Geriartric Darth Vader

The weather has been very harsh lately. I've developed some phlegm in my throat, which was further aggravated by Diwali goodies and curry. It also doesn't help that my colleagues are coughing away at work, and in an enclosed workspace, I'm, exposed to all the germs.

Decided to nip it in the bud, and went to see the doctor yesterday. I usually avoid seeing the doctor unless it's really bad but I can't afford to let it prolong..if I start taking medication too late it will take me even longer to heal.I'm now on anti-biotics (which I usually avoid taking).

I find that anti biotics slows down the body a lot. I still went out to do my usual 8km run today..although the body felt a bit drained of energy, again the mind took over. Good thing the weather was a little kinder today - although the sun was up early, there was some slight breeze, which was absent last week.

If you had wanted to know what Darth Vader was like in old age,I was a good example this morning. With all that phlegm stuck in my throat, I sounded like Darth Vader with all that heavy breathing. Not only that, I was trying hard to cough out all the phlegm, and it's kind of hard to do it while running. I practically sounded like a geriartric on her deathbed!At one point I had to stop and cough out all the phlegm.

People always ask me what I do or think of when i run. Here's what I usually do:

1. Pray or talk to God. Funnily even as I am panting, I find my solitude in the Lord while running! Especially so when it's long distance and I am by myself.SOmetimes I think of bible verses.

2. Sing or hum a tune in my mind

3. Think of conversations I've had with friends

4. Observe smells - I like the smell of fresh laundered clothes, toast and trees. I hate the smell of squashed fig....plus dead creatures.

5. Listen to my mp3

6. Enjoy the scenery

7. Thinking how hard I am struggling during the run!

8. Work. This is very rare as I mostly have operational stress..I tend to think of work if I have to design something and have a tight deadline to complete it.

9. Observe people's dogs. Some are really cute!And it's interesting to see how the owners talk to the dogs.

10. Think of whether I have anything interesting to blog about1

11. Pretend I am a world class runner and completing a race

Well, gotta keep the mind busy to distract myself from the run right?

Fatwa on Yoga

This doesn't concern me, but The National Fatwa Council is coming up with a ruling relating to yoga soon.

Prof Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre advised Muslims to stop practising yoga for fear that it could deviate their belief.

First it was "tomboyism", now yoga. What's next?

Sock it to me!

I feel remorseful for having chocolate yesterday! And all that Diwali goodies...my 30km was in vain and all the effort has gone to waste!

Anyway, took my new orthotics for an 8km run this morning. I've still been using my old orthotics as they are still in good condition, and on gym days where I do short distance running, I use my new ones. THe first time I wore my new orthotics for a 6km run I ended up with slight blisters so I had decided to slowly ease into them. They still feel a little different, and higher than my previous ones.

But they worked out fine today. Did speed training and no blisters. Now I've got to shop for my socks for race day...the ones I am now using are a bit too thick and they get all drenched by 10km. Am ordering the Injinji socks (like feet gloves) but I haven't tried them out yet so I am not sure.

A Taste of the Real Thing

I’ve just completed 30km this morning and I am not sure how I feel now. I don’t feel too tired – but I think it’s the endorphins which are sustaining me. It was INCREDIBLY AWFULLY HOT this morning, I think I could have had heatstroke.

Started the run at 6am as usual. Was tempted to start earlier so it would not be so hot by the time I finish…But I decided that I need to adapt to the heat as well..since Singapore is usually hot. And I got a taste of the same kind of heat! This morning my muscles didn’t feel overworked or fatigued as it did the last two weeks, but somehow after 5km my legs felt very tired. I only began to feel better after the water stop at Petronas, when I had a 100 Plus and a Double latte power gel. I think the double dose of caffeine in the power gel really helps a lot – between 10-20km I was “cruising”. However, I think the heat got to me because by the time I had completed 20km, my body was very very tired. Probably dehydrated but I didn’t know it nor felt it. The last 10km was the worst, by that time it was very very sunny and the air was still.

All in all I bought 2 bottles of 100 Plus and a bottle of water (500ml), plus my own water bottles (probably 300ml). I’ve never had to buy so much water in my life – infact after 20km I finished 1 whole bottle of 100 Plus without having that heavy “splashy” feeling in the stomach – so you can already tell how devoid of water my body was. That alone was not enough, I actually backtracked to Petronas station again to buy the bottle of water.

After drinking some water I felt a lot, lot better. I think I had too much isotonic drinks but not enough water. It is always better to drink more water in the beginning of the run and increase intake of isotonic later, but because I don’t have enough water stops, I have to instead drink more water (which I self carry) at the end, and more isotonic in the middle (where I can buy the water)

I slowed down trememdously today because of the heat, and also coz I made more stops at the station. I didn’t care about timing as it was more important to be well hydrated. I find I have less injuries when I am properly hydrated.


If I am dying in the heat at 30th km, how do I go on with another 12?

I’m looking forward to going home and putting my feet up.

New Wardrobe

I've bought my top for race day already! I'm not really sure about the colour though: maroon - will it turn out nice in those 'glamour' marathon photos? In the past I've always worn brighter colours.In 2004 I wore an orange coloured shirt which was a gift from a friend, then in 2006 I wore a fluorescent shirt. I reckon the pictures in 2006 looked really nice in terms of colour...the yellow sure stood out. The photographer in 2004 was better though, having captured all my "past glories" in close up shots.




Therefore, I am not too sure about the maroon. Who knows, I might end up wearing the yellow again. The maroon shirt has a very flattering cut though, it makes my arms look really toned! So what should i do, go for a toned arms look, or look bright and chirpy?

Since NIKE was offering some discounts I also bought some sportsbras. I have been using the same ones for nearly 10 years and some are tattered and torn! The canary yellow and pink are pretty lovely colours too, too bad I wont be flashing them around but they will be worn underneath! I was hoping to find a top of that same pink colour but alas, it was only available in tank tops and not running shirts. I much prefer the running shirts, I feel I can breathe better in them..tank tops would be too tight for 42km!

2000m Swim

What a great weekend I had...I was actually super energetic on Saturday (endorphins + caffeine) that i was still perky after dinner! Usually I start to nod off after dinner. But last Saturday, I was still quite wide awake until 11.30pm. Infact I had so much endorphins in me that I woke up at 5.30am on Sunday morning and was pretty wide awake! Darn, thought I could sleep in until at least 7.00am!

Anyway on Sunday morning I managed to swim 2000m also. Next time I shall try cooling off in the pool directly after the run. hydrotherapy would be good for my limbs!

Today I did a quick 3.5km run on the treadmill plus legs exercises.Oh-oh, I am also thankful that the weighing scale didn't budge despite all that overeating over the weekend!

Darn it feels good to be fit!

Mind Over Matter

Today was purely mind over matter. Think I have been working out too hard during the week (again) save for a rest day yesterday. Today felt like one of my “off” days, woke up feeling not exactly tired, but not exactly energetic either. I was a bit iffy about the distance I had wanted to run, but it had to be a minimum of 25km since that was what I did last. Started out at about 6.05am, saw a couple of runners before me. I have to say that I nearly died after going up the initial incline, which wasn’t even 5km. I experienced muscle fatigue in my gluteus maximus – and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could run. Bumped into a bunch of runners and a guy overtook me just at the mosque after crossing the highway.

By the time I reached about 8km, my legs were so so weak! Going up that slight slope at Plaza Damas nearly killed me. Just as I reached the Petronas station, my running belt came off. I really need to buy a new fuel belt as this one is just deteriorating, and getting overstretched and loose. I was so tired that I had to stop at Petronas to grab some isotonic drinks. I usually run the extra loop before stopping for water.

I was so fatigued that I thought that it’s not possible for me to even achieve 20km today, but after having a Gatorade and a Double Latte Power Gel (2x caffeine!) I felt much better. Oh no wonder I am still perky now, it’s been nearly 7 hours since my run and I am still so wide awake! It’s all that caffeine!

Despite being so tired, I pushed on..slowly but steadily. By this time I was quite sure I would do about 28km, turning back at the traffic lights to Solaris. I felt like I could not go up the hill at the mosque, so I decided to U-turn at the traffic lights. As I was running back to Petronas, I saw my brother and Hsiung. They ran 25km today.

I miraculously managed to run back to Petronas, and back again. Once I reached the Duta highway, I felt kind of homefree. Once I have run past Tijani, it’s always a relieve as it’s downhill all the way back save for a slight incline at Jln Parlimen.

I must say today was extremely warm – it wasn’t very sunny but the air was still and the heat was on. When I came back I had a nice cold shower. I’ve started talking cold showers and using ice packs on my knees now, to reduce injury. To my horror my niece had used up all the ice in my freezer! I was so desperate for ice that I started taking an ice pick to remove all the ice at the side of the freezer in the mini bar refrigerator!

SO although I was tired in the morning I still managed to complete 28km….it was purely mind over matter after 10km. Looking back I can’t believe my mind took over for 18km!! Hope I can do the same on the actual race day!

Great run today!

25km

After having a washout weekend last week, the weather was TERRIBLY hot today! Ran 25km..pretty dehydrated as it was such a hot day.

Started my run at 6.10am. Nice quiet morning, started the run with "Agnus Dei" and "Mighty to Save". As it was the end of songs in my mp3 player,I did not bother starting it again and rain without music for the first 10km.

I really suffered at all the hills today - I did a mistake of walking uphill on the treadmill on Friday..hence my gluteus muscles were very sore and tired. By the 7th km, my thighs were so so tired! But I managed to push on, and felt much better after a Gatorade and Power Gel. Saw a few other runners turning back as I reached Hartamas.

From 10th-20thkm it was quite boring, nothing out of the ordinary happened. BUt by the time I completed 20km, I thought I'd stop by the gerai at Lake Gardens to buy more isotonic drinks but alas, they were still shut for Raya. I was really dehydrated by then as it was such a hot morning....so i made a stop at Lake Club to refill my water bottles. I didn't run around Carcosa today but ran inside Lake Gardens..all in all I should have completed 25km.

I have started taking glucosamine for the last 2 weeks, I am not sure if it's a placebo or it's really working, but my knees dont feel so sore today!

or maybe it's still to early to tell....these days I have delayed onset muscle soreness - the soreness only sets in 2 days after!

Great run today, although I slowed down quite a bit in the last 5km.

Ramblings for today

Hardly any mood to blog. Everything looks pretty bleak - stock market plunging, economy and political situation down in doldrums.It's pretty miserable at work too, sales having dropped because of the economy and renovations.

(Hope it doesn't rain tomorrow, need to clock in my long distance run. Did 8km yesterday. It's slow and easy day today.Went to the gym, walked on the treadmill and did chest exercises.)

Wonder how long more this dreary situation will drag on...sigh.

New Watch

Yay! Finally got my watch! Bought an el cheapo Skylab watch. Actually it's not so cheap...a Skylab costs DOUBLE the price of what I used to pay.Originally had wanted an orange coloured watch, but everytime you change its mode, say from the time to the stop watch, the digits do not immediately appear and they scroll by slowly...Don't think I have the patience to wait for that, especially when you want to use the stop watch function!

About Kenny & Leo

Ran 8km today. Hmm ok, I guess I am getting stronger, going up the 3rd and 4th slopes don't feel as bad as before, but as usual I am always slow and lagging behind the guys.I feel faster though...but I'm not really sure as I still have not got a new watch and can't really tell. Darn I've got to get that watch fast.

I'm planning an ABBA weekend for my long distance run - planning to load my MP3 player with ABBA songs...haven't stopped listening to them since watching Mamma Mia! Gosh I love their music..and i knew all their songs, even the less popular ones.IT HAD BETTER NOT RAIN!!

I read that Kenny Sia will be running the full marathon in Singapore! Gosh even Kenny is into marathon training now so I'd better buck up!

Running aside, I read that Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet will be working with each other again - first time since Titanic. The movie's called Revolutionary Road, I can't wait to watch it!!I think Leo has matured really well, he's quite a hunk now and not a pretty boy anymore.Gosh I loved him in Blood Diamond...ooh macho and oozing with sex appeal!Doesnt he just look gorgeous in this picture...

WOW Again

No, it's not that I had a great time. WOW stands for Washed Out Weekend. It's just one of those days where I was so prepared for my long distance run, prepared my money, water bottles, change of clothes - heck even woke up early today to have a Power Bar.....then it POURS. Cats and dogs. Bah.

It poured for quite a while, until about 7.30am, by then I had totally "lost steam" to do any exercise. And of all weeks I have church duty tomorrow and won't be able to run tomorrow! Sigh, missed another long distance run again.

I now have excess energy, but not really hyper..wonder if I will be after a cup of coffee?

Consumed my last Power Bar and will have to go Power Bar shopping today...

Hey There Delilah

Here's a trivia - the song "Hey there Delilah" by Plain White T's was actually inspired by a runner, Delilah Dicrescenzo. Tom Higgenson, the lead singer of the band fell hard when he first met her - and was inspired to write the song. The song topped the charts in 2007 around the time when she was sidelined from the USA Track and Field Championships, due to an injury, so it sort of made up for her absence in the competition.

I read that she trains alone also - that is an inspiration to me. This is taken form an interview in Runner's World:

Who do you train with?
DD: I do about 95 percent of my running alone. That can be scary because you don’t have someone else to gauge yourself against, and you worry that your competitors might be doing more. But I’ve also been able to do some amazing solo workouts. My coach, Isaya Okwiya, is a Kenyan who believes in Kenyan type training. My hardest workouts are excruciating. Then on my recovery days, I’m just crawling, which is a good thing, because I definitely need the recovery. I’m not a high mileage runner, but I’ve been up into the 70s recently. In college I never ran more than mid-50s, and I was never a very good cross country runner. I was usually about fifth on the Columbia team.

Just look at that pretty face. No prizes for guessing how Tom Higgenson was inspired!


Hey there Delilah
What's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away
But girl, tonight you look so pretty
Yes you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear it's true

Hey there Delilah
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen
Close your eyes
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
I'm by your side

Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me

Hey there Delilah
I know times are getting hard
But just believe me, girl
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good

Hey there Delilah
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I'd write it all
Even more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all

Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me

A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Our friends would all make fun of us
and we'll just laugh along because we know
That none of them have felt this way
Delilah I can promise you
That by the time we get through
The world will never ever be the same
And you're to blame

Hey there Delilah
You be good and don't you miss me
Two more years and you'll be done with school
And I'll be making history like I do
You'll know it's all because of you
We can do whatever we want to
Hey there Delilah here's to you
This one's for you

Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me.

Cross Training

Went swimming today. The silly gym only opens at 8am , and for tomorrow as well. Truly bad management, dont understand how they plan the schedule.

Anyway, swam 1500m of frontcrawl. Gosh, wonder how these athletes manage 10km of swimming! I'd be a shrivelled up prune by then!

Looking for my Tonto

Ran 15km this morning...and am at work now. Hopefully it will be a quiet day because i don't feel like walking around much after running 15km.

Finally, my brother and Hsiung have decided to start running from Bukit Aman. They had planned to do a 15-20km, but I said I could do no more than 15km as 20km is a bit of a rush for me since I have to work. Just as we started our run, I saw CCC, Jamie and a few others finish the first day of their "Hell Weekend". It was a pleasant morning to run as it rained the night before.

I got really irritated when Hsiung told me that it's too dangerous for me to run with my MP3 player on, especially when I am alone. I am not unaware of that, that's why I keep my volume low. He said he noticed I am the only person running alone whereas most female runners run with a guy. PLease tell me something I dont know! The whole reason I run with an MP3 , which I never used to is because it's hard to motivate myself when I am a solitary runner. I already told him so many times that it's hard for me to find a running partner, regardless of gender, who runs the same pace as me. I was really angry, because, if he thinks it's soo dangerous for me to run alone, why doesn't he slow down and run with me?

I just get annoyed when people volunteer advice when they dont do anything to help.

So yes, I am still looking...and waiting for my Tonto.

If not, heck I'll run alone. Because I know I am not alone..my Lord is with me.

24

After my hiatus last week, I decided to be a heroine and do 24km today. I'm all sore and tired now...

Started my run about 6.20am. Saw a group of about 15 runners, but it was all guys. I didn't see anyone familiar. It ended up a solitary run again for me, my friends ditched me and did 12km instead. They have finally registered themselves for the full marathon in Singapore, but i don't know when they will start doing at least a 20km.

I seem to be losing things when I'm running! It's all due to my deteriorating Adidas running belt..today I lost a broken watch. No love lost as it was a cheap watch, and the strap was broken, but now I am forced to buy a new watch. I tried to stuff my car keys and watch into one of the water bottle compartments, but I guess it must have bounced off when I was running. I'd decided to hold my carkeys in my hand - I would not want to lose that!

My first song on the mp3 was "Agnus Dei" - perfect to start a run with a song of praise.After about 5km, I realised that I still had stamina, but my thighs were feeling fatigue! I think it was due to the 10 min sprint on the bicycle yesterday.I didn't think it had such a great impact.There was a couple who overtook me somewhere near Tijani. Sigh it seems like I am always the only solitary runner. Women always have their partners to run with. It's so difficult for me to find a person who can run at my pace - oh well that's what you get for being a wannabe athlete. Can't run but want to run! In any case, I'm always put in situations where I am always alone. So I guess it makes no difference whether I am running alone or living this life alone. I've always had to look out for myself, and it's the same for running.

As I reached the Jalan Duta highway, there was a stupid motorcyclist travelling on the pavement in opposite direction. I really hate that! Leave the pavement for pedestrians for crying out loud! Nearly lost my Power Gel trying to avoid this stupid motorist.

At the water station, I took a Double Latte Power Gel - it sure sustained me and also brought extra fuel to my tired thighs. I think my body is slow to react - I normally only start feeling better after having run 10km. Gosh it takes me forever to warm up!

I did the extra loop around Carcosa...by that time my knees felt busted and I really really wanted to walk but it was really mind over matter...had to tell myself that I've not much time left to increase distance, what more missing last week's run.

Right after the run I went back and showered and went for a farewell breakfast. After that went off to work...am at work now and I am so so tired, haven't put my feet up, and I have my parents' anniversary tonight.

God have mercy on me!:P

Short & Fast

Did some speedwork today..at least I felt so. Instead of doing 8km today, Hsiung and I decided to do 6km since we were both feeling tired. I guess it was a slow run for him today, but for me it was speedwork! Was practically racing throughout the 6km, felt in tip top condition although initially was tired. I guess I just needed to kickstart the morning.

And, hurrah, I think it will not be a solitary run for me this weekend, my running buddies may join me. At last. It's been EXTREMELY difficult to motivate myself, other than having new music on my MP3 player, and constantly brainwashing myself by reading Runner's World.

New shorts

Took a break from exercise for 4 days last week. I was so unbelievably tired over the weekend, I even missed my long distance run :(

Woke up feeling tired again...was tired after second round but managed to push myself. Need to be mentally stronger! I think I managed quite a strong run despite feeling tired, and I can tell from the sore thighs.Why is it that I am not improving despite weeks and weeks of running? Maybe I'm just getting old.(Completed 8km anyway today)

Over the weekend I managed to find a nice pair of Mizuno shorts. I usually like my shorts a little longer, about halfway on the thighs - I dont like it when the shorts are too short - therefore I cannot wear the running shorts because 1) exposes too much skin 2) it's easier to get chafing with short shorts.

Now I just need to find a nice top.

DId 8km again. Felt so so horrible! Body was not awake until almost finishing. Remind me never to eat Shak Kei ma at night again.

Back on track

Redeemed myself this morning! Did about 21km this morning...was kiasu after what happened last week, so I'd decided to consume a Power Bar before the run.Lo and behold, I felt very strong today, could run faster and didnt feel so awful.

Another thing which motivated me was I'd changed the list of songs in my MP3...today I had more old rock to accompany me, stuff from Rolling Stones to Poison and to John Cougar Mellencamp. NOthing like good ol' rock! My first song was Mas Que Nada, by Sergio Mendez and Black eyed Pea, and it was a great song to perk up the morning!

I'd made sure I packed money in my belt the night before...but I was still having problems with my running belt...one of the bottles dropped out , and then I realised that the elastic band in one of the water bottle compartments had stretched and therefore was loose....I guess I will have to sew it up.

I was hoping to push a few more kilometres but decided that the little extra that I had done was enough.

Blind & Fast

The Beijing Olympics have come and gone, but what many people don't realise is that the Paralympics is still on.

If anything, these athletes would serve to be a bigger inspiration.Henry Kirwa of Kenya has won the gold medal in the 5000m (category T13, ie blind)event with a time of 14 mins and 24.02 seconds...heck, I can't even complete 3km in that time! Amazing..how do they run without sight?

No Time

No, that I dont have time to do things....I broke my sports watch months ago but never bought a new one. Did 8.2km today, I felt much stronger than I did on Tuesday, but I'm not sure if my time was any better. Got a quick burst of energy at around 3rd km.

Bumped into the aunty with the tongkat...she told me I am now beautiful now that i have GAINED WEIGHT. I told her, "aunty, I actually lost weight la" to which she replied "but your face now so fair, so beautiful.." She's blind la...I've gone a shade darker from running under the sun.I have 3 theories about this aunty:

1. She is actually a preprogrammed surveillance robot who is programmed to say the same old things in response to seeing the particular person.

2. You know how women love to bitch about other women and rejoice in telling them they've gained weight? Well maybe this aunty is no exception.

3. She has cataract and her focus is dispersed, therefore everything she sees has a wider outline.

Just don't understand why Chinese people love to talk about other people's weight!

Phat 2B Fit!

That's the title of my other blog. But it really is phat to be fit! Measured my resting heart rate first thing on Sunday morning, and it was 59bpm. Yesterday I decided to take my blood pressure as well, and it was at 108/65! I thought that was pretty low, after an 8km run and a cuppa coffee! I wonder if it has anything to do with eating oats daily?

Payback time.

Did 8km outdoor today. Had to payback massively for last Saturday...I was such a total weakling on Saturday, and I was disappointed in my mental weakness.

Last Saturday, I ran about 5km before realising that I hadn't brought any money for hydrating fluids!! I was listening to Click Five's "Empty" at that time, and I suddenly realised my pocket was empty too...Soon after I realised I had no money, my running belt became loose and I dropped one of the bottles. Luckily I heard it drop and went back to retrieve it. After I had adjusted my belt, I realised I had dropped my Power Gel too! It was such a disastrous run.I had wanted to make a U turn, but I thought, I might as well just try to complete it.

By the time I completed 9km I was almost dying and dehydrated. Unfortunately the water that I carried was not enough, I usually carry 2 200ml bottles and then replenish at the petrol station. I was desperate and wanted to stop at my friend's house but i decided against it since it was 8am.

As I was turning back from the petrol station, suddenly I saw my friend walking towards me!! It was as though I saw a mirage! By that time I was so tired out and lost momentum..she was carrying a water bottle but I was so low on fuel by then I just could not run another 10km back. Had I not bumped into her I would have walked the 10km back. Since I had lost steam, I joined my friend and her family to shoot a few hoops at the park. Then they had to send me back to Lake Gardens.

What a washout.

SO, I had to make up for it today. 8km is like 4 hills..was dying in the first 2 rounds but managed to pick up pace after the 3rd hill....my friends still have not signed up for the Singapore Marathon, but their actions more or less confirms that they will be running.

Now I have to psyche myself up for a mega hill run on Thursday...

Marathon = 42.195km

Woke up feeling terribly tired today. Ran on the treadmill on Tues and Wed. I realise many people have the wrong misconception of marathons. Most people think that doing a 10km is doing a marathon.ON Tues the big lady (well i cant call her the big lady anymore coz she's no longer big..) came up to me and asked if she could train for the marathon with me.So I asked her what is the maximum distance she's done so far, and she said 5km. She had wanted to follow me on Saturday runs but I told her I'm running 20km.

Although I felt tired today, I started really slowly, at the bottom of the hill and slowly picked up pace later. Finished the run feeling quite strong. Must the the rice I had yesterday ( I dont normally like to eat rice). Did 6.2km.

Sigh, with all the workout, my weight loss is minimal, and doesn't commensurate with the amount of effort I put in. Just measured my waist today and it isn't very encouraging.

Guess I'm the Chinese Serena Williams(with less taut butt).

7.5km

Gym was only opened at 8am today so I swapped my outdoor running day. Compared to last Monday I felt a lot better today after the weekend 20km run. Did about 7.5km around my place..it was a quiet morning. Didn't feel super energetic, neither did I feel super tired, so I just went at a slow pace.Quite a hot day again today.

Finished off feeling rather good. I think I need another pair of shoes to alternate with and save my Hurricane 9 for the race.

No pressure!

Had to take my dad's blood pressure. It's been a while since I used a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer...I had to learn how to use it when I was taking the fitness instructor course, and purchased a set as well.I am glad I can remember how to use it! Hurrah!

The Heat Is On!

Was so bummed out, I fell asleep on my sofa and was there the whole night! Was up at about 5am but felt totally, totally lazy to get up. Felt quite reluctant and lazy to run this morning, but I finally jumped up and got ready at 6.10am. Felt quite tired and not exactly energetic.

Started my run at 6.45am...there was one other man who ran, but I think he did 10km as I didnt see him past 10km mark. Seemed like a pretty warm day as my body was already burning by 3km. Alas, at 7th km the sun was up and against my back. Very very hot! I felt quite awful today, felt tired by 3rd km and didnt feel wonderful after completing 10km. Even after i hydrated myself with 100+ and refueled with Power Gel, my body was quite exhausted. My body was so low on fuel that the Power Gel tasted so good, and my body just quickly absorbed the sodium. Today I was accompanied by 80s, contemporary chart and Christian songs.

By the 15th km I had depleted all my water and was quite dehydrated. Walked for a few meters before resuming my run.The sun was already in my face and even my photochromatic lenses went very dark. It was just unbelievably hot.On the way back I saw many DBKL workers mowing the grass preparing for Merdeka Day.

Finally completed my run, in a surprisingly shorter time than last week although I felt worse than last week!I guess it was hotter this time round and also when I did my first 20km last week I had less expectations - having completed 20km last week I would of course expect to complete it this time too.

When I got home guess what? The sun decided to hide itself behind the clouds! Bah!But I guess I do have to get used to the heat as well, since Singapore is pretty hot..

Pounds Away!!

Had only 3.5 hours of sleep before I hit the gym this morning. Did a light workout today, with interval training (walk/run) for half hour and another half hour on elliptical machine. Also did chest exercises today.

There's this lady in my gym who used to be really HUGE, but has lost A LOT of weight since. She is about half her original size now and even runs on the treadmill. She doesn't hire any personal trainer, she just attends a number of classes. She works out really hard, and she's the only one in the gym who has shown significant improvement. Anyway, she approached me today and said "I've been watching you. You've lost a lot of weight"

I went(accompanied with rolling of eyes), "Look who's lost more weight"!

She replied," Yes I have lost weight but i have a lot of stubborn fat. I see you had a lot of stubborn fat but have lost it so I feel encouraged that I can also lose my stubborn fat"

O K ......

Seems like a lot of people like to talk about my fat: the aunty with the tongkat who goes for morning walk and the gym people..I'm glad I can give people something to do.

Well I have lost about 3kg...but I'm still in "danger zone" and classified as obese using the Body Mass index.

Ideally another 3kg to go..

6.2km Today

Everybody else was so bummed out after last night's dinner, there were only 2 of us running.Had too much wine last night, I was totally groggy when I went to bed, but thank goodness I woke up feeling normal. Was up at around 5am, could hear that it started raining...strangely I didn't have the desire to sleep in but got out of bed at about 6.30am.BY the time I got out of the house the rain had stopped, and the weather was perfect for running.

Did 6.2km, started from the bottom of the hill. Felt pretty strong and steady today, even going uphill. I wonder if it's because of the 20km I did last week or the energy from the cheese I had last night.

Nearly got chased by a pooch today! It was a little furry dog, mixed breed I think. It was unleashed, and when I ran past the owner she said "oh be careful of my dog, he doesnt like people running"

Honestly these dog owners should put their dogs on leash if they know that they cant be controlled.

Post Olympic Inspiration

Caught this on ESPN this morning - Purina Incredible Dog Challenge. Such clever dogs! And such agility! Now that Olympics is over, I could turn to these pooches for inspiration!

Did 3.5km on the treadmill as I watched this, then 30 min on elliptical machine followed by leg exercises which I missed on Monday, and back exercises as usual on Wednesday.

Running Attire

I'm back to normal physical condition. Did a 5.5km this morning, and felt pretty strong. Must have been because I rested yesterday. It's great that the weather was cool, and running uphill didn't seem to difficult today.Pain in bunion completely gone.

I need to start shopping for new running attire - my running shorts are getting old and loose, they keep sliding down after a while, whereas my running tights are loose and keep riding up!

Also need to get a new top for the race - I usually like to wear something different everytime so that I can identify the different years that I did the run...and I usually do not use the standard race shirts or ones from other races because they are dime a dozen.

Well, if I can't run very well at least I can look good right? :)

Delayed Reaction

Woke up with a slightly inflamed left knee...sigh, felt perfect on Saturday and Sunday, didn't do anything strenuous either...had to skip gym alltogether today.

I think I got the sore knee from watching the marathon...

The Flame Burns On

The Olympics torch may have been extinguished, but the inspiration burns on.Traditionally always the last event of the Olympics,it ended with yet another record breaker - a new Olympics record of 2:06:32 by Kenya's Samuel Wansiru.Even the silver medalist, Gharib from Morocco also broke the previous record with a timing of 2:07:16.

The men's marathon was a lot more intense than the women's, as usual they ran at a much more intense speed, and not to mention it was under the scorching heat. There were several great moments during the run: when Wansiru suddenly surged forward and broke away from the leading pack, when Kebede from Ethiopia sprinted ahead of his compatriot Merga to claim the bronze medal, and when former Olympic gold medalist Baldini from Italy finished in 12th place despite being in 50-something position at one point and having injury.

As soon as Wansiru crossed the finishing line, the first thing he did was fall down on his knees and pray, then he did the sign of the cross.What a feeling!

Oh ya. Strangest thing happened...the pain from my bunion has completely gone after the 20km run! Maybe I need to run more!

Songs for Running

There are some songs which have really great tunes for running, but the lyrics are less inspiring!

Example:
"Here I Go Again" - Whitesnake

And here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a hobo* I was born to walk alone
And Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time

"Run" - Collective Soul


Have I got a long way to run
Have I got a long way to run
Yeah, I run

But I still love these tunes and would listen to them when running!

Let the Run Begin!

Where Olympics end, I begin. Embarked on my first long distance run today...I completed 20km! Hurrah! After an absence from long distance training it wasn't too bad.WOke up at about 6.10am..decided I didnt want to run too early since it was another lone ranger run and i didn't want to run in the dark.By the time I packed the water bottles for my running belt, get the power gel and prepare the change of clothes, it was about 6.30am already.

Went to Bukit Aman...was relieved to see other runners, and slow ones too! Started my run at about 6.45am, after warm up. Managed to overtake some runners, there was a girl whose running belt kept coming off. I'm so glad my running belt stayed on for the whole run and didnt come off like it did for the Great Eastern run. My belt looks like it's deteriorating..first of all it's loose (always has been) and I have to fold fold the belt before i stick on the velcro. Secondly, I think all the sweat got into the zipper and it got rusted.Cant zip it!But I really do like this one..it's an Adidas one and the bottles are quite slim and there's 4 of them so the weight is evenly distributed around the waist compared the the Nike one which has 3 chunky bottles.

By the time I hit about 4km, it rained on my parade!! I thought oh no, it's gonna pour and it will be hard for me to see as I was wearing my glasses (with Transitions lenses) and not contact lenses.BUt good thing it jsut rained lightly for a while, and then it subsided. BY the time I hit about 8km My legs were beginning to fatigue, and i thought, i;m not even halfway through the run. But thanks to some inspiring music I managed to push on. I don't normally use an MP3 player when I'm running, because you dont get bored when you're with friends, but when you're on your own it gets a bit boring. Fueled myself with 100 plus and Power gel (i love the raspberry one!) at 10km I felt so refreshed.Continued my run, but alas, the MP3 battery died at 11th km. Good thing I am quite used to running without music so it was allright.

At 18th km, as I was struggling uphill, I saw some cyclists going downhill. I had to of course,maintain good posture and make myself look like it was just a breeze! But honestly, although my legs felt like jello at the end, it wasn't that bad.

And now, after the run I am craving for prawn mee!!!

Lone Ranger Run

Everybody was away so I had to run alone today. And bunion felt close to normal this morning. Hurrah! It was definitely the old shoes that caused it..Four days using my Asics and it feels a lot better. Haven't used much of my new orthotics though - maybe I will used them tomorrow since I won't be running. Did an extra 0.5km today....just that little bit uphill was enough to kill me.

Oh and I signed up for the Mizuno run....absolutely love the shirt! Even Ragu signed up before I did!

On the Road to Singapore...hopefully

Wah! There was actually fresh new fluffy towels at Celebrity Fitness. Although judging from the stack of towels they had, I am not sure if it would sustain them past 10am..unless they bring in fresh new laundered towels.

Bunion feels a lot better today..although left foot felt a bit stiff when I got out of bed, however when I started running it began to feel better.Did 3.5km on the treadmill...I think I am kinda inspired now from the Olympics...not just from watching the marathon and athletics, but ESPN has also been showing a series of triathlons and Ironman competitions.On Monday they showed the Specs Savers Ironman South Sfrica competition..there was a blind man competing, with someone guiding him of course..can you imagine swimming when you're blind? I cant even swim a straight line with my eyes open!

I am so behind in my training schedule, i really have to do something about it this weekend. I really pray my foot will be able to endure all that thumping...Also did back exercises today.

Taking it Easy

Woke up feeling rather tired, tempted to skip my outdoor run but decided that I needed it(I'm the Queen of Stubbornness) Left bunion not feeling on top of the world, but I took it easy. The pain seemed to have eased off by going slow, however the surrounding area felt a bit sore but not painful. Did a slow 5.5km run, and only in the last 1km I picked up (a little ) pace. Heart felt in good condition but just a little hampered by the foot.

After the run my left foot felt much better, although a little sore on the top of my foot. Soaked my foot in warm water with a few drops of lavender oil and massaged it with Voltaren after that.

Hope the soreness subsides by tomorrow.

Blistering Bunion!

Changed to my Asics runners today..sigh the pain is still there, however it's not sesamoiditis. It's my bunion acting up again. SOmetimes I just feel like having it sawn off...It's really painful and I was suffering after 3km. On Voltaren now.

And I havent even started my marathon training. Sigh.

Sesamoid Street

I think I've got sesamoiditis on my left toe.It hurts after running a while, and if I push on, I start to get shin splints.

Well I hope that by changing to my new Asics tomorrow the pain will be alleviated. My Hurricane 7 HAS seen better times.

Motivated or Discouraged?

There. I've finished watching the women's marathon. I am not so sure if I feel motivated or discouraged now!! I am just so amazed how Tomescu Dita maintained her lead for half the race without looking too tired! She was in top form, didn't show any signs of major fatigue while the runners in the chase group were already looking so tired. Initially they focused so much on Tosa (Japan) and I could feel her pain. I probably look like that at 5km mark!

I think the marathon seems more daunting now than when I first did it. Maybe it's fears of not being able to beat my previous time. Rightfully runners should run each race as its own and not compare with other races, as weather conditions and other factors could be different (eg form may not be the same etc)I seriously doubt if i can run any faster than my previous....what more I haven't been training.

ALso, I've noticed that the best runners are in their mid 30s! oh woe, what is happening to me? ONly seem to be going downhill!

Tomescu Dita finished in 2:26:44, which is like my half marathon time! But I am really glad that Ndereba came in 2nd at 2:27:06 and very very happy that China's Zhu came in 3rd although I would have liked her to be in second place. Paula Radcliffe struggled in the last few kms with some cramps, but I am glad that she finished her race regardless, unlike the last Olympics.

My friend reminded me though, that I should look at Paula's feat for inspiration, that she completed the race although in a poor position - and that is what marks a true competitor, not just a runner.

I need more inspiration!

Goodbye Hurricane 7

Ah! Beautiful morning! Got up at about 6.45am and went for a run at the beach. It was nice and quiet, nobody on the beach except God, me and the quiet sea breeze.As I ran further down there were many large hermit crabs scurrying. I'll bet I was like Gojira to them (Godzilla - i've always preferred using the Japanese name as I think it is much cuter!) I was desperately trying to catch some snapshots of them, but I guess that hermit (as the name suggests - DUH!) crabs and I are quite the same - we flee when we see people!Everytime they felt my thunderous footsteps they would either retreat back into their hole or into the sea.

It was hard to see the sunrise as it was a pretty cloudy day.I ran no more than 2km before my shoes fell apart!The outer sole of my Saucony Hurricane 7 came off.Oh my faithful Hurricane 7! This is the same model that took me through my last marathon.Guess I will have to say goodbye now..

Exercise on holiday

Am at Kuantan Swiss Garden hotel. It's a lovely place! Lovely beach. Was planning a beach run this morning - nice firm sand - alas, it rained so heavily this morning. Decided to go to the gym instead. Not bad, it's a decent sized gym. Most hotels just have 1 cardio machine and 1 multi station but this one had 2 bicycles, 1 stepper, 1 treadmill, Lat machine, Leg extension, Leg curl, bench press, shoulder press, rowing machine, chest press. It's managed by Sports Lab though.

Marathon Schedule

THought I was late in my training schedule. BUt when I worked out the schedule, I think I can still make it on time for the marathon..at an ok pace(well I think so)

Aug 16 15km
Aug 23 15km
Aug 30 20km
Sep 6 20km
Sep 13 20km
Sep 20 24km
Sep 27 24km
Oct 4 28km
Oct 11 28km
Oct 18 30km
Oct 25 30km
Nov 1 32km
Nov 8 35km
Nov 15 20km
Nov 22 15km
Nov 29 10km
DEC 7 BIG DAY - 42.195km

Keeping my fingers crossed. Desperately need motivation. Sigh.

Dates to remember

need to mark out these dates for athletics at the Olympics:

Aug 15-24 2008

Marathon women: August 17 (Sun 7.30am)
Marathon men: August 24 (Sun 7.30am)

Penang Bridge run has just been reinstated on the Nov 16 2008.Alas, it wont be this year for me - too close to Singapore marathon!

Celebrity Fitness SUCKS

I've said this before and I'll say it again:

CELEBRITY FITNESS SUCKS.

Big time.

Ok this is a bit delayed - it happened on Wednesday but I thought I needed to blog about it since Celebrity Fitness really sucks. ON Wednesday, after my workout they had no more towels! At 8am in the morning! What kind of a gym is that? At least Fitness First doesnt provide towels, but Celebrity provides towels and they ran out at 8am in the morning??? Mind you this is the second time it's happened. Good thing I stay near the gym. I mean, what if I lived in Shah Alam and worked in Bangsar?? I'd have to drive ALL THE WAY home to shower and back to work again.

So later I decided to call the manager. Guess what? The manager wasn't in. Take a guess why. He had to go to 1 Utama Celebrity to collect the towels!! *slap forehead* Is that dumb or what. Totally unacceptable. NOt only that but since I joined the gym early last year, it has been at least 7-8 occassions where they gym opened only at 7am when it was supposed to open at 6am. Die hard gym members like me had to wait 45 mins to an hour for the stupid gym to open.

They should call it Cameo Fitness, coz we definitely are not treated like celebrities.

Losing It

Good thing the haze wasn't so bad this morning. But I am really losing it - can't seem to keep up with my runs these days. Even Ragu is running faster than me. Been feeling a bit weak and have to go at a real slow pace. Even doing a 5.5km run this morning I was having difficulty. Could not keep up with Ragu. And I haven't even done 10km....how am i going to fare for a marathon?

What's happening to me? Is age really taking a toll on me?

Samson hair

Not only did I lose weight fmo the haircut but I also lost my strength. My long hair must have had some kind of Samson effect - I felt terribly weak this morning, and was so tired after a 7km run.

I'm just being dramatic..actually I was just feeling anaemic.

Weight Loss from haircut!

While I was getting my haircut yesterday, I browsed through some Hello magazines. Found out that Ronan Keating completed the London Marathon in 3:59!! Gordon Ramsay also ran the marathon, but there was no mention of his race time. Must have been bad! I can just imagine him cussing and swearing through the run...

Anyway, stepped on the weighing scale today and voila! I'd lost 0.5kg fom the haircut. Wonder if I can improve my speed with short hair? :D

Did an interval walk/ run on the treadmill for 30 mins and another 30 mins on elliptical machine.

I've lost some strength I think - could not do bench press with the bar! It's been ages. Anyway now gotta work harder, with the marathon coming , and also with my short hair. Huh?!? Well, with short hair my shoulders are more obvious, so any small weight gain is noticeable with all that hair gone. So I've to make sure I've got toned upper body!

Change

Made 3 major changes today:

1. New orthotics
Tried my new orthotics today. They look a bit more elevated than my previous ones. Left foot felt the same but right foot felt a bit different. At the end of a 6km run, I ended up with blisters on the arch of both feet, but more pronounced on the right foot. I actually had my feet casted again for the second pair, it wasnt a repeat order. Either the structure of my foot has changed or the new orthotics need some modification.

2. New specs
I've got new specs fitted with Transitions lenses. What a pity there wasn't much sun this morning!

3. New hairdo
I did it! Finally cut off all my hair. I was inspired after watching Selma Blair in Hellboy 2. Been wanting to do this a long time but I guess I've always been insecure and felt unattractive with short hair. Heck, I could not even attract men when I had long hair so what's the difference!?! LOL. So I thought, why not...

Deja Vu

It's been 4 years since I ran my first marathon - I still remember what inspired me - watching the Olympics marathon when I was at the gym.

So while I was at the gym this morning, I caught snippets of Paula Radcliffe completing a race - and guess what - I was sort of inspired to do another one..HOnestly my training regime hasn't been great - I've been feeling lethargic or rather, finding it hard to workout at the pace I used to ( ya ya....getting old and all..). Then I did the unthinkable.....I signed up for Singapore Marathon (again..I am SO boring!) I don't know how my training will be like. Maybe I should watch more of the Olympics this year to get some inspiration. Not to mention I need to lose another 3kg.

Ooooh..I do need to kick my butt more.

also, I'll be getting a new set of orthotics today. Hmm maybe that could inspire me? ( I dont see how it can, but ah well..just looking for some motivation) I hope I don't have to go through the painful process of breaking into it like I did when I had my first pair.

Monday morning workout

Was rather tired this morning but decided to gym anyway. Need to lose another 3kg! Overall i've lost about 3kg but still need to lose another 3. Sigh seems to get tougher with age!

Run 4km
Elliptical trainer 30 min
Adductor machine
Abductor machine
Squats
Sit ups

I kinda miss RPM classes.

First Personal Training Session

Whoa...this is my first post in 2 months. It's been a while, there wasn't anything interesting about my exercise regime to blog about. Today I finally took up the free personal training session which Celebrity Fitness provides when one joins the gym. I've joined the gym for about one and a half years and I've never taken up the free sessions - to me a good personal trainer is very important, and I wasn't sure of the quality of the personal trainers at Celebrity - as far as I knew none of them were qualified.

Anyway I agreed to be trained by a female instructor, without knowing her background or qualification. Much to my surprise, I found out that she had only been in the fitness industry for 2 months.I was pretty impressed with her though. She knew I had quite an advanced level of fitness so she gave me a circuit training program. The circuit is as follows:

1. lateral shuffle 2X
2. run forward and back
3. Shuffle on stepboard x 12 reps
4. Lateral shuffle 2x
5. run forward and back
6. push up x 12 reps
7. Lateral shuffle 2x
8. run forward and back
9. sit ups with medicine ball

It was quite strenuous, my legs were fatiguing but yet i didnt want to push that hard. After the workout I confessed to her that I was a certified trainer, and she was so embarrassed! THis is the 3rd time something like this has happened to her..she had trained 2 other persons who was also in the fitness industry!

What I liked about her is she had a quick thinking mind - she knew how to cater the program to my needs - which most trainers in Malaysia do not know how to do, and most of them end up teaching very boring basic stuff.

I've got one more session with her - i look forward to it.

New word

I've learned a new word. Besides suffering from Body dysmorphic disorder, I am also suffering fom steatopygia. I didn't know I had this condition all my life. Just only found out.

It's not fatal. I think I will survive.

Jewish marathoners balancing diet, faith

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) -- Jonah Pesner is looking ahead to his crucial carb-loading, fuel-up meal on the night before running his first Boston Marathon. On the menu: matzoh.

Jonah Pesner decided not to break the dietary rules of Passover in the days leading up to the Boston Marathon.

It's not the usual choice for marathoners loading up on carbohydrates to drive their run, but Pesner, a rabbi, has limited options.

Passover begins just two days before the April 21 marathon, and the holiday's strict dietary rules mean Jewish runners can't eat bread and pasta, the normal staples in the days before the big race.

Besides matzoh, which is unleavened bread, Pesner plans to pound down foods such as potatoes during a rare "carb-load seder" the night before the race.

Pesner never considered breaking the dietary rules for the sake of the race, which he is running with his wife for an autism charity.

"For me, running the marathon is a very spiritual quest," he said.

The marathon is always held on Patriots Day, a state holiday that falls the third Monday in April, and often comes within the weeklong Passover holiday.

Marathon organizers try to be sensitive to religious concerns, but major changes to suit various religions aren't practical, said Marc Chalufour, spokesman for the Boston Athletic Association, the marathon's organizer.

"You've got 25,000 runners, and you obviously want to be sensitive to the needs of all of them," Chalufour said. "But you can't make a change to accommodate some of the runners at the expense of the majority."

The dietary restrictions for Passover forbid eating leavened foods, such as bread, cake, beer or pasta, which have yeast or other fermented grain products.

The prohibition is traced to the roots of the holiday, which marks when God sent an angel to kill first-born Egyptian sons but spared the houses of the Israelites. Soon after, Pharaoh freed the Jews, who fled in such a hurry that the dough they took didn't have enough time to rise.

Jews usually hold a Passover seder, a meal with religious rituals, in their homes on the first two nights of the eight-day holiday.

The level of observance varies. An Orthodox Jew, for instance, does not work or drive on the first two and the last two days of Passover, so he or she would not run a marathon on those days.

It's not an issue for Pesner. His liberal Reform branch generally suggests that followers hold a seder on just the first day of the holiday, though the dietary rules are observed the entire week.

Pesner, 39, acknowledges that he has questions about the effects of his diet on his race. Matzoh is known to have a binding effect on the digestive tract.

"It's definitely a concern," Pesner said, chuckling.

Sandy Karpen, a real estate agent from Scottsdale, Arizona, said he and his wife, Sharon, are changing their tradition of attending seders the first two nights of Passover to accommodate their training. The second seder is the day before the race, and Karpen and his wife wanted to rest rather than attend a seder on what is typically a long night.

Their rabbi from the Conservative Jewish tradition advised them that Jews may fulfill their obligation by observing only the first day and said they could do the same.

The 17-time marathoner admits some guilt about straying from his lifelong tradition but has no regrets.

"I guess sometimes you're looking for justification for what you're doing," he said. "My rabbi said it was acceptable to do, and that was good enough for us."

Karpen, 49, and his wife ate fish and potatoes before their last long runs as sort of practice.

"The last thing you want to do is change your diet or change anything you've been doing throughout your cycle," he said. "You never want to experiment the day of the race."

Wayne Cohen of Houston, Texas, figures that on the day before the marathon, he'll have egg whites and fruit for breakfast rather than pancakes and salmon with potatoes for dinner instead of a carb-filled pizza.

But Cohen, 51, has decided he'll break Passover rules on the morning of the race, when he's planning to eat oatmeal without water and probably some pieces of bagel. Cohen has run about two dozen marathons and decided he doesn't want to mess with his normal race-day routine.

And he's not feeling guilty about it.

"I've pretty much convinced myself I would be a hypocrite if I said it would," he added. "It's not like I've been perfect in my religious beliefs.

"I'm beyond that," he said. "I'm not going to worry."

Source: CNN

OOUUUCCHH!!

No the scream's not from the 20km run. Yes! I did it! I did a 20km run with Peck Yah today..nearly wanted to bail out as I've been getting cold feet from lack of training and physical lethargy. We ran at a leisurely pace, and it turned out to be very enjoyable. I guess most of the time i find it intimidating to run with other people, as i am slow and it's difficult to find people as slow as me. Running with Peck Yah's really fun because it takes the pressure away as we can pace each other. After 10km we still felt pretty good, and by the time we finished the 20, we were tired but not exhausted.

Actually the 20km didn't kill me. But the chafing did. By the time I hit about 16km, I could feel that stinging sore feeling between my thighs (that's what you get for having big thighs) and on my lower back where the elastics of the running tights are) It was extremely painful!! So painful that it hurt even more than the run itself! Taking a shower was like being in a torture chamber.

I must remember to put on Vaseline next time (actually i remembered but I was so lazy to I guess I deserved it).Also must shop for new running tights which are longer as i only have 1 pair which I use for long distance running.Oh yea, and also need to buy new sportsbras as I;m using the same ones for the last 10 years!

I've also signed up for KLIM....FULL.....

Point of no return...

Here are some tips from prevention of chafing taken fom "Time to Run"

You running along not a care in the world, so you think. A little later into the run and 'boy oh boy' you have a chafe and is it not irritating. The irritation you can cope with but now it has lead to an open wound and it is bleeding. People around are you ready to call in the paramedics, a helicopter is being radioed for. BUT .. before going to all that trouble lets discuss the problem and in so doing try to avoid the look of alarm when you cross the line with blood oozing from the chaffed areas. Yes, this can be a sensitive subject.

How is it caused : They say the major contribution to chafing is from sweating and rubbing. Many of us consider that chafing is a signal that it is time to lose weight, however even the skinniest eprsons can experience the same problem. Chafing generally takes place around the groin, underarms and nipples, but it can occur anywhere.

Prevention: Prevention of chafing falls into four categories: try to stay dry, keep hydrated, using a lubricant and wear the proper clothing. Lubrication before walking with petroleum jelly or an anti-chafing product such as Body Glide or Runner's Lube.

Try to stay dry: Go light on the deodorant roll-on as this can lead to a stickier situation. Use talcum powder, cornstarch or potato starch to stay dry, if absolutely necessary. If all else fails consider using a lubricant.

Hydration: Always drink lots of water during the day, keep hydrated during training and make sure you drink sufficient after exercise. This will assist you in perspiring freely so that the remanants don't dry into salt crystals which will make the possibility of chafing higher.

Lubrication: While exercising all kinds of lubricants are used to keep the skin areas sliding past each other instead of rubbing raw. Petroleum jelly, bag balm and udder cream are the longtime favourites. Make sure the lubricants are petroleum-free and non-staining. They can also be used on your feet and toes, in attempt to avoid blisters.

Clothing: Loose clothes may feel good on the trail, but to prevent chafing you need a snug fit. Bike shorts are designed to give a skin tight fit that will prevent chafing and are excellent if your trouble is in the lower body or thigh area. For the upper body, polypropylene or lycra tops that fit skin tight will do the trick. Also avoid wearing new clothes on a long run, during a hard session [ where the intensity is higher ] or race.

Treatment: Once you are chafed, treat the area like an open wound. Wash and clean with antiseptic to prevent infection and cover with a sterile gauze pad that allows the area to breathe until it is healed.

The worst chafe is the nipple area: There is nothing worse than trying to recover from chaffed nipples, as they stay tender for long after and the chance of them bleeding reoccurring is high. This affects both men and women.

Prevention: As above concentrate on using antichafing lubrication. Use fabrics that can deliver moisture from the skin to the outer layer .. the key word being 'sweat-wicking'. It is advisable for women to wear sweat-wicking sports bras. And if necessary wear plaster over nipples during your exercise.

All this may seem slightly 'over the top', but you will understand if you ever become a member of the CNS - the 'chafed nipple society', they can be seen wearing their distingushed badge of red on their tops.

Take heed and avoid the chafing dilemma.

source Time-to-Run - adapted from various articles

Another Outdoor Run

The alarm rang at 6am but refused to get up until 6.45am! It was still dark at about 7am..only started running at about 7.15am. Chilly morning.

Had very little to eat last night, but the fact that I wasn't low on energy shows how much food i consumed and reserves I've accumulated over Chinese New Year!Scary. Did the usual 6.6km circuit. Felt quite perky in the first round. As usual I always have a headstart infront of the guys, but they eventually caught up with me in the 3rd round. Good thing I managed to narrow the gap to about 6 meters apart at the end.

Felt quite good after the run and had my usual dose of Starbucks coffee. I think sometimes a combination of running and caffeine isn't a good idea. I was so hyper today that my memory failed me and even forgot the password to the alarm.

Reality Bites

SIGH.

It's back to reality. No more sleep-ins. Back to my regimented life. No more waking up at 9-10am. Back to gruelling RPM. What luxury I've had for the past week!

Was up at 5.45am this morning. Nearly wanted to skip gym, but after those countless peanut cookies and arrowroot chips, I had to drag myself out of bed. I should learn to get out of bed like CJ7, just bounce up.

GROAN.
Back to the clapper. Ran on the treadmill for 30 mins, followed by 20 min on elliptical trainer.

It's lats day again. Only managed 3 lats exercises today:
*Lat pulldown
*Bent over row
*Seated row

Only managed 50 crunches on the fitball today. No plank.

Then went for RPM. Did mostly speedwork today. Thank goodness. Think I would have died climbing hills today.

Contacted Peck Yah this morning....we have to start training for KL INternational Marathon this weekend.

GROAN.

Sabbatical

I'm on a 10 day exercise sabbatical. Due to Chinese new year, I've been eating twice or thrice as much but not exercising at all. Been waking up late for the last 3 days...what a luxury it is not having to rush anywhere and just spend my time with family and close friends. Wish I could do this every day of my life! Been having more than 8 hours of sleep daily..usually if I oversleep I feel tired and lethargic but for some strange reason, I feel really rested for the last 3 days. I think not rushing around also helps, not having to feel stressed etc.

This is my only long break for the year where I get to chill out and relax...Holidays with travels don't count as you come back needing more rest!

I feel so rested and recharged. This is my "refuelling" for the year... am I going to be able to last a whole year just from 3 days of rest? I pray and hope so.

I don't think I've watched so much tv (by my standards that is) in my life. I get to watch at least one movie a day if I'm not out..which I rarely get to do on a normal working day. So far the movies I have seen are:

• Brokeback Mountain (I know, I know, it's old, only watching it after Heath kicked the bucket)
• Wait "Til you're Older (Andy Lau movie - really sad ending)
• Rob-B-Hood
• CJ7
• Happily Never After (animated cartoon)

I've also never watched so many Chinese variety shows in my life. Been catching David Tao and Lee Hom in concert. Realised I've been losing my "Ah Lianness" from listening to Hoobastank and Creed lately..so while I am getting physically recharged, I may as well recharge my Ah Lianness.

Change again

Ok, I've had to change blog skin again. The previous one (Thisaway) had inverted crosses on it! Had to choose something else more boring..

Nu Skin

I've decided to change my blog skin again....this is the 4th time I'm changing the layout. Well, since my blog is as good as dormant, i'd better do something to it...

Middle Age Spread

I don't think I'm accepting middle age spread very well.....that's what you call DENIAL! Been working out so hard the last few weeks and the scale hasn't budged. I know, I know, everybody else says that it's muscles but let's not delude ourselves here!I mean, if the weight gain reflects muscles then I'd be Arnold Schwarzenegger by now. (oh by the way Blogger actually has Schwarzenegger in the spellcheck! Amazing.)

I have been pretty careful with my food as well, so I guess all this non weight loss can be attributed to middle age. Sigh! I dread to think what my weight would be when I hit 40...50...60 years. Yesterday my friend at the gym commented, "oh you're so lucky you don't have a tummy"...to which I responded "ya but I have something you call THIGHS".

It's true what they say, when pear shaped people eat, all the food bypasses the stomach and just heads straight for the thighs. Mind you, there's no point having child bearing hips if you aren't going to make use of them..

Yesterday's workout
------------------------
Hit the gym at 6.10am yesterday. I always look forward to Mondays, because it's RPM day. Energy level was quite high, from all that carb from the sushi last night. Did:

30 min run on treadmill (max heart rate= 163 bpm)
20 min on elliptical machine

Lats day -I love a sexy back!
Lat pulldown
UPright row
Seated row
Bent over flyes
100 fitball crunches - abs hurt like mad today!
1 minute plank on fitball

After all that, ended with RPM. I think we have a new instructor, Kean is his name. Quite a pleasant personality and quite smiley in the morning - has a Joker smile. He's rather motivating. By then my thigh muscles were all tired, I couldn't really sprint at a high resistance.

Today's workout
------------------
Did my usual 6.6km run outdoor. Always feel knackered after RPM the next day. My speed seems to be reducing also..is this all a part of being middle age? Saw my reflection in the glass as I ran past the bank.

Horrors.

Sunday Evening Fever

Today's one of those rare Sunday evenings that I'd decided to go for an evening run. Did about 5km and boy, I nearly died! How people can jog or run in the evening is beyond me. The air was heavy and stale, I felt "not quite right". And it had NOTHING to do with watching Cloverfield nor the rice wine mee suah I had this afternoon.(which incidently made me woozy but was allright later)

After about 10 minutes I felt like I'd wanted to stop. Half an hour after the run, and after a cold shower even, my body still felt like it's burning hot.

Burn baby burn. I'm sticking to morning runs.

Energy level: low to moderate

Did the usual 6.6km run....first outdoor run since the 20km run. Felt really tired initially, but had an energy surge in the second round.

Sure felt good!

Legs Day

Energy level: Low

Got to the gym at 6am. Left toe still a little sore but could still work out.

Cardio:
30 min walk/run on treadmill
25 min on stairclimber
25 min on elliptical machine

LEGS day!!
Adductor machine
Abductor machine
Seated leg curl
Dumbell squats

Reverse crunches

I should never do legs and RPM on the same day..but I'm running every other day so I still need to fit in leg exercises somewhere in the week. And I'd rather do it in the middle of the week than early or late: if i do it early in the week I'll probably wear myself out and get tired, if I do it late in the week it clashes with my long distance running. I do RPM both on Mon and Wed, and even though Wed RPM class is tougher, I'd stil rather do it mid week.

I nearly died during RPM today..felt a bit woozy at the end after pushing myself up countless hill climbs. I think RPM contributes to having a big a** but nevertheless I still love it.

Recovery Run

Oooh..my hip flexors are still a little stiff but decided to do a recovery run today. Since my running buddies are away, I'd decided to run on the treadmill instead. Blister on right bunion still a little sore but all the fluid has escaped as the blister got punctured on its own :P

Got to the gym at 6am, did about 40 mins of elliptical machine followed by 5km run on the treadmill. Left toe felt a bit sore but I took it slow and easy.

Decided to do weights as well since I missed yesterday.

Weights:
Lat pulldowns
cable pullover
bent over lateral raises
shoulder presses

I'm doing 100 crunches now each time I go to the gym. Not like I am getting washboard abs but it sure feels good! I wonder how some people manage to do 500 sit ups a day? Also did 1 minute of plank.

Oh! My Hips!

WOke up early enough to go to the gym this morning...felt quite allright generally except hip flexors a bit sore..decided I'd stay home and rest. I could still go to the gym, but I guess it's best to give these creaky ol' bones a rest to prevent injury...after all I exercised 7 days a week last week so it's a well deserved rest!

Missed my RPM class though..

Good Start to the Year

I can't believe it, I did it! I actually ran the 20km race, finished it..of course in timing worse that usual but considering that the maximum I've run since Singapore Marathon 2006 is 8km, I guess it's acceptable to me! This is my comeback run. Right now my body is still burning..and I hope it's melting all that fat away!

When the alarm rang this morning I thought to myself "Do I really want to do this?" I was still groggy and a bit light headed even though I had enough hours of sleep. But the thought that I hadn't raced at all last year, kind of pushed me to run.We were flagged off at 6:30am. I started really slow as I wasn't sure how I would sustain throughout the entire race. Plus I didnt want to get cramps in the 1st 2 km which I sometimes get when I run too fast without being really warmed up. My body was actually still asleep in the 1st 5km..i don't think I could run a straight line as I was still groggy, and the streets being dimly lit didnt help either!

BY the time I completed 10km, I still felt fine. I'd decided not to take the Power Gel as i didn't think it would make much of a difference. By 15km, I felt a sudden surge in energy and could run with a little more strength but alas, at the 16th km, I felt quite tired already. As we reached Jalan Duta, I felt it was the longest stretch ever!

Finally, just before the finish line, my Adidas running belt became loose! My power gel dropped, but I left it on the road as I had wanted to sprint to the finish line. (It was also expired!:P) Alas, my plan was still thwarted, as my water bottle dropped out!! I had to run back to retrieve it as it was the Adidas bottle and it's quite hard to find a replacement. Finally when i reached the finish line, the photographer told me that he hadn't snapped my picture, so i had to reverse and have my picture taken!! So the picture of me will be one of walking and not running..aiya. THought I could have some glamour shot.

I completed in 2:32 which is longer than usual. But I'm glad I did it.

Sheer Stupidity

I am untrained. Like pretty untrained...although I have been working out heavily in the gym, I haven't achieved 10km in 1 year!! And I've made up my mind to go for the race on Sunday. (Unless I feel really horrible..) I've decided I will encourage myself by pinning the number to my shirt! I've selected my famous fluorescent yellow shirt for this Sunday. Hopefully I will have the impetus to run!

This will be the first race that I will be doing since last year. This time last year I was just recovering from a cough, therefore I didn't complete the race...I signed up for 30km but took the escape route after 10km!! After that it was downhill on the way and it was extremely, extremely difficult to regain momentum and stamina.

I've decided that I will take it slow and just enjoy the race.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Slow & Easy

Was up late last night watching American Idol....hence i woke up late for gym this morning! Got to the gym at about 6.50am. Decided to go slow and easy today since I woke up late and punished myself the last 4 days already. Also decided not to go for the Power Dance class...when I was younger I used to love dance classes, but my preference has changed. I'd much rather do something like kickboxing or RPM...nothing of the free flow type.

Cardio: 40 min brisk walk on treadmill

Weights:
Push ups
Dumbell bench press
Dumbell flyes
Dumbell shoulder press
Tricep dip
Tricep kickback (need to get rid of all that flab)
Crunches
Plank (65 seconds)

Energy level: moderate

Hurrah!

Got on the weighing scale yesterday. Hurrah! Lost that 1.5kg which I had gained in a short period of time. I seriously hope it was water retention!Hmm now I am not even sure what my normal weight is!

Ran 6.6km today...Energy level: medium.

I'm wondering if I should join the POwer Dance class tomorrow...have 2 left feet but the class looks pretty interesting..although i am still NOT convinced the instructor is male..

Great workout

Pushed myself at the gym today. Being hyper = endorphins + coffee

Was at the gym at 6am and finished at 8.45am.

Cardio:
30 min interval walk -run on treadmill
25 min on stairclimber
35 min on elliptical machine

Weights
Dumbell squat
Dumbell alternate lunges
Sumo squat
Decline bench crunch
45 sec plank

Marcos conducted RPm class today. Boy what a tough workout! Did mostly hills and interval sprinting. To complement my exercise, I had coffee today. THere's and Ah Kua at my usual coffee place, and i've noticed he has a very nice body shapy - curvy at the right places, tall and slender. Not fair! No wonder there are still so many single women out there!

Stick Insects Have More Fun

My gym friends contorted their faces when I told them I needed to lose 5 kg. "5 kg???? From WHERE are you going to get 5kgs to lose??" I pointed to my lower belly and hips. "If you have to lose from your belly we have even more to lose!" they said.

I still think stick insects have more fun , no matter what people say. Come on, look at all the boutiques in KL. Only designed for anorexic people. And it doesn't help that I am short also..it's so difficult to buy slacks these days. Everything comes in drainpipe cut. Where are all the clothes that fit J-Lo type of body shape??

When I was in Paris admiring all the Renaissance paintings, rounded and rotund women were the "in thing". Maybe I'm just born in the wrong era. Even as there have been some movements to create awareness that size isn't everything, and even with women like Beyonce, Shakira and J-Lo...society still favours stick insects somehow. If you don't agree with me, then why are people so driven to want to lose weight or desire to be skinny?

I for one have double standards. I don't think anorexic girls look very nice, but I DON'T MIND looking anorexic myself. Strange huh. Better to look anorexic than be a hominis robustus.

Ran 6.6km today.

Another kg!

Good grief. Stepped on the weighing scale and I weigher ANOTHER kg heavier. I seem to be gaining weight progressively. Got another comment from a relative that I could do with some weight loss.

Ho hum, got to get serious.

Today I did:
30 min run
25 min elliptical trainer
Lat pulldown (narrow and wide grip)
bent over flyes
DUmbell row
Pulley row
Ab crunches
Plank

Completed my exercise with 45 mins of RPM. It was a tough one today, we mostly did combinations of sprinting and uphill climbs, seated and standing sprints.

Knackered.

Motivated or Stupidity?

Ran 6.6km outdoor today. Definitely a struggle after an intensive RPM class yesterday! My legs felt like lead today. I've actually signed up for the Great Eastern Run (20km only) next week but I am so untrained, the furthest distance I have trained is 8km!!

My running buddies wont be around next week, so let's see how motivated or how stupid I am to decide to run next week!

Setting Targets

I think I'll need to set targets for 2008. Last year has been such a lazy year...you've probably heard enough of that. Got on the weighing scale this morning.....I've 3-3.5kg to shed! I was actually very disciplined in early December..until Christmas and New Year came along and I succumbed to those chocolates!

SO, it's time to get serious. Spent nearly 3 hours at the gym today, hence I am still wide awake now! I can't believe I am still running high on endorphins for the entire day! Here's what I did today:

30 min walk /run interval training on treadmill
25 min on stairclimber
25 min on elliptical machine

Adductor machine
Abductor machine
Dumbell squats
Seated leg curl
Fitball crunches

45 mins of RPM

It's running day tomorrow....boy my butt is going to hurt!!

Spongeblob Tightpants Goes to the Gym - Episode 1

STARRING:

Chipmunkrock as Spongeblob Tightpants
Chipmunkrock as Fatrick
Chipmunkrock as SquidLard

It's a lazy morning in BIGini BOTTOM and Spongeblob is sleeping again oblivious to the ringing alarm. Spongeblob is awaken by Spongemom, and drags herself to the gym. Spongeblob has been absorbing too much fat now and has to push herself hard at the gym.

Spongeblob gets in the car with Fatrick and Squidlard and head off to Celebrity Fitness. She has to work her gluteus maximus, if not she will become Spongebum soon. Her regime today:

30 min interval (walk-run) on treadmill
25 min on elliptical machine
Smith machine squats
Dumbell sumo squats
Adductor machine
Abductor machine
Abs


PS: For the benefit of those who do not watch Spongebob, the original names of the characters and place are Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick, Squidward and Bikini Bottom.

Spongeblob Tightpants

Well you can see that I haven't updated this blog in more than 1 month...And by the title you can tell how I look like now. Yes, a blob with tight pants. Was already told by a customer that I've gained weight. That's it. Just shortly before my Pattaya trip, my exercise regime had become somewhat irregular - cutting down from 5-6 times a week to 3-4 times a week. I know, I know, for some people 3-4 times a week is their max, but this blob needs to burn more calories..MORE!

This year has been an incredibly bad year for running for me. I don't know whether it has anything to do with hitting the veteran category this year but I find my body tiring out quite easily and not being able to keep up at the pace I used to go.

This weekend is already Singapore Marathon, and I haven't joined any races this year! I think I need to set new targets for next year. This year I've had too much distraction - travelling etc.

For now, I have to focus on getting my exercise regime back to usual - 5-6 times a week. I have been struggling since I came back from my trip. There are just some mornings when I feel like Garfield and not feel like waking up. I overslept this morning too but dragged myself out of bed for a 6km run.

My motivation? I have to lose all that excess baggage.