Half Marathon

Standard Chartered KL Marathon, I touched the dot at 3:11 (Oh 'kiasu' a bit I started 13 mins after race was started, so technically my finished time is 2:58). Though it never been as good as those veterans which finished at 1: 39,  but I'm happy with my own result. Based on Marathon guideline, I think I meet the Moderate category. If you are Half Marathon Beginer or doing a long run, I hope my post help.

I've been to few short runs like 10/12km in the past and I always amazed with people could do half or full race. "Xiao" (it's Hokkien dialect means Crazy) Right? Their stamina and cardiology must be damn strong to take their body through such a long distance! Whilst your physical able to cope with the distance, psychologically (you noticed I always consider these both ends when coping with challenges), you need to overcome the plain long journey. So I never thought of I would even consider to participate...until one day (Yes-lah, that one day).

So this was my first half-marathon race, I was lack of confidence however I went ahead. You know again the Faith thing brought me through all hurdles for this race. My preparation involve 3 easy steps Research-Feedback-Do it.

Objective

There are plenty training schedule you could find from internet, get a schedule which is achievable. To prepare for half marathon I thought I must be able to do 10km or so and I was quite upset that I couldn't meet the training criteria (Later I found that those training schedule are meant for those who prepare to score at top ten category). So again, determine your objective. To me, I just want to overcome what I always wanted to do (Shrugs).

Benefits

Do you even know why do we stretch our body strength or even putting a test on our mental limits?  It able to increase strength, stoicsm and confidence are areas that reap by Marathon runner. It also teach your body to make use from fat storage in the event glycogen are depleting (good news to women!!).

Training

If you hardly excercise like me, to start off with regular exercise is fairly tough, at time you tend to lapse. I need to juggle time in between time for TT and training, at time I need to comfort her before I proceed for training in gymnasium at my club house. However once the target is set, I will spent my best endeavour without looking back (Scoff).

My training was fairly simple. I did 2-5km run each time on every alternate day. Simple right? You never have to train like  10-15km (non-stop). Hehe. Well. If you're a non-atheletes, run at own pace. Having said that 2-5km non-stop is a tough chore for a person who hardly exercise! Throughout 2 months training, below are my findings:

 

1. Never wear too many clothes as it might trap the heat in your body resulted slowing down your pace. I don't wear cap, towel or even wrist bands. I wear only sleeveless top and short pants.

2. Stretch first before and after training. Legs stretching is utmost important, it helps to relax your muscles. Relax muscle improved agility thus avoid cramp. i.e. when you need to increase speed.

3. Push yourself as much but not over limit. Back to your objective, do you want to run for fun or to the top. 1km non-stop was quite good as a starter, I later pushed to 4km and that's the max I could do.



               

               After a strenous work out ..

4. Go on a speed you could afford. I begin speed at 5.6 (treadmill) ends at 8.2 (treadmill). Never start off too fast each of your training

5. Breathing is very important. You start panting your heart rate reaches the maximum limit. It didn't take too long to find out that when you've long exhale and short inhale. A regular breathe in and out help to sustain a longer run. So take a deep breath when you're about to out of breath.

6. Do a bit of swimming help to improve your cardiology

7. Remember to stretch before and after exercise longer possible. Stretch means you  feeling real pull at your muscle.

 8. Get a running buddy, that help you with regular execise and keep up with your momentum. Below is my running buddy - Catherine Chong. She went half Marathon after the first time! Incredible woman, single and available (Grins). I also thank her for "teman" me into this crazy race!!

After many rounds of training and the never give up spirit, we made it!! Bravo!!~~

Preparing before Marathon

1. No training a day before the actual run

2. Eat plenty of carbohydrates as reserve for long run

3. Have light food and liquid before running

4. Avoid too much of water or food to avoid visiting toilet

5. Get some tight fitting or with high support running pants if budget is allowed

During the Marathon

1.  During moderate water and carbonated at each station. Remember you need to replenish what you've lost. But I drink mostly water.

2. Sponge up if need to. That will help to reduce the heat.

3. other than that, make use of what you've learnt from your training!! Breathing technique & speed management!!

 Give yourself some fire "Fighting!"

...............................................................and with that, I managed to get a satisfactory position. End of the day, I recover muscle sores within 3 days.

Travelling with Kids

Single mother travelling can be quite an uphill task, not to mention if this is your first time. I brought her to Universal Studio, Singapore with my family, she was happy and that's my goal. Simple.

The true challenge arise when I decided to go on trip with her alone, for the first time we traveled by only two of us. I was quite skeptical about Cambodia as it's  new and doesn't appeared "safe" to me, so it's a challenge to go without other adults along. However I was kind of fascinated towards the Angkor Wat where "Tomb Raider" took place ( I later found that it actually took place in another temple, can't recall the name). After a few research and feedback from a Globetrotter, it become more appealing to me so I went ahead for booking which cost me about RM1800 for two persons in a 4 star hotel (why do I spell out the cost and the hotel rating? Read more).

So you must be amazed how do I travel with a kid, Alone. Usually, travelling alone perceived as unsafe, needless to say taking a kid with you amidst travelling in such chaotic country? Well, I must say I'm excellent. My travelling preparation was parfait, at least I never felt lacking during my whole trip including my kid, she was 9 back then, our travelling was comfy and no complaints since things needed are intact. I summarise my ground preparation as follow:

Get Ready

Taking care of a child single handedly is already an arduous task, so don't over stress yourself, if you're not ready to travel with child, push it to another year. As for me I begin our travelling plan starting only from her 8th. Three reasons: She able to comprehend things surrounding her, she can appreciate travelling of course she can be independent. Remember travelling can be quite hectic when you need to keep an eye for your luggage, personal belongins on top of supervising them. Children can be super active and careless, so to avoid tragedy e.g gone missing, make sure you're mentally & physically prepared.

Set your Expectation

Expectation is the foundation for you to begin with, so no one will be disappointed at the end.You must determine whether the trip is meant for her or yourself, If this is a trip for her there must be places which interest her because her happiness is your ultimate goal. Nothing comes free, I impose certain conditions before she could go travelling i.e. Score well in her study. It doesn't really work though but will figure out something else.

Set your Objectives

Set your objectives right whether it's meant for leisure or fun or educational. Although many of my friends objected this trip (Siem Reap) as it's  historical places where doesn't appeal to kid unlike theme park, funfair but I think otherwise. I prefer her to learn something out of the trip. So to trigger her interest I use an angle which she could relate to - "Tomb Raider" online game. I do tell her bit of history and the background of the place we're visiting, I also googled her some pictures and the game she could relate on. Needless to day, those weren't interest her. But at least you did, children may not show a lot of interest there and then, but if you wish to instill her with interest in history perhaps you need to start somewhere. Whatever it's set your objectives right.

Set your Budget

As I was quite sceptical towards a third world country, I booked a package which includes accommodation and tickets. Along with this, I get recommended hotel. I chose a higher rate hotel as I wanted her to stay comfortably and feeling safe. Though I find the package I got from AirAsiaGo Travel was quite good as compared to booking it separately, it was considered EX!! Gosh! With the rate I'm paying I could travel to Japan!! Well. So I learnt, to save money, book 6 months ahead is essential. Travelling to Seam Reap can be as low as RM 750 for 2 persons!! Tricks are book ticket during Air Asia big sales and stay in hostel!

Research around or get in touch with these Globetrotter might save you more money on tour and transportation. I spent USD30 a day as transportation and tour guide fee other than entrance fee. In a nutshell, it's truly cost saving!

Set your Itinerary

Researched the places to visit before embarking to ensure I've optimised my stays filled with places i wanted to go. For this trip, we spent a day to visit Orphanages and Floating Village, it's an educational trip I planned to. She gets to learn about unfortunate one and conditions of living. Trust me, she was amazed with what she had seen and she became more appreciative of what she's getting! We went historical temples in Siem Reap on day two.

Packing

This is most essential element in your entire planning, you'll get dampen when your packing isn't complete with necessary items. To play safe, I use the L size luggage. Good preparations for us include...

1. luggage. Got ready my luggage starting from the weekend so i have buffer for a must item.

2. clothing. (researched from Internet) to ensure comfy travel including in airplane and on site

3. shoes. for a long walk, at least she never complaint:)

4. medicine. to spare in case of discomfort resulted from the weather/food

5. cosmetic. of course to make sure I look good in the photos,

6. toiletries. to make sure my daily washed items are equipped

7. skin care. to make sure I've necessary treatment resulted from exposing under the sun, so i must got ready with water mask and sunblock.

8. Accessories.s like hairband, clip & hair accessories mostly for the little one

9. snacks. for orphanages visiting

10. Phone and camera chargers. to avoid battery turn flat

11. Books. make sure she isn't bored on the plane

12. Food. on the airplane

Anyways, she look forward and excited to go on a trip. She couldn't sleep on the night before and she woke up early for preparation. Surprisingly she was quite independent in airport from check-in to boarding. Below are some pictures taken in airport. Although we lose all the pictures taken in Siem Reap but memories live in our mind even stronger:)

 

3.30am arriving at airport - her mischievous look.....

6.30am in airplane, she was excited

Time Management

Cited my previous post about Time Management, a single mother's time does a contraint to an extend. Whilst I take things positively, there are time negativity took place, I do have my shortcoming.

Juggling between child care and career already taking a toll on my time & energy, not to forget running errands/house related matter. Remember I shared about priotization? I tried to make other things efficient possible include making inquiries to call centre. Here is the story.

Since New policy imposed by JMB members, all pedestrian required to get an access card to walk in/out property compound. To ensure complete the application within a trip, I made a phone call to management office.

" What do I need to provide to apply an access card?"

" Fill up the form, 50 dollar deposit and a passport size photo." He said.

"Is that all?" I need a confirmation. The management office open at 9am, to process a card I need to call late to work which I felt reluctant to if unnecessary. In this case, I would make once.

"Yes" He said.

" Are you sure is that all? " I double confirm again and he said yes.

I happily walk into management office with the require items. Then he asked for my Identification Card (ID), obviously he needs to prove that this application is approved by property Owner, however I left my wallet at home, he suggested to resubmit. I felt bit unhappy as he didn't mention over the phone, nevertheless ID is something I should brought with me at all time, so I told him will fax over even though I didn't have confident that he could handle the fax document, God know if he able to match against which application? well).

Anyways, I didn't make it to faxing over as I would rather ensure he stapple my copy of ID into my application (see I'm such a paranoid). I drop by the management office again at 9.15am, the office was closed, obviously staff were late. Look I really feel reluctant to come to office late for unnecessary errand, in this case I compromised the second time.

The follow days, I dropped by office during a day off, only to find out the ID he requested was meant to be the applicant's not the owner (one unit eligible for 3 access cards).

He starts getting on my nerves.

I questioned him that he was obviously asking my ID when I submitted the application form for my sister and I did tell him I left my ID at home which he didn't say a thing.  But he denied. Two big mistakes he did was " Denied" and "No Apology", I got so upset and thrown tandrum at the young officer.

For so many years, I always able to keep my cool towards ignorant, inexperience, dilatory process or indolent service I encounter. What's the point of getting frustrations which good for nothing? So I always kept cool and smile away when come to things are out of my way. But ever since I embark on a single mother journey, my patient threshold has gone thinner that I can't condone those who incurred time unecessarily.

Perhaps this is single mother time constraints syndrome, juggling too many things: Child+Career+Condo+Car+Cash Single Handedly. Thus, I don't welcome unnecessary chores.

Time off. I would rather call late to take care of my child

Reminders. It's an add-on burden to have Follow UP on things which is undone

A junior once told me this:

"These people are usually fresh graduate and they can't be well verse with every processes and products offers within their finger tips". This is something everyone aware of, but how many of us could apply when you're in the situation?

Yes, I shouldn't even expect them to be resourceful, God know they can't handle critical situation acutely, they may even intimidated to seek help from senior. They are fresh graduate afterall. On another hand, think again, if they are capable/resourceful they won't be sitting in office answering inquiries.

Generally, my inquiries was to help in my next course of action which usually has to be processed during business hour, as such making such inquiries amidst the busy working day is stressful. Needless to say when they unable to provide the right answer i.e. "walk into bank to apply credit card" (does it make sense to you? when there are so many communication tools namely F.A.X or E.M.A.I.L?)

Well, when they start off with something is obviously a wrong answer, then you're doomed. Your requested to seek assistance from someone senior or a team leader are usually went to engage mode and the call back might not happened, when it happened it might be at your inconveniences! Imagine if this credit card application is important where you need to pay off something online urgently, dealing with call centre like this is truly a disaster.

I can always call again, but not to forget, many a time, the waiting line can be too long to hold on. So calling to call centre is something I always try to avoid. On the other hand, I develop following counter measures:

a. Never embark on things last minutes. Always buffer time in necessary errands/chores.

b. Give the benefit of doubt. Junior remains junior, they can't be tactful as we 're

c. Have a Kit Kat. I think that might help :) 

Disclaimer: This post is created based on personal experience and perception. It doesn't imply specifically  to anyone who provide services over counter/call centre. It's at your discreation to construe the content and the author should carry no responsibility in next endeavour. However it would be great if you drop a message here for positive lights you've learnt or resulted from this entry. lol

New iPad

I got an iPad as a birthday gift when least expected, hurray!! Guess it's New iPad as the box didn't indicate versioning.

Remember I scorned about those who got themselve an i-gadget like everybody else? Well, I was so right, it was just a plain gimmick. Smart Phone in general is exceptional, I intend to get one to manage my personal schedules. What can an iPad do? It's basically a convenient internet browsing device. Every other XYZ generation got an iPad in hand as if a part of their appearance. or an icon ==.

Well, however I find it mere gimmick, I do feel excited when I got it from a friend (Yeah I get to SHOW OFF!! <Scoff>). I bring it with me wherever I go trying to master everything, I guess everybody does the same on new gadget and since it's only WI-FI connected, the progress of exploring is fairly slow.

I get to update my personal schedule for now, play some games (mostly for her), Facebook, camera. Perhaps I would also download some magazine/book/songs to enhance the reading pleasure.

I guess the plus points as compared to PC are:

Boot up. It doesn't take time at all to start your browser as compared to PC, I assume every MAC does the same chore.
Application.The free download-able applications  fit right in this information age
Apperance. Its sleek, thin, petite in size conducive for mobile users 
Command. A whole new experience  - Touch screen
Branding. Market leader for music, high performance and reliable quality enable high perceived value

Every good things come with bad, the set back of iPad as compare to PC are:

LAN. Can't do LAN connection as there is no LAN Port

USB Port. Can't do USB connection i.e. camera unless with external USD port
Favorite.You can't do "Favorites" on sites you favor of

The set back of iPad as compare to smart phone are:

Songs.Not conducive to listening to songs

Weight. Heavy in weight to move around
Size. Has to keep it in bag
Phone. It's not a phone o

So for better reading experience, I also invested a skin like this, well it's a least expected expenses as well ==.

3-in-1. Whateve it's I categorize it as a TOY, a toy would usually phase-out very soon. It add-on burden to bring so many gadgets around (on top of your phone and laptop), I am hoping technology advances would enable a hybrid gadget which combine laptop-tablet-phone into one one day.

So far, Samsung Notes is the closest but I was hoping a smaller iPad in size perhaps with lazer key board. What say you? ><.