A gymbunny, I will be

Drafted out my training schedule over the weekend and it looks pretty brutal. It involves me working out x6 days a week, that's a new level of commitment. Especially for me. I cannot afford to work out every day after work, I own a very needy dog named Chutney who whinges to the high heavens if he hasn't seen me enough. Which brings me to working out before work. So out goes sleeping after 10.30pm.

Wasn't familiar with the running routes within my estate so I drove the car out to Bedok Reservoir which has a running route of 4.5KM which is just 0.5KM of my running plan. I have known for awhile that running on a threadmill and running on pavement brings out relatively different results with the latter being that much more difficult.

Set my iPhone on the C25K app and off I went. For once, my blasted Nike+ decided to work and, it tracked my distance and speed. With running, alot of it is a mental game, it is pushing yourself when you want to stop or slow down. I recall being able to run 5KM effortlessly at some point of my life, and I had nary a gadget. I determined how hard I worked out on how wet my t-shirt was and, stopped only when I had a stitch. That was caveman goal setting 101, make a goal based on lamp posts. Now, I listen to some stranger telling me how well I'm doing and I'm somewhat on the fence as to if it is indeed better.

CP made a comment about not having music while I run which apart from security reasons, had practical and psychological reasons too. I did not have to lug equipment along, I could just run and, running lets you clear your mind. The last 1.5K was done without music and it was tougher not to have something to pound the gravel to, but I see his point. It does let you unclutter your mind which is key if you've had a glimpse in mine.

Suppose it is a matter of getting used to. 1 down, 5 to go! :) Have a productive Monday!

Three years ago when I was at my wits end, I had signed up for a shiny new gym membership at popular downtown gym. As part of the rehauling package, I purchased the Nike+ as inspiration to begin running. Almost two years later, I have run less than five measly times before boredom took rein. The downtown gym membership is now used for its showering facilities and has about 5 out of the original 36 months left. I must say, it’s a pretty expensive shower option. (more…)

I had wanted to start this earlier in the year but, somehow could not get my will together. Christmas weekend is the realisation I needed for me to get this off the ground. Well informed of the inefficiencies of running as a method of cardio for weight loss, I still want to do this running programme because, I want to sign up, complete a 5K run before my 31st and kick ass while I am at it. Never been much of a sports person (shell shocking, I know!) Wally told me about the Couch to 5K running program which she started out with when she wanted to start training for the LA Marathon, and my aspirations are much lower. All I want to do is complete the 5K with a respectable time and without injury (which if you look at my running form, might be quite a challenge) I am a lazy runner which is compounded by the fact that I like to dream when I run and, I lose concentration of form, occasionally fall off the treadmill even or just trip on a rock.

Being the tech geek – I searched for an iPhone app which would help me with my goal. It comes with stretches to follow, you start your playlist, run the app and off you go! I brought along the Nike+ device because, I wanted to see if I can record the running information (stride, distance, speed) but of course, it didn’t work after lying dormant for abit and I was too sleepy to troubleshoot at 7.30am. Back to the C25K app, it runs for 9 weeks and by the end of 9 weeks, you should be able to run 30mins without stopping and effectively 5K. Sounds good to me!

Come Jan, I will be doing this and my regular "mad" gym with EJ. Interested in finding out the progress? Stay tuned!

W1D1 of C25K – It was easier than I had anticipated which amazes me because, I have come so far after working out for 6-7 months (I haven’t been to the gym in more than a month but I will be back in a couple days!) i remember doing a running programme similar to this, it was painful almost. At the end of 30mins with 10mins warm up/cooldown, I did 3K which is um, not great but not horrible either.

Took a drive west and made it to Singapore’s only Nike Factory Outlet 

While it is not sprawling in comparison to the other Nike factory outlets I have been to (California, Perth etc), it is a substantial space for this city.

An awesome range of Nike products from clothes to footwear at truly outlet prices. During a sale, an average Nike dri fit sports bra will cost $35 (RP: $50) but, at the outlet, it goes for $28. There was a couple of items that are still in the regular sports stores that are available at the outlet for a great discount so, definitely stop by if you are in the area. 

 I left with a single item seeing how my HK trip is looming close and I need to keep my eye on my purse strings.

Nike Factory Outlet (Singapore)

West Coast Plaza

#01-63/66

Opening Hours: 11am -9pm

Tel: 6514 3125