Cleared my 2007 IPPT window period today. Glad I didn’t get that pass with incentive like what I’ve got my previous year. Not that I’ve actually taken IPPT at other camps or even the Safra gyms, but I come to appreciate the route at Maju as well. I always like doing my IPPT in there, the running route there is very much better and flat.

Good thing it didn’t rain today, recalling my last 2 desperate visits the previous year being always pouring with rain and last minute cancellations of the 2.4km run, but not this time round.

As usual, the station which always pulls my result back will have to be my standing board jump, the only one with 3 points. I did one jump in Mizuno wave creation 8, giving 221cm, but other 2nd jump in my Asics DS trainer gave that additional few centimeters to secure my silver at 225cm, besides haivng double the incentive just like my active days. This goes to show how shoe length can play is shaving off the cms, in my case wear smaller light weight racers and switch back to your larger cushioning shoe for the remaining stations.

I am still surprised how did I jumped so low today, 230+ was not a problem for me before, strange. It may be borged, but I won’t blame the electronic IPPT machine for giving my such low scores, after all a bad carpenter blame his tools.

I like to always talk about and emphasize that, standing board jump is all about technique and nothing much on muscles explosiveness, despite what it’s defined technically to test. Actually knowing the right way to launching positions your feet on the landing have up to 70-80% more effect than muscular strength, which the average physically fit person will have more than enough of. The best way to train to to keep jumping. Generally I do that midway my long runs in the park, so your body will get it’s locomotion and sync more adapted when you need too, contrary to doing it only once a year for many…

Mmmm Silver, come to think about it, I will still get a silver even if I get 5 points for all stations, as a timing of 9:45 and below is required for Gold in the army. Getting Gold for your napfa in school at the same standard will only give you a Silver in the army!

And now to restart the counter for the new year!

Happy New Year 2008! Many happy returns! Wishing you all the best in health and success in all endeavors for the new year!

Last but not least, here is a video I’ve shot from the segment of the night’s fireworks at the Marina Bay Front, near one Fullerton, enjoy!