Limping Marathon Runner

Lunch was great this afternoon. I have not had a good lunch with ZhiMien for some time ago. We chatted about recent stuff and how a familiar nick came to my ear. You know who you are! Almost did not get to play pool today. But, I was lucky since there were some last minute changes. Not on my side! Somehow, we all need a little 5-15mins in the pressure cooker to perform. I nearly had a one cue game, except for the 8-ball. Breaking is still. ... far from desirable. My Vaude backpack gave way. I had to buy another bag for the laptop and got a $24 sling bag. Not exactly the biggest bag around. But, that'll do for now. Trailblazer is here on the weekend and I'm not packed yet!

Another fellow competitor is selling the bike, hanging the shoes and burning the tri suits. Quitting the tri scene for now. I read ... FOR NOW. Hope you'll make a come back some day.

Sign the petition for her big come back!!

On a separate note... when someone copies your work... it means that you're heading in the right direction.

Asics Landreth II (my pair) is going to be retired in another 200km's time. While shopping with my cousin the other day, I think Asics Speedstar II winked at me. SeXy Blue!! On the other hand shoe, the fiery red Asics Cumulus VIII might join my shoe rack too!

I think everyone is in slack recovery mode at swimming pool today. I clocked a 1.5km of strokes only. I'm still snorting water!! Either my nostrils are positioned to collect water or I have no idea what reasons to give myself.

Another thought after reading some books. Trying hard to cut down snacks!

I could hardly sleep last night. Don't have to wonder why. The living room was still pretty noisy till 1am. Woke up by my alarm clock, I felt drained. Karloong asked me if I was crazy to wake up at 3am. Yes, I am and I have a run. *Karloong eyes roll* Cereal to fill my tummy! I packed, grabbed my stuff and waited at the pick up point for IMD. IMD arrived with his meimei and another friend, Benson. I've seen Benson before!! I asked him is he used to run around Queenstown stadium. He is one prominent dude because of his speed on the tracks. Speed monster!

IMD parked his car and we walked towards event holding area. While warming up, I greeted a few familiar faces. Moving over to the start line, we began to see more runners we know. 5.30am. The race was flagged off. I ran at a slightly faster than comfortable race pace initially. By the 8km mark, I ran into the toilet to relive myself. Around 10km mark, I was significantly slower, just to avoid the old injury from coming back. Curses!! Something else surfaced! Stitch and my right big toenail problem. It only went off around 15km. (v_v)

Apart from that, I was stopped at traffic for approximately 7 or 8 times. Well... running in the city has always been this way. Kinda expected that, so not complaining. I was only picking up some speed around the 18km area. Crossing the line in good condition is important for me now. Everything else is secondary. Not exactly the timing I would like to have (not important for now). Feeling glad that my legs were fine and my right knee held up well. There were quite a handful of runners, that I know, are already back with very good timings. I chatted with many different runners before heading out further away before the finishing line. I cheered those who are coming in. A lot of familar faces ran passed me!! Races. A great way to spot old friends. Somehow, it rained!

Most gathered at Marina Square food court for our breakfast and a couple of us went over to Starbucks to catch a second cup of coffee. The famous second wind?

What's with the vistor count or readership today?!!! New record high of 90?!! A guy who does long distance limping, rants about his near non-existant life and shoots the food that he enjoys....... interesting read, meh?!

In the entire day (yesterday), I spoke to three different person at different stages of their lives.

One who accepts life and what comes along his way, takes each day as a lesson learned.
One who looks out for love in all directions.
One who struggles to keep the love alive.

At the usual run last night, I buddied up with PuayHian since he does not want to go up the bridge. We covered a shorter route and were soon caught up by LaoKaYu, since he lost sight of the front batch of runners. We saw Ronnie too. He was doing his own training. By the time most of the runners were back, some of us changed and moved over to the usual spot for dinner.

I had a good lunch break at work today with my cousin at Ikea. We had a pretty good chat before helping him out in shoes selection at Queensway. He looked surprised when he saw me with the book that I am currently reading. This is a book about commnications and self awareness. Yes, the title did only help me in receiving a weird stare from him. (O_o)

I think I am in between Dead or Alive.... or neither. I better catch some sleep before I collapse. This week is "madness town" week anyway.

I get all panicky when it comes to a race. Unable to wake up in time, is usually the reason. Tiwazz's friend gave me a lift to Sentosa this morning for the Real Run. We were beside Roentgen's vehicle just before turning into the gantry for Sentosa. He was kind enough to let us cut queue and I wasn't too sure if the vehicle behind Roentgen's, gave him a "complaint" horn? Once we settled for the parking lot, we walked towards the meeting point. Waa..... lots of faces that I have not seen for a really long time. 136Fallschirmjäger, Freddy, True_Atlantean, Shaunzer and more! I met a couple of old friends that I know at this run too. WeeKeong and Roger (which I always see him in races). The run is pretty much the same as last year. I didn't really go fast and was constantly checking my knee. One particular Caucasian (wearing a MR25 singlet) was pretty funny. At the stretch of sand, he went, "Aiyoh... seow ah... very siong!". Pretty unusual but funny at the same time to hear him speak with a local accent. Happy with this run. Not looking at any PBs.. just keep moving, that's all.

After the race, some of us went to the beach area to chill out. Some swam while the others played volleyball. Thanks to those who provided pinic food!!

I remember clearly that last year, in this same race, I met a lot of new friends. People who are behind the monitors and keyboards ... !! Relating names to faces.

My gaming day isn't exactly like a hard core 9am-9pm, non stop gaming session. I did some testing in the office before packing up and heading over to Sotong's place. I had to give Cfred's birthday lunch a miss, since we planned the gaming session earlier. Since I had most of the LAN gaming and a board game with me, I was there early. Right after lunch, we had a short warm up game of Rumis before the rest came. Some played Ticket To Ride: Europe at another table, while I tried my first time at Settlers Of Catan. Very interesting game!! I gave a surprise win to my opponents at the second game. It was a close fight between Sotong and me. He should win the second game! We ordered some pizza for dinner and changed to another game where everyone could join in the fun. Scene It. I guess this is very much a Hollywood trivia / quiz game?! Who know Jamie Lee Curtis's parents name!!!??? I've never seen Goldie Hawn in her hot black/white photo shot before!!!?? Who would know?! So, the expansion set for this would be Bollywood or HK Films edition?! Everyone felt relieved when the game ended and we played Pictionary Mania! next. We had a fantastic time, drawing, laughing at other people's drawings and giggling at each other team's efforts in guessing. Time really flies while you're having fun. We left Sotong's place around 10pm. We still have New Balance Real Run tomorrow!

It was a surprising morning to see a lot of familiar faces at a site today. Happy!! Not prearranged. But, everyone is on a different project. On the other hand, I do not have the slightest idea, why is my presence required for today's meeting/testing. It totally wasted my day, where I could have done more testing for my own cases. *Slaps forehead*

I collected my AHM race pack and saw Uncle Chan (Ultramarathon & Mongolia 100km) and Leica on my way out. Coincidence!

Taking dim sum from Fortunate Restaurant (at Food Republic), I was utterly disappointed with the quality. I have high expectation of dim sums. The moment we left Wisma, my tummy was feeling kinda weird. It felt like a cement mixer! I do not think that the food was well cooked ......

I had quite a bad time with my tummy in constant discomfort. However, I gave my opponent a run for his money in American Pool today. I am totally high and ecstatic, when I had several good double shots. *Taps pool table* Despite all these.... I need to work on my breaks. Half way through our session, the Daniel Bedingfield song was on air. No let down, I have to focus! The whole session came to an all time high during the last two sets, where both opponents had to level up to top form!!

KJ wants a dinner followed by American Pool next Friday night. I'll make sure he sees stars.... Let's get PTK and CZB along!

Think you can kick some butts at this event? I'll see you at the starting line.

Ironman 70.3

Mark your calendar, September 2nd 2007

Sorry... not really into the mood of posting tonight. Work has been crazy and done ample damaging effects on me lately. But, I had a pretty good run and dinner with the guys after our SP tracks. Thanks IMD for the desserts.

Here's a good read if you are a runner. Very useful information.
McMilan Running University

Out of office again for this week. A surprise that somehow my conversation with customer lead to talking about my status being single. (-_-)" But, we do agree and nodded in unison about certain views. Somehow the conversation took a certain turn and we talked about running.

By then, I received Kitty's SMS. She gave birth to baby Elle!!! Yay .. .. all of us have been waiting for this day!! Right after work, Beng and I went to visit her at the ward. Knowledge transfer to Beng on some stuff to prepare him for his upcoming Daddy-To-Be event. After him, SpaceCadet is next. Cool!! All lined up! Congrats, Kitty and KittyTrainer!!! Ooops... had to drop CBD run.

On my way back home, I was feeling around (my shoulders, mind you) for signs of muscle aches. Apparently, they were not as bad as last week's. Improvements? Nah... I think the body learns.

Why am I always hungry when I run? Kept thinking about food and fruits ...

You want to have sinful food? You better work hard.

Damn.... I feel like I have mustard on the underside of my arms. Ha! Those are just abrasions. Good swim. Don't talk. We're not suppose to, okay?

One man.
50 Marathons in
50 states in
50 consecutive days.

Happening soon, 33 days later.

Dean Karnazes

My friends call me hard core for running a marathon. Some even awed in disbelief that I do 10kms. Call me a mad man? What is he then?! Don't worry, IMD. You still have my respect for your tang yuan power.

SMS from Chyarose to tell me that she could not make it for the run at NIE tracks. I hope she is feeling better. Ready to go at 8.15, I headed down to BG and saw quite a handful runners along the way. It was a short 8.5km and I did several more rounds in the stadium. It wasn't that long before I saw Alvo and Cfred gathering near the bus stop. They finished their 20km! I walked over and the rest of them started arriving. Friendly TeeLee took out the drinks to distribute. All of us sat for a while, chatted and sipped our drinks before washing up. Next up, we had breakfast together before heading back home.

Second part of the day was a dinner. Huge turn-out. Too bad the restaurant was not giving its best service attitude to customers, even down to basic stuff like cutlery. But, we do enjoy each others' company. Definitely!!

The afternoon swim started with some light lunch. A few folks went. Roonz, IMD, Tiwazz, Kay, SV, SuperBoy, Chyarose and myself went to Sentosa for some sun, sand and sea. It doesn't have to be swimming. If you want to build sand castles or even tan yourself while reading a book, c'mon down! Roonz did some pretty good distance. Megahunk IMD covered her safety throughout. I was with SV, while the rest stayed together. Some of us had a short run after getting out of the water. Yay!! My knee guard is a good buy afterall! Roonz went off earlier. Yes, I still owe you an ice cream.

We headed over to Liang Court for your New Balance Real Run race pack collection. Sotong was doing his drifting while driving up the car park ramp. Waaaaaaa! Most of us screamed like sissies as we all swinged to the right. Renohtaram was already back home when we reached Liang Court. After the collection, we shopped a little for PowerGel since they are selling $2.50 per pack. We saw HyperActive too.

A couple of us had dinner while the rest headed home. Heck it!! Whacked some Ba Kut Teh!! Hungry as hippos!!

American pool. Now, that place was rather crowded today. We had a cup of tea before starting. We were in a queue anyway. I almost white washed my opponent. I want an opponent to hold a cue, chalk it and snook me if you can. Strategize! No mercy. Its all part of the game and that is where all the fun lies.

Got tagged by EndlessTrail ....

1. I wear my watch on which hand? Look again. Don't stare. I'll be watch-ing you.


2. I still use handkerchiefs. Environmental friendly to trees. No tissues, except to blowing nose, wiping behind, oops .. sorry. My bad. Shouldn't even go there.


3. I have one side of my ears, different from the other. Don't try to touch the different side. You're not playing "Photo Hunt" picture matching game on a touch screen arcade machine.


4. If I can fry an egg without scalding my hands.. yeah... I can cook. Okay ... BlingBling stares and *bitchslaps*.
   


5. I have hypnagogic jerks most of the time. I am this far *5cm away* from being a bubble tea shaker doll. They'll probably go away when I am a professional bummer.


6. I have a waistline that Philip is dying to have. I still want my Hot-Buttocks.


7. I enjoy Chinese Tea, the tea appreciation way. I have a long track records of losing appetite over smashed teapots. My friends say chinese tea is just nothing but Teh-Kosong.


8. I need my daily dose of music to put me in a hypnotic trance before I hibernate for the day. I love my Whale calls CD. GGooooooooo Ttttooooooooo Ssslleeeeeeeppp.


9. I have many people telling me I look younger than what I am. Compliments are good. Rumored that I have 2 kids is totally funny. But, it is good to hear something different once in a while.


10. I was a vegetarian for 3 months (nothing great but with a reason) once. I can live happily ever after with just sweet potatoes and sweet corns. Sushi and sashimi just kept me coming back.


11. I don't smile too much if I don't know you. That doesn't mean I'm unhappy or mad. If I had a helluva day, I will tell you, "I need some space. Talk again.". Flaming anyone in my path (just because of a bad day), ain't my style.


12. I have my own near death experience. I am just 3 steps away when a green viper fell with a "thud" from a tree. I can tell you where. But, I'll have to kill you.


13. I prefer to own gears, gadgets and stuff. I do not prefer to beg, borrow or steal them from friends.


14. I want to be alive, thinking and kicking. Games keep me going on and on and on...


15. I have been taking photographs with my Nikon FM2 since 1990? Only turned digital some years back and now I'm hooked onto Food Photography. Many say I'm a weirdo, arranging food on dinner tables.


16. I love reading all kinds of books. Although, lately, I think all my time goes to PDFs, I love knowledge. No need to guess my fav hangout place.


17. I will sit quietly in one corner of the room if I am totally drunk. Make a scene by doing a Lambada on the bar top even when I am dead drunk? Never!


18. I'll do most things for good friends. You can forget about asking me to do your laundry, vacuum your car, walk your dog, etc.


19. I am never a fashion statement. I am always comfortable in tees and jeans. When I need to be in the correct attire, I would.


20. I still believe in letters that are "Sealed with kiss". No, I don't lick my stamps nor seal the envelope with saliva.


21. I had 2 encounters with the 3rd kind before. I'll go into a state of jitteriness if you ask too much. So, don't.


22. I am a late bloomer when it comes to love. If love counts at the age of 6? Yes, I held a girl's hand (a pretty cute one too!) on stage performing a dance in my shirt with oversized red bow tie and black pants. No, you will NEVER get to see that photo.


23. I have inflated 4 life vests. My friends shout, "Ooooo". I go, "What?!"


24. I am a pretty good procrastinator. Can't you tell how long I need to do this 24 items before posting?

I think I just spotted No. 5!

On a separate issue altogether,... Damn!! I just watched a documentary on natural child birth. I don't need a HRM to tell me my heart rate! That's why I think mothers are wonderful.

If all these technical gibberish makes perfect sense to you, do take some time to read.

Iliotibial band syndrome

From Mckinley Health Center

I had hypnagogic jerks last night. I did a search and found it at Wikipedia. It seemed like my body wanted to rest and my mind refused to give in! Nothing new!

I tried to wake up earlier to do a short run today. I ended up sleeping another 45mins more. Eventually, I dragged myself out of the house at 8.30am. By 3.6km, it was pouring!! I was this close to being drenched from head to toe. No shelter nearby and there were not lightning spotted, I seeked shelter under a tree. A boy, whom I ran pass while he strolled, walked up to me and said "Hi!". Apparently held by the passing shower. I chatted with him and it was not too long, I discovered that he is an intellectually disabled kid. He mentioned that he is studying at MINDS and was able to hold the conversation well. From his accent, I can tell that he is from Thailand. We talked about almost anything while waiting for the rain to stop. Once the rain actuallly stopped, we walked towards the main road. I waved goodbye to him as he left, while I took a bus to meet Tiwazz and Chyarose at Holland Village for breakfast.

No, that is not breakfast. That is my dinner at ColBar.

Over the weekend, one of my friends asked me this:
"Since everyone is going to die one day, why should we do stuff for others anyway?"

Of course, knowing her, I do not think she meant it in a depressing way. More like an open discussion mode. We do things in our daily life. Knowingly and / or unknowingly (probably much more) affecting other people's lives. One simple gesture from you, can touch the heart of another. You will make a difference to someone's day / life.

Knowing that SCSM06 (Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2006) is approaching, at the end of the year, a couple of my friends decided to incorporate a charity fund raising event to it. We will be doing the fund raising for Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA). We would need 250 runners, hoping to raise $50,000. All the F.A.Q.s can be found at the website below.

I'm running for a good cause! Are you?
Don't hesitate. Whatever distance you might be doing, contribute to HWASCSM06.
Make a diffence to someone's life today!
GO THE EXTRA MILE

Tired!!!! The plan took me to breathless heights... I cheated. I stopped longer between items, just wanting to complete the sets. But, I am just half way done and I feel like I have latic acid build up in my arms. How to bike? Plus run?!

Tired from a series of events today. I got it working for the testing of remote. Genius .... after punching through. Time is a little tight. I went back home to change for my run. Slow and easy ... not to mention difficult too! Continued with tennis at Yio Chu Kang and I vaguely recalled that I did not have anything into my stomach. Only a cup of coffee in the morning and a mini Mars bar in the afternoon. IMD and TeeLee did well for their Bintan Marathon, together with TLR too. Some of us met for dinner and for whatever reasons, I did not happen to have the best appetite to eat a proper meal. Really tired, I left with IMD and SV by MRT, meeting AngelicaWonders at one of the stops by coincidence.

Back at home, I was watching the T.V. programme on volunteer work with audistic kids. I was totally caught by surprise that my Primary School friend, ShiHao, was speaking about what they did for them.

Being a really introvert in the past, I'm glad that he is taking up roles in volunteering to make his life more meaningful. I will be attending his wedding in September too. I am indeed happy for this friend.

All thoughts appearing in the following paragraph are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

When a woman makes the first move, she should be given credit. Seriously, I don't think it is easy for a lady to express her feelings. Dropping subtle hints surely help. Men being men.. .. they are not necessary the smartest creature around. Maybe I'm stereotyping.

Today!!! Met Roonz, Chyarose and Tiwazz for Sentosa swim. Yes, don't scream. What's wrong with CLEO? I have not seen Chyarose for quite some time. She is still her bubbly self, as always(of course!!). Tiwazz did the laps while I allowed him to draft? *LOL* Chyarose covered some distance before they went for a short run. No, I did not bring my running shoes along. Chyarose had to leave early. The three of us went over to Marina Square for our lunch, meeting SV and Renohtaram as well. We had a really strange discussion ranging from jellyfishes to drinking chilled pee to coral fluids to durians to gurgling Listerine. Weird. Sure. A little ice cream after lunch definitely does not hurt at all. Same goes to the desserts that we had following that. I bumped into Eunice at MPH after leaving them.

I did not shoot the fireworks display with EndlessTrail, Albin and BlingBling.

I had some PT (Prawn Threshold) testing during today's lunch. Fortunately, I did not have an outbreak.


Help!! I'm still getting ping sweeps from PSChris. It's alive!! Amazing race.

Yikes.... when all daily battles are taking place, I blundered. I overlooked my own personal stuff. Yes, there are other alternatives. But, I choose to go with what I have planned. I shall guard it with a cutlass and pistol. No .. stand back.

Hiccups continued from yesterday .... I am amazed. I spent a day to clear.

So many things.
Focus.
Focus on what plans are made in the first place.
Discipline.
Discipline will bring you to where you want to be.

Today, the usual clearing some hiccups by others. Pointless to curse and swear anymore. Just act on it. Happy that I was able to calm the situation, despite that everything was a total mess. Offline, I highlighted that the problem has always been there for the longest time. What should be done instead and who to do what. Nonchalant faces were all that I saw. Focus and just do what is within my control.

Running a little late for the SP run today, I gave my legs a good workout. By the time I reached the tracks, ZQ, IMD, Tiwazz and MightyJoe were ready to leave. Sorry guys!! I made them wait another 10 over mins, while I did a fast 2.4km. We went for dinner where ZQ bought us Ching Tng for treats celebrating his freedom. Thanks ZQ.

Back at home, Karloong bought me some "famous" nasi lemak from Boon Lay, after her shopping with Bala and YMother. While chatting in the kitchen when Karloong flipped through a magazine, Bala says he wants chocolate flavoured ice cream and Karloong ordered Tiramisu.... Now... who's going make all these? The last time, Karloong wanted Chawanmushi.

If this works for you....
Well... it does, for me.
Tip: If you can, stretch your legs, eg. Quadriceps Stretch, during mid day. I spent 10mins each day during lunch for 3 days to stretch my legs. I felt slightly better.

PSChris SMSed me to tell me that I missed the sight of shooting stars that was in Bintan over the weekend. Yes. I have not been looking up at the sky lately. Probably due to weather... on the other hand, I would spend more time gazing when I am overseas. In countries with less light pollution, that is.