random.

ever since i started my training regime back in early august, i have been somewhat hesitant to shove large amounts of food down my throat.

ok, maybe "training regime" is a bit overrated... it isn't a regime because it isn't really that tough as one might think it is, but a "training schedule" would paint a more consistent picture.

the schedule started out with weekly runs - the once-per-week, 6-round non-stop type. adds up to 2.4 km nicely.

then it progressed (obviously) to either progressively longer distances (for endurance) or the same distance in progressively lesser timings (for speed). so far, so good.

i started my first run because i felt that i just had to. with the prospect of remedial training if i don't clear my annual ippt, i was motivated to at least fight for a pass.

the first run sucked. sure, i passed - on a girl's timing. i reckoned it to be around 15+ and that is way way too long for the time needed to score a pass on a guy's timing.

fyi, the timing is 12:20 and it is not that hard with a bit of training.

i remembered that my legs gave up on me the entire week after that first run. either i didn't do my warm-up / cool-down properly, or just simply because my leg muscles were totally screwed. the last time i passed my 2.4km was in 2003. yeah, 5 long years.

and add the usual - slacking, feasting - you know the result.

it wasn't mandatory to pass my ippt whilst i was studying full-time, and that meant chucking the training out of the window.

now, i have no choice but to get down to it. luckily, after a few runs, my legs got used to it and i don't get tired that fast. so, it meant i could run a little faster, a little longer.

now that i have a schedule which i more or less stuck to (i run on alternate days since beginning of october) i am pretty guilt-stricken when i go back to late night suppers and heavy meals. right now, i only have brunch and as far as possible, an early dinner with limited carbo intake. an early dinner gives two benefits - it takes away the hunger pang from having only eaten one meal so far, and lets me sleep a little easier without the burping.

if i have to take dinner beyond a certain time (usually 8+) i eat even lesser, simply because my stomach seems to contract and can allow no further food.

so you ask, have i lost weight? yup, a little - and a healthy loss at that. i can feel the schedule working not only just for my runs, but also for my chin-ups. so far, i can do 5 - one short. you have no idea how encouraging that is - being able to do 5 after so many years.

ippt due in less than 2 weeks. i hope i can make it through - the remedial training hours are far too long for a citizen who has too much to do on his hands.

talk about balancing career and personal life. balls. you know where the personal life goes if you are a Singaporean male and you don't clear your ippt.

yup - remedial training.