After several consecutive races, I can finally have a race I can call my own—no more running others’ pace, no more target time—freedom to run as desired, and Fit ‘N Right was the right venue for me.  It was a particularly interesting event especially that this was my first race at the SM Mall of Asia compounds. Here’s my rundown of things as it happened.

Background

A lot of runners were concerned when race packets weren’t outright distributed with registration because recent similar events went unwell, and despite the organizers’ best efforts what many runners feared happened again—delayed race packets distribution.

I registered a few days before the regular registration cut-off date.  Registration went smoothly and the people manning their booths were very friendly and accommodating.  As one of the endorsers of the event I knew how race packet claiming should have been, but when the claiming date came I’ve heard of problems.  I decided to claim my kit Thursday before the race and to my surprise my kit still wasn’t there!  I didn’t bother showing my disappointment with the people in their booth as I clearly know it’s not their fault and they were already being battered by anguish from angry runners.  They were very apologetic and informed me that they’d contact me if my kit was available, but until Saturday, hours before the race, I received no such message.  I was prepared for the worse—running without a race number.

Pre-Race

A few minutes before 5:30AM I was on queue to claim my race kit.  I was surprised at how many runners were actually there!  This was in no means your small time event; it was even comparable to events by Runrio!  After being in line for some time I was able to get my race packet containing a singlet, course map, and a race number with RFID—say what, RFID?!

The seemingly regular race bib

Yes, the biggest surprise for this race was the use of RFID, a first in local races.  We were introduced this year with disposable timing chips, and now FNR “silently” introduced RFIDs which I prefer over the former because you don’t have to lace anything to your shoe—it’s just there with your race bib!  Registration cost for this race was one of the cheapest for the year so it was pleasantly unexpected.  Things suddenly turned up for this race.

The RFID atop the race bib

Early on we had a hint that there may be a mass-start but thankfully somebody must’ve advised the organizers to start by category, making for a better start.  It was already past 6AM but the pre-race program was still being staged, and with much pressure from the 10K runners the race started 6:23AM, five minutes later followed by the 5K which was my event.

A Cautious Race

It had been a very long time since my last 5K run and I have to admit that I really missed it.  After doing an International Marathon sweep you may be wondering why I went back to 5K.  The reason was simple—I’m on my taper period for the forthcoming Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.  Of course being free of any pacer duty I can run freely—the temptation of “touching” my almost year-old 5K PR was too much to pass over.  With the flat and Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-certified course it was a perfect venue for a race, and a PR.  Unfortunately I had pains on my right side so I decided to take it easy—going as fast as comfortably possible without risking aggravating the injury.

I thought I had started relatively near the front row but I had a hard time navigating through the crowd.  Since I wasn’t able to warm up properly I just took that opportunity to do just that, and to my surprise the pain that was bugging me wasn’t there!  A few minutes later I spotted Natz (i2runner) and thought he’d be a good pacer so I ran behind him.

Since I’m in a “cautious mode” I decided to “ignore” other runners, including Natz whom I know was just around.  This was my race so I decided to race with myself and nobody else.  Before I knew it I was heading back to the Finish line.  That’s the beauty of a 5K—you won’t get bored.

Final kilometer, 18 minutes, a possible new PR looms.  500 meters later, I can see the Finish line.  It was one of the longest 500 meters of my life as I attempt to shave a few seconds off my 5K PR and upon reaching the Finish, 22:25 says my GF405 (gun time), a new PR!  I didn’t really expect to trim my 5K PR by 46 seconds especially that I wasn’t gunning for it!  A nice race it was.

The 5K Perspective

The Dare to be Fit ‘N Right Fun Run was a surprisingly well handled event, and in fact if it weren’t for the really notorious lowlights it would’ve been a very good race.  Here are my observations based on my 5K perspective:

Good:

• Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-certified race courses
• Excellent venue for setting new personal records
• Use of RFID
• Route markers (with color coding)
• Relatively cheap registration fee
• A lot of giveaways and raffle prizes

The lively stage

Bad:

• Race packet distribution
• Late start
• Insufficient water at cramped water stations
• Insufficient portable toilets with the number of participants
• A lot of runners weren’t given the post-race freebies
• Cramped baggage counter
• Late and inaccurate race results

Relief goods?

Summary:
It was another event with very good highlights and nasty lowlights but overall the race was Good (3/5).  I noticed that most of their problems stemmed from distribution (race packets, giveaways, baggage counters) and some from lack of experience (lack of water, lack of signs at the finish line, lack of portalets) but seeing how well the race was managed I can only assume that the organizers got the lessons that they needed. For the awareness of the organizers, here are some of the issues that are for improvement:

Late Start
Running takes time and for the sake of runners’ skins we try to avoid running with the sun high up in the sky by starting early.  If a program was to be held pre-race start it early so as not to delay gun start.

Water
Water supply should at least be sufficient for all runners, and the station should have long tables to avoid crowding.  Cups should at least be the number of times each runner would pass that station.  How much water is needed could easily be computed based on the number of cups.

Marshals
Some marshals are noticeably inexperienced.  You shouldn’t abruptly stop runners upon crossing the Finish line as it may cause them injuries. Get runners’ times with being obstructive.

Crowd Control
Crowds weren’t managed well at the Finish area leading to a very crowded area for late finishers.

Signs
If signs were placed atop the Finish gate there wouldn’t have been much of a need for Mr. Rey Langit to repeat himself over and over to guide runners.

Giveaways
Not all received their giveaways.  When I arrived (about 27 minutes into the event) there was already a long queue at the booth because the people manning the station stalled.  The situation turned worse as more runners arrived and until it was like a “relief goods distribution” center did I saw some movement.  Unfortunately they also didn’t pack enough for all the runners so many went home empty handed (including myself).

Baggage Counter
With more than 4,000 runners the baggage counter was ridiculously small and was seriously understaffed.

Fit ‘N Right 5K Route (10K is two laps of this course)

Hopefully the succeeding races pickup from the good points of this race and learned from its shortcomings.  To the more than 4,000 runners that Dared to be Fit ‘n Right, especially to those who have bettered themselves, Congratulations!

UPDATE: My time based on the original race results was actually 22:22 finishing 20th overall out of 1,181 5K runners!  One of the best finishes for me and it’s from a PATAFA-certified route!  Nice! 

John and James were joined this morning by Rob, Sarah and Lyn to make the most of some unexpected early morning sunshine.  The forecast was for heavy showers and high winds….

We followed the same route as last Sunday’s ride as a few were nursing hangovers and an easy flat ride was what the doctor had ordered.  The ride was going nicely until we turned south at Aldborough, by which time the wind had picked up a bit and yes, we were headed into it for the next 15 miles all the way to Wetherby!

We did manage to keep a reasonable pace though until we got blasted by a shower coming into Wetherby, so we heaed for the shelter of The Shambles Cafe before heading back to Harrogate via Kirk Deighton, Spofforth and Follifoot, where James peeled off for roast at his parents.  Once again a very nice ride albeit a slightly windy one!

Route (up to the roast dinner stop): http://connect.garmin.com/activity/19439053

“Text 4 Next” is OCTA’s new text messaging program that will allow bus customers to use their cell phones to get the next 3 scheduled times the bus will arrive at their bus stop.

Here is how it works:
TEXT: 628246 (OCTAGO)

TYPE: The word: bus, your stop number and your route number.
Example: bus 3563 71

GET: The next 3 scheduled bus arrival times for that stop, based on the time the text message was sent.
Example:
959a route 071
1034ap route 071
1109a route 071

If you want to check the arrival times of future trips, lets say your ride home in the afternoon, you can also get that information. In addition to the stop number and route, you will need to add the time and/or date.
Same Day Example:
bus 3563 71 400p

Get Example:
426p route 71
501p route 71
536p route 71

Future Day Example:
bus 3563 71 1100a 102309

Get Example:
1109a route 71
1144a route 71
1219p route 71

Rules for success:
There are some rules that need to be followed when entering the information to ensure you get your desired result. If you do not receive a return message in 2 minutes or receive an error message, check your input data.

* You must enter the key word first: bus
* You must enter the information in the proper sequence: stop number, route, time, date
* You must enter one space in between each piece of information.
* For time, you can enter any time format, but must include “a” for “am” or “p” for “pm” when entering non-military time.
* For date, you must enter in the following format: MMDDYY

What you need to know about Text4Next.

What is Text4Next?
OCTA’s Text4Next program is a Short Message Service (SMS) that allows users to opt-in to receive information from OCTA via SMS or text messaging on their cell phone.

What carriers are compatible with OCTA’s Text4Next service?
Compatible cell phone carriers include: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Nextel, Boost, Alltel, US Cellular, and Cellular One.

What is the cost for OCTA’s Text4Next service?
There is no charge for OCTA’s Text4Next services. However, normal text messaging rates or package deductions may apply. Check your cell phone carrier for text message details on your plan.

Are there any additional carrier charges associated with the service?
Standard message rates apply to all text messages. Message rates differ from carrier to carrier, so please contact your wireless phone service provider to inquire about the details of your plan.

How do I opt-in to for OCTA’s Text4Next service?
Currently, you can only receive bus information from OCTA’s Text4Next program when you initiate the text message. In the near future, OCTA will be offering customers the option to opt in to OCTA Alerts to receive specific bus route rider alerts simply by texting OCTA to short code 628246 (OCTAGO).

How do I discontinue receiving OCTA SMS messages?
Once you have subscribed to OCTA Alerts, to discontinue receiving Text4Next messages from OCTA, you will simply text “STOP” to 628246 (OCTAGO) and you will be removed from the list.

Need help?
For additional help, please email busalerts@octa.net or call our customer information center at 714-636-RIDE (6433).

The ancient Tea-Horse Road plays a similar role as the Silk Road, and is a significant part of the international trade in the history. Besides a road of wealth, it was also a road of cultural exchange that created a cultural bond between Tibetans and Chinese in the history, and facilitated the spread of Buddhism in China. Even today, when people are trekking on this ancient route into Tibet, they can still sense the spirit, the courage, and the wisdom devoted to this road, and marvel at this great legacy of our ancient ancestors.

Unknown by the western world until the 20th century, Tibet has always been the synonym of mystery. When you visit Tibet, You will immediately be amazed by its pure heavenly natural beauty, and be overwhelmed by its holiness of religious atmosphere. It is a journey that purifies your soul, and a discovery of outstanding culture and nature. From the impressive Buddhism ceremonies in the monasteries to the breathtaking sacred mountains of the Himalayas, Tibet, the roof of the world, will give every of its visitors a memory never fades away.

The symbol of Tibet is the majestic Potala Palace perched on top of Marpo Ri Hill in the center of the city of Lhasa. It is the must-go of most visitors to Tibet. The Potala Palace is the religious and political center of Tibet and the former residence of the Dalai Lama. It is the most sacred place in Tibetans’ heart. Although place like Lhasa is definitely somewhere that tourists can not miss, this article is going tell you something about Tibet that is absolutely magnificent but out of the spot lights.

Among the snowy mountains and deep gorges between Tibet and Yunnan, there are some mysterious footpaths winding through the mountainsides, some are even carved into cliff face crossing one of the most dangerous terrain and uninhabitable area in the world. These footpaths have been called the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Hardly to be called a road it starts from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in Southwest China, runs along the eastern foothills and deep canyons of several major rivers, than heads into Tibet spanning the two highest plateaus of China (i.e. the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau), and finally reaches India, south of the Himalayas. But why have these ancient footpaths been called the Tea-Horse Road, who discovered this ancient route into Tibet, and what is the role it plays in the history?

It can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Tibetan people liked drinking Pu-erh tea (i.e. post-fermented tea compressed in thick rectangular blocks, flat squares, discuses or other shapes) because they ate high calories food such as butter, Tsamba, beef, and lamb but consumed very little vegetables. Pu-erh tea not only helped them to digest the heavy food but also offered their Vitamin need. Tibetans did not drink the Pu-erh directly but mixed the tea with the yak butter creating a salty and rich tea which is still common today. However the environmental situation of Tibet did not allow for the growing of the tea. Luckily, the neighboring Yunnan was an ideal land for growing tea, and they made Pu-erh tea in great quality. Those who could manage to transfer the tea from Yunnan into Tibet were going to make good money. On the other hand, Chinese army needed strong warhorses desperately, comparatively Tibetans had a strong mounted army and they also had access to Middle Asia, where possessed the best military horses in the world. However, it was almost a mission impossible to exchange goods between Tibet and Yunnan, because any possible land connection between the two regions was almost cut off by the harsh terrain. The natural border between Tibetan plateau and Yunnan is formed of endless snowy mountains and deep gorges with steep cliffs which is tough for any land animals to cross the area. Finally the irresistible temptation of making huge profit had given the merchants enough courage to make their way through cleverly however dangerously. If the mountains could not be climbed they went around them on the mountainsides. By following the rivers they could take advantage of the narrow river banks under the cliffs. In continuous and collective efforts in many years, the trading link was established. Through this route, Yunnan merchants traded Pu-erh tea for strong military horses from Tibetan, and resold these horses to the rest of China. On the other hand, Tibetan merchants also made good money by selling the tea to India and middle Asia. This is why this trading route has been called the Tea-Horse Road.

Therefore, the ancient Tea-Horse Road plays a similar role as the Silk Road, and is a significant part of the international trade in the history. Besides a road of wealth, it was also a road of cultural exchange that created a cultural bond between Tibetans and Chinese in the history, and facilitated the spread of Buddhism in China. Even today, when people are trekking on this ancient route into Tibet, they can still sense the spirit, the courage, and the wisdom devoted to this road, and marvel at this great legacy of our ancient ancestors.

A “balatoni-kanyar” útvonalának terve:

Várgesztes – “Ebéd-hely”: 150 km  / 2h54p : link

“Ebéd-hely” – Várgesztes: 152 km  / 2h36p:  link

A teljes útvonal: 302 km / 5h30p:  link

A várható időbeosztás:

• 09:00  Indulás
• 10:00   50km motorozás
• 10:30   Pihenő
• 11:30    50km motorozás
• 12:00   Pihenő
• 13:00   Érkezés az étteremhez
• 15:00   Indulás szállásra
• 16:15    75km motorozás
• 16:45    Pihenő
• 18:00    Érkezés a szállásra

by Samira Jamal

A girl went passed a shop. On the window display of the shop where a box of heart shape chocolate so tempting and irresistible. She knows it might cause her tooth to decay. So she has been avoiding that shop by taking another route. For her the whole dilemma of having it or not having it. As days passed by it seems no matter how she tries to ignore the thought of having it. At last she could not control her temptation. She went into the shop and found there were freshly melting chocolate. The smelling of smoothing chocolate. Molded into the shape of heart .she bought her share and went home. She ran toward her room locked herself in. Opened the box and had the chocolate.

It was so bitter; she finally started crying that she put so much effort on buying it. But the result was not at all satisfying.

The moral of the story is that ……….

Love is so tempting. No matter how we want to run away from love it runs after you. And finally when u realizes love it’s the most painful feeling one could bear alone.

I don’t know what happen to true love all I know its fade-in away. People love façade of love maybe that’s it.

I thought this would be the hardest part, deciding how far to travel each day. At first I was thinking that I’d cycle, cycle, cycle some more and then see how far I’d got each day. Instead I have gone for a 14 day route so I can have a goal for each day, now all I have to do is train to make that goal achievable. At the moment, this may be draft 1, here is the route I have come up with.

Day 01: Land’s End to Bodmin – 58.0 miles

Day 02: Bodmin to Exeter – 62.3 miles

Day 03: Exeter to Clevedon – 65.8 miles

Day 04: Clevedon to Tewkesbury – 54.3 miles

Day 05: Tewkesbury to Stafford – 64.2 miles

Day 06: Stafford to Wigan – 62.0 miles

Day 07: Wigan to Kendal – 60.8 miles

Day 08: Kendal to Gretna – 55.9 miles

Day 09: Gretna to Kirkmuirhill – 64.3 miles

Day 10: Kirkmuirhill to Auchterarder – 56.7 miles

Day 11: Auchterarder to Dalnaspidal Lodge – 61.2 miles

Day 12: Dalnaspidal Lodge to Inverness – 64.3 miles

Day 13: Inverness to Brora – 56.8 miles

Day 14: Brora to John O’ Groats – 62.9 miles

That is 851 miles in total, which you can check with a calculator or on Google Maps. So, if i train up to doing 60 miles per day then I should hopefully manage this without dying. Remember, it will be way more boring for me than doing the actual journey, so spread the word, spread the link and hopefully #gillonabike will have some form of interactive content thanks to the webcam, chat room and Skype.

As always, let me know your thoughts.

Gill

xx

218213     การสํารวจเส้นทาง     Route Surveying

การสํ ารวจสังเขปและสํ ารวจขั้นต้นเพื่อการกํ าหนดเส้นทาง และออกแบบมาตรฐานทั่วไปและข้อกํ าหนด การวางแนวทาง การทํ าระดับและการสํ ารวจเพื่อการทํ าแผนที่ภูมิประเทศ ดินและแผนภาพมวล การสํ ารวจเพื่อการก่อสร้างเส้นทางโค้งแนวราบและแนวดิ่ง หลักการความปลอดภัยของทางหลวงและการออกแบบ

(Reconnaissance and preliminary surveys for route location and design, general standard and specifications, alignment layout, leveling and topographic surveys, earth work and mass diagram, route construction surveys, horizontal and vertical curves, principles of highway safety and design.)

(218213 มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์)

Since the earlier one got postponed thanks to Varuna Bhagawan & his rains, the same is moved to …. (all remains the same except the date)

Route :  Chennai Beach Station to Fort Station via High Court.

Date : 29th Nov’09

Meeting point:  In Front of Beach Station

Time: 1530 Hrs

Contact : Vatsan @ 94449 99456 or 95000 70176 or Ramaswamy @ 98410 98406, in case you’re lost / or need directions or simbly …..

After much toil, we’ve finally struck upon a splendid route for Sunday’s Tweed Ride. Given the regal nature of our attire, we felt a fitting ride must include stops at our fair city’s dandy new art structures. We’ll set off from the Grassy Knoll and make haste along Ross Avenue, naturally passing the Dallas Museum of Art, the stately new Winspear Opera House, and the majestic Wyly Theatre. After taking in these most impressive edifices, we’ll jauntilly pedal by the new Main Street Garden Park, the much heralded Neiman’s Christmas window displays, then pass our lovely old Red Courthouse. We’ll then set off for the Left Banke of Dallas, crossing the old guvnor himself, the Houston Street Viaduct. Once across, hold on to your pipes as we mount a minor hill passing the classic Lake Cliff Park, and arrive at our favorite pub Eno’s in the Bishop Arts District for libations and celebrations. Live vintage-era music will be performed by local crooner Matthew Tolentino, pints will be discounted to all cyclists, and children may partake of soda waters at the adjacent “soda gallery”. After wetting our whistles, we’ll return along Beckley Boulevard, and back to Dealey Plaza.

Espero y deseo poder llevar a cabo ese viaje en algún momento de mi vida.

Dormir en moteles, sentir el calor de la arena del desierto, sentir como tus ruedas chocan en el asfalto pedregoso e inestable de las carreteras abandonadas…sí, éste es oficialmente el sueño de mi vida. Algún día prometo que podré costeármelo.

Mi única duda por ahora es; ¿en coche o en moto?

Para las clases de histora de turno, consulten Wikipedia.

¿Vas tú sola o quieres que te lleve, muñeca?

Timex Run, the most expensive sub-marathon road race in the Philippines thus far not only set the race registration fee higher, but also introduced a lot of new PRs.

PR = Piolo + Rio

One of the possible reasons that the race became a huge success despite the steep price was due to the celebrity factor—Piolo Pascual.  He is undoubtedly one of the most popular television and movie actor in the country and apparently tapping on his huge fan base was a great idea.  Of course we can’t say that the Rio dela Cruz factor didn’t have an added effect on the race’s success, I mean who can’t resist the charm of an afro?  Who knows better how to organize a running event but a runner himself?  (Peace Coach Rio!  I really admire your hair).

PR = Posh Race

Timex Run is definitely at a different caliber as it’s one of the few races in the Philippines that utilize timing chips.  It also has one of the better race singlets with Timex Ironman mark at the back which I really love.  Celebrities also dot the course of various events making this a very star-studded race.

The grand start gate of Timex Run

PR = Pretty Route

Timex Run’s main event, 21K, went to places no other races went before, literally, making this a discovery race for many who haven’t been to the unpopular running areas of Bonifacio Global City.  Even familiar routes were given an interesting twist keeping the event fresh to seasoned BGC runners.  But more than a pretty route, the distance was almost GPS-exact 21K so taking into consideration the topography of the route it’s more than valid for those distance-conscious runners.  Even the distance markers were freakishly accurate by Garmin standards for most of the time.

Sunrise at Rizal Drive

PR = Pace Required

For the nth time I was again a pacer, an optional one.  It was a pretty loose pace—just aiming to finish in a decent time so it was for the most part an easy duty.  Because of the relaxed attitude I was able to take some pictures in-race making this also a “picture race.”

Along 5th Avenue

The 21K leader

Entering Heritage Park

PR = Postmortem Report

Timex Run was easily one of the best races for 2009, period.  Despite the higher registration fee the cost was pretty much worth it because of a very good quality event, a lot of giveaways, excellent activity area, a finisher’s shirt and medal, all while still able to generate funds for charity.  Indeed Timex had proven that with the right pizzazz cost may not be a barrier to having a well attended event.  It was also another proof that celebrities really make good endorsers, especially here in the Philippines.  I just hope this isn’t the start of more expensive races, but instead the start of quality races.  Congratulations Runrio for consistently delivering excellent and successful events!

The nice but generic finisher’s medal

PR = (Personal Record)

I’ve seen a lot of PRs with this race and as for my Personal Record (PR) I also set a new one, a negative one as I set the longest 21K race so far surpassing the two hour 20 minute mark, but it was worth it as I bore witness to another 21K dream turn into reality.  Congratulations Carol!

PR = Pros + Rejects

Pros:

• Good quality race singlet
• Timing chips
• Punctual start
• Excellent route
• The longest water station yet seen in local races (that never ran out of water and even supplied 100 Plus)
• Practical placement of timing chip sensors
• Excellent finisher’s shirt
• Huge and heavy (although generic) finisher’s medal
• Finisher’s certificate
• Free breakfast
• Excellent goodie bag with products from sponsors
• Lots of portable toilets for everyone
• Lively activity area
• Same day accurate race result (unseen for quite a while) with fancy presentation
• Race photos courtesy of PhotoVendo
• Part of the proceeds went to charity
• Very Good race (4/5)

Rejects:

• High registration fee
• Lack of cones at some areas
• Lack of marshals after 8:30AM (three hours and 15 minutes 21K gun start)
• Medals could’ve been more customized to reflect which event it was given

Timex Run 21K Route

PR = Pacquiao Reloaded

As a bonus perk to everyone Timex was kind enough to provide everyone free viewing of Manny Pacquiao’s match versus Miguel Cotto live via satellite from Las Vegas, USA.  We were so lucky to have witnessed history being made by now seven-time world champion, Manny Pacquiao.  Thank you Timex and congratulations Manny!  He’s definitely the best boxer our generation has ever seen.

I would like to thank Doc Art who made it possible for me to join this race.  Thank you very much Doc and congratulations!

Hello all!!! My affections for Devil Survivor have recently been revived! I had stopped playing before because of the whole Lucifer battle thing. I honestly couldn’t get past it. After clearing Gin & Haru’s route and Yuzu’s route twice (worst time of my life), I finally got to follow Atsuro’s and that’s where I encountered Lucy for the first time. I spent weeks—two month’s worth of them—leveling up my party to 99. After succeeding (with the exception of four demons… Haha) I still couldn’t beat that fool! So… I stopped playing for awhile. I just started again yesterday and decided to skip the damn battle. (The game soon regained its amazing, super-duper appeal shortly afterward) I’m psyched to try again, though, because I just learned that Lucy only has three forms and every time I lost, he was always on the last one. This was a major relief, seeing as I originally thought he would regenerate forever, making me lose all hope. Hah. Anywho, I’m aiming for Naoya’s route now. Yuzu’s route was just DUMB—which was not surprising, but still. I mean, running away? That girl is a moron—plus she never SHUTS UP. Gah! Not to mention Honda was a little creepy, but I mean, you can’t really blame him seeing as he lost someone so important to him, intensifying the fact that everyone within that circle was slowly going insane. I enjoyed Atsuro’s, though. He’s my super duper favorite for a non-bad guy, so it was fun kissing up and getting on his good side and stuff. Hehe. I feel bad for him sometimes, though. Naoya’s always bossing him around, telling him to shut up, calling him an idiot, etc. and he just stands there and takes it. Although, I must admit, it’s pretty funny; Naoya’s a jerk and Atsuro’s his eager little bitch. Anyway, the only thing about starting cycle after cycle is reliving those first few days over and over again. They’re so… BORING! Especially the first day and the day before. They are the WORST. How many times must I be forced to watch the prologue before they supply me with the “skip” option? I mean, seriously. And you’re letting me keep my lv. 99 demons, so what the hell do I have to catch these lv. 1 bastards again for…? Then later on, you have to start over with leveling up the humans. Oh, and I like to think of a new name for the M.C. for each cycle and eventually, one runs out of names… I wouldn’t really call that a fault, though, since that was my own choice. Mmkay, so I think I’ve ranted enough. I’m going to go play now and hopefully I’ll be done with this cycle in a couple days. Man, having to balance video gaming with school and stuff is a pain. Really makes me miss summer: Devil Survivor from Noon ’til 5 AM, every day… Beautiful moments… *sniffles*

Only John and James ventured out on this initially chilly Sunday morning.  However, the sun soon started to appear and the morning turned into a beautiful autumnal day perfect for riding.

We headed out from Harrogate towards Knaresborough, and out onto the Boroughbridge road before turning off through Scriven and Lingerfield.  It was then onto a familiar route to Farnham and Staveley and up towards Boroughbridge.  Just after going over the A1 we turned off to Arkendale and headed down through the Dunsfords, Ouseburn, Whixley and Cattal at a fairly steady pace before eventually stopping in Wetherby at the Shambles Tea Rooms for a well earned coffee.

After leaving Wetherby we headed for Kirk Deighton, before turning off to Spofforth and returning to Harrogate via Follifoot and Rudding Park.  The ride was a nice and easy flat ride which ended up being 43 miles in total.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/18847488

My simulated world run started in Vancouver, Canada on Sunday November 1, 2009.  My  journey to Seattle, Washington is 226 km and I’ve estimated that about 8km per day will ensure that I arrive on November 28th, a day before the Seattle Marathon. To date, I’ve logged over 187.5km and this coming week will allow me some time to rest up before the marathon and finish the remaining 38.5km bringing me into downtown Seattle just in time for the event.   

At the Seattle marathon, I am fundraising for the Starfish fund, a fund established by Childcare Worldwide to provide aid for children with medical emergencies. LINK: For more information on the Starfish Fund