Friday, April 22, 2011

Run 350

Run 350 - 17/04/2011

Well the route is similar to the week for Compression Run 2011.

Overall the run was ok~!

We reached OMB around 6 plus. After our warm up and we are ready to go.

A pity that every one started together rather than in waves. Starting together mean that when you need to overtake you would need to cut left and right to overtake the person...

well not that i am a pro, but it's irritating to see people in front of you walking when you have just started... Anyway, the weather was hot and humid that day. Had some problem initally. Had to adjust myself for the first 3-4km to get used to it...

After getting used to the momentum, we was full speed ahead.

Reached the Finishing Line at 1hr 3mins

Next few events coming up:
- Passion Run
- Sundown Marathon
- Phuket Marathon
- Trifactor

See ya at the finishing line...

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Race Day - 2XU Compression Run

Breakfast: Gel + Bread + Water


Woke up 445am got ready and off I went to Marina Square.


We (Shah & Willie) reach Marina Square around 530am. Did our warm up and the race begins.


I started on the second wave with a 10min gun time ahead of me.


The first 2km was quite a struggle for me. Probably I am not fully warmed up or I was just tired. However, by the 3km I was able to get into my running zone. I could quickly catch up with the time loss.


The run was a cool and drizzly one. Maybe I'm the jinx. Why? For all other race that shah and Willie went, there's no rain but when I decided to join them it rains. Coincidence? You decide.


On the 8km or so (cannot really remember), we reached Helix Bridge at MBS it was horrible beautiful. Horrible that I need to climb up the steps (which was not a lot la) and the bridge was actually quite beautiful. Anyway, once I reached the steps I was a little demoralised by the number runners walking up the stairs. For me, I just ran up the stairs thanks goodness! Phew!


Should you drink or not drink at every water point?


Personally, yes I drink. It's simple you are running and perspiring means you are actually losing water in your body.


So DRINK! I won't hurt your timing or momentum. If it's your first time racing, please drink.


At 10km, I could see the end point and was very eager to complete the race.


I speed up my pace by taking smaller steps and moving very quickly. I caught up with many other runners. At around the last 400m, I pushed myself even harder by taking very wide steps and sprinting to the finishing line. Wow the adrenaline was a great boost.


I ended the race in 1hr 11min. Not a fantastic timing but I did break my own personal best. What's more to ask for... The fastest? 35min.


Overall, the race was a good one. I enjoyed every single bit of the experience. Not everyday is Christmas, so don't expect too much on every race. However, this race was definitely a moral booster for me and determines why I should do more. I think I'm hooked... Haha


Next Race
Young NTUC Run350
Distance: 10km
Date:17/04/11
Best Timing:

Saturday, April 9, 2011

2XU Compression Run

Date: 10/04/2011 (Tomorrow)
Distance: 12km
Aim Timing: 1hr 20min
Race Report: After Race

Route:

Friday, April 8, 2011

First Mini Biathlon Training

Today marks my first biathlon training

Was quite worried initially. Was joking with Shah that after the swim, let's forget about it. Haha

Ok started our warm up and we walked to the pool. Started the timing and off I went.

First 2 laps I took a warming up swim.
Remainder laps were full speed ahead.
Took approximately 12mins to complete 500m.

After the swim, took a quick breather and off we went for our run.

The first 2km was quite hard for me. Controlling my breathing and the running technique. After hitting 3km I felt better.

Shah initially told me it was 5km but in the end we did 7.5km instead. The route he brought me was hell hilly! But it was great training for me. In the end, we completed the run in 40min

This will be a once a week thingy only.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Let's RUN

Well well well… it’s been 2 years since I last blogged.


Thinking that I will blog again, I decided to leave my blog hanging around in the cyberspace. Well I am right aren’t I? I am also thinking of freshening up the look and feel of my blog.

Previously, all my entries were like gossip, outings and such but I think it’s time to up the notch! YES! You guessed it! I will talk about my running escapades, running “tips” and friend suggestions here.

SO! Where shall I start?

Let me begin with my stats… Haha

Age: 28
Height: 167cm
Weight in Dec 2010: 78kg
Current Weight: 60kg
Weight Lost: 18kg

To cut to the chase, many friends and family members have been asking me “Why are you running?”
To answer all your queries - “I’m Inspired” - Inspired by a handicapped man who did the Ironman 70.3 series (Phuket). Suddenly it stuck me! Why am I on the other side of the road? For someone who is healthy (fat as well) and able, why am I on the other side? Previously, when my Frenless Creatures asked me to run, I was quite reluctant. Why? Probably I was not motivated. I am so sorry guys!

And my journey begins…

How I started my training? Well, it didn’t start easy. I started my own trial run for 2.67km. I recorded a timing of 19.49min – nike+GPS. Pretty bad huh? Yes I know. But I was not demoralised as my mind was fixed on my goal. The next day, I started a slow 4km run with a timing of 29.17min (10min more than the day before).

After these 2 trial runs (early December), I began running every alternate day and trained myself not to walk in-between runs. I had planned rest day in-between to give myself ample rest and recovery.

By end December, I could have stop running. Why? Because, off I went to Australia - for a holiday. It was so tempting to stop training and with so much food available I was in grave danger. No worries, no harm done! I packed my running shoes in my luggage with all my other running gear and off I went.

Running in Australia was something new for me. The terrain and temperature was totally different. Terrain was hilly and steep, Weather was dry and cold. It was a mix reaction for me. In Melbourne, I can only reach my maximum target of 3km plus. In Apollo Bay, it was worse, I can only run 2km plus. The weather was freezing in the morning and the hill was so steep that our vehicle had problem climbing up the hill. But it was definitely a great running experience.

As for food in Australia, I would say it was pretty damn good. With beef pies, sausages, Fish & Chips, BBQ meat the list goes on… How can I resist such temptation? Well, I did. I put myself on a strict diet to compliment my training and I do not wish to jeopardise my effort. During the trip, I my choices are limited. So I had to play around with the food I eat.

For example:
I took pasta for Carbo and top it up with lots of fibre like fruits and vegetable.
I took salad without the dressing. If I need dressing, it would be olive oil and vinegar.
I took a beef pie and try not to complete the crust.
I took Angus beef and limit my intake

Was I that strict? YES I WAS!

Normally, when one comes back from a holiday, he will usually put on weight. As for me, I lost weight instead.

After returning to Singapore, I continued the strict diet without an effort. It became a daily regime for me so I got used to it. I am also more conscious on the amount of calories I take and will pay more attention on the nutrition label now.

Many colleagues asked me how did I manage or rather lost so much weight. My answer was pretty simple. Proper exercise and diet.

Breakfast – Heavy and is a MUST (Usually is Toast & Eggs)
Lunch – Eat what you need to last you till dinner (for your company sake, Avoid high Carbo intake)
Dinner – Very Light Personally, I cut down on my Carbo intake (rice) and top it up with lots of vegetable and fruit. I will sometimes take up to 2-3 apples a night.

Many people will have their own regime, like splitting meal into smaller portion etc… Again please do some homework. Fit the diet that you are most comfortable with.

Anyway, my aim was not to lose weight but to challenge myself to running events. So weight lost was not my aim. But in due course, definitely you will lose weight due to the high activity rate.

By Jan, I embarked on my first 5km. Boy, I tell you the feeling was GREAT. I still can remember that I completed the run without stopping and with ease. My first 5km recorded a timing of 38.05min

Come mid Jan, I pushed myself further by doing 8km every weekend at East Coast Park. My first recorded timing was 56.57min. Subsequently, it became a routine for me to wake up early and make my way to East Coast Park. Running there really give one encouragement and support. Seeing different people running there really push you to go further every time. Slowly, I transited to 10km weekly and now 12km.

Currently, every Sunday, I will hit the gym to target specific area to help my run. On weekdays, I still run at least 5km. By August, I will embark on my first Triathlon. Not expecting much from this as it will be more of a tryout and trial for me, but I will be starting on my vigorous training with Shah very soon to prep ourselves for this event.

Events
Zoo Run – Done
2XU Compression Run
Run 350
Passion Run
Sundown Marathon
Phuket Marathon + Holiday
Trifactor

Time to see what I have achieved (As of 5 Apr)
Total Run: 40
Total Duration: 27hrs 55mins
Total Distance: 244.69km
Calories Burnt: 18098cal
Fastest 5km: 30min 31sec
Fastest 10km: 60min 3sec