I just have to post this great table tennis clip I found. Quite a long rally.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
It's about time!!!!!
I got an offline message this morning that says it all.
russ9754: dreeee!!!! starcraft 2!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3mVMyonKU0
Finally after almost 10 years of waiting, a sequel to one of the best games ever is announced in South Korea. Don't screw this up Blizzard!!!
The Blizzard site for the game looks great.
En Taro Adun Executor! <-- Yes, I recite the dialogues every now and then.
russ9754: dreeee!!!! starcraft 2!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3mVMyonKU0
Finally after almost 10 years of waiting, a sequel to one of the best games ever is announced in South Korea. Don't screw this up Blizzard!!!
The Blizzard site for the game looks great.
En Taro Adun Executor! <-- Yes, I recite the dialogues every now and then.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
PS3 a failure?
I'm a gamer(console and PC) hence I've decided to restart this blog with a commentary on the gaming scene.
Is the Sony PS3 a failure? Third time might not be the charm for Sony. Playstation fanboys, post your rants.
1997 - I witnessed the Playstation relagate the gaming giant, Nintendo, to 2nd place. Cartridge vs. CD - no contest there.
2001 - PS2 does it again. Nintendo falls to 3rd. Dang this machine has all the awesome games. God of War, Ico, Metal Gear, the list goes on and on.
2006 - early 2007 - Launch had more ebayers than gamers. Sales dropped off real fast. Is this the start of the fall. I say yes (for now).
Signs?
1. Sony has just announced a 60%+ drop in profits. Most of it attributed to the PS3.
2. Mr. Playstation, Ken Kutaragi, quit.
3. Metal Gear Solid 4, supposedly "the PS3 game" this year, is delayed.
4. PS3 sales are below expectations.
5. Where are the awesome games? Elder scrolls was awesome it wasn't exclusive and RPGs make up a small portion of the gaming market.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next 6 months for Sony. I don't think a price cut will happen too soon. Friends with PS3, will you only have an overpriced blue ray player?
Is the Sony PS3 a failure? Third time might not be the charm for Sony. Playstation fanboys, post your rants.
1997 - I witnessed the Playstation relagate the gaming giant, Nintendo, to 2nd place. Cartridge vs. CD - no contest there.
2001 - PS2 does it again. Nintendo falls to 3rd. Dang this machine has all the awesome games. God of War, Ico, Metal Gear, the list goes on and on.
2006 - early 2007 - Launch had more ebayers than gamers. Sales dropped off real fast. Is this the start of the fall. I say yes (for now).
Signs?
1. Sony has just announced a 60%+ drop in profits. Most of it attributed to the PS3.
2. Mr. Playstation, Ken Kutaragi, quit.
3. Metal Gear Solid 4, supposedly "the PS3 game" this year, is delayed.
4. PS3 sales are below expectations.
5. Where are the awesome games? Elder scrolls was awesome it wasn't exclusive and RPGs make up a small portion of the gaming market.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next 6 months for Sony. I don't think a price cut will happen too soon. Friends with PS3, will you only have an overpriced blue ray player?
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Spring! Sprong! Sprung!
In case you haven't noticed, I like numbered lists and bullet points. Must be a remnant of my Accenture days when conciseness is next to godliness.
Shouldn't there be a PC term for bullet points? The Washington "Bullets" did change their name to Washington "Wizards." How about "wizard points?"
1. Started my new job! It's new but everything feels familiar.
2. Spring has come to Minnesoootah! Time to get in gear!. Shooting for a 21 minute 5K.
3. Bought new kicks for pick-up bball at the YMCA. Haven't bought kicks in four years. I figured I'm not much of a ball player so I don't need them as much as running shoes. I currently go through 3 pairs of running shoes a year.
4. I recently discoved googleidol . Pomme and Kelly are tops on my list. The Back Dormitory boys are ok at first but gets tired quickly. Thinking of submitting an entry.
5. I now shop for clothes with a grin on my face. No sales tax on clothes in MN!
6. Bought the paperback version of "Ultramarathon Man." He now has plans of doing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Possible? Too extreme. He'll come close though.
7. Metroid Prime: Hunters has been released! Got my copy and spent three hours playing it before my stylus-bearing hand cramped (uff da!) It's awesome to see a first-person shooter done this well on a portable gaming device.
8. My music itch has yet to be scratched. Planning on getting a Korg keyboard once I move in to my apartment. My goal is to at least play a Chopin piece flawlessly. It doesn't get any harder than Chopin.
9. I'm not yet over my Top Gear addiction. Currently downloading episodes from the 1990's. It was a very different show back then.
10. I'm very optimistic that Maui will get her Canadian visa this year. Nothing will make me happier than to see her again!
Later!
Shouldn't there be a PC term for bullet points? The Washington "Bullets" did change their name to Washington "Wizards." How about "wizard points?"
1. Started my new job! It's new but everything feels familiar.
2. Spring has come to Minnesoootah! Time to get in gear!. Shooting for a 21 minute 5K.
3. Bought new kicks for pick-up bball at the YMCA. Haven't bought kicks in four years. I figured I'm not much of a ball player so I don't need them as much as running shoes. I currently go through 3 pairs of running shoes a year.
4. I recently discoved googleidol . Pomme and Kelly are tops on my list. The Back Dormitory boys are ok at first but gets tired quickly. Thinking of submitting an entry.
5. I now shop for clothes with a grin on my face. No sales tax on clothes in MN!
6. Bought the paperback version of "Ultramarathon Man." He now has plans of doing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Possible? Too extreme. He'll come close though.
7. Metroid Prime: Hunters has been released! Got my copy and spent three hours playing it before my stylus-bearing hand cramped (uff da!) It's awesome to see a first-person shooter done this well on a portable gaming device.
8. My music itch has yet to be scratched. Planning on getting a Korg keyboard once I move in to my apartment. My goal is to at least play a Chopin piece flawlessly. It doesn't get any harder than Chopin.
9. I'm not yet over my Top Gear addiction. Currently downloading episodes from the 1990's. It was a very different show back then.
10. I'm very optimistic that Maui will get her Canadian visa this year. Nothing will make me happier than to see her again!
Later!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
There and Back Again
This entry's title is not in the same mold as Middle-earth's trek diary but it does sound cool so why not use it.
So it's been four months since my last entry. What has happened since?
1. Went back home to the Philippines for a 3-week vacation.
2. Switched from coffee to tea. Chai is addicting.
3. Got a root canal and had my single wisdom tooth removed (I'm not so wise).
4. Cut back my running to 17 miles a week. I'll be hibernating for a while until March or so when I start to train for the NY marathon.
5. I'm addicted once again to comics. Been catching up with the Avengers (Ultimate), X-men (House of M) and a couple of classics such as The Watchmen, Sandman, V for Vendetta and The Killing Joke (Batman).
6. Hooked on Top Gear. More on the humor than on the cars.
7. Tax season is upon me! Filling income tax was never this complicated back home.
8. Hooked on the latest advances in the field of biology all thanks for a book called Genome by Matt Ridley.
9. Got myself a retro game for the PSP called Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max which is basically a port of Street Fighter Alpha 3 from the arcades.
10. A lot more changes on the way.
Will write more.
So it's been four months since my last entry. What has happened since?
1. Went back home to the Philippines for a 3-week vacation.
2. Switched from coffee to tea. Chai is addicting.
3. Got a root canal and had my single wisdom tooth removed (I'm not so wise).
4. Cut back my running to 17 miles a week. I'll be hibernating for a while until March or so when I start to train for the NY marathon.
5. I'm addicted once again to comics. Been catching up with the Avengers (Ultimate), X-men (House of M) and a couple of classics such as The Watchmen, Sandman, V for Vendetta and The Killing Joke (Batman).
6. Hooked on Top Gear. More on the humor than on the cars.
7. Tax season is upon me! Filling income tax was never this complicated back home.
8. Hooked on the latest advances in the field of biology all thanks for a book called Genome by Matt Ridley.
9. Got myself a retro game for the PSP called Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max which is basically a port of Street Fighter Alpha 3 from the arcades.
10. A lot more changes on the way.
Will write more.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Chicago Marathon - Race Day Report
Absolutely Awesome!!!
I finished 26.2 miles in 4 hours, 17 minutes and 20 seconds! time and splits
I didn't finish under 4 hours as planned but the experience more than made up for it! I don't know how else to describe the event. Think of the Chicago Marathon as a block party that stretches for 26 miles! The only difference is that you party during the first half and suffer (in a good runner type of way) all the way to the finish!
What was it like? Analogies are in order:
1. It's like a party without the hangover
2. It's like an eat-all-you-can buffet without the calories
3. It's like getting a paycheck without the doing work
How many ran? Oh just 40,000...
Reporting...
6:30am - Parked my rental car more than a mile away from Grant Park at the Sterling Apartments at Kinzie and La Salle ($6 for the whole day - not bad). I could use the 1.5 mile walk to warmup since it was a bit cold (55 degrees F). At first I thought that it would be unwise to tire myself with a long walk but I soon realized that it was the perfect energizer. For every block I passed, I meet a runner or two walking to the marathon start. By the time I hit Michigan Avenue, I was walking with a group of no less than a 100 runners! All of them chatting excitedly, drinking coffee, comparing times and all sorts of runner talk. Some were surprised that I came alone.
6:55am - We hit Grant Park. I've never seen so many people this early in the day. It took me 10 minutes to worm my way through to the starting area. Shed layers, tighten shoes, stretch, apply bodyglide, nibble on a cliff bar, drink a few gulps and presto! - I'm all set.
7:10am - I take a couple of pictures then deposit my stuff at gear check (much like a baggage depository).
7:30am - I line up at the porta-potties or portalets as they call it back home. I was warned that it would take 20 minutes or more to get to one. Shit, they were right!!!
7:50am - still in line...
7:52am - still in line...
7:53am - Ah yes! I get to piss. Success!!! I run to the starting pens.
7:55am - I spot my pace group (3:50) from the spectator area. Little did I know that there is a fence separating the runners. Crap!!! I climb over the fence (with the crowd helping me up and down).
7:57am - Made it!!! Adrenaline is flowing. I look around and everybody has their game face one. The US national anthem has just finished and everybody cheers! The atmosphere is fever pitch!
8:00am - The gun goes off! It takes my group 3 minutes to get to the start line. After that, I say a prayer and hold up a V-sign to the crowd. Here we go! left brain - Oh jeez... what am I doing here
Switching to miles...
1 to 3 miles - 9:00 pace. Slower than my planned pace as expected. I hold back. Speed kills. Crowd roars when we emerge from the tunnel going to Wacker. I decide to stick to the middle island along La Salle Avenue so the other runners will break the cold breeze. The sun shows itself for the first time.
4 to 6 miles - 9:00 pace still. I decide to hold this pace and see if I can do a negative split after the half. Getting nice and warm. I feel good. We pass a band playing as we pass Clark. Can't help but notice that the singer is a bit flat. Can't say I recognize the song they're playing but it helps me pick up the pace (I think). I pick out a runner and stick to her pace.
6 to 9 miles - 9:00 pace again. I never knew I was this consistent. Road narrows as we go through the Lincoln Park neighborhood. I have been consistently taking in Gatorade at every station. I switch to water after mile 8. I develop a catching technique where I grab the cup then spin around using the opposite foot as a pivot and continue running. It looks funny but I don't slow down as much. I get a few giggles from the aid station peeps doing this. I still feel good. I leave behind my pacer.
10 to 12 miles - First sign of trouble. My arches are starting to chafe against my socks. I then realize that I'm using new socks that are thinner and I didn't tighten my shoes enough. Crap! I decide to fix the problem after the half.
13 to 15 miles - I pass the half marker with a decent time. I find a place to tighten my shoes past all the crowd. Tying my shoelaces should be instinctive but my fingers wouldn't cooperate. Shit. I think my brain has shifted all of its processing power to my legs. I almost fall flat on my face trying to get back into the race. By mile 15 I feel my legs getting heavy. Uh oh... the suffering has started.
16 to 18 miles - Ouch ouch ouch! These three miles took soooo long. I need fuel. Contemplated grabbing somebody else's gel. Then I remembered that there is a powershots stop after the 17th mile marker. I grab 2 powershots. Took one and saved the other for later. It would serve as my stress ball until then. I found the person that paced me earlier. I see a runner stop and cry on the sidewalk. After 10 minutes I see more runners by the sidewalk stretching. I decide to walk during each aid station break after mile 17 so that I won't end up the same way. left brain - Just stop now and the pain will go away.
19 to 21 miles - More pain. Sun is out again. I look at my legs and it feels that they are detached from the rest of my body. I could feel my reserves running low. It feels like I'm running on fumes at mile 19. Luckily they start giving out bananas. A lot of 'em are brown and yucky from the heat but beggars can't be choosers. I start concentrating on finishing each mile rather than thinking about the distance left to the finish. Seeing the mile 20 marker was quite a relief. I distract my left brain with split computations. It works. Mile 21 appears miraculously fast. I was touched when a big runner in front of me on the verge of giving up was joined by his wife. She jogs alongside him and gives him a pep talk. It works. Big runner smiles and passes me.
22 to 24 miles - At this point I've given up on finishing under 4 hours. No big loss. This is a battle I need to win by finishing. No compromise. I smell warm beer. I almost downed a cup full of warm beer! Beer is good but it's crap when warm. We pass through China Town. It is loud. Too loud. Drums and gongs going off. I smell chinese food. left brain - Stop and grab some dimsum - right brain - SHUT UP!!!
25 miles to the finish - I close my eyes once past the 25 mile marker. I'm losing it. I need to dig down deep. I block out everything else and concentrate on the shoes of the runner ahead of me. Nothing else exists. Just me and them red and white shoes ahead of me. I break my trance at the 26th mile marker and attempt to see if I can spot the finish along Michigan. Nothing! Nada! Zip! The finish is not there. I then realize that the finish is not on Michigan but on Columbus! One right turn and a left will get me there. Crowd is very thick along Michigan. I let them in through my trance barrier. They get me going. We make a right turn to Roosevelt. What the f***? The bridge along Roosevelt is inclined! It's one final attempt to stop me. I desperately pump my arms to move along. I think I'm running but someone passes me doing a fast walk. Am I really just shuffling along? I don't care. We make a left. I see the finish. Legs hurt. Arms hurt. Tummy hurts. Heck even my hair hurts! Oh well. I raise one finger to the crowd as a thank you, pose for the camera and cross the line.
YES!!!
DONE!!!
DID IT!!!
BEEN THERE!!!
I FINISHED A MARATHON!!!
Stuff after the race
I get my medal and heat wrap, deposit my timing chip and grab a banana and water. I follow a friend's advice and pop 2 Tylenols and do a 10 minute stretch. I get my finisher photo and walk 1.5 miles back to my car. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Lunch with myself at Singha. I order padthai and soup. All gone in 10 minutes to my server's amazement.
A sign at the expo says it all
I finished 26.2 miles in 4 hours, 17 minutes and 20 seconds! time and splits
I didn't finish under 4 hours as planned but the experience more than made up for it! I don't know how else to describe the event. Think of the Chicago Marathon as a block party that stretches for 26 miles! The only difference is that you party during the first half and suffer (in a good runner type of way) all the way to the finish!
What was it like? Analogies are in order:
1. It's like a party without the hangover
2. It's like an eat-all-you-can buffet without the calories
3. It's like getting a paycheck without the doing work
How many ran? Oh just 40,000...
Uhm... I'm somewhere in the middle wearing a white shirt and blue shorts
Reporting...
6:30am - Parked my rental car more than a mile away from Grant Park at the Sterling Apartments at Kinzie and La Salle ($6 for the whole day - not bad). I could use the 1.5 mile walk to warmup since it was a bit cold (55 degrees F). At first I thought that it would be unwise to tire myself with a long walk but I soon realized that it was the perfect energizer. For every block I passed, I meet a runner or two walking to the marathon start. By the time I hit Michigan Avenue, I was walking with a group of no less than a 100 runners! All of them chatting excitedly, drinking coffee, comparing times and all sorts of runner talk. Some were surprised that I came alone.
Walking to the start
6:55am - We hit Grant Park. I've never seen so many people this early in the day. It took me 10 minutes to worm my way through to the starting area. Shed layers, tighten shoes, stretch, apply bodyglide, nibble on a cliff bar, drink a few gulps and presto! - I'm all set.
7:10am - I take a couple of pictures then deposit my stuff at gear check (much like a baggage depository).
7:30am - I line up at the porta-potties or portalets as they call it back home. I was warned that it would take 20 minutes or more to get to one. Shit, they were right!!!
7:50am - still in line...
7:52am - still in line...
7:53am - Ah yes! I get to piss. Success!!! I run to the starting pens.
The promised land of piss
7:55am - I spot my pace group (3:50) from the spectator area. Little did I know that there is a fence separating the runners. Crap!!! I climb over the fence (with the crowd helping me up and down).
7:57am - Made it!!! Adrenaline is flowing. I look around and everybody has their game face one. The US national anthem has just finished and everybody cheers! The atmosphere is fever pitch!
8:00am - The gun goes off! It takes my group 3 minutes to get to the start line. After that, I say a prayer and hold up a V-sign to the crowd. Here we go! left brain - Oh jeez... what am I doing here
Switching to miles...
1 to 3 miles - 9:00 pace. Slower than my planned pace as expected. I hold back. Speed kills. Crowd roars when we emerge from the tunnel going to Wacker. I decide to stick to the middle island along La Salle Avenue so the other runners will break the cold breeze. The sun shows itself for the first time.
4 to 6 miles - 9:00 pace still. I decide to hold this pace and see if I can do a negative split after the half. Getting nice and warm. I feel good. We pass a band playing as we pass Clark. Can't help but notice that the singer is a bit flat. Can't say I recognize the song they're playing but it helps me pick up the pace (I think). I pick out a runner and stick to her pace.
6 to 9 miles - 9:00 pace again. I never knew I was this consistent. Road narrows as we go through the Lincoln Park neighborhood. I have been consistently taking in Gatorade at every station. I switch to water after mile 8. I develop a catching technique where I grab the cup then spin around using the opposite foot as a pivot and continue running. It looks funny but I don't slow down as much. I get a few giggles from the aid station peeps doing this. I still feel good. I leave behind my pacer.
10 to 12 miles - First sign of trouble. My arches are starting to chafe against my socks. I then realize that I'm using new socks that are thinner and I didn't tighten my shoes enough. Crap! I decide to fix the problem after the half.
13 to 15 miles - I pass the half marker with a decent time. I find a place to tighten my shoes past all the crowd. Tying my shoelaces should be instinctive but my fingers wouldn't cooperate. Shit. I think my brain has shifted all of its processing power to my legs. I almost fall flat on my face trying to get back into the race. By mile 15 I feel my legs getting heavy. Uh oh... the suffering has started.
16 to 18 miles - Ouch ouch ouch! These three miles took soooo long. I need fuel. Contemplated grabbing somebody else's gel. Then I remembered that there is a powershots stop after the 17th mile marker. I grab 2 powershots. Took one and saved the other for later. It would serve as my stress ball until then. I found the person that paced me earlier. I see a runner stop and cry on the sidewalk. After 10 minutes I see more runners by the sidewalk stretching. I decide to walk during each aid station break after mile 17 so that I won't end up the same way. left brain - Just stop now and the pain will go away.
19 to 21 miles - More pain. Sun is out again. I look at my legs and it feels that they are detached from the rest of my body. I could feel my reserves running low. It feels like I'm running on fumes at mile 19. Luckily they start giving out bananas. A lot of 'em are brown and yucky from the heat but beggars can't be choosers. I start concentrating on finishing each mile rather than thinking about the distance left to the finish. Seeing the mile 20 marker was quite a relief. I distract my left brain with split computations. It works. Mile 21 appears miraculously fast. I was touched when a big runner in front of me on the verge of giving up was joined by his wife. She jogs alongside him and gives him a pep talk. It works. Big runner smiles and passes me.
22 to 24 miles - At this point I've given up on finishing under 4 hours. No big loss. This is a battle I need to win by finishing. No compromise. I smell warm beer. I almost downed a cup full of warm beer! Beer is good but it's crap when warm. We pass through China Town. It is loud. Too loud. Drums and gongs going off. I smell chinese food. left brain - Stop and grab some dimsum - right brain - SHUT UP!!!
25 miles to the finish - I close my eyes once past the 25 mile marker. I'm losing it. I need to dig down deep. I block out everything else and concentrate on the shoes of the runner ahead of me. Nothing else exists. Just me and them red and white shoes ahead of me. I break my trance at the 26th mile marker and attempt to see if I can spot the finish along Michigan. Nothing! Nada! Zip! The finish is not there. I then realize that the finish is not on Michigan but on Columbus! One right turn and a left will get me there. Crowd is very thick along Michigan. I let them in through my trance barrier. They get me going. We make a right turn to Roosevelt. What the f***? The bridge along Roosevelt is inclined! It's one final attempt to stop me. I desperately pump my arms to move along. I think I'm running but someone passes me doing a fast walk. Am I really just shuffling along? I don't care. We make a left. I see the finish. Legs hurt. Arms hurt. Tummy hurts. Heck even my hair hurts! Oh well. I raise one finger to the crowd as a thank you, pose for the camera and cross the line.
YES!!!
DONE!!!
DID IT!!!
BEEN THERE!!!
I FINISHED A MARATHON!!!
Hey camera! Over here!
A piece of metal for 26 miles of suffering
Stuff after the race
I get my medal and heat wrap, deposit my timing chip and grab a banana and water. I follow a friend's advice and pop 2 Tylenols and do a 10 minute stretch. I get my finisher photo and walk 1.5 miles back to my car. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Lunch with myself at Singha. I order padthai and soup. All gone in 10 minutes to my server's amazement.
Chaos after the marathon
Good thing the free shirt is long-sleeved
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Chicago Marathon
Time's a tickin'!!!
Sunday is D-Day. Deciding day whether my 6 months of training will pay off. I'm hoping for a sub 4 hour finish but I'm happy finishing nevertheless.
What am I saying???!!!
No! I'm definitely going for a sub 4 hour finish!!!
I got my checklist ready
1. Asic Gel Kayano XI - 2nd pair this year. Best running shoes ever!
2. white and gray Nike Dri-fit shirt
3. dark blue Reebok running shorts
4. some branded triathlon running socks i got in a bargain bin
5. Rudy Project Ekynox glasses - only because Jan Ullrich uses them
6. Assorted Cliff Bars
7. Fuelbelt loaded with a 16 oz. bottle
Crap if somebody stole everything, it would amount to a hefty sum. I thought running was supposed to be a cheap sport.
Sunday is D-Day. Deciding day whether my 6 months of training will pay off. I'm hoping for a sub 4 hour finish but I'm happy finishing nevertheless.
Counting down the hours, minutes and seconds till start
What am I saying???!!!
No! I'm definitely going for a sub 4 hour finish!!!
I got my checklist ready
1. Asic Gel Kayano XI - 2nd pair this year. Best running shoes ever!
2. white and gray Nike Dri-fit shirt
3. dark blue Reebok running shorts
4. some branded triathlon running socks i got in a bargain bin
5. Rudy Project Ekynox glasses - only because Jan Ullrich uses them
6. Assorted Cliff Bars
7. Fuelbelt loaded with a 16 oz. bottle
Crap if somebody stole everything, it would amount to a hefty sum. I thought running was supposed to be a cheap sport.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Bass desires
This bass line begs to be played
It's been more than 6 months since I last played a musical instrument.
It's been more than a year since I strapped on my bass to play a band gig.
I think I'll go to a music store.
Might buy a new bass.
Might browse for "Wanted Bass Player" ads.
Maybe I need a break.
Maybe... maybe.
Recognize this?
It's been more than 6 months since I last played a musical instrument.
It's been more than a year since I strapped on my bass to play a band gig.
I think I'll go to a music store.
Might buy a new bass.
Might browse for "Wanted Bass Player" ads.
Maybe I need a break.
Maybe... maybe.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Chasing Bananas
Sunday. Chase some bananas (see ad below).
I was trying to break two personal running records this week.
1. Run more than 45 miles total for a given week.
2. Run faster than 24:35 in a 5K race.
I ran 7 miles on Saturday to break the first one. I was a bit worried that a run before my 5K race on Sunday would slow me down. Nevertheless my inner voice say F*** it! Just go for it!.
7 miles, 1 Chipotle burrito and an ice bath later and I'm in bed all ready for my race.
But no.
Must read.
Must surf.
F*** it! Just go for it!.
You got to understand that when I read, I tend to read at least three books in one session. 50 pages of this, 10 pages of that and so on. I got cozy with:
1. Mystic River - yes it's already been made into a movie
2. 23 Days in July (Tour De France book featuring Lance Armstrong) - I'm not really an Armstrong fan but he sure inspires.
3. The Art and Science of Oracle Performance Tuning - the guy who wrote this is a co-worker.
100 pages later and it's 12 midnight. F*** it!. I have to get up at 5:30 to have enough time to get ready and get to the darn race tomorrow. Correction... TODAY! I then gave my inner voice a dose of it's own medicine. Sleep comes fast.
Alarm wakes me at 5:30 am. I hit off instead of snooze. Big mistake. Biological alarm wakes me at 7 am. F*** it!. I do the following in less than 20 minutes:
1. Brew coffee.
2. Print directions from mapquest.
3. Pack bag.
4. Put on running attire. Asics Kayanos for this race.
5. Look decent.
6. Contemplate kicking the printer for printing so slow (my fault).
7. Jump into the car
Car fuel gauge says its almost empty. F*** it! It will take me 8 minutes to head to a gas station and fill up! Hmmmmmm. I'm driving a Honda Civic. One of the most economical cars in the world! F*** it!. I'm driving straight to downtown!
45 miles later and I'm driving on fumes in San Francisco. I almost pissed on myself when the car stalled momentarily because of low fuel while I was on a 50 degree slope. Normally it'd be ok, but not today with an expensive looking Mercedes close to my tail.
Parked. Ran to venue. Registered. Portalet trip. Ran to the start line with 45 seconds to spare before the race started. Whoah!!! Nice race! Lots of people. Men dressed-up as bananas. Kids of all ages. Runners from various running clubs. Me and my Rudy Projects, Kayanos and Asics jacket (forgot to take it off).
I found myself panting on the 1-mile mark. One look at my watch and then I deduced that I was in trouble. Why you ask?
1. My watch read 6:25! That's way too fast for me on a 5K race!
2. I was loaded up on caffeine.
3. I'm getting warm and I have a jacket on.
Basically I committed the runner's sin of starting out to fast. Couldn't help it. I slowed down and carried my jacket but I was still panting like a dog in heat. Almost gave up at mile 2 if it not for my inner voice saying F*** it! Just go for it!.
5K later and I'm pleasantly happy with my time of 23:25. I didn't break 23 minutes but it was still a minute faster than my previous 5K four months ago.
Nice race. Lots of freebies. If I only had my girlfriend with me at the race, then it would have been a "perfect" day.
Bananarama!!!
I was trying to break two personal running records this week.
1. Run more than 45 miles total for a given week.
2. Run faster than 24:35 in a 5K race.
I ran 7 miles on Saturday to break the first one. I was a bit worried that a run before my 5K race on Sunday would slow me down. Nevertheless my inner voice say F*** it! Just go for it!.
7 miles, 1 Chipotle burrito and an ice bath later and I'm in bed all ready for my race.
But no.
Must read.
Must surf.
You got to understand that when I read, I tend to read at least three books in one session. 50 pages of this, 10 pages of that and so on. I got cozy with:
1. Mystic River - yes it's already been made into a movie
2. 23 Days in July (Tour De France book featuring Lance Armstrong) - I'm not really an Armstrong fan but he sure inspires.
3. The Art and Science of Oracle Performance Tuning - the guy who wrote this is a co-worker.
100 pages later and it's 12 midnight. F*** it!. I have to get up at 5:30 to have enough time to get ready and get to the darn race tomorrow. Correction... TODAY! I then gave my inner voice a dose of it's own medicine. Sleep comes fast.
Alarm wakes me at 5:30 am. I hit off instead of snooze. Big mistake. Biological alarm wakes me at 7 am. F*** it!. I do the following in less than 20 minutes:
1. Brew coffee.
2. Print directions from mapquest.
3. Pack bag.
4. Put on running attire. Asics Kayanos for this race.
5. Look decent.
6. Contemplate kicking the printer for printing so slow (my fault).
7. Jump into the car
Car fuel gauge says its almost empty. F*** it! It will take me 8 minutes to head to a gas station and fill up! Hmmmmmm. I'm driving a Honda Civic. One of the most economical cars in the world! F*** it!. I'm driving straight to downtown!
45 miles later and I'm driving on fumes in San Francisco. I almost pissed on myself when the car stalled momentarily because of low fuel while I was on a 50 degree slope. Normally it'd be ok, but not today with an expensive looking Mercedes close to my tail.
Parked. Ran to venue. Registered. Portalet trip. Ran to the start line with 45 seconds to spare before the race started. Whoah!!! Nice race! Lots of people. Men dressed-up as bananas. Kids of all ages. Runners from various running clubs. Me and my Rudy Projects, Kayanos and Asics jacket (forgot to take it off).
I found myself panting on the 1-mile mark. One look at my watch and then I deduced that I was in trouble. Why you ask?
1. My watch read 6:25! That's way too fast for me on a 5K race!
2. I was loaded up on caffeine.
3. I'm getting warm and I have a jacket on.
Basically I committed the runner's sin of starting out to fast. Couldn't help it. I slowed down and carried my jacket but I was still panting like a dog in heat. Almost gave up at mile 2 if it not for my inner voice saying F*** it! Just go for it!.
5K later and I'm pleasantly happy with my time of 23:25. I didn't break 23 minutes but it was still a minute faster than my previous 5K four months ago.
Nice race. Lots of freebies. If I only had my girlfriend with me at the race, then it would have been a "perfect" day.
Banana Men
The finish
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Back in the Training Groove
Four weeks before the Chicago Marathon and I think I'm back into my training groove. The downward spiral started right after my half-marathon (San Francisco). Lesson learned. Don't do a long race when training for a marathon.
Today's Sunday run:
18 miles - 2 hours and 41 minutes
Average of 6.72 miles per hour.
Not bad. I think I'll top-off with a 20-miler next week then start my taper.
27 days left.
Today's Sunday run:
18 miles - 2 hours and 41 minutes
Average of 6.72 miles per hour.
Not bad. I think I'll top-off with a 20-miler next week then start my taper.
27 days left.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Biking Around San Francisco
Kid called me up Friday asking what we can do for Saturday since it was the 4th of July weekend. Biking was the first thing that crossed my mind. 24 hours later and 2 friends more we found ourselves trying to do a Tour de San Francisco. Great day, great weather, great lunch in Chinatown and great drinks at Fridays (you can never get enough of a cold Sierra Nevada).
Biker Boys
Bridge Crossing
Ex-Accenture Boys
By the Shore
Friday, June 03, 2005
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Running wet and cold in Rochester
I was itching to join a race in MN before I left. I read about a 5K race in a local free ad paper. That's how I found myself 80 miles south of the twin cities in Rochester. I usually join 10K races and above but never 5K. I considered it a sort of "testing the waters" kind of run. I haven't been doing a lot of interval training so I have no idea how I'd do. The weather that whole weekend in the midwest was cold and rainy. I haven't raced in such conditions so I have didn't know what to wear. I just bundled up in 4 layers of dri-fit fabric and ran. Suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
If it weren't for the cold and the rain I would explored the city more. I just hung out at the Galleria (mini mall) and explored parts of the Mayo clinic. After buying a latte I headed back home. I just might go back and explore the trails on bike next time.
Link to the results page --> Rochester Track Club 5K results
If it weren't for the cold and the rain I would explored the city more. I just hung out at the Galleria (mini mall) and explored parts of the Mayo clinic. After buying a latte I headed back home. I just might go back and explore the trails on bike next time.
Link to the results page --> Rochester Track Club 5K results
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Game On!!!
I had a blast at the Game On exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. These pictures speak for themselves (with the unavoidable caption of course).
Dune 2? I'll think about it.
Tennis anyone? An original Pong game cabinet.
Say pasta!
Aliens? Where?
Don't shoot!!!
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Blur
The last month has been a blur. I'm working in good 'ole Minneapolis but I'm leaving soon for the west coast Bay area. Work dictates which city I sleep in. I've never really unpacked which is kinda interesting since you get a very good sense of which clothes are useless. I don't mind the work but the moving around gets to you. Minneapolis has turned into a home away from home and now I have to move out again (repeat the process approximately 3 times a year). The city is an interesting mix of things that should be incompatible but somehow they work together. Only in Minneapolis I might say. It's hard to put into words but I can only think of the local "hotdish" as an analogy. Click here
Other stuff:
1. Went running around the sculpture garden next to the Walker Musuem. It made me miss Maui more. It would be really nice to have a stroll with her through the place.
2. Sold my GBA and bought a Sony PSP. It's around $249 but worth every cent. That blows my budget so I'm currently on super savings mode. I recently learned a hack that turns it into a web browser so that kinda ups it's usability.
3. Found my favorite running trail. I guess it's one of the things I'll miss the most if ever I move out. Click here
4. Thinking about my marathon 5 months from now. I think about it. Run. I think about it some more.
5. Been listening to a lot new music lately. New means "not in my mp3 player." Been listening to a lot of Joy Division, New Order and other bands recommended by a friend (The Shins, The New Pornographers and The Soviettes).
6. Thinking about having a taste of the local lutefisk. Ya, you betcha!
Other stuff:
1. Went running around the sculpture garden next to the Walker Musuem. It made me miss Maui more. It would be really nice to have a stroll with her through the place.
2. Sold my GBA and bought a Sony PSP. It's around $249 but worth every cent. That blows my budget so I'm currently on super savings mode. I recently learned a hack that turns it into a web browser so that kinda ups it's usability.
3. Found my favorite running trail. I guess it's one of the things I'll miss the most if ever I move out. Click here
4. Thinking about my marathon 5 months from now. I think about it. Run. I think about it some more.
5. Been listening to a lot new music lately. New means "not in my mp3 player." Been listening to a lot of Joy Division, New Order and other bands recommended by a friend (The Shins, The New Pornographers and The Soviettes).
6. Thinking about having a taste of the local lutefisk. Ya, you betcha!
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Restless
Things are happening fast around me. I'm in a time bubble impervious to the passage of time. It's one of the perks and pitfalls of downtime. The good side side is called leisure, the flipside is called restlessness. I need work fast. I need to start running again.
Updates:
SAP is buying Retek - implications.
Russell is now working at Ross - Good news indeed! Quite funny working for the same client through another company.
My old laptop conked-out - In some ways in was forthcoming. Hopefully it's not yet permanently dead.
Books - Lucifer's Legacy by Frank Close (meaning of asymmetry). Neuromancer by William Gibson (great book).
I decided to post a random picture. Why? Like rests in a musical piece, sighs between troubled thoughts and pauses between bites, it facilitates comprehension. Also, I like cars specially the "monster killers." Cars that outperform those costing 10 times as much.
Missing my Maui a lot.
Updates:
SAP is buying Retek - implications.
Russell is now working at Ross - Good news indeed! Quite funny working for the same client through another company.
My old laptop conked-out - In some ways in was forthcoming. Hopefully it's not yet permanently dead.
Books - Lucifer's Legacy by Frank Close (meaning of asymmetry). Neuromancer by William Gibson (great book).
I decided to post a random picture. Why? Like rests in a musical piece, sighs between troubled thoughts and pauses between bites, it facilitates comprehension. Also, I like cars specially the "monster killers." Cars that outperform those costing 10 times as much.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI? Nope. Nice try though.
Missing my Maui a lot.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Adjusted?
Most of "Me" is now in-synch, same timezone, intact. It's been a week and I think I'm back on solid ground. My driving has adjusted to US standards. I've talked with my employer regarding my schedule/job. My bank stuff is finally set up. Jet lag is almost gone. I still get the occasional "extended nap" syndrome where you wake up and feel like you slept the day away. I've been making the most of my time (I think) at my friend's apartment reading up on Retek stuff and doing an anime marathon. Neon Genesis Evangelion is the anime. Saw a couple of episodes in college but not the whole series. It's perplexing. Interesting. Engaging? Maybe. Watch it. You might like it. It borders on science and religion. The Japanese have a knack for obscure yet addicting plots. Add a dash of mecha design and a pinch of sexuality and you have a great series.
What to do this weekend? Not really sure. I have to run again. It's been a week since I last ran and it's driving me nuts. Must find a way. I'll check out my old apartment complex and see if the gym is open. Might also check out some running stores. Buy that new pair of Sauconies or New Balance. Maybe not. New shoe scent is addicting.
Saw an orange Subaru Impreza in a parking lot yesterday. Orange. Took a picture of it using my camera phone. The outside just doesn't give a hint of the monster inside. Cool. But orange?
Maui is attending our friend's wedding. I hope she has a good time. I miss her. I need to call her up this weekend. Just hearing her voice takes me back home.
What to do this weekend? Not really sure. I have to run again. It's been a week since I last ran and it's driving me nuts. Must find a way. I'll check out my old apartment complex and see if the gym is open. Might also check out some running stores. Buy that new pair of Sauconies or New Balance. Maybe not. New shoe scent is addicting.
Saw an orange Subaru Impreza in a parking lot yesterday. Orange. Took a picture of it using my camera phone. The outside just doesn't give a hint of the monster inside. Cool. But orange?
Maui is attending our friend's wedding. I hope she has a good time. I miss her. I need to call her up this weekend. Just hearing her voice takes me back home.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Flickering thoughts
Jet lag. Your body and mind go in opposite directions. Body buddies up with inertia and stays horizontal, mind defies physics and flies in all directions. I reign in some of these "thought darts" and try to impose wordly sensibility. From 2am to 5am, it starts and ends. Some I forget, some remain like the aroma of last night's breakfast/dinner.
Cashiers
Did groceries last night. Cashier was chatty. Most of them are. Back home, everyone evokes "Don't talk to me and i won't bother you." It's comforting for us. Years ago I scrambled to answer the everyday "How are you?" of Americans. It was never meant to be answered with full-on thought. First out of the cortex will suffice, also known as "Good, how about you?"
Missing out
I feel a pang of sorrow for those who haven't experience the "joys of reading" a book. The internet only serves as a plain alternative. Web pages cater to those who want information quick. Direct to the point. Vanilla. Broth without the stock. All is news. None is a good read. It's the difference between a good movie and a bad one. The bad one evaporates as soon as you exit the double doors. The good one stays to fuel conversations.
I miss my Maui.
Cashiers
Did groceries last night. Cashier was chatty. Most of them are. Back home, everyone evokes "Don't talk to me and i won't bother you." It's comforting for us. Years ago I scrambled to answer the everyday "How are you?" of Americans. It was never meant to be answered with full-on thought. First out of the cortex will suffice, also known as "Good, how about you?"
Missing out
I feel a pang of sorrow for those who haven't experience the "joys of reading" a book. The internet only serves as a plain alternative. Web pages cater to those who want information quick. Direct to the point. Vanilla. Broth without the stock. All is news. None is a good read. It's the difference between a good movie and a bad one. The bad one evaporates as soon as you exit the double doors. The good one stays to fuel conversations.
I miss my Maui.
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