No whammy?

nemo just suffered some setbacks. Training had been halted for more than a week due to some kind of throat infection nemo had had. It was totally out of the blue but he’s back on track and training will resume this weekend.

Whoa-oa-oa!

I feel good, I knew that I would, now. I feel good, I knew that I would, now. So good, so good, I got you!

Take a breather

nemo is well-rested.

TM10 Training 1

Yes! I finally started. We have to take it one step at a time. And today was definitely a step or a leap forward for that matter. I feel brill. I can't wait for the next training.

Setbacks

Yep, I haven't been too well lately. But I think it wouldn't be that long till I get my feet back into running stride.

TM10 Training Schedule

I plan to kick start my training on Sunday, 1st November. So ready or not, here I run.

TM10

I’m in! And my mate isn’t. Which makes me a lucky lucky fella or am I? The truth is I haven’t done any form of training at all and I’m scared! So today, I’ve been skimming through some websites to give me some aid and create a comprehensive training program. Deep down I’m looking forward to it but it seems like my selection isn’t too much of a surprise to everyone. To that extent, I feel I'm all alone on this one. But what concerns me most is my physical state especially my ever nagging knees. I gotta get over this obstacle first and stay fit.

So busy!

Training is on hold.

Deja vu?

This time the Toyota 10K 2009 is full. Maybe it's a sign.

It's full!

What the... My group may have been late in applying as the Nagoya City Marathon 2009 reached its full capacity. Almost 3 months ahead which is kinda weird coz last year applications were accepted up until the very last day before the event. I saw the ad. Anyway, I'm out! So, a half-marathon run will have to wait.

Well done Eddie!

Who would imagine a once high-heeled wearer comedian would achieve such heights of 43 marathons in 52 days? And he did it all for the sake of charity, Sports Relief. I must admit, that’s powerful! But there were some skeptics saying a 10-hour run doesn’t count as a marathon because it is almost like walking pace. With very lil prep time, Izzard, did well. Actually, he got better and sped up to a decent 5-hour per marathon towards the end. I bet it was both mentality and physically gruelling. But tremendous work, indeed Eddie. You’re a legend! Even the dubbed ultra-marathoner, Dean Karnazes, who once ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days in the US, would be proud of you.

Nagoya City Marathon 2009

Yep, I've applied. Sort of coz I didn't actually fill out a form nor pay for the entry fee. But I'm running with a group this time and I've signed up my name for the Half-Marathon. Wish me luck!

Toyota 10K 2009

It's on again and maybe I'll join. But I'm kinda thinking about the timing.

Nagoya City Marathon 2009 - Application OPEN

The Nagoya City Marathon 2009 will be held on 23rd Nov. 2009. It consists of 3 main races: 4km, 10km and half-marathon. Therefore don’t get confused when J-peeps describe the different races as marathons. Still, it’s all good! It’ll give me some motivation and also, it’s a good practice for the Tokyo Marathon 2010, if I get selected. If not, I’ll probably take my chance and apply for the Nagano Marathon 2010 which will be held in April. Anyway, The Nagoya City Marathon 2009 application ends soon. So hurry!

TM10

Yep, call me crazy or what but I wanna to do it all over again. Tokyo Marathon 2010 application is, in fact, now closed. It ended yesterday! But just to tell the world know that I have applied and will try my luck again to get picked. Meanwhile, I need to go back to training and try and hit a 20-mile run weekly. がんばります！

Kicking meself

There's no other word for it than to really kick my fat, you know what, and start off my training again. To begin with, we need to go back to basic and numero uno is intake. So I'm giving up caffeine for a while to detox and get meself fit again.

Namban Rengo

Some sites have the potential of greatness. And I must admit this is one of them. Namba Rengo translates as “federation of barbarians” is a group of passionate runners that does weekly session run in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. It’s an informal gathering and the members come from all walks of life. In fact, anyone can join in for free. And their website gives you most of the upcoming races across the nation as well as their club news and events. In fact, I must admit this is how we would like to be. Congrats Namban Rengo!

Naha Marathon 2009

As for my next running mission, I plan to run in the Naha Marathon 2009. There is no set date yet or I can’t find it - I’ll need me other half to search for it on the net in Japanese but of course, rumour has it that it’ll be in the beginning of December. We’ll just have to wait and see.

In the run up to that, the Nagoya Half-Marathon and Toyota 10K will all be kicking off around about November so it be good timing training-wise.

TM09 Time Records

Here’s the breakdown of my run.

東京マラソン2009開催日(Date)：2009/03/22ナンバー(Bib number)：3251氏名(Name)：nemo 種目(Category)：マラソン男子

地点名Point
5km
10km
15km
20km
25km
30km
35km
40km
Finish

スプリットSplit
00:35:24
01:07:10
01:39:15
02:16:11
02:53:14
03:34:43
04:17:11
05:04:48
05:21:30


ラップLap

0:31:46
0:32:05
0:36:56
0:37:03
0:41:29
0:42:28
0:47:37
0:16:42

通過時間Time
09:45:24
10:17:10
10:49:15
11:26:11
12:03:14
12:44:43
13:27:11
14:14:48
14:31:30

nemo's DONE it gang

Admittedly, it wasn’t pretty but nemo got the job done. Although I aimed to do sub-4:00 for the race and due to unforeseen circumstances (weather-wise and me physical condition) on race day, I managed just over 5. Also, as it was my first marathon, I am just so very pleased that I was able to finish it.

Thanks again for all the support I had from families especially s's and Lj, LoLA, JFET and Ln, and plus of course, all me mates back home and me new home, Pat who ran on that day with me, did sub-4 - congrats, and Aunt D for thinking of us both. Running the marathon was one of my life long dreams. I am very chuffed and moved that I have finally done one and found a new lease of life, so to speak. Also, it boosted me self-confidence and my ability to withstand adversity. I must also add that I've already inspired a few people in perhaps joining me or doing it next year.

Lastly, it was thoroughly fun - really you can’t imagine (you gotta be there). From all the participants and organizers, and volunteers, supporters and all the peeps who watched it on telly all deserved a round of applause for making this event successful and very special. And I am already excited and considering doing it again next year. The official date for the Tokyo Marathon 2010 is Sunday, 28th February 2009.

Gambarimasu!

Kit for the TM09

Adidas is a reputable co. that provides all your sporting needs. Actually, I’m more of a Nike-guy. But for a change, I've decided to choose something different. Adidas fit the bill as I am looking for my gear for the Tokyo Marathon 2009. In all honesty, I am not as slender as before so I chose matt black to hide my waistline instead of competition yellow and backed it up with neck and arm warmers and sports apparels. I love the design and it's so amazingly lightweight.

12 mile EASY RUN

I tried to increase my mileage a bit. After a 6-mile run, I must say I was on cruise control and thought that I'd be able to finish my run for just under 2 hours. But that wasn’t to be, as both of my knees started to buckle down. I finished the run (and occasionally walking) disappointingly. And today, my knees are in agony. I think I need to give it a rest for a week and hope it’ll recover before the next EASY RUN. I need to consider putting down the mileage a bit in order to put less strain on my knees.

10 mile EASY RUN

I ran yesterday. Man, it wasn’t easy. I struggled all thru the run. When I hit 4-5 mile, I ran out of steam and my legs started to give. So I rested and went for a brisk walk. Thereafter I ran again but when I hit 6-7 mile it was gruelling. It's only 6 weeks to go before TM 09 and I have an inkling feeling it’s gonna be hell.

On the good note, my recovery wasn’t too bad. My whole body feels a little stiff today but apart from that I’m A-OK.

Tokyo Martahon 2009 UPDATE

The traffic regulation information has been released.

Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap REVIEW

There isn’t much to add about the Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap. Apart from my first impression was will it actually work? I put it on as instructed and I agree it’s very easy to use and adjust. Thereafter, I was concerned about the bulkiness of the strap above and below the kneecap and how will it actually perform. But I felt comfortable when I walked about/stretched/etc. so I decided to test it for a run.

I did a 5-mile run yesterday and I was very surprised how effective it is. Throughout my run, I felt my knee was much stronger and I can push and apply more pressure on my knee. I feel revived. I can finally enjoy running without the fear of my left knee going haywire.

If you have a knee problem, I highly recommend you to give this a try. It works for me so it could work for you too.

5 mile EASY RUN

The weather didn’t really help as it was windy like hell but overall I ran quite well. Tokyo Marathon 2009 is around the corner so I better get back into shape.

5 mile TEMPO RUN

I did a 5 mile TEMPO RUN last Saturday and found it really tough. I felt out of shape and a bit heavy. The weather didn’t help too. It was freezing! The only consolation, I guess, was I felt good before and after the run.