out of my house and go for a run. Nothing near 10km. Let my legs rest a little.

Update: 2300hrs
Just when I was about to go out for my jog, Mr. & Mrs. Fong called me to tell me that they are just around my area. Oh yeah.. I miss little Samantha. So, I jogged over, looking for them and I spotted little Samantha in mummy's arms. I've not seen her since her first month celebration. Now, she's 7 months old already.

Mrs. Fong: "Look who's here? Uncle Balasing is here."
Samantha: "Bleh"

Balasing: "Hello...Samantha"
Samantha: "Bleh .. bleh"

Balasing: "Samantha...so pretty. So cute. Shopping with mummy and daddy today?"
Samantha: "Bleh"

Balasing: "Where's daddy?"
Samantha: ". .. .. ... bleh"
Mrs. Fong: "It's past her bed time already. She's having flu too."

After saying so, Mr. Fong appeared. He made a purchase for a pair of shoes. I walked them to the bus stop and sent them off. Mr. & Mrs. Fong boarded the bus with Samantha seeking attention. "Waaaaaaaa......"

Happy Birthday, Chini!!! Looks like 54Brownie is celebrating it for you! 54Brownie is kind enough to ask me to join them for dinner. Thanks.. but, no thanks. Shall not be a 500Watt head lamp.

Today, my office kinda screwed up my schedule.... since I'm suppose to meet up with the guys for a TI session, I was really happy last night. Last minute, I was informed that I need to get my butt back in the office for some testing. *Heavy sigh* Why? Always on Wednesday? I even had to postpone Lambie's appointment to pass her the graphics card. Now, a last minute again.. they cancelled order... whoa... you think restaurant? Change just like that..? Work.. that's how it is... So, I missed the TI session with the guys again. Don't fret... I shall do my own ninja underwater training tomorrow morning. Meanwhile... a short run, in a short while... after digesting dinner.

Well, anyway, right after my course, I went over to the Central library to look for some books. Couldn't find any good running books around. Happened to spot Xiaxue (The Blogging Diva) over there doing a recording for T.V. talk show. Loads of crowd around the perimeter. Nah.. not going to crowd around. I went over to Queensway to check out the embroidery. I got to pass them the design tonight. They promised that it can be done in just a day or two.

Update: 2347hrs
Oh dear.. played too much with the newly installed Google Earth, until its pass my jogging time. Looking at where Karloong is staying. Places I've been to like Waikiki. Can still locate the meteor impact site at Diamond Head. Looks like I have to wake up early tomorrow for run.

I went over to Funan for lunch today. Just want to take a look at some I.T. books. Alright!! I need some really boring books for bed time. I found my book store. I discovered another new shop too.. Seems like it is still setting up. Its "Running Lab" (not Labs. Its without the "s"). Browsing around, I saw the FuelBelt Terminator.. and some other interest stuff other than the usual jogging gear like shoes. I dropped by next door, going through the books and head headed for my lunch. Pastamania Al Funghi Spaghetti... Yummy!!

Life is full of nice little surprises. Isn't that wonderful? It really is.

Now, today (and for a stretch of 5 days), I'm attending a course in city area. Uncle Conan will definitely protest again, "What? On course again? Bloody good life." Sir.. it also translates.. you can handle the box already. Anyway, I don't particularly enjoy this round of training.. shall not elaborate why. Today is Taz birthday. Coincidentally, it is my cousin's wedding ceremony day as well. Years.... years so long that this fella (my cousin) has been single all the while. He's a nice chap. But, just probably didn't meet the right one. Now, my cousin-in-law (damn.. is there such a term?) is a nice lady. A great pair.

Making use of my lunch time, I thought I'll just sprint over to Registrar Of Marriages to witness my cousin's ceremony, which I did. It has already started.. I ran. After a while, his brother (yeah.. my cousin too.. isn't it obvious?) called me... I told him I was already outside.. Guess what.. the ceremony is at the hotel nearby.. Alamugg!!! Its either he forgot to tell me about it or I've taken it for granted that the usual ceremony would be held at Registrar Of Marriages. No more time to waste. I hopped on a cab and went over to the hotel, which in fact, is just across the street from my training course conducting centre. I shook hands with the couple and of course, with my aunt and uncle.

Uncle: "When is your turn, ahhhh?"
Aunt: "Go look for one girlfriend lah." (they had to make sure I'm not hiding any girlfriend in my pocket.)
Me: "Muhahhhha.... marriage.. not my game. Safety first." *silly grins*

They wanted me to stay for the buffet lunch. Told them that the training centre had catered lunch for us. I lied. Boy, I really got to rush back. Can't be late for the course due to specific political reasons. Guess what.. no time for lunch.. and a really bad idea.

After my training for the day, I went over to Orchard to get some books at the library and then dropped by at the bookstore. I found the Total Immersion book. Mmm.. I hesitated. I thought I might as well just pop by Borders too. But, let me check out the Mizuno 40% off at Paragon first. When I reached there.. drat!! The staff there told me that the 40% off was only till Mizuno Wave Run day (yesterday) .. duh! No choice.. I had to drag my feet.... head down, walking towards Borders. Maybe the timing was just lucky for me.. I met my Primary School friend, Shihao. Its nice to find out that he is finally attached. I still remember our Primary School days.. about his crush on this sweet little girl. Wait... if she doesn't flare up!! Anyway, we met her again during our Tertiary studies days.. and he still had a crush on her.. But, too bad, I think she was already attached then. Like I said, I'm glad that things are turning out fine for him. Looks like I'm going to get ready for more angbao events. Sorry... no more bestman events for me... looks like I got jinx-ed for helping out in too many bestman events.

Zzzz .. *Ringggggggggg* .. Gee.. time to wake up already. Wasn't it like 12am just 15mins ago? Rubbing my eyes and staring at my watch that says 0450hrs, I told myself, time to shower. IronmanDreamer will be on his way to pick me and then Renohtaram before heading towards Kovan. Once we reached Kovan, I guess a few of us are waiting at different locations. So, we didn't get to meet everyone before the race. I did happen to see several MR25 runners.

Time's up! We were ushered to the Starting Point and off we went... right at the start.. it was already chocking with people!! Some walked.. the path was narrow too. No problemo! Right at the start, I was pacing beside Taz since I have decided to go slow. My stamina can go faster.. but, my legs just wouldn't listen. See? Results of a workaholic. More time on work, less time on training. Well, we ran at a constant pace and when we saw the runners who were returning on the other side of the road, we were trying to spot SGRunners too. We saw TLR first followed by Skyver1810 with a 100 - 150m gap. DreamRunner wasn't too far behind too, followed by Commando and DO. Water points are already out of water when we did our U-Turn. This proves how slow we are. I picked up speed and left Taz behind. I finished around 57mins. Okay. I know I could have been faster. Carine won 10th position in the Women's Open. I bet _phishy would have too!!



1st Pic: Mini group photo
2nd Pic: Balasing distributing stickers
3rd Pic: Collecting SGRunners T-shirts fund

We hanged around the area.. and more new faces came by to say hi!! It's great to see you guys. I'm sorry if I missed out your names (for those who went for the run):
_phishy, Carine, BrokenRunner, sxuanjing, Lyn, Siong, TLR, Renohtaram, IronmanDreamer, DreamRunner, Kops21, Tiwazz, DO, Skyver1810, Deathscythe99, YankeeII, Philip, Cheow12, Taz, Cyberkinetic, Joggers, Fastlane, KeepRunning, Commando, Sanji182 and chPear.

Did not run, but there as pom-pom girls and boys:
Penguin, Kay

Suppose to be there, however did not see, or I might have missed:
Dong, Trisucculent, Seal and Toto.

Next, week at AHM/SBR, more SGRunners will definitely gather! More pictures!

What a crazy day! I seem to have gotten out of bed, on the wrong side. A few hiccups happened. But, I wasn't exactly pissed. With things happening at work for this week, it was pressurizing enough already. Less time on training spent. So, on with the Aquathlon.....

I got to Sentosa earlier than most and was suppose to look for a very tall "Sotong". Well, at least, a person by the nick of Sotong. While queuing for my race pack, Commando was just behind me. But, after grabbing my race pack and I saw Kops21. What a pleasant surprise! Just behind him, its IronmanDreamer and he called out to me. Finally, meeting IronmanDreamer. We proceeded to mark our race numbers on our bodies before looking out for Sotong at the designated gathering area. We did find him eventually. It is really embarrassing to ask someone, "Hello, are you Sotong?". Luck thing, we got the right guy without receiving a punch in the face. One by one, SGRunners started to arrive. Those who joined us today are generally doing relay or multisports people. So, I whipped out my camera for picture taking.. damn.... I saw the "No memory card" displayed on the screen... silly me.. I was transferring pics last night. I must have forgotten to check.

We shifted location, nearer to the end point. Some of us, the race has already started depending on individual's wave number. For us, Menmoch, IronmanDreamer and me, waited for our turn since we're in the Men's Open Long Distance. We saw Kops21 starting his run after his swim. We cheered him. "Ooei! Faster!! You damn slow!". However, swiftly as it came, a heavy downpour that actually headed towards us like a bullet. It came really fast! A few of us were moving the bags back to the sheltered area.. suddenly IronmanDreamer and I discovered that while saving the bags, our shoes are out in the transition area. Curses... they are collecting water like pots and pans in the open. It was too late.. my Landreth got drenched. Heart ache. Hence, we decided to leave them there. Okay, the rain stopped around half and hour later and they had to re-start the race... poor people like _phishy had to redo the swim. What's worse.. most of us are already hungry since it is already 1pm plus. No choice, can't eat now. The Emcee announced for the Men's Open Long Distance to start. We did a wet start, treading water before the horn going off. According to Menmoch, he got out of the water fast, approximately 31mins. With IronmanDreamer on his tail, followed by me. On the running course, I saw a few more of them. But, IronmanDreamer overtook Menmoch. But, I went slow. Wasn't exactly going all out. Worried that my wet shoes would give blisters. I still have a Mizuno run, tomorrow. It was fantastic, _phishy got 10th placing for Women's Open. Cool! Dong received a prize for Mixed Relay first position.

So, those who went for the Aquathlon today:
Commando, Kops21, IronmanDreamer, slowandeasy, Dong, TLR, Menmoch, sxuanjing, Jesslance, Eunice, Trisucculent, Gentle, Sotong, CyberKinetic and Penguin.

Menmoch had a good race today, performing a PB. TLR's car achieved a PB too! We performed a stress test on it. He show us the power of TI Training. At AHM race pack collection, we met cheow12. AHM is using RFID, new technology. Interesting. But, what a day! Fancy meeting new faces of people from SGRunners.

Wasn't exactly satisfied with my timing.. I know I can go faster.. though my timing looks quite like my old timing = no improvement.

Asics shoe, wet wet
Don't believe, come and check



Swim: 41mins 54secs
Run: 56mins 23secs
Total: 1hr 38mins 17secs

Consequences of insufficient training clocked.

Time to burn some rubber? Let's go! We're going on a date tomorrow and day after tomorrow too.

Registered
03 Sept - New Balance Aquathlon (after jio-ed by Cyberkinetic)
04 Sept - Mizuno Wave Run
11 Sept - Sheares Bridge Run and Army Half Marathon
18 Sept - Terry Fox Run
06 Nov - Vertical Marathon
04 Dec - Standard Chartered Marathon

Registration not out yet
25 Dec - MR Ultramarathon

Race completed
28 Aug - New Balance Real Run

Missed
14 Aug - NUS triathlon (got to work)
So many races, so little time.

Fire drill at work place today... Someone was here to demonstrate on how to use extinguishers. Yeah.. I know all of them. The different types. However, a little joke from our company clown of the week.

Fire Extinguisher Guy: "Before someone volunteers to try extinguishing the fire, can anyone guess what is the content in this black colored extinguisher?"

WL: *Shouts* "Oxygen" *Threw me a cocky look, thinking it was a correct answer*
Me: "WTH?! Are you trying to blow up someone's ass? Were you ever in Secondary School studying something called Chemistry before? Dumb ass." (She just triggered the laughter of our entire company staff, the "educational" fire drill didn't seem boring anymore)

WL: *Sheepish grin* "Wahhhahah.... "

Right after work, I joined Beng and PolarBear for dinner and chit-chat. I saw Meteor. But, too late to call out to her. What a surprise! I saw EndlessTrail and PlainSunset too. I have not seen these 2 guys for a long time. What a night...