Was at a dinner with a bunch of hardcore triatheletes last sunday. Conversation was expectedly about multi-sports, event/ training stories and 2girls1cup.
No offence but I felt that some stupid statements were made:
1. Expensive gears make better sportspeople
True enough, a pair of branded shoes beats a pair of Batas anytime for running. Better technology helps to prevent unecessary injuries and make training more enjoyable. Dri-fit attire allows for cooler exercise time and I swear by them now. I used to jog only in SAF PT kit and SAF-issues NB shoes. They were ok but I didnt like to exercise in them too often but one thing for sure, they are still good enough to help you complete a long distance race.
Expensive or branded gears to me are seriously not paramount to better results. They are simply aids to help me exercise safely and enjoyably.
It's like equipping a layman with a high end PC loaded with sophisticated programs and an engineer with just a scale rule, pencils and paper. End up, the layman will just be playing games with the PC while the engineer will still be able to churn out blueprints for a nuclear station.
2. I will be better if I train like the elites.
Don't think so. We all have different physical attributes and no 2 caps fit the same. Knowing our bodies well is important in order not to push it too hard too fast. Depending on our physical abilities, we should train appropriately and push our own limits one step at a time. My reason for not attempting the full marathon this year was because I was confident of my own body yet at the time of signing up. Also, I didn't want to struggle through 42km in 6-7 hours. I won't be jumping into a high mileage training program suggested by a seasoned athlete for sure. I shall heap on the mileage bit by bit at my own pace. All the races will be my own race after all. Maintain a strict discipline and all will fall into place for sure.
Race your own race and train at your own pace. Of course it's not wrong to dream. First HIM by 2009, I will like to make that a reality, at my own pace of course.
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2007
Khon Kaen Marathon 08
I have made up my mind. I'm going to sign up for Khon Kaen Marathon for my first full.
After slacking for a week after SCSM, I shall resume my alternate 10 & 5km daily runs with at min 25km weekend runs. This shall be a test of my will-power.
The target is to finish KKM under 5hr. I've made a promise to myself to complete SCSM 08 in 4:30. I can do it!
After slacking for a week after SCSM, I shall resume my alternate 10 & 5km daily runs with at min 25km weekend runs. This shall be a test of my will-power.
The target is to finish KKM under 5hr. I've made a promise to myself to complete SCSM 08 in 4:30. I can do it!
SCSM 07
Completed my first official half marathon (under my own name & without taking cab) last sunday. Overall it was a good run and the trainings I've put in paid off. Managed to shave almost 30 min off my AHM timing by clocking in 2:24 (self-timed and not too far off).
Felt horrible the morning before leaving for the race, lau sai twice even before stepping out of the house. Most likely due to over-binging in Bintan over the weekend. Must seriously allow for quality rest time and proper diet before a long distance event in the future.
After meeting up with TCM and gf in front of Park Royal hotel @ Beach Rd, took a brisk walk to the start line at the Esplanade bridge. Alas, at the starting line, tide began to rise and dam threatened to breach. Couldn't find an appropriate tree or bush as the first part of the race was in the CBD. Finally, reached first water point at 3km mark and decided to queue for the toilet. Long wait but quick dump, i stopped my timer during this pit stop. Hence, my official timing was 10min more.
Resumed my run, lost a bit of momentum for the next 2km but slowly picked up pace again after the 10km mark (1hr:10min). Race discipline this time was to take long fast strides when I need to walk but I couldn't maintain my hydration discipline and still took too much fluid at almost every water points. However, no stitches experienced.
There were a lot of bottlenecks along the way and I did spend considerable amount of effort to zip-zag through the crowd. Finally saw Janice at the last water point, followed her pace all the way back to the Padang. Found some reserved energy somewhere and did a sprint down the last 100m stretch.
Felt good and strong for this race, completed with no complaint or groans from the body. Must step up training now for my next first FULL marathon.
Felt horrible the morning before leaving for the race, lau sai twice even before stepping out of the house. Most likely due to over-binging in Bintan over the weekend. Must seriously allow for quality rest time and proper diet before a long distance event in the future.
After meeting up with TCM and gf in front of Park Royal hotel @ Beach Rd, took a brisk walk to the start line at the Esplanade bridge. Alas, at the starting line, tide began to rise and dam threatened to breach. Couldn't find an appropriate tree or bush as the first part of the race was in the CBD. Finally, reached first water point at 3km mark and decided to queue for the toilet. Long wait but quick dump, i stopped my timer during this pit stop. Hence, my official timing was 10min more.
Resumed my run, lost a bit of momentum for the next 2km but slowly picked up pace again after the 10km mark (1hr:10min). Race discipline this time was to take long fast strides when I need to walk but I couldn't maintain my hydration discipline and still took too much fluid at almost every water points. However, no stitches experienced.
There were a lot of bottlenecks along the way and I did spend considerable amount of effort to zip-zag through the crowd. Finally saw Janice at the last water point, followed her pace all the way back to the Padang. Found some reserved energy somewhere and did a sprint down the last 100m stretch.
Felt good and strong for this race, completed with no complaint or groans from the body. Must step up training now for my next first FULL marathon.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
SG Biathlon 2008 #4
Went for my swim trial yesterday at Yishun SAFRA.
41min for 1.5km in the pool! Exceeded the cut-off by 1min!
There are always many reasons why failure happens:
1. I did only 1km for training prior to this. It's been 13 years since I last swam such a long distance, after dislocating my shoulders
2. Wrong swim trunk. I grabbed the wrong pair on the way out. Instead, was wearing this cotton ARENA tights that is one size too large! My backside was in danger of being exposed when I kick off the wall. Hence, I lost some valuable seconds for not kicking off to preserve my modesty.
3. There was a babe in bikini swimming in the open lanes next to me. I slowed down to be in view of camel toes. Yes, I is cheekopeh. haha
Hence, I shall:
1. Train harder. My target will be min 3km every week after SCSM and right up to my next swim trial. I will need help to improve my technique too.
2. Buy a proper pair of SPEEDO trunks. Shall get the smallest size available to make my body streamlined. :P Getting a pair of new goggles that don't leak should help too.
3. Use dark-coloured goggles or be blind as a bat to avoid external distraction. Shall try to practise sonar navigation.
I WILL PASS IT NEXT TIME ROUND!
41min for 1.5km in the pool! Exceeded the cut-off by 1min!
There are always many reasons why failure happens:
1. I did only 1km for training prior to this. It's been 13 years since I last swam such a long distance, after dislocating my shoulders
2. Wrong swim trunk. I grabbed the wrong pair on the way out. Instead, was wearing this cotton ARENA tights that is one size too large! My backside was in danger of being exposed when I kick off the wall. Hence, I lost some valuable seconds for not kicking off to preserve my modesty.
3. There was a babe in bikini swimming in the open lanes next to me. I slowed down to be in view of camel toes. Yes, I is cheekopeh. haha
Hence, I shall:
1. Train harder. My target will be min 3km every week after SCSM and right up to my next swim trial. I will need help to improve my technique too.
2. Buy a proper pair of SPEEDO trunks. Shall get the smallest size available to make my body streamlined. :P Getting a pair of new goggles that don't leak should help too.
3. Use dark-coloured goggles or be blind as a bat to avoid external distraction. Shall try to practise sonar navigation.
I WILL PASS IT NEXT TIME ROUND!
SG Biathlon 2008 #3
Training (or lack of it) update
I went for my first swim training last Sunday at Hougang Pool. It was a horrible session as the pool was packed like a sardine can. Wasted more energy "siaming" people than swimming properly. In the end, swam 20 laps and left the pool in a huff.
After that, went for a run straight. First BRICK! woohoo.Did 12km unknowingly because I remembered the distance wrongly from MapMyRun.
All these while I was trying out my new HRM. It didn't work properly in the water so I won't try using it for swim training again.
I burnt 1,400 kCal during my run. I can hear my FATS sizzling away into oblivion already. :)
I went for my first swim training last Sunday at Hougang Pool. It was a horrible session as the pool was packed like a sardine can. Wasted more energy "siaming" people than swimming properly. In the end, swam 20 laps and left the pool in a huff.
After that, went for a run straight. First BRICK! woohoo.Did 12km unknowingly because I remembered the distance wrongly from MapMyRun.
All these while I was trying out my new HRM. It didn't work properly in the water so I won't try using it for swim training again.
I burnt 1,400 kCal during my run. I can hear my FATS sizzling away into oblivion already. :)
Running in Punggol
Jovene & hubby invited us (mostly from #ahhhhhhhh IRC channel eons ago) for a potluck at their new place in Punggol.
Decided to do a short distance run in my new NB gear (bought at NB warehouse sale) and 1 day old HRM.
Nice, cool and flat run around Punggol district. Distance covered was about 7km, I did some loops here and there to make up for the distance.
Total calories burnt was 500 kCal. Not too bad. One bad thing about the HRM, I pay too much attention to it and am bothered to find out that the my HR hovers above 155 most of the time. I had to slow down a few time to bring it down to 145-153.
Will need to study heart rate training in more details and perhaps adjust my fitness setting. The problem was that I wasn't event panting or feeling tired when I ran. Perhaps I should have taken more fluid beforehand to hydrate properly.
Decided to do a short distance run in my new NB gear (bought at NB warehouse sale) and 1 day old HRM.
Nice, cool and flat run around Punggol district. Distance covered was about 7km, I did some loops here and there to make up for the distance.
Total calories burnt was 500 kCal. Not too bad. One bad thing about the HRM, I pay too much attention to it and am bothered to find out that the my HR hovers above 155 most of the time. I had to slow down a few time to bring it down to 145-153.
Will need to study heart rate training in more details and perhaps adjust my fitness setting. The problem was that I wasn't event panting or feeling tired when I ran. Perhaps I should have taken more fluid beforehand to hydrate properly.
Listening to my body
Collected the SCSM racepack last saturday with ChenMunn and gf.
After that we headed to the Polar store to buy my first HRM. Ended up spending $277 on the F55 in Lava Aluminum! Now I can count calories and clocked my training properly. Downside is the footpod package is out of my budget. I will still need to rely on MapMyRun to "agar agar" plan/ check my training distance.
Horror story. Being the cheapo that I am, I tried to get coerced some free gift from Chen Munn's friend Adrian whom he was having a conversation with. I only came to realise later that he's Singapore fastest ironman! *gulp* Better keep my mouth shut next time at such places.
After that we headed to the Polar store to buy my first HRM. Ended up spending $277 on the F55 in Lava Aluminum! Now I can count calories and clocked my training properly. Downside is the footpod package is out of my budget. I will still need to rely on MapMyRun to "agar agar" plan/ check my training distance.
Horror story. Being the cheapo that I am, I tried to get coerced some free gift from Chen Munn's friend Adrian whom he was having a conversation with. I only came to realise later that he's Singapore fastest ironman! *gulp* Better keep my mouth shut next time at such places.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
10+ days and counting
My second 1/2 marathon coming and training so far has been satisfactory. Short(5-6km) and Long(10-12km) on alternate days with 1-2 days off per week.
Slow but steadily, I'm starting to feel good about my own body and stamina level. Aching or sore knees are no longer issues but my dehyration rate is still too fast, I think.
My 2L hydration pack does wonder during my long run. But carrying it makes me look like ninja turtle.
The NB dri-fit are starting to stink even after washing from over-usage. But its all good. I'm getting some new Adidas gear at 30% discount from a lobang gotten over last weekend. Woohoo!
Next Tues is my swim trial for Sg biathlon. No swim time clocked yet. I'm dead meat. Thank god for the 3 trials allowed though. I will make it, I promise.
Slow but steadily, I'm starting to feel good about my own body and stamina level. Aching or sore knees are no longer issues but my dehyration rate is still too fast, I think.
My 2L hydration pack does wonder during my long run. But carrying it makes me look like ninja turtle.
The NB dri-fit are starting to stink even after washing from over-usage. But its all good. I'm getting some new Adidas gear at 30% discount from a lobang gotten over last weekend. Woohoo!
Next Tues is my swim trial for Sg biathlon. No swim time clocked yet. I'm dead meat. Thank god for the 3 trials allowed though. I will make it, I promise.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Singapore Biathlon 2008 #2
There's gonna be a swim trial as a pre-requisite for this event.
My training routine up till SCSM 07 shall now comprise of swims between runs.
50m x 30laps at Yishun Country Club on 27th Nov. Hopefully I don't get my biathlon registration rescinded for for failing to clear 1.5km water in 40min.
I really wanna take part in this race.
My training routine up till SCSM 07 shall now comprise of swims between runs.
50m x 30laps at Yishun Country Club on 27th Nov. Hopefully I don't get my biathlon registration rescinded for for failing to clear 1.5km water in 40min.
I really wanna take part in this race.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Running for Life
I've taken up running/ jogging quite seriously of late. Since jogging on a regular basis from May, I've completed Army Half Marathon (21km) and NB Real Run (15km) so far. Not too bad for a fat slob like me.
Next on...Stand Chart Marathon, 21km again. I need to be very comfortable with 21km first before I go for my first full marathon.
So I was reading up on Terry Fox' s Marathon of Hope. A sudden sense of guilt filled me up when I recalled fooling around at Terry Fox Run 2005. I shall take my future Terry Fox runs & races seriously, in dedication of this brave young man who spreaded his love all around.
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