Thursday, June 10, 2010

Project 365 : Day 14 of 365

Day 14 of 365
Tenacious
As long as you are not disabled and have all five senses intact, there is no reason to beg for a living. The pakcik (uncle) above was plying his trade by the busy roadside along Kapar, Klang. In my short conversation with him, he told me he had an office job before but was laid off many years ago from the factory. He has a family and two school going children that will need money to pay for their tertiary education. Along in our everyday life, we see people begging for a living. Some of us sympathise with these people; some dragging their toddlers, some with their blind parents, some with deformed body and some with features pity enough for you to part some cash to them. My principle has always been not to give cash, if i must - i will buy them food. Done it a couple of times and once, this chap even asked if he can pack and take away another packet so he could have his dinner. I can't say no to that. Work hard. Reap what you sow. The Pakcik above showed it could be done.
Tools: Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO80.F3.3. 1/60. Felt Lucky.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Project 365 : Day 13 of 365

Day 13 of 365

I Will Follow You
I caught Nadia imitating how Ryan was sitting one day. The 2 years (or rather 18months) gap between the two of them are just nice for them to learn from each other. At this point of time, Ryan is super protective of Nadia and Nadia gets away with pulling funny stunts (read: involving physical pain) on Ryan. As they said, monkey sees, monkey do. Relating this to life, i see this as us having a mentor or a role model in life. We will not live long enough to learn all mistakes ourselves and the best way to progress is to learn from others - be they younger, or older. It will be such joy to see my two kids growing up - and perhaps, i can learn a thing or two from them too.
Tools: D90+501.8. ISO900. F1.8. 1/30


The A-Team

The A-Team : Original
John "Hannibal" Smith, Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck, Captain H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock, Sergeant Bosco Albert B.A. "Bad Attitude" Baracus. They are the Alpha Team, or A-Team. A-Team is the short form for Operational-Detachment Alpha (ODA) for the US Ranger. Typically a 12-men team. But these four men is so good, they are equivalent to 12-men platoon!

Original series theme song
I grew up watching this series for as long as i can remember, every weekday Tuesday is A-Team day on TV2 after the 8pm news (Wednesday will be McGyver!).
Hannibal is the head-honcho that plans everything to the T. The cigar loving decorated Colonel that uses the catchphrase "I love it when a plan comes together". Though in the series, most of his plans do not come together!
The next chap on the roll would be Faceman, or Face, as he is known in both series and movie. Contrary to popular believe, David Beckham did not start the term "metrosexual", but it was rightly Lt. Templeton Face Peck. Even in the series, he is the suave good looking chap that could at times, give James Bond a run for his money (or babes).
We then have the crazy Murdock, which are usually referred to without his nickname. I supposed anyone named Murdock already sounded crazy enough. In the series and movie, he is the pilot of everything and anything that could fly. He was seen in a mental institution (or two) in both series and movie.Murdock is master of language and he could impersonate voices and are often Face's sidekick in the series.
The show most iconic character would be BA Baracus. I have to admit. Mr.T is BA Baracus and BA Baracus is Mr.T. No one can come close. BA has immense fright for flying and the movie goes to (interprets) just why a Ranger with 289 jump (in the movie) is afraid of flying. I love BA Baracus!
With the characters above, it takes very little convincing for a boy born in the 70's and lived to see the whole four seasons of The A-Team not to get excited about this movie.
In fact, compared to Transformer which i grew up watching as well, A-Team excited me more than anything else.
2010 A-Team
This entry might be highly biased - but Hot-Damn, the remake of The A-Team on big screen is freaking awesome. If you had seen the trailer and think it was impressive then be prepared to see the movie and be awe!
The only disappointment (apart from me missing Mr.T) would be that the original theme song took a backseat! Where can!!!!
But that did not matter as the movie made up for it, plus more.
Watch out for the original Murdock and Face making cameo appearance in the Movie! See if you can spot them ( i did not, and that, perhaps, is an excuse to see it second time).
The A-Team opens in cinema tonight. Don't wait. Missed this and you will regret for the rest of your 80's life!

2010 Movie Trailer






Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Project 365 : Day 12 of 365

Day 12 of 365
Looking Out For Me
It looked cruel to be sticking a nice teddy-beany-bear at the front of the car this way and i realised that the owner most probably did that to have an extra pair of eyes looking out for him/her. I believe in supernatural power. Perhaps, this bear is one "charmed" bear that has done it's work pretty well. But do notice the chip mark on the bumper ;-) I guess when we all think we have someone to look after us, we take it for granted that they will not fail us. We have to be fair to them too. So, take some time off, thank those people you know that has been looking out for you - no matter where they were.
Tools: Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO80. F3.3. 1/40. Against Animal Testing.

Monday, June 07, 2010

Project 365 : Day 11 of 365

Day 11 of 365
Separation Anxiety
Saw this branch, which was cut off top and bottom from the main tree and got itself stuck to the railing by the monsoon drain along Burhanuddin Helmi, TTDI. I initially thought why would someone just leave this length there or is this some sort of prank only to realise that the tree branch grew through and bended the railing. One would think the branch will just die off, but just look at the sprouting of small saplings shoots from the top of the cut off tree! This is a reminder to all of us - when we are out of our own comfort zone, it is often our own spirit that will pull us through and ensure we survive. As a buddy always tell me "when life gives you lemon, make lemonade". Sometimes, adversities are our good friend. It makes us stronger.
Tools : Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO80. F3.3. 1/60


Sunday, June 06, 2010

Project 365 : Day 10 of 365

Day 10 of 365

Dad
Today is Father's Day and while i do not typically celebrate days like this (where i believe fillial peity should be a year long, life long affair) i can't help but to post this up. While Ryan did not draw this card, but it was his 4 years old motor skill and creativity that colored it. He gave it to me yesterday morning when i woke up and it just felt kinda magical to have your son giving the card and a hug. Today is also my dad's birthday, his 58th. Indeed a Father's Day.
Tools : D90+501.8.ISO200. F1.8. 1/30.


9.6km Run

This morning i did a 9.6km run from home to TTDI park+1round in the park. I pushed pretty hard on the first portion to target to reach the park within 30minutes (5km) and pretty impressed i did it with some juices to take an additional 1.2km around the Kiara Park.



I supposed the distance would had been 12km but who cares. The iPhone could had lost GPS reception when i ran under the trees along Burhanuddin Helmi, which was why it looked like i ran behind someone's house.

9.6km in 1:35 - that includes 15minutes of talking to Julie, Fadzil and seeing Ultramarathoner Nik rock Kiara.

I saw my friends from TwentyFirst Century Sports too - Nithi and his gangs were setting up route for a Bolathon/jogathon by HOPE. Well done guys! You guys never fail to deliver and you are the most consistent race organiser and on par with the like of Nomad Adventure and QuickRelease Malaysia!

Menu next week would be a 10km run with Wifey and two more HIIT. She won't like it if she read it here first...but as they say, surprise is fun.




Sony NEX Launched!

I just went over Josh.my and found out that Sony launched a new prosumer camera that delivers dSLR type quality.

The market for compact camera that is better than the usual point and shoot and a more mobile than a bulky dSLR is catching up. Infact, i felt that photography is the new handphone - everyone wants one and it is so usual to see people hanging it on their neck, even on a day out in the mall!

I am putting this post up so that Josh Lim will allow me to review a Sony NEX

It would be great if i could use it apart from my arsenals of cameras and camera phone to document my Project 365. It will be interesting to be able to compare useabilities and image quality with the D40, D90, Lumix, 770i and the iPhone i have with this NEX.

Infact, the camera already looked good on photo. The image below is taken from minislr.co.uk

So, JOSH, Please put me in the review list! Thanks in Advance!



Delirious!

Today, at FIT Malaysia in Damansara Perdana i gave a talk on running to 13 people. I usually do not have issue talking in public or to unknown crowd; today, i was just glad i did not froze or start talking rubbish.

I prepared 25 slides and two videos. I shared my limited experiences and did my best to motivate the participants. I told them about what to wear, how to wear them and when to wear them. I introduced them to triathlete's best friend too - Vaseline.

The session was slotted for 90minutes, which i was afraid i will not be able to fullfil. I went on to take up to 150minutes. Plus. Plus. I suprised myself. Those that know me would think 150minutes might not be enough!

This seminar was the brainchild of DailyMuscle after i contributed in his blog on "How To Run Your First 10KM" - in two installments. DM felt that there is a need to educate and raise awareness and hence, one short email later, i agreed to do it and as they said, the rest is history.

It was very touching to see how everyone that came felt what i shared was useful and it wouldn't be possible if i do not have friends that inspired me such as Senn, Arif, Julie, AJ, Barath, CK, Bandit, Shazly, Kam, Yusran,    Jabir, Abu, Late Ngae, Tey, Tini (for her photos), my own dad and most of all, Wifey.

Yes, i mentioned all your names (and not limited to the list above) to be used as example on how i am inspired by you and pass the same mojo to the participants.

To a certain extend, i found myself helping to promote gears as general from Nike to as specialised as 2XU.

Later in the evening, DM sms-ed me and told me, that Freda Liu and her friend, were encouraged and inspired by the talk, they went on to get proper gears for them to conquer the 10km during SCKLM in three weeks' time.

I now know, how it is like to be out there and inspire people. It is just like a Runner's High. It's Addictive. And it is all for the betterment of the sports in our beloved country.

I love this.

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Project 365 : Day 9 of 365

Day 9 of 365

Sharing
Today i gave a talk to 13 people from various walks of life. Two were from Maldives, two were recreational runners with one planning to start running, three that will do their first 10km race with one of them a DJ from BFM radio, two were fitness instructor with one being the organiser, two that came but left when the talk went over the 90minutes,  one being the event helper and one, a dear friend, Julie. I took 2H30minutes, or more to share with them my experience and motivated them to themselves, only better. I then received and sms from the organiser telling me that two person was so inspired and encouraged that they went on instantly to get proper gear and take running more seriously. It was a very rewarding day.
Tools: D90+501.8. ISO200. F1.8. 1/13. Inspired.


Friday, June 04, 2010

Project 365 : Day 8 of 365

Day 8 of 365

Jammed
I was trying to deposit a cheque into a bank machine only to find out the machine was out of order due to some joker not able to understand to deposit one cheque at a time. This is the usual scenario in our lives where we are selfish and only think of our own conviniences and disregard the trouble we will cause others. Cutting queue in jam, pushing through crowd, getting into an escalator elevator (thank you Angel) the moment the door opens, rushing into the LRT before people comes out. Don't be an idiot next time. Don't jam others' life.
Tool : Sony Ericsson K770i. ISO650. F2.5. 1/8. Irritated.



Thursday, June 03, 2010

Project 365 : Day 7 of 365

Day 7 of 365

Taking A Breather
The hat was left on top of the air-pump when a worker went for his morning break. A pack of ice-tea was left hanging on the side as well. We often rush through our life and never stop to notice everything around us. Sometimes, moment like these will not repeat itself and can't be replicated. When opportunity arise at work or in life, seize it; and sometimes, it will show up when we are taking a breather from the usual hustle and bustle.
Tool: Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO1600. F/10. 1/400.




Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Project 365 : Day 6 of 365

Day 6 of 365

Past Glories
Being an Ironman qualifier is definately the proudest moment in my amateur athletic life. Once is delirious. Three times is unbelievable. However, my timing did not improve from 2008 to 2010, instead, it went downhill. Goes to show that you will reap what you sow. As in life, the level of effort you put into the things you do will be reflected by the results that comes out from the effort. While some times we are not lucky due to certain circumstances, we must remember not to give up. This photo today are particularly nostalgic as there are already indication that there will be no more IronMan Langkawi, at least not in 2011.
Tools: Sony Ericsson K770i. ISO160. F2.5. 1/13.

5.5KM HIIT Morning Run

Managed to squeeze a good quality workout this morning at the field near home.

High Intensity Interval Training is essentially interval training that pushes the body to push to it's saturated limit and then allowed to recover before being pushed again.

Done systematically, HIIT can be a killer - You felt like dying initially, but once mastered, it adds killer speed to your run!

Wifey did not see this coming this morning. The first 1km of run was at a slow run pace where it suddenly took her by surprise when i picked up speed and cadence in my run. We were waltzing at 8km/h min/km pace when it suddenly bumped up to 7km/hmin/km pace.(edited thanks to Izso)

Sensing some reluctance of her to follow, i started to put on my drill sargeant hat - i put my marriage on the line!
Wifey got a bit upset but that is understandable. I have to word it carefully, but at the same time, i want her to know that i am pushing her, not scolding.

I saw tears welling up as the breathlessness and the pushing i did placed her at her physical edge.

And again, i've proved that the mind is a powerful tool - she managed to push the negativity away and managed to sprint home with me at my pace!

Either that or she needs to go to the toilet.

5.5km done in 35minutes at average of 6.5min/km pace. Not too shabby! Well done Wifey!


Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Project 365 : Day 5 of 365

Day 5 of 365
Standing Tall
I was on site today for work and the order of the day is to lead by example (safety wise). Construction site is always a challenge as you deal with workers that has been holding the hammer longer than i ever hold the bicycle handle. People's attitude do not change overnight and all the coaching in safety provided sometimes falls onto deaf ears. There will always be a smart-alec or two trying to push their limits with you. Thank goodness I've developed a higher sense of patiences and i could tolerate bad attitude. Despite all this, i actually enjoyed engaging with people and educating them about safety - both theirs and their colleagues.
This is not my day job, but just a deviation of what i do at work.
Tools: Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO80. F3.3. 1/800.


Easy Run 3.2km in AM

Short easy run of 3.2km (or 8 rounds around the 400m field near home) this morning done with wifey. It was a bit hard to get up in the morning nowadays due to fatigue and perhaps resetting the body-clock to function by 5:45am.
It was initially planned for a 5km run but was cut short as we woke up late and Ryan will be late for school if we continue to run any longer.
What i learned today : No matter how short the run will be, you have to be prepared. This morning with half-opened eyes and missing a gear or two certainly made the easy run a bit more challenging.
As in life, never ever take small things for granted.



Monday, May 31, 2010

Project 365 : Day 4 of 365

Day 4 of 365

Monday Blues
I was driving along TTDI today when i was coming back from site that i past this bus stop along the mainroad and saw a light on the perimeter wall with a sad-face. Well, it was a work of perhaps a student, or a group of students from the opposite school and something tells me that they are not too happy being students. If only they know that people like myself would rather live through exams and activities in school without worries than be slogging out to earn a living. Monday has it's way of getting to us, no?
Tool: Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO80.F3.3. 1/50


Road To IronMan Busselton 2011 Started!

I've been slacking and to a certain extend, i am wondering how i would qualify as a speaker for the upcoming beginners' running seminar that will be held on the 5th June in Damansara Perdana. I know i have to start doing what i have been doing and this year's Wesak has been exceptionally different for me in many ways and i've decided to keep the momentum going.

To start with, my Mum-In-Law is recovering and i only have the doctor and especially Dr. Hisyam to thank for (family is ultra grateful to him. It is his birthday today!!! Have a great one Doc!)

Then Ryan has transitioned to a different Kindie with NO DRAMA. It is always difficult when kids are put through changes and as young as him at three years old going four, subtle changes such as from the Montessori system to full-fledge "no-nonsense-school-type" kindie is daunting even for me as a parents!.

Right after that, the family were blessed with a big-great opportunity that is hard to resist and a quick decision and balance of the bank (or whatever balance there were!) has us committing to something really big - something i don't think myself or wifey even ever dreamt off.

And i went 100% vegetarian on Wesak Day - I did not even taste the porridge wifey cook for the kids when i fed them.

I see the above as sign that things are starting to get moving and ripe and i shalt not deny the force.

Just like that, on Saturday, i went on a solo bike ride on DUKE, which happened to be my first ride in three months since Ironman Langkawi on 27th February and my very first virgin DUKE route.
It was a 61km ride which i had so much in my mind that i thought off and it was all over in 2H45Min and i truly enjoyed it. I cycled past Taman Melawati over the long straight 3km distance to the roundabout and there were so much nostalgic that overcame me.
I could only smile.
The body reacted really well to the ride and i believe i am on my way to recovery (blood hemo issues).
On Sunday, the morning rain gave me a chance to skip the long awaited run i've wanted to do and out of the blue, i geared up and went for a run at 4-freaking-hot-pm.
The temperature at the signboard at 1Utama says it was running at a bearable 35degreeC which might translate to a cool 40degreeC on the ground.
Yet, i soaked it all up and took the road like how i used to - to just let the legs take me.
I initially wanted to just run to the park and back. But why just run to the park when the fun is on the highway?
Detoured onto Pencala Link and it was one of the best ever (again, nostalgic) run i've had for the past one year.
I remembered how it was to be running at 2pm in the afternoon in the preparation to my first Ironman Langkawi. How i scared myself when i started pee-ing blood due to my kidney shutting down. Or how i found out apple reacts badly to body heat when stored in a running pouch during a 30km 2pm run. Those were what made me to be what i am today.
And on Sunday, i re-lived it.
Infact, i was so engrossed with the run i took the wrong turn-off and headed right into Mutiara Damansara when my intended route was back onto LDP. That meant extra distance and route that i am not familiar with. Still, i took it in my stride (slow though). 9.3km done in 1H25Mins.
Again, the body did not complained a single bit and i felt perfectly fine. No pain. No drama. Just sweet re-introduction to the things i love in life - multisports!
I am now officially training for PD Tri, 2XU run, Kinabalu Run-up The Sky, Powerman and ultimately for Ironman Western Australia 2011. I've set my aim and i've set my target and hang on my dearest reader - for i am back to update all of you with boring training logs!
Well, if there is any bonus, you get to enjoy my Project365 which started on Wesak Evening itself in between those training logs.
And i see myself giving back in my own ways to the community via talks/seminars such as the one organised by DailyMuscle.
Life, as they said, Could Only Get Better!
Welcome Back!





Sunday, May 30, 2010

Project 365 : Day 3 of 365

Day 3 of 365

Lost and Never Found.
I was running this afternoon and was about to cross the busy Persiaran Surian towards 1Utama when i noticed a Platinum card lying on a stack of dead leaves. I believe this was either dropped by the owner, or a victim of crime. It is a Mastercard judging from the card number that starts with "5". Would had made a good MC advert, but i guess today, it was lost, and never found.
Tool: Panasonic DMC-FT2. ISO80. F3.3. 1/80. Street Level.


Saturday, May 29, 2010

Project 365 : Day 2 of 365

Day 2 of 365.
Back In Action
After a full three months (since Feb 28, 2010) layoff from the saddle, i rode solo through DUKE to start my "road to Busselton 2011" training. The "Amped And Ready To Take You On" sticker is a constant reminder for myself and imprinted at the back of my head as for me to challenge myself in everything i do in life. I say bring it on.