Haven't seen a snake for a while in the trails, and was surprised to spot one this morning. Luckily my reflexes were quick and I jumped over it, rather than onto it. Later, I found out that it was the Blue Malayaon Coral snake, eeeeeui!!
"... highly venomous..."
"Nocturnal in habits, it may sometimes be
encountered stretched across forest trails in the early morning."
http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/blue_malayan_coral_snake.htm
Showing posts with label others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label others. Show all posts
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Monday, April 4, 2011
Running Ideation
I went running around MF tonight. 10km. It was a very warm evening, but the fun of running compensated for the humidity. It was amazing how running could become such a great ideation process. I was fresh out of a workshop and random ideas were still milling in my mind. Loved it when they collide randomly as I stomped my way around the MF hill.
Oooh! Now I wonder what it might be like to design and conduct a running brainstorming session. That's right, run and think at the same time. Oh and don't forget the facilitator having to trot alongside and get people thinking/ talking! Ahhh.... wicked!
Oooh! Now I wonder what it might be like to design and conduct a running brainstorming session. That's right, run and think at the same time. Oh and don't forget the facilitator having to trot alongside and get people thinking/ talking! Ahhh.... wicked!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Feeling Good Training
Lovely article about feeling one's run and training. ie. focus on a feel-good session. Not by lounging or slacking. But by being fitter and less fatigue. And the way to the get there is by hard work. Yes, the paradoxical simultaneous existence of pleasure and pain.
http://running.competitor.com/2010/08/training/feel-good-training_12639
"Your mind receives a million times more relevant information about how your body is doing than some silly gadget like a heart rate monitor."
"the most enjoyable runs you experience are not easy runs but very challenging ones that happen to fall on days when your body feels up to the challenge. In running, you can experience pleasure and suffering simultaneously."
I totally identify with that. On reflection, all the runs and races that were memorable were those that were tough but enjoyable.
http://running.competitor.com/2010/08/training/feel-good-training_12639
"Your mind receives a million times more relevant information about how your body is doing than some silly gadget like a heart rate monitor."
"the most enjoyable runs you experience are not easy runs but very challenging ones that happen to fall on days when your body feels up to the challenge. In running, you can experience pleasure and suffering simultaneously."
I totally identify with that. On reflection, all the runs and races that were memorable were those that were tough but enjoyable.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Running into Triathlon
I am a runner. Not too good at it, but unabashed to declare that I am one. In the past, I never ventured into traithlons because I could not swim. I do a decent job of floating, on my back. Or doing a handstand underwater. Or sitting cross-legged on a swimboard in the pool. Or a backward flip. But laps? Aren't they part of our body anatomy?
And as with most runners, I paid lip service to the idea of cross-training. I just wanted to be out there, running, burning, relaxing. Cross-training was something to be done on non-running days, which were rare. Until I was forced into it by injuries. And at that point, I transited into triathlons.
It is interesting to observe how runners become triathletes. For many of us, we start off training for a triathlon just as how we would train for a run. Run. So we hit the pool and start splashing laps. We get a bike and start riding. Since we run about 85% of the distance that we are racing, we apply the same principle to triathlon. Swim 25 laps in the pool and let adrenalin handle the remaining 5. I committed that fallacy.
Running is second nature to most people. As children, we had to be reined in from excessive running and playing. Running is about lifting both feet off the ground and putting one in front of the other, repeatedly. As a result, runners usually do not worry too much about form, posture, or technique. Swimmers and cyclists are different. These sports require techniques honed to perfection. Every execution of a pull or pedal stroke is about efficiency. The obsession with drills and proper form is something new to runners, but something that we can incorporate into running.
So when I started swimming (because I could not run), I floundered and splashed my way through. I could do an ok imitation of breast stroke, but could not get through 50m of front crawl without, well, crawling through the water. And then hung by the wall for dear breath. And repeat. But how clueless I was. I was simply programming bad habits and bad form into muscle memory. Thankfully (or not) I was a slow learner and my muscles had retarded memory. So I signed up for proper swimming lessons. It was a culture shock.
Then I got a bicycle. Proud owner of my first wheels. I hit the roads, and committed another cardinal sin. Runners have strong legs and instinctively pedal with low cadence and high gear. Low gear? That’s wimpy. High cadence? Just hammer it! And so it went, until well-meaning friends told me to try the reverse. I was not convinced initially, but the clincher was that it would help my run. So I practiced spinning on light gear, and promptly got dropped.
Along the way I was introduced to the term ‘brick’. So now I have to learn about construction too? I googled the term and was instantly rewarded with pages lauding the importance of bricks, videos showing what to do, and discussion forums gushing over newfound bricks. I eschewed it, and Cramp swiftly taught me a lesson. I was fortunate that I never had cramps in my runs previously. So I foolishly did not know what it felt like to have parts of my legs seize up into solid blocks, as they did in one of my early duathlons. Maybe that was it was called 'brick training'.
Despite our late start and clumsy coordination, runners do have an edge in triathlons. It is relatively easier for a runner to increase his training mileage in swimming and cycling than vice versa. By comparison, non-runners risk many injuries if they try to ramp up their runs too quickly.
We enter the last segment of a race in home ground. The comfort and reassurance of slipping into our trusted shoes. The familiar bounce that is hopefully coupled with a spring in our legs. The joy of a run in itself. That brief ecstasy when we pass people who zoomed past us with wheezing wheels. These keep us going. Runners do not give up on our runs, certainly not in a race where we survived the alien odds.
I am a runner, learning to swim & bike. :)
Lessons:
And as with most runners, I paid lip service to the idea of cross-training. I just wanted to be out there, running, burning, relaxing. Cross-training was something to be done on non-running days, which were rare. Until I was forced into it by injuries. And at that point, I transited into triathlons.
It is interesting to observe how runners become triathletes. For many of us, we start off training for a triathlon just as how we would train for a run. Run. So we hit the pool and start splashing laps. We get a bike and start riding. Since we run about 85% of the distance that we are racing, we apply the same principle to triathlon. Swim 25 laps in the pool and let adrenalin handle the remaining 5. I committed that fallacy.
Running is second nature to most people. As children, we had to be reined in from excessive running and playing. Running is about lifting both feet off the ground and putting one in front of the other, repeatedly. As a result, runners usually do not worry too much about form, posture, or technique. Swimmers and cyclists are different. These sports require techniques honed to perfection. Every execution of a pull or pedal stroke is about efficiency. The obsession with drills and proper form is something new to runners, but something that we can incorporate into running.
So when I started swimming (because I could not run), I floundered and splashed my way through. I could do an ok imitation of breast stroke, but could not get through 50m of front crawl without, well, crawling through the water. And then hung by the wall for dear breath. And repeat. But how clueless I was. I was simply programming bad habits and bad form into muscle memory. Thankfully (or not) I was a slow learner and my muscles had retarded memory. So I signed up for proper swimming lessons. It was a culture shock.
Then I got a bicycle. Proud owner of my first wheels. I hit the roads, and committed another cardinal sin. Runners have strong legs and instinctively pedal with low cadence and high gear. Low gear? That’s wimpy. High cadence? Just hammer it! And so it went, until well-meaning friends told me to try the reverse. I was not convinced initially, but the clincher was that it would help my run. So I practiced spinning on light gear, and promptly got dropped.
Along the way I was introduced to the term ‘brick’. So now I have to learn about construction too? I googled the term and was instantly rewarded with pages lauding the importance of bricks, videos showing what to do, and discussion forums gushing over newfound bricks. I eschewed it, and Cramp swiftly taught me a lesson. I was fortunate that I never had cramps in my runs previously. So I foolishly did not know what it felt like to have parts of my legs seize up into solid blocks, as they did in one of my early duathlons. Maybe that was it was called 'brick training'.
Despite our late start and clumsy coordination, runners do have an edge in triathlons. It is relatively easier for a runner to increase his training mileage in swimming and cycling than vice versa. By comparison, non-runners risk many injuries if they try to ramp up their runs too quickly.
We enter the last segment of a race in home ground. The comfort and reassurance of slipping into our trusted shoes. The familiar bounce that is hopefully coupled with a spring in our legs. The joy of a run in itself. That brief ecstasy when we pass people who zoomed past us with wheezing wheels. These keep us going. Runners do not give up on our runs, certainly not in a race where we survived the alien odds.
I am a runner, learning to swim & bike. :)
Lessons:
- Check, check and re-check your form and technique
- Swim more than the distance of your race
- Ride with high cadence and light gear
- Embrace bicks
Monday, July 19, 2010
Fish Soup Sign
The cleaning auntie suddenly showed up at my lunch table:
Auntie: I was dieting. (proudly, pointing to my fish-soup)
PS: uh-huh.
Auntie: I lost kgs. (still smugly, still pointing)
PS: uh-huh.
Auntie: And I'm still losing weight. (very pleased with herself)
PS: ??!!?!?! (wonders why she thought I needed that information... a sign!)
Auntie: I was dieting. (proudly, pointing to my fish-soup)
PS: uh-huh.
Auntie: I lost kgs. (still smugly, still pointing)
PS: uh-huh.
Auntie: And I'm still losing weight. (very pleased with herself)
PS: ??!!?!?! (wonders why she thought I needed that information... a sign!)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Online Gear Shopping
This blog post is to share some of my experiences with online sports gear purchases.
Online Shops:
These are some of my favourite online gear shops with a good range of products, responsive customer service and good pricing. Most of them have live-chat help, or respond to emails promptly. I have also called to enquire about orders and been properly guided through the steps over the phone. There are many other sites for specific products, which I would not list in this post. Do exercise due user-diligence and take note of some features of good online sites (section below) before you make a purchase.
(1) Non-specialist Shops:
backcountry.com
campsaver.com
hermitshut.com
moosejaw.com
whittakermountaineering.com
These shops are non-brand specific and have a good selection of both outdoor and generic sports. They have an excellent customer service which answers any technical questions you have on the gear, or general purchase enquiry. You will need to do a security verification of your Singapore credit card before the purchase is shipped. The company will charge a random small amount (~USD cents/ dollar) to your credit card. You will then have to let them know the exact amount charged or verification code (from credit card bank) via email or live-chat. Once the card is verified, your purchase is completed.
rei.com
rei.com/outlet
One of the largest coop in USA with a wide selection of both outdoor and generic sports. They also carry their in-house REI brand. Check out rei-outlet.com as well for hugely discounted & clearance products. You should be a REI member for better deals.
mec.ca
This is a well-established coop in Canada. Like REI, it has an immense range of sports equipment, from high mountains to deep seas to canoes and so forth. Its education site has a wealth of information on how to take care and choose gear. Its in-house MEC brand is good value-for-money. Petite users might wish to check out its children's sizing. You have to be a MEC member in order to purchase.
sportsbasement.com
This is a large sports store in California stocking a huge range of sports equipment. It has an outdoor & camping section, but the selection is not as extensive as the specialist stores. That means, for instance, if you wanted a full range of North Face or Marmot gear, you might not find it there. But its merchandise is typically a few USD cheaper than the official retail prices. The energy gels and drinks are especially cheap. Great customer service when you visit the store. I love going to the physical store. It is a community-type of shop which holds regular running, cycling and other training sessions for the nearby community.
paragonsports.com
This is a sports store chain in USA, mostly the East Coast/ NYC. For general sports, triathlon, running etc. Does not accept Singapore credit cards online. I placed an order online, followed by a phone call to make a 'manual' purchase & payment. After that, the order was delivered properly.
(2) Specialist Shops
Then there is a huge range of brand-specific specialist shops that offer online shopping and delivery as well. You can google for any major brand and be guided through its official website. Not all of them provide online shopping service - they defer to their dealers or outlets - but you can check. Some of the brands that I love to browse are:
Mountain Hardwear
The North Face
Patagonia
Under Armour Outlet
Customer Care & Service:
You would want to check that you are purchasing from an authentic USA-based online shopping portal before making your purchase. Many cheap websites are from China and other dodgy places and you may receive fake/ defective/ excess products, or have trouble contacting their so-called "Live" customer support, or face extreme inconveniences with return policies.
(1) Contact
A good online site should provide prompt response (email, website form etc) to your query. It will also list all channels in which you can contact them (incl a telephone number, physical address etc). I usually get a reply within 1 business day, and certainly within 2 business days. In the rare occasion that I do not, I will call and be able to get the right assistance.
(2) Refunds/ Exchanges
A credible online site (usually the ones based in USA or Western markets with established consumer protection rights) will allow for a full refund or product exchange within a sufficient duration (eg. 30 days). This will be stated upfront on the website, together with the Return Shipping Address and instructions. This information will be repeated on your invoice when you receive the products. Follow the instructions to log your return (they will issue you a return code) and ship the merchandise back. Some sites even let you print a pre-negotiated (cheaper) shipping label if you are within the USA! and they alert you that they have received your parcel. Most times, I get my credit card refund within 10 business days. Bottomline: they make it extremely easy for you to return your unsatisfied purchase.
(NB: In stark contrast, the unreliable Chinese sites will be uncontactable and with non-full disclosure of the above information. When you actually need to enquire about a product or seek a refund, you have to chase them multiple times for a reply. There is no telephone number to call. The 24h "Live" support does not work. The return shipping address is not stated upfront, and not given despite repeated asking. Then they will try to dissuade you from returning, and ask you to re-sell the goods instead! *incredulous*)
Payment & Delivery Notes
For Singapore credit card users - Do take note of some of the additional verification and steps required (as described above), and take these delays into account when planning your shipping. Do NOT ever disclose and send your credit card information via email.
Delivery within USA - Most online shops ship free within USA above a certain purchase amount. Generally they do not do international shipping. If they do, it is usually very costly. If you are travelling to USA, do note that not all shops ship to hotels. For residential addresses, most will not deliver to a USA PO Box address - pls check the instructions.
Delivery to Singapore - Try comgateway.com The site gives you a free USA postal address to ship your purchases to. It then consolidates all your purchases, repacks them (to reduce packaging and save shipping costs), and forwards them to your designated international address. Some credit card verification is required as well, read the website guide.
*vPost by Singpost is not very efficient despite its marketing. The online tracker did not work. I had to call Singpost daily to locate my shipment in its partner warehouse and get it sent to Singapore.
Happy shopping! :)
Online Shops:
These are some of my favourite online gear shops with a good range of products, responsive customer service and good pricing. Most of them have live-chat help, or respond to emails promptly. I have also called to enquire about orders and been properly guided through the steps over the phone. There are many other sites for specific products, which I would not list in this post. Do exercise due user-diligence and take note of some features of good online sites (section below) before you make a purchase.
(1) Non-specialist Shops:
backcountry.com
campsaver.com
hermitshut.com
moosejaw.com
whittakermountaineering.com
These shops are non-brand specific and have a good selection of both outdoor and generic sports. They have an excellent customer service which answers any technical questions you have on the gear, or general purchase enquiry. You will need to do a security verification of your Singapore credit card before the purchase is shipped. The company will charge a random small amount (~USD cents/ dollar) to your credit card. You will then have to let them know the exact amount charged or verification code (from credit card bank) via email or live-chat. Once the card is verified, your purchase is completed.
rei.com
rei.com/outlet
One of the largest coop in USA with a wide selection of both outdoor and generic sports. They also carry their in-house REI brand. Check out rei-outlet.com as well for hugely discounted & clearance products. You should be a REI member for better deals.
mec.ca
This is a well-established coop in Canada. Like REI, it has an immense range of sports equipment, from high mountains to deep seas to canoes and so forth. Its education site has a wealth of information on how to take care and choose gear. Its in-house MEC brand is good value-for-money. Petite users might wish to check out its children's sizing. You have to be a MEC member in order to purchase.
sportsbasement.com
This is a large sports store in California stocking a huge range of sports equipment. It has an outdoor & camping section, but the selection is not as extensive as the specialist stores. That means, for instance, if you wanted a full range of North Face or Marmot gear, you might not find it there. But its merchandise is typically a few USD cheaper than the official retail prices. The energy gels and drinks are especially cheap. Great customer service when you visit the store. I love going to the physical store. It is a community-type of shop which holds regular running, cycling and other training sessions for the nearby community.
paragonsports.com
This is a sports store chain in USA, mostly the East Coast/ NYC. For general sports, triathlon, running etc. Does not accept Singapore credit cards online. I placed an order online, followed by a phone call to make a 'manual' purchase & payment. After that, the order was delivered properly.
(2) Specialist Shops
Then there is a huge range of brand-specific specialist shops that offer online shopping and delivery as well. You can google for any major brand and be guided through its official website. Not all of them provide online shopping service - they defer to their dealers or outlets - but you can check. Some of the brands that I love to browse are:
Mountain Hardwear
The North Face
Patagonia
Under Armour Outlet
Customer Care & Service:
You would want to check that you are purchasing from an authentic USA-based online shopping portal before making your purchase. Many cheap websites are from China and other dodgy places and you may receive fake/ defective/ excess products, or have trouble contacting their so-called "Live" customer support, or face extreme inconveniences with return policies.
(1) Contact
A good online site should provide prompt response (email, website form etc) to your query. It will also list all channels in which you can contact them (incl a telephone number, physical address etc). I usually get a reply within 1 business day, and certainly within 2 business days. In the rare occasion that I do not, I will call and be able to get the right assistance.
(2) Refunds/ Exchanges
A credible online site (usually the ones based in USA or Western markets with established consumer protection rights) will allow for a full refund or product exchange within a sufficient duration (eg. 30 days). This will be stated upfront on the website, together with the Return Shipping Address and instructions. This information will be repeated on your invoice when you receive the products. Follow the instructions to log your return (they will issue you a return code) and ship the merchandise back. Some sites even let you print a pre-negotiated (cheaper) shipping label if you are within the USA! and they alert you that they have received your parcel. Most times, I get my credit card refund within 10 business days. Bottomline: they make it extremely easy for you to return your unsatisfied purchase.
(NB: In stark contrast, the unreliable Chinese sites will be uncontactable and with non-full disclosure of the above information. When you actually need to enquire about a product or seek a refund, you have to chase them multiple times for a reply. There is no telephone number to call. The 24h "Live" support does not work. The return shipping address is not stated upfront, and not given despite repeated asking. Then they will try to dissuade you from returning, and ask you to re-sell the goods instead! *incredulous*)
Payment & Delivery Notes
For Singapore credit card users - Do take note of some of the additional verification and steps required (as described above), and take these delays into account when planning your shipping. Do NOT ever disclose and send your credit card information via email.
Delivery within USA - Most online shops ship free within USA above a certain purchase amount. Generally they do not do international shipping. If they do, it is usually very costly. If you are travelling to USA, do note that not all shops ship to hotels. For residential addresses, most will not deliver to a USA PO Box address - pls check the instructions.
Delivery to Singapore - Try comgateway.com The site gives you a free USA postal address to ship your purchases to. It then consolidates all your purchases, repacks them (to reduce packaging and save shipping costs), and forwards them to your designated international address. Some credit card verification is required as well, read the website guide.
*vPost by Singpost is not very efficient despite its marketing. The online tracker did not work. I had to call Singpost daily to locate my shipment in its partner warehouse and get it sent to Singapore.
Happy shopping! :)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Fitness Muay Thai
Went for a free trial of 1h fitness class based on real Muay Thai (not the limpish combat class types). It must have been about 7years (wow!) since I last learnt Muay Thai! Today's class was fitness-focused, using MT's punches and kicks, on sandbags, complete with hand tape and gloves, and interspersed with push-ups and sit-ups. As in a typical MT class, the trainer would instruct on the activity, and timed each exercise for a few minutes. The timer would beep, we would get 2min of water break, and then back to a new activity.
Moves were a bit rusty, took a bit of re-programming my coordination. Legs of course red from kicking the sandbag. I was dripping sweat after a while. Ooh the satisfaction of seeing the beads roll off my chin!
Moves were a bit rusty, took a bit of re-programming my coordination. Legs of course red from kicking the sandbag. I was dripping sweat after a while. Ooh the satisfaction of seeing the beads roll off my chin!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Smoke Sauna & Ice Swimming
We had an interesting day of discussions today. One good & exciting, the other was.... let's just say amusing.
In between, Leena brought me to a place called Villa Angelica for lunch. It was a very quaint small villa, with furniture belonging to another era long ago. The menu comprised only a selection of tea, coffee, quiche, and cakes, but served in a hearty portion. We each ordered the mushroom & spinach quiche - generous portion for 10Eur. Mixed rose flower tea was unlimited servings at 4Eur. You could choose to have jam in your tea (apparently that was the Russian way, instead of sugar).
After the meetings ended, we drove to a sauna place that offered different types of sauna and ice swimming. The temperature read: Outside air 4degC, Lake 0degC. We changed into bathing suits and went into the smoke sauna (which was mixed sexes). I did not have slippers and hobbled barefoot in ice-snow for 30m to the sauna. Ouch! Feet went numb. We were the only 2 ladies in a room of 10 oversized men! It was super hot, much hotter than the normal sauna rooms. I was glad I remembered to remove my necklace - the metal would burn my skin. Even my long ponytail heated up so much that it burnt my back!
Now the adventure began. After we felt hot enough, we walked 10m out to the lake. I held on tightly to the railings and lowered myself into the icy cold water. Foot touched water. Yelps! The other foot. Thighs. Waist. Body. Up to neck. Eeeks! Shots of pain through my body. It was the kind of pain that stung if you held an ice box with bare hands for too long. Heartbeat racing. I remembered to regulate my breathing. I heard Leena calling out not to submerge my head. I jumped out of the water. Total submersion time 3sec. I recall reading an article about ice swimming and how the body transited through shock, pain, increased heart rate, before settling into equilibrim. I could totally identify now!
Surprisingly, I was not cold after I left the water. We sat on the open deck while the blood flushed through our skins. You could literally see red blotches on the skin as the increased blood circulation kept us warm. The men were from the ice swimming club (IceBears) and came prepared with crates of beer! When it turned cold, we went back to the smoke sauna to 'cook' ourselves.
Pity I left my camera in the locker. Luckily there was a journalist on shore with a professional camera. He was covering a story about the IceBears. How wonderful! I asked Leena to get his help to take some shots and email to me. Yeah.
In between, Leena brought me to a place called Villa Angelica for lunch. It was a very quaint small villa, with furniture belonging to another era long ago. The menu comprised only a selection of tea, coffee, quiche, and cakes, but served in a hearty portion. We each ordered the mushroom & spinach quiche - generous portion for 10Eur. Mixed rose flower tea was unlimited servings at 4Eur. You could choose to have jam in your tea (apparently that was the Russian way, instead of sugar).
After the meetings ended, we drove to a sauna place that offered different types of sauna and ice swimming. The temperature read: Outside air 4degC, Lake 0degC. We changed into bathing suits and went into the smoke sauna (which was mixed sexes). I did not have slippers and hobbled barefoot in ice-snow for 30m to the sauna. Ouch! Feet went numb. We were the only 2 ladies in a room of 10 oversized men! It was super hot, much hotter than the normal sauna rooms. I was glad I remembered to remove my necklace - the metal would burn my skin. Even my long ponytail heated up so much that it burnt my back!
Now the adventure began. After we felt hot enough, we walked 10m out to the lake. I held on tightly to the railings and lowered myself into the icy cold water. Foot touched water. Yelps! The other foot. Thighs. Waist. Body. Up to neck. Eeeks! Shots of pain through my body. It was the kind of pain that stung if you held an ice box with bare hands for too long. Heartbeat racing. I remembered to regulate my breathing. I heard Leena calling out not to submerge my head. I jumped out of the water. Total submersion time 3sec. I recall reading an article about ice swimming and how the body transited through shock, pain, increased heart rate, before settling into equilibrim. I could totally identify now!
Surprisingly, I was not cold after I left the water. We sat on the open deck while the blood flushed through our skins. You could literally see red blotches on the skin as the increased blood circulation kept us warm. The men were from the ice swimming club (IceBears) and came prepared with crates of beer! When it turned cold, we went back to the smoke sauna to 'cook' ourselves.
Pity I left my camera in the locker. Luckily there was a journalist on shore with a professional camera. He was covering a story about the IceBears. How wonderful! I asked Leena to get his help to take some shots and email to me. Yeah.
In and out we went. I jumped into the lake 5 times, each time lasting longer. 1st: 3 sec in-out. 2nd: 5 sec in + legs threading water. 3rd: breast-stroked (head up) a tiny distance for photo-taking, with Leena shouting anxiously to come back! 4th: swam from one railing to the other. 5th: swam from railing to a further one. It got better with each try. Cool!
Then we went into the normal sauna. That was when I spotted a rectangular lake-pool, about 20m in length. I was intrigued. The challenge called out to me. Could I endure the swim across the length? I warmed up and headed out. I waded in. Ice cold, yes. I breast stroked. The pain came, then my body warmed up a little. 10m across and the pain returned. All imaginable parts, even your most private parts. The strokes slowed in order to sync with the regulated breathing. You want to be careful not to overtax the heart that was already beating very hard. Focused on getting to the opposite ladder. I made it! Awesome... Now my thighs were really red, flushed by the blood.
I went back to the sauna and greedily eyed the pool again. Could I do it again? Hmmm.... The challenge got the better of me. I just had to try it a second time. So I went out. It was colder the second time, minus the adrenalin rush of a first trial. I knew my limits, I would not be able to turn around and swim back another lap. But it was enough. I experienced ice swimming and it was incredible! We went to the cafe for a hot drink to complete the outing. :)
Then we went into the normal sauna. That was when I spotted a rectangular lake-pool, about 20m in length. I was intrigued. The challenge called out to me. Could I endure the swim across the length? I warmed up and headed out. I waded in. Ice cold, yes. I breast stroked. The pain came, then my body warmed up a little. 10m across and the pain returned. All imaginable parts, even your most private parts. The strokes slowed in order to sync with the regulated breathing. You want to be careful not to overtax the heart that was already beating very hard. Focused on getting to the opposite ladder. I made it! Awesome... Now my thighs were really red, flushed by the blood.
I went back to the sauna and greedily eyed the pool again. Could I do it again? Hmmm.... The challenge got the better of me. I just had to try it a second time. So I went out. It was colder the second time, minus the adrenalin rush of a first trial. I knew my limits, I would not be able to turn around and swim back another lap. But it was enough. I experienced ice swimming and it was incredible! We went to the cafe for a hot drink to complete the outing. :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Day 1 in Kathmandu
We arrived in Nepal Kathmandu yesterday. It was my 3rd trip here, but the place looked the same. We stayed in this dinghy place called Potala Tourist Home. It was anything but a home. First there was no hot water. The lady in charge looked at the window and commented 'with this weather (cloudy), there's no water'. And that was it! Luckily our other room had a gas canister heater, so I managed to get a shower in the afternoon. The rest were not so lucky, as they waited til evening to wash up. By which time, there was a power cut (every zone had a 2-3h power cut every day), and then the water supply started becoming erratic too. So they either washed in the cold, or had the water stopped in the middle of the shower. *shake head* We skipped dinner I slept around 7pm.... all the way until the next morning 7am. Shiok!
Today we went around the shops to get our equipment etc. Breakfast and lunch were both satisfying. At least the food here was good and cheap. My strategy was to get back to the room while there was still light, and wash my hair, pack my stuff etc. True enough, today's power cut started at 5pm and lasted til 8pm. Which explains why I'm using the internet only after power resumed.
Tomorrow we are off. A 10h bus ride to the start of our trek. We leave early at 6am to take a local bus (ie. public, ie. crowded and dirty and totally uncomfortable).
Today we went around the shops to get our equipment etc. Breakfast and lunch were both satisfying. At least the food here was good and cheap. My strategy was to get back to the room while there was still light, and wash my hair, pack my stuff etc. True enough, today's power cut started at 5pm and lasted til 8pm. Which explains why I'm using the internet only after power resumed.
Tomorrow we are off. A 10h bus ride to the start of our trek. We leave early at 6am to take a local bus (ie. public, ie. crowded and dirty and totally uncomfortable).
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Night Safari Visit
I had a couple of corporate passes to Night Safari this weekend. So we went for a visit tonight - Heng's family, Eddie's family, Alber and I. The evening started off with a very nice home-cooked dinner at Heng's place, thanks to Eve's cooking skills. :) We brought a cheesecake and 2 tubs of new-flavoured B&Js ice-cream (One Cheesecake Brownie & Cake Batter). B&Js never failed me, and those were no exception. The ice-cream was rich, creamy and ooooh. The Breadtalk cheesecake was not up to my expectations though, more like fluffy whipped cream-cheese.
We made it to Night Safari, hopped on the tram and took a ride around the enclosures. It was a good experience for the children. Some of the animals were pretty close to the tram, grazing on the grass or sleeping, and generally ignoring the human visitors. We took a short stroll in the trails, and ended with a Nights of the Creature animal show. Pretty decent stuff and great visitor experience overall. :)
We made it to Night Safari, hopped on the tram and took a ride around the enclosures. It was a good experience for the children. Some of the animals were pretty close to the tram, grazing on the grass or sleeping, and generally ignoring the human visitors. We took a short stroll in the trails, and ended with a Nights of the Creature animal show. Pretty decent stuff and great visitor experience overall. :)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Lactate Threshold & VO2max Tests
Part of the DSO-marathon study required us to undergo a medical screening (to certify that we were in ok shape to partake in the study), and a lactate threshold and VO2max test. My ECG and 2D-echo and battery of blood tests were normal, musculo-skeletal (aka a series of rotations and limb movements) was functioning too. So I showed up at the DSO physio lab. Two army recruits were out on threadmills in the sun, in full combat gear and doing some tests, breathing into face masks. How interesting.
First, I had to do a fat-pinch measurement. The researcher (I think he's German or Swiss) marked litte crosses on my biceps, triceps, waist, quads and calves. Then he had a caliper device to pinch the flesh on those areas and measured them. He repeated 2-3 times.
Next up, lactate threshold treadmill test. I put on a face mask that measured the amount of oxygen intake (or something). The aim was to run for 3min intervals. Every 3min, I would straddle the treadmill while a researcher pricked my little finger to get 2 lactic acid readings, and another upped the speed by 0.5kmh. There was also an exertion chart that I pointed at to indicate the level of hardness of my workout. The aim was to find the point of inflexion where the amount of lactic acid in the body started to spike, a sharp increase. I started at 8.5kmh and gradually went up to 12 or 12.5kmh (can't recall). I think my threshold point was around 11.5/ 12kmh. Then I rested for 15min. On average, I used more oxygen than the previous test candidates. (cos iron deficient)
The last test was VO2max. That involved running on the treadmill at a constant speed, but the elevation would be increased by 1.0 every (I think) 1-2min, until the point of surrender. It was meant to be a tough test, pushed to the limit. The researchers were shouting encouraging remarks throughout the test. I managed to hit 6.0 or 7.0 (didn't see clearly) before cutting the test. At which point I was really huffing and puffing. Whew!
We would not be getting the test results until after the marathon. Can't wait to see what my report card says!
Anyway, off to a quick shower and meet Lee for a belated birthday dinner at Hooha Cafe off Pasir Panjang Village. It was well known for its succulent steak, and it certainly did not disappoint. :)
First, I had to do a fat-pinch measurement. The researcher (I think he's German or Swiss) marked litte crosses on my biceps, triceps, waist, quads and calves. Then he had a caliper device to pinch the flesh on those areas and measured them. He repeated 2-3 times.
Next up, lactate threshold treadmill test. I put on a face mask that measured the amount of oxygen intake (or something). The aim was to run for 3min intervals. Every 3min, I would straddle the treadmill while a researcher pricked my little finger to get 2 lactic acid readings, and another upped the speed by 0.5kmh. There was also an exertion chart that I pointed at to indicate the level of hardness of my workout. The aim was to find the point of inflexion where the amount of lactic acid in the body started to spike, a sharp increase. I started at 8.5kmh and gradually went up to 12 or 12.5kmh (can't recall). I think my threshold point was around 11.5/ 12kmh. Then I rested for 15min. On average, I used more oxygen than the previous test candidates. (cos iron deficient)
The last test was VO2max. That involved running on the treadmill at a constant speed, but the elevation would be increased by 1.0 every (I think) 1-2min, until the point of surrender. It was meant to be a tough test, pushed to the limit. The researchers were shouting encouraging remarks throughout the test. I managed to hit 6.0 or 7.0 (didn't see clearly) before cutting the test. At which point I was really huffing and puffing. Whew!
We would not be getting the test results until after the marathon. Can't wait to see what my report card says!
Anyway, off to a quick shower and meet Lee for a belated birthday dinner at Hooha Cafe off Pasir Panjang Village. It was well known for its succulent steak, and it certainly did not disappoint. :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Recovery Run & Bday Dinner #1
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.
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.
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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Futuring Work in Finland
Meetings in Helsinki were helpfully arranged by Leena Imola, a partner at Fountain Park. She had an on-going project with us in Singapore and helped to set up various meetings within the Finn futuring community - public administration and academics. It was unfortunate that we did not manage to secure meetings with the private companies - many were too coy and humble about their futuring/ foresights efforts. I met with SITRA, TEKES, TEM (Finnish Ministry of Employment and Economy (equivalent of my unit)), Finland Futures Research Centre, and a senior advisor to the Parliamentary Committee for the Future, and some research work done by Fountain Park.
In essence, Finland has a well-entrenched and structure futuring model. It was started by a few champions, who introduced the concept to the government, which was later endorsed into a permanent structure within the Finn Parliamentary system. Their public administration has many trained and qualified futurists, examining and churning out reports on various aspects of society, as directed by the government. Finland also has a growing community of private sector futuring companies/ consultants, and company-based activities supported by various industry associations. The academia and volumes of research work bridges the two sectors, and there is a thriving network of foresights practitioners interacting with one another.
Much of the Finn foresights work focuses on innovation, science and technology. As Leena observed, the Finns' output was largely positive, highlighting opportunities, unlike say UK, which focuses more on risk assessments. Singapore was in some ways similar, looking ahead to the future in search of new opportunities rather than focusing on threats. However, the Finns' futuring perspective was typically more inward-looking (tackling societal issues, integration of S&T with culture, youth values etc), rather than casting a global view.
In essence, Finland has a well-entrenched and structure futuring model. It was started by a few champions, who introduced the concept to the government, which was later endorsed into a permanent structure within the Finn Parliamentary system. Their public administration has many trained and qualified futurists, examining and churning out reports on various aspects of society, as directed by the government. Finland also has a growing community of private sector futuring companies/ consultants, and company-based activities supported by various industry associations. The academia and volumes of research work bridges the two sectors, and there is a thriving network of foresights practitioners interacting with one another.
Much of the Finn foresights work focuses on innovation, science and technology. As Leena observed, the Finns' output was largely positive, highlighting opportunities, unlike say UK, which focuses more on risk assessments. Singapore was in some ways similar, looking ahead to the future in search of new opportunities rather than focusing on threats. However, the Finns' futuring perspective was typically more inward-looking (tackling societal issues, integration of S&T with culture, youth values etc), rather than casting a global view.
Helsinki in 3 Days
http://picasaweb.google.com/simsps/EuropeTripHelsinki29Oct1Nov2008
Helsinki weather was grey and gloomy. Sunshine was 8am to 4pm daily. It was really depressing when it got dark, and cold. The winds were so strong on one night that I had to fight it really hard to walk forward.
So for 3 evenings, all I could do was hit the malls after my meetings ended and it was pitch dark. Luckily most of the shops close at 9pm so there was still life and buzz after office hours (unlike Lucerne, which fell asleep after 6pm). I checked out the shops and compared prices. Things were still expensive, despite the fall in Euro. I had wanted to buy a pair of Oakley snow goggles for mountaineering use, but alas the shop assistants could not find the key to unlock the display cupboard! In the end I got a pair of much cheaper Bolle. I guess they would work as well.
Winter gear was in full display at the shops. I had to greatly resist the temptation to buy yet more winter jackets, of which I would have absolute no use for in Singapore. Zara had nice contemporary designs. Ecco leather boots were more much expensive than in Singapore. And many local and European labels were found in Helsinki.
Food was a nightmare. Cheapest was MacDonalds, seriously. Next was cold sandwich (panini or some baguette bread, with cold cut ham and cheese). Then came kebabs and Chinese takeouts, at least those were hot food. Followed by the dine-in restaurants of course. Finn cuisine was a LOT of smoked everything..... fish was the hot favourite. Due to the cold winters, where things could be kept fresh for a long time, there was little need to use spices to season the food and musk any dour tastes. Rather, put salt or smoke them and they would keep fine.
Thankfully on the last day, the weather cleared up and there was some sunlight. It was nice to feel the warm rays on my face, while the wind blew up a substantial wind chill. Leena took me for a stroll by the coastal marina - I think I had been there before. Well, on my 1st visit to Helsinki, I pretty much walked 20km around the entire city. After she left me for the day, I continued my exploration to familiar sights. I was pleased that I still knew my way around the city. A new place I went to during this trip was a cemetery park by the sea. It was a tranquil place, befitting of an ancestral resting grounds. Today was All Saints' Day - a day to remember ancestors. So all the shops were closed, and there were many observances at various cathedrals. Tombstones were dutifully cleaned, and candles lit. Reluctantly, I ended my stroll in Helsinki. There were still so many lakes and parks to absorb, but it was time to go home.....
Helsinki weather was grey and gloomy. Sunshine was 8am to 4pm daily. It was really depressing when it got dark, and cold. The winds were so strong on one night that I had to fight it really hard to walk forward.
So for 3 evenings, all I could do was hit the malls after my meetings ended and it was pitch dark. Luckily most of the shops close at 9pm so there was still life and buzz after office hours (unlike Lucerne, which fell asleep after 6pm). I checked out the shops and compared prices. Things were still expensive, despite the fall in Euro. I had wanted to buy a pair of Oakley snow goggles for mountaineering use, but alas the shop assistants could not find the key to unlock the display cupboard! In the end I got a pair of much cheaper Bolle. I guess they would work as well.
Winter gear was in full display at the shops. I had to greatly resist the temptation to buy yet more winter jackets, of which I would have absolute no use for in Singapore. Zara had nice contemporary designs. Ecco leather boots were more much expensive than in Singapore. And many local and European labels were found in Helsinki.
Food was a nightmare. Cheapest was MacDonalds, seriously. Next was cold sandwich (panini or some baguette bread, with cold cut ham and cheese). Then came kebabs and Chinese takeouts, at least those were hot food. Followed by the dine-in restaurants of course. Finn cuisine was a LOT of smoked everything..... fish was the hot favourite. Due to the cold winters, where things could be kept fresh for a long time, there was little need to use spices to season the food and musk any dour tastes. Rather, put salt or smoke them and they would keep fine.
Thankfully on the last day, the weather cleared up and there was some sunlight. It was nice to feel the warm rays on my face, while the wind blew up a substantial wind chill. Leena took me for a stroll by the coastal marina - I think I had been there before. Well, on my 1st visit to Helsinki, I pretty much walked 20km around the entire city. After she left me for the day, I continued my exploration to familiar sights. I was pleased that I still knew my way around the city. A new place I went to during this trip was a cemetery park by the sea. It was a tranquil place, befitting of an ancestral resting grounds. Today was All Saints' Day - a day to remember ancestors. So all the shops were closed, and there were many observances at various cathedrals. Tombstones were dutifully cleaned, and candles lit. Reluctantly, I ended my stroll in Helsinki. There were still so many lakes and parks to absorb, but it was time to go home.....
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Over to Helsinki
Sylvia made me breakfast. Sunny-side up eggs! How lovely. Everything was either home-made (organic) or fresh from the farms. The eggs had such nice cheerful runny yellow yolks. The jam was made by Sylvia using her own garden harvest. The butter was made directly in the farm using very fresh ingredients. Drool!
I rushed to the train station thereafter to collect my luggage, and then took a train to the airport for my flight to Helsinki. After much frantic airport shopping and checking in, I made it to the plane. Whew.
The weather was wet and gloomy in Helsinki. I guessed I would not have any chance to jog around the lake on this trip. Sunlight was from 8am - 4pm and it soon turned pitch dark.
I rushed to the train station thereafter to collect my luggage, and then took a train to the airport for my flight to Helsinki. After much frantic airport shopping and checking in, I made it to the plane. Whew.
The weather was wet and gloomy in Helsinki. I guessed I would not have any chance to jog around the lake on this trip. Sunlight was from 8am - 4pm and it soon turned pitch dark.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Back in Zurich
http://picasaweb.google.com/simsps/EuropeTripZurichLucerne2429Oct2008#
I took a train to Zurich after the conference ended. Unfortunately, Sylvia's heating system in the house had broken down - no heated rooms and no hot water shower, and she was apologetic that the place would be cold. Everything that ensued was unplanned. She asked Bob to pick me from the train station. Then Bob took me to the public lockers to deposit my luggage (instead of dragging them around half the town), and we went grocery shopping. He was having a surgery tomorrow and had to buy meals for the next few days. We then took a bus to meet his friends - David and Litas - whom we were having dinner with. They lived in a very very old, conserved apartment building that was built in the 14th century. Even the wooden beams that ran across the ceiling were preserved and very old. The apartment was in the Old Town part of Zurich and very conveniently located to many shops. However, it did not have any lifts. David lived on the highest floor (4th?), so imagine having to lug all the suitcases up and down tiny wooden steps every time they made a trip, which was very very often.
We met Sylvia for dinner at a nice restaurant. All of them knew each other, and belonged to different parts of the funds and banking industry. I sensed a lot of old rich money, and a lifestyle that I merely read about, but was not privy too. Yet they were very humble and down-to-earth people, despite having much wealth and sophisticated tastes for the good life. That night, I left my luggage at the train station (having to return anyway the next morning). I slept on a lamb's wool base padding, put on one of Sylvia's old cashmere sweater, and covered myself with two thick duvets. And I snoozed like a log in the warmth while it rained outside.....
I took a train to Zurich after the conference ended. Unfortunately, Sylvia's heating system in the house had broken down - no heated rooms and no hot water shower, and she was apologetic that the place would be cold. Everything that ensued was unplanned. She asked Bob to pick me from the train station. Then Bob took me to the public lockers to deposit my luggage (instead of dragging them around half the town), and we went grocery shopping. He was having a surgery tomorrow and had to buy meals for the next few days. We then took a bus to meet his friends - David and Litas - whom we were having dinner with. They lived in a very very old, conserved apartment building that was built in the 14th century. Even the wooden beams that ran across the ceiling were preserved and very old. The apartment was in the Old Town part of Zurich and very conveniently located to many shops. However, it did not have any lifts. David lived on the highest floor (4th?), so imagine having to lug all the suitcases up and down tiny wooden steps every time they made a trip, which was very very often.
We met Sylvia for dinner at a nice restaurant. All of them knew each other, and belonged to different parts of the funds and banking industry. I sensed a lot of old rich money, and a lifestyle that I merely read about, but was not privy too. Yet they were very humble and down-to-earth people, despite having much wealth and sophisticated tastes for the good life. That night, I left my luggage at the train station (having to return anyway the next morning). I slept on a lamb's wool base padding, put on one of Sylvia's old cashmere sweater, and covered myself with two thick duvets. And I snoozed like a log in the warmth while it rained outside.....
European Futurist Conference (27-28 Oct 2008)
I spent the last 2 days at the European Futurist Conference in Lucerne, which was the main purpose of my trip. The conference was a good platform to network with interesting futurists from the universities, public adminstration and private companies. Most of them were from Europe, with a handful of us from Asia.
Day 1 of the conference was rather mundane, the only spark being a presentation on The Illicit (Deviant) Economy by Nils Gilman from Monitor Group. The BRIC presentations in the morning, IMHO, were rather superficial and merely sketched an overview of the economies. Perhaps it was because we in Singapore were very familiar with China, India, and to a smaller extent, Brazil and Russia. The sessions could have been better called BRIC 101 instead of offering any keen analytical insights. However, many co-attendees found the BRIC sessions very interesting.
Day 2 was much better. We started with a session on Europe consumers 2030 and their perceptions on values, products, income, education, security and so forth. The survey results were tracked by European countries. I got the sense that whilst Europeans were aware (and acknowledged) the fast growth of developing countriest, the competitive threat was less imminent than what we feel in Singapore (being in the hotspot of Chinese and Indian growth). There was a certain 'yes I know China products are everywhere, but I'm not overly concerned about the rise of Chinese economy'. This confidence (or misplaced nonchalance?) was also felt strongly when I chatted with some Swiss bankers. They were very certain that there was no way China or India would overtake Europe (Switzerland) for many years to come. Those economies, in their view, had a lot more to learn and catch up in terms of quality of growth and products and services, before surpassing Europe.
Day 2 also saw some practical sharing of foresights work in established companies. Of particular mention was the presentation by Bayers Materials AG, and how it continuously used foresights research to innovate new products. Google shared on its innovation culture (the 20% free development time, hard-nosed evaluation by numbers, peer-based reviews). Those steps were well-documented in HBR articles, so nothing new there. What was interesting, though, was that Google managed to re-create the same innovation culture in Switzerland/ Europe, as that in Mountain View, USA.
Day 1 of the conference was rather mundane, the only spark being a presentation on The Illicit (Deviant) Economy by Nils Gilman from Monitor Group. The BRIC presentations in the morning, IMHO, were rather superficial and merely sketched an overview of the economies. Perhaps it was because we in Singapore were very familiar with China, India, and to a smaller extent, Brazil and Russia. The sessions could have been better called BRIC 101 instead of offering any keen analytical insights. However, many co-attendees found the BRIC sessions very interesting.
Day 2 was much better. We started with a session on Europe consumers 2030 and their perceptions on values, products, income, education, security and so forth. The survey results were tracked by European countries. I got the sense that whilst Europeans were aware (and acknowledged) the fast growth of developing countriest, the competitive threat was less imminent than what we feel in Singapore (being in the hotspot of Chinese and Indian growth). There was a certain 'yes I know China products are everywhere, but I'm not overly concerned about the rise of Chinese economy'. This confidence (or misplaced nonchalance?) was also felt strongly when I chatted with some Swiss bankers. They were very certain that there was no way China or India would overtake Europe (Switzerland) for many years to come. Those economies, in their view, had a lot more to learn and catch up in terms of quality of growth and products and services, before surpassing Europe.
Day 2 also saw some practical sharing of foresights work in established companies. Of particular mention was the presentation by Bayers Materials AG, and how it continuously used foresights research to innovate new products. Google shared on its innovation culture (the 20% free development time, hard-nosed evaluation by numbers, peer-based reviews). Those steps were well-documented in HBR articles, so nothing new there. What was interesting, though, was that Google managed to re-create the same innovation culture in Switzerland/ Europe, as that in Mountain View, USA.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Spin & Pilates
I went to F's again to massage my knee. I was hoping and hoping that it was not the dreaded ITB. Actually, I was not sure, it was purely my own diagnosis and guess-timates. F wanted to bandage the knee with medicated cream, but I wanted to go for RPM. I guessed I was not going to heed his protests against my spinning tonight. I was going for a short weekend trip, with lots of food and sleep and no workouts. I just had to spin.
Andrew took the RPM class this evening at ORQ. I had missed so many of my regular RPM Challenge classes (extra 10min workout). :( Good to see Tommy at the class too. Andrew rode his roadie to the gym. Nice piece of carbon! Then I stayed on for Pilates. Might as well condition and stretch more since I could not run. Could not recall all the poses and stretches we did, but it felt like a good stretch. Maybe I should do it more often. My flexibility was horrendous.
Andrew took the RPM class this evening at ORQ. I had missed so many of my regular RPM Challenge classes (extra 10min workout). :( Good to see Tommy at the class too. Andrew rode his roadie to the gym. Nice piece of carbon! Then I stayed on for Pilates. Might as well condition and stretch more since I could not run. Could not recall all the poses and stretches we did, but it felt like a good stretch. Maybe I should do it more often. My flexibility was horrendous.
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