.....times of refreshing.....

I have been running a lot lately and has covered 12km in three days, which to my standard, that's considered a feat. There were some weeks where I have covered around 15 KM in four days, and adding in a day of a 2 hour session of badminton. Thus, my knees finally give way and I felt a mild pain there, despite wearing a knee band. So, I decided to give it a rest over the last weekend but not exercising as well as getting the anti-inflammation medicated plasters, Ketotop,  over my poor knees.

The Ketotop plasters

Selling at about S$4+ at Guardian , it did help to reduce the mild pain in my knees and I do felt better after applying it day and night. I guess it should be around RM9+ in Malaysia. There was no menthol added, thus you don't feel a thing after sticking the plaster except the stretching feeling.

I started off my new year resolution by reducing some fat around my belly and thought it's a good idea to stop taking supper, especially after a late dinner or replaced it with a fruit, like an apple. One of the most challenging and stubborn part of a male's body is to trim down the tummy where all our fats are almost 95% accumulated there. Anyway, it's seems very challenging so far! I think I didn't do enough cardio workout yet and love food too much! :P I will need to work harder and run more.

By the way, I thought the new mall at Katong, 112, was like Bedok Point where it housed all the eateries and restaurants, as can see from outside. Yes, it indeed but it does have quite lot of shops and marketplace too. I was there last Friday for lunch and found it to be quite a pleasant place. Anyway, I didn't eat at those expensive restaurants but ended up at a smaller Vietnamese restaurant and take on the set menu. For S$15, I got four dishes as below. The food were quite good, especially the coffee and the beef noodles. Love it!

Vietnamese coffee.... very creamy and strong, nice!.

Main course, Beef noodles and the soup was great!

Mango salad.... very delicious

'Paper rolls'...consist of vegetables and meat. Getting full already!

I will run more from now onwards. :P

I always believe it's important to stay calm and serene throughout our life instead of tiring the mind with panicky and anxious thoughts. I knew some friends of mine love to think negative and as a result, they feel anxious and depressed. I especially knew one guy who is an assistant manager and had his own business too. He had a daughter and a working wife. However, he still anxious and keep deliberating on the bad things in his life, like how tough to run his business, how difficult to manage his subordinates...etc. I'm sure he's enjoying his life challenges if he take on a more positive approach to his problems and maintain his calmness.

When one is calm, relax and alert, he/she can take on problems easier compared to those who are anxious. For example, if one met with a car accident, he/she can calmly work out on how to move on rather than those who are panicky and just froze. Just an hour ago before I wrote his blog, one impatient car driver just overtake me from the right in the opposite lane when I was about to turn into another junction, with my signal on. I'm sure he can reduce the risk in his life with some calmness and patience.


Some of the ways I thought of in order to help us maintained our serenity is through regular meditation or exercise. I prefer the latter and that's the reason I work out, though there are, of course other physical benefits. After a workout, I felt much calmer throughout the day or next. It's like medicine to me. Even a 20 mins run did me good.

What a surprise! I went to collect my cholesterol report where doc asked me to check regularly of late due to my high cholesterol for almost a while. I'm expecting it to be high as usual but somehow it drop to an all-time low! In my previous tests for years, it usually floats around 260+ but this time round, it went down to 170+. woohooo....

I guess my routine of running longer helps as I have doubled my running time to 40 mins to hit 4-5Km, took oats regularly, consume enough fiber, reduce fatty stuffs, took fish oil and as well as medication. Well, doc still wanted me to continue the medication and I have to do another test in 3 months time.

I thought mine is a lost cause but it seems like it still controllable. Will continue to live an healthy lifestyle!

Voila! I started running around 4-5 km lately instead of my usual 2km+ and I managed to do it last Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday's session was tougher as my muscles were also sore and slightly aching and increasing the speed on the treadmill makes it more difficult. Although this is peanuts to seasoned runner who easily clocked 10Km in an hour or less, nevertheless, I feel great! Had my badminton last Wednesday and the run did help my singles games, though I lost all :( . Look forward to another few good runs this week.

Talked to my runner friend and he advised to try 6mins+ per Km, where typical amateur marathoners usually did. That sounds like a tall ordeal to me as 8 mins per Km is tough enough for me...hahaha... Anyway, my goals is to reduce my tummy size and improve my stamina, not to run marathon.

Anyone of you love running? Can share your thoughts with me on how to be a better runner.