Counting days

On 31st Oct 2012, it is my 1128th day here.

Kudos to me for working and staying in a place for more than three years.

And approximately 158 days ago, my father was diagnosed with renal cancer. 

When we got the news, we thought things will be ok. "He will make it through, like he always do".

I mean, he survived a heart attack two years ago. His diabetes was getting better.

But he didn't survive the cancer. It was too much for his aging body.

110 days ago, my father passed away peacefully at home.

Al Fatihah.

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Update: Installing and Testing Windows 8

For those planning to test Windows 8, just be sure that you have the time to reinstall your operating system (just in case).
Gentle reminder: After a few weeks on Windows 8, my laptop went kaput:
- unable to boot
- blank screen

Okay, so my experience with Windows 8 (consumer preview) was not entirely pleasant. This is consistent with the risks mentioned in the windows website (like duh!) hahaha..

Anyway, Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for download at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download

Please ensure that you read the risks of installing the operating system (available at the FAQ section)


For a better and detailed review on Windows 8, you can visit CNET.

Summary:

Despite the problems with the consumer preview software, I must admit, Windows 8 is faster than Windows 7. I look forward for the commercial release.

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Post Mortem? Energizer Night Race 2012, Sepang Circuit, Malaysia

Congrats! #38 out of 600 (for women open category)

Highlights:

Yes, finished the run in 1hour 52 minutes!

Thoughts on the race? I love the race! The weather was great, the organizer was excellent, everything's awesome.


Will I join next year?
Yes, if I am not too busy with work/family.

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Race Kit for Energizer Night Race 2012

My race kit has arrived! Yay! Thanks Hooha.asia and ENR2012 team.

So, as you can see from the photo:

• 1 piece of Brooks running vest (I love the tagline at the back: 'that's positive energy');
• 1 set of 4 safety pins;
• 1 piece of timing chip;
• Bib number: G3011 with my name and emergency contact number;
• Race guide;
• Brooks voucher (worth RM120)
• Salonpas voucher (RM5 discount)
• Free sample of Salonpas patch
• 1 KIWANIS pin

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Installing and Testing Windows 8 (Consumer Preview)

The geeky side of me wants to blog today. Hahaha.

You see, last weekend, my laptop went kaput. (Thanks to Adam)

I couldn't find the Windows 7 installer and remembered someone mentioned about Win 8 trial. So I thought I should give it a try:

1. I downloaded the ISO file from Windows website. If you're reading this blog as a reference/guide, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirement (also available at the website). Fortunately, my almost five year old laptop is good to go!
2. Burn the ISO image (approximately 2.5G). I used free ISO burner for windows - just google and download (updated on 21st May 2012: you can use the live USB creator from Fedora Project -it's a free and reliable open source software)
3. Switch on the laptop and insert the DVD. Sounds good so far?

You see, the first challenge was my DVD wasn't working. Ahah! I knew this ain't gonna be that easy! If you have the same problem, solutions available:

• download the DVD driver from God knows where (need to identify manufacturer details etc and then google for the DVD driver). I wasn't even sure if the DVD is working, at all.

or take the much easier route:

• copy the ISO image into a bootable USB instead - easier for me (I used a Bootable USB utility - which can be downloaded from the internet)

I only have a 2G USB drive (which is pathetic, I know).
So I borrowed Zizi's 8G USB drive. (Thanks Zizi! You're awesome)

Now, with the Win 8 Bootable USB, continue with the installation:

1. Switch on the laptop and insert the USB drive
2. Make sure you boot from the USB drive (check your BIOS settings)
3. First you'll see the cute betta fish (I mean, betta for beta testing? That's cool)
4. Then, just continue with the usual windows installation process; click 'Install now', select the language and click next, enter the product key (get the key from the windows download page)
5. At window setup, you're gonna have to choose: upgrade or custom installation. I chose custom installation as my previous win 7 went kaput (beyond repair - trust me I tried! plus I don't have the win 7 installer). Don't choose custom installation if you do not have backup.
6. Choose the partition to install, then wait as windows being installed on your computer. (Note: patience is virtue)
7. Once completed, the computer will restart. I forgot about the USB drive still attached, hence I had to do the whole process again. Haha. After completing the installation, don't forget to eject the USB drive.
8. Continue with the usual setting up of your computer, name your computer etc.

First impression of the operating system (OS):

• Really cool and colorful
• User friendly - I picked up the GUI easily
• Installed a USB modem with ease and able to go to internet without any problems (so far so good)
• Loving the store app! I can see this as a great OS for touch screen computers.

In short, I am enjoying this preview. Will update more on usability and other productivity stuff. Excitement is in the air!

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Review: Brooks Glycerin 9

I went to Infinity Sports House(Level 4), The Mines, Seri Kembangan last Wednesday. Don't go looking for the directory because somehow they are hopeless (except for the directory on the 4th floor)

Summary of my visit, running shoes available - I tried on Asics Gel Nimbus, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Glycerin 9 and a few others. If this is a blind date, Brooks gave a really good first impression.

But I didn't buy the shoes at the Mines (which made all the above information seemed insignificant and pointless, haha!). Anyway, went back to Ipoh and bought Brooks Glycerin at Jusco for MYR399 (after discount).

My opinion / review on Brooks Glycerin:

• very comfortable, cushy feeling
• would be helpful if they are lighter
• performance wise; I don't know why, I get tired easily with Brooks (probably the weight)

I tried running on barefoot, in terms of distance, I could run further and I don't get tired easily.
I tried on all other shoes I have; Reebok classic, Puma, Adidas, Brooks and also tried running on barefoot. Whenever I reach the 3 km mark, my right foot (big toe area) hurts. I am guessing it must be the way I run or maybe my right foot is not built to run (sob sob..) Will have to see a doctor or physiotherapist or specialist to get a proper diagnosis / advice.
Wish me luck on training for the Energizer Night Race.

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Training for Half Marathon

The Energizer Night Race 2012 would be my first half marathon ever!

I have registered for the 15.5km category. I know it isn't exactly a half marathon but close enough (I think).

Yesterday I went for 7km run. It was a challenge.
The game plan is to gradually add the distance (good luck!)

CHECKLIST:

New pair of running shoes (X)
Remember the Adizero?
Update 17/03/2012: I bought a new pair of Brooks Glycerine.

Training schedule (X)
Good news is; I do have a training schedule.
This week, I am planning to reach the 7km and 9km mark.
Maybe go for 3 runs in a week.
Less training, more distance.
At the end of the training, hopefully I can run for 15.5km without passing out.

Home made organic isotonic drink (X)
Found a great recipe that I'm gonna try this week.
Will only share here once proven they are good (and most importantly, not hazardous! Haha).
Update: tried the recipe, not working out. I guess I should continue with 100plus.

Waistbelt (for Hydration pack)
This is expensive (so I heard)
Don't even know where to buy this here.
Still contemplating but keeping it in my checklist just in case.
Thinking of a custom made hydration pack.

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UNITEN Charity Run 2012

Finished 16th (Open Female Category) in 36minutes

Details of my run (with map, distance, altitude, pace etc), please refer here (via endomondo)

Congratulations & kudos to the organiser, Da-Bayou (a voluntary group, in case you're wondering), comprised of UNITEN Preparatory Program for Excellent Students (PPES 2011/12) students, UNITEN, volunteers, sponsors and all the participants.

My sister and I had so much fun during the run.

I think it probably has something to do with the medal. Tehehe...

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Review: Adidas Adizero Training Shoes

I bought a new pair of training shoes last month.
So, okay, I guess I wasn't thinking straight when I bought the shoes. Haha.

After trying like my 5th pair, I decided to google for running shoes reviews (via my mobile, and yes, at the store).
*Note: Still thinking straight at the moment.

"Do you have Nike LunarGlide in store?" I asked the salesgirl (thank you fellow runners for the online review!)

"Sorry, out of stock..  Just a few days ago.." And she was saying something about calling the other stores and check if they have them in stock.

I wasn't paying attention, thinking about my meeting the next morning and how it's almost impossible to go to the other stores etc.
*Note: Slowly, the anxiousness and laziness kicked-in. Thinking somewhat straight?

So after trying another 5 pair of shoes, I decided to give Adizero Training Shoes a try.
I walked around the store. Enjoying how the shoes fit my feet well.

RM 299.
*Note: Definitely not thinking straight.


You see, I love running. So training shoes for running is a really bad idea.
Tell that to my aching feet when I went for a run earlier.
It was less than 1km and I felt my toes aching. I think it has something to do with the fact that most Adidas shoes has this tapered front - which is not suitable for me.

So I gave the shoes to my sister.

"I am sorry it didn't work out, Adizero.."

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Thank you note (okay, maybe it should've been 'Thank you post' instead!)

Thanks for making my day!

• Eli
• K.Lang
• Aan
• Syaza
• Apan
• Mak
• Anis
• K.Ainy
• Aini
• A.Mara
• Ida
• Azi 
• Fatin
• Mamas
• Ami
• Ili
• Azrina
• Imah
• Jda
• Yasser

Hope I didn't miss anyone :)

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I love android and endomondo

Have I told you lately that I love you? (Yes, I have that song in my head ever since I use Android!)

I had Nokia E72 (been superb by the way!)
But Samsung Galaxy with Android is better than superb.
Yes, you may need time to get use to the user interface etc, but once you get the hang of it, you probably won't miss your old phone.


Android is free for all - what's there not to love?
I like endomondo because I love running. Endomondo automatically track all my sports activities and monitor my performance.

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