Good Bye WSL XXXX

It's official.

I no longer own WSL XXXX.

Sad but..it's the best way forward.

It's been a great journey, "he" was a great companion.  I will miss you..

Almost two months after the accident, I've finally settled the necessary procedures with the insurance company and the bank.  So, as of yesterday, I officially do not own a car now.

I'm on my way to getting a WSL #### version 2.0.  

Will write more about how and why I decided to take this decision soon.

Live Great Run 2013 was Great too

Congratulations to Great Eastern.
Last year was the first time it was organised, and it was great. I blogged about 2012 HERE

They've done it again this year. Equally great if not better, with a slightly more challenging route, in my opinion. Hint : Bukit Tunku!

Don't think so? Let's see..this was from last year's run, Thanks to my Runkeeper.

2012

And, this is the recent run.

2013

Aik..how come total climb is less at 294 this year?! I did feel there were more hills this year..especially along Bukit Tunku.  Care to explain, anyone?

Nah..it's over and done with.  Doesn't really matter.  More importantly, it was an enjoyable run and we completed it with satisfaction.  And look..I had a faster average pace this year at 7.49 per km :P

Medal wise..looks the same as last year's. Old stocks?

The running tee's better this year though.  

Here are some pics I managed to snap along the way...girls in red/white, guys in dark blue/white.

Ah yes, I remembered to take a pic of the barricades this year!  Three in a row..last year was only one, I think.

Right..I'm done for September.  Next run will be in Oct 20th - Adidas KOTR, Hope my back's better by then.

There are two more runs in November, 2XU Compression Run Nov 3rd and Maybank Wild Tiger Run a week after.  And, that's all for 2013 :)

I'm "Back"

Yes, I'm back.

Wasn't in a mood to update last week due to the back strain.

It must be the most uncomfortable back issue I've ever had.  The GP's prescription worked well in relaxing and reducing the inflammation or whatever was going on with the entire muscle works.  The pain stopped and I could go on with my daily basic life pain-free.  But doc adviced to take it easy for two weeks to a month to let the muscles heal properly.


Hmm..
I have not gone to the gym since then...well I went for a short swim yesterday.  And I could hold a 40 secs plank today. *raised eye brows*

I must say that our body is as smart as any computer.  Numerous articles about back muscles strains stated that when there's a strain or tear in the back muscles, muscles will go into spasms (hence, pain) to restrain the body from most movements to protect further strain.

While I'm pain-free now..I could still feel sore-ness and somewhat uncomfortable especially at a sitting or lying position.  The medication has done it's job well in relaxing and healing inflammation.  For a longer term solution I may seek alternative treatment.  Still considering.

Back Muscle Strain

Was planning to blog about the 2013 Live Great Run that I participated in last Sunday.  It was a 12km run. The route was quite hilly around Bukit Tunku.  In fact, there wasn't much flat land, but yet the hills weren't that steep.

Overall, it was a good but somewhat challenging run.  I finished in about 1 hr 41 mins, not too fast yet not too slow (Ranked 107/256).

I stretched well after the run, there were no strong cramps, all seemed good apart from a sore right buttock - something that I've learnt to live with i.e. suspected sacroiliac syndrome.

Woke up the next day feeling pretty okay, I've learnt that if I stretch properly after a workout, I'll be less sore the next day.

As with all morning I did the regular round of back exercises and stretches.  Again, not much problems.

It was a public holiday but I had to stay in to do some work.  I started to feel unwell by afternoon, my back started to feel really stiff.  I'm quite used to back problems, normally it will go away if I keep to the exercises.

I could still do some mild exercises on the next morning but it got really bad towards evening.  Very basic movements like bending down, sitting down, getting up, reaching out became really painful tasks.  Even dep breathing and sneezing was painful.  I got really worried that it may something more complicated like a slipped disc or a recurrence of transverse myelitis.

Hence, I decided to see a GP just to be safe.

The doctor examined me and concluded that it's muscle strains or over exertion.  Slipped disc will be much much more painful, he said.

He prescribed some muscle relaxants, pain killers and gel to relieve the muscle spasms.

Medication seems to be working..hence I'm blogging this :)

It's wearing off though..as I can feel the tightness setting in again.  I better log off to have dinner, and take another round of meds.

Doc said..it will take a week or two to heal.  Crap.  I'm gonna beat that!  You think I can?

What happens when you quit Facebook?

A friend told me that she decided to quit Facebook but came back on after a week or two.

Why so?

Reason?

Well, she's the type who is always on-the-go, she'd be out most of the day and would be busy with kids when she reached home.  By the time she's done with kids and stuff it'll be bedtime.

So, when her colleague mentioned about the bus crash that killed 37 passengers - she didn't know.

There was a major water crisis in the city - she didn't know.

Petrol price hike by 20cts per litre - she didn't know.




So, that's how 'important' Facebook has become :)  Who needs the newspapers?!

I was one of the first in the family to learn about the Boston Marathon bombimgs, cos it was all over my Facebook feed at 7am in the morning.

P/S: Well, it also depends on what and who you follow in your feed.

Men's Health & Shape Night Run 2013

Wonder why we keep going for this.  It's become like a yearly outing.
Or running tee collection?!

Lazy people like us..only go for 5km :p

Since the 12km medal is very competitive..didn't bother la.  Stick to 5km, we get same goodie bag and a somewhat cool tee.

Cool striking color this year, albeit nothing new, Putrajaya Night run had  used this color before.
Better workmanship and design this year, me thinks.  But, I prefer racer back sleeveless.

And..erm..I doubt I 'll wear this as often, too striking.  I don't wanna be a walking stabilo boss!
What's up Skechers?  Didn't think about that?

See you Next year!

Run for Peace was a Success

Check this out!

PHOTO CREDIT : Run For Peace Facebook Page

I don't know what the organisers at SGM thinks but I personally think it's quite a success.

It's certainly not easy to pull off such a huge nationwide event.  I heard there were 54k registered nationwide!

I was at the PJ venue at Dataran PJ Near Amcorp Mall - the picture above taken from the FB page of Run for Peace.

Below are some photos that I took when I was there.

As I wrote in previous post, we had the Men's Health & Shape Run the night before.  By the time we got home (after getting lost in traffic, and de-touring to dinner/supper) it was already closed to 1am.  I slept around 2am, alarm came on at 4am :s

I was sooooo tempted to ring my friend to call it quits.  I would have..if not for this high school buddy whom I kind of promised that I will be part of the event.  Unfortunately, we didn't even get to meet up.  We were at different corners of the huge field, and I was too lazy to walk over.  Wanted to catch up after the run/walk but it was too crowded and I sensed that he had to leave pretty soon.

Oh well..glad I was there.  Didn't expect to see such a huge crowd.  A different type of crowd, unlike the usual running crowd, this is more family oriented.  Nice families coming together at such early hour for such a meaningful event.

I'm particularly quite impressed with the amount of volunteers from SGM and all worked hard, happily and effectively together to make sure everything went smoothly.  Well, there some hiccups, but I note quick and prompt actions and reactions to improve matters rather quickly,

The emcees were very good, spoke well in Mandarin and English.

The warm up aerobic session was so much fun.  The lead dancer, yes, Dancer, did a mighty good job engaging 15,000 participants to dance along to catchy tunes like YMCA, Party Rock Anthem and a few more.  And yes, I danced :D  I must say much more well done warm up sessions by all other  running events that I've been to.  Awesome sound system could be a contributing factor too.

There were other eye opening performance like the above and drum performance, all conducted by SGM own members, if I'm not mistaken.  Such rich talents.

The run was only flagged off around 7.30am.  Quite late to be honest.  The starting point to exit the field to the road was too narrow for 15,000 people, so it was a slow squeeze.  Luckily this is not a competitive run and majority are not those regular runners, everyone were patient, happy and well mannered.  

This is what PEACE is all about!

Peace is from within us.  Start from our own self, our inner self - what we say and what we think.

The Thunder Kick in BODYCOMBAT™ 57

As before, at the last month of each quarter., new releases from Les Mills programmes are being launched by dedicated certified instructors at local gyms.

It's the 57th release this time for BODYCOMBAT™.

I first tried it on Sunday and wasn't that excited about it.  Warm up track was kinda slow and quiet, I thought.  Didn't like Track 2 at all...with all the evasive kicks  and then there's "new kick" called the Thunder Kick.  I'm sure 99% of the class didn't like it :P me inclusive.

Well, with the music blasting away (I didn't like the song) and combined with lunges and evasive kicks (that I never liked and couldn't do), who would have cared what this Thunder Kick is all about?!  Anyway..it looked easy to do, just imagine you're stepping on a cockroach :P

But, even that, "stepping on a cockroach" ain't easy to do during the course of this track. Strong legs and core plays an important role here, otherwise it's easy to lose balance and one won't be working out effectively.

Check out this video that I stumbled upon.




Ahh....after watching it, I can appreciate the move more.  It's all about the Core.
P/S: That's one of the Program Director of BODYCOMBAT™ at Les Mills.
They design and create the choreography and moves of all the releases.

Cool workout, this Thunder Kick.

Anyway, I did the new release again last night.  Growing to like it actually.  I never liked rock songs in BC previously..but now I'm liking Track 4 by Fall Out Boy so so much!




And this during cool down :



BODYCOMBAT™ combines with music does magic sometimes :D
So, it's ok if don't understand what I'm talking about, only a regular 'combater' will understand :P

Run for Peace 2013

Source : http://www.sgm.org.my

It's happening this Sunday, 8 Sep 2013.


Organised by Sokka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) to create a culture of peace in the community.  As of last update, there will be 54,000 participants running the same event nationwide!  Participants from all states (except Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) will be running on the same day at their respective locations.  Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will be running on 6 Sep instead.

Read more about the event HERE

Facebook Page is HERE

Details about the routes, etc are HERE


I signed up for fun since it's ..err.. a Fun run.  Well, my high school buddy was part of the organising team, so I give face lor.  Plus, the objective behind the event's quite meaningful too.

Registration fee was RM20 only.  The only problem is...the Men's Health & Shape Night Run is on the 7th Night, yes...the night before.  How am I gonna wake up, I don't.know.

T shirt's quite cool and cute.  It's pink!


The guys will be in pink too?  Stay tuned for my pics ; p