I can run, lah!

I am never the person at who signs up for work social events, but having moved to Singapore and trying new things this year I signed up for the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge held in Singapore on 19 April 2012 at 6pm.

The run is an annual series of 5.63 km road footrace owned and operated by JP Morgan Chase, with an intended focus on promoting "fitness in the workplace". Teams are organized by company or organization, and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation makes charitable donations proportional to the number of participants.

Dineish enjoys running and I consider him a seasonal runner, who trains religiously and competes in at least 2 marathons and several other events during the year. So with that hanging over my head, I often find myself in a awkward position when people assume I'm a regular too. But here's the thing, I can't run for peanuts!

When we were going out early on in our relationship, Dineish once told me he would love for us to be that couple who go on runs together and enjoy being fit. That has always stuck in my head. He does so much for me and having passed my CA, I thought now is a good time to try these new things and give back to him. I'm glad I tried :) Although, I bought his average time down by a fair bit and I am so lucky to have ran next to him every step of the way!

Training regime

I signed up through my company with 40 others and eagerly awaited for the big day. I didn't know how others would fair on the day, but during lunch I notice many of them ducking away to the gym for their workouts. I did nothing. Well actually, a month before the event one night after work Dineish and I went for an evening 'run' and I could barely do more than 200m! That was it and that one nught was all I had to go off - at that rate I bet you I would still be out there 12 hours later, haha!! I secretly set my target to beat the grandma at work because she told everyone she was walking...

I have a fairly good diet and have lost about 4kgs having moved to Singapore, so I thought I looked good when trying to run in front of the mirror in my Infor t-shirt.

On the day

I drank plenty of water and had rice and fish for lunch; carb-loading is essential to last these runs so I am told. I snacked on fruits and around 4:30pm I went and got changed before the ladies' got packed with all the excited aunties in the office! I didn't know how to mentally prepare, let alone physically and got really nervous because I started imaging myself passing out or giving up during the course. I messaged Dineish and told him where to meet and joined my excited team down stairs to walk over to the Esplanade where the start line was.

Infor before the run

At the start

Walking over I realized the entire island got into this, so many people in company t-shirts everywhere. It was organized chaos and everyone was pumped. I could hear the running music getting louder and really work me up. I have been to so many events to cheer on Dineish, but I tell you its NOT the same as competing/participating. My blood was rushing and I, for the first time, thought to myself, why I never got into this earlier. The excitement was overwhelming and if you know me, I get excited and walk around with an amazed face. I really enjoyed the moment!

Once we joined the thousand of other red bid runners (who are apart of the professional category), I was like OMGosh, this is really happening! I'm going to run with all these hardcores and never ran any faster than I did back at primary during cross country training (I was always with the last group). After some more cheesy group photos, I casually ditched my team to find Dineish and that was a mission on its own. I thought I wouldn't find him because there was so many people I couldn't spot him anywhere!! About 20 mins before the start, I saw Dineish walking towards me and I was so relieved. Thinking back now, I know I wouldn't have achieved the time I did if he wasn't there pushing me along.

We found each other - my bib - sea of runners - me!

GO!

It took almost 2 mins to pass the starting line and the first km was bearable, I could keep up with crown and mainly Dineish. The expected bottle-necks around corners and pavements gave me time to catch my breath, but after that my legs started to give way having not trained before and forgetting to stretch before the race :|

As we jogged slowly passed the first water station to the 2km mark, the first guy was on his way back to the finish line (all within about 18 mins). That guy was still running as though this was literally a walk the the park, breathing through his nose and a constant stride. I on the other hand resorted to the walk some run a bit approach, breathing heavily and stopped talking to Dineish because otherwise I would die of suffocation, lol!!

The next 2 k's were worse, because my legs started feeling like jelly and I just could run any more than a few metres at a time. I found it difficult watching the returning runner who passed the turn around point because I couldn't believe I still had to make my way towards it before actually coming back down this path again. But believe it or not, there were thousands of others behind me and many along side me battling or going at my pace. I thought that I would give up at this point, but I was surprised at how my mind told me I could keep going. If I trained just a little bit, I am sure my legs wouldn't feel as bad - honestly, that is all I think I need to do! Its amazing how you're body can react in such unusual situations. I also think that the atmosphere itself is motivation to keep at it; all the people, supporters, music and the fact that every step is only going to get you closer to the finish is all you need! I am never going to be a record holder, or even someone who does this distance in less than 30 mins, but I think this will motivate me to stay fit for my family and myself. It will give me confidence in achieving other things I think I can't.

Me at half way, make up still stayed - Dineish leading the way

Dineish was the best running partner for me. It didn't bother him that he wasn't running with people at his pace (he would be around the sub-30 mark for sure), he was really happy to be running with me. I felt so bad and told him to run off, but secretly I wanted him by my side. I hope I for filled his dream to run with his wife and we do it again!

Thanks again babe for introducing me to these fun runs xx

Last 400m

When we turned into the finishing strip, Dineish told me only 400m to go and boy looking at the finish line that was the longest 400m I have ever seen!! To be honest, I don'think I even knew what 400m looked like until that day. I drive a lot and 1 km in the car is nothing, but on foot...!!? I wonder how Dineish brings himself to do marathons over and over again. I admire the patience and will power runners have in that manner - I don't have it at all. Always wanting things done in a jiffy, running to the end was a battle because I ran out of strength in my legs even though I had the stamina to do it.

Crossing the line

We both crossed the line in 49:48 mins and I was so relieved. I can't believe I ran 5.6 km without giving up! It wasn't easy for me, but it has motivated me to do it all over again. Its been 2 days now and as I write this at midnight, my thighs still have a slight pain, but I am proud of it! I never thought I would run in my life, for fun at least!! Haha!!

I would encourage everyone who hasn't to give it a shot! What do you have to lose? Go for it and don't worry where you end up on the results chart. You will have so much fun and feel a great sense of achievement. And did I mention you get a finishers tee?

Next year I'm trying for a sub-45min - go me!

Final result

           At the end enjoying a drink and banana - my 1st legit finisher's tee (all these years I have been wearing Dineish's!)

The Body Shop Tea Tree range review

If you're anything like me and suffer from oily skin, you know its a battle to be one of the very few oily-faced slickers around town, when almost all the other ladies are strutting that matte finish.

Everyday, I find myself retouching multiple times, as early as morning tea because my T-zone is shiny - just short of seeing your reflection in my forehead (embarrassing!). I have a packet of blotting papers at my desk that is used at least twice a day :(  Its not a nice feeling and I am very conscious of it.

Having moved to Singapore, from Sydney, the humidity is something I am still finding difficult to adjust too. I am originally from New Zealand, where over 20 years of my life was spent in the rain and windy Wellington weather - my skin wasn't dry, but it was clearer there. Sydney changed it slightly, but Singapore has brought of all the oily-ness I can produce. The 5 min walk from home to the station is enough to get my make up running and darken.

About a year ago, I started using the Tea Tree range from The Body Shop having heard good reviews online. I use 3 products religiously:

• Blackhead exfoliating wash (twice a week)
• Skin clearing foaming cleanser (every day and night)
• Skin clearing toner (every day and night)

From left to right: Blackhead exfoliating wash - Clearing foaming wash - Clearing toner

Blackhead exfoliating wash SG$24.90

Packaging - Exfoliator dispersed from tub - product lathered on hand

This is a great scrub for those who prefer a coarse texture, with visible exfoliating (apricot) grains. It comes in a mint green colour with enough exfoliating granules to use on the face. The smell is not pleasent, but you do get use to it over time.

As it is an exfoliating product, it is not recommended for daily use because it can be harsh on the skin and removing too much natural oil is not ideal. I noticed that initially when I was overusing it my skin was left red and puffy and on the edges of my face (near the hair line), the skin was becoming flakey.

Like I said, I use it twice weekly, if not, every sunday during my pampering sessions. I was my face with warm water to help open the pores, and thn lather this on my slightly damp face and scrub away in circular motions using a scrubbing sponge (Paris range from Sasa, SGD$2.90). A tiny amout is enough, the size of a 5cent coin is plenty for the face and neck area. I take my time and then wash off with warm water again. I am not a fan of cold water on the face...

During the week I use my husband's Garnier Pure3-in-1 and this routine helps maintain what my skin is these days.

I find that this helps open my makeup clogged pores, reduce blemishes and the random break outs. The T-zone has reduced its shiney-ness to an acceptable level! I am very happy with it :-)

Skin clearing foaming cleanser SGD$20.90

Packaging - automatically foams when pumped from bottle, no shaking required

I use the cleanser every morning after the Garnier scrub or as my first step to help reduce the oil. (Again, used after washing face with warm water).

It smells similar to the Skin clearing lotion, for those who have tried that. It comes in a bottle that changes the cleanser from lquid to foam when you dispense it. One pump on my palm goes a long way and enough to use all over the face. It does strip away a lot of oil and you are left feeling dry afterwards. I dont have aproblem with this because my day cream helps (L'Oreal Whitening Day Cream from Mustafa centre, SGD$29.95) and because I have an oily problem, to me this isjust what I need.

Personally, I think it would help if the price is lower to around the $12 mark but I got this on a buy 2 get 1 free deal so its gone unnoticed in my wallet :) I would recommend it on all skin types, but make sure to follow with toner and a good moisturiser to avoid dry patches!

I haven't noticed any reaction on my skin or my husbands (when I give him a facial) and the bottle should last about 3 months if used daily.

Skin clearing toner SGD$22.90

Packaging - separation between oils - when shaken - on cotton pad ready to apply on face

The final step in my routine is with this. I pour a little amount on to The Body Shop's Organic Cotton Pads and wipe my face down. This is the final step that helps keep the face matte like and definately helps my blemishes and pores down. I do see a difference when I use this because my makeup isn't as shiny. I don't want a complete matte look, because that dewy finish is gorgeous and natural. It leaves the face refreshed and cool and slightly tight. I believe this completes the cleaning process and any spots are cleared up the next day.

I also use this as a make up remover :P at night and follow it with my L'Oreal Whitening Night cream (SGD$29.95 from Mustafa centre). Be aware that it can sting the skin if you use harsh exfoliating scrubs on a regular basis.

Overall, I would give this range a 4/5 for its effectiveness. Its a great product I would recommend if you have oily skin that is not sensitive. The price could be lower than what it retails at in Singapore and Australia, but considering that Singapore has regular deals, I am not going to complain.

If you are a consistent person who likes to try something out over a period of time - give it a go and let me know what you think!

PS - I do use this on my husband when I give him a facial and see the difference almost immediately. He has facial hair and scars from breakouts. Although he does get the odd one here and there, I think this routine does him wonders (when he gives into my nagging and sits down for a facial on a lazy sunday afternoon - cute, I know!!). In the weekends, when I can, I use a facial mud pack (on the hubby to) after exfoliating and continue the remainder of routine and monday mornings are great becuase you can really see the effect! If only he wasnt so lazy *sighs...

Also today is 13th April - happy birthday to the best Daddy in the world! Without your endless guidence, love and relationship I will not be who I am today. I am truly blessed for your presence in my life, here's to the first man in my life :)

Love you always,

Kaluthey

Finally a Chartered Accountant!

After 2.5 years of post graduate study and one of the last members of the 2009 KPMG Graduate intake, I am now a Chartered Accountant!

Yesterday I got my results for EBA, the last module of 5 and I've passed!!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my parents for putting me into a private school and spending so much money and time towards my education. I didn't ever think I would be an Accountant, let alone a CA. Today, I feel like I have truely made them proud. The hours they have spent carting me to tuition, staying up all night just so that I have company during study leave and assignments (esp. my Ammachi), nagging me to get back to studying when I procrastinate on Facebook and the TV (because not like the exam is going to be based on The Hills, Tamil movies and people's status updates!), the support and encouragement - I think they all contributed to 50% of my efforts. Without them I would not have achieved this.

To my husband: thanks for putting your life on hold for me to catch up da. So many weekends have gone by where I would be MIA with my CA buddy (Kachiri Joel) and although at some points I felt as if I had more of a relationship with her and my CLP, you still made me enjoy the little things that mattered and stopped me from going insane. Like you said, the wedding, our marriage, moving overseas and the ups and downs in life has not stopped me from accomplishing this - I am truely blessed to have you in my life. I hope now I can be a better wifey and start planning our little family and everything ahead of us!

To all my friends: especially Khaz and Rajib. Thanks guys for putting up with my silly questions, constant explaining and re-explaining, crunch time during assignments and allowing me to invade your personal lives so much to tell your partners to move over during study week!

Finally to myself: I am still in awe of myself. To some of you reading this, you might be asking what a CA is (please go read http://countdown.urandom.info/ - that guy has got it so right!!) and whether its a big deal..my perserverance, dedication and insane study pattern has all paid off! Now, where's that pay rise!!?

C's get degrees

Signing off as Shyamala, CA