Ranking Half Marathon

 Ranking all the Half Marathon I have participated

Rank 8:    Twin City 2024 (Pace: 6'19, Time: 2'14)

Prior Race condition: Poor. A week recovery from flu. Strained in training Status. 

During Race Issue: Bonk from 7th km. Near Cramp 12th km onwards. 

Rating: Terrible. 1 of 5 stars. 

Rank 7:    Twin City 2022 (Pace: 6'13, Time: 2'12)

Prior Race condition: 3 weeks recovery from Covid 19. 

During Race Issue: Cramp at final 1.5km. 

Rating: Poor. 2 of 5 stars. 

Rank 6:    Garmin 2022 (Pace: 6'04, Time: 2'10)

Prior Race condition: Good.

During Race Issue: Near cramp from 15km onwards.

Rating: Poor. 2 of 5 stars.

Rank 5:    Penang Bridge 2022 (Pace: 5'53, Time: 2'05)

Prior Race condition: Didn't sleep the night before. 

During Race Issue: As per plan.

Rating. Good 4 of 5 stars. 

Rank 4:    KL City Day 2023 (Pace: 5'46, Time: 2'02)

Prior Race condition: Very good.

During Race Issue: Struggle at Double Hill.
Rating. Good 4 of 5 stars. 

Rank 3:    NPE Highway 2023  (Pace: 5'41, Time: 1'59)

Prior Race condition: Good.

During Race Issue: Perfect race. Negative Split.

Rating: Excellent 5 of 5 stars. 

Rank 2:    Hatyai 2023 (Pace: 5'40, Time: 2'00)

Prior Race condition: Very good. 

During Race Issue: Second half struggle but still maintain pace. 

Rating. Very good 5 of 5 stars. 

Rank 1:    Cybercity 2023 (Pace: 5'38, Time: 1'59)

Prior Race condition: Very good.

During Race Issue: Perfect race.

Rating. Excellent 5 of 5 stars.

Twin City 2024

Worst 21km race in 3 years. I can always blame the flu that I caught few weeks ago, or busy day on the day prior to the race, but the truth is that its simply lack of practices since last November. 

I now look forward for the next race in 3 weeks time- Generali HM and I hope to rebound strongly. I don't have to do a sub-two. Just a 2:06 will be a great rebound. 

 

Sourcing for New PC

The PC broke down again over the weekend. It is the power supply issue. The original hard disk has also confirmed to be 'certified". Do note that the graphic card and 'fan' have also been replaced over the last few years. This is not surprise as the PC is 12 years old this year. This is not bad provided I only thought it could last around 4-5 years. 

Above a quotation for replacement. This spec is newer but slightly lower than previous PC as it based on the RM 3k quotation (versus the old PC, which is around RM 3.5k at the time, probably equaivalent to RM 4.5-5k in today's market after taking into consideration of inflation). Should I proceed?

Best TV Series / Drama

Following the conclusion of Fallout season 1, perhaps it is a good time to rank some of the TV series I have watched this year thus far and second half of last year. 

Tier 1- Must watch

1. Fallout

2. Shogun

3. The Gentleman

4. Reacher (S2)

5. Ted

Tier 2- Good to watch

1. The Bear (S2)

2. The Last of Us

Tier 3- Better than nothing

1. Percy Jackson & the Olympian

2. Ahsoka

Tier 4- Don't bother

Don't bother to list it here too. 

Fallout 4 vs Fallout 76 vs Fallout Drama

It's amazing and kind of cute seeing one of my favourite computer games on TV. 

The storyline may or may not be as great, however, the setting of the show alone is worth spending hours watching. 

Here are some of the most amazing similaries between the movie and the show.

1. The detail of the Vault- the design, the layout, the interior design, the signboard, the poster etc. and the vault dweller. 

2. The items- stimpak, Meds,  pure water, chem, bubblehead, duct tapes, teddy bears, food, fridge, Nuka-Cola, Caps, green screen computer and the hacking of the terminal. 

3. The Pip-boy, although the pip-boy in the show is more powerful. 

4. The sound and music of the show, the sound of the 'radiation' are all very similar. 

5. The wasteland, the red rocket gas station, 

6. The wastelander and their outfit- ghoul, raiders, even the two headed cow. 

7. Furnitures, TV, cars, helicopter, 

8. Power Armour, amour, 

9. Charaacters in game- Dogmeat, Mr. Hardy

10. The 'carry bag', doesn't look the same, but explain why the character can carry 300 pounds of junk.

11. To a slightly extent- all the weapons and monsters (Yao Guai, Gluper). 

The eight episodes of Fallout Season 1 is excellent. I can't wait for season 2. 

Windmill vs Ion D'Element

 Vacation in Genting Highland. Should you be staying in Windmill or Ion D'Element. Here's my analysis.

Pro of staying in Windmill

- Its Cheaper

- The swimming pool is better

- The room is slightly bigger

- There are more food choices within walking distance from hotel. 

- The parking is free. 

Pro of staying in Ion D'Element

- Its much colder and 'foggier'

- Its closer to Genting Highland

- You don't have to ride the expensive Cable Car to get to Genting

Con 

- The parking (walking distance and fees) is a major issue.

In conclusion, both have its merits and issues. Just pick your poison. 

Xian Jing Sports Day

First race of the year. This is a 10km hilly race. Being part of TC Association team, there are a few of us.

I finished at 54min+ (5'49) whilst Hong Yi finished just under 60min and slightly ahead of Kee.Wei Bing finished 5th in the 'member' division.

The race is difficult, particularly from 2nd to 6th km, with a few really steep uphill battle. 

 

Back to Training

After a relaxed six weeks (after Asic 10km Time Trial to the whole month of December), its time to go back to training.

It turns out to be a lot harder than expected. First of all, the body weight is some 2.5kg heavier, therefore the impact to the legs are much higher. I have difficulties in LSD beyond 13km. The 'form' (via Race Predictor) indicates that I am now at the lowest since, well, since I start monitoring a year ago.

I have set a goal race- Twin City Run in April, however, I am not sure if I would be in form that I was in last year's Cybercity Run. 

Despite the low performance, group run can remain fun.

Tai Ping- Day 3

 Day 3 of Tai Ping Trip

The main program is the famous Tai Ping Lake. Program are boat ride and cycling. Luckily the weather is excellent. 

Tai Ping- Day 2

Day 2 of Tai Ping

1st Stop- Coffee Mill

This historical coffee mill is surprisingly worth visiting. The Espresso ice cream is pretty good too.

2nd Stop- Spritzer Mini Golf Course

Adults may be wondering why they are here but the kids are having fun.

3rd Stop- Coal Factory @ Sepetang

This short stop is worth visiting as it provides good 'education'. 

4th Stop- River Cruise @ Sepetang

The River Cruise is a must. It includes an introduction to the fishing village, eagle feeding session and a short visit at the fishing farm.

Tai ping- Day 1

 Tai Ping 3 Days 2 Night Family Trip

Day 1

1st Stop- Ipoh

Visit to places that we have been before and ate food that we have tried before. Ipoh just happened to be on the way to Tai Ping

2nd Stop- Accommodation

Airbnb - 5 bedroom super link that is resonably clean. 

3rd Stop- Night Safari

Evening program is a visit to Tai Ping night safari/zoo. Despite the long que, it is still a relatively pleasant experience. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 9

The 9th and final day of the trip. It feels long and is time to go home. We woke up slightly later than expected and have a short visit at a temple and Red House.

Summary of the trip.

Nominees for best food for the trip are:

- 锅贴 at Tao Yuan

- Ice cream at 宮原眼科

- Mua Chi at TaiChung

- Fried Chicken Steak at TaiChung Night Market

- Fried Chicken Ball and Squid at TaiChung Night Market

- Sausage and Rice wine at 日月潭

- 茶叶蛋 at 日月潭

- 面线 on the way back from 日月潭

- Fried Chicken Steak at TaiPei Night Market

Ranking for all program for the trip:

- TaoYuan Night Market  4*

- 宫原眼科 4*

- Tai Chung Park 2*

- Night Market 3*

- Rainbow Village 2*

- Wetland 4*

- Feng Jia Night Market 3*

- 日月潭 4*

- 情境农场 2*

- Science Museum 2*

- Cardboard Cafe 3*

- Art Street 1*

- Art Museum 2*

- Macaron Park 2*

- Xi Men Ding 2*

- Space Astronomy 3*

- Kids Fun Park 3*

- Shilin Flower Exh & Hs 4*

- Shilin Night Market 3*

Taiwan Trip- Day 8

One of the most eventful and best day of the trip due to beautiful weather and a day full of program. Today's weather, which is around 18C, is what we hope for the entire trip. 

First program of the day, we head to the Space Astronomy Centre. The Centre is big and good for education but the kids find the top floor (fun ride) most fun.

Next we visit the Amusement Park that is located next to the Space Centre. We only took two rides here (due to the que)- Pirate boat and roller coaster. 

Then we move to the Flower Exhibition & Jiang family house, which is not far from the Park. 

At night we visit the biggest Night market in Taipei - Shi Lin Night Market, which is walking distance from the Jiang's house. 

Finally, we are back to Xi Men Ding but the weather is so good we decided to spend more time in Xi Men Ding.

 

Taiwan Trip- Day 7

We fully utilise the last few hours in TaiChung by going to a children playground whilst I do some running. The park is not as big as I hope and the weather is not as cool as we wish, yet we still have a reasonable fun time here. 

By afternoon, we take a train ride and heads to TaiPei. We spent the evening at Xi Men Ding night market. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 6

We spent the day at the 'old' town- since Qing dynasty. It is not what we expect as the town is a mixture of new building, old building and commercial area. There are plenty to shop, however. This destination is a last minute on the spot plan. We took a bus there (and grab to get back). Its a tiring day due to the long travel. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 5

I woke up early and go for a 10km run by myself in the morning before the program with the family. The weather is not as cold as anticipated and the run is not as fun as the road is not as even and there are very few runners in the park. 

Program for today. First of all, its a visit to the Science Museum. 

Next up, food at Cardboard Cafe, just next to the Museum. 

Next up, a fancy art street. 

And last but not the least, the Art Museum.