Week 11 of 12 (Borneo 09)

Total mileage: 51.8km in 5 days

Mon: 19km barefoot

Wed: 7.6km { 800m up, 2.4km - 9:15, 1.6km - 6:24, 400m down, 2.4km BF - 10:28)

Fri: 9.1km barefoot

Sat: 9.1km barefoot

Sun: 7km barefoot

Started the week with a crazy run at 1330hrs, the furthest I have ever run barefoot under such warm conditions. Very sore feet and some small blisters just between my calluses on the balls of feet and toes. Glad I brought cash along for 2 cans of 100plus on the way back.

Decided to run the full marathon barefoot. Reasons: -

1. I don't have any shoes in decent condition to run the distance and don't see the point in buying a pair just for the race. Doing so is just another obstacle in transitioning ASAP.

2. I cannot get a pair of KSO's on time and just as well. Minimalist footwear will just hamper my transitioning.

3. Trying to kill myself by hoping to run 3:00 in shoes so soon does not do justice to why I run in the first place. I run because I have finally learnt to enjoy running. Running barefoot adds on to the joy and is an insurance policy that will probably allow me to continue running to a ripe old age.

4. I might or might not finish the race in a satisfactory time, but I strongly believe I will finish it running all the way. And if it takes me more than 4 hours to complete it, so be it.

Wish me luck.

Caught a cold again the second time in 2 weeks, so I have to watch my resistance level this week. But the good thing is I recovered within one day on both occasions. Running certainly has improved my body's ability to recover faster.

Uncommon Man

I choose not to be a common man. Me, it's my right to be uncommon if I can.

I'll seek opportunity, not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen-humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk, to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I'll refuse to live from hand to mouth.

I'll prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence.

The thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.

I will never cower before any master nor bend to any friend.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid, to think and act for myself and face the world boldly and say,

"This I have done."

Week 10 of 12 (Borneo 09)

Total mileage: 48.7km in 4 days

Mon: -

Tues: 19.6km barefoot

Wed: 11.2km barefoot

Thurs: Swim, Pull-ups, Sit-ups

Fri: 9.1km shod

Sat: 8.8km {800m up, 3 x 2.4km 5min intervals(9:16, 9:33, 9:45) 800m down.}

Caught a cold on Monday, left calf strain on Wednesday.

Barefoot 800m down on Saturday. Feeling good for a 4th sub 10min set, but decided to let go after 400m @ 1:25 as the calves felt tired and full of lactic acid.

I would say I have begun my tapering early with 3 weeks before the race due to a history of falling sick on race day when I was younger.

Week 9 of 12 (Borneo 09)

Total mileage: 85.2km in 5 days

Mon: 19.6km barefoot

Tues: 19.6km barefoot

Wed: 19.6km barefoot

Thurs: Pull ups, Abs, Swim

Fri: 11.4km [1.2km up, {4 x 2.4km (5min intervals) 10:12, 10:11, 9:50, 10:14}, 600m down]

Sat: 15km barefoot

Week 8 of 12 (Borneo 09)

Total mileage: 71.7km in 6 days

Mon

AM: 9.6km {4 x 2.4km(5mins interval) 10:20, 10:31, 10:23, 10:39}

PM: 10.5km barefoot

Tues: 10.5km barefoot

Wed: 7.2km {3 x 2.4km(5mins interval) 10:22, 10:31, 10:59!@#$}

Thurs: 11.2km barefoot

Fri: 8km {800m warm-up, 3 x 2.4km(5mins interval) 10:04, 10:08, 10:08}

Sat: 14.7km barefoot

Got to keep my intervals below 10:30 the next time round. Strong finishes for 10kms on Mon and Tues. Was overtaken by this thin caucasian guy on Tuesday and decided to follow him. Well, at least for quite awhile. When we were side by side for some time, he remarked "You are good!". I replied " You too!". 2mins later, my soles just could'nt take the speed anymore and I fell back. I reckon he should be of a 3hr marathon level.

Weak on Wednesday and feeling the strain on right calf and right quads due to racing with a stranger on Tuesday.

Managed to run on Saturday despite a stomach upset since Friday night, but did not want to push it. Overall a decent week and I am happy.