Smashing Saturday Night with the Latins

A night of sensual Latin American indulgence .... what other best way to raise some ££ and have some killer time ...

(latest!) London Marathon Fund Raised

LONDON
GL £200.00
IoN Lab £17.40
Private donors £152.00 (02/05)
G Matteucci £64.43 (09/05)

STFC -MNT Center (aka my department at Didcot)
£98.00

Total: £531.83

More on Argentinian Night - Arenin

A sample of the upbeat, shaky bon bon, vibrant Argentinian night ....




----Provided by DJ Sergius ----

Argentinian Night for the Orang Utans

Hey everyone,

Yet again another installment of Orang Utans Event. This time, I have joined force with an Argentinian friend, Gabriel Luraschi on bringing you guys an alternative social event: Argentinian Night - ARENIN!!

We will start with live music, folk and tango performed by Guillermo Rozenthuler and his group, following bythe best selection of Argentinian rock & pop and music from the rest of South America.

And for a complete celebration, the gourmet selection range from

• Empanadas (savoury pastry),
• choripanes (aka chorizo),
• cerveze Quilmes (Argentinian beer), wine, to
  
• Fernet (some bitter drink from Italy which is popular in Argentina).
  

DJ Hernan Atencio - DJ Sergius
Hernan Atencio is Venezuelan and he organizes all the Venezuelan parties. Sergius is Gabriel Luraschi's Argentinian friend and he organizes London Tango Thames festival in front of the Tate Modern every year, plus monthly tango events and Latin American bands concerts.



WHERE?

Date:
Saturday 17 May 2008

Time:
9:00pm - 4:00am

Venue:
Restaurant La Rueda
Unit 1 Tower Place West
London EC3R 5BU
(Next to Tower of London)

Tube Stations: Tower Hill & Monument
Buses: 15,42,78,100,RV1,N15
Parking: Below the restaurant; Tower Hill Coach & Car park £2.50 all day

Ticket: £5 (GET FROM ME NOW !!!)
Contact: Jacqueline Kueh at jacqueline.kueh@gmail.com or facebook event

**The arrangement is that for every ticket I sell, 50% would go to my charity.***

So what are you waiting for? Come join in the fun!

Hope to see you all there,
Jacque
p/s oh ya SPREAD the WORDS!

April 13, 2008 Sunday - THE DAY

The night before, logistic needed to be sorted (yes down to the underwear). Ceria was already dressed for the occasion.

...Chinese Mp3 humming away ... it's 6.20am. The morning started with Weetabix Oatibix and Muller Omega 3 strawberry yogurt. Oh ya... the harden banana flavoured PowerBar. (BTW when did I become such a sport freak?)

On my way to the tube, striking a fatty pose! (I have to admit these pictures just ain't that flattering at all... but they are the only ones I had. Do bear with me if the horrid impact may lingers after this posting!! Even I am horrified by these pictures.)


At Blackheath, walking towards the starting line ...

I called my mom after taking this picture to give her well-wishing for her birthday. My dad was so excited for some reasons, but it was nice to hear that...

Unfortunately, I had the blue starting point, while Sarah, Lindsay, Nat and Lau all started at red. We had to part our way ...


Sea of runners and their supporters...

Trunks load of runners' bags ... and the anxious moment before the race starts at 9.45am. (I was in line for anxiety urge release!)

At the starting line... I was relegated to stage 7 starting point as I put 5 hours finishing time during signing up ... big mistake!

Me at the starting point. With Ceria...

At mile 4-7, being ahead of time, I began to interact with the crowds, high fiving (with Ceria's free hand) to all the kids that had their hands up! But it proved to be too much effort for I started to pant really heavily after a while! Stopped I do to conserve energy for the race instead.

At mile 12.5, half way into the race. It was an amazing sight to run in the middle of Tower Bridge at that hour. The bridge has never looked as good as this! Interestingly, there were two runners that whipped out their disposable camera nonchalantly taking pictures of themselves with the crowd behind them. I thought that was creative!

(sorry it is taken with my phone camera, hence the distortion of the picture!)


More of Tower Bridge when I ran pass underneath it ...

Me desperately trying to capture me on the bridge ... (again unflattering shot!)


Mile 19 was where it hit me hardest! Instead of 10min/mile, I took 20 mins, with longer interval of walking. Maybe I missed everyone along the way, everyone that was supposed to come cheer for me. It was just draining physically and mentally to motivate yourself then. I missed calculated my carbo boom that by mile 17 I had finished all my supplies. Many crazy thoughts ran through my head...

Suddenly I heard this voice from afar, "Jackie! Jackie! Jackie!" in a Spanish accent... It was GAbi! Finally someone I know! (ya after 20miles of running) It was so so sweet to see him there... I was like "take a picture of me" He managed to snap a shot with me trailing away ...



Then on, I was just driven by the newfound spur and the adrenaline rush from the cheering and encouraging crowd of London city, despite the horrible weather! It was hailing and then heavy rain falling. But those energy was like super power.In my head, each mile mark I see would mean one less mile to the finishing line...

At 200m away from the finishing mark, I told myself I would never do this again. I would never put myself through this again...

Then after 4:30:59, I CROSSED the finishing line .... I did it!

Hey I did it! If I can run this one, why not another marathon? I know. I am insane.

Me at the end of the race... with my medal.

I did it!

I did it! I did it!

After 1 year and 4 months, I achieved what I set out in my last year resolution.

I am an official marathon runner! Thanks to this fund raising efforts (instead of the other way round!)

More to come... just need to get hold of all the pictures from everyone to complete my posting.

Cant believe it is actually this Sun!

Yes, the race is this Sun - 13 April.

Butterflies of anxiety filled in my stomach since beginning of the week, to be honest. Slowly I can feel their anarchy in my head too. Even this very moment, typing this blog I am feeling nauseous and affected with intervals of cold /hot flashes. (I don't really discern the two polars as it happened so quick.)

Laterly weather in London has been flickish. 2-inch snow last Sunday. Snow in April! Hopefully weather this Sun morning would be favorable to runners. Forecast temperature is low 6C and high 13C and we might have some light shower.

Some trivial facts of this year's marathon. We would be part of the history this year as it is the centennial history of London Marathon when the 1st guy Dorando Pietri of Italy passed the finishing line in the Olympic, but he did it with the help of the authorities.


He was not the winner of the race, but instead Johnny Hayes from the United States was the official winner. Obviously it was because of the contravention of rules, led to Pietri disqualification. So down in history, Pietri had the trophy for crossing the finishing line first, while Hayes had the medal - the official winner of the race. Could this be the reason why the official prize for the marathon runners and winners is a medal rather than a trophy?

Anyway, my racing kit for Sun is top priority this week. As usual, procrastination, the root of all evil, has its way in me. No I had to wait till the marathon week itself to crack my head and source for the prop and material. Thank to God, I managed to get my act together. Look, I will have this little buddy (yet to give her a name) on my back!


With much creative thinking and after several trial & error, Mie, another PhD student in my lab, and I came out with this great idea to fasten, let's call her, Ceria onto me. With cable ties (like those around plastic bag after shopping at Mustafa - famous Indian 24-hr MegaMall in Singapore), her right upper limb and left lower limb are clutched together so that it gives a firm wrap around me while I run. Then her right lower limb is fastened to her right upper limb to stabilize herself on my back. Her free left upper limb would be used to wave to spectators and runners along the way. Cool ya?

Here's how she would look on me with my racing outfits for that day.



Yesterday, I went to the gym with Ceria to see how it feels running with her. In the beginning, it was just warm at the area where her body was next to. 2 miles into the run, I could feel the humidity and at the end of 3 miles, my shirt was soaked wet at that particular area. Other than that, everything seemed fine, not much abrasion on the side. She seems to hang well on my body even at the speed of 12km/h. Well, with the hope that it would build more awareness among the public of the diminishing habitats and the urgency to conserve this poor species from extinction, I think it is all worth the heat and uneasiness ya? Hopefully God would have the weather on my side, making it slight cooler and DRY... I would have to pray.

Now I really cant wait for the race to come! Wish me luck!

Oh ya, this is Ceria in real life at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Last Sun's 22 miles

It was like going through the four seasons three times. Weather was cold and extremely windy. Literally, the wind can carry you away with it! There was hail, wind and sun ... all in the mere four hours that we ran. Now we can truly call ourselves - marathon runners!

Other than the usual gang, we had Lau joining us this time round. Great that everyone finally meet everyone! We ran the marathon route starting from Greenwich to Tower Bridge. Can you believe this, we did 13 miles in 1:57:32 (compared to my Paris Half 2:00:14, and it was a slow pace. What a difference when running in a group!

It was yet again a great run! Despite the horrible weather, thanks to the surviving Nat and Lindsey, we were able to pull through the longest run that we ever need to do for this marathon - 22.5 miles. Unfortunately, Sarah still has her hips problems and Lau his crumps. They had to stop at ~ 13/15 miles into the run.

Just some candid shots that we took near Greenwich, when we passed our 1st hail rain.

A Great 19 miles today!

The week couldn't have ended with a higher note than this. I did it! I finished the 19 mile today with a good form, of course I was exhausted and trenched! Weather today in London is 10C, windy and rainy (feel like 7C).

The truth, guys, I have been feeling down this whole week. Last week's incomplete 19 miles set the tone for the rest of this week.

I was in such great pain last Sunday that Sarah had to literally put me on the bus to go back to hers. I was obstinated to finish it since I already did 17 miles! But my ITB, plantar fasciitis and a newfound injury - peroneal tendonitis - resulted from supination (underpronation) on my right feet were acting so much that my pain scale was still 8-9/10 even after popping two ibuprofen. Tuesday, I went to my physio, Harriat and did an ultrasound on that tendon. I have this suspicion it would my new trainer. While it corrected my overpronation on my left feet, it could might overcompensate for my right feet. On that day I had to swim instead of run. An insane 53 50m-lapses! As it turned out after my Thursday 8-mile run, the trainer proved to be culprit!

I was torn from the discovery: yes I knew what was causing the pain, yet it would mean I need to change my trainer ... so close to race date. Not ideal! That's why I bought the first pair a month and half ago.

So on Friday, I managed to get the Gel Foundation exchanged for a Asics Gel 2130 women, a less support and softer base (as I land pretty lightly). But I need to break it in slowly - two short 5-mile before any long runs.

Chagrined by all these injuries, the life-overtaking running schedules and my forever-inchoated PhD transfer report, I was irascible, moody and worn out. To add on to the hopelessness, Shiok was closed abruptly. There go the months of liaising and my fund-raising plan. Plus the collection for Paris Half was minimal! (but there again it could be still rolling in!)

The most discouraging moment was when I realized I am in this all on my own. Suddenly, the reality hits me that there isn't anyone there for me: no concern calls from friends or family. How I long for it? It can quite tough to carry on by myself sometime.

Hence, to be able to complete 19-miler today, with still physical and mental strength to do more, it was a copacetic achievement! I feels now I can go out there and do what needs to be done for the coming week! Special thanks to my running buddies: Sarah, Lindsay and Nat. Without your constant encouragement during these long runs, guys, I won't have do on my own! Of course, with a lil of a external help: the big G! Thanks!


Nat, me, Lindsay and Sarah.

Official Paris Half Marathon Picture

Here's me during the race. It was taken at km-19. Then I was actually in great pain. But for the picture taking you just have to put on your best ya! Hehe ...




The best official picture of me running, I ever have. I have to get it. It is EURO 15 though for this electronic copy and a 5'x 7' print copy. But all worth it.

Shiok! is closed!

Just a quick update, Shiok! is closed for busines, unfortunately. It is annoying as we have been going back and fro for a while and everything just comes to an abrupt end.

Will find another restaurant quickly. This time round, the theme would be different. Jazz night might not be possible as I have no one to sing as yet.

Maybe speed dating would be fun! ;-)

Keep a look out ok.

New Injury: Planar Fasciitis

I went for biweekly sport massage at Ambition Fitness yesterday and yes, we found out what was the cause of the flaming feet I got! Hehe... It is called Planar Fasciitis, which I knew in the morning, diagnosed by my colleague, Mie.

Basically, due to fatigue calf muscles (in my case, as I can feel how tight they are), and linkage of CT band (Gastrocnemius + Soleus + Achilles tendon + plantar fascia), tension was too much for plantar fascia (the weakest link) and therefore caused the the inflammatory effects - the burning sensation. This further aggravated with the collapsing of my arch (probably lack of insole support). As plantar fasciitis is also a form of repetitive stress injury, I caused too much damage (with the amount of running I did lately) and gave it insufficient time to repair itself.

My physio, Harrall (if I got it right) was just superb with her hands. Since I have been rolling on the firm roller to stretch the ITB muscle, she decided to focus on my calf and hamstring. Believe me, I couldn't stop mourning and burying my face on the pillow periodically. All my muscles were just so tight and knotted!

For the ITB, it is not as painful anymore, though the ache and pain do return once in a while, usually more painful after a long run. It would comes with a bang: acute sharp pain for like 2 mins. Ouch! It is like I cant bend my knee at all and have to limp. The only way is to do my routine rolling, until the pain fades away. another thing is to strengthen my glut muscle. Weak glut muscle causes the pain in ITB (I feel that's my case).

Because I cant stop training now, the only thing I can do now is stretch, stretch and stretch, even when I am not running. Harrall suggestion is to place a hot pat on the calf muscle before stretch to warm them up a little. Do long and slow stretches, instead of short dramatic ones.

Ambition fitness was in Queen Mother sport Center. I decided to go swim in the 25m pool instead of running 7 miles, just to give my foot a rest. Anyway I got a free pass to test out the gym. So to convert 7 miles of running to swimming, I need to do 1.75 miles, translated to 112 lapses in a 25m pool. I did 100 lapses ... I think. It is so easy to lose count, but I figured if I spent 60mins in the pool, and I was on the 'Fast and Furious' land (~25 seconds per lapse), give and take a few mins clearing my googles, I should have done at least 100 lapse. (BTW I was a swimmer during elementary school to early high school, representing my school.)

Swimming is definitely much better for my feet and I can feel that I am exercising my whole body. I would do it more often and maybe use it to replace my short runs until the marathon.

Fund-raising Effort for Paris Half Marathon 2008

Just before I left for Paris, I ran a fund-raising email out for most of my friends to raise money using this race.

Out of 100 odd emails I sent, I have gotten about 10 replies that were willing to donate. Out of these 10 donors, I sent them the donating process. I have yet to check if the donation is in. Finger crossed that it would be a good and fruitful effort.

Many thanks again for all that donate. You cant believe how grateful I am to your donation, as small as it may seem to you. It is definitely not for the me and the orang utans in Sepilok. Once again thank you.

Paris Half Marathon - 2 Mar 2008

My trip to Paris was magnificent. The city was just so charming and artistic. St Germain at the left bank where I stayed was just fabulous. One got the feel of a quotidian Paris neighborhood, where real Parisians lived in. I must say one thing, even the average Joe or I should say, average Arnaud was better-looking than the average-John you see here in London. Best thing, they were not superficially done-up like those you see in Avenue Des Champs-Elysées.

Here's some views from my hotel room: Sully St Germain at rue de Ecoles.





The night before the race, despite the light drizzling, I roamed around the city with a friend. One of the many shots - outside the Lourve,



Sunday, 2 March 2008 was the race day. I woke up 7.30am and took heaps of isotonic drinks and the high-energy snacks bar that I bought the night before at Au Vieux Camper. I could not believe my luck for at least five of these AVC shops were scattering around my hotel. My immediate supply for sport food.

By 9am, I took the metro from Chatelet on the right bank to the last station: Chateau de Vincennes on the yellow line. It was quite an amazing sight as the metro slowly got packed with runners every station it stopped till the last two stations. It seemed like the whole town was running the race! It is a great spirit to see that these city folks are so involved with such activities.



While walking to the main area to collect my bib ...



After all the struggling through the sea of people to the end of the hall to collect my bib,


these two frail but enthusiastic volunteers behind the counter insisted that I must show them my passport as an identity verification! I was like, GREAT! After all the hassle of coming to Paris and rushing a race, I could forget the one item that could make or break this: my passport! Brilliant, Jacque!! Like a chicken and a duck, we tried to explain to one another. But I was persistent that they gave me the bib in whatever limited French I got: 'we', 'non' and exaggerated body gestures. Finally they gave in and reluctantly passed me the bib, in spite of the clear rule indicated in the official letter (in ENGLISH) I brought with me to show them for collecting the bib! They smiled and waved when I took a picture of them. They must be thinking what a ignorant Chinese girl!



What can I say? I was relieved and elated that I would have my chip for official time recording and of course a running number bib to formalize the race!





A glimpse of the race point: Start and end point



Towards the start point, getting ready for the race ...



I guess maybe I was running late in the morning and had to rush for my bibs. Although I started the race with high spirit, I was not in a great form. I was not sure why or what, maybe I didn't hydrate myself well enough the last few days, maybe I forgot my vitamins throughout this trip, maybe I drank some alcohol during the last two nights, or maybe i was just all alone on this. My mind was playing tricks on me. Just 3 miles (6-7Km) into the race, I was ready to give up. I even talked myself into taking a toilet break at one of the brasserie along the way! It was not necessary at all! Sigh! I pressed on.

At the Km 9 mark, a dear friend, Alex came to support me. He managed to capture some quick glimpses of me near Chatelet (where I caught the train in the morning).





Then a few miles into the race, again I was very close in giving up. This time my ITB hurt a little, but mostly it was the bottom of my right foot that ached the most. Yape, a newfound injury! Irresistably, my mind just used that as an excuse to steal as much short walk as I could. Reason being, "I am in pain." I was indeed, but I knew I could endure that level of pain! Believe me, I has experienced some of it during training runs last week.

Somewhere along the way, my body started to feel weird. I was very uncomfortable with my outfit. I tried to disregard it, thinking this must be one of my mind tricks again. But after some self-motivating talk, it still didn't feel right! I zipped down my UnderArmor top. Suddenly, it felt breezy. My head was not aching as much. Then I took off my cap ... then my gloves. Instantaneously, it couldn't have felt more comfortable. Then it occurred to me that I was hyperthermic ... all this while! Now I understand what it means to be overdressed for a run. I used to tell my fellow runners I am that SE Asian that never get used to the cold. Guess I am no different, as I would still get overheated too.

By then, I was so sure that my time would be off by at least 10-15 mins from usual 10 mins-per-mile. But when I reached the 16 km(= 10miles), I checked my timer for the first time. It was 1:31:00. Ok, I was actually on time. I thought to myself, I might just be able to make it under 1:50:00 if I kept on running for the next 20 mins. And I tried. During the last 15 mins I felt like both my feet was on fire (literally), but it kinda masked the pain I had at the sole too. I ignored the ITB pain near my knee and sprinted on. At the 18-km, I was exhausted, this time, my body was failing me, not my mind. My mind was ready to attempt the sub 1:50. I started to walk, when an old French man (in his sixties) patted me on my lower back and encouraged me in French. I answered with hesitation,"We". Immediately, he replied in English," Throw that bottle and run!" He continued on with French, which con possibly mean pick up your speed, we are nearing the end of the race!

Then I just kept on running, possibly 5 mins per km till the end of race. I was out ... I didn't feel that I could run anymore. Obviously the sight of the medal was just rewarding.





I was disappointed with myself on how I performed at the beginning of the race. I could have done better. If only I stayed more positive, I think I would have made it under 2 hours at least. My official time is 2:00:14. My overall ranking is 12358 out of 18642, while my category (Seniors Femme) ranking is 907 out of 2338.

Guess what? I was so forgetful that I left my medal in the hotel. Hopefully the receptionist would send it to me as he said he would.

I need to train harder if I want to be sub 4:30 for the full marathon in April. It is week 11 btw. This week training is 6 miles on Tues, steady 10 miles on Thurs and slow 18 miles on Sun. Pray for me!

All ready for Paris this Sun.

I am so psych about Paris this Sun. I have booked for the flight two weeks ago and would be traveling with Air France.

My race number is 24480, and the race is starting at 10.00am at Esplanade du Château de Vincennes. It ends there too. The route is pretty ok, not the nicest part of town. I would need to be there early to get my bib. French authorities are more 'kiasu' than the Singaporeans! Before they can give the bib to you, you would need to show them a medical certificate that you would fit enough to run the half, so that you won't sue them if you happen to collapse and die during the race!

Mostlikely I would meet up with Sandra, a friend of a friend from Singapore. Of course as usual I would be doing the tourisy stuff on the remaining of the tiem. It is my first time to Paris! Guess that's why I am so excited about it.

Well, wish me luck!




--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: airfrance-internet-uk@email.airfrance.fr
Date: 15 Feb 2008 15:00
Subject: Your Air France Internet booking confirmation


THANK YOU FOR BOOKING WITH AIR FRANCE!
Please find your flight details below.
If you have booked an electronic ticket, you will receive a separate itinerary e-mail with your electronic ticket number.
***************************************************************
Book your TRAVEL EXTRAS on airfrance.co.uk
For extra savings and no stress make advanced bookings on car rental, hotel, sight-seeing tours & activities and airport car parking. Travel insurance is also available on airfrance.co.uk.
***************************************************************

Trip Plan for:
Kueh Jacqueline

Reservation Number:
Total fare for flight reservations: 111.20 GBP including tax
( total price shown is inclusive of 1 GBP service charge)


Flight reservations:

Flight: AF2671
From: Heathrow, London, UNITED KINGDOM - TERMINAL 2
Departing: 29 February 2008 08:45

To: Charles de Gaulle, Paris, FRANCE - TERMINAL 2F
Arriving: 29 February 2008 11:00


Status: Confirmed


Flight: AF1670
From: Charles de Gaulle, Paris, FRANCE - TERMINAL 2F
Departing: 3 March 2008 13:00

To: Heathrow, London, UNITED KINGDOM - TERMINAL 2
Arriving: 3 March 2008 13:15


Status: Confirmed

Down with Sore Throat

I guess last week stress from work and home is taking a toll on my body. To de-stress I ended up training harder in the gym. Hence, the sore throat!! We just got to listen to our body!!

I would take it easy this week and probably just do my Thursday easy run and Sunday long run.

Yesterday run was magnificent by the way! The view is just spectacular, ending at Westminster where Abbey and London Eye is. But as it was sunny, it was packed with tourists. We ended at 12.5-mile mark. Pretty good. Though my ITB was troubling me since mile 4, I kept on. Now I understand the difference between pain and sore, like how the trainers talk about. It hurt a lil, but it was bearable.

We will be doing this route again this week, probably start a few mile before Tower Hill to increase the mileage.

Massive resting this week!

After a long pause ...

Indelible pictures of the baby orang utans in the sylvan settings that Borneo can truly offer has never failed to pull me back to my goal of raising ££. Running on my 2nd year of PhD, the experimental work is demanding a whole lot more time and efforts from me than I thought.

Of course, this volunteering program has still very much in my agenda, but ineffectual attempts to rally fund-raising partners has not been helpful. But I am still trying. I have contacted the next restaurateur: Shiok at Tottemham Court Road, very near my work place. Singapore/Malaysia cuisine spread in their menu looks good and tastes good too!! It is a great setting for buffet and socializing and even a corner jazz jamming (if Grace is still interested!) But Kenny, the manager is slow (or more like never) in getting back to me, after every discussion. So far, we have managed to negotiate the proceed percentage and the menu for the night. Now it is his turn to propose this to the owners. I have to run in a few times just to get a follow-up " I will contact my investors about this idea!" But I will just keep on trying.

Well, not everything is on the gloomy side. Training for the London Marathon is great fun. After Cardiff Half, I continued my training a month later, with a regular weekend run. It got more frequent when I was back home and Singapore during the year-end holiday. I practically run short half hour everyday. Well I was on holiday and there is nothing better to do but to drink and eat, so might as well incorporate some training. Good way to get rid of the overnight calories from the booze.

Since coming back to London at mid Jan and after recovered from my severe flu, I have been training heavily as it leads up the marathon. I basically got my training program from SmartCoach. Essentially, I train on Tues & Thurs (short, tempo or easy or speedwork run) and Sundays are my long runs. This Sun, I would be running 13.1 miles, with Lau. We would be doing the last half of the London Marathon. It is my first time running the route, so I spent this afternoon just planning it out. It is looking great.

Otherwise I ran with Sarah and co on previous sundays. Sarah, Lindsay and co are from All Souls too. Sarah is super enthusiastic about this first London Flora of hers. She would even remember each mile mark on the route that she planned out. Total efficiency! It is really helpful as in long runs it is easy to fall into the mode of aimlessness. Mile marks gives you a sense of accomplishment and an aim going forward. Hope I can do the same for this Sun with Lau.

Unfortunately, I have this injury: ITB syndrome. Iliotibial Band, which surfaced two weeks again. Since then I have seen a physio-therapist that practises chinese medicine (so I did acupunture, though I am not very comfortable with needles), bought a new pairs of trainers and went for a injury clinic to get professional help on preventive measures and strengthening exercises. I have joined the gym, Bannatynes near my work place for cross-training work to reduce impact on my ITB. I can exercise on the cross-trainer machine and best of all, swim!

ITB occurs because of the weak glut (butts) muscle, that causes the ITB to compensate for it. It ends up rubbing against the quads and shin bones.

So what is coming up next? Well my Paris Half Marathon!

I have booked my flight to Paris for this coming 29 Feb to 3 Mar. Might meet up with a friend (Fabian)'s super marathon friend, Sandra. Sandra is aiming for sub three and half for next year marathon! She did her Paris last year at sub 3:45. WoW! Impression ya. But she sounded really nice over the email.

Unfortunately, as usual, Mehri my housemate backed out on me last minute. I was upset as I wouldn't have anyone there to support me at the end of the race. But hey a girl got to do what she got to do!

My hotel: Hotel Sully Saint Germain, Latin Quarter hotel with medieval Parisian theme, is at the great St Germain Well at least the hotel is nice and welcoming, something for me to celebrate with!

Well, do keep on coming back for more postings. I would be more diligent in updating this blog, now that the marathon is nearing.

I have 8 weeks more to go. Wishing me well!