A New Beginner

Hello, loyal reader(s)! Yes, it's been a whole week - that's how long it's taken me to recover... Last week's 10K went well! Yay to us. I did just ok, but I'm happy with my time and race position (1:25 and came in with the first 35% of the women's 10k runners). And runningstitch did AWESOME! (1:15 and top 14%!!) Woo-hoo!

I think I didn't eat enough of a breakfast so at about 7km I was *starving*!! Resources depleted. Systems shutting down. Ha ha. That's my excuse. Anyway, I was all sore and feeling - oddly - congested for a couple of days after. So... I prescribed myself plenty, plenty of rest.

And today, finally, I ran again. This time, with no deadline looming, I'm really going to try to improve my pace. Ran "faster" on the treadmill today. Did about a 6:35min/k for 3k and that was not too bad, though I doubt I could have made it for longer. The thing is, I think there is truth to the fact that you *can* run too slowly. Too slowly and you actually expend a lot of energy still - so it's not necessarily any better; in fact, it's more inefficient. So... let's see how I manage to improve...

Onward!

p.s. need new shoes, just like runningstitch! hehehe

DDay -1

Am frantically trying to upload songs into iPod, and wondering whether at all to run with music tomorrow, and at the same time feeling extremely frustrated by iMac not ejecting CDs! Arrrrgghhh.

Must remember to charge iPod!

Am I panicking!?!!?!?!?!

At lunch earlier, ate an entire plate (L) of roasted duck rice, then polished off Jaime's and Jared's leftovers, then had a bowl of cheng tng. Feel absolutely ill now. Drinking water like mad. Maybe I should go eat all that jelly still in the fridge too. One needs plenty of fuel to run 10k, no?

This week, ran on Monday and Wednesday. Thursday, Friday were spent being coughed at, sneezed on by 5- & 6-year-olds
who constantly needed water/food/toilet. Mediating skills had been severely put to test, as was patience and self-control. Anyway, as with earlier 5k run, I never actually ran the full distance before the actual run. I can only hope it works again this time, and that Opus and self are in good enough shape and health to finish in a decent time..... sob

Today's plan is to do nothing strenuous, have lots of water and carbo load and sleep early!

Week 18!

WAAAAAHH! I had such a busy week too!!

I only managed to run on Wednesday and even then I could only squeeze in a measly 20 min run. Boo. But it was good. And, see how far I've come when I can actually call a 20 minute run "good". Running makes your mind go bonkers.

Thurs was tennis day so that was nice. And then... nothing. Nothing, nothing. Until.. SUNDAY! Waaah!

Week 18, Day 5

AAAHHHHHH, no time already!

It's been a busy busy week, so much so that hardly had time to even consider running!

But I went on Monday, and ran a forced fartlek type of route; the son was with me so when he was within sight I could slow down but when he was out of view (he was on his scooter on the cycling path, and it sometimes branches away) I had to run faster just to make sure I could see him again soon. Such hard work. Anyway, managed a better run than last Monday's and at the end, like Opus noticed, when you run slower it's not as tortuous because the last 10 minutes or so, had to really slow down to come alongside the now pulled-along scooter. SIGH.

Today (Friday) I drove to Bedok Reservoir again. Decided that I really need to run somewhere where I could determine the distance. Ran 1 round (4.3km) plus 1km, then doubled back. So, total of 6.3 km. urgh. I was being overtaken by everyone! The fat old men with high socks and tucked-in tops, the extremely fit canoeists, ah sohs, etc. Sob.

Used Vaseline for today's run, on previously chafed area. Worked like a charm.

Week 17: Days 5 & 7

Ran on Friday - did only 3km cos i was feeling lazy. Decided to run "faster"... even though i don't know how much "faster" my "faster" really was. I have actually little to no recollection of this run by now. Running makes you lose your memory.

Today (day 7) I ran on the treadmill (better blog about it before i forget!). Normally I don't like treadmills but I guess one good thing about it was that it forces you to keep to a pace. So I ran at a slow pace - 7:30, which is really slow. (You get an F for your 2.4 if you run at this pace!) But, I've decided, this is a realistic pace for me in order to do 10k. Yeesh. Managed to run 45min which was about 6k. I was a gross, sweaty mess by then but you know the weird thing? I wasn't really panting hard by the time i was done. I was just really, really sweaty. Um.

Oh oh oh! And get this - chafing!! The inside of my right upper arm (just under my armpit) was chafing against my tanktop! Ahhh.. and it started burning even after a mere 2k! And for the rest of the run the sweat would burn it, and I would have to hold my right arm out like a chicken. Aaah. Vaseline!!!

Week 17: Day 4

Groaaaan. I played tennis today, which was good. But I felt really unfit. Was panting a lot. Cos I haven't been running!! Argh!

Week 17, Day 3

Urgh, ran on Monday and it almost killed me. Went to the beach and tried running my usual 4+ km route and maybe add to that... Ran to the halfway point, and found that I had to stop. Was so out of breath and legs so leaden! Walked most of the way back, with some half baked attempts to run (the spots where the grasscutters were at work so I don't hold them up too much).

Today, hit the treadmill. As mentioned by Opus, these machines do not run over 30 minutes, even when you set your goal as 40 minutes. Had to stop and try to run on the spot and toggle with the buttons, very awkward if you can imagine. Ran a little over 5k in the end, and that took about 37 minutes and all my resolve.

Week 16: Day 7

Ran my 6k route today. It was tough-going, really tough. Felt tired almost the whole way and it was a mental struggle to keep pushing. In the end I made it, but only barely. I was really going at a pathetic plodding speed - the sort of speed where you're basically walking. But with more effort.

And, earlier in the day I bought some Vaseline! Yup. My brother bought some too after I insisted he was going to need it if he was going to run the marathon (which he is, in December). And I also got mocked mercilessly for having chafed while running 5k. Hmph. Some people chafe more than others, ok.

Week 16: Day 3

runningstitch is right! I'm not fat! I have er... high glycogen stores. Carbo loading! Note to self: more candy and soda = good.

Ran on the treadmill today cos it was rainy out on the west side in the evening. Decided to run 40 mins and found out that treadmills only go to 30 mins. Huh. I guess that makes sense... so I had to set 10 extra minutes after my 30 min run (after asking - while panting, sweating and looking decidedly unglam - the other gym user if he wanted to use the treadmill. I probably scared him into saying no.)

Ran about 5.35 k (only!!) in 40 mins. Got a long way to go, man, a long way...

Week 16, Day 3

Ran today - beach. Was nice and windy, post-rain. Puddles everywhere, though.

From today's run I discovered:

(1) Mornings are a good time to run;
(2) I run better to slower music. Fast tempos get me to run faster and harder, but unsustainable. Today I ran while listening to Christmas music and carols;
(3) I can overtake some walking people (woohoo!);
(4) Eating, but in a small portion, before running is a good idea;
(5) I need a bigger towel.

It was crowded at the beach! Is everyone training for the marathon too? Or no one insane enough to run after 10am like I usually have to? Ran about 5km, taking 37 minutes. Gaaaaah.

Read article in SGRunners website about nutrition for running. This jelly thing has been corroborated! Honestly, I was quite skeptical at first.

Must google on doing weights training....

Played tennis yesterday too! Was fun, and weather was good.

Need a nap now.

Week 15, Day 6: Back to Running!

Finally! I dare say - it felt good! At least in the beginning...

I did a roughly 6k route today, and it was all going nicely along in the beginning. I even felt like I had missed running (after not having run for 2 weeks!! Ack.) The first 2k was nice. Then from 3k onwards, I started getting crabby. Then at 4.5k I totally peng san'ed. And the rest of the way was a walk/jog home. Sigh.

Here's the thing: it took me like 50 mins! How does the maths work out?? It doesn't! How can I do 6k in 50 mins... it makes me feel like I'm either running farther than I think, or the GE5k run was a less-than-5k bluff to boost our self-confidence. Ha!

Anyway, I shall now declare my goal for the 10K: 1 hour 10 mins. I know, "unrealistic" is my middle name. My other middle name is "mm zai si".

Week 15, Day 6

Did nothing whatsoever this week for exercise. Except my hands, which feel incredibly carpal-tunneled from all that cutting and pasting. Boo.

Have been so, so exhausted! My heart fills with dread whenever I think of 7 December. And I try not to think about it at all. Though I still do anyway. SIGH.

OH WAIT!! I played tennis yesterday. That was fun. Maybe that's why I didn't think of it as exercise at first.

Week 15? Day 4?

Finally did something today - played tennis, yay! I was terribly out of shape. AND I think I've put on weight again!! What the...?!

It felt good to exercise. Another long day tomorrow, so no running, but will run on Saturday.

Week whatever: It's all gone pear-shaped

Aiigh. I haven't exercised one bit since my 5k!! Ack ack ack. No running, no tennis!

I've actually been feeling a bit sick since the run - sort of a weird congestion in my lungs and today it finally feels like it might be moving up to my throat. Been working really long days and not sleeping enough, so that hasn't helped.

I'm done for. The 10K is going to be "fun run" for me - i.e. involves walking.

Week 14 actually, Days 5, 6 & 7

Day 5

Tennis, yay! Rejoiced that met services was proven wrong, and it was a great day for outdoors! Tennis lesson with kids, had 2 rounds and that was invigorating.

Days 6 & 7

Lounged around, eating ice cream and for dinner tonight, ribeye steak panfried in butter .... mmmm. How to knit a circle??

Week 12? 13?

Counting down now to next race! Sunday 7 December 2008!! 10 km!!

This week, quite productive. Played tennis on Tuesday morning, though only for half an hour. Tennis kaki had to dash off.

Today (Thurs) went to the gym in the morning. Tried to calibrate the Nike+ contraption and was quite flustered at first; receiver couldn't even detect the sensor! Was quite warmed up by the time I got it to work and then ran for 2k to calibrate, and another 2.9k after that. Another first for me - running 30 minutes without stopping on the treadmill. Oh, I am unstoppable now! Having said that, I seriously couldn't run any faster without feeling nauseous - how to run for 10k??

ACK.

Need new earphones for iPod. Right bud keeps falling out, though left sits snugly without problem.

Then this evening, played tennis again. Doubles this time. Of course, I was the worst player. After the game, the ladies gathered and one turned to me and asked, where did I get my shoes? I love my white-brown (BROWN!) Adiprene with diamante. I may not play great, but at least I have nice shoes. I am secretly thrilled that I am the Posh Spice of the tennis group.

It is Finished

For now, that is.

Race Day I was frightful. Hordes of women dressed in the same top (!!), lots of annoying rah-rah by skinny Ms Sunshine MC, and no personal space to even uncreak my lower back. And they made us warm up to "YMCA"! After an agonising 20 minute wait, finally the foghorns were sounded and everyone burst forward. Had to concentrate hard so not to trip over any one of the 5,000+ women around me.

It was comforting to see some not even bothering to jog/run from the start. At least there was hope I wouldn't be last - YAY! Tried to keep pace with lady with brown full-face visor and brown rubber bands in her hair. It was a sign! After all, brown is my fave colour. She was fast! And she didn't go round the cones or kerbs, and after a bit I lost sight of her.

Woe to you who come in groups and stroll 4 abreast! And those who whip their elbows side to side while moving forward! And mostly, woe to those who do not break sweat while bouncing along and chatting with friends!

And, am I glad I did some roadside running before the race. It is truly treacherous, dealing with the pollution and hot road surfaces. My feet felt so hot after the halfway mark, and the weather was (thankfully) not even that warm yesterday morning.

Throughout the run I was thinking, how am I going to do the 10k? Aieeeeeee.....

Seemed like forever till the end was in sight. Tried to concentrate on music, though noticed for the first time how disturbing the lyrics of some of the songs I have on my iPod are. Finally, crossed the finishing arc and greeted by too-enthusiastic ushers. Mental note to self - never print real name on bib again.

YAY!! We did it, we did it!!

Now, had to search for water. Loud broadcasted reminders to keep hydrated were annoyingly frustrated by refreshments being hidden. That was plain evil! Legs so wobbly! Throat so parched! And still had to make way to far end of field to get something to drink.

Did semblance of warm down, then off to celebratory lunch! Dulukala Peranakan Restuarant at Beauty world Plaza. Mmmmmm! First time for everyone and it was great! Assam fish head, ayam goreng, sambal sweet potato leaves, ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh, and lotsa drinks.

Came home and crashed, had a nice long nap.

I dedicate the successful completion to all our fans who believed in us - K, had I read your Celtic blessing *before* the run, maybe I wouldn't even need music; Carrie, whom I've not met but thanks for all the kind words :) and Jared, who actually asked if I would come in first (sorry mummy has disappointed you but I'm pinning all my dreams of running glory on you!), and thanks also to Opus - we can check this off out Bucket List now - wouldn't have done this without you and wouldn't dream of doing this with any other penguin! Keeskees!

p/s 4 weeks till 10k!

Done!!

... in more ways than one.

Er, sorry, fan(s), forgot to post before race day. Too stressed out over a pathetic 5k. Honestly.

Anyway, we did it! Me in 34min and runningstitch in 30min. Basically I lost sight of runningstitch within the first 400m and never saw her again. I endeavoured to and managed to pass at least a couple of ah sohs, one or two um, "larger women", and one or two school children (who would annoyingly just pass you again later). But i also did not pass a LOT of other people. Still - i'm glad i ran the whole thing!

I have to say running in a crowd makes a big diffference. It's no where near as boring as running on your own, and the sight of ah sohs running ahead of you just makes you push on. Seriously.

My heart was a bit skippy, but that's what I get for quaffing a whole 6-pack of coke a week before the race.

Disappointingly, once you pass the finish line, you do not run straight into a table full of cookies, bananas, jelly and water. As was my dream. (Organizers! Note for next year!)

Thanks to our cheerleaders and thanks to runningstitch without whom i would not be able to do this involved in this madness.

T minus 3

I woke up feeling a little sick-ish today ... and i was still sore from (stupidly) doing a bunch of sit ups and push ups the other day, so i decided to take a rest day.

La di dah. I think i'm in denial about Sunday.

T minus 4!

I have apparently put on more weight again! What the --! Running is bad for you. It makes you fat! Shit.

Anyways, I ran on the treadmill today. 20min = 2.75k @ roughly 7.1 min/k which doesn't sound fast but man my lungs were burning up. And my heart was hopping around.

I tried to be a bit more scientific about it cos I'd read this How to Improve your 5k Time (getting ahead of myself, I know) and also this neat Training Pace Calculator but I only read them cursorily and I think I did it all wrong. I thought I was doing a tempo run at my tempo pace, but I was not. Ha. Oh well.

T minus 3/4??

Ran yesterday on treadmill, could only do 3km! Was so tired, and not running fast at all! Anyway, the Nike+ thingy is way off, recorded over 4+ km. Such false, inflated hopes it's giving me.

Didn't run today. Had class, then it rained and basically am in denial. Wondering about possibility of inclement weather and/or PSI levels spiking over the weekend, in particular Sunday morning. Stayed in and spent a pleasant afternoon doing some embroidery.

T minus 5

Went to the gym tonight but someone was on the treadmill - grr. So I went on the ellipsis/stair machine instead, and while I was on that, the first person on the treadmill left and someone else got on! Double grr! And the other person took so long I just ended up doing some interval training on the ellipsis machine, then some sit ups. That was my training for today.

The most infuriating part was that both people who used the treadmill were just walking. WALKING!! The nerve.

T minus 6

Almost there, and getting in some last minute panic training.

Took firstborn to the beach today, excited to try out my new Nike+ Sports Kit. Son decides he will cycle alongside, though I suggest the skate-scooter. I start to run and he falls behind; I had expected him with wheels to be far ahead! Run back to check on him, and he's all blubbery and exclaiming that I am an "absolute madman" because I was running so fast. Whaaaaat? Also complains about pain everywhere, though sprints away once I am towing his bike back to the car. Grrr.

With all the starts and stops, running on the spot and running back and forth, my Nano reported over 6km and 45+ minutes! I really need to calibrate this thing properly. It's probably a little nuts by the "running" pattern today.

T minus 6

Rest day. Very important, you know. Muscles have to relax, rebuild. Etc.

KFC for dinner.

Yum.

T minus 7

Ran my "about 4k" route today - and I didn't stop!! Yay!!! Of course I was just plodding at a slow pace, but still, an improvement from before. And it was all because I applied the lesson I learned at Bedok Reservoir which was: look out for dead bodies.

No, the other lesson: start, find and stay at a REALISTIC PACE. Otherwise, if you go too fast, then you just conk out early and there's no saving you after that.

That said, the last 500m killed a little. And now me legs are all wobbly.

To start the countdown to 5k day, I shall state my goals:

1. Finish within 40min (alas, I don't think this will be possible...but one must dream, yes?)
2. Pass at least several Ah Sohs.
3. When running across the finish line, there had better NOT be any Ah Sohs walking across the finish line at the same time.
4. Don't stop running.

I aim to achieve at least 3 of the above items. Gogogogogogogogo.

7 days more!

Ran today. Ran kerbside. In fact, just came back and googled how to calculate how far I ran. Found this- awesome! I ran 4.094 km! Woohoo!

Dislike the pollution. But, thankful for cloudy weather!

The end is nigh

I HAD to run today. It's been too long. Did 3k on the treadmill, wasn't bad considering how little i'd been running lately, but not good enough! The run is NEXT WEEK!!!!

Gasp.

Um, lost track

ok. This is not going well.

Ran last Saturday with Opus and it nearly killed us. Bedok Reservoir is terrible! Gravel-ly and super hot, and it was only 10+ in the morning. The Forest Adventure looks fun though, and it was all in the shade!

Anyway - before that, and since then, there has been no running whatsoever. I blame everything. Heat, rain, hormones, hunger pangs, heat, exams, bad throat, housework, sewing projects, emails, fixing dinners, homework, ferrying children, sick children....
On the bright side, I've been faithfully subscribing to alternative training strategy as espoused in The Independent. Opus and I love this article: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-living/marathon-training-the-cheats-guide-to-running-805731.html. It's not complicated - just eat jelly in bed. I had to modify this a little, since I don't like the idea of eating anything in bed. And, why stop at jelly?

Today this strategy kinda backfired. All my pent up hankering for dumpling noodles (the food centre was closed for 6 months. 6 MONTHS!!) did me in. While waiting for my takeaway order of noodles (of course I ordered the extra-everything version) I went to the SweetTalk bubble tea shop and ordered (urgh, feeling ill all over again at the memory) a cup of chocolate ice-blended milk tea with oreos and pearls. I was so hungry then, I finished half the cup in no time. Picked up the noodles, and mmmm, was feeling bloated by then but undeterred - and all in the name of injury-free training - I ate it all up.

Yeah, I'm much better now than 2 hours ago. Haven't felt so ill in a long time! Man, may have to consider going for a run! (boo)

Did we also say we picked up our running kits & bibs? Am so not looking forward to eating the dust of ah sohs and kids. How???

Week what is it, 11?

Hey where did everybody go?

Did a "test run" of 4.3k with runningstitch yesterday and it DID ME IN! Feeling sick today, so am drinking lots of fluids, sweating and eating. Um, which is my self-prescription.

Week 10: Days 6 & 7

Day 6: no running! (blogging when i do not run is really boring)

Day 7: Played tennis with runningstitch. Got to use my new tennis racket, the Wilson K(Factor) K(Blade) Team 104. Racket of choice for Serena and Venus Williams, you know. Anyway, of course I still played crap, but *better*. Less crap. This racket ROCKS. I love it.

Week 10: Day 5

Finally ran again today! Felt out of sorts for the past three days cos I didn't run - which is strange, and sick and perverse because it is miserable when you DO run. So. Running is some sort of sick twisted reverse psychology trick designed to mess with me.

Anyways.

Ran my roughly 2.8-3.0 k route and was definitely plodding but I daresay I think there is a teensy bit of improvement! Yay! Still a long way to go, though! Gaaah.

Week 10, Days 2-4

As anticipated, have not done anything worth mentioning here.

Oh wait, I climbed up the stairs, all 10 storeys, yesterday!

Week 10: Days 1-3

Day 1:
Ran my 2 x 2k route. The first 2k was halfway decent, but I was definitely floundering during the second loop. Nevertheless, a promising start to the week. But, destroyed by...

Day 2:
No time to run!

Day 3:
No time to run!

Die.

Week 9, Days 6, 7 and Week 10 Day 1

Last week was a write off; only tennis twice (Days 2 and 7) and no running at all.

Week 10!!

Where did it all go? Today, off to a better start. Went to the beach to run. Was swarming with troops marching on the path nearer to the beach and road paving machines closer to the expressway. In the end I ran between both ie. on the cycling path. Was horrible, smelling fumes of tar and asphalt. Kaf kaf... Laying off for one week didn't help either, though I felt leaner without all the constant muscle-building. Thinner calves, woohoo!

Don't foresee doing any other meaningful exercise this week, with a public holiday smack in the middle of it.

NAPFA test

Remember NAPFA? National something Physical Fitness .. assessment... something. Our physical fitness test. I found these figures off some poly website.

Females 20-24 yrs
2.4km
A = <15:01
B = 15:01 - 15:30
C = 15:31 - 16:00
D = 16:01 - 16:30
E = 16:31 - 17:00

i know we're not 20-24 years old, but i'm just saying...

i think i never passed this damn thing ever. Or at least never got above a D for my 2.4

And now i'm even older... and slower.. sob. ha ha

Week 9: Day 6

Worked all day and had no time to run!! Boo. :( I guess there's still time to run tonight, but really... who are we kidding?

Week 9: Day 5

Ran my roughly 2.8k route today. Did a bit better - and I think it was thanks to the much cooler and much more pleasant weather. It makes SUCH a difference! But, still, 2.8... i'm running out of time!! How am i ever going to make it to 5??

Week 9, Days 4-5

Been busy, making a costume for Jared's school celebrations next week. It's a fairy tale themed thingy, so some discussion (he refused to be a pirate or prince, and Darth Vader isn't a real fairy tale character) we settled on Pied Piper of Hamelin. I think the rats sealed the deal. 

Plus, it was pouring this morning. So no tennis.

As such, no exercise to report.

Belgian chocolate ice cream - not seashells!

Week 9, Days 2-3

Day 2

Tennis! In the morning. Was it hot!! Think I am permanently belgian chocolate-coloured :(  :(  :(

Day 3

Rest day, had kueh pie tee. Mmmmm.

Week 9: Day 3

Rest!!! Tired!

(p.s. this blog is getting really boring. I pity our legions of poor readers.)

Week 9: Day 2

itch itch itch. Ran the almost 3k route today. Not so good. Now ex HAUSted.

Week 9: Whaat??

I think the heat is giving me itching and all kinds of eczema. Nasty. I hate heat. I have to get outta here.

(Whoa. At the exact moment that I typed the last sentence, my itunes played a song with the lyrics "I gotta get outta here...". For real.)

Ran today, about 2.8k or so. Kinda so-so. Am tired. Itchy.

Week 8, Days 6-7, Week 9 Day 1

The weeks are just flying by. 

Week 8, Days 6 & 7

Car boot sale. Sweating must surely indicate some kind of physical exertion! Toiled in the sun for a few hours at a stretch over 2 days. Plus, on Sunday Opus and I played tennis. Am so miserable from the sun burn and lack of improvement in tennis. 

Dejected. 

Discouraged. 

Dismayed. 

Also very very tired!

Week 9, Day 1

WEEK 9!

Ran errands today, really too hot to be outside doing anything, really. Have received all sorts of comments on the sunburn. Angry red skin AND bulging calf muscles, definitely a not a good look. 

Week 8: Days 5-7

I've completely thrown out our training plan!! Ack. I can't do it. I'm floundering. I have no strength.

Day 5: Ran about 2.6k or so and tried to run "faster" but it was pathetic. I almost didn't make it.

Day 6: Did interval running on the treadmill and then some weights. I was wheezing and panting SO LOUDLY during the run that it was a darn good thing no one else was in the gym!

Day 7: Tennis with runningstitch! We get "better" after about 45 mins of "warm up". It was so inhumanly hot that I just wanted to die. In a puddle. A puddle of ice cold water. Mmmmmm. Ice. Cold.

Week 8, Days 4 & 5

Can't believe this week is almost over.

Day 4: Ran 3.6km. Not sure how much to run anymore, just run what I remember running the last time. If I could I'd give myself a prize too.... was already half-dying, shortly into the 1st km or so, when this man stepped onto the treadmill next to mine and his cologne wafted over. It was truly suffocating. I cleared my throat repeated and coughed but he was totally oblivious and then he started to sing along to whatever it was playing on his iPod. ACK!!

Day 5: Was really looking forward to tennis but rained out. Stayed home instead. Insanely hot today. Does shifting stuff around count as exercise?

Week 8: Days 2-4

Another week is flying by and i'm getting more discouraged by the minute.

Day 2: Didn't run cos I spent 3 hours making a lasagne! And it wasn't very good. No, I don't want to talk about it.

Day 3: Worked an 11-hour day and had no time to run. Boo.

Day 4: Played tennis but the heat and humidity were pure misery. I was way tired and sluggish. I feel like I have no strength left. Physical or mental.

Week 8, Day 3

This week has been exhausting. Think I've been doing too much. And yet there's so much more to do!

Rest day. Aaaahhhhhh.

Week 8, Day 2

Tennis in the morning, played badly :(  Hot mornings are back!

Week 8: Day 1

Ran a shorter distance today (about 2.2k?) and tried to run faster. Ugh. How does runningstitch do it? Gaaah.

Week 8, Day 1

Week 8! It's almost here!

Great start to the week, was raining but cleared up in time to go for run at the beach. Tried to run faster to get home sooner..... find that I always lose steam on the return stretch. Tried fartleks (who invented this word?!) using the big feet painted on the ground as visual markers, and managed to do 3 sets of "sprints" followed by slower jog to catch breath. Hard work! Felt as if I was going to get a stitch but slowed down without stopping this time, and the feeling went away. Yay!

Week 7, Days 6 & 7

Day 6

Went to watch Wall.E. Cute! Only Pixar could make a cockroach remotely endearing. Then lanterns at night, plus lots of mooncake and pomelo.

Day 7

Tennis with Opus. We are getting better, yay. Must try to not to hit so many balls over fence next time.

Week 7: Day 6

Worked today and didn't have time to run... Did I mention this week was a washout? Sigh.

Week 7: Day 5

Finally ran this week! And I managed to run during a decent daytime hour, so I could run on the road instead of the treadmill - yippee. I ran almost 4k (my approximation) - I couldn't be bothered to measure out 3.6k so i just ran two rounds of my approximately 2k route. I ran at SPP and with SPS (Small Plodding Steps). Stopped a few times - a couple of times to catch my breath, and a couple of times due to mental weakness.

The ipod helped a ton, though! But between the embarrassing sweat stains and the earphone cord flopping about, I'm sure I looked like a dork...

AND I hurt my big toe. :( I have been running badly. Remember my previous post about running on the balls of my feet? Complete rubbish. You're not supposed to. Heel, toe, heel, toe. I've been landing on the balls of my feet too much, especially during the uphills, and the area behind the ball of my big toe (i.e. where the big toe meets the foot) now hurts. It's the sort of pain that's like a pinch nerve. I think I have to cushion it and start running better in order for it to heal.

Week 7, Day 5

Tennis lesson today - as usual, shared time slot with kids. Plenty of ball-picking and some hitting. Still waiting for guts to break. It'll be the first time for me! Need to learn to hit harder....

Week 7...

Days 1-4:

This week's been a washout for me!! I've been working long hours and been way too tired and busy to run. :( Poor me. I'm really going to suffer next week.

Today, finally, I had a tennis lesson. Yay for tennis!!! Coach put me through drills and it was great. Is like sprints, really. I probably was slow and wheezy but it felt great nonetheless. I have to do something about this out-of-control sweating though. Egads.

Coach let me try this new Wilson K blade tennis racket (similar to Venus William's racket, you know) and it was great! Tempted to buy new racket now...

Week 7, Day 4

Tried out another prospective-treadmill-buy today at the gym, nice! No fan but nice clear LCD display and well-cushioned run. Ran 3.6km.

And suddenly it seems that every other person I know runs! Met someone at the gym who is now 4 months preggers and she is "taking it easy for now" and she let on that she used to be a national runner! And another lady in the tennis group was previously a marathoner and ex-PE teacher! Ooo-er.

Week 7, day 3

My calves are getting huge! Not a good look on me. :(

Rest day. I am resting. And eating ice cream. 

Week 7, days 1 & 2

Week 7 indeedy!!

Did housework yesterday, backbreaking. House hasn't been so clean in a while. Then everyone else came home. SIGH.

Today, went to the beach to run. Was looking forward to it until I got there. It was hot, at 1230pm. Ran my "usual" route but got a stitch just at the halfway, going to turn back mark. Slowed down but it didn't go away so I caved and walked. It's kinda nice to finish up not-so-sweaty and out of breath but I really wanted to not stop! 

But - I googled it and learnt something! 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/health_and_fitness/4275830.stm

Must warm up more, what a bother~

Week 7: Day 1

Week 7!!!!!

I didn't run today. I worked all day and then my ipod came in the mail!! yayyyy



I can't wait to run with it. So instead of running, I spent time loading it up with songs. Of course, that is also a crucial, essential part of running. So, one might even argue that was "exercise". I'm just saying.

The photo's blurry but the engraving says (cleverly): "left foot, right foot, repeat".

Week 6, Days 4-7

Sorry to all my fans out there, I've been swamped!

Day 4

Oops, I just realised that I had run the 3.2 km today, and not yesterday. I rested yesterday. Serious runners must not take lightly their rest schedules. 

So yeah, today was run. Did think about playing tennis too but had headache in the end and napped instead.

Day 5

Tennis washed out. Again. Did the logical thing and took kids out for prata lunch.

Day 6

Thought of going running today but had to rush something out and worked all of last night and the morning to try to finish it. Tried to compensate by eating less (it's all relative).

Day 7

Opus and I played tennis. Neither of us really got into the zone today. :(

This is week has been a total washout for me. Must do better next week!

Week 6: Day 6

I had mooncake today!! Finally. With egg AND melon seeds. Yum.

Oh, and I ran 3.2k. I'm much less excited about that. It was painfully dull.

Week 6: Days 4 & 5

I don't know how you run so fast runningstitch! Even with all that mooncake in you... (I haven't had a single mooncake this year yet! Not from a lack of wanting a mooncake, though...)

Day 4:
Ran just 2k on the treadmill but tried to run it a little faster. A LITTLE. And already it was killing me. Then, did some weight training. I guess it sort of worked if my muscles were achy the next day. But who knows if they were the correct muscles? Ha.

Day 5:
Rest! Sentosa!

Week 6, Day 3

Have this irritating throat discomfort for the past week or so, and it doesn't help in the should-i-run-or-shouldn't-i debate I constantly have with myself.  In the end, ran on treadmill for the first time I finished 3.2km! Woo hoo!! Broke out mooncake to celebrate. 

Good news - could run for the whole duration, and burnt almost 200 calories!

Bad news - had headache for the rest of the day, and mooncake probably set me back by 300 calories. Or more. Also, weighing machine showed that I'd put on 1.3kilos just over the weekend. Feeling more jiggly too, in the middle. How annoying.

Opus- is it still 3.2km next week? I've lost the schedule....

Week 6: Days 1-3

Oops, getting really tardy on my posts.

Days 1 & 2: Ran 3.2km each! And I had to run them really late at night because I had no time during the day. What I'm learning now is that the mental challenge of staying focussed is toughest for me. Running 3.2 has been a REAL CHALLENGE cos I get bored and deflated very quickly.

So on Day 2 I finally succumbed and ran with an ipod. I never liked running with one because I don't like to feel... *fettered*... yeah, I'm probably being irrational. Cos in the end, the music REALLY HELPED to keep me focussed. I could run the whole 3.2 at a decent pace (though still no where near running stitch's pace!) and didn't stop once. Yaayy.

Gonna buy me an ipod shuffle now, so i don't have to run with a honking big ipod.

Day 3: Rest!!

Week 6, Day 2

Urgh... only 1 thing to say - I'm glad we put down a comfortable estimate to finish the 10k run!

Week 5, Days 5-7 and Week 6 Day 1

Week 5 Day 5

My memory fails me.... Oh wait, there was tennis but got rained out about 15 minutes into session. For the first time ever I had a solo lesson! Was panting and trying to maintain dignity while returning the balls. But I bet it didn't look pretty. On the bright side the coach said I play like Henin - possibly selective listening since I could only hear my heart pounding and I'm sure Henin's coach never asked her to bring home a modified fishing rod to practice forearm top-spins.

Week 5 Days 6 & 7 and Week 6 Day 1

Week 6!! Not long now!

Did nothing the past 3 days even remotely related to exercise. Unless you count 3 days of nonstop eating (only interrupted by sleep and toilet breaks) it as "muscle building". Helped build sand structures, and play a round of Happy Family though.

Must get back on track! 

Week 5: Day 7

I didn't run today. In my defence, I vacuumed the whole house and groomed the bunnies and cleaned their toilet-home and it took me like 3 hours!! And I'm not even all done with the grooming yet! So... had no time to run.

This is not so good - I only ran twice this week!

Must buck up next week...

Week 5: Days 5-6

Getting sloppy with the posts... but where is the time going?? Yikes.

Didn't run yesterday (Day 5) cos it was rest day!! Again!! Just as well, since I was too busy and all over the place anyway.

Today (Day 6), I had Muay Thai class in the morning. Not a very vigorous workout today but lots of great punching. Yeah. :)

I might go running later, so stay tuned for an exciting update! Or not.

Week 5: Day 4

Feeling discouraged, sigh.

It's week 5! I don't feel any fitter than I was five weeks ago, and I most certainly don't look fitter, nor have I lost any weight. Gah. Ran approx 3.2k today on the road. Tried to push myself to go faster but that only meant that I ended up huffing and puffing and walking half the way.

Did I mention I was discouraged?

Week 5, Days 3 & 4

Day 3

Running around like a headless chicken but no, did not actually run.

Day 4

Coughing! Weather permitting, may play tennis later though. Must not over-exert. Doubles is the way to go.

Week 5: Days 1-3

Update, update...

Day 1
Week 5 already?? What's my progress?? What do I have to show for all that sweating and running? I am not sure. On Monday I didn't run. No time! Too much to do! Had to cook dinner! Etc.

Day 2
Ran 3.2km (ugh) on the treadmill at a slow, embarrassing time of 26:50. I hereby declare that my goal for the 5k is 40mins. That is not a respectable goal. But one must be realistic.

Day 3
Rest!!

Week 5, Days 1 & 2

Am I the only one updating this?

Day 1

WEEK 5 ALREADY!!

Woke up feeling flu-ey. Bad sorethroat, and not like I ate a lot of mooncake (half a mini one, only!) or anything close. No time to run - sorting out things at home.

Day 2

Urgh. Why am I so sensitive to caffeine? Had a tiny box of milo and heart was pounding away the whole night. 

Anyway - got sms mix-up so no tennis, went to the gym instead. Tried out a treadmill which was on trial. Another huge machine... nice and sturdy though, with a fan function (didn't try, already feeling very parched). And, still not 100% today, and while running had to block all these thoughts of sudden death from exerting self while unwell. Need a nap now!

Week 4, Days 6 & 7

Day 6

Did no training at all, and am not proud of it! Only running done was of the errands kind.

Day 7

Tennis got washed out again. Rain was incredible. Opus and I went to the gym at her place instead. We took turns at the Precor treadmill and stair machine . Working out on a full and msg-laden lunch is a bad idea. 

Yay for angora!

Week 4: Day 6

Out of jelly.

Ran 2.8km on the treadmill today AND went for muay thai class. Was so hungry and tired by the end of Muay Thai class that I was flopping around, weak-limbed trying to kick and punch. Not pretty.

As for running, I see that my mental strength breaks down around 1.6km. That's when I feel like : eurgh. Time to sit down! And I have to convince myself to power through. The mental fitness is worse than the physical fitness!!!

Week 4, Day 5

Tennis today, though got rained out halfway. Thought of going to run but came home and was famished, so had lunch and now it looks like rain again. Will stay home and maybe nap instead. And eat jelly of course.

p/s Pucca all gone! 

Week 4, Day 4

Ran today, 2.8 km. Running in the morning is hard, all muscles still cold and stiff. I am doomed for 8am flagoff!

Supposed to play tennis this evening, but the kindergartener had a meltdown, so stayed home though weather was perfect!

Week 4: Day 4

Time is flying by!!

Tennis today. I sweated so much it was inhuman. I think I've gotten better, yet, not. Harumph.

Ate Konnyaku jelly today - despite its synthetic lychee flavour (being that i bought lychee flavoured Konnyaku mix), it was rather yummy.

Week 4, Day 3

Oh, it's really week 4 already??

I rested today too! We are definitely on the right track; I am so pleased. 

I thought about konnyaku jelly too! (I hope you're not eating yours in bed, Opus.) But got a surprise homemade WHOLE pandan cake to take home after delicious homemade (by same person) Thai lunch (spicy-sourish tanghoon  salad with shrimp, Thai chicken green curry and fried chicken wings). Mmmm.

I've been pretty good with supplements too. Dang, have a strange twinge in right knee that won't quit. Urgh.

Week 4: Day 3

No running today. Got to respect the REST DAY. Respect.
Peace out.

(p.s. I bought some multivitamins AND some Konnyaku jelly. ha ha!)

Week 4, Day 2

Did nothing related to sports. It rained, so no chance to hit the gym since no swim lesson for kids (phew, thank You God).

Running really takes a lot out of me, I find. Yesterday morning I ran and by this time I was all out of sorts and just waiting to have a shower and sleep and generally very crabby. But today, I made little things with my hands, read a book, played Text Twirl and am still quite amiable now. Hmmm. 

Is running turning me into Little Miss Grumpy?

Week 4: Day 2

Ran 2.8k today at SPP (Slow Plodding Pace). I managed to pass: a couple walking! Yes.

I feel like I've regressed thanks to my poor Week 3 training. Tsk. I tried to focus on better strides this time around. I feel like if I focus on pushing off on the balls of my feet rather than putting too much weight on my heels or just pushing off with my feet very flat on the ground (.... that being a characteristic of SPP of course), it actually helps. Who knows if this is valid running theory? But it sounds good to me...

Week 3 , Days 6 & 7 and Week 4, Day 1

Getting tardy at this! 

Let's see now....

Week 3, Day 6

Rested, since I ran on Friday. Realised that diet goes to pot on weekends. Had HUGE bowl of bak chor mee pok (extra chilli and vinegar) for lunch, then XL waffle with gelato for dessert. Went looking for mooncake and bought 1 double-yolk lotus paste baked skin mooncake for after-dinner. Resisted buying a whole box in case they sucked and I would have to waste calories just to finish them.

Dinner was chicken rice.  Then mooncake. It was good! Am officially on a mooncake hunt.... must find more of similar variety, plus pumpkin seeds!

Week 3, Day 7

Chicken rice for lunch (I know, I know) and as per normal when we eat at my parents', it was a eat-until-it-comes-out-of-ears-sized serving. Watched Phelps receive gold medal #8. How inspiring, and at the same time depressing when I think of my own state of un-fitness. 

Then played tennis in the afternoon. Opus had the giggles. The way we played made her laugh. Sigh.

Week 4, Day 1

Woke up with insect bites on face! Urgh.

HOT! Was considering going to the stadium to run again but the lack of shelter during run made me decide otherwise. Ended up at the beach again. This time, had my watch along and refused to look at it till I was halfway done, and then again only when I finished. I ran non-stop for half an hour! Still no clue how far (or not) it was though.

Week 4: Day 1

Week 4!! And, I cannot run to save my life. Just pathetic.

Today I ran just 2k but tried to do some interval training/fartlek type running. It was good, pushing myself to run faster and take bigger strides than my usual plodding. But man, I don't think I managed to run fast for more than 100 metres at a time.

And once, while I was "sprinting", I kept pace with a middle-aged man who was jogging beside me! My "sprint" = old man's jog!! Argh.

Then again, maybe he picked up his pace so that he wouldn't be beat by a girl. Ha.

Week 3: Day 7

Hmm... why blog on Sunday when it's just the two of us reading this blog??

Just in case: for our phantom reader out there (you know who you are) - we played tennis today. And we beat the rain. Yay!

Week 3: Day 6

Muay Thai class today! Lots of punching, kicking, situps and squats. Dues paid today.

Considering how bad runningstitch has made me look lately, though, I considered running. But... I didn't.

Week 3: Day 5

wow, you really are making me look bad. You ran today?? I took another rest day. As per schedule.

Who knew the offer of cake would be so controversial?

week 3 , Day 5

and why are you feeding me 16 oz (452 g) net of Pucca? and promise me cake??

you know how weak I am... grrr.

anyway, went for massage today. therapist remarks, you have a lot of muscles! (huh?? since when?) as she was rubbing my back. could it be them push-ups, all 20 of them?

then went for run after that, 2.8km. was so hungry after that. wolfed down rojak and a chocolate- covered and -filled donut while cheering on foreign talent for table tennis. Yay, Singapore!!

Week 3: Day 4

Oh and now you're making me look bad??!?

2.8km AND tennis? Sigh.

Only tennis for me today. And too much soda. But, the new tennis shoes were great! Playing tennis is like sprints. At least that's what I tell myself.

Week 3 , Day 4

Oh, now it's my fault is it??

Today I ran 2.8km in the morning at the gym, it was nauseating having to finish an extra 400m. Then in the evening I played tennis. I deserve an award. Cake will also do.

Week 3: Day 2 & 3

What did you make me do?!?

Anyway. Week 3 was falling apart for me at first! I finally ran today (whew) - did my requisite 2.8k today cos I didn't run yesterday. It wasn't so bad, although it's amazing what a mental struggle an additional 400m can be. Oof. My legs do feel more... exercised today. Goody.

Good thing we double our current training schedule. Can you imagine doing all this in 7 weeks?? I can't.

Week 3 , Day 3

oh dear,
WHAT HAVE WE DONE!?

anyway, today's Wednesday, rest day. yay! will panic later.

Week 3 , Day 2

Pucca is almost just a memory .... only a couple of fish and octopi left.

Tennis today. Brilliant weather - overcast, with slight breeze. I have new pink grip!

Week 3: Day 1

I didn't run today! No time! Oh dear. Shame. Remorse. Sorrow.

Week 3 , Day 1

It's run or rest - no contest. 

(I'm a poet and I don't know it!)

Week 2: Day 7

Korean bbq was deeeelicious!

Anyway, runningstitch and i have decided to declare Sundays a rest day. After all, it's... Sunday. You know?

Week 3 up next - longer running distances according to the chart! You can do it, rs!!!

Week 2, Day 7

Sunday - thwarted by the weather! Opus and I planned to play tennis today but it rained out. All these good intentions should count for something! So we went to Queensway instead. Shopped for shoes (Opus) and sports br*s (both) and hooray for National Day sales! 

I had chocolate milk tea with pearls, mmmm. And some fries from McD's. Did I run today? No prizes for guessing. At least I didn't stuff face with Korean bbq.

Week 2, Day 6

Ran in the morning at Pasir Ris Park. Being National Day (HB Singapore!) it was crowded, more crowded than I've ever seen it before. Lots of people wearing red t-shirts playing captain's ball, and more than usual cyclists (perilous to us runner-types! stick to your own cycling path!!) and families picnic-ing and kite-flying. 

Ran and ran and ran, till I got lost. Noticed that there were actually marks on the running/walking path to show distance, marked out every 100m. But I strayed off the marked path to try to find bearings. Think it was about 2km or so. I hope! 

Week 2, Day 5

Hardly any time to self! Busy making stuff (photos soon!) and had planned to go to the stadium to run 2.4 and even found my old Baby-G to time the run, but alas, left knee was telling me it needed a break so, I rested.

Week 2: Day 6

Muay Thai is also way more fun than running. Had an hour-and-a-half class of Muay Thai today. It's great! Punching and kicking for one and half hours? What's not to like? Lots of flexibility and ab work too - ouch. Have you noticed how Muay Thai fighters are actually really svelte and have thin waists?? It must be good for you, this workout.

I fear I am not running enough!

Week 2: Day 5

Rest day again! I thought about running, but then... i didn't.

Week 2, Day 4

urgh, treadmill today, finished 2.4km at 16.12 mins. Feel better as I run, though still have to drag myself to do it. And, can't wait to hit the cool down button. 

keep thinking about eggs! not any old kind but the 3/4 boiled kind that comes with ramen. yum!

nice, rainy afternoon!

Week 2, Day 3

Rest day, but still busy busy busy! Love the Snoopy picture.

Week 2: Day 4

Tennis way way more fun and awesome than running. I played tennis today, and then I ate a donut.

QED.

Week 2: Day 3

Rest day! How happy am I?

This happy:

Week 2: Day 2

Ran my 2.4k today, and tried to push myself a little harder. It worked for a while... but then the rest of the run was a lot of starts and stops. Ah... Perhaps we need to try this "interval training". Or fartleks . I love that word. Fartlek, fartlek, fartlek. I think I am more inclined towards interval training, but fartlek is a way cooler word. I'm just saying.

Week 2, Day 2

Only week 2!! 

Tennis today. Pucca half gone. Too tired to write more. 

Week 2: Day 1

Is anyone even reading this blog besides us? :D

Treadmill day for me. I ran 2.4k and clocked almost 19 minutes! Egads. How embarrassing. I think my biggest problem - aside from the lack of stamina, yes - is mental weakness too. I always want to give up. I am a choker. I shift my goals ("Maybe 2k is good enough, I should stop at 2k, etc.) Must... build... mental... strength...

Week 2, Day 1

Ran today! Beach, 10 am. Ran in opposite direction this time. Maintained good speed when started, but failed to muster enough pace to even scare crows on way back. 

Still not sure how far I've been "running"! Took about half an hour. More careful to warm up and down now.

Then, wolfed down leftover noodles and a pack of dried mangoes. Man, all this exercise makes me hungry.

And - learnt something too: not a good idea to have anything spicy to eat before a run! That otah sandwich was really gave me stomach fire while running.

Week 1, Day 7

We were at Joo Chiat too! Having FeiFei wanton noodles, then going to pick up food from Glory and cake from KMall. Mmmmm....

Yes, run tomorrow! It's been a long week....

Also - went to check out Adidas at Parkway yesterday. Sales person chirpily offers info that the GE10k run voucher is multi-usable. Not that I saw anything that I really liked! Plus, only for running items. Boo.

Week 1: Day 7

This weather is truly inhuman.

I didn't run today either, although I did take part in a half hour forced walk around Joo Chiat in the morning, so I'd say that counts as my exercise for today! Believe it or not, it was part of the 24-hour playwriting competition. Overall, the competition was both fun and not fun - which basically describes all kinds of writing anyway. I wrote some kind of post-apocalyptic sci-fi epic with rushed and unsatisfying payoffs at the end. I have severe doubts it will win anything.

Back to running tomorrow!

Week 1, Day 6

Only exercise I did today was walking, mainly from one shaded spot to another. Is it true though, that you can gain calories by just looking at food, and not actually consuming? Hmmm.

And does eating also count as exercise? You sure work up a sweat just putting away chilli crab! More so than say, playing darts or bowling.

The weather is killing me. 

Week 1: Day 6

Erm, day 6 isn't a rest day, runningstitch.

But, no matter, I shall not hold it against you because I am not running either. Heheh. I don't have the time today cos I'm off participating in a 24-hour Playwriting Competition. I really have no idea why I joined. In fact, I am there now, and instead of writing a PLAY, I am writing a blog entry.

I'll make sure to run tomorrow. It's one and a half hours into the competition, and I've eaten one chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting, and one oatmeal raisin cookie (mm). I'm going to have a cup of tea now.

postscript: oh, you exercised yesterday. Oh, I get it now. Well, what about your one hour walk on Sunday? Hmmm?

Week 1, Day 5

All this exercise really works up an appetite! Feel emaciated!!

Tennis today, so shall rest tomorrow and Sunday - eat lots of noodles and cake, as is mandatory for birthday parties.

Week 1: Day 5

Rest day!!

I'm so happy.

Week 1: Day 4

Is it only day 4?

This morning I overslept and missed tennis! Argh. I felt sooo bad.

So, I had to run my 2.4k today again. Just ran it at about 4 in the afternoon, and it was HOT. I think over the past week I must have pulled a muscle cos I have a.... pulled muscle.. in my back, and then after the run, slight twinges/cramping in a couple of places. I have to be better about warming up and cooling down. Talk about getting old. And still, all this drama over a measly 2.4k, ha ha.

I am looking forward to tomorrow's rest day!!

Week 1, Day 4

Clocked 16:40 for 2.4km today on treadmill. Won't say it was a leisurely jog. Yes, I am unfit - did you not know that already?

Worked off 145 calories, according to the machine. Wonder how many calories in a (baked, not fried) curry puff - cos that's what I had after the workout. 

Week 1: Day 3

I ran approximately 2.4k today and it was not a pretty sight! Nor sound.

I ended up a sweaty, wheezing, panting, runny-nosed mess. Ugh. Don't all these little school kids have no trouble running 2.4k all the time? I remember even when I was in school, I was always last. All these other kids would just breeze by. Even kids who weren't athletic at all - not that I am either - would have less trouble than I. It's genetic, I tell you. I am most definitely athletically-challenged. Let this blog be a heartwarming, inspiring tale of one (or two) person's fight to overcome her condition of non-athleticism.

I think I took about half an hour too! Man.

Week 1, Day 3

Today is rest day. There should be more of these!

Anyway, had slight toenail clipping accident. There was blood. Enough said.

Printed out 20% Adidas voucher, will go look at shop in Parkway later! 

Week 1: Day 2

This blog is turning out to be boring with all this text! But I certainly don't carry a camera when I run, so no running photos. So, here's a photo of a cute bunny instead. For inspiration!

Today was the day of : NO SHORTS!!

I ran out of shorts (har har), so I could not run today. This is true. I'll swap tomorrow's rest day for a run.

Also, I measured out yesterday's run and it looks like I ran about 2K! Yay! In about 15 minutes! Boo!

Week 1, Day 2

Played tennis this morning. Fun, though achy from yesterday's run. Paid dues for training.

It's even hotter today than it was yesterday - so relieved I don't have to be outside today!

Noticed today, that Pucca comes in different shapes! Some are the usual straight-tailed fish, and some have curved tails and yet others look more like little jellyfish, with the wiggles (on a separate note, wonder how ex-Yellow Shirt Greg is doing.) 

Week 1, Day 1

Today - went to the beach for a short jog. At 1230 pm. It was shady under the trees, and the sea breeze took the edge off the mid-afternoon heat (most of which was from the concrete). Forced self to stretch, and fiddled with Ipod to create new "help me through this please" playlist. Then I'm off! In the first minute I spot a tanned, toned female body, warming down after her run. Urgh, she looks like she could probably do our run in half our time, or less. Hate her. As soon as she's out of my peripheral vision I start to feel better. 

In a while, the carpark was out of sight as well. Tried not to think about how each grueling step was taking me further from my ride home. 

Passed the lagoon food centre. Consciously went a large loop around it so tempting smells would not waft my way but still, could not help but wonder if there was a queue for bak kut tek or ter kah. Must focus!

Ran round the 360 cableski pond, and there was a little angmo kid going at it, not bad at all. His folks were parked on the grass, watching.

U-turned, now feeling maybe I should slow down a little so I can make it all the way back without stopping. 

Managed to make it back to the car, though a horrid sweaty mess and probably a shade darker/many shades redder. Warm down, look for mudskippers (none) and then drive home with the windows down. Feel sore but somewhat triumphant. I'd ran for 20 minutes, but have no clue how far it actually was. Not sure if I want to do it again, though.

Wooohoooo! I made it! 

(btw - canister of Pucca has 16 servings but each serving is 11 fish? who eats only 11 at a sitting? ridiculous!)

Week 1: Day 1

runningstitch is much more introspective than I am. Me? Me run 5K.

Training? Ugh. A bore.

But the best part about running is: it feels so good when you stop. And then have a shower. It almost makes it all worth while.

So today, I started off with a "leisurely" "jog". I ran for about 15-20mins. I wanted to stop after 15 steps. But no, I perservered! I'm not sure how far I ran. (Estimation: not far). I'll measure it out with the car tomorrow and report back here. Tomorrow: 1.5 miles! Yay.

Day 0

Why Run?

Why blog, for that matter?


D-day is Sunday, 26 October 2008. Exactly 13 weeks away. We've got the training schedule. Part of me wishes for lots of rain for the next 13 weeks. The other part of me is undeterred and imagining that running would become part of the whole package that is me, that it would be glorious and fun and not kill me.



I know I should be more motivated about this whole running thing. But just the thought of it makes me nervous-hungry. It doesn't help that there's heaps of Hanuta and donuts in the kitchen, and today, Pingouin hands me the biggest tub of chocolate Pucca I've ever seen. According to dailyplate.com, I'd need to jog in place for 39 minutes to burn off the 337 calories from eating 1 serving (64g) of chocolate Pucca. Thanks, Opus. There should be a good 10 servings in that giant tub. I can't even remember the last time I jogged in place. Does the treadmill count?


On the bright side, we managed to play some tennis today. Sadly, we suck. EVERYONE else on the courts were better than us. The best part was getting a cold shower after.



13 weeks is plenty time to train. I just have to manage the snacks, panic attacks and inclination to lounge around instead of bearing with that lungs-are-bursting-out-of-lungs, lactic-acid-burn-in-legs, panting and wishing you were lounging around at home, sticky, sweaty and grumpy feelings that tend to go with running. Not to mention the ignominy of having everyone at the beach cruising past you, especially those who are talking and laughing as they go. Urgh.



Since I've committed to the run, might as well target some weight loss at the same time.