SCSM 2007

Completed my first marathon with Kev who was doing his second marathon though his first attempt was about a decade ago. Was targetting to complete it in 6 h 30 mins but took 7h 7 mins. Nevertheless was elated to have done it ! The first 21 km was okay but started to feel pain in my right sole shortly after. Had to remove my right shoe to massage the sole. Had to walk-run until the 25km mark when even walking was getting painful. Walked 5km from the 25km mark to the 30km. The sole felt better and managed to run 1km/walk 1km for the rest of the run. Met 2 colleagues about 500m before the end and we pushed one another to run towards the finishing line.

Immediately after the run, I felt the intense pain (it got worse the following day...very painful indeed). The kids did the Kids' Dash and I had to get my wife to drive us home as my legs were completely gone.

Now that I have experienced it, it was painful but I would like to do it again. Kev did very well, running non-stop until about the 35km mark and managed to finish in about 6 h 50 mins. He too had decided that he will be doing it again. Even though we were slow, we were satisfied with being able to complete it without as much training as most people would recommend and our next marathon will probably be the Lion City Marathon in Jun 08.

2 days to go

2 days before SCSM 07 and my maiden attempt at 42.195km. Feeling apprehensive as I am not as well prepared as I would loved to be. Instead of intensifying training after AHM, I have actually slackened :-(

Saving grace is that had managed to do 2 x 15km after AHM (including the REAL Run) although that is much lesser than what I was supposed to do. Was not helped by the lack of running due to the family vacation in Jiang Nan & the throat infection I had upon returning. Nevertheless, is hopeful that the event, fellow runners & the crowd will carry Kevin & I through the marathon

:-)

At least managed to do one last 5km this morning and felt quite good. My wife will be bringing Ashley & Audrey for the Kids' Dash. Hope the kids will enjoy their run.

A few colleagues will also be running the half marathon & 10km. All the best to each & everyone.

Mileage for Nov 07

8 Nov - 10km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang SC-Yishun Ring Rd-Yishun Sapphire-Yishun MRT-Home)

15 Nov - 10km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Road-Upper Thomson U-turn)

30 Nov - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Road-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home)

REAL RUN 2007

Did the REAL Run with Kev. Used the initial 2km to warm up. Felt ok from 2km to 8km before starting to tire. The 100-Plus came in handy as an energy boost and was able to last until the 11+ km mark where one hit the 1km sand stretch. Decided to walk to protect the tired legs.

Started running again near the park connector stretch towards the runway. The last 2km was very, very HOT! as the sun was glaring and there was no shelter whatsoever. Was glad to be able to run most of the last 2km and to finish quite strongly, by my own standard :-).

Mileage for Oct 07

6 Oct - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home)
9 Oct - 6km (Changi Beach)
16 Oct - 6km (Changi Beach)
20 Oct - 15km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Old Upper Thomson Road-Causarina Road-Uturn)
24 Oct - 10km (Home-Khatib camp-Sembawang Airbase-Old Upper Thomson Road-Uturn)
28 Oct - 15km (REAL Run @ Changi Coastal Road)

Failed IPPT and Down with Flu !

Went for IPPT on Friday. Was gunning for silver & the $100 that comes with it. In the end, finished the 2.4km run in 13:28, failing by 3 seconds. The one good thing is that if I have passed, I would probably leave it at that. Now that I have to go back again, will have another shot at the $100 award. Stamina has definitely improved, compared to the last few years but need to learn to pace myself better i.e. run faster ! compared to my usual runs.

Struck down with flu since Friday's evening and had sore throat + running nose. Managed to play the second half of Meirda FC's AFL match on Sunday but was feeling a bit breathless and tired to do any running.

Finally pushed myself to do a 5km run after watching Manchester United beat Wign 4-0 with all 4 goals coming in the 2nd half (Tevez, Ronaldo (2) & Rooney).

Mileage for Sep 07

3 Sep - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home)
8 Sep - 8km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Upper Thomson-Uturn)
10 Sep - 5.8km (Changi Beach)
17 Sep - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home)
20 Sep - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home)
24 Sep - 10km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Upper Thomson-Uturn)

Total - 38.8km

One week of R&R

After my first ever half marathon, allowed myself to slack for one week with no running at all, allowing the body & mind to rest.

Will start running again from the week of 3 Sep onwards.

Army Half Marathon

Finally completed my first Half Marathon. Met up with Kevin at Esplanade Bridge at about 5.40am and as most of the competitive runners had left, we were able to start our run without the usual bottleneck at the beginning of such races.

Felt good the first 5k although was hoping that the weather could be cooler. Managed to reach the 11k mark at East Coast Park feeling reasonably good. Started to struggle a bit then but told myself to tahan until the 15k mark. From then, I walked for about 100m upon reaching each distance marker before jogging to the next marker, stopping again if there was a water point in between. Reached the 20km mark in about 2:51, on target to break 3 hrs. Was really feeling it by then but was elated to complete the run in 2:59:20. Received SMS from Kevin about 500m from the finish. He got cramps and had to walk the last 3 km. Regardless of the timing, both of us were glad to be able to complete the run.

Feel for the family of the SAF Cpt who died after collapsing soon after he finished his half marathon.

Mileage for Aug 07

1 Aug - 5km (MacRitchie Reservoir)
4 Aug - 15km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang AirBase-Upper Thomson-Old Upper Thomson U-turn)
8 Aug - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang AirBase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Peiying Pri Sch)
13 Aug - 9km (home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang AirBase-Upper Thomson Road-Uturn-Sembawang AirBase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home)
20 Aug - 8km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang AirBase-Upper Thomson Road-Uturn-Sembawang AirBase-Khatib Camp-Home)
24 Aug - 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-ChongPang CC-Home)
26 Aug - 21km (AHM)

Total - 66km

Preparation for AHM

After signing up for AHM (with Kev), have about 5 weeks to prepare for the 26 Aug run. Target to complete the run within 3hrs, hoping to go under 2h:45mins. With the last week used for tapering, that means have to put in some hard work the next 4 weeks. Not planning to kill myself (excuses :-)), will target 2 runs a week, one a 5km run and the other, 10km or slightly more.

First week - so far so good. Did a 5km run on Wednesday and followed up with a 11km run on Saturday night. Just completed the run, unable to sleep hence updating the blog. Hope to keep this up.

Mizuno Wave 10K Run

As expected, it was crowded and there were bottlenecks, particularly along the initial 100-200 hundred metres from Temasek Poly to Bedok Reservoir Park.

Weather was cool and great after the early morning showers.

Felt great around the 5k mark (great surprise) and along the last 5 k, only stopped twice in order to consume some water. Personally, a great run although the 1hr + timing is slow by others' standard.

Felt movitated enough to decide to sign up for the AHM and managed to convince Kev to come along too :-)

So far, has done the Saucony Passion Run (5K Fun Run) & Mizuno Wave Run (10K). Targetting to complete the following :

The Singapore Bay Run (Half Marathon) 26 Aug 07

NB Real Run (Road 12km - Sand 1km - Trail 1km - Runway 1km Total 15km) 28 Oct 07

SCSM 2 Dec 07

Feeling Better

The Saucony Passion Run was quite siong as I was obviously not prepared even if it was just 5k. The last 2km was especially bad with the sun shining straight at you. Must thank Kev & YY for their company for the last 1km :-). It was good preparation though for the Mizuno Wave Run 2 weeks later.

Went for the 5km loop from home to Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Khatib MRT-Home. The initial 1km was a bit siong but felt relaxed after that and it was a enjoyable run. Glad that I went for the run instead of staying home to catch CSI-Maimi on AXN.

Mileage for Jul 07

3 Jul - 3km on Treadmill @ Office
8 Jul - 5km @ Saucony Passion Run
11 Jul - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Khatib MRT-Home)
15 Jul - 4.6km (MacRitchie Reservoir)
18 Jul - 4 km (Home-Yishun Sec Sch - Chong Pang CC - Yishun MRT - Swimming Pool - Home)
22 Jul - 10km (Bedok Reservoir Mizuno Wave Run)
25 Jul - 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Khatib MRT-Home)
28 Jul - 11km (Home-Khatib Camp-Nee Soon Camp-Pierce Reservoir- U-turn-Nee Soon Camp-Khatib Camp-Home)

Total - 47.6km

Photos taken at Singapore U-23 v Australia

Singapore U23 v Australia

Went for the match with my wife & the 2 kids. Match ended 0-0 and was a evenly contested one with Singapore missing 2 one-on-one opportunities and Australia having one goal disallowed for offside.

The highlights for me was after the match when first Harry Kewell then Tim Cahill made their way from the VIP room down towards the tracks, walking just beside me. Out came the camera and the best was to follow. Mark Schwarzer, took the wrong flight of stairs and had to squeeze between us to make his way down. He was very friendly and duly obliged with the request for a photograph to be taken with him.

Goodbye to the Old Lady

Went to the National Stadium last night for the Singapore vs Australia match. The Lions played well and took the game to the Socceroos but the difference in class told as Mark Viduka & Harry Kewell took their chances while we hit the woodwork twice through Indra Shahdan & Khairul Amri.

Personally, the National Stadium hold many memories for me. Attended numerous Malaysia Cup matches when the NS was packed and it is a pity that many of the younger ones was not able to experience that except during the ASEAN Fotball Championship (formerly TIGER Cup) matches against Indonesia in 2005 & against Thailand this year. Who would forgot the overhead kick goal by Sundram in the game against Brunei !

It was great to see tribute being paid to other sport personalities who had done Singapore proud - C.Kunalan, Ang Peng Siong, Jun Jinhong etc.

Goodbye National Stadium and hope that the planned new stadium would be even better !

Back running again and trying to stick to it !

Did not run for about more than 2 months. A combination of a new job posting and lack of discipline meant that I was not able to keep even remotely close to my new year resolutions which include running every third day.

Started running again about 2 weeks ago :

First run 11 Jun 07 - Run-walk 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home). Injuries to right ankle appeared to have caught up with me, resulting in first a numb pain around ankle before cramps start to set in around the right shin.

2nd run 15 Jun 07 - Same as above.

3rd run 19 Jun 07 - Run-Walk 5km (Home-Khatib Camp-Sembawang Airbase-Yishun Stadium-Khatib MRT-Home). Still having same problem but felt slight improvement as the cramps set in later than previous runs.

4th run 22 Jun 07 - 30 mins treadmill @ Pan Pacific. Felt good although felt numbling pain in right ankle at end of run.

5th run 26 Jun 07 - 20 mins treadmill @ Office before rushing home. Felt ok but cramps set in when driving home and it was quite an uncomfortable for about 5 minutes.

Total - about 18km

Signed up for the 100 Plus Saucony Passion Run on 8 Jul 07. Registration was closed for the 10km and only managed to sign up for the 5km. On hindsight, 5km was probably the better choice. Also signed up for the Mizuno Wave 10 km run on 22 Jul with Kev & Pat. Need to train for the next 3 weeks to be ready for the run.

Still targetting for the Singapore Bay AHM & the big one personally - the Standard Chartered Marathon. Would need a lot of self discipline :-)

Lazy !

Missed the Champions League match between Lille & Manchester United. Overslept (too tired) and was pretty angry with myself. Made it a point to catch the following morning's match between Barcelona & Liverpool. Great game (pity the result haha !). Barcelona at one point looked like they were going to have Liverpool for supper but all credit to Liverpool for capitalising on the defensive errors from Barcelona and getting a famous victory.

Back to the Lille-Manchester United match. Watched the replay and could not understand why Lille made just a big fuss out of Giggs' quick free-kick. It seems that in Europe, teams normally wait for the whistle but English clubs (it is also allowed in the rules of the game) are accustomed to the fact that you can choose not to ask for the ten yards and take a free kick quickly if you so wish and that was simply what Giggs did. Great goal ! While the attempted walkout by Lille was nothing like Thailand's walkout at the National Stadium at the recent Asean Football Championship, it was nevertheless shocking and disappointing to see such behaviour again within a short period of time.

My last run was last Tuesday (20 Feb) when I ran my usual 3km loop. After that, I had missed at least 2 runs, one originally scheduled for last Friday and the run either this Tuesday/Wednesday. Hope that I will be able to get going and go for a run tomorrow morning before the football match this Sunday.

Having my annual CNY gathering with my poly friends at Jason's place tomorrow night. Unlike previous years, we have met a couple of times this year, the last time being Jason's wedding 2 months ago. Nevertheless, it always feel good to catch up with old friends.

Back to work

Went for my usual 3km loop. Short run but felt satisfied as did not felt like going even though I know I need the run after all the drinks & food I had the last 4 days. As usual, have problem sleeping after running thus updating the blog now.

In the last few years, I start to enjoy LNY again. As one gets older, LNY seems to lose its attraction. When we were kids, LNY was an opportunity to receive additional pocket money to buy the things that we like which our parents would never buy for us. Once we become financially independent, LNY becomes less attractive in that sense.

However, as I settle down and have a family, you learn to appreciate your parents more. As as each of us concentrate on career/family/friends, you see less and less of your siblings unless you are staying under one roof. LNY offers the family an opportunity to meet up and to catch up with one another.

Had some friends over this afternoon. They are actually my colleagues and this is the first time, I have invited colleagues over. Previously, only kakis and relatives come over to visit. One thing great about my work place is that generally, we all get along fine and while work can still get done in a strictly professional setting, it helps and I think everyone can give a little more extra if you enjoy the company of those you work with. In that sense, while they are my colleagues, over the last 11/2 years, many have become my friends and it was great to celebrate LNY this way.

Well, the long weekend is over and it is back to work tomorrow. Need to catch some sleep before waking up (hopefully I can) to catch the Champions League match between Lille & Manchester United.

Happy Lunar New Year !!!

Was quite tied up with work, family commitments and the need to zz..zzz..zzzz the last few days.

Wanted to but was not disciplined enough to get up and go for a run until Thu (8 Feb). Originally thought of going for a 5km run (loop from home to Sembawang Camp & back). Was then tempted to reduce the run to a 15-20 mins run as the left knee was slightly painful. It felt better after about 5 mins and I decided to 'lets carry on and see how'. Felt better as I continued running and instead of u-turning when I reached Sembawang Camp, took a left turn and headed towards the junction of Yishun Stadium-Seletar Reservoir. The whole run (about 6km) felt good, reinforcing my belief that sometimes how one feel b4 the run may not be an accurate indicator of how the run will go.

Decided to go for one more run on Sat (10 Feb). Can't go for >3km as I have a football match the next morning. Did my usual 3km loop. Even though it was shorter then the run on Thursday, the earlier run actually felt easier ! Why ??? Too tired ???

The match on Sunday was at Bendemeer Sec Sch. Pitch looks great from outside, even had a small stand. However, it was incrediblely hard and dry. Sole of both feet never felt so tired :-(

Was supposed to run on Wednesday or Thursday but a combination of sore feet and plain laziness meant that I missed my run. Finally managed to find time on Sat (Eve of LNY) afternoon. Audrey was asleep, the missus was on the PC playing Maple Story while Ashley wanted to go downstairs to cycle.

Took Ashley to the Community Park and managed to do 6 rounds of the 500m jogging path. It was 5pm plus but it was hot and the run was not exactly easy. Nevertheless, any run is better than none at all :-)

Nike Reax Run

Found the shoes generally ok though a bit stiff.

2nd Pair of Mizuno Phoneix 6

Like the 1st pair, I found them to be very comfortable.

New Balance 901

Went with Kev to the New Balance Sample Sale at ComTech (New Balance Office & Factory Outlet). The sample shoes were going for $35 but could not find any suitable ones. They also have a few selected models on sale. Kev & I bought the New Balance 901 at $60. RRP was $169 although one can probably get it for about $120+ at Queensway Shopping Centre.

Bought quite a number of shoes recently : The Nike Reax Run (using $100 Nike voucher), 2nd pair of Mizuno Phoneix 6 (50% discount) and now NB 901 !

Need to stop and exercise some control !!!

Knee Pain !!!

Experienced knee pain in left knee after playing street soccer on 25 Jan. Felt the pain initially when I tried to run. Hobble on but decided to cut down mileage to play safe. Hopefully, the 3km or so runs since then are sufficient to maintain my fitness.

Played football on Sunday (4 Feb 07). Our first match in the 2nd season of the AFL. We lost 4-1. Generally, the team did not play too badly but made critical mistakes and was punished. Able to last the full match without experiencing any serious pain in the left knee.

Mileage for Feb 07

3 Feb - 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)
8 Feb - 6km (Home-Sembawang Camp-Bottle Tree-Khatib MRT-Khatib Camp-Home)
10 Feb - 3 km (Home-Yishu MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)
17 Feb - 3 km (6 x 500m @ Chong Pang Community Park)
20 Feb - 3 km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)

Feeling good !

Went to the Cage for the first time on Sunday's morning after our football match was postponed due to the sudden downpour on Saturday.

There were initially only 6 of us and we played 3 a side but 2 more (Jimmy & a friend of George) came and we played 4 a side for about an hour. It was very siong but very good training as the non-stop action meant that one hardly had time to get one's breath.

Had a busy day at the office but felt good. Managed to hop onto the treadmill for 20mins during lunch time. The bonus was that despite the run, felt the urge to run again after watching the 9.30 news. Went for an enjoyable 3km jog from home to Yishun MRT, mother-in-law's place, Chong Pang CC and back home. Only problem still feeling awake now at 1.25am thus updating the blog :-).

Finally, managed to run again.

Went down with flu after last Sunday's friendly football match. Ashley & Audrey went down with flu too. Not sure who was the one who brought the virus home.

Got our maid on Wenesday night. So far so good but fingers remain crossed. A combination of work and phelgm-filled nose meant that I was unable to run until Saturday's afternoon. Send my wife to class and detoured to MacRitchie Reservoir on the way home. Run for about 40 mins and felt okay.

Mileage for Jan 07

1 Jan - 5km (Home to Sembawang Airbase, u-turn back to home)
3 Jan - 3.5km (Treadmill @ Office)
7 Jan - 5km (10 x 500m at Yishun Community Park)
11 Jan - 5 km (Home-Khatib MRT-Yishun Stadium-Sembawang Air Base-Khatib Camp-Home)
13 Jan - 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)
20 Jan - 6 km (Matritchie Reservoir)
22 Jan - 3.2km (Treadmill @ Office) + 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)
28 Jan - 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)
31 Jan - 3km (Home-Yishun MRT-Chong Pang CC-Home)

Total - 36.7 km

Mizuno Precision 6

Bought these shoes from WOS for $77.50. WOS currently offering a few models at 50% discount. The original price for Wave Precision 6 and the current price for Wave Precision 7 is $155.00. I supposed the selling price at Queensway would be about $120+ so at $77.50, I figured it was quite a good deal.

Ran in these shoes for 3 times (each run about 5-7km) and found them to be good (at least for now) as the shoes felt light yet provide sufficient cushioning. In fact I like them so much that I went back and bought another pair (in silver & orange) and intend to rotate between the 2 pairs.

New Year Resolutions

Made a few resolutions. Some are personal and should be kept that way.

Otherwise, to serve as a reminder to myself, my resolutions include :

a. To run every 3rd day (at least 30 mins each time);

b. To watch what/when/the amount I eat and drink; and

c. Stop shouting at A&A.


Aim to take part in the following :

a. The Real Run;

b. Army Half Marathon; and

c. Standard Chartered Marathon (made a pact with Kev).