Over view

My first race of 2011 will be the 2XU 12km Compression Run happening in 10 days time. Like most other races, I do not feel prepared for this event. With an average of three 12km runs a week, I am highly doubtful of doing a personal best, although finishing it will not be a problem.

I have no problem being mentally ready for a 12km run race as well; having done marathons before, I still find the latter more mental than physical. So my only wish for this race is to kickstart my motivation to train hard again.

I used to remember training 6 times a week, alternating between running, swimming and abit of cycling to prepare for triathlons. Those days made me sacrifice a lot of time with close friends. During the start of the year, I’ve admittedly neglected training by catching up with these friends and making new ones in the process. I have no regrets and someday perhaps I can say that I found that happiness by growing that special bond with a special someone.

Growing that special bond would mean spending more time and emotional investment. Will I be ready to do that when the opportunity really presents itself? I know I will not say ‘no’ when that happens, but not because I’m easy (I can hear your sniggers), but because if I’m already at that stage, it means I’ve already given it enough thought to know that that is what I want. And as selfish as it may sound, I want a happy relationship, to always have a good laugh with my peeps, and a healthy career.

Although it does not feel like it has been only three months (feels so much longer), I’m glad I’m back at a challenging environment that is giving me a lot of opportunity to improve, and prove, myself. I’m learning so much and am constantly being exposed to industry experts and am soaking up the experience. I have toyed with the idea that since I’m still young and single, I’ll gladly accept an overseas posting if given the opportunity to.

But all these plans to further develop my career overseas and training hard will take a backseat if I ever get into a relationship again. Will i?

Going up and going out

It was my best training shoe yet...

so when i saw the next edition in bright yellow...

i just couldn't say no.

Had my first run with the Gel Cumulus 12 and i must say the chunky size was something i didn't miss, but the cushioning was a good welcome for me.

Plus... my shuffle and nano are ready for collection, so that means music will be back. I'm hitting a plateau at 12km, i'm hoping the music will help me break it to 14km again. With OSIM just months away, i need to bring up the pace.

Guess i had been distracted the past month, but i foresee a slow winding down where i'm accepted situations better, understanding myself better and beginning to see clearer too.

And with acceptance, i'm learning to be more patient. My time is now.

Seven Days

In the past week...

My Nano died. Seriously. Nothing left but a black screen and no volume.

Short trip to Kuala Lumpur again...

... and had the good old hawker food that's slowly disappearing in Singapore.

Busy but fun times at work. Lotsa getting to know the team even better amidst all the crazy deadlines and client requests.

And of course, the usual weekend session.

So...i really need to train more!

Another junction

Time flies. Before we know it, March is over..end of Q1 2011. Can you even remember that incident in 2010? Seemed like yesterday right? You can almost picture yourself in that very situation, with that very same emotion. So what exactly has happened for you this 2011?

In the short span of 2.5 months, i've missed 3 major races i had planned for. I've been distracted mentally and emotionally. I can't say that work is responsible. It's been mad busy with days of phone calls, meetings, reports, planning, more phone calls, more meetings...but i've always managed to knock off before 8pm on (not all, but) most days.

So i have no excuse to not put on the shoes and go for a run. It's been recently that i'm slowly getting back to fitness. I just have to keep my focus and remain disciplined.

I can safely say i've systematically rooted out the problem, found a solution and now it's time for execution. Slowly and surely, it's gonna be (another) new chapter that's definitely alot calmer, happier, more fun perhaps and it'll be...

AWESOME.

For The 1st Time

There's nothing a good run can't fix. That may not be totally true now, and that's very frightening. Perhaps my runs have finally met their match in the biggest situation, yet.

I didn't know what to say and i didn't know how to say it. What is it that you want me to say? Just tell me what you want to hear, and i can give all my secrets away.

But what's the point in saying it when i know what the answer will be? And when i thought i would have sorted all this out after a good 12km, i was terribly wrong.

Now i'm wide awake, unable to get to sleep, aching and more confused than i started. But with a banged up knee and a restless heart, i can't run this off now.



Gotta find a new way to get this outta my head. For good.