merry xmas (:

best 2 water training i've had in 14 months (:

finally got my old technique back

the morning paddle was interesting. was on my way back, then suddenly heard some pple shouting "merry xmas!". I turned and saw 3 kids waving and cheering by their pebble bay condominium balconey. waved back at them, then they went "YAY!"

haha

(:

by some strange turn of events, things are going well again

interesting

two more papers to go

it's that time of the year again, december

last yr was fun, winter training (: like belle said, no need to worry about anything, just train. The early morning runs, mountain runs, afternoon mountain runs, swimming in the indoor pool, weights at the shaolin of kayaking, ergometer and coach's special machine, walking in -4 degrees to lunch/dinner at the underground cavern, realising the toilet window wasn't shut properly when it started snowing inside...

well, on the other hand, getting to spend the last weeks of the year on water is nice too (:

ok, faster finish exams, chiong ureca, and happy training (:

29th, 30th jan. comeback

found a nice place to do winter trg mountain run (:

life is back (:

"hell yea, giving up isnt easy"

i think i'm back

back to start again

Athlete burnout in elite sport: A self-determination perspective
CHRIS LONSDALE1, KEN HODGE2, & ELAINE ROSE2
1Irish Rugby Football Union and School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science, University College Dublin,
Dublin, Ireland and 2School of Physical Education, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
(Accepted 27 March 2009)

Athlete burnout is a maladaptive psychological outcome
sometimes associated with sport participation
(Smith, 1986). Consequently, preventing, or at least
minimizing, the occurrence of burnout has been
viewed as an important issue in the sport psychology
literature (Eklund & Cresswell, 2007; Goodger,
Gorely, Harwood, & Lavallee, 2007).More recently, researchers have given support
to Raedeke’s (1997) definition of athlete burnout
as a syndrome characterized by: (i) emotional and
physical exhaustion; (ii) sport devaluation; and (iii) a
reduced sense of accomplishment (e.g. Cresswell &
Eklund, 2006b; Raedeke, Lunney, & Venables,
2002). This symptom-based definition provides a
means by which the potential causes and consequences
of burnout, such as illness, injury, and
dropout (Cresswell & Eklund, 2003), can be examined.

Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) has
been advocated as a promising theoretical lens
through which to examine the potential antecedents
of athlete burnout (Cresswell & Eklund, 2005a,
2005b, 2005c; Hodge, Lonsdale, & Ng, 2008;
Lemyre, Treasure, & Roberts, 2006; Perreault,
Gaudreau, Lapointe, & Lacroix, 2007). In their basic
needs theory, a sub-theory of self-determination
theory, Deci and Ryan (2000) proposed that humans
have basic psychological needs for competence,
autonomy, and relatedness. Within the sport context,
competence refers to a perception that one is able to
be effective in one’s sport. Autonomy involves
feelings of volition, choice, and self-directedness,
while relatedness refers to perceptions of connectedness
with others. When these needs are satisfied,humans are expected to experience optimal wellbeing (e.g. subjective vitality; Ryan & Frederick,
1997). Conversely, the thwarting of needs is thought
to lead to expressions of ill-being (e.g. burnout;
Perreault et al., 2007).

Competence, autonomy, and athletes’ overall levels
of self-determined motivation accounted for significant
amounts of variance in all three athlete burnout
symptoms, with self-determined motivation fully
mediating the effect of competence and autonomy
on exhaustion and devaluation symptoms and
partially mediating the needs satisfaction–reduced
sense of accomplishment association. As a result,
sport environments that promote needs satisfaction,
appear likely to promote more self-determined
motivation and prevent athlete burnout.

Researchers have indicated that coaching
behaviours that promote athlete decision making
(e.g. Hollembeak & Amorose, 2005), autonomysupportive
coaching behaviours (Gagne´ et al., 2003),
and a task/mastery motivational climate (e.g. Reinboth
& Duda, 2006) are related to greater
perceptions of needs satisfaction and self-determined
motivation. Therefore, based on the results of the
current study and others (Hodge et al., 2008;
Perreault et al., 2007), it is plausible that interventions
designed to promote these coaching behaviours
may result in decreased likelihood of athlete burnout.

The year's coming to a close, and this was one of the most difficult years (more to come yea!). many missed opportunities, too many almosts. but after all this i know i've come out a stronger person. better? haha, we'll see. but definitely wiser. last 2 months especially were the toughest. been through the whole cycle and all, and the best way is still to take on your fears head on. so enough of the what-could-have-beens, and now to follow my heart.

follow my heart. nice phrase that i've not used in awhile.

you're right, "hell yea, giving up isnt easy"

What if you believe?

That’s the spirit

interesting

so a couple of things have changed but some things don't. 21 now

So like what jiaolian says, my stocks have crashed so much; the only way is up.

"That’s the spirit… one part brave, three parts fool."-Brom from Eragon the movie

World of WarCraft: Lord of the Clans by Christie Golden

Doomhammer was silent again for a time. Finally, he said, "I have kept to myself these many years, since the final, ignominious defeat. I know what they say about me. I am a hermit, a coward, afraid to show my face. Do you know what I have scorned the company of others until this night, Thrall?"

Thrall silently shook his head.

"Because i needed to be by myself, to analyse what had happened. To think. To remind myself who I was, who we were as a people. From time to time, I would do as I have done this night. I would venture forth to the campfires, accept their hospitality, listen to their experiences, and learn." He paused.

What if you believe?

repetition without repetition (:

What if you believe?

A SINGAPOREAN student in London was killed after being hit by a vehicle and dragged almost 2km in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Miss Tan Mingwei, 20, a third-year medical undergraduate at Cambridge University, was found dead at about 2am near the Belsize Park Underground station in North London...

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_585805.html

Though i didn't know you personally, and perhaps we barely exhanged a line or two over six years, rest in peace.

http://www.coxie.com/dictionary/848-beating-burn-out

I've been coxing for six years. Compared to some, I'm sure this is a pretty short time. However, six years of this intense sport can get to be exactly that, intense.

During winter training this year, I found myself fantasizing of a life without crew. What would it be like not to have to worry about team politics, destroying our team's new eight yet again (I've only done it once, but once is quite more than enough), training novice coxswains, and getting up at 4:30 a.m.? Fall season took a lot out of me, and I wasn't sure I was ready for a grueling spring season.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, coxswains can suffer from burn-out.

I never pictured myself without crew. I have always been positive that crew has sunk into my soul so deeply that I'll be an aged and hobbling woman somewhere still yelling over a microphone at some poor high school crew somewhere who's trying to deal with this old fogie of a coach. All of a sudden, however, I began to imagine college life without crew. You know, a life that included sleep and homework and my non-crew friends.

Then, the season really began. I kept pressing on until the season started because I couldn't picture my life without crew. And, I'm so glad I did. Once I got back around my guys and the river and boats, I remembered why I cox.

It's that feeling of coming home when I go down to the river. I never thought any river but my very first practice spot could become home, but my college crew's river now holds memories as well. I [paddle] because when I get into a boat, it's my way of flying. Sitting in a sternloader and getting slammed into the foam padding so hard that it hurts, or getting right up against a boat's hull in a bowloader and feeling every motion of the rowers behing you.

There are two even bigger reasons I [paddle], however. The first is the people. Rowers, I am convinced (and other coxswains), are inherantly superior to the rest of the world. It's not the simple act of being on a crew, but rather that crew tends to attract quality people. I've heard from almost everyone I know that crew is all about the people.

And the last reason is because I was right. [Kayaking] is in my soul. Something about me is more right, more full, when I'm [paddling]. It's like all of me can come into play at once, in one magical moment of intense concentration and focus. One of my coach's used to say that there's no bad day on the water. With the caveat of a major equipment failure, I would say she's right.

So, if any of you are feeling fed up, or burned out, take a step back. Look at the river on a misty morning under a pink sunrise. Run your hand over the fiberglass [carbon fibre] of a boat. Think back over some great [kayaking] memories. Fondle your favorite medals. Then get out there and give it one more try. If you're a [kayaker] to the core, you'll remember why you love this sport.

burnout

Life asks of every individual a contribution, and it is up to that individual to discover what it should be

muddy's 88km adventure

so this is how it went

saturday night was feeling restless

so muddy decided it was time to reset

thus at 11.10pm, wearing my favourite t-shirt, threw on the orange windbreaker and a cap, then took the bike out for a mini cycling expedition (:

first the usual route, harbourfront then to suntec, where i saw random pple leaving the area (F1 in town!). And because of the road diversions, ended up at... Marina Bay Sands aka the casino! Didn't feel real lah that place, seems like some Bali- Hollywood-ish place, not the Singapore i know. Circled around the area for a while (actually, got lost, haha), took a wrong turn and ended up on a highway of no return, had couple of close shaves, luckily found an exit back to Rochor. So made it to Kallang, then cycled on, to Geylang. passed many brightly lit fruit stalls hawking durians. and lots of normal looking folks at the stalls, was about 12.30am.

and the adventure continues, on to Aljunied, Paya lebar, eunos, kembangan, bedok, tanah merah (the east west line!). was a straight road so just cycled continuosly. Then very soon was at Expo, then changi village (: reached the jetty area then u-turned. you won't believe it people are eating zi char at what 2, 3am!

was nice and relatively quiet, though the roads were not as car free as i thought, quite cold as well. On the way back, somehow ended up in pasir ris! then got stuck circling around tampines and pasir ris, all the new towns are similarly designed so was quite confusing. finally found my way out while following the mrt tracks, then headed back. At Bedok, stopped for a drink, and again at 3am, people were still eating zi char! and the coffeeshops were all open still! Came back along geylang serai and the 'seedy' lorongs, nothing much lah, saw some newpaper vans and again, the eating places (fancy char siew rice or rochor beancurd at 4am?)

Next exciting point came at suntec area again, somehow cycled to clarke quay instead of shenton way. again, miraculously found my way out in one piece. the last stretch home was challenging. After tanjong pagar was really sleepy. Legs not too tired, was cycling at a relatively slow pace of 14km/h. Around vivo city and a second time further up, got off my bike, leaned against it and slept for awhile. made it home at about 6.15am.

so there, my weekend (: not very poetic, but it'll do. btw, hardly got horn at, so i'm pretty impressed with the majority of drivers out there. ah, a note of caution, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! safety wise, of course, don't do this alone (in fact, don't do this at all!!), but it wasn't as scary cos of all the coffeeshops that were operating, petrol kiosks and 24hr outlets. still towards expo/changi it was quite deserted. hopefully it resetted my body clock.

Hayley Mick Warriors endure ‘longest training camp in history'

In an empty locker room this week, coach Dennis McPhee grabbed a blue marker and wrote a reminder for his football team: 352 days to go.

Saturday should have been the former CFL coach's next opportunity to lead the University of Waterloo Warriors into combat. Instead, due to a doping scandal that resulted in his team being banned from competition for a year, he has to figure out how to motivate a legion of soldiers without a battle to fight.

“It's the longest training camp in history,” 19-year-old kicker Jose Patino said.

The team's upheaval began last spring when university administrators suspended the entire 62-member squad for a year after nine players tested positive or admitted to using banned substances, including steroids and human growth hormone. One player faces criminal charges related to trafficking. Months later, a dramatically different Warriors team is struggling to regain its axis. Twenty-one starters have been scooped up by other Canadian Interuniversity Sport squads. Only eight players with any CIS football experience remain. Half the players are rookies. The leadership void, combined with an uphill recruiting battle, means it will take years for the program to rebuild.

University officials are standing behind the move, saying their hard-line stand will inspire other universities to take the problem of doping seriously. They say they are teaching important life lessons to their students about accountability, team responsibility, and ethics in sport.

“The decision to suspend the team is about sending a message that individual decisions have team consequences,” said Bob Copeland, the university's athletic director. “With time, people will look back on this experience and hopefully it will be a very powerful one.”

But among some senior players – who have been robbed of their year as the big men on campus, had their academic transcripts scrambled by sudden transfers, and have best friends strewn across the country – the lesson hasn't sunk in the way university officials may have hoped.

Their bitterness is targeted not at the teammates who cheated, but at administrators who punished the large majority who tested clean and knew that drugs are bad. Dustin Zender is a fifth-year wide receiver who would have been the Warriors' captain this season, but now plays for Wilfrid Laurier. What has he learned? “Nothing. Except life isn't fair sometimes.”

On a recent weekday evening, some 50 players clad in shoulder pads and helmets plunged into a high-tempo, two-hour practice behind Columbia Icefield Arena on the north side of the Waterloo campus. Coaches drilled plays into the heads of new recruits. Players grappled and sprinted. “Get into the huddle. Don't fucking walk!” a defensive tackle shouted.

The intensity is impressive considering so little is at stake. The team practises four nights a week, and on Saturdays they scrimmage against the second and third-string teams from nearby universities. A few parents might show up to cheer. Nobody will keep score.

“I'll be honest, for guys like myself … I don't really get pumped up and get the adrenalin rush of a real game,” said Luke Balch, one of the few remaining fifth-year veterans.

Instead, after the games, Balch finds himself standing in the middle of the field, catching up with old teammates wearing their former rivals' uniforms.

“I was pretty sad when I was talking to him,” said Balch's former teammate, Patrick McGarry, one of seven players with nearby Wilfrid Laurier. “Obviously it's not easy for him to see us in another uniform.”

But while the senior players are struggling with new identities, the younger crop of freshman Warriors say the decision has been an unexpected boon.

“It's a good experience for us young guys,” said Paul Cecile, 19, a first-year wide receiver from Sudbury, taking a break from practice Wednesday. “We get a lot of one-on-one coaching. We'll definitely be seeing the field sooner [than freshmen at other universities].”

That's what McPhee has been emphasizing recently, during what is perhaps the most difficult and important recruiting period of his 30-year coaching career. Inevitably, he says, the first question he gets from high school players is: “How much am I going to play?”

But this year he's also been asked: “If I come and play for you, and one of my teammates tests positive for a banned substance, will I be punished as well?”

McPhee said: “The way we spin that is, ‘Obviously, they've tested here. And it will happen again. You would have to be crazy to think that you wouldn't be under scrutiny here after what we've been through,'”

As for motivating the troops, his battle may be already won.

“The players wrote that,” McPhee said in the locker room, pointing to the white board and the words written below the number 352.

They said: “What have you done to get better today? Warriors 2011.”

have edited my webpage (:

https://sites.google.com/site/muddizer/home

what is this

been a while since my last post

well i've busted my butt again, so no paddling. cycling and running and weights

so started the week as usual,
attempted the 10km paddle (found out that i've not recovered despite 3 days)
then 4k run to second bridge
PM was about a 16km cycle (with various intensities)
Tues AM 28km cycle (with various intensities)
PM 15km run (with various intensities)
Wed AM was weights 15 reps, 16.... to 25 and back to 15 of 40kg bench press bench pull, and 20 declined situps per set.

THEN

i don't know what happened something must have snapped

wed pm rested. thurs am was feeling strangely tired, did 2.4km run then 1.5h of soccer. and probably after that i ko-ed. thur pm fri am fri pm sat am out of action; i have no idea what's going on.

so many plans for so many things ahead

and i'll figure it out

What if you believe?

The loneliness of the endurance athlete

September 18, 2010 – 10:37 am

Sure there is loneliness, but in my view it’s of the positive kind. Solitude. Peace. Calm. Silence. Just you and a line — the running path ahead of you, the white line on the road, or the blue line at the bottom of the pool. It’s refreshing to be alone. In a world where eating or watching a movie alone is looked upon negatively – “That person has no friends,” they say, or “He/she must have no life” — I think it takes people of a certain positive character to be able to pull it off.

What’s wrong with taking the trouble to spend time with yourself? Everyday we devote most of our lives to pleasing others, or at least interacting with people. Sometimes the best conversation you can have is between your mind and heart.

But opportunities to do so are rare, especially in this technological age where you can never really get away from it all. Mobile devices have made our work and lives completely mobile. And that’s why I enjoy swimming, cycling or running alone. Yeah yeah, training in a group has its benefits: camaraderie, motivation, fellowship, yadayada… but you’re inclined to talk, or to have someone in close proximity to you.

It’s not that I hate human interaction. In my line of work, it’s a necessity. But that’s exactly why I like to train solo, because it’s my time to myself, to reflect, to think, or to blank out.

This morn I went out for a solo 2h strength endurance ride. Of the numerous cyclists out on the roads, perhaps only two or three were solo riders. Everyone else was in a group, and when they whizzed by you could sense this energy and intensity among them. They weren’t speaking, but still, from the way each of them sped up their pedals strokes to match the other’s, there was no doubt of some sort of non-verbal competitive talk going on. In a group there is hardly time to zone out or reflect, because you’re always chasing a wheel, keeping pace, and staying fully alert to avoid hitting another bike. I was happy to have my whirring wheels, beating heart and rhythmic breath as the soundtrack to my ride.

Loneliness is not as bad as what people make it out to be.

And with that, I’m going to roast a chicken for our lunch.

By jeanette |

nice (:

39.22 home run (:

blisters at the correct places, so i guess it's a good sign

YOG over the last few days, had the priviledge (and free tickets!) to watch both sprint and slalom finals. Hungary, China, Cuba, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Russia, Germany... notice the trend? These are the countries that did well at canoeing (:

Glad i went to watch the races, managed to pick up something that's currently lackign in my technique. The fluidity in the stroke. so it's good.

school is starting, though next week i only have a grand total of one one-hour lecture on friday afternoon. haha, real classes at NIE start in week 2.

if there's no way, make one

did 1h1min for an 'easy' 10k paddle. good, it's coming back (:

path of most resistance

good

learning to take the path of most resistance

ran in the rain, through water and mud. it's a harder route than the 11k run.

got a bit faster than yesterday, so this is good, keep going

don't give chance.

What if you believe?

back on water (:

it's a slow start, but i'll work my way up

What if you believe?

weights was good

i feel much stronger

going to do more tmr (:

but first, the running awaits

come on legs

and this is random, but while reading about some 800m world record holder, i realised how fun flatwater sprint canoeing is. The idea of slugging it out over 200/500/1k or during short bursts, 2ks, 5ks, 10ks (and the horror 20 and 30ks) is fun and exciting (: maybe that's why i can appreciate middle distance running, sprint cycling and swimming (: games are fun, but they are games!

onward!

and just because i feel like it:

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.

ONWARD!

well

so i've survived a week of running, cycling and lots of weights

saturday was 11k run

wasn't exactly feeling the best of shape, and it was after heavy weights

but guess what

58.23

and it didn't even feel like a 100% run, probably 80? haha

my new pb, previous was 59.15

good, i knew it all along, and i'm just starting to work the anaerobic system proper.

29, 30, 31 october

What if you believe?

well, not really

busted my butt trying to do the sprint program on thur. so no more paddling for now. the plan is to get super strong and good at bursting up a particular slope we call 'the treetop walk run'.

i'm looking at my training program for the coming week and it is highly exciting (: It is really a test of how much my body's going to be able to take.

and for the longest while i haven't done the 1 min slope run. on sat did 5 x 1' with the sponge i now dub thee my running sponge. warmup, jogged in to where i thought i'll end (at the log), marked the spot with my sponge. then the first set, 100% (yea, i know, all five sets were 100%), moved my legs as fast as i could, then i saw the sponge, then i passed it, then i ran and ran and started wondering why the timer wasn't beeping. when it finally did, i was about 25m from my previous best. then the 2nd set, ran past the new mark, (no sound!), and got even further! at the end of it all, i measured with my shoe length, 110 shoe lengths improvement from previous best of about 770.

i still don't understand why i can't run up the treetop hill, but i'll figure, just like i did for boxing. i will be fast.

What if you believe?

everything's good (:

talk about conspiracy

macritchie is closed tomorrow to drain water

so timetrial is postponed to next week

that means i have another week to make my butt heal

anw, Coach got me a shirt for helping with the YOG juniors (: I like the shirt (: and singapore's gonna have brandon and nanfeng representing us, stay tuned

meanwhile i've perfected my new favourite food (:

What if you believe?

glad to be paddling. I love the morning air. and darkness. and stillness. and the first ray of light. blade in the water, that mild breathlessness. though i very much wish i could trade it for the pain and exertion and exhausation of a 500m race. i'll take 200m or 2k or 10k, or even a 20k timetrial. Heck, even my most dreaded 1000m i'll settle for. But the problem is i can't sprint now...

it's a bit frustrating (ok understatement) because right now i know what i need to do for my technique, but i can't do it cos it hurts when i try to rotate my butt on the seat. and it's really argh when you see people sprinting past you (i know i can be and will be faster than that when it's time). Ordinarily i would love to do a 10x 1'/2', my idea of a perfect training program, but now i can't, or at least my body would not allow it without further damages.

But then again, there are many things to be thankful for so i'll count my blessings. see it's an improvement from just 2 weeks ago when i couldn't even sit. halfway through the 4 month break and unfortunately it isn't going along as planned, like my train-eat-sleep routine. then again, there are other aspects of training to work on. Do not let what you can't do interfere with what you can do, John Wooden said.

met up with platoonmates last night for dinner, thoroughly enjoyed their company. Noisan when you're back we'll have another one, and a proper one in dec when ning returns too.

I believe i can fly

yea, just not yet.

but i will be ready as the grand battle plan unfolds. so i will be patient and bid my time.

What if you believe?

slowly coming back

been paddling the last few days, hurts sometimes but generally ok (:

"I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks, but the one who practises one kick 10,000 times."

haha, wheeee (:

What if you believe?

back from bintan (:

first thing, mon morn just boarded the ferry, then mr koh told me he just got a call from kenneth- jairus got attacked last night, 3 mins away from home after returning from watching r project. details can be found in various news reports, a bit tired of repeating it. the point is, he almost died. he was discovered only after SEVEN hours, with his left palm and several fingers severed.

went to see the kid yesterday once i got back from ccal camp. I stood outside his icu ward, not sure if he was alseep or just resting. then he grinned at me, and waved his LEFT hand at me. what a fighter. it is an understatement to say the incident was horrific, those bloody bastards (can u believe it, there were 5 of them) were out to kill him, just for what, some cash and a handphone?

I always believe in second chances, but i really think that these beasts should be sentenced to hang. What on earth were they thinking of? Some might say Jairus had his dreams cut short, but i still believe the most promising future lies ahead for this young man; he will make a success of his life.

back to ccal camp, it was a meaningful experience for me and i thoroughly enjoyed my time with group A4. I'm glad i took up the role of a teacher facilitator, and in many ways, i like to believe i always keep an open mind to potential in others, but as a group, this kids have surpassed my wildest imagination.

Personally, got to interact even more with the pe teachers. gonna miss them as some of them move on. But it's ok, the best way to show my appreciation for them is to do things they would be proud of. One of the best moments or rather, reflective/pensive moments was during the 'night activity'. was waiting beside the pool with some of the teachers and mr low said, 'cheryl, next time you're going to be running alot of camps'. I look at the other pe teachers, and they didn't just choose a job, they chose a lifestyle. anw, u know how much i respect the noble profession of teaching (which itself can be in many forms, such as teaching others through inspiring them etc)

there is a national team selection coming up end of the month.

I know i'm not ready. I don't dare to paddle now cos i can't afford my stitches to rip. This feeling is crappy as the inevitable countdown to the timetrial begins.

If by some luck i do hit sub 2.10, then i know i totally don't deserve it. and ironically, this 2009-2010 'season' has been the most disorganised one for me. I need to live by a schedule, my schedule, to map out a 1 yr plan and not wait for things to get thrown at me, as it is now.

yea, that's one thing i realised about myself, especially since finishing formal schooling in JC. I don't like living by other people's time.

2011

what if you believe?

ok, just finished changing the dressing. doesn't hurt as much as it looks, but still bleeding a bit, probably overstretched it while attempting C strokes.

just woke up at 11pm btw, going to sleep now, faster recover!

please take a seat

didn't paddle today. woke up in the morning and my butt was mega inflamed. still, had to go down to open shed and all.

the last time this happened (during ACC in sept 09, interesting how it acts up when everyone's gone away for the impt overseas stuff), GP just gave some antibiotics. and soon after it was 'winter trg' so it sort of toned down itself.

and today, by the time i lasted thru morning assembly, was running a fever, felt damn uncomfortable. Desperate times call for desperate measures, to cut a long story short, i barged down to the national skin centre and had some minor surgery.

i realise how hard it is to find definitive diagnosis of medical conditions or at least just some good information online. But whatever it is, the procedure involved lots of local anaesthetic, a blade, and 9 stitches.

for the record i won't be racing NCC this weekend, neither did i race women's open. It is disgusting and pathetic (step no. 1, be open about your feelings), but what the heck, i will live through this and come back stronger. I can live with that- she who learns to run, lives to fight another day. I probably didn't know it then, but it turns out all my life i've been waiting for canoeing to happen.

So 2010 is turning out to be a pure training year. anw rmb the last time they left for ACC, i improved my 11k run times from 1:06 to sub 1. so yes, i can do this.

tmr i will start my secret training. no paddling, no cycling, no swimming, this is gonna be interesting.

don't let what you can't stop you from doing what you can.

What if you believe?

3 weeks w/o an update!

so here's what's been happening

exams ended, start of 4 month vacation, back at rj relief teaching pe (: 31st may-3rd june headed for ccal camp at bintan for the the 4th time! (should have been 5th but last yr's was cancelled due to h1n1) ah, and role upgrade, from j1 participant, to j2 helper, to j3 helper + logs and now tchr facil! exciting!

but before that, will be racing in the national open on 29th and 30th may. all k1 events including 10k, and all k4 events. nothing to lose.

which brings me to that topic. have told Coach i will train on my own until i get decent technique. 2 weeks ago was a really low state, technique was so crappy i felt i was giving the nat team a bad name. so yea, i won't go back until i'm fast. really fast. and i know in my heart when that would be (:

on another note, the j1s have chosen their captains and exco. a bright future ahead.

today was ccal camp trg session, was interesting; for now, shall just put it on record that i'm really thankful for everything.

What if you believe?

whee (:

Today was another of those moments i'll remember forever, and be sure i say it when someone asks me what's the secret to my success. Thanks Coach

New revelation, now i know what i need to do.

Been pushing full steam (a gradual, progressive one if you understand) with the j1s. But still as always, it is up to them. If they want to put up a good fight, i stand ready to support them to the best of my abilities. There is progress, potential, may the next year be a meaningful one for all of us.

On a random note, the kindness of acquaintances has been welcoming in these trying times. Ah, guess what, looking at stint no. 3 at RJC (:

Btw, sent my boat for repairs. The foot plate literally rotted, and i'm glad it did, cos now i'm training with a nelo! The regatta and nelo (nelo 1) are built from the same mould, but just found out all its 'flaws' when discussing with billy on the repair works. and i really hate to admit this, but the seat is 10,000x better; it is lower and the pressure points are right! not using the sponge now! and also the sitting and glide is smoother, haha. Considering a second hand nelo.

2011, what if you believe?

What was the best advice you've ever received?

What was the best advice you've ever received?

"So who is that guy? Do you know who he is? Have you raced him before?"

"No?"

"Then why are you scared! Just go there and race, don't think so much!"

interesting

A little respect please

A little respect please
April 20, 2010 Tuesday, 05:30 PM
Jeff Ang admires the determination of student athletes

MODERN sports with all its rules, regulations, categories, contracts can boggle your mind. Sometimes you wished that sports could be a little simpler.

But they can be, if only you know where to look.

School sports have been much maligned, probably more so in recent days. Sideshows such as fights and petty rule infringements threaten to overshadow the gala performance that students present passionately and whole-heartedly.

In the best of times, school sports are still celebrated but always with hesitance, and sometimes even mild embarrassment if you're seen to be fervent about it. Contrast that with the unbridled joy that spectators unleash during professional sports events such as the World Cup and you get two very different pictures. But if by 'professional' we mean the level of commitment and devotion that the athletes have for their sport, then it should be a crime to label school sports as non-professional.

“It’s a kids game.” some say. Tell that to 17 year-old Adhe Noviello from Bedok Town Secondary who had to go to the Intensive Care Unit after a rugby match against Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road).

“They don’t play that seriously," others tell me. I reckon that judoka Chan Ka Sing, 17, from Nanyang Junior College who went to hospital after a bout with a suspected broken rib might disagree.

And perhaps the most damning statement I’ve heard: “It’s only school sports.”

I can’t even imagine saying that to St. Gabriel’s Secondary School’s Muhammad Rifqi, 14, who trains five times a week, few hours at a time; a boy who couldn’t even string coherent sentences when I spoke to him because he was bawling his eyes out. All because he had just lost a judo bout that cost his team the match.

All I could make out between his sobs were: “I’ve let my friends and school down.”

These students might lack the technical expertise that professional athletes have, but in everything else they own in abundance. I’ve not watched that many games in the S-League but I don't think many cry after losing a match or after getting dumped in a cup game. Instead, we hear them moan about the aggressive tackles that they faced or the perceived unfair officiating.

I’m not undermining the commitment and passion that professional athletes undoubtedly have. But at the same time, let’s not be condescending towards these student athletes and give them the respect that they truly deserve.

The euphoria on the face of Jeffrey Lightfoot when he scores doesn't look any different to the one that Wayne Rooney shows when he weaves his magic. So let's not put an age to a goal, a try, or a three-pointer that makes the net go swoosh.

For if children and youth represent what is untainted yet by the real world, then isn't school sports the perfect showcase of sports in all its unadulterated glory?

“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.”—Segoyewatha, [Red Jacket]

restart

a very very rough patch

was looking through old photos, trying to recall that feeling. been abstaining from paddling. yes, that's the word, abstain. I need to feel it again, to get back what i lost and make it even better. first accept where i am, drop the denial. i know i'm not good... for now. be dissatisfied with that. desire to change the status quo. make an effort, then make some more. i tried the 'best' plan, i did everything according to the book, but it didn't work for me. i can't explain, but it's time to regain control and fight back. back. back to the basics, return to the fundamentals. ask myself why i paddle- for what? think about what made me love this sport and why it'll be keeping me here. start slow, then get fast slowly. have the big picture in mind. the ultimate battle plan. then take it one week, one day, one training at a time. stick to what i believe in. back to go fast 100% or go slow, enough with the in between speeds. live my own life. tire myself each training. keep fighting, keep improving. be relentless. i have nothing to present, just an offer of the time of my life. the 2010 dream is far; but i know i must take it in my stride, just like 3.5 years ago. Start again, come back, come back stronger.

Run like a mad person on court. Do suicide runs on the court till my legs turn jelly.Leap off the ground to shoot, and hang in the air like I'm flying. Be right in front of the forbidden zone and having my heart skip a beat everytime the ball bounces off the frame and zooms towards me. =) (From serena, my ssm course mate)

nothing to lose

What if you believe?

conspiracy

all right (: deleted the previous post

happy stuff!

so here's the next plot in the conspiracy theory

i have got back that feeling for my first stroke, or rather first two strokes (: so it's time to perfect the next 248 strokes or so

i went to crash dr tan's office at west coast recreation centre! wanted to just take a look and chat with her for say 15mins, ended up staying for 1h15min

currently i'm helping dr chia with his research; dr burns asked to see me i thought what happened. turns out he's offering me a chance to gain research exp as well! and in exe phys lab testing! how cool is that

i will finally finish the last of nidhi's phd research tests this friday. blood test!

and it must be some conspiracy, cos friday is 11k run, then all the way rest/off till monday!

got back a couple of assignments. i'm proud of my efforts

yea, it's time to get my life back. past week went to bed past 12. not good and not my intention either. refer to deleted post (haha); i can't live with myself if i hand in sub-standard work. luckily did not plan to bike to training. and i figured what's wrong with my stroke AND what i need to do. now to practise practise practise

and i managed to find time to head back to RJ for lunch (: actually went to return some equipment. but yea, stall 12 ftw!

What if you believe?

exciting

6 weeks late, but i'm getting there

k4! exciting

MR 500 today

exciting

did k4 under NTU. we got a medal (bronze) for our second training!

need to make plans for secret training. friday's 6 x 2k was... horrible. but at least i know this is the worst it can get; the only way from here is up

i can do this

this week has been tiring. training, coaching course, project mtgs and all. quite scary actually, sometimes i just KO and wake up not knowing what happen. like a real deep sleep in lectures/class. so next week, the plan is to factor in sleep time and stick to it!

What if you believe?

So what are my career prospects

I did it (:

made it to kallang on bike (:

been cycling and paddling alot over the weekend

and my new favourite place to eat is lau pa sat. i pass by it on my way home on bike (:

and it suddenly struck me, as to what's wrong with my technique

ELBOWS!

yea, i know i can do this

ntu open house on sat. lol, i've lost count of the no. of kids who the very first thing they ask me is "So what are my career prospects?". and then there are those who ask "How much money will i get paid with 'this kind of job'?"

Deep down, i would love to tell them this: "There are NO career prospects. 'This kind of job' does not pay anything. In fact, you might not even get a job after you graduate"

Then we'll see who stays

and we'll take all of these brave souls

When i first saw SSM, i knew i had to apply. It was made for me. The answer i was waiting for/ created (refer to the great conspiracy). Don't care if there are no jobs or what; must apply and must put it as first and only choice. SSM is a calling. and that, i say, should be what makes us 'Sport the difference'. ah, but i'm heartened to know some of my coursemates share my sentiments (: and there was indeed one brave soul.

the great conspiracy, let's go

What if you believe?

exciting adventure tmr!

not enough time

so much to do, so little time

so make some time!

just a quick, random thing. went back to land train the j1 boys today. you know what i like this batch (: this might be it. truly. and for me, it reminds me of who i am and what my purpose is.

ONWARD!

What if you believe?

I haven't really blogged properly for awhile, so here goes (though back in my head there's a thousand things i need to do)

let's talk about my favourite topic first, training (:

Shifted to Kallang to train. will be there for the next 2 weeks. last time i used to really dread Kallang especially after the canoe marathon, now it's better though. But still, i have a big problem when the winds and waves act up. I surprised myself by being within range of belle for some of the 70% sets for one particular training this week. Then i surprised myself again the next trng, by lagging spectacularly. it is a disgusting feeling, knowing then physiologically i can go much much faster, but some poor application of biomechanics is killing me.

I will have to figure this out myself. and meanwhile my fitness is improving consistently. 11k (actually 10.4km based on our route) took me 58.30 last week. this week it's 58.15, and that includes crashing into pple 5 times (what a record! on average crashes happen to be like 0.00001 times/run). strength wise is improving, thanks to sporadic spam of leg raises. should go back RJ for land trng more often, i'll at least do a couple more pullups and stuff.

yup, so second topic close to my heart, RJC

gone back like 3 times in this recess week. Bought a 2nd hand heart rate monitor from mr leong, complete with data transmitter and GPD for a really low price, Mr Leong refused any higher cos he said i'm not working. Been to a couple of j1 trainings, quite a decent bunch. high hopes for them, as always. A level results yesterday, ah, haha, can't say much lah, mine was long past.

for exercise physiology, the lab work worth 40% of our grade involves a cycle ergometer. One member in each group is the subject, to complete 3 diff tests, VO2 max, and 2 bouts of exercises to burn 300kcal each, at 50% and 70% VO2max. The results look a little weird! and i had to cycle 58min 90W for the 50% and 41min for 70% 135W. anw darren the lab tech says i have a high tolerance for lactic acid/anaerobic exercise! interesting

ah, gtg now

i can't rmb if i posted this, but here goes

"When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin. It works not because it settles the question for you, but because, in that brief moment when the coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you are hoping for."

lots of stuff going on

had a happy trip back to RJ yesterday (:

best job in the world

20k on tuesday has taken its toll on me. I am slow. For now. I will get faster. Somehow. I will find a way

What if you believe?

Nice

i thought i was going to get owned again doing the resistance, this time 4k with lifejacket, then 4k with bottle, but things worked out pretty fine (: At the end of it, could really feel the good technique, it was wonderful

but before that, was the exciting Cooper test. 12min run as much as you can. Was fortunate to be able to use the RJ track, haha, the nat team people like the RJ track. wow, and the toilets are nice, though i miss the old one. Sentimental value lah, 4 years of using that same toilet and those few cubicles.

At 10.46, i ran 2.4km! yay Managed 2674m, Belle did 2770m, which is pretty cool. Natasa Janics does 3170m!! consider that the fittest guys in our team ran 3250. can get much faster and i will (:

oh yea, and it's CNY (: wheeee, i have a ton of food and festive goodies at home, and the best part is they were all gifts! come and eat!

What if you believe?

this week has been really hectic.

i always keep a schedule, but this 3.5days were packed with stuff back-to-back. Was suppose to leave the house at 3.45pm for afternoon training today, but guess what time i woke up? yea, 3.45pm, in a mildly concussed state.

which probably resulted from the last few days, this morning was the last strike i think.

Cycled to training 13.5km, paddled 10k, go to school, run ~2.4km (4x630m), run 2 x 3 more 630m lap, 2k swim.

It was fun though (:

ok rest and revitalised for tmr! another stretch till haha i don't know when? sat probably will go down twice, then reunion dinner, then sun maybe bike in the morning, temple, then all the visiting

Even if you disagree that mastery is the most important element, I think most people can agree it is at least a very important part of living a successful life.

What Encourages Being Skilled?

The biggest gains in skill come when you are situated on edge of your current competence. If you stay with what you’re already good at, you won’t improve much.

Being way outside your level of skill isn’t conducive to mastery either. Unless you can receive positive feedback, or regular wins amidst failures, it is difficult to learn from your mistakes. The best way to train as a sprinter isn’t to run against Olympic athletes from day one. It’s to race against someone just a bit faster than you, so you’ll know when you make improvements.

Therefore, practicing for improvement should always be at the edge of incompetence. Where you have enough skill for positive reinforcement, but not enough skill to be considered good–yet.

Living on the Edge of Incompetence

If you accept the first premise: that mastery is an essential ingredient to successful living. And, you accept the second premise: that mastery requires an environment of being on the edge of your incompetence. Then the conclusion is difficult to escape: successful living requires living on the edge of incompetence.

-ScottHYoung

It's living up to be a real hectic semester

Train study eat sleep

I like (:

well last week was a mini-accomplishment for me. did all the training, but unfortunately, had to sub 7 sets of 50m swimming with running cos of the thunderstorm. Saturday's fitness test was a revelation- of how much harder i need to work

Best score was a combined 337 from 1 min each of bench press 30kg, bench pull 30kg, pullups, legraisers (windshield wipers), triceps 15kg. I made 60, 47, 22, 35, 50 for 214 (i hope i rmb correctly), but basically there is much to do.

yesterday was the mass YOG volunteers' briefing/ interview; you would think i'll jump at this opportunity. well, i would love to, but there are bigger things calling. and the Great Conspiracy theory states that one must think towards the goal.

it won't be easy, and i'll give it my best shot. i can do this

paddled k2 with van today! exciting! in the process of reviving NTU canoeing. watch this space (:

ah, gtg might update later

Reaching the Impossible

Pleased with myself today

this morning woke up at 4.15am so i could reach the chalet at 5am. thanks mum. Stumbled there, then guess what, or rather, guess who were in the adjoining chalet? Xiner and quanwei's class! well but on to the real matter, we started the 21.8km run at about 5.25am. Barely 3 seconds into the run, the team split into two packs. The front pack had the guys, and i was keeping pace with them. That strategy worked quite well, until after the park connector where they (luke!) picked up the pace!

still, i finished the first 11k in 1h. Coming back took slightly longer, my total time was 2:04:19. I enjoyed the run, generally i like the idea of training really early in the morning. Surprisingly my legs didn't die. And yea, today is the longest i ran! Didn't stop at all (: Compared to the two marathons i've done, where i finished a longer distance but it was a painful combination of jog and walk and almost crawl lah.

Also, it was good that the sky was barely lit/actually it was quite dark, so the run didn't feel that long. That's my theory, the absence of light makes the run feel shorter, but the speed gets compromised a bit, which is ok if it's a really long like >15km run, but not okay for an 11k run (where the trail terrain can prove tricky in the dark!)

So this week i've done all the main trainings, plus a couple of additional runs, total amounting to 19.5 hours of solid training. (actual training time, doesn't include the total time spent on training e.g. getting to training, waiting to start). still short of a couple of leg raisers though.

Hm... was talking to nicholas after the run, we went to old airport rd food centre to eat. It won't be easy and it will take a while but i know i'm on track to... dare i say, be the best? But first of course, i have to earn my right to win, otherwise it'll be going against the very essence of what i believe in- hard work and dedication. Before i win, first i must deserve to win.

Oh, and just random, can't rmb if i've mentioned it. Did a DEXA scan on thursday. Bone mineral density way above average. Body fat percentage 19.3%. For some strange reason, my trunk has the least amount of body fat percentage, about 16.8%. Arms were about 20%, and legs were almost 24%! lol. Must admit I was a bit apprehensive about the result, you know, that age old worry about being fat. But glad i got down to doing it; at least i know where i am.

was just telling nic, how much i like the idea of training. Or basically the pursuit of excellence. You find something you like, then spend your waking and dreaming hours trying to perfect your craft. Sometimes it's trying, something it's easy- everything seems to flow. Either way you keep going until you reach your goal. Then what? Then you aim higher and work your way up again, knowing that you're striving to reach as close to the impossible.

What if you believe?

Yes you are right, let's make this work

interesting, today i talked to someone whom i've never really got to know, and the outcome surprised me. says much about opening your mind (and heart) to someone else

my legs get to rest tomorrow (: more relived than anything actually

Onward!

lessons learnt

Last night at 8.45pm, did 3x1.5km around NIE campus. For the fitness and conditioning class! How cool is that. Suppose to run 70%, 80%, 90%. Well, heart rate wise i think i managed that, but the timing for last lap gg-ed. A bit of patience testing, waiting for some people, but well, take it in my stride. By the time we ended, was past 9.35pm, got home about 10.15pm.

So what lesson did i learnt

Rest

So last night or rather this morning i slept at 12.30am (very bad). and yesterday's training included 13.5k cycle, 3k swim, 4-2-1 (3 hour) weights and that run. This morning did 10k technical, total 14k. and at 11.30am, i was supposed to do a treadmill VO2 test. After about 5km, including warmup, i felt this choking sensation. It's not the usual chest tightness or heart beating rapidly; this one was higher up, like along the windpipe. Stopped the test, messed up.

yea, and the last few nights haven't been sleeping at my ideal bedtime. So that's something i will change.

ah, and yea, i realised i really don't like living by other people's schedule. Or to put it more positively, i like to live on my own time. Was just reading a book, "in pursuit of excellence". says many people think it's the big thing/their main activity that matters towards achieving their goalds. Actually, it's the small things that matter more. You train at most say 6 hours a day, compare that to 18 hours where you are given the control to either use it properly and contribute towards the many small steps, or well, waste it/hinder you. I do agree with this view, food for thought

happy thoughts (: i enjoyed today's training. 10k technical thought it would be painful, but it felt good. Several times throughout the row, i found myself radiating happiness (: Happiness from paddling, and it felt so good. will keep this brief, so yea, thanks Coach

What if you believe?

i like my VO2 results

did superlactate on friday. guess what i sub 11 for 2.4! even with the uncomfortable mask and a 2k warmup, plus many other factors. So that's good, can get even faster

going to work out schedule for the week!

I can do this

2011

What if you believe?

Pain seems to be the recurring theme

busted my left heel during weights on monday, there's this mega 10cent coin size hole aka a blister that tore off completely and started bleeding. I knew it was hurting, but too much adrenaline from the box pulling and all, so was pumping like mad. Then afternoon went back to paddle. Started to hurt more after the submax run i did yesterday (that was really horrible, try inhaling deeply thru your mouth only for almost 1.5h. in an aircon room with 66% humidity. and run at 6km/h for 4min, rest 2 min. then up speed by 0.5km/h, and run another 4min, rest 2 min. all the way till the speed hits 13km/h. 14 stages x 4 min. oh, and during the rest time your finger gets pricked to squeeze out some blood to test lactate levels. ah, and did i mention your nose is clipped and your teeth/gums are clenching a plastic mouthpiece?)

today attempted the 10k technical with resistance. Halfway thru it was hurting like mad, just imagine, it's on my foot yet managed to trigger some nerves leading to the tear ducts. freaking painful. couldn't continue with proper technique.

was feeling a bit owned from the pain, and the thought of having to rest. plus no magic cream.

then luckily, once again traditional chinese medicine for the win!

saved me once again. Using some cream, super effective. "The bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine is a result of the binding of this cationic molecule to negatively charged bacterial cell walls and extramicrobial complexes. At low concentrations, this causes an alteration of bacterial cell osmotic equilibrium and leakage of potassium and phosphorous resulting in a bacteriostatic effect. At high concentrations of chlorhexidine, the cytoplasmic contents of the bacterial cell precipitate and result in cell death."

rawr

What if you believe?

gg

i can't sleep. in pain. from yesterday's weights. Woke up at 2am after sleeping for less than 4 hours. Tried to sleep again but couldn't. I knew this wasn't just a normal ache when i was in the lt this morning after training. My upper body was sort of numb/pain, i couldn't decide. There's a first time for everything

CS 100 yesterday, one of the in-lecture exercises was to write down 3 things you would risk your life to save (situation: earthquake warning, the building is structurally unsafe and cordoned off) and why. I wrote down i/c, hp and something else which i can't rmb. See the point is, i don't think i'll try to re-enter the building to save anything material possession.

As i've mentioned, was watching The Biggest Loser, the Black team were some underdog team after their original blue or red teammates voted them out. They thought they were going to be sent home, then suddenly this cool trainer from a previous season appeared and formed the black team. By the way, it was some race in the desert. So for the next week, they had to work their butts off in the desert and trek back to the campus. Every time they felt like giving up, the trainer would tell them "Remember that day in the desert?"

Ah, and i went for the VO2 max test too! Going to do that twice in class next week, but thought i'll get a headstart (: It's for a research, pretty cool stuff, i think i'll volunteer for all future such experiments. Initially the mask was a bit uncomfortable and constricting, got better after the warmup but still felt a bit weird. Definitely could improve on the scores! Was an interesting experience though. Next week going to do the submaximal test, dexa scan (in class too!) and a couple more. And this sunday is 2 x 50m sprint test, sounds fun right (:

So back to the topic, i don't know, i would say that day had the most profound impact on me. Felt like i was out at sea. But anw, perhaps the greatest growth in me since then is not the physical or mental strength/power/endurance, but spiritual. Not in the usual sense of the word, as in religion based, but more of an introspective view. The way i see it, school is as much as you want to make out of it; during health and wellness we were going through the drier aspects, like the definitions of health and its dimensions. One question asked was, 'How has school life contributed to your growth in the 5 aspects, of physical , emotional, social, mental (in this case, refers to intellectual health) and spiritual, and which is the least and most contributed to?'

Food for thought. I found myself thinking of the spiritual aspect. There's something uplifting, inspiring about living your dream. This course is one of the pieces in the puzzle. And the way uni life (in particular our course) is structured helps too. With the numerous electives, there's always empty slots on the timetable to do stuff. Again i hold that day in the sea as a main factor, i think i've been conditioned to survive on my own. I'm quite happy to interact with people, at the same time, i'm also quite comfortable with being alone- 'me' time is essential! And when it's just you, there's just more time to reflect.

Waiting for the training program to come in. I like to know what's happening to plan my schedule. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. wise words. Still, i like the spontaneity that comes with the moment. Plan the big stuff, and let the details settle. My analogy is you need to at least point your compass in the right direction, then have fun on the trail (:

Going to do more stuff, can't sleep already

What if you believe?

This 1000th post took a while to come

anw school's started, been pretty busy. Training hasn't kicked in full swing yet, so had a bit of time to orientate myself.

Watched the biggest loser on tv just now, and finished reading Don't Eat This Book (the written account of Super Size Me by Michael Moore). Pretty interesting read, but rather scary, the way we're going to eat ourselves to death. So yea, that's where my future job lies. Right now i don't think we are cogniscent of the dangers of obesity and all; for change to happen, things gonna start getting worse first yea

Working out my grand battle plan. I'm going to do this. 2011.

What if you believe?

I'm back (:

Hungary winter training camp was great (:

so back to life in SG

you know what

i went for my usual 7k run. The first time i ran (like when i was sec 3 or something), i took close to an hour. In mid sept last year, my first run took 48 mins. Subsequently hovered between 42 and 43 mins.

And yesterday, i did 39.50.

i cycled to training today, usually it takes me at least 50 mins on an ok day.

today i took 47! and i wasn't even cycling very hard

so yay (: Winter training works wonders!

I start the new year armed with an arsenal of secret weapons. Waiting for my timetable to fit in the last pieces of the puzzle. On another note, i passed my first sem in uni. Took 5 subjects, scored 3 As and 2 A-s. A minus for anatomy (phew, thought i was done for after the final paper) and the other for public admin. Which i hoped to get an A but after the whole thing, realised i didn't touch on a major topic at all. Ah, but no A+. Overall GPA 4.8/5.0. Pretty decent. So yea, time to turbo charge for another fun and exciting sem ahead. Onward!

and here's wishing everyone a great 2010 (: