My Shop
To further supplement my income, I'll be selling items such as t-shirts and etc in here.
Do show me your support by purchasing the items (which will be uploaded soon) and spread-the-word to your family and friends about my blog and the online store.
By the way, if you are interested in selling your products in my blog, contact me.
By the way, if you are interested in selling your products in my blog, contact me.
Product, Event & Service Review
On this page, I will be using it as a platform where I can rate and review products, events and services and the individuals, groups or organisations that sell and/or provide them. It is my honest response - satisfied or not!
My objectives:
- To provide un-biased user opinions to all my visitors/readers to help make a better informed choice.
- To provide a sophisticated platform, where my visitors/readers can "tell it as it is" and make known their personal experience in using a product, service or dealing with a store through the comment feature.
- To drive public opinion to influence merchants and manufacturers to "step up" and provide higher quality products and better service.
So if you have running shoes, performance apparels, accessories, for me to try on for my training or competition, supplements or nutritions for me to take or events such as running clinics, running competitions for me to experience, or even anything outside the running world entirely, and after which, I will give my honest feedback, contact me.
My Review
Just Rambling
On this page, I'll be ruminating on life and among other things, one post at a time. This blog will be random. This blog will have little or no purpose but to help me develop and document an account of my life. Yes, it will most likely consist of lots of mundane concerns and observations of my day-to-day life.
Just click on the following link to view and read the story:
MR25 Cross Country Ultra Marathon 2009
MR25 Cross Country Ultra MarathonDate : 27 December 2009, Sunday
Start Time: 7.00am
End Time : 7.00pm
Venue : Macritchie Nature Reserve (Reservoir) Park
URL : http://www.mr25.org.sg/
This event marked the longest distance I have ever run in my entire life in a competition. That being said, I joined this event with a lot of reservations. The question that weighed heavily in my mind was whether I will be able to complete the minimum 5 laps required to earn the finisher t-shirt. Each lap on the macritchie northern trail is about 10.5km and that works up to 52.5km to complete the minimum requirement.
The longest distance I have ever completed was 42km during the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) a few weeks ago which took a lot of grit, determination and mental strength, as well as a good pacer/running partner cum motivator to complete the course.
What sets apart this MR25 Cross Country Ultra Marathon from other marathons or ultra marathons for that matter is that you are given a fixed time of 12 hours to complete as many laps as possible instead of the norm fixed distance and see how long you will take to complete the distance. Each lap is about 10.5km and you have 2 hours to complete each lap.
During the online registering process for the MR 25 Ultra Marathon, I kept asking myself whether am I doing the right thing by joining this event. But my hunger for personal accomplishment and to push my limit even further, outweighs everything.
After the SCSM, I took 2 weeks for recovery; no run. After which, I did a few recovery runs which was slow run covering short distances (no more than 10km) and that was my preparation for the MR25 Ultra Marathon. I also did a whole week of carb feast just before the event to increase my energy level and mental preparation by visualization.
A few days just before the event, I got news that my ex-NS Company 2IC, Tan Hau Teck just passed away. This sad and shocking news made me more determined to complete the run as I was dedicating the run to him.
On the day of the event, I did my normal ritual of having a few slices of white bread with peanut butter spreads, a few bananas and a black coffee. Then my legs are applied with heat rubs. Though I'm a bit tense but I was looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.
There were about 250+ runners that turned up for the event with runners from Team FatBird, Punggol Runners, SgRunners, MR25, SAFRA Runners, Pacesetters from Malaysia being represented. The renovated Macritchie Visitor Centre was used as the registration/lap point.
For the first lap, I completed it in about 1hour and I felt good. The terrain was something I did not expect; lots of loose gravels, slippery slab of rocks, tad muddy and undulating ground due to early dawn shower. This was my very first experience doing a cross country or terrain run. The last time I ran on such terrain was during my high school days and that was many many years back. I was totally unprepared to run in such a terrain.
I down a couple cup of 100plus, take a short breather and continue to run for the second lap. There was space to run by now as the runners have dispersed along the trails. In the mid-way of my run, I slipped and twisted my left knee badly. A sound from the knee could be heard during the twisting process. By then, I knew that I had badly injured my left knee. I tried to run a few steps forward normally but the sharp pain in my knee was holding me back. But I told myself that I can't stop and give up now, I'm doing this event not only for myself but for a wonderful friend that has passed away.
So instead of running, I did what Terry Fox did, I ran with a hop, putting all the weigth on my right leg and hopping to propel me forward. It was very tough especially going up and down hill but I was too determined to complete the 5 laps. I no longer worry about the time or pace but focusing instead on the completion.
The second lap, I completed in 1hr 30mins. I took a longer break to nurse my left knee. The third lap wasn't that better. While 'running' downhill, I slipped and slightly twisted my right knee. The day was going from bad to worse. At that point of time, I was having doubts on completing the 5 laps. Luckily for me, I had a few friends that kept pushing me during the 'run' and after each lap, they help me to massage my legs with deep heat cream.
With the help and motivation from them, and the rousing cheer and support from other runners as well as volunteers, I kept 'running', though it was more of a walk for the fourth and fifth lap. But the determination to complete the 5 laps just kept building. On the last few hundred metres of the fifth lap, I felt alot of relief that the torment will be over soon.
At this point of time, both my knees could hardly bend nor straighten completely, and they could hardly take any more pounding. But every few steps towards the finish line, I look towards the sky and hope that my beloved friend know that I'm dedicating this run for him.
Hopping towards the finishing line, I was received with thunderes cheers for my accomplishment. Photographers kept snapping my pictures though I could hardly give them a good pose and smile; I was instead grining and biting my teeth due to the pain.
I was glad that it was finally over. In total, it took me just over 9 hr to complete the 5 laps. Another great achievement. Now, I have put my sight on completing the Sundown Ultra Marathon - 84km.
Graphic Designing
After my accident and losing my job as a Marine Service Engineer, I was finding ways to earn some income to help my family with the utility bills, house mortgage loans, food expenditure and etc. With me being dependent on my family for my daily needs due to my condition and the mounting bills, I need to find a home-based work. That is when I started to do self-learning on graphic designing from online tutorials though I used to hate computer during my school days.
Using a huge chunk of money from my depleted savings, I invested in purchasing a mid-range computer and some designing softwares such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and etc. After a few months of learning and practise, I bid for my very first job, a logo designing project, online. I was hired to carry out the work and the Client was very satisfied with the end product, and from that day, I never look back.
A few of the work that I am able to carry out includes logo designing, print and publication designing such as letterheads, name/business card, invitation/wedding card, broucher/flyer, poster/banner and booklets, product conceptual designing, photo enhancement and many more.
If you would like engage my designing and printing services, and would like to request for quotation, feel free to contact me. No obligation. My artwork and printing charges are very competitive and negotiable.
Birthday-Themed Party
Details: Designing and Printing of birthday invitation cards, goodie bag stickers, snack packaging stickers, fun item
stickers and banner and incorporating Elmo, a character from Sesame Street, into the designs.
stickers and banner and incorporating Elmo, a character from Sesame Street, into the designs.
Corporate Identity
Details: Re-traced and Vectorized company's logo and designing new business cards and letterheads.
Charity Carnival
Details: Designing stage backdrop/banner, invitation card and corporate apparels.
National Event
Details: Designing event logo, poster and flyer.
My Accomplishments
My Accomplishments In Brief
2010
North East Run - 16km, 1hr 32min 19.71sec
2XU Compression Run - 12km, 610th Position, 1hr 18min 12.20sec
F1 Sports EQ Nature Run - 14km, 1hr 36mins
U Run - 8km, 44min 56.15sec
100 Plus Passion Run - 25km, 2hr 41min 31sec
National Vertical Marathon - 63 storeys, 200th Position, 16min 27.36sec
adidas Sundown Marathon - 84km, 119th Position, 12hr 41min 40sec
Internationale Deutsche Meisterschaften, Leichtathletik - 100m-6th Position/13.74s, 200m-4th Position/28.69s,
400m-5th Position/66.00s
Singtel & Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer - 7.5km, 93rd Position, 38min 28.40sec
Streetwise Run - 8.4km, 43rd Position, 49min 12sec
Timex Tri-Run - 21km, 154th Position, 2hr 13min 58sec
38th National Track & Field Championship - 100m-1st Position/13.78s, 200m-1st Position/28.65s
The Republic Run - 10km, 160th Position, 1hr 27.32sec
Danish Open Championships Athletics - 100m-3rd Position/13.02s, 200m-2nd Position/27.75s
Yellow Ribbon Prison Run - 10km, 46th Position, 53min 30sec
SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon - 21km, 1219th Position, 2hr 15min 4sec
2009
North East Run - 16km, 1hr 32min 19.71sec
2XU Compression Run - 12km, 610th Position, 1hr 18min 12.20sec
F1 Sports EQ Nature Run - 14km, 1hr 36mins
U Run - 8km, 44min 56.15sec
100 Plus Passion Run - 25km, 2hr 41min 31sec
National Vertical Marathon - 63 storeys, 200th Position, 16min 27.36sec
adidas Sundown Marathon - 84km, 119th Position, 12hr 41min 40sec
Internationale Deutsche Meisterschaften, Leichtathletik - 100m-6th Position/13.74s, 200m-4th Position/28.69s,
400m-5th Position/66.00s
Singtel & Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer - 7.5km, 93rd Position, 38min 28.40sec
Streetwise Run - 8.4km, 43rd Position, 49min 12sec
Timex Tri-Run - 21km, 154th Position, 2hr 13min 58sec
38th National Track & Field Championship - 100m-1st Position/13.78s, 200m-1st Position/28.65s
The Republic Run - 10km, 160th Position, 1hr 27.32sec
Danish Open Championships Athletics - 100m-3rd Position/13.02s, 200m-2nd Position/27.75s
Yellow Ribbon Prison Run - 10km, 46th Position, 53min 30sec
SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon - 21km, 1219th Position, 2hr 15min 4sec
2009
Arafura Games - Gold in 1,500m and Silver in 800m
5th Asean Para Games - Silver in 800m, broke meet record
Swissôtel Vertical Marathon - 73 storeys, 17th Position, 11min 18.0sec
Aviation Run - 10km, 52mins
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon - 42km, 1596th Position, 4hr 42min 47sec
Swissôtel Vertical Marathon - 73 storeys, 76th Position, 12min 33.9sec
Events in Singapore
Singapore Event Calendar 2010
MARCH
6th - Sat : Metta Charity Run
6th - Sat : Hotdog Energia Run
13th - Sat : Singapore Biathlon 2010
13th - Sat : Milo MOE Youth Triathlon 2010
14th - Sun : North East Run 2010
14th - Sun : Singapore Sprint Series - Duathlon
20th - Sat : NTUC Run 350
21st - Sun : Aviva Half Ironman 2010
27th - Sat : NTU Run Round Singapore
27th - Sat : The Amazing Kidney Race
28th - Sun : NUS Biathlon 2010
28th - Sun : CitiSpa & Mizuno Power Run (women only)
APRIL
10th - Sat : Starhub Urban Freestyle
10th - Sat : Osim Singapore International Triathlon 2010
11th - Sun : Osim Singapore International Triathlon 2010
11th - Sun : 2XU Compression Run 2010
18th - Sun : Live Earth Run for water Singapore 2010
25th - Sun : F1 Sport EQ Nature Run 2010
MAY
2nd - Sun : Singapore Sprint Series 2010 - Triathlon
6th - Thurs : JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge
9th - Sun : U Run 2010
16th - Sun : X-Physique 2010
22nd - Sat : Singapore Passion Run 2010
23rd - Sun : Cold Storage Kids Run 2010
23rd - Sun : National Vertical Marathon 2010
29th - Sat : Sundown Marathon 2010
JUNE
5th - Sat : Moulmein Intra-Con Road Run Championship 2010
6th - Sun : NUS Legs n Paddles 2010
13th - Sun : Mizuno Mount Faber Run 2010
13th - Sun : MR25 Cross Country Marathon
13th - Sun : NTU Adventure Trail Challenge
13th - Sun : North West Junior Run 2010
19th - Sat : SimpleRun™
20th - Sun : Thomson Run 2010 (The Ultimate Urban Run)
27th - Sun : SPCA Fun Run 2010
JULY
3rd - July : National Library Vertical Marathon
4th - Sun : Streetwise Run
4th - Sun : Singtel & Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Race Against Cancer 2010
11th - Sun : HP TRI-Factor Series: TIMEX TRI-Run
17th - Sat : Home TeamNS Stars of the Terrain Race 2010
17th - Sat : The Straits Times Paper Chase 2010
25th - Sun : Run with Style
25th - Sun : Shape Run '10 (women only)
31st - Sat : Inter-Constituency Road Run Championship 2010
AUGUST
1st - Sun : SMU City Trail 2010
9th - Mon : NDP Run 2010
14th - Sat : The Republic Run 2010
15th - Sun : RunNUS 2010
15th - Sun : Waterfront Scramble 2010
SEPTEMBER
5th - Sun : Yellow Ribbon Prison Run '10
12th - Sun : The SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2010
18th - Sat : NICORETTE® Quitters Run
19th - Sun : POSB Run for Kids 2010
25th - Sat : MOE OLive Run 2010
26th - Sun : Tour de Trail 2010
OCTOBER
2nd - Sat : Watsons Pink Ribbon Walk & Run 2010
3rd - Sun : HP TRI-Factor Series: HP TRI-Athlon
9th - Sat : The North Face 100
10th - Sun : Newton 30km Challenge
10th - Sun : Mizuno Wave Run 2010
10th - Sun : SAFRA Quadthlon 2010
15th - Fri : NIE Director's Race 2010
17th - Sun : New Balance REAL Run 2010
24th - Sun : Nike City 10K SG vs KL Challenge
31st - Sun : Great Eastern Women 10K
NOVEMBER
7th - Sun : ERA Charity Run 2010
14th - Sun : Tiong Bahru Challenge
14th - Sun : Salomon X-Trail Run 2010
21st - Sun : Swissôtel Vertical Marathon 2010
21st - Sun : Run For Hope 2010
TBA : Aviation Run
TBA : The Bull Charge® 2010
DECEMBER
5th - Sun : Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010
26th - Sun : MR25 Cross Country Ultra Marathon
If you have an event that you would like to be added into the calendar or you would like to report of a broken link or even to highlight a mistake in the date(s) shown above, feel free to contact me.
My Event Calendar
My Event Calendar for 2010
MARCH
14th - Sun: North East Run 2010 / 16 km, Pasir Ris Park (completed)
APRIL
11th - Sun: 2XU Compression Run 2010 / 12 km, Sentosa Island (completed)
25th - Sun: F1 Sport EQ Nature Run 2010 / 14 km, MacRitchie Reservoir (completed)
MAY
9th - Sun: U Run 2010 / 8 km, Downtown East (completed)
22nd - Sat: Singapore Passion Run 2010 / 25 km, East Coast Park (completed)
23rd - Sun: National Vertical Marathon 2010 / 63 storeys, OneRafflesPlace (completed)
29th - Sat: Adidas Sundown Marathon 2010 / 84 km, Changi Exhibition Centre (completed)
JUNE
7th - 15th: International Open German Championships Athletics 2010 / Bottrop, Germany (completed)
JULY
3rd - Sat: Vertical Marathon / 90m, National Library Builiding (completed)
4th - Sun: Singtel & S'pore Cancer Society (SCS) Race Against Cancer 2010 / 7.5km, Pasir Ris Park (completed)
4th - Sun: Streewise Run / 8.4 km, Zouk Carpark (completed)
11th - Sun: HP TRI-Factor Series: TIMEX TRI-Run / 21 km, Punggol (completed)
17th - Sat: 38th National Track and Field Championship / Serangoon Stadium (completed)
AUGUST
9th - Mon: NDP Run 2010 / 6.7km, MOE CCAB Stadium (completed)
14th - Sat: The Republic Run 2010 / 10km, Woodlands Square Road (completed)
18th - 25th: Danish Open Championships Athletics / Copenhagen, Denmark (completed)
SEPTEMBER
5th - Sun: Yellow Ribbon Prison Run '10 / 10 km, SAF Open Field, Farnborough Road (completed)
12th - Sun: The SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2010 / 21 km, Padang (completed)
OCTOBER
3rd -14th: XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 / Delhi, India (completed)
15th - Fri: NIE Director's Race 2010 / 2.4km, National Institute of Education (completed)
17th - Sun: New Balance Real Run 2010 / 15 km, Changi Exhibition Centre
NOVEMBER
14th - Sun: Tiong Bahru Challenge / 5km run & 30 storeys climb, Block 2D Multi Purpose Hall, Boon Tiong Road
21st - Sun: Swissôtel Vertical Marathon 2010 / 73 storeys, Swissôtel The Stamford
DECEMBER
5th - Sun: Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore / 42 km, Orchard Road
12th - 19th: Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games / Guangzhou, China
26th - Sun: MR25 Cross-Country Ultra Marathon / MacRitchie Reservoir
