Slacking or resting??

Been doing jumpstart training for a few weeks now. I must say that i'm starting to feel a wee bit strained. Erratic behaviour, mood swings, sore muscles..... what am i training for? I dunno.....


28 Feb 08
Didn't swim today, though i got back early after work. Missed the days when i would just spend hours after hours watching TV, without a care, except for next programme on show. I tried that but even with cable TV, what good programmes can possibly be shown at 7pm?


29 Feb 08
Rest day. Had a craving for cheese on toast, good goat's cheese i mean. *slurp*

Vertical Marathon Training - 27 Feb 08

Stress at work taking its toll and National Vertical Marathon is just around the corner. So i decided to forgo my by-now weekly Crawford-Kim Seng 13km loop run for some anti-gravity workout.

Meeting with GA ate into 5pm but thankfully it ended by 510pm. Rushed to my workstation and changed into SCSM07 vest and Adidas black shorts, USK and NB735 Blue. Did a short run to one of the 30 storey flats along Victoria Street, opposite ICA Building.

Did 2 sets of 30 storeys and managed to wrap everything up, which include a short run back to office, before 6pm.

Shoe: NB 735 Blue

Distance: 2 sets of 30 storeys

CBD Run: Set E - 26 Feb 08

Set E is Mount Faber loops, dreadful but appetising.

Left office at 6pm and was the first few to reach startpoint. Spotted dark, heavy clouds in the sky and was in two minds about running. Nevertheless, put on NB 735 Blue and USK, having already changed to Mizuno Orange and black shorts at the office.

Soon, more runners arrived and we set off running by 7. The route was Tanjung Pagar Rd - Spottiswoode Park - Kampong Baru Rd - Mt Faber - Kampong Baru Rd - Spottiswoode Park - Tanjung Pagar. I started at the back of the pack and remained there for most of the route.

We passed by the shophouses at Everton Park on the way to Kampong Baru and saw a filming taking place. I wasn't tired yet, just that my legs and arms were sore from Monday's swim lessons. Used ST as my pacer, the girl has improved so much since the first time i ran with her.

Laserrunner was fast, and was ahead of me by the time we climbed up Mount Faber. The slope was very steep and i had difficulty slowing down my breathing. That has been a problem since i picked up Triathlon. Maybe i should do yoga again.

Got to the top of Mount Faber and went down towards Wishart Rd, seeing some cyclists along the way. Halfway down, i turned left and made my way up to the top again, with ST following close behind, and Laserrunner just ahead. Reaching the top, i felt something going into my eyes and stopped to clear. That was when i lost sight of Laserrunner. Tigger was around, asking if i want to do an extra loop, Laserrunner is just ahead. The rest of the group will be going back to startpoint.

I decided to do the extra loop, and slowly made my way down and up again. No sign of Laserrunner but Terrance and Batx caught up after completing their 3 loops. I ran down the hill with Batx but he sped off once we reached Kampong Baru. So i was left running all alone, back to the startpoint.

Didn't have my Polar with me so i had to ask for time from a passerby, just outside the Railway station. He told me it was 2040hrs. I'm sure the rest must have arrived at the end point, so i did a fast one all the way back.

Felt good, excellent route, the slopes were steep but thats probably the kind of route i should be doing.

Shoe: NB 735 Blue

Distance: 15km

Swim lessons - 25 Feb 08

Monday meant swim lessons. Did the usual kicking with board as warm-ups. The difference between this lessons and others is that i can move forward, finally... though not when my head is above water.. but encouraging nonetheless.

I must have done over-water recovery for 30 laps or so, and my arms were really sore. Over-enthusiastic kicking meant my legs were tired too.

Good session... though i felt my batteries going flat after an hour. Need to spend more time in the water.

Summary for period of 18-24 Feb 08

Week 2 of jumpstart training:

Monday, 18 Feb: Swim training.

Tuesday, 19 Feb: CBD Run.

Wednesday, 20 Feb: Wednesday run.

Thursday, 21 Feb: Slight flu, no training.

Friday, 22 Feb: Slow LD Swim.

Saturday, 23 Feb: Totally forgot about the Sundown Fam Run. Lepak at home instead.

Sunday, 24 Feb: Another lepak day. Watched a very touching show in "Just like Heaven". Lovely.

Good training week, though could have been better. Need to keep my enthusiasm, and sometimes the lack of it, in check.

Swim session - 22 Feb 08

Took AM off just so that i can do some swim.

As usual, got up at 4am, stared at the ceiling until i decide to get up at 630am. Contemplated between swimming and biking and choosed the former. Got to the pool at 745am and did some stretching. Lifeguards on duty told me that only the deep pool is open, while the rest will have to wait till 8am.

Did a 4 x 50m warm up, using breaststroke. Moved to the 1.5m pool to revise pull and recovery with board routine as instructed by Coach AT. Didn't get the best results and decided to give up after 15mins. Sat for a while, thought about going home. I still can't kick forward.... should i give up. LSP pointed out to numbskull me on Thursday that i have only been to 5 lessons and had never swam free-style/forward crawl prior to that. That thought kept me going.

I stopped practising the routine though and did laps of breaststroke instead. The deep pool reminded me of CTE Potong Pasir at peak hour, congested with ah sohs and makciks doing their version of aquarobics on one side while a group of students monkeyed around on the other.

After 3 laps, i spotted a white space at the centre lane and staked my claim. Slowly did a 27 x 50m to add to the 3 i did earlier. Had to stop at end of every lap as the goggles fogged up. An older swimmer with belly the size of an elephant swam slowly beside me. Admired his determination though. Managed to wrap everything up by 9am.

Good session but Coach AT won't be too pleased if i don't show any improvements on Monday.

Distance:

- 4 x 50m

- 30 x 50m

Wednesday's Run - 20 Feb 08

Did a 13km run at same ol' Crawford Street-Kim Seng-Crawford Street route again. Left office at 5pm after changing into my SCSM 07 Adidas blue vest and black Adidas shorts, putting on USK, plastered nipples and NB 735 Blue with Creative Zen MP3 in hand.

Did a light jog to the startpoint and started the run circa 1707hrs. Got to Marina Promenade and ran past the Singapore Flyer, Floating platform's grandstand before a toilet break at Esplanade. Then i continued on, passing by Empress Place, Clarke Quay, Robertson Walk, opposite Zouk before u-turning at Kim Seng Rd.

Took the same way back but a toilet break at Clarke Quay instead. Managed to return to startpoint at 1842hrs, meaning a 1:35hrs run. Certainly not race pace but the time is 5mins off last week's.

Felt good but tired throughout, probably due to yesterday's fast and furious CBD Run and my lack of sleep. Talking about sleep, i hope I'm not developing a wake-up-at-3am habit although waking up at 3am on Thursday morning will be good, so that i can watch Man Utd play Lyon.

Distance: 13km

Time: 1:35hrs

Shoe: NB 735 Blue.

CBD Run - 19 Feb 08

Was expecting to do 13km, but ended up with just 7km.

Left office at 6pm after putting on my Mizuno Blue vest and shorts. Got to Tg Pagar and found that i was the first to arrive. More runners appeared soon after, including Yeehua, ST, stevebp and IMD. ST informed that Tiwazz was down with fever so will not be coming down, meaning no baggage security services since Coach Tigger is still overseas after running the weekend Tokyo marathon.

Ronnie came by and we discussed about the run. Stevebp volunteered to keep the bags company while IMD suggested doing a short 7km run to Marina Pier and back, so that stevebp doesn't have to wait long. I put on my newly acquired NB735 Blue and USK.

Off we went, first at a steady pace and then faster. Before long, we arrived at Marina Pier. I took a pee-break before continuing the run with ST, at what was supposed to be a slow run. Probably i was the guilty party, our speed seemed to increase with every step, and we ended the run with a semi-sprint.

Good run, short but fast.

Distance: 7km

Shoe: NB 735 Blue

Swim lesson - 18 Feb 08

4th lesson and i still couldn't kick forward. Rather depressing. Coach AT probably realised and pulled me aside for a pep talk, during and after lesson.

I would liken this to the 30km stage of a marathon, where you seriously ask yourself if you have what it takes to complete the race, without knowing what the last 12km have in store for you.

Inspiration.... leading to depression??

I saw 2 things that inspired me. Unfortunately these two things led me to a reflection, which could possible contribute to me feeling a little down these few days.

Observation 1:

During the 2.4km IPPT Training, AM told me about the le tour de langkawi telecast on tv. I have never found joy watching cycling races on tv but decided to give this a chance. What i saw truely inspired me. The race was from Temerloh in Pahang to Fraser's Hill. Just a few weeks a go i had a hard time driving up that hill. And the bikers seems to ease their way up, rather effortlessly. Which led me to think: What kind of training is required for a rider to do that? Should the triathlon or duathlon races be that slopy or hilly, what will be required of me to make my way to the finish line? Can i do that? Right now, no way? Not even close.....

Observation 2:

Got to Bishan pool early on Monday. None of my classmates were around so i decided to take a dip in the pool, watching some small kids swim. There was this one kid, swimming very close to me. He effortlessly glided his way in water, and breaststroked in a way i've never seen before. There was i, been swimming breaststroke for a long time, very badly i must add, but effectively nonetheless. And i see this kid swimming, i feel inspired, even tried his strokes, and realised that, even will all the survival test i've been put through, the sprint multi-sport races i've completed, i've been a crappy swimmer all these time.

Sucks.........

Summary for the period 10-17 Feb 08

Easing my way back to fitness:

Sunday, 10 Feb 08: BG Run.

Monday, 11 Feb 08: Swim class.

Tuesday, 12 Feb 08: CBD Run.

Wednesday, 13 Feb 08: Wed 5pm run.

Thursday, 14 Feb 08: Swim.

Friday, 15 Feb 08: No training.

Saturday, 16 Feb 08: East West East Ride.

Sunday, 17 Feb 08: 2.4km IPPT Training with AK04.

Training for IPPT 2.4km - 17 Feb 08

Throughout my entire National Service years, be it full time or reservist, i have never put in any training for 2.4km. Since the ICT i have been called up for coming April will be my last, i decided to start a training session, inviting my fellow troopers from AK4.

Only AM, OC Troop, appeared on the first day of training, where i planned to do a warm up 2.4km followed by a warm down 2.4km, just to instill confidence and get rid of distance barrier some troopers may have. However, AM has no such problem. I clearly remembered him overtaking me during the last lap of last year's IPPT 2.4km test, finishing 10sec ahead of me, though i still insist the overtaking was possible as my path was blocked by another runner.

Anyhow, another SGT, SGT Y overslept and did not appear, so it was just AM and me. We started off, as per schedule, a slow 2.4km and followed that up with an even slower closing 2.4km.

I didn't feel any problems, no pain of the ankles, no feeling of stopping or giving up. Next week will be, hopefully, a 2.4km warming up, followed by 6 sets of 200m sprint and 200m jog intervals, ending with a slow 2.4km warming down.

Distance: 2 x 2.4km

Shoe: Asics Cumulus

East - West - East Ride - 16 Feb 08

Have not been putting effort for cycling, compared to running and swimming. So i got up early on Saturday, if you would call 6am early. Changed into my newly acquired Zoot cycle-singlet, cycle-tights and wore Shimano Tri-bike shoes on the right leg and Asics Cumulus on the left.

Left house just before 7am. Took Tampines Avenue 5 towards Tanah Merah Road via Xi Lin Avenue and ended up just before Coastal Rd. Was in two minds about doing a lap at Coastal but i decided to stick to the original plan of heading towards Rifle Range Rd.

Cycled to Fort Rd via ECP, adhering to the 15km/hr speed limit. I pick up speed as i entered Guillemard Rd and turned into Nicoll Highway, crossing Esplanade Bridge before having to stop due to a red light just outside One Fullerton. A historical thing happened here; for the first time since i acquired the bike from Jason, i fell. Not sure what i tried to do but somehow the centre of gravity veered towards my right, where my right foot was clipped to the pedals via the Shimano bike shoes. So i fell. I immediately got up, more embarrased and angry than hurt, mount the bike again and moved off as the lights had turned green.

I felt a slight pain on my right knee and looked down and saw blood. Managed to strugged off the pain and continued the ride, passing by Shenton Way, Keppel Road, Telok Blangah Road, Pasir Panjang Road, West Coast Road before turning into Clementi Road, weaving my way through heavy vehicles. The route has been flat throughout but at Clementi Rd, i experienced the first of many slopes. Tortoised my way uphill and used the momentum to bring me downhill, crossing AYE before another slope slowed me down. I then crossed Commonwealth Rd, continued on Clementi Rd before turning right into Holland Road. Another slope was waiting and i tortoised my way up again, turning left down into 6th Avenue for a pit stop at Coffee Bean.

Saw some more pro-looking bikers with cool looking bikes, i was salivating. After a long rest, i told myself not to return via the same way. If the East West route were filled with heavy vehicles, the route i was about to take for the return will be filled with heavy traffic, vehicles of all sizes, shapes and make.

Started at Dunearn Rd, i rode slowly down towards Little India before turning left into Race Course Road. I then entered Kitchener Road before weaving through traffic and ended up at Victoria Street. I passed by Kallang Road, entering Geylang Road, Sims Avenue before taking a pit stop at Boon Supplies, aka Soon Huat bike shop.

Got the abang machanic to loosen the platform pedals so that i can fixed the other side of Shimano Ultegra pedals. After a short break, i proceed back home, attacking the slope where Kembangan meets Chai Chee, turning into Chai Chee and headed for Tampines via Bedok Reservoir Rd. As speedo were showing 62km, i did a loop near Tampines Fire Station before completing 70km just under my block.

Good ride, though would have loved company. Next ride, to go North and return via West-East.

Distance: 70km

Swim - 14 Feb 08

While learning forward crawl, i felt that i needed to keep in touch with breaststroke so i did a short swim after work.

Arrived at Tampines pool just before 8pm. Changed into Arena trunks and dived into the deep pool. Managed to do 10 sets of 100m, with a short rest in between every sets. Realised that i took less than 40mins to complete, down 15mins from the same distance i did early in the year, and 10mins from the swim session i did a week ago.

Distance: 10 by 100m

Wednesday run - 13 Feb 08

Been a while since i did a Wednesday run from office and even longer while since i ran on 2 consecutive days. So Wednesday came by and i took the 5pm workout priviledge for a short 13km run.

Changed into my Orange Mizuno vest and black shorts just before 5pm. Put on TNF Arnuva Boa 50 and USK before heading out of office. After a light stretch of the muscles, did a slow jog towards the startpoint at Crawford Street.

Construction of paddock for the F1 race meant a diversion for me. I took the SCSM 39-42km route, running along Temasek Boulevard before turning in just before Esplanade. A toilet stop later and i continued my run past the River Hongbao, Empress Place, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, opposite Zouk before a u-turn at Kim Seng Road.

Took the same route back but felt tightness and sore of the right thigh. I managed to pull myself together and finish the run just under 1:40hrs.

Distance: 13km

Shoe: TNF Aruva Boa 50.

CBD Run - Pre Valentine's Day

I remembered last year's Pre-Valentine's Day CBD Run, good short run, games and lots of food. No different this year. Left office just after 6pm. Reached the startpoint and put on TNF Boa 50 and USK, having already changed into my Mizuno Blue vest and shorts at the office. Lots of SGRunners were already at scene, including Tigger, who gave a briefing on the route before starting the run.

We ran down Shenton Way towards Esplanade and then turned under the Esplanade bridge towards Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay along the Singapore River before a pit stop just opposite Zouk. It was then a slow run back via Jiak Kim St, Outram Rd, Cantonment Rd, Tanjung Pagar Rd towards the end point.

My legs were still aching from the BG Run and Alex's swim class on Monday. Nevertheless, it was a joy seeing and running with my fellow SGRunners. Tiwazz came by the start/end point with food, while Sotong led some quiz concerning Valentine's Day. ST and Roonz came out with some lovely Valentine's Day runner's medals. Thank you Sgrunners!!

Distance: 7km

Shoe: TNF Boa 50

Botanical Garden Run - 10 Feb 08

It has been a long while since i did the BG Run. It was one of the first few i did when i first joined SGRunners back in 2006.

Anyway, on run day i got up at 0530hrs, showered, applied Neat Cream at abrasion prone areas, plastered nipples, put on Adidas Orange Tee, black shorts and left the house. Took bus 67 for the long journey to Bukit Timah, old SMU.

Arrived at startpoint just before 7am, where SGRunners' Ripley, Tiwazz, Charlotte, Eliza and Ultraman were already waiting. Put on my Boa 50 and USK while waiting for Brokie and SV to appear.

Appear they did and we eventually started the run just before 715am. We headed towards Holland Road, slowly climbing the upward slope of Evans Rd. Turning right, we turned right again to a side road which led us to many, many big houses. Eventually we came out to Farrer Rd and turned right towards Serene Centre. We then crossed the road towards National JC and entered a road where there were many big houses and steep slopes. I felt comfortable climbing up the slopes but the lack of training showed in the way i pant.

We appeared outside NUSS and crossed the overhead bridge, continuing our run towards University Drive and ending the run at the startpoint.

Good run, lots of slopes. Good way to heat up the legs after months of inactivity.

Distance: 10km

Shoe: TNF Boa 50

Summary for the period 4 - 9 Feb

Easing my way back to fitness.

4 Feb: swim training with Coach Alex Tung.

5 Feb: Rushed to ECP F2 to join Trifam's ENR's ride but ride got cancelled when i arrived. Showers over PA half of ECP. After a drink at Lagoon's food centre, left for a slow ride to Changi Village via Coastal Rd. Road was all dried, no sign of rain. Distance covered: 20km.

6-7 Feb: Chinese New Year Eve and Day, most places closed, including stadium and pool. No training.

8 Feb: Dragged Ed and myself out of bed at 7am for a walk to Bedok Reservoir and back. Distance covered about 7km. Surprised to find swimming pool opened. Did a revision of what was taught at Alex's lessons and then did 20laps of breaststroke without rest.

9 Feb: No training.

Good re-start.

Summary for period of 19 Jan - 3 Feb

Life after marriage. Wedding, honeymoon and settling down before starting training again.

19-20 Jan: Solemnisation and wedding reception.
21-22 Jan: Cleared outstanding bills from wedding.
23-28 Jan: Honeymoon. Stucked in traffice at Johor Causeway checkpoint, so had to miss Alex's lesson.
29 Jan - 3 Feb: No training. Adapting back to working life.

Wedding and Marriage - 19 and 20 Jan 08

After 10 years of courtship, we finally got married. Check-out this website for more info: http://mywedding.com/edianandraihan . Pictures will be uploaded soon.

Summary for period of 1 - 18 Jan 08

Final preparations for wedding, managed to squeeze some work-out.

1 - 5 Jan: No training.
6 Jan: did a 6km run round the neighbourhood.
7 Jan: Got home early so did 20 laps at Tampines pool, with rest.
8 Jan: CBD Run. SGRunners CBD wing organised a Wedding run for IMD and Yeehua, Ed and me. Ed couldn't make unfortunately.
9-13 Jan: No training.
14 Jan: Started swim training with the legendary Alex Tung. Hope i can swim forward crawl before May comes.
15-18 Jan: Busy with wedding preparations, no training.