To make up for the lack of posts recently, I shall make up for it today with a bonus. Another post! But it;ll be a short one.
I'll explain the meaning of my blog's title.
PesE-Triathlete
Pes = Personal Employment Status, a term used to catorgrize the physically ability of fighting men in the army in decreasing order from A to F
E - You guessed it, E is the last from bottom, just one up from F (which almost means crippled)
So, image a triathlete graded as Pes E. Leaves much to think about the medical expertise.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Am I supposed to be proud?
Before continue reading, if the following post should offend to the point of my arrest or massacure of my family, please drop me a note to remove so we can solve the issue amicably.
Here goes.
Our nation just celebrated its National Day recently. A day for celebration & to be proud of. But are we? But am I?
Don;t get me wrong, I have nothing against the government or the country. But the people leaves much to be desired. I find them (or us) left wanting. Take a look around, people, despite being in a fast developing country are still far from gracious. People rushing for little gaps, like queue jumping & along the expressways. Tempers are short, easily irriated. Try switching lanes in traffic & they will do a F1 manouveure on you. Too sheltered & pampered by the goverment. We are not exactly survivors in the outside world.
The Chinese, & I mean the real mainlanders, make be labelled as Neaderthals but they are way more forward looking. Bump into one or cut him off in traffic, he will simple honk & move on. Moving on, that's what they excel at, at all cost. Us, we stop & stare, throw a few punches. Trivally childish.
Another queer trait of local is the habit of turning for a look at another but not acknowledging when met with someone unfamiliar. If bothered to look, at least smile , just don't turn away. Unfriendly folk.
& with the increasing population here with foreigners ever increasing. We have no one but ourselves to blame as we cannot make it on our own to put our country on the map.
There you go, after all the celebrations & the fireworks, economic progress and all, it's the people who make the nation but falls short.
Here goes.
Our nation just celebrated its National Day recently. A day for celebration & to be proud of. But are we? But am I?
Don;t get me wrong, I have nothing against the government or the country. But the people leaves much to be desired. I find them (or us) left wanting. Take a look around, people, despite being in a fast developing country are still far from gracious. People rushing for little gaps, like queue jumping & along the expressways. Tempers are short, easily irriated. Try switching lanes in traffic & they will do a F1 manouveure on you. Too sheltered & pampered by the goverment. We are not exactly survivors in the outside world.
The Chinese, & I mean the real mainlanders, make be labelled as Neaderthals but they are way more forward looking. Bump into one or cut him off in traffic, he will simple honk & move on. Moving on, that's what they excel at, at all cost. Us, we stop & stare, throw a few punches. Trivally childish.
Another queer trait of local is the habit of turning for a look at another but not acknowledging when met with someone unfamiliar. If bothered to look, at least smile , just don't turn away. Unfriendly folk.
& with the increasing population here with foreigners ever increasing. We have no one but ourselves to blame as we cannot make it on our own to put our country on the map.
There you go, after all the celebrations & the fireworks, economic progress and all, it's the people who make the nation but falls short.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Another monument to the scrapyard
Our National Stadium has stood 34yrs & has closed its doors on 30 June 2007. In its place will be a state-of-the art Sports Hub. Part of the reconstruction plans also include a Watersports Centre taking the place of the Oasis.
I can't help but feel a sad sense of nostalgia whenever buildings with heritage value give way to the breakers. As our country progresses, more & more monuments have & will join the National Stadium. The cost of progress?
Here are some pic from the tour of the national stadium taken of places usually out-of-bounds. Enjoy them, as they'll soon be memories.
The grand dame of stadiums. Farwell.I can't help but feel a sad sense of nostalgia whenever buildings with heritage value give way to the breakers. As our country progresses, more & more monuments have & will join the National Stadium. The cost of progress?
Here are some pic from the tour of the national stadium taken of places usually out-of-bounds. Enjoy them, as they'll soon be memories.
A map of Yan Kit Swimming Pool, long closed due to refurbrishment expenses. Somewhere where I used to learn swimming. 
Staduim turnstils, they will be gone soon.
Friday, June 8, 2007
49 & Counting!
Another 2 trophies to my growing collection of 49, half of which are finishes with recorded positions.
I approached this race with an open mind, just expecting to go home with a momento as in 2004, I came in 7th & top 6 positions were awarded & in 2006, it was 9th place but alas, only the top 8 guys went home happy with silverware.
This year, my training, nutrition and race tactics have taken a different approach and results have been paid dividends over the last few races.
Details of this race only came 1 week before, but I knew it was always in June/ July. I was also maintaining my mileage since the last race a month ago. Now all I had to do then was peak.
On Saturday 2 June 2007 was the NTUC Inter-Union Cross Country 2007, held at the Bedok Reservoir Park. Distance was 4.8k over part tarmac/ part gravel track. The start time was also at 3pm on a sunny, hot afternoon, but that was last on my mind.
I saw my ex-company’s runners, less many strong ones, just the team captain who is their fastest runner, at the helm.
So off went the start & I immediately assumed a drafting position behind my ex-company’s team captain as he was tall & could aid with the drafting effect. In the past, it was always a slow start and gradual build up the pace but often it was too little too late. After proper training, I was confident I could stay with the leaders and hang on for a good position.
Throughout the race, I never slipped out of 5th position and my dreams of a medal will come true even if they gave top 6. Up to halfway point, the pace was at 4:06min. So my motive was to stay in this position. This was until the runners ahead of me started to slow down. So did I, but not that much. My ex-company’s team captain is an accomplished runner and unbeatable company-wise. I matched him stride for stride until my current team mate passed us at half way and the former urged me on. I accelerated for a brief moment but held back, fearing of plunging into the red-zone. This distance was slowing increasing. Then.. up front we approached a runner from HDB who was in 2nd place, also another very accomplished runner. Wow.. I thought, I am in really unfamiliar territory and actually the head of the pack. My ambitions started growing and I surged a little, hoping to make some in-roads on the 3 runners ahead. Then my colleague in 3rd place overtook the HDB runner for 2nd, whom I thought actually slowed down as I also managed to close the gap quite quickly. Along the finishing straight and I used the lampposts as gauge to pace the gap and to the finishing line. The 3rd runner was eventually right under my nose, I just matched his strides, collecting myself for the final surge. But he graciously waved me through. I overtook him but slowed dramatically, fearing a sneaky sprint, like cycle track races. But nothing happened and I saw the finishing line. I opened my strides and but still kept looking back.
I approached this race with an open mind, just expecting to go home with a momento as in 2004, I came in 7th & top 6 positions were awarded & in 2006, it was 9th place but alas, only the top 8 guys went home happy with silverware.
This year, my training, nutrition and race tactics have taken a different approach and results have been paid dividends over the last few races.
Details of this race only came 1 week before, but I knew it was always in June/ July. I was also maintaining my mileage since the last race a month ago. Now all I had to do then was peak.
On Saturday 2 June 2007 was the NTUC Inter-Union Cross Country 2007, held at the Bedok Reservoir Park. Distance was 4.8k over part tarmac/ part gravel track. The start time was also at 3pm on a sunny, hot afternoon, but that was last on my mind.
I saw my ex-company’s runners, less many strong ones, just the team captain who is their fastest runner, at the helm.
So off went the start & I immediately assumed a drafting position behind my ex-company’s team captain as he was tall & could aid with the drafting effect. In the past, it was always a slow start and gradual build up the pace but often it was too little too late. After proper training, I was confident I could stay with the leaders and hang on for a good position.
Throughout the race, I never slipped out of 5th position and my dreams of a medal will come true even if they gave top 6. Up to halfway point, the pace was at 4:06min. So my motive was to stay in this position. This was until the runners ahead of me started to slow down. So did I, but not that much. My ex-company’s team captain is an accomplished runner and unbeatable company-wise. I matched him stride for stride until my current team mate passed us at half way and the former urged me on. I accelerated for a brief moment but held back, fearing of plunging into the red-zone. This distance was slowing increasing. Then.. up front we approached a runner from HDB who was in 2nd place, also another very accomplished runner. Wow.. I thought, I am in really unfamiliar territory and actually the head of the pack. My ambitions started growing and I surged a little, hoping to make some in-roads on the 3 runners ahead. Then my colleague in 3rd place overtook the HDB runner for 2nd, whom I thought actually slowed down as I also managed to close the gap quite quickly. Along the finishing straight and I used the lampposts as gauge to pace the gap and to the finishing line. The 3rd runner was eventually right under my nose, I just matched his strides, collecting myself for the final surge. But he graciously waved me through. I overtook him but slowed dramatically, fearing a sneaky sprint, like cycle track races. But nothing happened and I saw the finishing line. I opened my strides and but still kept looking back.
3rd! Podium Spot!
Just behind a previous winner of this race and ahead of other company’s best runners. Priceless.
In the end my team also came in 3rd. So two cups & $60, which came together the individual prize. Amazing, in 2004 and 2006, it was just cups for team position, now I have one for individual one too.
The results showed my timing of 20min34sec, 22secs behind 2nd. But I’m extremely satisfied.
Just behind a previous winner of this race and ahead of other company’s best runners. Priceless.
In the end my team also came in 3rd. So two cups & $60, which came together the individual prize. Amazing, in 2004 and 2006, it was just cups for team position, now I have one for individual one too.
The results showed my timing of 20min34sec, 22secs behind 2nd. But I’m extremely satisfied.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
VO2Max of 60!
This race was on 3 May 2007, but finally the results are out.
The JP Morgan Run takes place in the heart of CBD, at peak times in the middle of the week.
This race was only a week after my last race over an equivalent distance, which I won. This time I finished amoung the top 3% of a total of 2435 runner, with an average pace of 4min6sec per km. With more than 11,ooo participants, I knew that starting position was crucial. The 1st 200m was a mad rush to the 1st corner, after which it was managing my journey into the red-zone.
Finally, I finished ahead of all my colleges but still slower than those from my ex-company. Those gazzelles are still in top form, although I managed to slow the gap.
All the devotion to running has improved my running tremendously, but I still wished that I could be in 2 wheels.
Anyway, based on my timing from this race, my VO2 Max as calculated using Joe Beer's site is 60, not bad.
The JP Morgan Run takes place in the heart of CBD, at peak times in the middle of the week.
This race was only a week after my last race over an equivalent distance, which I won. This time I finished amoung the top 3% of a total of 2435 runner, with an average pace of 4min6sec per km. With more than 11,ooo participants, I knew that starting position was crucial. The 1st 200m was a mad rush to the 1st corner, after which it was managing my journey into the red-zone.
Finally, I finished ahead of all my colleges but still slower than those from my ex-company. Those gazzelles are still in top form, although I managed to slow the gap.
All the devotion to running has improved my running tremendously, but I still wished that I could be in 2 wheels.
Anyway, based on my timing from this race, my VO2 Max as calculated using Joe Beer's site is 60, not bad.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Unlease Hell, slaughter them, leave them for dead
Company just had a run yesterday at Pandan Reservoir. Guys covering 6k & gals 3.5k. The terrain is flat on chipped granite, like Bedok Reservoir.
The weather began very well, with sunshine all day unlike the previous weeks. But the seemingly worse scenario took place, it started to pour with lightning at 4:15pm, just while everyone was about to board the bus transport.
MET services also gave a Class 1 Lightning grading. But the ambulance called & said that there was fine weather at the venue so we all left for the Start Point to make to decision to run based on the weather there. It held out for another hour when lightning closed in.
Anyway, I came in tops for an event which I wanted to slaughter the competition. Clocked 26:48 over 6k. Which works to 4:28min/km. The start was at a ferocious pace, covering almost 2.4k in less than a 10mins. I launched my attacked as planned at 2k and never looked back. In the end, I opened a gap of about 2 – 3mins to the finish.
No one understands the feeling of crossing the line 1st in such a small-scale event.
Coming in 1st individual male - a plastic trophy
Coming in the 1st team - $30 voucher
Coming in almost a kilometre ahead PRIZELESS
Till today some fat arse collegue still hoped for rain during the event so that some involuntary runners can save some energy. Imagine all the dissapointment & waste energy if the event was cancelled. Postponement was not an option.
Thank you Gel SpeedStar, 11days old, 2nd race & you’ve shone.
The weather began very well, with sunshine all day unlike the previous weeks. But the seemingly worse scenario took place, it started to pour with lightning at 4:15pm, just while everyone was about to board the bus transport.
MET services also gave a Class 1 Lightning grading. But the ambulance called & said that there was fine weather at the venue so we all left for the Start Point to make to decision to run based on the weather there. It held out for another hour when lightning closed in.
Anyway, I came in tops for an event which I wanted to slaughter the competition. Clocked 26:48 over 6k. Which works to 4:28min/km. The start was at a ferocious pace, covering almost 2.4k in less than a 10mins. I launched my attacked as planned at 2k and never looked back. In the end, I opened a gap of about 2 – 3mins to the finish.
No one understands the feeling of crossing the line 1st in such a small-scale event.
Coming in 1st individual male - a plastic trophy
Coming in the 1st team - $30 voucher
Coming in almost a kilometre ahead PRIZELESS
Till today some fat arse collegue still hoped for rain during the event so that some involuntary runners can save some energy. Imagine all the dissapointment & waste energy if the event was cancelled. Postponement was not an option.
Thank you Gel SpeedStar, 11days old, 2nd race & you’ve shone.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Farewell, my lady
Today, I formally retire my trusty pair of Asics Gel DS Trainer VII. Version XII (12) is out on the shelves & considering one version is launch annually, that's how many years i've worn them. This pair should had been long retired but if it ain't broken, don't fix it or don't change it in this case. However, the "trusses" & sole started disintigrating after my last tempo run. Pity, coz I wanted a swan song for it in 2 races within a fortnight.
This set of lightweight racer/ trainers has served me very well indeed, with some credible & memorable race results. Most notedly, my victory at the 2005 OSIM Mini Triathlon.
Welcome, Gel SpeedStar II, in "Hard Blue", my 4th pair of Asics shoes.
Monday, April 2, 2007
What is Tradition?
Yesterday was my cousin's wedding. Yes, it's on April Fools Day, so it was unbelievale at first, especially since no news was heard from him nor emails SMS. It was his mum who spread the news.
Tea ceremony was at his parents' home. All except a pretentious set of relatives turned up. So much for tradition, this particular aunt always preaches. Maybe they just didnt want to incur the cost of gifts.
The bride was still wearing her white gown during the tea ceremony, what happened to the traditional red set? Anyway the tea was also served on a little tray by the couple together. Thot it was supposed to be by hand individually. Should had been more sparing on the red packets...
A group of chimneys were puffing near the buffet table.
Saw the 2 pretentious cousins cheperoning my grandparents. WTF?!? Dressed like going a gay party & like Santa's Elf.
The dinner was uneventful through. Much planning was done I noticed, only at the beginning. Helpers armed with earpieces :o & a pair of emcees. Where's the videographer?!? I thought, such moments are too good to be missed. Anyway his speech was not even prepared. Maybe he'll prepare better for the next one.
Those on my table was thankfully alright. No stupid pressure from outsiders.
Anyway I managed to squeeze in an easy run. Trunddled along a train track & explored the canel along Margarate Dr. All for the training for the Mizuno Mt Faber Run in 3 week's time.
Dist:9km
Time: 55min
Tea ceremony was at his parents' home. All except a pretentious set of relatives turned up. So much for tradition, this particular aunt always preaches. Maybe they just didnt want to incur the cost of gifts.
The bride was still wearing her white gown during the tea ceremony, what happened to the traditional red set? Anyway the tea was also served on a little tray by the couple together. Thot it was supposed to be by hand individually. Should had been more sparing on the red packets...
A group of chimneys were puffing near the buffet table.
Saw the 2 pretentious cousins cheperoning my grandparents. WTF?!? Dressed like going a gay party & like Santa's Elf.
The dinner was uneventful through. Much planning was done I noticed, only at the beginning. Helpers armed with earpieces :o & a pair of emcees. Where's the videographer?!? I thought, such moments are too good to be missed. Anyway his speech was not even prepared. Maybe he'll prepare better for the next one.
Those on my table was thankfully alright. No stupid pressure from outsiders.
Anyway I managed to squeeze in an easy run. Trunddled along a train track & explored the canel along Margarate Dr. All for the training for the Mizuno Mt Faber Run in 3 week's time.
Dist:9km
Time: 55min
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