IPPT/Cardio/Shoes

IPPT

Had to retake my IPPT before my birthday, failed running as usual. Booked a test for August 8 at Maju Camp. Really need to work on cardio every two days and strength conditioning in between. Crunches, pushups, lunges, and stair-climbing are in order.

Cardio

Took a tumble while jogging today, it happened near the end of my 20 min run. The running track had ruptured where a tree root had grown underneath. My foot caught on the protruding section of track as it was taking off.

Landed first on my right hand (badly scraped) and rolled over on my left shoulder (bleeding but the skin did not break). The guy next to me just took one glance and went back to minding his own business. (So much for caring Singaporeans, I guess.)

Getting up, I examined my now bleeding right palm and looked over my scratched left shoulder, brushing off the sand and gravel on my left arm.

Deciding that the little bleeding was not going to kill me, I decided to complete my intended 20 minutes on the track. I managed to run another round, sprinting past the accident spot until the end of the straight stretch, by which my stop watch was at 21 minutes.

I didn't really expect that I can keep jogging for 20 minutes straight, but I guess slowing down the pace helps. I would try to extend it to 25 minutes and then to 30 minutes the next two times.

Shoes

Got a new pair of Hush Puppies (at 20% discount). Being highly traumatised from my experience with tight-fitting shoes (those that feel fine when you first wear them and then kills you near the end of the day), I was extremely skeptical when the salesgirl gave me size (EUR) 41 and even suggested that I try 40!

I agreed that 42 was too large, but I still have reservations about size 41. They feel and walk fine in the shop, but I really don't know what will happen after I have been wearing them and walking around for the whole day.

She managed to sell me a box of shoe cream/grease for polishing my new shoes (because I asked). I hurriedly paid for the items and got out of the shop before she started to sell me socks, insoles, etc.

After comparing with my existing pair of Polo shoes, the Hush Puppies are SLIGHTLY larger. Hope this pair of Hush Puppies wears nicely.

Commencement

Phew! Finally graduated from the Master's program! I was presented on the first day of Commencement week. Security was airtight. MM Lee and PM Lee where present. Their arrivals were not announced.

I would say they overdid the programme. The graduands had to sit through 3 hours of proceedings for their 10 seconds of exposure on stage. The bulk of the time was taken up by talks, accolades, and lectures by VIPs, and a choir presentation. (I want to go toilet!)

Me, right after the ceremony. (Courtesy of Matty)



Class of SMACS2005/2006.




With Juliana and Esther after collecting our SMA certificates.

Graduation

SMA Spring 2006 results are out; this is my best semester ever, including my undergraduate days. Will successfully graduate with my MS(CS) on July 6, 2006.

I've managed to achieve a respectable overall result for the whole course. Have something nice to embellish my resume with as well - a nice surprise. The effort I have put in has been worth it. I hereby thank my family and relatives for their support, encouragement and tolerance during this past year. Thanks also to all the classmates who have so selflessly rendered their assistance, participated in discussion, provided encouragement, etc. Do we only get to meet in the classroom and not outside?

Will post photos of the commencement ceremony when I get the chance.

Starting work on July 10, 2006. But I wanna watch the world cup finals!