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.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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?
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?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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
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
Monday, October 6, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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.
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.
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