My Prayer For Year 2007

Initially wanted to write a short summary of each highlight and low for this year, the mind is willing but the body is weak. I just couldn’t find the time to write them.

The Story of Loti for Year 2006, Reflections of Jazzy in Year 2006 and the Retrospection of Lokun for Year 2006 urge me to pen down My Journey for Year 2006.

However being the oldest among all, I have a hard time to recall all the events. Hmm, am I having the symptoms of amnesia. Oh Gosh!

Well, before I start to recollect my journey this year which is full of ups and downs, I wish all of you a better and fruitful year 2007. Pray that all of us have the strength and willpower to stand under all problems and obstacles that we may face. May good health and real joy be with all of you in 2007 and all your dreams, resolutions and wishes come true.

My Blue Friday

Today is suppose to be the last workday of 2006 but I was asked to go back to office tomorrow at about 5pm. My heart sank and my mood went down the drain. The thought of coming to office when most people have already started enjoying the long holiday makes me feel even more lousy. I planned to spend tomorrow updating my blog on my reflection this year but now it has to wait.

Turned down two invites today. I felt very bad for being such a lousy friend without sharing and listening to their problems or just basically showing my presence. Nevertheless, I just don't feel good to show my 'black' or 'don't want to talk' face.

1. My gf invited me and a couple of other single gfs to her new house (early this week) to drink and talk about her 'depression' of being singlehood or should I say our common 'problem'; not married at this age and worst not having any bf. She feels hopeless & lonely and asked me do I feel the same. I tried to console her a bit over the phone but I feel it is too difficult a task to talk over the phone. However neither am I in the right frame of mind to talk about such issue nor wants to end my 2006 in such a lousy mood.

2. The invitation to go Jaggi for dinner. However, because of my lousy mood, I chose to go home for dinner instead. I am very sorry to turn you all down even after some persuasions and suggestions. So sorry about it. I know all of you mean well. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

However, I was able to smile after reading Roentgen's blog just now. Looks like one of my prayers have been answered (in the way). Thank You. It brings back a hope and a smile on me. I am indeed very happy and glad for Roentgen and his granny.

What a FRIDAY and a LAST Friday of 2006?

No 3 Highlight of 2006: First Run With SGrunners

Way back on 30th October, in one of the LSD run, I have been talking to Roentgen about how we get to know some of the runners in SGrunners.

After some recalling and downloading of old memories, I finally managed to remember when my first encounter with some of the runners was.

My first debut run with SGrunners.com dated March 19, 2006 – The HSP Run. Thanks to Nemo then, now is Loneshark, for starting this HSP run.

Reading back my FR, I realized that I get to meet IMD in my first run. Of course I didn’t know that he is that popular among etc.etc.etc. Ahem! I will always remember that if not for my shwee little mei mei;Kickjazz, I wouldn’t have went for this run. Thank you, KJ, the Angel in disguise!

A recap of my first run with SGrunners.com…

Wow, IMD, I am impressed. You are the one who stayed furthest from SK yet the first one who write the field report. I tot I would reached home first and pen it down. You beat me to it. Tiwazz too. Men in this forum can write!

Ok, this is my field report as a new member. Today was my first meeting with all of you. It was indeed a nice and pleasant meeting. Not so 'stressful' as I expected.

To be honest, I was still comtemplating for the run when it rained at my place half an hour before the meeting time. I thought it was 'fated' that I could not join in the run. However, nothing stop the 'replacement' organiser cum superb supporter from going ahead with the run - Rained on but not off. A great spirit shown, Tiwazz! Also, many thanks to kickjazz, if not for you, I would most probably back out.

Fortunately, the rain stopped. In fact, the weather was a blessing, as it made it a cool and pleasant run. The route lead by mythos was nice, little traffic and clean fresh air. I love it best because can run on the road instead of the hard concrete foot path. Thanks mythos.

In total, 10 of us made it for the HSP run today. Not a bad turn up especially for a wet weather. What's more, some of them are not even from HSP area. Tiwazz, IMD, Sportventurer, Jennifer, I admired the spirit to come all the way to support. Thank you. Not to forget, some of you have some hard core training during the day but yet still came to support. Xie Xie Ni Men! Special thanks to kickjazz for keeping me company and running with me all the way. You are definitely not slow by my standard. I was puffing to keep up with you. Please don't let Tiwazz or my past marathon mislead you. I am no hidden phoenix! FBB is the hidden dragon and many more yet to be name!

To keep this short I enjoyed the run and the company. The spirit shown by all of them had 'inspired' to jog home instead of taking a bus.

No 2 Highlight of 2006: Sharing My First Marathon Experience With SGrunners

I still remember when I shared with SGrunners that I wrote 2 pages on my first marathon experience, some of them laughed. To me, two pages of write up are considered long but little do I know that MEN in SGrunners forum sure have lot to write! I felt so pai seh. It is like 'small house see big house'. I cannot imagine how one can remember all the details. I am amazed plus impressed by all their achievements, their PBs, the detailed report they wrote, their blogs, etc Well done!

The MAN who has the LOONGEST report happens to be the TALLEST man in the forum too. He wrote 9 pages of document for his 2005 marathon. Another member of SGrunners whom I yet to meet, wrote 5 pages for his first marathon last year. I remembered his report because I was so envy that he had the sweetest girl to cheer him on and even pace him at the last km. As for me, I was all alone last year when I attempted my first marathon. No one cheer me nor pace me.

Nevertheless, no more envy or complain this year as I have a pacer with me for the whole journey of 42.195km and a number of SGrunners whom cheered me along the way! It is really a blessing that I get to know SGrunners. So this year report will be more than 2 pages. Heehee.

However, just the other night when I had dinner with my 2 gym mates whom flew back from Australia for the marathon, one of them posted me a question “Will I run the full marathon again in Year 2007?” I hesitated and couldn’t answer that.

Perhaps I have not reached a stage that I look forward waking up at wee hours of the day and spend hours in discomfort during the training as well as finishing the race. It is not only the race that hurts but the months of training before the race that is torturing too.

Sometimes I still wonder why anyone runs marathons or worst ultramarathons? And even if it were excusable to try it once, how come we don’t learn after the first time? One mistake, yes, but to volunteer for more hardship when you know what is involved – this could be constructed as foolish. Hahaha.

Nevertheless, I think I am beginning to be foolish as well.

No 1 Highlight of 2006: Getting To Know SGrunners

It was in January 2006 after my maiden marathon in 2005 that I was searching for a running group so that I can continue to run regularly since I know I do not have the discipline or determination to run alone. Also, I was searching for runners who have the same medical problem that I have so that I can share some of their experiences.

I found and joined the SGrunners forum on 5th Jan 2006 but it was only on 24th Feb 2006 that I build up my courage to write my first posting in the forum. My first post in SGrunners as follows:

“Hi everyone, I am a new member of SGrunners. I came to know about SGrunners while searching for runsingapore. Ever since, I've been reading this website and found it very motivating and useful for novice runner like me.

Although I registered in Jan, I was too shy to put up any posting. It was until I read that my registration will be removed if I remains inactive, I build up my courage and write my first posting.

Reading about other people's experience really inspire me and I hope to share some of mine in the future. I was never an athletic nor a sporty person. 2 years ago, I would never dreamt or think that I will be able to run a marathon. Today, I am proud to say I have did it once inspite of my slow timing. I fully agreed that the spirit of running does not lies only on timing, distance and speed. It is a good sport for interaction, socialicing and also a way to a fitter and healthier lifestyle. I found more joy in inspiring my friends to run than to run a marathon.

I am not sure how long will I or should I continue with my running with my curvature spine; scoliosis. Before I hang up my running shoes for good, I am happy that I can run and had run a marathon before, even happier that I have make some of my friends started to run too.

Hereby, I wish everyone a wonderful and memorable running year ahead!”

It was through searching this post that I realized that the first person who replied to my post was my pacer as well as the person who helped me to finish my marathon this year. :)

I must comment that his reply was so humble “no one is slow or fast....just runners with different pace!!” Yes, I totally agreed that having a fast timing is not the only factor that gives me the wonderful exhilaration at the end of the finish line. I remembered this paragraph from Jeff Galloway's book on marathon; “My most treasured marathon was my slowest. I ran with my father (age 75) in the 1996 Boston Marathon in 5:59:48. He tells folks that if I hadn’t been there to slow him down, he’d have run much faster.” After reading this, the more I believe that running is more than having a fast timing. I can imagine the pleasure and difficulties in helping someone to complete a marathon than finishing a marathon yourself.

The Moment

A week has passed, people have started to talk about post marathon blues and life after SCSM, and I still have not updated my FR (field report) on the marathon. Not only that, I have not exercise since SCSM. I am still enjoying the moment of life of eating, sleeping and dreaming without exercising. Hahaha. :-p

Last year this time I have already wrote 2 pages of my first marathon experience.

This year, not that there is nothing for me to write, there are so much more to write that I don’t know where to start. Not only on the race day itself but also the moment of memories that I had with the SGrunners before the race. Thank you for the memories.

SGrunners have a great impact on my journey of running for the Year 2006.

Go The Extra Mile for HWA - My Marathon Experience

Part I: What makes me run the marathon AGAIN?

I procrastinate a long while before making the decision to run the full marathon again this year. As it is not just about running on the race day itself but the months of training before the marathon that matters. I wasn't sure I will be determined enough to keep up with the training.

My first marathon last year ended off quite negatively. I was more relief that it was over than overjoyed when I crossed the finish line. The experience wasn't that great. Hence when my friends asked me would I do it again, I hesitated. To make matters worst, some unhappy incident happened after the news of my first marathon being 'exposed' in the gym.

All these have somehow discouraged me to run another full marathon until I got to know SGrunners. What makes me search for a running forum was to do a research on runners with similar medical condition as I have. I want to know whether are there runners with scoliosis who still run and is running that damaging to us who have such problem?

Although I could not find an answer to my question in the forum, I was happy that I found a group of friends. A group of friends who help each other along the way with humility. There are so many good and experienced runners who are still so humble and never failed to share information and experiences to a new runner like me.

However, knowing a group of running kakis did not change my initial decision (after my first marathon) that I won't run a full marathon this year. This is because I know running a marathon is a solitude thing. Will I be able to take up the mental test again? Body can be trained but mind....I am not sure. I did not like the feeling of giving up mentally at the end of the race. I will feel so lousy.

It was until June 15 this year when I was involved in this charity drive that triggers me to consider to run the full marathon again. Although I could run in any category for this charity drive, it would means more to me if I can do the full. After all, it is for a good cause. Besides, on a personal note, I hope to rewrite the history of my marathon experience at the end. I hope to feel more joy this time than relief when I crossed the finish line and I DID IT!

Part II: The 42.195km journey dated 3 Dec 2006

To be continued... time to kiao kah

The Final Countdown

In less than 48 hours, the grueling run will start. Am I excited? To be honest, the answer is NO. In fact, doubts have begun to settle in. My last run was on Sunday which I have difficulty even to complete the 14km. This whole week I have been so lazy and busy that I didn’t have the chance or mood to run at all. Now, I have more fear than butterflies in my stomach. Nevertheless it is too late to do anything.

This being my second marathon, I know how it is like when my body is totally exhausted, when I am physically fatigue and reached a level that I cannot endure any further. This is when the worst enemy of mine will start to haunt me. My mind will become weak and I will start to grind mentally. I will start to ask myself – WHY?? Am I insane? Why I am here and why am I doing this AGAIN? What I hope to accomplish?

To me, marathon is not only about physical but mental as well. This race isn’t about physical endurance alone. It is about mental strength and discovering what I am made of. Last year I failed the mental test, will I failed again this year? Will my spirit be dead again before I reach 40km? Will the last 2km be a case of “enough already… let’s get this thing over with!”? Will I give up when my legs are numb? Will it be a case of more relief than joy if I cross the finish line? Although I ran more this year, logically my body should be more conditioned. Unfortunately, mentally I am still as weak.

With so many doubts, I don’t think I am prepared for the race. Let alone enjoy the marathon. Nevertheless there are a handful of things that I am looking forward to for this marathon. There will be more people that I know who will be running the race. There will more supporters that I know who will be encouraging and supporting us. There will be a heavenly massage waiting for me if I reached the 30km. :-p There may not be a need to envy others who have company to run with if …etc.etc. etc. :-p Last but the not least, I am running for a good cause this year and Going The Extra Mile for HWA.

This year, I have a lot of people that I need to give thanks to for helping me along this journey of running. (you know who you are). It is not easy for me especially at one point I nearly wanted to hang up my running shoes. Therefore, this year, for every kilometer that I covered, there will be someone that I will give thanks to. Hopefully all this will keep me going for this long and grueling run of 42.195km.

To all my friends out there who will be running or supporting the run this Sunday, my sincere best wishes to you to have a wonderful and memorable experience on this coming Sunday. All the BEST!!!

I Am Not Alone

It is not easy to battle a struggle alone. You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone. If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble. I am glad that I have a handful of friends (you know who you are) who are nearby when I am down. Thank you, my friends.

Since most of my problems and all of my bad habits didn’t develop overnight, it’s unrealistic to expect them to go away immediately. It takes time. I have to be patient. Patience is developed in circumstances in which we’re forced to wait and tempted to be angry or have a short fuse.

When I get discouraged, I remind myself to remember how far I’ve come, not just how far I have to go. I am not where I want to be, but neither am I where I used to be. Endurance develops every time I reject the temptation to give up.

When I am losing the battle, I will remind myself that sometimes it may not get better on my own. I need help and encouragement from other people to overcome the struggle. Self willpower and personal resolutions aren't enough at times.

Some Bad Days

When I look over the past few weeks, I really had some bad days. Some say life is a series of problems. Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber. Will troubles produce patience and patience produces character?

I agreed what happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you but is there really a purpose behind every problem? Will there be always a way out?

Sometimes the simple act of defeating bad thoughts can be so difficult. Perhaps to change my life, I must change the way I think.

Don't give up --- grow up!

Too Lazy To Run

Not only I am 2 lazy 2 blog, I am too lazy to run. I was so shattered for the whole of last week there's no way I am going to consider stepping out of the front door let alone putting my running shoes and go for a run.

Finally, today, I was successful at dragging my lazy ass outside of the house after 8 days of no exercise at all.

It wasn't an easy task especially when it comes to running alone. It takes lots of determination and discipline which I am lack of. I tried to find lots of valid reasons for not running. First, I was stuck in front of the TV because it was showing the last episode of the Korean series; Gong. Next, the sky seems cloudy, to be honest, I was hoping it will rain so it gives me reason for not running.

When the series ended at 8pm and the sky looked clearer than before, I finally drag my lazy self for a run. (not just for myself but running on behalf of someone too, arrrgggggggh :-p)

However, I paid the price for not running for so many days. I felt no energy at all and very breathless even when I run slowly. Found myself having problem in breathing. My mind kept telling me to stop. Even though I was using the 8min run and 2min walk strategy, I found the 8mins run so long and 2 mins walk so short just after the first set. Then I realised I forgot to bring any water with me. I guess I really didn't planned to run or wanted to run.

With no water and money with me, there was valid reason for me to cut short the run. So I planned to ta han for an hour and call it a day. Ran from Punggol East --> Upper Serangoon Rd and made a Uturn back when I reached Upper Serangoon View. I skipped the Serangoon Park Connector which I managed to run it all the way before I made a Uturn a couple of weeks ago.

The condition I am in worries me but my mind is too weak to make any effort or improvement. On 3rd of Dec, will I give up half way, will I DNF? Ting tian yu min ba.

When : 21 November 2006 (Tuesday)
Where : Punggol to Upper Serangoon Road
Total Distance : 8.49km
Total Timing : 1hr
Average Pace : 7:04 (including walk breaks)
Average Heart Rate : 83% of max heart rate (152 beat)

2 Lazy 2 Blog

I am LAZY and too moody to blog. The last time I posted an entry was October 28, more than 2 weeks ago. Ha Ha Ha. Ok, time to update the blog.

I will be BACK!

Longest LSD Run

Decided not to kar jiao anyone to give me a wake up call. I set my alarm to ring at 445am on a Sunday's morning when it is the best time to ZzZzZzZzZz.*Yawn*

When the alarm went off, I was quite reluctant to wake up as it felt like I just shut my eyes. I would probably went back to sleep if I was to run alone. As Shut will be coming to pick me at 530am, there was not much time for me to laze in bed. Got myself ready and had 2 slices of raisin bread and a cup of milo.

After picking me up, we went to Hougang to pick up Shut's friend; Sarah and her friend, Mark. We reached Divey's place at 6am and Roentgen came shortly. Roentgen and I decided not to run at ECP after running there for more than a couple of times already. The change of route was a blessing in disguise. Phew!

Before we started the run, Roentgen gave a short briefing on the running route; Crawford Street --> Esplanade --> Shenton Way --> Marina South --> Marina Jetty and back to Esplanade --> SGriver --> Kim Seng Road and back to Esplanade --> Tg Rhu via National Stadium --> Crawford Street.

Shut, Roentgen and myself aimed to hit 35km as the final LSD before the SCSM. We maintained the 8mins run 2mins walk strategy as usual. Divey planned to skip the route on SGriver & Kim Seng Road. The 2 young chaps, Sarah and Mark, decided to follow us to run the 35km route since both of them will be running the full marathon on 3 Dec. However, both of them did not do the walk breaks like us and neither of them carry any water with them. Roentgen offered his water bottle to them but they declined.

Within a few of our walk breaks, we could not even smell the dust of Divey, Sarah and Mark. Fortunately, Roentgen and Shut were there running with me. We saw a lot of runners at Marina South running the SCSM route. Without failed, we always get to see a few and different runners from SGrunners. We saw Mrs Tekko this time at Marina South and then Mr Tekko who faithfully following her in a car. What a supportive husband!!!

When we finished the run in Marina South, kindhearted Roentgen was afraid that the 2 new chaps lost their way, decided not to take the walk breaks in order to catch up with them so as to brief them on the route again. As I am not a good runner, I could not accompanied Roentgen to do the chase. Continued the 8:2 run:walk ratio with Shut.

When we reached Esplanade, we could see the rest having their water breaks and were waiting for us. After the water breaks, we ran along SGriver. Both the 2 young chaps were still going strong. On our return to Esplanada, we could see a lot of dragon boat participants waiting along SGriver. Shut saw his friend who ran with us in her slippers for a short distance. Wow, we too had supporters. Yeah! There was no walk breaks for this part, all of us want to be "runners lookalike", at least for me la. Kekeke. Then someone shouted 'Da Jie'!! Well, of course calling me la, can't be Roentgen or Shut unless they are ....ahem! So Roentgen, you are right, don't play play with me, I may belong to a certain tribe! Beware, don't anyhow bully me ah! Heehee.

We saw Mr Tekko when we approached Esplanade with his cooler bag waiting to giving out drinks to Mrs Tekko. He kindly offered drinks to us too. What a generous man!!! We had a longer break at Esplanade to refill our water bottles. Within minutes after we start the run again, we were stopped by a couple of school kids asking us for a photograph and/or interview. Both Roentgen and I didn't bother to stop except for kindhearted Shut. I find it rude to stop a runner from his/her run for an interview.

The remaining journey was quite tough for me. If Roentgen was not there to run with me, I probably would have give up. Many thanks to Roentgen who never failed to give me encouragements and checking on me whether am I ok or not along the way. You are definitely one of the many people whom I need to thank you if I finished my marathon this year.

When : 12 November 2006 (Sunday)
Where : As Above
Total Distance : 35.51km
Total Timing : 4hrs 40mins 20secs
Average Pace : 7:53 (including walk breaks)
Average Heart Rate : 79% of max heart rate (144 beat)

Highlights & Low Points For Year 2006

What have been the highlight(s) and low point(s) of this year?

Roentgen and I were talking about this topic during the LSD run. We shared one of the same highlight this year that is getting to know SGrunners and meet lots of wonderful people. We started to talk about how and when we meet some of the SGrunners. Some I could remember, some I lost track of how we became buddies or running kakis. I am sure getting old.

Well, it is time to start listing out the hightlights and low points for this year. Coming soon, look out for it.

DNR GE Woman 10K Run

Was still procrastinating whether to run the GE Woman 10K on Saturday. I was feeling very tired after the LSD on Saturday. So I thought if I go for the run, it will be a recovery run.

Set my alarm at 530am but when it rang, I was just too tired to get off the bed. The thought of running by myself put off the idea of going. I went back to sleep soundly and had a recovery sleep instead. :-p A DNR- Did Not Run GE Woman 10K Run.

Saturday Morning - Time For Some LSD

The time has come for some LSD. This year with the blessing of knowing a group of running kakis, I was more motivated and inspired to run the LSD. What's more, the helpful and experienced running kakis always have great ideas on the route. In fact, I was so amazed by the detailed and informative route that I received from sweet Divey for the Saturday LSD.

"Here's the route for Saturday LSD...
1) ECP C4 carpark
2) Run along ecp towards Fort Rd (about 4km)
3) Exit ecp, cross 1 zebra x-ing, 2 li'l traffic lights
4) Run along Fort Road
5) Cross the Junction (2 sets of traffic lights - got to cross over to the diagonal side)
6) Run towards Mountbatten Rd, will see community centre, and Kampung Arang Rd
7) Cross the zebra x-ing
8) Run past 2 petrol kiosk towards the MacDs at the entrance of the road to National Stadium
9) Turn left into the road (note, quite abit of construction, so have to run on the rd, but early in the morning, not many cars)
10) See Indoor Stadium
11) Run along the road towards PCG (police coast guard)
12) Run underneath the underpass
13) Follow/skirt the cirumference of the kallang water-skiing park
14) Exit and u will see the kallang bus-interchange for the TIBS buses
15) Run along the road towards the Indian Temple
16) After Indian Temple, turn left into Crawford Lane (near my house liao; this stretch of the road should be familiar as its the SCSM route)
17) Run along the road, run the new underpass (towards marina promenade)
18) Afer underpass, run along marina promenade
19) Esplanade (about 13km; uturn here will make about 23km+ - see *)
20) Run up towards the esplanade bridge (the starting point for AHM)
21) Run along this stretch towards 1Fullerton, LPS, Shenton Way
22) Singapore Conference Hall (about 15/16km, uturn here will make about 26km+ - see *)
23) Run into Marina South
24) Uturn at MRT bus-stop (about 18km, uturn here will make about 28km+ - see *)

* Uturn and run back same way till Kallang Sea Sports club
a) go up the stairs and run along nicol highway bridge
b) go down the stairs, its PCG
c) run along the road towards indoor stadium
d) run towards the metal bridge
e) cross the metal bridge and run into tg rhu
f) tg rhu towards the swimming clubs (the return route we took for oasis run, opposite direction)g) exit tg rhu and will come to the same fort road junction
h) cross the junction
i) run towards ecp
j) cross the 2 li'l traffic lights, 1 zebra-xing
k) run along ecp back to c4

The distances are measured using many people's foot pod so its not accurate... Paisey!! Do the distance to Marina south mrt... Should give u all 28km++. If back to C4 and foot pod reads 28km only, can run towards the Lagoon, loop the Lagoon and back to C4. That will give u another 3km...." (AMAZING, RIGHT?)

This Saturday's morning started with a wake up sms at 515am. Had a slice of bread and one banana for body discovery purpose. Shut came to pick me up in a cab at 610am. When we reached Car Park C4, Divey, Roentgen and Teelee were there already.

Shut, Roentgen and myself decided to embark on the longer route, aiming to hit the BIG 3; 30km, maintained the 8mins run 2mins walk strategy. Speedy Teelee has not decide what distance to cover, went off in a super dude fast pace for his inspiration. Divey planning to run non-stop decided to take the 23km route. Within minutes, I could not even smell the dust of Teelee and Divey. Fortunately, Roentgen and Shut were there running with me. We saw Kops21 and Aichai along the way, at ECP, running as well.

I took 1 packet of E-gel (flew in from US, :-p) and GU-gel along the way. The heat was more unbearable compared to the last LSD along ECP. Probably it is because we were not running along the beach, hence no sea breeze and trees to block the heat. I almost gave up at the return leg to Tg Rhu. I really cannot imagine how am I going to finish the marathon by doing it by myself. :-(

When : 28 Oct 2006 (Saturday)
Where : ECP
Total Distance : 31.89km
Total Timing : 4hrs 8mins 37secs
Average Pace : 7:47 (including walk breaks)
Average Heart Rate : 76% of max heart rate (139 beat)

Daily Inspirational Quote

Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want.
Marsha Sinetar

Marina Promenade Run With Divey

It has been a long time since I ran at Marina Promenade Bay. So I decided to run along Marina Promenade. It was a blessing that Shwee Divey mei mei don't mind running at Marina Promenade with me.

We started our run at about 7pm and decided to run 2 rounds.
Round 1 : From Cavenagh Bridge -> Esplanade Park Tunnel -> Empress Place -> Esplanade Park -> Esplanade Theater -> Marina Promenade bay -> U turn at Kallang Sea Sports Club and back to Esplanade Theater.
Round 2 : From Esplanade Theater -> Marina Promenade bay -> U turn at Kallang Sea Sports Club -> end at Cavenage Bridge

When : 26 Oct 2006 (Thursday)
Where : Marina Promenade
Total Distance : 12.45km
Total Timing : 1hr 24mins 52secs
Average Pace : 6:49
Average Heart Rate : 83% of max heart rate (151 beat)

(thank you Divey for not minding my slow pace and accompany me for the run. Many thanks!)

The Long Holiday Ended

Four days of long holiday had past. It was back to work today.

Today was like Monday although it was Wednesday. Legs were "sng" today. Must be because of the LSD yesterday. Then I remembered I have a free offer of massage from True Spa. Without any hesitation, I made a booking in the evening after work.

Located on the 16th floor, Tower A of Ngee Ann City, True Spa embody the concept of a discreet and holistic approach to a spa. It has a serene and luxurious setting, you can expect a relaxing and pampering experience in blissful comfort. However, the set back was the free massage was only for my back and not the whole body. Also, the price of the massage and treatments are just too high.

In a nut shell, it was a good experience in a exclusive and well-established spas which is located in the heart of Orchard Road.

Selamat Hari Raya LSD At ECP

Roentgen, after being away for 2 weeks, was itch to have a LSD. As KJ & Divey were unable to make it, only Roentgen and I went for the run. Since it was only 2 of us, we decided to run at ECP to avoid the issue of getting lost or planning the route.

It started with a wake up sms and a reminder for me to eat & drink at 545am. :-p I took this opportunity to test out my "digestive" system. Had 2 slices of bread and a cup of warm milo before I left home for the run. Took a cab to ECP car park B1. When I reached there at about 7am, Roentgen was already there waiting for me. Hmm.. he could have done a warm up run while waiting for me. :-p Since it was a LSD, we decided to adopt the run walk method. We maintained a slow 8 min run and 2 min walk from the start. We started the run from Car Park B1. I could feel more comfortable for this run compared to the last run about 2 weeks ago. I could feel that I have more energy (hmm the 2 slices of bread n a cup of milo did wonder!). Also, the run was more "lively" because I was "entertained" by Roentgen along the way. The conversation we had make the run past faster. Unfortunately, the conversation did not distract Roentgen from taking the loooonger route around the Water Ski Lagoon. He was still very alert when it comes to running. Hmm... I thought he was having jet lag. Sigh, misson failed in taking the short cut, shall tried it on the return leg. :-p

Soon, we reached Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which I didn't make it the last time when I ran alone. We made a U-turn there, and ran back. We saw Mr & Mrs Sotong and Cosmic_wind along the way. Weather was fine, air was good at least. The last PSI reading I heard from the radio in the taxi was 44. However, because there was no haze, the sun was not blocked. Hence, the heat was getting unbearable on the way back.

Finally we returned to Car Park B1 after more than 3hrs. Neither of us wanted to continue to the other end up to Fort Road. Since both of us had a pretty low mileage for the past 2 weeks, we decided to stop here and were happy with what we covered.

When : 24 Oct 2006 (Tuesday)
Where : ECP
Total Distance : 24.90km
Total Timing : 3hr 7mins 57secs
Average Pace : 7:32 (including walk breaks)
Average Heart Rate : 78% of max heart rate (143 beat)
Self Discovery 1 : 2 bread and a cup of milo give me some energy for the first part of the run
Self Discovery 2 : Run with someone is much better running alone, I won't give up so easily

(thank you Roentgen for not minding my slow pace and accompany me all the way. Many thanks!)

My Post Deepavali Run

It was one of the rare Monday where I got the chance to "nuan" at home the whole day. It was such a nice feeling until I became so lazy to even step out of the house. Although I was quite tempted to go gym when Divey mei mei jio me for "Power Yoga" at FF Paragon, I turn her down because of my pure laziness. Where has my discipline goes to!!!???

Instead of exercising my body with "Power Yoga", I chose to exercise my mouth and finger. :-p I was snacking while surfing the net, msn and blogging. After I finished snacking, the "guilt" of turning down a healthy exercise "hit" me. In order to get rid of this silly "guilty feeling", I put on my running shoes and out I went for a run around Punggol with my Ipod Shuffle.

My Post Deepavali Run was just running around Punggol, me alone, myself, my running shoes and my Ipod Shuffle.

Covered 10km in 1hr 8mins at an average pace of 6.53.

The Wedding Run

Show Date & Time : 21/10/2006, 7.45am

Produced By : SGrunners Film Company

Producer : Brokie

Director : Andy

Writer : ??? (me la, my blog mah! kekeke!)

Starring : Alvo, Meteor, Brokie, Andy, Ultraman, Dreamrunner, DO, Sotong, Gentle, Tktan, SV, Bee and many more SGrunners

Studio : Lower Pierce Reservoir

Genre : Comedy, Romance

Official site : SGrunners

Rating : PG-18 (Got kissing leh which I missed, sigh..)

Box-office/Viewership : By the no.of comments posted lor


Photo courtesy by : Brokie, Sotong,Tktan and Dasher

Video courtesy by : Tktan

Image Galleries : Kodak Gallery

Press release : Dreamrunner,T@z,Renohtaram,Divey,Dasher

Pearls Of Wisdom

Goodness is a special kind of truth and beauty. It is truth and beauty in human behavior. - H. A. Overstreet

Power is the ability to do good things for others. - Brooke Astor

He who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger. - Japanese proverb

It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test. - Elbert Hubbard

Have the courage and the wisdom and the vision to raise a definite standard that will appeal to the best that is in man, and then strive mightily toward that goal. - Harold E. Stassen

Maturity is achieved when a person postpones immediate pleasures for long-term values. - Joshua L. Liebman

The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does the reverse. - Confucius (551-479 BC) Chinese Philosopher

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. - Albert Camus (1913-1960) French Writer

Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself. - Abraham Joshua Heschel 1907-1972

I believe the recipe for happiness to be just enough money to pay the monthly bills you acquire, a little surplus to give you confidence, a little too much work each day, enthusiasm for your work, a substantial share of good health, a couple of real friends and a wife and children to share life's beauty with you. - J. Kenfield Morley

To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that discipline - training - is about. - James Clavell, in his novel "Shogun"

Golden Rules For Living

If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it up.
If you break it, admit it.
If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you move it, put it back.
If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.
If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
If it will brighten someone's day, say it.
If it will tarnish someone's reputation, keep it to yourself.

Source Unknown

My Dangerous Run To Punggol Jetty

Yesterday, while Char Loti msn me to tell me that the CBD run was cancelled (so sweet of her) because the PSI was 106, we then yak about what to do next. Loti then said she is going home to rest early (which she didn’t, I caught her online at 10+pm, **shaking head**) and wake up at 445am (almost drop off from my chair) for a morning run.

Since me too, missed the usual Tuesday’s night run, I thought of waking early to run as well. However, being a lazy FEI MAO, getting out of the bed is always such a chore. Then, Char Loti offered to give me a wake up call. Wow, so touched and pai seh! I didn’t accept the offer as I am not sure I really will run or not. So much of discipline!!!

So I was thinking, if my phone ring in the morning then I shall go for a run else I will sleep. :-p. Although there was no wake up call (sob, sob). I was awake by a sms at 615am. Nevertheless, I still cannot make up my mind to run or to sleep. Sigh, so much of determination!!! I was tossing and turning in the bed till 645am and finally make up my mind to go for a short run since I couldn’t sleep anymore.

I decided to run to Punggol Jetty. I was warned about the danger of dogs but I wasn’t afraid of dogs (so much) but more so on snakes because of ‘jungle’ at both sides of the road.

Anyway, I left home at 7am and went for a jog by myself, my Ascis Kayano running shoes and my soul. I jogged along Edgedale Plains, passed Greendale Secondary School, turn left to Punggol Drive. However, for whatever reason, I was feeling lethargy and wasn’t in the mood to run. Perhaps I was running alone. Hence I adopted the 8mins run and 2mins walk even for this short run that I intended to do.

Along Punggol Drive, I saw this familiar sight of the thick layer of mist on top of the empty fields/land on the right. It was the same sight as of Monday’s morning. Still wondering whether it is mist or haze? Hmmm……

When I reached Punggol Road, I turn right to go to Punggol Jetty. There was no dog to welcome me but 2 small hills. Probably to most runners, it is not even considered as a hill. :-p. Besides conquering the 2 small hills, I need to conquer the fear of being knocked down by the buses and trucks of ah nehs. As the road is very narrow and only one lane on each side of the road with no walking path, I have to run to the extreme corner of the road to avoid the vehicles. Anyway, after passing the 2 hills, I gave up; I didn’t want to run further into the Punggol Jetty. I made U turn and ran home. Then I almost fell into the drain when I ran passed a crushed little snake. Dangerous!

Distance covered was 7km in 49mins at an average pace of 6.57. PSI level was 68-70.

Running Quote For The Day

"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired." - Jules Ren

Hmm...so it is ok to be named as a lazy runner? :-p

Punggol Run With Gentle

Have not run with my Punggolian running kaki; Gentle, for a long while. Hence when Gentle suggested a morning jog around Punggol on Monday, I agreed without thinking twice.

Nevertheless by Sunday’s night, nothing was arranged. The lazy bug within me begins to jump for joy thinking that Gentle has forgotten about it and I can sleep in. Har, I am not a morning person for sure. However, the next thing I know, Gentle sms me asking me what time to start the run. Oops, spoken too early. I suggested to start at 630am as I plan only to do a short run because of the haze condition and it has been a long time since I jog before work, not sure I will have the energy to last the rest of the work day if I do a long run.

Set my alarm at 6am so that I can sleep a little longer. Unfortunately, the whole night I was tossing and turning again, waking up almost every hour. Hence, when the alarm went off at 6am, just getting out of bed becomes a major chore. I was still contemplating to go for the run when I received a sms from Gentle saying that starting at 630am is fine. So off I go, out of my bed, to get ready.

As usual, gentleman Gentle will jog to the Meridian LRT to meet me because it is just outside of my block. As always too, Gentle will let me decide the route and the pace. I am not an adventurous person, so the route that I run is usually boring.

Here is the route in a descriptive manner since I do not know how to plot the route. Well, any di di(s) want to give a try to plot the route for aunty after reading the decriptive route. Haha. :-P

The running route:
Started at Meridian LRT, along Punggol field, run towards Punggol Plaza, turn right to Edgedale Plains. Jog along Edgedale Plains, passed Greendale Secondary School, turn left to Punggol Drive. Along Punggol Drive, we saw a thick layer of mist on top of the empty fields/land on the right. It was unusual sight for me. In fact the first time I see such a thick layer of mist. Come to think of it, is it mist or haze that we saw? Hmmm……

We jog along Punggol Drive, towards Punggol Road and make a U turn when we reached Punggol Road as we could smell a bit of the haze. Jog the opposite side of Punggol Drive, turn right at Edgedale Plains and turn right to Punggol Central. Jog along Punggol Central and turn left to Punggol Place. Gentle commented that Punggol Drive and Punggol Central are better for jogging as both have little traffic. We make a left turn to Punggol Place and another left turn to Punggol Field, where I sent Gentle home.

Instead of jogging all the way back to the Meridian LRT, I stopped at the junction of Punggol Road when my watch clocked a distance of 6km in 40mins at an average pace of 6.38. PSI level was between 55-65.

Make The Most Of Your Memories

Embracing the past, celebrating the present ....

We rarely see the good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. Only in hindsight do we understand how a problem can be for good. That is why it is important for us to take time to think about our memories.

Some memories, even in hindsight, are painful to deal with. Years later, we may still struggle with the aftermath of a difficult experience. It is easy for us to feel resentful toward people who have caused us pain, or even to question why we have to go through the experience at all.

Instead of wishing you were different or trying to reshape yourself to be like someone else, you should celebrate the shape that you have and who you are. Extracting the lessons from past experiences takes time. Forgotten experiences are worthless. Hence it is good to keep a journal. Perhaps this is one of the reason why I blog.

For the upcoming long holiday, perhaps it is time that I review my life and think about how it has shaped me. Also, what on Earth am I here for?

My Daily Insights:

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

East Coast Beach (ECP) Half Marathon

This weekend, one of my running kakis, Roentgen, will be having his overseas race in United States. He will be running a half marathon along the Long Beach at California. Well, instead of envy him and be a sour grape, I had a run along the beach this morning. I did a half marathon along East Coast Beach (ECP). :-p

It has been a long while since I write a ‘field report’ on my running. I used to post the FR of the run in Sgrunners forum when I don't have my own blog. In fact, it is from Sgrunners forum that I came to know what a FR is.

Alright, here goes my first FR of my East Coast Beach run in my blog ….

The whole week before the run was lousy. I did not have a good sleep for the whole week. In addition, I did not run for four days until Thursday in which I only ran on the treadmill in the gym for 20 minutes. It was a tremendously drop in mileage and I lost the consistency once again. :-(

For the past 2 weeks, some of us have been running on the Friday’s night followed by a LSD on Sunday. However, this week I couldn’t run on Friday’s night as I had a healing session. Hence, when I came to know that T@z is running a LSD on Saturday at ECP, I happily joined in the group or invited myself. :-p

On Saturday's morning, when my alarm rang at 545a.m., my soul, spirit and body just refused to leave the bed. Perhaps it is because the lack of sleep for the whole week and I only had about 4 hrs of sleep the night before. Not only my body was tired, my soul was exhausted after the healing session. Fortunately, T@z called and knowing that the young cool and kind dude, Teelee is giving us a lift to ECP, there is really little excuses for me not to go for the run especially I have not been running for so many days. What’s more, like what T@z said, the LSD could be my healing session, part 2.

After a quick washed up, I then realised there is no bread at home. Arrggh… So I had no choice but to leave home for the run with an empty stomach. Lucky I still have 2 packets of powergel which I brought along for the run. Teelee picked Kickjazz, T@z & me up before meeting Divey at ECP.

Before we arrived at ECP, Divey called us and told us the carpark was full. On a Saturday morning at 7a.m. and the car park already full. You can imagine how many people were out there in spite of the moderate hazzy weather. Perhaps they were all like us, perparing for the upcoming SCSM06.

We started the run at the NIKE's stretching signboard near McDonald. After a short stretching and briefing by T@z on the route, Kickjazz, Divey and I started the run first while T@z went to take his shades.

I started the run slightly before Kickjazz and Divey. I was using the 8 mins run and 2 mins walk method from the start. However, I could feel the lack of energy as compared to the other runs, especially the one I just ran a week ago at BG. Knowing that I did not eat anything in the morning, I did not want to run fast, not that I can either. Soon, the speedmonster, Teelee, zoom past me, followed shortly by T@z Si Fu. Not long after, Divey also overtook me.

This LSD was very lonely to me as compared to the other runs in which we usually run in groups or in pairs. However, since it is a straight route along ECP with no issue of getting lost, all of us could ran in solitude. It was indeed a challenge for me to run alone especially when I have not condition my body and mind on a long run. It was more difficult when my body and soul were both exhausted. At first, I thought I could sort out some issues in my mind when I ran alone but I couldn't. What my mind kept telling me was I am tired!!! Not only I had a mental blocked, hunger stiked me in the early part of the run as I did not have a proper dinner the night before and no food before the run. At about 10+km, I consumed the much needed packet of powergel to fuel myself. I tried to maintain the pace but I couldn't, I ran slower and slower. At the return leg, I could feel the tiredness on my legs. The feeling of tiredness was much greater compared to other runs. Am I tired because of lack of sleep, lack of food, lack of consistency (no run for 4 days) or all the above? I don't know. The last 3km was really a struggle for me, when I reached the NIKE signboard, I didn't see anyone so I continued further until I saw Kickjazz and Divey with bottles of 100plus walking towards me in the opposite direction. Both of them have decided to stop the run. Me too, decided to stop since I don't know whether is it wise to run so long after a 4-5days with no runs.

Three of us did our cool down near a bench and had short chat while waiting for T@z and Teelee to come back from their runs. Not that we were fast hor, it was because both of them ran a much longer distance. After the run, we had our breakfast at McDonald. After which, Teelee send us back home. (many thanks to Teelee for the ride to ECP & home, gam xia to T@z for organising the run)

Over all, it was a tired run for me. Initally I thought of running 30km since I did not run for so many days. I thought I could covered back some mileage which I missed during the weekdays. However, when I started the run, I knew I couldn't as I felt so lethargy. My target dropped to 25km but still failed to achieve. Only managed to cover 21.96km in 2hrs 40mins at an average pace of 7.17. (according to my footpod) :-(

Friday The Thirteen

Friday the 13th is an unlucky day in much of Western Europe, North America, and Australia. Many people avoid travel and avoid signing contracts on Friday the 13th. Floors in tall buildings often skip from 12 to 14. And while the superstition is believed to be fading.

Is Friday the 13th the most unluckiest day of all? Nobody really knows.

Running On A Treadmill Then And Now

I did not do much running this week. Four days without any running because of the haze and my lazy bug!! I am going into some serious depression liao. :-(

Fortunately there is a korean serials to keep me occupied. Hahaha. Just completed 'Goong', the serials which is now aired on Channel U every Monday to Friday at 7pm.

Next up will be 'My Lovely Sam-Soon'. Is humourous yet long, I heard. But no worries, have already burn it, can take my time to watch it so long I am not addicted to it. Hmm.. I better not start to watch the serials, otherwise I will have many excuses for not running the LSD over the weekend. Heehee.

Oops back to running...:-p I managed to run a bit on the treadmill this morning in gym. Last year, when I was training for my marathon, I used to be able to run on the treadmill at least half an hour. My longest distance that I can covered on a treadmill was 19km then!!! However, this morning, I only managed to cover 4km and I give up. I just find it so 'difficult' to run on a treadmill now.

Last year, 99% of my runs was on the treadmill. This year, 99% of my runs was on the road because I came to know a bunch of running kakis from SGrunners. This is one of few joys I have for Year 2006. I am so glad to get to know a handful of good friends from SGrunners. I am so blessed. :-)

Don't Give Up

Calvin Coolidge once said, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Great people are just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. They simply don't know how to quit. They just keep on "keeping on."I believe that a person's greatness is not determined by his or her fame, position, or wealth but rather what it takes to discourage that person. You can tell a lot about someone by watching how they respond to criticism or failure. It reveals character.

"WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DISCOURAGE YOU?"
- Things don't go your way?
- Expectations are not met?
- Someone disapproves of how you did it?

I am a pessimistic person who lack of self confidence and gives up easily. That is why endurance sport like a marathon is never easy for me. It takes every ounce of my energy to persist the distance. Come 3rd December 2006, I hope I can have the strength to persist when I am tempted to give up. Help me to Hang in there!

Hmm.. come to think of it, will I give up blogging? Will it be just a five minutes interest? Well, lets see lor. :-p

Growing Through Patience

Patience is a mark of maturity. When babies don't get what they want immediately, they get very upset. Most children are very impatient: they don't know the difference between "No" and "Not yet." Maturity involves the ability to wait -- to live with delayed gratification.

Patience begins by changing the way you look at something. When I'm impatient, I have limited perspective. All I'm seeing is myself; my needs, my desires, my goals, my wants, my schedule, and how you're messing up my life. First, develop a new perspective. Find a new way of looking at the situation or the person that is giving you problems.

Would you like to know the secret of success? Here it is. If you want to be a successful husband or wife, learn to see life from your spouse's point of view. If you want to be a successful parent, learn to see life from your child's point of view. If you want to be a successful businessperson, learn to see life from your customer's point of view. If you want to be a successful employer, learn to see life from your employee's point of view.

Look at the situation from the other's perspective and discover why someone feels the way they do. I don't know of anything that has greater potential for reducing conflict in your life than to put yourself in the other's shoes.

Hope to grow old gracefully with patience and be a person of understanding. To have the patience to last the 42.195km on 3 Dec without giving up mentally.

Why Do I Blog?

I am an introvert person who doesn't feel comfortable revealing my thoughts to others. Neither am I an observant person or a writer who can document on the daily activities and events. For someone who does not have a habit of writing diaries, the idea of having my own blog never occurs to me even though almost all of my friends have their own blogs.

"Why do I blog? Why???" I asked myself. I like easy answers, and by asking others perhaps I hoped to find the easy answers for myself. Certainly, I thought, it would be valuable to compile insights from some of the "bloggers". Here are reflections from some of the bloggers

- cos I got nothing better to do
- hmm .. i don mind writing la ..
- pen down my tots and share with frens
- blog about running lor and the pple u run with, cos keeping online run log not enuff to narrate what happen, of cos, the blog also allow me to rant about some unhappiness
- largely to pass time and share experiences
- blog to meet people
- to be heard

In my view, there are three regimes:
"One" == Diaries. Some people keep their diary on-line, and don't mind if others read it.
"Few" == Socializing, chatting. The intended audience is close friends, and events only of interest to that circle.
"Many" == Punditry. The goal is to reach as many people as possible with your ideas.

I have friends with blogs specifically dedicated to running, their hobbies, their thoughts, etc. "What is mine??" I don't know yet. Probably because I still do not know why I blog. Hahaha.

In light of which, why blog now? I’m not sure…to make some notes? To keep in touch with some people whom I read and who sometimes read me? Perhaps my purpose is to journal about my feelings and thoughts in order to aid in my recovery from my brokeness or my depression.

Perhaps blogging will encourage me to pay more attention to the details.