The 2/3 Marathon

I - AM - DYING - NOW. lol. 

Finally, the month of Oct ends and I have just closed Oct's log book with a 28K LSD. *ARGH*. My brain is totally melted now. My legs can't even move. My shoulders feel like they've been pierced. I can't even think straight now. Oh, did I mention the rashes? 

I look like a zombie now.

You would think that I'd be so excited that I've finally done so long but I did say I was aiming 30K today... When I checked back, realised we took a HELL OF A SHORTCUT, around 2K, from Dawson to QW. Sheesh. I wonder if that's good or bad. I mean, I want to do 30K, but now I already feel so burnt out, I wonder if I would have given up had I taken the longer route instead. But anyway, good accomplishment. 

It's been a long journey...I remember when I shuddered at the thought of doing 3K. THREE Kilometres! How things have changed. And I've slowly progressed, from 3 (Home) to 6 (resevoir) to 8 (home-WCP) to 10 (henderson waves) to 12 (lakeside) to 15 (GESS) to 21 (west side) to 24 (west side) to now, 28 (GESS). Damn, I wish I could've killed the 30K barrier today though, but I believe if I were to do 2K more just now, I could have done it. So that doesn't bother me that much. 

Now, I need ALOT OF FLUID, DINNER, AND MORE FLUID!!!. 

Next week's gonna be busy! 

Guess what? One month to Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon 2010!!!

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Indecision

I have lost every bit of motivation to go for gym sessions. Seeing those huge, muscular guys and comparing them to myself is just demoralising. 

I want to become like that. But more importantly to me, I want to improve my running records. And if I become a buffed up freak, it contradicts my goal cos' adding mass naturally slows me down. That is a given. But seeing my skinny self every time does make me feel insecure and inferior. The most 'in my face' moment is when I actually encounter buff guys who CAN run. That is like, perfection. 

So either I keep my 'runner's body', i.e. skinny, lean, little muscle, or I buff up and sacrifice my running. Guess the choice is obvious, at least for now. 

Extremely tired right now! Only had 4 hours of sleep yesterday, and today was packed with loads of training, so I can't believe I'm still awake and sane right now. Did the gym, as planned, though it was a pain the the ass. Finished with an Interval training right before dinner. 

Today's H-I-I-T -- by far, the TOUGHEST one yet. 

Don't know how to describe my feelings after that! You know when I was weight 70+ and attempting HIIT for the first time? I remembered doing 200 recovery jog/ 100 sprint for 6 times, adding to 1.8K and 10 minutes of hell. Boy oh boy, have times changed. Now I am doing 200/200 x7, usually. But today, I felt I needed to sweat and push harder and make sure I feel the pain. So I increased to 10 repititions. THAT'S TEN, guys. That meant 200/200 x10 or 4K of interval training!!! It was elite level. I'd call it 'sparta training'. 

Oh the pain. My face was distorted in ways I can never imagine when I sprint. Every minute was painful. I dug deep to keep my balance during recovery jogs. When I was done, I was literally shaking and shivering, YES no kidding. My heart felt as if it was repeating pounded by a sledgehammer. For the first time in a long time, I was so emotional I wanted to cry. Solid, unforgiving pain. That is why EVERYONE hates HIIT! But, if you asked me, I was glad I did it, however hard I struggled. But I don't want to think of it now, nor the next session. 

"Spartan HIIT"

200m All out sprint / 200m recovery jog

Repeat 10 times minimum

Distance: 4K

Let's see, going for 30K this Sunday. Hope I break it! Not much time left until the Marathon...if we count in taper time, we're only left with 3 weeks of serious training. Very short of time. It is essential I complete 30K this Sunday. The route is out, which gives us extra motivation too. After all the races I've been it, it is still important for me to keep focus and realise that the MARATHON is the main event. The 5K, 10K, 15K, Trail runs, all of them are just fillers. Do not forget, amidst all of the pain, the PRs, the races, that this is the one that truly matters. 

Duty tomorrow and Saturday! Time to rest! Then it's the end of October. 

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A New PR, A Reignited Flame.

The story always turns out this way doesn't it? 

When I expect things to go wrong, they turn out to be good. Vice versa. Simply put, things that matter hardly ever happens to what I envision. How very trve for today's race!

For all it's worth, this is probably the most enjoyable race overall. I set a PR, and hit my target of 46 min. The chip time should be 46:00, and they screwed up our results by displaying the gun time. 

First of all I gotta say the atmosphere in SG is NOWHERE near KL two weeks ago. The people were just friendlier, the volunteers just livelier, the music just louder and better, and most of all, the KL MC simply owns Singapore's boring duo of Utt and another girl. There wasn't even the fun warm up we got in KL. Once, the MC asked, "Hey! Why do I see people yawning? Did you not get enough sleep? Or is it I'm too boring" WAKE UP it IS you who is too boring LMAO! Atmosphere and enthusiasm wise, KL beats SG hands down.

The race route was relatively easier. Not much scenery, but not much hills either. There were two, but can't really call them hills since the incline is almost negligible. Biggest complain by almost everyone who would say, who be the inaccurate distance of 9.7K. Garmin, GPS users, and runners alike, all agreed the distance was shorter. Well, some could say it's only 300m, but to others 300m is still a minute or two to add to your real 10K timing. 

In case you're wondering, no, my bruised shin did not act up. In fact, I was making a mountain out of a molehill yesterday. It wasn't that bad! Absolutely did not trouble me, and I managed to run the race problem free. The minor issue was slight stitches and not drinking enough. The haze didn't trouble us either, hovering at a meagre 30 PSI level. The shag part for me was 6-8K. As I said, that is always the toughest part and where you always have to dig in deep to keep your pace. At the 9K mark came the Rock music section, and it was literally God send. I-N-S-T-A-N-T energy+adrenaline boost. You just ran with the hard beat and the loud music just shreds all your pain away and makes you high. Like artificial runner's high. If only bands were everything; imagine how much faster we'd run since we won't feel the fatigue and pain. Made a mistake by not drinking at the last station. I felt I did not needed it, but regretted not taking a final gulp.  Nothing too damaging though. Increased pace at 9K, then the countdown; 750, 500, 250...and *Gasp*! 250 to finish line was like this--------short. I swear it was only maybe 100m? Obviously this was the point where the distance was shortened. But of course, when I saw the end point instinctively I just did a final blast. It was fun! 

Didn't stay for the festivities but there's always next year! I am quite happy with my PR already! 

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Just when things were flowing smoothly...SHIT HAPPENS.

I was looking forward to Sunday.

I had done my last run on Wednesday, and allowed myself to rest all the way until Sunday. 

I wasn't going to do any dumb extra exercises to jeopardize my condition.

Wednesday passed, Thursday passed.

Friday passed.

My body was healing, healing, resting. It was 100% all the time. I was going to be more than ready for Sunday. Going to hit a PR. Going in with 100% condition and confidence. Even the haze dropped to moderate. Things were looking good. 

Then, just as unexpectedly, SHIT HAPPENS. 

After my first shift today, I accidentally banged my left shin onto the wooden edge of a sofa. *WHAM*! It hurt like F****. But in that instant, I wasn't worried about the physical pain. I was mentally destroyed. The beautiful picture of me running a good race on Sunday was SMASHED, along with the cells in my shin. Just like that, all my storing, all my resting, GONE. 

I pretty much don't feel like typing anymore. 

I can walk, even run. It's the most a blue black but there's an open wound and some swelling. But to do 10K, race pace, for 50 minutes. I don't know. 

I don't even feel like typing AH F*** LA. 

Just my bloody fking luck that this kind of accident happen to me ON THE LAST HOURS to the race. 

But knowing me, I'll still go like a madman tomorrow.

My pride just won't let me admit defeat, will it?

On a last note, glad my 3 days is over. Truth be told, there's NOTHING to be glad about.

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Slow Today, Slower Tomorrow?

It's damn tiring to rush back home and have to book in again. But this was the decision I've made. Even though it's something most people don't do. But there's no batch mates to accompany me so it will be too stressful to stay in camp. 

Finally, Day 2 out of 3 is over.. 

I am knocked out of emotions...just too tired. And the damn haze...today I felt the difficulty in breathing. It was torturous. Yet our lovely PS still insists we stand. 

Luckily it has mellowed down to 81 as of now, and hopefully it will go below 50 by Sunday morning. Then we can cheong without any fear. 

Was pushed to do D1 again. No choice, I'm the newbie, so whatever I say doesn't hold. Time passed very slowly today, it was too awkward. Just relieved it's over. BUT. Tomorrow might be worst, since I'll be the sole LCP there, with all the LJs. Lan Jiao LA!...!!!. If I am pushed to do D1 again, I will not keep quiet liao. But worst come to worst, at least it's Plaza Sing tomorrow, and I've yet to buy food there on an Istana Duty...

So damn sticky and dirty due to the haze. Must bath now before I go back to camp. 

THE FIRST MOUNTAIN IS DOWN

THE SECOND MOUNTAIN IS DOWN

THE THIRD MOUNTAIN IS.......

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What is the World coming to?!

It's a weird day. 

First, the haze condition is getting worse by the minute. Reports say that it actually hit PSI 108 in Singapore, the highest ever. The is catastrophic news to runners attending the Nike City 10K this Sunday! How is the race going pan out? Even if it still carries on, you think the experience of forcing ourselves to run in 150-200 PSI will be nice? Worse, there will be no chance of hitting PR! This is bad. Well we can only hope that somehow the haze level drops to below 100 or even 50 so that we can run on Sunday peacefully instead of worrying about the haze causing health problems. 

And is the Haze making people go gaga? 

Apparently, there are more people getting sick and struggling to breath in the thick smog. Even for us Istana Guards, we have to stand during this time. I've known a few have already fell sick due to the haze problem. I for one definitely think it's a good idea to stop Istana mounting during this absurd weather. Are we going to just sacrifice our health for nothing? 

Well, and there were these few crazy "Gin na" Ah lians just now. I am damn pissed. After I alighted from my stop, I decided to run back home since the bus does not stop directly below my house. Halfway, this group of 3 inbreds started to MOCK me with screams of "Woo!" and "Keep running don't stop!" and "Just do it!" (I was wearing a Nike Shirt). I mean how irritating and awkward that was! Obviously, they were loitering about like the typical Ah Lians they are and trying to entertain themselves by mocking passerbys. I had to stop immediately and just kept turning back and stare at those dimwits. Freaking hell one of them even blew an imaginary kiss and I was obviously disgusted and just kept walking towards my house. I wanted to show the finger, but why lower myself to their level. Freaking small 14, 15 year old Ah Lian kids!!! Disgusting.

Uh...it was quite random to me, but I sort of had my future predicted by some kind of computer programme. Yea, you might think it's a load of bull but of course unless one personally hears what the programme predicts, they won't believe anything. It was quite disturbing, but I came to the realisation that this is just another one fine example of how I hate being controlled. In a way, how I see it, having my future being 'fated', is like the ultimate form of being restricted. What, you mean no matter how we decided to create our own future to the best of our interest, in the end it's all useless since our lives are already 'fated'? Get a grip. Take this with a pinch of salt. Believe it totally, and ...all I can say is it's dumb. But what I heard will definitely stay with me. I believe, and I always have, if you try to force me to a corner and dictate what I do, and try to control me, I will spit that notion in the face, overturn it, and make sure it lands on it's proverbial ASS. No disrespect to anyone, or anything.

Crazy things.

It's all due to the HAZE.

*Day 1 of 3 days duty over!*  

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So near, yet so far.

Yea, we've only got 6 months till' we become corporals. Yea it's only two months to year end. Yea it's only a few days till' Nike Race. Everything seems near depending on how we look at it. This race for me, though it's this weekend, seems so damn far. 

It's cos' of the 3 days consecutive I must emphasize CONSECUTIVE duties. I know it's going to pass very very slow. Fri and Sat I am dead, I will be doing with all the lao jiao CPLs alone. How's that. It's intimidating, it's pressurizing, and it certainly does not make me feel any better. It's like I have to scale mount everest before I can enjoy my race. 

Seems like there's been talks about new guys from other platoons wanting to switch over to Istana. And bigger news is that supposedly there will be 'sacrificial lambs' from our platoon to be kicked out and replaced. Half of what I say might not be true; I'm just speculating. I was thinking, am I really suited to be in Istana platoon, and lead a lifestyle like that? Two months into it and I still haven't got myself adjusted into the whole system. It's the people, it's the system, it's the work or lack of work we do. Somehow it does not feel normal to be complaining about duties anymore, when I should be accustomed to it already, as my fellow seniors would say. I was thinking, should I request to be transferred to another platoon? Will it suit me more? I am not saying Istana platoon is downright woeful and a wrong decision, but I am having my doubts about it now. 

And don't you MOFOs go spread to people about what I feel, and start to stir up shite that I want to leave. 

Maybe I'm just tired. Or I just need more time to adjust to the system. 

I hope to post again either tml, thurs or fri. But highly unlikely. 

Just take these THREE duties off me already, and let me enjoy my race, will you?

QOTD:

The elder among the men looked deep into 
The fire and spoke loud with pride
Tomorrow is a fine day to die!
                                                          -Bathory

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An (Almost) Perfect Race

Ahhh...I finally brought myself to blog about the run!!!

First and foremost, I did not manage to hit my target of 1:15:00 or top 100...in all honesty that might not have been so bad if my peers had not gave such tough competition. My target of 1:15:00 was earned by someone else, and I admit, it was quite a surprise. Well, obviously people HAVE been training! 

The race itself was FUN. Definitely the current toughest race to date. Mention the beach part to any participant and you'll know, it was the killer. Like any killer question in an exam, this was it. I, for one, was thoroughly unprepared. Who would have thought the mere 0.4K of sand/beach would be so tough? Not me, at least, how gullible. And I paid dearly! As a result, I had to struggle to run and balance myself, at the same time keep pace while on the sand. It was freaking difficult, I tell you. I lost a whole 5 minutes there. Well, if there is a next year, I will look forward to tackling it with more efficiency and speed...

The trail part was very, very enjoyable. It was effortless to run at race pace for the whole of the trail. A brief summary, just for keepsake. I started and maintained at avg 4:50min/km for until the 10K mark. I was every bit on pace for a 1:15:00 finish. Then after 10K I increased the pace for 1K. Started to feel it after that. I think I was at 53:00? Then the bloody beach portion had to come. After the beach, I knew it was all gone. At 12K I was already at 1:05:00. And I was struggling with the asphalt after the uneven and soft beach terrain. I should take comfort I was able to even finish, and finish strong, because I REALLY wanted to stop after the beach. My time was 1:21:11. "Don't compare to anyone but to yourself"; so I am going to swallow this defeat. But after some time off to reflect upon my performance, I think this was a really great experience, and I just have to train harder like everyone else!

The medal, my first medal, is damn nice! Not because it's my first medal, but the design is just much better compared to previous years', if you go search. Shirt, nothing to shout about. A tad too big; my M was in fact L size. What else was inside the bag...the 30% NB voucher, hopefully it will come to good use, and some other goodies including muscle rubs, cleanser, health products. IMO the fee should only be $30 or even $25, since they already earn so much by the sheer no. of people joining. 

Hope my photos get uploaded soon! 

After the run is over...this is the start of another new week. Well, if last week leading to NBRR was boring, it gets worst. I am going to face the classic D-D-D consecutive wall. 

Tue-Camp

Wed-Camp, CPFA

Thur,Fri,Sat-DUTY DUTY DUTY YOU LOVE IT...

So like the old saying goes, "one has to go through hell before they reach heaven"(Ok I made that up), I will have to =( before I =D on Sunday for the NIKE CITY 10K SINGAPORE! WE RUN SINGAPORE I'M READY!

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Just As Planned.

Just as Aizen used to say, "Just as planned."

Things went well today, and I'm pleasantly surprised everything went according to plan! The run; killed it, the race pack collection; got it, the gym session; better than expected. That is how just a single FREE day can be used so efficiently, with properly planning and diligence. With this in mind, I think it's time I start to cherish my offs instead of taking them for granted. 

I am sorely bitter though, about having to pay $1.50 to print my confirmation slip, and paying $2 for the short bus ride. I shouldn't be throwing money away like that, and both happened because I wasn't prepared. 

Ah whatever. 

Speaking bout' the race pack--it's the SAME as KL's! They only gave extra vouchers which were practically useless since all of them were for beauty and wellness treatments! And a can of 100plus, but how much can one 100plus cost? Same shirt material, meaning the fabric will damage easily. Heard last year's even included a water bottle...yet this year so chui...but we pay $25 SGD. Yea, Singaporeans are so easily ripped off. 

I am lacking a camera right now! I could have shown the KL trip and race photos, and even the collection event @ orchard central just now. This blog can totally use MORE pix. So should I throw away another few hundred bucks to get it? Or just borrow from people? 

Ah...two more races to conclude the end of this month. It's all coming fast and furious, but I like it that way. Makes me more engaged and focused on my goals. Makes time in camp fly faster too. =D

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New Balance Real Run 2010 Preview

I seriously hope nothing goes wrong before or during the start of the race. That means I don't get sick, I don't suffer from aches/fatigue, I don't slow down at ANY terrain (Fk the beach part I will just push on like a mad dog), I don't run out of stamina, I don't overpace myself, I don't lack motivation, I don't eat any junk food til then, I don't kena stomachache, I don't be complacent, or any other unforeseen circumstances that may prevent me from doing my best this Sunday. 

I have trained, I have prepared myself for this. All with the aim of hitting 1:15:00 or top 100 place. The long runs, the intervals, the fartlegs, the tempo runs, the hills, gym sessions, everything I know. Truth be told, I still doubt I can run 1:15:00 realistically, but I know it is physically possible for my body. I have it in me. I just have to go out there and run a perfect race. A Perfect race. 

Technically, I will have to hit splits of 5min/km for 75mins/15K. During my tempo runs, I've found that 5min/km is not too hard, maybe 70% of my effort. But to sustain that for distances more than 10K, it is still a BIG question mark. My plan is to pace myself for the first 10K, and hit exactly 50mins, give or take one or two minutes, the most. After that, it will be make or break. I could run faster than expected, who knows. But I plan to up the pace from then, and push all out when I see the finishing line. I am hoping to hit runner's high at 7K, if that is possible...

Whatever it is, this will be THE race right now. Forget about the nike FUN run, salomon Trail run, or even the marathon. The 15K is this Sunday. I know quite a number of MP command Runners are joining, and I seriously want to see where I stand amongst them. 

It's just two more days to race day! I hate going to do duty tomorrow..but I have to. It's a Saturday somemore...=(. No more physical activity till' Sunday. I won't be blogging tomorrow night, since I will be hitting the bed early, at exactly 9pm. Gotta wake up at 0400 and catch the 0500 shuttle bus. 

New Balance 'Real' run you're just a GIMMICK, I'll show you who the REAL runner is!!!

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Half of it is over...

Alright, come on! 

One more day to Friday aka FREE OFF day!

After confirmation that the MPEU cohesion is on Nov instead of this friday, I can finally plan my schedule for Friday..!

Just one more day of boredom+sian+mundane+sadness+4h standing+6.5h rest and buy food++++...just have to go thru' tomorrow. 

If nothing goes wrong, we will do a 6K time trial @ 5min/km followed by 4K tempo run, adding up to 10K mileage. This will be EARLY in the morning, maybe 6am. I want to experience what it's like to wake up to a hot cup of coffee and just drag my ass out there and run the sleepiness off. The first steps will be torturous, but I know it will feel pretty darn good after everything is over. 

After which, I will head to Orchard Central to collect the Nike City 10K SG race pack! Looking forward to the pack NOT being the same as the KL one..if it is, it will be quite disappointing. The KL race pack was substandard, but forgivable since we only paid RM10 (=SG $4.30). 

The day's workout will end with the routine GYM session. I am looking to end things by 3pm so that I can at least chill and have my own time in the later part of the day. That I why I want to start my day off early. And not forgetting, I have to book in at night. 

                                                  Will the material be the same as KL or better quality?

...Quite cautious about what I'm posting nowadays. Not so much as offending people, but because I way I write reveals so much about my life and things are just straying away from personal. Should I just make it private, I'm pondering. I absolutely hate it when peers or aquaintances or simply 'people you see frequently but are not your mates' read and make judgment upon me and my life, when they don't understand my situation. I've said this some time back, but still, I am bothered by what people say.

I should end this here. It's already late, and I'm past my book in time.

Please let time past quickly tomorrow! I can't wait to enjoy friday..! 

OQTD: Just like a rifle without it's bolt carrier and bullets. The potential within it is unquestioned, and when it assembles the parts together, this 'toy' turns into an invincible weapon. I just have to find my 'bolt carrier' and 'bullets' to fulfill my potential...

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Back to expensive living!

Reached home around 11pm yesterday night. The trip home took much longer than I was told. Which sucks. Anyway, the KL trip was quite enjoyable, though it would have been better to stay there longer. There was so much things we did not do there, like the theme park, the entertainment facilities, sunway lagoon, more shopping, etc. 

And of course there was the Nike City 10K KL race. I will have an elaborate review up maybe this friday, when my company is rewarded FREE one day off! Overall, I had a bad experience. The most prominent thing was the terribly polluted air that filled the route. Maybe it's been like that all the while, but I am definitely not used to it. I had problems trying to breath and adapt to the dirty air and was on the verge of shutting down at the mere 3K mark. That was how terrible things was. Somehow, I had to dig in deep and push myself to finish the race. My official timing is 50:23, which is okay, but I'm quite disappointed. I should add that I was feeling a bit unwell with my cough, which may have affected my performance even more. Well, at least the SHIRT is quite NICE! 

As usual, fun times do not last and we always hit the tough times too soon. For me, I'm sad; I'm going to have to mount tomorrow and thursday. =( It's hard to STAND after not standing for so long. Somemore I've got to do two consecutive days. =( 

And I haven't even recovered from my post-trip syndrome yet...my mind is still living in Genting Highlands and the shiok 16 degrees cold...

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And off we go!

I probably should be taking in some sleep now, but somehow I am getting the jitters. 

Anyway, I should be damn lucky once again. Thought today was going to be a ssslow day in camp, since I don't have off to clear and have to stay till' 5pm, but what do you know, we were rewarded FREE time off! It couldn't have come at a better time, and I could never have foreseen this. It's perfect man, gives me the time to slowly go home and prepare for the trip. Sometimes I wonder is this luck or fate...

My stuff is almost ready, and we're just left with a few items to buy. Well, I'd rather be the 'parent' and fuss over what to bring rather than be unprepared when we are in KL, which I know they will be. Sufficient preparation, especially on an itinerary list, is important--this I learnt from SAF.

The case over our race pack has been settled, now we just have to meet up with our friend from KL when we reach. Seems like the race is getting quite the hype, which makes me look forward to it! It's kinda wierd to be representing both KL and SG, but it guess what matters most is to have fun, and not be so serious about 'fighting for the country sort of stuff', you know?

Shit, I cringed at the thought of some 'worst-case scenarios' that might happen! Touch wood, of course I want our trip to be fun, enjoyable and most of all, smooth sailing and we get back safe and sound. But...as we know, some parts of KL is not that safe and with all the stories we've heard about kidnappings, extortion, and even murder (*GASP*), one can't help but be paranoid. Don't be so pessimistic...Lab...!

Alright, the KL race route is here!

Ha...seems like quite a scenic route? I don't really know, but I guess since I'm from SG and don't travel to KL frequently, any race in a foreign country would be 'scenic'. Judging from my 2.4k run in the morning's CPFA, I should be able to go at 4.58 min/km pace if I push at 80% and IF I last for 10k. That said, it is still quite slow. I am going to employ a negative splits strategy for the first 5k then speed up for the next 4k before going all out at the final 1k. Maybe something like this:

2.5K - 11:30; 5K - 23:00; 7.5k - 34:00; 10k - 45:30

My mind is dreaming of sub-40 but that is totally impossible for my level of fitness now. Comparatively the timing I get will still be damn slow if we measure against elite levels, but hey, I'm still a beginner. =0. I will probably hit 47-48, even 50, fi there's congestion. 45-46 if I have a good race. We'll see, we'll see. 

GOODBYE BLOG FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS, I'M OFF FOR HOLIDAY~!

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Last Minute Preparation...!

We are just one night away from the KL trip! Will be taking off tomorrow midnight by train...

I am so relieved that every single shit leading up to this well deserved break has been settled. I mean, I thought I would be able to cruise through the month and the KL trip would be like icing on the cake, but no. This few weeks before the trip has been kinda sucky, but it makes me value it even more. Let's see, from the endless parades and rehearsals to getting minus days offs to almost being unable to collect passport and race pack to having to find replacement for COG to all the hard runs I've had to squeeze in, I have finally reached this day. Hopefully we clear the last hurdle which is the race part, as there is a chance we can't run. The guy collecting our race pack is still uncontactable. Heck, I guess even if we can't run, I will just go there and have fun. 

Yea, it would have been damn sweet if my off hadn't been deducted. I would have taken half day today, full day tml, go for my leave, and then clear another full day on Tuesday. That would mean an epic 5.5 days of enjoyment...

But I can't change this as what's done is already done. It could have been worst; I could have been recalled back to do COG this Sunday had I not find a replacement. 

Now...I haven't packed my stuff! Seriously, I am so occupied with camp stuff that I've totally no time to make a list of what to bring! I guess we need to include all the necessities like clothing, toiletries, running gear and maybe some entertainment to go by. I shall go pack in a few moments.

Yea...there are other things which I need to settle, but right now I am just putting everything aside and gearing up for this weekend. I can say, if we run this Sunday, I will definitely go fast as I've almost completely healed from my muscle aches. The 2XU works like a charm! 

Ah...please let us run this Sunday...I am so looking forward to wearing my full set....my NBx XStatic Singlet...my precious 2XU compression tights...my reliable Mizuno Wave Nexus 3...and not to forget my 'SOU Shades'....!!!

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Oh No, Why NOW???

Oh crap. I have been fighting extreme muscle soreness for the past two days, since Sunday night. I could have not done the SBJ and Shuttle Run training, but heck, I believe it would be worst if I didn't! I wouldn't have known the essential techniques in order to do well enough this Thursday...

But they've come at a VERY high price. Meaning, the next day, almost my whole body--lats, arms, core, QUADS (Hurts the most) and even my freaking GLUTES hurt from the effects of the training AND Gym session. I wonder if I've made a mistake by going at such a high intensity of training when it's so near to to IPPT. Didn't expect that my muscles would ache so badly after that. In fact, it's probably the worst aches I've experienced in recent memory. I can't literally move around without looking like an old man! My legs are killin' me. Each bloody step is so damn difficult and the worst part is going up and down stairs. Damn worried whether 'll heal in time for Thursday's IPPT...

How much it would suck if I fail to attain GOLD due to my own excessive and unnecessary over-training...=(

Well, hopefully the 2XU compression tights will really speed up my recovery, I am wearing them to sleep every night already. 

Speaking about IPPT--this is the main event. 

Theoretically I should be able to get gold this time...putting the aching aside, which I believe will heal by then. I am quite confident of all the stations, even SBJ, because of the techniques I learnt. 

Lets see..., Chin Ups? I am 90% sure I can hit 10 standard, even if I struggle. The key is to not be complacent and slowly do. I have to do each one cleanly yet speedily, if not I might fatigue at 8 or 9. Which will be awful. 

Sit ups, Shuttle Run. These are just there for people to grab points. I'm just scared that my muscle aches will be too intolerable for me to sprint my fastest. And the few seconds will make all the difference between PASS and 5 points. 

Standing Board Jump. Another make or break station. This has always been my Achilles heel! I've not been able to hit 234 cm since BMT till' now but this time things will be different. That night, I jumped 6-8 times and was able to hit a maximum 239 cm using the technique I learnt. If I am lucky, I will get this as my last static station. If this is the first one....

..........

........

....

Pray to God good luck to me.

And the LAST station, 2.4km RUN!!!!!! Trained for it. Confident of hitting 9:30 again. Somehow I got a feeling this may break my GOLD attempts...I mean, 9:30 is still quite a challenge, if you ask me. Deep down though, I say I can hit 9:00. But during 2.4k runs...things are almost always unpredictable. That's the most crucial factor, and why GOLD is so tough to get. I may kena side stitch. My legs may cramp. My stamina may run out too soon. I mean, so many unexpected things can happen. I am confident if I try my best and push to the max, I will get it. But I hope lady luck is on my side too. 

Enough talk. It's now or never, man. I don't want to drag and keep on living under the shadow of not being GOLD standard. 

I don't want CH to be able to get GOLD for Napfa, Ky Silver, and I'm only IPPT Silver. I want to finally say I got GOLD for IPPT. 

A wise guy told me it's not worth it to risk your life just for that $200. He says when I'm old I will suffer the physical consequences. But I beg to differ. If I don't get GOLD in my life, I will REGRET forever...

So will Labmunstyr finally do it? The answer will be revealed in the next post!

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Elite Hoot!

Oh YEs, I finally got myself a 2XU compression tights!!!

It cost me nearly $100 but this is an investment worth spending! 

I am so looking forward to my next run wearing this elite tights man! It felt really good and the compression was really evident. This is my first 'high end' running merchandise so I'm pretty excited YEA. Wasn't even expecting the get it today but hey, since I was going to get it anyway why not now?

Finally...I am starting to look like a runner. I have all the gear ready. But I have yet to complete my marathon...

Only when I complete my first marathon will I truly consider myself a RUNNER! =)

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A Look into Oct Races

October is gonna be a real busy month for me! I'm actually taking part in THREE races this month, and with the added dutys, parades and stuff, I'm going to find it challenging to properly time-manage. 

That said, however, it's probably going to be the most exciting time of the year. THREE races--Nike city 10k KL, New Balance Real Run 2010, Nike city 10k SG. Three races in three weeks, back to back weekends. It's going to be hectic I forsee, but I am lucky my duty schedules is all properly planned out and if nothing goes wrong, I am going to be well prepared for all of them. 

Nike City 10k Race (Kuala Lumpur) (10K Under 25)

This one is quite an outrageous initiative, but I thought it would be fun. Moreover, I can use this time to go for KL trip also, so we're killing two birds with one stone here. The collection of the race pack served as a problem though, but we're lucky enough to find a kind soul to help us collect it. We should really get some sort of 'appreciation gift' for this fellow runner!. On the race itself, I am wondering if I want to go fast for this. The more I think, the more it seems better not to. I am inclined to the fact that it is quite a tall order to finish 3 races all with PR, so I may have to sacrifice one. NBRR is the priority, as it is THE race behind SCSM I am working on. Nike SG race follows next, since it's the local run. Therefore the least priority is on the KL leg. And not forgetting I'll be having IPPT three days before this, and I may very well not be 100%. For now, the consensus is still to try for PR. 

Race day: 101010; Target: 46-48 mins. 

New Balance Real Run 2010 (15K Mens Open)

All my hard work now is gearing up for this. And if, touch wood, I do not run SCSM, then this would be the biggest race of the year for me. By itself it's still quite a big event, and 15k is no joke. Should I add, 15k including TRAIL is no joke. My aim is simple, to hit top 100. The approximate timing is 1:15:00. That is the sole reason why I've been running almost everyday since end of Sept, as I really want it. I want to see if I can do it. I want to be better than majority. Looking at my schedule, I have duty the day before, so I will definitely not do unnecessary work the day before. Hopefully I heal to 100% after KL race so that I can do my best for this. And yes, collected the Race bib and timing chip at Novena Square today. Seeing the posters and booths is really hyping me up for the big day!

Race day: 171010; Target: 1:15:00

Nike City 10k Race (Singapore) (10K Under 25)

Representing SG in the SG vs KL race! I want to give my best for this too, as I know many friends and acquaintances who have also signed up. The sheer thrill of being able to beat them all gives me unlimited motivation and energy. It would be damn "mah loo" if I suffer a burn out and produce disappointing results on that day, when my 'face' matters the most. For personal pride and the pride for my NATION (why am I sounding so patriotic?), I shall try a PR for this too! =D

Race day: 241010; Target: 46 min

=/

Seems like in the end, I'll be trying PR for all three. What the heck, I believe I can do it! Maybe I'll do 'recovery races'/'priority races' next year or years later, but I'm just a newbie now! There's so much energy, and just like a small boy opening up a gift box ,I'm so excited that I just can't foresee myself not cheonging for all of them! 

...Uh...putting 'KvltTrve' on my race bib is quite inappriopriate...should have just put 'Lab' or something...=,='''

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