Vibram KSO Run #7 - Road #3

While the 1.2km (or less) jog is nothing to shout about, the circumstances that it was carried out was worth recording.

I was serving my in-camp and the rest of my platoon was doing their IPPT. I was excused from the test so I was stationed at the halfway mark of the 2.4km route. The KSO's are so comfortable and flexible I brought them along for the in-camp and was wearing them. When the last guy reached the mark, I decided to jog with him the rest of the way.

The jog was nothing tough, probably done at a leisurely 7+minute per km pace. The left calf felt a little tight (due to not warming up) but eased into the run in less than 200m. The rest of the run was spent bouncing on my feet. At the end point, I just wish that I can continue running.

I used to detest running and will never volunteer for a run whatever the distance, much less during an in-camp. Running with the KSO has changed my perception of running quite a bit. I even borrowed the book "Born to Run" to read during the in camp.

Google Chrome for Mac

Although Google Chrome for Windows has been out for a while now, the mac port called Chromium is hardly usable. Today, Google releases Chrome for Mac. I caught the news just a few minutes before I head off from office thought I will just give it a shot.

So far, it's not too bad. Running gmail and writing this blog entry from Chrome.

Vibram KSO Run #6 - Road #2

"Run #5" was done on an elliptical on 26 Nov. I am not even sure if that qualifies a run, nor if the KSO helped at all. This is in part because the feet never leave the pedal. It took a bit of getting used to compared to the Mizuno Wave Creation I used previously.

I noticed the guy on the elliptical next to me running in crocs slippers. When he was removed by the gym trainer (there was some rules on footwear), I was thinking of how to explain my five fingers. Fortunately, the trainer seems to recognise the KSO as a proper gym footwear.

The week long break, mostly because I was always in between something or too lazy, cause me to die for my 2nd road run. It's interesting how the KSO just lures you to run in it. It is previously unthinkable that I will sneak out at 9pm after watching amazing race for a run. That's usually time to get cozy. There is just so much fun in running in the KSO.

It's the same 3.8km route I did in the previous road run. I did not think I can increase the distance just yet due to the rather long break. Again, the focus is on getting the correct running form.

The run started with the left ankle feeling not quite up to the task. It eased off about 200m into the run (okay, jog) and once the muscles starts to warm up. I went a bit fast in the first km so felt a bit tired towards the last 1km. Generally, the run completed with even less drama. There was only a few instances that I broke form but quickly recovered. Overall, I do feel better than the previous run and the strain is about equal on both calves this time so that is certainly an improvement. Calves did hurt a bit but no sign of any impact related pain.

Update 8 Dec: My badminton game the next day went very well. I hope the cool evenings continue indefinitely.

Where E-P1 meets the G

E-P1 & 90/2.8
Originally uploaded by prstat

I got the E-P1 because it was small and the small flange distance allows different lenses to be adapted to it. What I did not count on was to be able to re-use my Contax G lenses due to it being an AF-only lens.

I imagined that someone could make an adapter by simulating the AF screw but did not think anyone would bother. You cannot imagine how thrilled when I found out someone actually made an adapter, nor can you imagine the agony waiting for it to arrive.

Focussing works although it's painfully slow. The direct drive together with the zoom view in the E-P1 allows for very fine focussing. With some practice, this will probably improve. What's more important is to find a good way to hold the system that will still allow easy focussing. This is especially when shooting portrait.

The adapter works exactly as it should, opening up the use of my Planars 35/2, 45/2 and Sonnar 90/2.8. The m4/3 effectively doubles the focal length (or rather halves the angle of view) so the amazing 90/2.8 is now effectively a 180mm.

What better way to show off this setup than for it to shoot itself.

BAD(minton) Technique Video

How to Grip a Badminton Racket -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

While it is no surprise the proliferation of bad information on the internet, I remain stupefied when someone would bother to make a video of such and post it.

The said video has this self-proclaimed expert teaching badminton techniques. What he is teaching is BAD techniques instead of badminton techniques. If you watch the video, know that that is not, and I have to repeat after bolding it NOT, the way to do any strokes in badminton.

I was two minds about posting the video since that will inevitably increase his hits. I thought it will be a good lesson how badminton is not to be done.

A good disclaimer that Bob should add...

Don't try this at all!!

The amount of misinformation in livestrong.com is mind boggling.

If you want a real information, try the excellent Badminton Bible. If videos are your thing, there are also dozens of excellent videos on Youtube.

Vibram KSO Run #4 - Road Trial

I wore the KSO in the office the entire day but got a bit too busy at work to hit the gym. It turned out to be a blessing as the rain stopped and cooled the evening and I decided to take the KSO for a road trial.

The original intention was a rather short 2.6km route because this is my first road outing with the KSO and the general sentiments was to go easy. At 1.4km, I decided to extend the run to the 3.8km route as I was feeling quite good.

No timing was taken for the run but I felt the pace is at least in line with my average speed. My left knee was a bit knocked up probably due to the first 2-300m when I was working on the running form. Similar to the runs on the treadmill, I did not feel as knocked up as in the usual running shoes (I tried Nike, New Balance, Brooks and lately Mizuno). I did feel a bit tired toward the last 500m or so and had struggled to maintain the running form.

Generally, this run is more fun compared to the same route in running shoes, and definitely more so than on the treadmill.

Update 24/11: Both calves feels a bit tight this morning. Left knee and ankle definitely sustained a bit of shock but otherwise, no pain in the other joints.

Vibram KSO, Run #3

It's Gym Wednesday. So the usual routine is 20min on the elliptical followed by a lot of tummy work and if I still have anything left, hit the stairs machine.

I wore my VFF today and just had to hit the treadmill. Again, I focussed on the right running form. It's 5 minutes of 5.5-7.5km/h, 20mins of 8-9km/h, 5 minutes of 7.5-8km/h and 5 minutes of 4.4-7.5km/h. In total, 4.6km in 35minutes and I'm totally drained. It must be the badminton yesterday.

Did the core muscle workout and the standard 3 sets of bench press. That totally knocked me out.

I felt a bit out of breathe today. It was a bit more painful than the previous 2 runs in terms of heart and lung (maybe I pushed a bit hard on the speed). Still no creaks in the old joints. I will try to hit the road at some point.