Where are our good salesman?

The other day - registered for the Mizuno Wave Run at the Downtown East World of Sports.

The service was acceptable. The salesman was attentive when I said I wanted to sign up. He than volunteered that there was a 40% discount on Mizuno shoes valid only on the day of registration. 40% why not? So I asked the guy - which shoe he recommend for long distance running.

That's was when all the headache starts. He picked up the first pair and said 'This is new' So I asked him whether it was suitable for me. Instead of replying, he picked up another pair and said this one also not bad. He continued with a few more pairs each time showing me how much money I will be saving on the 40% discount. Finally, I told him I will get my current Mizuno shoes from my car and show him what I need. He took one look and said 'old model' pick up another pair and told me it cost only $97+ after discount. Fadup but still keen to buy a new pair, told him to get me any one in my size US11.5. He came back with 2 different pair both size 11 and told me no more size 11.5 try 11. Then I asked him what's the difference between the 2. His answer - I quote "This one got 2 holes at the side but this one only 1' Asked him what the holes were for and he looked at me blank! Finally, I told him to get any pair of size 11.5 and he finally came back with a Mizuno Maverick.

My grouse - our sport sales personnel in Singapore are all totally lacking in training. They don't even know how to look at foot type, know which shoes is for which type of running - they just want to close the deal! It was the same at a Sportslink outlet at Eastpoint the last time I tried to buy a pair of shoes. When asked to recommend - the pretty little salesgirl recommended a pair of Nike. Her basis for the recommendation? She was wearing the same shoe!

I think sporting goods outlet should trained their sales staff well instead of trying to cut cost and employ parttimers who don't know the difference between trail and tracks.

For me, I think it's back to good old Queensway where most of the proprietor are personally running the outlet and have good knowledge gained from their year of experience.

Money equal justice?

Damm! What a time to get the flu or is it the common cold? Never can tell the difference! Need to pysche myself up so that can run this Sunday.

Read about the American guy who was arrested for bringing in porno DVD. Can't believe the police buy his story that the dvds belongs to his brother and was accidentally packed in. Such they may or may not belong to his brother but it was definitely shipped over for him to enjoy! 1 piece I believe is a mistake but 58? Only an idiot will believe such crap!

Unfortunately, this just goes to show that even in Singapore, if you have money and connections, you still can get away with breaking the law. Look at the poor Malay chap with the low IQ. No lawyer to defend him and what he kena? An increased jail sentence. Who the hell advised him to appeal? Now if this Malay guy has money and the right family background, somebody will have arranged for him to be warded and the sentence to be compounded.

I guess Singapore is no different from any other countries after all!

Running Calendar

Yesterday afternoon after the rain stopped, went for a long run. Has not been running longer distance for the past few weekends as have been running at Sentosa practising for the Real Run. Finished the 20k run in a comfortable time but must have caught something becos after that, threw up. Maybe push myself too hard.

One thing I don't understand - why must race organisers cramp all the events together? Why don't they spread it over the year? Apart from the club runs, starting from the New Balance Real Run this weekend at Sentosa, next Sunday there is the Mizuno Wave Run at Hougang and then the next next Sunday will be the Sheares Bridge Run followed by the Terry Fox Run on 17 September. Organisers - why don't you guys co-ordinate the dates with the Sports Council and spread out the events?

Taking part in some of these shorter run is causing havoc to my training for the marathon where I need to build up my mileage and the only time I can run long distance is during the weekends.

Easy solution is not to take part but I love the challenge of beating my PB at these certified races and not to say - get hold of the t-shirt, which I must admit have been getting better with each year. This year, both New Balance and Mizuno are giving away dri-fit or whatever they call it t-shirt, better than the cheap cotton tees they used to give away.

Accept thyself

Read an article in the Sunday Times about exercising for senior citizen and how exercise can slow down aging. Tried out this web site: Real Age. I scored well - real age is 38 instead of my current 42 going on 43 although don't really look like it. Hair is all white so got the Mrs to dye it dark brown but it turned out jet black so now look so artificial.

Over the weekend was looking at the old photo albums. Amazing, from skinny to fat and now back to skinny. Have I overdone the exercise and running? Lost a lot of weight from around the cheek but the beer belly is still there - don't think it's possbile to get rid of it. But still, I am at my optimum BMI for my height so don't think I want to lose any more.

Nowadays a lot of people especially the young ladies are going for the skinny look. Some of them especially the actress are already so skinny yet they are still trying to lose weight. Where got the fat to lose? They are setting a bad example for their fans. The only way to lose weight and fat is to exercise and eat right not pop some miracle pills. Haven't the Slim 10 case makes these people wiser?