Little Blessings...

My first session of the day was with a 8yr old boy who has been having therapy sessions with for about 6 months now. He needed some help in his co-ordination and motor skills. We had one track session to help him orientate and work on his running. Last week he tried out for his school's sports day in 100m, 200m, and 300m. He came in first in all 3 heats. It is such a joy to see him succeed. We all have gifts and talents... Sometimes we just need that little help to unveil those gifts/talents. He has also been chosen to run in the 4 x 100m relay team. Needless to say, he is excited and very happy. We had another track session today to work on his running form and technique. He has made tremendous improvements. It was a joy to stand back and watch him run. We could potentially have a talented runner in the making =o)

The second session was with two 7yr old girls who had to learn to play co-operatively to achieve the goals set for them. They learned that by being fault finders (pointing out each other's faults) was not getting them anywhere. I taught them to be love finders (pointing out each other's strengths and praise each other) and to encourage each other. As soon as they began to be love finders, they achieved their goals almost immediately. The power of being a love finder and encouragement.

The third session was my third therapy session with a 3yr old boy. We had two very difficult sessions before. During our first session, he gave me 5mins of his time and attention and cried the rest of the time and would have nothing to do with me after. On our second session, he cried initially and then we spent about 15-20mins working on certain skills. Today was amazing, we spent 45mins working on his co-ordination and motor skills. He listened and followed instructions. At times, he did not respond to the instructions immediately but he did eventually after about 1 minute. We had a short melt down period after the 45mins as he was understandably tired. I look forward to our next session to assist him in correcting his co-ordination and motor skills more.

What a day it has been and I'm only half-way through the day!! =o) It's a beautiful day!

Longest Ride Ever Alone!

Started the day with a short early morning bike ride. I had to be at work early so I couldn't ride the usual route with the group. Anyway, we rode together at the start and then I 'peeled' away half-way. It was the longest ride I've ever done alone. I think it was only about 18-20km but it sure felt longer. The whole way through, I reminded myself to breath and keep calm. There were lots of big trunks and buses zooming by me. There were of course instances where trunks and buses will for some strange and unknown reason come close to try to intimidate me when the other lanes were free and empty. I always find it amazing what cheap thrill people have by doing such things. What if something fatal happens? Such actions are so uncalled for. And it is a lose-lose situation for everyone. Why can't we be gracious and giving on the roads? There is enough space for everyone on the road.

What does it say about the person if he says, "Guess what? I was in my car/trunk/bus this morning and I sped up close to intimidate and overtook a lady on her bicycle!??!!" Not much does it? So do think again the next time you intend to speed up to intimidate a cyclist, or worse, try to drive him or her off the road.

Am always grateful whenever I complete a bike ride =o)

Fitness & Conditioning

Today was our 8th Fitness & Conditioning session. The sessions have proven to be beneficial to the Fifth Ray runners. Not only do the runners have toned muscles and bodies to prove it, they have also been clocking better run times. Being physically stronger has enabled the runners to push themselves further and closer to their own limits. A BIG Thank You to our Fitness & Conditioning, Chong, who is designing the effective conditioning programme for the runners.

Swim Like No Other

Today I had a swim experience like no other. It was the first time I have guided anyone in the open sea, let alone my friend, Meng Ee, who is visually challenged. Despite being visually challenged, Meng Ee was determined to participate in the upcoming biathlon on 13th March. I thought to myself, if Meng Ee is willing to put himself up for the challenge, the rest of us who are sighted and able really have no excuse. All of us are given gifts/talents and what we do with them is entirely up to us.

I admire Meng Ee for his determination so when he approached me to be his guide, I said yes without hesitation. Of course after I had agreed to be his guide, there were lots of anxiety as I haven't swam for about a year. I was frantically trying to squeeze in as many swim sessions as I could amidst my busy work schedule. I had to get started to get my swim up to speed again. To be honest, swimming has never been my forte to begin with. So I had lots of swimming to do. To top it all, Meng Ee represents Singapore in swimming for disability sports (*sweat*sweat*). So you can see how much catching up I have to do! But Meng Ee has been very kind. He has been swimming at my pace and told be me that he was in no hurry. Hence, I told him that I will help him catch up on swim time lost during the run =op

We have had a few practice swims together in the pool before today. However, when we were out in the open sea, all our big plans and systems went out the window. The cloudy and milky sea water made it impossible for me to see the glow wrist-sticks we had around his wrists. I could only identify him by his swim cap.

I was his eyes in the open sea to help him navigate round the course and around other swimmers. It was tough initially as we had to manage the currents and circumvent the buoys and swimmers, particularly, those swimming breast stroke. After a couple of loops, we had a better grip of swimming in the open sea amidst other swimmers allowing me to guide Meng Ee better. We were swimming along side each other more comfortably during the last few loops. It was a good opportunity for us to work out a system between us and we have David who organised the swim session to thank.

We are ready for race day! So do look out for Meng Ee on 13th march as it is his race =o)

Happy Lunar New Year!

Happy Lunar New Year to one and all! Trust that everyone had a well rested long weekend. I did! I really needed it. Been very busy the last few months with the programmes and the move to the new centre. The weekend was just what I needed to re-energize and re-group myself. Am all ready for the Year of the Tiger =o) We started sessions yesterday. Most of the runners were expecting an easy session because it was a public holiday. But of course, there was no slacking off. hahha... I worked and pushed them hard. Everyone ran well. One of my runners commented that since joining Fifth Ray's programme, she is always ready for the unexpected as anything and everything is possible with me. I will take it positively and strive for more surprises.

Twice A Day!

A few of us had two training sessions today. One run session in the morning and one fitness & conditioning session in the evening. One runner joked that today was the day we all 'turned' PRO. hahha... Well, we all survived to tell the day. It wasn't as bad as most had perceived it to be. We did have sufficient rest from our previous training session so we were ready to take on the challenge. I must admit that I did feel my muscles 'burn' during the conditioning session. Lots of positive self-talk had to come in to stay focused and 'push' myself to give my best during the session. I have definitely come out stronger from today's sessions, physically and mentally. Am actually looking forward to next week as I can see that with each training session I am indeed stronger. It's always exciting to see yourself make some progress, no matter how little/small.

A Productive Day

Had a long work day today. Started by day at 530am and ended at 830pm. A long day it may be but productive. I was really glad to see most of the Fifth Ray runners taking to our 530am run sessions. It helped them get to an early start to the day and not have to worry about getting to training in the evening amidst their meetings and busy schedules for the day. I must say my phone rang fewer times in the evening as fewer number of runners sms-ed me saying that they can't come for training as they are still in a meeting. Our work days are becoming increasingly unpredictable with last minute meetings as such. Hence, doing our workout in the morning helps to eliminate an additional stress in our lives that we really don't need. If you are contemplating, come join us at the track for a session and you will see what a difference it will make to the organisation of your day.

In between the two track sessions, I was back at the centre shifting things around and cleaning up. I had time because I shifted all the children's sessions to the later part of the week. The renovation went well. The contractor put into place all that I had requested for. We have a new look!! It's fantastic! As I was cleaning and organising, I could feel a sense of accomplishment and it also marks a brand new start for the New Year.

Now it's time to get down to offering more programmes... So do stay tuned =o)

There's only so much one can do...

Over the last few years and particular the last few months, I've realised that I can only do so much as a coach. Provide the best coaching, accommodate training sessions to try to suit everyone's busy schedule, be a constant motivator to inspire and be a friend. However, at the end of the day, I can only do so much to help individuals realise their dreams and goals. They have to come half the way to meet what I can provide. It is their own commitment to their own objectives and goals that matters most because no matter what I do or provide won't make a difference if they don't do their part. As a coach, I can coach and train someone as best as I can, BUT I can not run the race for them.

Not all things are cast in stone

After a month of conducting Fifth Ray's Running programme sessions for a month, we reviewed the effectiveness of our sessions. We felt that a number of the runners who have been training four times a week were feeling the toil of the training intensity above and beyond their busy lifestyles. Even though we had already scheduled our sessions on specific days, I decided to be flexible as not all things are cast in stone. Hence, I was determined to re-schedule our sessions such that our runners would attain maximum training benefits and yet have their life needs catered for concurrently. I had to go back to why I started Fifth Ray's running programme, it was to assist any one to achieve their dreams and use running as the platform to empower them attain what they thought was impossible. Showing everyone that anything is possible, we just need to do it right. No one should be left behind. So re-scheduling our sessions was the least we could do to better serve these dedicated and determined runners. Do visit www.fifthray.com for our new programme schedule.

Face Lift...

Our centre is going to have a face lift this weekend. The past few weekends have been very exciting for us. One major event after another. You may ask why didn't we have the renovations done before our move. We simply ran out of time. So I decided that we shouldn't rush into it. I wanted to be sure that any changes made were for functional and practical purposes. After conducting sessions at our new centre for the past three days, we do have a better idea of how the centre should be organised. Hence, we called the contractor in today to explain and go through our plans for the face lift. Am excited =o)

It's been a while since I've had my evenings free. So when my evening session got postponed, I explored around our centre a little more. It is amazing how we are surrounded by so much food. Every turn we make, there is either a food centre or restaurant or an eatery. I can rest assured that we will be well fed... Good or Bad remains to be seen I guess. hahaha...

We are in GEAR!

Today was our second day of operation at our new centre. It is amazing how much more space we have to move around. The children love it as they are free to run around more freely in the space. The adults wondered why each exercise had more repetitions as they move up and down the room. hahaha... We are settling in very well and the place is growing on us each day. I am just bursting with ideas on the kinds of programmes we can offer to our clients! It is very exciting times for us. Not really related, the added bonus is the number of yummy eateries near our centre. We are literally spoiled for choice.

We started the new time slot for our running session today at 530am. While most people were still asleep at that time, we were pounding the track. It was a beautiful and cool morning with the wind blowing in our faces. Some would say that we are crazy as it's too early and that we will have to get to work after. But I actually found it very empowering. I was buzzing and on a high after my run. I went to work and could totally focus on all that I had to do. I didn't have to worry that I would be too tired to run later in the day nor did I have to rush through work to make time for my run later in the day. Another plus point was that I could eat anything I wanted without having to worry if I would see it on the ground if I ran too hard =o)

To put things in perspective, most races are in the mornings too. So we are training like we want to race!! Clever? I'll leave you to decide on that =o)