On Friday at noon we rode out to Lane Cove for lunch. 14 km return, shorter than to the national park and back but this seems much harder because of the long endless hills.
This isnt my high energy day in any case. I felt I ought to skip my swim and just rest. I went to bed at 10 and up at 730, quality sleep through it all. Finally. Been getting up in the middle of the night a lot.
I feel my body is achy from returning to activity after the week break. I'm yearning for a massage but I learnt not to do it before an event because I'll only ache more.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
150m 3min 40s
I missed my lunch time ride today so I hit out on my own after work. At 5pm its definitely a more pleasant ride. I was my own pace, probably slower than if I had tried catching up with others. I met many cyclists and joggers along the way. Definitely something I look forward to do again. At 46 min, to Lane Cove National Park and back, I think its not too bad.
It was actually the first time I was riding on my own. I think eventually I wont feel so intimidated on my flimsy bike amongst purring engines.
I went to the pool right after. And to my surprise I could do 150m free style without changing to breast stroke after thr 3rd lap like I did last time. So hurray.
I look forward to enjoying the tri-a-tri. Its all short distances but I think I will enjoy it enough to starve for future ones pretty soon.
It was actually the first time I was riding on my own. I think eventually I wont feel so intimidated on my flimsy bike amongst purring engines.
I went to the pool right after. And to my surprise I could do 150m free style without changing to breast stroke after thr 3rd lap like I did last time. So hurray.
I look forward to enjoying the tri-a-tri. Its all short distances but I think I will enjoy it enough to starve for future ones pretty soon.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Prepping for the micro mini marathon
Finally, after a week, I meekly restarted exercise. Yoga on Tuesday night and a short swim this morning.
My cough is much better but its still there. Strangely I did not feel one urge to cough during yoga class but went all over myself again right after. I felt strong at yoga, except with lateral arm strength, like the side plank. I had to do easier poses.
But what a difference exercise makes to my mood. I feel like my old self. Chirpier.
I couldnt do 6 laps continuously on freestyle though. A little worrying. I thought of going back to the pool tonight but decided I should just take it easy. I have 3 days left to the tri-a-tri at the women's festival. Its a good thing I opted for the easiest considering I hardly had any prep time, especially with the downtime from illness.
My cough is much better but its still there. Strangely I did not feel one urge to cough during yoga class but went all over myself again right after. I felt strong at yoga, except with lateral arm strength, like the side plank. I had to do easier poses.
But what a difference exercise makes to my mood. I feel like my old self. Chirpier.
I couldnt do 6 laps continuously on freestyle though. A little worrying. I thought of going back to the pool tonight but decided I should just take it easy. I have 3 days left to the tri-a-tri at the women's festival. Its a good thing I opted for the easiest considering I hardly had any prep time, especially with the downtime from illness.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Cough cough
I got struck by a strange cough. The throat started to itch, I got fever for 2 days, and then just cough. No runny nose whatsoever, which I found strange.
Anyway it was most unfortunate because I had to lose the exercise for more than a week. So I decided to register for the micro mini triathlon since I wont have any time to prepare myself.
A week later, I'm still coughing. Its not so phlegmy any more and there is a glimmer of hope that its getting better. I went cycling this morning anyway, easy pace to Hen and Chicken bay.
Anyway it was most unfortunate because I had to lose the exercise for more than a week. So I decided to register for the micro mini triathlon since I wont have any time to prepare myself.
A week later, I'm still coughing. Its not so phlegmy any more and there is a glimmer of hope that its getting better. I went cycling this morning anyway, easy pace to Hen and Chicken bay.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Are you entering a triathlon now??
In the persona of Vicky Pollard:
Ya....but....no, but I knowthissoundscrazybutwhynotrightitsthereandifinevertryitineverknowbut OH...MY... GOD howconvenientizat?
OK, I cannot help myself. This is an opportunity that if I let pass, I may not get on it because its a wait for another full year. And who knows what my priorities are in 2010 let alone the 3rd quater of the year. For a start I actually already have plans pencilled in February 2010.
A triathlon teaser, just for women, in a safe environment, to introduce women to the sport. How convenient is that? Not open sea, clear and calm water at the Sydney Regatta Center.
This week has been superb and I'm happy to have a fantastic super multi sporty January with lots of healthy aspirations.
I have to confess despite the lack of confidence, I'm a much happier cyclist than I am a runner. I think it has something to do with the rush going downhill, and the strange ability to climb hills more easily than more experienced cyclist. I am guessing that I developed a stronger heart from running. Cycling does not seem to push the heart as much. But going uphills requires aerobic strength that is hard to develop just by cycling.
Its been a pretty conducive environment for cycling because many people are enthusiastic about it. People I know are not just regular cyclist they champion cyclist rights, and they are committed to it. I remember how hard it was to get anything organised back home that I had pretty much decided to do things on my own. But no cyclist I know would pass a chance at having a go at the bike. And none have discouraged me despite accidents they have had. More than anything else they are the most encouraging people I know.
Sydney's terrain too, makes an interesting bike ride. My favourite route around Middle Head has such a wow factor I wish I didnt have to do it in the wee hours before work (any other times mean frightful traffic conditions)
But back to my triathlete aspiration. Enough people I know here are commited and have a Just Do It attitude and dont waste your time telling you "I'll think about it". I dont feel that my own enthusiasm is out of place, something I used to grapple with back home. In fact they make me feel like a shameful procrastinator.
I had always been a positive cheerful person, but I am deliriously so now because I am not just exercising, I am exercising in high heaven.
happy as a bee.
Ya....but....no, but I knowthissoundscrazybutwhynotrightitsthereandifinevertryitineverknowbut OH...MY... GOD howconvenientizat?
OK, I cannot help myself. This is an opportunity that if I let pass, I may not get on it because its a wait for another full year. And who knows what my priorities are in 2010 let alone the 3rd quater of the year. For a start I actually already have plans pencilled in February 2010.
A triathlon teaser, just for women, in a safe environment, to introduce women to the sport. How convenient is that? Not open sea, clear and calm water at the Sydney Regatta Center.
This week has been superb and I'm happy to have a fantastic super multi sporty January with lots of healthy aspirations.
I have to confess despite the lack of confidence, I'm a much happier cyclist than I am a runner. I think it has something to do with the rush going downhill, and the strange ability to climb hills more easily than more experienced cyclist. I am guessing that I developed a stronger heart from running. Cycling does not seem to push the heart as much. But going uphills requires aerobic strength that is hard to develop just by cycling.
Its been a pretty conducive environment for cycling because many people are enthusiastic about it. People I know are not just regular cyclist they champion cyclist rights, and they are committed to it. I remember how hard it was to get anything organised back home that I had pretty much decided to do things on my own. But no cyclist I know would pass a chance at having a go at the bike. And none have discouraged me despite accidents they have had. More than anything else they are the most encouraging people I know.
Sydney's terrain too, makes an interesting bike ride. My favourite route around Middle Head has such a wow factor I wish I didnt have to do it in the wee hours before work (any other times mean frightful traffic conditions)
But back to my triathlete aspiration. Enough people I know here are commited and have a Just Do It attitude and dont waste your time telling you "I'll think about it". I dont feel that my own enthusiasm is out of place, something I used to grapple with back home. In fact they make me feel like a shameful procrastinator.
I had always been a positive cheerful person, but I am deliriously so now because I am not just exercising, I am exercising in high heaven.
happy as a bee.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Starting to run again
Did I say I wanted to do the Great Ocean Road? Can I take that back?
I went back running after what must have been a 3 week break. Some 8km or so. It was not easy today. I wasnt conquering the hills well. I was neaseaus some parts. And now I'm aching. Right after the run. I will be quite sore tomorrow.
Sometimes i think I hate running. Its probably the pride of completion that keeps me at it. I was contemplating on committing myself to the half marathon training but with the biking and yoga going on I think i may be taking on too much.
I went back running after what must have been a 3 week break. Some 8km or so. It was not easy today. I wasnt conquering the hills well. I was neaseaus some parts. And now I'm aching. Right after the run. I will be quite sore tomorrow.
Sometimes i think I hate running. Its probably the pride of completion that keeps me at it. I was contemplating on committing myself to the half marathon training but with the biking and yoga going on I think i may be taking on too much.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
2009 outlook
I love cycling. It covers greater distances and is much less painful than running. So since I found this new joy, I'm in a fix. I have to relook my calender and shuffle my priorities.
Living in Australia is a dream for the sports and outdoor enthusiast. How much of a driving holiday would you remember? If you run or cycle the distance, you'll remember how the sun feels on your skin, the wind whipping at your face. Even getting cold to the bone and excruciating pains becomes a fond memory.
I can tell you that I can remember almost every step of the sundown marathon. I can remember exactly how I feel, trying to keep awake and seeing stars (out of dizzyness) at 3 am in the morning, as I trudged along the canal at bedok reservoir, that salty stink of the big drain. Which is why I wanted to do the Great Ocean Road Marathon, as painful as it sounds. Training for a marathon is almost a killjoy for me. Its really energy sapping to the point that even chewing becomes a chore. But thats probably why I want to do it. Its there. Conquer it.
Living here has been liberating for me. It is liberating, I think, because I found the support group I needed to pursue my interest. No runner I met has told me to stop running. No cyclists, even those who ran into an accident, have told me not to cycle. Intead the nutters suggest leg breaking running events (e.g. 6 foot track) or teaching you how to go so fast downhill it breaks speed limits for cars. I like to be encouraged to be bolder, braver. And it is most liberating for me because I used to be told off for even attempting a half marathon. (are you mad? running is not good for women, your womb will collapse!!!)
I probably enjoyed the bike trip so much because people are so positive, enthusiastic and encouraging. What do you get in a bus tour in inclement weather? Complaints and negativity. What do you get in a bike tour in inclement weather, people determined to cycle on because its part of the challenge, chatting happily about it later over dinner.
I dont think Singapore is lacking such people. In fact, I found them at Sg Runners , unfortunately, a wee bit late, since their only event I joined was 2 weeks before I left. No matter, I have kept in touch with a few and would happily host runners if they come to Sydney.
This year I see myself travelling a fair bit. Within Australia. For cycling, for running, for some adventure. And most of all to meet people who're so passionate about their sport and incapable of letting the worst of situation let them down.
Living in Australia is a dream for the sports and outdoor enthusiast. How much of a driving holiday would you remember? If you run or cycle the distance, you'll remember how the sun feels on your skin, the wind whipping at your face. Even getting cold to the bone and excruciating pains becomes a fond memory.
I can tell you that I can remember almost every step of the sundown marathon. I can remember exactly how I feel, trying to keep awake and seeing stars (out of dizzyness) at 3 am in the morning, as I trudged along the canal at bedok reservoir, that salty stink of the big drain. Which is why I wanted to do the Great Ocean Road Marathon, as painful as it sounds. Training for a marathon is almost a killjoy for me. Its really energy sapping to the point that even chewing becomes a chore. But thats probably why I want to do it. Its there. Conquer it.
Living here has been liberating for me. It is liberating, I think, because I found the support group I needed to pursue my interest. No runner I met has told me to stop running. No cyclists, even those who ran into an accident, have told me not to cycle. Intead the nutters suggest leg breaking running events (e.g. 6 foot track) or teaching you how to go so fast downhill it breaks speed limits for cars. I like to be encouraged to be bolder, braver. And it is most liberating for me because I used to be told off for even attempting a half marathon. (are you mad? running is not good for women, your womb will collapse!!!)
I probably enjoyed the bike trip so much because people are so positive, enthusiastic and encouraging. What do you get in a bus tour in inclement weather? Complaints and negativity. What do you get in a bike tour in inclement weather, people determined to cycle on because its part of the challenge, chatting happily about it later over dinner.
I dont think Singapore is lacking such people. In fact, I found them at Sg Runners , unfortunately, a wee bit late, since their only event I joined was 2 weeks before I left. No matter, I have kept in touch with a few and would happily host runners if they come to Sydney.
This year I see myself travelling a fair bit. Within Australia. For cycling, for running, for some adventure. And most of all to meet people who're so passionate about their sport and incapable of letting the worst of situation let them down.
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