Mind Alpine Challenge

I've been back down under for about 3 weeks now, apologies for not updating this blog. Just got my internet set up today. I'm excited! Starting a new sem, new challenges. None of which will be as daunting and challenging as the one I will face next weekend.

The Mind Alpine Challenge is a 48 hour, 100mile (160km) race through the trails of the Alpine Ranges of Mt Bogong. The completion rate is only about 40%, and this year, we have 2 teams from Sunny Singapore attempting this challenge.

Team T.O.U.G.H (Team Of Ultra Garang Humans) consists of my team mate Wilson Low, an ex commando officer and veteran at Ironmans and adventure racing, and me – a veteran of... well... 3 marathons? As you can see, there is a gulf of difference between us, and I want to try my hardest not to let my team mate down. We could very well be the first Singaporeans to complete this race, unless of course, the other team prevails.

Team Into The Wild – Jasmine Wong and Sim Yihui. One an experienced international adventure racer who completed a 260km desert run on her first ultra marathon, the other part of Singapore's first ever Womens' Everest Team. As you can see, they are very accomplished and are seeded to complete the race.

We've been training together back in Singapore, and to be honest, I'm often the one lagging behind in terms of physical and mental conditioning. They know what they are getting into, I don't. I've had a lot of people telling me 100 miles is a crazy distance for a first ultra, what more cross terrain. Well, I will find out for myself won't I? We are however, really motivated to do this not only as a challenge to ourselves, but also for a good cause. Not only are we racing, we are also helping to raise funds for Mind. (Will provide a link soon) We hope to bring glory to the tiny island of Singapore, and we certainly hope we can get as much support as possible.

Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

I wonder...

Are my contributions really that small that it is so easily overlooked by people?
Am I too benign, too obscure, too subtle.
Must I shout?
And then I wonder if I would be remembered
When I'm gone
Will I barely leave a void?
Sometimes
I wonder...

Clarification!

Am I the only one that finds the "hit" song "Nobody" by the Wonder Girls (how they ever came up with that name is beyond me, probably wondering why they suck so bad at singing and enunciation.) Seriously, that MV is just another excuse for horny men (and women, you never know) to ogle at plastic ladies who barely know how to dance too.

SO. You have heard the song, but have you truly understood it? They are music artistes afterall and their lyrics have GOT to mean something.

Well, contrary to popular belief, what you hear is not exactly what was meant. I mean, they have problems pronouncing proper words for Christs' sake! Let me give you a short summary into their song which as you would see, isn't about love, but animals!

WRONG
Nobody nobody but chu (you, for some reason)
Nobody nobody but chu
Nobody nobody but chu
Nobody nobody nobody nobody

ACTUAL LYRICS
No birdie no birdie but 猪 (see, hey can actually enunciate!)
No birdie no birdie but 猪
No birdie no birdie but 猪
No birdie no birdie no birdie no birdie

And the song goes on about this bird who was replaced by a pig.

Mutual

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
If you're human, I'm human too.
Feelings are mutual, and deserve respect.
But how can I give when I don't get some back?

MR25 Ultra Marathon

Took part in the MR25 Ultra Marathon over the weekend. It was when I was introduced to the multitude of garang human beings I've always knew existed in Singapore but never seen. And honestly, to see is to believe. They are people at the very peak of physical condition. No Standard Chartered Marathon posers here. Make no mistake, these people are the real deal and can put almost all 50,000 Standard Chartered Marathon runners to shame.

Being around them is a surreal experience in itself. When you are surrounded by greatness, you are forced to match them at their level. Unfortunately, I bombed, and I bombed hard. These people are what they are through much sacrifice and training. There is no way you can come amongst them without training and expect to hang. Alas, my first foray into trail running/ultra marathon wasn't as rosy as I had hope, but the experience was bountiful, and the lessons learnt, immense.

I barely made the half marathon, completing it in 2hrs 30mins. However, I have learnt that running on flat ground is childs' play compared to running in the wilderness. A lot more awareness is needed, and a lot more stamina too. Despite the failure I have realised that – this is something that I want to conquer. I know I can do it with adequate training. The Standard Chartered marathon has been milked pass its worth. It has become (for lack of a better description) a national past time. This is a real challenge, and I'm coming back for it next year.

Screw SCSM, this is much more worthwhile.

Shades That Impairs and Trucker Caps with Double Volume Height

I'm just getting this out of my system because of the ridiculous occurrences that I have had the misfortune of witnessing.

Firstly, people who wear sunglasses. Do you really need to wear them inside a building? For what? Scared the lights too bright blind you is it? Make you look like COCK understand.

Pardon my deviation to Singlish, there really isn't any other way to put that message across.

Secondly, double volume trucker caps. What's up with that? Caps are meant to sit snugly on the top of your head. What, your hair needs breathing space as well? Why bother wearing a cap then? Brain need air ah? Your brain got big enough not? Make you look like ANOTHER COCK!

Offline

Shawn Down Under is going offline for the next 7 days.
This reject will update again when he returns with lots of photos.