Choices

I have 3 bicycles at my disposal. I plan to cycle to work next year. As if life is not hard enough trying to decide what to wear each morning.

Still keeping up

Its exhausting. But I am almost managing some exercise while family is here.

Monday - swim after work
Tuesday - none
Wed - Bike at lunch
Thursday - None
Friday - Bike at 630am

This weekend, I will have to fit in something while herding the ladies through the itinery. Bicentennial park is part of the plan.

I have 3 bicycles in my apartment now. A colleague lent me another bike, smaller frame that allows me to reach the ground, although it seems to look a little small on me.

I like cycling, other than the fact that I look good in biking gear ;p, although I dont fancy a helmet head, especially since it flattens my spiky do. I think, by doing a little of everything, I actually appreciate each sport more, and treat each of them as a more "sacred" session. Because if you do just 1 run a week, you'd do it well. Its not like one of many runs you do, at each session, you think you will do better tomorrow. manana, manana. you know...

But I'm on leave now. And I can now devote my time to recreation. At least I hope so.

Cycling today

I went cycling with colleagues today; same route as last week to Lane Cove National Park. There is 1 uphill that I havent managed to conquer and I will work on that. I'm glad my colleagues are very encouraging.

There was 1 mistake I made today; I didnt wear cycling shorts. I got by without it in my leisurely rides, but when trying to catch up with fast bikers, its quite neccessary.

I ended up not going for today's conditioning run because I thought I ought to spend more time with family. It turned out to be a good thing because I didnt realise how tired I was. I took them for a drive around Manly. Riding in the area would be a challenge indeed.

I think cycling is pretty much a compromise between running and driving. Less effort than running yet absorbing more than driving.

I think I ought to go for a biking trip to close the year.

Keeping up

With my family visiting, I was determined this time, that I cannot let down my fitness regime else I get moody and take it out on them. So I guess it requires some imagination to be able juggle exercise, my own social life and having them here.

So today I took them to the bay. Mum and grandma had their picnic, I went running with my sis biking next to me. 8k 51 min which isnt too bad considering I stopped to help my sis with the bike. Tomorrow I will set them loose at the shopping center while I go for my monday swims.

My lower leg tightness hasnt bothered me, it threatens to set in but thats all. I've been running just once or twice a week so I think it isnt too bad that my usual speed hasnt been compromised.

I also borrowed another bike so sis and I can go biking together.

Contemplating 2009 goals

So I am really contemplating about what I should aim for next year. I must be reasonable with myself. As much as I want to reap as much of what this city can offer. I need to focus on what I want my goal to be next year.

After hitting 28km a few weeks ago, and ending the week with a 41min time for a 7k run, and struggling to prevent myself from losing weight, I told myself I was tired of running and going no where. And I wasnt conditioning myself for the hills.

So I had a rethink about the Great Ocean Road marathon. At the same time I was discovering the benefits of swimming and the joys of biking. There is so much I am missing out if I only ran. Not to mention the variation in outfits!

So possibly, I may aim for SMH half marathon, while saving the energy to do other stuff.

Biking

In addition to the swimming I have added biking as the new interest. Its been a series of getting up at 5 am to cycle, which eventually became might as well get up to swim since I am up at that hour anyway.

Running, biking, swimming and yoga. Its been challenging and contradicting.

I started running and biking with a group in the North Shore. Its a great way to sightsee really. There are astounding scenery on some of the routes. Beautiful coves of sailboats, views of the Harbour Bridge at every angle possible, making the painful climb over bridges much more than merely bearable.

It is amazing how forthcoming people are. There are many sports enthusiast in this country and every other person can talk to you passionately about their point of interest.

I will only wish my passion for all that will continue to burn throughout 2009. But I need to prioritise, and that, is a little bit hard...

51.5kg 18.1%

Today I did 16 laps in the 25 m pool while waiting for yoga class.
And guess what, a stranger told me I swim very well, can I have a look at her style to see what she is doing wrong.

That inflated my ego so I just floated through my laps. This is something for someone who always thought she was a poor swimmer.

OK maybe I am in fact speeding down the lane, sometimes I feel without even trying too hard. And judging from the pace of confident swimmers in other lanes. Perhaps thats the trick. If you are relaxed you dont trash about inefficiently I guess, and you have time to think about doing the stroke correctly and breathing not like you're drowning.

The only problem is that each lap is so tiring my heart is beating in my ears. and if I try to have a go at the second without stopping, I'll start trashing about.

SO for now, its lap rest lap or alternated with breast stroke. So even if I am learning to flip I might not even put it to use!

I guess its a matter of getting rid of baggage, past bad habits; like not keeping my legs straight and no breathing out fully.

Swimming lessson 2

50.9 kg, 17.7%, 65.9% water

The coach wasnt well so someone else took over. This coach is actually better because I did feel I was learning so much. I do feel like I am breezing through the freestyle now. It seems as if I was doing it as fast as the guy in the next lane. The only difference was that he was doing it non stop. I also learnt the flip today although I am still not very good. She said by back stroke was good too although I havent done it in months.

I guess I am putting in a lot of effort, I can hear my heart pounding after each lap. The kind I can only hear after a short sprint.

I decided this week is swim week and I shall perhaps do just 1 long slow run one of these days.

Yesterday I went to do a leg massage. The masseuse was Japanese, and she told me something I hadnt heard before. That my pelvic bone is not aligned and this is causing mt lower leg tightness. She pressed the side of my thigh, probably along the ITB, which felt really sore.

She said my liver is stressed and I'm not drinking enough. Like everyone who did my legs, she told me to cut back on the running. Huh, I wasnt going to do so much anyway. This week is swim and cycle.

7k @ centennial park

This morning I did a 7k Sri Chinmoy run at centennial park. It started at 8am but I left home at 630 in case I lose my way. I had plenty of time waiting around in the cold. It must've been 16. And there was intermittent rain.

I did a 1k jog to warm up and thankfully my lower leg didnt complain. The route was on grass and trail. Very kind on impact just need to watch out for stones and slight unevenness.

I did 41min for the 7k run. Much of the way there was a few ladies the same pace as I was until I reached a slope at 5 k and became a little slow. I thanked one of them for being my unofficial pacer. A mother. I have huge respect for mothers who can keep up their fitness.

I'll go back there for sure. Its a lovely place to run.

When I got home I started sneezing. I had a hot shower and some food now I think its time for a little snooze. I;m just worried I might have caught a cold so I think rest is best. I got a pot of barley boiling on the stove.

5km 28m45s

I went to Birkenhead Point to do groceries after work, planning to jog right after. Its next to the Iron Cove Bridge. But what happened? It rained.

See it was all a plan I thought of way in advance, because at 4 last week, the sun was burning right through me. No matter I went to the gym and I surprised myself how I could stay on the treadmill for a full half hour, after body balance.

I'm going to start cooking in a minute. I carefully chose my groceries today, my protein shortage utmost on my mind.

For breakfast I had 2 pancakes with mapple syrup, cinnamon sugar and oranges. I had Thai Green Curry for lunch with rice, which I finished except for the grains drenched in curry, too hot...

For tonight:

- fillet of trout.
- mash potatoes with gravy mix from the healthy shelf. (how a processed gravy mix can be organic is a wonder, I am a sucker)
- oyster sauce baby brocoli with mixed nuts

What else did I buy:

- baby salad mix
- guava apple fresh juice, I love mixing this with half water, I think I am having my fluid and vitamins too, plus I think its good for the basil pot of herbs.
- fresh raspberries and apricots
- 500g of mixed nuts; macadamia, brazil, almonds and cashews.
- cous cous premix

Tomorrows brekkie will be:

Pancakes with rasberries and apricots. Yum.

Skinny arms

I laid off running on the weekend although I did yoga. The mirror tells me that my arms are getting skinny again, and it finally dawned on me that its probably because if the lack of protein.

I despise chicken breast. I only like fatty bits. Thighs have lower protein content. I dont like tofu. I can deal with nuts. But how much nuts can I take???? I guess for a start, I shall put a jar to snack on. and trouble is I dont have a habit of snacking.

Does nutella have protein? I can deal with this.

So today I had 2 eggs, and I threw in cashew nuts in my vegetable stir fry. I realise I am not big on ginger. I dont quite like the tangy smell.

Today I started coaching to correct my freestyle, I'm just amazed how differently I am being taught here from what I have been taught before. The half hour lesson was extremely tiring.

Bush fire

Bush fire. So today despite the haze that blanketed the area around my office as I left, I contemplated on running still. I was driving towards the gym, still rather undecided what to do. Epping Road rises uphill to overlook wonderfully at the city. Lo and behold. Clear skies yonder.

7km 45 min. for some reason the polar logged a slower than usual timing. I was quite sure my pace wasnt much slower. there wasnt a hint of haze. It was pleasantly partially cloudy. But if they tell you the ozone is gaping here, they mean it. It wasnt hot but I tanned 3 shades.

Honestly at this rate I will be a Nubian princess in no time.

So 25 km this week. Slow but steady. I thought heading for balance or yoga right after a run is a fab thing to do.

A thunderstorm is building up right now. Perfect timing, I am home and warm and the haze needs to get cleaned from the air.

Enthusiasm week 2

So yesterday I was back at Iron Cove. 7.8 km but with lots of stops because my lower leg really hurts. I need to control myself and start slowly but its hard to do that outside. The great thing about this loop is that I have to complete 7k no matter what.

Some crazy day I will take my camelback and run TO the bay instead of driving there.

I left work at 4, (what??? yes! on a monday too!) It was 430 when I started and the sun is quite strong. Someone told me over the weekend, that its so bright because it is in fact 330, because of daylight saving. Its still comfortable to run, mind, but I dont need to toast, thanks. Vit D is great but this part of the world is gaping at the O3 layer.

Over the weekend I did a cycling trip to Bicentennial Park, if only to experiment on my Cycling computer which beeped incessantly because I didnt set it to "stop being a nuisance" and it made warning noises when I hit 160 bps. It was an enjoyable relaxing trip. I didnt dare go any faster because I was still wobbly and even the gentlest downward slopes made my heart skip beats.

Today I experimented on the treadmill. I did a slow 8 km/hr for 1 km, another 1km with gradient and no pain came. then I did short bursts of sprinting for another 2km and I was done.

Feeling strong

2 cups flat white

Brekkie: 1 serving Uncle Toby's instant oats(honestly this serving is TINY!)
Lunch: Vegetarian Sheperd's Pie, 1 fun size mars bar
Pre-workout snack: 1 cup creme yoghurt
Dinner: Baked dory, potatoes and pumpkin

I felt strong at pump class today. I didnt have to cheat so much at least and its 2.5 kg more than what I have been stagnating at for quite a while.

I dont have a weighing machine to track right now but I can feel how much I weigh. At this point I feel its 51kg. I'm eating well I reckon but I think if the intake remains the same as I log higher mileage, I'm going to turn skinny again.

Last 2 day's meals:

2 cups flat white
Brekkie: 250ml berry juice (unintentional OK, couldnt find my breakfast)
Lunch: Pasta w mushroom, baby corn and smoked salmon, Banana walnut bread w butter
Dinner: Vegetarian shepard's pie

2 cups flat white
Breakfast: cereal + milk + banana
Lunch: Large fish wrap. Grilled fish + salad
Snack: 2 squares cadbury chocolate
Dinner: Small portion pasta (sweet corn+mushroom+smoked salmon) lightly creamed

Come back

I've been 10 days since I got back and I've done 3 bay runs. I'm keen to get back on the running track, at least before family comes to visit and there'll be another reason to disrupt it again. I shall just have to find a way to make sure their being around doesnt affect my running schedule this time.

My lower leg is still tight and it feels better when I am running on dirt. The weather has been erratic and today was slightly warm. Its easier to run when its cooler. The thirst factor doesnt come in. Else my throat feels so dry the later part.

I think I may start to log my diet. I don't feel skinny at this point. And most people agree I look healthier. Possibly because its not winter and I'm not constantly huddled trying to keep warm. My arms are meatier. Its toned because of pump classes. But there was a time earlier this year when even with pump and ashtanga yoga (yep tough stuff involving lotsa crocodiles) my arms were like sticks.

Yeah, i cant believe that skinny arms time was actually this year still. It felt like a long time ago somehow; that life I had living in the city. That was just in May! But I was also preparing for a marathon then. Logging 30km a week. chinese classes, salsa classes, bellydance classes.

So I think as I journey into the start of another prep for a marathon I ought to log my intake. Just for keeps.

For the record I don't starve myself. My heaviest meal is probably lunch. Because usually I eat out and I cant really control how much food is served to me. For dinner I'd eat until full and keep the rest for tomorrow's lunch or some other time.
I indulge in sweets but I try to do that in moderation because I can feel it going to my arse. I havent had my Krispy Kreme since 3 weeks and I think thats pretty commendable. ..

7.6km 47min

I'm grateful that I don't suffer from hay fever. Else I think running outdoors in this beautiful city will be impossible and I would have missed out on all the fun.

The only real running I have done this week was the 7km Bay Run after work on Thursday. It was superb. Warm enough not to feel chilly yet you dont perspire profusely and feel dehydrated. So 7km without a drink, not a problem.

My lower leg was still tight but the pain didnt overwhelm me. I felt better when I ran on dirt than on road.

This morning at yoga I felt tight as ever, and I didnt feel very strong although the class is quite an easy one. Some of the poses helps loosen the muscles. Like being in a warrior position, can stretch the outer lower leg. Its the kind of stretch you dont commonly do post running and something I had totally forgotten about.

New toys

In SG I shopped. Mostly for sports related stuff. I got the Polar for a start. RS 200SD with a cycling computer I have no idea when I'd use. But I figured if I bought it I'll be compelled to go cycling.

I bought yoga tops and a top and running tights from Adidas. Because these are made for Asian women. Yes, Adidas and Nike actually have an Asian women range. See, Ang Moh land is peculiar. Their fitness tops dont come with pads not proper support. You actually need to wear additional sports bra as if fumbling with 1 top is not hard enough, not to mention extra washing. Since I didnt buy a new swim suit I am almost going to cry because they dont seem to sell TYRs here with pads. I dont understand how I can wear that in public. Its... indecent.

Now the running tights are flattering if you have muscles in the right places. I bought it as motivation.

I bought Oakley sunglasses for running on those cloudless days. I got polarised ones because I thought they'd help when I drive with the sun in my face. Its great, Tried it yesterday,

NB trail running shoes.Size 8.5. What?? I usually buy 7.5. The guy in the shop convinced me 8.5 is right. After all I have a black toenail. Since it came in the right colour I bought it.

And I bought a camelback. Actually its a North Face. I dont know when and if I'd do it but I thought some time I would be running TO the bay instead of driving to it. It'd be a 21km run. anyway I thought it'd be useful.

50+ Sunblock.

I love Velocity @ Novena.

GE Run. 1:14:26

I suffered the worst lower leg tightness ever. After 1km at 5:40, my lower legs became really painful it was hard to even walk. So I had a bad start. I can only blame myself for not stretching. Really, its about time I stop signing up for anything until I know I can train properly for it.

No matter. I experimented on the Polar and was fascinated by the reading. My average heart rate was 182. This is supposedly 95% of my max heart rate for my age, but I thought it was a pretty relaxed pace, even the second 5km half when the lower leg stopped hurting. I wasnt burning or anything.

I was pleased to run on the F1 grandstands. I can only imagine what it was like. It was a nice day and if knives werent stabbing at my legs, I might have enjoyed it better.

I dont know when I'll be back in SG. I need a compelling reason. For now I'm enticed by Sundown. But on the other hand there are many events here I should go for too, at places I have never visited. Like the Cadbury Marathon. What??? Yes the Cadbury Marathon in Tasmania. How delicious can a marathon get?

15K 1:51:48

I am getting slower and slower.

I am quite convinced I am at a plateau. I lack motivation. I'd like to think its the change in lifestyle that's doing it. That every time I think I had it going, my progress would be hampered by some event. I think so far I've had pretty valid excuses. Illness, travel, visitors.

I feel irritated at these interruptions. But I know I shouldnt because there is nothing critical about improving my running performance. It is a hobby, after all, and if I am uptight about it, then I'm really pathetic.

I saw Joey today and I arranged to see her again after sunday's run, before I take off. I miss having my legs tortured. Only in these moments will I say to myself, pain is weakness leaving you. Oh yes, you sick person. Joey will seek out every clot you have ever had in your muscle fibres and she will attempt to smoothen it out and you will scream and scream. Its like a Stephen King movie. Or Freddie Kruger. You wake up from a dream only to realise you are living it real.

Once I get back to Sydney, I really hope I can get my routine back on track. I have nothing to train for right now. But I'd wish to run just to enjoy it for what it is. I've been shopping for it at least. New running gears, new shoes for trail running, I've yet to buy sunglasses and a camelback, hoping at some point, like running to the Bay and back instead of driving there to do the 7k loop.

My new toy

The Polar RS200SD.

Finally I decided to get a heart rate monitor. I also bought the compatible cycle computer.

I think its a commitment to myself about doing my sport outdoors rather than in a gym. I dont even have a bicycle yet nor cycled in sydney nor cycled very much in the first place. But for me if I invest in something I am likely to commit. I'm definitely not the sort to pay for a gym and not use it. I usually milk my money's worth.

So its still in the box. I got it at 15% discount.

I came here intending very much to get all my sports supplies. Because I know exactly where to get my things and how to find discounts. This is something i dont know about in Sydney. I havent seen a Nike or Adidas shop. And I know the designs we have is very much for Asian women.

I take back what I said about the real run trail being easy. My gluts hurt the next day so I reckon it worked hard. That's definitely one motivation for trail running.

I am piling up weight like nobody's business. 52.4 last count. definitely alarming.

NB Real Run

I arrived 25 minutes late. Because I thought it was at the Singapore Expo. I did think it was strange that I didnt seecrowds in the MRT. I thought maybe it was an unpopular run.

But no. I was in the wrong place. I got a cab, which met a road block, went on a huge detour, after which I still had to walk 2km in the hot sun to get to the start point.

But at least they let me join the race.

The trail bit was a little disappointing. I dont know what to expect, but I thought it'd be like macritchie. But it was a flat course and the only unevenness was by tire tracks by heavy vehicles. So I didnt think it was much harder than running on a dirt road. Only since someone I knew got her ankle sprained, it does require a bit of attention.

But you would look down on the ground anyway, rather than look up. Because it was searing hot and when I did look up, I saw colourless ants crawling in the blue sky. if I kept at it I imagine I'd pass out.

The road bit was OK because most it was in the shade. But then it became really humid and uncomfortable. I'm glad about the number of water point. suffificent. I stopped to drink and walked 10m after each water point. The heat was maddening.

The beach bit felt short, much to my relief.

And then the final 2km on the road/runway was the toughest. It was so easy to give up.

The great thing about running late, literally, is that you dont jostle with the crowd. But I wont recommend it. Because I reckon at the tail end you're not about to meet the most motivated crowd. Sure there are late comers and the average runner like you. But in that last stretch of searing heat and shoes hot from the tarmac, the last thing you need is people walking to the finish line.

I am happy to have strangers push me on, especially when I was sms-ing.

I would do it again. The NB run was very well organised.

After brunch I went for Derek's ashtanga. I had to do it to stretch my very tight muscles. It was a good class as always and I did feel good doing the poses.

And after class I ate again. Lots.

51,5kg. Dont hate me but its too much.

Today's power yoga

We, my legs and I are back in SG. And now about to go to bed ready for the REAL RUN.

I havent seriously done much yoga since I got to Sydney. I did 1 class. Her style was different from the ashtanga / vinyasa routine I am used to so it didnt work for
me.

So today when I got started at Paul's I was stiff and inflexible. But once the muscles warmed up I could do the poses I've always been able to do, but nothing I have never managed before. So yes the ones involving a tangling the arms and the legs was OK and the crow is still not.

Did I feel strong? Not particularly, but I dont feel weak either. It was not a difficult class. But I am thinking how I'd probably ache tomorrow.

In the middle of the class Paul accused me of drifting away. I was day dreaming as usual. It doesnt take a yoga class, I'm a habitual day dreamer. I even wish I can drift away more often during a run.

See, yoga, like running, are things I am passionate about. But I dont neccessarily like the acts 100%. It is not easy holding a speed or a pose when you are tired. So in these times, I want to drift away because it takes my mind off the pain.

But no, they always tell you to FOCUS. FEEL how your muslces scream, examine that pain, that strain, analyse it to make your practice better. I saw a quote somewhere "Pain is weakness leaving you". Definitely not a favourite quote. I am not particularly analytical.

With the mirror constantly in front of me, I actually feel a little less trim. My muscles are less defined. And the weighing machine doesnt lie. 51kg. Maybe thanks to a little too much food today.

But you'd have to understand how detrimental that weight is if you're running 15km in 9 hours. I'm slow and 2kg less wont make me any faster, but maybe this is only imaginary, but I always think the extra weight makes the heart work a little harder. And that it takes a shorter time to start getting that horrid burning sensation.

10km 30min

I cycle as fast as some runners do 10km. sadly.

I couldnt continue running beyond 2.5km because my lower leg were so tight. Instead of bearing with it I decided to do the stationary bike. I continued to wet the area around the bike. 160 ave haert rate

I had a tough day at work, and by the time I finished its too dark to run outside. The thing about the treadmill is that the workout is meaningless on the mind. And especially not in the highly himbotic fitness first where they play loud pop mtv. And because I dont have my own motivational tracks; my earphones gave up on me, havent bought new ones, the workout because unbearably long and boring.

But to run outdoors?

I cannot even begin to describe how much it does to the mind and heart. When you run outdoors the real breeze on your face kind of blows away your bad day. You feel so happy, like you no longer have any cares in the world.

In the midst of it, I tend to stop thinking about the external factors, like how tired I am, and the distance I need to go, I start looking internally. I get so absirbed in my own thoughts I wont notice how much faster or further I have gone. And by the time I gain consciousness of my surroundings, I'd have figured out what I need to do to solve the problem at hand.

Its happens so often its almost magical. yet I havent thought to go out for a run

Kiwi milkshake

1. 2 kiwis
2. dash of tumeric
3. tablepoon of maple syrup
4. milk

I am not fond of fruits I tell you, so drinking them makes them bearable. I reckon this is a good vit C antioxidant fountain of youth. full of fibre too. The tumeric is to prevent the onset of arthritis. especially on my bunion. I always add tumeric to my shakes. You cant tell they are there. Cinnamon is good for something too.

Maple syrup is good for minerals; zinc and potassium and its a natural sweetener. Real maple. Flavoured dont count.

I usually add some yoghurt too. I forgot today.

7km 43min

The wind was really strong today. The kind that can move your car sideways. Yet I braved the gale, parked my car and set off around the bay. I like to live dangerously, but like all singaporeans, within reasonable risk.

No sweat.

Of course no sweat. The wind sucked off the perspiration before it gets to form. At least that one good thing about running in the cold you dont get disgusted with what you were just wearing. Almost felt like reusing it for my next run, but I got principles so it goes into the washer.

It was very hard when the wind blows against you. When it stops, you'd almost jerk forward in surprise. When it blows in the direction you run, it feels like flying.

And if sideways? On the iron cove bridge I had scary visions of toppling over into the choppy waters. So drama. Out on the bridge in the open, my legs were kicking into each other. Walking makes me feel even more vulnerable so all you can do is just run across steadily and wish you get to the other side uneventfully.

And I can confirm that my head is as porous as ever. It was banging with a headache because it was cold. But once I changed direction, i.e. running in the direction of the wind rather than into it, the headache dissipated.

My timing looks pretty decent so I reckon the lack of heat makes one more energetic. I was sleeveless today too.

Getting there.

5km 30 min

Its incredibly hard to find motivation to do anything on a cloudy cold day. So I thought I'd do a combat class, although I am not fond of it. I just thought it could make me more energetic at least.

For reasons I shall no longer contemplate over, I did not end up doing the class. Was too distraught about it, but I stuck 30 min on the treadmill and wondered if I hadnt coloured my hair it would be perfect for a swim because there were just 3 people in there.

And I cannot help thinking how it didnt rain a drop today I am not running outside. And there I was running in the rain yesterday. Its not so bad actually. I wasnt drenched and cold, it was OK but not something I'd LOVE to do.

But I am giving excuses for myself as always. When the day gets nice and hot tomorrow I wonder what else I'd come up with.

Bay Run 7km 48min 10am

Its not easy to get out of bed when its dark and raining. I hadnt planned to run any later than 8, considering the sweltering heat yesterday when it felt like a usual humid day in Singapore. But I decided it wont hurt to run later if the weather's lousy. "possible thunderstorm" eh? No lighting so far.

It started raining when I got out of the car. I had a raincoat on but the string on the hood came off and I hadnt bothered to string it back in. So I was holding on to the hood throughout most of the run. The rain coat doesnt really allow air to filter through but because I wasnt running till my lungs were bursting, it was OK and I though I might as well run in a sauna to prepare for the NB run back home.

Its a comfortable pace. Not the kind I'd feel my heartbeat banging in my ear sort. Although I'm thinking, I'm definitely losing motivation to speed up. and I dont know for how long more I can make lame excuses for myself.

The left lower leg is tight. The tightness goes away after 3km then my left leg would stop stomping and I feel I can go faster.

I feel my knees are suffering because I was wearing heels all weak. But I dont have much other footwear to choose from because the rest are stuffy boots. short of wearing yellow flip flops to work.

So now I'm hungry and I'm really sleepy although I had enough sleep. Its till dreadful outside but I got to drag myself to the hairdresser lest I start looking my age.

Down and out

Finally, I'm out of my lethargy. While I still dont have the mood to stick to the treadmill at a steady pace, I was at body pump with twice the weight I did on monday. 2 pump class in a week??? weather's warm, sleeves off. I got to look good without them. I am unabashedly oriented towards aesthetics. You'd know from my kitchen appliances. I'd pay more for looks.

Maybe its the combination of getting out of fasting and the woman low energy days. And getting out of the deep end of work. I feel lighter and cheerier.

Why must all good things come together or leave you all at once?

I wonder if I'd have felt better physically had I kept up with my exercise regime while I was working off site. I did think to add running to that is being too hard on myself. I was eating enough. And it seems I put on 2 kg; my cheeks are filled , my arms a little less toned from missing weights but otherwise I dont feel heavy. You really cant actually, if you run on an empty stomach most of the day.

Someone said he'd hire someone like me if he could. Because he was impressed how I kept at it non stop for 10-12 hours while fasting. Did he know it was also on 4.5 hours of sleep a day? Like a fuel efficient car.

Perhaps working kept the hours moving quickly so people who fast dont have time to think about the hunger. You dont need the toilet, coffee or lunch. So you save a lot of time. A fasting person I'd say is the most efficient worker.

But I wont recommend working like that. Not long term. Its not good for the mind.

Even lower

If Saturday was Low Energy today was even worse. I felt stupider today I can be staring at someone and just see their mouths moving and not quite comprehend the garble. I definitely annoyed the boss.

By end of the work day I was sleepy. I was waiting around for Body Pump and I fell asleep. I can tell you I almost fell asleep lying down on the board doing chest workouts. I halved the weights for every workout I did than usual.

It was BAD.

I dont know if the exhaustion has been amplified by tiredness from fasting and my trip. I think I'm probably more exhausted and stressed out than I care to admit.

Maybe it was the 2 Krispy Kremes I had for breakfast. and then the dip in sugar was just such a contrast I was traumatised.

Low energy day

This is one of those days you may suffer from if you're a woman. You know your next cycle is starting in several days.

Actually it doesnt always happen, or maybe at times it happens on days I take the day off and so I miss it completely. And in fact, day before or after I would have been so hyper I can do more than usual.

This round it happens that I tried to run on lethargy. I couldnt do even 5 km. I was struggled through 2km then I decided I cannot do it. When I went home I could hardly lift my spoon to feed myself. usually I'm not a nap person. But today I napped like a baby until the neighbours decided to vacuum their floor.

The other symtoms are irritability. Everything doesnt work and you want to pounce on the next moving object for, well, moving.

No matter the moment I got back home yesterday I managed 5km in 31 min. I feel like I have to reboot. Start over.

I put on 2 kg in KL. It was no exercise and the fact that I ate well. I didnt enjoy most of what I ate but I ate. I had a standard room service menu for breakfast. And because I try not to waste food, I ate as much as I could of it, 430 am in the morning every day. (I gave up on the malay menu, just not palatable)

Even meeting a runner on the daily shuttle didnt motivate me to get on with it. He ran at noon around the hotel. Its unthinkable. Not even the enticing warm pool overlooking the entire town of Putrajaya.

NO matter, the Ramadhan is almost over and from then on I have absolutely not excuse to let up. For once I'd like to hit my personal best again. It hasnt happened in a while.

further more its spring. Its actually quite unbearably hot at noon. You cant cross legs. and the flies. gasp. I was walking around in sleeveless today. how wonderful. for once my arms feels the sun. one needs to look good. everywhere.

No Bridge Run

I will not be back in Sydney in time for the Bridge Run. :-( Had to extend my work trip here in Malaysia till next week.

To be honest I am not actually sore about it. I would have been if I had been training hard. But I havent.

I'm still not motivated to at least hit the treadmill after work. Every morning in the hotel shuttle I meet a runner who tells me he'd run at midday for 40 minutes. And I'd sheepishly say daily that I havent been to the gym. But honestly when fasting, you really need a bit more motivation to pass a meal right after a fast to log 10km. I am indeed in real need for motivation to run again. The Real Run is just sounding too far away. In fact thats in a month. WHAT???

oh oh.

No matter, before I fell sick I was pretty good with the gym routine and running around the Bay every weekend. But with the fasting and workload I've had, I think pancit is the right word for it. Blown tire. kaput.

I got to get started again!

back on line

A little troublesome when you dont have internet connection and the office blocks all social websites.

On a quick note I'd have to say the preparation for the Bridge Run half marathon this weekend IS NOT GOING WELL.

I have no doubt I will finish it but like when? Its been almost 2 weeks of not running. Had a bout of flu, thankfully didnt get full blown, and work was just horrendous, and with the fasting, I'm quite kaput by end of the day, going to bed right after breaking fast, if, I get to break fast on time that is.

Will just worry about how to to teh start point that day.

The Sydney diet

This is supper time. 3 triple chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk. Tonight there are strawberries because there were 2 left overs. I am trying to clear the fridge before moving and they happen to look pretty with biscuits. The cookies have been warmed to chewiness in the oven. So it oozes with chocolate.

Fills the stomache to comfort levels; a general self satisfaction, (like the shrink would say, think about the time when you were happiest) so you are ready to go to sleep.

I dont think I am eating any more or less than before. It is cold but I think i have compensated that with my milk guzzling ways; full cream, not low fat. I have a small bowl of cereal with milk and glass of hot chocolate before bed. there are 2 cups of cafe au lait in the day.

I used to do a banana strawberry milk shake after a run. But because I dont have a blender here (yet), I do a banana strawberry with cream. I have been having pasta mostly. And rolls. dont ask me why I fell in love with the rolls here. You warm them up and stuff them with egg mayo or chilli tuna. Side salad and crisps. Easy.

I have a ripe avocado and I found gula melaka at the asian supermarket. I will attempt the seven sensation avocado mousse dessert.

Parking

I like the Chatswood Fitness First because it has a pool. The really big bummer is that parking in this area is real lousy. At the club you get 2 hours free. How can you get a real workout in 2 hours? It took 10 minutes to find a parking space. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and 1 hour body pump. I spoke to the membership consultant about transferring my membership here from singapore. I did not have time to dab sweat off my neck and I had to pay $6 because I was 10 minutes past the 2 hours.

There is are 3 hour free parking space at the shopping center. a short walk away but not quite condusive when its dark and cold.

There is also a dodgy 2 hour place free with any purchase but so narrow ramps I have bitter thoughts about what happened.

I havent even started about Delhi Road, the winding one lane route that goes through a nature reserve. For sure I will be confident about taking my parents to the Blue mountains by November. Good practice.

There is another club closer to my office. Free unlimited parking. But to get there you go into a very busy road. Jammed up by 5pm going up hill. And I keep missing the turn and then I have to go around 3km. This road is full of booby traps.

So I am adrenalined rushed even before I lace up.

I have another round of road familiarising when I move to my new place this weekend. The route so far looks pleasant enough, if you avoid the jam. One learns to change the body clock.

The time adjustment

Life in Sydney, i think, revolves around traffic. Unless you work and live in the city, I reckon you'd practically be trapped in your own home if you dont have a car. Everything is so far away. Civilisation sometimes start 1km away from where you live.

At my workplace you can start early and leave early. or come late and work late. You practically work around the traffic. Its a better way to do because then you dont get stressed up unneccesarily. For me getting stuck in traffic on an upslope is my number one fear, imagine you see a whole field of red lights as you approach an uphill. How many hill starts would that be??

So avoid.

I would like to do the start early option. because At some point I want to join a running group that starts in the wee hours of the morning. The early start of a day is probably normal too, judging from teh number of early morning classes at fitness first. Pilates at 630?????

And the bridge run starts at 630 so I am trying to get my body clock adjusted for that, although I dont know how I will deal with the cold. I cannot be running in my usual adidas running T right?

So far its not hard to go to bed early. I dont know if its the cold or I am actually more tired than I care to admit but I wilt as early as 8 pm, especially after gym. I think i am stressed out by the driving. But I will still get up about 2 and then spend an hour awake before being able to sleep again.

So far the running is getting back on track. I shall not be ambitious trying to train for a full marathon in 50 days while trying to settle myself. But Sydney half marathon here i come!!!

5km 28.50

I think I have almost gotten my lifestyle back to normal. I know this because my 5km time is back to "pre-relocation" timing. And because instead of carrying around my paperwork, i am carrying a large gym bag.

I am gymming 3 times a week and today gotten back into swimming. Gladly I feel more relaxed doing freestyle, probably because I know what real panic and anxiety is with my tyre burning ways, so that I no longer gasp for air while swimming.

the route to chatswood (nearest fitness first platinum, very big but sadly still not as shiny as our singapore ones, no towels!) from my workplace is not far but its one of the most challenging routes I've been on. narrow up and downhill and at parts so dark you cannot see the lines. Its that or a toll route. I think i'd rather pay toll once I get the etag if its safer. And it was raining and my windows fogged up. can cry.

I'm looking forward to get my keys, not quite because I am looking forward to moving in, but because I want to sign up for the Sydney half marathon with a proper address. I can hardly keep track of the addresses I need to change when I move.

I have 54 days to figure out how to get to the start point at 6 am. yes its just the half because if I attempt full they will make me turn back because I will not make the 5hr 30 min cut off.

I'm probably signing up because I think its the only way I can focus and preoccupy myself and pretend I have really settled in. people keep telling me if you like the outdoors you like sydney. what outdoors? its too b****y cold!

I'll be taking 1-1 swim lessons to perfect my freestyle. I'm sure there are some shark free zones.

5km 32.30, Fitness First North Ryde, Sydney

My last run was the milk run. So I have to admit it was a little hard to get started again. My fitness level is not so great, heart rate was higher than normal at 60bmp but that could also be because I was driving in sydney traffic, my first car, my first day of driving in sydney.

So yes I bought a brand new Hyundai Getz and drove to the gym in horrendous sydney traffic. I have to get used to the idea of distances in this country. I am moving about mostly in the North East area of the city suburbs and its so easy to clock mileages. 200km in 3 days. But I was also roving around to get myself used to the car.

So Fitness First platinum here cost about AUD90. I pay a bit more for my membership in Sing. Probably going to continue with it because its got an indoor heated pool.

How am I doing here? very well thank you. I'm settling in rather quickly. Its cold and getting colder and wetter. But I found my accomodation, a 2 bedroom unit in a good area not too far from the office. Nothing like my condo in Singapore, but it will do for now.

Bearish log

I think my running log is starting to look like the stock market, rather bearish, and likely to remain so the rest of the week. Today was yoga. I did not feel strong; looking in the mirror I felt I was thick at the waist. I hope its because I was far away. I have after all been doing my own bellydancing everynight. Good workout you know, I think its giving me washboard, but I must be doing something wrong because I am starting to get lower back pain.

I am hoping next week in Sydney can be better. Hotel gyms are dreary big time man, if there is even a window its lucky. It gets dark quick so I dont think running round the block is a great idea just yet.

I will try to simulate a stock market recovery on my running log.

Milk Run 2008

This must be my most unprepared run, besides the fact that I did not do ANY running the entire week. I was at paragon to drop my belongings at the gym and left there about 14:54. I managed to get a cab and arrived just in time.

I couldnt find my running shoes, had to make do with this light adidas one i bought years back. Its functional, and I guess I must have benefitted from the fact that the shoes are quite "airy" but I stepped on a puddle and the mud seeped through. I had concerns about the flesh eating disease you get from soil for a bit.

I also didnt have my Nike+ ipod. The battery was in the red side anyway and what I had to time the run was my mobile phone. Its said 1 hour at the end. I think I could have done 58 min if you consider the laggard bit you need to actually get past the start line.

I will remember never to run in a cotton T-shirt especially in the afternoon. No sunglassses nor cap. I had to stop to walk a few times. Just felt almost dizzy sometimes with the humidity!

Its a great city route anyhow. If you're a tourist you'd probably walk the same way. Very pretty shiny happy Singapore. Maybe the only downer is the fact that its an afternoon thing. But its not something I'd have down as something I want to do again.

But I am inclined to agree with someone I spoke to after the run; she joined this because its just a way for her to push herself. Something which is harder to do on a regular run.

Running around

I have been running... errands. Otherwise the only exercise I get is digestion. Actually that's not true, I have been carrying around what must be 10kg worth of stuff in my red bag. I dont know why my handbag is so heavy. I have my big note book to remind me of things to do and for people to write their contact number down. A camera, a pack of facial wipes, a file, and lots of lots of little things thay seems to add up.

I dont know if its the handbag, disrupted sleep or stress of moving that has tightened my shoulder and neck considerably. I was suffering during the deep tissue massage today. I dont get migraine thankfully, but when the masseuse hit spots on my neck and shoulders, my left or right temple, depending on the side she is working on, would be struck by a dull pain which I would guess is what migraine feels like.

My hair is half white and a mess most of the time and people tell me I look tired. And I realised having done so much, I have not considered actually giving myself a break. I mean a real break. Not just leave from work but a day I do nothing. Me time. Even going to the hairdresser or manicurist cant count. Those are chores. Even deep tissue massage, I mean, just maybe for once I can get a massage without the application of military strength and one I would fall into deep sleep that would make me groggy when awaken.

I guess the next exercise I will get (besides rounds around buffet tables) will be the milk run. I will miss the Shape Run. But Miss Kiasu has signed up for the GE run (super early bird before official registration) because she will be back for cousin's wedding.

15km 2hr @ Macritchie

My first time attending an SG Runners event. I had a really long day so I wont go into it except that I enjoyed it despite the humidity and I enjoyed meeting so many friendly people.

I finally up-ped my mileage for the week.



Although I shall remind myself its fine because I have been at yoga or swimming which are healing to my tired muscles. I think I have put on weight, but take a look at this:

Freestyle attempt #5

Lame. Still gasping. There must be something wrong with the way I roll my body from side to side that I find its slowing me down.

I have moved back to my mum's place.

I think I put on weight because my tums arent flat.

I need to go to bed because I am going to Macritchie tomorrow at 7am.

Freestyle attempt #4

Today I thought I felt more comfortable. The active trainer video about looking into the sky as your breath really helps me to relax and swim more comfortably. But the old habits come back as I become more tired. I can tell when the paddles have a lot of drag. i.e. my hand enters wrongly because the arms have become lazy.

This blog was supposed to be about running. seems more swim focused now, maybe I shall change the objective, no matter its still about celebrating health.

This week I had quite a few doses of organic and vegetarian food. give me organic rather than vegetarian. The latter doesnt imply healthy. Organic however is lovely. Food seems to taste ten times better. I reckon its the sensation of someone who stopped smoking and starts to taste food.

7 Sensations just opened at Tanjong Pagar, though with a much smaller menu and a self service style. No matter the delicious cakes are still there. Yogihub at stanley street is also fab. I had the avocado mouse, oh so heavenly.

Besides that I think its mostly pretty healthy stuff. I had soup spoon 2 days in a row for dinner. in fact I think anything you eat cannot be bad so long as you do things that would burn the excesses out in the right way.

I felt with all that eating i am starting to feel a little heavier. My tums for a start arent so lean anymore! my pects are hidden somewhere!

OK got to mamam for the evening

Freestyle attempt #3

My ear is logged with water again. I used swim paddles today. I think I am swimming fast but how do I prevent myself from getting breathless? I still dont feel comfortable turning on the side to breathe. Ends up being short, sharp and panicky. I try doing 4 strokes before breathing because I want to perfect the strokes first but this means I turn blue by the forth stroke and then gasp for air like I've been strangled. I did try breathing after 2 strokes but I find it quite tiring.

So after a few bouts of short length worth 12 strokes each, at least that's what my oxygen deprived brain thinks, my heart was beating very hard. I havent heard this kind of hard beating in a while, last time was during my feeble attempts at intervals when I felt dizzy half the time.

I shant lose hope yet.

5km 28.45

OK I dont think i did 25 m in 6 strokes yesterday because I seem to be doing 16 to get 25m. I dont know if my strokes were as efficient as yesterday, now that I am doing it without supervision. I cannot continue beyond 25m confidently. I think maybe I did 10 times 20m. Or probably less but I feel that fatigue from swimming that I think i have not felt since swimming lessons in primary school. Maybe its a good thing.

On the running front I guess I am stagnating. How so? I dont have to key in teh title for this blog entry because I have done the same speed and distance again and again. The touch screen machine got stuck and I couldnt change speed nor stop it and had to use the emergency stop button. Not that I had to change speed anyhow, it was only in the last 300m that I actually reached to change the speed by a tiny bit.

Its a little pitiful, the amount of running I do since Sundown. But I reckon by signing up for friendly runs I might get myself motivated a little. Dunno if I will do the MR one this weekend.

Swimming lesson

How do you teach a bimbo how to swim?

Tell her: "Reveal your sexy shoulders and sway your hips"

It got me swimming 25m in 6 strokes with ease. Today my friend taught me to do freestyle properly. I'm excited to get to the pool and try it again.

I have to confess I am not really trying hard to train for the Shape Run. But I have to be fair to myself. Its been a rather stressful week. I signed up for the Adidas women's run at vivo city on 6th July. I suppose thats a good opportunity to get me running outdoors.

I need a new pair of shoes and I'd like to buy a few more Nike tops.
I had another good meal at banalun. Unfortunately I dont have the pictures because the bimbo left it either at the Banalun or in the taxi.

49kg 15 min 2.7km

I have been doing weights and yoga so I think am more muscular now. And I dont do so much running. So I dont know why I have not put on weight. I dont think I have been eating any more or less. Maybe I just have many things going on this week. They say moving house is one of the most stressful affairs in one's life. And I'm about to do this 3 times in the span of a year.

I had 15 minutes on the treadmill before yoga class. I think its good to have a run before yoga. I'm too lazy to stretch on my own so yoga is a good opportunity to keep me at it for the next hour. I like it when they work on the hips. I used to have a lot of pain in the butt. none of that now.

Ashtanga yoga after a run, in particular, will keep me burning for longer. I'd be dripping with perspiration if I keep at the sun salution. Today I attempted the headstand. I managed to get my knees up but I think my abs are still not strong enough. They are not strong enough for many things, but after every class Derek would say that you should thank you body, and I will be grateful enough for what I have achieved that day.

Cheezels

The newspaper carried an article today about the recent duathlon being poorly managed. They cut down distances from 55 to 22 during the race. I guess then a difference in a mile in a 10 km or 42km race is actually nothing in comparison to the booboos the organiser can make.

The article mentioned people complaining about diluted isotonic drinks during the sundown Marathon. I hope the reporter made a mistake. If everyone drank 100 plus from the bottle directly people would have dropped like flies from dehydration. Everyone complained about that same one drink station that DID NOT dilute the drink.

I never saw the importance of diluted isotonic drinks till Sundown. I have always been drinking 100 plus mixed with water during a workout. but really because water is so plain I hate to drink it on its own. nor have I seen isotonic drinks as a energy drink. i thought its just sugar, what. but at some point during my own runs I have come to realise how much more refreshing the diluted isotonic drink is compared to water.

And so I wonder, how bad it is to drink those sorts if you dont exercise. Its full of sugar and salt. Imagine if they arent for replacement.

For that matter I was eating a small packet of cheezels and realised each serving is 140 calories. thats the energy to run 1.5 km. Did you know cheezels was so energy packed? You dont even feel full eating that tiny packet of like 10 rings. And so light but salty. if not for the puffiness and how ridiculous it may look, I'd bring them on a run.

5km 28.45

I left work early; my mind was definitely not at work today because the entire day I was negotiating the lease for my apartment. Its not easy to let go of something you put your heart and soul into. Not even for money.

I left work at 5 and went to the gym hoping the physical activity can settle my mind a bit. Of course the treadmill didnt. Doing the treadmill doesnt have the same effect as running outdoors. The latter would practically unravel answers I am looking for. But maybe I was running without glasses. I was squinting to see how much I am running. I cant tell between 5 and 6.

At Yoga class I feel I am regaining my strength and flexibility. But the knees dont feel very good in the tree pose.

I have 10 days to move out of my place. Really difficult. trying to be objective about it. Its played its role as just another stepping stone to bigger things.

I dont know if I'll still be around for the Shape Run. But I think I dont mind. I just want to get a move on.

5km 28.50

I'm a treadmill whore. What can I say?

Today I did a steady 10.5km/hr and was surprised I managed to do it. Usually I start at 10km/hr and increased the speed by a modest .1km/hr each time. And by the time I reach 10.5km/hr I am huffing and puffing and willing my fingers to bring the speed down.

So I am convinced I am usually deluded and if I start off at 10.5 its not so overwhelming on my weak mind.

I think I am equally deluded on how I look. I feel like a reverse anorexic. I look in the mirror and think i am thinner when in fact I have always looked that way. I don't know for sure. Sometimes i think the running T I wear makes a difference too. Say if I wear a singlet and bike shorts I look scrawny. if I wear a sleeveless, i,e, show less shoulder, I look more meaty. if I wear modest tennis shorts I look meatiest. All this while my weight has been a steady 50kg, plus or minus .5kg.

Yesterday was my first body pump class in a while and I thought all of a sudden I have biceps again.

I think I am overanalysing. I need a life.

5km 29.25

I am on the treadmill and there is someone next to me who started at the same time. He smells sourish. I think he breathes through his mouth. I avoid breathing through my mouth when I am on the treadmill and someone is next to me, because I become aware how I might annoy others as they have annoyed me. ;-)

I often imagine people who run on the treadmill pace themselves based on what they see on someone next to them. Why is it that I always find people (usually men) dont stop running until after I do. If I do a 10km stretch on the treadmill, I stop at 5km to fill up my water bottle. Sometimes the person next to me stops too and quite ready to go off, until they find me restarting the machine.

Or they keep looking at your stats. if they do that too obviously I'd do the same. like, come off it. do your own thing, you know.

Its a source of amusement and the result of vivid imagination. I am sure they have their own agenda.

Passion Run '08

1hr 7 minutes

This is my worst 10km time since last year's Great eastern run. But if I had done last year's GE timing I'd have gotten 10th place today.

It wasnt the best managed run. At the last supposedly 2.5 km mark I met the slower 5km fun run group. I had to weave through this group but if I was true to myself, if the lane was clear I may not have run any faster.

Its strange, how I felt I ran the first 10 km at sundown at a relaxed pace and thought I ran faster than today. Maybe its the cloying heat and humidity.

As it turned out most people logged 11km or more. So I dont feel so bad.

My knees didnt complain. I guess they are up to going back to the usual training. The next run isnt till 20 July.

Sundown Marathon '08

5 hr 37 min.

When I got home I didnt know which to deal with first; I was dirty, dead tired and hungry. And my legs hurt like mad.

The timing fell way short of my target, but I know now 5 hours would've been pretty unrealistic. I never trained beyond 22km. My knees never knew the meaning of running beyond this distance. And last night they learnt the hard way.

The first 20km was breezy. I mean it was a really great experience; there was sea breeze; and I felt my energy levels were great. I did not have to stop running unless at the water stops. I felt really good. I felt I could do this all the way. The runway route did not feel endless like the last time. But at the 20km mark, my knees started to scream, and scream it did for the next 20km. It was awful. It got so bad sometimes I had to stop. I had to learn to deal with the pain, to put it at the back of my head as if its just a buzzing sound in my ear. it would work for a bit when my own fatigue sets in and then I stop to walk and then find that restarting the run would mean relearning to deal with the knee banshee.

20 km on was also a little demoralising because most people around me had by then merely walked. There were numerous overhead bridges to cross. At the SG Runners forum I discovered I wasnt the only one who thought some of the 2 km distance markers appear stretched. My ipod logged 43km in all. And so did many others. Perhaps the bridges made it longer.

At one point, quite near that strange suspension bridge with the photographer at the end, someone was running alongside me motivating people around him. I dont know if he was in the race, but he really cheered me up. I spoke to him at some point about the distance to the next park connector. A mature guy came along and spoke to him, "I am in my 60s" he declared, "and I can still do this!" and he shot off. Whoever they were, I wish to thank them because they brightened my spirits. And those guys who made delightful expressions of disbelief at the sight of the overhead bridge with the steps.

At 30k, the lactic acid in the legs have built up to the point that I get that constant dull ache. I felt sleepy. It was 4 am and I was lightheaded. When I looked up I saw stars. I dont think it was the galactic kind.

Throught the nasty up and down "gentle" slopes of the last few km, I found motivation in a topless guy. He did a run walk, which was what I did too, and found myself, ahead or behind him in turn until almost at the end.

I managed to almost run continuously, though slowly, the last 800m because everyone else were. At 400m to see everyone pushing themselves that last stretch really helped keep me going. It was quite a good feeling knowing you are so close to the end. I crossed the line, met TLR and congratulated him on his 84km. Then I sat down to enjoy a banana next to another lady, when it started to pour very very hard, with some lightning and thunder.

I was lucky enough to get myself under the massage tent. I took my luck with me and looked for the massage tent. I feel asleep and by the time I got up it was bright. And I made my way home. After lunch and a good hour's massage with Joey I slept the entire afternoon away.

My lower back is sore. My legs are recovering but I will probably be walking down staircases like a crab for the next couple of days. I remember suffering from this the first time I did a half marathon. By the second attempt, I did not ache like that.

I missed the rain by seconds but that night it was raining men. Maybe only 1 in 10 were women. And sometimes they (the men) rained perspiration on me.

Will I do it again? Of course. And again and again.

Banalun at Chip Bee Gardens

Organic cuisine so well presented and tastes even better. Its one of those eating establishments you can wake up in the middle of the night telling yourself you need to go there again soon. If I need to stuff my face for a marathon I might as well stuff it with the best I can find.

6 days to Sundown

I am supposed to be loading up.

I have to admit my appetite still hasnt been particularly ravenous and I am still pretty stick like. I dont know what happened to my arms. They're like skeleton, with minimal muscle definition. I'm pretty sure I looked healthier before, or at least look like I cannot be bullied. I feel somewhat weaker. because I kept hitting low energy days and struggled to keep up with the thursday runs. today I found myself unable to go beyond 6km. well I could have, but tiredness just swept me over.

I guess I'm quite tired of all that running. I mean I dont hate it, but when its all about logging mileages, the fun wears out because it starts to become a little stressful when you keep failing to meet the target. Right now I really wish for a time when I can just train for a better time at 10 km. And yes I am too tired to eat most times. When I get home I just want to crawl into bed, thinking I'd make up for it at breakfast. Do I take breakfast? No.

I decided the answer is really in my own cooking. when I hit 40-50 km a week, there was just no energy for my pasta dishes and I was eating hawker rubbish, or rather not eating them because I'd be pecking at the food. With just a week to figure out what I can do right, I decided I should go back to my carb rich pasta diet. Post workout is a plate of pasta, just before bed a glass of milk with a 10% yoghurt and a dash of tumeric. it was a frequent ritual when I still had arms. it cant be wrong. and of course I have the energy to do that now. I should, because I'm not doing more than 5km each time.

My songlist is done; has been for some weeks, though I should pepper it more with Pinks "'Cuz I can". I like. B***ch but inspirational. I bought a new running belt for a small water bottle, money and to clip my ipod. This way I can run with my hot pants instead of my tennis shorts with the pockets. I dont do running shorts FBT style. They flap like anything, and somehow I tend to look like a bell waist down. Espeically now because my thighs' concave is more obvious. Those that dont flap come in pink or yellow, I mean come on, I'm seriously into this.

For some reason when a minah wears hot pants for running she looks like a dangdut queen, I suppose so, judging from the whistles I get along the satay stalls. I mean I dont even have much meat, satay man.

The small water bottle that comes with the belt, is handy because after certain mileages, 2 km feels like 5. The hydration helps make the journey less painful.

So whats the plan, I dont really have one except to try to hit 1hr for the first 10 km. The rest depends on my energy levels, sort of, I mean based on my last 21 km time I thought I can manage. But once I sat down and did the sums, 5 hours seems overly ambitious. That and the fact that the good runners in my training group did more than 5 hours the last time they ran. But they claim they werent "prepared" or it was their first try.

I dont have butterflies yet. I think the week will pass and I'll be at the start before I know it.

Adidas monthly women's run

The Adidas women's run is a monthly affair for women to run together. This morning's run was apparently an overwhelming turnout, probably due to the email blast sent out recently about it. I was unaware of this event until the email I got. Runners can choose anything from 2km to 10km. The run starts at Vivo City. If you run 8 or 10, you'll get to Labrador Park and then run back from there.

Its inspiring to know some of the women came from all over the island, by bus, to get there at 8 am.

Its well organised, there are drink stations at the 6km and 8km marks. isotonic drinks mind. there are marshalls to warn you of the traffic and there are sign boards telling you how far you've run. I think they were probably secondary school kids who have to log in time for community work. And there are stretching sessions at the start and end.

I ran from 945 to 1045. It was HOT. Scorching. There were short stretches with no shade. Pure torture. i saw it positively because I tried to run faster to spend less time under the sun, using the shade as a motivation. Labrador Park is pleasant and I'd think about running there again.

At the end there are drinks and bananas provided. Cool eh? and of course, to the benefit of the organisers, you get 20% of running apparel at the store.

This season the shorts have designs that try too hard to be unique yet serve no functionality. The tops? Blah. Sports bras dont come under "running apparel". Why buy running Ts when you get them for free at each race? I mean these free Ts are good stuff; climacool or drifit.

I like to reward myself after long outdoor runs. Today it was high tea at the Furama. And sports massage with Joey. I've carb reloaded and ready for another week.

Sundown Familiarisation Run

I was at the Sundown familiarisation run last weekend. I was impresssed, for a run organised voluntarily, it was so well done. There was even camera crew. At about the 10km mark there was someone taking pictures. But I was already too dead to smile. I was mostly on my own at the start. I felt I was running my own pace and felt good about it. But usually I'd wish I had someone pushing me towards the end. That day as usual I was lacking motivation at the end and there was plenty of distraction. I met friends who were walking so I stayed with them for a bit of gossip before moving on. But I guess I should not be pushing myself for this and learn to treat running as an enjoyable social affair instead of taking it like a tight ass all the way. I did 21 km in 2hr 45 min.

The route along the airport can be fabulous. I mean it can be if you are fit and fab. Its long and straight with a fresh path (black and gleaming) tarmac which was great for running. But it did feel really long. About 7.7 km. At night its quite dark. The only lights coming from the airport; the park lights was on energy saving and doesnt light up a lot. The sound of airplanes taking off takes the boredom out of things. No water point until you hit East Coast.


At East Coast the body started to feel chilly. Not just from breeze and wet clothes, I did feel it was as if my immune system was vulnerable.

I didnt do the whole loop back to Changi Village, that would have been 35km. After Macdonalds I turned back to the Hawker center for kebab and teh tarik before going home. No the the tarik didnt stop me from dropping to sleep quite quickly. But its nice to have comfort food like that after a long run and I slept really well. Its my second time so far doing 21km , and at this point I am still finding it hard and finding the thought of doing 42 even more unimaginable.


Unlike 21km at the stanchart run I feel good enough to head back to the treadmill after 48 hours. (The former got me running only after 24 days!!!) I didnt wake up with my legs collapsing underneath me. And I can walk up and down stairs without wincing. So I'm assured that I didnt push myself unneccesarily.


The energy was great that day. I would do it again as a fun run if I get the chance to, a longer distance next time.

45 km. 49kg

So finally I hit my weekly running ceiling. I've been falling way short of the required mileage but I am not punishing myself for it. I decided running outdoors takes too much effort. The hard and uneven surface is tough on my knees, I breathe in carbon monoxide or bin stink along east coast and its just way too much time and money getting there and back. After all I got my personal best the last time training on the treadmill.

This week I ran 13 km the day before menstruation. I felt I could have go on running. Its strange how the body works. you think the body is weaker from menstruation, but it really isnt. the first day was heavy and I did feel lethargy in the afternoon after yoga, but after resting I could do 10km in 61 min. Its a better timing than an average non menstruation day. Still, I felt I dont have to push myself too hard lest I injure myself.

I've also decided recovery massages would be a weekly affair until the race. I used to do it when I start to feel pain. But i decided it ought to be a preventive thing. The massages are really painful, even if i am not aware of any aches. Its supposed to heal damage faster; I hope it does.

I do body pump once or twice a week and yoga once a week. I think I ought to make an effort to go for yoga because it makes me do stretches, more intense ones, that I am too lazy to do myself after running.

After China my weight dropped to 49kg, from 50. And it became an effort to get back. I wasnt eating so much because it became quite a chore to eat the required amount of carbo. After running I am simply too sleepy to eat so much.

the weather is getting hotter. so its annoying to run in the day, even in the airconditioned comfort of a gym. i can feel teh heat of the sun through the glass window and its easy to get dizzy. So I prefer hitting the treadmill after 9 if I am at the condo gym because there'd be less people.

Its a lot of time commitment to train for a marathon, but I suppose the pay off is worth more than gold, or these days, rice.

Training week 9 or 10, dunno.

The week before I went on vacation was a dull one. I had lower leg tightness that disrupted good continuous running and I suffered through joey's massages to help me through. The week of rest I guess was a good thing. I was running 5km well yesterday. Today was so-so, I desensitized (touch screen - cool but spoil easily) the treadmill somehow. It got stuck at 11km /hr. By the time I changed machine I was breathless and had to stop.

As at yesterday I was 49kg. While I did not completelyt agree with food in China, I have to think that the struggle to keep the weight up is due to general laziness. i am in no mood to clean the apartment nor cook a meal. Yet the thought of eating food outside fills me with dread. My back pack is partially unpacked. At least I managed to haul out the laundry. Today I was ultra feminine because I have nothing else to wear. My little black dress does not need ironing.

With no chinese class for a month I guess I will have some time to chill out. And maybe do some cleaning.

The Thursday running group is a great chance at intervals. Its tough and I still dont know what the benefit is. But I presume it has some since all the good runners are doing it. According to a veteran, it helps you speed up again when you decide to slow down. your body recovers faster. else you have no motivation to continue.

At least its a break from running alone on the treadmill, talking to myself, mouthing lyrics and sniggering at the men next to me. My new pastime is to do men's push up in front of the weight lifters. 30. And counting. Yes I am quite the feminist bitch. If you cant have them, beat them.

I've also rejoined the gym. So I can go for yoga and weights, things I think would complement my running with strength and sufficient stretches. I also plan to swim more. Its more intensive than running I think.

2 months to go.

Training week 4

This is week 4 (of 16) of my training to run a full marathon gracefully. By gracefully I also mean I hope I need not stop to pee on the streets. I hope to do this in less than 5 hours.

I started interval training and made sore attempts at fartlek. But I did find my timing improving and my energy levels remaining high. i think i shall try an incline some day. ew.

The ipod Nike+ is useful but I gave up trying calibrate the thing and just set it back to default. based on calibration I run too fast or too slow.

At 40 km a week I am starting to feel carbo greedy. The pack of pasta seems to last a shorter time and I no longer ask for "less rice". If I need a snack its usually bread and cheese, or a banana milk yoghurt shake. I know, am such a food nerd. :p but I dont say No to any kind of dessert (except my own creations). And I dont share.

I havent been debilitated by the aches and pains I suffered from last year while training for the half. So I must be doing something right. I guess its the generous amount of stretches I have been doing after each run. Cycling also helps balance muscle weaknesses in areas that running does not strengthen enough of. In fact the knees are so good they dont complain when I started wearing 3 inch heels

I also go for massages to help relax tense muscles. When tense I get lower leg pain and some areas are just very hard to stretch. I still recommend Joey at Qi Mantra. May is good too. There are many Mays who are really good with massage.

Unfortunately I am in pain elsewhere. Its due to the kind of work I do that makes me tense as I sit long hours on my desk. I know this because I got the same sort of thing last year with that same kind of work. rather painful to know I am only in to 10% completion. So its back to koyok, massage and acupunture. A typical session involves getting pin cushioned and then put under infrared light. Like lamb on a buffet table. Chinese herbs come in tablets nowadays and last time these helped greatly. I shall ask her for some.

So finally there are still blisters. The sole has thickened and hardened in places. Btw, I recommend foot petals for new shoes. no no not running shoes, regular vanity sort. where I used to bleed profusely from repeated blisters there isnt even a bruise at the back of the feet. But back to running: some socks are better than others. I dont know how else.