Having not ride in the morning for almost a month, it does feel strange to be riding in the wee hours again.
Looking at a busload full of sleeping passengers, I started to wonder what am I doing at 5am wide awake. =D
Tried on my pair of cycling shades for the first time.
Must say that I am glad that I finally got it.
Definitely much better than wearing my normal glasses for rides.
While travelling along Mandai Road, saw a rider in front and start to give chase.
Overtook him mid-point through Mandai Road.
Haha, this is a strong rider. Cos he stayed in my draft all the way till Mandai Shell.
It turned out to be Coach Blackie! =p
Meet Glenise, Raphael, Winston and Stacy at Mandai Shell.
As usual, we started debating on which route to take.
While Glenise and Raphael wanted to do Kranji, most of us opted for Bukit Timah.
More tips from Coach Blackie.
Alternate between small and big chainrings during training.
Use big chainrings for races.
A bit demoralising for me to hear that his latest disciple lost 5kg just by riding!!!
How come I do not lose that much weight during rides? =(
Before we knew it, the ride begins.
Only a handful turn right, while most of us took the leisurely left turn. =)
Not used to the pace, I decided to chiong in front and pull the group.
Only managed to pull the group until KJE Flyover where the rest of the group got stopped by the red light.
Decided to do a slow spin while waiting for the group to catch up.
When the group still did not appear after I reach Ten Mile Junction, I decided to pull in front and ride with Carol.
Sometimes it does surprise me how riders like Carol ride without shades.
Dun the wind sting their eyes when they ride?
Along Bukit Timah, I started to pull ahead.
Noticed Carol and another rider taking my draft. =)
We parted ways at LongHouse.
Took the windy Old Upper Thomson Road home.
*-*-*
Continental Tires.
I am beginning to like this set of Continental Tires a lot.
As compared to my old tires, these tires is very slick.
With its narrow thread-less front tire, it is very easy to maneuver.
While its wide rear tire provide the stability and grip that you require.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Cheap Thrill
Manage to change the battery for the Nike+ Sensor successfully!
Need a lot of delicate touches, but I manage to do it! =)
Test it and it is working perfectly. =D
Need a lot of delicate touches, but I manage to do it! =)
Test it and it is working perfectly. =D
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Cycling 27th July 2008
Not feeling sleepy and having put the kids to bed for their afternoon nap, I decided to go out for a spin.
Intended to do one loop of Mandai and see how it works out.
The traffic was pretty heavy, so it wasn't easy for me to filter right for the turn into Mandai Road.
Decided to turn left and cycle towards Yishun Dam and make a U-turn.
While cycling along Mandai Road, saw that there are two long stretches of road undergoing construction.
Only one lane is passable to traffic.
Took the Marsiling route home.
After 30km, my legs are still feeling fresh.
I am beginning to feel that it is the glasses giving me the energy, cos I am beginning to think that I can ride like the endorser himself. =)
Intended to do one loop of Mandai and see how it works out.
The traffic was pretty heavy, so it wasn't easy for me to filter right for the turn into Mandai Road.
Decided to turn left and cycle towards Yishun Dam and make a U-turn.
While cycling along Mandai Road, saw that there are two long stretches of road undergoing construction.
Only one lane is passable to traffic.
Took the Marsiling route home.
After 30km, my legs are still feeling fresh.
I am beginning to feel that it is the glasses giving me the energy, cos I am beginning to think that I can ride like the endorser himself. =)
Mizuno Wave Run
I almost changed the title to Mizuno Wave Walk-A-Jog, till something happens during the last 2km. So read on... =)
Woke up at 5am and had my breakfast.
Intended to reach the race site around 6:30am so that I can get a good parking spot.
Instead, I was surfing the net and updating my blog when my colleague Seah SMS me @ 6:20am that he is already there!
Quickly washed up and drove to Bedok.
Along TPE, there was a slight drizzle.
Keeping my fingers crossed that it will not rain till the race is over.
Parked at Blk 887 and made the long walk over to TP stadium.
Was surprised that there wasn't any car queues outside TP and the car park ain't crowded at all!
Met Sealboon, Ripley, Brokie, Vincent and my 2 colleagues at the start point.
We estimated 3000+ runners, although the organisers announced 5000+ runners.
It is a one wave start, which I think is sensible as they are utilising the same stretch of road for the last 400m to the Finish line.
Given that there ain't a lot of runners, I dun see much congestion like what the others proclaimed.
The first 3km was good! I ran at a pace of 6:20km/h.
Saw Bananaman30 along the way. Boy, this guy sure can run. He was gone in a flash.
At the 3km mark, PassionRunner and Mashie overtook me. I tried to keep pace with them and failed miserably.
There is a water station at the 3km mark, but there is a long queue, so I din stop for any.
Hoping for another water station 2-3km upstream.
At the 4km mark, things started to go horribly wrong.
I simply ran out of energy. Started to walk and jog.
Try to find my momentum, but it seems to have totally deserted me.
Worst still, coming up at the 5km point is the sand stretch.
I just cannot adapt to running on the sand. It felt slippery.
That kinda explain why I only ran at Bedok Reservoir only once in 2007.
Proceed to run on the grass.
But not much of a trail for me to run on. So I started walking again.
Seeing that the other runners can overtake me while walking, I decided to change strategy.
Tried to out-walk the other walkers, and hopefully runners. =)
For the next 2km, it was pretty fun while I try to out-walk the other participants. Keke.
KcslChin overtook me and I told him to go ahead.
At the 7km mark, queued up for the water.
Boy, these water stations are really under-staffed.
Proceeded to run on the tarmac, but alas the stretch of tarmac ended too soon.
Tried my brisk walking again and caught up with PassionRunner and Mashie at the 8km mark.
Haha, I thought I super slack liao. They are even worse than me. =p
When Mashie decided to walk home at the BR carpark, PassionRunner issued me with a challenge. "Ai chiong mai?"
I just replied "Ok lor!" and the bullet took off.
We kept to a sub 6 minute pace throughout the entire run to the finish line.
It was tough, but it was fun.
After the fiasco last year, it was a pleasant surprise this year.
The organisers have truly redeemed themselves.
With the fewer number of participants, the blessed weather and the unexpected company during the last 2km, it was truly an enjoyable run.
They even have proper tentage laid out for the baggage collection.
Tried to look for the SGRunners group, but did not find them in the stands.
While walking to the tracks to get more NeWater, spotted the guys sitting at the D-ring.
While the others left soon after, I chat with Eliza while we wait for the lucky draw.
Chey, not much excitement there. They will notify the winners of the lucky draw even if he/she is not present.
Proceed to have lunch before proceeding home.
Woke up at 5am and had my breakfast.
Intended to reach the race site around 6:30am so that I can get a good parking spot.
Instead, I was surfing the net and updating my blog when my colleague Seah SMS me @ 6:20am that he is already there!
Quickly washed up and drove to Bedok.
Along TPE, there was a slight drizzle.
Keeping my fingers crossed that it will not rain till the race is over.
Parked at Blk 887 and made the long walk over to TP stadium.
Was surprised that there wasn't any car queues outside TP and the car park ain't crowded at all!
Met Sealboon, Ripley, Brokie, Vincent and my 2 colleagues at the start point.
We estimated 3000+ runners, although the organisers announced 5000+ runners.
It is a one wave start, which I think is sensible as they are utilising the same stretch of road for the last 400m to the Finish line.
Given that there ain't a lot of runners, I dun see much congestion like what the others proclaimed.
The first 3km was good! I ran at a pace of 6:20km/h.
Saw Bananaman30 along the way. Boy, this guy sure can run. He was gone in a flash.
At the 3km mark, PassionRunner and Mashie overtook me. I tried to keep pace with them and failed miserably.
There is a water station at the 3km mark, but there is a long queue, so I din stop for any.
Hoping for another water station 2-3km upstream.
At the 4km mark, things started to go horribly wrong.
I simply ran out of energy. Started to walk and jog.
Try to find my momentum, but it seems to have totally deserted me.
Worst still, coming up at the 5km point is the sand stretch.
I just cannot adapt to running on the sand. It felt slippery.
That kinda explain why I only ran at Bedok Reservoir only once in 2007.
Proceed to run on the grass.
But not much of a trail for me to run on. So I started walking again.
Seeing that the other runners can overtake me while walking, I decided to change strategy.
Tried to out-walk the other walkers, and hopefully runners. =)
For the next 2km, it was pretty fun while I try to out-walk the other participants. Keke.
KcslChin overtook me and I told him to go ahead.
At the 7km mark, queued up for the water.
Boy, these water stations are really under-staffed.
Proceeded to run on the tarmac, but alas the stretch of tarmac ended too soon.
Tried my brisk walking again and caught up with PassionRunner and Mashie at the 8km mark.
Haha, I thought I super slack liao. They are even worse than me. =p
When Mashie decided to walk home at the BR carpark, PassionRunner issued me with a challenge. "Ai chiong mai?"
I just replied "Ok lor!" and the bullet took off.
We kept to a sub 6 minute pace throughout the entire run to the finish line.
It was tough, but it was fun.
After the fiasco last year, it was a pleasant surprise this year.
The organisers have truly redeemed themselves.
With the fewer number of participants, the blessed weather and the unexpected company during the last 2km, it was truly an enjoyable run.
They even have proper tentage laid out for the baggage collection.
Tried to look for the SGRunners group, but did not find them in the stands.
While walking to the tracks to get more NeWater, spotted the guys sitting at the D-ring.
While the others left soon after, I chat with Eliza while we wait for the lucky draw.
Chey, not much excitement there. They will notify the winners of the lucky draw even if he/she is not present.
Proceed to have lunch before proceeding home.
Spinning Dancer
The Right Brain vs Left Brain Test.
If you see dancer rotating clockwise, you are right-brained (creative),
counter-clockwise, left-brained (logical).
I did this test some time ago. Cannot remember which direction it was.
Had no intention of doing it again.
Till something interesting happen this afternoon when I saw the picture again.
Every blink of the eye, the dancer changes direction!
Amazing eh. =)
I Had a Dream
I had this dream for a very long time.
It is like watching a slow movie, cos all the dreams seems connected.
I woke up at times , breaking out in cold sweat, cos most of these dreams are actually nightmares.
Although I cannot remember much of the dream, I do recall snippets of it.
Hopefully it has reached its conclusion now.
I finally know what the whole dream is about.
It has something to do with pollution and how human kind is driven underground to escape it.
I do not watch much sci-fi, so I do not know why my dream turns out to be one.
But I do watch a lot of documentaries on Discovery Channel and it did show quite a bit of natural disasters.
On Saturday, it was showing China suffering from sandstorms averaging ten times a year.
It claimed the lives of 47 students who were walking home from school.
I am still pretty amazed how the brain works.
Why I am having this dream playing out at night over the past year or so...
It is like watching a slow movie, cos all the dreams seems connected.
I woke up at times , breaking out in cold sweat, cos most of these dreams are actually nightmares.
Although I cannot remember much of the dream, I do recall snippets of it.
Hopefully it has reached its conclusion now.
I finally know what the whole dream is about.
It has something to do with pollution and how human kind is driven underground to escape it.
I do not watch much sci-fi, so I do not know why my dream turns out to be one.
But I do watch a lot of documentaries on Discovery Channel and it did show quite a bit of natural disasters.
On Saturday, it was showing China suffering from sandstorms averaging ten times a year.
It claimed the lives of 47 students who were walking home from school.
I am still pretty amazed how the brain works.
Why I am having this dream playing out at night over the past year or so...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
...
Dunno what to say anymore.
Slept through the alarm clock for the sixth straight day.
2 weeks of little exercise. Tomorrow's Mizuno Wave Run will be ... =(
Slept through the alarm clock for the sixth straight day.
2 weeks of little exercise. Tomorrow's Mizuno Wave Run will be ... =(
Friday, July 25, 2008
Old-Fashioned
Call me old-fashioned, but I do not know what to make of the situation when I heard this on Class FM95.0.
SMS from a lady :
I never believe that my hubby will be unfaithful to me until I strayed.
I have one message for my hubby.
"If you ever stray, please dun let me find out. Use protection... Protect yourself and protect me."
SMS from a lady :
I never believe that my hubby will be unfaithful to me until I strayed.
I have one message for my hubby.
"If you ever stray, please dun let me find out. Use protection... Protect yourself and protect me."
Sleepy Head
For five consecutive days, I slept through the alarm clock buzzer at 4.30am.
So there goes my train ride for the week... =(
Just imagine I pump up my tires every 3 days, hoping that I will be riding the next morning.
So there goes my train ride for the week... =(
Just imagine I pump up my tires every 3 days, hoping that I will be riding the next morning.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Road is Long
One way to improve my running is by doing mid-foot strike.
Heel strike waste too much energy and time.
Melvin has suggested that I take up Chi Running.
It took him 3 months to get used to it and he never look back since.
He figures that it should solve my bad knee problem too.
And better timing for the runs too!
I have tried Chi Running a few times. But it is just too tough and the calves hurt like mad.
One other way to learn mid-foot strike? Zoot M Ultra Race!
I tried this pair of shoes before and it does feel pretty comfortable, minus the hard carbon sole which stretch from mid foot to the heel.
I din bought it back then, cos I am a heel striker, so this pair of shoes won't fit me.
But it seems like a lot of triathletes got this pair of shoes and slowly change their running style.
Should I get the shoes?
*-*-*
Muscles weigh twice as much as fats, but take up half the space.
Most people say I look like 80+ kg.
So why do I weigh in at 100kg?
Heel strike waste too much energy and time.
Melvin has suggested that I take up Chi Running.
It took him 3 months to get used to it and he never look back since.
He figures that it should solve my bad knee problem too.
And better timing for the runs too!
I have tried Chi Running a few times. But it is just too tough and the calves hurt like mad.
One other way to learn mid-foot strike? Zoot M Ultra Race!
I tried this pair of shoes before and it does feel pretty comfortable, minus the hard carbon sole which stretch from mid foot to the heel.
I din bought it back then, cos I am a heel striker, so this pair of shoes won't fit me.
But it seems like a lot of triathletes got this pair of shoes and slowly change their running style.
Should I get the shoes?
*-*-*
Muscles weigh twice as much as fats, but take up half the space.
Most people say I look like 80+ kg.
So why do I weigh in at 100kg?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Batman : The Dark Knight
I have not seen a full length Batman Movie before, so I cannot make comparisons.
I do not like movies that spent most of its time in darkness.
Overall, not a bad movie.
Just that I always tends to turn away from the screen whenever The Joker put the knife to the victim's mouth.
The Joker played by Heath Ledger really does gives one the creeps.
I do not like movies that spent most of its time in darkness.
Overall, not a bad movie.
Just that I always tends to turn away from the screen whenever The Joker put the knife to the victim's mouth.
The Joker played by Heath Ledger really does gives one the creeps.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Retrenchment
Monday Blues...
One colleague of mine "So after this migration, you are finished?"
I din catch the hint. So he repeated "I mean.... literally finished!"
Mister, dun you think you are being insensitive?
*-*-*
At night, I was talking to Joker.
He starts digging deeper and deeper into the details of the retrenchment.
Mate, I know your kind intentions.
But retrenchment isn't something that anyone hopes to really talk about.
As much as I dislike telling it to you in the face, I really do not wanna talk about it.
So dun hate me, okay. No bad blood hor... =)
The retrenchment is a certain fact, just that the date is still uncertain.
I am retrenched, not because of my work performance but due to the business model that my new company adopts.
My heart literally sunk last year when I heard the news that my company was being acquired.
I know what is the outcome, cos that is what my previous company (IT Outsourcing) does.
One colleague of mine "So after this migration, you are finished?"
I din catch the hint. So he repeated "I mean.... literally finished!"
Mister, dun you think you are being insensitive?
*-*-*
At night, I was talking to Joker.
He starts digging deeper and deeper into the details of the retrenchment.
Mate, I know your kind intentions.
But retrenchment isn't something that anyone hopes to really talk about.
As much as I dislike telling it to you in the face, I really do not wanna talk about it.
So dun hate me, okay. No bad blood hor... =)
The retrenchment is a certain fact, just that the date is still uncertain.
I am retrenched, not because of my work performance but due to the business model that my new company adopts.
My heart literally sunk last year when I heard the news that my company was being acquired.
I know what is the outcome, cos that is what my previous company (IT Outsourcing) does.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Trilympics
After the ride, I washed up and proceed to Toa Payoh Stadium for the Trilympics.
Waited till 9am before I proceed to the spinning tent to start my spinning.
Haha, first time I step onto a spinner, dun even know how to operate it.
Luckily the volunteers are around to assist.
Keep a constant 110 rpm for the entire session.
Initially I thought I was good, as my distance clocked is incrementing faster than the other guys.
Only later, I realise that I am actually looking at the time! *Faint*
If that is not bad enough.
I still think I am way ahead of the JJC students who are pedalling just as fast as me, but clocked less mileage.
At the end of the 1 hour session, when the trainers asked the participants to record their distance either in kilometers or miles, did it occur to me that the students are actually using spinners which is recording the distances in miles. *Faint faint*
How blur can I get! :p
After the event, we proceeded to Youth Park to collect our Mizuno Wave Run race pack.
Signed up for the race cos the organisers apologised for the big foul-up last year.
Hope we are not disappointed.
The race pack is a promising start. Instead of a shoe bag, we have a small sling bag. (Similar to the SCSM 2006 one).
See ya guys on Sunday!
Waited till 9am before I proceed to the spinning tent to start my spinning.
Haha, first time I step onto a spinner, dun even know how to operate it.
Luckily the volunteers are around to assist.
Keep a constant 110 rpm for the entire session.
Initially I thought I was good, as my distance clocked is incrementing faster than the other guys.
Only later, I realise that I am actually looking at the time! *Faint*
If that is not bad enough.
I still think I am way ahead of the JJC students who are pedalling just as fast as me, but clocked less mileage.
At the end of the 1 hour session, when the trainers asked the participants to record their distance either in kilometers or miles, did it occur to me that the students are actually using spinners which is recording the distances in miles. *Faint faint*
How blur can I get! :p
After the event, we proceeded to Youth Park to collect our Mizuno Wave Run race pack.
Signed up for the race cos the organisers apologised for the big foul-up last year.
Hope we are not disappointed.
The race pack is a promising start. Instead of a shoe bag, we have a small sling bag. (Similar to the SCSM 2006 one).
See ya guys on Sunday!
7 More Weeks
The biggest event on Jodan's race calendar is gonna happen in 7 weeks' time and I am nowhere near prepared for it.
I know my greatest obstacle now is my nutrition plan.
113km is a long distance and my Olympic Distance diet just won't sustain the distance.
I have to start getting serious about Energy Drinks and PowerGels.
Ok... now to tackle the race section by section.
Swim... Having gone through 5 Olympic Distance swims, I know how I should fare.
I should be able to make the cut off time of 1hour 10minutes.
Bike... Targetting 3hrs and 30mins for the entire cycling leg.
But to achieve this target, it will mean a lot of hard work for the next 7 weeks.
A lot of long rides.
After the century ride, I know that extra 10km makes a whole lot of difference.
(Looks like my comfort zone for bike is 75km and run is 13km. Maybe it is psychological, but I have yet to breach both barriers!)
The aim is to complete the swim and bike as fast as possible and still have a good pair of legs to do the run.
Targetted a 3:30hr run based on my two 21km timing. (3:15hr and 2:55hr).
I know my greatest obstacle now is my nutrition plan.
113km is a long distance and my Olympic Distance diet just won't sustain the distance.
I have to start getting serious about Energy Drinks and PowerGels.
Ok... now to tackle the race section by section.
Swim... Having gone through 5 Olympic Distance swims, I know how I should fare.
I should be able to make the cut off time of 1hour 10minutes.
Bike... Targetting 3hrs and 30mins for the entire cycling leg.
But to achieve this target, it will mean a lot of hard work for the next 7 weeks.
A lot of long rides.
After the century ride, I know that extra 10km makes a whole lot of difference.
(Looks like my comfort zone for bike is 75km and run is 13km. Maybe it is psychological, but I have yet to breach both barriers!)
The aim is to complete the swim and bike as fast as possible and still have a good pair of legs to do the run.
Targetted a 3:30hr run based on my two 21km timing. (3:15hr and 2:55hr).
Sunday, July 20, 2008
DisIllusioned
Been a week since I did any form of exercise.
Needless to say, cycling is my choice of exercise on a Sunday morning.
Knowing that there is no morning train today, I decided to do a solo ride.
Along Mandai Road, I think I am flying.
Maybe it is the new set of wheels or maybe it is just the fresh legs which has not done 1 week of training.
After Mandai Shell, I am feeling very discouraged.
I cannot sustain the speed that I had done before and it is a mere 10km only. What happen?!?!
It is turning out to be a disaster!
I need to cycling for 90km and still have enough energy to run 21km, but a week of rest have brought my energy level down so badly.
What happen if I cannot train before the race?
I literally struggle the rest of the distance home and decided against going for another round of 20km. =(
Used the low speed to test my aero bars.
My confidence is nil. I cannot even get my right hand onto the aerobar position.
The fear of losing control of the brakes just set alarms buzzing off in my head!
Tried the drop bars. Again, the fear of not able to reach the brakes allows me only seconds in the drop bar position.
Probably need to wear running shoes and tried those aerobars and drop bar positions again before the BIG race.
====
Oh... the Continental tires really works as they are advertised to do.
I feel less rolling resistance. (My old tires tends to stick to the ground a lot!)
Steering is very slick! Have to get used to it.
Just a slight wrist movement will take you on your intended path.
(Meaning to say, you have to be careful out if you are riding with one hand, cos it is VERY easy to lose control.)
Needless to say, cycling is my choice of exercise on a Sunday morning.
Knowing that there is no morning train today, I decided to do a solo ride.
Along Mandai Road, I think I am flying.
Maybe it is the new set of wheels or maybe it is just the fresh legs which has not done 1 week of training.
After Mandai Shell, I am feeling very discouraged.
I cannot sustain the speed that I had done before and it is a mere 10km only. What happen?!?!
It is turning out to be a disaster!
I need to cycling for 90km and still have enough energy to run 21km, but a week of rest have brought my energy level down so badly.
What happen if I cannot train before the race?
I literally struggle the rest of the distance home and decided against going for another round of 20km. =(
Used the low speed to test my aero bars.
My confidence is nil. I cannot even get my right hand onto the aerobar position.
The fear of losing control of the brakes just set alarms buzzing off in my head!
Tried the drop bars. Again, the fear of not able to reach the brakes allows me only seconds in the drop bar position.
Probably need to wear running shoes and tried those aerobars and drop bar positions again before the BIG race.
====
Oh... the Continental tires really works as they are advertised to do.
I feel less rolling resistance. (My old tires tends to stick to the ground a lot!)
Steering is very slick! Have to get used to it.
Just a slight wrist movement will take you on your intended path.
(Meaning to say, you have to be careful out if you are riding with one hand, cos it is VERY easy to lose control.)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Bintan Triathlon Certficate
Just received my Bintan Triathlon Certficate.
The stats for the race is as such...
Swim : 38m 18s
T1 : 2m 52s
Bike : 1h 31m 28s
T2 : 2m 48s
Run : 1 h 33m 28s
Overall Gun Timing : 3h 48m 56s
Gender Placement : 368
Group Placement : 108
The stats for the race is as such...
Swim : 38m 18s
T1 : 2m 52s
Bike : 1h 31m 28s
T2 : 2m 48s
Run : 1 h 33m 28s
Overall Gun Timing : 3h 48m 56s
Gender Placement : 368
Group Placement : 108
Triathlon Checklist
Triathlon Race Checklist
Swim
1. Tri Suit
2. Goggles (Bring extra goggles)
3. Swim Cap (it will be in your registration pack)
4. ChampionChip
Bike
1. Bike
2. Helmet
3. Bike Shoes
4. Sunglasses
5. Water Bottles with Energy Replacement Fluids (Fill 'em before the start)
6. Energy Gel or Snacks
7. Biking Gloves
8. Spare Tube, Tire Levers, CO2 or/and Hand Pump
9. Race Number on Race Belt
10. Trash Bag to cover the Bike overnight
11. Socks
12. Foot Pump
13. AeroDrink
14. Hydration Pack
Run
1. Race shoes with quick laces
2. Cap or Visor
3. Energy gel or snack
Other
1. Rain Cover
2. Sun Screen
3. Bag (Remember to store in the appropriate place)
4. Extra Energy Gels, Snacks and Pre-Race Drinks
5. Sandals for Post Race
6. Change of Clothes for Post Race
7. Shower Foam for Post Race
8. Lubricant or Anti-Chafe (Body Glide)
9. Towel
10. Ear Plugs
11. Wrist ID
12. Garmin ForeRunner x05
13. Cough Drops
14. Nasal Inhaler
15. Deep Heat
Courtesy of Aviva Ironman Singapore 70.3
Swim
1. Tri Suit
2. Goggles (Bring extra goggles)
3. Swim Cap (it will be in your registration pack)
4. ChampionChip
Bike
1. Bike
2. Helmet
3. Bike Shoes
4. Sunglasses
5. Water Bottles with Energy Replacement Fluids (Fill 'em before the start)
6. Energy Gel or Snacks
7. Biking Gloves
8. Spare Tube, Tire Levers, CO2 or/and Hand Pump
9. Race Number on Race Belt
10. Trash Bag to cover the Bike overnight
11. Socks
12. Foot Pump
13. AeroDrink
14. Hydration Pack
Run
1. Race shoes with quick laces
2. Cap or Visor
3. Energy gel or snack
Other
1. Rain Cover
2. Sun Screen
3. Bag (Remember to store in the appropriate place)
4. Extra Energy Gels, Snacks and Pre-Race Drinks
5. Sandals for Post Race
6. Change of Clothes for Post Race
7. Shower Foam for Post Race
8. Lubricant or Anti-Chafe (Body Glide)
9. Towel
10. Ear Plugs
11. Wrist ID
12. Garmin ForeRunner x05
13. Cough Drops
14. Nasal Inhaler
15. Deep Heat
Courtesy of Aviva Ironman Singapore 70.3
Grr.....
Post my last entry at 2am.
Went back to sleep and slept through the alarm clock till 8am!!!
Haiz, my dumb idea of 70km is down the drain liao =(
Went back to sleep and slept through the alarm clock till 8am!!!
Haiz, my dumb idea of 70km is down the drain liao =(
A Hectic Week
Finally, have some time to rest.
Din even had time to sit down and have a drink for the whole week.
Just started clearing up all the OSIM Triathlon stuff after a week.
Hmm... still glad that OSIM Triathlon is finally completed.
Stella was playing with the Finisher's medal and the medal separated from the ribbon.
Almost crushed her tiny foot.
Going back to biking soon...
Din even had time to sit down and have a drink for the whole week.
Just started clearing up all the OSIM Triathlon stuff after a week.
Hmm... still glad that OSIM Triathlon is finally completed.
Stella was playing with the Finisher's medal and the medal separated from the ribbon.
Almost crushed her tiny foot.
Going back to biking soon...
Friday, July 18, 2008
Marriage Passbook
Jocelyn married William this day.
At the end of the wedding party, Jocelyn's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook. With $1000 deposit amount.
Mother: 'Jocelyn, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in.
Write down what it's about next to the line. The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with William. When you look back after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'
Jocelyn shared this with William when getting home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be made.
This was what they did after certain time:
- 7 Feb: $100, first birthday celebration for William after marriage
- 1 Mar: $300, salary raise for Jocelyn
- 20 Mar: $200, vacation trip to Bali
- 15 Apr: $2000, Jocelyn got pregnant
- 1 Jun: $1000, William got promoted
.
.
.
.
..... and so on...
However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nasty people in the world.... no more love...
Kind of typical nowadays, huh?
One day Jocelyn talked to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how I decided to marry this guy!!!'
Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first. Remember the saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'
Jocelyn thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue and planning to cancel the account.
While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home.
When she was home, she handed the passbook to William, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.
The next day, William gave the passbook back to Jocelyn. She found a new deposit of $5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happieness you've brought me.'
They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe.
Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru all the good years in their life.
At the end of the wedding party, Jocelyn's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook. With $1000 deposit amount.
Mother: 'Jocelyn, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in.
Write down what it's about next to the line. The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with William. When you look back after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'
Jocelyn shared this with William when getting home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be made.
This was what they did after certain time:
- 7 Feb: $100, first birthday celebration for William after marriage
- 1 Mar: $300, salary raise for Jocelyn
- 20 Mar: $200, vacation trip to Bali
- 15 Apr: $2000, Jocelyn got pregnant
- 1 Jun: $1000, William got promoted
.
.
.
.
..... and so on...
However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nasty people in the world.... no more love...
Kind of typical nowadays, huh?
One day Jocelyn talked to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how I decided to marry this guy!!!'
Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first. Remember the saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'
Jocelyn thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue and planning to cancel the account.
While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home.
When she was home, she handed the passbook to William, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.
The next day, William gave the passbook back to Jocelyn. She found a new deposit of $5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happieness you've brought me.'
They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe.
Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru all the good years in their life.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Plagiarism
Saw this on Mr Brown's link.
Gosh, plagiarism on national TV. Adopted as NDP video somemore.
Really shameful of the media company who came up with this video.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Singapore Marathon Mailer
Just received the Singapore Marathon mailer today.
I am still having second thoughts.
Much as I want to do the Full Marathon this year, I know I am not ready for it.
I do not think that I will ever be ready for the distance.
The full distance is just too daunting.
I have not reached my target weight loss.
In fact, I put on weight since SCSM 2007 and has not shed any weight since.
Should I just stick to triathlons and forsake marathons?
I am still having second thoughts.
Much as I want to do the Full Marathon this year, I know I am not ready for it.
I do not think that I will ever be ready for the distance.
The full distance is just too daunting.
I have not reached my target weight loss.
In fact, I put on weight since SCSM 2007 and has not shed any weight since.
Should I just stick to triathlons and forsake marathons?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Two Days after OSIM Triathlon
My right calf is still very tight.
Haha, the only thing I am afraid is that the calf muscle will cramp while driving. Eeks!!!
Haha, the only thing I am afraid is that the calf muscle will cramp while driving. Eeks!!!
Monday, July 14, 2008
OSIM Triathlon Results
Swim : 47m 55s (98/163, 60.12%)
Bike : 1h 25m 46s (89/159, 55.97%)
Run : 1 h 20m 24s (150/159, 94.34%)
Overall Gun Timing : 3h 34m 03s
Age Group Olympic Distance Male Triathlon Finishers
Group Placement : 125 / 159 (78.6%)
Bike : 1h 25m 46s (89/159, 55.97%)
Run : 1 h 20m 24s (150/159, 94.34%)
Overall Gun Timing : 3h 34m 03s
Age Group Olympic Distance Male Triathlon Finishers
Group Placement : 125 / 159 (78.6%)
OSIM Triathlon 2008
Mentally, this is my worst prepared race.
I din even feel like packing the race gear at all.
Only start packing my gear the night before. (Something which I am not accustomed to.)
I guess the entire week has not really gone well.
Things looks like falling apart.
But I will be strong and weather the storm.
Woke up, feeling pretty down.
Took my time to prepare for the trip.
Reached race site at 9:05am.
Was astonished to see the entire transition area near empty!
Where the hell is everyone? I thought I bo-chup, looks like the girls (whose race are starting in an hour's time) are worse!
Start to take out my race pack and started pasting the helmet stickers.
Was so frustrated with the helmet stickers that I threw them to the ground and stared at them!
Must have astonished Melvin, who was chatting away with me the whole time. =p
When I finally got it done, I opened a pack of SportsBeans and started to eat.
Why? Nothing better to do lor.
Went to down lots of isotonic drinks and had our body marking.
Wow, the organisers are trying to emulate Aviva Ironman 70.3 by adopting the number stamps.
But better looking than the hand drawn ones.
Went to take a look at the elites finishing their race.
What!!! Top 7 places for the Aussies? What happen to the ROW(Rest of the World)?
Is this the Aussie Triathlon or Singapore Triathlon!
Next is the first U-23 Elite guy, who is showboating by going on a victory lap before crossing the finish line. Gosh! Took him another 3-4 minutes before he decided to step onto the finish mat.
Mok Ying Ren came in another 3 minutes later.
Had more isotonic drinks and went to the Start Line to stretch.
As per Jodan's tradition, I din get into the sea for any warm-up.
The wave is kept to a very small group. (Was told that each wave is only 100 swimmers. Interesting!)
Wished each other's good luck and we were flagged off at 11am.
The swim towards the first buoy is okay, but I dun understand why my distance from the lane rope is increasing although I am swimming towards the buoy.
After crossing the second buoy, the realisation stuck!
The choppy waves is causing the 250m swim to shore a real chore.
You seems to be stuck at the same location for a long time.
Split time of 23 mins for the first lap. Not too bad, considering the amount of effort I put in during that last third of the distance.
Did the short run to the swim entry.
Took a good look towards the first buoy.
Wah! The rope has been pushed taut by the waves that it actually forms a U shape!
How much more distance did I actually clocked the swim?
The swim to the first buoy is identical to the first lap, I am probably swimming 10m away from the rope the whole time.
Turning towards shore after the second buoy, I was not prepared for the sight that greeted me.
The remaining swim leg is filled with swimmers of different colored swim caps!
What is happening? Too tired to think, I just concentrated on making my way back to shore.
25 mins for the second lap. Hmm... not too bad.
Just then, my right calf muscle started to seize. Ouch, this is not going well.
Walked a bit.
Luckily, the strain went away as I make my way into the transition area.
I was so tired that I decided to put on my toe socks at T1.
Proceed to slowly eat a pack of SportsBeans.
How slow? Eating one bean at a time, how does that sounds? =D
After finishing the pack, I am seriously wondering what to do next...
Picking up the bike, I walked slowly to the bike mounting point.
An inner voice started talking to me as I mount the bike.
"This is your strongest discipline. Dun let yourself down!"
I recall Atomic's SMS : "Destroy the field with your bike split."
Thanks , mate. I will try my best. =)
On the bike, the right calf started to cramp again. Oh no...not now...
Again, I was lucky that the cramp went away after a while.
I am starting to curse Google Calendar!!! It was supposed to prompt me to take my Salt Water the evening before. Somehow, the reminder never pops up! Grr...
Keep sipping on my hydration pack before I realised that I have 3.5 laps more to go...
Started to conserve the precious water.
At the first turn on the second bike leg, heard someone shouting "Jodan", but I do not dare to look.
I know the consequences of such a peek.
Saw Fennel bending over the signboard snapping away. Still as pro as ever. =)
Feeling so much better during the second lap, I decide to kaypoh about the other riders.
Check the gears of every riders I past.
"Smaller gears if you can." "Bigger gears, you are going up a slope."
I hope they understand what I am trying to say.
Right now, my terms of gears belong to the rear , chainrings belongs in front.
Finished my AeroDrink just after the U-turn point at Changi Coastal Road junction.
Cham... hopefully what is left in my hydration pack can last me for the next 2.5 laps.
Got past by Gugugaga on the third lap.
Boy, this Florida-bound chap is really flying...
Decided to gave chase.
Geez, I have slacked Big Time! I am able to keep up with his pace!!!
Decide to drop off after a while...cos I still got my most hated discipline ahead.
Started to zoned out during the fourth leg on the bike.
Just wanted to get this over and done with. Tried to finish the rest of the water and succeeded. Yeah! Haha!
There was a queue dismounting at the end of the bike leg.
Wished that they had bigger lanes for dismounting.
Tried to run into the transition, but only succeeded in doing so for 5m.
Got overtook by tons of people.
Hooked up my bike and took off my helmet (Read : Tribob Sprint Duathlon)
Next off is the gloves. (Read : SAAB City Duathlon)
Race tag to the front. (Read : Bintan Triathlon)
Cap on. (Read : Army Half Marathon. Cos I was washing my eyes with my sweat)
Interesting how these memories can come back to haunt you at the most inappropriate time.
Did a head to ankle check to make sure I got everything required.
Tried putting on my left shoe and realised that I cannot really bend my knees.
Quickly slipped the leg in and pulled up the shoe.
Now for the right shoe. Gosh! I cannot even bend my right leg. Cramps sets in!!!
Ease myself to the ground and started massaging the leg. Started cursing Google Calendar again!
When it got better, I put on my right shoe and started for the ramp.
Boy, the run have not started but the fun has began! (@~@)
I am just glad that I put on my toe socks during T1.
Was exclaiming to the participant beside me "The next 10km is gonna be tough for me".
And he smiled "Running sucks, eh?"
Haha, I was thinking, at least I know who is the author behind runningsucks.blogspot.com, else I would have assume it was the ang moh, who has replied me. =) "
Towards East Coast Food Center, heard my name being called out again.
Turned back to take a look, but could not made out the lady waving back to me from among the crowd.
Tied a string on my little finger to remind myself to take a look during my run back.
Nearing the PowerGel booth, I felt stitches on my right side.
Thankfully grabbed a strawberry PowerGel and downed it in one go.
Not long after, things started to go haywire.
Cramps sets in. Stitches sets in. I was literally grabbing my right side while shuffling my feet.
Zipper all the way down and off comes the cap. Two cups of water over my head.
Gosh... I am overheating!!!
The next 1.5km was the worst run that I think I have ever endured.
Walking is more painful, so I resort to a trot.
Reached the U-turn point. 2.5km only? 2.5km per lap?!?!
What is the organisers trying to do? Try to cheat us of another 5km?
This is an international race! How very bold of them to do that!!!
It was another 500m before I got my mathematics worked out right.
The sky open up and I am hoping that the guys still on the bike course will be okay.
Surprisingly, things got better for me during the rain.
As the rain turns into a downpour, I started feeling much better!
The body started to cool down, the stitch and cramp went away.
Amazing eh?
Run-walk the rest of the distance, just hoping to better my Bintan Triathlon running leg timing.
Cross the line and check my timing.
3:34 hours. Not too bad, considering the difficult run.
Haha, ultimately 13 is still a lucky number for me.
The demons of OSIM Triathlon is finally exorcised!!!
I din even feel like packing the race gear at all.
Only start packing my gear the night before. (Something which I am not accustomed to.)
I guess the entire week has not really gone well.
Things looks like falling apart.
But I will be strong and weather the storm.
Woke up, feeling pretty down.
Took my time to prepare for the trip.
Reached race site at 9:05am.
Was astonished to see the entire transition area near empty!
Where the hell is everyone? I thought I bo-chup, looks like the girls (whose race are starting in an hour's time) are worse!
Start to take out my race pack and started pasting the helmet stickers.
Was so frustrated with the helmet stickers that I threw them to the ground and stared at them!
Must have astonished Melvin, who was chatting away with me the whole time. =p
When I finally got it done, I opened a pack of SportsBeans and started to eat.
Why? Nothing better to do lor.
Went to down lots of isotonic drinks and had our body marking.
Wow, the organisers are trying to emulate Aviva Ironman 70.3 by adopting the number stamps.
But better looking than the hand drawn ones.
Went to take a look at the elites finishing their race.
What!!! Top 7 places for the Aussies? What happen to the ROW(Rest of the World)?
Is this the Aussie Triathlon or Singapore Triathlon!
Next is the first U-23 Elite guy, who is showboating by going on a victory lap before crossing the finish line. Gosh! Took him another 3-4 minutes before he decided to step onto the finish mat.
Mok Ying Ren came in another 3 minutes later.
Had more isotonic drinks and went to the Start Line to stretch.
As per Jodan's tradition, I din get into the sea for any warm-up.
The wave is kept to a very small group. (Was told that each wave is only 100 swimmers. Interesting!)
Wished each other's good luck and we were flagged off at 11am.
The swim towards the first buoy is okay, but I dun understand why my distance from the lane rope is increasing although I am swimming towards the buoy.
After crossing the second buoy, the realisation stuck!
The choppy waves is causing the 250m swim to shore a real chore.
You seems to be stuck at the same location for a long time.
Split time of 23 mins for the first lap. Not too bad, considering the amount of effort I put in during that last third of the distance.
Did the short run to the swim entry.
Took a good look towards the first buoy.
Wah! The rope has been pushed taut by the waves that it actually forms a U shape!
How much more distance did I actually clocked the swim?
The swim to the first buoy is identical to the first lap, I am probably swimming 10m away from the rope the whole time.
Turning towards shore after the second buoy, I was not prepared for the sight that greeted me.
The remaining swim leg is filled with swimmers of different colored swim caps!
What is happening? Too tired to think, I just concentrated on making my way back to shore.
25 mins for the second lap. Hmm... not too bad.
Just then, my right calf muscle started to seize. Ouch, this is not going well.
Walked a bit.
Luckily, the strain went away as I make my way into the transition area.
I was so tired that I decided to put on my toe socks at T1.
Proceed to slowly eat a pack of SportsBeans.
How slow? Eating one bean at a time, how does that sounds? =D
After finishing the pack, I am seriously wondering what to do next...
Picking up the bike, I walked slowly to the bike mounting point.
An inner voice started talking to me as I mount the bike.
"This is your strongest discipline. Dun let yourself down!"
I recall Atomic's SMS : "Destroy the field with your bike split."
Thanks , mate. I will try my best. =)
On the bike, the right calf started to cramp again. Oh no...not now...
Again, I was lucky that the cramp went away after a while.
I am starting to curse Google Calendar!!! It was supposed to prompt me to take my Salt Water the evening before. Somehow, the reminder never pops up! Grr...
Keep sipping on my hydration pack before I realised that I have 3.5 laps more to go...
Started to conserve the precious water.
At the first turn on the second bike leg, heard someone shouting "Jodan", but I do not dare to look.
I know the consequences of such a peek.
Saw Fennel bending over the signboard snapping away. Still as pro as ever. =)
Feeling so much better during the second lap, I decide to kaypoh about the other riders.
Check the gears of every riders I past.
"Smaller gears if you can." "Bigger gears, you are going up a slope."
I hope they understand what I am trying to say.
Right now, my terms of gears belong to the rear , chainrings belongs in front.
Finished my AeroDrink just after the U-turn point at Changi Coastal Road junction.
Cham... hopefully what is left in my hydration pack can last me for the next 2.5 laps.
Got past by Gugugaga on the third lap.
Boy, this Florida-bound chap is really flying...
Decided to gave chase.
Geez, I have slacked Big Time! I am able to keep up with his pace!!!
Decide to drop off after a while...cos I still got my most hated discipline ahead.
Started to zoned out during the fourth leg on the bike.
Just wanted to get this over and done with. Tried to finish the rest of the water and succeeded. Yeah! Haha!
There was a queue dismounting at the end of the bike leg.
Wished that they had bigger lanes for dismounting.
Tried to run into the transition, but only succeeded in doing so for 5m.
Got overtook by tons of people.
Hooked up my bike and took off my helmet (Read : Tribob Sprint Duathlon)
Next off is the gloves. (Read : SAAB City Duathlon)
Race tag to the front. (Read : Bintan Triathlon)
Cap on. (Read : Army Half Marathon. Cos I was washing my eyes with my sweat)
Interesting how these memories can come back to haunt you at the most inappropriate time.
Did a head to ankle check to make sure I got everything required.
Tried putting on my left shoe and realised that I cannot really bend my knees.
Quickly slipped the leg in and pulled up the shoe.
Now for the right shoe. Gosh! I cannot even bend my right leg. Cramps sets in!!!
Ease myself to the ground and started massaging the leg. Started cursing Google Calendar again!
When it got better, I put on my right shoe and started for the ramp.
Boy, the run have not started but the fun has began! (@~@)
I am just glad that I put on my toe socks during T1.
Was exclaiming to the participant beside me "The next 10km is gonna be tough for me".
And he smiled "Running sucks, eh?"
Haha, I was thinking, at least I know who is the author behind runningsucks.blogspot.com, else I would have assume it was the ang moh, who has replied me. =) "
Towards East Coast Food Center, heard my name being called out again.
Turned back to take a look, but could not made out the lady waving back to me from among the crowd.
Tied a string on my little finger to remind myself to take a look during my run back.
Nearing the PowerGel booth, I felt stitches on my right side.
Thankfully grabbed a strawberry PowerGel and downed it in one go.
Not long after, things started to go haywire.
Cramps sets in. Stitches sets in. I was literally grabbing my right side while shuffling my feet.
Zipper all the way down and off comes the cap. Two cups of water over my head.
Gosh... I am overheating!!!
The next 1.5km was the worst run that I think I have ever endured.
Walking is more painful, so I resort to a trot.
Reached the U-turn point. 2.5km only? 2.5km per lap?!?!
What is the organisers trying to do? Try to cheat us of another 5km?
This is an international race! How very bold of them to do that!!!
It was another 500m before I got my mathematics worked out right.
The sky open up and I am hoping that the guys still on the bike course will be okay.
Surprisingly, things got better for me during the rain.
As the rain turns into a downpour, I started feeling much better!
The body started to cool down, the stitch and cramp went away.
Amazing eh?
Run-walk the rest of the distance, just hoping to better my Bintan Triathlon running leg timing.
Cross the line and check my timing.
3:34 hours. Not too bad, considering the difficult run.
Haha, ultimately 13 is still a lucky number for me.
The demons of OSIM Triathlon is finally exorcised!!!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Continental Attack Force
I know it is not common for bloggers to highlight their purchases online.
But I guess I am just different. ;p
Truly last minute, I reached Chapter2Cycle at 5.30pm.
Told Ben I need tires urgently.
He asked me for my preference.
Top on my list is Continental Grand Prix 4000.
Unfortunately, it is out of stock.
Options are Ultra, Triathlon or Attack Force.
As much as I hate not being to get my hands on a pair of Continental GP4000, I have no choice but to settle for second best, Continental Attack Force.
The technology behind Attack Force is pretty interesting.
Attack Force has different dimensions for its front and rear tires.
Front tire (Attack) has good braking and excellent cornering stability, while
Rear tire (Force) provides great power transmission and better puncture protection.
Downside for the Continental Attack Force tires is that it does not utilise Vectran (used in GP4000 tires) for its breaker belt which would have provide me with better puncture protection, higher mileage, anti-aging compound, zero moisture absorption, excellent fatigue performance, improved dimensional stability and is five times stronger than steel!!! (Take a look at Gentle's tire (GP 4000) and you will know what I mean. He has clocked 4,000km on his set of tires, and it still looks brand new!!!)
Continental Attack Force binds the nylon fabric tighter to serve as its breaker belt.
Technology aside, I have Ben made a few minor adjustments and I hope to be ready for the big race tomorrow.
Took the bike for a spin after I reached home.
Geez, never thought that ride comfort will change so much on a different set of tires.
One, a springier ride.
Two, better cornering. Haha, you tends to get bolder after each turn, cos the tires really grip very well.
Three, lower rolling resistance.
Okay, more on my tire experiences after the race! =)
But I guess I am just different. ;p
Truly last minute, I reached Chapter2Cycle at 5.30pm.
Told Ben I need tires urgently.
He asked me for my preference.
Top on my list is Continental Grand Prix 4000.
Unfortunately, it is out of stock.
Options are Ultra, Triathlon or Attack Force.
As much as I hate not being to get my hands on a pair of Continental GP4000, I have no choice but to settle for second best, Continental Attack Force.
The technology behind Attack Force is pretty interesting.
Attack Force has different dimensions for its front and rear tires.
Front tire (Attack) has good braking and excellent cornering stability, while
Rear tire (Force) provides great power transmission and better puncture protection.
Downside for the Continental Attack Force tires is that it does not utilise Vectran (used in GP4000 tires) for its breaker belt which would have provide me with better puncture protection, higher mileage, anti-aging compound, zero moisture absorption, excellent fatigue performance, improved dimensional stability and is five times stronger than steel!!! (Take a look at Gentle's tire (GP 4000) and you will know what I mean. He has clocked 4,000km on his set of tires, and it still looks brand new!!!)
Continental Attack Force binds the nylon fabric tighter to serve as its breaker belt.
Technology aside, I have Ben made a few minor adjustments and I hope to be ready for the big race tomorrow.
Took the bike for a spin after I reached home.
Geez, never thought that ride comfort will change so much on a different set of tires.
One, a springier ride.
Two, better cornering. Haha, you tends to get bolder after each turn, cos the tires really grip very well.
Three, lower rolling resistance.
Okay, more on my tire experiences after the race! =)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Truly Jinxed!!!
Did a check on my bike...
My front tyre is busted!
I really hope I have time to go down to the LBS and get it fixed.
Either way, it is not gonna be good.
Dun fix, chances of tube bursting is super high!
Change tyres and use it on race day, it is a super huge risk!
I am keeping my fingers crossed now. See what plans or remedies I can concoct tomorrow.
My front tyre is busted!
I really hope I have time to go down to the LBS and get it fixed.
Either way, it is not gonna be good.
Dun fix, chances of tube bursting is super high!
Change tyres and use it on race day, it is a super huge risk!
I am keeping my fingers crossed now. See what plans or remedies I can concoct tomorrow.
Jinxed
Looked like I am gonna to have trouble completing my OSIM International Triathlon.
Last year, I could not take part due to the bike accident.
Since Wednesday, I am down with flu and back pain.
The medicine does not seems to help much.
I am still having body aches right now.
The body feels weak.
Will I be able to take part in the race this Sunday?
Last year, I could not take part due to the bike accident.
Since Wednesday, I am down with flu and back pain.
The medicine does not seems to help much.
I am still having body aches right now.
The body feels weak.
Will I be able to take part in the race this Sunday?
Kids
Two of my friends have gunning for a second kid and I am so happy for them.
In fact, one of them is already pregnant and is expecting her child around end August.
Their plans initially is to have just one. But as the first child grew up, they notice how lonely the kid is. Cousins and classmates are great, but they do not always fit the whole equation.
*-*-*
Call me kaypoh or/and straight-forward, but that is me.
I tends to pop the question about kids to my friends quite often.
When you hear the answers, so can be quite shocking.
But I do not interfere or act like a wise old man, as everyone lives their own life.
But here are just some of the things that you may have heard.
"We do not wish to have kids." - I notice a trend, but I shall not discuss it here.
"We wanna make sure we have enough, before we plan for a kid" - How does one define enough?
"We drop the kid at my mum's place on Monday and pick her up on Friday" - First time you hear it, it shocks you. But not anymore.
In fact, one of them is already pregnant and is expecting her child around end August.
Their plans initially is to have just one. But as the first child grew up, they notice how lonely the kid is. Cousins and classmates are great, but they do not always fit the whole equation.
*-*-*
Call me kaypoh or/and straight-forward, but that is me.
I tends to pop the question about kids to my friends quite often.
When you hear the answers, so can be quite shocking.
But I do not interfere or act like a wise old man, as everyone lives their own life.
But here are just some of the things that you may have heard.
"We do not wish to have kids." - I notice a trend, but I shall not discuss it here.
"We wanna make sure we have enough, before we plan for a kid" - How does one define enough?
"We drop the kid at my mum's place on Monday and pick her up on Friday" - First time you hear it, it shocks you. But not anymore.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I Is A Girl
"I is a girl."
"You is a boy."
A grammatical mistake that most toddlers made.
While we can easily teach them that one is, many are, it is not easy for them to understand why they need to say "I am" and "You are".
As time goes by, they will accept it as part of the English Language, but how do we explain to a kid why we are using the terms as such.
*-*-*
As parents , we always wanted to provide the best for our kids.
So did we fail in any way? I do not think so.
My friend send her daughter to Montessori and Shichida at a tender age of 2.
So does makes my kids any inferior? No.
You probably heard about kids going for piano, ballet and phonetics lessons even before they step into kindergarten.
The learning process is long, so do we really need to deprive the kids of their childhood?
"You is a boy."
A grammatical mistake that most toddlers made.
While we can easily teach them that one is, many are, it is not easy for them to understand why they need to say "I am" and "You are".
As time goes by, they will accept it as part of the English Language, but how do we explain to a kid why we are using the terms as such.
*-*-*
As parents , we always wanted to provide the best for our kids.
So did we fail in any way? I do not think so.
My friend send her daughter to Montessori and Shichida at a tender age of 2.
So does makes my kids any inferior? No.
You probably heard about kids going for piano, ballet and phonetics lessons even before they step into kindergarten.
The learning process is long, so do we really need to deprive the kids of their childhood?
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Cycling 8th July 2008
A month before China Olympics 2008.
A day to exorcise the demons. A year ago, I got a horrible bike accident training.
So this morning, it was with a wary heart that I went for my bike ride.
Having done so many morning rides, I do not expect anything different, but you never know what to expect.
In fact, looking back at the incident a year ago, it was the unexpected that caught me by surprise.
One, I never expect a primary school premise to be so crowded at 9pm at night.
Two, I have never expect a kid on the bike to dash out onto the road.
Three, I have not expect the kid to stop in the middle of the road.
Anyway, let bygones be bygones, the damage is done and nothing can reverse that.
Woke up at 4.30am, the sky keep lighting up.
But it is one of those days, that I din expect it to rain.
So I throw caution to the wind and went through my regular routine to prep for my ride.
Never had I imagine how fast the ride would be today.
Just passed the Mandai-Yishun junction, the front riders was onto me.
There is no way I am going to keep that pace for the entire Mandai stretch, so I let the whole group through and continue at my own pace.
The legs are feeling good.
There is no reminder of the pain that I have gone through on Saturday.
Reaching Mandai Shell, I was surprised that the whole group was waiting for me!!! Thanks guys!
All of the riders turn right.
It was a slow and controlled ride from Mandai Shell.
I am surprised as today is termed as Sprint Tuesday.
Somewhere along Neo Tiew, there was a breakaway and I am left with 3 other riders.
The other 3 riders took turns to pull the group while I stayed at the rear sucking on their wheels.
I know I am selfish, but knowing my weakness in sustaining pace, I decide not to slow down the group.
Along Lim Chu Kang Road, I was struggling to keep up and start to lose the group.
One of the riders saw me and slow down for me.
Turns out to be Coach Blackie.
"Small chainrings", Blackie said.
I proceed to shift to a lower gear. ie. smaller gears.
Blackie falls back behind me to observe and proceed to correct my mistake.
Riding alongside me, Blackie asked "Triathlete or Time Trialist?"
On knowing that I am triathlete, Blackie said "The more you should use small chainrings. Big chainrings only build bigger thighs. More muscles, but nothing to improve your speed."
(I hope I quote Blackie correctly. Dun wanna spoil his reputation.)
(Had a check with Joyce later. She recommended using both chainrings during training too.)
I apologise to Blackie for not pulling the group, but he is fine with that. *Phew*
He rode with me to end of Lim Chu Kang, before we parted ways and I proceed on my way home.
Along Mandai Road, there was a slight drizzle and I am glad that I am probably only 5km away from home.
Reaching Yishun, I realised that I have just escaped the rain. The roads are all wet.
This is gonna to be a good day for me. =)
A day to exorcise the demons. A year ago, I got a horrible bike accident training.
So this morning, it was with a wary heart that I went for my bike ride.
Having done so many morning rides, I do not expect anything different, but you never know what to expect.
In fact, looking back at the incident a year ago, it was the unexpected that caught me by surprise.
One, I never expect a primary school premise to be so crowded at 9pm at night.
Two, I have never expect a kid on the bike to dash out onto the road.
Three, I have not expect the kid to stop in the middle of the road.
Anyway, let bygones be bygones, the damage is done and nothing can reverse that.
Woke up at 4.30am, the sky keep lighting up.
But it is one of those days, that I din expect it to rain.
So I throw caution to the wind and went through my regular routine to prep for my ride.
Never had I imagine how fast the ride would be today.
Just passed the Mandai-Yishun junction, the front riders was onto me.
There is no way I am going to keep that pace for the entire Mandai stretch, so I let the whole group through and continue at my own pace.
The legs are feeling good.
There is no reminder of the pain that I have gone through on Saturday.
Reaching Mandai Shell, I was surprised that the whole group was waiting for me!!! Thanks guys!
All of the riders turn right.
It was a slow and controlled ride from Mandai Shell.
I am surprised as today is termed as Sprint Tuesday.
Somewhere along Neo Tiew, there was a breakaway and I am left with 3 other riders.
The other 3 riders took turns to pull the group while I stayed at the rear sucking on their wheels.
I know I am selfish, but knowing my weakness in sustaining pace, I decide not to slow down the group.
Along Lim Chu Kang Road, I was struggling to keep up and start to lose the group.
One of the riders saw me and slow down for me.
Turns out to be Coach Blackie.
"Small chainrings", Blackie said.
I proceed to shift to a lower gear. ie. smaller gears.
Blackie falls back behind me to observe and proceed to correct my mistake.
Riding alongside me, Blackie asked "Triathlete or Time Trialist?"
On knowing that I am triathlete, Blackie said "The more you should use small chainrings. Big chainrings only build bigger thighs. More muscles, but nothing to improve your speed."
(I hope I quote Blackie correctly. Dun wanna spoil his reputation.)
(Had a check with Joyce later. She recommended using both chainrings during training too.)
I apologise to Blackie for not pulling the group, but he is fine with that. *Phew*
He rode with me to end of Lim Chu Kang, before we parted ways and I proceed on my way home.
Along Mandai Road, there was a slight drizzle and I am glad that I am probably only 5km away from home.
Reaching Yishun, I realised that I have just escaped the rain. The roads are all wet.
This is gonna to be a good day for me. =)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Been delivered pretty bad news today.
I am surprised how well I am taking the news.
Maybe the reality have not sink in yet.
Or I am overly optimistic.
I believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I am surprised how well I am taking the news.
Maybe the reality have not sink in yet.
Or I am overly optimistic.
I believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Under Repair
My body is in self-repair mode right now.
The century ride has taken a huge toll on the body.
I guess you can never experience it till you have actually done it.
I have done quite a few long rides (>75km), but I am feeling fine after each ride.
Right now, my body is aching all over.
I am trying to chase after my nose and get it to stop running.
The day is seemingly longer as I tried to carry on my daily tasks.
Clock hands, please turn faster.
The century ride has taken a huge toll on the body.
I guess you can never experience it till you have actually done it.
I have done quite a few long rides (>75km), but I am feeling fine after each ride.
Right now, my body is aching all over.
I am trying to chase after my nose and get it to stop running.
The day is seemingly longer as I tried to carry on my daily tasks.
Clock hands, please turn faster.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Electronic Shifters
Nice shifters!!!
Shifters are operable through both the handle bars and aero bars.
Downside of it? It is battery operated. =)
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Shifters are operable through both the handle bars and aero bars.
Downside of it? It is battery operated. =)
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Garmin Training Center / Google Earth
Just installed Garmin Training Center (GTC) on the new laptop, but after 2 days of fiddling with MalSingMaps, I just could not get it to run within GTC.
Googling for answers turn up empty.
Did a check on the GTC version. The newer 2008 version is 3.4.3, while the older 2007 version is 3.3.2.
It is quite a safe bet to say that the newer version does not allows non-Garmin authorised maps to be loaded.
Anyone can confirm that?
The default Garmin map has more details than the previous version, but not as detailed as those maps that MalSingMaps provide.
I know that SportTracks do provide a better map, but I like GTC for its laps breakdown , which include the route taken for that specific lap.
-*-*-
GTC has an option to allow users to upload the route onto Google Earth (GE).
I did not use Google Earth previously cos GE loads too slowly.
While trying GE today, I am pleasantly surprised.
Not only does GE loads much faster, it also provides me with a 3D view of the route.
Having a bird's eye view of your century ride is definitely a cool thing to do. =)
Googling for answers turn up empty.
Did a check on the GTC version. The newer 2008 version is 3.4.3, while the older 2007 version is 3.3.2.
It is quite a safe bet to say that the newer version does not allows non-Garmin authorised maps to be loaded.
Anyone can confirm that?
The default Garmin map has more details than the previous version, but not as detailed as those maps that MalSingMaps provide.
I know that SportTracks do provide a better map, but I like GTC for its laps breakdown , which include the route taken for that specific lap.
-*-*-
GTC has an option to allow users to upload the route onto Google Earth (GE).
I did not use Google Earth previously cos GE loads too slowly.
While trying GE today, I am pleasantly surprised.
Not only does GE loads much faster, it also provides me with a 3D view of the route.
Having a bird's eye view of your century ride is definitely a cool thing to do. =)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
While You Are Sleeping
Woke up this morning and lie in bed waiting for the alarm clock to go off.
After waiting for a long time, I figured that something is wrong and took a glance at the alarm clock.
Gosh! 5:37AM liao!!!
Haiz, have to miss today's ride again.
Tried to went back to sleep, but couldn't.
What can I do?
Hang on, I just need to do the LongHouse loop and reach LongHouse by 7am, right?
Achievable? Why not? =)
Quickly wash up, gulp down a snack size Snickers and off I go.
Along Mandai Road, saw half a snake with its guts spilt all over the road.
Wonder what happen to the other half *?!
Passing Mandai Hill Camp, I am elated.
Not being swarmed by crazy spinners means that I can ride at my own pace. Yeah!
Along Lornie Road, 2 riders started to pull away from me.
This normally dun bug me, but somehow the word "proficiency" keep coming up and I decided to gave chase.
From 300m, I manage to make it a respectable 30m before we hit LongHouse. =p
(Wah, a look at my training log... I clocked an average speed of 39km/h just chasing the 2 buggers 0_o)
Reached LongHouse at 7:01am. Haha, what more can you ask for. =)
ANZA is still there, so there is no JoyRiders clearance yet.
After ANZA moves off around 7:10am, the train is still not moving.
Everyone is waiting for someone to start the ball rolling. =/
Without Joyce around, there is no deputy to call the shots.
(Err... actually there is. WildCat should be the de-facto deputy, but he is just starting on his breakfast. 0_o)
When the train starts its engine at 7:20am, I start off at the back of the pack and got dropped. =9
Turning right into Yio Chu Kang Road, I notice that there is a 2nd pack of cyclists coming out from OUTR.
Ohh...so that are really practicing the safer option of crossing this crazy traffic junction.
After the Lentor Avenue junction, the real hard work begins.
These jokers are crazy.
We are averaging 34-37 km/h for much of the distance.
Stuck at the traffic junction on the Punggol Flyover, I lose the group.
Cycling along Punggol Road, I am like a lost sheep.
Out of nowhere, I heard a "Turn right ahead!"
It is WildCat. Thanks, mate.
I got no idea why he is behind me, but I am just glad that he is there.
The next command is "Take my draft!", which I gladly obliged.
Through Punggol, Sengkang and Hougang, I stay in his slipstream.
We din manage to catch the faster group, so I guess it is just the 2 of us all the way to East Coast Park.
Along Old Tampines Road, the whole gang caught up with us.
No clue as to why we are faster than the other riders, but I know my drafting days are over.
The ride kicked into high gear again.
I was able to keep a constant cadence, but the inconsistent speed of the last 2 cyclists is really affecting my performance.
Into Tampines Industrial Park Lane 5, I finally give up and decide to go at my own pace.
As I am reaching the Tampines-Pasir Ris crossing under the TPE Flyover, I got caught by the red traffic light and I knew it is end game for me.
There is no way I can catch the guys anymore.
Choose my own route through the Loyang Industrial Park shortcut and onto Changi Coastal Road.
Was reflecting on the sweet and sour memories of Sundown Marathon when a plane overhead disrupt my thoughts.
It is definitely nice to sit there and watch the planes fly overhead.
When the kids are older, I will bring them here to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere.
With just 2 snack size Snickers bar for breakfast, my legs are starting to cramp.
The speed strips are only making matters worse.
With all the pavements to the Park Connector locked, I have no choice but to stay on the road.
Halfway along Changi Coastal Road, I got lucky and onto the Park Connector I go. =)
Took the route directly to East Coast Park.
Cycling past CarPark F2, I was impressed by the way Tribob conducted the OSIM Triathlon training clinic.
It is a far cry from the one conducted by Synergy Performance last year.
I would say that it is definitely worth the $9-$12 that the participants are paying for.
They have proper tentage and bike racks. In fact, the layout looks like an actual triathlon event.
way to go, Tribob.
Cycling towards Carpark E2, TAS is already setting up the transistion area.
Spotted our poster gal, Roonz along the way.
Reaching the food center, I slowed down and start to unclip, while peering into the food center.
Un-clip right, look left. It is a disaster waiting to happen.
No prize for guessing what happen next.
Other than a scratched left shifter, everything else is pretty much okay.
The food center is pretty empty.
I am worried that the guys have left already.
Ahh... there they are. In a corner of the food center.
Most of them had their drinks already and are just staying on to rest those tired legs.
Had 2 soya bean drinks and nasi lemak, while chatting with Cookie and JK_Han.
Had wanted to go back and checked out the Tribob training clinic, but got jio-ed to do the ride home instead.
Took Fort Road-Lavender-Novena to Joyce's house to collect JK_Han's JoyRiders jersey.
Winnie and a few other guys are already there. Haha, Joyce was not ready for the whole group of us.
She has expected a quiet morning. But I guess it is always nice to have some vistors while you are "in jail". =p
Chatted for a while before JK_Han and I made our way home.
This is where things started to get nasty.
While I am still pretty much in control and very alert, the cramps are hitting me all over the body.
Up Prata Hill, I had a hard time breathing.
Every breathe I took, my entire torso starts to hurt.
It is as though someone has tied a cloth around my torso and tightening it with every breathe.
Laboured my way till SLE Flyover and things started getting better.
Spoke to JK_Han about it and both of us are pretty relieved that we are reaching home soon.
The torso cramps come again while we are ascending Sembawang Hills and I ask JK_Han to go ahead.
He waited for me at the Mandai-Yishun junction before we continued on our way home. Thanks, JK.
After waiting for a long time, I figured that something is wrong and took a glance at the alarm clock.
Gosh! 5:37AM liao!!!
Haiz, have to miss today's ride again.
Tried to went back to sleep, but couldn't.
What can I do?
Hang on, I just need to do the LongHouse loop and reach LongHouse by 7am, right?
Achievable? Why not? =)
Quickly wash up, gulp down a snack size Snickers and off I go.
Along Mandai Road, saw half a snake with its guts spilt all over the road.
Wonder what happen to the other half *?!
Passing Mandai Hill Camp, I am elated.
Not being swarmed by crazy spinners means that I can ride at my own pace. Yeah!
Along Lornie Road, 2 riders started to pull away from me.
This normally dun bug me, but somehow the word "proficiency" keep coming up and I decided to gave chase.
From 300m, I manage to make it a respectable 30m before we hit LongHouse. =p
(Wah, a look at my training log... I clocked an average speed of 39km/h just chasing the 2 buggers 0_o)
Reached LongHouse at 7:01am. Haha, what more can you ask for. =)
ANZA is still there, so there is no JoyRiders clearance yet.
After ANZA moves off around 7:10am, the train is still not moving.
Everyone is waiting for someone to start the ball rolling. =/
Without Joyce around, there is no deputy to call the shots.
(Err... actually there is. WildCat should be the de-facto deputy, but he is just starting on his breakfast. 0_o)
When the train starts its engine at 7:20am, I start off at the back of the pack and got dropped. =9
Turning right into Yio Chu Kang Road, I notice that there is a 2nd pack of cyclists coming out from OUTR.
Ohh...so that are really practicing the safer option of crossing this crazy traffic junction.
After the Lentor Avenue junction, the real hard work begins.
These jokers are crazy.
We are averaging 34-37 km/h for much of the distance.
Stuck at the traffic junction on the Punggol Flyover, I lose the group.
Cycling along Punggol Road, I am like a lost sheep.
Out of nowhere, I heard a "Turn right ahead!"
It is WildCat. Thanks, mate.
I got no idea why he is behind me, but I am just glad that he is there.
The next command is "Take my draft!", which I gladly obliged.
Through Punggol, Sengkang and Hougang, I stay in his slipstream.
We din manage to catch the faster group, so I guess it is just the 2 of us all the way to East Coast Park.
Along Old Tampines Road, the whole gang caught up with us.
No clue as to why we are faster than the other riders, but I know my drafting days are over.
The ride kicked into high gear again.
I was able to keep a constant cadence, but the inconsistent speed of the last 2 cyclists is really affecting my performance.
Into Tampines Industrial Park Lane 5, I finally give up and decide to go at my own pace.
As I am reaching the Tampines-Pasir Ris crossing under the TPE Flyover, I got caught by the red traffic light and I knew it is end game for me.
There is no way I can catch the guys anymore.
Choose my own route through the Loyang Industrial Park shortcut and onto Changi Coastal Road.
Was reflecting on the sweet and sour memories of Sundown Marathon when a plane overhead disrupt my thoughts.
It is definitely nice to sit there and watch the planes fly overhead.
When the kids are older, I will bring them here to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere.
With just 2 snack size Snickers bar for breakfast, my legs are starting to cramp.
The speed strips are only making matters worse.
With all the pavements to the Park Connector locked, I have no choice but to stay on the road.
Halfway along Changi Coastal Road, I got lucky and onto the Park Connector I go. =)
Took the route directly to East Coast Park.
Cycling past CarPark F2, I was impressed by the way Tribob conducted the OSIM Triathlon training clinic.
It is a far cry from the one conducted by Synergy Performance last year.
I would say that it is definitely worth the $9-$12 that the participants are paying for.
They have proper tentage and bike racks. In fact, the layout looks like an actual triathlon event.
way to go, Tribob.
Cycling towards Carpark E2, TAS is already setting up the transistion area.
Spotted our poster gal, Roonz along the way.
Reaching the food center, I slowed down and start to unclip, while peering into the food center.
Un-clip right, look left. It is a disaster waiting to happen.
No prize for guessing what happen next.
Other than a scratched left shifter, everything else is pretty much okay.
The food center is pretty empty.
I am worried that the guys have left already.
Ahh... there they are. In a corner of the food center.
Most of them had their drinks already and are just staying on to rest those tired legs.
Had 2 soya bean drinks and nasi lemak, while chatting with Cookie and JK_Han.
Had wanted to go back and checked out the Tribob training clinic, but got jio-ed to do the ride home instead.
Took Fort Road-Lavender-Novena to Joyce's house to collect JK_Han's JoyRiders jersey.
Winnie and a few other guys are already there. Haha, Joyce was not ready for the whole group of us.
She has expected a quiet morning. But I guess it is always nice to have some vistors while you are "in jail". =p
Chatted for a while before JK_Han and I made our way home.
This is where things started to get nasty.
While I am still pretty much in control and very alert, the cramps are hitting me all over the body.
Up Prata Hill, I had a hard time breathing.
Every breathe I took, my entire torso starts to hurt.
It is as though someone has tied a cloth around my torso and tightening it with every breathe.
Laboured my way till SLE Flyover and things started getting better.
Spoke to JK_Han about it and both of us are pretty relieved that we are reaching home soon.
The torso cramps come again while we are ascending Sembawang Hills and I ask JK_Han to go ahead.
He waited for me at the Mandai-Yishun junction before we continued on our way home. Thanks, JK.
Friday, July 4, 2008
More Ramblings
I must admit that I have write more than I run. =p
Have been waking up at 4.30am or earlier every morning for the past 3 weeks.
Tried to go for a ride or run, but not being an adrenaline junkie, it is pretty hard to psyche myself to do so.
When I finally got out of the house, it is always the bike that tags along, not the K14....
Even getting the "Feel Good" factor after both the Punggol Central Run and Pearl Izumi Pure Run 12km din help at all!!!
I just told myself that I need to rest on Monday and Tuesday for the legs to recover.
So much for recovery. =p
The other excuse that I keep coming out with is that I do not want to injure myself before OSIM Triathlon next Sunday. =p
Putting that aside, I think I will definitely have to come out with some plan to do more runs after July 13th...
Have been waking up at 4.30am or earlier every morning for the past 3 weeks.
Tried to go for a ride or run, but not being an adrenaline junkie, it is pretty hard to psyche myself to do so.
When I finally got out of the house, it is always the bike that tags along, not the K14....
Even getting the "Feel Good" factor after both the Punggol Central Run and Pearl Izumi Pure Run 12km din help at all!!!
I just told myself that I need to rest on Monday and Tuesday for the legs to recover.
So much for recovery. =p
The other excuse that I keep coming out with is that I do not want to injure myself before OSIM Triathlon next Sunday. =p
Putting that aside, I think I will definitely have to come out with some plan to do more runs after July 13th...
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Cycling 2nd July 2008
I have always been thankful to my family for all their support, so that I can pursue my sporting interests.
Being verbal about it is very important. And I never stop doing that. =)
Carrying the bike today was tough.
The front of the bike weigh a ton.
Still cannot understand why an extra bottle can add so much weight to the bike.
Only when I am out on the roads, did it occur to me that the extra weight is due to the AeroDrink Holder that I have just installed. =p
Waking up at 3.30am, I am expecting an easy ride to Mandai Shell.
In fact, I took it so easy that the guys from LongHouse caught me again after Mandai Hill Camp.
Once again, it is a madness spinning > 40km/h to Mandai Shell.
Can feel that the pistons are working overtime, but they are raring to go and we reached Mandai Shell in pretty good time.
As eight knights rode towards Neo Tiew, I decided to do the short loop this morning.
It was a quiet ride, where everyone seems to be concentrating on the butt of the front rider. =p
As I am turning left into Dunearn Road, I notice that most of the riders actually took the Clementi Flyover.
Too bad, I could not do this slightly longer route.
Onto Dunearn Road, I only heard "See ya, Jin" and the front riders switched to turbo mode!!!
With Jin, Stefano and Judith all doing a slow pace, I decided to hang on to these 3 screamers.
We were all hanging on tight until the momentum was disrupted by a red traffic light.
After the traffic light, the legs refuse to cooperate anymore and I am riding all alone.
Stefano and Judith caught up and I started to draft them. =p
Along Lornie Road , we overtook 3 female riders.
After all the perspiration, it is nice to smell some perfume. =)
As Sefano and Judith continue towards Braddell Road, I made my way to Longhouse.
Reaching Longhouse, I finally realise why I never see any riders at 6:10am.
It is a working day, so the faster riders won't stop over.
Those riders who could start work later, opt to do the Clementi Flyover.
Finished my drink and took the air-con route home.
Being verbal about it is very important. And I never stop doing that. =)
Carrying the bike today was tough.
The front of the bike weigh a ton.
Still cannot understand why an extra bottle can add so much weight to the bike.
Only when I am out on the roads, did it occur to me that the extra weight is due to the AeroDrink Holder that I have just installed. =p
Waking up at 3.30am, I am expecting an easy ride to Mandai Shell.
In fact, I took it so easy that the guys from LongHouse caught me again after Mandai Hill Camp.
Once again, it is a madness spinning > 40km/h to Mandai Shell.
Can feel that the pistons are working overtime, but they are raring to go and we reached Mandai Shell in pretty good time.
As eight knights rode towards Neo Tiew, I decided to do the short loop this morning.
It was a quiet ride, where everyone seems to be concentrating on the butt of the front rider. =p
As I am turning left into Dunearn Road, I notice that most of the riders actually took the Clementi Flyover.
Too bad, I could not do this slightly longer route.
Onto Dunearn Road, I only heard "See ya, Jin" and the front riders switched to turbo mode!!!
With Jin, Stefano and Judith all doing a slow pace, I decided to hang on to these 3 screamers.
We were all hanging on tight until the momentum was disrupted by a red traffic light.
After the traffic light, the legs refuse to cooperate anymore and I am riding all alone.
Stefano and Judith caught up and I started to draft them. =p
Along Lornie Road , we overtook 3 female riders.
After all the perspiration, it is nice to smell some perfume. =)
As Sefano and Judith continue towards Braddell Road, I made my way to Longhouse.
Reaching Longhouse, I finally realise why I never see any riders at 6:10am.
It is a working day, so the faster riders won't stop over.
Those riders who could start work later, opt to do the Clementi Flyover.
Finished my drink and took the air-con route home.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
HELP! The Door Won't Open
Standing in front of the car door, I pressed the "Open" button.
There is the familiar "beep beep" sound, but the door remains locked.
Pressing it a few more times, still the same "beep beep" sound, but the door just won't budge.
Tried to use the key to open the door, gosh... the key won't even fit.
Quickly went upstairs to grab the spare key.
Shoot, still the same problem...
Cham lah, what can I do now!!!
Took a few deep breaths.
Ok. Time to call in for urgent leave liao.
Wait Wait Wait... Hang on...
Hmm, when did my sister put that cute little teddy bear on the dashboard?
Ohh... Did I park in the 2nd parking lot or the 3rd one?
Geez, what a blunder.... =p
Hehe, that is the problem of owning the best-selling car in Singapore. =p
There is the familiar "beep beep" sound, but the door remains locked.
Pressing it a few more times, still the same "beep beep" sound, but the door just won't budge.
Tried to use the key to open the door, gosh... the key won't even fit.
Quickly went upstairs to grab the spare key.
Shoot, still the same problem...
Cham lah, what can I do now!!!
Took a few deep breaths.
Ok. Time to call in for urgent leave liao.
Wait Wait Wait... Hang on...
Hmm, when did my sister put that cute little teddy bear on the dashboard?
Ohh... Did I park in the 2nd parking lot or the 3rd one?
Geez, what a blunder.... =p
Hehe, that is the problem of owning the best-selling car in Singapore. =p
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