Limping Marathon Runner

Since the weekend has been crappy (need to work), I might as well push myself into the shite hole. I read 300 over pages worth of info and hmm.... I am left with another 100 more to go. Back log for too long, I really need to clear this.

I had a hard time trying to leave the office. I should have just left the place. Things just kept coming and everyone just wants 5 more minutes of your time. On a half day leave, to clear a hurdle and then rushed for AhCheng's ROM. I missed my lunch which Nature Valley bar was substitute. Being the back up photographer, I witness this friend that I have known for a long time going through another phase of his life.

I remember clearly the very day that I stepped into an unfamiliar environment of a Secondary School. AhCheng was the first person I spoke to while standing in the line during our very first assembly. He had his own rough patch in life to handle as well. Like what most say, maybe life has something better in store for you. It is just not time yet.

Today, he exchanged vows with his beautiful bride, witness by close friends, family and relatives. Indeed it was something to celebrate. We had an eight course dinner for three tables. I played the role of a photographer again. This time, someone (a friend of the couple) asked me, 'Are you Karloong's brother? I am her Secondary School classmate.'. The world just got smaller.

Something that I noticed today. How the word 'Tiffany' would make most ladies' head turn. Almost near the speed of light. Almost.

Last night, already half asleep in bed, all it took was a Port Scan to wake me up. Good try ... even though the number did not register as someone in my contact list, I could tell who it was from. By the next round, I was wide awake. There used to safety nets. Kitty's simple sentence reminds me all the time.

Never touch your mobile phone if you can't walk in a straight line.

There are days that I wonder what did I get myself into and this is one of those days. Waking up at around 5am to shower and get changed for Mizuno MF Run. IMD gave me a lift to the race venue. Many familiar faces were there and we chatted until 7.30am. Without much announcement, the horn sounded off which sent many clueless about what had just took place. The race started and the usual stretch of a few 100 metres of people walking. Petia and I ran together for the first stretch leading to Morse Rd. After the first slope, I widened my steps till I reached the top only to find IMD taking pictures of runners. 'Don't slack!', I gave him words of encouragement. While downhill tends to be a little steeper than then Morse Road slope, I narrowed my steps and slowed my pace to avoid pounding on my knees. I saw a lot of runners overtaking me at this part of the circuit. Sotong caught up with me. I spotted Cokiee with a knee injury. I hope he recovers soon. That is one of a runners' nastiest problems. Then again, we have no lack of nasty problems. Looping back to the start point again, there were already plenty of runners at the finishing line, cheering for others. How slow can we get? I collected my race Tee and for AlecChua as well. I did not get to see Yankee and Taz. Time was running out. I grabbed my bags from IMD's car and left to meet Kops21. He just finished his run elsewhere and we need to get to the Kayaking course before 10am.

With NASCAR driving skills, we reached at 9.45am and was informed that the tide was too low for us to get into the water with our kayaks. In fact, we spotted signs of low tide (really low) while walking to the SeaSports Centre. Asked to take an early lunch, we took a short drive to Macpherson for prawn noodles. I took spare ribs noodles instead. Recalling that we will not be having any breaks once we start the class, we bought a bag of butter rolls before heading back. The tide definitely looked higher and we were given a green light to launch our crafts. We did some pactise and learned the side move: Classic Draw. Rescue drill was next. The four of us switched roles each time we practised the drill. Next instruction given was to head out to the "open sea", at least near to the condominiums at Tanjong Rhu. Nice Condos! We practised our Rescue drill there. We were asked to perform a mass capsize and how can we perform the Rescue drill to get everyone back into their kayaks again. That was fun. One of the classmates is rather huge in size. Finally getting him into his Bandit was no easy feat. Another classmate's and my kayak got more seawater into our crafts just by rescuing the victim (getting him back into the kayak). It was funny and we laughed at having to do a capsize drill ourselves to be rescued again. By then, lightning flashed across the dark grey sky and we were instructed to head back. One of the ladies paddled faster and capsized due to lack of control. Eventually, the instructor rescued her and asked us to proceed. Being one of the last few, I could see that there were a handful of us who could not paddle straight. *Phew* I was not alone. Reaching the shore, we cleaned our gears and Roentgen mentioned how we can have less chances of injuring everyone's backbones. We showered before we did a debrief. More like delaying tactics than debrief. Ha! I checked with some of the classmates who intend to sign up for a 2 Star course. It would be fun to see familiar faces. A pity that KJ wasn't keen and Roentgen has technical difficulties. I hope they seriously reconsider!! Meanwhile, we can rent the kayaks and practise.

Attention all jiak-ers - Dinner time. We hurried to Beach Road hawker and KJ ordered claypot rice for four. While waiting, we tasted one of the best Grass Jelly dessert and Sour Plum Juice around! Next time, I know where to get some whenever I come to Beach Road. We sensed weird stares from another table (a family) at us on why is there a need to snap pictures of all the food. There was still just that little room more.. for a fish and chips. We shared the western food and I was feeling bloated already. No match against the three bottomless pit eaters.

I cannot remember when was the last time I enjoyed the sun so much (minus the charring part). Thanks for the company, guys! Armed with a 1 Star Kayaking Cert, I am fatter and darker at the same time. Tired. To bike! Iron backside.

Something that I have always wanted to do and yet I kept shelving the idea from time to time. A Kayaking course. We have talked about this a few times, getting all the runners to join the course. Finally, that idea materialised today with me joining Roentgen, Kop21 and KJ for the 1 Star Kayaking Course. The three of them arrived early at the carpark and I joined them walking towards the SeaSport Centre. We signed in and changed into our gears. No surprise, we are senior folks compared to the participants there. The instructors did a short introduction of themselves and the terminology used. Some familiar terms like Bow, Stern, Port and StarBoard came back to me. Proper procedures were covered on what to do and why before we proceeded to do bring out our "Bandit" Kayaks (at least they had a cool name). There was a walk through of all the types of rafts and kayaks used. Following that was a "land" paddle before we got into the the entrance and exit drill for the cockpit. We had a short try out of forward / reverse paddle, E-Stop drills, 180 / 360 deg turn and E-stop. One of the kids asked us if we are teachers. LOL! We saw demonstration on how to empty water from our kayaks as well using one or two men method. I tried the single man method and did not get it right (which I felt I needed more practise). Lunch! We were already feeling hungry and Beach Rd market was the only wise choice around for its variety. The 1 hour lunch break somewhat feels like a normal working day's lunch hour rush. The second part of the day covered side move drills, a swim test and capsize drill. Okay, the swim test was more like formalities and KJ gave Roentgen a kick just to ensure that he was still awake after the heavy lunch. Capsize drill was a test of water confidence and everyone did well. We were taught paddle rudder next and left to practise. Around 4 pm or so, we brought everything on land and washed them up before we showered. All of us examined ourselves for sun burn marks. I find myself a little darker and I really need to get use to slapping sun block on my skin before the Feb '08 event. The four of us left for Geylang in search of good food. Frog legs porridge, beef kway teow, thai style fried bean curd, vegetable were just starters. We walked as a form of exercise (10m down the road) before we had some soya bean curd and carrot cake. How's that for a day? Boy.. I'm seeing stars already... 1 star? More than just that.

Looking at my schedule, I am suppose to do a long ride tonight. But, I don't think that I can squeeze in 4hrs. I did a short run instead and several sets of weights. That ought to leave my legs for tomorrow's MF race and evening's ride.

Everyday this week, I cannot even remember which day it was. I was just checking the list off my schedule. Time just zipped past like sand slipping through my fingers. I was left in one corner stoned after a meeting. My colleague happily announced that it is end of the week! I was still consumed by the thoughts of what to do, things to follow up, what is coming next and what have I missed out. My mind blanks to a stage where it does not understand what burned out feels like. I thought it would be great to have a work out in the pool for my Friday regular swim. Rain deterred me from taking a step further. It close midnight and I am still getting stuff from work. Weekend?

Each time with spare time on hand, I would like to go get some workout. It sure feels great. Can't wait for tomorrow.

Luck! I need that! From time to time, life is not necessary all smooth sailing. We do need a dash of good luck once in a while.

The sky was a little deceitful and with strong winds, I thought it would be another night without a workout. By 9pm, I took a chance with BlackSteed. I drank water from my bottle. It was fine (for the first time). The second time, I crossed over a bump (can't see n darkness) and I had water spilling over my legs. Parts escaping the splash? No chance. Back at home, upon close inspection, I spotted some rust. Signs of neglect. A quick search on the web, I think I need to learn how to clean up my BlackSteed and GreyHound soon. During the short one hour ride, I tried maintaining 24-25km/h. Whenever possible, I would try to push to 26-27km/h.

Two days worth of rest. No more. It has to end here. I do agree that it is good for the heart and soul. Nuts! Can't always do this?! Tonight, it was slacking twin's night. IMD did his sets of countless repeats? I did from scratch, more like back to square one again. 4 sets of 800m and I threw in a bonus 1600m for a test. 4 sets of 800m came as a surprise with negative splits (what was I doing?). I was probably slacking when I started. I rested slightly more than 1 set worth of timing before doing 1600m. IMD paced me for one of the 400m lap and asked, 'Is this your slacking pace?'. 'You must be kidding! Almost dead!', I panted and tried to reply at the same time. I tried to keep a constant pace. Hm... Can I say that I am rather pretty satisfied with the timing? So, I am once again confused with my level of fitness. Or has the two days worth of rest nourished the heart and soul?

Yay! My new toy - Nathan belt!

Dead tired. Fight fight fight (ermm. .. fight fire) and when the office work ended, I had to attend to some personal stuff. *blah blah blah* .. 'Okay. Sign here. If... okay. If .... okay.' Walking with my head down (tired), I came across someone who looks like Divey. Hey! It is Divey! Her hair length is longer and I nearly could not recognise her at all. A quick chat in the middle of the crowded lane *oops* and I left for my destination. I visited the newly promoted "Mummy and Daddy" of Nicholas. Little Nicholas was still comfy and fast asleep. Makes me want to yawn, stretch and snuggle up in bed. Their happy folks (Grandpa and Grandma) were there as well and they still remember me! 'You still look the same!' Wa... getting old already.. the same? Yeah, right. "Mummy" said, 'One enough.' Nurse said, 'Aiyah, every couple I met said one enough. Each time, they came back to this hospital again for next baby.' Ha! We stayed till the last minute of the visiting hours before we left. Guess what? I skipped tonight's program again. Accumulated sins.

A Special Day. :)

Well, congrats. The arrival of Nicholas.

Oh, a runner is a runner. Running around all places today. While waiting, I slipped into Cold Storage and found powdered Gatorade! Trying out one package for now. My schedule for this week leaves Thursday afternoon as free. It will probably be taken up soon. Missing out on the swim today. What a waste. No swim - No choice. Strength training - A choice.

I hope to see someone at Mizuno MF Run this Sunday. Telling me you're there to collect Tshirt as cheap thrill makes me laugh!

I still have that feeling of slow and drag while I ran today. I thought of exploring to the Tuas Checkpoint bus terminal route. Clumsy me. I forgot to take a quick glance at the route of movement. 14km in near 2hrs was near miserable or even called as catastrophically slow in timing. During the run, I somewhat recalled that I was not feeling well. Bad choice to hit slopes for such a warm weather. Drop MF then, that was the decision. Lots of walk breaks *guilty*. Technically, did what the book said. *cheater*

Two appointments gone. I needed to clear two sets of work. Crap.

Another month... maybe.. shoes shoes shoes.

Past few days kept getting caught in the rain. Feeling sick already.... or feels weird. Few tries of peanut butter sandwiches as pit stop food have failed. Almost caught dead with peanut butter (PB?). Without a doubt, I will need to look for alternate combos. Sad but true, Nutella fails the test.

Slow slow slow ride for 3 hours (rounded off - cheating) which clocked 60km, averaging at lower 20s km/h. It clouds above did display some aggression. But, it held. I have been noticing a left leg nag for sometime. I suspected the seat height and adjusted it midway though my ride. Viola! It feels better and the aching spot went off. I must have been too heavy. Eating while riding .. that was something to practise. I think I almost swallowed the wrapper of my museli bar.

Legs feel okay.
*Poke butt* Hmm .... does not hurt.

Missed the chance of having lunch together with ZhiMien since he is on half day leave (noon) today. I was in his office for meeting. Then, it poured and I was caught in the rain. Next destination would be the meat freezer rooms and I was lucky that my clothes dried up before I stepped into the freezer. In the cab, I looked at the world that passed by. People waiting for cabs in the pouring rain. Watching the world through windows with rain water dribbling down has always been therapeutic for me. Clearing the problem (was not exactly a problem) on site fast enough, I left for home. The sky gave a threatening shade of red. No, the BlackSteed is staying indoor. I changed to my shoes and went for 1600s instead. 3 sets of trial left me dripping wet. What is happening??!! *Feeling unfit*

'Don't slaaaack!!!!', shouted Aerosolcan as he ran pass me, along the canal. Confirm slack! I am a certified slacker. Two laps and I bade him farewell as I had to rush back. During the run, I did not feel race fit at all. Looking at it from another angle, it feels this way because of all the cross training in place?

No choice. My schedule at work changes last minute and I have to change all my own personal plans. It is a total mess. Cycling slot pushed to tomorrow night after my night job. Swim slot to early Thursday morning. Do not think, just do.

During lunch time, I saw Aichai and we spoke briefly. He was mentioning that work has been busy for him and he was not able to run regularly. I hope he gets some action soon. I was a wizard this morning turning rocks to gold nuggets at work. Sometimes, you just have to whack.

A recap of the swim that just took place.

Warm Up: 400m Free, 100m Kick, 200m Free, 100m Kick.
Main Set: 9 x 100m (Strokes), 3 x 500m Free (10:14, 10:04, 10:20).
Warm Down: 300m BreastStroke, 300m Mixed.

All these are not made to make me faster. Never meant to be that way in the first place. I just want to be able to smile and enjoy throughout my race. I should be able to make it for the cut off time at 2hrs 30mins. Next worry should be the cycling leg of the event. Shoulder was really behaving well. Wonderful!

Best of all, I love my Cressi-Sub Right Goggles. I always thought Speedo is it. For the same price, Cressi-sub gets my vote. The buckles are even better!

Oh no! Not again. I kept wondering the whole day what could go wrong. Something did go horribly wrong. Last night, before I knew it, I had them. My bad for failure to check. Need my hydration plan now.

No more skips and jumps. Rest when you are suppose to. Sprint when you need to.

Tomorrow is swim night. I cannot wait to try my new Cressi-sub goggles. I like the quote I read from a swim book that says, 'The coach's job was simple. Keep the pressure on, keep making it harder, keep increasing everyone's tolerance for misery.'.

LSR - Slow when the winds came head on. 19km/h ... slow. I planned to do a 3 hours ride. Greeting some joggers with a smile, there were kids who raced along my bike too. Okay, I was slow - that slow. They were amused that all of them could catch up with me. I turned, waved and laughed. A total of 48km, I wanted to do more. Judging from the look of an unforgiving sky, I chose to stop when it gave several warning shots of H2O. Initial plan was to do a 3km run - transition. No prizes for guessing that I had to cut it short. Right after I returned, it poured. My Black Steed could have been really really wet. My legs feel okay. Of course.. slack ride.

Princess TongTong's Birthday Dinner tonight. Most of my classmates came. I was playing with TongTong and XuanXuan all the time. XuanXuan is usually more responsive and she followed the way I tapped the chair each time. Heh heh heh! After so many years, we are still talking about taking a trip out, together! Looks like someone needs to take the lead. We talking about plans for a ROM dinner since one of them is getting married. I thought of taking a half day leave. But, I thought to myself, maybe a full day would be great since I can bring my bike for servicing.

Many things on the list today. This morning before the swim, I think I stumbled upon a site for the path. When is the next holiday?! Got to do a ride.

What is that?!!! A green toe nail?!! Must have been the regular swims that have made my toe nail green. Trying to cut most of the toe nail away. White - Brown - Green.

Warm up: 300m
Main Set: 2400m - 53:40
Warm down: 300m

I totally forgot about looking at my timing at 1500 and I just swam on with primary focus - my strokes. A rough calculation equates to 1500m for 35:00? My mind did wander off from time to time. I had to arrest the thoughts and bring it back each time. The main set (or should I name it "Main Slack") was not good. TMD - Just whack. Strangely, the arm held in its good position. No *twang* complains. Did chin ups help? Difficult to determine. I got to say, after the sets of chin ups, my arms were sore. They will be alright.

Bringing out my Grey Hound, I was prepared to see wounds. It was kind of expected. No point dwelling into it. At least, I gave it a cosmetic touch up. I need to get some parts changed before it hits the road again.

What else?
Books - I will put this on hold.
Run - Owe you one. Tomorrow!

Since I was in Orchard (and I went to a lot of places after that), I used the voucher to clear up some space in my wallet. I got a pair of Cressi-sub goggles and a bottle, which coincidentally summed up to $50. I was looking at Galileo (and they only had pink?!) but decided against it. It was not the color's fault - more of the parts used actually. They have screws - so screw it. I was walking around and reading my book all the time. I think I have covered most of it. Just a couple of chapters left.

Dinner was great. Meeting all my juniors which I hardly have time to play with them. I am glad we will be doing this for once every three months. All of us, cousins, had great time chatting. I played with their kids and babies. It was awesome.

Artist: Rivermaya
Title: You Will Be Safe Here

Nobody knows
Just why we're here
Could it be fate
Or random circumstance
At the right place
At the right time
Two roads intertwine

And if the universe conspired
To meld our lives
To make us
Fuel and fire
Then know
Where ever you will be
So too shall I be

Chorus:

Close your eyes
Dry your tears
'Coz when nothing seems clear
You'll be safe here

From the sheer weight
Of your doubts and fears
Weary heart
You'll be safe here

Remember how we laughed
Until we cried
At the most stupid things
Like we were so high
But love was all that we were on
We belong

And though the world would
Never understand
This unlikely union
And why it still stands
Someday we will be set free
Pray and believe

Chorus:

When the light disappears
And when this world's insincere
You'll be safe here
When nobody hears you scream
I'll scream with you
You'll be safe here

Save your eyes
From your tears
When everything's unclear
You'll be safe here

From the sheer weight
Of your doubts and fears
Wounded heart

When the light disappears
And when this world's insincere
You'll be safe here

When nobody hears you scream
I'll scream with you
You'll be safe here

In my arms
Through the long cold night
Sleep tight
You'll be safe here

When no one understands
I'll believe
You'll be safe,
You'll be safe
You'll be safe here
Put your heart in my hands
You'll be safe here

Credits: From here.

I recalled this whole day's worth of work a while ago and about someone mentioning about make carbon copies of me. There are so many things to laugh about at work that I do not think that it is worth mentioning.

Got to hear from friends about their good news (left singlehood) and not so good news (still in bad shape). Good luck to all you people out there. Find peace. Never lose faith.

Read your fortune cookie today?
Mine says, 'Leap and the stars will catch you.'.
I sure could use some help like that! Time to look up!

SH was a little late today for appointment and that gave me some time to walk around since I was already early. I bought some items and browsed some books. Once she turned up, we got a spot and started to go through the list of items on the agenda. Yes, she was bugging me again. No, there is not changes to date! I barely saw her just two weeks ago! She just want to "gently" remind me till I give up. It is not about giving up! Ha! Before we left, she tried to persuade me to join the folks for some drinks (like chill-out). I had to refuse. I needed some rest.

Yay! Managed to get AGB for dinner next week! I cannot recall when was the last time, I had dinner with her! I bet she has lots to tell.

What is on tomorrow's menu? LSS? I should go do that. Much catching up awaits me. This is the last week of my 'I think I'll skip this' excuse.

Another conflict in office for the morning - more of a silent conflict. Why proxy? I have no idea. Beng called me up and we chatted for a while. He and I are facing the same kind of issues. Is there a flaw in our ideology when it comes to a reasonable workplace (peer level)? We are not talking about score cards for rendering help. Need to be that calculative? During the mid day, another colleague encountered the same issue. Okay. I thought I was the only one. I just smiled my way through. I was happy to meet up with a friend for lunch. Duck rice! Noooo .. waistline is getting out of control and slowly shaping like a donut!

Right after work, I grabbed my stuff and headed for the pool. I met RunAlone there as well. An edited version of my original intended plan for today:

Warm Up: 400m Free, 200m Kicks, 300m Mixed.
Main Set: 3 x 500m - 9:44, 10:20, 10:30 (Slack!)
Warm Down: 200m BreastStroke, 8 x 100m - 50m BreastStroke, 50m Free (Alternate breathing)
I was high during the alternate breathing sets. It must have been the feel in the waters. While stretching (warm down) in the waters, I looked up at the stars above. The distance stars that twinkled put a smile on my face. That includes Orion as well.

This calls for an ice cold Coca-Cola! Hm.. that bruised mark on my right thigh is still there. Oww.

Since I was around my place during lunch time, Botak Jones came to my mind. Botak Jones Burger is already filling. I cannot image the triple threat (three patties)!!

A mid day encounter sent me into re-assessment again?! I wish I can say, 'Cannot be bothered'. Or shall I just do that?! Looking at another level, we ought to re-work our weaknesses, right? There are instances where weaknesses cannot be corrected. Perhaps.

Asleep - During taxi ride - again. Totally zapped.

Okay, time to burn the burger before it add inches to the already bad waistline.

Did a 10km run. I wanted to follow by a 20km bike - Transition 3km run. Damn.. had to change to Friday. I have always been toying with the idea of a simulation. Might just have to plan for one.

Working on other cases in the morning, I went for my appointment just opposite MR. While changing my pass, someone caught my attention. No, who cares about celebrities. I saw Andy! Oh.. he is a quasi-celebrity! 'Gimme your money!', I hissed. Haa! Andy was wondering who sprang a surprise till he turned around. I asked him about his leg since he was walking during the KL Marathon. Better! Sounds good.

After work, it was a 3.1km swim. Too tired.

One step. Two Steps. Three. What great foresight. It was common sense anyway.

Not good. Tsunami again. I hope everything is fine and help is rendered wherever necessary.

Three pairs of Asics Cumulus (same series Cumulus 7) appeared for a run this morning. Seems like I was the one panting behind!! I must admit... I have no recollection of the last time I came up to that hill top. Thanks guys for the run and fantastic breakfast. I needed something like this.

Activation again? Yes, it was a fruitless attempt in whatever they were trying to achieve. Four hours spent in a freezer room for metal cabinets.

Fantastic. I left the place and headed straight for dinner. One hour of rest and I was off to bike. Traffic was a little heavy with folks all around the place. The road was a little more spacious during dinner time and I clocked a 40km on my 2-wheeler, followed by a transition into 1.5km run. While sprinting, I heard a pebble striking my Black Steed's frame. *twang* .... Ouch.

Sequence? All wrong. I thought it should be Swim, Bike, Run instead of Run-Work-Bike?! Missing a 1.5km swim, it would have been a Tri ... a slack Tri with plenty of transition time.

I heard this on the radio the other day. Movie: Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Simple and clear. Like many years back, Gwyneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis's - Crusin'. Search around, you will get to hear the song online.

Album: Music and Lyrics
Title: Way Back Into Love

[Her] I've been living with a shadow over head.
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed.
I've been lonely for so long. Trapped in the past I just can't seem to move on.

[Him] I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away.
Just in case I ever need 'em again someday.
I've been setting aside time, to clear a little space in the corners of my mind.

[Together] All I wanna do is find a way back into love.
I can't make it through without a way back into love. Ooohhhhhoooo.

[Her] I been watching but the stars refuse to shine.
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs.
I know that it's out there, there's gotta be something for my soul somewhere.

[Him] I been looking for someone to shed some light,
not somebody just to get me through the night.
I could use some direction, and I'm open to your suggestions.

[Together] All I wanna do is find a way back into love.
I can't make it through without a way back into love.
And if I open my heart again. I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end.

[Her] There are moments when I don't know if it's real,
or if anybody feels the way I feel. I need inspiration,
not just another negotiation.

[Together] All I wanna do is find a way back into love.
I can't make it through without a way back into love.
And if I open my heart to you. I'm hoping you'll show me what to do.
And if you help me to start again. You know that I'll be there for you in the end.