are we crazy?

Wow, it's been almost 6 weeks since I last posted and i'm sorry=(

haha, well what have i been up to aye?

Came back to labuan on the 17th of July and been having classes since then. Nothing much changed, it's good to be back tho, to where I can actually better myself mentally and physically. Yu Jin's my roomie so that's pretty good, same course and pretty same interest. Been training hard tho, gym and running. Running by the sea side is seriously liberating, if you haven't tried then you haven't actually ran! Seriously man. Speaking of running, in the last 2 semesters, i always ran for the sake of cardio and to shed pounds and never really enjoyed the run. Used to plug in my mp3 and enjoyed the music, rather than the run itself. That changed tho during the semester break. Nowadays I look forward to running to try out new techniques, new routines, new breathing techniques and of course to get faster, whether running or sprinting. Training has been quite fun also, not much on the " go heavy or go home" no more. I train with Yu Jin mostly on supersets that work more than just isolated muscles and tons of core, i do feel the difference tho. That's pretty fun. Classes!!! Hahaha, subjects are really interesting this semester and I actually haven't dreaded entering any classes (except APK=) )

I do have alot on my plate tho from classes to assignments to programs to running to training to rugby and to( a little) social life. I do feel a little pressured but hey as what Jack Welch says, if you don't have enough time in a day then you must be managing it extremely wrong!

That's all for now.

Lots of love,

Siva

Greatness

Greatness is a quality everyone wants to achieve and I yearn to be one. Being adequate and good is one thing but much more effort is required to achieve greatness. The reason behind this post is that I just watched Rafael Nadal clinched the Wimbledon after an outclass over Berdych. Nadal is really at the top of his game, wasn't a big fan of him before this but 2010 is definitely Nadal year. His fitness is at peaked and his skills? There's no words to describe his powerful and strong gameplay. I liked how one commentator said in the last Roland Garros that if a uprising tennis player needs motivation and drive, they don't need to go to his games, it's too expensive, his training is enough. Nadal is the most hardworking player and it's shown in the circuit, clinching the Australian Open, Roland Garros and today the Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal is definitely a symbol of greatness that I look up to.
Another form of greatness I have always looked up to is Haile Gebrselassie. Who is he? haha.. only the greatest distance runner in the world. Well, he's no more the top runner now but a couple of years ago he was the best, smashing 27 friggin world records. He's always been an inspiration to me coming from humble Ethiopia where he started running barefoot as he couldn't afford a pair of trainers to being the greatest. I ran the 21k in a crappy 2h20m. What Mr.Haile did? a mere 58m55s! That's a crazy time man, the dude basically sprinted the 21k I think. He definitely is a real form of breatness in the field of running, no question about that.That's all myfor today, it's 12.30 and I need to sleep=)

Lots of love,
Siva

BALI, i love you

awhhh man, this blog post only means that i've returned from bali. The little idyllic island that I fell in love with. Ok, well the trip went great!! awesome trip and had tons of fun. What i'm gonna blog about today is my new love: SURFING!! To my friends I went to bali with, I know suck to the maximum but I'll get better, definitely. On the second day on the island, we went for surfing lessons, the for of us and cost us only about RM35, which was a bargain. Helmi was our instructor, really nice dude. He gave us lessons on the beach side first before heading into the sea. There's 3 basic steps to surfing actually. Firstly, is the pedal then pacing of the hands at the side and thirdly the standing. I failed to max on the standing part, just couldn't keep stable while standing. After numerous tries, I decided to chill for a while, it gets pretty tiring man. WE headed for a while after that and called it a day. Bali, more specifically Kuta is such a beautiful place. Firstly, anyone will notice the really relaxed lifestyle of the people mainly cos they're all tourist. Secondly, there's no judging of people and people are free to dress, act and talk the way they want. The negative side of it is that Kuta is really fake, that's cos everybody live like there's no worries, surfing, sun bathing, drinking and stuff. And the locals are all happy-go-lucky which is definitely not the case as the locals are mostly poor or hardly there working their butt off for money. But, i love Bali. The people, the food and the lifestyle is=)))

Lots of love,
Siva

HOVAAAAA

Awesomeeeee!!!!!
completed my Standard Chartered KL Half Marathon today at last!!!
Feels great achieving a feat I never knew I'd actually am able to.
So here's the breakdown.
We didn't sleep the whole night, watched A team with Lisan, Derryck and Loong till 1am then went to Kayu Nasi Kandar, lepak there and had some food while watching football and playing monopoly till almost 4. Then straight went to dataran merdeka, changed and hanged around there watching the flag off of the full marathon at 5.30. Did some warm up, stretch and light run till the 6plus and got ready for the run. Oh btw, it was raining in the morning so it was freaking cold! We flagged off at 6.15 sharp and I was on my way. Didn't run too fast and kinda paced moderately while enjoying the run,people and place. Had water and 100pus to stay hydrated and a powerbar at the 8km mark. By the time it was 16km, I was getting a little tired and my quads were getting really really stiff. I didn't wanna kill my pace so I just kept going and upped my pace as soon its gonna end. The 18th km was really a killer for me as my quads really tightened up and the slope at bkt bintang made it worse!
But after that, it was either flat or downhill till the end. The last 1km tasted like sugar,literally!
And by the time I crossed the finish line, I really felt rejuvenated and so happy even though my legs cannot be bent at all!
Took my finisher's medal after that and headed to the car, changed and went for breakfast
It really was a proud day for me.

Lots of love,
Siva

brrrrrrrr

Why the brr?
lol, that's my tiredness! Haha, I ended my work on the 19th of June so now my focus is all on the coming KL marathon this weekend babyyyy..
extrmely psycehd tho.. firstly cos it's my first and secondly the coverage about it on the papers, online and radio makes it even more exciting!
Been training quite abit to prep myself. Ran motly in serindit to get used to it. Been running with Chern Yi and I really gotta give her creds, lasted quite a while wei.. really impressive.
Gym-ing is also not forgotten, addiction I admit.
This next 1 week will be pretty fun. Party, run and Bali..that should be heaps of fun!
Ok, I just realised something after reading Derryck's blog, mine is super dull, the layout i'm talking about. His is pretty cool and very pleasant to the eyes and mine is well blrghhh... I don't really care actually bout the layout as this blog is more personal than public and I guess simplicity screams the content.
That's all for today.

Lots of love,
Siva

Shoes

As most of my close friends know, I'm a huge fans of shoes precisely sneakers but that love is slowly deteriorating tho. I blame it on maturity! haha
Well, I ain't gonna talk about sneakers but running shoes! I don't love running shoes but I really really love my running shoes, not cos it's some dope pair but the fact that it's been through alot with me. I personally have an emotional relationship with my trainers( aka running shoes). I was once fat and that was my only training item I used from the time I was fat till now all the friggin time. It shared all my sweat, aches, and emotional turmoil. Most runners have a special love for their trainers I realised and now I know why. Actually I was gonna get to my point which is well, my running shoes is ripping apart and the sole is wearing off=(( It's pretty sad that I will have to change it soon=((
There's two sides to it tho. Even though I really love that shoe but there's many new running shoes in the market currently and they're really awesome when it comes to technology but still=((
Have to start researching running shoes soon

Lots of love,
Siva

p.s
If my trainers go missing, I WILL cry,seriously.

Funny how things work out

Let me explain the title. When I started this blog I was so sure that I will constantly blog as I have tons to write, whether it is for me or the readers but after a couple of entries it started getting slower and eventually stopped. I can explain tho, WORK!!haha
Well, I work from 6 am till 6pm and since the place is pretty far from my house, I have to get up pretty early and carbo-load!lol. 4 am precisely, and by the time i get back from work it's about 7 pm so yeah it's pretty tiring. I did squeeze in runs and gym tho but I know it wasn't enough. On the bright side, tomorrow will be my last day working as the SUKMA ends tomorrow. Got back from work early today, 3 pm and had some food then went for a run and then gym. Pretty happy that I did that today and I have to make up in the next couple of days. Run's next weekend, pretty psyched tho! First half-marathon baby!
That's all for today

Lots of love,
Siva

Day 9-work!

Work?
Well, started working today with a catering company as a part-timer for the Sukma till the 20th. Work today is from 12pm to 12am. Crazy tiring tho. Obviously, no training today and I guess I have to start adjusting work, training and rest to excel in all. Tomorrow I'll be changing to 6qm till 6pm, at least there's time for gym. Exhausted and I need to sleep. Nite!

Lots of love,
Siva

Day 8

Today is sorta my "rest" day. To be honest, that wasn't my intention in the morning. Got up at 8 and had to tell Salem, my Saudi friend that I won't be joining him later as I was too sleepy=)
Zahir then called at like 8.30 asking whether I'll be going for the Mr. Melaka. Got up later at 9, bathed and had breakfast and headed to Klebang for the Mr. Melaka competition to support couple of friends who are joining from the gym. Competition wasn't too bad with couple of guys with really good bodies. Unfortunately a friend of mine, Shahrul only placed 4th even though personally I thought he deserved better. Other friends placed in the top 10 mostly. Bout 11 plus Ieft for gym with a hungry stomach and headed to a nearby bakery for some bread then to the gym. Wanted to do RPM but just don't know why, wasn't in the mood and did only for 8 mins and I stopped. Was really contemplating wether to train or head home.. Decided then to do chest at least. Supersetted my routines and was done in record time and headed back. Got back and had chicken rice then followed my parents to a wedding and was back in by 3.30. Took a nap till bout 6=) and that meant I accidentally skipped my intended long run for the day=((
Oh btw, I got sorta a job working for a catering company from my dad's friend's company. Was suppose to meet him at 8.30 pm for dinner and hence I went to Mydin where he owns a cafe there. We chatted and I am going to start work tomorrow. It's pretty difficult now tho juggling work, running and gym altogether but I'll try my hardest!
So I guess tomorrow onwards my blog will be pretty widespread covering more things and hopefully I love this job! Wish me luck!

Lots of love,
Siva

Day 7

It's been a week of training, how do I feel? Fatigued! haha.. well for most parts, I always feel extremely tired after a workout session. Running is becoming very much my solitude and it gets easier to pick up the shoes even though the whole legs just wanna give up. Hit the gym at 11 plus today with a short 20 mins RPM followed by biceps training. Was really tired today so motivation wasn't at a high but because I was training with a friend I had to keep up too. Did some clean and press after that, cardio and that was it. Went back, had a big lunch and slept. Decided to go for a run as the workout was rather dissatisfactory. Went to a local running track and just did a light 5k before it got too dark. Went back and rested. That's all for today

Lots of love,

Siva

Day 6!

Got up at like 10 cos firstly, I stayed up pretty late watching the women's semi's and secondly, my body really needed to rest. Was welcomed with a sweet sore on my quads, hams, inner, calves and feet. Mom needed to use the car so I skipped going at 11 and only left at 2. Train for friggin 4 hours straight! Record time today. Started with 1 hour RPM, then the skier and then to the weights. Did my shoulders, bulked, dropped and supersetted to avoid getting bigger and slower. Then did my tri's and then abs, obliques and light legs to really stretch the calves and get the flow of lactic acid slower. By the time I was done, I swear I could've just slept on the friggin floor. Went back, had dinner and just rested. Plan to hit the sack early today as the constant yawning is pretty irritating!=)

That's all for today

Lots of love,

Siva

Day 5

Today is my run day. Got up at 6 and had breakfast. Normally I don't take breakfast and run on an empty stomach in the morning because in the morning, our insulin level is at the lowest therefore the body will burn stored fats as energy. But because I'm training for distance and speed, I need to carbo-load in the morning to be energized. Had whole grain cereal for breakfast and headed out. Run for approx 13km and I was out. Crap tired and seriously thirsty, kinda dissapointed tho that I didn't complete the route I intended to cover but hey, I don't wanna overtrain and it's a journey I need to get better at everyday. Was pretty tired after that and wanted to head out to the gym at 10plus but my dad gave a talk so I decided to go there and just listen. Was at home till the evening and only went to the gym at 6plus. A friend of mine, Zahir was gonna give an RPM class at 7 and since today is gonna be pretty intensed, I jumped in and swayed away from the weight training. Pedaled for bout an hour and we finished. It isn't as simple as it sounds tho, our heart rate is constantly more than 150 and goes up to 220 pretty often. That was all for the day, went back, watched French Open and slept. It was awesome to rest the feet after a hard day=)

Lots of love,

Siva

Day 4

Well I didn't go for a run in the morning as there was lighting so yeah, that's my excuse to jump back in bed=) and I literally did that!haha...

Got up again at about 9 plus, had breakfast and got ready for gym as a friend suppose to pick me up. Did RPM today with a more intense routine for 30 mins and we were out. Took quite sometime to get ready for the weights. Supposed to do only abs today but because a friend wanted to do chest, I followed. After chest, we were quite drained but continued with abs and obliques and we seriously hit gas after that. Cooled down and went back. Went for a movie in the evening and just relaxed. Kinda dissapointed that there wasn't running today as I really need to run and get prep myself. Did my body test and my current weight is 77.7 kg, body fat% is 21.3% and metabolism rate is 7313 J. My body fat% is still pretty high and my aim is approx 15%.

That's all for today.

Lots of love,

Siva

Day 3!

Well for starter I did in fact get up at 6 but my legs were so sore from the previous day running and tabata squats that I decided to headed back to bed=)

Got up back at like 9 plus and had some oats and watched tennis. Headed to the gym at about 12 with a couple of friends and today's workout? RPM and the arms.

Most people do their RPM training a couple times a week as it is pretty intense but because I have a friend in the gym who does super intense RPM every single day, I jumped in the wagon of doing RPM as my warm up.

Today's RPM was pretty gruelling as we kinda hit it up a notch and crank the control like crazy.

We then started our biceps training followed by triceps and we were done. By the time we finished, I was crazy tired, arms were literally gonna pour out with lactic acid! Headed back and slept!

Oh btw, there's change to my plan as I will not be joining the Men's Health run as it's on the 31st July and I'll be back in Labuan. But I'll be joining the KL Marathon 2010 on the 27th of June for the 21KM kinda pain but I'll try! Wish me luck!

That's all for today.

Lots of love,

Siva

Day 2

Today is a good day.

It started off at 6.30 am with an interval training at 7 till about 8.15 am. Interval training is extremely useful to lose weight and get faster for a distance of about 5 to 10 km.

Interval training is basically done with well, intervals of course! It is started with a high intensity,fast sprint for a certain distance and then rest with a short walk and then continue with the sprint and so on.

I choose to do it without using a timed system but more to a distance version, I sprint about 80 metres and do a 40 metres walk and continue for about 5 km on a flat surface. Interval training really cranks up your heart rate and thus increasing your metabolism rate to enter fat burning mode.

Nothing beats starting the day with a good interval session!

Came back and had a shower and had breakfast, eggs and oats. Basically it was whey protein which is very important to repair the muscle tissues and aid recovery. Whole grain is also very useful when losing weight as it keeps the stomach full on a longer time span as it is more difficult to breakdown compared to simple carbs.

Headed to the gym at 11 and did RPM training. RPM training is cycling on a stationary bicycle, very similar to a racing bike with an interval styled cycling technique. I adjust the difficulity based on the music I hear. Trust me, RPM really burns a ton of calories!

Trained my back and abs today. Supersetted my back exercises to keep my heart rate high and burn fats and also really shape and define the muscles.

Supersetting is when 2 exercises is done continuously after each other to shape and define the muscles and also burn fats.

I then supersetted my abs and obliques exercises to build up my core muscles for a stronger and more stable body.

That was basically my training for the day. Came back and had a 2 hour nap as I was burned!

That's my take for the day

Lots of love,

Siva

champion of mind

It's always been a question I ask myself when my favourite bodybuilder poses on the stage, my favourite runner dashes in a race and my favourite fighter KO's his opponent or in short when athletes perform at his/her best as to what motivates them to achieve such greatness and the motivation behind every successful training sessions.

I quote my favourite bodybuilder, Kai Greene as he often uses the saying "champion of mind" as the key to achieving greatness. It is very true though and it's very obvious during a training session. Weight training is all about me versus myself and how much you really wanna push yourself. This sort of all or nothing attitude starts with a strong, focused and goal-orientated mind. The mind can be the greatest weapon if utilized properly or can turn out to be a huge obstacle that most can't break through.

Motivation comes from various sources, whether it's a goal, competition, money or just personal satisfaction. For a person like me, obviously money is not what I'm looking for in achieving what I set out to do. I find great pleasure in breaking out of my comfort zone and really pushing myself and just take a step back and look at what I'm doing and how much I've gone. As what Kai Greene said, if you can go to the gym day or night, rain or shine, motivated or unmotivated, pushing yourself to your absolute best, in due time, you WILL create a body so fulfilling, every drop of sweat and every blood shed becomes an investment worth millions.

Btw, Kai Greene isn't the only motivation I use in training, there's many others. I will blog about them in time. That's all for now.

Lots of love,

Siva

Day 1

Ok well, I kinda have outlined my goals.

My fitness goal I've set a date of 16 July 2010 that is a day before I return to Labuan.

I've decided to join the Men's Health Night Run 2010 which is at the end of June so if anybody wants to join me, I'd be glad to have a partner.

I guess the title gives away that OBVIOUSLY today is the first day of my training. Before I start entering the details, I have been actually training this last 1 month here but of course, it wasn't satisfactory to me and the diet is way off. Speaking of diet, alot of people really underestimate the importance of diet and that is why most people, even with proper training, do not achieve the results the want to. In achieving a fitness goal set, 70% of the achievement comes from the diet and only 30% from the training I must add.

After sometime, today I started getting up at 6 for my morning run only to be greeted with a heavy downpour which left me pretty ticked off. I hate even going to the gym if its raining as it gets pretty cold and call me old-schooled, but i just love training with that burning sun over my head or heating up the gym.

Ate clean today as I didn't wanna jeopardise my time in gym as I know crappy food=crappy training.

Stayed at home till evening as the rain didn't stop and only left for gym at 4 with my dad as he wanted to sweat out a little. Did my shoulders today, delts specifically and some abs.

Kept it high paced with medium high reps and moderate weights for that shape and cut.

As we all know, heavy weight and lower reps is for bulking and lighter weights and more reps for cutting,shaping and defining.

Came back about 6 pm, and watched roland garros.

No runs today, but I promise to amp up my training tomorrow.

That's all for today.

Lots of love,

Siva

first post baby

After years of procastination and debate, I finally decided to start a blog. Suddenly I feel like a virgin! Don't ask... Well, I decided to start one probably 5 minutes ago and it's 1.15 a.m now. That's me, perfectly organized=)

One thing I realised when I read most of my friends blogs is that they almost always mention that the blog is gonna be boring in their first post and whether that is the fact, I guess it all depends. But I for one know that this blog IS gonna be pretty dull. Seriously,period. That's probably because I started this to basically create a journal for:

1. My journey to 15% body fat and 6 packs

2. Training I plan to start for running and marathon competition

3. Muay thai training

4. Get a tad bit smarter=)

So, basically this blog is about ME challenging myself (expect for no. 4 of course, i'm not stupid!lol)

That's it for today and i'll update tomorrow on my training schedule for my 15% and my run that I plan to compete.

Lots of love,

Siva