Tax Paying Season Ends...soon

Wow, Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri has taken a lot of money from me in advance, every month and we only get to redeem it more than 1 year later. The amount is so huge after checking the EA form, although I knew how much they have taken every month.

I tried to reduce or utilize the rebate in maximum so that I can get some money back, then I could use it for other purpose, such as funding budget for race, equipments (yeah... I like this idea, but it is not even enough to buy a decent bike), sport shoes (Oops, my wife would not be happy to see this) and maybe travel budget.

Since I was generous enough to buy most of the items on the wanted list, it is just a few item left, which I could still delay or persuade myself not to do it, yet. The idea of putting a 'bike' in the wanted list seems like a good idea. The angels and demons are fighting inside my head... oh no...

Let's see how much the government want to pay me back!

Besides, I have make a new rule to stop my spending habit, I just reward myself too much in 2012. Since I have set RM200 as the monthly limit or RM2400 as annual limit for shopping, it is a good start but I keep blowing off the budgeted amount. Therefore, the rules that I made is, for every dollar exceeds RM200 or the budget, I need to contribute the same amount of money into my family fund, which cannot be accessed easily.

What a brilliant idea?! wahahahaha.....

So, if I want to buy a pair of RM500 Asics Kayano, I need to pay RM500 to the store and RM500 to family fund. That will be RM1000 for a pair of Asics Kayano. If I end up spending less than RM200, I can keep spending. This measure is to curb the bad spending habit become uncontrollable. Should I make it 2x the amount?

Don't talk about this. Let's see how it goes in this 2 months first.

People, just remember to declare and submit your e-filing before the end of 30-April 2012. Else, you will end up a few hundred ringgit poorer.

Good luck~!

Malakoff Penang 2012 17km Certificate

Wow... the certificate of the Malakoff Penang 17km is out. You can print or download it at http://racecerts.hivelocity.com.sg/malakoffPenang2012_certificate.html.

It is really a big encouragement for me to be able to finish the race in 1 hour 20 minutes and 23 seconds. The icing on the cake was I was and the 22nd place in Men's Open.

Have to work harder then.

-woohoo-

Going to multi-sports?

Port Dickson International Triathlon 2012

I'm very interested to join this event but there are so many roadblocks ahead. It would be the very first triathlon event for me if I can clear the roadblocks.

 Roadblocks:

1. No bikes and never ride bicycle for 20km?
2. Never swim in the sea for 1.5km?
3. My freestyle sucks!
4. Insight about triathlon, such as preparation, transition and rules & regulations?
5. Commitment in this sports?
6. Too many registered events/races?
7. No friends? Although I can go solo, just the more the merrier.
8. Extra budget for this event? RM120 (registration) + travel + accommodation + etc....

Still having hard time deciding it.

O.o

Race Report - D'nonce Penang International Hiking Challenge

Event: D'nonce Penang International Hiking Challenge 2012
Date: 23 April 2012
Location: Youth Park, Penang
Distance: 9.5km (7.46km)
Registration Fee: RM50 (Men Open)
Gears: Adizero XT 3, Garmin Forerunner 405
Starting Time: 7.00am
Running Time: 01:22:46
Pace: 11:06

Did some kuli work on Saturday afternoon, soaked in sweat, cleaned myself up, tidying up some housework, set my alarm and went to bed. Posted one status in FB, 'How to race in tired body and exhausted mind?' to reflect the feeling that I had after the tiring Saturday but I have paid for the event, I must be at the starting point, unless there is some medical condition that overrules my principle.

The alarm rang, I remember I took the phone, disarm the alarm, and went back to sleep, luckily I did not oversleep although I was 20 minutes overslept. Quickly, I went downstair to change up, boil water, and get other things ready. This is the first time I will be racing in a trail race after Genting Trailblazer 2011 at the end of 2010, this is the debut race for my Adizero XT 3 which has recorded less than 10km on it. Seems like I was ill-prepared, but no excuse.

I took 2 pieces of triple choc cookies and half a glass of Milo and I drove to Youth Park.

When I reached Youth Park, the normal route has been closed with a few police officers guarding that point. It was a bad sign because I know that any parking slot that I saw would be scarce. It proved me right when the parking slot that I have surveyed during the bib collection was taken up, I had to be more creative since the traffic to the deeper road, near to the Botanical Garden was congested. I parked my car at the entrance of the road to the Indian temple but not blocking any moving cars.

I put on my Nathan Trek, Garmin HRM and walked to the starting point, carrying hope that I will meet someone that I know. I was surprise to see Eng Lam, who is my cousin sister's hubby. He has a better FM finishing time than me in PBIM 2011. I greeted him and wish him good luck int the race.

Soon, the organizer was gathering all the participants at the starting line, but it was a mess because they could not get participants to the back of the starting line, some officers still confuse where to start, where to go, although it is stated in the participant handout. I was speculating the participants will move in different directions after the race started, which fortunately not happening. By the time they sort it out, I was 3m the starting line, but the front liners are 20 m in front of me. It is interesting to know that I will be starting at the back of the pack.

I heard the CM giving a speech to encourage people take care of their own health, exercise and maintain healthy lifestyle. Many people still ignore this simple message that was broadcasted thru TV, radio and many media, not knowing that every ignorance will cost us something.

The race started immediately and it took a while to clear the human traffic, then I had to run faster to catch up a bit. The running distance is around 1km and very soon we were entering the jungle or trail. From there, the route is narrow, there are many participants, hence it was like a congested road with cars. Not knowing that where was I, I tried to overtake as much as I could in the very few meters in the trail, which cost me dear, I was out of steam within 100m in the trail.

Then, it was like never-ending going up, thru staircases and trails. I was soaked in perspiration, I was dehydrating extensively, I was thinking it was due to the humidity but after checking on my Garmin, it was my heart rate, it was raising like nobody's business again, shooting up to 185 per minute. My energy was draining fast and the Garmin could not measure the distance very well, because the measurement was compromised with a lot of elevation.

The organizer just provide plain water for hydration, but isotonic drink is not provided, I bet all the participants need isotonic drinks more due to the effort taken to undertake the hike and trail.

In 3 km mark, I was thinking the difficulty level is comparable to the Trailblazer, the major different could be the number of ups and down only. Moreover, it is quite warm in Penang, compared to Genting Highland. I was slowing down because my energy was draining fast. I stepped aside to let other participants to go thru before so that I could catch back my own breathe.

It was not so far away when I heard we are not far away from the top and going down from there. I was excited to hear that but my Garmin told me different story because I was expecting to cover 9.5k. Many participants were speeding in the downhill path. At the same time, 3-4 top female runners overtook me. Wow, they are fast and strong.

The downhill part was tricky, slippery, rocky, etc. At one point of time, I tumbled as lying down on the floor after accidentally kicked the tree root. What a beating, but I stood up and continued. The route was narrow and dangerous. I sprained my ankle once for not landing properly on a rock. I took a few minutes to recover.

I could feel that both my knees are working hard to take the impact during the downhill, the pace could hit sub-4 in certain interval. Brakes had to be used frequently to slow down and the ankles really had to absorb all the stress. They are hanging on there for me. I was thinking like this is quite severe for me which has not trained on trail in this pace. Then, I sprained my ankles again. Haih.... too bad.

I became cautious, not wanting to sacrifice the joy of running in this race. So, I slowed down. Took careful steps to and finished the race in moderate speed. It took me 1 hour and 23 minute to cover 7.46km as recorded in my Garmin.

Pros:
1. Bad organizing before the race starts
2. A challenging route to moderate to advance hikers.
3. Ropes to help participants in the trail.

Cons:
1. No isotonic drinks provided during or after the race. Hence, make the registration fee too expensive.
2. No distance marker.
3. Need to submit lucky draw to claim finisher medals. (you can rate in anyway you want)

Well, it was a difficult race for me. There is not any target that I've set for myself, except completing the race, but I was quite envy to see that some of the runners that I know actually have better timing than I do. Well, I have to have enough rest to let my ankles recover, I still can feel some weird sensation there. They are overworked, thanks to their irresponsible owner. Besides, there is minor cuts on my right palm too.

Anyway, I have had a good lesson here. I'm not strong in trail, I need to work on my muscles, train on hills or elevation. The economy run does not work on elevation.

Until then, I will rest for a few days, hoping that my ankles can recover and continue my road running quest. Maybe I shall schedule in one trail running in every 2 weeks or so.

Below are the summary and details of the race:

 

 -Get Well Soon-

Races Registered in These 7 Days

In the past 7 days, I have registered a few races in coming months. I'm going to splash money again to travel and to enter races, I believe my wife has something to say about it, but she told me different story. Erm.... like she will be following me to the races so that she can visit her friends at those area. Actually it is not bad to bring my wife a long, in fact it is good because we can tag along the tiring trip to those destinations, we could chat and keep myself accompanied.

Below are the races that I have registered:

1. Shape Run, Putrajaya. 11.8km on 14-July
2. Sungai Petani Half Marathon on 01-September
3. Taiping International Full Marathon on 16-September

I have paid RM50 for the early bird registration for Taiping International Full Marathon because one of the KPI is to hit 4 FM in 2012, so cannot afford to miss this event. Then, I have to register SP Half Marathon manually to some bank transfer (RM39) and email communication with the organizer. It is not as convenient, but it is considered done. Finally, I have made up my mind to join the Shape Run in Putrajaya, it has been 3 years+ I have not been there. I think it would be great to be there again, but I hate the route in Putrajaya, too many precincts and very confusing for me, who don't know the Geography of Putrajaya very well. This is an expensive event which cost me RM64 including the race bib courier to my home. Anyhow, I hope to judge it after the event.

One thing in common is all this 3 events are new to me, I have not join any of these events, I believe it would be a new experience in each of the race.

One thing that is playing in my mind is whether to do River Jungle Marathon (RJM) or King of The Road? Both of the events fall on the same day, I can only exist in one place at one time. As much as I want to join the RJM, because it is new to me, it is non-competitive, it is running in trail/jungle or more off-roads, but can I recover soon enough to do Taiping International FM? On the other hand, I want to improve my timing on KOTR, I did not run fast enough, or I did not try hard enough to finish the race last year. After Malakoff Penang which I clocked 1:21 vs KOTR 2011 at 1:35, I hope I could beat that timing and maybe 1:18 or less is a realistic target.

It is a difficult decision. Let me spend another few days to think about it.

Sunday is the judgment day for the 9.5km hiking/trail. OMG....

RM269 is Justified.

My wife said she has no eye to see again~!!!!

Not that she could not see but she chooses not to see because I made it again. What did I do?

Teng teng.. teng... TENG....

I have bought myself a new trail running shoes, the type of shoes that I do not have and probably I need because I do not want to run on the trail with my lightweight shoes, they do not have sufficient protection and traction (I don't know what is it) but I believe it is something like 'grip' on the trail or mud.

Let me justify my purchase :P I had a crush on it when I saw it don't know how many months ago and I keep revisiting the outlet whenever I went to QBM or Sunway Carnival. The price stays until they put up RM289 to clear it or to make space for other shoes on the rack. I was hesitant and I told myself it was still expensive, so I did not buy it. At one time, I saw they put on the 'last pair' label but I still held myself. Stopping the impulsive shopping desire is very difficult.

Until last Friday, I went to the outlet again after having my lunch at the QBM food court. I was looking for the same pair of shoes again, and it was still there but with a another price cut of RM20. That was the first time I asked the promoter to hand me the last remaining pair to try on, I know the size is US8.5, the same as the Adizero Agios that I have.

I knew I was not going to let it go this time and I tried to look for defects and maybe some other factors that could stop me from buying but there is none that I aware of. I'm happy on it, with the Continental rubber outsole, hopefully it is really useful and can prevent me from getting injured in trail running.

I shall take it to maybe a couple of 5k run before putting it on for the Penang International Hiking Challenge this weekend.

Although it is not a huge discount from the original price of RM340 but I'm quite satisfied with the ~20% discount on one pair of Adizero.

-woohoo-

Race Report - Annual Round of The House Relay

Event: Annual Round of The House Relay 2012
Date: 15 April 2012
Location: SMK Padang Polo, Penang
Distance: 2.4km x 8 (19.2km)
Registration Fee: RM50 per team (Men Open)
Gears: Adidas Haruna, Garmin Forerunner 405
Starting Time: 7.00am
Running Time: 00:09:34
Pace: 03:59

Team Member:
F1 - Tan Choon Shih 0:09:34
F2 - Cheah Woei Jye 0:11:26
F3 - Hubert Poh 0:12:08
F4 - Eddie Tan Kak Hoo 0:13:37
F5 - Choong Wai Inn 0:11:59
F6 - Ang Hui Ming 0:15:16
F7 - Yeoh Huei Giap 0:13:00
F8 - Danny Tan 0:12:45

I suggested to put up a relay team for this event 3 weeks ago and I was very  happy that we could form a team in 3 days time by getting all members to commit. It is only a short run, 2.4km and very cheap, RM5 per head only. Since I'm not convenient to travel to Penang Island to submit the form or to attend the briefing, I have nominated Woei Jye to be the team manager. He did a great job by sending out emails and updates.

On Saturday I got to know that we have had the team assignment. We are F1 to F8. I volunteered to be the first runner and I thought I can scare people's shit out. That was my initial intention. Read on and you shall know the truth, it is always cruel. The the rest is taken care of by WJ.

On race day, Hui Ming and I reach early as promised and by 6.55pm, we already have F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 and F8, except F2, who is the team manager. We were quite worried because we woke up early, we prepared ourselves mentally, even physically, the adrenaline is pumping but the team manager still not here, and we will be disqualified even the race being started because we do not have our bibs. We made several calls and finally he reached, and passed the bibs to us. We were asked to assemble at the field, which all the 19 Men's Open team must be there. Then in a short while, all the first batons were called to line up and move to starting line.

I looked right and looked left, all the runners are professional, I saw Ow Yang, who is the fastest Chinese marathoner in Penang Island (*this is what I heard) and some other state runners, all very terror. It was too late to back out but it was not my spirit to be seconded or downed without a fight. I told myself I want to pass the baton with some margin, and here comes the pressure, although I am the one keeping telling the team not to stress themselves because it is only a fun run.

The race official distributed the batons and we heard 'ke garisan' and 'piang~!!!' the race started, I forgot to turned my Garmin on, whatever. All the first batons are really fast, in the 100m mark, they are already 30m in front of me, walao eh.

I tried to increase the pace but I did not know how fast I was because I did not on my Garmin, haih....I was gasping for air after 800m or so, based on my rough estimation and I saw the gap was being pulled wider and wider. I told myself to hold the pace, at least, that's the basic thing to do, but the legs are tired, maybe due to the all day long standing on the Saturday shooting session, or maybe the pace was already out of my capability.

After the Island Hospital turn, I was closing on 1 runner and I did overtook him, and I hope some of the runners will actually lose steam in the end, but sorry, I can tell you that all the front runners were really really really fast. I sensed that my pace was dropping gradually, but I could not tell how much. I estimated it to be around 20% or so.

I could see the Penang General Hospital, I saw the turn into the Sepoy Lane into the finishing line, I wanted to pedal for more, demand more from my body but there was no answer. At that turn, 2 runners actually overtook me and I just ran all my heart out to the finishing line to pass my baton to F2-WJ, our team manager.

 

I was informed that my official timing is 00:09:34 which mean the average pace is 03:59. That's something to be proud of.

It has been a long long time that I have not been that tired. I know there is some problems that I need to fix, lack of speed training, no experience in 2.4k sprint, etc....

Then, we had fun near the finishing line with the bunch of bananas, talking craps, help to cheer our team mates and other runners. A few of the members and I were quite surprise that every participated team which completed the run will have medals. Wow... we were in joy because we did not expect that with merely RM5 each head, we will have medal.

We wait patiently for the prize giving ceremony, our team manager went up to the stage to receive on behalf. What a moment! Then, we had our own medal award at the back, WJ - the team manager presented the medal to all the runners. It was a great event, great achievement and I believe everyone tried their best although it was just a FUN RUN for us.

Well done. Hopefully we will have Banana Run 2.0 next year.

-woohoo-

I'm in Penonton Blogroll

When I was looking for more information about the MPSP Green Run, then I went to Penonton (the place that I used to visit for race information). To my surprise I saw my own name there and my blog name is there in the blogroll, wow. I'm like a little boy getting recognition for finishing his homework :P

But hor, I do not wish people to see this post which is not something that is quite proud to share at the moment.

If you are a running kaki for races, recreation or for gathering, please visit http://2009tonton.blogspot.com.

Here you go:

O.o

Q1'12 Resolution Review

It is not a good quarter, you would know that looking at the RED and YELLOW. I'd consider myself to be good in one department ONLY, which the is Health and Fitness I shall start to make some changes to achieve more in all departments, starting by a little. Hopefully I can achieve more in Q2'12.

2012 Resolutions

I have learned SMART goals, so I shall set SMART goals. I do not wish to put so many high level resolutions but to break down each resolution into some relevant goals, hopefully I will not wet my own pants or your pants. 

1. Be organized

• Work. I shall not elaborate here as some information are confidential and not to be disclosed. BUT... I shall complete all my PPM 2012 6 main objectives in the duration that I have had set. Looking forward for promotion to Senior Engineer by next performance review.
  -Q1: Goals are NOT met.
• Gardening. Shall water the plant every day or at least every 2 days to keep them alive and vibrant. My negligence almost kill one palm tree. I don't feel good that things dead on me.
  -Q1: Almost got the plants killed again when wifey was away for biz trip in March.
• Home Improvement. Buy wire racks to organize the store room and label each racks accordingly by end of February 2012.
  -Q1: Bought racks, cleaned store room, but no labels yet.

2.  Time management

• Watch less crap TV and football matches. One movie or LIVE football match is almost 2 hours. I shall be picky in watching football matches, limited to 5 star clashes or Manchester United games only. Maximum one match per week, or watch only weekly highlights.
  -Q1: Still watching more than 1 match from time to time.
• This one is very tricky. Since my role is expanding, time management shall be dynamic. Prioritize things using the priority vs important matrix.
  -Q1: Not really use this.
• Cut down FB and surfing time. Spend not more than 60 minutes a day on FB and blogging.
  -Q1: Endulging in Draw Something. 

3. Family and friends

• Spend quality time with family and friends, family comes first. Bring parents out for a movie or outing once a while. Shopping together or visit new diners together.
• Talk more, else write. I need to do more talking, to family members or friends. I'm like a loner sitting in front of the laptop every day, just yet to talk to the laptop only. Talk about anything, everything. It is a skill.

I know that the 2 goals above are not SMART goals, but is it necessary to make them smart?

4. Health and Fitness

• Eat more fruits and greens. Probably I can say that pick at least one portion of veggie during lunch and dinner. Take fruits whenever I see it at home.
  -Q1: Made some progress in this, at least 5/7 meals have veggie.
• Clock at least 60km monthly for running only, so it means 15km per week. Not so bad. I clocked 487km in 2011 and averaging about 40km per month for all type of workout (too little??!!!)
  -Q1:  Jan 92, Feb 126, Mar 132.
• Break into sub4:30 FM finisher, stretched goal is sub4:15. I was 15 shy to break the sub4:30 in PBIM 2011, so I guess if I can take 20-25 seconds off each km. then it is only a matter of time.
• Complete 4 full marathons, 4 half marathons and 6 misc races in 2012. Maintain competitive edge.
  -Q1: Misc races 2 (Merentas Desa Pulau Pinang, Malakoff Penang)

5. Money and society

• Start business with wife. Support wife to set up her business and start rock and roll by end of February 2012. Aim to generate revenue of 5 times the air ticket price of our Southern Airline by end of 2012.
  -Q1: Business setup. Need to build brand in Q2, etc.
• Continue to save N% of monthly income. 'N' is the amount that I have credited to family fund as what I did starting in September 2011. Need continuity.
  -Q1: Target met, but personal account in RED.
• Give back to the society. I have just donated ~RM200 in 2011 and I plan to at least do the same or increase it to RM300 (tight belt leh).... Donate blood 3x since I only did once in 2011. Once in a quarter as recommended.
  -Q1: Donated blood in Jan.

6. Self Improvement

• Read one book in every 4 weeks and write a summary of it. Be it conventional book or electronic book. I need to keep learning. I only read not more than 6 books in 2011.
  -Q1: Target not met. Hardly read any book.
• Learn a new skill. I would say probably cooking? Let it be a mystery for now. Maybe I'll think of something later.

This is what I got after thinking for a few days. I might add something on the list as I find new ideas. Ideas will be added with time stamp.

Wish myself have a fruitful 2012, I have to starting armoring myself with high discipline, determination and passion. Good luck!

:D

Nathan Trek

I have bought one unit of waistpack for the hydration purpose. It is made by Nathan, it is a company name and I have yet to try it out yet. Will do a review once I start using it for a few time. It costs me RM139.

Here is the photo of the actual unit:

(I wonder why I cannot rotate it...?!)

###

Running Injuries

It is always good to sweat it out, but never good to suffer from injuries, maybe it a minor or major one. Hopefully everyone can learn to 'use' their body well, maintain it and make it stronger and more productive.

Have fun running.