Running Diary - How it began and where I am right now

I think I was an early bloomer. When I was in kindergarten and primary school, I was always taller than the rest of the class. I was one of the better ones in my class at Physical Education, simply because I was bigger and well, taller.

Then, being an early bloomer didn't matter. As I reached my pre-teens, I started to develop asthma, and constantly fell sick. Headaches, fever, frequent trips to the family doctor were a monthly to a weekly affair. I guess partly was that when I was 9, we moved to another estate. Nothing like moving to another country, when you're young, even a half-hour drive away from the estate you grew up in, change in school and friends, seemed impossible to get used to. Back then, we only had land-lines. Emails and dial-up internet connection wasn't exactly the preferred mode of communication. My family later found out, the real reason behind my lung issues were because of I started to get more fond of my fluffy pomeranian (meaning I hugged her a lot more), and the fact she also started to shed more hair. 

Still, I spent most of my teens struggling with passing the dreaded 2.4km run and warm-up P.E. runs around the school. It wasn't until my first dog passed away that my asthma started to let up. But I still struggled with running. 

Junior College wasn't too fantastic either. Yeah, I somehow managed to get a 5/5 points for 2.4km, But I was in canoeing then and PE lessons were generally made up of only running. Like how nature would have it, I was the slowest runner in the canoeing team, and the fact that the team was predominantly male and the other girls were pretty fast on their feet, didn't make my situation any better. We'd go out for 5K runs, and those always felt dreadfully long. When I returned from the run, the rest of the team were on their way to prepare for the next training exercise. Sometimes a team mate would wait up and cheer me on as I ran back. Somehow I always felt embarrassed at how slow I was, even though they were encouraging. I would have rather they carried on to prepare for the next programme line-up than wait for me. 

Later on in University, running seemed like a trend. Living in hostel, there were a few ways to entertain yourselves at night. Mahjong, supper, getting drunk, or jogging around campus (sometimes this was an excuse to eat supper after). Also, it was a very indirect way for a guy to chase a girl - 'hey, wanna go jogging around school sometime?'

I wasn't too bad a sports person actually, and even though I was still the slowest runner in the canoeing team, we had quite a number of girls, and most of the time we ran together. I made up on the water and also in weights training. Or at least, that made me feel better. Running as a group, and at a comfortable pace for me on days we did our runs together - that was enough for me.

Eventually, I did start to develop a liking for long runs, and did most of my night jogs around campus alone. Partly because I didn't want to bog anyone down if I decided to walk the rest of it. I did find a certain serenity out of it, almost akin to the serenity of paddling on the water.

Before doing my first marathon in my second year of uni, my longest run was a grand total of 12km - and that was 4KM on road, followed by running into the gym to finish 8KM on the treadmill because of the torrential rain outside. I vaguely remember the only reason why I did such a long run in a stationary spot was because I wanted to outrun the guy on the next treadmill. Dammit, he was determined. Eventually I outlasted him.

Sometimes when everyone you know has hopped on the marathon bandwagon, 42KM seemed like a very plausible achievement. Besides, the finisher T-shirt did look cool.

Race day came, and my body didn't really agree somewhere from the 4km mark. Eventually, I completed it, but took nearly 7 hours with a lot of walking. Because of peer pressure, I signed up the following year once again, and finished with roughly the same time, and feeling the same amount of pain the day after. Walking from the bed to the toilet alone was akin to walking on pins and rocks. Once again, lack of training proved its point.

For what felt like years after, I didn't sign-up for any organised runs. I had also grown fond of trails. While I was interning at a news agency near MacRitchie, I'd spend some mornings doing short half hour runs amongst the gravel, trees and mud. 

It wasn't until I started working that I felt the need to challenge myself started running a lot more. In fear that I'd become some sedentary office worker, I also signed myself up for a gym which I visited on an extremely regular basis, to the point most people thought it was my second home. But I didn't mind. The music, the aerobics classes made me happy. The friends I made there also made it worthwhile. 

Slowly, 15-21KM runs became a Saturday morning ritual. I wasn't running incredibly fast, but maybe that's the way I am. I like to enjoy these moments.

Braving heavy vehicles. That's me at Yishun Dam. I'm never running from Jalan Kayu to this place ever again. Its death defying at every turn.

The most painful run. It's actually 25KM on trail. 50KM means I did it with a partner. The most mentally pushing event ever.

Selfie in the mirror. If I'm not wrong, the story is that I left my things at the gym, went running some where in ECP/Bugis area.

Grace and I amused with the statues in CBD. Always a pleasure running with her although she's like way faster than me now. 

Standard requirement for any run above 21km

I never thought I could. A very happy me after the Sundown Marathon 2012, enduring torrential rain till I ran till I was completely dry till it rained again and I was soaked. First time breaking the 6 hour barrier, and also my third marathon after a 4 year hiatus. 

Marathon number 4 at the Standard Chartered Marathon 2013. Getting slightly better, still slightly under 6 hours. 

Tokyo Marathon 2014 and 2XU Marathon, doing them just a week apart from one another has been quite the experience. I'm now at 5hours 20minutes, and I hope I'll be able to commit myself to a proper training programme to eventually break the 5hour mark. 

Looking back, 10 years ago, I thought marathons were just far beyond reach and just a crazy idea. I still need my inhaler occasionally, but I'm glad I still tried, and dared myself. It may seem like not a big deal to many, and maybe even to me sometimes. But looking back, it truly is about the journey, and I'm glad I somehow made it here with progress. 

Now, I'm all ready to look forward to more adventures ahead. 

[Running] Tokyo Marathon 2014 and some

Sometime back in 2013. Some friends and I had this idea to join a marathon overseas. I've heard so many good reviews about Tokyo Marathon, so we just had to try our luck and ballot.
And... we were the lucky 30,000 out of the 300k who applied. The race was 10 times over subscribed.

Next step was finding accommodation and booking the flight tickets. I landed up choosing a place near the end point, partly because I had no intention to travel back to the heart of Tokyo limping and in pain. 

So from September 2013, all the way to February 2014, the day finally arrived to head up to Tokyo.

The Boyfriend graciously accompanied me to be my cheer squad and support for this race...*awwwww* We flew up with Delta, and I was presently surprised by the service and in-flight entertainment. I think partly because I've been flying budget for pretty much all my holidays.
The 5plus hour flight just zoomed by...

Landed up Narita Airport, and waiting to board the Airport Limousine Bus.

Onward to Odaiba! 

I arranged for the data card to be delivered to the hotel too. Google maps was my best friend for this trip. 

It doesn't look like it, but it was freaking cold at 3-4°C. Yup,softshell, long sleeves and a scarf. Not enough... 

The sun sets pretty early during this time of the year. By 6pm, it's almost completely dark. 

 In the background, Palette Town and the ferries wheel that was once the biggest in the world. 

Giant Gundam statue. This mall has nothing diving related in it. But loads of shopping. Despite the misleading name, Mall, you're forgiven for your awesome shops. 

Ramen at the foodcourt as our first meal in Tokyo. Nice hot ramen. Even the Ramen in the foodcourts are good! 

Checking out the Gundam figurine displays 

Day 2: Disney Land

After dinner and collecting the race pack, we headed to check out the rest of Odaiba. Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge

Day 4: Shinjuku, checking out the start point and Shibuya 

That's me playing with the sludge. Still contemplating running the marathon. It was cold, and I wasn't really sure if I was up to it. 

Hachiko Crossing. Where movies are filmed. 

Tokyo Tower. Built in the 1950s, and replicated after the Eiffel Tower, this one's taller. 

 So about the time I bought the tickets to head up, my camera decided that it should fall to its death. (thankfully from about elbow height to the floor and not out the window) So everything on out from here was from the phone.

The view along with coffee with a view.

So Saturday was spent resting, taking a long walk and finally getting down to doing a acclimatisation run. It was still really cold and windy. 

Somehow or rather, I managed to drag myself down to the start line. Maybe meeting with some fellow Singaporeans who were running the marathon inspired me and assured me it wouldn't be too bad. 

My get up. Shorts over leggings, baselayer, windbreaker, buff around my neck to keep it warm (I have asthma), gloves, and leg warmers.

Unlike the other marathons I've been to, this race started at 9:10am. This was my 5th marathon, and honestly, not enough training, especially towards the last 2 weeks where I had been working late on most nights.

I entered the start pen all zipped up at around 8:40am, waiting amongst other freezing runners. Some had raincoats and plastic bags on. Usually, people ditch these plastic coats once they are warm enough, and were on their way.

Must-haves: Gloves and heatpack at the startline.

Eventually, I crossed the start point at around 9:20am. A relatively flat terrain route, I passed by many of the local attractions from the Senso-ji temple, Tokyo Tower apparently (I must have been too tired), Imperial Palace and many others.

As I've been told, this event, the whole city comes together to support the runners. Shop owners bring out some of their goodies to feed us starving marathoners, community groups do the cheers, the mascots and costumes etc.

The roads were also surprisingly clean. Cups were thrown mostly in the rubbish collection points, and I saw people picking up the wrappers from the ground and ditch them aside to prevent others from tripping over.

Eventually, 5hours and 45minutes later. I crossed the finish line. It wasn't as good as I had hoped for since it was better weather to run in than in Singapore. But for me, it was just a tad too cold. There was one point where snow fell from the sky too. Quite a sight, but not perfect for the cold-weather-phobic me.

42.195km later.

Needless to say, I spent the rest of the evening sleeping.

Day 6 was spent at Disney Sea with many stops to sit down and rest and hydrate. 

Japan, you can sure I'll be back!

Pulau Hantu, Singapore - When I need my compressed air fix

Slightly less than a year ago, I did my first dive at Pulau Hantu. Also, the first time in 10 years since I've visited the island. I must say that I have a special place in my heart for it for many reasons. Back in JC, I did an kayaking expedition to the island, stayed a couple of nights, and it was quite an experience. The city girl that I am, my first time being absolutely disconnected from the urban city. No electricity, the only lights were the stars, and back then, there wasn't a refinery on the next island, or maybe I didn't see it.

10 years on, my first dive at Pulau Hantu. An absolute disaster. It's been known for bad visibility. When they said bad vis, I didn't know it meant that you couldn't see anything past a metre. I was using rental gear, no torch, and creating a mini sandstorm underwater. And on the second dive, I aborted half way. I couldn't really get my bouyancy right, and I just kept brushing against hydroids. Hydroids, are akin to the stings of sea jellies - yes, not jellyfish, they aren't fish. I had bubbles on my fingers for months. 

Call me a masochist, but I took up the challenge to go back. So far, I've done about 10 dives there, and I've seen lots of marine life - you just have to take a closer look. I've yet to see the seahorse, so I hope, I'll be able to find one in my next dives there. 

Phi Phi Island, Thailand - My Birthday

 I've dived around Phi Phi Island before, but for the boyfriend here, he has always been curious about the sites here. I'm not much of person who likes touristy beach areas with the pubs and bars, which Phi Phi Island really is just that. If you like the beach and party scene, this place will really suit you. 

Unfortunately, I've cut out drinking almost entirely. They say exercise is for people who can't handle drugs and alcohol. I'm kinda just like that.

And...the mandatory photo if you're in any part of Thailand that has a beach resort. 

Aside from the sun, sand, and bars, the massages are awesome, and there's some nice crags to climb. I was concerned whether it'd be like Krabi - Tonsai & Railay areas which aren't that built up. It is always important to bring the right luggage especially when you've got heavy gear in tow. My roller luggage did just fine here. 

Taking a long long walk from the resort to the crag in the background just to take a look on the first day.

A map of Phi Phi Island. It's pretty congested with people and the paths are not all that wide. But it takes about half hour to walk from one end to the other. 

Day 2 & 3 - 6 dives + 1 night dive, and a very naggy dive computer. 

Let's go diving! 

 Lots of stonefish at the dive sites. So better watch out! 

Walking back to the dive shop. We dived with Blue View Divers, and highly recommend if you're thinking of linking up with a dive shop before heading over. 

We didn't get to go out to King Cruiser Wreck and Hin Daeng & Muang because on our last day of diving, the waves were just really too choppy, so the trip was called off. Oh well, guess that's just another reason to take a break. 

All in all, with pretty decent lodging - air con, bed and hot showers are a luxury for me, oh and a TV. We spent most of our night watching not-so-old movies. We paid about S$120 per night per. We have our full set of gear, so we got extra discount :D 

Anyhow, diving in Phi Phi, the rates are controlled. 

Drying out the 'laundry' 

Since we couldn't go out to dive, we decided to go climbing instead. Lots of 5Cs and 6As. 

We got a guide anyhow, because we didn't know the area, although we could have just rented the rope and quick draws. I think the guide had a super relaxed day out.

Sometimes I wish the bf could take more flattering photos of me...

 Well, we all have to eat right? Supposedly the best Padthai noodles on Phi Phi. Looked a bit dodgy at first, but this came highly recommended from our dive guide. Portions are big too! 

Ok, I'm not much of a foodie, so this is about as much as I can do to describe it. 

Taken from about 25metres up. Phi Phi Island, till we meet again!