Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I am just lucky....

I met HY (Nepal Travelmate) just now, and we were talking about our friends in Nepal. Then, I remembered that Jeevan (one of our porters) called me a couple weeks ago, I did not pick up as I was busy at work and I forgot to call him back. 
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On the way home, I was thinking about Jeevan's current situation - He should be in the beautiful but freezing Himalayas now. He might be waiting patiently at Lukla airport for any available job as porter. As a porter, there is no job security - he does not know if he will get a job for the next few days. If he is lucky, he will get a job and he would be carrying the luggage of trekkers for 14days, hopefully, the trekkers would tip him well at the end. If he is not feeling well, he cannot go on medical leave. May be he might continue to be a porter for next 10 years if he is still fit and healthy, but what will happen if he fall sick or get old?
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I am on a high spirit today, as I am flying to Phuket tomorrow for a short holiday. I will be diving, staying in nice hotel by the beach, eating good food, getting Thai massage etc... When I think of Jeevan, I started to feel the unfairness of life. I am not wealthy, but I have seen quite abit of the world and life is comfortable. Life has been good.
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If I am in Jeevan's shoe, could I break out of the poverty cycle? Unlikely, I would be helpless, and it takes alot of effort.
What have I done to deserve all these good things in life? I don't know. 
Am I very smart? Not really.
Am I very hardworking? Not really.
Am I lucky? Yes.
I am just lucky, and I am feeling grateful for it.
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 I am not just thinking about Jeevan, but also other wonderful people I have met while traveling.
May be in the eyes of many people, I am already living in paradise.
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From Top-left-clockwise:
Jeevan's Golden Teeth; Group Jumping shoot; Acting cool; Dancing to Nepali Music in a Pub @ 2800m; Playing "Heart Attack".
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We did not treat him as a porter,but as a friend. We invited them (Guides & Porters) to eat together, to play games together and shared the chocolate & sunblock with them. We really had so much fun. At the last day, Jeevan was wiping away tears when we bid farewell.
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Not sure if we will meet again.
Knowing that he is a good person, I sure hope my friend find happiness and peace in life.
=)

Friday, March 26, 2010

RIP Ben Mok - Cyclist

ONE of two cyclists knocked down in Clementi on Sunday night by a suspected drink-driver died in hospital yesterday from head injuries. Freelance writer Benjamin Mok Chee Kong, 35, never regained consciousness after the accident. ..... A close friend, Mr Nic Mok, 23, said the cyclist was very particular about road safety and had always insisted on wearing full safety gear such as helmet and gloves, and having front and rear lights when on the road. 'I was distraught when I heard the news. It was shocking because he is usually very cautious,' he added.
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+++
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I was really sadden to read this news. I do not know Ben Mok, but being a fellow cyclist, I could understand the danger of cycling in Singapore. Despite being cautious and mindful of the traffic rule, cycling on Singapore Road is still dangerous. There are just too many reckless and inconsiderate drivers around.
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I never cycle at night, as there are too many f**king irresponsible drunk drivers around. Ben Mok had a bright future ahead, apparently he was going back to US to do his Phd. It is such a waste.
His blog: http://pedaldamnit.blogspot.com/
Memorial Link: http://www.benmokpedalon.com/
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Please do not drink and drive.
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Life is so impermanent and unpredictable.
May he rest in peace.

Monday, March 22, 2010

2010 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon

Yes, I have done it.
I did not finish in a good time, but I have completed it and I am happy about it.
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One year ago during 2009 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon, I was practicing my swim (around 1km) at Queenstown Swimming Complex, and I said to my friends that it was quite crazy to do half-ironman. I am a weak swimmer, I bought my bike 1 year ago, and I am an average runner. It was a daunting task for me, but with some trainings & perseverance, it is a good feeling to know that I can do it too.
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My Preparation
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Transition Area
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• Of the 1,396 entries for the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore, there are 465 Singaporeans and 1,018 athletes representing 60 other countries.
• A total of 61 nations are represented with Hong Kong, Australia, the UK and US, and Japan, Philippines, Malaysia and the UAE very strong in numbers.
• 86% of the field are male with 14% female.
• The most popular age group category for both women is 35-39 (33 women) and 40-44 for men with 272 competitors.
• The oldest competitors are Japan’s Kazuharu Tsujii (Male 74 years) and Australia’s Pamela Williams (Female 57 years)
• The youngest competitors are Singapore’s Siew Mei Chan (Female - 22 years) and Tiong Han Yeo ( Male -20 years)
• There are a record number of 95 teams also introducing competitors to the incredible Ironman 70.3 distance in 2010
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The Race:
Prior to the race, I told myself that I would not push myself too hard, if necessary, I would definitely stop. I just wanted to participate and feel the energy. I was in the sea for a short swim to warm-up, and when I saw the speculator sunrise, I was really happy and glad to be alive.
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The Elites getting read for swim - Cowie on the Right.
(Taken from Lee T*** FB w/o permission)
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Swim-
To see the World Class Triathletes in action, was so cool. When my age category flag-off, I was one of the last few people to enter the water. I swam at my own rhythm, and decided not to push myself hard. I completed my 1.9km swim in 47mins and felt good about the swim. It was a good start.
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Cycling across Benjamin Shears Bridge
Cycle-
I took my time to get ready for the 90km cycling (3 loops). After I exited the transition area and started paddling, it was quite bumpy on a smooth road. I knew something was wrong. I got off the bike, checked my chain etc... everything seems to be working. I started to paddle again, but it was still bumpy and I knew that I could not continue like this. I got off again to realise that I got a FLAT tyre!
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To make things worse, I have never change a flat tyre before, even though I have the Kit. To make even worse, it was the rear tyre that was flat, which meant that it would be more difficult to change. A lot of participants were cycling passed me. I was quite pissed off, as I am already a weak cyclist and this was happening to me. I tried to change it, but to no avail. A passerby (foreign worker) came to assist me to change as well, but after 5-10 minutes of trying, I knew that there was no way we could change the flat tyre.
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Fortunately, I was 500m away from the transition area. I pushed my bike back to the transition area and found Shimano Bike Mechanic to fix it for me. It was not easy for them too!!! After 15mins, they fixed my tyre and I was ready to go. In total, I wasted around 26mins because of this flat tyre. The transition area was completely empty when I left, and it was very demoralising. I was the second last person leaving the transition area, as another guy was still repairing his broken bike chain.
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The first lap (30km) was fine, and the highlight was when the elites raced passed me. I saw the number bid 0001 – Craig Alexander (The Reigning Ironman World Champion). I was cycling beside a world champion for a split second = Happiness. They must be in their 3rd lap already. For the second lap (60km), I was a bit demoralized to think that everybody was their third lap already. The last lap (90km) was quite tiring and to cycle across the Benjamin Shears Bridge for the 5th & 6th time was painful – there were people getting off their bike to push it. The positive aspect was that I hardly see anybody and I must say that it was quite a cool experience to have the whole expressway with the city view to myself. More importantly, it was the first time that I overtook people. Finally, I am not the last one!
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Craig Alexander - Bid No. 0001
(Taken from C*** FB w/o permission also)
Run-
I was really happy to get off the roadie and start running. I did not push myself too hard, as I could feel the strain on my heart and I just wanted to be safe. The afternoon heat was killing me, and thankfully, the sky was overcastted after my first 7km lap. The 21km seemed to be endless, and I was always looking forward to the next water point to cool myself. Around 2km before the finishing line, I was getting a bit emotional when I knew that I was going to finish the race, and thinking that I had seriously thought of not participating in the race.
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Total Time: 7hr 24min.
(Position: 843 out of 951 finishers)
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Rough Breakdown:
1.9km Swim  47min
Transition 1 6min
Bike Repair  26min
90km Cycle  3hr 30min
Transition 2  4min
21km Run 2hr 29min
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It is the BEST event that I ever participated. It was expensive though – S$375 for registration, excluding other expenses (bike servicing, bike accessories, supplements, taxi transportation etc..). But it is worth every cents. Below are the highlights:
1. Spectacular Morning Sunrise
2. Seeing the Elites in Action
3. Cycling across Benjamin Shears Bridge
4. Participating in the biggest 70.3 ironman in Asia
5. Craig Alexander cycled beside me (for a brief moment)
6. Feeling emotional and grateful that I completed the race
7. Wonderful Participants and Volunteers cheering for slow finishers like me
8. Participating with a group of wonderful friends. (Prior to the race, 2 of them got serious food poisoning – vomiting and bad bad diarrhoea, doctor recommended them not to participate, and they completed it. Respect!!!)
Lastly,
9. Really grateful to be alive.
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Full Ironman next? May be, May be Not...
I think I better see a Cardiologist first to have a peace of mind.
=)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Movie: Up in the Air

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There are 2 things in the movie that struck accord with me.
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The First Thing:
While travelling for business was nice, dining in nice restaurant and staying in beautiful hotel, and the best part, not paying a single dime from my own pocket. The thing I enjoyed the most was walking in solitude during the cold night in a foreign land. It was quite therapeutic and very conducive for self-reflection. However, it could be extremely lonely to be in the hotel room – I felt emptiness in a nice hotel room. I would rather in any rowdy Kopitiam drinking a cheap glass of teh-peng with my friends or family. I realised that the human element (warmth) is definitely more important than any physical possession or indulgence.
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The Second Thing:
Too many people are too attached to their jobs. They take their identities from their jobs, and their lives revolve around their jobs. Their sense of self are lost when they are retrenched. That’s sad. Imagine if you are at your deathbed, would you be thinking about your achievements at work? The revenue you had generated for your company? The projects/launches that you had implemented successfully? I certainly would not think of any work, monetary or academic achievements. Those things are irrelevant in the face of death. I will think of the precious moments spent with my family, friends and nice people. I will think of the beautiful world that I have seen and experienced. I will think if my existence makes this world a slightly better place.
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I shared this story before: My friend’s colleague was working for DBS Bank for more than 20 years, and was retrenched. She packed her belongings that day when she received the news, and the next day, her record was removed from the company intranet. 20 over years of hard work and youth, yet, no trace of her was left. Nobody in the company will talk about her contributions. Soon, she will be forgotten by the company. I realised that nobody is indispensable in the company, and that should be the way for the company to operate effectively. While work is important, it is never the reason. Money is never the reason too.
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I have been jobless for 7 month before. It was a difficult period, but I was not in depression. I lost self-confidence and doubted my ability. I was afraid to meet people. My identity was dependent on external factor, which was foolish. It was an invaluable experience, as when some of my friends were out of job, I told them that I understand their feeling. I really do. Hence, I felt that it is unwise to be so attached to a job. So what if you are unemployed? Still the same person, just having more free time to do things that you enjoy!
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Not sure if I can say the same thing if I am jobless again. Will let you know.
=)

1 Week more to Aviva Half-Ironman

This is the tapering week and I love it... my body can finally rest & recover at last!
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Last Week's Training:
Mon: Rest
Tues: 3km Swim (1hr 13min)
Wed: 25km Run (2hr 33min)
Thurs: 1.2hr Cycle & 4km Run
Fri: Rest
Sat: 9km Run (instead of 25km, as body was really tired)
Sun: 90km Cycle & 5km Run (4hr)
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I spent 10-11hours exercising last week.
The best thing - No irregular heartbeat detected.
I should be able to complete the race.
=)

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Lessons from the recent episode

I felt that I was over-reacting to the irregular heartbeat (Heart Skipping a Beat). The GP that I visited advised me not to participate. I got a second opinion from a doctor, provided details on my heart history, and she felt that it should be normal.
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My heartbeat is perfectly normal now. I have done marathon and Olympic Distance Triathlon, and I did not face any heart problems. I have decided to participate the Aviva Half-Ironman in 2 weeks time. Will not push myself too hard especially if I do not feel well, and would stop if necessary. It is my own race.
Thanks for all the concerns!
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+++
These are some of the things I learned from this episode:
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1. There are many things in life beyond my control, as long as I have given my best I should be happy, and be at peace with it. Do not need to get frustrated, as I know I have tried my best. Success is knowing that I have done my best given my limitations and constraints.
2. Enjoying the Journey is more important than Reaching the Destination. As I might never reach the destination, and quite often, the Journey is more interesting than the Destination.
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3. Stop thinking about "Why me?"
Last year, I did not reach Kalapatthar during the Everest Base Camp Hike because of Altitude Sickness. I was wondering "Why Me?". Today, I asked myself this question again. It is a useless question! Just accept it and MOVE ON.
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4. Death is not a statistics.
I was reading articles about fit and healthy triathletes who died, mainly due to cardiac/heart related problem. These are real healthy fit people, and i could be part of the statistics. Death is REAL... It is a totally different experience when I am able to visualise my death, and not looking at it from a dettached point of view. 
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5. Good to have friends, as always. =)
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I guess every triathlete has their own story.
Everytime I asked myself: Is it worth it?
I am not ready for this Aviva Half-ironman, and this is my short story:
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2nd Aug'09: Completed my first OD Triathlon
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31st Aug'09: Had a fall during cycling and fractured my wrist.
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Sep'09: Out of action & went traveling to Perth
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Oct/Nov 09: Went Nepal for 3 weeks (fell sick, and recovered 2 weeks after coming back)
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Dec'09: Struggled to run 5km & decided to skip StandChart Marathon.
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Last Week of Dec'09: Tried Cycling again after 3 months (fell down again with minor scratches). I wanted to throw away my cycling shoes & clips, but I told myself that I should not be defeated by stupid clips.
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2nd Jan'10: Struggled to keep up with RF during the 40km cycle (1st time after the fall).
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Jan'10: Having been Cycling with guards - having phobia of cycling & falling.
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28th Jan'10: Decided to sign up Aviva Half-Ironman. RF decides to skip and do OSIM OD Triathlon instead.
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Feb'10: Sick for 10days during CNY & fitness deteriorated. =(
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19th Feb'10: Swam with RF, who mentioned that he was surprised that I signed up for Aviva HIM, considering that I was struggling with 40km cycle a month ago.
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27th Feb'10 (Sat): 18km Run - 1hr 58mins (Struggled)
28th Feb'10 (Sun): 85km Cycle - 3hr 24min (Struggled too)
1st Mar'10 (Mon): Rest
2nd Mar'10 (Tues): 22km Run - 2hr 14min
3rd Mar'10 (Wed): 3km Swim - 1hr 13min
4th Mar'10 (Thurs): 1hr Cycle, 4km Run & 30mins Weights
5th Mar'10 (Fri): Rest
6th Mar'10 (Sat): 22km Run - 2hr 28min (Stuggled & The sun was killing me)
7th Mar'09: 90km Cycle & 4km Run - 4hours (Struggling as well)
Irregular heartbeats detected.
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I think I am overestimating my abilities & I am not that young anymore. I am not ready for Aviva Half-Ironman. May be the irregular heartbeat is telling me not to stress myself too hard. Last few training sessions had been PAINFUL.
Will I look back to think that I am foolish?
I just know that Life is not about seeing it from hindsight, but living the moment.
=)  


What would you do if you are in my position???


Recently, I have been training quite hard for Aviva Half-Ironman. I know I am not ready - it is a long story, will explain it next time.
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Today, after 90km cycle & 4km transition run, I was totally exhausted. Just now, while I was reading my papers, I felt my heart is beating weirdly. I decided to monitor it, and I was worried with my finding - my heart is beating irregularly. Shit!!! It is like missing a beat for every 4 or 13 or 5 counts. Damn it!
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To make things worse, I have an existing heart problem (My valves are not working as well as it should be). Some doctors said it is minor, but my insurance premium is 70% higher because of this condition, and anything related to my heart will not be compensated. In another words, if I die of heart-attack, my insurance company will not pay anything.
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I searched the net, and it was quite worrying for me. =(
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If you experience a premature beat more than once every 20 to 30 minutes, however; or if you have an irregular heart rate, palpitations or pauses in your heartbeat, it's extremely important to see your physician. She can determine whether you may have a benign condition called athlete's heart or a more serious problem.
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Some cardiac risk factors:
I. A history of fainting for no apparent reason, especially if the fainting occurred during or immediately after exercise.
2. Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, palpitations, skipped beats or fluttering heartbeat either when resting or exercising.
3. A close blood relative who died suddenly before the age of 55, or a family history of early coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, Marfan's syndrome or enlarged heart.
4. A family or personal history of seizures.
5. You are a male over age 40 or a female over 50, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you have a medical evaluation before you begin an exercise program.

An irregular heart rate, or arrhythmia, can be caused by many different factors. These include smoking, too much caffeine and coronary artery disease. Experiencing an irregular heart rate only during or after exercise may be a sign of a very specific and life-threatening problem: catecholarminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).
.Exercise and CPVT
CPVT is a genetically based heart condition where mutations in the ryanodine receptor, a cardiac protein, causes problems with the regulation of calcium. An increase in calcium in the heart causes an irregular heart rate, a problem that can be deadly.Irregular Heart Rate
People with CPVT have normal heart rates when at rest. When epinephrine and other catecholamines produced by the body during exercise or stress encounter the heart of a person with this protein mutation, however, it causes a sudden irregular heart rate. This condition is so serious that exercise can cause sudden death for someone with CPVT.
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An irregular heart rate after exercise could be a sign of other heart conditions. A imbalance of electrolytes such as potassium or sodium could cause an irregular heart rate after exercise. Excessive smoking or caffeine consumption could also cause a postexercise arrhythmia. Also, exercise is a form of stress, and excessive exercise can cause in irregular heart rate.

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This is really frustrating and worrying!
There are so many causes to irregular heartbeat.
I do not want to die jus because of I want to challenge my physical limit.
That's sheer stupidity!!

Saturday, March 06, 2010

Evidence of Past Life??




Even though I consider myself as a Buddhist, I am still skeptical about past life and reincarnation. Buddhists are taught to be inquisitive and critical, and do not accept any teachings based on Blind Faith. I made an effort to look at the subject matter of reincarnation in a scientific way, hence, i read a scientific book about past life, which was endorsed by Prof Ian Stevenson. It was still not conclusive to me, as I have never experienced any recollection of past lives.
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In the Buddhist tradition, it is said that deep meditation could bring alot of insights including seeing your past lives. Well, I could never attain that kinda meditation...
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So this is still a big mystery to me...

Monday, March 01, 2010