Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Bicycle for Sean
Dated 27th July 2008
Shannon build a bicycle from her construction set.
She show it to her mummy and proudly mentioned "Mummy, I build a bicycle for Sean di di." =)
Shannon build a bicycle from her construction set.
She show it to her mummy and proudly mentioned "Mummy, I build a bicycle for Sean di di." =)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sean
Sean announced that he is arriving soon at 2am!
We drove down to Thomson Medical Center at 6am.
The ever notorious Ang Mo Kio 'red light' district is cooperating today and we have a pleasant drive.
When we reach TMC, the car park is already full!?!?!
Approaching the admissions counter, we are ninth in the queue.
Gosh, what is happening?
Ah... I guess it is the date. 28082008. Nice number.
The Customer Service Officer initially thought we have chosen the date.
They know that have a busy day ahead of them.
She commented that a week ago, 20082008 was also a busy day for them. =)
Sean finally arrives at 9am this morning. =)
Daddy and Mummy is going to have many happy sleepless nights. =)
We drove down to Thomson Medical Center at 6am.
The ever notorious Ang Mo Kio 'red light' district is cooperating today and we have a pleasant drive.
When we reach TMC, the car park is already full!?!?!
Approaching the admissions counter, we are ninth in the queue.
Gosh, what is happening?
Ah... I guess it is the date. 28082008. Nice number.
The Customer Service Officer initially thought we have chosen the date.
They know that have a busy day ahead of them.
She commented that a week ago, 20082008 was also a busy day for them. =)
Sean finally arrives at 9am this morning. =)
Daddy and Mummy is going to have many happy sleepless nights. =)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The End is Near
The wait is ending.
My kid is due very soon.
The end is near as well.
My tenure at my workplace is ending soon.
Having a flood of bills flowing in these few days had me in a mixed mood....
Negative thoughts aside, I am getting pretty excited.
Nine months of wait.
3rd-time dad, but the anxiety and excitement is always there.
My kid is due very soon.
The end is near as well.
My tenure at my workplace is ending soon.
Having a flood of bills flowing in these few days had me in a mixed mood....
Negative thoughts aside, I am getting pretty excited.
Nine months of wait.
3rd-time dad, but the anxiety and excitement is always there.
Olympic Heroines
Watch a talk show featuring our very own table tennis stars.
The journey is really hard for Li Jiawei and Feng Tianwei. Got to admire their grit.
Catch it here.
The journey is really hard for Li Jiawei and Feng Tianwei. Got to admire their grit.
Catch it here.
全能悄妈妈
12 working mums, 37 children.
This shows does not aptly reflect Singapore fertility rate of 1.14, but I have a good time watching the show.
Catch it every Tuesday from 8pm to 9pm.
Army Half Marathon Official Results
Chip Time : 03:33:45 hours
Gun Start : 03:38:33 hours
I am placed 5002 out of 5099 Men's Open Finishers.
That places me among the last 2% of the runners to complete the race.
Gun Start : 03:38:33 hours
I am placed 5002 out of 5099 Men's Open Finishers.
That places me among the last 2% of the runners to complete the race.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Beijing Olympics 2008 : One World One Dream
What an Olympics!
Started by watching the Olympics Games Opening Ceremony.
It is a mind-blowing performance. Truly out of this world.
A benchmark that the future Olympics host countries will find it tough to surpass.
The 29 fireworks foot prints symbolise the 29th Olympic Games that Beijing is currently hosting.
I was going like "Wow! They are able to make the footprints looks so real!"
The rest of the performance were simply awesome.
I personally like the one that have the "skyscraper" boxes going through the routines.
It amazes me how they choreographs the moves as the men inside the boxes will have no idea what the person besides them is doing.
First race that I caught on television is the nail-biting 4x100m Freestyle Men's Relay.
Only his second race and Michael Phelps is in danger of losing the eight gold medal chase when Jason Lezak dives in a full body length behind Alain Bernard, the world record holder at the 100m freestyle distance.
With only 25m to go, it is amazing to watch how Lezak manage to pull off the feat to finish ahead of Bernard.
Watching the Butterfly 100m Heats, it seems like the US swimmers Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker are under the weather.
Both men qualify for the Butterfly 100m semi-finals though.
Watching the Butterfly 100m Final, one would have thought that Michael Phelps has failed to equal Mark Spitz record of seven goal medals, only to have the scoreboard shows that Michael Phelps touched the board 0.01 second ahead of Milorad Cavic.
Slow motion replay shows that Phelps extra half stroke was the deciding factor.
It helps Phelps propel slightly ahead while Cavic is still gliding towards the finish.
This race reminded me of Anthony Nesty, the Surinamese swimmer who won the 100m Butterfly gold medal during the 1988 Summer Olympics.
He out-touch the then-darling of the pool, Matt Bondi by 0.01 second.
Slow motion replay shows that Nesty extra half stroke was the deciding factor too!
That race has commentators scrambling for the world atlas, trying to figure out where in the world is Surinam.
Anthony Nesty has propel the tiny country onto the world's sporting arena.
On the final day of the swimming competition, Phelps completed his eight gold medals haul.
He is going down in history as the greatest Olympian that the world has set eyes on.
Only 23 years of age, I think he can win more Gold Medals in the future Olympic Games.
Extracted from Wiki
Physical attributes particularly suit Phelps to swimming
Long, thin torso (low drag in the water)
Long arm span - 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) (long, powerful, propulsive "paddles")
His height of 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
Relatively short legs (lower drag, and perhaps the speed enhancement of a hydrofoil)
Size 14 feet (providing the effect of flippers)
Hypermobile ankles that can extend beyond the pointe of a ballet dancer, enabling him to whip his feet (as if they were fins, for maximum thrust through [if not over] the water).
Women's Team Fencing Sabre Gold Medal match
A real thriller to watch.
With China zooming far ahead at one stage, you would have thought that China got the match all wrapped up.
Never under-estimate the resilience of the Ukrainians as they battled it out to win the match by a single point.
Women's Team Table Tennis
Got to watch the Table Tennis semi-finals match between Singapore and South Korea.
Tied at 2 games apiece, the rubber set between Feng Tingwei and Park Mi Young is what stands between Singapore and an Olympic Gold Medal.
A tantalising game which Singapore won to assure ourselves of at least a Olympic Silver Medal.
The Women's Team Table Tennis Gold Medal Match pips Singapore against China.
Most of us have already guess the outcome of the match.
So it is no wonder why everyone is smiling even before the match is over.
Singapore has waited 48 years for our second Olympic medal. Hope we do not have to wait that long for our next Olympic Medal.
Women's Pole Vault.
Such a thrill to watch Elena Isinbaeva. It is like watching a female version of Sergey Bubka.
She came onto the field with only 4 other competitors left.
Captured gold with 2 pole vault attempts. One at 4.7m and another one at 4.85m.
With the gold medal in the bag, her attempt at 4.95m is just a warm-up for her world record attempt of 5.05m.
After 2 failed attempts at breaking the world record, she cocooned herself under her blanket and emerged from under it with 2 minutes to go.
Can see the instant relief and jubilation when she cleared the bar on her third attempt.
She proceeded to do a lap of honour.
Wednesday, 20th August 2008.
A Day to remember.
A Legend is born.
Usian Bolt, the Sprint Sensation.
He is a 200m sprint specialist who took up 100m just because of the Olympics.
4 days ago, he won the 100m Finals in a World Record time of 9.69 seconds, even though he decelerate after 80m!
Today, he won the 200m to secure the 100m and 200m Sprint Double.
But he did it better than Carl Lewis, by winning both races in World Record time!
I guess Michael Johnson's (former 200m World Record Holder) words "Bolt is not ready yet" before the race really spur Bolt on.
The race was a thrill to watch.
Usian Bolt switch on his afterburners and cruise through the finish line in World Record time of 19.30 seconds.
Friday, 22nd August 2008
We witness another spectacular show by the Jamaicans.
Women's 4x100m Relay... They were way ahead of their competitors, but unfortunately they had a very bad changeover which results in their disqualification.
Men's 4x100 Relay! The show everyone is waiting for.
It was a good start. Textbook changeover and soon we see Asafa Powell powering down the straight to cross the finish line in World Record time of 37.10 seconds, erasing a 16-year-old record by 0.3 seconds!
Congratulations, Usian Bolt! That is 3 Gold medals, accompanied by 3 World Records!!
Sunday, 24th August The Closing Ceremony.
After such a memorable opening ceremony, I am pretty excited to see the closing ceremony.
Zhang Yimou did not disappoint and it was a thrill to watch.
The most memorable spectacle of the night is the Memory Tower.
It is 20.7m high, covered entirely with artistes.
A lot of daring acts were performed. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
That concludes Beijing Olympics, an event that costs China USD 44 billion, but have no doubt left a deep impression on everyone.
Started by watching the Olympics Games Opening Ceremony.
It is a mind-blowing performance. Truly out of this world.
A benchmark that the future Olympics host countries will find it tough to surpass.
The 29 fireworks foot prints symbolise the 29th Olympic Games that Beijing is currently hosting.
I was going like "Wow! They are able to make the footprints looks so real!"
The rest of the performance were simply awesome.
I personally like the one that have the "skyscraper" boxes going through the routines.
It amazes me how they choreographs the moves as the men inside the boxes will have no idea what the person besides them is doing.
First race that I caught on television is the nail-biting 4x100m Freestyle Men's Relay.
Only his second race and Michael Phelps is in danger of losing the eight gold medal chase when Jason Lezak dives in a full body length behind Alain Bernard, the world record holder at the 100m freestyle distance.
With only 25m to go, it is amazing to watch how Lezak manage to pull off the feat to finish ahead of Bernard.
Watching the Butterfly 100m Heats, it seems like the US swimmers Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker are under the weather.
Both men qualify for the Butterfly 100m semi-finals though.
Watching the Butterfly 100m Final, one would have thought that Michael Phelps has failed to equal Mark Spitz record of seven goal medals, only to have the scoreboard shows that Michael Phelps touched the board 0.01 second ahead of Milorad Cavic.
Slow motion replay shows that Phelps extra half stroke was the deciding factor.
It helps Phelps propel slightly ahead while Cavic is still gliding towards the finish.
This race reminded me of Anthony Nesty, the Surinamese swimmer who won the 100m Butterfly gold medal during the 1988 Summer Olympics.
He out-touch the then-darling of the pool, Matt Bondi by 0.01 second.
Slow motion replay shows that Nesty extra half stroke was the deciding factor too!
That race has commentators scrambling for the world atlas, trying to figure out where in the world is Surinam.
Anthony Nesty has propel the tiny country onto the world's sporting arena.
On the final day of the swimming competition, Phelps completed his eight gold medals haul.
He is going down in history as the greatest Olympian that the world has set eyes on.
Only 23 years of age, I think he can win more Gold Medals in the future Olympic Games.
Extracted from Wiki
Physical attributes particularly suit Phelps to swimming
Long, thin torso (low drag in the water)
Long arm span - 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) (long, powerful, propulsive "paddles")
His height of 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
Relatively short legs (lower drag, and perhaps the speed enhancement of a hydrofoil)
Size 14 feet (providing the effect of flippers)
Hypermobile ankles that can extend beyond the pointe of a ballet dancer, enabling him to whip his feet (as if they were fins, for maximum thrust through [if not over] the water).
Women's Team Fencing Sabre Gold Medal match
A real thriller to watch.
With China zooming far ahead at one stage, you would have thought that China got the match all wrapped up.
Never under-estimate the resilience of the Ukrainians as they battled it out to win the match by a single point.
Women's Team Table Tennis
Got to watch the Table Tennis semi-finals match between Singapore and South Korea.
Tied at 2 games apiece, the rubber set between Feng Tingwei and Park Mi Young is what stands between Singapore and an Olympic Gold Medal.
A tantalising game which Singapore won to assure ourselves of at least a Olympic Silver Medal.
The Women's Team Table Tennis Gold Medal Match pips Singapore against China.
Most of us have already guess the outcome of the match.
So it is no wonder why everyone is smiling even before the match is over.
Singapore has waited 48 years for our second Olympic medal. Hope we do not have to wait that long for our next Olympic Medal.
Women's Pole Vault.
Such a thrill to watch Elena Isinbaeva. It is like watching a female version of Sergey Bubka.
She came onto the field with only 4 other competitors left.
Captured gold with 2 pole vault attempts. One at 4.7m and another one at 4.85m.
With the gold medal in the bag, her attempt at 4.95m is just a warm-up for her world record attempt of 5.05m.
After 2 failed attempts at breaking the world record, she cocooned herself under her blanket and emerged from under it with 2 minutes to go.
Can see the instant relief and jubilation when she cleared the bar on her third attempt.
She proceeded to do a lap of honour.
Wednesday, 20th August 2008.
A Day to remember.
A Legend is born.
Usian Bolt, the Sprint Sensation.
He is a 200m sprint specialist who took up 100m just because of the Olympics.
4 days ago, he won the 100m Finals in a World Record time of 9.69 seconds, even though he decelerate after 80m!
Today, he won the 200m to secure the 100m and 200m Sprint Double.
But he did it better than Carl Lewis, by winning both races in World Record time!
I guess Michael Johnson's (former 200m World Record Holder) words "Bolt is not ready yet" before the race really spur Bolt on.
The race was a thrill to watch.
Usian Bolt switch on his afterburners and cruise through the finish line in World Record time of 19.30 seconds.
Friday, 22nd August 2008
We witness another spectacular show by the Jamaicans.
Women's 4x100m Relay... They were way ahead of their competitors, but unfortunately they had a very bad changeover which results in their disqualification.
Men's 4x100 Relay! The show everyone is waiting for.
It was a good start. Textbook changeover and soon we see Asafa Powell powering down the straight to cross the finish line in World Record time of 37.10 seconds, erasing a 16-year-old record by 0.3 seconds!
Congratulations, Usian Bolt! That is 3 Gold medals, accompanied by 3 World Records!!
Sunday, 24th August The Closing Ceremony.
After such a memorable opening ceremony, I am pretty excited to see the closing ceremony.
Zhang Yimou did not disappoint and it was a thrill to watch.
The most memorable spectacle of the night is the Memory Tower.
It is 20.7m high, covered entirely with artistes.
A lot of daring acts were performed. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
That concludes Beijing Olympics, an event that costs China USD 44 billion, but have no doubt left a deep impression on everyone.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Army Half Marathon
Could not sleep a wink and decided to just wash up and go for the race.
Reached the bus stop at 4am. Waited till 4.40am before Night Rider arrived, only to be told that the last bus was at 3.45am!
Alamak, next time cannot trust the SMRT website liao. It stated 4.30am was the last bus. =\
Decide to drive there. Packed a change of clothes, kiss wife goodbye and drove to the race site.
Reached Esplanade at 5.10am. Went to look for live firing pods.
None were found at the starting point.
Ventured to Suntec, before finding the live firing area at Marina Square packed with firers.
Abandoned my plan and proceed back to the start point.
Geez, it is starting to drizzle.
Found a place to sit and immediately felt sleepy.
Tried to doze, but was unable to.
Scared that when I wake up, the race would have ended.
Started to enter my blog entry using my mobile phone while observing the surroundings.
Not a lot of competitors as compared to last year.
Guess a lot of runners decided to sleep out this race. =S
More of that later. Will try to walk to the front of the line now. =)
*-*-*
The crowd is already growing.
Stood there waiting for the race to start, only to see Vincent squeezing past.
Followed him and managed to progress quite a distance forward before I lost him in the crowd.
With my earphones plug in, I did not hear the horn went off, but it is a good 5 minutes before I cross the Start Line.
The first 2km were good.
Met Gugugaga. He got trapped in the human traffic.
A while later, he chiong ahead while I tried to conquer Mount Sheares.
Moments later, I decided to just walk up the never ending slope.
Hmm, I did not get that demoralised feeling last year leh.
In fact, I was enjoying myself running up Mount Sheares last year.
Saw Alan Goh, my ex-colleague. We spend the first 10km trading places on the run.
Spared him some of my SportsBeans during the 7km mark, my first designated re-fueling station. =)
Met Kannan, my neighbour.
Although we known each other to be taking part in various races over the last 2 years, this is the first time we met each other during a race.
Chat with him for a while before I lose him when I stopped for a sip at the drinks station.
This year's drink stations is simply horrible.
Too few tables, too few volunteers, too many runners.
Just before turning into East Coast Park, I saw Sarah and was pretty surprised that she is so far behind. Turned out she was late for the race , but she make up the distance pretty quickly.
At East Coast Park, I saw Brokie. Following closely behind is Aerosolcan and Roonz.
Tekko and Sotong ran passed my crosshairs soon after.
The distance between these guys are probably no more than 100m.
Geez, these guys are amazing.
Chugging along East Coast Park, I suddenly had this weird idea of trying to achieve my Personal Worst for 21km.
I totally lose the spirit to run.
At the U-turn point, I was pretty surprised that I am still hitting my 10km timing.
This is where my race ends.
Mentally, I have lost the race.
A inner voice keep saying "I HATE Running!!!"
Decided to walk and soak in the atmosphere.
But the going is getting tougher.
My right ankle hurts.
Probably cos I only clocked 14km on this pair of Kayanos.
The next 4km was the toughest.
My ankles, quads, knees and back all started to hurt at the same time.
Was glad to finally reach the end of Fort Road.
Enter the trail at the 14km mark.
Haha, this looks like a prelude to the New Balance Real Run.
After consuming my second pack of SportsBeans, I was hoping that they have a water point out here in the wilderness.
I am not disappointed. The Commandos have taken up the truly horrible task of feeding the mosquitoes.
Alas, they have ran out of cups and a few of us were sharing a miserable cup.
Another kilometer and the sea came into sight.
Going round a bend, Marina Barrage was straight ahead.
I stopped to take a few quick photos before continuing on my long journey.
At the 18km, I am ready to call it quits.
Feel like just sitting down at the bus stop and take a taxi when the road re-opens to the public.
But the thought of seeing the disappointment on Shannon's face push me on.
She absolutely love wearing my medals and I cannot afford to go home empty handed.
Shannon, daddy is doing the last 3km just for you. =)
Saw the sign 500m and decided to jog.
But the engine seems to be stuck in the first gear and I resumed walking.
At the 400m, 300m and 200m mark, I encounter the same engine problem.
It wasn't till the last 100m, that I manage to find one last ounce of energy to jog down the finish chute.
I am so glad that I have finally finished the race.
Yippee!!! I have achieved my Personal Worst!!! =D
Watch time? 3 hours 33 minutes.
Haha, a weird coincidence. 3:33 was my gun time for last year.
Went to exchange the ChampionChip for my Finisher's medal. Took the 2 muddy steps, change for the medal and retreat back to the safety of dry land.
Spoke to Gugugaga and Xiaopang on my way to the Esplanade.
Walked to the Cenotaph. The SGRunners were nowhere in sight.
Went to my car and had a change of clothes before proceeding to Marina Square for a bowl of laksa.
Haha, the SGRunners are still there chatting.
After lunch, most of the guys proceed to Clarke Quay to collect the Nike+ Run race pack while I proceed to Carrefour to do some grocery shopping.
Reached the bus stop at 4am. Waited till 4.40am before Night Rider arrived, only to be told that the last bus was at 3.45am!
Alamak, next time cannot trust the SMRT website liao. It stated 4.30am was the last bus. =\
Decide to drive there. Packed a change of clothes, kiss wife goodbye and drove to the race site.
Reached Esplanade at 5.10am. Went to look for live firing pods.
None were found at the starting point.
Ventured to Suntec, before finding the live firing area at Marina Square packed with firers.
Abandoned my plan and proceed back to the start point.
Geez, it is starting to drizzle.
Found a place to sit and immediately felt sleepy.
Tried to doze, but was unable to.
Scared that when I wake up, the race would have ended.
Started to enter my blog entry using my mobile phone while observing the surroundings.
Not a lot of competitors as compared to last year.
Guess a lot of runners decided to sleep out this race. =S
More of that later. Will try to walk to the front of the line now. =)
*-*-*
The crowd is already growing.
Stood there waiting for the race to start, only to see Vincent squeezing past.
Followed him and managed to progress quite a distance forward before I lost him in the crowd.
With my earphones plug in, I did not hear the horn went off, but it is a good 5 minutes before I cross the Start Line.
The first 2km were good.
Met Gugugaga. He got trapped in the human traffic.
A while later, he chiong ahead while I tried to conquer Mount Sheares.
Moments later, I decided to just walk up the never ending slope.
Hmm, I did not get that demoralised feeling last year leh.
In fact, I was enjoying myself running up Mount Sheares last year.
Saw Alan Goh, my ex-colleague. We spend the first 10km trading places on the run.
Spared him some of my SportsBeans during the 7km mark, my first designated re-fueling station. =)
Met Kannan, my neighbour.
Although we known each other to be taking part in various races over the last 2 years, this is the first time we met each other during a race.
Chat with him for a while before I lose him when I stopped for a sip at the drinks station.
This year's drink stations is simply horrible.
Too few tables, too few volunteers, too many runners.
Just before turning into East Coast Park, I saw Sarah and was pretty surprised that she is so far behind. Turned out she was late for the race , but she make up the distance pretty quickly.
At East Coast Park, I saw Brokie. Following closely behind is Aerosolcan and Roonz.
Tekko and Sotong ran passed my crosshairs soon after.
The distance between these guys are probably no more than 100m.
Geez, these guys are amazing.
Chugging along East Coast Park, I suddenly had this weird idea of trying to achieve my Personal Worst for 21km.
I totally lose the spirit to run.
At the U-turn point, I was pretty surprised that I am still hitting my 10km timing.
This is where my race ends.
Mentally, I have lost the race.
A inner voice keep saying "I HATE Running!!!"
Decided to walk and soak in the atmosphere.
But the going is getting tougher.
My right ankle hurts.
Probably cos I only clocked 14km on this pair of Kayanos.
The next 4km was the toughest.
My ankles, quads, knees and back all started to hurt at the same time.
Was glad to finally reach the end of Fort Road.
Enter the trail at the 14km mark.
Haha, this looks like a prelude to the New Balance Real Run.
After consuming my second pack of SportsBeans, I was hoping that they have a water point out here in the wilderness.
I am not disappointed. The Commandos have taken up the truly horrible task of feeding the mosquitoes.
Alas, they have ran out of cups and a few of us were sharing a miserable cup.
Another kilometer and the sea came into sight.
Going round a bend, Marina Barrage was straight ahead.
I stopped to take a few quick photos before continuing on my long journey.
At the 18km, I am ready to call it quits.
Feel like just sitting down at the bus stop and take a taxi when the road re-opens to the public.
But the thought of seeing the disappointment on Shannon's face push me on.
She absolutely love wearing my medals and I cannot afford to go home empty handed.
Shannon, daddy is doing the last 3km just for you. =)
Saw the sign 500m and decided to jog.
But the engine seems to be stuck in the first gear and I resumed walking.
At the 400m, 300m and 200m mark, I encounter the same engine problem.
It wasn't till the last 100m, that I manage to find one last ounce of energy to jog down the finish chute.
I am so glad that I have finally finished the race.
Yippee!!! I have achieved my Personal Worst!!! =D
Watch time? 3 hours 33 minutes.
Haha, a weird coincidence. 3:33 was my gun time for last year.
Went to exchange the ChampionChip for my Finisher's medal. Took the 2 muddy steps, change for the medal and retreat back to the safety of dry land.
Spoke to Gugugaga and Xiaopang on my way to the Esplanade.
Walked to the Cenotaph. The SGRunners were nowhere in sight.
Went to my car and had a change of clothes before proceeding to Marina Square for a bowl of laksa.
Haha, the SGRunners are still there chatting.
After lunch, most of the guys proceed to Clarke Quay to collect the Nike+ Run race pack while I proceed to Carrefour to do some grocery shopping.
A Day before AHM
As usual, I tends to turn a blind eye to tapering.
Had wanted to ride, but after the scare last week and seeing Shannon coughing in her sleep during the night, I decided to abandon the ride this morning.
It is a blessing in disguise, as it started to drizzle around 6.30am and a heavy downpour started at 7.30am.
Had laksa for lunch and after that my reaction was "OMG, why do I always had spicy food a day before a race!
Slept much of the afternoon away and woke up in time for dinner at Thomson Plaza.
Hmm, still the same old shops. Even the new NTUC Finest did nothing to brighten up the place.
Ohh... if any of you guys are into organic food, this is the place to go.
There have almost anything organic that you can think of...
But the prices hor... are anything but organic... =)
I do notice that there are a lot more food joints.
You are really spoilt for choice.
We were walking towards the food court tucked right at the back of the shopping centre, before I got stopped by Han's.
Long time since I had been there.
Food still taste as good, but the prices has gone up and the portion has shrunk... =(
Kiddy rides were everywhere, and we have to stop ever so often for the kids to have their moments.
Reached home around 11pm and after washing up, I put the kids to sleep.
Woke up at midnight and could not sleep anymore. Grr....
Watched Discovery Channel and updated my blog.
Prep my race gear. Tomorrow will be my lightest race gear ever.
Nothing more than what I can carry during the run.
Cos there is always that little possibility that I will have to abandon the run and hop onto a cab when the call comes in.
Now, I better catch some shut eye and hopefully be able to wake up an hour later for the run.
Had wanted to ride, but after the scare last week and seeing Shannon coughing in her sleep during the night, I decided to abandon the ride this morning.
It is a blessing in disguise, as it started to drizzle around 6.30am and a heavy downpour started at 7.30am.
Had laksa for lunch and after that my reaction was "OMG, why do I always had spicy food a day before a race!
Slept much of the afternoon away and woke up in time for dinner at Thomson Plaza.
Hmm, still the same old shops. Even the new NTUC Finest did nothing to brighten up the place.
Ohh... if any of you guys are into organic food, this is the place to go.
There have almost anything organic that you can think of...
But the prices hor... are anything but organic... =)
I do notice that there are a lot more food joints.
You are really spoilt for choice.
We were walking towards the food court tucked right at the back of the shopping centre, before I got stopped by Han's.
Long time since I had been there.
Food still taste as good, but the prices has gone up and the portion has shrunk... =(
Kiddy rides were everywhere, and we have to stop ever so often for the kids to have their moments.
Reached home around 11pm and after washing up, I put the kids to sleep.
Woke up at midnight and could not sleep anymore. Grr....
Watched Discovery Channel and updated my blog.
Prep my race gear. Tomorrow will be my lightest race gear ever.
Nothing more than what I can carry during the run.
Cos there is always that little possibility that I will have to abandon the run and hop onto a cab when the call comes in.
Now, I better catch some shut eye and hopefully be able to wake up an hour later for the run.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Cycling 20th August 2008
Woke up feeling lethargic again.
Having slacked too much over the past few days, I decided that I have to get the legs pumping rain or shine.
But the floor pump is not co-operating well and I truly fear that I may have damage my tire valve. =p
We shall know on the roads today.
For once, the first 3 km was a breeze, no trouble climbing up the slight slope to Mandai Road.
The ride to Mandai was smooth and enjoyable.
Reached Mandai Shell and saw a lone Specialized bike.
Time check : 5:28am
No way I could miss the train.
Waited for a few minutes.
The train appears out of nowhere.
This is scary. =p
With only 5 brave souls turning right, I chickened out and turn left.
Unlike previous outings, I took it real easy today and stayed at the rear.
I do not really like what I observed.
Occasionally, some jokers ride in the second lane and stayed there!!!
I will be pretty darned pissed if I am a driver and see such riders.
Just before the Clementi Flyover, the group started to split.
Most of the riders took the Clementi Flyover, while I choose the Bukit Timah route.
Six of us, including Stefano, Judith and Carol, I know I am in for a tough hard ride.
It is a constant wheel sucking session during the entire Bukit Timah stretch.
Things are still looking good till Carol's chain dropped going up Lornie Flyover.
A guy, whom I presume is her hubby stopped to wait for her while the rest of us cycle slowly along Lornie Road.
Just before the end of Lornie Road, they caught up with me and I joined them for the ride home.
Having slacked too much over the past few days, I decided that I have to get the legs pumping rain or shine.
But the floor pump is not co-operating well and I truly fear that I may have damage my tire valve. =p
We shall know on the roads today.
For once, the first 3 km was a breeze, no trouble climbing up the slight slope to Mandai Road.
The ride to Mandai was smooth and enjoyable.
Reached Mandai Shell and saw a lone Specialized bike.
Time check : 5:28am
No way I could miss the train.
Waited for a few minutes.
The train appears out of nowhere.
This is scary. =p
With only 5 brave souls turning right, I chickened out and turn left.
Unlike previous outings, I took it real easy today and stayed at the rear.
I do not really like what I observed.
Occasionally, some jokers ride in the second lane and stayed there!!!
I will be pretty darned pissed if I am a driver and see such riders.
Just before the Clementi Flyover, the group started to split.
Most of the riders took the Clementi Flyover, while I choose the Bukit Timah route.
Six of us, including Stefano, Judith and Carol, I know I am in for a tough hard ride.
It is a constant wheel sucking session during the entire Bukit Timah stretch.
Things are still looking good till Carol's chain dropped going up Lornie Flyover.
A guy, whom I presume is her hubby stopped to wait for her while the rest of us cycle slowly along Lornie Road.
Just before the end of Lornie Road, they caught up with me and I joined them for the ride home.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
HangOver
Woke up with a hangover feeling even though I have not touched a drop for eons.
Wanted to bike or run, but the terrible feeling just won't go away.
So here I am reading forum threads, blogs and not endangering myself out there. =p
This Sunday's Army Half Marathon will be a torture.... Not enough mileage at all... =S
(That is provided that I get to start the race... Hehe...)
Wanted to bike or run, but the terrible feeling just won't go away.
So here I am reading forum threads, blogs and not endangering myself out there. =p
This Sunday's Army Half Marathon will be a torture.... Not enough mileage at all... =S
(That is provided that I get to start the race... Hehe...)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Run NUS - DNS
For the 2nd time of 2008, I did not start in a race that I signed up for.
After 2 false alarms the past two mornings and kena yellow-carded for Saturday's ride, I just could not afford to be too far away from home.
Spend the wee hours of the morning catching Olympic action.
Must admit that the media did a good job this year, providing extensive coverage of the whole event.
After 2 false alarms the past two mornings and kena yellow-carded for Saturday's ride, I just could not afford to be too far away from home.
Spend the wee hours of the morning catching Olympic action.
Must admit that the media did a good job this year, providing extensive coverage of the whole event.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Cycling 16th August 2008
Woke up at 4.30am, but still took my own sweet time to leave the house.
Reaching the Sembawang-Mandai cross junction, I am so glad to see all the cyclists riding past. I guess I am "early" today, Haha...
By the time I manage to cross the traffic junction, the group was out of sight.
It wasn't till mid-way through Mandai Road that I caught up with the rear riders.
I just keep going till I spot a group waiting at Mandai Hill Camp.
Stopped and waited with the group for the rear riders before continuing on our journey.
Turned out, one of the guys had a fall. Luckily, he is okay. Just a bruised buttock and some scratch marks.
At Mandai Shell, most of the riders turned left, while a few brave souls turned right.
Just after Hillview Avenue, a bus stopped in front of the peloton and all of us were slowing down and filtering right.
I was not braking sufficiently and I literally rubbed wheels with the front rider for a full 5 seconds.
Luckily he is very composed and just keep on riding and a messy pile-up is averted.
The group is pretty obedient today, running in straights rows of two, no doubt due to the marshaling of Joyce.
But the tempo went up a notch at Bukit Timah, where some of the front riders, myself included started to sprint down the flat straight. =)
All the way back to LongHouse, the pace was fast and furious.
We took a breather before continuing on the 7am ride.
Along OUTR, the rider beside me turned to say "Nice bike."
I muttered a "Thanks", only to realise that C is also riding a Cervelo Dual. Haha...
Chat with C along Yio Chu Kang Road till we parted ways at Lentor Avenue.
Reaching the Sembawang-Mandai cross junction, I am so glad to see all the cyclists riding past. I guess I am "early" today, Haha...
By the time I manage to cross the traffic junction, the group was out of sight.
It wasn't till mid-way through Mandai Road that I caught up with the rear riders.
I just keep going till I spot a group waiting at Mandai Hill Camp.
Stopped and waited with the group for the rear riders before continuing on our journey.
Turned out, one of the guys had a fall. Luckily, he is okay. Just a bruised buttock and some scratch marks.
At Mandai Shell, most of the riders turned left, while a few brave souls turned right.
Just after Hillview Avenue, a bus stopped in front of the peloton and all of us were slowing down and filtering right.
I was not braking sufficiently and I literally rubbed wheels with the front rider for a full 5 seconds.
Luckily he is very composed and just keep on riding and a messy pile-up is averted.
The group is pretty obedient today, running in straights rows of two, no doubt due to the marshaling of Joyce.
But the tempo went up a notch at Bukit Timah, where some of the front riders, myself included started to sprint down the flat straight. =)
All the way back to LongHouse, the pace was fast and furious.
We took a breather before continuing on the 7am ride.
Along OUTR, the rider beside me turned to say "Nice bike."
I muttered a "Thanks", only to realise that C is also riding a Cervelo Dual. Haha...
Chat with C along Yio Chu Kang Road till we parted ways at Lentor Avenue.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Cat is Out of the Bag
It's time to let the cat out of the bag.
Within a couple of weeks' time, Jodan (Joanne and Daniel) will be expecting our third child.
Had taken a day's leave today to accompany Joyce for her "Out of Jail" ride.
Been tasked to start the ride from LongHouse or risk doing a write-up for this morning's ride.
I decided to do one better by trying to complete both tasks and had everything in place on Thursday night.
But things never work out the way it should.
At 2am, Joanne told me her contractions has started.
It did not stop till well after 6am.
Needless to say, there goes the chance for a special ride with the Snail Queen, who is reported to be as fit as ever even though she has not been riding for the past 2 months. =)
Within a couple of weeks' time, Jodan (Joanne and Daniel) will be expecting our third child.
Had taken a day's leave today to accompany Joyce for her "Out of Jail" ride.
Been tasked to start the ride from LongHouse or risk doing a write-up for this morning's ride.
I decided to do one better by trying to complete both tasks and had everything in place on Thursday night.
But things never work out the way it should.
At 2am, Joanne told me her contractions has started.
It did not stop till well after 6am.
Needless to say, there goes the chance for a special ride with the Snail Queen, who is reported to be as fit as ever even though she has not been riding for the past 2 months. =)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Cycling 14th August 2008
Hoping to catch the train with time to spare, I set the alarm to go off 5 minutes early.
But I spend too much time on the throne finishing a chapter, thus it was catch up time again. =S
On Mandai Road, I see two riders in the distance and started to give chase.
I am hoping that the guys are from JoyRiders.
Oh boy, this is one of the toughest morning ride I have done to date.
The lungs and quads are screaming!!!
It feels like speedwork on a bike. Haha...
Finally caught up with the riders just after Mandai Hill Camp.
Nearing Mandai Shell, the group started to move out after seeing the last riders arriving.
A lot of brave souls turned right. I tried to catch them, but was held back by the traffic light. Grr...
Having missed out on the Kranji Ride for a while, I decided to give it a shot and try to catch up with the speed monsters.
Needless to say, it is a futile attempt and I can only hope that my tires behave well today.
Else I will be caught in no-man's land. =S
It is a foggy morning and along certain stretches of Neo Tiew Road, I feel like I am cycling into the twilight zone. *Play music*
Along Neo Tiew Road, I decided to take a shortcut and ride through Lim Chu Kang Lane 3.
Unfortunately, the road sign is no longer there and I hope that I am on the correct route.
I will have to call in late for work if I get lost. =S
Luckily I am on the right track and it saves me 2km of riding.
Alas, the group is nowhere in sight. =(
Did a tempo ride along Lim chu Kang Road before turning left into Tengah Road for the ride home.
Along Mandai Road, I have this terrible feeling of hunger.
I must have a ferocious appetite, cos I had coffee and 2 huge slices of bread before I left home.
Let's hope that the sense of hunger is only temporary, else I will be in big trouble.
But I spend too much time on the throne finishing a chapter, thus it was catch up time again. =S
On Mandai Road, I see two riders in the distance and started to give chase.
I am hoping that the guys are from JoyRiders.
Oh boy, this is one of the toughest morning ride I have done to date.
The lungs and quads are screaming!!!
It feels like speedwork on a bike. Haha...
Finally caught up with the riders just after Mandai Hill Camp.
Nearing Mandai Shell, the group started to move out after seeing the last riders arriving.
A lot of brave souls turned right. I tried to catch them, but was held back by the traffic light. Grr...
Having missed out on the Kranji Ride for a while, I decided to give it a shot and try to catch up with the speed monsters.
Needless to say, it is a futile attempt and I can only hope that my tires behave well today.
Else I will be caught in no-man's land. =S
It is a foggy morning and along certain stretches of Neo Tiew Road, I feel like I am cycling into the twilight zone. *Play music*
Along Neo Tiew Road, I decided to take a shortcut and ride through Lim Chu Kang Lane 3.
Unfortunately, the road sign is no longer there and I hope that I am on the correct route.
I will have to call in late for work if I get lost. =S
Luckily I am on the right track and it saves me 2km of riding.
Alas, the group is nowhere in sight. =(
Did a tempo ride along Lim chu Kang Road before turning left into Tengah Road for the ride home.
Along Mandai Road, I have this terrible feeling of hunger.
I must have a ferocious appetite, cos I had coffee and 2 huge slices of bread before I left home.
Let's hope that the sense of hunger is only temporary, else I will be in big trouble.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Cycling 13th August 2008
Need a lot of persuasion to get out of bed due to the extremely fine weather. =S
By the time I finally got out from under the covers, it is already 4.50am.
No way I am going to catch the train today.
Contemplate between a ride and a run.
No prizes for the correct guess.
Wash up , took my breakfast and is out of the house at 5.15am.
By the time I reach Mandai Shell, it is already 5.40am.
Took it nice and easy today.
Surprisingly, the bike is very quiet today.
Not a single creak from the frame nor any irritating noise from the gear.
Perfect day for a perfect ride.
Going through OUTR, I wonder if I should ride pass Upper Pierce Reservoir.
There is always a dog there to ambush me....
Took the risk and came face to face with 7 dogs!!!
Quickly sprint past the pack, not daring to look back...
Phew, what a close shave... Haha...
Exiting onto Sembawang Road, a cyclist says "Hi" and started to sprint away.
Hehe, this is fun and I decided to give chase.
Haha...I feel like Jason Lezak chasing after Alain Bernard. =p
Alas, just when I am about to overtake him, he turn left in Old Mandai Road, ending our little sprint race.
Nice day nice ride. =)
By the time I finally got out from under the covers, it is already 4.50am.
No way I am going to catch the train today.
Contemplate between a ride and a run.
No prizes for the correct guess.
Wash up , took my breakfast and is out of the house at 5.15am.
By the time I reach Mandai Shell, it is already 5.40am.
Took it nice and easy today.
Surprisingly, the bike is very quiet today.
Not a single creak from the frame nor any irritating noise from the gear.
Perfect day for a perfect ride.
Going through OUTR, I wonder if I should ride pass Upper Pierce Reservoir.
There is always a dog there to ambush me....
Took the risk and came face to face with 7 dogs!!!
Quickly sprint past the pack, not daring to look back...
Phew, what a close shave... Haha...
Exiting onto Sembawang Road, a cyclist says "Hi" and started to sprint away.
Hehe, this is fun and I decided to give chase.
Haha...I feel like Jason Lezak chasing after Alain Bernard. =p
Alas, just when I am about to overtake him, he turn left in Old Mandai Road, ending our little sprint race.
Nice day nice ride. =)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Pearl Izumi Pure Run - 20km
Took the train to Lavender and proceed to walk towards Kallang Riverside Park.
According to the map, the start point should be along the riverside, but where is the crowd?
Hmm... never mind. With three other runners, we started walking further into the park.
Ahh... the assembly area is totally hidden from view from the main road.
The Men's Open were flagged off at 7.20am.
From the start, it was a fast pace for everyone.
You can easily get sucked into the pace.
Did my first 2km in a surprisingly comfortable 6:10 km/h pace.
Then disaster struck.
It is a bad habit, but I am always primed to poo before any race. Today is no different. =S
First up is the Shell station across the Geylang Road cross-junction.
Decided to give that a miss, cos I am pretty sure that marshalls will come after me trying to guide me back onto the correct running route. =p
I am only hoping now that the route around National Stadium will offer me some reprieve.
So when Kallang Squash and Tennis Centre appears in the distance, I make a beeline for it and make my disappearing act.
After a soothing ten minutes, I re-emerge onto the running route, shocking marshalls who thought that the last runner has past them by minutes ago. Keke. =D
When I past the 6km mark (the turning point), the ladies were already starting on their second lap on Nicoll Highway. =S
Running under the Nicoll Highway, I finally overtook the last runner. =p
Running towards the turning point, I came across the 10km distance marker.
Haha, only this distance marker is spot-on!
Reaching the turning point, SxuanJing commented "How come I din see you just now?"
Haha, told her that I am on my first lap. =p
The second time I went up the Nicoll Highway, everything becomes a blur.
I am all alone for this second leg and it is just as I like it.
It is my own race now.
I keep telling myself. "The fun has just began. =S"
Once in a while, I turned back to see if No. 250 has caught up with me, but he was no where to be seen. Let's just hope that he will not give, else I will be the last runner in. =p
After 15km, I regret not wearing my Kayanos.
ANT is not made for any distances longer than 15km.
I realise why people like to refer to running long distances as breaking their legs.
Hehe, my lower limbs sure feel broken in a few parts. =p
After collecting the red band signifying my 2 laps completion, I am totally spent.
I started a slow walk back to the finish line.
Stopped at the drink station and talked to Sanjeev.
Sanjeev will be embarking on a crazy 3-week 4-race adventure starting next week!
Good luck, mate.
Reached the finish point and the prize presentation starts soon after.
Was too weary to find out who are the winners.
Introduce myself to Siew Lee. Haha, looks like we are still the only athletes in the company. (My ex-company, that is. =p)
Had brunch with Tekko and friends before I made my way home.
According to the map, the start point should be along the riverside, but where is the crowd?
Hmm... never mind. With three other runners, we started walking further into the park.
Ahh... the assembly area is totally hidden from view from the main road.
The Men's Open were flagged off at 7.20am.
From the start, it was a fast pace for everyone.
You can easily get sucked into the pace.
Did my first 2km in a surprisingly comfortable 6:10 km/h pace.
Then disaster struck.
It is a bad habit, but I am always primed to poo before any race. Today is no different. =S
First up is the Shell station across the Geylang Road cross-junction.
Decided to give that a miss, cos I am pretty sure that marshalls will come after me trying to guide me back onto the correct running route. =p
I am only hoping now that the route around National Stadium will offer me some reprieve.
So when Kallang Squash and Tennis Centre appears in the distance, I make a beeline for it and make my disappearing act.
After a soothing ten minutes, I re-emerge onto the running route, shocking marshalls who thought that the last runner has past them by minutes ago. Keke. =D
When I past the 6km mark (the turning point), the ladies were already starting on their second lap on Nicoll Highway. =S
Running under the Nicoll Highway, I finally overtook the last runner. =p
Running towards the turning point, I came across the 10km distance marker.
Haha, only this distance marker is spot-on!
Reaching the turning point, SxuanJing commented "How come I din see you just now?"
Haha, told her that I am on my first lap. =p
The second time I went up the Nicoll Highway, everything becomes a blur.
I am all alone for this second leg and it is just as I like it.
It is my own race now.
I keep telling myself. "The fun has just began. =S"
Once in a while, I turned back to see if No. 250 has caught up with me, but he was no where to be seen. Let's just hope that he will not give, else I will be the last runner in. =p
After 15km, I regret not wearing my Kayanos.
ANT is not made for any distances longer than 15km.
I realise why people like to refer to running long distances as breaking their legs.
Hehe, my lower limbs sure feel broken in a few parts. =p
After collecting the red band signifying my 2 laps completion, I am totally spent.
I started a slow walk back to the finish line.
Stopped at the drink station and talked to Sanjeev.
Sanjeev will be embarking on a crazy 3-week 4-race adventure starting next week!
Good luck, mate.
Reached the finish point and the prize presentation starts soon after.
Was too weary to find out who are the winners.
Introduce myself to Siew Lee. Haha, looks like we are still the only athletes in the company. (My ex-company, that is. =p)
Had brunch with Tekko and friends before I made my way home.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
National Day Ride
Woke up at 4.35am and manage to get out of the house by 5.30am. =p
First 3km is still the toughest part of the ride for me.
Reached Mandai Shell in pretty good time.
Manage to do 2 laps before the blinking lights indicate the train's arrival.
Tried drinking from the water bottle on the move and manage to complete the whole procedure successfully. Sweet! This will be a life saver for me.
Not too sure if the guy in white and blue top riding out from LongHouse is part of the group, six of us waited for 5 minutes while the rest of the group continues on.
Winnie and I pull the group along.
Along Woodlands Road, a fellow JoyRider gives us a tinkle on his bell.
He is riding a road bike with straight handlebars and had a bell! Interesting fellow. =)
Along Bukit Timah, Battered Kel highlighted that we are going at 35km/h.
Told him that drafting at 35km/h is okay, the hard work is being accomplished by the front riders.
Reached LongHouse at 6.50am.
While the others start out for the Round Island Ride, Battered Kel, Princess Hobbit, KT Tan and Alice sat down and chat.
It was a good hour later when we finally parted ways. =p
Took the OUTR route.
Tried the water-bottle-on-the-move sequence again.
The down tube seems so far away.
Only manage to get the bottle out of the cage before I dropped it.
Stopped the bike by the road side and turned back, only to see have a runner come up and passed the water bottle to me. Thank you, sir!
While stopping at a cross junction, the taxi driver winded down his window and asked "Isn't it very dangerous when you e-brake?"
Initially, I thought he was referring to my aero-drink.
So I told him that I only drink when I am free from the crowd.
He repeated again : "Isn't it very dangerous when you e-brake?"
This time, he is pointing to the aerobars and his pair of eyes.
I told him that I do not use the aerobars at all.
But he said I will fall forward and the aerobars will be very dangerous. =S
***TOUCH WOOD***
Clocked 195.78km this week.
The 200km per week target is still eluding me.
I knew that on my ride home, but I have no intention to make up the numbers just for the record.
The day will come and it will be a special one. =)
First 3km is still the toughest part of the ride for me.
Reached Mandai Shell in pretty good time.
Manage to do 2 laps before the blinking lights indicate the train's arrival.
Tried drinking from the water bottle on the move and manage to complete the whole procedure successfully. Sweet! This will be a life saver for me.
Not too sure if the guy in white and blue top riding out from LongHouse is part of the group, six of us waited for 5 minutes while the rest of the group continues on.
Winnie and I pull the group along.
Along Woodlands Road, a fellow JoyRider gives us a tinkle on his bell.
He is riding a road bike with straight handlebars and had a bell! Interesting fellow. =)
Along Bukit Timah, Battered Kel highlighted that we are going at 35km/h.
Told him that drafting at 35km/h is okay, the hard work is being accomplished by the front riders.
Reached LongHouse at 6.50am.
While the others start out for the Round Island Ride, Battered Kel, Princess Hobbit, KT Tan and Alice sat down and chat.
It was a good hour later when we finally parted ways. =p
Took the OUTR route.
Tried the water-bottle-on-the-move sequence again.
The down tube seems so far away.
Only manage to get the bottle out of the cage before I dropped it.
Stopped the bike by the road side and turned back, only to see have a runner come up and passed the water bottle to me. Thank you, sir!
While stopping at a cross junction, the taxi driver winded down his window and asked "Isn't it very dangerous when you e-brake?"
Initially, I thought he was referring to my aero-drink.
So I told him that I only drink when I am free from the crowd.
He repeated again : "Isn't it very dangerous when you e-brake?"
This time, he is pointing to the aerobars and his pair of eyes.
I told him that I do not use the aerobars at all.
But he said I will fall forward and the aerobars will be very dangerous. =S
***TOUCH WOOD***
Clocked 195.78km this week.
The 200km per week target is still eluding me.
I knew that on my ride home, but I have no intention to make up the numbers just for the record.
The day will come and it will be a special one. =)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Braces
Dr : What do you dis-like about your teeth?
Me : Err..... nothing leh
Dr : What do you want to change the most?
Me : Straigthen the teeth.
Dr : Good news. No extraction required, but you will need an implant.
Me : Can I do without an implant?
Dr : Your teeth will be mis-aligned. I will not recommend it.
So... I guess I dun really need the braces.
Me : Err..... nothing leh
Dr : What do you want to change the most?
Me : Straigthen the teeth.
Dr : Good news. No extraction required, but you will need an implant.
Me : Can I do without an implant?
Dr : Your teeth will be mis-aligned. I will not recommend it.
So... I guess I dun really need the braces.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Cycling 5th August 2008
After a hearty breakfast, I happily went out to catch the train this morning.
Turning onto the main road, I find today to be very breezy.
Can feel the wind blowing through my hair, so cooling...
Hmm...something is not right...
Oh no, my HELMET!!! I forgot my helmet!!!
Turned back home to get my helmet. Haiz, I probably will miss the train now.
Cycle as fast as I can to Mandai Shell.
Not a rider in sight. Took a look at the watch. 5:37am.
There is no way I can catch up with the Neo Tiew group.
Decided to do the usual LH route.
It is a very quiet morning with very few riders on the road.
Got pretty irritated by the clicking sound on the chainrings, but I am unable to rectify the problem during the stops. Another thing for me to troubleshoot before the next ride.
I guess I really have to spend the money to fine-tune my bike before the IM 70.3 race.
I am glad I finally got the Bento Box all figured out.
The much hated TopPeak Bento Box does not bother me anymore.
It stay upright throughout the whole ride.
Solution? Cable Tie.
I stiffen the interior last week, but it does not solve the problem.
Adding a cable tie on the exterior forces it to stay upright.
You can use 2 cable ties for good measure, but 1 cable tie should do the trick. =)
Biking out from OUTR, I decided to do an additional OUTR lap to see how it feels on the return leg.
Hmm, the upslopes are manageable. The only concern is the bends.
On the return leg, you are mostly on the inner lane and there is always a risk that you took a wide turn and end up on the wrong side of the road.
Ohh, yeah... Do watch out for the dogs. They like to chase after bikes. Make sure you can out-sprint them if you ride alone in the mornings. =)
Turning onto the main road, I find today to be very breezy.
Can feel the wind blowing through my hair, so cooling...
Hmm...something is not right...
Oh no, my HELMET!!! I forgot my helmet!!!
Turned back home to get my helmet. Haiz, I probably will miss the train now.
Cycle as fast as I can to Mandai Shell.
Not a rider in sight. Took a look at the watch. 5:37am.
There is no way I can catch up with the Neo Tiew group.
Decided to do the usual LH route.
It is a very quiet morning with very few riders on the road.
Got pretty irritated by the clicking sound on the chainrings, but I am unable to rectify the problem during the stops. Another thing for me to troubleshoot before the next ride.
I guess I really have to spend the money to fine-tune my bike before the IM 70.3 race.
I am glad I finally got the Bento Box all figured out.
The much hated TopPeak Bento Box does not bother me anymore.
It stay upright throughout the whole ride.
Solution? Cable Tie.
I stiffen the interior last week, but it does not solve the problem.
Adding a cable tie on the exterior forces it to stay upright.
You can use 2 cable ties for good measure, but 1 cable tie should do the trick. =)
Biking out from OUTR, I decided to do an additional OUTR lap to see how it feels on the return leg.
Hmm, the upslopes are manageable. The only concern is the bends.
On the return leg, you are mostly on the inner lane and there is always a risk that you took a wide turn and end up on the wrong side of the road.
Ohh, yeah... Do watch out for the dogs. They like to chase after bikes. Make sure you can out-sprint them if you ride alone in the mornings. =)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Procrastinator
I am terribly lazy when it comes to running.
For the third consecutive Monday, I had told myself that I need to run.
Woke up at 4.35am and manage to idle my time away!!!
My poor Kayanos are gathering a lot of dust right now.
For the third consecutive Monday, I had told myself that I need to run.
Woke up at 4.35am and manage to idle my time away!!!
My poor Kayanos are gathering a lot of dust right now.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Breakfast Ride 3rd August 2008
Got a double date today.
Got jio-ed by Chris to do the 5.30am ride.
Hehe, I would have been there anyway if I can wake up. =)
Turned out, we were the only two doing the 5.30am ride!!!
Cycling along Mandai Road, it looks like the road construction will take a longer time to complete.
Guess I will stay off this return route for the time being.
Chat a lot along the way and only focus on the ride when we were along Bukit Timah Road, where both of us ran out of breath to speak. =p
These few days, I see more runners pounding the tarmac.
Looks like the Singapore running scene never changes.
The runners will only come out in force when preparing for AHM and SCSM.
Beyond these two events, I wonder what they do? =p
Haha, having said that. I guess most of us are guilty of under-training.
Before OSIM Triathlon, Mandai Road was filled with cyclists.
But once the race is over, *poof* went the cyclists.
Reached Longhouse, expecting to see my second date, S.
Hmm, neither the person or the bike is in sight.
Took a look at my watch. Gosh! 6.55am liao!!!
He must have taken the 6.40am ride as planned. =)
As promised, I will sweep him if he get dropped along the way. (But I am positive that the 6.40am group will take care of that. =) )
Without a leader today, everyone is waiting for someone to take the lead.
At 7.15am, someone started the train moving and everyone was gone in a flash!
Quickly put on my sunnies and helmet, Kam Meng and I started to chase the pack!
Looks like there is only one speed today.
I guess the newly installed 6.40am ride took care of the speed matters. =)
Just past SLE flyover, I took the lead to pull the group and dictate the pace till Mandai Lake Road.
While travelling along Mandai Road, I realised that I could not feel my legs and fingers anymore!!!
My legs have switched into auto mode and it is just spinning on its own accord.
But what worries me is my fingers. I could hardly feel the brakes.
Worse still, my cassette has come loose again. Grr...
Decided to slow down. Make a bad judgement call and I could not catch up with the group till Mandai Shell.
With most of the riders turning right immediately, Mika took it upon herself to wait for the last cyclist.
I am pretty certain that I was the last rider, but Mika won't budge.
A few group of riders past us, but none of them are going our way.
Finally Johnson rode up and we continue on our merry ways.
Mika and Johnson took turns to pull the group and I spend most of my time sucking wheels. =)
Along Neo Tiew Road, a lorry driver rode so close to us that all of us hit the gravel at the side of the road. Grr....
Road bikes are not made for trails leh, mister!
Along Lim Chu Kang Road, I started to pull the group again.
Haiz, how come I am finding it so tough to pull the group along this stretch.
With my heart rate shooting through the roof, I decided to slow down and ended up seeing them disappear into the distance.
Just before Jalan Bahar, Judith made a U-turn and I thought she is waiting for me.
Turns out, she is waiting for her hubby Stefano and the Ascenders gang, who were coming out of a slip road.
Rode with the pack till we caught up with Mika, her friend , Johnson and Kam Meng.
Knowing that Judith is safe with her hubby, I stayed with the group till Botanical Gardens, while the couple make a detour.
Having the extra AeroDrink and by doing some water-rationing, I am glad that I do not need the stopover at Esso Jalan Buroh. (Unlike the previous outing where I specfically requested for the break.)
But I still need to give some thoughts to my nutrition plan.
Plain water without any energy gels just won't do for a 90km ride.
Reached Bontanical Gardens, I am glad to see S.
He did not "fly aeroplane." =p
Took my second heavy breakfast for the day before S and I rode back to LongHouse.
While turning right into Bukit Timah Road, S has a bad fall and got scratched up pretty badly.
Shez, I should have gone a bit slower. Sorry, mate.
The amusing thing out of the incident?
He checked to make sure that his bike is alright, before checking on his injuries. Haha, why are we all liddat?
The other funny stuff?
He is glad that he finally got his virgin crash over and done with!?! =S
Did a slow ride back to LH and make sure he is alright, I took the OUTR windy road home.
Hitting the century mark for the second time, I am terrified of a repeat of the cramps.
But I guess the attack of the cramps did not happen this time round may be due to a better breakfast, as well as the solo ride where I set my own pace.
But I truly need to work on a nutrition plan if I wanna see myself completed the Aviva Ironman 70.3 race.
Got jio-ed by Chris to do the 5.30am ride.
Hehe, I would have been there anyway if I can wake up. =)
Turned out, we were the only two doing the 5.30am ride!!!
Cycling along Mandai Road, it looks like the road construction will take a longer time to complete.
Guess I will stay off this return route for the time being.
Chat a lot along the way and only focus on the ride when we were along Bukit Timah Road, where both of us ran out of breath to speak. =p
These few days, I see more runners pounding the tarmac.
Looks like the Singapore running scene never changes.
The runners will only come out in force when preparing for AHM and SCSM.
Beyond these two events, I wonder what they do? =p
Haha, having said that. I guess most of us are guilty of under-training.
Before OSIM Triathlon, Mandai Road was filled with cyclists.
But once the race is over, *poof* went the cyclists.
Reached Longhouse, expecting to see my second date, S.
Hmm, neither the person or the bike is in sight.
Took a look at my watch. Gosh! 6.55am liao!!!
He must have taken the 6.40am ride as planned. =)
As promised, I will sweep him if he get dropped along the way. (But I am positive that the 6.40am group will take care of that. =) )
Without a leader today, everyone is waiting for someone to take the lead.
At 7.15am, someone started the train moving and everyone was gone in a flash!
Quickly put on my sunnies and helmet, Kam Meng and I started to chase the pack!
Looks like there is only one speed today.
I guess the newly installed 6.40am ride took care of the speed matters. =)
Just past SLE flyover, I took the lead to pull the group and dictate the pace till Mandai Lake Road.
While travelling along Mandai Road, I realised that I could not feel my legs and fingers anymore!!!
My legs have switched into auto mode and it is just spinning on its own accord.
But what worries me is my fingers. I could hardly feel the brakes.
Worse still, my cassette has come loose again. Grr...
Decided to slow down. Make a bad judgement call and I could not catch up with the group till Mandai Shell.
With most of the riders turning right immediately, Mika took it upon herself to wait for the last cyclist.
I am pretty certain that I was the last rider, but Mika won't budge.
A few group of riders past us, but none of them are going our way.
Finally Johnson rode up and we continue on our merry ways.
Mika and Johnson took turns to pull the group and I spend most of my time sucking wheels. =)
Along Neo Tiew Road, a lorry driver rode so close to us that all of us hit the gravel at the side of the road. Grr....
Road bikes are not made for trails leh, mister!
Along Lim Chu Kang Road, I started to pull the group again.
Haiz, how come I am finding it so tough to pull the group along this stretch.
With my heart rate shooting through the roof, I decided to slow down and ended up seeing them disappear into the distance.
Just before Jalan Bahar, Judith made a U-turn and I thought she is waiting for me.
Turns out, she is waiting for her hubby Stefano and the Ascenders gang, who were coming out of a slip road.
Rode with the pack till we caught up with Mika, her friend , Johnson and Kam Meng.
Knowing that Judith is safe with her hubby, I stayed with the group till Botanical Gardens, while the couple make a detour.
Having the extra AeroDrink and by doing some water-rationing, I am glad that I do not need the stopover at Esso Jalan Buroh. (Unlike the previous outing where I specfically requested for the break.)
But I still need to give some thoughts to my nutrition plan.
Plain water without any energy gels just won't do for a 90km ride.
Reached Bontanical Gardens, I am glad to see S.
He did not "fly aeroplane." =p
Took my second heavy breakfast for the day before S and I rode back to LongHouse.
While turning right into Bukit Timah Road, S has a bad fall and got scratched up pretty badly.
Shez, I should have gone a bit slower. Sorry, mate.
The amusing thing out of the incident?
He checked to make sure that his bike is alright, before checking on his injuries. Haha, why are we all liddat?
The other funny stuff?
He is glad that he finally got his virgin crash over and done with!?! =S
Did a slow ride back to LH and make sure he is alright, I took the OUTR windy road home.
Hitting the century mark for the second time, I am terrified of a repeat of the cramps.
But I guess the attack of the cramps did not happen this time round may be due to a better breakfast, as well as the solo ride where I set my own pace.
But I truly need to work on a nutrition plan if I wanna see myself completed the Aviva Ironman 70.3 race.
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