I went to Safra for a recovery run. Legs were so sore and aching from Powerman. I must be getting worse...... taking so long to recover from a race?! I did a very very slow Canterbury loop and returned from Henderson.
Eddie, Alvin, Karen came for the run, so we hastily arranged a dinner after the run with Sumiko and JD as well. It turned out to be great company. Karen got a chocolate ice-cream cake from Swensons, and a bright orange balloon! We had overdose of tze char food at Holland Village, and Henry and his wife, Lucille, joined in too. Everyone was talking excitedly about the recent Powerman and trading past race 'war stories'. Hilarious.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Powerman Malaysia 2008
Powerman Malaysia, Lumut, Perak (9 Nov 2008)
http://picasaweb.google.com/simsps/PowermanMalaysia9Nov2008#
Pre-race
We reached our hotel, Oriental Star, in Lumut earlier this year, as compared to last year. The unloading of bicycles and wheels was a lot more systematic too, having gained experience the last round. We had breakfast, checked-in, and washed up. As before, Melody from the organizers came to our hotel to issue our race packs and conduct the race briefing. Then we had 2 buses to bring us to the stadium race site, to look at the race expo and start/ transition area. That was followed by a heavy seafood lunch, and a trip to Giant supermarket to buy our breakfast, water and so forth. At night we met Snr Chua and Sok Hwa, and we drove to Kg Cina (where we went in the morning, and where all the Chinese restaurants were) for dinner. We chose a restaurant nearby our lunch venue, and saw other groups of Singapore racers there. Even the race organizers were there as well! The food was fresher and nicer than lunch.
Race-Day
We met at 5.45am to load our luggage and then rode off around 6.30am to the start point. It was a 8km leisure ride, and many were in the transition area when we arrived. I was apprehensive and jittery about my run/ knee. Oh well, just grit through the race. Sandy's transition pit was next to mine, our surnames (Siew & Sim) ensured we were usually near each other during races.
First 11km run. I ran fairly fast by my standard, 1hr exactly. It was cloudy and shady, good weather for now. I spotted couples running together, side by side. How sweet. Jessica and Ken. Sylvia and can't-remember-his-name. I entered the bike transition, Eddie was slightly behind but he rode out faster. I took my time to change my shoes and munch on the powerbar. Argh, the ankle timing chip strap caused abrasion and it bled onto my sock and shoe.
Cycle 64km. It was the same route as last year. 2 loops of 32km (or 4 sets of 16km up and down the same road). There were 3 bridges to clear. The first was a baby one, then a slightly longer and steeper one, and finally the last one that loomed in your face even from afar. Weird, I did not really feel the bridges last year, they did not seem as imtimidating.... Anyway, look down, change gear, keep pace and climb the slopes. I felt so unconditioned for the ride. My left problematic knee felt more acute pain on the ride, than run. Now I wondered which triggered the injury - run or bike? By 45km (just before the last u-turn) climbing the 3rd long bridge, my thighs almost cramped. Ok that was no good. It meant I would suffer on the run. Easy easy, would be disastrous if I cramped on an upslope and fell off. The last 16km of the ride went by slowly, trying not to cramp.
Run 10km. Two loops of 5km. The run was bad. 5min out of transition on the road, and both quads cramped. I could not move, and just stood on the road and massaging my legs. It hurt. I could not recall the last time I had a cramp and forgot what it felt like. :( Many familiar faces passed me, and they were on their 2nd run laps already. Grace, Jess & Ken, Kristal, Sok Hwa, and so many. Oh damn. After 15min of slow walk, I could finally trot again. I took 45min to clear the first 5km. Argh. The sun was out and it was terribly terribly hot. I was mentally so lazy to run the 2nd loop, strolling a lot. Li Xia overtook me too, I tried to keep sight of her, but she just went non-stop. Then I spotted Chin Yeh walking in front of me. By then, the aim was to budget my time exactly so that I could get back just under the 5h cut-off. Races this year end were no good at all. Each event barely scrapping the cut-off time limit. Last year I had a lot of time clearance to spare, and did not even feel as tired. Every part of the legs threatened to cramp - quads, calves, shins, toes....
Finally made it in 4:58h. Hmmm, maybe the 2nd race was always worst than the first time? It was delightful to get a cold wet towel and ice-cold water after the race. But sadly, they did not have decent finisher tees. What was it with races that made all the tees look like over-sized pyjamas, which one would not even wear to bed?! We showered at the public changing rooms at the stadium, ahhh that was the best part of the race. The post-race award lunch was much better this year in terms of quality and quantity (last year, they ran severely out of food). The buses were late and we waited for a long time at the car park. One of the participants, Li Xia, had heat exhaustion and was sent to the hospital for saline drip. Luckily she recovered in time and returned to join us for the bus ride home. By the time we loaded everything and left the stadium, it was 4pm. We stopped at MacDonalds to pack some food before the start of the long ride.
We reached Singapore Lavender terminal around 1.45am. Gosh, such a long day. Unloading the bicycles and driving home took some time. By the time I unpacked and got to bed, it was 4am. Yawn.... why go through the pain of the journey and race at all, when all I did was scrap the cut-off time? Such gluttony for pain.......
http://picasaweb.google.com/simsps/PowermanMalaysia9Nov2008#
Pre-race
We reached our hotel, Oriental Star, in Lumut earlier this year, as compared to last year. The unloading of bicycles and wheels was a lot more systematic too, having gained experience the last round. We had breakfast, checked-in, and washed up. As before, Melody from the organizers came to our hotel to issue our race packs and conduct the race briefing. Then we had 2 buses to bring us to the stadium race site, to look at the race expo and start/ transition area. That was followed by a heavy seafood lunch, and a trip to Giant supermarket to buy our breakfast, water and so forth. At night we met Snr Chua and Sok Hwa, and we drove to Kg Cina (where we went in the morning, and where all the Chinese restaurants were) for dinner. We chose a restaurant nearby our lunch venue, and saw other groups of Singapore racers there. Even the race organizers were there as well! The food was fresher and nicer than lunch.
Race-Day
We met at 5.45am to load our luggage and then rode off around 6.30am to the start point. It was a 8km leisure ride, and many were in the transition area when we arrived. I was apprehensive and jittery about my run/ knee. Oh well, just grit through the race. Sandy's transition pit was next to mine, our surnames (Siew & Sim) ensured we were usually near each other during races.
First 11km run. I ran fairly fast by my standard, 1hr exactly. It was cloudy and shady, good weather for now. I spotted couples running together, side by side. How sweet. Jessica and Ken. Sylvia and can't-remember-his-name. I entered the bike transition, Eddie was slightly behind but he rode out faster. I took my time to change my shoes and munch on the powerbar. Argh, the ankle timing chip strap caused abrasion and it bled onto my sock and shoe.
Cycle 64km. It was the same route as last year. 2 loops of 32km (or 4 sets of 16km up and down the same road). There were 3 bridges to clear. The first was a baby one, then a slightly longer and steeper one, and finally the last one that loomed in your face even from afar. Weird, I did not really feel the bridges last year, they did not seem as imtimidating.... Anyway, look down, change gear, keep pace and climb the slopes. I felt so unconditioned for the ride. My left problematic knee felt more acute pain on the ride, than run. Now I wondered which triggered the injury - run or bike? By 45km (just before the last u-turn) climbing the 3rd long bridge, my thighs almost cramped. Ok that was no good. It meant I would suffer on the run. Easy easy, would be disastrous if I cramped on an upslope and fell off. The last 16km of the ride went by slowly, trying not to cramp.
Run 10km. Two loops of 5km. The run was bad. 5min out of transition on the road, and both quads cramped. I could not move, and just stood on the road and massaging my legs. It hurt. I could not recall the last time I had a cramp and forgot what it felt like. :( Many familiar faces passed me, and they were on their 2nd run laps already. Grace, Jess & Ken, Kristal, Sok Hwa, and so many. Oh damn. After 15min of slow walk, I could finally trot again. I took 45min to clear the first 5km. Argh. The sun was out and it was terribly terribly hot. I was mentally so lazy to run the 2nd loop, strolling a lot. Li Xia overtook me too, I tried to keep sight of her, but she just went non-stop. Then I spotted Chin Yeh walking in front of me. By then, the aim was to budget my time exactly so that I could get back just under the 5h cut-off. Races this year end were no good at all. Each event barely scrapping the cut-off time limit. Last year I had a lot of time clearance to spare, and did not even feel as tired. Every part of the legs threatened to cramp - quads, calves, shins, toes....
Finally made it in 4:58h. Hmmm, maybe the 2nd race was always worst than the first time? It was delightful to get a cold wet towel and ice-cold water after the race. But sadly, they did not have decent finisher tees. What was it with races that made all the tees look like over-sized pyjamas, which one would not even wear to bed?! We showered at the public changing rooms at the stadium, ahhh that was the best part of the race. The post-race award lunch was much better this year in terms of quality and quantity (last year, they ran severely out of food). The buses were late and we waited for a long time at the car park. One of the participants, Li Xia, had heat exhaustion and was sent to the hospital for saline drip. Luckily she recovered in time and returned to join us for the bus ride home. By the time we loaded everything and left the stadium, it was 4pm. We stopped at MacDonalds to pack some food before the start of the long ride.
We reached Singapore Lavender terminal around 1.45am. Gosh, such a long day. Unloading the bicycles and driving home took some time. By the time I unpacked and got to bed, it was 4am. Yawn.... why go through the pain of the journey and race at all, when all I did was scrap the cut-off time? Such gluttony for pain.......
Friday, November 7, 2008
Swim and Lumut, Here we come!
I went for swim class tonight. My 1st swim after 2 weeks' break, it was super refreshing. Very delighted that I could sustain a 4-breath-1-pull for a lap (I normally breathe on every 2 strokes). We did some drills. Too long never swim, forgot how to do side kick. Oops. We did 4-breath, then we did 2-4-6-breath-1-pull. That was quite fun. Then we did 6 sets of 100m moderate, and 6 sets of 50m sprint. It was supposed to be 8 sprints, but we negotiated for a discount. :)
There were not many people in class today. Most were going up to Powerman tonight, so they did an earlier class in the week. I could not do a make-up class, having just returned from Europe. Anyhow, the plan was to rush home at 9pm, grab 2 bicylces, load up and drive to the coach terminal in Lavender by 10pm. Ambitious. In-between that, I was stuffing in mouthfuls of rice and lup-cheong (chinese sausages). Mental flash - why do I keep packing stressing myself like that?
I made it to Lavender a little late. My dad drove the car back, but I had forgotten to unload the bicycle pump and my house keys from the car! So he had to drive around again. Many passengers were there already and we quickly loaded the bicycles and gear. We had more than doubled our group size this year. Last year we went in 2 buses. This year, a total of 5 buses! I was surprised to see an entire busload of Yellowfish swim-mates. Soon we were on our way..... that annual 9h 'pilgrimage' to Powerman.
There were not many people in class today. Most were going up to Powerman tonight, so they did an earlier class in the week. I could not do a make-up class, having just returned from Europe. Anyhow, the plan was to rush home at 9pm, grab 2 bicylces, load up and drive to the coach terminal in Lavender by 10pm. Ambitious. In-between that, I was stuffing in mouthfuls of rice and lup-cheong (chinese sausages). Mental flash - why do I keep packing stressing myself like that?
I made it to Lavender a little late. My dad drove the car back, but I had forgotten to unload the bicycle pump and my house keys from the car! So he had to drive around again. Many passengers were there already and we quickly loaded the bicycles and gear. We had more than doubled our group size this year. Last year we went in 2 buses. This year, a total of 5 buses! I was surprised to see an entire busload of Yellowfish swim-mates. Soon we were on our way..... that annual 9h 'pilgrimage' to Powerman.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
9h Bus Ride
I went for Andrew's RPM Challenge tonight. Everyone commented that I'd lost weight. I think the Europe trip did some damage and accounted for a 2kg loss. Just stick me (or anyone else) in a cold climate with rabbit nibbles for 10 days and I guarantee a visible effect.
Hip and back were not feeling great. Probably the result of 12hours cooped in eco-no-my return flight. Back strain pulled on the hip. Felt a discomfort during Tuesday's run. OMG, this year is indeed turning out to be an injury-prone year, as predicted by my Chinese horoscope. Really?
Wanted to go for acupuncture, but the clinic was closed by the time I rushed over. Drats. And I had another long journey this weekend up to Perak for Powerman race. 9h cooped on the bus, albeit slightly bigger than plane seats. But hey, I always preferred the plane seats, more attuned to my size. Anyhow, 9h.... it suddenly dawned on me that I could have gone beyond Japan, and 3/4-way to Europe in that time! Coupled with the return 9h, I would have reached San Francisco! Right..... [PS muses to herself and stares dreamily at the world map......]
Hip and back were not feeling great. Probably the result of 12hours cooped in eco-no-my return flight. Back strain pulled on the hip. Felt a discomfort during Tuesday's run. OMG, this year is indeed turning out to be an injury-prone year, as predicted by my Chinese horoscope. Really?
Wanted to go for acupuncture, but the clinic was closed by the time I rushed over. Drats. And I had another long journey this weekend up to Perak for Powerman race. 9h cooped on the bus, albeit slightly bigger than plane seats. But hey, I always preferred the plane seats, more attuned to my size. Anyhow, 9h.... it suddenly dawned on me that I could have gone beyond Japan, and 3/4-way to Europe in that time! Coupled with the return 9h, I would have reached San Francisco! Right..... [PS muses to herself and stares dreamily at the world map......]
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Recovery Run
It was good to be back in the company of running friends after a long break. I did a slow run with Alber in Canterbury estate, while the rest had their Labrador interval training. It was a really slow jog for him, he had to wait several times for me to stretch along the way. My knee had not fully recovered, it was visibly swollen below the knee cap after an hour's run. Hmmm.... Obviously there was still some internal irritation that caused the slight inflammation.
We went for dinner at Henderson. Had a good time catching up and chatting with the runners. Ahh, it was good to be home.
We went for dinner at Henderson. Had a good time catching up and chatting with the runners. Ahh, it was good to be home.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Back in humid Singapore
Back to Singapore last night. The weather kicked me in the face at Changi Airport. The blast of humid dense air made it difficult to breathe, after the crisp cool air in Helsinki. The return flight was full, which meant I was stuck to an upright chair in the Economy sardine class for a straight 12h. Thankfully it was an SQ flight and not a Lufthansa operated one, so the seats had a slightly wider pitch, and service was good. I drank some wine and tried to sleep. Amazingly, it was the first time on a flight that I had difficulty falling asleep.
Today, my car air-con was turned full-blast. Walking out for lunch, I was convinced that we would not have that quality of life X-factor that Singapore so aimed for as long as the hot and humid weather was in our face. A huge contrast to the four seasoned-weather in Switzerland and Finland, where even children's playground looked more enjoyable, and people walked everywhere and used the public transport simply because it was efficient, reliable and comfortable. Heavens forbid that a bus ride should feel cold in winter! Incidentally, I rode in my friend Sylvia's BMW in Zurich. The heater warms up the seat delivers a nice comfortable gradual warmth to one's important bottom. Lovely!
I went for RPM Challenge tonight. Legs were fresh after 1 full week's rest after Lucerne Marathon. The air was rich but somehow the lungs felt like it required extra effort to filter out the oxygen. Met KM, Michelle and KC for dinner and catch-up about training for marathon. I must try to sleep early tonight and overcome the delayed jetlag.
Today, my car air-con was turned full-blast. Walking out for lunch, I was convinced that we would not have that quality of life X-factor that Singapore so aimed for as long as the hot and humid weather was in our face. A huge contrast to the four seasoned-weather in Switzerland and Finland, where even children's playground looked more enjoyable, and people walked everywhere and used the public transport simply because it was efficient, reliable and comfortable. Heavens forbid that a bus ride should feel cold in winter! Incidentally, I rode in my friend Sylvia's BMW in Zurich. The heater warms up the seat delivers a nice comfortable gradual warmth to one's important bottom. Lovely!
I went for RPM Challenge tonight. Legs were fresh after 1 full week's rest after Lucerne Marathon. The air was rich but somehow the lungs felt like it required extra effort to filter out the oxygen. Met KM, Michelle and KC for dinner and catch-up about training for marathon. I must try to sleep early tonight and overcome the delayed jetlag.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
On Women and Values
The middle-aged (30ish) to elderly (60ish) women I had met on this Europe trip were very interesting. Most of them were fiercely independent, valued their freedom (should I say guarded it zealously) and had little or no intention to get married. Different women had told me in essentially the same words - Do what I want, when I want, without having to wait for or answer to others.
Almost all of them had been married before, and they told me that nonchalantly, as one would announce the number of sibling one has. Most had live-in male partners, and happy with that no-strings-attached arrangement. Many were 'cougars' - older independent women dating younger men. Only one was planning a wedding next year, after living with her much-older partner for 7 years. I was told that in Finland, children borned to 'unmarried' couples were legally recognized and 'tied' to the natural father who would be responsible for them.
And then, there was another group of women. Women of leisure, married or living with rich old tycoons. These well-maintained ladies lived a jet-setting lifestyle of luxury, courtesy of their partners who travelled a lot for business. For this group, the art of subtle deference, playing the perfect hosts with small talk that made one feel like long lost friend, making gently intelligent conversations without usurping their partners, lovingly nudging their partners.... it was an art that captured their strong feminity yet vulnerability, and I was sure men were enchanted by that. So too, I met a couple of much older men who were living with younger women.
I was enthralled by what I observed during my short stay and through conversations with the residents in a non-tourist interaction. There was a part of the new womenomics movement that appealed to me. And then there was a more traditional women culture that fascinated me.
Almost all of them had been married before, and they told me that nonchalantly, as one would announce the number of sibling one has. Most had live-in male partners, and happy with that no-strings-attached arrangement. Many were 'cougars' - older independent women dating younger men. Only one was planning a wedding next year, after living with her much-older partner for 7 years. I was told that in Finland, children borned to 'unmarried' couples were legally recognized and 'tied' to the natural father who would be responsible for them.
And then, there was another group of women. Women of leisure, married or living with rich old tycoons. These well-maintained ladies lived a jet-setting lifestyle of luxury, courtesy of their partners who travelled a lot for business. For this group, the art of subtle deference, playing the perfect hosts with small talk that made one feel like long lost friend, making gently intelligent conversations without usurping their partners, lovingly nudging their partners.... it was an art that captured their strong feminity yet vulnerability, and I was sure men were enchanted by that. So too, I met a couple of much older men who were living with younger women.
I was enthralled by what I observed during my short stay and through conversations with the residents in a non-tourist interaction. There was a part of the new womenomics movement that appealed to me. And then there was a more traditional women culture that fascinated me.
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