Change of Plans

The whole ICT routine has somewhat screwed up a bits of my training program. The company's great, there's no doubt about it. It feels really good to be amongst old faces and in that all to familiar uniform all again. The one good thing, pertaining to my training program that is, is the availability of a rather well equipped gym just 20 steps away from where I sit now. I should probably take this time to built up some strength and compensate the lack of long distance training with some resistance training. I ain't too sure how it'll turn out but that's the only alternative I have for now. One can't have the cake and eat it at the same time I guess. I should probably write a bit about the run I did with the guys here yesterday do. It needn't be a long paragraph, just a couple of words (maybe sentences...) will suffice. The run was hot, humid and painful. The pace at which we were running at was slightly faster then what I am used to and the weather, by golly... the darn bloody weather, was most definitely not what I was used to. We ran out from our camp, through the underpass into ECP and U-turned at the Chalets just after the Seafood Centre. Words fail, yet again, the agony I endured during that short yet painful run. On a lighter note however, I think the run went rather well and it was fun, in a sick, twisted sort of way. After the run, we proceeded with this "hot-cold" treatment. I do recall hearing about such a treatment before but I ain't sure just how effective it is in helping the body recover (faster). Moving on to the other updates, the trip plans are (I think...) coming along pretty fine. It is getting a bit frustrating sourcing out for cheaper deals when I last recalled that being PART of the contractual agreement (Or was it restricted only to the company matching the lowest rates in the market... whatever it is... its pissing the hell out of me...). Sometimes, I feel and this is just a personal opinion, even when one is paid to do the job, it pays off in the long term if the individual in question is more forthcoming in advice and takes some initiative in moving things along. Its almost 1.40 pm now, so I am going to get some rest before hitting the gym and kicking off the day. Till the next entry :)

In Camp Rantings

In all honesty, reservist isn't turning out as bad as I had anticipated it to be. The fact that I am able to sit down and pen out my thoughts before the work day really begins (@ about 2 - 3 pm) should give you a good idea just how well everything is turning out. Its amazing how time flies and just walking around the camp, which I once had a stint at approximately 2 - 2.5 years ago, certainly puts this "time-flying phenomenon" in perspective. Contrary to popular belief, I ain't working with the newly enlisted individuals here but those returning for ICT or RT, HENCE... I need to be nice. Besides, I haven't really done this before so its pretty interesting just tagging along and watching the others go about doing their stuff. The dude here are really nice and really hospitable, which again was something which had me pleasantly surprised. Most of them are around my age so its pretty fun just bumming around with them and doing... stuff...

I intended to head out for a morning swim today before cycling to camp but getting out of bed at 9.30 am certainly didn't help with the realization of my glorious plans. I did however, manage to finish another episode of Pushing Daisies before heading out. The ride was unbelievably short, with me cycling a grand total of... 5.3 km from my home to my camp. I was expecting at least 10 km. The rear derailleur is giving me a bit of problems and it doesn't seem to switch around smoothly. I really need to get that one sorted out before I proceed on anymore long rides with the Fondreist.

Anyway, if you really need to know, I am just sitting at the comp, in my lime green running attire waiting for the rest of the guys to come in. A number of them are already in camp but I don't have a clue as to where they are. So, I am going to sit here and continue hacking away at the comp. With any luck, this might just turn out to be my longest post ever... for this week or month at least.

The plans for the Europe trip are somewhat on track. I have now a basic itinerary done up and a simple costing list provided to me by the travel agency. I feel however that this agency should be slightly more forthcoming in their information and show a bit more enthusiasm in helping its customers plan the trip. Rephrase: in helping its customers source out the best deals for the trip. Anyway, my mum and I made a call this morning to the company and hopefully they'll start getting their act together.

Its now the 9th of June and the trip is approximately just 3 over weeks away. I hoping to slot in a "full dress rehearsal" sometime this week or the next. I don't feel comfortable flying off and participating i the longest race in my life without really getting to know the gear that I'll be racing with. This again, leads me to another checkpoint in my to-do list before the trip. I need to sort out: my wetsuit; how to pack the bike; my bike servicing... and a whole host of other stuff. Not to mention keeping focus and maintaining some form of consistency in my training, which I admit, I have been doing a terrible job of. On another note, my goals for this upcoming race aren't too lofty either. I think I might need a coach for the year-end training. For that race... I do have some ambitious goals which needs fulfilling. Sigh... alright most of the guys are coming in already. Till the next entry!

Mind Fucked

Of all the things to happen, this was the last thing I'd expect. To mind fuck myself into oblivion. I don't want to do the race in Switzerland anymore. That session with myself at the bus-stop... I am pretty much a goner... 

Fizzling out.

I ran about 1.5 km to the pool... warmed up for about 400m proceeded with a 2 km fast swim... stretched... intended to continue for a 10 km paced run... but... I just shut down... after starting out for about 1.5 km... I just stoned at the bus stop... wondering what the heck I was doing as I stared up and down the lonely road. I was dizzy and kinda pissed about the whole situation. My body hasn't been feeling right these few days... and I just can't seem to eat anything. And I ramble a lot when I don't feel too right. 

I am going to head out for dinner but I am going to come back and finish that darn run before the night is over. 

Saturday Evening

It was a rather relaxing day. No bikes, no runs, no swims... just pure chillaxing time with the family at home. I spent the bulk of the morning sorting out the itinerary with the travel agency and liaising with really helpful people who are going out of their way to help make my upcoming trip a success. Interestingly enough, its the very school which I am matriculated in that doesn't seem to be too forthcoming in their "support". Anyway, its their resources and their time and there's nothing I can do about it.

My hamstrings are killing me but I am hoping they'll pull through the night in time for a nice long morning run tomorrow. Again, just a plan but a good and healthy plan nonetheless. Nic and Jon have gotten their rooms in TH already and I am still left hanging as to whether I got in or not. I shan't comment too much since... I don't have any answer yet. 

The D-Day Celebrations and Commemorations telecasted life over CNN did leave me with many thoughts... on that war, that battle this very day 65 years ago, and the choices I am making in my life now... 65 years on. Coupled with the little chat I had with my mum earlier in the morning... There's a lot to do. 

Anyway, I am going to walk the dog, down some ice-cream (or a cup of coffee...) before hitting the sack. Till the next entry!

Brick Training.

It was a ride that was almost not to be. There were survivors but there were also those who succumbed to the warmth comfort of their sheets and the cool comfort of the early morning breeze. For those who did break through the first barrier and succeeded in planting their two feet firmly on the ground, the morning had only just begun. One can only take comfort in the fact that, they're up so darn early, there's no vehicle on the road yet to contend with; no blistering heat (cause its bloody 5 in the morning) and no worries about what is to come (because its still too darn early to think about anything...). Everything functions and moves like clockwork. Teeth brushed, check; shoes packed, check, bike done, check... and before its possible to realize anything... you're going down coastal at 35 locking in your first loop. 

The past few training sessions have started to take its toll on me. The long runs and bikes are starting to get to my body. The dull aches and creaky arms... at least something is being done. This morning, the plan was to log in a 140 km bike ride before heading for a 5 km run. However the treacherous traffic conditions along Loyang and Tampines Avenue 1 rendered it impossible to complete a loop around Selarang without getting killed... a teeny bit of exaggeration there but hey... its Singapore Roads that we're talking about :(. Eventually we settled for a 70 km fast ride and a 5 km hard run, just to get used to the transitionary "I-can't-run-cause-my-legs-are-screwed" syndrome. JJ was kind enough to help us along with the run, shouting out our pacings and distance left to finish. After the the short, quick yet deceivingly intense workout, we headed to Mac's for some SME before parting for home. I knocked out pretty soon after reaching home and only got up to pick up my sis from her tuition-ing stint in Commonwealth.  

The flu situation in London doesn't look too promising but we're hoping it'll clear in time to come. Other than that, I think we're about set to start packing and prepping for the trip of the year! Till the next entry!

Wednesday, Friday... Thursday... Updates

Again, my arms are aching and my mind is numb. So this post shall be brief and straight to the point. In fact, I shall even post in point form. :)

• Mambo was good. Company was good though I kinda sucked. More practice needed.
• Training is coming along fine thus far. More, however needs to be done.
• Europe trip plans are coming along fine. I think. Darn that hotel in Zurich. 
• The closet drawer snapped. It needs fixing.
• I need to service my bike. I need to settle my wetsuit. Soon.
• I can't wait for transformers.

With that. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. 

Whose line is it...

This video serves as a reminder to those out there insist on criticizing civil servants and union members. They don't have it easy alright? They get long hours, bad days and get forced to attend these little "rock concerts" to get their moods up. What's worse is how they're forced to scream an encore at the end of take 1... Enjoy :)

PS: Did I mention about the raving reviews? haha go check out the comments on Youtube :)

Take that Desaru and Faber.

I am gg to own this hill... one day...

Tired

I need to sleep and I need to start having a plan that works. A schedule I can follow...