Limping Marathon Runner

I wonder how did the ride turn out? The weather in the afternoon wasn't too good. Stripped of the idea (riding to Pengarang) and had to be a bookworm today, I managed to finish another chapter.

Yay. First 50 Dates is on later. I missed that movie when it was on the big screen.

I'm glad that it is a holiday tomorrow. When I heard about the Pengarang trip out, I was really excited about it. I totally forgot about my studying plans. *dang* :( I got to do some reading while I can.

Look like its ... till another day.

The last installment of our 2 Star course was today! The morning session was for our project work, leaving us - two teams to present our work. Our original instructor had injured his course and has failed to join us for the afternoon session of mini expedition. Another instructor assumed the position instead. We got our Dancers out and went for early lunch before we start our mini expedition.

After a short lunch (it was our eagerness more than anything else), we did a short brief with first team leading the first leg of our expedition. We are going to One Fullerton and will be crossing Sheares Bridge from below. After we launched our kayaks, we crossed over to the condominium side of Tanjong Rhu. Keeping left, we soon had Sheares Bridge over our head. Nice! With two on-coming dragon boats, we kept compact and squeezed through. Next, we orientated ourselves and headed towards the sun dial location. The Ferris Wheel was already on our right. We crossed the Sheares Bridge again for the second time with the Fullerton One ahead of us. The PICO sail crafts were around the vicinity too. With a raft up sign, we gathered and did a short check before we swapped roles. The second group (our group) took the lead for the route back. I was almost nominated as the lead again. But, we suggested that my buddy should lead since she will be able to control the pace then. On our way back, there was a test of skills with two fellow mates executing the capsize drill. Rescue work was performed swiftly and a short discussion before we went paddling back to our familiar shallow waters area.

More tests!! Backward paddle to reach an certain distance before we switched to self practise sessions. Each one of us had to display the skills we have learned so far in our 2 Star course. I cleared my skills test. I was totally high, when I was able to perform a few low brace turns without capsizing. It was like wheelie on wheels. Pack up time! We washed our gears and bathed before collecting our certs. Our certs - after three days of more skills and practise.

Exhaustive testing .. yes, I can smell the appliance burning. Finally, I solved 2 problems out of 3 that I have been facing for so long. The last problem is seriously one tough cookie. I hope I can crack the code. Tiring though... I gave the run a pass for today and was caught slacking by my slacking twin. Ooops.

.... Great balls of fire!

I took an early dinner and allowed the Ba Chor Mee to be digested. Uh oh .. the defacto chilli - dry version seems to have started something in my tummy. I rather my heels set the tracks on fire! I got more than I bargained for. My behind - on flames. I was determined and completed my 7 sets.

With good, cold Ching Tng, it was instant gratification! The flames were put out at 2130hrs. Satisfying.

Back to square one at work. There is just so much I can do.

Fortunately, I was able to play ball after work. Tennis then squash with some friends. A good workout since I have not been playing these two racket sports for at least half a year. Around there, I suppose. Took me a few warm up strokes to get back the feel. It felt great.

Time to get that racket I have been eyeing?

Second day of my 2 Star kayaking course today, with a morning lecture that lasted till almost 11+ am before we got some action in the sea. First, we refreshed our skill on stern rudder. Next to be taught was sculling draw. It took me a while to get the feel of this drill. Alvo and Meteor dropped by to see our class and we had lunch together.

After our lunch, it was Kayaker to Swimmer rescue method. Everyone buddied up and perform the drill while I took a picture of Kops21 shouting for help as a victim. We learned bow rudder next. I took a longer time than sculling draw to learn this. I would not say that I have mastered it. But, I sure need more practise. As usual, my right handed bow rudder is better than the left (everyone has a master side). We gathered and I was appointed as the "classroom" expedition leader. Obviously lost, I gave a direction and short briefing of our crew in the party and headed towards our objective. There were two planned and one genuine capsize. Rescue was performed swiftly and we rafted up to swap roles. Once we reached the suspension bridge, we gathered near to the Tanjong Rhu condominiums to perform a mass capsize and rescue. I learned the face down method to get back into the kayak as well.

The next challenge set by our instructor for us to get back to the beach. First part was to do a back paddle. Second part was to switch to left and right sculling draw. Third challenge was an edging and paddling back. I capsized a few times and got rescued. As instructed, we did our low and high support. One of my attempt at a high support (with my shoulder touching the water), I capsized again! Parts of a learning process. My next attempt at edging while paddling was better. More practise, I would say. The highlight of today was that I did a edging turn near the beach. Great!

Today is the first day of my 2 Star kayaking course. 2 fellow 1 star classmates: Sam was already there while Teresa was sick and had to call it off. Soon, the class filled up to 9 attendees and theory was first conducted before we launch off. Our practical was conducted using Perception Dancers. Personally, I preferred the shape of a Dancer. Upon launch off, I got this feeling that the direction sense in a forward paddle seemed easier. Due to the shape of a Dancer, it is less maneuverable and more prone to capsizing. Immediately, it was proven with a fellow classmate executing an accidental "capsize drill". As a recap of drills learned in 1 Star, we were asked to practise them once again. A refresher to those who have long forgotten the skills.

The instructor demonstrated a 3 steps way to empty water using the See-Saw method, which has enlightened a few of us. We learned and practised a "T" rescue or 1-man rescuer method. I was asked buddy up with a lady called Denise. Breaking for lunch, we saw Taz and KJ walking towards us. They have just finished their lunch and went ahead to practise their kayaking skills. A quick bite and we went back to the centre for more exciting stuff.

We learned edging while using that with low support and high support recovery. I tried to push myself to the limits and did not bother too much about the possibility of capsizing. That was when I kept capsizing till I lost count. To learn, you cannot be afraid to try anything! We did more capsize and rescue drills to enhance the confidence comfort level in executing them. Something new! Eskimo bow rescue was next. I was a victim while my buddy was the rescuer. I flipped to capsize myself, tapped the kayak and move my hands along the base of the kayak. That was to feel for a bump from my buddy's kayak, as a signal that she was around to aid me. That only came 6-8 seconds later. LOL! I even opened my eyes underwater and I could not spot any shadow from a kayak closing in. When I recovered, she kept apologising. Ha! I told her it was okay. Taz and KJ were enjoying themselves, watching us practising and capsizing in the sea. After a few more practise on Classic draws with edging, we beached back and washed up.

While the debrief was being conducted outdoors, I saw Run3 and LaoKaYu running their Health Group race. They saw me as I shouted out to them. Shower! Quick! Dinner time! I was already hungry. Kops21, Taz, KJ and I went out for dinner. Searching for great food (ask Kops21), we went to Yishun Industrial area for some Thai food at the store called "Taste of Thailand". Not exactly authentic, but I would say the quality of the food is recommendable. I had to restrain myself - No Tom Yum Soup. "Where's next for food?", asked KJ. *Bows* Next stop, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak store near Yishun Camp. Taz and I were looking for some Chee Cheong Fun. Too bad, the store closed down. We took some drinks before checking out a Chee Cheong Fun store in Casurina area. Another store closed! The fact is they only operate in the morning. Last option, Kops21 to Ah Li Shan along Upper Serangoon for some Taiwanese porridge. They served sweet potato bits in the porridge. I would prefer bigger chunks of sweet potatoes in my porridge, anytime! The dishes we had were good. What is a meal without dessert? Just further down the road, a dessert store left us choosing grass jelly or soya bean. Can't decide? Go "Michael Jackson" combo - Black or White? I took the combo. At this rate of eating, I am afraid even my own mum can't recognise me soon.

Bashed till I was pretty bashed up in the late afternoon.

Packed and headed back home to get changed. Still pretty stoned even when I was wearing my socks. I took a walk to the tracks to think and digest my Almond bar. Along the way, a group of SP runners came. Initially, it seems like the rain has driven them to run elsewhere other than the tracks. Upon arriving at the tracks, I found that the lights were out. No wonder. I spent my time shuffling in the dark. 2.4km warm up. 17 sets. 2.4km warm down and ran home. Take it slow. One set at a time. Not wanting to push.

Hungry! I have to go! Can't just eat and not run! Left without a choice, I ran to the tracks and saw groups of people (no surprise). I was almost forced out of the 8 lanes. Can you believe that? I completed my 6 laps and ran back. At least, I am happy that I have completed what is required. Can I collapse now? Damn hungry.

Some facts and figures on our related activities from this month's CLEO magazine:

• Running for 30mins = 6 piece Chicken McNuggets (300 calories)
  
• Rock climbing for 60mins = A plate of nasi briyani with mutton (760 calories)
  
• Swimming for 30mins = A plate of wanton noodles (400 calories)

Did I? Clearly, I do not think so. Babumouse seems to think otherwise. He claims that I am faster (equates more powerful strokes). I tip towards the "slack" side of the scale rather than "speed". I am only as fast as the slacker next to me. Oops. Covering only 2km (with strokes in between) today - see? I told you I am a slacker. It was great to see the Special Olympics folks training in the same pool again. Jeremy was assisting them as a buoy for them to practise sighting.

Taking a Supp Paper, essentially means failing the first time and having to do a re-accessment of knowledge again.

I had all the ingredients ready and started measuring one by one. Gone are the days of manual labours of beating the batter. Replacements like mixers come into play. I still like my cake, the hand mixer/beater way, just like what my grandma used to do. For the stove, she used to steam her cakes using charcoal. I would definitely love to use that way. However, I do not have the necessary stove. Charcoal? That is a separate issue. Back to the cake. Mixing the eggs, sugar, honey and butter, I gave it more of a mix rather than a beating. Next, I added some vanilla extract, baking powder, flour and milk before applying a uniform beating to the batter. For those who have plenty of dri fits and no place to use them, wear them when you cook. Anyone who fails the "wave bye bye" jello arms test might want to consider using a manual rather than an electric beater. Aroma of vanilla, honey and eggs were still quite distinct even though they were thoroughly blended in one another. I transferred the batter into a pan with greased parchment paper before placing it in a wok of boiling water. 30 mins went by and Viola! Looks better than the previous pan caked version. However, not as spongy as the way I would like it to be.

Time to stop talking and let my taste buds do their job. Okay. Safe for tomorrow's breakfast consumption.

As a kid, I was deeply influenced by my grandma with her exceptional culinary skills. Cantonese women rule. While rheumatism constantly plagued her, I helped her with most of the cooking while she directed me on the steps. Till today (after her passing on for such a long time), I miss her each time I come across the familiar smell of a Sponge Cake.

Think I'll be skipping THE run and doing my own tomorrow. Pissed. I just finished taping up my external circuit breaker and writing in a formal complain letter to the respective authority. If there is no action, someone will be the stationary target.

On my own, I cannot be taking the easy way out, always. I need help. With the electrical engineer around, no questions asked. I cannot take that. It is history repeating itself with the SCV case and power socket. I cannot hide the fact that I am pissed but I just have to take things into my own hands. I can almost choke on my own saliva.

As what it suggests, today's session is mainly for fine tuning. Additional objective, I need to adjust my foot rests, at least a stop nearer to me.

Taz, Kops21 and I (two missing partners in crime) did the registration and got a briefing on our boundaries which clearly applies to 1Star holders. We went to retrieve our gears and "Bandits". Equipped with a movable rack, we dragged 3 kayaks near to the sandy beach before launching our crafts. There were others like students around the area, paddling as well. Upon a push away from the beach, there was a noticeable difference from Kallang. The water is not as clean as Kallang. As long as we do not perform any intentional or unintentional capsize drill, everyone would stay clean and happy. Paddling with the beach front on our left, we came to a halt just before Coney Island. There were simply too much traffic going on. Captain Taz decided that it would not be a good idea to proceed. We headed back to where we came from, near several kelongs. That was when my battery went flat for my digicam. With an hour left, we tried to go near to the mangrove area. Along the way, we met some big waves (not classifying them as huge, cos I've seen some huge ones before) and had to position our "Bandits'" bow to break the waves. When we were near the mangroves, the time left was pretty short and the sky gave a threatening flash and roar. Uh oh. Got to head back like right now. Swiftly (with help of currents, definitely), we paddled back and got our crafts back at the Centre for wash up before we washed ourselves up. While showering, the sky gave a shower around the area as well! Thinking of where to eat, we went to a neighbourhood food court that seemed pretty quiet with stores that were not attracting any customers at all. Almost leaving, the Godzilla bao with some dim sum caught our eyes. One bao is bigger than anyone's fist. It has chicken pieces, chinese sausages, mushrooms, fish cake bits, crab sticks and a whole egg in it! Beat that. It is like a meal in one.

*Scratches head* I forgot to adjust my foot rests....

Hm... I think I might have found the solution to my previous attempt on my Ma Lai Gao. No wonder... I am sure this is the right direction, the one thing I am isolating. Solving this weekend?

During lunch, it was a real surprise to see Astrogirl! She was crossing the road and I thought to myself this lady looks familiar. She waved to me, once she saw me. Nice to see an old friend. She still looks as chirpy as ever.

Last night, jerks were back again, after a long disappearing act.

Just after lunch, I met up with SH to pass her something. This buddy of mine is now tempting me with a sailing course. I am not done with the kayaking course yet! 2 Star is due next week. I freaked the guys out at work today, when I showed them the MSN messages that was logged at the appliance. Hey... we are talking about ethics here. But, anyway, I was trying that out on my own MSN windows. It rocked the whole office environment for a good 2-3 minutes. Everyone panicked. Some wished they did not sent private messages. LOL! I don't even want to know! I am just happy that my testing works!

After work, it was time to hit the tracks. Slow jog there with my bag, warm up stretching and followed by another 4 laps. Yuemin, Flip, Mabel and Shobido were there as well. I proceeded to mark out the track with my trusty blue tack and paper slip for my distance. Time to try out! I did 16 sets, which seems to be the bare minimum for most people. I set my cap at 16 sets. Around the 8th or 9th set, my left hamstring was feeling tight. I slowly down a little. I would estimate that I can go on for another 10 more sets after 16. 22secs for the first few sets and up to 25secs around the 16th set. Feeling a little slack, I threw in 4 sets of 400m, slightly slow than the usual timing to work my legs a little more. Warm down was just 6 laps around the tracks. Since this is the first week, I'll give it an easy adaptation / trial approach. I was almost crawling by the end of the whole session. Hungry!

A distant star ..... is that what I think it is?

One swift familiar sound of fabric tearing, I looked around to check. Uh oh... I tore a small section of my pants, near the side pocket. Immediately, my female colleague exclaimed, 'I didn't see anything!!'. There is NOTHING to see!! I should be looking at getting new pants soon. Meanwhile, let me sew this back. In case, the hole gets bigger!

Finally, some light after much break down testing. Not much help I received from people whom I asked. Probably they did not understand why I would want to do it that way. Though not a hundred percent sure that this is what I want. At least, the results look promising. My decision to decline the update session paid off. Most shrugged when they heard that I am turning down the update session. Pick one: Have coffee and listen to people talk versus fighting with the machines. Don't need a nuclear scientist to teach you how to choose.

Today, I planned for a 5 sets at the tracks. Running to the tracks, I found that it was packed. There were at least 8 - 9 separate groups of people training around the stadium. I should say that I am happy with the results today. Right after 5 laps, I jogged back. I am contented.

..... to what? Wait. Read on.

I had a great time swimming with the guys today, after a long hiatus (which is not suppose to happen!). I did not want to push much. I just did what I felt comfortable with.

Words of Wisdom for the day:
'A slacker will always feel that he should have one more week off before he starts working out. He ensures the extension is infinite.' - Yours Truly.

*psssst* I wasn't that slacker. Just kidding. Our dear friend is injured.

Watched the Aviva Open 2007 at home today. Despite that they are showing it live on T.V., it is always more exciting to watch it on actual grounds. It will have to be T.V. for now.

A good morning session took place, while I was not the one who is late, gave me good confidence that it will work out. I have been warned.

I picked up a neat, small book from the library. Small but yet powerful! Seriously good stuff. I need more like these.

More tries (more like from others) happening... more .. more to come by.

Alvin checked with me if I would be swimming today. These few weeks have been busy. All messed up. At a later timing today after work, I went for some running high. Tracks - 4 sets to start again.

Slowly but surely, we are moving a step at a time, closer to that day. Everyone has been asking. They are more eager than I am! Fact is, I am excited about it as well!

After spending days reading (like the Big Blue Book twice), I cleared my paper today.          Certified                  , that what people would call you. Okay, now I can burn that Book One and proceed with Book Two.

Its almost here. Wake up and smell the coffee !!

A book has re-ignited my love / passion for something that was long buried under my daily schedule. No, not that big Blue book that I have been reading recently. Somewhat, I felt recharged. More importantly, I felt alive again.

Waiting .. .. Just waiting.