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