Limping Marathon Runner

Half way though the swim for tonight, it was raining. I did a few more laps before we starting slacking by chatting again. A few of us were doing the ITB stretch with Tiwazz doing the demo. It was a different stretch which probably hitting another angle. I have another stretching method at hand. 1.5km - slack, right?

With Kops21's enticing.. I signed up for FINA Fuji Xerox 5km swim. I love swimming even as a kid. Didn't take long to convince me in signing up.

Eyes wide. Time check. Damn!! I'm going to be be late! Needless to say, I overslept. Showered, changed and grabbing all my stuff, I raced out of my house. "One bagel, please?" I had a take away and hurried off in a train to the meeting area for the "Smile For A Mile" charity run. Just in time to finish my bagel and reaching at the start point, Roentgen, KJ, Angelica_wonders, Simon, Chip and Eliza were already there. Eliza did her Osim Tri Sprint distance yesterday and came to do this charity run today! I deposited my bag and took my mobile phone as a backup camera device since my digital camera went ka-put yesterday. This morning, I did gave it a last try to fire it up again. Sadly, it failed to respond. I stretched and did a quick warm up (which could have been the cause of today's problem). Runners for first wave gathered at 8.30am and there was a short briefing by the organiser before his attempt at imitating a horn sound off signifying a flag off. "Porrrrrr" ... there were plenty of us laughing at flag off. Thanks to Roentgen for leading most of the run, since it is his home ground route. I must admit that it has never been my running route at this part of town, apart from MILK runs. It is certain a scenic route! KJ exclaimed half way during our run, "River reflection! Shweeee. Take picture, take picture." That a cue for official camera man (me) to start work. *Click* We continued our run and cross an overhead bridge with Borders just within our sights. That was our U-turn point. 5km mark and we headed back. Other runners must be wondering why are these few crazy people running with cameras. It was Great World City that we saw the second wave group (starting at 9.10am) led by a NJC teacher who did the Death Valley run. Reaching Sir Stamford Raffles' statue, we heard loud emcee voices across the river. There seemed to be some dragon boat race that was taking place. At the last stretch, three crazy runners ran side by side back to the finishing point. Finished 10km! I took a few shots and chatted with the lady whom I met at Phuket Marathon. She remembered me and was shocked at my back to back Phuket - Penang race. After chatting, I joined the briefing for third wave just in time for the flag off. I met Zeus for first time as we introduced ourselves.

Another artificial horn sound again. "Porrrrrr" ... LOL! Zeus led the third wave and he continued strong. For some strange reasons, I had a left pull on my ITB. I walked for a short distance before continuing. The muscle strain was quite a big deal, bigger than what I had felt on previous ITB feeling tight. I reduced my speed and maintained small steps. At one traffic junction, I stretched my ITB while waiting for the green light. Once I started running again, the initial few steps were really bad. As I carried on, it was better. Since then, I did jogging on the spot whenever I had to stop. At one of the junction, I started a conversation with a few runners asking for direction back to the start point. They joined me on my way back. One of them asked for tips on achieving a half marathon run. I shared with them on reading more and trying LSDs too. Chatting along the way, we soon reached the end point with a few rain drops on our heads. Within seconds, it poured heavily! Roentgen and KJ were waiting for me to shop for our digital cameras. So sorry! I took my stuff, wrote some encouraging words on "Smile For A Mile" tag before I bade the young runner goodbye. I hope to see him next week as I will be doing "Smile For A Mile" too for wave one and three. It sort of sums up as my LSD mileage.

Ooops... Roentgen and KJ were disappointed to find one of the camera shops closed. There was a shop who offered us some look and feel on those cameras we have in mind. Roentgen had to join his family for lunch where KJ and I had lunch before looking New Balance shoes. Since I was in New Balance, I registered for Real Run '08.

At around 3pm, I met EndlessTrail for picture viewing. It was difficult to get the group together and Eeyore was going to fly off again. Before meeting the rest, we shopped around a little and had a chance to press our cheeks against an outdoor shop selling climb gears. We looked like school kids outside an ice cream shop. Too bad it was closed today. We had little peeks at the gears hanging in the shop from the glass panels. With the rest arriving, we went though the pictures where EndlessTrail and WeiWen related their experiences in Peru. There were plenty of pictures and videos. We drained the battery on the laptop completely.

Upon reaching home, I searched for ITB stretches immediately via the information highway. I know the usual stretch. I tried but it just wasn't good enough. With luck and good keywords, I stumbled upon this website. I gave my ITB a good stretch. It feels so much better!

After missing out on Sports Climbing Level 1 class last time, I turned up at the pre-arranged venue to learns some skills on this discipline today. I wanted to run to the venue. The red sky at 5am did a marvelous job in deterring me, putting away the idea to run there. The last thing I want is to be caught in the rain. I gave the run miss and took a train instead. I was early and helped a little on the stores before the class started.

The first part of the day was on theory with a fun group. All of which are SH's colleagues. We covered climb organizations, types of equipment, safety and some minor hands-on on knots and ropes, climber and belayer procedures and more. Everyone was pretty excited when it comes to practice. At this time, the sky was not holding up too well. It gave a threatening roar and we had to break for lunch. A call was made to switch to a different venue which has an indoor climbing wall.

The indoor wall is much shorter in height. At least, we are not going to be wet. I would love to try the outdoor wall. Rotating as a climber and belayer, I had fun. I guess I have went through the same thing during one of my company's retreat activities on climbing. But, this time round, the course was properly conducted. I cannot complain much since the company's event was an introductory session rather than a course. Our skillful course instructor gave a lot of tips, which I had found them useful. The whole time during our course, I was busy snapping pictures of SH and colleagues. Half way through, my digicam gave problems. The display blanked. After several rounds of troubleshooting, I have concluded that it is the CCD that is giving problems. I think my digicam has finally given up on me. It is not totally dead. It just comes on and goes off in some random periodic sequence. Probably not going to hold much longer. I need to source for something.

While attending a course, the scene outside the window looked like photography material. Where's my camera?! .... I'll bring on Monday.

Right after the course, I tried to rush back home and yet I was still late. I decided to do my own laps instead. I tried to tell myself over and over again during my swim that I should focus just on my strokes. I did. Strokes, strokes, strokes and nothing else. 20 laps in 44mins and I could not be happier. Not a very good timing. But, good enough to make me happy. I wanted to stack it up to 3.8km. The climb course ahead of me tomorrow made me think twice. I chose to slack.

I must have been a complete a$$ to click on the "Reply All" unintentionally. KJ asked me if my email is ...."Yes, it is." I was told that I had replied to more than a dozen of runners that I have reconfirmed my slot for an upcomng charity run. Forgive me. It must have been the multiple testing I have been running (looking at three consoles), making test plans analysis, patching of another laptop, replying mails and tapping away at the keyboard during MSN IM sessions.

I feel silly. Or at least, I am a spammer for that one email.

The only location that has "Fodor's: The Traveling Marathoner"? Since it features the Disney Marathon, I need this book. Not much of a choice, I had to head to that library. Oohh.. a newly built library too! I have not been around this area for maybe a few months. I kept pacing up and down the rows of travel books. Yet, I failed to locate "The Traveling Marathoner". After hitting a few keys at the terminal, I pin pointed the book at the sports section instead. Impressive ... there are books on climbing in various parts of U.S.. They have kayaking as well?!! I am beginning to like this place. It was only when I scanned the rows and stopped at a "Chi Running" book before I returned a kayaking book back. How often do you see a "Chi Running" book in library (not loaned)? I think you can queue up to 2010. Okay, the kayaking books make it to my list during my next visit. Upon flipping through the pages while taking the subway, I discovered the Fodor book covered New York ING, Hawaii Honolulu and Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon as well!! I waaaant!

Just when you think there were not enough nagging aches from the left shoulder, I did an American footballer charge at the metal container corner. That led to a cautious workout in the pool. I felt the strain. But, the swim was good. The drizzle came and yet was not heavy enough to get us booted out of the pool. Just 2.6km.

Yesterday was a low in productivity. Swim only lasted a 1.1km before swarms of kids made waves in the pool. Not much of a luck to swim anymore, I had a chat with Alvin. There wasn't enough time to head over to the library to get the book I wanted (recommendations by Roentgen). I joined my family, going to my cousin's place for a get-together. Most of my relatives were there. I was playing with the kids and some bigger kids, mostly my cousins' kids. Trying to make this a quarterly event, an initiative from us (juniors in this big family).

Today was a no-go at biking with rain around. Much of my time was spent on clearing documents. Finally, it has been organised!

What a day.....

To start with, I woke up with a stress (ache) on my left hamstring. Must have picked it up from squash the other day. Seems like, its a rest for me again. Tomorrow? I will stay away from run, or at least no LSD.

Next headache, from work. Dozens of boo-boo, which was recovered by noon.

More? News that I hope, that is would come or rather would not come has surfaced. Oh heck it... Deal with it.

Some more? *Beep beep* MenInGreen activity just after the weekend of my Feb event! *Faint*

Anymore?

Work is here again! Just like interval workout on heart and lungs.

This Tuesday, after an initial discussion on Jan trip, I have covered some areas. More research to be done. It was drizzling and I had to skip the bike portion. Still skipping it yesterday where it rained again.

Today, it did rain in the morning. Everything remained optimistic and I managed to reach the tracks in time. I timed myself to do some estimation and all seems well so far. We retreated to get our runners' treat. LaoKaYu saw us at the train station and we took the train back where I alighted earlier. Walking with thoughts in my head, I was interrupted by two Korean ladies wanting me to do a survey on religion. Helpless and jumping around, they passed me the survey form as they saw a cockroach coming our way. I am pretty sure that if there were tables, they would climb on it. "What's that?!! It flies!" "Its .. erm .. cockroach." *Shreeeek* *Eeeeeek*
Back to survey. "Are you a student?" "I wish I am still a student." They kept persuading me to attend a discussion session that I did not want to commit. I'm packed already.

NO slacking today. Now, we know who is the weakest link!

Warm up: 500m Free, 200m Mixed, 300m Kicks (Killer!!)
Main sets: 2 x 400m Kicks (Gag...), 100 Free, 1 x 400m Strokes
Warm down: 400m Mixed

The kicks and strokes seemed to help... only for the first few laps, right after stroke practice. I really need more practice on my strokes.

SCSM 07's registration is out. Have you registered? I just did. See you around!

It has been a long day for me today. Up for 19hrs without a nap!

This morning, I woke up at 5am. Strange but true, I did not feel sleepy. I downed a cup of corn flakes + honey water before packing my two packs for today's events. I need to be at three different place, three different activity. First up in the list, I reached MR at 6:15am. Roentgen was already there. Both of us wonder if we got the time/location wrong. Soon, Kops21 and Burnz arrived. Two more runners were late. But, we were told to carry on and they will do a different route. One Camelbak, PowerGel and digicam, I was set to run! The first 3km, we hardly spoke and all we heard were sounds of crickets in the wild and rocks or pebbles we kicked around. Today (finally), I got to know the links for some routes I had doubts previously. We crossed under the Tree Top Walk bridge and took the route to Rifle Range road, where I had previously recce-ed. First time seeing the Tree Top Walk bridge from this angle. At 7km mark, Burnz and I headed back, where Kops21 and Roentgen carried on for their 23km. On our way back to the carpark, I saw Eeyore and then followed by Leica. First time that I had a long chat with Burnz in person. Once all of us are back, including two late runners, we showered and went to ShunFu road. Attraction?? Char Kway Teow that uses microphones to place orders to the kitchen cook and a muffin store that had a really long queue!

After clearing two plates of Char Kway Teow, we ordered muffins for take away and rushed to our next destination. Mozzie had to go and the rest of us headed for dim sum. We ordered the must-have for dim sum and kept sms-ing a fallen makan comrade. Just when we were about to leave, I spotted a familiar figure. Ooopps... I called the person's phone. "Hello.. I want to order dim sim." Right away, the person sprang around, in search of me. We were laughing like mad and embarrassed at the same time. I offered a solution, "I accept bribes. Our lunch costs $74." Like what Roentgen said, "Never knew eating can be so tiring!".

Where's next? Support Alvo and Meteor in their 1 Star Kayaking class! But, Kops21 mentioned that I took the wrong bag of muffins. I have two double chocolate, one pumpkin and one cheese muffin now. JS wanted the double chocolate muffins so much. We have angered a woman!! ok, JS, I owe you the muffins! :p

At the kayaking check in list, we saw two names belonging to Sotong and Roonz which they have already postponed their class slots. We launched our craft and surprised them! We did not tease them as much, since they were still in a class. Kops21, Roentgen and I kayaked to the hanging bridge at Cosy Bay. We lazed around a little before hitting out to Sheares bridge, slightly out before returning back to basin area. Alvo and Meteor were just in time for their capsize drill! I took pictures of them dragging their kayaks back to the shore after their capsize drill. Priceless. They were all enjoying their 1 Star class.

Once everyone has washed up, we went for claypot rice at Beach road. What drink to go with the claypot rice? Sour plum juice. I accompanied them while they finished up their dinner, since I have a wedding dinner next. While they were eating, I found a spot for my two muffins in my tummy. Since, Alvo and Meteor love chocolate muffins, they were more than happy to accept the double chocolate flavored muffins. Yes... JS, next one on me.

Next appointment to attend was a wedding. One of the MenInGreen settling down today and throwing a feast. Finally. We were the support fire team on stage for the toast and we gave a thunderous roar of "yum seng" at our table as well. A gift from us (comrades). Seriously, I ought to sleep now.

After missing for a while, I was able to join swimming sessions again. Let's recap what was on the menu today.
- Warm up: 400m Free, 200m Mixed
- 200m strokes draw, 200m single arm, 200m fists
- 4 x 200m Free, 1:40, 1:58, 2:06, 2:10 <-- Crappy!
- 4 x 100m Free, 0:55, 1:00, 1:06, 1:13 <-- Crappier!
- 6 x 50m Free, 25m sprint - 25m easy
- Warm down: 100m Mixed

During our swim, Jeremy said he saw Mr. Hanky doing Howdy Ho in the water. *Eewwwww*

2.8km for today's feast. My body is scream for my bed.

I saw RealRunner today, when I finished my morning meeting. I heard that he has qualified for his Boston timing and that is totally cool.

AlecChua joined us at the tracks today. I hope he gets well soon. Healing process is slow, but it will. I did slow warm ups and then another assessment before joining AlecChua in his rounds. I tried on my Penang Marathon event today. It kept riding up like a baby's bib. Must be M-size of this singlet. Size does matter. Looks like it will be on my PJ list. We settled for ching tng after our run. Yes, nothing less.

Look at this. It'll be fun. USD$500 is a little steep. But, the idea is catchy.

Tonight, I got my little revenge on my opponent for hitting me at my chest, with a squash ball at light speed last week. Today, the ball that I returned just ricocheted off my opponent! I was breathless from laughing ..... having tummy aches and I could barely stand up straight.

Slacking all over again! I am suppose to go through 3km and there wasn't enough time. When I was done with 2km, I suddenly felt nauseous. Silly.... it was the gas that I was trying to burp. Must be the two bananas that I consumed before my swim. Mainly kicks today and that absolutely took my breath away! Still good, 2.6km.

I caught the movie, Transformers, with EndlessTrail today at noon time and I enjoyed it. Transformers are considered to be toys of my era, although I never did own one or followed the cartoon series at all. It was all, an item of would-like-to-have luxurious goods. A sentence in the movie reminded me of a longer quote that I ever came across. "Chick before dicks, Bros before whores". LOL. Good show, cool CGs....!

Nearing to 5pm, I headed to Chinatown for some errands and met a tourist from Pakistan asking for directions. I helped him to take pictures and pointed out some places of interest to him. Since I was still early for my colleague's wedding dinner, I went to check out the new mall, Central. It seems pretty normal, nothing too exciting. Usually, I don't take much food during wedding dinners and this time round, I ate something in advance. To kill time, I sat in the hotel lobby listening to some audio files. Around, 7pm, I found out I was in the wrong hotel! Two hotels of similar names. Fortunately, I was not that far away and it was just 3 bus stops away.. Phew... made it.. and still the earliest among the whole lot.

Cable T.V. showing Jeff Corwin kayaking near hump back whales in Alaska. How cool is that? Uber.

Training resumes tomorrow. Slack? May I?

Damn... the training took up a full day. Playing the role of a host, I brought our trainer around town (with a fellow course mate) for some window shopping. While looking at some people overclocking their PCs in Funan (some competition), I saw my cousin and his wife having their coffee break. We exchanged a few words and I sent our trainer off to Esplanade before I went to Vivocity. Since I was early, I read a book on Orlando while sipping my cup of caffe latte. Reading through some magazine, I stumble upon a piece of news on WWE. Chris Benoit,The Rabid Wolverine, was found dead with his wife and kid, in their apartment. A double homicide-suicide case. His signature was Crippler Crossface, Sharpshooter, German suplex and Diving headbutt. This is sad. For those who remember the "British Bulldog", Mr. Perfect and Eddie Guerrero (Latino Heat) passed away too, sometime back. Even though WWE being an entertainment company, I respect these sportsmen for their profession. Once all ex-colleagues arrived, I received a SMS and I went over to meet up with them. The four of us took our dinner at St James. I did not think that the dinner was all that great even though the restaurant is well known. All of us enjoyed each other's company more than the food and service. We talked about the times that we worked together. One of us is leaving for overseas for studies and it will be three years. With our appetite to satisfy, we went for ice-cream! Blah blah blah.. chatted till it was around 11pm before we left for home. Our dear friend bade good bye with a heavy heart, all of us promised to stay in touch and we will.

I received a post card from another friend as well, on her holiday, telling me her activities. Aww.... *Envious* But, that's sweet. I have not received post cards for a long time. I recall sending one to AGB while on world's highest post office. The other time was like 10 years back, when I was in U.S., sending to you-know-who.

Another long day tomorrow. What?! You mean my Saturday is gone?

... and again. ... I don't own this weekend. Tight, packed, squeeze all you can. I want to pack stuff soon.

Kind of stoned by today's work. Work? Suppose to be on course. I am. But, I was shuttling in and out of the training room, answering calls, calling people, giving instructions on how to install stuffs that goes "Next" "Next" "Next" Hit "Finish". Email! ... What good is training? My colleague, undergoing training with me, was not spared as well. I do not know how much I have benefited. At times, OJT will might be the best.

Still in my zombie state, I arrived early on the tracks and started off. Trying to conservative, I chose to finish a 7km. I just want to monitor the condition of my foot for now. It held up well throughout the whole run. Right after that, it was 3 sets of chin ups, 3 sets of hang-man, warm down and shower time. I was so drained till all I did was I waved to Mabel and Shobido.

Thinking about it, I saw a few familiar faces in this entire week! I must be working in the wrong side of town!

I think I might have solve the foot mystery last night. I cannot confirm anything. But, everything did look the same. During ultramarathon last year, the big toe's nail on my right foot was bruised and I felt the strain on my right foot. The exact spot of the strain is near outer top side of my right foot (not on my toe). This time round, the same spot and again, I have the same bruise on my same toe. Coincidence? No idea. Certainly, I do not hope for a third time! Last night, while trimming my toe nails, I clipped a little deeper on my bruised toe and out came a red colored liquid oozing to the surface. Ah ha... I exerted some pressure on the toe and a stream of liquid squirted as far as 75cm away! Reminds me of an old Sunkist commercial! Is the pressure building up underneath my toe nail, leading to the strain? Who knows?! Our foot happen to have the most complex bone structure... maybe some imbalance was caused?

Damn, it feels great to recover from my nagging right foot issue. I was able to do some squash swings and played a few sets. My foot felt alright during the entire session. Something new did happen. I was struck by the squash ball. After returning the ball near wall, I turned and ran back, only to find my opponent hitting the ball towards my direction. I received a "punch" on my chest. Owwww.... It was like a hammer thrown at me. It was funny and we laughed at my misfortune. But, seriously .... playing for these years, I have never been hit, head on. Everything has a first time, don't they? Redness has turned up and probably a bruised blue black tomorrow?

Endlesstrail is finally back and missing all the Peruvian babes already. Suppose to be my "THE" trip of this year as well. Aahhh... too bad. Move along.

Uniques?

Fresh from the oven (passing out from climbing course), some of the guys tried their hands (and legs) at climbing today. Touch the top! Nothing and I mean nothing can stop them! The slight drizzle did not dampen their spirits at all. They just went on and on, trying different walls. Me? Official photographer - sweating together with them. Looks like I will play a role of an audience till I get my cert. My turn to get all wobbly arms and legs. Half way though, we saw a familiar figure, Skyvers who was with Rainbow. I had a brief catch-up chat with him. Once enough of climbing, we returned our rented gears and moved around the area where there are walls that looked like a 100m high. We peeped into the boulder gym (reminded by Roentgen's blog) and it seems like a really fun place to train your skills.

What's for lunch? (Always the question) Chicken rice needed some time - due to queue, I guess. Kops21 bought some dim sum and I randomly picked at the Fun Cheong. Chicken rice soon came and it looks pretty tasty. Hmm... pass! Could use this for LSD motivational food for one's soul. Roentgen asked when can I actually go for Level 1 climb, so that I can join them for Level 2. I don't mind! Learning new stuff is always meaningful to me - soul food.

Back in those days where Internet was nothing but a bunch of wires and really high specs servers (show some simple information), there was just so little to do. Now, I can watch parodies done by Weird Al Yankovic on YouTube and laugh at them. Something which was called cassette tape ruled during my teen days. Poor students can't afford such luxurious goods - cassette tapes of idols like Debbie Gibson. That led to another solution called O.A.. I strongly believe there are more to come in the future and more changes in the world of Internet.