A new beginning in strobing

[AlienBee] 04, a photo by http://ainguyenphotography.photoshelter.com/ on Flickr.

After taking a long break from running to allow my shins to fully recover. I have been drowning myself with books and studies and it sure paid off when finals came.

Despite, losing my stamina and endurance for long distance running. I have been doing the 9-9-9 workout routine from Men's Health. Man did it work because I saw results after doing 3 weeks of it.

Besides running and studying, I have been really MIA from photography. Occasionally I would shoot here and there, but not a full out photo-shoot these past few months. Since my SB-900 was getting replaced by the new SB-910 I was losing value. So I have decided to upgrade to a full studio strobe and see where it will take me. A new adventure begins to unravel for me.



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Early Christmas Present. Hello AlienBee goodbye SB-900.

Missing in the photo is a Paul C Buff Octobox.

[Day 10] - Marathon Training

After running on the track for three times with a duration of ten minutes, I decided to try the treadmill today.  Although my shin still hurts the last few run on the track, I felt there was an improvement after a long shin stretch/warm up.  

Today was a new beginning for me and it sure felt great and brought a big smile on my face.  I was able to carry on a non-stop run for 20 minutes at the speed of 6.  This was an overall improvement since the last time I was able to run.  My speed has increase to a constant speed of 6 (a .3 speed increase) and it was only 5 minutes shorter than my old time duration.  I was extremely cautious when I ran on the treadmill today.  Ironically my right shin began to hurt instead of left one within the first 5 minutes.  I am glad that I kept pushing on because the pain slowly went away after I hit the 15 minute mark.  

My workout routine consisted of:

Streches

4 minutes of my usual stretch

5 minutes of stretches focusing on just my shine

Track

3 laps around the track (walking)

Treadmill

5 minute warm-up walk

20 minutes non-stop run/jog

3 minutes walk

Track

3 laps (walking)

3 sets of 30 sits ups

3 sets of 10 push ups

         

[Day 9] - Marathon Training

For the first time in three weeks, I was able to hold a 10 minute non-stop light run.  This made me incredibly happy and brought a smile on my face.  

Although, I have to start over from scratch and build up my endurance and stamina again, I am up and ready to tackle this obstacle.  The last two weeks has been very tough on me because my shin has been failing me with tremendous painful shin-splints.  I was unable to hold a run that was longer than 5 minutes.  No matter how much I increase my running speed, my max duration was 5 minutes before my shin would begin to hurt.  I began to feel very discouraged.  

However, today I wanted to push myself to see if I could run again.  So instead of running on the treadmill, this time I ran on the track.  Although, I still felt pain in my shin, it was not as painful as running on treadmill.  

My workout today consisted of:

5-10 minute warm up stretch

10 minute non-stop run/jog (track)

3-5 minute walk

15 minute row machine

3-5 minute walk

2 High Intense Interval (sprinting)

3-5 minute walk

1 mile on the elliptical 

3-5 minute walk

My running mate today was Henry Tang.  Props to him for sprinting at an avg of 32 seconds per interval.

[Day 8] - Marathon Training

Strobist Info:
SB-900 above shot through umbrella at 1/2th
Triggered by onboard at 1/128th

In the three weeks of my training for the Marathon, so far this is the most painful experience that I have faced and felt so far. Based on my description of my pain, my friend Highlong told me it was shin splints and indeed it was. I thought it would go away after five to ten minutes of running like how it did with my knees and calves, but it did not. Thank God, I am blessed to have a close friend who is a certified orthopedic surgeon, but if his verdict come down to the lines that my legs are not meant for running or I won't be able to run. I am going to be depressed.

Based on Wiki:

"Most shin splints, known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), can be attributed to overloading the muscles of the lower extremities or biomechanical irregularities. Muscle imbalance, including weakened core muscles lead to more lower-extremity injuries; also the inflexibility and tightness of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar muscles can contribute to shin splints. [1] Increasing activity, intensity, and duration too quickly leads to shin splints because the tendons and muscles are unable to absorb the impact of the shock force as they become fatigued; also, the tibial bone-remodeling capabilities are overloaded...."

There are two types:

1) Anterolateral shin splints where the pain is located on the anterior and the lateral of the shin (on the front and outside of the shin). It is usually felt during running when the athlete’s heel touches the ground.

2) Posteromedial shin splints where the pain in the leg is on the inferior medial portion of the lower leg (the inside of the lower leg above the ankle) and can be triggered by standing on the toes or inverting the ankle.

I believe I was having Posteromedial shin splints.

Today my running exercise consisted of:

A five minute brisk walk at the speed of 3.7 and jog for 20 minutes non-stop.

The original workout following the program:

A brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)

Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)

Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)

Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

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[ 27th AIDS Walk in LA ]

It was still pitch black outside filled with fog and cold air.  The only sound that disrupted the silence was the sound of my alarm that was set to 5 o'clock in the morning.

Tired and sleep deprived from the previous night, I crawled out of my bed to get ready to join my teammates from CSUF-CSA.  Only to find out that my carpool mates were still asleep and not awake.  

As you enter Annie's home, you can instantly smell the aroma of fresh baked donuts and fresh toasted bread filled with egg and bacon.  Soft mumbles and yawning were heard in the dinning room along with loud sounds of crunches and slurps.  Silence was then broken by the arrival of the dynamic duo.  They filled the room with their giggles and smiles.  However, all that was received back were faces of sleep deprived individuals.

LA, a place filled with smog that looks like fog along with heavy traffic and terrible parking space.  Crowded with people from left to right.  As the sun began to rise, droplets of sweat began to fall.  Traffic lights flicker from red to green.  Then came a little push with a little shove.  The 10k walk began the day.

   

[Day 7] - Marathon Training

Strobist Info:
SB-900 above shot through umbrella at 1/2th
Triggered by onboard at 1/128th

[Nike Free Run V2] 04, a photo by http://ainguyenphotography.photoshelter.com/ on Flickr.

Today was actually my break day from running; however, I decided to join my new running mate, Jacob. Will I run again next Friday? Probably not. Because I don't want to over-exhaust my muscle; even though, I felt no muscle soreness afterwards. Running three times a week is good enough for me, especially if I am slowly increasing my distance.

I notice that I had completely depleted my B supplements and Vitamin C or my intake was not enough to allow my muscles to recover. However, after trying out jelly beans loaded with electrolyte (Sodium and Potassium), B supplements and Vitamin C my muscles rejuvenated. Now, I do not know whether this was a placebo effect, but I did not felt exhausted after my running exercise routine.

My workout today consisted of:

A Brisk five-minute warmup walk at the speed of 3.5-3.7, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) at the speed of 5.7 with no walking.

After completing my 20 minutes jog, I held a run for 4 minutes at the speed of 7.

Memo to self:

Start drinking vitamins supplements.

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I absolutely love these shoes.
J'adore Nike Free Run V2

[Day 6] - Marathon Training

I was actually somewhat anticipating for today's exercise training.

My exercise consisted of:
A brisk five-minute warmup walk, then a jog for two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking.

During my first week of training I was able to hold a 15 minutes constant jog.  So I assumed that adding an extra 5 minutes should have not been a problem for me.  I did not have any problems during my first 5 minutes of running.  However, it began to get harder (as in a mental challenge) after the 5 minutes.  By the 18 minute mark, I was ready to increase my speed to 6.1 to finish my last two minutes.  Then again, I pushed myself and ran for 23 minutes.  Originally, I was actually hoping to push myself to 25 minutes, but I became extremely dehydrated and my contacts was getting fuzzy and dry.

Today marks my first time being able to run 20 minutes non-stop and running over 2 miles non-stop!

[Day 5] - Marathon Training

I don't know why, but I always get the jitters before running.

Today my workout routine consisted of:
A brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)
• Walk 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)

However, during the the last jog, I pushed myself to a 15 minute jog.  During the last two minutes I raised my running speed to 6.8, where I was able to hold for 1 minute.

[Day 4] - Marathon Training

Today I started my week 5 training of the 5k training program. 

My training consisted of:
A Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

However, on the last jog I pushed myself to run at a speed of 6.1 for 10 minutes.  The only drawback of my training today was that I did not walk off my run for about 1/4 of a mile and I did not fully stretch afterwards.  I will never do that again no matter whatever comes up.  Without doing that after my exercise I felt horrible.

Hopefully, playing basketball for an hour did not mess up my left ankle for tomorrow's training.  The pressure and ache that I felt after playing basketball is slowly going away.  

Poem: Damn you Nikon I am switching to Canon

Damn You Nikon I Am Switching to Canon

I was happy to hear the news
I swear to God I was
I  was even happy to hear the rumors
The rumors that were spread

But, why do I feel this now
This feeling of sadness
This feeling of distraught
Like a child being left behind
Filled with emptiness

Yet, my head is filled with contemplations
The contemplation of leaving you
So I began to ask myself
What were the reasons

Was it because you screwed me over?
Was it because you were a bad investment?
Hell yeah you are!
In about 10 days I will lose 30% of market value

So tell me Nikon
Tell me why shouldn't I leave you for Canon
We know they are a megapixel whore
And as we all know megapixel doesn't do crap
They just blow your image up bigger
But, they are sure damn cheaper than you

You had attracted me with your Nikkor Lens
Not the DX lens, but the prosumer ones
The ones that burn your pockets
The ones that makes you sell an arm and a leg for
But, not once have I regret it

Then again, you never failed me at low light situation
Where you made Canon users cry and weep
But, then again, you are getting too high maintenance
Too high maintenance for me

[Day 3] - Marathon Training

What an amazing day with a new accomplishment and achievement.  To be honest when I look back at today's training I do not know how it was even possible.  I think what kept me on was my determination and will.

As usual I began with a 5 minute brisk walk at a speed of 3.5 and my legs felt fine with no tension because I stretched for about 10 minutes. 

During 3 minute run my left knee wanted to fail me and I wanted to stop my training.  However, as dumb as it sounds I kept moving forward with my training because I wanted to see how my body would react after the 90 second walk break.  Unfortunately, my knee pain got worse during the 5 minute jog for about 2 minutes into the run.  What made it interesting was that it went from my left knee to my right calf and it went away after my 3 minute walk break.  (Yes, I know I took a slightly longer walk break than the program has it.)

What made me extremely happy today was that I was able to hold a 15 minute non-stop run and completed my training over a distance of 3 miles.  Usually it would be around a 30 minute training and ending with a distance of 2 or 2 1/2 miles.  I am glad that I pushed myself to see whether or not I could hold a run for more than 7 or 8 minutes. 

I can now say I have successfully completed a week's training of the 5k training program. 

I cannot wait to do next week training. 

[Day 2] - Of Marathon Training

[Nike] 14, a photo by http://ainguyenphotography.photoshelter.com/ on Flickr.

It started with a light drizzle then it just poured down. Contemplation ran across my mind. Maybe I can skip today and give myself a little break. After all, my legs were still recovering from yesterday. One day won't hurt. These thoughts about not running today began to arise in my mind.

Ironically as it may sounds. I love rainy days; however, I just hate getting wet. I do not know why though. Maybe it is the icky feeling of wet clothes and the smell it leaves behind that makes me dislike being wet. Then again, that is a whole different story.

During today's training exercise I felt more tired than yesterday. More exhaustion from my lungs than my legs. This is the result from sleep deprivation and for skipping breakfast and have an extremely small lunch. However, after doing the first set of running exercise my body began to acclimate.

What amazes today was when I pushed myself to hold in a 7 minute non-stop run and my body was able to handle it. Hopefully, I will be able to hold in a 10 minute non-stop run tomorrow.

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Determination & Commitment

[Day 1] - Of Marathon Training

Website

New Goal, New Hobby, & A New Beginning

Strobist Info:
SB-900 fired at 1/2th through umbrella front
Triggered by on-board flash at 1/128th

[Self-Portrait] 16-1, a photo by http://ainguyenphotography.photoshelter.com/ on Flickr.

Today was my first day on the 5k training program. After last Sunday I felt comfortable being able to run for more than 5 minutes non-stop. Therefore, I decided today that I will start on the 4th week of the training program instead of the 1st week training.

This training consist of:
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)
Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

To be honest, before my training I was afraid that my knee and feet would fail me. I felt a little tension in my knee before hand. However, to make sure that I stretch out properly, I stretch out twice (2 times before running and 2 times after running). The first set of stretch was 20 seconds then when repeated again 10 seconds.

Hopefully my leg will be up to par for tomorrow's training.

New Hobby New Goal

[Nike Free Run V2] 07, a photo by http://ainguyenphotography.photoshelter.com/ on Flickr.

Today marks a new chapter in my life. I have decided to take on a new hobby and a new goal.

A new hobby as in running (leaning more towards long distance running). A new goal to participate in as many walks for a cause as possible and to train for a marathon, but before that to be able to accomplish a 5k run then a half marathon.

Ironically, I never liked walking and hated running. However, after preparing for Peru this summer by walking 4-8 miles a day for a duration of 5 weeks, I started to developed a liking for walking. Like a famous saying, "before you can run, you have to learn how to walk".

On Sunday, I was able to achieve 6 miles on the elliptical and 2 miles on the treadmill. I absolutely love my Nike Free Run V2 and it is all thanks to my friend, Buddy for letting me try his pair.



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Let the training begin.

[Edison Reception]

[Edison Reception] 135, a photo by Ai Ng on Flickr.

Back in mid to late April while checking my email inbox. I happen to stumble across a cc email of a sender whom I did not know. Out of curiosity I click on it.

It turns out the email was a recommendation for a photographer for an upcoming event. Seeing and reading this email brought a smile across my face. It feels nice being acknowledge for my previous work at UCI. 

This is my first time using an ultra-wide angle lens. It was rough in the beginning, but I pulled through near the end. Through this, it made me realize how attachment I am with prime lens than with zoom lens.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to use the Nikkor 17-35F2.8 for landscape after the event.

Easter Vigil

[I Believe in You] 113-2, a photo by Ai Ng on Flickr.

On Easter Vigil, I had the privileged to be a part of the video and photography crew for a church, where my cousin was going to be baptized at. The church was filled with hundreds of people. The entrance and the court yard were filled with people standing.

I came to mass with the intention of just taking a few pictures of his baptism. However, as I began to take photographs of my cousin, I was handed a photographer badge.

It so happen that I was the only photographer there with a prime lens, but not just any prime lens, a portrait lens. This was one of my major concerns because I never shot an event with a prime lens before. This was a great opportunity for me to think outside of the box and become creative along with a touch of photo-journalism.

Although, I had my SB-900 attached to my camera as a backup. I hardly had to use it because the 85F1.4 is amazingly fast. The picture it produces is just pure dreamy and creamy.
After capturing this event with the 85F1.4, it made me more confident in myself as photographer who can be versatile because I am not an event photographer.

*All pictures posted on http://lifethroughaieyes.blogspot.com/ are not to be distrubted or used without my permission. Pictures are copyrighted under Flickr from aisphotography. 

Flickr Mile Stone and Returning to Blogspot

www.flickr.com/aisphotography

I know that my birthday was coming up, but I was unaware that I would reach 30,000+ views on Flickr just one day before it.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my viewers because without you I would never be able to achieve this.

This is the best birthday present ever!

I began to search online for a website where I can upload my photography portfolio.  Because my Flickr pro account expires in May.

What really amazed me was how blogspot evolved so much after one year.  I fell in love with certain photography templates for blogspot.  In the end I chose this particular one for it's clean and professional look.

To a wonderful beginning again with blogspot.