I wrote the last post this morning, after the first part of the perfect weekend. Slept in too, missing my run which only added to the perfect weekend. Nisa was already up but I didn't know until she came back into the room. She's ill, with a stomach upset and generally sore all over. I think it's due to her long run yesterday morning and she did a spot of sleeping this afternoon. We're home all day except that I went out to get lunch, and paper, and a giant carton of OJ for Nisa.
It wasn't so perfect after all. Nonetheless, staying home felt good as well. I have never seen the house in the day and it was everything that Nisa had built. Yup, she did the decorations, and the last addition was this wonderful standing light from KL. The hunt for a suitable light bulb was an oddessey itself, what with it having a pin housing instead of the more common screw housing. I found the bulb (together with the adaptor housing) during the journey out for lunch this morning. It is now dusk and like everything that Nisa had chosen for the house, the standing lamp is perfect.
I also did something that I had been longing to do for a long time. I even went over to Nasir's home during the inaugural Singapore grand prix. I finally watched a F1 race in my own home, on my own flat screen TV. What a thrill!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
...
I was going to title this a dream weekend so far, but that's probably out doing myself. It's been almost like one for me so far - I've not had something like this in years, since the time I started travelling to KL. All this while, I've always had one eye on the clock - when to go back to sleep (just so I am ready for Sunday, and be able to drag Sunday out as long as I can before I come back to spore), when to end something and get to the next, when to have meals (just so I get to eat everything). This clock thingy had been so much a part of me that when it was not there, you feel as if something was missing, a weight off yourself, easier breathing.
Going into Friday, I realised I did not have to watch the clock anymore. Looking upwards the weekend, the things to do were surprising manageable, because we now live here. If there is no dinner, we'll just find something to make do and if that somehow results in a shortened weekend, that's ok as well because not everything needs to be crammed into this weekend. Movies used to (in my mind at least) take up a huge chunk of time, leaving little else available. This has now changed for me. Yesterday, we saw our first 3D movie yesterday! It wasn't great and I suspect Jamie felt it was more the outing, popcorn, than the movie that was the experience. In fact, it was because Nisa said this was his first movie with me! We potterred around Orchard Rd after that, with me going about without concern or care. Came back home with a couple of CDs and DVDs and had dinner along the way as Jamie fell asleep.
I would ordinarily be worried because Jamie had not had dinner but this somehow solved itself. He got up before we reached home and we picked up some satay along the way for him. He's not generally a big eater but he sat down by himself and after the satay was served, he had all of them by himself, quietly and without fuss. We watched a DVD after that and the evening ended. Everything seemed to have fallen into place and yet the clock could have ticked with stress but there none.
Going into Friday, I realised I did not have to watch the clock anymore. Looking upwards the weekend, the things to do were surprising manageable, because we now live here. If there is no dinner, we'll just find something to make do and if that somehow results in a shortened weekend, that's ok as well because not everything needs to be crammed into this weekend. Movies used to (in my mind at least) take up a huge chunk of time, leaving little else available. This has now changed for me. Yesterday, we saw our first 3D movie yesterday! It wasn't great and I suspect Jamie felt it was more the outing, popcorn, than the movie that was the experience. In fact, it was because Nisa said this was his first movie with me! We potterred around Orchard Rd after that, with me going about without concern or care. Came back home with a couple of CDs and DVDs and had dinner along the way as Jamie fell asleep.
I would ordinarily be worried because Jamie had not had dinner but this somehow solved itself. He got up before we reached home and we picked up some satay along the way for him. He's not generally a big eater but he sat down by himself and after the satay was served, he had all of them by himself, quietly and without fuss. We watched a DVD after that and the evening ended. Everything seemed to have fallen into place and yet the clock could have ticked with stress but there none.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
It somehow became a rest week
The last time I ran was Thursday last, and by then, I had hit some pretty decent mileage for that week. It was rest on Friday and then the weekend in KL to conclude at bukit kiara. A spot of over-sleeping and I missed the weekend run.
I was tired Monday, cleaning the flat on Tuesday. Had to buy dinner tonight and when it was finally over, it was too late to do any running.
Our running lives have been busy though. I signed us up for the Pacesetters NB 15k race May and I spent the day looking for a race in April. Oh there are plenty in spore but I somehow prefer the ones in KL. The runners there seem less competitive albeit as dedicated as any in the world. Currently, the NST one in subang jaya really look enticing and we now only need to get our hands on a form.
I was tired Monday, cleaning the flat on Tuesday. Had to buy dinner tonight and when it was finally over, it was too late to do any running.
Our running lives have been busy though. I signed us up for the Pacesetters NB 15k race May and I spent the day looking for a race in April. Oh there are plenty in spore but I somehow prefer the ones in KL. The runners there seem less competitive albeit as dedicated as any in the world. Currently, the NST one in subang jaya really look enticing and we now only need to get our hands on a form.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Indecision
I thought I swore off trainers until...I was dumb enough to read a shoe review.
How could I not? Especially when I'm really a gear addict. I've been like this since the days when I got into golf (now safely abandoned to bi-annual visits to the range). Anyhow, in training to run longer distances this year, I decided I needed a proper pair of trainers. It's really more about money these days than quality and Brooks does provide the best value for money. In came the Glycerine 8 which went on a total of 3 LSDs todate. This was until I read a gear review and came upon that Asics 1150. I tried them on and I now want them. It only took a second gear review column and now I want the Adidas Adi Tempo 4 (or whatever it's called).
Both have soft forefoots and are ultra flexible, which just suits my running style. The Glycerines are nowhere when put beside these shoes.
Good sense will no doubt prevail in a few days, especially after the air-con gets paid for; and I become poor again.
How could I not? Especially when I'm really a gear addict. I've been like this since the days when I got into golf (now safely abandoned to bi-annual visits to the range). Anyhow, in training to run longer distances this year, I decided I needed a proper pair of trainers. It's really more about money these days than quality and Brooks does provide the best value for money. In came the Glycerine 8 which went on a total of 3 LSDs todate. This was until I read a gear review and came upon that Asics 1150. I tried them on and I now want them. It only took a second gear review column and now I want the Adidas Adi Tempo 4 (or whatever it's called).
Both have soft forefoots and are ultra flexible, which just suits my running style. The Glycerines are nowhere when put beside these shoes.
Good sense will no doubt prevail in a few days, especially after the air-con gets paid for; and I become poor again.
Monday, March 22, 2010
My style of running
I walk to work every day; and its not as bad as it sounds. I have been taking the bus to work now, and its been a few months since I started doing that. Before that, it was the MRT but that is digressing. The bus stops a little distance from my building and I walk about 10minutes to get to office. Its not work shoes but I wear my worn-out trainers on the walk. Someone from the office asked me why I wear trainers and I mumbled something – well, now they know.
Most of the time during the walk, I am simply enjoying the morning; and looking ahead to the day. Recently, I have been thinking about my walking gait, and comparing that to my running gait. I would say I have a classic running gait. I try to keep my strides short-ish and land on my mid-foot. Even though I have fairly low arches and have been diagnosed with a high degree of pronation, the wear patten on my running shoes show otherwise. I (try) to keep my body upright, like a puppet on a string with a very slight forward lean and most importantly, I try to ensure when I land, my feet do not extend beyond me.
All of this is thrown out of the window when I walk. My feet extend beyond me and I land on my heels, deliberately so. From what I know, this is more like an army style of walk/march, where I was encouraged to “dig in my heels”. I think I even walk with a slight hunch, a product of having to carry equipment and gear whilst on a march during my army days. I’ve tried to adopt my running style when I walk these 10 minutes and it has not been natural, and I feel the outcome is even slightly comical. The only thing in common when I walk and run is that when I go up slopes (or the stairs), I now use all of my legs and not just the muscles surrounding the knee.
I thought of something else to describe my style of running whilst out last week. I could not think of a better word except to describe it as “predatory”; but better not write anything about this and just keep it to myself..
Most of the time during the walk, I am simply enjoying the morning; and looking ahead to the day. Recently, I have been thinking about my walking gait, and comparing that to my running gait. I would say I have a classic running gait. I try to keep my strides short-ish and land on my mid-foot. Even though I have fairly low arches and have been diagnosed with a high degree of pronation, the wear patten on my running shoes show otherwise. I (try) to keep my body upright, like a puppet on a string with a very slight forward lean and most importantly, I try to ensure when I land, my feet do not extend beyond me.
All of this is thrown out of the window when I walk. My feet extend beyond me and I land on my heels, deliberately so. From what I know, this is more like an army style of walk/march, where I was encouraged to “dig in my heels”. I think I even walk with a slight hunch, a product of having to carry equipment and gear whilst on a march during my army days. I’ve tried to adopt my running style when I walk these 10 minutes and it has not been natural, and I feel the outcome is even slightly comical. The only thing in common when I walk and run is that when I go up slopes (or the stairs), I now use all of my legs and not just the muscles surrounding the knee.
I thought of something else to describe my style of running whilst out last week. I could not think of a better word except to describe it as “predatory”; but better not write anything about this and just keep it to myself..
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I did well
I did what I was trained to do today - putting arguments across, and ensuring they're made in a logical manner.
My organisation is wanting to bring to the spore market a new product. It's new in this part of the world but the technology is well known and readily available. I don't know how the market will react, or even be receptive and the product is new to our regulators. The explanations sound simple enough and the issues clear. But like many new things, people need convincing and cajoling. This is where I have been asked to lend a hand. Nothing beyond me but it's been some months since I have had to deploy the full range of my skills. My arguments were soundly based and well researched but like every episode, it depends on whether they will be believed.
Well, I went into the meeting with not one, but 3 regulatory agencies at one go. And...they accepted my arguments and gave me a in-principle response. I had prepped our team not to expect much but we clearly went beyond the try line today. In fact, I was quietly told to shut up and leave before they changed their minds.
The icing to the cake is that I PR my 10k 2 nights ago.
My organisation is wanting to bring to the spore market a new product. It's new in this part of the world but the technology is well known and readily available. I don't know how the market will react, or even be receptive and the product is new to our regulators. The explanations sound simple enough and the issues clear. But like many new things, people need convincing and cajoling. This is where I have been asked to lend a hand. Nothing beyond me but it's been some months since I have had to deploy the full range of my skills. My arguments were soundly based and well researched but like every episode, it depends on whether they will be believed.
Well, I went into the meeting with not one, but 3 regulatory agencies at one go. And...they accepted my arguments and gave me a in-principle response. I had prepped our team not to expect much but we clearly went beyond the try line today. In fact, I was quietly told to shut up and leave before they changed their minds.
The icing to the cake is that I PR my 10k 2 nights ago.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
DNS
I've heard, and even feared, a DNF but I have never heard of a DNS until today at the North East run.
Preparations went as well as they could have gone. I got in my long runs and came through ok. My mileage built up looked decent. Even the taper did not object. I got up on raceday on time, had my pre-race snack and arrived at the venue 25min before the start. So far so good.
What stymied me was the bloody parking. I could not find a parking space and after going through 3 multi-storied car parks that were full, the race had started. To rub it all in, as I came out of the third carpark, the last runners were already running out, together with the ladies (who had a later start). This is what rule based Singapore and poor anticipation is all about. We are only allowed to park at carparks and not along the roads. No one wants to risk a $300 summons for a Sunday morning race. The problem is that land scarce Singapore needs to hold races in residential areas and the carparks were filled with the cars of residents who live in the housing estate. No resident would be leaving and vacating his lot at the crack of dawn for a runner. So there you go. It was total disappointment to have missed the first race of the season. Nisa was surprised I returned so early; and I don't think she was surprised when I said we would run the majority of our races in Malaysia.
DNS means "did not start".
Post-note: it's now late afternoon and I'm still feeling disappointed. My colleague, D, finished with a great time though.
Preparations went as well as they could have gone. I got in my long runs and came through ok. My mileage built up looked decent. Even the taper did not object. I got up on raceday on time, had my pre-race snack and arrived at the venue 25min before the start. So far so good.
What stymied me was the bloody parking. I could not find a parking space and after going through 3 multi-storied car parks that were full, the race had started. To rub it all in, as I came out of the third carpark, the last runners were already running out, together with the ladies (who had a later start). This is what rule based Singapore and poor anticipation is all about. We are only allowed to park at carparks and not along the roads. No one wants to risk a $300 summons for a Sunday morning race. The problem is that land scarce Singapore needs to hold races in residential areas and the carparks were filled with the cars of residents who live in the housing estate. No resident would be leaving and vacating his lot at the crack of dawn for a runner. So there you go. It was total disappointment to have missed the first race of the season. Nisa was surprised I returned so early; and I don't think she was surprised when I said we would run the majority of our races in Malaysia.
DNS means "did not start".
Post-note: it's now late afternoon and I'm still feeling disappointed. My colleague, D, finished with a great time though.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
XC is really humbling
I have been running roads and pavements for way too long, to the point I appreciate running flats more than anything. Even the Glycerine 8 (which is a fantastic shoe) has not made me change my mind. Today, I did the "boys" route at Macritchie.
Macritchie is a well known XC route, with a few different tracks. The boys route is the one that all school kids run on their annual XC tournament. I don't run this often and never in the mornings. It was surprisingly crowded today but once you went into the track main, the crowds thinned out.
For a person who has done a half decent amount of mileage over the last year, and supposedly race ready for tomorrow's 16k, the run was tough. All the old memories of school days run at Macritchie came back. The gravel was slightly better but still not affording any grip to surge, and up the hills, the hills seemed gentler but no less inclined. Nothing beats the tree canopy which remains enveloping and makes every breadth laboured. All in, it was just survival to get out of the track.
I forgot to wear my watch but there was no need because the run was simply humbling. And the evolution of my running continues. I try to do hills everytime we all go back to KL and I'll now try to mix in some XC along the way. I also thought of my running style today (if ever there was such a thing). It is far removed from the lone ultra and I do best when there are others around. It's the companionship and someone to run against..and have an isotonic with thereafter.
Macritchie is a well known XC route, with a few different tracks. The boys route is the one that all school kids run on their annual XC tournament. I don't run this often and never in the mornings. It was surprisingly crowded today but once you went into the track main, the crowds thinned out.
For a person who has done a half decent amount of mileage over the last year, and supposedly race ready for tomorrow's 16k, the run was tough. All the old memories of school days run at Macritchie came back. The gravel was slightly better but still not affording any grip to surge, and up the hills, the hills seemed gentler but no less inclined. Nothing beats the tree canopy which remains enveloping and makes every breadth laboured. All in, it was just survival to get out of the track.
I forgot to wear my watch but there was no need because the run was simply humbling. And the evolution of my running continues. I try to do hills everytime we all go back to KL and I'll now try to mix in some XC along the way. I also thought of my running style today (if ever there was such a thing). It is far removed from the lone ultra and I do best when there are others around. It's the companionship and someone to run against..and have an isotonic with thereafter.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Our anniversary dinner
The very last place I would expect to see a Swedish restaurant would be on Arab St. The Arab St area is a place crammed with Middle Eastern culture and similar shops. There is also an equal number of Malay eateries; the grand outcome being that it is not an area frequented by European folks. At most, there may be a place for tea and scones but not a full blown restaurant serving 3 courses.
Well, we had our anniversary dinner at the Swedish restaurant at the corner of Arab St. Half in jest, nisa said I could finally have my Ikea meatballs there. The restaurant would feel offended when we compared it to the eatery at Ikea KL but that is the only other Swedish makan place we know. Nisa had salmon and I had my meatballs. The food was decent and the ambiance was nice. Cold dishes seem to be the predominant style of food preparation in Sweden (at least from my experience when I last went there for a transaction) and this was no different. I like Ikea food and this was Ikea with style and elegance. The place also reminded me of Ikea, in a nice sort of way. Importantly, we all had a good time.
Here's a shot of Jamie at the restaurant
Anyway, the anniversary celebrations continued with another makan fest at Race Course Rd. This time we had fish head curry!!! This is how we looked:
Well, we had our anniversary dinner at the Swedish restaurant at the corner of Arab St. Half in jest, nisa said I could finally have my Ikea meatballs there. The restaurant would feel offended when we compared it to the eatery at Ikea KL but that is the only other Swedish makan place we know. Nisa had salmon and I had my meatballs. The food was decent and the ambiance was nice. Cold dishes seem to be the predominant style of food preparation in Sweden (at least from my experience when I last went there for a transaction) and this was no different. I like Ikea food and this was Ikea with style and elegance. The place also reminded me of Ikea, in a nice sort of way. Importantly, we all had a good time.
Here's a shot of Jamie at the restaurant
Anyway, the anniversary celebrations continued with another makan fest at Race Course Rd. This time we had fish head curry!!! This is how we looked:
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Moo ice cream
Seeing we were all in a record heat wave over here in Spore, I asked if anyone was keen for an ice cream. Nisa and I vacillated for just a second but Jamie was quicker. He replied immediately he wanted "Moo ice cream". You know, the one with the cows. We actually racked our brains until Nisa said there was something local we all had as kids and Jamie must be referring to that. Or it was something Japanese which he probably saw at my cousin's last night.
Whatever it was, the head of the house decided that we would have Haagen Daz - nisa's favourite flavour. When we got to the supermarket, there wasn't any available, despite searching. At this time, Jamie made his plea again for "Moo" ice cream. And he pointed to it.
Guess what? We just finished something wonderful from Ben & Jerry's.
Whatever it was, the head of the house decided that we would have Haagen Daz - nisa's favourite flavour. When we got to the supermarket, there wasn't any available, despite searching. At this time, Jamie made his plea again for "Moo" ice cream. And he pointed to it.
Guess what? We just finished something wonderful from Ben & Jerry's.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Our very first time
Jamie will be 4 in a few days and try as I have, I cannot recall us having gone out on a outing before. Sure, there have been many road trips both to and from KL and we have been on holidays. Today was our very first.
Surely everyone has heard from friends and colleagues that they went to the bird park, the zoo, the park etc etc with their kids. Some even complain by making it sound the trip would not have occurred but for their kids. I have always wondered and longed for the experience and whilst I have been hearing these stories in admiration, there was a sense of jealousy.
We went to hort park today. Hort park is a small park showcasing some 22 agricultural/landscape specialist work. The whole idea is to give ideas to the visitors on what to do with their gardens. We had always wanted to visit hort park for a while to get ideas for our indoor garden and the trip was just something to do after a heavy lunch. Here's a shot of Jamie at the park
We arrived there early afternoon and the sun was really beating down on us. Adding to the experience is the fact that Singapore is experiencing record high temperatures and we hardly ventured beyond the reception area. A worker at hort park comforted us by saying we did not miss much but the reception area was done well and we got ideas for our garden. Jamie had an ice cream as comfort food and with that, it ended our very first trip out as a family.
Oh yes..there is a hugh pond in front of hort park and it is filled with fishes. Singapore being Singapore, (i) there is a booth that sells fish food, so you can feed the fish; and (ii) the fishes are trained to swamp towards those feeding them. Jamie had a whale of a time feeding the fishes.
Surely everyone has heard from friends and colleagues that they went to the bird park, the zoo, the park etc etc with their kids. Some even complain by making it sound the trip would not have occurred but for their kids. I have always wondered and longed for the experience and whilst I have been hearing these stories in admiration, there was a sense of jealousy.
We went to hort park today. Hort park is a small park showcasing some 22 agricultural/landscape specialist work. The whole idea is to give ideas to the visitors on what to do with their gardens. We had always wanted to visit hort park for a while to get ideas for our indoor garden and the trip was just something to do after a heavy lunch. Here's a shot of Jamie at the park
We arrived there early afternoon and the sun was really beating down on us. Adding to the experience is the fact that Singapore is experiencing record high temperatures and we hardly ventured beyond the reception area. A worker at hort park comforted us by saying we did not miss much but the reception area was done well and we got ideas for our garden. Jamie had an ice cream as comfort food and with that, it ended our very first trip out as a family.
Oh yes..there is a hugh pond in front of hort park and it is filled with fishes. Singapore being Singapore, (i) there is a booth that sells fish food, so you can feed the fish; and (ii) the fishes are trained to swamp towards those feeding them. Jamie had a whale of a time feeding the fishes.
That old feeling again
I would have thought I would be a pro by now. Collect the race pack tomorrow should be..well..just collecting the race pack. Instead, I have been looking forward to it all day, excited even. It's always like opening a present, I know what it will be but you always can't wait to see for yourself and try on the race tee. Plus there is the expo. They always sell the same useless stuff because after just 2 runs, every runner knows less on the run is actually more.
But I never turn down the chance to check out a race expo. The last was at the mizuno wave run at Serdang. Nothing much there but we went straight from Spore and actually stayed for a while. It was actually exciting. And I am feeling excited now.
There is also the long run with DK tomorrow. No, I don't dread this. Just like waiting for CNY itself when I was a boy, I just can't wait for the dawn when we do the run tomorrow. My kit is all packed and shoes are ready. This will be the last long run before the NE Run next weekend.
Post-note : The race expo was really poor. There was nothing on sale (ie no one was selling anything, not that everything was at full price). The distribution of the race pack was excellent though, in and out in 10min.
But I never turn down the chance to check out a race expo. The last was at the mizuno wave run at Serdang. Nothing much there but we went straight from Spore and actually stayed for a while. It was actually exciting. And I am feeling excited now.
There is also the long run with DK tomorrow. No, I don't dread this. Just like waiting for CNY itself when I was a boy, I just can't wait for the dawn when we do the run tomorrow. My kit is all packed and shoes are ready. This will be the last long run before the NE Run next weekend.
Post-note : The race expo was really poor. There was nothing on sale (ie no one was selling anything, not that everything was at full price). The distribution of the race pack was excellent though, in and out in 10min.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Into the ho-humm
Can a dinner ever be described as simple and elegant? Well my wife has been proving this true every night. Nisa has been cooking up many dishes, all of them I would never had expected to have been possible for a small family. We've had traditional Chinese stuff, curries and tonight, pasta. Not some blah tasting pasta with meatballs but tuna in tomato sauce pasta!
So into the ho-hum of family life we sail. Every event is different but the chain of them is the same. There is ironing and grocery shopping, and washing and mopping. I'm even a little surprised I managed to squeeze in running. The day starts with my going into the office and when I return, it's dinner waiting for me. Jamie has started going to the playgroundnon the evenings and has started making friends. To the extent some of them come by the house to call for him to come out. Just like when I was Jamie's age and the neighbourhood boys would call for me to come play.
The ho-hum includes us checking out places this weekend. The geylang serai market has just re-opened and we hope to be visiting it this weekend. There is also the race expo this Saturday for me to collect my kit. And more cleaning of course. This is what's living as a small family is like and finally, I feel I'm at home.
So into the ho-hum of family life we sail. Every event is different but the chain of them is the same. There is ironing and grocery shopping, and washing and mopping. I'm even a little surprised I managed to squeeze in running. The day starts with my going into the office and when I return, it's dinner waiting for me. Jamie has started going to the playgroundnon the evenings and has started making friends. To the extent some of them come by the house to call for him to come out. Just like when I was Jamie's age and the neighbourhood boys would call for me to come play.
The ho-hum includes us checking out places this weekend. The geylang serai market has just re-opened and we hope to be visiting it this weekend. There is also the race expo this Saturday for me to collect my kit. And more cleaning of course. This is what's living as a small family is like and finally, I feel I'm at home.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The honest truth
I just returned from a tempo run, not so much to gauge my fitness for the upcoming race but to see if there is any difference in wearing trainers vs racing flats. The Brooks Glycerine 8 are really Asics-like, only better in that they are more flexible. The flexibility comes close to the racing flats I have. Turned in a decent time for a 14k with them too.
Which actually got me all excited about tonight. If trainers gave me a decent time, I ought to be flying with my flats. Ha! I ran the tempo at the same pace as when I wore the trainers.
Sigh..so much for racing flats making you go faster.
Which actually got me all excited about tonight. If trainers gave me a decent time, I ought to be flying with my flats. Ha! I ran the tempo at the same pace as when I wore the trainers.
Sigh..so much for racing flats making you go faster.
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