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.