Munich, Salzburg & Vienna

I'm back from Germany/Austria. Although it was a 'work' trip, i'm glad i had some pockets of time to enjoy. Overall, it was the people i was with that didn't make it feel like work. Thank God for that.

That's George, one of my roomies. He's European (durh) so he's like the perfect companion. Got to appreciate the culture abit better thanks to him.


I was with the cutest bunch of kids; kids who say the darnest things. They made the trip more memorable and fun.


And of course, there were loads to drink. Actually, i drank every single night i was there. I dont remember drinking much water. In a single day, i had five different alcoholic drinks. Beer was like standard beverage at lunch, red wine during dinner and all sorts of hard liquor (like whiskey) after dinner.

It was fun the first couple of nights, but at the third, it was just tiring. We had to work the next day too, so that was bad.

The diet was mostly mashed potatoes, pork, salad, soup and alot of freshly made bread. Surprisingly, i think it was a better diet than what i've been having in Singapore (apart from the carbs).

So it was a good break and i'm supposed to start training all over again tomorrow. Sigh.

At least when i train, i remember the clear waters and long roads i saw during this trip. Makes me wanna come back and do a race here someday...

Break

"Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me kiss you
Close your eyes I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When i won't have to leave alone
About the times, i won't have to say.."

I'm leaving on a jet plane. Be back in 2 weeks.

Bed-ridden

For the past 12 hours, i've been planted on my bed, only to get up for meals and trips to the toilet. And i hate this.

It's a good break from running and swimming every other day. I think i'll be good for a swim tomorrow and soak in some sun. I'm gonna miss training as i'll be away in Germany/Austria and i hope i don't backslide too much. Yikes.

But for now, i just need to get out of bed. In a way, i did deserve it. Got kinda upset, had a long night (us four, finally!) and this is what you get. Worst morning/afternoon ever. Gosh if i can remember, i think i was really quiet in the corner and just kept pouring.

Argh, no comments. I'm just looking forward to the time i'm totally immune to all of it. Won't be long i guess. I can feel it coming. Tricky thing is, i might slide the other way. Nothing exactly wrong with that, but it just ain't the most 'acceptable' lifestyle. You know what i mean?

Stop imagining la. It's not what you think it is, you sick perverts.

Just Two.

I'm thankful for whatever life is throwing at me; i'm taking everything as a learning phase and it's all about becoming a better person at the end of the day. I've come to realise that i've found stability in two things - Jesus Christ and training.

I don't doubt that everyone has a conscience and know when they made a boo-boo. Guilt and fear is a clear indication. Worry is the subtle cousin that tends to come before that.

I know i haven't exactly been the best role model at times; i curse when some driver cuts my lane, to being a total jerk when it comes to people's feelings. The best part is that it's not about me, but how great is a God that knows how much i am failing and with the purest form of love, He forgives and turn my screw-ups around to bless me abundantly.

"God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant." - Romans 5:20

I'm really comforted and loved to have that assurance.

Running/training has also given me so much in keeping me sane. It takes on so many different forms for me. A run after a busy, emotional draining day just lets me spend time alone, collecting my thoughts in prayer and getting my bearings right for the task ahead.

On other days, the anger is displaced when i pound the road or crawl up and down the pool during the evenings. Better than keeping it inside and going crazy, a run/swim always helps to diffuse the frustration.

I know i've neglected my two loves from time to time. The best part is, they've always been there even when i haven't. Everytime i need to, for as long as my knees can take me, the track will always be waiting for me to visit. I thank God that He'll never leave nor forsake me too. He's really awesome and is always just a whisper away.

I'm really blessed to have the two with me. But somehow, i got the feeling that there actually might be a 'three'...




...all along.

Hallelujah

The way to my heart is through my legs

...sounds wrong, i know. Haha!

I was in a dilemma; Wondering if i should sign up for a half or full marathon this December. But i eventually decided to sign for the latter. How?

Because a girl asked me to.

Hahaha..I guess i better start training so i don't embarass myself.

On a more serious note, I remember the last race i did with a 'friend', it was with you. 31 August 2008. I've done many more races since and it's never been the same without you; seeing your smile, cheering and greeting me along the routes/transitions, pushing me til the finish line. I'll always remember those times.

I've had new good memories since, and i'm thankful for each and every one.

But somehow, the new ones never seem to work out. The feeling just isn't there. The timing just isn't right. Even when everything is perfect, there's always just this little bump that i can't ignore.




So even as i run this 42km..perhaps with someone new.. i'll always carry you as a sweet memory with me, and i know that whoever i will be with next, is nothing less than God's precious gift to me, to care for, nurture and love for the rest of my remaining days.


Dropped off your keys last night,
The front door still unpainted.
You were polite like ice,
I, once could melt it.
You took our pictures down,
And you left them on the ground
Its like you wiped all the memories,
Of what we used to be...
You and me, before it all crashed down.

I heard your voice break, when you said,
"well I hope you're happy".
Nothin' to say, I'll stare, straight into my coffee.
Then the conversation changed,
How we talked around the blame,
And the pain of losing.
All of the good times lost,
When it all crashed down.

Well I'm here if you need me,
I know you don't believe me.
well I'm so sorry,
For all the pain I've caused.

And I know I never told you,
That I love you,
Now its all too late.
And I don't know how to hold you,
But I want to,
I don't want to leave this way.
All I know,
Is broken.