Running, Running, As Fast as I Can.

So what has happened to my "Learning how to run" regime that I started 4 months ago?

It was a fail.

Before you judge and laugh at me for being so gung ho for nothing, bear in mind, I am never a runner as mentioned before so it's not really a surprise the regime to kononya to eventually run a minimum of 5K continuously was a flop.

Truthfully, I really tried my hardest to push myself and Jhon to be committed.
Unfortunately, as weeks passed, it had been raining and Jhon's back aches got worse due to the impact as he runs.

I would've continued on my own but running at night alone was a no-no.

BUT! although I am no longer committed to the regime, I am still running/ jogging but now at my own pace and availability. I managed to hurt my back 2 months ago  and the pain still lingers until now but it goes away when I jog it off.

For 2 whole months, I ran/ jogged/ walked 3 times a week for about 2+/-km at 4pm. My stamina improved but unfortunately, social anxiety is still dominant because as soon as someone joined in the track, I lose my focus and get kekok. But no matter what, I told myself, I have to clock in that 2km, does not matter if it was slow or fast.

Now that it's fasting month, I had to put it on hold.

I shall persist not only because I want to gain stamina or easy my back pain but also...

Learning How to Run 2

Click here if you missed the intro and my first week experience.

Second week!

All photos are taken via runkeeper's website through my logs and I don't know why it's gray in the first slot when I've already completed it.

Training Day 5: 2.4km run/walk
"Go on a 1.5 mile moderate run or brisk walk. At this point if you cannot run the entire time you should be able to run/walk it. Our intensity is still moderate but starting to pick up the pace a bit."

Wah.... This day was f-ed up okay? First, I started the workout with a bitchy attitude because of my day was horrible but I forced myself to run thinking it will calm and tire me out to sleep. Secondly, it was raining/drizzling so we can't really run. When I decided to run near my block, the internet connection sucked! Even if I ran for 400m, it didn't record and running in a small circle sucks! My morals were low that day. The map basically shows how I felt.

When I looked at my report, I got even more frustrated! I ran/walked consistanly like previous 4 workouts and it said I was moving half the pace! WHUTTT! Angry!! Actually, I could redo the run but technically, I did my run. It's just the records are not accurate.

Training Day 6: 8x1 min fast
"This is a 20 minute interval workout. Perform 60 seconds of hard running with a slow 90 seconds walk or jog recovery and repeat. You should be recovered by the end of 90 seconds but not completely recovered"

This is my 2nd interval run and I could tell the improvement. I could keep up easy with 1 min of running throughout the 8 cycles. My fastest run was 5.29min/km and average run only was about 6+/-min/km. My work out heart rate is higher which means I am working my body more.

Training Day 7: 2.4 km run/walk
"Go on a 2.4 km moderate run or brisk walk. At this point if you cannot run the entire time you should be able to run/walk it. Our intensity is still moderate but starting to pick up the pace a bit."

This is the best one I had so far. I tried to push myself a bit more and it shows in the data and how I felt. I still need to brisk walk but I try to run further and faster; jog if I have to. It was tiring but there was never a point a moment of extreme exhaustion. I was so happy when I see that my average pace is faster by more than 1 minute. I also love it when runkeeper always congratulate me on every little improvement in pace, distance or even elevation.

Check out my heart rate after that run. It's good! Previously, when after a workout or any form of aerobic exercise when I feel exhausted, my heart rate was only at 120bpm but with just 7 training days, my heart is working awesomely!

[Heart Beat app]

At 152bpm, I am not only burning calories, I am also developing stamina and endurance. Horray for improvement!!

   

Learning How to Run 1

This is not exactly part 3 of my losing weight because the main goal of this exercise regime was not to lose weight but to increase fitness stamina although obviously it would probably happen.

But since I've mentioned it, so far I've maintained my weight at 55+/-kg with my fortnightly 6km walks, avoiding fast food overload and try to maintain a regular pooping schedule. You can read about the details and journey losing 10kg here and here. Since with this relaxed regime, I am rather stagnant with this weight and I am rather happy with it although I still have fats on my tummy and thighs.

I am ready to up my exercise routine because I want to be more fit. Here's a fun fact, despite my energy, I can't not run. My stamina for running burns out very quickly and mind you, I am fairly healthy with no asthma or anything. This has been a problem since teenage years where NAPFA test 2.4km was barely a pass.

It all started when the exercise app (runkeeper.com) I use on my handphone to track my walks updated itself with training plans. It comes with 4 categories (they are pretty much similar with running for 5K, 10k, 13.1km half marathon and 26.2km full marathon)

Obviously, I picked "Learn to run" which is basically training to run for 5km. There's a schedule to follow. You can follow a fixed schedule or go for the quick start and catch up at your own pace; which I did.

Instructions are clearly stated and you basically need to follow as close as possible. The 5K training has 28 workouts in 55 days although number of days varies depending on how strict you are in following. So far, we had to skip a few days here and there due to bad weather, other commitments or sick days. Here's a tip, if your body aches from running, take an extra rest day. Don't force yourself.

Calendar dates are off because I used quick start which means I start late into the schedule but back tracking the workouts.

We started on 1st April and I will journal this to record progress and see if I can eventually learn to run. I am motivated with a hint of pessimistic because to able to run continuously for 5km for someone like me in just 28 workouts seems unbelievable but she shall see ya?
Our usual start time is between  7.30pm to 8pm at a running track a few blocks behind Jhon's block This track has elevations which made increased the strenuous level by a little.

Training Day 1: 2.4km run/walk
"We are starting off with just 2.4 km run or walk to see how you feel. This should not be an all out run yet."

I wanted to see how far I could run and started full of gusto but it wasn't that long. All I could remember from this run was the constant struggle of air. My heart and lungs were working so hard that my ribs hurt. I hate the slopes and I ended the run with heat on my soles with shin splints.

Training Day 2: 8x 1min steady
"This is an interval workout. You will run at a faster pace for 60 seconds followed by a recovery walk of 90 seconds. Repeat this for 20 minutes."

This time, I ran with a little research in proper running form and breathing patterns. I struggled with proper breathing patterns because after a while, I over think it. The intervals pushed me not to succumb so easily to tiredness but after 4 rounds, 1 min of running seems harder every cycle. My fastest steady run was 06.16min/km and slowest walk was 13.30min/km. That was very slow since my average walking pace is about 11min/km. Everything was slow. =(

Training Day 3: 2.4km run/walk
"Go on a 2.4 km moderate run or brisk walk. This should not be as hard as possible yet."

There was no improvement in numbers but there was improvement in how I felt. I didn't feel terrible while running and breathing patterns are somewhat consistent. The first week of training was to let your body get familiar with running and at day 3, it is; not drastically but I was definitely not struggling like the first day.

Training Day 4: 45min walk/jog
"Take 45 minute brisk walk or light jog. Keep the intensity fairly low on this day. The main goal here is to just be active and get used to moving for a longer period of time."

This is the longest distance so far since we had to train for 45mins. I was actually proud I survived 5km although it was a walk/jog. It was slow but  definitely an achievement for a non-runner like me. I was out a breath by the end of the training but I felt good inside.

At this point, I am more motivated.

   

Losing Weight Part 2 – The Update

Slightly over 2 years ago, I posted a blog post entitled “Losing weight the lazy way”

I shared how I lost a few kilograms within my own comfortable pace when I was verging being overweight with 65kg at 1.68m.

After 2 years, I am still continuing my regime. No doubt, I had my ups and down. Over the years, I had my weight go up and down but by 2 +/- kg due to not up holding my routine. I am only human and I had my weaknesses of eating more oily food than doing my walks home.

It was not that bad because I always take notice of my negligence early so I always managed to get myself on track. Basically, I was able to control my weight not go beyond 60kg ever again.

So recently, my sis had people come over to update her weight check up. (My sis likes to lose weight the “faster and easy way” by taking diet supplements. I strongly disapprove but it is her choice)

She told me to check my weight and fats for fun. These are my results.

I was shocked! I had not weighed myself for years and not realized I have lost even more weight. Technically, it should be lesser because I just had dinner, was wearing jeans and having my period.

The sense of accomplishment was beyond words because I have managed to hit my personal weight goal and still keeping my C cup boobs. Hahaha!

The machine also checks 2 types of fats, fat cells under my skin and fat cells around my organs.

Fat cells around my organs aka Viceroy Fats, super healthy.

The 1230 kcal/day is my basal metabolic rate which means I burn that much calories just doing nothing. Good hor?

Fat cells under my skin, slightly over. Well, I already knew because I still have rolls of fats when I sit down.

As for now, I am trying to get rid of as much fat rolls as possible but in general, just try to maintain my weight. Remember, losing weight is easy, maintaining is the hard part.

Those who know me should know that I hardly shop so I tend to repeat clothes and I found pictures at 3 different stages of weight with the same top. Yes, it's one of my favorite tops, just in case it's not obvious. lol

Look at that difference!

2006

Not the best photo but I look like a drug addict. Nuff said.

2010

This is my chubbiest but when my mom saw the picture, she prefers me at this weight. =S She said I looked (gebu) fresh? But I hate how I felt at this weight. I hardly took photos, running and climbing the stairs was a chore and I just don't like how my body feels in general. I can tell because I am quite an energetic person.

2012

I love this weight although there is a little room for improvement but I generally love it! I feel and look fitter. My aim was to able look good just with T-shirt and jeans. Mission Accomplished!

I am at just the right size. Not too thin, not too chubby/fat. In fact, I believe I am a couple of kilograms lighter than my 2012 picture. 

I have also added a couple of new habits in my routine.

Currently, I have been doing my walks, cut down on food that makes me gain weight fast (fast food) and listen to my stomach not my mouth (don’t be a glutton!)

One of my new habits is POOPING! I am not saying to buy laxatives and poop away okay? Most of my life, my pooping habits are irregular. I would poop every 2-3 days. I know, bad. Now, I eat more food with fibre and drink Vitagen and now, I poop every morning and sometimes in the afternoon too. No words to describe after a wonderful big dump.

And recently, I have started to eat almonds. It was not my plan to. I just had a lot of left over almonds from baking Biscotti so I just ate the rest as snacks. I didn’t realize how yummy they were by itself.

I randomly looked up the health benefits and to my surprise, almonds can help you lose weight lah! They even help slow weight gain. It is also good for your hair, cuticles, heart, pooping etc! So I am trying to keep this habit of snacking on almonds. I tend to eat average 10 pieces a day. I just grab them in my hands and munch =) I try to avoid eating too much because it will cause pimple breakout.

I am so happy and proud of myself for being able to achieve the weight that I want and at my own comfortable pace. I suggest this to everyone who wishes to lose/control their weight.

Just start with small basics and build from there. Trust me; you will see the changes like I did.

Remember, the faster you lose weight, the faster you will gain it and the slower you lose weight, the slower you will gain it. ;D

   

Formula Drift Asia 2012 Day 2

I am finally finishing this super uber over due Formula Drift Asia 2012 post.
Click here for Day 1.

So day 2 is packed because well, it's the event day.

Canon camera owners were very lucky because they had a chance to take photos from the Canon podium for 10-20 minutes.

The weather hot but windy and I knew for sure I will can tanned.

Drivers threw freebies and some where bad at aiming =X

Anyways, the competition was awesome!

The race was aggressive with many accidents. hehe Don't worry, nothing severe, just the standard bumper drops.

At the last leg, it was head to head with Daigo Saito and Rio Saputro Budhardjo.

In the end, Daigo Saito the defending champion won! Rio said he was trying real hard to match up to Saito until he lost control.

It was an amazing race! Thank you Motul for the opportunity!

   

Formula Drift Asia 2012 Day 1

So I got my hands on a pair of tickets for Formula Drift Asia this year by joining a contest. The icing on the cake was I got grandstand tickets. Yey! The last time I went was 2010 and I didn't get to see much because my brother sent our parents, Jhon and I too late.

This time around, it's just Jhon and I at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Day 1 is a qualifying round for all drivers. We came by at 2:15pm, just in time to check out the area and autograph session with all drivers.

Do you recognize any of them?

After checking out the drivers, we checked out their cars and crew at their pits. It's been a while since I am this close to a drifting car. There were plenty of Nissan Silvias.

This is reminded me of my brother's old car.

Close to 2:45pm, we headed to the grandstand to get ready for the race. 

Check out the track!

By then, the best seats were already taken but it was okay. The view was only slightly obstructed. Our area was quite empty so we acted like we owned the place =P

The qualifying round was not so hot in the beginning. Scores were mostly zero but after the amateurs had their chance, the real drifters showed how it was done.

Although some drivers like the "Prince of Drift", Tengku got too aggressive and got zero points, he managed to get himself in the top 16. Tengku leh... Loads of money to practice in his backyard. haha

  

 

See Daigo Saiko's score, if I am not mistaken the highest among them all. He is after all the defending champion!

Will he be crowned champion on Day 2?

Those who had watched the competion on ESPN, read it on the net, please keep quiet! lol

This is clearly a long overdue post. =P