Limping Marathon Runner

Finishing the "Triathlon 101" book, I can't wait to go to the library again. Usually, for non-fiction books, I'll read books on the same subject from different authors. Different authors would have their own views or points to highlight. True enough, I did pick up several pointers that sounds logical and I would have never thought about.

Talking about swimming. I went for a swim yesterday night, right after I reached home. Of course, I have not been swimming for a week, I could sense that my stamina has dropped. Trying not to stress myself out, I did a lower number of laps. Today, I did a max-out chin-up sets before heading over to the swimming pool. 2km swim was all that what I did today. Not on speed, but rather on interval training and concentrating on strokes.

Okay, a weekend is over for me now. I'll be back to my "camping outing" for my last week. No more blogging and swims till Saturday. I can't wait to get home on Friday night. I have Samantha's first month party to attend on this coming Saturday. Botak's shop opening party on Sunday. A race waiting for me near end March.

Back in my home sweeet home, a break from my "camping" trip, I'm taking a rest from a hot week in the woods. Learning new tricks and knowledge revision on old stuff. Walking in the woods, we did happen to shockingly discover women and a man in the woods. No reason for them to be there,... well.. . except for one. The mattress on the ground was a dead giveaway. Ewww. They were still in their clothes. But, I guessed that they were about to start their "transaction". Sigh. Training area is just not the same as before. Deciding to mind our own business, 7 of us went on in our little "walk in the woods". We saw more mattresses and came across some early warning noise generating devices made from Tiger beer cans. An alert for potential intentional or unintentional intruders. For ladies out there, just watch your back. Stay away from dark areas, especially thick bushes or greeneries. Yeah .. I know, it's sick.

OMG ... people loose weight in camps. I just found out I gained 4kg. I'm not sure if its due to regular meal times or my swims that I take in more food than usual.

Breakfast in the morning with Gang4 and we did some catching up on each other's lives. I got to know from her that YunYun has a baby boy now. That's good. I hope life is kind to YunYun.

Things happen for a reason.

Went to library at Orchard to return some of my overdue books. While browsing at a bookstore, I bought an IM book. Meanwhile, I'll just be reading it. I hope to use it someday. That's a long goal.

Alright .... That's all for now. I shall go offline for a week or two, without posts. Due for "camping trip". I'll sure miss my blue Speedo trunks.

Woke up rather late today, since I had a late night yesterday. I had a simple breakfast and went for my swim around lunch. Wherever bikini swimmers lurk, Muggs runs. I was swimming half way through my routine, 2 bikini swimmers appeared on my right side lane. Immediately, I could sense my lane getting crowded. I could never understand. Muggs had to switch lanes ... because other male swimmers are not keeping their eyes on the lanes but elsewhere.

Surprise surprise, myFTOgpx was around my area and called me for coffee. Anyway, it was time for me to take my lunch. Had a late lunch with him.

Reaching home after lunch, I packed some of my stuff getting ready for my "camp retreat". Took a break when Conan asked me out for coffee. I resume packing and more till just moments ago. I actually forgot to take my dinner. Probably I had too much little bits of icecream, fruits and other food. Gang4 asked me out for breakfast tomorrow. Ha .... breakfast at her "old" neighbourhood. I got to drag my ass to sleep now, while I leave you guys with lyrics of Adam Sandler's Growing Old With You, which I intended to post last night (too damn tired).

Growing Old With You - From Lyrics Search Engine
I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All i wanna do is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

I'll miss you
I'll kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold

I'll need you
I'll feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

Wow....its really a fruitful day for me. I have accomplished quite a lot for a day of leave from work. I started my day with a breakfast at a coffeeshop near my place. Having breakfast while reading a book. *Enjoying life* I walked to another nearby neighbourhood, as planned, to take a look at some bikes. I spotted a racer within my budget. The people from the shop gave me some pointers on what I should be looking out for. Mentioned that they have a regular cycling group for Tuesdays and Thurdays, that triggered my interest. I can't wait to get back from my "camping" trip..... Eager to get my bike. I may or may not get an additional mountain bike. After checking out various details that I needed from the shop, I went for my swim. Once I finished my regular 51min workout swim, I went to shop for the stuff needed for my "camping" getaway. Let me tell you....it was really a humid and warm day this afternoon and I was perspiring all over. All of a sudden it rained... The weather...really driving me nuts. I had a quick lunch and did some window shopping at a mall.

After rounds of walking around and enjoying myself watching people vent their anger on arcade games... I went to meet up with Kitty, Lambie and Beng. Beng was late and I met up with the rest first. To my surprise, I bumped into a long time old friend, Gang4. Haha .... I haven't seen her for quite a while. We chatted a while. Too bad we weren't able to have coffee chit chats ... Probably some other days .... She's feeling down lately. I hope she is fine. While Kitty wasn't feeling too good. She headed home. Mmm .. a matter of fact, Kitty's date is suppose to join us for dinner today. So, Kitty has found a loverboy. With Kitty heading home, Lambie, Beng and I went for some tea and we chatted till 1 AM just now. We could just chat and chat and chat. But, it was getting kind of late and I just reached home. It has been a wonderful day.

T.V. just showed the shots for this coming Sunday night's movie programme, "The Wedding Singer", by Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. This used to be Yunyun and my favourite movie. Our movie. It sure did bring back some memories. I still remember that I bought that soundtrack album. I loved the track that Adam Sandler was singing to Drew Barrymore on the plane, called "Growing Old With You". Planning to use that song for our wedding day if it will ever take place. In fact, I never had that chance. Ha.. well...all things happen for a reason ... wise saying from Lambie.

Last night, I saw an offline message when I fired up my yahoo IM. Turtle messaged me a Happy CNy and Valentines' Day greeting. Seriously, I didn't know what and how I should feel. Anyway, my astrology or zodiac signs readings are so accurate for me ..... I think its really creepy. I shall stop my daily reading for a while.

Tomorrow, I will be on leave, away from office. I need to get some stuff for my "camping" trip. If time permits, I shall look for my new pair of jogging shoes. Mmm.... I'll take a walk to another estate to visit some bike shops. Time to recce around for prices..... Need to have a guideline.

Ugly things happening at work today. We have a colleague who had a real bad pain happening from her tummy to spine area. Understanding that she has some medical problems and due for surgery next week, we thought that it might something that could be life threathening. She was really pale. Sensing something could go wrong, we dial for an ambulance. She was already in great pain and crying out loud. When the medics arrived, our "dear" HR (well ...one of our HR staff) asked us the reason for calling the ambulance. She says that it is embarassing to have an ambulance to stop in front of our building and it cost the company $80. She claims that the patient will have to bear the $80 bucks. She carried on to say that we should just give her some warm water to drink, let her lie down, rest a while and she'll be fine. Talking about being a slave driver...... Ashole. Well, I can pay $82 bucks...$80 for the ambulance and another $2 to tell you to shut the fuck up. After this, several emails have been circulating mentioning that in the future.... if there is any need of an ambulance, we should consult her in advance before activating one. We check that our colleague is currently in the hospital, under obsevation since she has complications. Fortunate thing, that we sent her to A&E fast. C'mon.... we are logically sound enough to decide if anyone's life might be in danger and therefore, a need for ambulance. We still need to seek approval? What is it cost a life? What can anyone say? "Too bad"? "Sorry"? Where has education brought us to now? Kids... don't learn from adults like these..... too much ass kissing, do you no good. Pardon me.... but, bunch of madafarkers. Corporate cockernathans.

After my swim, I am so damn hungry now. Since CNY is already over, I'll do the honors in clearing some of the festive goodies and yummies. So.. . .this makes part of dinner for my digestive system.

I received a "Radio Check" call today. (^_^) .. . .which is a good thing. Talks shall commence after Friday..*Fingers crossed*

Got a mail today from our company's recreation club. In this coming month of March, we are going to have some very interest activities. We have movies screening.... Mmm .. but, not too sure what movie it'll be. I hope its a good one. Something else caught my attention too. It was "Recreational Climbing Level 1". Ooooo..... No wonder, I heard that the recreation club secretary is an avid climber......

The last round, I missed an opportunity to a kayaking course by the recreation club.

Visions of last year's Valentines' Day flashed across my mind. Ha... A hopeful soul then. But now.... ANYWAY, have to look forward, can't I?

Now, I have the perfect place for our date. There are lots of things we can do.

Take a plunge in the sea of Love,
Cycle on the highway to Eternity,
Run to each other's arms.

Welcome to Paradise....

Beng and I went to visit Mrs. Fong at the hospital today. Mr. Fong is there too. He brought us to see his lovely new-born, Samanthan. We had a long chat with Mr. & Mrs. Fong. It was great seeing them. Once rated as an impossible couple, they have clearly proven to those that believe Mr. & Mrs. Fong would not make it as a couple. Muggs is truly happy for them. I'll see them again on baby's first month, after Muggs service for the nation.

To side track a little..... well...what do you know.... my television set seems okay for now. *Muggs grunts* Must be a T.V.'s day of the month thingy. *Muggs fixes his stare at the T.V.*. "I'll be watching you".

Elites of the night,
Swift moves in the dark.
Silent as they strike,
Leaves you with small marks.

Mosquitoes......... Make you feel like you're sleeping under the skies, out in the wilderness. These little creatures are on the rise recently. Everyone be real careful. Dengue is the word. Stay vigilant.

I got ambushed and awoken by one. Can't sleep and started blogging now. Anyway, they're showing Valencia vs. Deportivo, live on T.V. now.

Gathering at BuiChek's place this afternoon for all ex-colleagues. Generally, lots of people are late. Earliest among my peers and I do not even have a car. I think the kids are happiest at this time of the year, receiving red packs. As usual, I was thrown with the question if I am seeing anyone. I was even told that someone wants to meet a potential guy and my name was mentioned. Ha.... I'm pretty used to it. Adults were operating their mini-casino while kids played with computers. We moved off early since we were going over to Beng's house for an Annual Heroes Meet.

Annual Heroes Meet, held every year at Beng's house around CNY. All heroes busy with their super-duper crime busting activities daily, will cast aside all their work and meet for a Polytechnic classmates gathering. Since Beng's place has the biggest living room, our Heroes Meet is usually held there. Muggs is okay if the Heroes Meet is at Muggs' place. But, my living room is so small. If 20 classmates were to come, 10 classmates will sit on chairs/sofa with a classmate on his/her lap. Today, when all latecomers have arrived (as always), we headed over to Parkway for our dinner, followed by coffee. On my way back home, I saw 4 cyclists on mountain bikes. I felt an itch running all over my body.......

Itching for a swim, I did a 1.8km swim and it was faster than the previous timing of 46mins. I clocked a timing of 43mins 30secs. Pretty satisfied, I tried a 10 strokes per breathe but found out that it was too tough. I managed to complete a 100m of it. But, I think I'll leave it at 8 strokes per breathe. I dropped by at the library to return some books and headed back home.

I was told by Bala that the television set is throwing tantrums again. This time, its the volume of the set. Upon switching it on, it can remain like muted. Approximately after 10mins, the volume goes up and down like a coaster for another 10-20mins before stabilising. I guess the circuits need to warmed up. Anyway, this television set underwent several "operations" before and has caused quite a stir in my wallet. This television has been around for 15 years... what more could I ask for? Manufacturers don't make televisions like they used to. I think television sets now can only last around 5 years?

Divers, have a look at this......

Top 10 Ways Not to Make Friends on a Live-aboard
I love Number 5 - "Use your divemaster's brand new digital camera and housing as a tank banger."

Top 10 Reasons Why Divers Should Not Take Viagra
All of them....totally hilarious

Lots more from ScubaDiving.com at here.

Second day of CNY is usually going to the movies with anyone who wishes to get away from house visiting. As usual practice, ZuiTeLun (don't ask me to explain this vulgarity soundalike nickname, it'll be too long a story to tell), Botak and I went out for a movie. "Racing Stripes" is not a fantastic movie. But, at least, it is a lighthearted story as compared to "Constantine". We went over to Cosy Bay for dinner and drinks. As I was walking around the area, I started to plan out my "pit-stop" for my future rides, when I get my bicycle. Mmm.. still torn between a mountain bike and a racer.... Tough decision.

Today is a great day to swim. Public pools are opened and there is only around 5 swimmers in the pool at one time. The rest of the people are sun-tanning. Mmm.. I thought it is a good day to try a 8 stroke per breathe in the pool for my freestyle and I incorporated it into my swim session. Whoa...8 stroke per breathe is a killer. I cannot imagine 10 strokes. Of course....it all takes time. But, it was a real workout on my lungs.

Happy Chinese New Year! I woke up earlier than my parents, a usual practice. It is a good day. A new day for new clothes and shoes. Most people will be traveling around to visit relatives, colleagues or friends today.

*beep beep* *beep beep* Incoming message alert. Weird looking number. CNY greeting should be from Turtle. Anyway.....

Ha...my body aches when I sneeze. Hahaha... so, effects from last night's exercise.

Hey hey hey!! Its Chinese New Year Eve!! It was a half day in the office. But, I was running around helping HR department in setting up the copier/fax/printer machine. Really busy till drained of energy. Not exactly finished settling everyone's PC, it was aleady 1pm. Everyone is ready to go home. I packed my stuff, headed home and slept till 6pm. I woke up, packed and did some cleaning up in the living room.

Tomorrow is Chinese New Year's day. Everyone will be a year older in Chinese custom. Things will definitely turn better for everyone. For those having reunion dinner tonight, enjoy your time with your family. Will have to wake up early tomorrow.

I received a call today that I have been waiting for. Its late. Of course, never too late. A change for the better.. :)) I shall swim tomorrow since swimming pools are open.

Disappointed with myself, I feel weak. Well, humans live on expectations and Muggs expect quite a lot from himself. Trying out the static station pyramid workout, I could only manage up to set number 6. I failed when I did only 4 chin-ups at set number 7. I completed a total of 21 chin-ups, 42 push-ups and 63 sit-ups. Feeling lousy that I could only reach a quarter of the pyramid path, I ended my workout. I should have continued to work back down from set 6, then 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Too affected by my own achievement. At least I know where is my max out point for now. Till I attempted again on Wednesday, CNY.

Saw Jenna Elfman on T.V.. Ha... I like her when she was in "Dharma and Greg". I love her performance in that show. She was totally silly and absolutely adorable.

No.... its not some fancy marketing label, where the higher you are in the pyramid, more commission goes to you. Its just any exercises, performed in sets, moving up the pyramid and later back down. Muggs shall attempt as instructed in the "Training Special Ops" book, 3 simple exercises. Chin-ups, push-ups and sit-ups. Here's what to do:
Set 1: 1 pull-up, 2 push-ups, 3 sit-ups.
Set 2: 2 pull-ups, 4 push-ups, 6 sit-ups.
Set 3: 3 pull-ups, 6 push-ups, 9 sit-ups.
.
.
till
Set 10: 10 pull-ups, 20 push-ups, 30 sit-ups.

After which, proceed down to set 9, 8,. . . . all the way back to set 1. That's why its called, Pyramid.

Rushing back from work, I went over to my friendly neighbourhood, Giodano store to pick up a pair of jeans. I needed one anyway. I spotted something I like. The staff said that they do not have my size. Not that I'm too huge. As a matter of fact, I'm too small. My other choice is a low cut hip jeans. Haahah.. not a fashion guru myself, but I'll give this a try. Lucky thing, my abs are still ok, no beer belly in sight. Eventually, I found a normal polo shirt at Hang Ten. I wanted something simple. I raced back home, giving my 2 new pieces of clothing a rinse before taking a quick dinner.

Watching "Daylight" now. Taking my time to digest before I perform a first attempt at pyramid static stations training.

We had an early reunion dinner last night since YMother have to work tomorrow night. It was just a simple dinner with roast meat, abalone, soup, mushrooms and herbal chicken. It is fast. CNY is already here. Soon, Valentines' Day is next. I still remember what I did last Valentines'. Tomorrow night, I shall take a night off from swimming and will do my pyramid training for static stations. Real tired now. *Yawn*. Blog again.

Yikes...now I remembered.. I have yet to buy any new clothes for CNY. Tomorrow.

The other 4 digits of the serial number on my watch came out first prize on the lottery for today.... *faint*. OMG. I could have had a super mountain bike or an all expense paid for watch. Anyway, it wasn't meant to be mine. I did not continue to buy the number after the other set of 4 digits that I won a month back. Hahaha. Life still goes on.

What I can say? I've not had a decent Spa retreat since who knows when. Soaking up all the goodness, resting in my bubble bath, I am set to spoil myself today. Scented candles would be great. Everyday, with the pace I am set to follow, age never fail to leave its signature on me. I look like I am several years ahead of my time. My skin feels smoother now and I can't help to wonder when can I do it again.

Kayano VII in Jacuzzi

More packing to be done. Will be Man In Green soon. 12 days 11 nights "camping" holiday. Greenery is good for my eyes. My pair of boots look screwed.....getting mouldy.

In fact, 2 more days will be CNY. It is really fast. Several days more, Valentines' Day will be here. Can't help but remember what happened last year. Anyway, I didn't expect that tomorrow is a full day at work and on Tuesday, it is just a half day in the office. So, I have decided to start the other pyramid training tomorrow evening. More explanation about the pyramid exercises involving chin-ups, push-ups and sit-ups. I have yet to buy any new clothing for CNY and will probably do so after my pyramid workout tomorrow evening. I'm starting to yawn. Blog tomorrow.

Come to think of it, I would have gotten my Rescue Diver training by now, if I had not postpone my IPPT. Knowledge for safety has always been my priority, in my own views. Its not about certification or what level of a diver I am. I truly believe that certification has no relationship to a person's diving skills. It is about self correcting when it comes to diving buoyancy and stuff like that. Life is never ending learning path. Choose to learn or ignore. Everyone has a choice.

Just returned from Kiat's place. He was trying to " introduce" his Ranchu aquarium fish hobby to us. While Conan and I were not too impressed, we just chatted and went through Kiat's Taiwan holiday photos.

Prior to visiting Kiat's place, Conan and I had dinner at a spot further away from town. Conan did point out that town side would be rather crowd on weekends. We had coffee after that chatting about anything under the sun. I picked up a Norah Jones - "Come Away With Me" CD. Yeah... I know its been at the stores for quite a while now. But, I wanted to get this CD all along. Just that I always say, "Tomorrow".

It's really difficult to get a tan nowadays. Why so? Well...as I was walking to the swimming pool, it was scorching hot. I was sweating from all the heat. Happily, I changed and layered myself with sun-tanning oil. Once I stepped out, ..... it was just Mr Cloudy taking over. What to do? I did a few warm up laps before I start my pyramid swim training. Along the way, several kids cut my lane. Kids being kids. They smiled as I let them pass. There were just too many people in the pool today. I got interrupted several times, even by adults. But, I am glad. I clocked (approximately, minus off 30secs of interruption), 37min 15secs, which is faster than my previous timing.

Okay, meeting Conan later for dinner. Probably walk around and I would like to get a CD album. Blog later.

Dozens of guys gathered for a physical fitness test that they have booked today. I am one of them. I had to wake up around 6.45am and wash up before taking just one banana for energy. Light and fast to digest. As I cleared most of my static stations, I calculated the points I was accumulating. I figured out that I'm left with the last station, 2.4km run, to determine if I can get Gold award. I have not timed my runs, since my last lesiure run, which clocked a 10mins 45secs. Based on this score, I would only achieve a Silver. Of course, monetary reward is always the push factor to me. It can mean only.... more shopping... Subsidising my new jogging shoes or racing flats. Time is up, as everyone gathered at the start line. Command was given and we sped off. Reminding myself that I should maintain a 3min for first 800metres, I just kept going. At the rate I was running, I crossed the end point eventually at 10mins 1sec. Gold award it is. Now... let's take a look at some Asics or Mizuno collection around town, after my swim. Sun seems rather shy again today. Anyway, its time that I shall wash my Asics Kayano VII.

My profile picture is up. Why Charliebrown, you might ask. Simple. myFTOgpx's whole family call me Charliebrown. Its a long story which dates back to our poly days. We are buddies and staying around the same area. Sometimes, I would drop by his place. There was once when myFTOgpx's 2nd sis started drawing a smiley face on an egg and myFTOgpx said it looked like Charliebrown. myFTOgpx's mum said, "You mean that friend of yours?" *meaning...me.., eyes roll*. myFTOgpx and his sis burst into laughter. Ever since, I have a new nick in their household. Charliebrown.

I shall rest early tonight. Another "tribal challenge" tomorrow, which happens to be my annual Physical Fitness test. I'll leave everyone to laugh at my profile picture.

I am suppose to do an early morning swim today. But, due to a last minute change, I need not stay in the office tonight. Hence, I decided to swim after work. Right after 7pm, I sped off to the barber for a haircut. I took a quick shower before heading over to the swimming pool. Sticking to the 1.5km pyramid method, I completed my objective of the day. Exhausted but proud of my improvement because I took only 38mins in my freestyle pyramid training method. The last time that I timed my normal freestyle of 1.5km swim, I took 40mins 20secs. Still catching my breathe, I headed to the shower room as I spot that life guards are getting off duty soon (it was already near closing time). There are 4 rows of shower heads and I remembered pass 2 guys as they were at the shower heads at row 1. Since it is near closing time, it is not too difficult to notice as there are only 3 of us in the shower room. I took the last row. After bathing, as I was drying myself up, I spotted one of the guy as he is already starting to put on his clothes. I took notice of the other guy as he came running over to the last row of the shower heads and started showering there. I thought it was really weird that why he would change a spot since the shower room is not crowded anyway. As I was putting on my T-shirt, a shadow came up from behind. "What time?", I heard a voice. I spun around to spot a naked guy. I mean... "what do you want?". Within striking distance of my jumping back thrust, I can easily land my foot on his face. "9pm.", I said. "9 what?", he asked again. "9:05", to be precise. He hopped along to the second row of shower heads to continue his cleansing ritual. I pondered as I observed that he is not a swimmer. He wasn't here to swim. No googles or swimming trunks around his bag. Only a pair of shoes. He wasn't even bathing with soap. I have no idea why he is here. I have my fair share of meeting weirdos. I respect anyone for who they are, as long as I am left alone. If I feel threatened in any way, I will never fail to strike like a split second of a King Cobra. I take head shots, only.

Last night, laptop-less, I could not create any entry on my trial swim results. As a matter of fact, I have qualified. Muggs along with another local, a French and a person whom I do not know about his nationality have created waves in the pool for our trial swim. The Frenchman, with a better stroke, finished his swim faster than the rest of us. I clocked a 36min 30sec, better than my last timed swim of 38min 30sec. 2 minutes faster.

Talking about physical fitness, I stumbled upon a book at the library which I thought was really wicked. "The Special Ops Workout". It says, "The elite exercise program inspired by The United States Special Operations Command". A brief glance at the exercise that they have provided in the book, I say it is insane. But, they do have some very interesting concepts to try out. Afterall, it's just physical fitness. You'll be lean (being mean is totally
up to you) after a few weeks of workout, based on this book. No pain? Where's the gain?

Now, I've just reached home after finishing my swim workout at the pool. Using a method instructed in "The Special Ops Workout" book, I am exhausted. Totally. I completed my 1.5km swim in the pool but this is how it goes..... Using freestyle, normal swimming style is to perform a right, following by a left arm stroke before you turn to breathe. Assuming we call this a 2 strokes per breathe. I performed the swim in a pyramid method, meaning....
First 100m - 2 strokes per breathe
Second 100m - 4 strokes per breathe
Third 100m - 6 strokes per breathe
Fourth 100m - 4 strokes per breathe
Fifth 100m - 2 strokes per breathe
That would clock a total of 500m already. I repeated the same routine till I reached a total of 1.5km. The book did specified that it is possible to go up to 10 strokes per breathe...... *What the....* I am already having difficulty at 6 strokes per breathe. We all need time, don't we? Improvement is on the way. Since I'll be staying late in the office tomorrow (due to some upgrade jobs), I'll be doing an early swim tomorrow morning. If time permits, I'll pay a visit to the barber after my work. CNY approaching soon.