Limping Marathon Runner

Care bears, Stare!!! I'm sure you can't find these anymore.

Schedules are up to next Friday. y-a-y. How encouraging. I'll probably be dead by then.

Too many things happening around.

Too many things till I'm not who I am, was, or want to be ... anymore.

It seems like a burn-out at work. From zero to fully packed schedule to next Wednesday, where I need weekends to explore work stuff.

I need to stick a pencil behind my ear and ponder behind my virtual work desk.
Trying to find my directions.

I can still read. Maybe I should learn to cast haze. Aquiring skills in my cave.

Another late night, as like other races, I slept late and woke early. IMD and his dad were kind enough to give me a lift to the race site. Thanks! Upon reaching we saw DO grabbing some seats while we proceeded to the registration. While going for our body marking, I saw latic_acid with the group, Cyberkinetic, Skyver1810 and Rainbow. Sxuanjing was around too and all of us took some pictures before I spotted Sumiko. Along the way, Alvo and Meteor appeared too. The rest of the support crew like SportVenturer, Tiwazz, Astrogirl soon arrive with Kops21 who is also taking part today.

Race Report

Seems like it was time for the first wave, where we gathered to watch them flag off. I noticed this year's swim leg was much better organised than last year. Straight line as compared to last year's triangulation is definitely a much easier swim. *Horn sound* The first wave went off. I saw a lady who jumped into the open sea and exited out again. She seemed to be having some problem. Nevertheless, she went back into the race. Spotting some mistakes that the first wave made, I tried to spot the buoy rather than using the lines during my flag off. IMD shouted, "Scared already!", when we were the last to enter the water. Within a few minutes into my swim, I heard people shouting for help already. I looked around to see if the person was near me, in case I need to render help. It was a good 10 meters away and several swimmers there already waved to the safety, I continued ahead. The first length of my swim, IMD was spotted around me most of the time. I got a really bad bite by sea bugs I suppose, on the first lap. On the return leg, I couldn't see him. At one point, I thought I actually swam into the hull of the boat. I felt a strong wham on my head. Practically stoned for several seconds before I realised that a swimmer popped out of no where with his breaststroke kicking. He was graceful enough to wave a sorry hand signal and I waved back. I checked my directions at every 6 - 8 strokes but this still happens. Oh. What to do? As I completed my swim leg, I recalled being elbowed aside, swam across, leg pulled at or bulldozed. Sigh.

Tiwazz spotted me with IMD's camera as I exited from the swim and into the transition area. I took my time to change and rinse my mouth before catching Cyberkinetic on my way out.



Just within 500m away from the transition, IMD was already on his returning leg after the first loop at the hawker. He shouted out to me. When I turned, I saw Jennifery and then Cheow12. Cheow12 waved and shouted "Bala!" too. Once I crossed back to the transition area, Eunice was already crossing the finishing line! Good job! She was looking strong too. Penguin was just 600m behind Eunice. Our support team (Astrogirl, Alvo, Meteor, Renohtaram, Violet, SportVenturer and Tiwazz) were waving and cheering when we passed by. Further down, Sxuanjing was cheering anyone who passed her. A wonderful personality, she has! She was still around, cheering when I passed her and heading near to the finishing line. During the run course, I saw PS Chang, Phoebe and Kops21 too. In fact, my leg did hurt when I hit the first 1km. I had to control my pace, stride and perform 15min run / 2min walk to come back in good running form. I was wondering where Mythos was.. and there he came popping out at the finishing line where we grabbed a cup of ice cold Milo. I showered and changed to my new event Tee where I bumped into Phoebe and we had a short chat. She told me she got kick in the face. Owww.. I read about Kops21 being kicked in the groin too.. Double Owww.. Like what IMD said, its a whirlpool at the buoy's turning point.

Most of us went to take our lunch before meeting up with the runners doing the World Harmony Run that was happening on the same day. Kops21, SportVenturer, Hedgehog and DO joined in the run. After lots of hand shakes and photo taking, they continued their run with the WHR torch and flag. Tiwazz, Renohtaram, Meteor, Alvo and I went off to Suntec where we had more drinks. I was really thirsty. We chatted ... and most of us were really tired. Lazing in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was great and most already had sleepy eyes. While all of them soon went for some gym class, I could hardly endure pass 5pm. Headed home.. I caught sight of a few people stealing glances at me dozing off even while leaning near the door in the train. Unsightly! No choice.. seats were all taken.

News broke out that today's race has claimed another life. Our deepest condolences go out to the victim's family.

Ah ha! I forgot.. yesterday, during my D-Day, I received a news from a new born baby's father. Jimmy is dad now. Congrats.

Finally, ending a D-Day event (IMHO), I could afford a little more time. No time to lose, I need to get a T.V. set. It has been dragging for quite a long while. Too long. Bala has been putting up with the volume that goes high and low like a rollercoaster.

Before hitting the bus for Orchard, I went to return my DVDs and borrow another 3. This time, it was The Last Samurai, Flight of The Phoenix and My Best Friend's Wedding.
I dropped by Borders upon reaching, browsing some magazines and books before leaving. I went to the library and could not find what I want. I shopped around for my T.V. set and was caught in between a tube T.V. or a LCD T.V.. After all the considerations of dimensions, space and size, I opted for an LCD. Tough choice, if you ask me.

Not possible to bring the T.V. on train, I thought a cab would be the only choice. I was really hungry then, close to point of passing out, I took my dinner. Then, it was time to head home.

Tomorrow is Biathlon race day. Good luck, guys!

A late night and really afraid that I could not wake up in time, I set 2 alarms. But, for whatever reasons, it took me a while before I slept.

Reaching the training area slightly earlier, I thought of doing an email. But, I was caught by a surprise when an good attendee who came early. Most of them were half and hour late. Not a good practice, but it seems like a common culture here.

Browsing through the materials, I feel that they did not receive the quality as much as I would like to deliver. For that, I have to do something about it not only for myself but also for others.

Timing could not have been better that 20 minutes after attendees have left, there was a power trip. The whole floor was out except for emergency exits that lit the surrounding. I felt better after chatting with the folks in the office there.

ZhuiTeLun wanted to play at the posh place again. Agree. The place is nicely done with good equipment and music. Not for those who wants to do practise shots there. There are cheaper places to groom your own skills.

ZhuiTeLun and JapBoy have always been asking me out for games. But, due to recent hectic schedules, I have been turning them down. Especially with ZhuiTeLun recent Lazik op, he has been eager to pit his skills against mine since I am a lousy player that he can topple. I was really tired and wanted to go home. I thought I might as well go meet them since it has been some time too. ZhuiTeLun took beer and I think that caused his balls to go pinball. He even took another colour ball as the cue ball. Lazik don't do colour correction? It was a good session, several good shots and attempts and games played. My nose getting snuffled with the air condition breeze and I smiled to myself.
Wanting to get home soon really too, I ended the game early and did not have any night snack or dessert with them. Bala wanted me to get something for him at the interchange. I was out cold on my way back home in the train. I guess I was too tired. I spoke non-stop for a day while understanding and amazed by those who could. Trainers? Not easy.

I will remember this day.

Have not been running due to work. Trying to keep my mind in the green zone. Getting fat. Even my fingers look chubby.

More stuff at work and need a breather. Astrogirl organised a bowling session at SSC. More bowlers would have came for this game. But, quite a number of them could not make it due to the date. Next time, guys!

Team Handicap: Astrogirl, Bee and Le_Charlotte
Team Really Handicap Being-Taken-Advantage: Tiwazz and Balasing

Astrogirl made a nonsense rule saying that for every stike Team Really Handicap Being-Taken-Advantage gets, we are suppose to donate 200points to them. I see mozzies!!
Don't hit me with the 15 pound bowling ball, Astrogirl !

I lost all of my ball controls and could not find my sweet spot for the day. Doing hook with house balls is a thing in the past. I have forgotten all that already. But, I am still happy that I was able to execute a Turkey.

What gutter kings and queens... all of those.. not true. The scores tells you everything. I think the ladies had more fun singing songs from SBC8 serial shows. Talking about childhood stuff like Care Bears, Snorkels, Smurfs, Mask, Centurions, etc. Old school toys.

The highlight of the day? Seeing a Mickey Mouse bowling ball. There was a Minnie Mouse ball too.

More insider news. Funny how the world works. *Shrugs* Dont' ask me.

Suppose to be swimming at the usual spot today. But, it seems like the pool is closed for some staff team building thing. Too bad. SportVenturer, Tiwazz, Astrogirl and I went to Queenstown swimming pool. We saw several people training there. Latic_Acid was there and we said hi to her. I did a swim of only 1.2km. Swimming too many times in the smaller pool has its disadvantages. Buoyance for sure feels different. Right after the swim, we went for some sinful Char Kway Teow. I can't remember when was the last time since I took Char Kway Teow from Queenstown. We chatted a while about the bowling event before leaving for home.

I changed my mind about the "lim peh's VO2Max" test today. I should be able to do that on my own if I get the method from Philip a.k.a. Lim Peh. Let me sort out my work, which is a priority on list.

Nope, my ex-boss did not call. He must have been busy and I continued with my work. A more realistic test is only available tomorrow. Now, onto the slides. At around 5pm, I decided to head for a game of bowling at Marina Square before meeting Kitty, KittyTrainer and Lambie. Beng couldn't make it. If he could, it would be complete. Anyway, on the bowling, I didn't get to bowl too. Timing when I reached the place wasn't exactly perfect. I did not want to rush in 2 games. I do not fancy sweeping gutters. I walked around and picked up my new slippers. I felt a little better with retail therapy. I got the cheesecake book back from Kitty. Now, only if I can find time... Oreo cheesecake sounds nice.

No pictures of Kitty because pretty mummy don't want pictures to be taken. No pictures of KittyTrainer because he said he put on 6kg after Kitty became mummy. No pictures of Lambie because she might be migrating and change of identity soon and she need to stay anonymous.

Pictures of food then. Kushinbo. $31 .. Hmmm... can't complain too much. It would have been a little more worth the money if I can go for the crabs and prawns. I could only envy.

Let's listen to the radio to calm me nerves. Wasting time now while waiting for commencement of serious work. Nah... I'll be working on something else first.

Artist: Corrinne May Title: Angel In Disguise

Artist: Ryan Cabrera Title: Photo

I woke up this morning feeling kind of blue and I stumbled out of bed and dragged my feet across the room Right outside my front door was a rose and a note that said 'Somebody Loves You' But out on the street it starts to pour and before I get soaking wet, A total stranger runs to give me the jacket off his back I turn around to thank him But he waves me with a smile I can hardly believe my eyes He puts on a halo and starts to fly Take a look at the ordinary Don't need to look at Paradise You could be next to an angel in disguise I met a good friend for lunch and we had a delicious meal But I forgot to bring my wallet I felt like an imbecile But she was sweet, she gave me a treat and Bought me a chicken sandwich To take home for tea But out on the street with nothing to eat A man and his shopping cart go Travelling to places, Collecting social graces I give him my sandwich and we chatted for a while I see a rainbow wash over his eyes He gives me his halo and I start to fly Take a look at the ordinary Don't need to look for Paradise You could be next to an angel in disguise Don't try to hide away from me I know you're by my side Take a look at the ordinary Don't need to look for Paradise You could be next to an angel in disguise Everyday can be legendary Every minute, an endless surprise You could be the next angel in disguise I woke up this morning Feeling kind of new. (http://www.leoslyrics.com)

A photo can say a thousand things But it can't say the million things I wanna say A photo can capture the way we were But it can't capture the way we are 'Cause you're far away What it's like to know you What it's like to touch you When you told me that you loved me were those just words You can't tell me you don't need me and I know that hurts 'Cause I'm looking at your picture 'Cause it's all I've got Maybe one day You and me will have one more shot Timing lost minutes and moments And I might be lonely girl But I'm not afraid In a second It all comes right back to me Nothing's forgotten now Yeah everything's saved What it's like to touch you What it's like to know you When you told me that you loved me were those just words You can't tell me you don't need me and I know that hurts 'Cause I'm looking at your picture 'Cause it's all I've got Maybe one day You and me will have one more shot You were my life you were my faith You gave me hope every day When you told me that you loved me were those just words You can't tell me you don't need me and I know that hurts 'Cause I'm looking at your picture 'Cause it's all I've got Maybe one day You and me will have one more shot (http://www.azlyrics.com)

Talking to my ex-boss today, saying he needs to ask me something. He's a typical funny, but ultra smart person with lots of ideas up his sleeves. He's been sounding a little strange lately. I hope he's okay.

Wasted tons of time waiting for things to happen. *Dump stuff at work* Went for a recovery swim and I stopped at 1km with a throbbing headache. Not wanting it to morph into a migraine, I did strokes. 200m of left rights, 100m fists, 100m norm and 100m of control. Mounted to 1.5km eventually. Strangely, I seem to have counted only a 35 strokes at the last lap. Maybe I missed a few counts. Must be the headache. I would have struck gold, if it was 35.

Borrowed 3 DVD for Bala to watch. S.W.A.T., Kingdom Under Fire and Ladder 49. Out of 3, I watched S.W.A.T. before. Mainly for Bala since its all action packed.

Another "ping" packet from different enemy. Seems like a sniffer. Must drop.

Charrgeee! Reach office, set up, test, set up, test.

"Stop. Can you do this instead?" *dumbfold* Lost in the world of trying to find priorities.

*Focus*

I met ArcadeDT for a tag team objective attack. If Beng was in town, it would have been a triple tag team. After the objective attack meeting, a colleague and I went for my lunch at 4.30pm (if that was still considered lunch). Consolation to hear that someone knows what is happening. But still...

After my "lunch" I SMS-ed Shihao, my long time Primary School pal. His reply, "Who are you?". I was like "What?!". Okay, eventually he called me and we had a good short chat. He's tying the knot in September. This fella is taking up, dance courses like Cha-cha, Salsa, etc. Amazing. After knowing him for so long, love does change a person. Happy that another is downed by Cupid's arrow.

Thinking of yesterday's dim sum.... hungry again. I think I'll try Neptune's dim sum next time.

With plans of reaching the summit that went "ka-put", I thought it would be a great idea to rest my body and mind too. I held onto today's leave and canceled the rest. I said, "It is a wonderful day to do yumcha." Ooopps... I forgot to inform Karloong about it since dim sum is her favourite too. She was still lazing in bed when I called her.

Tiwazz and Philip wanted to come along and we met around 0900hrs, sinking our teeth into the first dim sum. Astrogirl who sneaked out, reached within minutes and timely too to catch our first order. We can't wait, give us food! We want sinful dim sums!!! After half and hour of clearing the food, Astrogirl stopped her chop sticks action and returned to work. *Beep Beep* We received an SMS protest from Brokenrunner. Leaving the place around 1130hrs and headed over to FujiXerox where Philip sent his digicam to get it fixed. That is when we called Sxuanjing since she was working around there. Sxuanjing exclaimed, "You call me to this floor, just to see me?! Why aren't you guys working today?! This is too much." We shrugged. Timing was a little tight for her, she need to catch a quick lunch and report back to work. We left her and headed to Tea Spa where Le_Charlotte was waiting for us. Each of us had a cheese cake and infused tea. It was really refreshing. We saw the younger side of Le_Charlotte and Philip when they hawked around the toy dispenser machine. Erm.. they are not that old anyway. We bade Le_Charlotte sayonara and we (actually it was me) checked out the price of Canon 350D. I'll keep that in mind.



Philip went home by then, when we decided to give Kay a call, for coffee, since he works around the area. Man, I've not seen him for quite a while. A short coffee break was good. Too bad, Run.run.runaway is really near and she was busy today to have coffee.

We went back home, where I sent some Emails on work, read a few more arrows (with a tablespoon of salt) before changing for a swim. I was the earliest and I did 1.5km, where the rest of the 1km was a strokes and breathing re-learning session for me. Kops21 was doing his ninja swim too. A little late for him. Nevertheless, he made it. I met Zooyew at the swimming pool too. Been a while since I last saw him.

What a packed day!! So many people that we "visited" today.... Time passes fast when you are having fun! Seeing so many runners in a day was indeed fantastic.

Now, I could not get to sleep last night. I guess the enemy probe that was sent has done its job. No music could coax me to sleep.

Renohtaram just messaged me. I hope he's settling most of this work stuff too. Have an early rest, Reno.

Pressure is building up for at least another paper to be clear by this month. *Shakes head*

Expect the unexpected.

No idea what has gone wrong with my leg. I do stretch before and after runs. I have not been doing crazy trainings lately. Now, its giving me problems. I can hardly climb up or down the stairs.. .. can still limp with my notebook bag. Hence, I'm going to drop tomorrow's trip to Mount Kinabalu. Depressing, it is. But, it is a decision I need to make. I wouldn't want to slow down my group. Zoossh and guys are great. They mentioned good traveling pals would wait for each other, still asking me to go along. I agree on that, totally. Good traveling partners are hard to find. To me, my assessment is that we're going to climb.. not really walking at the same altitude. I don't want to be on an evac plan.

News is fast. Mentioning it on MSN to Lina and by evening, I got contacted. *Speechless*

Maybe its a sigh from above that I should be working on my assignments. Yes, no typo error.. "sigh". Speaking of it, here comes another assignment via MSN IM. We just love technology, don't we?

Almost killed by servers testing during my weekend, I really needed some coffee to keep me awake in this morning seminar. After taking a sip at the coffee, I noticed a uniform brown hue. I could not resist but to steal a snapshot of my cup on the table. Reading my notes for the next paper, a fellow attendee chatted with me before the seminar started.

Finally, breaking through barriers after days of trying, I got it working at 80%. The last part of the integration, I would have to try it out tomorrow before heading back to the seminar in the late afternoon. By then, I would be just a stone throw away from the CBD run meeting spot.

*OT* Anyway, passing half an hour after my knock off time, things looked a little promising at 80%! My last step towards success would depends on tomorrow. I dropped all my stuff and ran back home to grab my gear for today's swim. Reaching the pool, Cheow12 completed 10laps already. I focused on what I would like to achieve today. Mindful of the strokes and how I can improve on it, I counted a 40strokes upon finishing. W00t! Definitely elated to hit the 40 mark. I could sense less effort in moving through the waters. Room for improvement? No doubt.

Many have done well in the VM stairs climb! *Applause*
Wish I was there!

Several rounds of senseless loading and reloads in office. Not very productive. No choice, not an option. Practise makes perfect, they say.

Looking forward for my swim tomorrow. I think I keyboard more mileage than my runs and swims.

Almost done. Left with last step. Tasting. Mmmmmm..... Bala says its not sweet enough. *Hard to please* I think otherwise. But, I feel that I could use a little stronger taste in tea department. I got the home made Ice Lemon Tea from Cooking For Engineers and I made it in the morning. I had a good game of badminton during noon too, before heading back to the office. On my way back home (still in the train), I got a phone call on referral. LMAO.

Simple stuff in life, makes me happy. Coffee. Toasted bread with butter and good Kaya on a small light blue plate. Ready to take on the world again. Left for discussion on Mount Kinabalu trip after staying back a while at work today. Reaching home only at 11pm, I have to postpone making Ice Lemon tea to tomorrow.

I was suppose to wake up at 0545hrs to head for a swim. My battery packs were not recharged yet. I felt like a piece of brick. Snoozing for another 20mins, neither did that help. I drifted back to sleep instead.

Swim was then postponed to evening, where I did some efficiency test. Clocking a factor of 579. I think that is for now. Let's see if there will be improvements. I'm sure there will be. Just a matter of time. I first did a stroke count of 42. Swim was then a 1.5km, finishing in 39mins. That was pure lousy work. At least I have made some discovery.

Stroke count: Average.
Kicks: Total suck at it.
Roll: Satisfactory.

In need of improvements. Time to go back to the drawing board, back to basics.

I am suppose to make some ice lemon tea now. But, I forgot what I needed to buy. Okay. Tomorrow night then. Homemade Ice lemon tea. Any takers?

(-_-) zzz

This time, I fell asleep while waiting for train. Cleared internal training in morning and rushed off for the paper. One down, five more to go. Took a 10 mins break, walking around the mall after my paper before setting off to Bishan for an assignment. No choice. Staying pass the time for tracks run at NUS (this time round), I crashed out once I reached home.

(-_-) zzz

I fell asleep during the train ride from Bishan back home, while reading notes for paper chase. Probably had saliva drooling all over my Vertical Marathon shoe bag and backpack. People must be mocking a tired dumb ass.

I had all the gear with me but skipped the CDB run since stuck at fruitless hours of trial-n-error. Nice try, people. I can't even recall what I did yesterday. Only thing that I know is, I went for a swim with SportVenturer, Cheow12 and Tiwazz.

Stealing a breather at work, while waiting for loading.

Most of the guys doing their marathon in KL have done well, achieving sub-4hr timing. *Cheer*
60-70% of my list of the day is completed.

Owwww... gastric attack is back.

At least, things seem to have improvement after lunch. Trying to find sanity in the midst of notebooks, servers, desktops and testing notes.

I managed to squeeze in a swim after my shop around for a T.V. set.

*Heavy huff*
Swimming, no. Cycling, no. Running, no. Weekends are suppose to be for me to do all these. I see this list of Quick-To-Dos floating in front of me by higher authorities.

1. 6 x I.T. certs in pipeline (A targeted paper needed by end March)


2. 3 x internal training - different subject (next week and more to come), inclusive of set up


3. 2 x external training (more already in pipeline), inclusive of set up and blasting


4. Assignment next week

Doesn't seem like a Christmas Wish list at all.

Sometimes, I wonder if I wear my red brief over my thighs hugging pair of blue slack. Or am I just some sitting duck at a 5 metre range?

"Firers, 5 rounds of shotgun shells, load and ready!"
"Watch your front!"

Quite a number of guys are going over to KL for the marathon. Have a safe race and bring back some shiny finishers. Best of luck!

Time to settle the T.V. once and for all.. need to check the dimensions at store tomorrow after work.

How many times have this happened? I have absolutely no idea. Grit my teeth, sharpen my blade and march forward. Some day, I do bite back. Cut the crap talk.

The run, an hour ago, wasn't satisfactory. Due to a muscle pull, I had to cut short on the exercises. Managed a 2.5 laps of what is suppose to be done. Full rest ahead for tomorrow. Moreover, what can I do in the office?

Feeling totally crappy. Settled some discussion on official matters with Beng and rushed back to office for some demo. By then, I was totally zapped of my energy. Assigned to attend some job, which.. anyone could have completed that task. I have a long list in my hands now. Maybe I should change my MSN MOTD to "In search of love", like 6P KJ.

I need some Supermarket therapy. Like RIGHT NOW.

I got a party pack of Mars, a tub of Yoghurt and a bottle of red. Been some time since I have gotten a bottle of red wine for YMother. We get to share the bottle anyway. Save it for tomorrow.

Yoghurt did its job in lifting my spirits. Mmmm.

Suppose to be a recovery run today. I ended up going faster than I should. *Gulp*

5.7km to and within the Stadium. (100m sprint + walk recovery) x 8. Muhahha... Formula. At the 6th lap, all of a sudden, I felt that "I hate sprints!". Oh, but I went on. Consolation prize... Ching Tng later. That is what this run is all about.

Did I mention about singing? We've all heard of Sotong's one liner jokes. Anyone heard of him sing? I just did.. today where he sang Amigos Para Siempre while we traveled on our way to get dinner and Ching Tng.