Diary of a sport-freak

Ever since I embarked into a sports-filled lifestyle... this is what happened!

Sprained my ankle from dance rehearsal and bootcamp session.

What makes it harder to heal is that I had to continue rehearsing for the performance.

Spinning, flying, jumping, I did it all.

It was one crazy night as we had to change 3 costumes in a less-than-5-minutes-performance!

We gave our best shot and I couldn't have bothered about my ankle.

The injury never heal and I was then preparing myself for holiday at Vietnam with the Mountain Divers.

So I opt for another treatment before I go.

Ta-daa! I went to Vietnam with these.

Vietnam trip involves alot of walking, and to one extend crawling at the Cu Chi tunnel.

It worsen the injury and I went for another treatment right after I came back.

Got my leg wrapped with herbal treatment and was already worried about Redang trip.

How could I fin when my ankle hurts whenever I move it?

Live up to Nike's motto - and I "JUST DO IT!"

What's good about diving is that we have appointed buddies to watch our back.

Glad that it all went well and I truly enjoyed myself.

Few later I was resting for the ankle to recover.

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Then few weeks back I went for my very first 12km marathon.

With a VERY SORE CALF, I should be resting.

Instead, I was only resting for 3 days before getting into zumba and bootcamp back to back!

As if the pain wasn't bad enough, I went for badminton the day after.

I couldn't walk after that and so it's a wrappy time again!

And this time, it involved the entire calf!

Somehow made me looked like I was seriously injured from a freak accident! *choi!*

After wrapping for one day, one day of rest, I went for my next marathon of 11.5km.

I think I am one crazy woman to be torturing my body for the name of sports.

I've decided to rest for the entire week.

Missing bootcamp classes and skipping activities with friends.

Feeling alot better, I went for a jog yesterday.

Three rounds at the Dog Park.

Dang! The calf hurts again!

The same damn place!

And DANG! My entire week after-work-activities had been planned out!

Tuesday : Jogging

Wednesday : Zumba

Thursday : A 5-km training for KL Rat Race 2014

Friday : Badminton

Saturday : Bootcamp

Sunday : ATV (just a fun-filled sports.. as long as it's a sport)

What's gonna happen after this?

Another wrappy wrappy session???

I had to keep going.... 

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What sums up my 2013...

2013 has been quite a year for me. 

Starting off pretty harsh taking into consideration of the sad trail of end 2012.

Nevertheless, it was the pain, the sadness, the harsh truth of life,

that put me up into the very best of 2013.

It was the most productive year of my life - yes it is! 

Early 2013.. I was looking for a distraction.

And I thought it was merely to distract me from my negative feelings,

and somehow one thing led to another and I am getting more excited

of knowing new things, and doing things I never thought I would do!

 1) BE A BETTER SWIMMER

FAILED. Still intended to learn freestyle and thread water. 

Any patient coach that wouldn't vomit blood teaching me?

2) DIVE @ SIPADAN

Proud to say that this is a MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

It all started from overcoming my fear of water which was scary!

I then forced myself to take up license for my OWC,

and finally, to dive at the much-talked about diving paradise, Sipadan.

It was beautiful. Haven't get to blog about it yet.. time time time... 

3) HIKE UP MOUNT KK

Hell yeah I've conquered the mountain! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 

It took months of preparation and training, and I've realized

that it's all bullshit when people tells me that I'm always sick and thus,

too weak to be climbing any mountain, needless to say Mount KK.

Now I'm a living proof that the mental strength overcomes all the physical weakness in you!

4) TO BE HAPPY AGAIN !

This is a little hard to judge. I am happy now. But I could be happier.

I'll never give up on this, and in 2014, I'll be heading for it with 

my bull's head running furious, hard and strong! 

5) 42 KG !!! 

I figure how could this end up in my resolution 2013 at the first place?

It is impossible for the petite me to lose 3kgs! But in a year? FML!

Fine, I'll get this done in 2014 - hopefully.

More carrot sticks, no fries.

More push ups, no bumming around.

More sleep, no zombie-ing.

Now that I've got some unfinished business to do, it shall be carried forward to 2014.

Leaving me ample of time to laze around for awhile before working my arse out again. Tee-hee!

Aside from 2013 resolution, there are also some turnaround of events

in terms of my career, friendship and social life.

During the good and bad times, were also times when I lost 

some friends, and realized who are the one who genuinely cares for me. 

Friends who always stood by me as my pillar of strength.

I thank you all for accepting me for who I am.

And could I just selfishly request that we have more of these years to come?

Second half of 2013 has hit me hard as I've lost a dear friend.

I've known Jebsen for 8 years, he was Vince best friend.

He was my foe-kind-of-friend. 

What best described us is that we're like cats and dogs.

We would fight whenever we meet.

Cancer took him away from us. 

And all I could wish for him now is that he rest in peace.

We misses you dearly my friend.

Photo taken when we were relatively young at age.. hehe!

Crawling towards end of 2013, I was getting a little anti-social.

Losing faith and trust in friends especially men, believing that each one has their

own agenda and hidden intention, I was afraid to give.

Spending time with them was like giving them opportunities to expose me,

to look into what's inside me, and to use it against me.

So I decided to just stay home and mingle with those I called close friends.

This has also affected my relationship with my family.

Was too sad and disappointed that I kept myself behind closed door. 

And then the end of 2013 proves to be a challenging year for my career

as well as there were much uncertainties waiting for me.

I seemed to be pushing the wrong buttons everytime I make a move.

It could be lacking my sense of judgement, or perhaps I'm getting impatient?

That said, I'm looking forward to a better year. To be a better person.

Shoosh the snake and comes the horseeyyy!!!

Working out on my bucket list and hope I'll conquer all it!

Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no river wide enough for me! :)

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Mount Kinabalu Expedition 2013

A mountain standing so mighty at the height of 4,095 metres in East Malaysia - Sabah, is a mountain I never thought I would be able to conquer.

Till today, I am still at awe reminiscing the moment where I was at the highest top of the Land Below The Wind. 

Many may be in the same 'self-doubt phase' as me before the climb, and I hope this blog would somehow help in giving my share bits of motivation. I am not in position to give the best advice, but the preparation I made for the climb did assure me a safe, relax, and successful climb. 

Before the climb... these are the few things that you must do.

1) Climb... alot! - If you are not an outdoor person like me, do make sure that you hike / exercise few months before the actual climb. It helps to get your body and muscles prepared for a long hike.

2) Get the right attire - To get a proper shoe is a MUST. I didn't invest much on a hiking shoe, just a RM9.90 rubber shoe I got from Cameron Highlands. You can get it at any hardware shops I believe. The second day hike from Laban Rata to Low's Peak can be as cold as -1°C  (depending on rain and season). I'm all prepared for the worst when I get myself a pair of long john (top & bottom from Universal Traveler), a windproof and waterproof pants (from Universal Traveler), gloves (from Universal Traveler too), beanie I borrowed from dad, balaclava Vince lend me, and a thick sweater sponsored by SP Setia. Do not forget to get a head lamp too! It is compulsory on the second day hike. Get a raincoat for both days. 

3) Be mentally prepared - We are lucky to have Kevin Wong to give us a motivational speech prior to our climb. It was a half-day session, and I would like to summarize the session with these quotes. 

"Keep your head and your heart in the right direction, 

and you'll never have to worry about your feet"

"The distance between success and failure can only be measured by one's desire"

It is really important to believe that all you wanted to achieve - is to set foot at the peak, 

nothing lower than the peak. This goal - must be your sole belief. 

Because beliefs are essentially our on / off switch for our ability to do anything in the world. 

4) Altitude sickness pill - Most of the climbers who failed to reach the peak of Mount KK is due to altitude sickness. You don't want to have symptoms like nausea, migraine, headache, vomiting during your climb, coz there's no turning back. So get some AMS pills and take it 3 days before the climb to avoid this.

Now that you are physically and mentally prepared, get ready for a journey that would change your perspective in life - thru a promising tropical adventure! :)

All 39 of us from the second batch of SP Setia Mount KK 2013 Expedition

During the hike to Laban Rata....

1) This is not a race, climb at your own pace - The goal is to reach the top, not to race your friends to the top. Well, of course, only if you are in Mt. Kanabalu Climbathon. Else, I would suggest you to save that energy and enjoy what nature has to offer.

2) Grab a buddy - It is always so much fun to do things with people, than doing things alone. Whatsmore, a climb to remember! I was so lucky to have a buddy of the same pace, and constantly give encouraging words. 

3) Pack your lunch box - Yeppp... nothing heavy, oily or spicy in the morning before the hike. Although there are many stops along the Mesilau / Timpohon trails, you wouldn't want to rush to the too-too. I would suggest to pack some bananas, chocolates, raisins, nuts, and energy drinks. Once reached Laban Rata, have a cup of hot Milo (bring your own 3 in 1 coz a cup of Milo at Laban Rata is going to cost you RM 6).

Having fun photo session makes you forget of the coming kilometers before Laban Rata... 

During the hike to Low's Peak....

1) Cover yourself from head to toe - While everyone was shivering, my hands were sweaty and it felt pretty normal for me to remove my gloves to use my camera - the rest felt like they are going to have frostbite when doing that. I felt like this is one of the wisest decision I've made in my life - for keeping myself warm with the right attire. 

2) Head lamp - Again... this is a must coz it's pitch dark when you start your journey from Laban Rata at 2am. Do bring some spare batteries in your bag pack coz the battery tends to drain faster in colder temperature.

Achievement that is gonna make me proud... "I come, I climb, I conquer"

Going down from Low's Peak to Kinabalu Park...

1) Just go with the flow - You'd be sooooo happy with your newly achieved mission and you'll be too busy to shout about it. So don't worry about going down. You have only one goal now - to go down. So... you pretty much get the idea. 

Remember the raincoat I was telling?
It came handy when it gets cold on my way down - then it started to drizzles. 

I extended my stay at Sabah with my buddies. Went snorkeling at Pulau Mamutik. Pulau Manukan and Pulau Sapi. It was awesooommeee.... could be better if it wasn't for the muscle pain I had for the next 3 days after the climb. Woo-hoooooo!!!

I hope this brief review on Mount KK climb is useful. I did not cover everything about it. Just some pointers based on my own experience.

Will be climbing again next year (I hope)... looking forward to Via Ferrata at Mount KK!!!

And how could I end this post just like this? 

Feed on this.... wootzzz!!! Photo taken by one of my hiking buddy at Pulau Sapi.

Goodnight ya'll !!!

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** Diving escapade at Redang **

Back in August, yes, THREE months back (feeling bumped),
I went diving with Viennie and Chriz at our very own beautiful island in Malaysia - Redang Island.

This place is popularized by our local movie few years back - Mo Mo Tea.

This time around we stayed at Redang Pelangi - nothing beats a view facing the beach,
and to not worry about food coz they provide 5 meals a day!

I'm not going into details about the place nor diving, but generally
we dived at Black Coral Garden, Tanjung Tokong, Che Isa and Batu Cina Terjun.

I remembered having problem equalizing my ear during one of my dive and thus kept floating up.
It was painful and I freaked out for still bearing the pain for the next few days!
A note to myself "Descend slowly... and improve your buoyancy!"

Saw baby sharks during shore dives, was introduced to many common things underwater
that I have no idea about, like nudibranch, flathead crocodile fish, banded cleaner shrimp,
cushion starfish, leopard sea cucumber, school of yellowtail snapper,
and clownfish (Nemo) hiding in a bright blue anemone!

Yes, the usual thingy underwater amuses me.
I'm still new here, remember?

This trip is not merely about diving, but for fun and some booze!

You may have remembered my World Best Instructor, Eric Liow 

during my diving course at Tioman,

he was teaching one of my friend during my trip to Redang,

and oh boy, such fun nights we had!

He made us some Long Island cocktails, and playing 007 games with these booze,

do make us a reckless diver (at night), we are all fine in the morning! :P

Redang was kind of like my "practice trip" coz I'm preparing myself for Sipadan.

Photos up soon... stay tuned!

As for now... feed on this! :)

Photo by one of the DM in Redang...

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All geared up for another challenge!

Being a girl who is not accustomed to outdoor activities, 

needless to say... adventures, to register myself for Mount KK Expedition 2013

appear to be a shocking news to everyone - including myself.

Many were curious in knowing why.

I guess there was a point when my self-esteem was being ripped off,

and at the end of a miserable experience, I was left worthless.

Feeling like a loser in dealing with my own life,

I decided to take charge again and felt the need to regain back my self-worth.

I wanted to take small steps to reassure and convince myself that 

I may fail in certain things in life, but NOT EVERYTHING. 

Been taking small steps to achieve small little goals.

Then bigger goals. Then set a resolution to it.

Every little achievement I've made, made me proud of myself.

The Mount KK Expedition wasn't for me initially.

Only 80 out of 198 registrants got picked randomly.

But as I was eager to join, I attended every single training they have.

During the first few weeks of training, the "not so eager ones" dropped out.

So I got in!

Series of training have been planned out by 

external trainer to ensure that we work our butts off!

Bukit Saga / Apek Hill at Cheras,

 Gunung Angsi at Negeri Sembilan, 

and Gunung Nuang at Hulu Langat.

First training at Bukit Saga - I thought I was gonna die with my heart pumping
so hard that I could feel that it's gonna pop out!!!

The waterfall at Bukit Saga - marks that the peak is near!

Gunung Angsi wasn't that bad actually.
We were going slow and steady. 

Gunung Nuang made Bukit Saga seemed like a peanut.
My leg was jelly-like when I reached Kem Pacat.
It is a long way with alot of obstacles to make sure we are all PANCIT!
I didn't made it second time around though..

Our second visit to Bukit Saga was a breeze!
It's getting easier after every training and I'm glad we've improved.

These training are really tough!!!
And it definitely reminded me how unfit I am!

To ensure that our level of fitness, we are also told to undergo a series of
physical fitness test by Sunway Medical Centre too.
Passed that... almost failed the lung test though.

I've really tried my best in all my training, and there has been
some bad times when I had muscle cramps and have to refrain from continuing the hike.
It kind of demotivating, but I just kept moving.

Now that the actual hike is just around the corner,
I'm unsure if that's what I opted for...
Am I up to climbing at Mount KK?!!
Am I capable of going all the way up to 4,095 metres (13,455 ft) above sea level?!!
This is a no-joke, there are people who died from AMS during the hike!!!

*paranoid*

There are no room for doubt now.
I've come this far.
I did what I should.
External, internal and my own training.
I did it all.

I seriously, really, sincerely, truly, madly, deeply, hope that I'll made it to the peak.

May God be with me all the way.

Flying off at 7.30am tomorrow morning.

Wish me luck peeps!!! 

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I am a D.I.V.E.R !!!!

Wootzzz!

I still couldn't get enough being labelled as a DIVER.

I could never imagine this last year - I couldn't even swim that time!

For the past 29 years - I've lived a mundane life.

A simple, low-risk, safe, routine-based life.

And then, a heartbreak made me opt for something bizarre - DIVING!

The quote below is my drive for the mission!

With CC's recommendation of a OWC instructor whom he said is friendly,

I gathered people to go with me. 

Chriz my secondary schoolmate and Loke my badminton kaki.

I've selected Tioman for the OWC due to travel conveniences.

It was definitely a new kind of experience for me.

One that shed new light about LIFE!

And also one that tells me how untalented I am when underwater.

We are lucky to have Eric Liow as our instructor.

Friendly, patient, funny is his outstanding personality, 

but his trademark - his tanned skin!!!

Hokkien people would say "Or kim or kim, ju kua ju jip sim!"

Tioman was cloudy and rainy when we got there



But it was nice at the resort... 





Meet our "or kim" instructor Eric - giving us equipment briefing





Sempat lagi for a PEACE sign! ;)





All geared up and we couldn't stand straight due to the weight! 





Ready to go in... kan cheong!





On a boat dive





Doing my first backroll entry on a boat dive - no, he's not pushing me down!
Hands on regulator and mask to ensure its placement when you get into the water.



The sea looked kinda choppy from this photo - taken by CC

Yay! I'm alive! SWT

Compilation of embarrassing photos on our lousy control of buoyancy..
It was mostly me that would have to be pulled down by Eric..
Still laughing my socks off looking at these photos!

One of the most suffering part of my OWC - seasickness!
I had it at every dive... :'(



After much struggle, drinking gallons of salt water, and seasickness, I've made it through!



Great view at night... all the hardwork pays off looking at this breathtaking scene!



CC, Joyce, Eric. Chriz & Loke..



The post mortem of my Open Water Course at Tioman :-

1) Breathing - It was pretty hard at first to breathe without using our nostrils. Air in, air out, with mouth.

2) Mask defog - to scrub using saliva. It still disgust me till today.

3) Tank - It is super heavy for a petite person like me. To carry such weight on my back for every dive is a "good exercise" but it's definitely going to make me shorter.

4) Buoyancy - breathing and balancing skills - not my expertise. I've been floating up to the surface numerous times that I was demotivated to continue my course.

5) Safety stop - This is something I'll never ever learn! To stay put underwater for 3 minutes - no finning. I was doing Macarena - legs going left right center, body up down center - I was in a mess!

6) Seasickness - Despite walloping the motion sickness pills like nobody business, I was surprised that it does not have any effect on me. Vomited after every dive - some in the sea, yes. The fishes may thank me for the buffet later on. And I continued to have slight dizziness 3 days after my last dive. That's a pretty bad week.

Some advice to overcome :-

1) To get use - Breathing using regulator on mouth is a piece of cake when you get a hang of it. Clearing of mask with saliva no longer makes you go "ewww!!!" coz you would want a fog-free mask when you get into the water. Carry tank?! It's a good exercise to help you lose weight! More tank for me please! 

2) Practice - Practice makes perfect. Compare your first dive and your last dive. You'd be amazed how much you've improved and how comfortable you are in the water now. And buoyancy control no longer depends heavily on inflating / deflating your BCD like using it as a lift button, but through your breathing. Breathe in air to float a little more, and breathe out to sink a little more. Voila! 

3) Goal - Always remember why you are here for. With a reason, you'll put in double and triple effort to get the things done. Specifically certain skills that your instructor needs you to do. Make every single skill your small goals. And getting certified is the end goal!

4) Motivation - Go with friends who are positive and constantly giving motivation. It helps to know that if they can do it, you can do it too! 

5) Doubt - Never doubt your own capability, and your instructor! Just do what he told, and you'll be fine.

6) Instructor - You would need to find a instructor that you can trust. Eric is a person whom I could put my life on when I'm in the water. There is one skill whereby we have to remove our mask and swim. I could barely open up my eyes in the water due to the salt contained, and so I decided to just close my eyes, and put my hand on Eric's, and I swim with his guidance with my eyes closed entirely. This can only be done with trust. And this is also why I've declared Eric as the World Best Instructor! Wootz!

7) Seasickness - Dizzy? Just vomit it out. That's my remedy. Then I'll sniff on some cooling ointment to ease the dizziness a little. Then lay down to rest for awhile. One may lose appetite as well but it's okay as long as your stomach is not empty - just eat something light. During my next dive at Redang, I took 1 1/2 Novomin pill 1 hour before my dive, and it lasted throughout the day. I was perfectly fine and enjoyed my whole 3 days diving sessions! The seasickness would get so sick of infecting the same lousy person and will go away eventually. Don't think there's gonna be a permanent seasickness. So don't worry. :)

Hope the above helps. It's just my two-cents sharing.

What a busy month. Promise to blog more.

Goodnight ya'all! :)

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