Garmin Forerunner 50 REVIEW

You’ve probably heard what it does and I can confirm you that it does exactly what it says on the tin, so to speak. It tells you the distance, speed, calorie burnt and heart rate. With a bit patient, it can be a very effective training device.

Now for the downside, it’s not very user-friendly. I can imagine my mum would be twiddling with it for ages and eventually shout out my name and ask for help. Secondly, the Garmin Ant USB as previously said by other users doesn’t work properly. The PCs I tried have crashed or it didn’t detect my device at all. Lastly, I got the kit brand new from Amazon UK but the battery was already gone. With further research, the watch actually has this reoccurring problem. Some said that it lasts less than the warranty which is 12 months. But I managed to change the battery myself without a hitch with a big big help from Marc who posted how to replace the battery for the Garmin Forerunner 50 at Fixya.

Overall, I’m fairly happy with it. It’s not the best product in the market but it’s affordable. If you could fork out a few more quid, buy or try out before you buy some other models. But if you fancy a no-nonsense watch for your training, then I would highly recommend this.

Lastly, thanks sis.

Tokyo Marathon 2009 Training WEEK 3

I did 20 min SPEEDWORK and 20 min EASY RUN on Thursday. I used the R.I.C.E treatment on my left knee after the run. I had a good form throughout the run and didn’t suffer any stiffness. I thought the warm-up and cool-down were adequate enough but my right leg suffered a slight cramp at the back on the next day. With a bit of stretching, it feels much better.

Nike Pegasus REVIEW

It’s comfy and lightweight and also pretty good value for money. Cheers bro for the Christmas gift. This will help me get thru winter training and gear up for the Tokyo Marathon 2009.

Nagano Marathon 2009 Application OPEN

I’m pleased to say that the Nagano Marathon 2009 application is now open. It’s just on its 11th year but already it has been attracting top athletes as well as amateur runners to participate in this great event. Since hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, Nagano has put itself on the map and is dedicated now to promote various sports in the area.

I can see the run being very scenic and tranquil as the course runs through valleys and mountains.

The deadline for foreign application is 27th February 2009 and the joining fee is JPY 6,000. You’ll get a T’shirt before the run and a towel when you finish. It’ll start from Nagano City Athletic Park and finish at The Olympic Stadium on Sunday, 19 April 2009. For more info, please have a look at their website.

R.I.C.E.

Not the food but it’s the first form of treatment to prevent injuries. It’s basically common sense and most peeps use this method of treatment already without actually knowing it.

The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Rest is necessary so you don't stress the injury more. So stop, sit down, if necessary and rest.

Ice applied against the injury will reduce swelling and internal bleeding. As opposed to heat, coz it may increase the problem. A pack of frozen peas will do just the trick.

Compression will also reduce swelling, such as wrapping your leg with an elastic bandage.

Elevation will limit fluid buildup. So relax and put you feet up and raise the injured part higher than your heart whilst lying down.

Tokyo Marathon 2009 Training WEEK 2

I did SPEEDWORK today but due to fatigue and the pace, it made it a bit difficult for me to finish the 5-mile run. In all honesty, speed isn’t my thing and it’s the one thing I tend to take for granted. I know it meant to help you strengthen your legs but it made me stop twice and recover. After 2 miles, I slowed the pace down a little. Then I experienced a cramp at the back of my right leg. So I walked briskly just to do 3 miles but finally halted and stretched. I had a minute to recover and then began running again and finished the 5-mile run.

I need to concentrate more on my running form. My breathing seems OK as I’m not really gasping for air as much as I would expect because of SPEEDWORK. But my muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen thus tightening a little. So warm-up. Never skip it and always run your way. Listen to what your body is saying.

Tokyo Marathon 2009 Training WEEK 1

I actually rested for the whole week. My recovery rate has been pretty good but my nagging knee injury remains persistent. I needed to put my feet up for a while. So RELAX...

Tokyo Marathon 2009 Training Schedule

I decided to change my training and use Runner’s World SMART COACH. It gives me a 12-week plan and target mileage each week. The magazine is circulated worldwide and the website offers valuable resource for runners.