Tokyo Marathon 2016

A race that I’m sure I will remember in years to come.

Race preparation begun when the Tokyo Lottery opened in Aug 2015. Third time applying for this race, and third time lucky. Results were announced in September 2015 and when I got the email that I got a slot in mid September, I registered for it immediately. ( Of cos I won't miss this opportunity isn't it. 360,000 people applying for 35,000 slots. ) Heard so much positive reviews about it and being one of the World Majors Marathon, I was superbly hyped up about it. Immediately started planning for the trip.

After evaluating my own fitness at that point of time (Sept 2015), decided that a Sub 4 should be attainable if I put my full efforts into it. Did my first Full Marathon when I was 18 yrs old, but seriously, this is the first time ever I've committed myself to a full marathon training. Going or a world major in a perfectly cooling weather, how can I not aim for a PB right? Anyhow, I set sight on a training plan I found online, a 16 weeks plan by Asics and the official training period will begin in November.

9th Nov was the first day of my 16 week plan, and although the first week mileage was supposed to be manageable, I was aching by the end of the first week, feeling the full intensity of it. 5 days a week, with mileage starting from 38k to 70k a week, I wonder to myself if I could sustain through this. Would I have enough rest, would I last the distance? Thankfully, by the end of 2nd week, my body started getting used to it and I was feeling better. And so I followed through the training day by day, without missing a single training for the first 6 weeks.

The major difference in this training plan from all of my previous training is the amount of speed work it involves. In general, there is 1 x speed training, 1 x Tempo, 1 x slow jog , 1 x easy run, 1 x LSD a week. The speed work and tempo involved really did help and I feel this is the major difference that eventually help me obtained my target.

Throughout the 16 weeks, it was plagued by numerous work travel, holidays ( x'mas, new year, CNY, ) and as much as possible, I tried to limit the disturbance to my training plan. Flew into KL in the morning 7am, and fly out by 8pm to come back for a run. If I can't I will make sure I brought my shoes along and complete my run in the hotel gym instead. Missed minimal training, and I must say consistency is really the key.

1 major incident happened just 1 week before the race. I had a stye on my lower right eye lid, and it was so swollen with pus that it hurts. Dr advised me to wait it out, but I insisted on it being cut and drained. That's the only way I can continue to race I guess. Thankfully, after enduring much pain, and rested for 3 days, I got well enough to fly.

And with the stye out of the way, we flew into Tokyo 2 days before the race on Friday morning. Landing at Tokyo Narita airport, immediately could feel the cooling temperature of 6 degrees. First thought was .... am I REALLY running in this temperature.. Can I really run in my prepared attire?

With barely 2hrs of sleep on the flight, we got our adrenaline pumped-up and we did a full day of sight seeing around Tokyo, ending with a carbo loading dinner with the Singapore Contingent. A friendly bunch of running enthusiast, being taken care of by the 2 wonderful host, Makiko and John. Thanks so much for making us feel welcome. =)

D-Day -1 (Day before Race day)

At the Friendship Run 2016.. It was all Fun Fun Fun !!

The next day begun with a Friendship run ( 5km, meant for family and friends of runners ) The race starting time was about the same as the race itself, and I went out with lin to have some fun, bask in the fun atmosphere. Temperature was expected to be the same for race day and it was the perfect opportunity to try out my intended race day attire. Cold before the start of the run, but once the run begins, it felt comfortable and that gave me the confidence to just go with my short compression top and long tights. Met some nice runners from Malaysia and Taiwan along the way too! Would recommend first timers to join this event as it's a good way to explore the finishing area and get some ideas on where to meet up after the race.

There after, we went to the race expo to collect the race pack. My goodness, the scale is HUGE... I’m sure you can spend several hours shopping there if you want to.

Here I come Tokyo Marathon 2016..

Race day

 Just before the Baggage Deposit... all eager to go..

Race begin at 9am, and since the start point is walking distance from the hotel, I only woke up at 7am. Temperature in the morning was at a cool 6 degrees. Had my breakfast with coffee before I slowly strolled to the starting point. I was in for a bit of surprise when I went into the runners zone though. There are demarcated entry points for runners with different expected finishing time. ( I registered under 4hrs, and so being given a bib that start with F.) and I'm only allowed to enter only via GATE 4. It was ONE BIG round to the other side of the starting pan, since the center area were all blocked. Once I entered the runner's zone, had to look for the Baggage deposit vehicle, which was hard to find if you don't read Japanese. After asking several volunteers, one finally pointed me to the correct place and I was left with 5 minutes to get it deposited AND get to the starting pan. The cut off time for the entrance to the entry pan closes at 8.15am, and if you miss it, you have to begin at the back of the pack. Not the ideal way to start a race where I'm aiming for a PB. So I rushed and chiong to the starting pan just in time at 8.13am. (Strongly recommend you to go there early next time)

45mins to start of the race, that's really a bit long to wait under the cold weather. Luckily, I had my poncho on, which helped quite a bit, and mingling within the crowd does help to keep some warmth. Did some stretching to keep the muscles warm and was actually a good time to mentally run through the race. Looking around aimlessly, found many anxious looking faces. Everybody seem to be in deep thoughts.

15mins before the race, the race organizers started introduction of the elite runners and played some songs where many of the participants sang along ( I suppose it's their national Anthem). All the announcements were made in Japanese and many foreigners like me were lost. Except the occasional English word, it was all but @#(*@#@. haha.. Not that it affects anything, but it would have been good if there were some translation.

Shortly after that, they flagged off the wheel chair category first. And 5 mins later they flagged off the much anticipated Marathon category.

PHEEE!!!!!!!!

As we run past the starting point...

Finally the race I've been waiting for begins! As the huge crowd slowly move towards the start point, I begin my run 7mins behind gun time. around 0917H.

Here I go !

As expected, first 2-3km of the race was packed with people, and the pacing was affected. (Intended race pace was 5:25-5:30 min/km) Looking at my garmin, I clocked 3.6km and was on pace... but to my horror, I saw the 3k distance marker slightly in front of me and I'm actually 90s behind time! This doesn't sound a lot, but imagine if every 3km there is an extra 600m for me to run at this pace, I will be more than 15mins behind time by the end of the race! And so, to makeup for lost time I up-ed my pace to 5:15, hoping to crawl back the 90s by the 10km mark.

10km

 Focused on the timing, I didn't even notice the camera man

56.02. As I pass by each distance marker, I check my garmin and the distance seems to be slowly growing away from it. ( At 10km distance marker, it was 10.7km on garmin). But good thing was, I managed to crawl back the lost time by 9km mark and I'm actually ahead of time at the 10km mark! ( 56.02 instead of 57.00min ). Feeling comfortable with the pace, I carried on with it.

20km

Passing the 20k mark was a joy... we are erm.. half way there... (almost)

1:51.00 , the time I went past the 20km mark, 3mins ahead of time. Still feeling fresh. I know today is a good day and I'm right on course. Spirits are high and I continue with the same pacing.

Course was scenic, with a zillion of supporters cheering you from start to the end, the experience was amazing.. really... every single meter of the route was lined with supporters and they cheer you along even when they don't know you. It's unlike Singapore visitors, only cheering for their own friends. The Japanese supporters make you feel welcomed and gives you that extra 10% motivation force. The most cheered on runners were those who were in Mario, beer, minion mascots,etc. The supporters screamed whenever one runs past them. The feeling is surreal.

30km

Passing the 30km mark in high spirits

 

2:46.05. By now, I'm 5mins ahead of time and I was actually calculating if it's possible to do a 3:50 race. 12km in 1hr 3mins is do-able, but not sure if I want to risk jeopardizing my sub 4 hrs plan. Decided to hold it off for a while just in case I hit the wall. True enough around 32km mark, legs start to feel the fatigue, and the lack of mileage from the last few weeks of training started getting to me. Though pace was still sustained, I had to put in more efforts to maintain it. Weather was getting a little hot though, with the sun out in full force, 13 degrees felt really warm to run in.

 

Spotted the camera man and I ran towards him.. hahaha

35km

This is where they always say, in marathon, this is where the race really begins. I started feeling tightness in my right shin, right hamstring and left calf. Worried that it will become a full blown cramp, I took in more isotonic drinks and grabbed the supporter's Salonpas spray and spammed it on my legs. Slowed down the pace slightly, ( 5.40 / km), hopefully will recover within 1-2km.

Oh ya. at this point, there were supporters offering Matcha swiss roll, mochi, coke, bananas. I randomly grabbed a cup, and it contained a warm Azuki soup ! My goodness, how shiok is that. You can't imagine the pleasant surprise I had when I drank it. Shiokkk.....

38km

The pain is shown all over the face...

Blah.. the cramp was almost getting to me and I had to come to a stop to do a stretch. Luckily I stretched it in time before it got full blown. ( my cramp can get so bad I can't even walk ). Had a good stretch of ~1min and I slowly jog back into pace. At this point of time, I was really screaming to myself, "Come on... just 4km. don't let this happen to me, I’m almost there”

Thankfully, managed to pull it off and the cramps went away after a while. At the same time, there were a few slopes to battle with. Yes, consecutive 4 slopes to battle at 38km, which doesn't bode well with tiring legs... one step at a time, one slope after another and I'm one step closer to the finishing line.

Onwards I move..

40km

Passing the historic 40km mark... running.. I know it's close....

3:43:23. I know I got this in the bag already. Although I lost 2 mins in the last 5km, I know I will finish it under 4hrs, even if I have to brisk walk finish in 16mins. I saw a photographer by the side and I ran towards him, punching in the air. lol ! Spirit is high and you can feel it in the air. Everybody around me was upping their pace for the final stretch. Hooha!

Hooha !!

41km

Heard my beloved darling shouting for me. A pleasant surprise and a much needed motivation during this last stretch. I shouted back " I'm on target!! " as I trod forward, inching towards the finish line.

4.... I'm coming in under 4.....

42.195km

Really happy I completed it !

3:55:25 . My official time and an official PB. As I ran along the final 100m of the course, I was rather emotional, as I think back the past 16 weeks of training, the sacrifices. It was all worth it. I had finally broken the 4hrs mark.

Look at the crowd that completed before me...

A sub 4hr marathon timing isn't impressive, especially to all the season runners, but to me it is a good timing, for I'm never really into marathons and this is the first time I've fully committed to a training program focused on running only. For sure, the training program work and I obtained my Personal best with some capacity still left in my body. I could have probably went a bit faster, but this training program made me realise how much I miss triathlon training and racing. I still prefer multi-sports. =P and I will head back to 70.3 after this.

Joy is overwhelming...

Special thanks to all my training buddies, joining me and following my pace for many many many of my training runs. Chen Qifeng, Alvin Low, Leon Soh, Miaowen Tay, TC, you guys were awesome, as always.

Thank you my dear..

It's never being easy training for races, and as a age grouper who doesn't have the luxury of time, having a supportive family is supremely important. I'm really blessed to have a supportive wife who caters to my training needs, eating with me after runs, joining me for some 11pm late night runs and understanding my need for early night rest during weekends especially. (Every Sunday is LSD, starting from 6am). Not forgetting waking up early on race day to brace the cold with me to the starting point, running around to catch me pass by the route just for that 15s, and then find her way in a foreign land to meet me after the race. Really, it's not easy supporting a race. ( Can Let me experience supporting you for a race too?! =p ) I Can never express my gratitude enough. Thank you Lin Tay. Thank you for your unconditional love and support.

On an ending note, I really enjoyed this Tokyo Marathon 2016, little wonders why it's being listed as one of the World Majors. For anybody who wants a race with awesome atmosphere, I would strongly recommend you to try your luck and ballot for a slot!

Good luck !!

 

Day 11 of Tokyo Marathon Training

I've officially started my Tokyo Marathon training. 16 weeks plan to get me to sub 4hrs. An aim I've been only dreaming about, not really getting down to doing it. The closest I came to achieving that was 2014 Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I was affected by an injury.

 

Anyway, 11 days into the training, I've obediently trained according to the plan, not missing a day. it's 5 days training a week, and the amount of speed work involved has been something new for me. I've never done so much speed work for a Marathon training. Let's see how it goes.



11 days so far, and my legs are feeling it. I can feel the difference in power and aerobic improvement, also, I've done more mileage in the past 11 days than what I've being doing for the past 5 months... So ya.. I've been too slack ... and now is payback time. The last race that I really get down to training so seriously was probably NZ IM . 2012 Nov to 2013 Feb. Now, 3 years of slacking later... I'm reviving that determination of mine...

 

Keep going ZY. I can do it!

 

And hooray.. today is Friday. REST day..

Stupidity is how you perceive

Thinking that you are the cleverest and everybody else is stupid is really a bad way to talk to your staff. It is full of disrespect and degrading. I hate it.

So if you can make that reference to everybody else, it simply means you will be making the same comment about me, in front of others. To begin with, if you believe all your staffs are stupid, then you are the stupid one that employed them in the first place. Otherwise, you have made them stupid over time.

I am throwing in the towel and don't think I'm the one to bring the company another step forward. My heart is already not here.... compounded with all the remarks, which are uncalled for. Never one who cares much about authority, I care about respect. basic human respect. I am not putting up against this.

Will still carry out the tasks that I'm supposed to be doing, but having Km in the post will not change anything. Contradictory instructions and remarks sucks. Worst if it's different ideology.

Lucky today is Friday. Looking forward to my whisky tonight..

Step towards my passion

Today, is an important day, a day which I will take a step forward in preparing myself for my next career transition. Reading up on the roles and tasks of a consultant in a consulting firm, not only can I see myself in that role, I can see myself enjoy doing that.

Problem solving, analytical, enjoy numbers, enjoy cracking puzzles, everything that I enjoy doing in one package. Yes. This is the one that I shall prepare myself for.

Honestly, reading up on the expected tasks, the preparation required, I'm intimidated. Intimidated to the extent I feel I'm not ready to apply for it till I have much more experience. I will do it. I will go for it.

Make it happen.

5 years.. it's being 5 years since I've started working and I'm still on my first job. It's being on my mind for the past 3 years that I should be moving on and trying out different industry, but each time there is something that is pulling me back. Now, there doesn't seem to be any real reason in office to hold me back... I am holding myself back... 

I have changed much over the years.... not for the better though. Looking back on the days in my Sec school, JC, Army, Uni, I seem to have been exceptionally self motivated and driven. After 5 yrs here, I believe I have lost a huge chunk of that. Is that really a cause of me being stagnant for too long? I have progressed in this company, but plateau-ed for the past 2 years and I'm on the decline.. Sinking into a deeper hole as each day passes. Looking at how some of my friends have progressed, I wonder what am I doing.... 

I feel neglected... I feel un-cared for at times... there is an emotional void in me now... which is becoming more prominent. Independent yes.. but when you get forgotten over time for things that you feel important... the feeling sucks. It makes you thing, am I really that un-important? I mean you try to be understanding, sometimes really busy, sometimes really forgot.... but if it's really important, efforts would be made to make sure it happens. Like I said before, if it's that important to you, you will make sure you remember it.. and you put in some efforts to it. 

Perhaps, the love language is different.. perhaps the way of expression is different.. perhaps.... but how will you find out if even prompting and hinting several times, the action is not being taken up to improve on it... or even attempt to look at it.. are all my messages all so un-important? 

People say, the person you love the most tends to be the one that hurts you the most... cos even the effect of a minor thing might be amplified 10x cos words coming out from the person is worth 10x more. 

I am unhappy... Sinking into a whole of virtual reality recently, where I can control my own world... where I can control what I wanna do.. Do I really want to just game myself all the time? Not really, but I guess that's where I find relieve at the moment, without the channels being changed, without the loudness being complained too loud... 

Understanding... I try to be one ... and maybe that's what is causing me to be like this now, sometimes at the expense of keeping it to myself for too long... I feel entrapped. Communication... they say is the most important... that is something that is not done very well lately... Never being a believer of drastic actions as I believe many things can be resolved gradually, if there's a will... 

Perhaps it's time for me to do some drastic actions... I'm tired.. I'm getting drained... my energy level as zy, is not the same zy I know of. Even personality tests tell me so...  

no in between

A down day.. Don't even know what I did to deserve that cold treatment. Not being a good day at work and not a single thing was asked.
Its not that its that bad but still its just bothersome...

Not usually one that crave for attention. I dun need it literally. But mutual respect is important.

Work is not a nice place and what I've been promised is not what I've being getting. Is it cos I'm not performing up to what you expect me to? Or is it simply cos you just can't trust me enough to let go ? Or is it you just can't let go to begin with. I've said this a lot of times. There's only trust or no trust. No in between. Agree that trust is something that you earn and its not a given. But I believe that with responsibility, comes trust. To begin with, if you don't trust me, don't get me involved. Don't give me such hopes n expectations.

I take full ownership of my actions and I am responsible for what I do. Don't leave me to clear rubbish that you do halfway and then judge me on that.

I'm coming with a heavy heart not defeated but disheartened. The drive and the spark in me seem to have gone off. N I'm having some difficulty relighting it. Is it the people ? Is it the culture ? Or is it simply you? I think its a combination of few factors.

Perhaps time is up n I should not waste more time. Fair or not ? I have given you what I could over the period of time, often to my best ability with zero or little guidance. I leave u to judge yourself. But I can account for myself at the very least.

It is a recurring problem which I feel is so deeply rooted that its not within my control to make the difference.. Or rather I'm not keen in it. I have no feelings for any of them nor am I keen on restarting it. Its just dead. No chance no interest no way..

Making it sound so sad... Right..

What is right? What is wrong?

So much things happening lately..

Wondering when will the call come in. I'm really hoping that it will...

My mood has been really down of late. Situation is not being helped with lin's dad severely ill in hospital. Past 3 nights have been spent at the hospital, keeping her company. It is tough, facing such a life changing situation, and me being not too good with consoling words or actions, all I can do was to be there for her. keeping her company knowing that I'm there.

Life is unpredictable.. most say.... but sometimes it is predictable.. it is just a matter of time. It's a very thin line to draw between wanting to do the best for your loved ones.. vs doing the best what you think is the right thing. Really how much is enough? How much should we then say no? What is exactly the right thing to do? When we see someone overspending or eating the wrong food, what do we do ? We stop them and tell them that's not the correct way to do it. you should blah blah blah... What about handling of a life? What do you do when you see someone insisting treatment only to prolong the pain? Enduring more pain n misery in the process. Is that really the right thing to do? Why are we not tolerating that in other things, but tolerating that when it comes to handling of life? Is life very much more acceptable as a reason and it overrides everything else?

Morally, what is right? what is acceptable? Will you feel guilty because you did not try your best? Or should you feel guilty in making the person face more pain? Of cos there's no right or wrong here.. I just feel it's really really difficult to make a choice here. Respecting ones decision and knowing when that should stop... cos like all decisions, not all decisions made is correct. And you don't allow the person to do everything as they wish ... right?

I'm not in the position to say anything about it now... and I feel I shouldn't.. I have always being a less than empathetic person and saying this out now isn't going to help much. I can only blog it down over here and let my thots flow into the air..

I do have feelings. And more often than not, it's being kept within and prevented from showing. Not expressive in my emotions paints a picture of me being less "caring" . Everyone has different ways of showing concern and I don't think crying is the only way to do it. I just don't exhibit it that way. In moments of crisis, I am able to make decision that is less suayed by emotions and I think that's a strength. That has always being a part of me.. Really.... not showing doesn't mean I don't care... I just have a stronger heart for such things. Hope you understand...

That aside.. telling me that I will be taking up more responsibilities and asking me to go on a conference to Zurich.. Seriously... can you time it better? Do you have a sensor / tracker on me? Why does it always happen when I'm at the trough? Must it come in only when I'm really deep deep down? I am not keen in the position or whatever responsibilities.. Zurich free trip, of cos I will go if the call doesnt' come in by then.. but I seriously hope I will not be going ..... cos I'm on my way out of here...

Decision is made

The time is here...

It has been way too long since I have been thinking about it and now is right to execute it.

Sometimes you just have to take the chance and take the plunge. The future is uncertain, but if you don't try, you will never know and it will always be status quo. Is it worthwhile? Is it regrettable? No idea.. I will know in due time.

For now, there are many things that I feel regretful with, in particular one aspect. It was a moment of folly followed by many many more moments which resulted in an irreversible state. It is perhaps the most regretful thing I have ever done my whole life and I couldn't face it. Running away from it isn't the best option.. I know... unfortunately that seem to be the best scenario. Instead of walking on and stepping further into the grey, I guess stepping clear and remove all possibility might save much further dilemma. 

I am truly sorry and there was never one moment that was was meant for a ride. Really. never.. in life, sometimes choice has to be made and I have made mine.. I will have to follow up with my actions and commit to it. I hope all is clear and let's move on from here...

Garfield run

Had a really fun run last Saturday, 19 July 2014.
Signed up for the Garfield run and totally enjoyed myself. Being a childhood fan of garfield, I was buoyed when I saw the run available for registration. Registered for it almost immediately.

The run was more like a carnival. Taking of photos, drinking from Milo van, (BEST), eating ice cream. and 99% of the people in bright orange garfield tee. hahaha... begun the run slightly late, looking around just enjoying the atmosphere. Would say this is the most fun run I've ever had. Totally no stress, first run with A dear as husband and wife. =)

Revival of Zee blog

After nearly 2 years. I've decided to revive this space here. Probably cos it seems to be the avenue where I can pen down some of my thoughts freely.

So what has happened over the past 2 yrs since my last entry?

Some of the major happenings.
1. Posted back to Singapore in 2012, STILL working with THSC.
2. Got into some troubled heart matters in 2013.
3. Proposed to Lin on 27 Feb 2013.
4. Completed my first Ironman race in Taupo, NewZealand on 8 Mar 2013.
5. Went for a holiday with family and had a splendid time in Feb 2014.
6. Got my Personal Best in HK marathon on 13 Feb 2014.
7. Tied the knots with Lin on 15 Jun 2014.
8. Staying in together since.
9. Lin's dad constant battle with multiple myeloma seem to be back and hunting the whole family.
10. Searching for new job.

Guess this 10 points summarised my 2 years.

Ups and downs, and there are some things that really bothered me but just couldn't tell anybody. Feeling so bottled up at times. Personal space is so hard to find in this current world. Perhaps I will find some here..

It's 1.41 am. And I am here.. there can only be one reason..

Sometimes there are just things you can't say and you live with a heavy heart feeling so bottled up. The feeling sucks. REALLY sucks.

I have not felt so troubled for a very long time. I just can't believe that I've gotten myself into this mess. Is it really worth it? You will never know. There's always some opening that results in things happening. I always believe it's seldom one way. But sure there's more to it ? I seriously never expected this to happen. Never.. ever..

So much things have been happening over the past yr that has perhaps changed a little inside me. I no longer find the joy in chatting with people with different wave length. Well, not that I use to enjoy it, but I would at least entertain and hang around.. now, I would rather have some quiet time feeling that it's just not worthwhile spending my limited time there.

Sis has commented that I'm keeping very critical. And I actually agree. I get more frustrated by people's action and when a perception of a person sets in, that person is screwed basically. I will always doubt the person. It's not healthy and it shouldn't be the way. I know.. but it just so happens and I observed it recently. Am I going to change it? I don't know.. that's not the main concern at the moment.

My mood has been really flactuating over the past few months and it seldom really goes high up. Too be honest, I can't remb the last time it did happened. What was it? The job that has been molding me for the past 2 yrs has successfully molded me in a way that I can appear perfectly normal to others while deep down, it really isn't the case.

I don't know where I am heading at the moment. My personal confidence level is at a trough, emotionally at a trough.. my weight is nearly at the high. I don't find job in doing most of the things I'm doing now.. It has become more of a routine / necessary things to do rather than enjoying it.
Bridge? Nope, just playing it.. liking is not the same as before.
Triathlon ? Just wishing to complete my NZIM, training for the sake of training at the moment.
Diabo ? Nope. Just playing cos I got nothing else to do and I've finished reading the news.
Pool? Nope. Can play, but don't find particular joy in just potting the ball for no reason.
Diving? Nope. Though it relaxes the mind the thought of making a trip and spending so much turns me off.
Travelling? Not really keen at the moment. Not as adventurous as before.

Really.. Is there ANYTHING that can spice me up just a little ? Really. I need something ...

Is it cos of the age? That I'm simply just getting older and more mundane?

Perhaps the most scary part is I am choosing not to meet people. Rather be alone.

Alone..

Is it bothering so much so that I have no joy in all other things? Nobody can tell me this.. I know it's a issue I have to face myself.. and really. myself.. You just can't tell anybody.. it's disturbing.. it sure is..

Cross road

Perhaps it's time.. The time has drawn closer and closer..

I feel that I'm not performing in my role as well as I wanted to. Perhaps it's because of the team that I inherited doesn't feel like working for me or perhaps it's because I'm not that experienced yet. I feel it's a combination of both.

It's in a mess right now and the management is not exactly providing the correct advice / guidance. Leaving us to act on it ourselves. It's a lot of free play, that's good. But with conflicting instructions it makes it tough.

I have lost quite a bit of confidence ever since I came to KL, and it's the knowledge that you know that little makes you feel inadequate. In the world so big, there's always so much you can know. How much more you wish to learn is up to yourself. With someone who you can look up to and learn speeds up the whole process so much more.

Pathing the road for the future is what we all plan to do. It's time for me to plan my next step.

Just a moment, that's all you require

Just a moment. That's all it takes..

Just that short moment is all it takes to change a lot of things, be it completing something simple like playing a game, answering to your mum's call to do something, or something as complex as deciding whether to make an important decision that may affect one's life. It's just that split second that's going to make all the difference.

We've all got this mighty power in our hands and it depends on how you want to utilise it. However, there are times where you can't control it fast enough and you may just regret it from happening. It has happened and so what can you do next? Regret? Carry on? Live with a guilt?

It's all about life decisions. No answer for that. It's all your choice.

It sucks when you have things but you can't say, it sucks even more when you have to keep it all to yourself knowing that it's not good to let anybody else know.

There are things that you can share, but there are some that you know will have consequences if you do. Not even on an online blog, where it's evidence for others to view. Privacy is not present unless it's kept within your own mind. Only there can it be safe, where no one else can access it. But it sucks that you can't even discuss it openly. Whether it's right or wrong, you have to base it on your own judgement. I feel pretty bogged down and restricted.

I have been killing off so much of my friends and contacts, because of the current situation. No social media appearance by me except on skype, what's app as it's private messages. I've drifted so far that it's almost none significant anymore. It's a risk I took, and is it worth it? I don't know now, perhaps I'll know it 2 years down the road. Use to be one that is known to be sociable. Now? Anti-social more like it. I talk lesser now, and I attend lesser of those gatherings. I can put up a front to chat with people, but honestly, I don't enjoy big group gatherings cos it's all too cliche, all too fake.

Many people have move on and found a job, with some friends still in their degree related jobs. But mostly they are changing out of the field. It's true. One seldom stays in their choice of study as what you study is not exactly the same as what you apply. However, most people don't dare to venture too far, due to the "I don't think I know the stuff" mentality. Except some particular jobs where specific knowledge is required, I believe we can fill in the boots of another job easier than what we thought, IF we put in the effort to learn. Job opportunities are there for us. Look for somethign that you like and enjoy, and not just something that you go earn $. It becomes meaningless.

At this very moment, with everyday of my stay in KL, my alone-ism is getting stronger day by day, and I can feel my character growing in that direction. I'm getting stronger in terms of making decisions and I'm getting even more independent. Well, that's the nice way of putting things, the other side of it would be I'm getting more loner and particular about what I want in work. In my position, there's a need to be and when no one dares to make a decision, I just have to do it, and be responsible for it. That's just how it is. At the end of the day it's all about decisions, good or bad, depends on which side you are standing on.

Everything happens for a reason, and I believe that it's always an opportunity to be explored in every dire situation. Now that there is mass resignation coming along, it's time for me to bring in my own warriors who will battle it out together with me. Changes happen and it's good to have new blood, all eager and hungry for more. When things have stagnate for too long, it's never healthy. People get complacent and lazy.

I fancy the challenge I'm getting at work now but at the same time, I don't particularly enjoy parts of my work as I don't see the true value in it. Knowing that part I do plays a big role in the direction of how the sales performance will be gives me motivation to push on, but it's not my fonte and it just doesn't feel right. Honestly, I don't think this is the path I want to take in the long term. I'll learn what I can at the moment and see how I can utilise the skills I acquire.

4th time BTO balloting failed. What luck I have. I really wanted to settle down and have a place for myself, but HDB isn't helping by giving me all this rubbish ballot. Is it a sign for me to hold on? Is it a sign to tell me think twice ? Whatever. Life still goes on and I'll continue my search for another home again. Perhaps I'll continue staying in KL for long.. that's a possibility. I'm enjoying my time here in KL at the moment. Life is pretty good. Just how much you want to spend actually.

Happy CNY

Happy Chines New Year !

Usually CNY is a busy period due to the high volume of visiting that I have to cover. To make things even better, I'm in KL, to travel back to SG for visiting takes up even more time. Travelling up and down the highway for the festive period is tiring. So little time to visit so many relatives.. not mentioning friends. Only managed to squeeze out an hour to visit Lin's family on CNY eve.

Anyway, less the hectic schedule so far it's being okay. The CNY mood seems to have tapered down significantly as you grow older. Not much hype on the Hong Bao, not much hype on the gambling that you can play. New year goodies are just as per usual, only a few nice ones. What's so special about CNY now? To me, I truly understand the use of reunion dinner.

Reunion dinner is especially meaningful for me this year as my sis n her hubby came back from HK and I came back from KL to have our meals together. When everyone is away and they make a special effort to come back and gather together, I think that's what makes it special. Prior to this, we see each other daily, have regular family meals and honestly, reunion dinner doesn't hold that much significance. Now that we're all over the place, being able to come back for a meal together makes it special. Chatting over the table, sharing what has happened in each of our individual life while savouring the tasty home-cooked meal. Yums.

This Dragon year is said to be a not so good year for the tiger. ROAR! Hear the tiger ROAR ! Tigers be wary of yourself and surroundings and don't get caught off-guard. Let's make it a fruitful and rewarding year ahead !!

HUAT ARH !!

Company training in Awana Genting

Much has happened over the past 2 weeks. Dear came over on 11th night and accompanied me till 14th. In the midst of our busy schedule, we still manage to find time for each other.. As I always say, it's all up to individual effort and what you priortise. I love you dear.. =)

On 14th night itself, there's a company trip to Awana-Genting. Drove up there and met the colleagues from SG as well. It was a nice meet up with them. It's always nice to see familar faces who you're comfortable with. Training in Awana was okay, just a little taxing as it was a full 2.5days of training. At the end of it, there was a test and we were ranked with the results being read out individually from lowest to highest. Many of the lowest scorer were kinda expected staffs on my Msia side and as expected, SG staff mostly scored much better. I got 2nd, just 1 question behind Wendy. And I think we rightfully got 1st and 2nd. She's now the NTT trainer, and I'm the Msia in-charge. It gives us much more credibility when we're required to teach other ppl/ or in my case manage them.

We did better than all the other university Audiologist, and it speaks a lot about their quality. (some were top students) Never had there be a test that we did together, and from the past till now, there has always been a feeling that they don't respect us that much because we're HCC, and they're Audiologist, who are supposed to know it better. But this test shows it all otherwise, that we can be better than them and it's all up to individual efforts. Honestly, I didn't even study for it and I barely wrote down any notes. It was purely base on listening while the trainer was giving lecture. To understand concept is more important than writing down notes but not understanding. I'm glad that I did well and in turn, got a 1 day off. haha.. what a bonus. Thinking how I will spend this bonus off day..

Anyway, there are many failures in the test and they are all the "lao jiao". To find all sorts of excuses and other blames instead of thinking how to improve their own knowledge is such a loser mentality. You fail the test, you study harder.. don't blame others.

Internal rivalry is always present and it can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing.. it can create a positive competition between those who strive for the best yet at the same time it can create jealously and gossips. a one-sided skewing of results due to the different mental capacity and they say we're lucky / bias. Come on.. why is there a need to worry about all these if you're really there. Only when you can't make the cut do you complain.

I've being in the country for a period of time and I've seen enough of their attitude. Only a portion of them are much more motivated and self driven. There's a reason to why the country isn't progressing that much. It takes a lot of effort to get things done. But that's how the system is and I've just gotta get use to it and find a way around it.. The only thing I doesn't want to be involved is under table money. That's a principle that I will not cross.. Be honest and transparent is my principle. I've still got lots to learn... It's a long journey ahead.

Another month in KL

Time flies too fast..

My Dec was too busy, too pack too fast.. I had so little time to do anything else other than travelling.

Within this short one month, I drove from
KL - Ipoh - Penang - Alor Setar - Klang - KL -> 1400km
KL - Kuantan - Terengganu - Kuantan - KL -> 1100km
KL - Ipoh - Penang -> 700km
KL - JB -> 700km

KL - SG -> 3 times.

I'm on the road EVERY other day. It's kinda tiring. So much appraisal to do, so much stuff to roll out.. So much politics to handle in the office as well. I hate office politics, if possible, I would like to eradicate it altogether but that's not possible, realistically.

Travelling is part of my job, since there are so many branches all over Malaysia. The only place I've yet to be is Kota Kinabalu. Looking forward to have a visit there, hopefully can include in a diving trip as well.

Other than the hectic work that kept me all busy throughout Dec, I was thankful that I had my Xmas in SG. That was plague by a careless me who mistook the arrival time of the flight as departure time ! lol.. made me spend another RM 351 to purchase another ticket on the spot. Expensive trip to go back to see dear.. (yes.. that trip was in-promptu and I just miss her so. )

SF made a trip to KL with her two sister and her mum. Was glad to be their host and I brought them around some places for shopping. Not sure how they have enjoyed it, cos time was rather limited and I didn't know what was their preference actually. Am very happy that SF visited me. =) Makes it much more enjoyable in KL, especially when you're alone most of the time. Visitors are welcome. Only thing was that the setting and time wasn't right. Didn't exactly have the right feel to chat with her much. Next time it shall be..

It's new year time ! Happy New Year to all.. haha.. I miss the last few weeks and I'm jumbling up everything in this post. =P

Anyway, my new year resolution for 2012 would be " To make a more deliberate decision and not always say, I'll decide later". Realise that that has been an issue for me, especially since I shifted to KL. I tend to delay on the decision. Perhaps I don't have the confidence to say on the spot because I'm rather new in this Managerial position. But that's expected of me. To have the say on the situation. I will work on that, by that I mean gain more confidence by having more knowledge of the situation.

2012 will be a better year !

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011

Yet another week has past. I'm here officially for 1 month. How have things changed? More work, more more and more work. I've arranged my own desk yet not fully personalised to what I like totally. Still don't feel perfectly comfortable to do everything I like, there is still some reservation.

My desk.


Saw some interesting booth while having lunch the other day. Some dispenser that sells Reverse Osmosis water (RO water). I have yet to try it though, don't have any intend to anyway. hahha.. Just thought it was interesting.


Had our first marathon together =) SCMS 2011. Where we started and ended together.

Before the marathon...


After the marathon

Like no diff hor.. A relaxing run/walk in the early morning. haha..

I wonder how many more runs we'll join together.. hmm.. I'll looking at KL stand chart next June, or Gold Coast next Aug. Shall see which one is more economically feasible.. haha..

Another week in KL

Another week in KL.. and this are some of the places that I've been to for the past week. Some a bit older, just got the time to post it now.

First up.. Went to Marco Polo Restaurant, at Wisma Lim Foo Yong. An award winning restaurant which offers dim sum on weekends morning. Tried out many of the dishes, and a little too many.. can't finish all.. hahah... Out of the dishes we tried, I think the scallop dumpling is the best. The prawn dumpling had a very nice and chewy taste.


To be honest, the food is decent only. Not as good as what I would expect for an award winning restaurant + the price is ex. For those dishes, 2 of us paid RM 103. Would only go back there if there's a need to bring parents to a more comfy place or showing client around.

Next up, went to Seremban to get their famed Seremban Siew Pow. Tried it on the spot, and it's GOOD. A factory that caters to large tour group by the side of the NS highway. For a price of RM 1.30 each, you can eat till you drop. Eat it while it's hot..


As we were there, we went to try out their " Mince meat Lao shu fen " at Restoran Yi Poh.

In Malaysia, as long as you move out of KL, it becomes very affordable. This bowl of Lao shu fen cost RM 3. Full of minced meat coupled with a specially made sauce, it has an unique taste. The softness of the Lao shu fen is just nice, but it's not really that good that I'll want to go back again.


At night, we went to Petaling St ( China Town in KL ) to grab a bite. So many imitation goods, non that interest me. We went straight to grab a bite. The Lok-Lok caught our attention and it has 2 different types of preparing. The normal way of boiling it and the other one to BBQ it. I prefer the BBQ one though. Plus, they will BBQ it for you ! just sit back and enjoy. lol..

Penang Marathon 2011

Did my first Overseas Marathon =)

First came up with this idea a couple of years ago.. initially wanted to go with Mindy de. But so far it has not happened, due to time and some other issues here and there. Anyway, I enjoyed my run in Penang.

The run starts an unearthly hour of 3am. @_@ so that means I needa wake up at 1am to prepare myself. Whose body in the right mind will be at top condition for a marathon? Seriously .. lol. The run was cooling, very cooling at that wee hours, and that's the good thing. Terrain of it was all on tarmac, and gentle upslopes that can go on for 2km. The 2km upslope up penang bridge was tiring actually. It was gentle, yet so long it tires the calf muscles.

Shot taken at Penang bridge..


The Malaysian runners aren't exactly a fast bunch. Or perhaps not that many elite/ serious runners join it. I was running at a very comfy pace of 2hr and I think I'm in one of the faster pack. With a pace of 1hr 40, i think can claim a top 10 position.

Anyway, I think overseas race is a fun experience. Especially because the route is totally new to you, and there's no boredom while running as every step you take is something that you've not seen before. Furthermore, you get to pig-out after the race with new and interesting food !


In the end, had to preserve my leg due to the recurring ITB that has never managed to heal. Last race was 2 weeks ago, Newton 30km. HAHHA... lin keeps asking me to let it rest before going for next run. And the next run is next weekend, Standard Marathon =D Woohoo..


Adding another medal to my Finisher's medal collection. =)
I just enjoy the feeling of passing the finishing line.

Penang is a place that I've been to so many times yet there are still food that I want to try. This time I went to the famous Ayer Hitam Penang Laksa stall. By the Ayer Itam Market. For a price of RM 3.30, you get to enjoy a bowl of sumptious Penang Laksa. I've tried many different Penang Laksa in Penang, and I would say this is one of the better ones. =)

The soup was sour and spicy at the correct proportion, Sour enough to make you want to drink more yet not that spicy that you will perspire. The noodle was of the correct softness too; A little QQ. Overall, I would recommend one to try this stall if you are in Penang.


I'll be going around many many parts of Malaysia, in fact all the different states in Malaysia. And I'll be blogging about all the nice food that I try along the way. Can't wait to embark on the food journey... (While on work trips )