YOU'LL NEVER RUN ALONE

21st - Finally

2011-12-30T09:27:00.003+08:00

We take things for granted. It is only when we lost the opportunity, then we rue the missed. It is too late. Yes, most of the time it does.

The last attempt is 3 years back. I am left with no choice but to live with the situation.

I procrastinate over many things. When i can take it any longer, i have to do something.

Fortunately the issued is resolved in August this year. Which is unexpected! One thing leads to another, i am back in the clinic and have my 21st poked yesterday.

It is a long journey. I cherished the experience and content with what is blessed upon me.

Slow Moving

2011-08-24T07:51:00.003+08:00

On 10 August, i went for another session of ablation. It was successful according to the report.

A 3 years in the waiting. I should be rejoice that it isn't a lifetime of waiting. I should be satisfied.

I need to slowly trying to gain back the fitness.

It has been 2 weeks since the Ops and i am still not 100% sure i am fully ready to charge up the "hills.

I have to put in extra effort and carefully moving forward. My toes nails has been very "clean" for quite a while now(just realise yesterday). I don't think it will stay that way.

Target is still to keep the event max out at 21km this year, while i build up the based slowly.

Missing Days

2011-08-11T18:35:00.002+08:00

I am BACK.

It was somewhere in May 2008 that i went for the surgery. Yesterday i had another Go.

It has been 3 years of sliding since, hopefully the additional weight gained will disappear over the next 12 months.

Target 2013.

Sleepy - 28 June

2011-06-28T16:48:00.002+08:00

Still feeling sleepy throughout the day. Guess age catching up for this "overnight stun" over the weekend.

Staring in front is a large crowd of runner enthusiasts waiting to embark in a ultra long distance event. Looking down on the feet, the excitement or the magnitude of the event suddenly engulf onself, why we are putting ourself to the challenge.

Many times i tell myself, take things easily. A step at a time, target my first objective and slowly grows from there and surely over the course of hours/mins/seconds, eventually will reached the end.

Some times, i felt fresh. At times horrible. When i look back on the past events, i just wonder how do i manage to do it. There is no mountain that is too high to climb, or a distance that is too far to cover, or the water is too far to reach.

Fate has a way to dealt with thing. Good or bad, eventually life still goes on.

Sleepy...27 June 2011

2011-06-27T18:27:00.003+08:00

Felt rather sleepy for the the last couple of days. After getting the sleep "clock" move, naturally there is an effect.

Head to the gym as expected. An hour on the bike to start the week, which is rather cool. But somehow tiredness is not able to spurn me up.

10th August, gonna take another plunge under the "knife". It has been a long time since, just need another opinion. Not putting too much hope, as most probably the result will be the same.

Let see how it goes.

40

2011-06-26T21:53:00.002+08:00

What is life @40?

My weight has reached record high. Isn't that mid age problem?

High BP, record weight and in bad shape?

There is no difference between what is yesterday compare to what is today.

Life still goes on, though a bit slower(older).

First Marathon

2011-06-02T10:51:00.002+08:00

It is always nice to witness someone complete the First Marathon.

Last weekend, 1 colleague and 1 colleague daughter finished their first during Sundown event. Guess the first marathon is always memorable.

I have mine long time back, and wonder do i still have a marathon left.

Given the fitness, or rather the lack of it. I doubt it. Maybe i should just throw caution to the wind and just do one for "kick". I should be still capable to do a decent long "walk" in decent pace when required. Without putting it to a test, i won't be able to know whether i can still do it!

Even there is one, it will be a short notice. Let see...

Borneo Trip

2011-05-15T16:12:00.003+08:00

I miss the last Borneo Marathon. This time round, have to nail it. :p

Manage to jio quite a few for the trip to Kota Kinabalu as well.

This will be my forth trip to KK. Each trip the feeling is different, similarly this time round is no difference.

Reached KK on Friday evening(29 April). Almost didn't make it when the taxi booked didn't turn up! Have to drive to airport in my own vehicle after picking up Bing from her home.

Rest a night in KK before we head out for Pedas(White Water Rafting) aka "milo drink". There is no white water, but brown in colour instead in KK. :p

Our stay in KK(MYNE) is okay. Just that there is no lift on the ground, have to walk 1/2 a storey for the nearest lift. :(

Booked and paid a deposit for the Pedas event and almost didn't materialise. Tour agent forget to book the tour for us! Fortunately within an hour, we manage to hope up a bus towards Tenom.

I guess i have food poison in Tenom and have a hard time enduring during the water rafting. Damn! It keep remind me of Penang Marathon. It was fun though, the highlight of the trip!

We are fortunate to reach hotel around 7:30pm. Have our dinner and off to bed.

Though continue to not feeling well, head for the race with Francis. The rest which did 42km, left earlier with the shutter bus.

Borneo Marathon is a small time event. We have an easy ride to the stadium(6km away). Very quiet. Too Quiet IMO, that we are not use to.

Race started at 5:30am sharp. A humid day ahead. We ran together, slow and easy pace. Guess around 4-5km, Wei Ming has overtaken us(he did 42km). He must be flying at a fast pace(He finished 3:45hr).

Sun starts to rise and it is getting hot as we move along. 2km at a time targeting the next water points. Many familiar roads as we passed it yesterday.

By the time we reached 16km, i am just a few meters in front of Francis and feeling tired. HR is slowly raising over the run and i felt like throwing out. Damn! Something is not right. I resort to walk trying to calm myself down.

I was targeting 2:30hr, but given the circumstance. Finish first. Slow and surely over time, i manage to complete the run in 2:34hr. Phew! A little bit of stretch, but still doable.

Quick line up for water, return of chip. Hope up the returning shutter and off we go. "Short and Sharp", the army will term this. Cool!

Wash up and head for a quick nap before heading out for lunch, shopping and massage! Wahaha...

Night time, have an "expensive" seafood dinner before heading for Karaoke at Lisa's company club. It has been a long time since i get to sing. For those that are fortunately to heard me singing..must remember to buy 4D!

A good few days getaway. It was fun and i hope everyone does as well. Look forward to next one. :p

1 step at a time

2011-04-26T10:59:00.002+08:00

It has been slow.

Life is slow moving, that i have to pull out the hairs from time to time. I getting botak soon.

Workout still continues, but i am struggle most of the time. Fitness is getting decline at a steady rate, which is predictable.

I have sign up for a swim event. Unfinished business, so just have to do it then. Sometime just to push over the edge to see how far i can go. :)

Still moving along....1 step at a time

Back to Reality 21-26 March

2011-03-29T09:51:00.003+08:00

I had stop my workouts during shanghai trip. OUT OF SHAPE! Taking it easy and slowly struggling along the entire week with workouts! Wahaha.... Apart from Tuesday morning, the rest of the weekdays i am out at the gym for a bike riding session. Tuesday evening and Saturday morning ran a bit. 7km on Tuesday and 10km on Saturday. Can feel the strain over the lack of activities during Shanghai vacation period.

Shanghai Trip

2011-03-29T08:08:00.004+08:00

From 12-20 March, i was out for vacation in Shanghai. It was a trip to fulfil a statement sweetheart make few years back. After alot of deliberations, we decide this will be a good time to travel over to visit Shanghai. Heard so much about it. How modern it is compare to SIN. Couple with the few trips to China experience, we embarked on our 5 hr+ journey. We arrived in the afternoon. Cool weather(mid 10). We stay at our friend apartment in Pudong. She stays at a prime spot in Shanghai CBD area. After the first couple of days, roaming around i realised that Shanghai is very different from the rest of China i have visited. It is much better organise and definitely on par with SIN in many areas. 14 March, we head out for a 4 days tour to Hangzhou, Suzhou and Huangshan. Wow, another experience on how China does their tour business. There is no right or wrong, just different culture different practise. Hangzhou xihu is nice. A bit too short IMO. Suzhou is fine as well. Luckily no need to visit too many of these ancient place, or else sure bored. Huangshan is beautiful. We are humble by the undulating climbs. We are not prepared for the terrain. There is patches of snow left over from the snow a few days back and Enver get to play with it on his 2nd birthday. :p We are back in Shanghai for the remaining days of the trip. We head to the bund, museum, and a couple of flee markets. It is definitely a good trip to Shanghai. Not a bad place to live and work, if you compare it to SIN. I won't mind going back again. :p

Out for a change

2011-03-12T22:57:00.003+08:00

A weight session on Wednesday. This time round, making it tougher so that it aches the next day onwards. :p Ok, it does has a difference compares to last two weight sessions. It aches.

Thursay has a good bike session. Friday likewise, but on a different theme.

Saturday morning has to do a short, early run as i have a flight to catch. Thanks to Terence, i had a 16km run before leaving for a week holiday in China(Shanghai).

Currently i am in Shanghai. Blogging is not allowed, likewise to many apps....including Tap Zoo! Damn!

Moving On....

2011-03-08T15:08:00.003+08:00

Wow, it has been a week. Time really flies. In a few days time, i will be heading out for vacation.

Weight session on Wednesday, bike on Thursday and Friday. A typical week day workouts.

Saturday at ECP for a 20k run. Felt strange again shortly after the run start. Felt running is hard. Garmin show high HR, MIO shows norm. Felt uncomfortable to run.

Walk abit, before continue tht run again with Francis and Terence. Thanks for waiting for me.

Slow and steady reached NSRCC u-turn point. Before that saw Wee, which is out for a recovery run after last weekend Death March in Philippines(100miles).

He gives us alot of snapshots of the event and his experience. Seems like fun..but too long for my fancy....*no evil thoughts*!

Struggle at the end, but manage to finish the run in 2:35hr for a 20km run.

Rest on Sunday.

Monday and Tuesday continue another bike session(simple) to keep the legs moving.

Another easy few days

2011-03-02T14:56:00.003+08:00

A relax 60mins bike session on 25th to keep the leg fresh for the weekend.

Saturday(26th) is the first of the series of run for TNF. I was there to kpo around. Quite a group. I started off in the middle pack and slowly drifting down till the end.

It wasn't that well guided as expected since this is the first time for most of us.

The front pace is good, behind is rather slow. Too short the distance for the run, estimate 8km. Fortunately we ran from Ngee Ann which extend abit longer. Still way too short for a saturday run.

Sunday is a rest day.

28th(Monday), another new week. Started off with a relax 60mins bike. I should have push it, but lazy i guess. Just a slight longer rest required.

1st March. Wow...March already....60mins bike in the morning, follow by CBD run in the evening to MF. Heart felt a bit strange while running there, take it easy, U-turn early and enjoy a slow stroll back to TP.

24th - Bike

2011-02-24T08:15:00.003+08:00

Either i haven't put enough effort or the body needs longer time to get the effect from the weights session yesterday, i am feeling rather fine today when i hit the gym.

Had a 60mins bike session, though a bit lethargy, still manage to pull through it.

A wet session to start a day. :p

Updated - 23 Feb 2011

2011-02-23T13:35:00.002+08:00

IT has been some time since the last updated.

Just me being lazy....

Workouts still continues during these period of time almost every weekdays. Weekend just a run on Saturday and rest day on Sunday.

On 12 Feb, did a 18km run from Queenstown, NUS, Kent Ridge, Labrador Park area. Follow that with a 500meter swim. Nice way to finish the weekend run.

On 19 Feb, did a 20km run from ECPF2 to NSRCC and back. Nice to keep the legs warm up and have a nice traditional kaya toast with coffee to start the weekend. Cool.

After both days, the legs and upper torso are sore. Rather bad indications that the body is out of shape. Sigh.

Runs on Tuesday has been struggling for the past 3 session.

Wednesday weights session is pretty good so far.

The pant seems to be getting tighter...as usual...Sigh...

Circle of Life

2011-02-07T14:56:00.005+08:00

It is nice to be back at work and start a refresh approach.

I am glad to be back in the gym and restart the routine.

60mins on the stationary bike to kick start (after a long weekend break).

It has come a few cycles, should i do this, nope i shouldn't kind of internal fighting going on within myself.

2 years back(Jan 2009), i ran my last marathon and went into "retirement". I have not done another marathon since.

It was a long wait(struggle), before i decide to give it another try and ran MR ultra(Dec 2009). It was part of a bigger plan(IM) in March 2010.

Follow by GE30km in KL(2010) that put me on schedule for showdown for IMA2010. It took alot out of myself during that race. Together with shingles, hamper with PF and lack of fitness, i did the long march for Sundown2010(May10). It is silly of me, but i did it anyway. I don't want to give myself another opportunity to come back again.

Continue to rest and slowly pushing forward, i successfully completed TNF2010. The body finally break down and i couldn't make it for SCSM10 and MR Ultra(2010).

Now the legs feel much better, but fitness is having its up/down for the past few weeks.

Learning from past experience, i will be going to take another long break(2011).

Apart from a couple of unfinished business, i should have no major event waiting for me in 2011.

A circle of life.

CNY Weekend Run

2011-02-07T14:30:00.004+08:00

It was a bad judgement move on Friday and i ended up sleeping late. Very late and felt lethargic on Saturday morning. How i wish the weather change and i can take extra rest. Sigh.

Same as last week starting from C4 to Changi and back. This time round i hope to clock more mileage. Alas, body isn't responding.

5 of is started off at 5am+ towards Coastal Road. I am struggling to keep pace, with left calfs showing sigh of aching and right PF giving me the crept. This does not seems good.

When i reached NSRCC, i know it is going to be a super long road ahead. I decided to turn back at the green fence. Ok, all of us U-turn together.

Me and Terence stopped at C4(17km), some proceed towards B1 and back.

Fortunately i stopped, because HR went up after resting for a while.

Sigh...how to run this way?

CNY RUN

2011-02-03T14:26:00.000+08:00

It was the first day of Lunar New Year and we are out for a run.

Just the 4 of us today at Kallang. It has been a long time since we last run here.

We ran from Kallang till Ferry Wheel and U-turn. The pace is slightly faster than norm(maybe due to the shorter distance).

It was a good and short run with some chit chatting along the way.

7km completed, it is time for some serious makaning...:P

CNY looming

2011-02-02T08:50:00.002+08:00

A 60mins ride on Monday to kick start the week(monday). A good sweaty session. :P

It has been raining non stop for the past few days and fortunately i wasn't adversely affect for my workout.

Tuesday due to car problem, took bus/mrt to work. 70mins from home to office door. Non peak timing.

Didn't go for CBD run.

Wednesday, just as i step out of the car, HR went up. Sigh...should i or not....

I reach the gym abit breathless as the lift isn't working and have to climb up the escalator. Once i hit the toilet, HR went down. Phew.

I had a 60mins weight session as plan. Cool!

A nice last workout before the Chinese New Year

Last weekend - Jan 2011

2011-02-02T08:42:00.001+08:00

Rest on Thursday and continue with a easy ride(60mins) on Friday before preparing for the long run on Saturday.

Last 2 weeks of 23km have set the tone, i will have to do longer this time round. U-turn at First toilet at Changi point is 29km. Dunno body can take it so much. Let see how it goes.

Together with Francis and Terence, we manage to reach 1 bounce after the traffic light at Coastal road- 25km.

Though pace is slow but with these 2 guys chit chatting along, it should be fine. HR seems to be slightly high for this run, maybe body haven't recover from the weight session.

We manage to run together until F2 carpark after which is OTOT to C4. Francis is cramping up and we took a longer walk then run back. HR went skyhigh after seafood toilet and we walk all the way back to C4. Sigh. Fortunately it last about 10-15mins. Phew.

Slowly, hopefully fitness will starts to return.

Rain - 26 Jan 2011

2011-01-26T16:28:00.003+08:00

I was back at the gym this morning. Still feeling the effect of the weights(monday) and run(yesterday).

It was a good session on the bike. 60mins of non-stop pouring down of sweat...

At the end, mileage looks decent, but the effort is definitely higher...

Don't think can do this every time, once a blue moon maybe.

It was a cold and wet day. *shivering*....The pool seems very inviting...how?

CBD - 5 Years Old

2011-01-26T15:59:00.004+08:00

It has been 5 years. Wow.

Last evening we celebrate CBD 5 years anniversary. Time ready flies when we are not looking.

We have aged. Everyone has grown up. We can't stop the time. To a little extend, i can stop my tummy from bursting the button of the pant. I really should!

For the past year, i have been literally taking a further back seat. Body isn't that healthy and this/that aches are starting to come and go in regular fashion. Runs have to take "discounts". This is not what i envisage, but reality is that fitness has a beating. Life isn't the same anymore.

Glad that Tiwazz and some folks have step up to assist which is heartwarming.

This evening, i guess about 40pax turns up. Meet quite a few new/old runners. Ok, pace is slower, but we are still running. It is always a good feeling to see so many familiar faces.

Tonight the run is 5km towards Helix bridge(MBS) and back. Due to the shorter distance the pace is pretty fast. A couple sprint forwards from the word GO!

Seems like a good opportunity to put on a faster pace. Tucking some distance behind the front group, i try to run comfortable while putting some effort on the pace. It was a bit tiring, but overall is okay, since we hit some traffic lights stop along the way as well.

We reached back at TP in good time. We waited a long while for RSM returns. We proceed to eat when it is getting too late. The food is good and glad that we didnt have much leftover. Phew.

I wish everyone a good run year ahead.

Week Start - 24 Jan 2011

2011-01-24T09:12:00.003+08:00

This morning get to play with the weights for 60mins. It has been quite a while and i miss the feeling of aching..(which is tomorrow)...haha...

A swim+ a short run(CBD anniversary) plan tomorrow. Well, this should be good and nice start of the week.

slow saturday run

2011-01-24T09:06:00.002+08:00

Another similar run to last weekend, the feeling is much better this time.

I go with my feel and resisted to look at the watch. HR is fine, pace is rather slow.

Thanks to Terence which accompany me on this super slow run. I felt very good throughout with some chatting along the way to kill the boredom.

23km completed. Phew!

Going Down

2011-01-21T08:20:00.002+08:00

It has been a fustrating week, which is the reason i didn't bother to blog it down.

Things has gone worst since last week.

I was out of breath and legs are tight when we are half way through to the foot of MF on Tuesday. This is bad. I don't understand why. I just stop and walk back feeling disappointed.

Many things goes through the mind, but i have no answer.

A relax 60mins bike sessions for the next 3 morning.

Only yesterday afternoon HR went up. It stay up for 6 hours. I took the medicine eventually to calm it down.

Dark cloud is gathering....ominous sign...

Monday - 17 Jan 2011

2011-01-17T08:26:00.003+08:00

Body is aching on Sunday due to the run on Saturday. I couldn't understand why the upper body is aching. Body too tired to even hold the posture for the LSD?

Took a rest on Sunday and head to gym early morning on Monday.

Took a ride this morning, 50mins of it. Have to do a short run and i need to get out of office early.

Seems doing to be a busy day ahead.

Heart Break Sessions

2011-01-17T08:16:00.002+08:00

Target to do a swim during Thurs lunch period. HR head north for 2 hours in the morning. Decide a rest is require.

Just before i head out of home on Friday, HR went up again. Dissapointed and proceed to work. This time round it lasted 15mins. Thought this is going to be another couple of hours session again. Sigh.

Saturday had the usual run. I don't know how it is going, but at least i have to steps out and see how it goes. Fortunately Francis accompany me for the long journey back. We walk/run on the return leg. It is tiring for me. I guess the fitness has dropped, which is expected.

Completed 23km. Phew!

HR went up after i reached home. Took a nap and no idea how long it last. :p

Mid Week

2011-01-12T08:16:00.003+08:00

Yesterday afternoon HR went up for about 2 hours. I wasn't feeling comfortable. It eventually subside. I am in two minds whether to run in the evening.

Traffic was bad and i arrived on the dot. Nevertheless i did join the run and see how the body react.

Legs are a bit heavy and body abit tight(maybe the swim in the morning). Felt sluggish and not comfortable during the run. Don't think i can last the distance with the condition.

Decide to skip the FC run and go on my own to the Zuok Road. I was struggling but manage to reach the bridge(Zuok). Decide to slow down and take a long stroll walk.

Quite nice walking around and looks at things that i normally miss during the run. Saw a Veg restaurant along chinatown, which has queue out on the road! Seems like a small eating joint(20 tables?). Maybe worth a try next time. :p

As usual, felt tired in the morning due to the late night. Felt like not doing anything. But....

I reached the Gym as plan. Decide to skip everything and go straight to do a slow bike playing with the phone.

Quite a nice 60mins slow ride to keep it light. Maybe this will be the direction to go when everything starts to go dull/nasty. :p

wet day?

2011-01-11T09:02:00.002+08:00

The first step is always difficult. Hopefully after that the momentum will bring it through the end.

Opps...there is no end. :(

I got to the pool this morning. The water is chill after last evening raining. It should be fun!

I jumped in and well...it has been a long time...chill water and swimming! Wooohoooo!

Quick hand/leg surge forward to get some heat going. After a few laps...things start to bored. :p

No problem, just counting the sets. Moving at a steady pace, trying to last the distance(hopefully). Need some effort to control the pace and weave through the crowd as more people crowd the lanes.

Felt something is wrong and have to take a short break after 7 sets. Check HR, seems normal and proceed again.

On the 9th sets, felt some drizzling..damn...have to speed up a bit...my guess by not much. Lucky manage to finish the 10 sets as planned.

53mins effort, which is decent, together with the short break inclusive.

It starts to rain heavier before i reached office, slightly wet(after going to the hawker).

10 Jan 2011 - The start

2011-01-10T13:26:00.003+08:00

I hop on the bike this morning for an easy ride.

Doesn't wish to over stretch the leg after yesterday ride.

A relax 60mins ride to kick start the week. :P

8-9 Jan 2011

2011-01-10T12:34:00.005+08:00

On Saturday morning, all seems normal until the run start at B1(ECP) at 6am+.

HR monitor on Garmin indicates a higher than norm "starting" rate. It didn't dawn on me at the beginning until a min later. Hey, something is not right here. I should be starting at this rate!

I stop took a pulse of my other HR watch and it indicates low(normal starting rate). Ok, took it for the 2nd time and still it appears lower than Garmin. Strange.

Did a body check, seems that i am struggling to keep pace. Which should i believe?

It could be psychological. It could be real. I hate to call it a day just shortly it has started!

I need to get my run going!

I calm myself down and proceed at a slower pace and continue until the first toilet break at Sea food joints.

Just a mere 4km, felt like 20km+ effort. I am tired.

I decide to stop at F2 toilet. I am tired and struggling to keep on moving. Going further just too daunting at this moment. Furthermore the heels are showing sign of aching. Sigh.

It seems that the HR had went up to 10km pace and i am just not comfortable with it as i make my way back to B1.

Walk the last couple of km back, as i don't have motivation to carry on. Meet up with a few familiar faces(includes army friends) along the way.

Another day went down the drain. :(

On Sunday, i woke up as per norm. I have to do the bike today. I couldn't run, at least i have to do the bike to keep the fitness.

I bike off at 5:15am. It has been that long my Ironhorse. Slowly moving on, with good traffic conditions, i make good time to reached Casuarina at 5:52am.

Too Kia was late. Waited for quite a while, before we head towards Mandai. It has been a long time since we last met.

I realise that during the ride, i am doing about 10 beats higher than my normal bike rate. I didn't pay much attention after the ride had completed.

I am surprise to see Buay along Mandai. :p

To meet up and go for another round before we pause for prata break before heading back.

Total distance 66km.

At least i get this moving. I should stick to this formulae until i am ready to run again.

Finishing the Week

2011-01-07T10:01:00.001+08:00

I am on leave yesterday, so that i can accompany Enver for his class.

Head to the gym early the morning. Had a 60mins ride follow by 20mins of weights before heading back home.

This morning get to the gym again. This time round, seems the effort is stronger than yesterday on the bike(60mins).

I was abit winded at the end on a decent effort...:(

Time for 2011 first weekend!

Weighing Up

2011-01-05T09:23:00.002+08:00

I am back in the gym first time in 2011.

Had a weight session for 60mins. I guess body going to rebel tomorrow. :p

Meet up an army mate in the changing room after the workout. What a surprise. Guess i will be seeing him more often in the future.

Need to RAM up with a bigger resolution for 2011.

First CBD 2011

2011-01-04T23:19:00.000+08:00

I wasn't feeling comfortable on the run again this evening at CBD. I just couldn't point my finger what is causing it.

Maybe getting too fat and unfit. Sigh.

Almost wanted to short cut and head back way early. Fortunately the situation change better and with a slower pace, manage to do 8km this evening.

A good nice wet session at the end.

I need to spent more time on the run

Zoo

2011-01-03T17:14:00.000+08:00

Monday is a replacement day for New Year for my office. Head to Zoo for a "HOT" workout.

It has been a super long time since i get into the Zoo. Weather is hot as expected and the Zoo seems so small! I brought the admission + tram and end up no need for tram!

Catch an elephant show and it starts to downpour and other shows are affected. Sigh.

KFC@Zoo seems to have lower quality than outside joints.

A nice cool day of Zoo-ing....it could be better if Enver didn't fall asleep during the session.

New Year Run

2011-01-01T21:01:00.002+08:00

Decide to join the East group for the first run on 2011 at Bedok Reservior.

My guess there are over 20pax for the Run. It was a big group.

The one that jio me for the run didn't make it until Kembangan MRT. Iphone alarm glitch that make her oversleep. :p

I wasn't feeling comfortable on the run, maybe not use to the waterbag. I was struggling abit, which is rather disturbing. Anyway, I decide not to overstretch and decide to U-turn at Kembangan. Distance 5km from the start.

Came back to BR, did the reverse loop and back at the start point(12km).

I was winded and HR seems to be going slightly high for a slow effort. I couldn't understand why this is happening.

Guess the new year resolution is to do more runs to get back the feel of running

Last Day

2010-12-31T09:20:00.002+08:00

Last Day of 2010.

I head to the gym and had a slow 70mins on the bike, playing the game more like it than having workout. I was so slow that the bike went to hibernate mode for a few times :lol

Time to close the curtain for 2010.

L(ast) T(hursday)

2010-12-30T09:35:00.002+08:00

First time reached Gym this morning.

Did the weights for 60mins to get things going.

This will be the LT for me this year. Interesting.

Monday Run

2010-12-27T09:27:00.000+08:00

It is a replacement holiday for my on Monday. I was at ECP B1 with Burnz for a run.

A short 16km run to seasport club toilet and back.

It is a quiet morning, not much crowd(compare to weekend). 2 crazy runners chatting and running along.

A 2hours effort run before we head over to Kallang Airport for breakfast. Meet up with Teh, Buay and a MY(friend) having breakfast.

A nice run to start the last week of 2010

Christmas Run

2010-12-26T08:43:00.001+08:00

There are 4 of us started our run from Queenstown. The rest must be sleeping on this cozy morning.

I find a bit hard to get into the rhythm, maybe just tired. :)

We head to Science Park, NUS(Guild house), PGP, Science Park and back at starting point. Total 12km completed. Couldn’t have love to do long if not because of Too-Kua(recovery run from Taipei Marathon).

We have a good update of his “PB” run in Tapei. He finally did his 2nd sub 5 after more than 20 years apart! If you want to know more, do check out this Taipei Marathon report on Facebook. (If I am sure you will be able to find him).

We head to the pool to wash up. I did a couple of hundreds in the water just to give the legs a stretch.

A nice and short Christmas run.

Christmas Coming...

2010-12-24T09:07:00.002+08:00

Took a rest on Thursday and back on track on Friday.

In fact, i wanted to cycle to work on Friday. The road should be pretty quiet and good for cycling. I had everything prepare the night before and decide to shelf the plan on the morning.

I guess mind is a weak and the thought of picking some goodies(brought online and colleague returning to office today) will be troublesome to bring home this evening.

To make up for this, i head to the gym and did a 75mins cycle. A relax cycle workout. Can feel the leg abit tight. Maybe just not condition enough. :(

Sleeping Wednesday.

2010-12-22T10:08:00.002+08:00

Late night again, yesterday. Felt tired and wanting to skip workout. But....

Hit the weights today. 60mins on the floor, enough to keep the body fresher up. Or is it the reverse?

Felt sleepy on the drive towards work...strange feeling.

Must remember to sleep early this evening.

Tuesday(21st Dec)

2010-12-21T08:11:00.006+08:00

It was a late night for me and i left the packing to this morning. Couldn't find my swim trunk and quickly change to head over to the gym.

Don't want to skip the morning workout as the weather isn't that friendly nowadays in the evening.

Another 60mins on the bike(back rest) and play with the game. Quite a nice workout, despite arriving slightly late due to the road works on CTE. I cannot image that close out CTE this morning! WTF, i have to make a few turns, fortunately just in time to squeeze as the workers rush to dismantle the barricades. Phew!

As in fated, it is a nice morning workouts.

It suppose to be raining and it did for a while. We paused and continued.

The run was at least 15mins late due to the rain. We started the run towards Kallang Sea Sport club. I don't think MF is a good choice since we are late starting off.

Apart from 2 pax going all the way, the rest make the U-turn at Sheares Bridge(a km from Seas sport club). Guess the distance is around 7.5-8km this evening.

It was a good run, just enough to make it wet on a cool night.

Pre Christmas Slack

2010-12-20T11:07:00.002+08:00

Calves are aching and the right knee cap feel like wobbling. Damn! How unfit it seems on a 12km run and i am not like just had a long workout days/weeks before!

Decide to hop on the bike(with back rest) for 60mins ride. I was enjoying the music and new game(iphone) and time just flew past, let me forgotten about the ache on the body.

Good to start on a relax note for a festive week ahead.

Weekend run - 18 Dec 2010

2010-12-20T11:02:00.002+08:00

After two days of vacation(Thursday and Friday), i am back on the Run at MR on Saturday.

A short 12.42km run(based on the watch) in MR. Can felt the pace going up, or just not enough fitness to run.

25mins out of the wood. Follow by the small speed humps. It was rather fun to revisit the humps.

I was tired when we reached Ranger station. HR is fun, just the body not able to sustain the effort. Not really high effort in any means, but just not enough energy to proceed. Have to walk and run with Tao leading me forwards.

She must have been going close or under 6min/km in the woods. I just hanging on behind.

A good 2 hours workout.

Another Slow Week Ahead

2010-12-15T08:32:00.003+08:00

Monday and Wednesday have weights each time. Ah hour each to start the day.

Tuesday is raining so CBD run is cancelled. But get the chance to meet the rest and have chit chat instead, which is good. Nice to see Sera back(vacation now). He seems much matured just being in UK for 3months.

Guess it is going to be a short week as i am off for vacation tomorrow! A short family getaway, the first time the family is going out..hopefully more of these in the future.

It is festive season, everyone is getting out with the family. :P

Weekend Workout

2010-12-12T20:24:00.000+08:00

Didn't update the blog and couldn't remember exactly what i did. :(

I think i did a ride on Thursday and Friday. Or maybe i skip the workout on Thursday. :p

Saturday on Ray and myself at MR carpark. Just nice, time to slack abit...:P

Well we did the run as towards Ranger station. Ray seems to be in a bad "form" and struggling. So we take it even easily. Coming up of the woods, we head over the 2 small speed humps that i have not run for years! It is nice to revisit the humps. Shiok!

Due to the construction, we have to squeeze here and there...even resort to climbing and jumping through gates..and reached Ranger Station. Did a slow walk and run back to MR carpark.

Distance around 12km, time taken almost 2hours. Haha...

The heel feel much better, i guess lack of running has give the heel more time to rest.

Post Marathon

2010-12-08T08:34:00.004+08:00

I am not limping! Because i didn't do anything over the weekend.

Monday, get to the gym and decide to slack.

Ok, i did a slow 50mins bike session with a back and arm rest. Slow and steady, reading the mag and enjoy the morning "stroll".

Tuesday, had a weight session(60mins). My toe nail is screw and i don't want to swim and tear it off. Maybe i should, but but.....

The traditional makan session after SCM in the evening. Meeting them with working clothes is something not use to...a change...haha... We eat alot...(thanks everyone) for sharing! *bloated*

Wed, a bit aching(from yesterday weight). Think and have no choice but to head to gym once again. This time get on a bike for a 50mins session.

The effort seems good, but i have a shock at the end when i look at the distance cover. I guess the body is abit stretch after the session yesterday.

Marathon Weekend

2010-12-05T08:12:00.003+08:00

On Saturday morning head out for a run with Terence since everyone else is preparing for the biggest run of the year(Singapore Marathon).

We started off at ECP B1 heading to seasport club and U-turn. Just nice to test out my condition again.

The run was fine, some aches here and there slightly under 2hours journey. Body holding up pretty just that feeling abit tired. Maybe the fitness isn't there anymore.

The last 2km was a bit painful for the tummy and have to endure all the way back to B1.

Thanks Terence for accompany me.

Sunday is Marathon Day. I have signed up for 42km and due to the persistence problem with the heel decide to skip. Thought left/right whether to do 21km...10km...slack....or setup a shop somewhere along the route and cheer the folks along...but end up....

It was 2am when the alarm went off. The start of Marathon journey for me. 2:25am left home. Since no car on the road can go pretty fast and reach Buay place around 2:45am. Waited a while and he came down with a plastic bag with his barang barang. Mechiam going for fishing.

Reached Tao place at 3:10am. Left at 3:15am. Head over to pick up CCF. Waited and waited. He came on the DOT(3:30am).

Reach Too Babe place. As expected waited for a while before a shadow came into screen.

We reach Marriott at 3:54am. I was surprise to see so "quiet" at the start point an hour before the race. Strange.

Head back home rest for 30mins before heading over for the 2nd part of the journey.

Pick up Too Kua at 4:53am. Head over to our usual parking lot put the water cooler before pickup up Baby Too at 5:20am.

It wasn't that bad(the traffic) when i drop them off at Vivocity at 5:25am.

Head back home and knock out before 6am.

Sub 4 hours for my Marathon effort. :p

Edging closer to M

2010-12-03T08:13:00.002+08:00

It was a wash out on Tuesday, which is a pity. Sigh.

Wednesday head to the gym for a session of weights. Light weights about 60mins to keep it moving.

Had a swim on Thursday noon period. 54mins for 2km. Abit of sun burnt as a result...*grin*...

Even meeting some crazy people for dinner and had a 30mins cross trainer at Caltex. Seems like ages that i have been there.

Friday had a 50mins, abit of struggling effort bike session. Most probably body telling me something about yesterday session. Hmm...

Time for some running this weekend.

Marathon Week

2010-11-29T09:07:00.001+08:00

I am not doing SCM and it is just a normal day for me.

Head to the gym for an hour workout. Nice to get this moving. Hopefully it is the start of something refreshing for me. Cool.

25-28 Nov 2010

2010-11-29T08:58:00.004+08:00

Thursday have a weight session. I know i going to slack if i am going to the pool, so force myself to head to the gym for the workout.

Friday on leave and head over to JB for a day trip with the family and catch up with friends.

Saturday have to run. Started late, because someone is late...sigh.... Did a 12km run from F2 to Coastal and back. Meet up with others and proceed to run towards B1. Leg on/off give me the scare that things start to fall apart.

When i reach the toilet at seafood joints. I think better not to push it as my left leg starts to ache. Since i have decide not to do SCSM..there is no point to push beyond and take the risk.

Run 14km and walk 2km back with Buay to F2. The rest proceeds. We have our prawn noddle at Macpherson after that...:p

Sunday is rest day. Nuah at home...Shiok!

Need to regroup....

2010-11-24T15:34:00.004+08:00

Yesterday evening head over to CBD run. I try to run, maybe the rest of the group running fast, as i have difficulties trying not to get ditch behind. :(

The body just couldn't response and i have to stop at the toilet near sea sport club whereas the rest of the troop are way ahead.

After the break have to walk/run back to CBD. I think it is a sign that i should skip SCM and take and built up my stamina again.

Note: CBD carpark is barricade, have to park behind the building. Guess have to shift location in the near future.

This morning get into gym. Did some light weights for 55mins and try to go easily. Doesn't feel that good. Think going to get sick soon.

Sigh..

Swim...

2010-11-23T09:40:00.003+08:00

Monday i am on leave..long story...and i have a good rest(together with slacking)....

This morning head to the pool. Though a bit late, i decide to enjoy the session. Re-learn how to enjoy the workout.

Did 1.5km in 44mins. Not chuan at all, slow and steady. The right toe keep giving me the eerie feeling.

The toe is gone..there is a gap between the nail and skin. Given it is the big toe, it has more surface, when i kick, the water create some pressure on the nail thus causing a nasty feeling.

Maybe i should just cut the nail. But it isn't total deteached from the skin. The edges are still intact, just the middle part that is hollow. If i cut, it should be a U-shape...which make it looks horrible. Sigh...

Dismay Saturday

2010-11-23T08:53:00.003+08:00

2 weeks before SCM and i still in limbo...Should i or not.

Saturday we did our run from F2 to Changi Point. It didn't last long for me.

Pace was okay from the start. Trying to get the rhythm going as we move towards Coastal Road.

After seasport club, i felt abit tiring(not too bad), maybe the body just need more time to adapt.

When i stop for water break at NSRCC, i realise that something is missing. HR has went North. Sigh. That must be the reason i feeling tiring so early on the run.

Get them to proceed with me, while i take a stroll back to F2.

Sputtering Along

2010-11-19T07:52:00.002+08:00

The quads ache. Only 16km of distance, thursday it is aching. Something must not be right somewhere. Seriously.

Right heel still act abit and give me the creep feeling in the morning. Guess old folk everything also starting to fall apart slowly over time.

On Friday, i head to the gym. I have to give the legs a stretch and hop on the stationary bike for a 50min session.

Quite a decent effort, just to keep the legs moving.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Slow Week

2010-11-18T08:27:00.003+08:00

My right heel keep haunting me...maybe it is a sign that i should forgo SCM.

I am not very enthusiastic about the event, just a bit wasteful if don't take part.

After a long weekend of vacation with my family to Malaysia, i am back to work on Tuesday.

Even walk can feel the strain during the vacation. Sigh...try to stay away from having too much stress on the legs...

Tuesday is a washout. so Wednesday(Hari Raya Haji), i am at ECP B1 for a run. Let try and see how it goes.

First 4km seems okay..maybe a bit fast as i have not run or workout for a few days since. So naturally feel this way.

Took a good walk and start again towards NSRCC. Can feel the legs getting warm up, but somehow the negative feeling on the legs/breathing etc starts to crept in slowly. Can i complete the intend distance today?

i am getting tired and legs start to give me the nasty feeling that it is going to flare up anytime soon. Maybe i am getting paranoid. I guess, it is better to be on the safe side.

I signal the rest to proceed after seasport club whereas i make an early U-turn.

It is more of a walk/run back to B1. Still feeling okay, just abit worry that the heel will go kaput...

Maybe i should forgo SCM....let see how the leg feel over the next 10 days..

Blind, Fat & Injure Tigger

2010-11-12T14:35:00.003+08:00

The eyes are still swollen and haven't recover...even until today.

Only today i manage to wear my contact...as i need to do LSD run this morning. No choice as this weekend i am on a short vacation.

Tuesday no swim or run. Leg still abit hurts(heel). Sigh.

I also realise that apart from pant having to loosen one button, my watch also need to do the same! Am i really that FAT now! Sob..sob...

Wednesday have to get into gym for an hour of weights workout. No choice...need the "ache"...feeling!

Thursday it is aching..definitely..since i am still on glasses, better don't take the risk and head to the gym instead..for a 60mins bike session. Decide to do a bit longer as i am going to site office straight and not to office. :P

Friday(that is today), i tried to do a 30km LSD. I was along at B1, started off at 5:15am. First the calves starts to hurt...then it is the weak mind(most probably)...and later the heel starts to show sign of aching. Barely reaching Mac toilet, i U-turn...super early. Sigh.

Almost like 1km run, 1km walk back to starting point. Damn!

No choice, drive over to gym and hop on the stationary bike. Let see if i can do a 3 hours bike

1 hours, take a pee break, another hour take a ps break...so endure for another hour... Phew, i make it.

Wash up and rush back to office. Just in time...

R&R

2010-11-08T08:27:00.004+08:00

It is drizzling again in the morning, but it is weekday! So i can get into gym and dont worry about the rains!

Since yesterday on the way back from SP, my right eyes have swollen. Maybe it is dirty or the haze...i have to wear spec for the rest of Sunday and even today.

Head up the bike for 50mins session. Just nice to keep the body warm up...and hopefully all the bit and pieces of discomfort will goes away.

Time to rest and recover...

Wash Up

2010-11-08T08:02:00.004+08:00

It is a wash up weekend. It rains and rains...especially when we are having our workout. :(

Fortunately because of the long weekend, manage to squeeze in a run on Friday morning.

It wasn't raining(at least in the beginning), but it came down after the run complete except for Too Kua, which goes the extra distance.

The legs are as aching as yesterday during the swim. I was covering the rear from the start as the rest just...or rather i took my own sweet time...and maintain a relax effort.

From F2, towards Changi point. Apart from feeling the legs aching, soon i am feeling my kneecap starts to strain. This is definitely not a good sign.

Before i reached Fire station. Can feel a long way towards the first toilet in East Coast. After that my heel starts to give me signals that i better U-turn early. On the 10km mark(according to my Garmin), i turn back whereas the rest move on.

It is a walk/run back to ECP. Got quite a number of stray runner along the way which help me keep a steady pace.

Have to take a break and get a can of cold drive at the club. Heavenly!

Tried to run again, but the heel is hurting bad and after NSRCC no choice but to walk back.

20km in 2:35hr. Just nice to head for bath before the rains start pouring down.

I hope i will recover sufficient for the weekend.

Saturday is a rest day, which is good..but strange..to stay at home....take the opportunity to head over to Sentosa to check out Resort World. It was HOT...fortunately got many aircon places to hide here and there....:p

Sunday head to SP. IS IT OPEN? Thought it is, but the signage seems to indicate differently.

Wait for the rain to stop, but didn't. Sigh..a failed exercise...BAD....

Anyway, dun know can run or not also, as morning woke up still feeling the strains on the heel. Maybe after the long walk yesterday, make the heel worsen..:(

swim - 4 Nov 2010

2010-11-04T08:38:00.003+08:00

Though i am slightly late, couldn't find any excuse, so i back in the pool finally.

The legs are tired. Can feel the stretch as i kick and kick..hmm...abit shiok!

It was a very relax swim. HR is pretty low from the feel of it as i slowly crawl forward.

Only manage to pick up the pace on the last 2 sets when the sky starts to show sign of imminent rains.

56mins for a 2km effort. Come up of the pool and felt light droplets...*phew*....

2-3rd Nov

2010-11-03T09:27:00.005+08:00

It was raining again on Tuesday morning and have to skip the swim. I guess i was lazy...

During CDB run, i am abit apprehensive because of the 2 knee...guess ITB is tight that might needs to the knee issue.

It was a decent pace run to the foot of MF. Up till the top felt the same as always. Didn't do the loop as i am concern about the knee.

Took a drink and a long walk/chat to the foot before heading back to TP in good pace.

Wednesday morning head to the gym for a decent session of weight. Spent around 50mins on it, follow by 10mins of stretching to call it a day.

Again it was raining at the early part on the morning. Hopefully the weather will turn good later.

Evening time have to stay back and accompany my colleague for training as they prepare for the coming IBP road relay held next Friday.

It is a 1.4km road run with 4 person to a team. I was asked by Steven to assist...

We went for a recee run of the route and did a time trial to gauge their performance. Pretty fun to see them.

I haven't done any speedwork for a long time. It was abit breathless to say the least :p

A short run for me...a good change to run and mingle with colleagues..

P....

2010-11-01T10:03:00.005+08:00

Left kneecap(out of nowhere), right kneecap(abit sensation), right PF(giving me clearer warning)...greet me this morning when i woke up. Sigh....

Seems like it is going to be a bleak situation soon, if i don't be careful...

Head to the gym...and choose to do light weights + stretching for an hour.

Light and easy for the day.

Rain - Adjourn

2010-11-01T09:18:00.002+08:00

It was raining on Friday morning. It doesn't really affect me as i heading to the gym.

This time round, no IPhone distraction and manage to clock a decent distance to head into the weekend.

Saturday morning woke up looking outside the windows. Weather looks decent. When i step out of the flat...it have very light droplets.

Pick up Francis and off we head to ECP F2. Still a few droplets, when we started our run but towards B1 instead of the plan route towards Coastal.

The weather looks a bit freaky and i think it is better to run towards B1 at least can find shelter or Macdonald when the rains hit. :p

The howling wind get louder and imminent rains looks just round the corner. Heart sank. :p

We have to double our steps back to F2 when the rain struck. Slightly more than 500 meters, we have completed our run for today.

Stuck in the toilet "shelter" for about 30mins before the rain slow down for us to do a quick dash towards the car for our early breakfast. :p

Sunday, here we go again. This time round, i pick up Yankee and reached F2 early by 1 hour compare to yesterday.

I forget to bring my fuel belt so have to change of plan on the run route. Let hit towards B1!

The pace is okay. Abit slow to the norm, but felt comfortable when we reach B1. The right knee cap and toe is causing some concern...sigh...

Have to try and see how far i can go. :p Reached F2 again and reach for the cold and refreshing isotonic drink. *refresh*

Proceed to coastal road(1st shelter) and U-turn back around 24km.

On the way back, pace pick up a bit. It have been quite a while and body still adapting...to running non-stop for a few km at a time....

Slight more than 3hours for the run this morning.

Rain season?

2010-10-27T08:05:00.004+08:00

It was raining again on Tuesday morning. How i wish i can snub in bed till the sun is high up.

Sigh...still proceed as per norm...should be a shiok swim..with the cold weather....sigh...it was stilld drizzling when i reached and end up with breakfast...:p

Night time finally get a good weather to run in CBD.

Take it super easy and run with a decent effort and try to keep the breathing going smoothly.

The right leg big toe start to ache..ever since TNF. A bit scaring..and i have to adjust the strike and end up with a slightly ache at the back of the heel. Sigh... Plus PF giving me some signals...only meant i have to be extra careful...

Keep having this feeling, i going to twist my ankle...so have to stop and walk when the thoughts come in pretty strong during different stretch of the run.

Did a slow 2 loops in FC with ST. Chit chatting away and the time pass fast. :p

Wednesday morning, the rains continue to pour overnight which is a good thing given the condition of the haze.

This time round, head to the gym. Abit slacking and choose to bike and enjoy the ride.

50mins effort and a nice wet feeling. Cool. Seems like another wet day ahead.

Blessing Start

2010-10-25T12:54:00.002+08:00

Incredible or maybe just getting old will be more appropriate for my case when i woke up feeling my thighs getting sore over the weekend workouts.

I know this will happen after Sunday bike. Sigh.

Have to take it easy and go for easy weight session this morning. Spent 50mins on it.

After that, the rains starts to downpour. Which is a blessing i guess.

It should be hazy and smeller now but the water dispere it. :p

Haze......

2010-10-22T08:04:00.002+08:00

It was hazing everywhere. The smell can get pretty horrible.

At times, i felt a bit suffocating.

No outdoor workout for these few days. Most probably it is mental than anything else. Sigh...

Did 2 bike session on Wednesday and Friday. Just to keep the body warm up.

Hopefully the weather will change for the better over the weekend.

On another note, fortunately this come after TNF. Can't imagine it come when we are training for this...

Another start 18-10-10

2010-10-18T13:06:00.002+08:00

I am back at the gym after a day of rest yesterday.

Was a bit late, but that didn't stop me from continue with the weight session.'

Keep it simple and easy and finish a 60mins session.

Quite nice to start a slow workout for the week ahead.

Adapting

2010-10-17T22:09:00.003+08:00

It just the 2 of us on Saturday on the early morning run. No choice have to be on duty as mum is not at home.

Target to do 20km and off we go..at 4am from B1(ECP). After last week not so great run, abit comprehensive on today run.

Right knee and PF is giving some signals this morning. Still proceed to do an easy pace run towards NSRCC.

I was still feeling okay on the first half, 2nd half is getting abit winded. I don't know why. Maybe just need to get use to the non-stop run. :P

Leg started to feel abit crampy...(doesn't look good)...when i ran only 12km++.

I have to walk after seafood toilet. Fitness is one thing, leg cramping up is another. I need to get use back to running non-stop.

It was a rather long walk then run on this last stretch. :(

Saw Tao, Yankee and YH almost at the "big splash"...on the way back.

Fitness doesn't good....or haven't recover yet...:(

Everyone seems to be slacking, but i still proceed with the bike with CP on Sunday morning.

I need to bike, i keep telling myself though i am not really keen on riding long or fast today.

When i woke up, the quads are aching...shit....still have to cycle this morning. How to tahan?

Take it pretty relax and reach rendezvous 10mins early, since i started early this morning. :P

We have a slow ride and chit chat along towards Mandai.

We did the loop at the Zoo and stop at the bus stop for an extended pitt stop.

On the way back towards Upper Thomson, since we are on a relax bike, i suggest take a recee detour on a small route(which i beo very long leow). Gamely CP and me take a plunge into the unknown.

It is actually a park connector that links all the way to woodland. It is not totally finish yet. The route still have some debris and not the entire road is flatten. So it is rather sinking feeling when riding into the soften part.

My guess it is 2km long...and when we reached the end, CP is not willing to return the same path. So we took the "highway" + gambas route back to Upper Thomson for our breakfast.

A short and nice cycle to "massage" the sore quads. It is going to be a shiok afterwards. :P

The North Face 100

2010-10-17T10:49:00.000+08:00

Bike - 15 Oct 2010

2010-10-15T07:02:00.004+08:00

I reached office at 6:30am. I don't have a choice with a conference call schedule at 7am. Sigh..

I wanted to tell the folk, do you know what time it is in Asia when you schedule the call? But before i can even make my feeling known, the person have started by saying it is 7pm over there in US. Hmm....Sigh.

I remember a few weeks back, i wanted to cycle to work. But situation isn't right. So today is the first opportunity i can do that and here i am started 5:25am from home and reached the office carpark 1 hour later.

Either the bag(with lappie inside) is heavy or i am just out of shape. The effort is heavy and i find it pretty tough to go up the humps from time to time. Lucky the traffic is light and i can come in office safely. Though still got an idiot van horn me.

Nice to come in early and get ready for the day ahead.

Left office at 4:25pm. Weather was just nice for a tan as i proceed with the journey home.

It seems tougher than this morning. Maybe it is the weather.

I remember the route should be easier to go back compare to coming to work.

Another close to an hour ride and i am back safely.

Maybe it is the body still recovering from last weekend. That cause the heavy effort.

Let see how tomorrow is.

Swim Again

2010-10-14T09:31:00.004+08:00

The last swim was in Desaru. I am back at the pool again. I have to. I am just getting too slack.

The right big toe nail is a gonna. Sigh...courtesy of TNF. :p

Can feel the strain while swimming this morning. Quite afraid to kick hard so have to baby swimming along.

I wasn't comfortable with the handicap and affected the swim at the beginning. It only get better mid way through.

After 9 sets, i have to call it a day. HR went up in the middle of 9th set. Sigh. Thought about pushing on for the last set, better not..in case i need to take medicine as i going for a medical test later and wouldn't want the test to be affected by external factor.

49mins for 1.8km. No choice, but to move on.

Recovery...

2010-10-13T07:50:00.003+08:00

It is a rather unfortunate i have to skip the swim yesterday. I was ready to enjoy the slight ouching from the workout, but it is not to be...sometime it is just fated.

Evening get to CBD. Did an easy run towards Zuok while chatting along. Just nice for a recovery run.

Toe nail still giving some concern...think gonna drop...sigh...

This morning get to the gym amid some light drizzling. Seems that the morning is slight darkish gloom. This is bad.

Spent 50mins on the weights to get off some sweat...which is always a good thing before work.

I hope it is not a gloomy day ahead.

Stretching

2010-10-11T09:30:00.002+08:00

The usual aches from the weekend event. 2 of the big toes are crying foul. Most probably will blue black.

Calfs and Quads are not really that bad. Still walk with a slight hop from time to time. Nothing too alarming.

This morning head to the gym. Did some lights weights and stretching to give the muscles a stretch. Nice and easy 60mins session to kick start the week.

Time to regroup and plan for the next event.

NorthFace 100k - Shortlegs N Tigger

2010-10-10T22:22:00.017+08:00

Date: 09 October 2010
Event: The NorthFace 100k Duo.
Time: 0700am
Venue: Macritchie Reservoir
Distance: 50km

The idea started last year. It didn't materialise until a month or so before race day.

After going through the training and support for TNF 2009, it seems challenging enough to entice me to attempt it this year.

Last year, i need the rest. Thinking back, i think that is the right decision given my condition. There is a plan and was executed. At the end(at least for 2010), the body handle what i have set out to achieve. The most important, i completed the events within the official cutoff tiime.

Trail running is not as simple compare to running on the road. The challenges are more. Time commitment is higher. Injury and unforeseen circumstance are lurking. At the end, the feeling of crossing the line is definitely much sweeter.

After spending weeks on training for this event, it finally arrived. As the day drew closer, the anxiety grew. I don't like the feeling. If it is the excitement from the event, i would have enjoy it. It is the fear that i dread. Will my HR act up? Nobody knows! After spending so much time in training, this is the most fear. The X factor that is not within control.

I didn't have a good sleep the night before. Most probably is the fear on the cut off time at the first check point. It seems pretty tight. I can't really relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Damn.

I need to keep a 6.5km per hour pace for 5 hour. It is doable under normal circumstance. But you never know what gonna happen for in a long event.

I just keep telling myself to go easy and keep a level head in approaching all obstacles. Whatever going to happen, will happen. Just don't make thing worst.

The usual familiar faces gather before the race starts. Alot of chit chat and noises, before we are off on our individual journey. The race started off 7:01am according to my watch without much fanfare.

I was tempted to revisit the visitor toilet(again) as we ran past. Must be a case of anxiety. :p

A traffic jam was form on the northern trail, which is expected and i take the opportunity to walk here and there. Meet up with many familiar faces there. "Chocolate Cake" team just slightly in front and i can keep pace. My tag team partner is slightly further ahead and i have no intention to keep pace given the long route ahead. Just go at an easy effort as long as possible.

Reached Ranger station(distance 5km) and decide to take a toilet break. I really need to GO!

After the break, it seems that everyone else have double up the steps and move on. Slowly moving on at a steady HR. i move along, seeing Mohan and Bladerunner among others. As we approached RRR, disaster stuck. Fortunately i am not involved! Phew!

I saw some commotion in front, a lady runner(in pink) was on the groud with a few nearby runners beside her. Some folks are watching from the front. My first thought is that she might had a fall. Not to kapo, i just move on. Just as i reached about 10 meters from the same spot, a runner in front suddenly jumped and scream(OUCH)! A hornet stung him. As he reacted by going to the side, the hornet chase after him and stuck him again. That is when it dawn on me what had happened.

With some shouting from the folks in front urging the rest to quickly skip that location. I have to open up and dash away, leaving that poor "lamb" sacrifice for the rest. Selfishly, i left them behind and try not to look back. What can i do?

Saw David(Too Belly) slightly infront. Chat with him and he mentioned he was stung twice. I should be counting myself lucky that i didn't kena any.

Took the first water support at RRR at the entrance of durain loop. Walk and run conservatively. Saw some gungho people still cheonging up the slopes, whereas i take it easy.

Another water point at Bukit Timah visitor center(strange the support points are closely position).

Get into the MTB trail. It has been a long time since the last run on that route. Damn, how can i miss this route during training runs! Since i am familar with the ground, it is a relatively easy run inside until reaching Zhenghua.

First i saw Tao and Yankee by the side. They stopped in MTB trail which is not a good sign. At this point, my focus is to keep on moving at a steady effort and get to Mandai before 3hr. No time to waste chatting. Overtake Chocolate team and team up with my team mate again. 2 of us gang up and proceeds onwards.

Near Zheng Hua park entrance spotted Too Kia and Too Buay taking photos. Hehe...still feeling pretty strong until then. Took a few cup of drinks and ate 1 of my museli bar and quickly move on towards Mandai.

Lucky we are still early on the run, else sure cramped when we have to bend low to pass the fallen tree. Up and down abit, felt a bit tired at this moment. Knowing our own support point is just at the front is motivating to get there. As expected i arrived within 3 hours amid the cheering supporters - ST, Joanne, Ray, Regina, Aili(still in cast) and the young boy(from Safra).

I took a pee break and realise that i am seriously dehydrated! I was surprise that i have been taking slips of water constantly. I guess it is not enough from the look at things. I had barley water, orange juice, water and grapes. I hope i can stay longer, but i don't have the luxury of time and have to move on.

The real test start after stepping into Mandai IMO The unshelter terrain, the long and unfinished humps, the hot weather, the break point(20-30km portion) and cutoff time make the run here more challenging.

After topping up the waterbag, drank more waters at the official support point and off we head into Arsama. A new terrain awaits. I have slightly short of 2hours to do 11k. It is not impossible if we keep on moving.

The thing about having a tag team(if manage to run together), is the encouragement that come along with it. At certain portion of the run, you felt weak. You will need that push factor to keep you moving. Body fatigue has crept in. Calves and thighs are showing sign of cramping up.

I am feeling rather sluggish in Mandai. The slopes are endless. I just run whenever possible and slowly the 2 of us, together with some "stray" runners, manage to get to hill 265. The climb isn't that bad. I still manage to walk up without falling back. :p

Take another piece of museli bar and starting munching and only manage to finish half of it. Just couldn't stomach anymore. I don't know why.

It doesn't look familiar on hill 265. In fact, the entire mandai area look new to me. I take it as after 265 is the mid point inside Arsama. So we are half way through and on the way out! Looking at the Garmin. At least i know what is the distance and where i am standing. I am confidence we will make the 5hours cut.

The lack of water support station is rather disappointing IMO inside Mandai. They should have at least a water station near hill 265. They did have 1 mobile support, but could have been better position.

I remember hearing someone telling me, until you see the entrance gate into Arsama, you will keep seeing slopes. How true it is when we thought this is going to the last of the hump when another one appear out of nowhere! Actually it is not a bad thing about the incline, because i have a reason to walk + i get to run downslope!

Water bag ran out of water before i reached the entrance gate. Fortunately it is just abit more to go. We reached around 4:46hr at the support station.

After topping up the water bag. Drink and replenished ourself. I grab a powergel from the table and we left Arsama at 11:49am.

With the most difficult portion over. I know i have lots of time to complete the run. With renew enthusiasm we ran across the road to meet with dissapointment that the support crew have left! Not to be undone by the unexpected. I take the package of powergel and slowly moving on into Zhenghua, looking forward to our next support point in Chestnut Avenue.

Maybe the combination of events, as the clock ticks i am feeling much better. HR has even lower down, breathing is good and it seems like i hit a groove. Not to overdo it, going at a conservative effort, it is a rather relax run onwards.

The 35km marking is terrible. It is out by at least 3km based on my Garmin. I guess it demoralise quite a few folks along the way.

I was chatting with shortleg, that i always want to take a dip at the stream around the waterwork near chestnut, when we spotted one of the runner is lying inside getting himself cool down! Wow, cool!

Meet up with our 2 photographers again just before Terrence and Soong Ing at Chestnut. It is nice to have personnel support station. Took the "pink" hydrolite sng pow, drank and eat something.

After a few minutes of rest, push on together with Teelee. We walk, run and chit chat along.

Reached Zhenghua entrance support again. Chat with runalone and finally confirm my "neighbour" flip! Wow, it is really her! Saw her in Arsama just now, but couldn't be sure. She told she has retired like 2 years ago! Haven't catch up with her for so long! Finally get to meet up with her. Cool!

Top up water bag for the last time before moving on. Before that had a chat with Wee, which is on his 2nd loop.

We saw the 40km mark, which is on par with my Garmin. Meet up with other 50k duo folk along the pipeline. I was surprised. Some of the runners are definitely OFS(Out Of Shape!). Kudos to them to attempt this, but my guess they are not prepare for this event.

I was feeling pretty strong, but don't want to push it as wanna enjoy the run going into RRR. Had the last official pitt stop at RRR(Durain loop) and getting closer to end point.

We head into the MR with 7km left and 80mins to run if we have the intent to go under 8hrs. It is definitely doable.

I didn't realise when you are tired. The slight include towards Ranger station is so long! We took a long walk, before we arrived at Ranger station. Teelee urge us forward as he needs to walk from there. Feeling strong and good, two of us get into northern trail.

My team mate is too strong as she practically run up whatever slopes there are. I request she move forward without me as i am slowly her down.

I ran out of water for the 2nd time. Damn. The lips are dry and i starting to get a bit of headache. This is definitely not a good sign. I have to walk more than anticipated.

Again inside the trail, the route seems so long! But i know once out of it, i will be finishing soon.

Saw the earlier finishers waiting at MR toilet cheering us on, while i trying to sneak in a walk break. Hehe..kena chase by wei ming! No choice but to run part of the slope for the last time towards the end.

7:48hr later, i completed my first TNF.

Thanks to my team mate and the rest of the supporters, i have an enjoyable experience. Timing is what i have expected. Terrain and weather wise is all within expectation. The most important thing is that HR remain stable that allow me to enjoy.

If it doesn't kill, it is not tough enough.

Counting Down

2010-10-08T08:51:00.004+08:00

It is a simple and low effort bike this morning. Just enough to keep the legs moving for the event tomorrow.

50min on the bike + 10min on the stretch on today agenda.

It is going to be a long run tomorrow. Cutoff time at the check point could be interested.

I hope my health hold for the run tomorrow. Finger crossed

To.....

2010-10-06T08:57:00.003+08:00

The past few weeks, work load has increase. It come to a stage that i have a headache early the morning when i woke up yesterday(Tuesday).

I was on a call until past midnight and sleep pretty late and waking up 5am isn't a good option. It affect me physically and i am in no mood for workout on Tuesday.

It was busy and have to skip CBD run as well. I only manage to leave office slightly after 8pm. Grab some drinks in NTUC(TP) and drive over to CBD. Just in time to pass them the drinks before heading back home.

I was so tired when i reached home and i didn't have the energy to get on another call. I skipped 2 calls last night. Slept before 11pm.

Wake up feeling tired again. Sigh....

Spent 50mins on the bike this morning at the gym. Just nice to keep the engine warm up.

Going to be a long day again in the office today. Sigh...

Starting....

2010-10-04T20:53:00.002+08:00

This morning got to the gym and opt for 50mins on the bike.

Wanted to do some weights, but thinking of the event this coming weekend, better not.

It was a good session to kick start the week

Desaru weekend

2010-10-04T08:45:00.004+08:00

A weekend is spent in Desaru. A nice break. Should be good in preparation for TNF.

Another swim in the sea. Will it have the same problem i faced from my previous openwater swim? I don't know. Just whack and see how it goes.

Arrived in Desaru slightly after 5pm after the unexpected jam at causeway(children day!). Rush to the new official resort. Hmm..quite cool IMO, compare to the previous resort, although a little bit more pricy. Phew still make it in time for uncle chan briefing.

It was an unexpected turn of the event at the briefing, where uncle chan lament on the lack of supports from other parties and shed tears that this is the 15th year and final year for him in Desaru. He has enough. It was sad to hear this. This is my first official triathlon event that i took part and i have fond memory of this.

The usual makan and still makan are there for everyone to grow fat. Though someone still complains he should have tabao the fried kway teow back from rengit town. :p

The race starts at 10am. As usual i stay in the back and slow inches forward. Keep telling myself to calm down and move at a conservative pace among the splashes all over the place.

It seems like ages when i reached the first buoy and finally finished the first loop in 25mins+. Took my time to come out of the water before getting back in.

Again remind myself to calm down(i have been doing fine so far) and try to pick up the pace a little bit as i feel the effort is not enough.

For the rest of the course, i try to focus on the objective and push on. Coming out of the water in 52mins+. Damn! Abit too slow than anticipated. Nevermind, just run towards the transition area and complete the tag over. Officially my race have completed.

I walk back to the beach and give cheer to the rest of the folks coming up slowly 1 after another.

I came back on the road cheering the bikers slight 1 hour after the bike leg started. The weather is super hot and i have wet again!

Decide to follow Francis for a loop of his run. Just swim alone like not enough workout for this weekend. Still need another 10km to keep the engine moving. It was a super hot run and the water dripped nonstop from my cap! I almost wanted to asked Francis to continue the run alone. But knowing how tough it is to run on the heat, i decide to bite it and completed 1 loop with him. Phew!

Spend another night stay in Desaru, before heading back on Sunday. A good experience.

Friday - Off to Desaru

2010-10-01T11:29:00.002+08:00

Finally reached Friday.

Get into gym and did 50mins on the bike. Must soften the workout in prepare for the event tomorrow.

Today on half day leave and heading over to Desaru over the weekend.

Makan loh...

Double Combo Monday + Wednesday

2010-10-01T11:26:00.001+08:00

Decide to go for weights this Monday morning. After the run and bike over the weekend. Don't quite feel like another bike session.

50mins + 10 mins of weights to start the week is pretty good.

Maybe should do this, when no run+bike combination over the weekend.

Wednesday get into gym and continue another session of weights. I feel this might be better for me for a change and keep the body guessing what is going to hit "it". Haha...

Another good session, hopefully not so much aching after it.

Back to Pool

2010-09-26T23:14:00.000+08:00

I have to head to the pool. The swim is on Saturday and i am still not spending enough time at the pool.

Seems like unfamiliar territory at the pool. I know it is going to be tough in the beginning and it shows.

I struggle for a few hundreds, then warm up and move on nicely. No stress, just cruising along...and complete the 2km swim in 53mins. At least a starts! More of a relieve.

HR went up in the late afternoon. It starts for a 30-40mins..wasn't feeling comfortable then...and pretty tired at the end of the working day and decide to skip the run this evening.

Sat at CBD while the rest head off, since there is no other people driving there this evening. Quiet and humid night.

Ponder.....

2010-09-24T07:58:00.004+08:00

Wednesday had a light weight session. Thought about cycling to work this morning since it is NO CAR day. But the thought of the traffic going back via Lornie road after office hours...*shrug*.

50mins on weight and 10 min on stretching before heading back to office.

Thursday was on leave in the morning. Woke up...feeling lethargic and continue to sleep. :P

Can't rest for another day, especially after accidentally look through the picture trying to do some housekeeping on the hard drive.

That is after finishing my FIRST Marathon!

I was at the gym for my usual 50mins cycle. Maybe Friday should declare as bike day moving forward. Let me think...about it...

Bad

2010-09-22T12:30:00.002+08:00

It couldn't get worst. At least for now.

At least i hope.

A dissapointing run. A short run. A long walk ensued.

A rather good tuesday and turn up bad. :(

20th Sept

2010-09-20T08:20:00.003+08:00

After a day of rest on Sunday to nurse the slightly aching legs and sayang the PF on the right foot. I am ready for the start of the week.

Was slightly late to reach the gym as today is another day whereby the power disruption is still in force. Sigh.

Did 50mins on the bike. Slow i would say while reading the mag. It felt much better reading than watching TV on the phone! Damn. Thought it could be the same, maybe just to slow pace on that tiny screen.

Nice to have a start, need to be careful of the PF which looks like getting agitated over the past week.

Are You Ready - 18 Sept 2010

2010-09-19T08:25:00.006+08:00

It is going to be a long run. I hope i dont DNF. I don't mind the associate ache/suffering that associate with such long run. But if the Body is not reacting in the right way. Sigh.

Mentally i am ready, but physically am i?

From the start, i am feeling quite good. Not that bad, though have to resort to walk/run at MR towards MR carpark.

First 15km done and i am glad to have a rest for the next stage. A can of 100+ and museli bar later, we are off. 13 of us, minus 1 which ran home from there.

Still going at a decent walk/run till out of the woods in MR. Phew. Another too head back to NP, whereas the rest proceed on.

It was a struggle from there onwards. I enjoy this part, whereby you are putting your limit to the test. :p

I make a mistake for not topping up the hydration bag at the toilet before we head out towards our next journey. Well, lesson learned. Always top up when in doubt!

This trip, there is no support, so have to self sufficient. :(

By the time we reached the entrance towards woodcutter trail. Regina ankle is hurting bad and VH hip is giving him problem. They is no way they are going to finish the intended distance for today.

I thought i can take a good break by walking through the trail. I was wrong. Distance is 25km and body have reached the turning point.

Alot of fallen tree and diversion require as we weave through the trail. It should be an easy walk eventually become a struggle as the body get exhausted and the water on the bag depleted. It is bad. I don't know how long i can continue to walk the endless trail.

Finally we call for a technical halt and i have to take this opportunity to sit down and munch on the museli bar. That is heavenly sent pit stop! I was rejuvenated! I was alive again! :p

Walking with additional spring(but not too over stretch) on the new found strength, we finally get out of the trail to everyone delights!

Our target Petir 213! I was delighted to see the smiles as well as the spring on some of us running from there onwards towards Petir 213! It is funny to say the least. At one moment, everyone is like a zombie, each struggling in his own mind, the next moment, as though the hope is there whereby all hell break loose.

Finally Oasis! Distance check almost 31km! After our rest, 2x too decide to take bus back to NP, whereas the rest of us proceed to head back NP.

Given the hot weather, body condition and lack of time(we have tim sum waiting!), we decide to cut short the run for today.

I am feeling good given the condition. Too good that i wish the run is longer! Maybe not! Given the trip i almost got while on the run. I really thought i going to fall but the body somehow react and balance itself! Phew!

Finally reached RRR and a scream later...looking back...aiyoh...bkt have a cramped. But 2 of too are attending to her. So the 3 of us proceed onwards.

Slightly before 2pm, we finally reached NP. Distance check 36.7km.

I need a drink and bath...and looking forward to the tim sum buffet later!

light session

2010-09-16T09:51:00.002+08:00

I was out driving in the morning. Maybe it is the weather, maybe just dont want to head over to the gym(bcos of the power disruption). Went office early and left office (not so early! @#$@#$)

This morning head to the gym. Mind in a few different places and ended up with a light weight session. Didn't intend to be a light session, but somehow along the way, i get drifted. Sigh.

Still spend about 50mins this morning on the floor to keep the momentum going.

A short run

2010-09-15T12:49:00.003+08:00

The weather is so hot that for the 2nd night i couldn't sleep well.

So little time and so many things to do and make things worst.

I head to office early for work and joined CBD run in the evening.

Due to last week AHM(most runners) and small group of runners, we decide to do a shorter route(MBS)....

Sera came to join us for the last CBD run before she is leaving for UK for her study next week.

Though the run is short, the pace is pretty fast. Ok, maybe it is just me....when i reached U-turn point, i realise the HR is racing again. Sigh... No choice but to do alot of walking back. As usual get the suan-ing from our MR French IM. :(

A short run...

Monday starts....

2010-09-13T10:10:00.004+08:00

Sunday woke up feeling much better. In fact the legs are feeling much fresher than expectation. I should......nah...i just watched a movie instead. :p

No AHM this year, not really keen so didn't sign up. Especially after last year kena laughed so many times because kena cramp...:( Actually just tired of AHM after so many years and decide to take a break.

Did have a urge later on to sign up, which i think i almost did. Until kena rejected by the system for declare my health condition. Damn it! They shouldn't have rejected!

I woke up this morning in a dilemma. Gym starts at 6:30am for 3 days this week and next week because of power shutdown by the building management for upgrading. Sigh.

I still head to the gym slightly late as i know there is an opportunity that this might backfire(though slim chance).

Fortunately, nothing to be alarm. Still manage to get 50mins on the bike. Head to office later as expected(make worst by the traffic accident). Damn.

A good workout this morning. Hope i am ready for this Saturday Run....then makan!

Saturday Ride

2010-09-12T07:08:00.004+08:00

It seems that i have been neglecting too much on the bike. This morning when i headed out realise that things are not in place.

The glove is only 1 piece! Hmm, where is the other piece. The new glasses(sunglass) is not good for evening ride! So...the ride still has to continue without it.

Take a slow and easy ride to meet Tao before we head to Casaurina.

We meet Burnz and Kia(overslept!) at Casaurina before we head towards NTU. We have a few pitt stops - Shell(mandai), Neo Teo, NTU before we do the loop inside NTU.

It was fun again when we did the climb up NTU slope. The ride just take our breath again though the slope is rather short relatively. Hehe.

We took another break at NTU, before we head towards next pitt stop at Kranji reservoir.

Something strange happen after that. HR drop by 10bpms compare to the norm. The rest of the riders are having a long and longer gap between me and it seems that i just couldn't catch up. I don't know did i try to put in more effort or just cruising at a comfortable pace. Just felt strange.

I think the pace is slow and HR reflect it. But how come i just couldn't put in more effort? It is not mentality(i felt), just going by my normal routine of comfortable effort. Well. It just short of the pace and HR for this ride.

I took a while, but i reached Kranji reservoir. Felt a bit hungry and munch on the 2nd museli bar of the ride. Felt much better and we proceed back to Upper Thomson.

Due to the traffic condition, manage to keep them in sight until Mandai. Slow and steady going up the slopes(each at a time), manage to reach the prata pitt stop. Felt the chest a bit tight.

We rest, refuel and chat along. Still feel not that 100% good, before we are on our way back to our respective ways.

HR came back alive with the usual effort and pace is back to norm and i get home safely.

Took a can of 100+, bath and felt uncomfortable. Maybe it is the drink...maybe it is the problem during the ride or the food(at the prata shop). The stomach like felt bloated and i need a rest.

Woke up 1 hr+ later and felt still uncomfortable and decide to skip lunch and continue the sleep.

2hr+ later, decide i have enough and try to walk around and realise the tummy is feeling okay, but there is lower right abdominal pain. Damn!

The pain didn't go off until much later in the day.

Hari Raya Run

2010-09-10T17:58:00.002+08:00

After last week experience, i abit concern about the climb today. I remember the slope upwards is long and winding. It is worst than going up BT summit from visitor center, if not on par. No matter what, we just have to go through the blessing.

Only a handful started the run this morning. It seems that most are taking a day off, either for Hari Raya or preparing for AHM(on Sunday).

Pace was okay and we reached visitor in short time. Ben ran up the slope, whereas the rest take a slow stroll upwards. I try to jio bkt to follow Ben, but she is too clever to "ignore" her hubby. Isn't hubby and wife doing things together mah? One goes, the other follow? Lol!

We head down the winding path towards Zhenghua. Seeing alot of out of breath walkers on the way up. The same road awaits us on the way up.

We reached Blk 213 after the loop at Zhenghua. Take a technical halt before we head back to BT.

The path up is challenging. I climb and walk up conservatively and came up feeling abit winded but felt okay. A think 2-3 sets of climb and we are back on top of the summit. Phew! Survive!

Head down to visitor center before hitting home based.

Total distance is 16km. As per request, distance is short, just nice to get warm up for Sunday run. :p

Seeing RED

2010-09-08T08:09:00.003+08:00

Woke up still have the sore eye on the left hand side. Not painful or anything, it just RED. Sigh. It was happening since yesterday. I think i rub a bit(don't know why) then it becomes RED. I didn't notice it(i can't see myself!), so got a lot of comments during CBD that i realise the appearance.

Wore my glasses and head to gym reluctantly. I was late as well when i reached the gym. Sigh. But i make it!

Did an easy weights session. Plus some stretching at the end. Around 1hour for this trip.

Going to be another long day ahead(i hope not). It is good to be busy at work.

Not a Day to Run

2010-09-08T08:03:00.003+08:00

I was feeling lethargy. Don't understand why. After much delay decide to head to office to start work early. :(

Evening head to CBD as usual. Though a smaller group today, but find the pace rather quick for me. I felt struggling to maintain a decent pace with the group.

The feel is just don't like it.

When i reached Duxton. Decide to take it easy and walk from there and enjoy the surrounding. Running should be enjoyable. Today is not.

Wet Start

2010-09-06T08:22:00.002+08:00

A cool morning with light rains pelted the floor as i drove along to the gym.

Seem like the new toy is that user friendly on the bike. At least that is how i feel over the past week or so whenever i get on the stationary bike with it.

I still prefer MP3 or Magazine. At least times goes fast. As for the toy...too troublesome to watch it Live!

50mins is what i got off the bike today. Just nice to start the week.

Saturday Run

2010-09-05T08:35:00.001+08:00

Another Saturday, another unknown.

Still feeling okay when we reached MR carpark, 15km later. I have to be conservative in my approach.

Saw quite a few familiar faces at the toilet area and spent some time resting and getting ready for the return leg.

I was still feeling decent when we reached ranger station. 4 of us(intend to do longer distance) started first towards MR.

Though i am abit tired, but nothing i am not use to. 4 of us running closely together.

At catchment path up towards the summit, i am still feeling okay. Just walking up the slope should be a simple task. I was wrong.

Something just snap inside in while we climb up the slope. I seldom feel this, but it just happened. Breathing is fine, HR is fine. Just a sudden surge of emptiness in the "fuel tank". I am just tired or maybe exhausted. Strange.

I signal for the group to proceed without me as i rest on the edge. Very strange, slowly i climb to the surface. Saw a bench and just sat on it. I can feel the lights frizzling out on me. This is bad.

I took a rest longer than necessary and do a slow walk down towards the BT visitor centre. I am even tempted to take a sit at the hut on the way downwards! What the hell had happened here? Why am i taking a slow stroll(downslope) and felt the urge to take a sit!

I didn't stop and proceed to visitor center, and rest(or rather stone) at the bench. I waited for the 3 folks to come down before we departed towards NP.

They ran, i took a short cut. By the time i reached NP, felt so much better.

Total distance around 28km.

1st Sept 2010

2010-09-01T13:10:00.003+08:00

I head to the gym and have a tiring weights session.

It has been more than 2 weeks since the last sesion and the muscle clearly don't remember about it.

55mins effort for this morning. Just nice to keep it warm up for the day ahead.

Going to be another long day ahead. :(

Heart - 31 Aug 2010

2010-09-01T13:02:00.003+08:00

HR went up while i am still "baking" at home. Sai lah! :(

By the time i get out of the house i have decide that i shall forgo the swim.

In the office, HR went up for a brief moment again....twice in a day....Sigh...

Felt frustrated and head to the pool during noon time.

It was a hot and interesting swim. There is a gentleman that swim pretty close to me and we pace each other. He swims at a similar pace as i and we neck to neck for at almost 1km, before the last 100meters i just bolted away from myself.

It was a bit too fast, or rather not use to the pace, for me during the swim. After that i slow down and slowly moving along, until the breathing got so comfortable, i know i have slack too much!

49mins for 2km. It is good to be back at the pool again. Something i just get to it, one way or another.

As i about to leave office, something crops up and i have to stay behind. Sigh.

When i eventually reached CBD run, the folks have just move on and i am not even in proper attire for the run.

Steven jio me to go over to Duxton for a visit. I have been wanting to do so for a long time, finally get to go up. Cool.

Monday Again

2010-08-30T09:03:00.003+08:00

Sunday, just slack and sleep. I like Sunday. But still feel the ache for the short run yesterday. That is very sad.

This morning head to the gym as plan. Watching the old classic movie and peddle along. The feeling on the bike isn't that good.

I thought with the movie distracting myself i would feel good. After last friday and today, i realise that the pace of the movie is too slow to keep me occupied. Sian.

I am glad that 50mins is over. Phew!

DNF - 28 Sept

2010-08-30T08:22:00.003+08:00

Today is one of the schedule longest run in preparation for TNF. I should be okay, given i have slack for a few days.

I don't know why, even though i have rested, but it seems that i am always feeling the ache here and there. Sigh.

We started off in excellent weather condition. I was feeling okay...but strangely the HRM showing something different.

When i reached BT visitor center(2km+), my HR is about 10bpms above my norm. I feeling good though. Strange.

As we climb up the slope towards the summit. Something strange again. I can feel my HR raised due to the steep climb, but the reading on HRM showing norm. This is weird.

Try to adjust the strap and realise that it has fallen to the tummy. Silly me. How come no feeling!

Put the strap in place and SHIT. HR has ballooned. Damn. No wonder i don't feel the usual zeal while climbing the steps.

Maybe it is just a passing phrase just like last time that happen during woodcutter trail. I have to slow down and keep calm for a few mins and see how it goes.

When did it started? Hmm...i don't know, maybe it happen since the start? By the time we finally descend to BT Pipeline, HR has recovered. Phew!

How much demand has been done?

As i slowly make my way towards Zhenghua, i realise it is going to be super tough to continue. HR though dropped, but the effort put in is rather higher than norm. I am continuing to go at a higher HR that norm even at this early stage of the run.

After much deliberation, i think it is prudent not to proceed. Don't want to force and ended up broken. :(

I bid farewell to the group and i take a walk back. Head up catchment path, visitor center and on the dunearn road back to NP. Saw Wee on BT, he is training for TNF solo.

Feeling pretty good, when i reached carpark. Little did i know it is the beginning of another long day ahead!

I was sms-ing to VH that i reached NP(safely), when he called me. TJT have sprain her foot and request for evacuation! No choice without even got my opportunity to bath and a drink, i am driving off towards Mandai.

It was quite a wait at Track 15 gate. Her condition seems pretty bad and she can't even walk properly thus ended up she came out sitting behind a big lorry! I wonder how she manage to climb up with 1 foot, plus reluctant to get VH to give him a push(from behind)! I know my lesson! Never carry the backside! It is heavy and smelly and not to mention might get a slap for NOTHING!

Tao and VH continue their run, whereas TJT and myself head back to NP for our bath before we continue to support the rest of runners.

We are at RRR one moment, MR the other moment, Shunfu market(Muffin anyone?), Shop N Save? RRR again. NP finally.

Felt the lunch is not something i would appreciate afer a long day. Pui!

A bad day...hope TJT will take her time to recover (understand she was casted after detecting a crack on her foot).....Ouch!