Limping Marathon Runner

It is great to be an Asian. Truly, it is.

The never say die, "Give me a pen and I can design you a space rocket." attitude. Many times, we are "Do first, talk later".

But, on this side of town or world (if you prefer) and when it comes to stuff like gadgets, I am not too sure.

Why is Centro popping up in U.S. and we do not have it yet. Why are all these cool models like Treo755p in their line of products and we are still sticking onto the Treo680?!

Oh.. kinda caught up with the new job thingy. Not much on updates actually. ITB feels much better.

*tick tick tick*

Enough testing and emailing for the day. Many thanks for everyone who was concerned about my physical and mental well being in my second day at new company. Pack up! Time to suffer at my 7.45pm appointment. It was a long trip and a long wait for me too since I have missed it twice.

*tick tick tick*

"Yeowwwwww". In actual fact, I was screaming in the head. I was powerless to the extend that I had no voice. At certain spots, the intense sensation sent neuro signals that instructed my eyelids to shut so tight that I see stars when I open my eyes. I recalled the last time where I dislocated my wrist and had to pop it back. It was the exact kind of sensation. I nearly fainted, several times in the 1.5hrs session. Racing heart rates, breaking into cold sweat, pale facial expression and light-headed sensation were just a handful of symptoms. Fennel says its sweet pain. It certainly is painful, minus the candies. I do feel better though.

With recent's chance to slack and much eating, I have gained ...... a surprising value of 1kg. C'mon.. where did all the food go to? My thumbs?

It was a great chance to dine with some friends and relax in a corner with a coffee in hand. Oh wine fair! I walked around a little doing some survey.

I saw some pretty nice looking cuff links. What's left are those shirts.

A friend teased me with this. Set! A destination in my list, long overdue.

I keep getting neck and shoulder aches. It must have been either the way I sleep or my pillow. Somehow my head could only turn to the left. That'll stop a lot of my activities.

One more day before I scream, "Oww oww oww".

.... still no slacking even when tomorrow is my last day of service. Booo..

Officially on the alumni list (in a few days time), many joked about my status. Even when it was one of our ex-colleague's wedding tonight, most of our jokes were industry related.

Finally, I got my swimming trunks to replace the other thinning pair. *Pant* .. I am still enduring through my five No-Run weeks to rest, stretch and strengthen my muscles around my ITB.

Nervous about my condition, I did all my stretching before even reaching Maju FCC. Once there, I continued to keep my legs in ready condition. Once the tests started, I went straight to my killer station. First attempt, .. oops.. not good. Before my second attempt, I recalled a phrase mentioned last night, "No hesitation". I recited that and took a giant leap. I cleared it! The rest of them wouldn't threaten my chance. 2.4km - 3 laps of 800m. First lap of 800m, I began to feel a stitch developing. Push on! On my second lap, I was still well within the 6:30, which means, we're in business. Left with 400m, I saw TGL and I said, "See you later", as I ran pass him. Guess he was there for RT. Once passed the finishing line, I searched frantically for my official time. Yay! Bagged a gold! I saw a long time friend, LSB too.

Too many things.. lost in that big pile. I've not even updated the weekend Climb On event that I saw.

I have broken the spell - spell of 5 weeks no run. I knew next week's run is a must. I needed to clear that. But, I had to make sure I can run on that day as well. Hence, I hit the tracks today. Before my run, I did warm ups. I did every warm up that I could think of and finally focusing on ITBs. Targeting at that specific weakness, I did the exercises for the band. After which every step I took, my legs felt like they weren't mine and I had no control at all. I tried 6 laps of slow run today. Just into 100m of my run, I had that Oh-la-la feeling. That sensation, that rush I get from a run came flowing back into me. I miss having runs so much. *guilty* I inserted an 800m sprint, to see how did I fare and if I am still close to that monetary award. I think the only stopping factor would be my jump. Fat man can't jump. I have fat fingers. They do count .. okay? Total count, 4km.

Ching tng is always great. Yummy!

I did a simple search on YouTube on climbing and came across these two awesome clips. Their moves will leave you with jaw dropped to the floor.

*Gulp* Look that these ... Video 1 and Video 2

Today, a short swim for me. It was just 1.3km focusing more on strokes rather than covering distance. I am really looking forward to my 3-4 swims a week in the future. CrudeStar dropped by for a swim. Since I can't run *taps feet*, I did Aqua walks in the pool while observing Babumouse's strokes. Cold night in the pool, especially after the downpour. Done with our swim, I went back to the hangman stance again. I did 3 sets before my swim. 3 sets again, after my swim. All I can say is that it needs a lot of work! Okay. Stretching again before I sleep.

I wanted to head over to Climb Adventure in the morning. But, I routed over to my cousin's place instead since I can go tomorrow. We threw a party for my cousin's son since he is celebrating his 1-year old birthday today. This little fella is cute. He shows you who's the boss by throwing tantrums(crying) when there are too many people around. If the room is quiet with just a handful of folks, he'll run around socialising with everyone. At the age of one and he knows how to give a High-five. That is pretty cool. Most important of all, this party gives our big family a chance to gather. My humble apartment is too small to receive the whole pack and I think I shall host it at a chalet instead, when it is our turn. Each one gets a turn at hosting. Sensing that the star of today turning grouchy again(due to the crowd), we sang a quick birthday song before cutting the cake. I baby sit the little fella for a while. Seeing his big eyes and innocent smile make me want to give him everything. He chuckles... you'll give in. We stayed on for a little longer before leaving my cousin's place.

I dropped some books at the library and had several rounds of pool with LittleJapBoy. It has been months since I played? I think so. We left for some dessert after the game before I rushed for my third appointment of the day.

At Velocity, I walked around window shopping sporting goods where I saw Pre and CheeryRunner testing out New Balance shoes. At an outdoor shop, the climbing gears were pricey and I think the main factor would be rental. Oh .. saw Taz. Soon, more of us gathered and we went over to HK Cafe. Today, we will be celebrating Taz's birthday. The company was great and for some strange reasons.. our topics would leave us talking about outer space. Ooops. That absolutely confused one Venusian being sitting around us. Prodding around our tummies, most felt that they had space left for dessert and we switched spots to Tung Shui Cafe. More food and pictures taken! Some of the orders got mixed up and we sorted that out. We chatted till everyone started to notice that TeeLee was fighting the force of the Bed-side. Let's call it a night! RV and TLV sent everyone home. Thanks guys!!