2007 Recap

This will be a very long post as I try to recall everything that happens in 2007.

The passion to start running begins right after SCSM 2006.

SCSM 2006 was my first 10km run and I have serious doubts that I could complete the race.

Prior to SCSM 2006, I missed many races that I have signed up for, so this race was a real challenge.

First thing that came to my mind when I cross the finishing line was "I MADE IT!".

After the race, I continue running once a week. It was something that I had never done before.

Almost a month after the race, I was still having this good feeling about completing SCSM 2006.

While watching the countdown to 2007, I start googling to see what others have to say about SCSM 2006.

Came across kop21 blog entry. It was from his blog that I came to know SGRunners.

Signed up as a member and created my own running blog on January 1st, 2007.
Made a commitment to participate in SCSM Full Marathon 2007.

As I introduce myself, I was surprised by the warmth of the forum members as they welcome me with open arms!!! [You guys must be thinking why I always welcome new members to the forum, hope you know now. =) I am not trying to increase my postings hor!!!]
Very soon, I got addicted to the forum and it become like my daily bread.
I will always try to log on to check on new postings whenever I can.

Learnt a lot of lessons as the months rolled by, some good, others painful.

Made my first appearance at CBD Pre-Valentine's Day Run.

I manage to follow the group for the first 1km , but after that I could not keep up with them. Only 3km completed and it was just Philip, JamesSoh and me.

The rest are nowhere in sight, although I distinctively recall Cookie and Tiwazz doing intervals to check up on the runners. I appreciate it very much that Philip and James accompany me from start to finish.

The next time I meet up with the guys was at National Vertical Marathon which is organised by NTU. It was also my first race of the year and I am again surprised that I could complete it. :)

NUS Biathlon was next. It was during this race that I start to know other forum members and got along well with Roonz. Or should I say that she got along well with everyone.

Next on the menu was supposed to be Singapore Biathlon 2007. But due to family commitments, I was not able to take part. But it was through this very race that I got to know a wonderful friend, Aerosolcan.
He is always there with kind words when I have doubts about myself.

Next up is Mizuno Mount Faber Run. Although it is a bit chaotic at the start, I had a pretty fun time as this is my first time going up Mount Faber on foot.

A week after, it was the Terrain 8.5km Run @ Bedok Reservoir.
Having ran at the reservoir before with a colleague, I decide to give the race a miss as I find the trail a bit too hard on my knees.

Having not much confidence, I decided to skip City Duathlon which consists of 10km Run, 40km Bike and 5km Run.

Nonetheless, I went down to support the guys and gals at the race.

It is a decision that I did not regret as it turn out to be a hot day and a lot of competitors struggled through the last 5km.
I would have definitely DNF during the race.

For the same reason I skipped City Duathlon, I did not go for Legs and Paddles.
Somehow I could not visualise myself running 10km after 6km of kayaking.
On reflection, I think I am being too cautious.

Well, there is always another year to race.

Come June, it is World Harmony Run.
24km of Run with lots of break in between, I have to miss the event as Shannon was down with fever.

June does not have any races.

But the void is being filled with OSIM Triathlon Training Clinics.

It was at First Tri Club that I know Atomic and Sywog much better.
Sheer co-incidence that the three of us are from SGRunners and are seated at the same table.

During one of the bike trips to ECP for the training clinic, I blacked out along Novena-Thomson Road.
Fell on my bike, cracked my MET helmet and ended up with lot of cuts and bruises.
I looked like I just came out of a fight. :p

2nd half of the year is where the sporting arena starts to warm up.

First up is the MILK Run.
I skipped this event cos of its high registration fees.
The other reason is that the race is being held in the afternoon, under the blazing sun.

Saucony PAssion Run is next. It is a race organised by Geylang Serai Community Centre.
I must say that it is a great race.
The organisers are wonderful. We like the way that they listened and responsed to comments made by the participants.
The finisher's certificate was a wonderful surprise. It has our personal photo printed on the certificate!!!

The next race, Mizuno Wave Run was a total disappointment.
I did not get a chance to participate in the race, as I have a hard time finding a parking lot.
I ended up parking near to Tampines Stadium and by the time I ran to the start line @ Temasek Polytechnic, the run was already well under way.
It is definitely the worst race of the year. Or maybe even the worst race that anyone care to remember. I definitely do not wish to go into depth about what happened during the race.
(Someone noted that there are 13+ full length pages of complaints in SGRunners forum.)

2 days later, the worst thing happen to me.
Crashed into a kid's bike and suffered 4 broken teeth.
3 of the teeth could be re-constructed, while the fourth tooth has to be extracted as it has chipped vertically.
I ended up with a denture at a young age of 35. =(

The accident effectively put me out of OSIM Triathlon which happens just 4 days later.
It virtually end my chance of being a triathlete during my rookie year.

It was a good 2 months later before I picked up the courage to get on a bike again.

Have a lot of help and encouragement during my recovery cycling trip from 3 of my closest SGRunners buddies - Roonz, Aerosolcan and Lala .
Thanks, guys!!!!

End-August. Army Half Marathon. My first 21km.
A lot of apprehension about the race.
The one and only > 10km distance that I did prior to this was Good Friday Run , 4 months ago and I walk 7km out of 15km.
I definitely do not know how I will fare for this event.
So it was not surprising that I hit the wall @ the 13km mark.
Luckily I bought along a PowerGel and manage to find some strength a click later.
Manage to complete the race and collect my Finisher's medal. Yeah!!!

A week later, it was the inaugural Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore.
There is no way that I can compete in this race. I do not have the physical and mental strength to complete this sort of distance yet.
Can only see Aerosolcan complete his race in style and hope to join him in the future Ironman 70.3 races.

Run for Hope (previously Terry Fox Run) was another race that I have to missed cos of family outing.

Fuji Xerox Open Water Swim. It has distances of 1km, 3km and 5km.
I am interested to do the 3km , but in open waters, I am not sure if I could do that, although I have done 3.8km non-stop in the swimming pool.
Guess it will have to wait till 2008.

What follows next must be the most hectic month to date.

NIE Biathlon was the first of 4 races.
I was apprehensive in signing up for the race, but Aerosolcan decided to accompany me and both of us signed up for the Olympic Distance.
Alas, he was unwell on the actual day.
I enjoyed myself although I completed the race in last place.
The swim was great and the run was good.
Most importantly, I gained my entry pass to Singapore Biathlon 2008.
I have successfully completed a Sprint Distance and Olympic Distance Biathlon to date. =D

1 week later, it is New Balance Real Run.
This is a 15km run and it helps in building up my experience for SCSM.

The following week, it is OSIM Corporate Triathlon.
Completed the Sprint Distance. Wow, a season’s high.
Finally completed a triathlon.

Just 8 days later, it was Swissotel Vertical Marathon.
An event that I signed up for 3 years, I finally made it to the top.
A breath-taking view of the city from the top.

6 days later, it was Run-A-Movie. A charity run organised by HOPE.
As my wife has a company function on Friday night, I decided to skipped this event. No luck with charity races this year.

Took a break from races, went for 2 pre-SCSM CBD runs and I am all ready for SCSM.

Fall short of my resolution to do a Full Marathon, but 21km will suffice for 2007.
Completed my 2nd SCSM. The Runners’ High make me game for MR25 Ultra-Marathon.

The weeks leading up to MR25 Ultra-Marathon were anything but fun.
Just 2 runs later, I am left with a weak right knee.
I could not run, thus I went for swims.

A week to MR25 Ultra-Marathon, the knee start feeling much better.
I still did not run as I wanted to save the knee for race day.

3 weeks of non-running and I was at the MR25 Ultra-Marathon Start Point.
Did 3 laps and decided to call it a day, as cramps starts to build up.
There is always Ultra-Marathon 2008 to look forward to.

Overall, I am satisfied with my achievements.
Having led a sedentary lifestyle for the past 12 years, this is a welcome change which my family and I appreciate.

Thanks , guys. You really help made the journey more enjoyable, the distance more sustainable.

MR25 Ultra Marathon 2007

On Saturday, I am still undecided whether I should be going for the MR25 Ultra Marathon 2007.

After a sumptuous 9-course dinner @ Grand Shanghai, I thought I better do something on Sunday to burn off the calories.

Woke up at 5.30 am. Took my own sweet time to wash up, have breakfast and read the EPL results. Great!!! Arsenal beats Everton 4-1 to go back to the top of the table.

While driving to MR, I realised that it has been 20 years since I last stepped foot on MR.
That was during my secondary school's X-Country race.

I think I am a bit crazy to attempt the race.
1) I have never ran more than 21km before.
2) I have not ran on trails for 20 years.
3) I have not ran for 3 long weeks.

Reached MR @ 6.45 am. Had a very hard time finding a parking lot.
When I finally did, I was in time to see the Ultra Marathon being flagged off.

Quickly approach the registration table, got myself a bib and started off 5 minutes later.

Started off with PassionRunner and Wend88.
Ran alongside PassionRunner until we hit the trails, then she surged ahead.
Was able to keep her in sight till we exit onto SICC.

Once we exited the trail, I lost her totally.
Running blindly, Wend88 and I just follow the other runners who are not doing the Ultra-Marathon hoping that they will be running the same route.

Ahh, hit the first water point and we knew we are on the right track.
Met BoSe @ the water point and after that, we proceed to turn left into the trail after the water point.

As usual, I started lagging behind. Lost sight of both BoSe and Wend88.
Exiting the trail, Wend88 was waiting for me @ the Ranger Station unsure of where to go.
A quick check with the guys @ the Ranger Station, we proceed onto the right track.

After that, Wend88 and I tried to keep close to each other.
Getting lost together is better than getting lost alone.

At the Jetulong Tower, we are totally lost. Turn left or turn right???
Making a bold choice, we decided to proceed left.
As we hit upon the golf course, both of us heaved a sigh of relief.
Wend88 decided to surge ahead.

Running on the road was shiok, after all the trail running.
But the joy was short-lived , it was back to the trail again.
Saw SxuanJing and LTH @ the junction of the 5km TT route.
Luckily LTH was there to guide me to the main road, else I would have been lost again.

Hit the pavement and the 2nd water point.
Proceed back to the Start Point which is another 1.5km more.

Stopped over @ the car to get my visor, fuel belt.
Completed my first lap in 1hour 38min , still feeling good.

Proceed on my 2nd round.
Running alone is terrible, the trail never seems to end.
After running 1 loop, the 2nd lap feels much better.
Met StarDust @ the 1st Water Point. He is already on his 3rd lap.
This chap is really fast.
Saw him ran upslope, I double check with him and realised that it is the actual route.
After the security fence, it was a concrete pavement inside the trails. At the end of the pavement, turn right and hit upon the Ranger Station.

Hitting the Petaling Trail wooden planks this time round felt much better.
It was not as slippery as the 1st round. Enjoyed running on the wooden planks.

Hitting the golf course concrete pavement , it starts to hurt.
Now I can understand why Roonz dislike running on the pavement. Running on trail felt much better during long distance running.

Needless to say, trails become a relief while the 1.5km main road concrete pavement become sheer torture.

Met TLR at the Golf Link Broadwalk and walked with him.
Chatted with him and realise that he is aiming for 9 laps.
Saw his shwee orange (or was it red?) shoes and realised that he bought it during his recent Hong Kong trip.

Completed the 2nd lap. Wanted to give up.
Kk and Cokiee insisted that I should just go and walk the next 3 laps.
After resting a while, I was feeling much better and thus I set off together with Cokiee.

Into the trails, he surged off and I am all alone.
I literally walked most of the trails.
Was running along Petaling Trail Broadwalk. Boy, I love the wooden planks.
Saw a lady walking in front. Looked vaguely familiar.
Turned out to be ST. She has sprained her ankle pretty badly and is now limping back.
Poor gal, it is still a long way to the main road.
Passed her my Ez-Link card and proceed on my way.

Ran the entire stretch of Golf Link Broadwalk. This is so shiok.... How I wished there were more of these broadwalks. =p

Exiting the golf course and going into the trail, I could feel the cramps coming.
Ohh....so that is how cramps felt. Definitely not a nice feeling.
Stopped and stretched.
A few concerned runners ask me how I am. Told them I was fine and thanked them for their concern.
I was walking so slowly and taking breaks so often that ST caught up with me in no time.
We took a long rest at the bus stop.
I decided to walk back to the Start Point while ST took the bus.

Reached the Start Point @ about 1.30pm and told the organisers my intention to quit.

Had Bee Hoon for lunch and proceed to meet up with the SGRunners.
Met PeaceFool and Chengnai for the first time.
Idle at the tent while listening to BBM trying to psycho to do the last 2 laps.

Feeling a bit hungry , I went to the drink station to get a slice of Don Pie.
Met Wend88 who has just completed her 4th lap.

With 4 hours left, she has more than enough time to walk the last lap.
She completed her first ultra-marathon in 10+ hours.
Way to go , girl!!!

Roonz decided to jio the rest of the gang to do a walking lap.
I proceed home. Took a quick nap and went to my MIL place to pick up my wife and kids.



Lap 1 - 1:38
Lap 2 - 3:38
Lap 3 - 6:13

Go or No Go

I am in a dilemma right now. I am interested to go for MR25 Ultra Marathon this Sunday.

But I am not sure if I am ready for it.

Two main reasons I gave myself why I should go.
1) Nike Finisher T
2) Bragging Rights

In fact, I guess the real reason why I wanted to go for the race is Self Actualisation.

This year, I have opted out of City Duathlon and SCSM Full Marathon.
My reasoning is that I have not completed the shorter distances comfortably, thus I was not too sure how I will fare during the races.
Guess I am just shrinking away from challenges.

If I can complete the race this Sunday, I believe it will give me the much needed confidence that I need for my future races.

You can't win them all

After getting frustrated over C2C charging me $62 for the tire pump, I decided to pay SCH a visit.

Being an impromptu visit, I do not have any items to compare prices.
Got a few items from SCH, hoping for the best price.

In the evening, I drop by C2C to replace my flat tire and get the front wheel re-aligned.
Took the chance to check out the prices and realise that the items I got at SCH are cheaper @ C2C.

Sigh.... U cannot win it all....

-	C2C	SCH	TEF
ToPeak JoeBlow Sprint	$62	$58	$55
Spare Tube	$7	$12
Rim Lever	2 for $4	3 for $7
ToPeak Pump		$69	$60
ToPeak Tri Bag	$26	$30

Garmin ForeRunner User's Review

A very nice write up of Garmin ForeRunner 305 by Joe (jjchsg of SGRunners).

Garmin Forerunner 305 User Review Part One
Garmin Forerunner 305 User Review Part Two
Garmin Forerunner 305 User Review Part Three

TI

First and foremost, I do not even know if I am doing it correctly.

I must say that TI is an art that needs time to master.

Judging by the book, there are 3 basic steps.
1) Balance your body in the water
2) Make your body long
3) Swim on your side

Failed miserably for Step (1), which I feel is the most crucial.
Drank a few mouthfuls of water.

Step (2) refer to Front Quadrant Swimming.
On land, it looks easy to execute. But once in the water, muscle memory took over. Another difficult act to master.

Without mastering Step (1) , Step (3) felt impossible.

Completed 11 laps and call it a day.

Start observing the other 3 free-style swimmers.

Subject A - Swim on his side. Wasteful kick.
Subject B - Swim on his side. Hardly kick. Sculling stroke. Breath on the left. (Good for local competition where the swim leg tends to be in the counter-clockwise direction)
Subject C - Swim on his side. Powerful kick. Powerful stroke. (Hand enter water near the forehead)

Needless to say, in terms of speed, Subject C is the fastest with Subject A coming in last.

I have a lot to learn.

Spend the rest of the day playing with the kids. Shannon went on the water slide countless times.

Good X'mas Day this year. =)

Running Ahead

Cool Running and Running Ahead are the 2 online running logs which helps me keep track of my swim-bike-run mileage.

They also did a good job of keeping track of my shoes' mileage.

Recently, Cool Running decided to transfer their customers' account to Active Trainer.

I must say that I am glad that I kept 2 running logs , cos Active Trainer made a huge migration mess. I can understand the users' frustration.

1) Workouts are not migrated - Can you imagine that you have been logging your logs for a year or more and lose all those data in a migration?

2) Mistakes in the workouts made during migration cannot be amended - What good is a online training log if changes cannot be made???

3) Shoes mileage are not tracked together with workouts - What good is a shoe tracker if you need to log the mileage separately???

4) Shoes mileage is shown in miles only - Enough said!!!

5) No readily available Total Training Log - *Faint*

6) Training Log reports cannot be longer than 7 days - *Faint* *Faint*

7) I am not going to try and find out more of what I CANNOT do with the training log.

Tried adding in all the missing workouts, but after 4 months, I give up. There are just too many missing entries.

Compound that to the useless interface that Active Trainer provided, I am going to give Cool Running a miss.

Running Ahead, please do not change your mode of operation. I am stuck with you.

Sprint Finish!!!

2005 Tiszaujvaros ITU Triathlon World Cup
Hungary (14th August 2005)

Results - Elite Men

1. Gaag, Dmitriy (KAZ) - 01:45:52
2. Kahlefeldt, Brad (AUS) - 01:45:52
3. Atkinson, Courtney (AUS) - 01:46:08

Bevan Docherty - Heart of a Champion

Laksa Breakfast / Nee Soon South X'mas Party

Meet up with Roonz, ST and Sotong for brekkie.
We have promised to treat each other if
1) I complete my half marathon in less than 3 hours
2) Roonz complete her first full marathon
We both accomplish our tasks, so it is time for a double celebration. =)

Meet up at the Laksa stall @ 9am. Alamak, uncle dun give face. Tell us the stall won't be ready till 10am.
Sotong's conclusion? Yishun residents are a lazy bunch.
Haha, more likely it is Yishun residents are a lucky bunch.
Cos we have coffeeshops at our void decks, plus we have 5 BIG neighbourhood malls.
Yishun Central , Khatib , Chong Pang , Nee Soon East and Neighbourhood 4.

Other than Yishun Central, the 4 other neighbourhood malls comes alive as early as 6am with the places packed with patrons at 7.30am.
So it was a surprise to me that Yishun Central is still a sleepy town @ 9am. *Shake head*

As a consolation, we proceed to a nearby coffeeshop for laksa and tim sum.

The laksa celebration will be postponed.
Lady boss, please arrange for another outing, okay? My treat. =)

After the brekkie, ST and me proceed to Chong Pang for a cup of 乱七八糟 before we proceed home.

=====================

Went to the Nee Soon South X'mas Party in the afternoon.
It is jointly organised by WEC, YEC and Nee Soon South Zone 5 RC.
So much acronyms.
WEC - Women's Executive Committee
YEC - Youth's Executive Committee
RC - Residents' Committee

The event is quite special as most of the shows are being done by the kids.
There are singing , dancing and a magic show.
There is even Santa Claus giving away presents.

Er Lee Bee Wah, our MP is the guest of honour.
I must admit that since 2006 GE , we have seen quite a lot of her in our estate and I find that it is a good sign of better things to come. =)

放弃 MR Ultra-Marathon

Consider the fragile state of matters, I decide that this Sunday's MR Ultra-Marathon will be a no-go for me.

Fragile, cos my right knee is as weak as it was 2 weeks ago.
Granted that it heal by this weekend, I do not think I want to risk it by going to the trails of MR.

There is always another race waiting for me.
Guess I will have to wait another year for MR Ultra-Marathon, just like SCSM Full Marathon.

But I guess we run to enjoy the journey, not to bring pain / injuries to ourselves.

Really sorry to the guys who has been jio-ing me along for this race.

Respect the Distance

Aerosolcan caught wind of two TAS events in 2008.

TAS Biathlon in February and City Duathlon in May.

TAS Biathlon is just a week before Singapore Biathlon.
Maybe can treat it as a warm-up to Singapore Biathlon? ;)

I had planned to go for City Duathlon this year, but chicken out as I was not even sure if I could continue after the first 10km run.
But looking at the field reports, I guess I made the right decision.
One thing a lot of athletes failed to do is to "respect the distance".
But that is the exact reason why I am procastinating about signing up for City Duathlon 2008.
I respect the distance to the extent that I fear it.

Just as much as I fear the magical 42.195km.

天意

Think it is really fated that my Cervelo is spending more time under the shade.

Grand plan was to go for LH ride this morning.
Be back by 7.30am. Cos MHA needs to work today.

Stella kept waking up in the night.
I was so tired that I decide to give the ride a miss.

Wake up in the morning and check on the bike.
The rear tire is entirely flat!!!
How can that be? I pumped up the tire on Wednesday night.
Thursday evening, it was still good...
Tried pumping it up again, but it is no good.
Check the entire circumference of the tire thrice.
Could not see any tear.
The leak seems to come from the valve itself.

Guess I have to bring it down to a LBS one day to get the tire changed. Can use it as a learning experience and get the front wheel alignment fixed.

I will listen to Boon Kiat's advice.
After spending $400 on race fees, dun let a pair of bike tubes DNF you.
ie. If I signed for Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore.

Ok... next thing I need to get will be bento bag, spare tubes and bike pump...

My Wrist Hurts

I seriously do not know what is wrong.

Ever since last week's Velocity Run, my right knee and right wrist hurts.
I tried to push myself off the ground just now, I realise I could not even put any weight on my right wrist.
Taking the shoes off the right leg is a painful affair every evening.

What is wrong???

Easy Swim

Took half day off today.

Got a ToPeak bike pump - JoeBlow Sprint.
Was very reluctant to get it from Chapter 2 Cycle as TEF Biker Junction quoted me $55 for the same pump.
Waited for Ben to come back from his lunch, but even after I took my lunch and got back to the shop, he was nowhere in sight.
12% price difference ($62) is just way too much, but I still got it from his shop.
This may just be my last visit there.

This is the 2nd major disappointment I got ever since I started buying from him earlier this year.
Bought a Tifosi Stelvio in July.
He promise me that the Rx adapter will be in within 3 weeks, so I bought the shades first.
But it has been 5 months now and the Rx adapter is nowhere in sight.
I should have looked elsewhere for ready stock.

After getting the bike pump, I proceed to SAFRA Yishun for an easy swim.
Met Gugugaga @ the car park. He is going for his air rifle training.
Wow, this guy is super onz. Getting himself involved in most sports.

Took me 47 minutes to complete 30 laps. =p
In all, complete 46 laps.
Good swim on a cloudy day. =)

Worried

Not too sure what is wrong with me right now.

I always start feeling cold after 11am during work. It had never happened before.

My right wrist and right knee joint do not feel so good either. It has already been a week since the pain started.

Thwarted Run

Second time in a row that my run was being spoiled by diarrhea.

First, it was the super spicy Prawn Noodles last Friday @ Upper Changi Road.

This time, it is the Lerk Thai company lunch. :)

Guess I could forgive myself for now, but I really need to get back to training soon. =p

Gaining Weight

Have not watch my diet recently.
Put on 3kg liao. Argh.... I started indulging in snacks post-SCSM.
Have to really start controlling myself.

But I must say that I was quite surprised with the way I eat over the past months. How did I stopped myself from all those wonderful but sinful snacks that is lying all around me. =)

Botanic Gardens

After talking about visiting Jacob Ballas Children's Garden for quite some time, we finally brought the kids there.

Went to Botany Center for lunch.
Wow, the crabs there are super expensive. $46 per kg.
This shall be our last time that we are ordering crabs there.
The price is not the issue. It is the way they conduct business that put us off.
Weighing one pair of crabs , but chopping up a different pair of crabs.
No wonder their business is so poor.
But we decide not to let that affect our mood.

After lunch, we started to stroll to Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.
Under the hot sun with 2 kids, the distance is pretty far.
After a long rest @ Symphony Lake, we decided to drive there instead.

Thus my sister and I went back to get our respective cars and pick them up @ Vistor Center.
On the way to Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, we stop by Prata Cafe to refuel ourselves before proceeding.

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is a nice garden built for the kids.They have suspension bridge, floating platform, slides, children-sized mazes, playground and a mini-water park.

Both Shannon and Stella had such a wondrful time @ the Water Park that they do not wanna leave the place.
After much coaxing, we finally got them changed.
Both the kids were fast asleep once they got into the car.

Promised Shannon that we shall bring her there more often.

1 year and 20 days

After 386 days, Stella has finally started walking. =)

Initially she did try to walk, but she did 2 steps most of the time.

This time she tried the 1.5 m distance from dining table to swing several times with success. =)

Post SCSM

I realised that during the build-up to SCSM I have neglected my kids somewhat.
That I did not realise how much they have learnt over the past months.

Had an enjoyable day playing with the kids today.
At the playground, I realise how over-protective we are as parents, thus I relax somewhat and let Shannon handle the danger by herself with me at arm's length.
Her confidence really grew after a few times and she climb all the different ladders with ease after a while.

In the evening, we went to Randy's cell group X'mas gathering.
There were dinner, chit-chats, quizzes and a skit.

Hehe, looks like being a triathlete is really something special.
Randy was introducing me as a triathlete to and the guys are interested to know more.
How I train? How to conquer the swim leg etc?
I must say that it is great to discuss and explain the triathlon stuff.
Hopefully I can see them at triathlon events soon. :)

A Royal Rumble

After being jio-ed by my running kaki for AniMiles, I am all but ready to go.

Alas, my body detest the idea. It started a royal rumble while I am having my breakfast.

The last time I had such a royal rumble and went for a run, it ended up very messy.

Have to pass on this run.

While I am writing this blog entry, I am still tempted to do my own run.
But the feeling just won't ease off. Shall wait till later and see how it goes.

Hopefully can put some mileage in during this weekend.

What Now?

Hmm, a week and 2 runs after SCSM, I felt that I am starting to lose interest in running.
The passion to run was so strong before SCSM, but somehow the fire ain't burning that bright now.

What is worse is that I have sore nipples after runs now.
After running for almost a year, the problem only surface during and after SCSM.
Hopefully, I dun get the infamous 2 red streaks.

To top it off, my right knee is giving me a lot of anguish now.
Why? Why all these problems start popping up just when I finally found a running kaki. =(

Novena Velocity Run - Singapore River

Brought my running gear to work today.
Got a last minute visa , thus I am able to go for Novena Velocity Run.
Although my work place has not been raining since lunchtime, the guys in town are still experiencing rain.
Decide to go down anyway, hoping for the best.

As usual, I am the first to arrive at Running Lab. Sign in and browse around in the shop.
Haha, PassionRunner is trying to wage a battle, arriving in with her Manchester United windbreaker.
Was glad that Angie could come for the run. Have not seen Angie since NUS Biathlon.
Met Stardust for the first time.
We wait till 7.00 before proceeding for our warm-up.

After listening to the super confusing route that Trencen mentioned, we started on our run.
Just cross the traffic junction, the front pack surged ahead.

Seeing that Trencen and Davidtch are looking after Angie, I continue on my run.
Alas, Angie turned back at Cavenagh Road.
Guess it is not easy for her to go for long distances after such a long lay-off.
Give her time and she will be back. =)

Slow coach me, I am the last person most of the time.
As I am not familiar with the route, Trencen and Cokiee has to keep coming back for me. Thanks, guys!!!

As PassionRunner has slowed down her pace , I managed to run alongside and chat with her. Wow, finally I found some company for my run. =)

As we ran along Scotts Road, the crowd was out in force enjoying the pre X'mas atmosphere. Been a long time, since I have done that.

During the entire run, I was feeling great. No thoughts of walking at all.
Maybe it is the cool weather, but I guess it is great company helps more. Thanks, Passion. =)

When we got back to Novena Velocity, Trencen realised that Cokiee is not back yet.
Cokiee got lost near Scotts Road. Instead of going down Cairnhill-Newton Road, he has turn left into Stevens Road and return via Dunearn-Newton Road.
Someone jokingly mention that Cokiee must be trying to clock mileage for his MR UltraMarathon. =)

After the run, Highbury, Passion, Byron, Davidtch, Sera, Cokiee and I proceed to the food court for our dinner.

PassionRunner was so excited to see the porcelain cup that was used for a milo, that she took a photo of it. :p
Boy, she must have been away for too long.
I do envy her. She has the luxury to study and work aboard, while poor me is struggling in Singapore.
Well, I guess there is no use comparing. Some people are luckier than the rest. =)

Yishun SAFRA Running Club 1st Location Run

Woke up around 6am to prepare for Yishun SAFRA Running Club 1st Location Run.
Slowly took my breakfast, surf SGRunners forum, clear my system, wash up before proceeding to SAFRA Yishun.
When I reached there, most of the runners were already there.

Met Eugene_Ng8, Cokiee, Eliza, Half-Timer, Kayano, Brokie, Vincent, TarePanda, DO, DreamRunner, Hophlng, Gentle and SealBoon.

A lot of runners were actually from the other 3 SAFRA Running Clubs.

Spotted Sanjeev, really lots of respect for this endurance athlete.
Despite his physique, he has the courage to sign up and complete the races that I have to ponder and not sign up.

After a short intro of SiYi and the route, the run was underway.

It was supposed to be a SCSM recovery run for the runners and started as such.
Started the run with Hophlng and Sealboon, but lose them after the junction.

Once we reached Yishun Ave 1, the speed demons started picking up the pace.
I was lucky to be able to keep pace and run alongside Eugene_Ng8. Chat with him for the next 1.5km before I started to slow down. I have ran at a pretty fast pace than I am accustomed to.
Started the walk-run strategy after 3km.

As I was running across the Yishun Dam, I could see that the front runners are proceeding to the Power Station further down the road. Boy , there are really fast.
Reached the U-turn point (5.5km) in about 39 minutes.

Leh-lio came late for the run, but she made up the distance pretty fast.
I was about 200m away from the Dam on the return leg when she came from the opposite direction.
She made up for the 1km deficit just when I cleared Yishun Dam.

When she ran past me , I start to observe how a sub-4 marathoner runs.
Amazingly, her strides are small but her cadence is very high.
It was so fast that it was hard for me to count her strides.
Think the cadence is about 3 to 1 for most of the runners she overtook.

Was walking along Yishun Ave 1 when SmallCircle started his "nagging". =)
Decided that I need to get away, thus I started running and pick up my pace. =p

Reached back at SAFRA Yishun in 1h 23m.
Checking the lap timer, I did my 10km in 1h 15m.
Wow, with so much walking today, still can clock 1h 15m. The magic of group runs.

Went to collect our goodie bag , which consist of a T-shirt and sling bag and then proceed for our free breakfast.

Must say that it is a well organised run. Hopefully we can get the Yishun SAFRA Running Club set up fast and get the organised runs underway.

Poor Cervelo

What happen when you neglect your own bike.

I have gotten my Cervelo for 5 months now, but I have only brought it out for 3 bike trips.
It felt pretty neglected. And what is worse is that its rear tire is completely flat cos I do not know how to operate a bicycle pump.

So it tooks its revenge by giving its owner a nightmare.

Wednesday night, I dreamt that I was cycling my Cervelo to meet my friends.
While stopping over for a drink, they commented that my Cervelo looks old.
I was thinking "How can that be possible?"

Looking down I got the shock of my life. One side of the bike was stock yellow while the other side was white with chipped paint from its days in the balcony facing the morning sun.
The gears and the bicycle spokes were all rusty like the bike has been in the rain day and night.

Luckily, I woke up then.
Now that I have completed SCSM, maybe it is time to bring the bike for a spin.
But I still cannot decide where to bring it.
Cycling alone on Mandai Road seems out of the question, I do not have that kind of confidence now.
Probably I will bring it to Yishun Dam soon.

But I need to get the bicycle pump first.

Recovery Runs?

Recovery Runs for the Week? Zero *Shake Head*

While others are doing their recovery swims, recovery runs, I am happily nua-ing at home.

So much for my big plans.

Monday - Tight thigh muscles. Thought of giving it a rest.
Tuesday - Thigh muscles just a wee stiff, a recovery run should help loosen it up a bit. Planned to go to Novena Velocity Run.
Brought my running gear, but din manage to get the visa in time.
Wednesday - Morning rain. Dun like to run in the rain.
Thursday - Cool Weather. Sleep like a log.
Friday - Cool Weather. Sleep like a log.

Better do something tomorrow, if I really plan to do the MR Ultra-Marathon on December 30.

Post #1 Review

Having completed Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, I think it is a good time to look back and savour what I have achieved this year.

Here is what I have set to do, ever since I commit myself to sports this year.
Let’s see if I have reached my target.

NTU Vertical Marathon – Completed
NUS Biathlon – Sprint Distance Completed
SAFRA Singapore Biathlon – Missed, due to family outing
Mizuno Wave Run – DNS
OSIM Singapore Triathlon – Missed, due to injuries
New Balance Real Run - Completed
SAFRA 21km Sheares Bridge Run - Completed
Swissotel Vertical Marathon - Completed
Standard Chartered Singapore Full Marathon – Half Marathon Completed

For the events that I have not completed, there are some consolations.

NIE Biathlon is a Olympic Distance Biathlon which is similar to Singapore Biathlon.

OSIM Corporate Triathlon has the same format as OSIM Singapore Triathlon for the Sprint Distance.

As for the 10km runs, there are 2 other runs which can replace it easily.

Mount Faber Run, Sacouny Passion Run

Hehe, in a way I have completed 95% of what I have set out to do.

For this year, Full Marathon is beyond me, but I know I will come back stronger and better next year.

Looking forward to 2008.

SCSM 2007 Official Results

Chip Time : 02:55:42 hours
Gun Start : 03:07:06 hours

Official Results
I am placed 4477 out 5141 of Men's Half-Marathon Finishers.
That places me among the last 12% of the runners to complete the race.

RunPix Results is gave a slightly different result.
I am placed 4488 out 5152 of Men's Half-Marathon Finishers.
That still places me among the last 12% of the runners to complete the race.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007

Days leading up to SCSM were like normal days to me. :p
It no longer have the hype that I felt during AHM.
Guess I know that I can complete the distance, only difference is the timing.

Thanks guys for all the encouragement you gave me going into my second Half Marathon. :)

Somehow I still could not sleep the night before.
Finally hit the sack at around midnight.
Woke up around 3.30am. Keke, so much for the 8 hours of sleep.

Slowly took my breakfast. For the past 2 days, I have been stuffing everything that got in my way. This morning was no different.

Made my way down to Yishun Stadium to catch the shuttle bus.

The bus left promptly at 5am.
Twenty minutes later, we alight opposite Raffles Hotel and I proceed to the Baggage Service point.

After handing in my bag to the baggage service, the pre-race anxiety came.
Had not expected that at all.
Toliet break becomes a priority. Walking around the start point, the port-a-loos have very long queues, the Esplanade is not open to public.
Marina Square became my hunting ground. :)

When I got back on Esplanade Drive, the half marathon has started, and the rear runners were pretty close to the Start Line.

Take my own sweet time to walk to the Start Line. About 50m from the Start Line, I started my run and shuffle my feet over the timing mat (A process which I do religiously over all timing mats during all races)

I started with a pretty quick pace and have to keep reminding myself to slow down.

Less than 1km , I saw 2 Japanese ladies with bib running in gai-gai clothes. I am amazed.

A trio of bride, groom and pastor was next. Hehe, the kids looked too young lah. They should have tried something else.(When I saw them walking near Prince Edward Road later in the run, the pastor was holding his book out as if he was delivering a sermon and the bride and groom walked as if they were walking down the aisle. :D )

As I cross the underpass into Marina Bay, I start looking out for the marathon runners on their way out.

Spotted Tekko immediately, but I was too far so I did not shout out to him.

After probably another 500m into the run, I gave up trying to spot runners. There will simply too many faces to process.

So I thought I will probably just look out for Sotong. Haha, SGRunners landmark shouldn't be hard to spot. Saw him and Roonz almost immediately.

Wave hi to them and continue on my journey.

Almost 5km into my run , this guy was dragging a tire. Haha, seems like he is vying for LadyIce job. :)

After the U-turn at the Marina Ferry Terminal , I choked back my tears when I saw the bib on this couple's backs

It reads "To our beautiful daughter who cannot walk. It inspire us to try".

The mother even had a photograph pasted under the bib.

The runners on the oppsite side must be thinking that I am suffering so much, that tears is welling up in my eyes.

Having completed this Marina Bay route twice before, the first 10 km seems relatively easy now.

Open my first pack of Sports Bean, although I do not feel I need it.

Better now than regretting hitting the wall later. :p

Onwards to CBD. At the water point, I meet my secondary school friend , Alvin.

Just waved hi to him as I ran past and I regretted it immediately.

It was like almost a decade since we last met. I should have at least stop and chat for a while.

Well, if fate is destined , we shall meet again. =)

As I approached the Esplanade Bridge, I was just in time to see the 10km Women's being flagged off.

Saw Stazla at the organisers tent and shouted out to her twice, but she was too engrossed in her work. =P

Looking at the group of ladies slowly walking to the starting line, I notice a few interesting things.

1) Guys wearing the mens' / ladies' 10km bib - To accompany their better half for the run?

2) Guys and Gals wearing Half / Full Marathon bibs - Woke up late?

Turning right into Raffles Avenue, I saw Doraemon_Red on her way back.

She is wearing the Half Marathon Bib.

Given her Full Marathon timing of sub-4, she is probably doing sub-2 for her Half Marathon.

(It was only during the photo taking session that I know she is the Half Marathon 2:00h pacer)

My mind went into overdrive, calculating how much time I have to finish my Half Marathon in sub-3 hours.

Hmm....13.5km in about 1:50hrs... (I intentionally set my watch to show distance only)

So I have 1 hour to complete 7km. :)

Reach the one and only Banana station under Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Tempted to take 2 bananas, but I am not hungry at all. So settle for one.

Only after the babana station did I really start to walk a bit. I was truly amazed.

The past 2 group runs really help boost my stamina a lot.

Hitting Nicoll Highway, the sun is shining bright and strong.

I am so glad that I had my visor on.

Saw the water station at the return leg and with no water station in sight further down the highway, I decided to follow the rest and cross over to the other side to pick up our drinks.

About 300m from the U-turn point, saw Mrs Aerosolcan. She looks a bit dazed.

U-turn point was just after Stadium Drive.

U can see a lot of ppl walking from this point onwards, yours truly included.

Run-walk to the Raffles Avenue where I open my 2nd pack of SportsBean.

Spend a few irritating minutes trying to get its contents out.

Finish the entire pack in one go.

One new problem that is threatening to surface is nipple abrasion.
Can feel some discomfort as early as 5km into the run. It really start to hurt around the 19km mark.
Luckily never end up with the infamous 2 red streaks.

As I reached the Esplanade, I saw Ultra and a few 3:45 pacers.

Did some mental calculation, 3 hours seems to be quite possible.

A bit stressed when you set a target time for yourself, but I did not let it get to me. :)

Hitting upon Esplanade Drive, I decide to walk for about 400m so that I can have a strong finish at the end.

Big mistake!!!

As I reached Fullerton Road, I can see a lot of 10km runners making their way to the Finish Line.

Chionging for the last 400m was not possible.

So I just followed the crowd till I could not stand it anymore and weaved in and out of the 10km finishers all the way to the Finish Line.

Gun Time displayed for 21km shows 3:07hrs. Hehe, so my chip time is definitely below 3 hours, as I started 13+ minutes late. :)

Yeah, mission accomplished. :)

Took my medal, drinks and banana and proceeded to the Centopath to wait for the rest of the guys.

Haha, so funny. Never had the chance to wait for the rest to come back from their runs. I am always the last one back from any group runs. :)

Had the 3 photo taking sessions before proceeding home.

According to the statistics, I did a constant pace till 13km. The wall did not appear this time. But the pace slowed down considerably.

No worries lah. I am just happy that I finished the race.

Some lessons learnt during my recent 3 races.

1) Too much running gear hurts. Wear only what is necessary.
2) Separate race belt and waist pouch sucks. Love the marathon belt.
3) Visor was wore too high at NBRR. Sweat keep getting into my eyes. Pull it lower. No more wiping of sweat.
4) Dun get suck into the fast pace in front. Actually had tried to do that for all races, but this time I really manage to do it. :)
5) Dun eat only after you feel hungry. Took 2 races to understand it. So it work wonderful this time. Think this is the most impt lesson learnt.

Next mission :

Lose weight. Shall based my marathon sign-up on my weight loss.
I want to finish my first Full Marathon feeling comfortable.
85kg? 90kg?

In fact, I hope to use this target to sign up for Aviva IM 70.3 too.
In simpler terms, anything that require 21km or more for runs.

So starting 3rd December, I will have to start Operation FlyWeight.

Wish me luck!!!