Congrats to April...

April is finally married, so says Rulin. And Finally is a word that is used appropriately. It's a courtship that lasted 9 years. Yep! 9 years. Congrats April! And Alan! It's gonna be fun... running after your little ones...

Oh yes, the wedding reception was beautiful. Having it at Fort Canning, and blessed with lovely weather, it was very sweet and memorable event. Cheers to that!

We did quite a nice collage for her, as a wedding gift. Hope she liked it. Reminded me of secondary school days, whereby we have to DIY gifts. :) At this rate, i'll be pro at the whole gift thing.

So now, the domino effect has started. I will be posting once every few months of one of my gfs getting married. And the answer is still nope, i'm not getting married yet.

manners on the road

Dear Lousy Driver,

I do not claim to own the road. Neither do i consider myself to be a contender for the most courteous motorist on the road. But it's saddening how you have become. You may have caused an accident. Because of you, you gave rise to road bullys. Because of you, you may cause a traffic jam.

These days, just signalling will not cut it that you have been thoughtful to other drivers. There are other ways to make the roads a better place for us both. A simple wave to indicate "Thanks dude!" would have made my day, when you try to cut into my lane in the early morning traffic. I understand that morning moodyness, when you just woke up and am rushing to work. But so am i, so am i.

You decide to once again make me feel like a fool once more when i notice you speeding away in lane 2, and cutting in at the last minute on the chevron making your way into Pan Island Expressway (PIE), off of Central Expressway (CTE). Yet once again, i fail to see the hand signal, let alone the courtesy to be in line, just like the rest of the pack who joined in back at the Novena entrance / exit of CTE. You failed me repeatedly. How could i trust you again?

I manage to summon enough courage to join you at Sepang International Circuit on a private trackday. With good faith that every driver present is courteous and knows the rules of the track, i set forth in my car to go around the track. You and i were going down the track, with me leading just half a car length in front of you, which indicates i can take the correct racing line. No, what did you the lousy driver decide? To meet me at the same corner, from where you were, almost colliding to me. Did i miss something at the pre-trackday briefing? Are we on some circuit race here? I believe not, cos i am always at every trackday organized by a group of friends whom i trust my life and my car to.

Why, oh why, would you decide to do that? Do you not love your car? Do you not cherish your life? Time and time again, i have given you a chance to repent. But you did not. Perhaps i should write to the local authorities about road courtesy slowly disappearing from our roads. When i think of the road courtesy campaign years back, it brings a smile to my face. We could always try a little kindness, and give way to others who share the space we live in.

I love my car, i love my roads, i love the Sepang International Circuit,
but no... i don't like you, yes you. You lousy jacka** driver!


With best regards,
for the safety of other road users, and me,
Daftbitch

is there such things as two bad days? or is it the mind playing tricks?

I was reading an article off Shape Magazine May'08 edition, written by writer/sportswoman Janice Lee Fang. She went on saying you almost always feel better the next day. I don't think i agree with her on that.

I went for, whatchamallit, an eight-k run last afternoon, having slept in on that lovely Saturday morning due to a thunderstorm that killed my ride at 530am. As i prodded on that road around my neighborhood, i find myself singing alongside Adam Levine : is there anyone out there cos it's getting harder and harder to breathe. I felt absolutely in the pits, and as much as i wanted to run, i couldn't. My legs felt heavy, my heart felt heavy, and i am well-rested, trust me on that. I ended up spitting a whole bout of phelgm. Well, you see darlings, triathlon (swim bike run) never promises a germ-free environment, much less wax lyrical about being the most hygienic sport around. In the end, i walked back home, and decided i could do with some retail therapy and call it an early night, praying damn hard that tomorrow(which is today) will be a better day.

I made plans to be awake by 5am, so i could put in a 50k ride and be home by 7am to watch ironmanlive.com kickoff of IronmanChina and to get ready to leave for KL. I rode 10km down the road. Once again, the song "harder to breathe" kept ringing in my head. My body is failing on me. I was having trouble catching my breathe. I decided to U-turn and head home. When riding alone, i count on gut instincts. If the body says No, it means you're better off at home. That marks a very short 20k ride. Oh, funny thing did happen, this runner did a double take on me, and gave me a smile when he realized the cyclist is not a man. I do still have my womanly features, you know. :)

So here i am... at home, writing this blogpost, at this really unearthly hour.
And oh yes, awaiting the kickoff to IronmanChina.
I really wonder if i can ever reach the day i can tell everyone i am ready to do my IM.
Who knows? Maybe i won't reach that insanity level. Maybe i will.

Godspeed to those doing IronmanChina...

I am now very starstruck and in awe... just cause i saw Belinda Granger and husband Justin Granger at the airport, checking in at the same as the rest of the TriFam guys, who are heading to Ironman Haikou, China.

That being said, i think it might be a very light push to start training. I may not ever get to be a pro, but hey, at least i can try to get closer to completing an Ironman70.3 race. A friend i knew called me out of the blue, to ask for his bike trainer back, and then talked about how he heard i've been training really hard. My reply was "no... who did you hear it from". His reply : "your gang?", to which i am baffled. Cos i train alone. And i haven't been training per se.

I am not a sandbagger, but i like to do things my own pace and keeping things casual. When i met the bunch of TriFam guys at the airport, they wondered why i didn't sign up for 70.3 China, my reply "i haven't been training", which is a honest response. I have been riding, but at once a week, i doubt the distance or intensity would allow me to survive. Truth be told, 70.3 is do-able, but how at the cost of how much pain thereafter?

As i wondered about this question, perhaps i should go for a run to clear my mind, and to tell myself i can do the Ironman70.3.

affirming yet another frivolous belief...

As much as i walk the walk and talk the talk about being a "brother", and the boys acknowledging me as one of them, others are quick to point out i'm still female and perhaps feminine, in terms of my choice of clothes (i love dresses), and colors (hot pink rocks!), and of cos emotions (sensitivity and innate whining).

This week, i have yet another female characteristics being highlighted to me that i am still a female. The story goes that Jin Kiat, the guy who can run a 3 hr 20 minutes marathon, went for a jog with me. I am sorry to slow you down, dude. Heh! At the end of that 8km run, i had a bloodied shoe, thanks to a bloody blister and the fact i forgot to bring socks. The blister was a result of me not wanting to dirty my pair of white Gucci shoes, due to a downpour. Come on, who would dirty a nice pair of white Gucci shoes? It would be such a sin. So i put on a pair of pumps and went for lunch. That one hour proved to be a costly mistake, of cos, add the running, it's awfully in pain, and bleeding.

Jin Kiat had only one thing to say : AI SWEE MAI MIAH ( literally, rather be pretty over losing my life). The vanity of women... tsk tsk, but i had such a justification : Gucci. He went onto add : women are known to have high threshold of pain, you have proven it. Right... *rolls eyes*
Of cos Juls asked me why i would run with a blister. And then Sean asked me to rest.

Of cos, i did not heed advices, and went for another run the very next day, going for 10km, just by placing a plaster over that wounded pus-filled thing and not forgetting socks (ugly black ones for fear i stain those dstrainers). Ewwwww i know. But i did the 10km and did it feel great.

Of cos running those mileage only made me feel one thing.
Absolutely zero guilt having that heineken or that lychee martini or that nice asahi beer. Ooh...









So before you decide to drink up, let's just keep on running.









This message has been brought to you by yours truly, after watching way too many Heineken ads and having way too many Heineken beers.

Push Up...

Before you think this is yet another blog post about sports, be it swimming, cycling, running or wakeboarding, stop your thoughts. This is about fashion. Yes, the laziest woman probably alive is going to discuss fashion on her blogpost. But it's more about a fashion invention : the pushup bra. According to an article in The New Paper for 7th April 2008 which is a spinoff of a survey done by Telegraph UK, the pushup bra ranks as the greatest fashion invention ever, ahead of stilettos, g-strings, and the LBD (little black dress, duh?).

Somehow, i find myself agreeing to the list of fashion inventions, at least for most of it. The bikini and classic white shirt didn't get a mention in that list of top 20, instead hot pants got in. Like huh? Yes, repeat after me. HUH? Hot pants? Seriously, if you don't have legs and the body of the supermodels, and whales need not apply, Hot pants is left for the few selected blessed individuals. I personally would never be seen in hot pants. Shorts are shorts, hot pants barely cover those ass cheeks.

What do we have in our closet that we deem as the greatest fashion inventions, or the commonly known word for it : Must-haves? Everyone is different. Some swear by their black pants, other swear by their baggy jeans, while others would frown at the mere sight of women walking down in oversized shirts and jeans two sizes too big.

With that in mind, i list my 20 greatest fashion invention... and must haves :

1. Pushup bra (with or without straps, they're a must have).
2. g-string. VPL is a no go
3. running shoes... which can be a fashion sneaker too.
   
4. ankle socks... i don't run with longer socks, cos i looked dorky. I need them with my sneakers too.
5. running tights... i discovered them and they are godsend, trust me! doubles up as tights under tunic and tent dresses.
6. White tank tops, preferably wifebeaters. It screams street cred !
7. Shorts / Berms. They are my weekend staple.
   
8. Mini-skirt. So they say, if you got it, flaunt it baby. Enough said!
9. That black dress. As long as they compliment your figure, you have got it!
10. Skinny jeans. They're the bootcutjeans of the 08. Slims you down, and great with heels or ballet pumps. You can jazz it up and take it down...
    
11. Bootcut jeans. Classic!
12. White shirt. How can we not have this other classic
13. Ballet pumps. Everyone should have at least a pair
14. Black killer stilletos. Nothing's sexier than them that screams power
15. IT bag. Number one accessory !
16. A jacket. It helps jazz up an outfit.
    
17. Flip flops. How can anyone not own a pair?
18. A handphone. Believe it or not? your cell phone or that blackberry is a fashion accessory
19. Your belt. It can be a good accessory which is functional
20. Lipstick / Lip balm / Lip gloss. Pucker up for that kiss...
    

Oh yes,i got to mention number 21 too. A great arm candy who never fails to make you laugh!

too much too soon

So i've been lazing around. I haven't quite gotten started since the Bangkok trip, only going to swim class on tuesday, which i didn't push hard. Somehow the body didn't feel right. So the entire week was met with rain, and work. Random stuff and excuses i manage to make, just not to head out. I didn't feel like running.

Weekend rolled around, had a long day on Friday, just running about. Of cos, it was some joyous occasion which i had a few drinks too much. By 2pm, i called it a night and went home. I felt drunk and hungover.

Surprisingly Saturday felt alright. I felt bloated with the alcohol, but figured with the heat & humidity outdoors, i could do with a swim. Went to do 1.5km in the pool, followed by a 6-7km jog to Labrador Park. Thanks Uncle KC, for being my training buddy and being my pacesetter. Awesome pace, and i felt good.

Sunday was the most awesome time, yet marked one of the worst rides i ever did. The boys were moving at a pace that i can't sustain. You might be thinking above 30kmph (i know i suck...), but no ,.. they were doing about 20kmph. How can i cycle this way? If my cadence drops below 70, i feel like i am heading for stationary fall. O_o Seems just yesterday when 19kmph was what i could come up with. Highlight : Went up the viaduct. Woot!

Of cos, nothing quite sums up a drive along ECP on a Sunday evening. I think i wanna be finishing my Ironman in this kinda sunset..... if i ever find my courage to do so. To think i actually still think about Ironman, despite the fact my quads hurt and i can barely walk up and down the stairs, bringing me back the day past my 21.1km last December... sheesh!

And so my butt got lazier

I wish i have the energy to move.
I wish i can be faster.
I wish i am motivated.

Sigh... all are wishes. The mind is willing, yet my flesh ain't moving.
My training has taken a dip. My weight has taken a huge increment. I look fat, but seriously, i got enough of those "wah you put on weight" kinda talk, that i just resigned myself to it. Am i even moving towards doing anything? No... cos i don't care. I'm Eve. I may whine about it for a lil, but that's it. Ok fine, i whine alot about it, then i forget about it. Heh

I had a nice relaxing trip to Bangkok. I so want to go again, yet i can't. Julz told me "no more holidays" , cos after that i always say lazy to train, i just want to laze around.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH ME.
unflattering pic... but you know, i can't always look glamorously cute. reality is warped.

time changes everything

Priorities always changes, and it should. This line seemed to resonate with me. I spent the week leading up to Good Friday and the entire week, reading the foreword of Triathlete Magazine April 2008, by Mitch Thrower. Though the header was titled Sandbagger, it bear that much more than being the usual midnight runs or borrowing any bike to sneak in time to train, it was about priorities and the mindset of a triathlete as well as a human being.

I did train, i do try. I am a try-athlete, as some might said. I am a casual triathlete, a weekend warrior of sorts, or a taitai-triathlete, i would tell others. I've started having renewed passion for running again. Like another guy said, and i quote : i need to forget the last marathon in order to run the next one. For now, i'll keep on moving towards my goal : my 70.3 & that 42km.

On Good Friday, i caught up with the girls, although we had some misunderstandings over religion, and hens' night, but that's another story altogether. So going in, i knew some feathers were ruffled, and i was prepared for a really nasty time. Maybe i was being sensitive, sensitivity being the only thing left that still stood between me and that cross to being a full-fledged brother. Heh :) . Through the hours i spend with them, actually 2 hours, i realized their lives have started moving onto the topic of weddings & renovation, and very caught up with it too. Our priorities have changed. There i stood, realizing i am not going to partake in that madness. Of course i felt different, why else would i blog about it? But my intentions were clear to stay true to my true style of Eve, and just have fun, and throw caution to the wind.

I left the lunch, with a heavy heart to head for training and that constant reminder to keep me grounded : Priorities change, as they should with time. Just as they have their priority to get married and have their fairytale wedding, i'm going to continue my road to finishing up an ironman. Different people get married for a variety of reasons. Some do it because they want to live together, without nagging parents. Some just felt it would be a whole new level to just being committed. Some do it for the kids. Some do it for the wedding event itself. I can't seem to understand that amount of craze for a perfect fairytale wedding. Was i going to be like that when it's my turn? What about that joy of getting married, and starting life as a Mrs? I wondered if any of the married ones thought about it. Life's so much more than being a wife and a mother. First you're a daughter and sister. For me, there's also the "brother", best friend, buddy, training mate, etc. And i live with that, knowing my life has been crazy and fulfilling, just the way i like it.

For now, i continue my road to finishing an ironman. And i find comfort that someone else share my exact sentiments. "There's no way a non-triathlete would understand the energy and confidence i gain from finishing a race", says Mitch Thrower. And Amen to that!

The Leap Year --- a movie in review

I went to watch the Leap Year recently. The story of 29th February. The story about a tradition that allows women to make the first move for a romantic encounter, or as the movie puts it, no man is allowed turn down a woman's proposal on February 29th , or he risks a fine.

The movie was refreshing & touching. I recommend it to everyone & anyone. So what if it's a local(Singapore) production, the bottomline is the storyline is good. It's about love at first sight. The minute you meet someone, there's an instant connection, to something so familiar yet so strange. It's about throwing caution to the wind. When was the last time you did that? To live based on a gut feel? To let it all go? and to just live for the moment! I thought about it. And you know what? I loved it, cos i like going where the wind takes me. Carpe Diem!

A few quotes that showed up during the movie :
It's not in the stars that hold our destiny, but in ourselves --- William Shakespeare
Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous --- Albert Einstein
A person often meets his destiny on his way to avoid it --- Jean De La Fontaine
If you're not too long, i'll wait for you all my life --- Oscar Wilde

In three words, i can sum up everything about life : it goes on --- Robert Frost

Sunday Rides

160508 : cycling along Pioneer...
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

Sunday Long Rides have become quite a routine .. to end the week, with a big bang. Long Sunday Rides, with great company, of people with different jobs, with one passion in cycling... get together to ride, and to have breakfast together. Others drive to have breakfast, we cycle to have breakfast, naming our rides : mee rebus ride, mcdonald's ride... tour de tuas, loop de mandai, you get the drift...

So the menu was Tour De Tuas. We set off with 70km in mind, i remember reminding Nick at the 15km mark from NUS Fong Seng, to do a U-Turn. In the end, they decided, we shld go to Tuas West Road / Schering Plough area. Man... that began the nightmare. It was long... "are we there yet?" ... hot route.

By the time, we got to a proper rest : it was 60km. We sat down to have McDonald's. I now know, i can order extra egg and sausage with my big breakfast. Heh ! New Discovery! The commute back was quik. Much faster than i expected.

Can't wait for the long weekend next week.
More pictures on cycling available here...

Coke Madness...

Coke Zero got introduced to Singapore. Frankly, i never heard of it. Friends who used to study in Aussie raves about it. Less sweet, blahz blahz. I dont know. The contents looked similar to me, between the coke light and coke zero. Both promotes zero calorie, zero fat. But citric acid and citrate sodium? What's the difference?

Ultimate test would be to go drink it. Be the judge.
My verdict :
1) Coke Light still taste blahz
2) Coke Zero taste a bit blahz...
3) Original Coke rocks... :)

More Coke Please...

Singapore Biathlon 08

Singapore Biathlon 08 - Michael, Eve & Kian Yan
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

I did it. Surprisingly.

I remember clearly standing at the start line at 730am, close to tears... and kept telling Kian Yan : " i am scared, how?". For two days before the event, i kept muttering to myself and friends : "I am scared. How". The panic and anxiety has set in.

At the swim start, there seems to be hundreds of people. The ladies were starting with the Men's Veterans. My coach Seamonster Alex was part of the manic bunch in my wave. Bernard facebook-ed me, and i quote, : "wahahaha, see how you die...". Now THANKS for calming my nerves. Rough swimstarts, i saw men & women elbows, clawing their way to find space to start their front crawl. I got kicked by some nasty froggers ( or breaststrokers, as they are known). My legs have bruises from them jump starting on my knees. My eye socket hurts cos some dude kicked the goggles on my face. Crap, worst start ever. I treaded water and just watched the commotion.

Soon i started my swim, and very determined to finish in front crawl, not breast stroke. I just aim to complete, not compete. It was a leisure swim, with me humming to myself : Everything by Michael Buble. By the time i hit 1km, it was getting boring. I tried side kicking to just bask in the race, watching birds fly by, and seeing the ships out in the ocean.

As soon as i hit land, i struggled to rid my face of salt water and to grab my running shoes to go. It was depressing when you see the 1km, then 2km, and then 3km markers. I mean, come on, you don't have to tell me i have 7 more kms to go. That's torturous. Before i know it, i paced myself at 1km per 5 mins or 5 mins 30 secs. It became more enjoyable and i felt absolutely fantastic once i crossed the finish line.

There! I finished my 1st OD Biathlon 1.5km swim + 10km run. And you know what, i am happy. The atmosphere's great. I managed to hang out with friends, take a bunch of pictures, hug a few soggy people.

So more races to come.
I came in position 101. Time : 1 Hr 51 mins 1 secs.
Not too bad i suppose, first OD event ever, first time i ever did front crawl the whole way thru.

Star Wars... according to a 3 yr old.

For those of you who know me well enough, you would notice my recent obsession for Star Wars. Star Wars-Hello Kitty mash up, to be more precise. I love Storm Troopers. I might get one of those trinkets to put on my bike, or a Hello Kitty trinket for the bike. Heh :). So getting back, if you do not know Episode IV, this lil video gives you enough insight to what Star Wars Episode IV is about. The girl's so cute and adorable... brings away the gloom of a blue Monday, after an adrenaline-filled weekend.

I had one very exciting weekend...
Friday : Made a trip up to Sepang International Circuit, in KL over friday.
Saturday : Brick Sesh @ East Coast : swam 20laps + ran 5-7km
Sunday : Rode 70+ km...

I surprise myself sometimes. I didn't think i could do the commute home alone, some 20km from east coast area as Jln Eunos is always a bitch, but yet i managed to, in 10am sun. And i feel absolutely fab thereafter. Yes, I have the usual pains, butt pains, thighs pains, lower abs pain as i walk through my office doors this morning. I still have this dazed-out feeling, like i'm high. I have fugly tights sunburnt mark on my legs, and i looked way more tanned.

But You know what... i love it : ROCK ON baby...

1st race of 2008 --- NUS Biathlon

I did my first race of 2008, to warm up my engine, and to try my new tri suit from Zoot.
So i did the NUS Biathlon, sprint category.
It's nothing to wow about, frankly.
Even i am disappointed. But i guess i can't be.
Let's see the factors :
1) I didn't train... due to CNY, food, gatherings... ohhh and my bout of flu
2) i didn't sleep the night before... CNY card games took priority. Sucha wrong move.
3) I had the mother of all PMS cramps. There... i am woman, hear my roar....RAWRRRR...
4) with the amount of pain involved, i met with a bunch of seabugs. I had the worst sea swim ever... and so i gave up after 200m out in that big bathtub.

That being said. surprisingly came in 43rd of 75 ladies. Weirdly. But i took too long. It's such an awful timing, worst performance i turned in. I'm hoping things take a turn next week at Singapore Biathlon. If the bug bites calms down, i'm so going to step up my last minute workouts.

What i did walk away with at the NUS Bi is a bad rash from seabugs... ewwww. Someone mentioned he thought i got flogged. Omg... tsk tsk...

Reading Material

GMAT Math Workbook. Road to Kona. Triathlete Magazine.
Polar Watch. iPod Shuffle (Product Red).
Gosh....What am i reading? What did i do?

I walked into Kinokuniya this Sunday afternoon and picked up a magazine, in a red dress, and my Gucci heels & shoulder bag. No, i did not pick up my usual magazine stash of Style, or Her World, or Harper's, or even Female. I picked up Triathlete Magazine, much to the dismay of my mom. I guess, to her it represents my dedication to the sport and the lifestyle, and the sign that there's more to come. Heh heh :) That evening, after CNY gathering with family, i put on my running shoes and went for a quick run, just to get my heart prepped for the long road ahead this year.

the life of a tai-tai triathlete... mind of a daftbitch.

ippt ...

I know i don't need to do IPPT or rant about it. But i was chatting with Mr. E over this.

Me : you should run with me more often and pass that ippt... and get that few hundred bucks from government...

E : hmmm... why don't i pay the government so i don't need to do ippt?

Me : *silence.....*

hahahaha, that was one funny moment...

Rulin's birthday @ Timbre Arts House

There are perhaps 101 parties i can talk about. Yet sometimes it's the ones with the people who know you, including some who knew you some twenty years ago, that truly matters.

The first birthday of 2008 belongs to our dear Ms. Chiam Rulin.
We gathered at Timbre @ Arts House on a wednesday night... at her insistence of checking out the place... though we wanted to try other places.
The night was truly one of the rare times we all agree that we had a fabulous time, amidst beer, sour apples, and pizza and wings. And how could we forget the girls? For once, we did not have any boys around us. What we do have are a few surprises here and there... from funny pictures... to talking crap with each other.

And of cos, we came to find out we have a couple of wannabe-singers in our midst....
ok i admit... i'm one of them... but heck... Pris is one too...
I love you girls...

For more pictures, pls refer to this link. This is just for Jeanie.

Goodbye 2007, & Hello 2008!

You know the thing about new year's resolutions. Nobody keeps them. At least a lot of people out there don't keep them. I know i didn't. I didn't keep to my 2007 resolution to try to get into graduate school. That was shelved for other things in life like triathlon and business.

Someone told me that triathlon and drinking don't mix, and sooner or later, it'll just eat into me. And i would have to quit drinking. I already cut down quite a huge amount, but do allow myself to lack discipline now and then.

So perhaps for 2008, i should just try to get into graduate school... and perhaps attempt my 70.3.

2007 in retrospective

As it draws to a close of year 2007, i took some time off to wonder what i've done. I have the same bunch of friends, a growing bunch no less, who are not afraid to be silly and sometimes go along with my bimbotic ways. I love you loads, boys. And very appreciative about how we have all grown closer, and our friendship has became stronger, to the extent we probably know what each other are thinking. I am glad that we still have our drive away trips to Malaysia, to enjoy the food, the track and the fun and to spend more time irritating the daylights out of each other. Eventhough you guys love to bully me around, i know you guys love me way too much.

I started swimming and running, in a bid to get fit, part of the resolutions i made for 2007. I've always wanted to do a triathlon, before i turn 30, and contemplated doing one. So i took to the advice of Seggy, one of my closest mate , after his fave bike rider Valentino Rossi: WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER TRIED IT. Oh, i still love my retarded slutty bestie Seggy a lot, and can't wait to see him in 2008.
I went out and got myself a road bike in May, and got myself my baby : Scott CR1 Team'07. I still love it, and have to just look at it everyday in awe.
Of course i put on bulk. My pants got tighter. I like to think it's muscles. Then again, it could be the increase of food intake i do. Heh! Oh well... i love food. Why give up on one of the greatest joy in life?
Two months after my bike purchase, i did the Osim Singapore International Triathlon 2007 - Sprint Category. 750m of open water swim. 20km cycling. 5km run. I got to know a new bunch of amazing people from triathlon family, who never fail to inspire me with their strength and discipline... and met my fave girl kaki for tri, Kian, who went through the triathlon with me. During that tri, my mind went through a load of sorting and disillusion... but that ended with a sense of achievement. I felt so super then, and realized i can, if only i try.

I went back to my usual work routine, and balancing as much training as i can get. I realized i hate smack talk, but i'm not about to change my lifestyle of beer, clubs and friends. I just have to set myself to do it. I have to do it alone. And i can do it alone. In December, i signed up for my very first half marathon at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007, with a goal in mind, that is to finish all 21.1km within 2 hours 30 minutes. And i did it!

So looking back, i realized i might have given up some time with my gfs, and my friends. But i feel like i achieved more. I made new friends through triathlon and training. And of cos, i welcome a new baby to my life : my Mini Cooper S in red.

why do i do it?

At 530am on Hari Raya Haji Holiday, i rolled out of bed. I slept by 1am the night before, i didn't drink a drop for some time. And it just felt right that i should just go and cycle. So off to coastal i went... after parking at Fort Road. Suddenly, i felt invincible, though i had the most incredible butt aches and abs aching. Not to mention being stuck in the rain. That feeling of riding in the rain is just incredible. All you need is a lil rain to get a lil clarity.

and that realization that life trying to be a triathlete is tough.... am i even there yet?

And why do i even choose to do it? There have been times when friends have questioned me on why i chose to do triathlons and why i got to wholeheartedly loving it and being addicted to participating in races? I guess i can't explain that "rush" to others. It's not those adrenaline rushes you get after a good run, or even that endorphine rush that you get after swimming. Nothing truly compares to really completing a race that you thought you couldn't.

i'm going to sound like an ad :
20 laps of swims at 9am. 40 swims at 7pm.
5am bike rides. 8pm bike rides.
7am run sessions. 5pm short runs sessions. 5km basic runs to 15km runs.
The sense of accomplishment following the crossing of a finish line.

It's almost time for 2008. What should i do next?

Now what a thought!
especially after riding some distance in the rain...

that's life...

The weekend was a blast. I left early from work on Friday to join my sis and some friends at Wild Wild Wet water theme park at Pasir Ris area (east side of Singapore). Who knew i would have so much fun with a bunch of 20-30somethings? Hahaha, we were all rolling with laughter, and totally enjoyed ourselves, finding ourselves surrounded by little kids of 10 year olds. The lifeguards were laughing at our silly antics of sabotaging each other, toppling each other off floats. At the end of that very tiring time, we had our lil' Christmas BBQ gathering, with a close group of friends & family. The food was fab, the company was completely fab... and i just felt very blessed to have such a closely knitted group.

Of cos, i failed to mention that the sambal chilli & that awesome BBQ food totally killed my throat, leaving me with ZERO croaking hoarse voice. I rolled off early to bed on that Saturday, under serious medication... and anticipating a long day on Sunday.

Sunday : 745am i rolled out of bed, not to swim / cycle / run. I went to attend a birthday celebration on a yacht off the coast of Singapore. Just lying around & lazing in the sun enjoying that nice sea breeze, with a bunch of friends, enjoying each other's jokes and nonsense... and the fussing around and listening onto lengthy discussion about rides. And of cos, highlight is always on the food. I love food, and i would be awake at the sound of having food around me Lamb with mint sauce, pan fried chicken, salad. Yummy... ! Then, there's of cos The view off the yacht was a sight to behold, and the thought of being surrounded by water. At that moment, I am beginning to like the idea of staying onboard for a dive trip soon.

I was left very sunburnt. I have to blame myself for the lack of sunscreen ( i did put, but obviously not enough). And i decided i could go attend Stefan & Kelly's wedding, sans makeup. I was so bright red like a lobster that any makeup wouldn't have made any difference. Heh! That evening was just lovely, and extremely touching to see Yew Jin's speech of his best friend Stefan. And the camarderie amongst the brothers, and my friends have always been awesome. We had an afterparty, where the boys continued their story telling, and their many ways of enjoying I have no pictures now, but i guess i will soon.

With Christmas around the corner, i am just happy i am in Singapore, with family, loved ones and friends. Not to mention, the good food, good wine & beer and the good company.

*pictures as always are available off my flickr, please click on the flickr icon at the left side of this page

faux pas or trend?

Tell me...

who will tote a huge prada bag
and scoot off in running tank & shorts with her pair of flip flops?
I think only me... and i think it's alright.
Especially if i had gone for a 5km run at ECP.
Faux Pas? Or New Trend?

siblings...

Times like this when i am caught unaware, i hate my sis. I'm so tired from the lack of sleep, and having to wake up at 545am on a Sunday morning.... and yet i'm caught with a picture of me sleeping, and my sis smiling gleefully.

Oh... and fyi, i didn't go to zoukout. I was in bed by 1am. Heh!

My First Half-Marathon

Some might think it's madness to even run 21.1km...

Others might think it's nothing, 42.1295km is something...
i really don't care, i am damn proud of myself.

And i am happy i completed it. I went to bed at about 2am the night before the race...woke up barely two hours later at 415am, to get ready to go to Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon site. I felt so sick, battling my blocked nose and cough, with the heart of giving up mid-way through.

As i got to the site, there's no turning back. I met Daniel Eu, who is also running his first half marathon. Didn't manage to meet Jason or Mala. The time has come... i have to start running.

Thankfully i have great friends like Kelvyn, Gary, Nick... who ran the entire marina south stretch (some 8km) with me. I lost them someway through, but running down Robinson Road alone is weirdly nice. Passing by Esplanade, Ritz Carlton and the Singapore Flyer, running on the road, that my car drives on, is a new experience. Fighting the heat on Nicoll Highway to & fro was perhaps the toughest part of the challenge. When i crossed that finishing line of that 21.1km, i felt so happy.

What made it all worth while is the fact i completed within 2 hours & 30 minutes.
Aim met... what's next? Sundown Marathon?
Official Timing : 2 hours 23 minutes 45 seconds.
ho seh!

I love my friends...

With friends like these, who needs enemies?
All it takes is beer, this despite being the two days before half marathon sunday.
Someone to act dumb with you, when you need to just enjoy the friday.
To be fat along with you. And still smile looking silly.

To act as silly as you do.
Seriously what more can you expect?
Watch us at my flickr account.
Can't find it? It's on the left side of this blog... DOH?!?! DUMB ASSES

2 days more ... to my first half marathon

It's two more days. I can't believe the day has drawn so close. I have never ran anything past 5km officially before, so this is a first. Never had my 1st 10km run (done officially). As i sat down comfortably into my office, and go through this flash file of the run route for the StandChart marathon this year, 21.1km seems further than i imagined. I feel the air around me thinning.

To answer everyone's questions whether i had enough training, i guess so. I have been running 14km the last two Sundays. I think it shouldn't be an issue finishing that 21.1km. Then again, who knows....

I am still nursing a very bad virus which i caught early this week. Fever, flu, sore eyes, sore throat. Thankfully am recovering. With enough luck, you'll see the same ol' me this Sunday at the marathon. I have stuck to no super high heels rule for the week. And nosso much fried food. Ahhh,... i just need to carbo load.

My aim : 2 hrs 30mins.
Wish me luck.
2 more days....

road bikes at HDB void decks?

How often do you get a bunch of bikes? Cannondale Synapse, Scott CR1, and Specialized Allez? All parked at the void deck, alongside your everyday commuting bike...?

An interesting sight nonetheless...

This week, i hardly trained. Feeling tired & burnt out. And having way too much work. But you know what, it's the weekends.

I might just hit the road for 12km tomorrow and enjoy the weekend....
It's friday and i'm loving it...

Training

The week went by... i've been trying to push myself to clock more road mileage. Rain has prevented me from going out to cycle, but to run more... sigh, i can't help but wish i am cycling instead of running sometimes.

This week 22nd Oct to 28th Oct 07
Monday : run around ECP
Tuesday : Yoga
Wednesday : 5km run around home
Thursday : 5km run at ECP
Friday : REST
Saturday : 8km to 9km at ECP
Sunday : 5km at MacRitchie Trail ...

I think trail running can kill me. MacRitchie's great overall, but the humidity inside the forest is a killer. I felt like giving up a couple of times, and telling myself maybe i should clock lower mileage. I ran i walk, and you know what, hey... at least i completed the 5km.

I think i might be on the path to being able to complete my 21km.
hosey !

Saturday morning run...

As i woke up at 7am this morning, and drove towards East Coast Park this morning, i felt that cool breeze hit my face, and wondered "what am i doing awake at this hour to go for my run training?" Then, i thought about an article i read the night before ...

Lifted from The New Paper Oct 27, 07
Titled : Detoxing? No, i am preparing for a race by Esther Au Yong

"I have not had a drink for close to two weeks. And, boy, am I yearning for a pint of beer now.
No, I'm not quitting alcohol nor am I on a detoxification programme.
(I'm taking part in races held on consecutive weekends; this Sunday will be the last one.)

Detoxification, of course, is all the rage these days among clubbers, especially after a heavy week of drinking.

Take some messages I've seen on my friends' Facebook status updates - that's the part where Facebookers tell all and sundry how they're feeling, what they're doing, whether their pet dog has eaten... you get the drift.
One said: 'XX is detox-ing... two more days to go!'
Another read: 'XX is proud of herself for finishing the nine-day detox.'

Earlier this week, when I told a work acquaintance that I can't drink with him this week, he asked: 'Oh, are you on a detox?'
Okay, since it has become a noun, I guess it (detoxification, I mean) should be taken seriously.

Then - and this takes the cake - while buying a packet of my favourite orecchiette pasta at Jones The Grocer at Dempsey Hill one night, the sales assistant, who looked like the partying sort, said to her colleague: 'I sooo have to detox. And this is the kind of pasta I should be eating. This is good pasta.'

If I wasn't shocked to silence, I would have been polite and said: 'Why, thank you very much, I'm glad I chose the right pasta.

'But pray tell, what's this detox all about?'

A quick search on the Internet threw up this general definition - a detox is a dietary regimen that attempts to 'detoxify' the body by removing 'toxins'.
Usually, detox diets suggest eating fruits and vegetables and limiting the intake of processed food, including alcohol.

So, I suppose, I am on a detox of sorts. Trust me, when avoiding alcohol, it's far easier - and apparently more fashionable - to tell people that I'm detoxing than to explain to them that I've a 15km race coming up.

Besides, I hate getting disbelieving gasps, which are inevitably followed by shrieks of 'you got wake up so early to train one meh'?
Or the classic, 'you gotta be joking, right?'

Hey, party girl doesn't have to mean unhealthy girl okay?

But I bet you that pint of post-race beer on Sunday will go down smoother than any I've tasted on a typical, alcoholic night out with the mates."

This article details what i wanted to tell my gfs, I made some of them read it. Few understood why i chose to hang up my Gucci heels and swapped them for my Asics DS Trainer. Give up my beauty sleep and head out for some heart pumping andrenaline rush. Few thought my craze for multisports is going to be a one-off, but no one saw it last for six months and counting.

Hey, like seriously, a party girl doesn't have to mean unhealthy girl. That Saturday morning, the rain fell on my face, i had to run in some faint drizzle, after a delay of an hour. It is on that faithful morning, i clicked in between 8 to 9km. It's been some time, and was unbelievably fast too, much to my surprise.

And you know what, it felt GOOD. :)

Jeanie's Birthday....

23rd October 2007 : Jeanie's BirthdaY @ The Pump Room Cannery
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

Yep, It's the time of the year. And we celebrate another one of my gfs' birthday. And we had tons of fun & laughter. We started with dinner at Dan Ryan's at Tanglin... so that we could all go and visit April.

Thereafter some of us adjourned off to the Cannery, The Pump Room to celebrate Jeanie's birthday as well as Justina coming back home. I can't deny the absolute fun and craziness this bunch of girlies get up to, with some alcohol.

I have some pictures to document this day. But of cos, i had to head home early to start my Saturday bright early morning runs. :) But i love you girls.

Runs runs runs

I set foot at Siloso Beach, Sentosa this morning at 730am, feeling very tired, and embarked on a 5km run. I never felt so breathless and that lack of enthusiasm to press on. That 5km felt as though i have hit 10km. I knew by then, i am in bad shape.

With each every ticking second, minute, day and week, the Standard Chartered Marathon or commonly known as Singapore Marathon draws nearer, sending a chill down my spine.

I have never ran anything more than 5km (in official records and measured perfectly!) before. Ok, yes, I might have ran past 5km, but never had a proper official timing or mileage clocked. And *gasp* what did i do? I signed up for the 21km category for the Singapore Marathon.

Over the past two weeks, I began starting my runs, as far as my knees can take me, and my swollen feet can take me. As hard as i try, i can't seem to run that same ol' 5km as freely as i did before, while training myself for the Osim Tri Sprint Category.

I read in The Sunday Times of suggested training schedules... and you know what? I'm way way way below that suggestion.

My Schedule for the past week :
Sunday : Ran 4-5km ECP
Monday : Ran 2.4km Treadmill + Weights
Tuesday : Ran 1.5km Treadmill + Yoga
Wed : Wakeboard baby... wakeboard...
Thursday : 2.4km ECP
Friday & Sat : Rest...
Sunday : 5km Siloso Beach Sentosa....

Seems like i'm in trouble eh? I can't help but wonder ... am i ready?

Am i?

Noel's Wedding...

Dinner : Nic, Gary, Eve & GP
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

I have too many pictures that could do the talking. Which makes things way easier. It's been too long since i blogged. Sorry peeps...

The amazing people and friends i met through cycling, and Cycle Craft were brought together for one night. Noel's wedding night...

Amazing food, amazing band. And incredulous company.

Afterwhich, we all went to Kandi Bar. And then another long night out at MOS. What can i say? Whoever says beer and sports don't mix.... is obviously wrong...

29th October 07 : Herbie's Wedding

29th October 07 : Herbie's Wedding : The Brothers
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

So another one in the group got married.
:) From us to you Herbs... Congrats !

So the night was filled with good food, good wine... and of cos MacCallan on the rocks. I kinda forgot the ongoings of the night. I had friends at the next ballroom too, as it turns out. Hmmm :)

Congrats Herbs... and we love you dude! And to your wife! Mrs Herbs!

Herbs' Night Out...

21st September 07 : Herbie's Stag Night : J Bar : Eve, Elmer, Herbie, Barry & Casey
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

If the picture is anything to go by... Herbs' night out was all a blur. Massive amount of blurryness, fueled with alcohol, and accompnying good music of ATB (yes, it's beng but it's so skool days that we like it)... and great company like the bunch of crazy brothers. We have the ultimate recipe for a wild night out. I don't think and i can't speak for all of them that we're into any kinky cabaret, ktv pubs, lup sup-ness for Herbs' stag night.

All that we need is a bunch of guys, who can drink tons of chivas, martell & johnnie walker. And a bunch of guys who are really into club hopping the entire night. And that's the recipe to a very wild crazy night.

Quoted the next morning from Herbs the man : I only gain consciousness at 4am. I can't even remember what happened.

Note : he can't even remember the number & names of some people he met, including my friends.

Now that's really a night to remember.
Check the pictures at flickr

Top reasons to date a triathlete...

Osim Tri'07 : me & my finisher medal
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

Found this on facebook , and thought it was really cute...

Top reasons to date a triathlete.... :
* Going long and hard is the name of the game
* We're oh-so smooth
* Worst case scenario we last 17 hours
* We like to get wet
* We also like to get sweaty
* We know when to make our move
* "Mechanical difficulties" are never much of an issue
* We are ALWAYS tweaking our position
* Spandex!
* We know how to ride
* We routinely get undressed in mere seconds
* We know how to finish strong
* We can perform under any condition
* We're up for a ride anywhere, anytime
* We never stop no matter how hard it is.
* The deeper we go the faster we get.
* We always put in a hard thrust at the very end.
* We don't mind when things gets a little rough.
* We're half naked.

I like the last one... hahaha
I'm a triathlete wannabe... here's to more triathlons ahead.

my life, my world, my bike...

This is my life, my world... this is my bike.
I haven't managed to get many pictures of it. Mostly, cos i either ride around at night... or wayyy too early in the morning. I should either run / ride this Saturday morning.

Jeremy Khong has a new blog... and he bitches i don't update. I struggled to juggle my life everyday. Life as an employee, life as a daughter, life as a sister, life as a "bradder", life as a triathlete wannabe, life as a part-time alkie, life as a part time photo bitch, life as a bitch. Gawd, that's tiring.

Heh heh, just kidding.
I love my bike !!!

I turned ...yet, another year older.

12th Sept 07 : Eve's Birthday Soft Launch : Bala : Eve, Casey, Herbie & Barry
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

So who celebrates birthdays for days, weeks or even up to a month? Hahaha... I do! I always do!

In true Eve fashion, i had a "soft launch" of my birthday bash at Bala on 12th September, the wednesday before my official birthday... as some of my brothers are going to be away during the weekend. There was obviously too much Beer. And thanks to Desmond, Ben, Barry & Casey for the wonderful dinner at Tony Roma's.

I went with some girlfriends, along with some of my boys to Zouk Winebar on Friday for drinks. 1stly, to celebrate the the ROM of Ron & Chloe. 2ndly, my birthday. Ok, i don't quite remember what happened at zouk. I do remember who came to wish me happy birthday. And that i admit i was drunk. So what? It comes only once a year. Hahaha!

I don't think my birthday's a big deal compared to Herbie's last night out as still being a singleton.... hahaha, more on that... at the next post.

Flo's birthday & Erik's Birthday...

7th Sept 07 J Bar : Erik's Birthday : Me & my Carlsberg
Originally uploaded by daftbitch.

You know... September babies are a lucky lot. We celebrate the entire month. Since mine's mid-month, i celebrate other Virgo babies' birthday first.

Today's Flo's birthday... And Erik's birthday drinks. Too many bottles of hard liquor ahead. And of cos, weather's too hot, so definitely beer before drinks. Nothing soothes my soul more than an ice cold beer at some kopitiam with Casey & Barry the uncles.
To my Heineken friends : i am sorry, but the uncles wanted Carlsberg.

So of cos, the madness began when we all got to J Bar and started singing Birthday songs, and drinking Black Label & Chivas, and some beer. Plenty of beer = good fun = excellent pictures.

Omg, my birthday's coming up. I'm turning 21. *winks*