5km 28.50

I think I have almost gotten my lifestyle back to normal. I know this because my 5km time is back to "pre-relocation" timing. And because instead of carrying around my paperwork, i am carrying a large gym bag.

I am gymming 3 times a week and today gotten back into swimming. Gladly I feel more relaxed doing freestyle, probably because I know what real panic and anxiety is with my tyre burning ways, so that I no longer gasp for air while swimming.

the route to chatswood (nearest fitness first platinum, very big but sadly still not as shiny as our singapore ones, no towels!) from my workplace is not far but its one of the most challenging routes I've been on. narrow up and downhill and at parts so dark you cannot see the lines. Its that or a toll route. I think i'd rather pay toll once I get the etag if its safer. And it was raining and my windows fogged up. can cry.

I'm looking forward to get my keys, not quite because I am looking forward to moving in, but because I want to sign up for the Sydney half marathon with a proper address. I can hardly keep track of the addresses I need to change when I move.

I have 54 days to figure out how to get to the start point at 6 am. yes its just the half because if I attempt full they will make me turn back because I will not make the 5hr 30 min cut off.

I'm probably signing up because I think its the only way I can focus and preoccupy myself and pretend I have really settled in. people keep telling me if you like the outdoors you like sydney. what outdoors? its too b****y cold!

I'll be taking 1-1 swim lessons to perfect my freestyle. I'm sure there are some shark free zones.

5km 32.30, Fitness First North Ryde, Sydney

My last run was the milk run. So I have to admit it was a little hard to get started again. My fitness level is not so great, heart rate was higher than normal at 60bmp but that could also be because I was driving in sydney traffic, my first car, my first day of driving in sydney.

So yes I bought a brand new Hyundai Getz and drove to the gym in horrendous sydney traffic. I have to get used to the idea of distances in this country. I am moving about mostly in the North East area of the city suburbs and its so easy to clock mileages. 200km in 3 days. But I was also roving around to get myself used to the car.

So Fitness First platinum here cost about AUD90. I pay a bit more for my membership in Sing. Probably going to continue with it because its got an indoor heated pool.

How am I doing here? very well thank you. I'm settling in rather quickly. Its cold and getting colder and wetter. But I found my accomodation, a 2 bedroom unit in a good area not too far from the office. Nothing like my condo in Singapore, but it will do for now.

Bearish log

I think my running log is starting to look like the stock market, rather bearish, and likely to remain so the rest of the week. Today was yoga. I did not feel strong; looking in the mirror I felt I was thick at the waist. I hope its because I was far away. I have after all been doing my own bellydancing everynight. Good workout you know, I think its giving me washboard, but I must be doing something wrong because I am starting to get lower back pain.

I am hoping next week in Sydney can be better. Hotel gyms are dreary big time man, if there is even a window its lucky. It gets dark quick so I dont think running round the block is a great idea just yet.

I will try to simulate a stock market recovery on my running log.

Milk Run 2008

This must be my most unprepared run, besides the fact that I did not do ANY running the entire week. I was at paragon to drop my belongings at the gym and left there about 14:54. I managed to get a cab and arrived just in time.

I couldnt find my running shoes, had to make do with this light adidas one i bought years back. Its functional, and I guess I must have benefitted from the fact that the shoes are quite "airy" but I stepped on a puddle and the mud seeped through. I had concerns about the flesh eating disease you get from soil for a bit.

I also didnt have my Nike+ ipod. The battery was in the red side anyway and what I had to time the run was my mobile phone. Its said 1 hour at the end. I think I could have done 58 min if you consider the laggard bit you need to actually get past the start line.

I will remember never to run in a cotton T-shirt especially in the afternoon. No sunglassses nor cap. I had to stop to walk a few times. Just felt almost dizzy sometimes with the humidity!

Its a great city route anyhow. If you're a tourist you'd probably walk the same way. Very pretty shiny happy Singapore. Maybe the only downer is the fact that its an afternoon thing. But its not something I'd have down as something I want to do again.

But I am inclined to agree with someone I spoke to after the run; she joined this because its just a way for her to push herself. Something which is harder to do on a regular run.

Running around

I have been running... errands. Otherwise the only exercise I get is digestion. Actually that's not true, I have been carrying around what must be 10kg worth of stuff in my red bag. I dont know why my handbag is so heavy. I have my big note book to remind me of things to do and for people to write their contact number down. A camera, a pack of facial wipes, a file, and lots of lots of little things thay seems to add up.

I dont know if its the handbag, disrupted sleep or stress of moving that has tightened my shoulder and neck considerably. I was suffering during the deep tissue massage today. I dont get migraine thankfully, but when the masseuse hit spots on my neck and shoulders, my left or right temple, depending on the side she is working on, would be struck by a dull pain which I would guess is what migraine feels like.

My hair is half white and a mess most of the time and people tell me I look tired. And I realised having done so much, I have not considered actually giving myself a break. I mean a real break. Not just leave from work but a day I do nothing. Me time. Even going to the hairdresser or manicurist cant count. Those are chores. Even deep tissue massage, I mean, just maybe for once I can get a massage without the application of military strength and one I would fall into deep sleep that would make me groggy when awaken.

I guess the next exercise I will get (besides rounds around buffet tables) will be the milk run. I will miss the Shape Run. But Miss Kiasu has signed up for the GE run (super early bird before official registration) because she will be back for cousin's wedding.