26-May-2012 05:05:41 AM [(GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore]

31.88km, 3:16:42, 6:11 avg. Who cares about statistics! It was my penultimate training session this morning for my Gobi Desert Run 10-16 June. The final session being tomorrow’s Sundown Marathon. This back-to-back training is quite common for endurance training.

 

I actually did not think I could do the above timing, rather fast for me as I was carrying a 10kg backpack to run. I started quite tentative and went on at a moderate pace.

But the real hit came when I attempted the full 42km the following day, which is this morning. With sleep deprivation and not conditioned to take the beating, and also the passing on of good buddy, I think I did the right thing by not pushing the unnecessary. I guess the real thing will start on 10 June. All the preparation will pay off if the nutrition aspect is spot on and everything falls into place.

All the way! 14 days to go!

24-May-2012 08:13:47 AM [(GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore]

It is getting closer by the day, as the clock ticks towards 10 June.

Today's training was supposed to be a simple run with a selected group of people, my ex-students. However, I think many were held up by work and other personal matters. Perhaps I have to organise another session.

10.5km in under an hour. Shorter distance and faster time. I think it just gives the confidence a big lift! And for the record, it is 16 days to go, and counting!

21-May-2012 05:30:04 AM [(GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore]

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this.

My platoon-mate, Howard Woon Tai Hou, from OCS recently went into coma. He had a cardiac arrest when he was at Thailand. He has been in ICU for the past 2 weeks (now back in S’pore).

 

·         We must believe in the impossible! When the doctors in Thailand said that he had passed on, the family refused to give up. After many attempts to resuscitate him, he finally started to breathe. He has since been on life support system. Nothing is sealed and confirmed till it is over. He has been fighting for the past 14 days and we brothers from 8/92 Bravo 4 will continue to stand by his side and continue to support and encourage his family. We will not give up!

 

·         As comrades, friends or colleagues, we must stand together in times like this. We can support one another, and give hope to each other.

 

·         Press on Howie! Please pray for Howard!

 

20-May-2012 06:36:58 AM [(GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore]

It was an impromptu 3-day run. Distance for all the 3 days was a little shorter than the normal that I have been doing. Nonetheless, I felt that it was good. It helped me gained confidence, know that I am able to pick up speed if necessary.

13km, 13km & followed by 18km were I did from Thur to Sat. Average pace – 5:50!

It was really a morale booster as I know that I have not lost any speed while training for greater stamina and endurance. I should be able to attain gold for IPPT if I have a go at it now.

22 days to go and I am having butterflies in my stomach! Soon it will be sending off at the airport, followed by long journey to Kashgar, and then race brief and finally race proper.

How will it turn out? Am I able to endure the heat, and the sand? Can my legs take it? Can I recuperate well? etc. All these questions are no stranger to us, the competitors but it definitely. 

Well, I must trust in the Lord to help me and lead me in every step of the way.

Keep the spirit high as we prepare for the challenge!

**And to my bro who is fighting for his life at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Howard you must continue to fight on in true Bravo 4 spirit, never give up brother! We are fighting on with you!

11-May-2012 11:08:32 AM [(GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore]

It was really tough having to negotiate all the corners and avoiding the gravel rocks & stones which I am not used to. But this training is really necessary so that I am more prepared should some parts of the actual race be similar to the terrain in MacRitchie.

I have ran on trails previously, but never for should a long distance - 34km. I really hope that it would not be should condition and terrain at the actual race. Having to watch the steps is bad enough, but it gets tougher when there are many upslope. It was really a test of endurance with a 12kg backpack on my back. It is really not a joke! 

I did the 10.5km route in MacRitchie. In all, I did 3 loops. It was an eye-opener. The 1st round was quite alright with the journey rather smooth going. Round 2 was a little tougher with the load seemingly getting heavier. It's natural as you are getting more tired as the run progresses. Each step seems a little heavier and the legs just can't be lifted up easily. The split time was 1:28 and 1:29 respectively for the 1st 2 rounds.

Thank God for giving me the extra strength for the 3rd round. I have not been hitting the track for long distance since 1 May. The most was 16km. Today's run was really good to gauge up for the race, with 29 days to the actual day - 10 June.

The split time for round 3 was 1:24. It was surprisingly an improved timing. 

I am really uplifted by the fact that many are giving to the Singapore Disability Sports Council, SDSC, the organisation that I am raising funds for.

Do visit http://www.simplygiving.com/kohsuanlam to give your contributions to the paralympians from Singapore who are going for the Paralympics London 2012 right after the Summer Olympics.