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.