Limping Marathon Runner

Meeting some of the runners today for a cruel swim-run transition training (on a Chinese Lunar New Year Day2!?) at 8.30am, I was there early. LittleFoot gave away his location right away with his 2 prominent tennis racquets sticking out from his backpack. We reached MacDonalds at HarbourFront and LittleFoot pointed out that Astrogirl is at the Internet kiosk. I walked over to discover that she is surfing the forum! "I'm clearing the posts!!" .........

Running a little late, Tiwazz arrived at 9am. We took our breakfast and went over to the bus terminal for our ride to Sentosa. We were greeting by a line of vistors to the island. Not too bad. We reached the beach around 10.30am and Renohtaram was on his way. Time to get changed! I took Tiwazz's float and thought of covering safety. Our aim was to swim to a pole structure around 20-25 metres away and do a loop back to the beach. We did threading of water in the sea for 5 minutes for confidence building too. *Crrrrkk* "For those who are using floatation devices, please stay near to the shore." *Crrrrkk* Obviously, the life guard was referring to me, I waved back to him signaling I'm fine. Within seconds, *Crrrrkk* "The gentleman using floatation device, please stay near to the shore." *Crrrrkk*. TMD. I had to moved back and spoke to the life guard briefly. He explained that this is the standing order even in swimming pool. Okay. I understand that it is his job (don't want to be a difficult person here), I complied. That leaves Tiwazz, Astrogirl and LittleFoot doing their 10 rounds on their own, while I *eyes roll* acted as the buoy in the choppy sea for them to practise open sea swimming sighting. Simulation. LOL. A lady and his younger brother were also swimming around there with a dog. The dog kept running over to me. Funny. Dogs and I don't usually mix. For some particular reason, well .. 50% of the dogs anyway, don't like me. This particular dog was really friendly and the owner had to pull it away from time to time. Renohtaram soon arrived barring his 6Packs. Not sure if people were drooling.



Thoughout the 10 rounds, simulating close to a 800metres swim, there were several huge boats that went to and fro the outskirt of the break waters. Numerous waves were created. I think they had quite a few mouthfuls or helpings of sea water. *Gulp* Spit! *Pweeeii* Claps!!! Renohtaram and I clapped because the guys and our Astrogirl did well!! Waves, distance, sighting and buoy turning simulation were all thrown in for them. It was really sunny by then and we headed towards the HarbourFront again for some pizza and fruits. Once reaching the bus terminal again, we were shocked to find that the queue for bus ferry to the island was all the way to the MRT station. OMG. That is a good 150-200metres (approximate) of queue!! We wanted some Ice Kachang.. .. and found none. CNY, not too many shops were open.

Wanting to do a morning LSD at MR-Lower-Upper Peirce, I had to changed it to mid-day instead. Hot. Equiped with a cap, sunglass, digicam and my new CamelBak, I went ahead to explore new places. Once I reached MR, I did more stretching than usual before starting out.



I took the usual 4km route exiting to the main route. For the 10.5km route, we would usually turn left. This time, I turned right, following a nicely formed gravel path just beside the road. Just when I thought I am reaching Uppper Thomson, the path led me back into vegetation of MR again. Hmm.. seems like still far? I continued to jog, crossing some small bridges and ran along a stream. Pausing occasionally to enjoy the surrounding and taking pictures.. I did not want to go too fast, while monitoring my ankle too. Soon, I reached a clearing after getting out of the vegetation where there is a car park. I took a left turn out of the car park, using Island Club Road to join to Upper Thomson Road. Jogging along the pavement, passing a temple and Peirce Secondary School on my right, I soon reached the Old Upper Thomson Road. Lower Peirce Reservior was just in front of me. I continued with several nice bungalows on my right.



In no time, Casuarina Road right before my very eyes. Probably given that fact that I have not taken my lunch yet, hunger pang struck. I was down to a run-walk strategy with a growling stomach when I reached the Upper Peirce Reservior Park. Yeah ... I still had slopes to tackle. *Growl* That did not help. After a few pictures and walking around, I headed back to the Casuarina Road. Along the way, a friendly fellow Indian motorist offered me a ride on his bike. I declined politely. Me .. being smelly and sweaty after the run, I rather walk / run back to Casuarina. A nice gesture from him to stop by and ask me if I needed a ride.

Famished, starved. I ordered 2 plain and 2 egg pratas with an ice cold lime juice. Fuel is important. So .. . my orginal plan was to run back to MR. I had to cut short due to missing my lunch. A recce that is a LSD (but Not-So-LSD) run at 14.6km. The good stretching before I started my run served me well.

I met up with Tiwazz, Cheow12, Violet, Cheow12's colleague and ChrisLeow (who is my Secondary School classmate and Cheow12's colleague). We thought of going for the 10.5km route, hoping that the path would be okay now (sealed due to landslide). We might as well try .. . if it is still blocked, we will just turn around. Once we reached the Ranger station, we noticed that the barricade is still around. No luck.



By then, we noticed that Violet and ChrisLeow went missing.. thinking that they have taken a wrong turn, we went back to the car park area to wait for them. Along the way, Tiwazz and I bumped into Choonwei. I noticed a guy dropped something while he was running and that is when I spotted him. When we arrived back at the car park, Violet and ChrisLeow were not back yet. Wahahah. They might have missed a turn and ran more than 11km! While waiting, we spotted Bselby0 and called out to him. We had a brief chat. It seems like he wanted to go for the KL Marathon. Unfortunately, he had to go for his company's conference meeting overseas and will be traveling. Soon, Violet and ChrisLeow reached the car park and we all headed to AV market for some food. The Avocado fruit juice shop is closed for new year. Boooo. We did a shopping walk at Ikea before heading home.

After contemplating about the Safra Biathlon, I have decided to go for it. Guess I will register after CNY.

Open Sea Swim. I think I remembered that there is an Open Sea Charity Swim last time. I missed it. A 10km open sea swim would be fun! Time to soak some sun and lick some salt cystals!

That was fast! myFTOgpx told me about his sis's office writing off some PCs. $60 per piece, only 12 available. Not too sure of the specs. But, minimum a P3. Yeah, I need one for testing my work related stuff. Ta-da!!! Just an hour ago, my buddy called me that he has collected the PC. W00t!! I actually got a surprise that the PC is a SFF Compaq and it includes a monitor too! I just received the goods and waiting to test out the hardware once I'm free! *Thrilled*

Most people went on leave in our office today. Rather quiet .. . but, I still had to conduct an informal run through on my pet product.

How can you leave me just when I needed you? Feels like I have lost the meaning of life. Disc man went ka-put!

Sounds like a familiar tune in my head, all over again.

A company night out event with customers. Bowling session / mini-league. ArcadeDT was there too.. and in my team. PolarBear, the brute force power bowler, was also with us. We did not win anything.. close to winning some vouchers.. but, its okay. Fun. I have not bowled for quite some time. I still recall those days in the lower Secondary that I was able to do hook with house balls. Seems like all have been wasted into the gutter along with the ball. Took me some time to find my finger positions and approach sweet spot just now.



More infomation and confirmation on the up and coming Mount Kinabalu trip. Getting ready.

A short 6km run today. However, in the city area, called the CBD run. Something wrong with the name here. It should be called the Run and Sniff event. We ran into Marina South, I probably ran at a faster pace, where most have not warmed up yet. Passing by the buffet open area and Long Beach restaurant too, smell of BBQ and seafood filled our lungs instead of oxygen! We could no longer hear our own panting. It was our growling stomach instead. The restaurant diners saw a bunch of crazy people who ran pass them. It was such a tease! We were right there... and we could not stop for even a chicken wing.. not to mention a baked lobster with cheese.



Nearing to the end point, probably 0.8km away, my phone rang. Zoossh on the line, confirming our trip. Lucky thing that I am pretty used to talking over the mobile phone and running. It wasn't that bad, I could still pick up some speed.

We had dinner at Maxwell market, where I ordered a Char Kway Teow.. 1 person at the wok, 2 overseeing orders, I had to do a self service collection and they still got my order wrong. Brilliant! I ordered a Banana milk from a fruit juice stall.. and topped up with a mug of sour plum juice. Oooooo... heavenly.

Since I am having reunion dinner tonight, I had to do a quick session in the pool. Starting out at 1845hrs, I did not exactly go for distance (laps) today. I focused on stroke count instead. Lousy. Only managed a 44 strokes per lap in the pool. Boooo.

I am hoping for 40 strokes for now.. *sigh* still padding and trying. *crosses fingers and toes for practises* When I was almost done with my swim, the rest of the guys arrived. Surpise guest appearance. In fact, two of them. Hedgehog came too! Staying around for a while before I ran off for my reunion dinner and popping back in time to join them for their dinner (I watched them eat). I had a ice cold Milo while listening to Sotong explain how does biking hinder peepee's peak performance for guys. No triathlon for him now. Though medically proven, go tell that to Lance Armstrong. Now, I truly know why they call an Ironman, .... Ironman.

I did a run.. like a walk down memory lane.

I ran the road that I once so dread walking, on every Sunday.
I ran the road that over looks the square that I once geared up for conditioning.
I ran the road that leads to unimaginable conditioning programs.

It did bring back loads of memories. Tough... but I went through it. As I ran along, the cleared fields now spot a distinctive Biopolis sticking out. I was searching for the link to Queensway. But, I think I took a turn too early. I ended up in Commonwealth instead after crossing the railway lines. Mounting up to a short 7km.



Linking up with some runners at AV market. They all had laksa, while I had prata. The avocado drink was really power! A never to miss selection at AV market. Most of them went home and the remaining few shopped in Queensway. I paid $10 for a Deuter camera pouch for my new cam. Cheap buy! Renohtaram, Tiwazz, Bee and I went over to Beach Road for some more shopping therapy. Did not end up buying anything at all and we took some drinks before going home.

Updated: 2330hrs
Just received a phone call on work several minutes back.. really killed me.. I almost die laughing. What is wrong?! Nevermind. Give me a blindfold and I'm ready to charge. Charrrgggggeeeee!!!

Early in the morning, I received a SMS invitation to 武林大会 on the 4th February. Looking forward to our AGM CNY meet! Ha!

Okay, now to the Objective of the day:
1. Open sea familiarisation swim for Tiwazz.
2. To film Tiwazz's front crawl.

LittleFoot, Tiwazz and I met earlier for some coffee before the 3pm swim meet. Probably not been taking bus from the Tiong Bahru area for quite a while, they have removed the bus service going to Sentosa. We took a train over to Harbour Front for the bus. run.run.runaway? Already found a spot at the beach.. and near the 8P lifeguards too! Renohtaram linked up with her earlier than us arriving there too.



Once we have found them, it was no-time-to-waste. Gear up time. Tiwazz was applying a full body sun block coating (approx a good 10mins) while I checked my batts in the digicam. LittleFoot and Tiwazz marched to the open waters like penguins heading to the sea. Ready! I bet it was a good experience for the two of them. Of course, safety is really important.. had to keep asking them to stay near to the shore. Renohtaram was watching over our baggage. I managed to do a video clip capture of Tiwazz before the slight drizzle came. I had to hide my cam away. Renohtaram went off to look for his friends at the Sentosa chalets and run.run.runaway joined in at the swim. I took over in looking after our bags. LittleFoot and Tiwazz did a few good rounds by then, gaining more confidence, swimming in the open waters. We exchanged a few tips and pointers.

As the sun was going to set in a hour's time, we bathed and packed up. We had dinner and walked around the mall for some window shopping. I guess today's exposure has served them well in confidence building for open sea swimming. Little steps, but, good! I'm totally dead tired.

Seems like I have a long list of hurdles to jump over... I just have to keep going.. my head up high.

I was early after work and went to several places to checked on some stuff. Great! Did my calculations and it seems everything is in order. Moving over to central to meet Beng and Lambie, I was already famished. Seems like a bowl of noodles could not even fill 40% of my stomach. Ahh.. great news from Beng! Good for you! We chatted over dinner and all of us seemed to be really hungry. We trotted over to TCC for some coffee and desserts. Sinful chocolate cake and tiramisu... Almost finishing the cakes.. I was already burping.. Yes, Lambie, I know my Oreo Mocha Frappe looks good. It taste good too. I feel fat now. Beng looked rather sleepy (probably due to work at office and more at home) and Lambie looked rather chirpy (from traumatising, what else?)... Time to say good night!

Somebody is having long work hours for past few weeks, probably months too! Cheer up!! Here's a smile for you! :) CNY is around the corner!

A new template which took me some time to edit, from the original at PinkFreak Design. I like some of their work. This design in particular is pretty neat.

Ok. I can sleep now.

Updated: 2300hrs
After a day's work, I bumped into Tekko and we briefly chatted for a while before heading off to meet PTK and KJ. Finally, tonight, I've washed those filthy power-coated shoes that landed into some mud pool on Tuesday.


Meeting Beng and Lambie tomorrow night for dinner. Kitty? Not so soon.. some other days..

On course today (in fact for the whole of this week), lightning spotted and thunder heard around 4pm. Skies looked dark and it did rained a little. A fortunate thing that it stopped before our 7pm short slow run. Blunder in the meeting point (not sure if I SMS-ed the wrong location) and sent LittleFoot to Jurong Point. *Ooops* I just trashed my sent folder and could not see if I have made the typo. *Apologies* Down to Tiwazz and myself walking over to meet Kops21 and Freddy. Upon arrival, Kops21 told us that Freddy went off due to some other issues and he pointed out to us a figure in the pool. Runalone was doing his TI swim.

We did some warm up and moved out of the gym. Along the same path.. we encounted some muddy patches from this afternoon's rain. Was it? Erm.... *Shrieks* I felt some sensations in my feet. My socks are a little damp. My shoes are stained with mud!! We were only able to see it once we reach the rays of light from the nearby street lamp.

......

I think I have to wash my shoes again from Sunday's step-a-dung incident. Another tooth brush! Someone went, "My Mizunos! Wahhhh". *Snigger* We pressed on, passing some jogger and cyclists. "Touching" the road at the designated U-Turn point, we head back to where we came from. Thoughts came across our minds, "Another 20 plus metres of mud again?". We chose a more solid path.. the road.. Discoveries! It connected to a few restaurants in a stretch of semi-detached and bungalows. Familar as it looks and memories started coming back! Ah.. I've been here before. As we proceeded.. it seem to have reached a dead end, with the expressway in front of us .. yeah, there is still a concrete path by the side of the expressway. We used that to head back to the start point.. Somehow, the concrete path ended.. and we went on the grass patch.. "Front scout, confirm ground.", I heard Kops21 shouting. Need I say who is the front scout?! LMAO! Green grass looked pretty dark and longer than usual as we came across a possible path in the bushes based on a direct azimuth back to the running path near start point. Kops21 persuaded us not to try in fear of untested grounds in lowly lit areas. What could be worse? Snakes maybe. Along the grass patch we shall move! I stepped carefully, rather slow than falls.

Was it? Erm.... "What The!!!!", I shouted... By the second word, my feet were already soaking wet. Water hazards! I pointed out and told them to look for drier spots. Tough luck.. ... they got wet too. Tiwazz related back to his experience, "Wow, Holy cow. Just like Ultramarathon day.". Estimated of 10 metres stretch of wet patch, up till ankle level, hidden underneath the grass. Three of us grumbled and walked back to the start point which was another 0.7 to 1km ahead.

Time to change and head for dinner! Lucky thing.. three of us in the wet shoes run.. else... if more were here.. they would cast stones or maybe some Asics/Mizunos at us. Run!

I saw Ben & Jerry's Fossil Fuel on the way back home. Aw,.. just a few bucks more (spent on my dinner).. could have bought it. Maybe tomorrow. Nostalgia. "Maybe tomorrow" is Tarcy Su's song.

Yesterday, several of us went for a run. Slow. Since I thought they are going for a slow jog.. 10km.. I should still be fine. I have to test my ankle's condition anyway. I woke up pretty early at 5plus in the morning, took a bus down to Gleneagles before walking over to the meeting point. I'm the earliest with others arriving soon. Cheow12, Violet, Tiwazz, Cokiee, LittleFoot, Renohtaram and I started off at the stadium. Along the way, we met up with Chyarose before heading over to 6th Avenue. Some of them went to try the slopes at 3rd or 5th (can't remember) Avenue. Due to some road works, some of us got separate. Of course, all of us know the way back and we gathered at the basketball court exchanging stretching techniques. Brunch! *Hint* There were 3 plates of Lontong. Guess who were the ones?!

Since Chyarose is flying off soon, Tiwazz, Renohtaram and I bought her ice cream. After some Holicks ice cream for me, the threes of us took a bus ride.. all napping on the bus.. reaching Queensway Shopping Centre. While walking around looking at sporting goods, .. Tiwazz resisted the temptations from nearby laksa smell.... After some window shopping, we all headed home. That was when I discovered that I had stepped on some dung. There were still grass on it.. must have picked it up during the run. *faint* Sacrificing a tooth brush, I soaped and brushed it before washing my Asics.. lucky thing. .. its the Landreth. Overall, I am glad that I am to complete 10km for now.. Everything looks good so far.

Now... I just came back from swimming with some new faces in the pool! HyperActive, I think that is what her nick is. LittleFoot's friend. So many splashes made today! HyperActive, Cheow12, IronmanDreamer, Wildcat (in his 2 piece Tri suit), Astrogirl, Tiwazz, LittleFoot, Kops21 and myself.

I woke up late today and had lunch with Tiwazz and Renohtaram. These 2 power eaters! Tiwazz finished off some YongDaoHu and then another plate of satay bee hoon. Renohtaram ordered a Hokkien Fried Noodle and then Nasi Lemak. Forgive them... probably due to their workout. Renohtaram had a swim in the morning and Tiwazz went for a 6 pack training too. We went separate ways and I flew off to meet JapBoy for American Pool. After our 2hour session, I suddenly thought of a place to look for Munchkin. Right on target! But, they are still waiting for orders to come in.. it has already been 3 months?! They did have the Super Munchkin. I wasn't too interested in that.

Yesterday, talking figuratively about poison.. . .. today, real poison struck. I was getting breathless and coughing. Food allergy!! Usually when I'm hit, I would get itchy tongue. *Grrr* How to scratch an itchy tongue!!?? "Try Sorbet...". Hmm.. worth a try. NOT! Will have to skip any food that causes allergic reactions. Today, I learned something new. This time, it's bad. Breathless and coughing quite a bit, itching all over.

Finally, better now, after much downing of liquids and juices. Flush the toxins!! Aww. .. I missed the Teh Tarik.. hope they have fun!

Enough is enough. Poison flows like blood to the heart. Stop it all at once.

I think I chipped my molar last night. I had to go to the dentist to get it fixed. It was rather fast and the dentist commented that I am brushing my teeth too hard. "You can even tell?!!" My gums are okay, she pointed out. Oh well.. might as well do cleaning. *Ouch ouch ouch* Think I shall left my right top molar rest for a couple of days. *pffttt* Costed me $95. My wallet says, "Ooeei .. Ouch". TMD.

I'm glad that the morning session (work) went smooth. *Phew* It wasn't as bad as I thought it would turn out. Another familiar face. Small world. After lunch and back to office for some small fire fights.

After work, changed and getting ready to go out for a swim. Damn... LS. Lucky thing that it was okay. Oh no! Skies started pouring again. Slight drizzle. I put on my cap and went off. RunAlone, Tiwazz and Kops21 were already there. We chatted while waiting for Sotong and Chyarose. "Let's not wait. They look for us in the pool." We went to change in the restroom and got a SMS from Sotong. "Can't join you guys. Forgot to bring swimming trunks." Ha!! Blur indeed. After 2 laps, Chyarose was already here. Swim, swim, swim! Cold, if there's no movement!! I swam 1km, focusing on strokes. Hmm.. I feel better!!

Rain. Stopped me in my tracks again for this morning's run. The rest still went ahead to meet at MR. They went Casuarina for prata again. I think they went for the air-con route.

I went for my pre-arranged meet up with the new Mount Kinabalu climb mates for a pre-climb discussion. Zoossh, Mark Goh, Timothy and Ling. We still have to work on some of the accomodation and flight issues.

Bought 2 books in Year 2006 so far. Just got myself a Total Immersion today after delaying for so long.

Sky was holding just now and I went for a short 5km. Felt great! I have been wanting to run for such a long time and finally... yes!!! Ankle seems ok.

6 Days without coffee.

Went home right after work. Changed and got all my stuff ready for some ninja swim. Damn!! I fell asleep on the sofa and was almost late to meet the Ninjas! Tiwazz, AstroGirl and Dasher were already at the swimming pool entrance. I arrived and was followed by Kops21 and LittleFoot. No time to talk! :)

All of us changed and we straight into the pool. Kops21 was the first to jump in the pool, followed by me. Both of us squealed like little pigs. It was freezing! Can't chit chat!! Got to swim and keep our bodies moving to beat the cold. Tiwazz asked if we can change back into our clothes and go for dinner instead. A surprise drop by, Taz.

When we finished all our laps, Kops21 left early while the rest of us looked around for dinner.

It was suppose to be a good slow jog today, meeting at 7am with the guys. At 4am plus.. it was already raining. Oh no! I gave it till 6am, before deciding that I should hop back in bed. Running with wet shoes is a no-no for me. Some of them still meet and head for makan. By the time, I woke up, around 10am, it was still alternating between heavy and some light rain. I did some work, went online for quite a while before leaving for a dinner appointment.

More than a little early for my appointment, I dropped my book at the library and I bumped into ZhuiTeLun and JapBoy there too. They were surprise to see me there. I left them after chatting a little, heading off to my meeting point. I was caught in the rain, a little drenched as I made my way there. It seems to be raining for the entire day already. Reaching the shopping mall, still early, I walked around to discover a new packaging of "Scotland Yard" board game selling at $44. Hmm.... I saw "Blokus" selling at $27, I think. Double Hmmm.....

Meeting at the sushi restaurant, we started out dinner since some of us are early, some .. late. Talking from everything under the sun. Chatty chatty. Another day that I have learn something about myself. At least, I am open to ideas. All of us stayed till the restaurant ended their business for the day before we hopped to another location to have coffee. Duh.. .. it was still raining then. With 18 over hours of rain... I truly am soften by the scene when I look outside, while rain drops kept hitting the window of the cafe. We continued to talk about holidays and trips. We even laughed at the teenagers of today's society vs 10-20 years back then. Changes. Okay, night wasn't getting any younger, we called it a day. Walking in the rain (still), we discussed wedding games .. . scribbling all the ideas down.

An interesting day. Not totally productive due to the weather, but at least, I learned more about myself. A New Beginning? Good start? I don't know. Let's see where Year 2006 leads me to.

I've been fighting monsters at work and totally forgotten about Congo's baby girl bithday. Mistake! But, I had a fantastic day today! Swim and a session of 3hrs boardgaming.

Renohtaram, Tiwazz and I swam at the BV pool, despite the already cold winds and cloudy sky. Shivering once I made an entry to the pool, we did a few rounds, while Renohtaram practised. We threw in a few chit chats because we knew it was going to rain. In a matter of minutes, we were chased out of the pool by the heavy drizzle that sent us shivering all the way to the shower room.

None of the gamers are here yet. We talked about runs and gatherings while we waited for them. News came that Chyarose couldn't make it, Flip probably too lazy(weather factor), no news from Choonwei and Dasher. Astrogirl and LittleFoot are on the way. The three of us, started to talk and look at games and it wasn't too long that LittleFoot appeared. We ordered our food and ate while playing Blokus strategy and pattern matching game. I was told by LittleFoot that this game is being sold in Anchor Point. By our second game in Blokus, Astrogirl arrived. We played Galloping Pigs for 2 games and changed to Munchkin, picked by Astrogirl. Damn!! She has chosen a great game! Munchkin - an RPG game!! She was attracted by the game description, "Kill the monsters - Steal the treasure - Stab your buddy"! LMAO! We played the first testing round, as explained by a lady who hasn't really played the game much. Anyway, by the end of the first testing round, Tiwazz and LittleFoot looked totally lost in some deep, wet dungeons. I suggested for LittleFoot to pair up with me, Tiwazz with Renohtaram and Astrogirl on her own (she knows what's going on). We played .. and some gray areas, due to the fact that we keep referring to the instructions. But, it is a fantastic game! You can call for assistance to help kill a monster. Or curse your friends. Loot. Negotiate and more! We changed back to Blokus since we have 15mins, playing 2 rounds before we left. We walked over to a nearby place for coffee and time could not have been better. It was a heavy downpour again! We chatted over our school days stuff, running and more outings like these in the future.



Blokus, Galloping Pigs and Munchkin are simply great! I love Munchkin best!! I'll definitely play that again. Wanted to take a pic of Munchkin. But, my batts were drained. Kaput!! Hmm.. got to sleep.. running with the guys tomorrow at 7am. 7pm, another.. erm.. event.

Now, that was quick. Just after test one, it was test two. Different Testing Subject. A group of ex-colleagues doing a gathering dinner on 13th Jan, next Friday. Yes, it clashes with Post Ultramarathon Teh Tarik Runners' Night. I would not cancel an appointment to join another. I turned down the invitation. Ex-colleague tried to get someone to pursuade me, Testing Subject. I did hold my breath, when a familiar voice resonated in my head as it was transmitted across the phone line. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Okay. 80% passing rate.

On a brighter side of life, SpaceCadet and HoustonControl held customary wedding tonight. Its great to see another pal progressing into another phase in life. SpaceCadet is totally blur. If I think Sotong or Sxuanjing, our running pals are blur enough, .. .. Let me tell you, SpaceCadet is just beyond comparison. I trust that HoustonControl will take good care of her.

Have you ever had some forewarning before actual incidents happening via some instincts?

I never doubt that one day like today, would take place. It is meant to be a test. I passed gracefully. Well, what I did not expect was that it was really that up close. For that, I am truly happy that I have put it all down. Right where it should have been.

Yesterday, it was fun eating with the guys at Al-ameen. I enjoy the company more than the food. Spectre, DO, Dreamrunner, Tiwazz, Bug, Astrogirl and run.run.runaway were there. Great company, always!

I didn't know Wallace and Gromit took 5years to make the show. Impressive.

I watched Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit yesterday afternoon alone. *Gasp* I was surrounded by kids!! Many whispered in the cinema while watching the movie and it made the show really lively with their comments! Before the actual show, there was a short clip on Madagascar Evil Penguins. Man, that was hilarious!!!

Today, just after work, Tiwazz, Kops21 and I went swimming. Suppose to be some ninja training.. but, I think the weather somehow changed our plans. The skies were already dark. I persuaded them to continue. Before we start, it was already drizzling. Somehow, we could only do a few laps and talk about swimming and running related topics. About half an hour after we entered the pool, it poured!!! We ran like stray cats in the rain. *Brrrrr* It was cold!! We changed and showered, only to be greeted by the clear night sky. <_<

Dinner! What else could we do?

It was a frenzy at the shoutbox a while ago. Wow!!! A surprise that most have been going to Settlers!! Hmm.. around 10 over of them? Renohtaram suggested a morning swim, lunch, followed by boardgames mania!! Exciting! Don't you just wish weekend is just tomorrow?!

News on the Tibet trip is on. Can't wait!! I desperately need a holiday! Probably first to hit would be the Mount Kinabalu climb? That would do just fine too! Since when did I last have a real vacation? Hmm... last trip was with my pal, ZhuiTeLun, like 2 years back? Krabi. Hmm.

To end a year, we thought of doing a chalet and spending some time together with this great group. Everyone chipped in in whatever ways they can to make this chalet event a memorable one. I'm pretty sure, those who missed the chalet.. are missing out some fun. Of course, they might be having some smashing parties too.

30th December 2005: Tiwazz helped by checking in at the chalet and followed by the rest of the guys. When Carine and I took a cab down, they were just ready for the creepy run! Tiwazz, TLR, Fd, Meteor, Alvo2102, Philip and Sxuanjing were already at the chalet. We proceeded to meet at the start point with the rest of the runners.

TLR, Tekko, Carine, Taz, DreamRunner, DO, DiverRunner, Tiwazz, 136Fallschirmjäger, Kellylim22, Teelee, Choonwei, Walfisch, Philip and Cokiee did a count before they started the run. Taz briefed everyone before moving out, since he has done the run before. LOL! DiverRunner was already doing the "hear no evil" pose. Seems like she is afraid of creepy or/and creepy crawlies stuff.



Cosmic_wind, Balasing, Jamessoh, Fd, Meteor, Alvo2102 and Sxuanjing did not run. We were all waiting for them to finish their run before we stab some forks at chicken wings in Nasi Lemak! How to pass time?! Spotted a Subway and decided to sink our teeth in some sandwiches and cookies (not Cokiee). We shared the sins. Now.. who is the Cookie Monster?



Around 11-ish pm, the runners came back. They enjoyed the run! We settled ourselves into 3 tables at the food centre and started to order food and drinks. By this time, Seal, Bee and Kops21 arrived. .. just in time to join us in the stabbing of chicken wings!! There were so much to eat! Burping and finishing up what's left... we headed back to the chalet. Some of them headed back home. Movie marathon? We did watch InitialD till 3am before most of us decided to retire for the day.



31st December 2005: Morning came. Last day in Year 2005. TLR, Tiwazz, Philip and I went for a short run, along the coastal line, in the park. It was a short run/walk with visits to childhood swing bars, slides and a maze. Philip had a really natural and spontaneous look as he went down the slide! Looks as though he was screaming. Comical! We jogged to the next interesting item to check out in the park. It is a small maze.. we took our time to enjoy like kids.

We reached the chalet and gathered the rest of the sleepy people for breakfast at a nearby shopping mall. Renohtaram soon arrived to join us for some groceries shopping before heading back.



Slowly, the crowd started to come in from 2-4pm. After we did our first game, "Guess my avatar" game, Tiwazz and I took a swim in the pool with Renohtaram at the pool side. He wants to learn swimming. After talking for a while, it started to pour from the sky above! We seeked shelter till it was over before walking back to the chalet unit. Since it was still having a slight drizzle, we delayed the timing of the BBQ about half an hour later. Nothing to do?! Never! The guys were talking about Yoga and Pilates where our Tiwazz started to do the "I am a tree" pose.

Not too long, the drizzle stopped. Started the fire at the pits (lucky did not burn the whole unit down), we proceed to barbeque the food at a slow start. It did start to pick up after a while. Sanji182 arrived at the chalet and was made to show his 6Pack. Some eye candy for the ladies.



Lots of good food and we all had a great time chatting and laughing. I like the sweetcorn, hotdogs and fried rice. The winners of the "Guess my avatar" game received prizes. By then ... some has started to head home. There were a few of us left to count down and we decided to play Taboo. Bah! I didn't win anything.. Oh well.. for the fun, of course. I must admit, Taboo is really funny and exciting! Shaunzer and his family came to the chalet. Commando's as well. Our next game was Bingo. There were still some prizes left. When we finished up the prizes, it was time to do COUNTDOWN!!! We switched on the T.V.. The countdown event is already showing. We shook hands, hugged and wished each other a great year ahead once fireworks flew signifying the crossing of the New Year, into 2006. There were horns blasting away from ships docked nearby. That caught our attention.

We gathered around the pit to chat on the recent races, topics in the forums and barbequed our left over food, trying to finish it up. Some of us tried toasting marshmallows. Hey!! It was Alvo2102 and Meteor. They left us to attend a Dinner & Dance earlier on. Once we finished the food, we watched another war film, "Thin Red Line". By this time, I crashed out.

1st January 2006: I woke up to find that some of the guys did not sleep for the whole night. They ran out to nearby to grab some hot drinks to freshen up at around 6am, I think. We checked out of the chalet at 0945hrs and took a picture before we left.

The best and most meaningful New Year celebration since 1999's. What a way to end 2005 and jump start 2006!

Goodbye 2005, Hello 2006! Another year has passed and we all lament on how fast time flies. Happy with your 2005's achievements? I sure hope you are!

Year 2005 has been a some what, bumpy ride for me. Sure, no journey is a walk in the park. We try as much as we can to brighten up our path in the woods. It keeps us going stronger and longer. Early months of 2005 left me in a state of confusion and puzzled about what can be real. I have learned more. Mid 2005. I got to meet a group of wonderful running enthusiasts who are friendly, helpful, comradely, merry, warmhearted and mildly flavored with a dash of insanity. Got race, can run. I plunged into action for my first triathlon race too. I moved to a different work environment, where my world is changed, 360deg. In later months of 2005, with workloads and expectation to meet, I was nearing burn out. Things changed a little for the better then. But, while things seemed okay, my running took a different turn. Funny injury at my ankle left me dropping the Ultramarathon which I wanted to run so much. For now, it will be shorter distances and more monitoring of my condition.

Resolutions 2006:
1) Stay injury free, recover.
2) Do my marathon again.
3) Attempt Ultramarathon.
4) Do a Half-Ironman. Though it should not be a problem.. but, just want to race and enjoy. Ironman.. later.
5) Clear some certs and work related stuff.
6) More holiday/vacation/dives?
7) *Undisclosed resolution*

So much for now. I'll have to check them off as time goes.

Year 2006 is here! Brace yourself for another targets achieving year!