God is ultimate

Dear Friend in the Lord,

God is Ultimate: In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God should be our only ultimate meaning, purpose and centre of our lives. We should not be carried away by other goals in life viz our financial status, family, social, physical needs. Ponder on the truth that once God becomes unimportant to us, anxieties begin to build up in our homes and relationships strained.

Fr Philip Heng,S.J.

Goodbye Nike Air Perseus

So long to my Nike Air Perseus!
Looks good from this view? Yes, but the sole is a goner. This pair had been my 3rd pair of running shoes. A faithful trainer. Been around since 2007. Cushion is excellent!
After 3yrs, the heel area disintegrated. Too much pounding. Front/mid sole just refused to stick on. Tried many times to glue it back but no, it wanted to retire.

Didn't track the mileage it has gone through but it's a regular on Bukit Aman to Hartamas route.

Here's how it was before meeting my foot!

Something different...really...

1st January 2011 - cycled Ulu Langat after a should I say...short hiatus...? It's been months since I last enjoyed misty air up on Peres.

More mist was welcomed in Frasers Hill couple weeks ago. The past 2years, January weekend means Ironman training. This year, no Langkawi Ironman anymore, so, no training, gotta do something...different. Joined Tony's hikers for a cool weekend up in Frasers Hill. First time went up Pine Hill trail and up the second peak just to add more satisfaction to our hike. Distance wise, it around 15km in and out. Took us 5hr+ to finished it and head back in time for tea.
Group photo just before we set off 830am++

Luckily the trail was not muddy after all the rain. Temperature hovered around 20C, less sweat, less thirsty. How nice if we can have this weather in our runs.


Peak1 done without much hassle. After a 5min break, off we went to Peak2. Trail to peak2 is not as frequented as peak1 trail. Slightly muddy in certain parts and the rest is a single file trail.
Before we reached peak2, an almost vertical 50m climb was the challenge. Extra care required with slippery moss on rocks which you can easily slip off.
Chong's Suunto watch showed our altitude up on peak2. Lunch was served up there. Wonderful weather although it would have been excellent if the clouds didn't shield lower ground from us. Photos from Velan and Chong. Merci!!


Took out MTBs up there as well. No, not peak2...hehehe!
But it wasn't my bike, I borrowed it :P
We didn't go offroad cos we have no idea of any MTB trail up there. All we did was a very short ride to the nearest shop for teh tarik and next day, a 4km downhill to waterfall. So the real ride was a 4km climb back to the cottage. Something different...hiking...MTB...no running, no road bike...

Something different

Last weekend was indeed a different weekend. Usually a race will be on Sunday but for UM Larian Gemilang, it was held on a Saturday. Hence, no usual Saturday bike ride.
I've always dreamed about running a race in UM. Finally the chance came...but...it was a disappointing run. Why? Well, I got injured...sigh...yup, something we all hate but what to do, it happened when you least expect it. Injury?? But it was not a 100m or 200m sprint but a 8km run...sigh...

The start was fine and I was on a good pace but of course was behind Yip in the first km. He tailed the elite pack closely. We exited UM heading towards Kerinchi flyover and down to Federal highway. Passed Michelle who was breathing heavily and not at her usual pace.

Federal Highway without police or marshall...Dangerous! Ran up Gasing/EPF exit, turned towards University Hospital and back to UM. Passed the women participants one by one as they were flagged off 2min before the men. Passed Jessica at UM gate. Could only see Yannkai about 200m in front. The men elite pack is not in view anymore. They are way way ahead with a sub4 pace. Then it had to happen. Pulled my left calf about 20min into the run. Felt a sharp pain so I had to stop immediately. Massaged it and from then on, it was a slow jog, hop & walk to the end. At first I was thinking of a DNF by walking another way back to the finish line. Decided against it, went slowly along race route watching people passing by. Friends passed me with a puzzled look so had to tell them I got injured.
Anyway, Michelle didn't have a good run either. Managed to run or should I say hop together with her up the UM hill till the finish line. Thanks God still managed to smile for Tey's snaps. Many thanks to him!

Michelle still in top10. She got 9th. Annie 5th. Jessica 4th. Yannkai 2nd.
Yip 7th. Barry 14th.

Found out medals for top30. Hampers for 6th-10th. Cash for top5.

Boo hoo hoo...I could've at least be top30 if not for my poor calf.

Next time then...there's always another run coming. But rest for now...

UM Larian Gemilang
Distance: 8km
Time : 40:39
Pace: 5min

Selfless Service

Dear Friend in the Lord,

Jesus’ Selfless Service: In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows us how we are to serve God’s Will selflessly and not be too concerned with our personal needs. God the Father will take care of our needs. How often have you experienced God’s care when you were serving the needs of others out of love for Him?

Fr Philip Heng,S.J.

Project Green

Week3 and Miss Ginger here is doing fine. But Mr Lemongrass is still 'sleeping', no new shoots...yet.

From Your Friends at Global Media Outreach

Jesus Christ said, "I am the vine and you are the branches.". What did He mean by that? A vine, or a living plant like a tree, is alive. The vine or the tree is the source of life to the branches of the vine.

In the same way, Jesus is our source of life. He is the only true source of lasting spiritual life. When you have Jesus Christ in your heart and life as your Savior and Lord, He can give you life, and joy, and peace, and eternal life. In Jesus Christ is true and lasting happiness.

Jesus said He would not leave us or forsake us. He even called His disciples His friends. Jesus loves you and by the power of the Holy Spirit He said He will be with us always, even to the end of the world. Jesus loves you!

So, this week, let us pray and ask God to

• Help us trust more and more in Jesus our Lord and Savior

• Protect our fellow Christians at Global Media Outreach and around the world

• Help someone you love come to know Jesus

May God bless you!

Your Friends at Global Media Outreach

Pacesetters Athletic Club Malaysia Track Meet

A runner, a timekeeper, a track marshal...

Track meet started off with 3000m. No wait...it's 3200m. 8 laps instead of the 7.5laps for 3000m. Why?
PACM used chip timing for the first time in a track meet and the timing mat was set up only on 1 spot...so that's why la...

Tony Q was the event director.

The first 3-4laps, in front of the mid group I was but the final 2-3laps, I fell behind. Started strong, finished weak...haiya...

My time was 12.51 for 3.2km.
4min pace
Just couldn't break the 4min barrier...


It was nice to have kids having fun sprinting down the track. Just look at lil Usian Bolt here. He definitely has got cool style! His dad is a sprinter.

In the mens 4x400m, I got lucky to participate when a age group 30-39 team didn't have enough people. Got roped in for fun! Yeah!

That's our team. Yip, D4925 & D4926 were the last minute call ups, hence running without spikes. Haha!

I was the 2nd runner. Got the baton and we were 2nd last. I had to turbo all the way and not run out of fuel.
The last 100m was a do or die...I remember neck to neck with a runner in orange...C3038 runner in pix below. He knew I caught up beside him and wouldn't let me beat him in the final 50m. So man to man, runner to runner, whack!!!!!!!!
After passing baton to 3rd runner, I was delighted to find out that I managed to catch 2 teams. The jelly legs effect was worth it.
Yip was the last runner, our anchor. He made sure were finished 3rd among all the teams. Our surprise was we turned out to the the age30-39 champion. Well, not enough teams to fight with...hehehe!


The final event was the most exciting.
Mixed relay of 200m female, 400m male, 600m female, 800m male.




We led from start to finish. My 400m was the most intense 400m I ever ran. Our 1st girl runner led the 200m so I was under pressure to maintain it that way. With Goh CA, super fast junior veteran that I never can come close to, behind me, I better run for my life! In between us was another runner. Look at him in the pix above...his hand looks like a tiger paw and me, rabbit!

Half dead, literally, passed the baton to Bee Hoon, a well known veteran female. She made sure we remain ahead by pulling away from her closest rival. Our final anchor runner is non other than Yip, who had Ong Chin on the chase behind.

Non to worry, Yip cemented our position...champion! Well done team!

We are the champions!! Woohoo!!!!


Photos courtesy of Tey, Rozmi, Bee Hoon, Siti Hajar. Many thanks!

Repentance

Dear Friend in the Lord,

Repentance: In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaimed our need for repentance from our sins so that our hearts can be more opened to the Good News of Jesus. Jesus Himself is the Good News of Salvation. How personal or routine is the daily practice of our faith? Do we sense Jesus in ourselves and others?

Fr Philip Heng,S.J.

Do you know where sugar hides?

If we take in so much sugar, burn it off by exercising. If not, it's going to turn into fat and nicely park itself around your belly.



Do You Know Where Sugar Hides?
Published: 1/12/2011

Is sugar affecting your health? According to the National Cancer Institute, Americans consume an average of about 22 teaspoons a day of added sugar, far exceeding the maximum of six teaspoons for women and nine for men that the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends. Health issues such as mood swings, rheumatoid arthritis and cavities can be affected by sugar intake, and the AHA says that added sugar is associated with increased risks of high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels.

To understand how much sugar you are consuming, start by reading labels and minimizing the products that list sugar as one of the main ingredients. Familiarize yourself with the other words that signal sugar: dextrose, glucose, sucrose, fruit-juice concentrate, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, beet sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and evaporated cane juice.

Also be aware of products that may seem innocent but often contain excessive amounts of sugar, including:

1. Prepared and packaged foods - sugar is a flavor enhancer, so read the labels of flavored yogurts, cereal (including flavored oatmeal), frozen waffles and canned goods. Also be aware that many cold cereals that are regarded as unsweetened - such as many brands of corn flakes - contain significant amounts of added sugar.
2. Drinks - juice, sports drinks and alcohol may all contain added sugar, as can coffee drinks that include anything more than coffee.
3. Condiments - prepared salad dressings, barbeque sauce, ketchup, jams and jellies are common culprits.

Source : http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03942/Do-You-Know-Where-Sugar-Hides.html

I can't help it...

Yeah, sorry runners, I just can't help but to blog again about Project Tomato. Must show you the progress mah...

This is Day3. Looks like taugeh, feel like taugeh, but it's not taugeh. Gotta use that when opportunity strikes! :P
Skinny, very skinny, need to feed them some PowerBar...maybe...hmm...
Day4 - Grew longer but still skinny. I transferred them to have some soil base.
Day 5 - they longed for sunlight. Stretch!!!! Poor fellas trying to get as much sunlight as possible to make 'food' through a process called photosynthesis.
Oh tomatoes, how come you are not getting fatter???

Don't worry, it's not a project

Ok, I know I've blogged about this project and that project. All about plants, yes, green stuff, things that grow on soil.

Don't worry, I've not forgotten about running or cycling or triathlons. In fact, last Sunday was Pacesetters Athletic Club Malaysia track meet, held in Selayang stadium.

I'll put up some pix of me in action...in the next posting...but for now, this is very educational and amusing at the same time. Got it thru Yvonne in FB.


by Davy Kestens in Start Running

Don’t Be An Idiot: Running Etiquette & General Tips

We called out to our readers via twitter, reddit and facebook to answer a simple question:
What are the things other runners do, or forget to do, that drives you crazy?

The response was huge! That’s why we are now dedicating an entire article about this matter.
Here are the top responses we received from you, our readers.

The no-no’s of running

• Lining up at the front of the race and then running slower than a baby can crawl.
• Abruptly stopping during a race. Move to the side first!
• Running without recovery days, and then complaining about getting injured.
• Not returning greetings or simple nods when passing another runner.
• Don’t bring your untrained dog to a race.
• “I just started running. Can I run a marathon in 6 weeks?”
• If you must spit or blow your nose please do so at the back of the pack.
• Runners, don’t run WITH traffic. (Are you crazy?)
• Don’t be a jerk when talking about your pace.
• Cutting other runners off & slowing down.
• Throwing drinks at the feet of the runners behind you.
  Act like a grown-up and throw it in the bin a few paces down the road.
• Not paying attention to traffic or signals: It makes us all look bad.
• Ignoring injuries and trying to ‘run through’ them.
• If you use someone’s mp3-player / gps-tracker, recharge the batteries!
• Don’t group-hog the entire road/trail width! Let others pass.
• Being unaware of your surroundings. Does your music have to be that loud? Really?
• Stopping IMMEDIATELY after the finish line. Keep going a few meters to get out of the way.
• Don’t give advice without being asked. This holds true to most sports.
• Bitching about what’s better: Minimal, barefoot or simple running shoes.
  Choose your own poison and enjoy yourself.
• Not thanking the volunteers.
• If you must, then at least look before you spit.
• Don’t be an elitist *insert inappropriate word*. Whether people run 2 miles or 50 miles a week, they’re runners.
• If the track is very busy, don’t run upstream.
• If you have a bad case of the tummy demons, it’s nice to move to the back of the line as to not poison the rest of the group behind you.
• Play nice. Follow the track rules, and don’t be arrogant when someone points out those rules. Crowded tracks need a set of standards to avoid injuries.
• Don’t cheat races.
• Inside lanes on tracks are for fast runners.
• Don’t literally push people forward when the starting gun has fired.
• Don’t complain about the workout of your group / partner.
• If running with someone slower, don’t pressure them to speed up.
• When your running on trails with your dog, clean up its mess.

Source : http://www.runaddicts.net/start-to-run/dont-be-an-idiot-running-etiquette-general-tips#more-2380

Project ToMaTo

Yes, yes crazytomatoman is having another Project...what else but ToMaTo...hahaha!

Thanks to Frank who said I'm missing it out in my little herb garden. What to do, nickname is already a tomato, so must have a tomato plant la...hahahaha!

Well, I won't put too much hope in planting tomatoes cos it's NOT easy...but I'll try it anyway. :)
Project ToMaTo - Day 1

Miss Ginger and Mr Lemongrass

Remember my Project Green started...like...last week? It's week2 now.
Yup, ginger budding leaves have sprouted to say hello.
Here's a closer look. No doubt Miss Ginger here will grow, as long as there's enough water, sunlight and some tender loving care. Of course I can't forget to go and get some fertiliser. Oh no, I'm not going to wee wee on it! :P Can't imagine using Miss Ginger her for cooking next time. Hahaha!


At the same time, Michelle gave lil ginger a friend. Also a ginger but of different flavour. Hope to grow a little herb garden soon. 2011 resolution mah...hehehe!
As for Mr. Lemongrass, still looks the same...only that another fella was added. C'mon roots, grow!!!!!

You can have great victory in your life

Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! As we start this new year, let us remember that we serve the one true living God and His Son Jesus Christ who is Himself God.

If God is for us, who can be against us? I know that our troubles - and your troubles - can seem enormous to each of us. But God is greater than our troubles. God knows the plans He has for us, and they are plans for good and not for harm, plans to give us a future and a hope.

As you look to this new year, ask God to give you His faith and His hope and His love. Faith in God - hope for the future - and love for God and for those around you. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and His joy, and you can have victory over discouragement and sin and even death. Jesus Christ is Lord! No power is greater than God. You can have great victory in your life in Jesus Christ in 2011.

So, this week and this year, let us pray and ask God to

• Fill each of us with His faith and His joy and His hope and His love

• Save millions of people all around the world

• Help us all at Global Media Outreach to reach the world for Jesus Christ and to be safe in His love

THANK YOU; THANK YOU; THANK YOU for your prayers in 2010. May God bless you mightily in this new year of 2011.

Your Friends at Global Media Outreach

450ml of O positive

My first bleeding for 2011 was in a hospital, University Hospital to be exact. No, it's nothing scary. Not that I injured myself or anything like that.

I bled on purpose, 450ml. Donated blood la... :)

Time taken was 4minutes++ to fill up the empty bag. I know I make sound as if it's a race. Well, what to do...the guy next to me started it. Makes it more fun though.
He just finished donating his blood and told me his arm hurt cos he took longer than usual. And his usual time to fill up that 450ml bag? 2 minutes! Yup, that's the time he claimed he can do.
Wah, donating blood also got fast pace meh? Aiyo, I can't do sub4 la...hahaha!!

Actually, I planned to do it on 31st Dec, last day of the year. We were given an unexpected but of course, much welcomed public holiday and the UH transfusion centre was closed. Didn't have a bloody ending for 2010, therefore it shall be a bloody start to 2011.

Something I can give back to society. For it is written...

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Our Lord Jesus gave me another life back in 2005. You can read about it here.
So I shall try my best to live it to the fullest, by God's way of course, and to help people whenever and wherever I can.

Here, a closer look. Don't faint... :P

Project 2011

Lemongrass - week1



Ginger - week1

Project 2011...sounds serious?
I bet you are wondering why these 2 photos of pots with something sticking out from it are appearing in my blog. Wrong photo uploaded? Where are the photos of running or cycling? Hahaha! I better change the name to Project Green 2011 instead.

Ok, it's about planting our own greens. Yes, plant own vegetables and herbs. Started with lemongrass and ginger. Let's see how far they grow, which directly reflects my attention to them. So if you see them retarded or dry & wilted, you know who to blame. :P

Year Two Thousand and Eleven