Batman at Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 1 Dec 2013

2nd time in a row donning the Batman costume at the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore.

Video on Channel News Asia: Click HERE

"Eat Snake" Fatt Fatt Fatt + R.E.D. Run.Eat.Drink.

In celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Snake, we had 2 runs with I.M.D. Running and it was great to see many friends turning out to welcome the year of the Snake, as well to burn off the many calories consumed during the festive period.

9 Feb 2013
Theme: "Eat Snake" Fatt Fatt Fatt 8.88km Run
Time: 8.08am
Distance: 8.88km
Meet at: Casuarina Road (off Upp Thomson Road)
Route: from Garmin

Everyone (or rather, most) turned up early, well before the auspicious flag off at 8.08am.  Most were dressed in Red, to add more 'luck' to the lucky run.  With a distance of 8.88km, and the flag off at 8.08am, we were definitely going be blessed for the whole 2013!!  Even Juay Seng's pram had a touch of red to it.

Had a lovely pace with Soon Meng & Darin from the start till about the 6km mark into the Upper Pierce Reservoir Park until i decided to take a breather and look out for the rest (good excuse).  Also took the opportunity to go to the loo and bumped into Anthony Sum, who was leading the training for Team Fatbirds.  Had a long chat with him before i visited the loo.  Thereafter, i ran back to the Finish line at Casuarina Road, and stopping exactly at 8.88km.  HUAT AH!!!


17 Feb 2013

Theme: R.E.D. Alert!! Run.Eat.Drink.
Time: 7.30am
Distance: 12.57km
Meet at: Blk 51 Old Airport Road (Food Centre)
Route: from Garmin

Our 2nd R.E.D.(Run.Eat.Drink.) run.  Runners (most, if not all) love to eat.  At the famous Old Airport Road Food Centre.  But we had to clock a run in before we indulge.

The weather was superbly cool, making for a refreshing run to the beautiful Gardens By The Bay, Marina Barrage, Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, Floating Platform, F1 track, Kallang Riverside Promenade, Nicoll Highway and back to Old Airport Road.

Our run was accompanied by Chinese New Year songs, compliments of Tick Hock who had his radio with him.  You can trust him to keep all of us entertained :)

Alex Brauner, who had relocated to Vietnam, took some time off and 'found' us at the Gardens By The Bay East.  Joined us till Kallang Riverside Promenade until he had to get back to his hotel.

The original route was an out & back route to Marina Bay Sands, until someone suggested to cross over the Helix Bridge to take photos of the River Hongbao exhibition.  We took lots of photos, thanks to our photographers, Tick Hock, David, Sidyz.  And we took the shorter way back as our stomachs were appealing to us to be satisfied asap.  How could we refuse :)

Photo by Tan Tick Hock
from Left: Choon Han, Teng Hin, Alex Brauner, Sidyz See, Tick Hock, Ben Swee, Charlotte Teoh, Margaret Lim, Lawrence Chua, Joshua Lin Lu

Had a good meal with the gang before heading home to chill out for the rest of the day.

Till the next I.M.D. Run.  Have a Healthy & Fantastic New Year everyone!

Photo by David Tan

A Warm Welcome: ASICS Gel Trabuco 14

Dropped by the ASICS booth at the Singapore Expo to have a look at the Trail Running shoes they have (at 60% discount, what do we have to lose?? ok, it's just an excuse :) ).  

Was looking for a pair to help me go through 100km at The North Face 100km Thailand on 2 Feb 2013, although i have (not anymore, after this purchase) "only" two pairs of trail running shoes. :)  Well, it's always good to have more options so we try out.  I'm quite sure many will agree :)

This pair, which has a 'different' feel from my other 2 'lower to the ground' pairs, provides a more cushioned underfoot feeling, as advised by my friend, Kelvin Tung, the pro in ASICS shoes :)

This 'cushioned' feeling will be 'tested' on 2 Feb 2013 in Thailand, by my feet to see if it will be the 'weapon of choice' for the 'more exciting' Lantau 100km on 16 March 2013.

Shoe Test

Ok, the all-essential feet test is carried out next. 

A condition laid down by my feet before any purchase of shoe is to go ahead.

Comfort

Upon slipping my 'sockless' feet into the Trabuco & standing, i could 'feel' what Kelvin talked about.  My, it was Soft & a tad Bouncy.  PERFECT, my feet told me :)

ASICS Gel Trabuco 14

Outsole

The Outsole

The Outsole was next to go through the test.  Heel looks Great, Forefoot looks Great.  Not too aggressive/deep. Flexibility wasn't a plus point if you like something very flexible.  A tad stiff it was, but as there wasn't a trail to try at the booth (ok, wishful thinking), i hope it'd work well once it hit the trail.

Heel Counter

The Heel Counter

The Heel counter is quite firm. It provides great support for the heel, preventing sudden twisting (hopefully when running on the trail).

Other Factors

Lace Pouch

A thoughtful design.  Having this feature allows the laces to be tucked in.  Helps prevent the laces from getting caught/stuck on twigs/plants/etc.  Very useful for us sometimes-clumsy trail runners, even walkers :)

The Outsole

 Another enticing look at the not-so-aggressive Outsole

Actual Tryout on the Trail

I will try soon. (Wait, Master Yoda said "Do or Do Not.  There is No Try")
Yes, Master Yoda.  To the Trail, we must go!

2013 - The Birth & Continuation of Events

As we cross the 1st half of the 1st month of 2013, we will witness the Birth of new Events in 2013.  Some, totally unheard of.  Some, built upon our past events.  

We also continue to organise the events we done in the past. Small in terms of participation numbers, but Large in terms of distance/hours/fun :)

Let's Cut to the Chase!

Quite recently, I envisioned an event which will facilitate great team bonding and bring together groups from different clubs/groups/areas (hopefully) in a fun atmosphere, yet with a tinge of competition.  This vision gave birth to the Zoom On Track - Relay Challenge.  It is a relay run (or race if you wish) where teams of up to 5 members set out to complete either 10km or 21km on a 400m track, taking turns to run 400m each.  Those doing 10km will do 25 laps whilst the 21km will have to tackle 52.5 laps.  The fastest team in each distance will win a Trophy for every member.  The inaugural Zoom On Track was held on 13 Jan 2013, Sunday at Queenstown Stadium, with the flag off at 7.15am sharp.  A total of 25 teams took part (10km - 14 teams, 21km - 11 teams).

Photo by Running Shots ("Ripley" Kelly Lim)

 Many thanks to the photographers for coming down early on a Sunday morning: "Tekko" Christopher Koh, "Sotong" Mah Win Hong, "Ripley" Kelly Lim and many others.

Results
10km - Click HERE
21km - Click HERE

Zoom On Track Facebook - Click HERE

This will be our 3rd Edition.  To be held on 30-31 March 2013, starting from 7pm on Sat 30 March till 11am on Sun 31 March.  Participants have up to 16 hours to complete as many 10km loops as possible.  Participants can join as a team too!

Early Bird Registration Rate ends by 24 Jan 2013 11.59pm.

The shortest distance ever clocked was 5km.
The longest distance clocked (in a wheelchair) - 135km in 2011 by Hannes Koeppen
The longest distance clocked (on foot) - 130km in 2012 by Ong Kai Wei
No. of Participants who have clocked 100km & above in 2011 & 2012 - 28 (some have achieved it twice)

Website: Click HERE
Facebook: Click HERE

We're heading up North, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to bring the Singapore version of the Banana Relay to our friends there.  It will be an exciting experience as we go Bananas (Pisang in Malay) in Malaysia on 12 May 2013, 7.30am at Taman Rekreasi Bukit Jalil.

Facebook: Click HERE

We've been organising the Banana Relay yearly since 2008.
2008 - East Coast Park
2009 - Pasir Ris Beach Park
2010 - West Coast Park
2011 - Kallang Riverside Park
2012 - Woodlands Waterfront
2013 - Somewhere in Singapore :)

It's a very fun relay, where you don't get to choose your team members... We choose it for you :)  This way, you'll get to make new friends, which is the objective of the Banana Relay:
to promote friendship, teamwork & bonding, regardless of speed, height or gender.

Find the Bananas on Facebook: Click HERE
Website: Click HERE

We had a really Craze time in the 1st Edition of the Craze Ultra in 2012 so much so that we had to do it again on 21-22 Sep 2013, to satisfy the 'craving' of the Nuts (aka Participants).

The Nuts have up to 32 hours to complete their selected distance (100 Miles, 101km, 78km & 43km) either Solo or as a Team.  It is an out & back route, with the Start & Finish at MacRitchie Reservoir.  There are 4 different U-Turn points: Woodlands Waterfront (U-Turn for 43km), Yishun Ave 1 (U-Turn for 78km), Lor Halus Wetland & Visitor Centre (U-Turn for 101km) and Changi Beach Park (U-turn for 100 Milers).

We hope to open registration soon.  

If you want to be informed prior to the official launch of the registration, CLICK HERE

Check out more at our Website: Click HERE
Facebook page: Click HERE

It's been hibernating in my mind in the past few months.  It's gonna be one helluva Monster.  If only i can take part too!!

What a Monster of an Ultra in Singapore!!
200km. 48hours.
Are you Gutsy enough to Unleash The Monster Within?

We're also considering a Mini Monster version. 100km.

What Kind of Monster Are You?

Find out more at: Facebook Page

This is a "No Frills" type of race where participants have the chance to win cash prizes (for the top few).  Our aim was to charge reasonable fees, just enough to create a pure racing experience, where people had to pay only for the essentials, e.g. drinks & medical.  Take away all the 'luxuries', and we have set a registration fee at only $13.  The 2012 edition saw a 10km Competitive & 5km Fun Run.

In 2013, we hope to have it 1 week after the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore, so we might have it on 7 Dec 2013, Saturday evening.

Stay Tuned at our Facebook Page
The "No Frills" Website: Click HERE

Making the Return to Life @ The North Face 100 Singapore 2012

Unrecognisable!

Never Stop Exploring

It's been slightly more than 3 months since i took part in an event, with the last one on 24 June 2012 at the KL Marathon.  Being stricken with a virus (of an unknown nature) causing my body muscles to ache for the 3 months and leaving me no opportunity to do any training (save for the 28km on 19 Aug when i felt ok), i was quite apprehensive when a last minute opportunity came to do The North Face 50km category.  As i felt quite alright in the past week, i decided to take up the offer and just give it a go, but go easy at the event and stop if any sign of discomfort comes over.  Without any expectations, it will be a stress-free event.  Still, that didn't allow me to have any shut-eye at all the night before the event.  Probably my body/mind was getting excited and couldn't wait to start!  haha

Fast forward to race day:

Hitched a cab ride to MacRitchie and arrived before 5am.  There were 3 others present at such an early time.  Took my time to prepare my race items and kept the post-race items in the locker.

Soon, more participants started arriving and we chatted with each other, e.g. Daniel Ong, David Wong, Tay Poh Chye, Mohan, Frank Chong, Peck Long, Alex Ang, and many other friends/participants from Twilight Ultra & Craze Ultra.  Such an event definitely fosters greater friendship & bonding :)

I didn't have breakfast that morning, save for a few cups of water. When a fellow participant offered a bar to me at the Amenities Centre, i didn't take up the offer even though my stomach was rumbling (maybe it could sense that food bar).

I mixed in 1 packet of Hammer Nutrition's Perpetuem powder mix into my hydration bladder and packed some Endurolytes capsules (24 of them) & additional Perpetuem packets into my hydration bag.  Those would suffice.  Didn't need any more than those.

At about 6.35am started making my way to the Zig Zag bridge and 'weighed in' my bag, entering the starting area, where i saw quite a number of friends (Tigger, Lionel, Soong Ing, Angela, Claire, Blade Runner, Tekko, Molly, etc), who were surprised(i surprised myself too) i was taking part.  After a few photos, we were ready to be flagged off.

Right from the start, i walked.  Running was out of the plan.  Didn't want to risk any discomfort.  In my mind, i thought of Joe Cheung, who walks all his ultras.  Now was the chance to experience what he does, at least until any discomfort stops me from continuing.  

I thought i was the last man/sweeper, but there were times when a few people overtook me at the first 2-3km.  Guess they might have started late or went to the restroom.

Walking such a long distance is definitely not easy, and considering i've never walked so long before in my life, i'd never know what to expect.  All i knew was, just keep going and 'feel the body'.  Soaking in the trail, the atmosphere, the smell, the surrounding was kind of surreal and pleasing, giving inner peace and calmness like no other.  

Along the way, met friends and also new people, chatting a little and encouraging each other.  We have a mutual understanding of what we're heading into.  And that gives us motivation to keep going.

Smiling occasionally to myself, i felt happy i was doing this.  It was so liberating, to be out there, on the trail, on the road, on the paths.  It was indescribable.  Positivity was the key to keep going.  Speed wasn't.

Sipped on my Perpetuem drink when thirsty & took an Endurolyte capsule every 20 minutes.  And just kept walking.  no music to accompany me.  Just the sound of nature, the rustling of leaves/rocks/gravel upon every step.  Being at one with nature.  Pure Bliss.

Met supporters along the way e.g. Sandy, Tao, Regina, Yankee, Burnz, Joanne, Tiwazz, Voon Ho, Cher, Lincoln.  So thankful for their presence, though i didn't take anything they offered (sorry, hope i didn't offend any of you by not accepting your kind offerings :) )

Sandy Heng (At Diary Farm)

Lynette, Yankee, Regina, Tao (At Zhenghua)

The route varied a little from the last year, skipping the Mountain Bike Trail just outside Bukit Timah Hill visitor centre, detouring towards the railway track.  Seems easier, and definitely less dangerous than the narrow MTB trail.

It led to Dairy Farm road, where i first saw Sandy and Kayano (the paparazzi).  At the Checkpoint, i saw Angela and decided to use the nice toilet facility there before continuing on.

Looking at the ground, the trees, the leaves, listening to the sounds of the forest brought smiles often.  It was amazing.  No need to think of the route.  Just putting one foot ahead of the other, and keep going.

Then the faster runners were making their way back and clapped to cheer them on.  Some acknowledged, some just carried on.  No matter their response, it was good to see them looking strong, or appearing to :)

Just before crossing Mandai Road, saw Burnz & Joanne providing support & drinks. and soon Soong Ing & Angela caught up and stopped by B&J convenience store, whilst i crossed Mandai Road to enter Lorong Asrama area.

Burnz, Joanne, Soong Ing, Angela (At Mandai Road)

And along Mandai Road were Tiwazz, Cher & Voon Ho with another support station.  Great to see them.

Tiwazz, Cher, Voon Ho (at Mandai road before Lor Asrama)

Before entering the Asrama area, there was a Checkpoint, where i wanted to refill my almost depleted hydration bladder, but we were not allowed to take a full bottle to top up, only could take the cups.  I just shrugged and drank 2-3 cups.  Took a photo with Randall & Angelina before moving off into the wildnerness of Asrama with Joe Cheung.  My bladder, i think had only 200ml-300ml of Perpetuem.  Had to ration it out then.  It might be quite challenging, considering the heat of Asrama.  But it'll have to do.

Randall & Angelina at Asrama

The Asrama "HOT" journey

Endrew Larpi, having a break

The famous Hill in Lorong Asrama.

Mr Ultra Runner
100km at TMBT 15-16 Sep
100 Miles at Craze Ultra 22-23 Sep
100km at The North Face 12/13 Oct

Multi-Tasker Ultra runner spotted in Asrama region

Tan Kim Lai with special Umbrella.  Call him for orders :)

Melvin Tan, a Walk In The Park :)

The Asrama segment was only about 7km, instead of 9km.  Hmm, it seems easier this time compared to last year where it was 12km.  At the Checkpoint, i spotted 2 participants refilling their bag from 100 Plus bottles.  I didn't hesitate to do so.  That was my 1st refill after finishing my 1.5L.

Well, after Asrama, it would be the home run stretch, or rather home walk.  Met up with Ivan Lau & Eric Yue at the exit of Asrama and there will begin our 'fight' to the Finish.  We kept pace with each other for quite a stretch, can't remember exactly for how long.

Ivan Lau, Mr Zumba :)

Mr Eric Yue, Mr Teacher SIR!

Also bumped into Frances, a new friend, who was going very strong, you should have seen her running at the downslopes.

Soon, we reached the pipeline area, leading to Rifle Range road.  Less than 9km to go.

Pipeline, back to Rifle Range Road

Crossing over the barrier into Rifle Range Road, met Perry & Doris who were having a well-deserved break at the water station. Me, I just kept walking.

Entered the reservoir area, and shortly saw Fred Tai & Stephen Ong.  Fred was doing the 100km & Stephen was pacing him for 35km.  Fred was cramping all over, but yet he kept moving.  Good job Stephen for motivating him!

Lincoln, who was a volunteer, told us 5.5km to go!!!

5.5km to go.  Go Go Go!!!

Entering the golf course area, i saw Frank 'Mr Burger' Chong & called out to him!!

It was then i made my mind to try jogging the final 4.5km or so to the finish line.  It was so joyous to run free!!! woohoo!!

Saw familiar silhouettes as i jogged on, Eustaquio!!!  Swee Heng!!

told Eustaquio "Let's Hammer It"  since he was using Hammer Nutrition.. hahaa

And soon, the end of the trail emerged, meeting the concrete path, just a short distance to the Finish line.

Lo & Behold i met this Gila group at the sidelines, cheering for everyone.  Couldn't resist the temptation to take a photo of them.

The crazy gang :)  Thanks for your cheers!!

Met Chow Kean Fatt just before the finish line & we held our clasped-hands up in jubilation as we crossed the Finish line to complete 50km at The North Face 2012 Singapore!!

Eustaquio, Let's Hammer It!

Paparazzi, Francis Kayano :)

Famished i was, had to grab drink, banana, sandwich, orange at the finish line, but downed them slowly. Felt good & walked around chatting with friends who had finished earlier.  Also saw some who were about to start their 15km.

Nice chatting with Jon Cheong before i had to take a shower & prepare to conduct a personal training session at MacRitchie with a client at 4.30pm.

After the PT session, i went back to the Finish Line to await for Yeehua's return as she was pacing Sarah Sumathi in her 15km TNF race.  Quite anxious, as there was a cutoff time of 2.5hrs.  The sky was turning darker & i moved towards the trail portion, hoping to catch a glimpse of their return.  In time, Sarah & her gang of pacers (Yeehua, May, Nicholas) emerged!  So happy to see them & we ran to the finish line together and Sarah got her finisher medal.  Well done Sarah!

The many pacers of Sarah Sumathi

It's been an exciting experience, believing in yourself, and just giving it a shot.  You never know until you try.  Don't say you can't.  That's negativity.  Throw that thought away.  It doesn't help you become a better person.

Whether you get to the Finish or not is not the ultimate goal.  

Races end, Experiences never.

Get out of your comfort zone, go out there and Live Life to the Fullest!

Never Stop Exploring & Break All Boundaries!

More photos can be found HERE

By Garmin

The Journey to Leadville (Los Angeles to Denver to Leadville)

Got up at about 5am (after a few hrs of sleep) on Thur 18 Aug and packed whatever that remained lying around into my luggage bag before chilling out on the sofa and sneaking in some time to watch the news of TV.  When the time came (6am), i lugged my luggage down the steps and proceeded to the ever bright lobby of Los Angeles Adventurer All Suite Hotel to check out of my room, 272 and to request for the shuttle to LAX.  The shuttle was currently out on duty & would be back in about 10mins so I took the opportunity to slip my laptop out and check out what's happening on Facebook.  When the shuttle appeared, i scrambled to shut it down & slipped it back into my backpack before hopping onto the shuttle for the short 10min ride to LAX airport.

Checked in at the kiosk easily enough & went to join the baggage drop queue, which moved quite fast.  Scanned my boarding pass, and out popped out the baggage tag, which was attached to my check-in luggage by the staff.  And i was ready to join the looooonnnngggg  queue of to-be-x-rayed-people.  They had to divert some of us to another floor, where another screening facility was set up.  Had to remove our shoes, laptops and jackets before walking through a scanner where i had to stand stationary and lift my hands overhead, like being searched as a suspect.  The machine 'screened' me & i had to be 'molested' by a staff as the machine highlighted i had some suspicious item in my left thigh (it was because of the zipper i guess).   Well, nothing was alarmed.. retrieved my stuff and scooted along the departure lounge, searching for some reasonable food to intake.  Pounced on 2 x Sausage McMuffin With Egg and happily munched on it whilst browsing through my newly-purchased Sep 2011 Runner's World magazine.

Vacated my seat not long after finishing up both McMuffins, allowing others the chance to have a seat to eat their purchased McD food.  I then proceeded to my boarding gate for my Southwest Flight.  Oh, and they have boarding queue no., according to A, B, C, which i think is based on who checks in 1st.. this number is printed on our boarding pass at the kiosk.  So it was very orderly, with Signs & Posts indicating where we were supposed to stand before boarding call was made.  Soon, we were allowed to storm the plane and get our butts onto whichever seat we liked.  Free seating for all.  Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks & snacks were available and served by friendly stewards/stewardess on board.  I managed to secure a window seat, at the 2nd last row of the plane, with promises of Grand Canyon views, which i wouldn't miss for anything in the world.

Soon after the flight departed LAX, i stayed glued to the window.  And i whipped out my Panasonic all-weather camera to snap the beautiful landscape below. World Wonders!! Such awesome landscaping the world has.  Held me spellbound for most of the 2hr flight.  Captured by my eyes and my camera.

Touched down at Denver International Airport (DEN) at about 11.45am.  Had to take a train ride from Gate C all the way to the main terminal to retrieve my baggage on one of the belts.  And the luggage collection belt is next to the entry to the car parks/driveways.  So convenient.

Made prior arrangement for someone to pick me up from Denver Airport to bring me to Leadville Hostel, where i'd be staying for 5 nights.  And there he was, holding up a cardboard with "Leadville Hostel" in red text.  "Crazy" Howard is he.  And he immediately brought me to a deli to buy 1 bottle of water.  He insisted I started hydrating myself with immediate effect.  Very critical, due to dehydration effects in the high altitude of Leadville at 10,200 ft.  I listened obediently and bottoms up!

Waited for another person to pick up at the airport.  Which took quite a bit of time as he (Luis Guerrero, who would later become my friend on Facebook) didn't appear at his respective luggage collection belt.  Howard had to go around, ask the staff if he came on the flight, etc..  and i was sitting at one of the lounge seats until i dozed off.  Was stirred up from my slumber after god-knows-how-long by Howard... Luis was finally found.

And off we went, our journey from Denver Airport to Leadville, a city 2 miles high and about 110miles away from Denver airport.  It was amazingly hot in the car and had to move my hands occasionally to protect from the burning sun. Sunglasses were a necessity. And soon we were heading into the mountainous region.

Staring in awe at the beauty of the mountains, with lakes at the fore... simply astounding.

And Luis, had already done 6 times of Leadville 100 mile race.  Truly amazing feat.  Only to be surpassed by someone whom i was introduced to later....

Howard introduced me to the small town of Leadville as we entered it.  A very historic town, brought alive by the Leadville events, otherwise would have faded into the past, with post-mining history backing it.

And soon after a 2hr drive,we arrived at the steps of Leadville Hostel.  And finally met the owner, "Wild" Bill.  A very hospitable host he is, showing us around the place and bringing us to our room, no. 6, located at the basement.

In the room, he told me, the person who would be sleeping under my top bunk bed, is Bill, finisher of 27 Leadville 100 Mile runs!!  He only missed out the 1st one.  AWESOMENESS!!!  2 extremities in the room existed, with me at one end, a newbie.  Wow!  4 other room mates were also very experienced ultra runners and I am in good hands :)

Stuffed my luggage into my locker & set out orientating myself around the hostel.. Toilet-checked. Water-checked.  Loaded myself with water again before heading out to the race pack collection along Harrison Avenue, the main street in Leadville.

The Journey to Leadville (Singapore to Los Angeles)

Tue 16 Aug 10.30pm
Yeehua sent me to airport, lugging 1 full luggage + 1 30L Backpack.  Was full of my race gear/attire & cold wear (temperature in Leadville is between 1 degree celcius to 21 degree celcius).. wow.. haven't experienced such low temperature in a long while.

Checked in & hanged around the terminal for about 1hr before entering the departure lounge.  My China Eastern flight MU 544 taxied into the runway from 12.45am, heading towards Pudong airport in Shanghai.

Arrived in Shanghai at about 6.05am.  After passing through immigration, i searched for food, chancing upon a sandwich & a drink for only RMB9.30, which would be my breakfast.  Then i sat down & surfed the net and did some work at the same time.. my transit time is about 7hrs before my flight at 1pm to Los Angeles.  So had loads of time.  When my stomach started growling, i had to quieten it by stuffing it with double sandwiches & 2 bottles of water.  It was then at peace.   And it was almost time for my China Eastern flight MU 583 to LA.

It was full load... and my flight only departed 1hr after the scheduled time, at about 2pm.  But i wasn't bothered by it, or rather, i wasn't even aware it was delayed as i was in dreamland...yes, i was very tired and sleepy due to not sleeping in the morning at the airport.  Hence, on the flight to LA, i was asleep for about 2-3hrs, only to be woken up when food/drinks were being served.  The food was nothing spectacular. just only to fill our stomach. but no complains as i was given an aisle seat at the emergency exit, which meant i had extremely loads of leg room.  hehee..

Managed to develop a Marathon Training Long Run Schedule whilst awake on the flight.  Made good use of the time on the plane to churn it out.  Just need some more fine-tuning before releasing it and letting people know about it and hopefully join in as they prepare for the marathon on 4 Dec 2011.

After a flight time of 11.5hrs, we finally touched down in Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal at 10.40am on 17 Aug 2011.  I then called the Los Angeles Adventurer All Suite Hotel for the pick up service, which arrived promptly in less than 10minutes. 

The room was basic, and it came with a separate bedroom & loung/living area.  Very spacious for 2 people.  They even have a free glass of champagne in the evenings.  Free Wifi was only available at the swimming pool area & at the Lobby, which was quite crowded, with some even in swimsuit as the weather was comfortably cool.

Had a late lunch at a HongKong Express food cafe about 5 mins walk away.  I asked for rice with 3 dishes.. and i was amazed at the portion they gave.. the box couldn't close at the lid!!!  At a cost of USD 5.99 + tax, it was a steal!  It could last 2 meals for me, or 4 for my wife.  but i managed to gobble it all down as i was famished and need loads of food for energy.

As i'm typing this out, my eyes are closing down on me... signalling the need to get some shuteye soon... and it's only 5.45pm here on a Wed... oh well, nature calls.  Will update on my next leg to Denver/Leadville if i can get access to Internet.

till then, i'll be dreaming of Leadville 100 Mile race this Sat 4am...