It goes on.

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned in life: It goes on." ~ Robert Frost.

How true. It's been a few weeks since Ben has passed on. The wounds are fresh, but our lives moved on. Friends and customers have been asking me about my absence during the point of time when Ben laid in the hospital fighting to live on, till the day we sent him off to God. I felt the importance to continue relating the incident and the amount of pain we, as friends, are going through, as we watch his once vibrant vivacious life slip away. The importance to remind everyone how fragile life is, and to watch for the safety of cyclists on the road.

I've been talking to Mr. E over the incident and told him it's important to tell everyone when they asked. We talked about the amount of media frenzy, and the aftermath of the incident. It's in our hearts that some action would be taken by the local community over the awareness of cyclists sharing the roads. But as Mr. E would say, this comes with a price. And at what price?

The price of losing our friend.

in loving memory of Ben Mok

Mr Benjamin Mok Chee Kong, aged 35, and another cyclist were involved in an accident with a vehicle on Sunday, 21^st March 2010 at 2125hours. The police report places the accident site along Clementi Road, headed towards Upper Bukit Timah Road.

Ben, a freelance writer and cycling enthusiast, traveled extensively to countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and the USA on solo cycling expeditions. His journals are widely read online and followed by cycling communities worldwide. He was due to return to the US to start on his PhD.

Sadly, his dream will never be fulfilled. Ben passed away on Wednesday 24^th March, 2010 at 0614hours at National University Hospital of Singapore.

His adventures can be followed on Pedal!Damnit! and also check out BenMokPedalOn.Com

Ben's a personal friend. The guy who got me on my first road. The guy who went with me when i first got my Scott CR1 Team with Pro parts. The guy who argued with me cos he was too worried i can't do bike commuting home alone from East Coast. The guy who never fails to wait for me, if i am lagging behind in a ride. The guy who gets really worried when i start to get tired during a ride. The guy who calls me "char siew pao mei" (CSPM).

His death has caused me much anguish. I told a friend,"it's the waiting... the waiting for a miracle, yet in my heart i knew there might be a chance that i will lose him". On the day i heard the news of the mishap, i cried badly. The words ICU did not sit well in my dictionary nor heart. I can't help but to cry when i first saw him again. Every night that i stood by the ward, i couldn't help but to feel terrible. I am though amazed of the guy. How he touched the lives of many. Friends of his, whom i've never met, who sat around with us and amongst us, as we pray for Ben.

Ben, you'll be missed. Badly, by Erik. And i perhaps cannot listen to "8Mile" by Eninem again, without tearing.

Singapore Biathlon 2010

So the time came for 2010 Singapore Biathlon again. Matt has revealed in his blog about how it should be called Aquathlon, but we'll leave this to someone else to explain.

The few days before, i was really unsure how i would do. I can count with the number of my fingers the number of runs and swims i have done in 2010. For your information, i have 10 fingers. and 10 toes. Yes i know, 10 runs / swim sessions is a very sad number. I still do chi yoga once a week, for calming myself down, and to stretch my muscles out. Having done 2 Macritchie runs on the past two sundays, i guessed it will have to help.

I went to the Biathlon with no timing in mind. Good if i hit 2 hours. Best if i did anything better, i wasn't going to complain or whine about how badly prepared i am for the race or how dismal i have done.

The waters was calm in the morning. Calm and peaceful. I met with Shanley, and decide to use her as my benchmark. Both of us haven't really been swimming much. When the officials fired off the starting horn, it's embracing the washing machine styled swim. Not only are the swimmers of different shapes and sizes, as well as age, i am embracing seabugs. Nasty pesky lil things that i can't see, that loves to take a nip or sometimes a bite out of me. Those bites range from my face to my arms. I got mobbed by those nasty sea critters. All i thought was "man... how come this is taking forever?" as i waddled in the waters. That end of swim sign never looked better, as i struggled out of the water still scratching myself silly from the bites. The allergy has set in.

I told myself i would stay calm and try to run the entire 10km, but to anticipate some walks. Once out of transition, my heartrate shot up and i was unable to catch my breathe. I met Maye-E along the way, and we had a lil chat. Before you knew it, she waved me along signalling that all she wanted to do is to run, and not walk, and for me to go faster if i can. As i plodded along the East Coast park, i heard a familiar voice. It was of Matt. His HR was also out of whack when he met me, and slowed to a walk. I grabbed him and told him to move along, and to find his pace. I also had to "undo his zip" of his .... trisuit. Heh! I did get to smile to a few people, chat with a few friends through the run. And by some time, i knew i was on the right track to finish running through that 10k. So much for being branded a "walker" all the time at races and my motto being "keep on walking!".

When i cross that finish line. i knew i have broken my PB.

Surprised? :)

i came in 1 : 45 : 32.

This, without training... i am baffled!

Coping with training and professional life

As Matthew always say, " do not against something that pays for your hobbies", i have embraced work differently. I've always been a workaholic of sorts. But sometimes, i'm only human and lose my cool.

I've started leaving a lot more things in the hands of my trusty assistant. God bless their kind hearts. I've been working more on growing businesses and getting more welfare for my employees. I understand they have families; they need their time away from that workdesk to keep their sanity and cool while dealing with clients, and contractors all day. I always tell them "work hard when you need to; when there's free time, please leave early and get some rest and come back fighting".

I've started doing a weekly early morning run. I've been sleeping early. Now all i need is more strength, caffeine and lovingly coke to last me through the day. That's coca-cola for you.

0622hrs

Do you know what you were doing at 0622 hrs anyday?

I know what i was doing on Thursday morning.

"Do you know the enemy, do you know your enemy. Gotta know your enemy. wah heyyy" sings the alarm. I rolled awake, walked to the bathroom, and walked back into bed. Thoughts flowed through my mind : Road Bed Road Bed? roadddd or bedddd...? My body's aching and tired, and could use more sleep. And i knew what Green Day was singing when they sing about the enemy, cos mine's the alarm clock and bed. More yawning ensues. ZzzZzzZZZzzZzzz !

Who won?

At 0648hrs, i laced up my shoes and walked out of my door, and watched Singapore awaken to the break of daylight, and the kids getting to school. The traffic starts to build up. I see dazed faces, sleepy faces, and happy faces of kids, and continued to plod on. With every breath i take, i put one foot in front of the other. I had finally gone on my first pre-work run. Sure, i felt tired by midday, but i fixed that with a mug of diluted coffee. All i know is i have renewed my confidence in what i can do, and what i can run.

:) it was a good run.

flowers...

I'm not big on flowers, yet i can't deny how happy they make one feel. Just when you think the world is going to collapse on your shoulders, i had a pleasant surprise this morning. In the form of blue and white. Very nice colors, and selection. Something unexpected from a group of friends. :)

Thank You, SBW. For the care & concern.

And most importantly, for your love!

Golf

I have been toying with fantastic ideas for some time. Even more so, when i realize i do not really have that much time to focus on training. Then i figured i need a sport to do with Mr. E. I always wanted to find something that could put us together and spend some time together, while i get to do something i love. So i figured why not Golf?

I have golf gear sitting in my room that's collecting dust. He used to play it, i used to play it. We're fine with going to the range, rusty as we may be. We both love Adidas for Taylormade golfwear. And we both love Tiger Woods.

By the way, we maintained our stance : Tiger Woods is first, and forthmost, a very good golfer. And too bad his dirty deeds and numerous amorous liaisons have spilled to the papers and probably put a ding on his goody two shoes. But we still think he's a good golfer. And he just needs to have a good comeback to the golf scene. And soon, people would remember what he's good for : GOLF.

Ooh, before we get started on sessions, i need to refresh my skills and read on techniques. Now let me go dig out Tiger Woods' book "How I Play Golf", which Mr. E chuckled and continued with "and still maintained my numerous affairs..."

Heh :) Welcome to the world of Tiger Woods.

Sometimes Love comes around...

Sitting alone in the office on a friday before the Lunar New Year at 8pm is a very sad thing. Yet i figured i should pen the events down. This week alone, i've been through some emotional rollercoaster. It's as though life throws you a curveball, throwing it out of whack. All you can do is just muster some courage and walk on.

In the midst of the week, I received a call from a friend who informed me that she's deleting me off her facebook account, not because she hates me, but she hated to see the pictures of the one she gave her heart to, whom had also broken her trust, faith and heart, and is also a friend of mine. At that moment I felt so sad for her that i shed a few tears. I know that she's a nice person, and someone i like having around me. At that same time, i knew the significant other, and couldn't believe my ears. She turned to me for answers. I had none, just cause i knew exactly how she is feeling. As a woman, I may have all the nasty words in the world. But when it comes to matters of the heart, i can only say it overrides all logical sense and every wrong will be seemed right, just cause you love someone. If you really love someone, let them go when love is over. Love and respect yourself first and foremost, before attempting to love others.

At that very same day, a friend of mine informed me he found someone. That was great news. He confided in me that he felt that his "someone" wouldn't keep him as 1st priority. Having walked out of the battlefield recently, i guess his priorities towards love has changed. But i am glad he gave love another shot. To you, always keep an open mind, you do not know about tomorrow.

Sometimes love comes around,

and it knock you down,

Just get back up,

when it knocks you down.

And pls know i'm always here :)

Why do it if you're not having fun?

Over the past two months, as i sit slouched over my seat staring into my computer, i lamented, whined and bitched about how absolutely horrible my life is. I have been clocking 12 hour days trying to cope with my project. Two months down, i am coping surprisingly well, and am starting to let go of bits and pieces of the project. I realized i can't hold all the responsibilities, yet i had to. It's a love-hate thing.

With the amount of time i spent at work, thinking about work, it's safe to say i have not much time for anything else. Weekends are precious. I choose to skip rides / runs on sundays, in favor of sleeping in. The love of my life told me "why do it if you're not having fun".

I love my work, passionately love it, because it gives me a sense of satisfaction. And the responsibility weighs heavily, just cause i have men who are dependent on that paycheck to feed their families. It's a huge hierarchy to take care of. Now I know why the world's greatest CEOs have to always spend hours thinking and innovating to keep their employees' tummy filled. I don't quite agree with others when they said "why work so hard, when you don't have time?" I don't work all the time, i just work like a lot of other people. I may no longer have an easy schedule, allowing me to stroll in at 10am, and leaving by 3pm. To me, everyone has a different plan in life, some people are happy earning a lot more money, some people are happy just doing what they love but everything they do is still through hard work and some careful planning. I am a believer of what you reap is what you would sow.

I choose to skip my ride or run on some days, cos i am too tired. I can't psych myself to be doing 40 laps in the pool, nor run that 10km. I won't be having fun doing it. Why is wakeboarding / wave-riding a better option? Because it's fun, i get to interact with some friends and long-lost ones. My priorities always lie with the waters. Flow riding may not be much of a workout, and it comes with the price of whiplash. But hey, i am having a smile, and thinking about the technicality to it. But with the Singapore Biathlon coming up in less than a month, having no swim training or sessions in the past two months, i can only say one thing : HOW? HKL!

i think i better make time to head to the pool. and maybe run that 10km now and then. and skip mingling with friends over dinners. I know for sure, i will have fun on the race day, just cause everyone's there, and there'll be plenty of laughter. And i'll be smiling.

Sunday...

Sunday is always a day of rest. A day made more precious and valuable after i started working on the project, as i work mondays to saturdays. A day to catch up on family & friends. A day to get my ass out on the road, bright and early.

There are some days i will rush home early on Saturday, anticipating the rush of Sunday mornings. There are some days i wake up, wondering why i am awake at unearthly hours when the sun isn't shining yet. I won't lie about this, but i have wished some mornings it was pouring hard outside my window pane, so i don't have to roll my bike out to meet. When it does rain, dammit, i would have wanted to be out there cycling or running. I belong to the female species, that are more fickle-minded.

No matter what my mood may be in the early morning, once i hit the road, whether to run or to ride, i would have the biggest smile.

The sweat, the heavy panting, the feeling of pain that is going to make me keel over, plus that battering of my legs are soon forgotten with that rush of adrenaline. And breakfast.

I look forward to Sundays, a day of rest, a day of food, a day of fun with friends.

Last Sunday, i had Macs breakie and a Hand Burger over lunch. Yum Yum.

Dear Matt...

Dear Matt and fans of Matt, who have ventured into my blog,

Thank You for reading. And accompanying me thus far.

While Matt has been lauded as somewhat of a counsellor and guiding light and pacer, and an extraordinary friend, i think he has to fail to see who i really am. Amidst that

light that i am a tryathlete. He has helped me and

encouraged me in my journey through my marathon. His words also ring in my head, as a gentle reminder of being appreciative and thankful, and that my life isn't as bad as it seems. Life as a part time fun seeking triathlete has been a blessed one so far.

If you haven't read my past years' blogposts, a run through of my mostly read websites should give you an inkling of who i am, as Eve.

My top few fave websites, in no particular order are :

• Triathlon Family Forum
• Purseblog
• Bag That Style
• Matthew's Blog
• Reeves' blog on innovation and branding
• Enrico's blog on leadership
• BagaholicBoy
• WhoWhatWear ... blog on latest fashion fads and outfits.
• TedTalks
• Net-a-Porter for seeking inspiration on what else to wear

One could then deduce what kind of girl i am. A girl with mixed identity. I have came a

long way in terms of my sporting life. What Matt doesn't know is before 2007 (refer to picture on right of girl in blue dress), i was but the average girl. I am fair-skinned, long hair, occasionally parading my flouncy curly hairstyle, trotting my latest huge Louis Vuitton bag to Orchard Road. Now i am still considered "fair", but only to the triathletes and runners. I have a simple hairstyle that i could just tie it up before heading out to partake in any form of sports. I still shop but look at a lot more tri suits and running wear. I don't think it's however wrong to put my prada bag onto my aerobars, while pushing my bike when sending it to service.

One minute i talk about bikes from Cervelos to Pinarellos, the next i am talking about the next bag i want the Proenza Schouler PS1, or the Alexandra Wang laidback style of oversized tee and cuffed shorts. I don't forget my roots.

A funny incident to put the whole "omg, did she just say that?" into your world. During the first ride of 2010, I tied my hair into a bun and attempted to put my entire head of hair into my helmet, only to realize it won't work. The helmet is too loose to be safe on the road. So i turned to Julian for help. And he shook his head and went "aiyoooo". And he go on to say that he knew i am a bimbo. The blonde roots illuminated.

To one & all, welcome to my bimbo world.

I am a bimbo and darn proud of it.

But please don't get me started on how Singapore got their network on, cos i'll probably make you piss in your pants with my very limited knowledge having being in the IT Telecoms field for a period of time.

{The End}

The writer Eve has left the building, with her tod's bag in tow, and those smashing 4 inch heels and she's intending to go clock her 14km run later in the day.

Easy Money.

Some days you are free. Others you are too busy. One should never forget the bad day, as well as they remember the good days. My mom puts it across to me that human beings are forgetful. They forget when they actually have so much time on hand that they can facebook all day, and when the work falls hard and fast on their laps, they forget that it's time to put in that extra mile.

Being an employer, and having to listen to a team of men lamenting about how tough their job is, i wonder if they put themselves in my shoes. Do i need to listen to their bad experience? I have talked to quite a few of them, and i told them :"i've heard them all, all the bad experiences. Do you want to conquer and continue? Or leave? There will be no bad blood, if you stop spewing crap". I do give them their well-deserved "bitching hour", as i call it. I know when they feel down and upset. I would give extra jobs to those that i know whom have gone the extra mile to make my job an easier one.

I have met men who just think money are an easy thing to earn. And that their job should be as easy as what they feel it to be. Yet they fall short of my expectations when they are supposed to do X to Z. Instead, they called back and bitched to other current and potential colleagues about how bad i am, and the service is. Let me tell you this : you would get what you deserve, just wait.

Before you wonder why i stopped my sports, i am tired lately from work. The pressure, the amount of stuff to do is still increasing. Do i lament about it? Yea, but i fight on. Cos i believe in payback. There's no such thing as easy money. Perhaps there is, if you sell your ass.

And the workload piles on

Matt, besides being my running pacer, is someone who never fails to motivate me. His words kept repeating : don't be angry at something that pays for your hobbies. As the work starts to multiply, and my stress levels go haywire, i stop and think back on what he says. So the inner anger is gone.

I need to go run.

the vicious cycle of business

Recently, I had the privilege to covet a contract that supplies manpower to help deal with overflow issues faced by other contractors. The client planned a 100 piece per day workload for us, and told us to furnish guys. We went through a lot to hire the correct help to deal with the issue.

However, it seems like i got the bad end of the deal. Especially when i see 11 piece a day. And i can't afford to retain the current set of employees, let alone new ones. Today i felt particularly bad when a potential employee had to be told that we can't accept him after he has resigned from a competitor because our client could not furnish us with the appropriate number of duties.

In his words, he said i am "putting sand into other people's ricebowl".

Tell me how am i not going to feel upset. I've been good so far. I try my very best. But yet sometimes i had to fail my own men.

The first run of 2010

I fell sick right after the ride. Truth be told, i am not all well yet. I am every doctor's nightmare, the patient from hell. I can't sit still. My work is driving me crazy. So I did a brief session of yoga mid week in the midst of my tight schedule that cleared my nose, as i held my pose. That reaffirmed my faith that i had to move to breathe well.

I made a few calls leading up to the weekend. I had to either ride or run. I can't swim, knowing very well of my run in with pneumonia-like symptoms, and the usual condition of water in lungs whenever i swim when sick. At 7am on Sunday, i pushed the P2C out and went for my second ride on Sunday with a runny nose to have a piece of toast and those yummy runny eggs (yes, to match my runny nose). But the ride went by too fast, as i stood there with a friend staring at the door step of Ya Kun, only to realize they are not opened yet. We had overestimated ourselves and the timing. So we managed to climb a wee bit of Mt Faber, ahhh, the memories of pain and panting. I like. Not to the mention the wonderful weather. That made my Sunday really happy.

I forgot how fast the weekend has gone by. As i struggled to deal with the work schedule and stress plus Monday blues, i knew i had to squeeze whatever time i could to pamper myself and to get my workout in. So I embarked on my first run this evening, after a hearty dinner with the family. Along the way, i enjoyed the sights of running at 9pm. It felt good to be back on the road again, however short the distance may be.

New Year Resolutions Twenty Ten. & That 1st Ride of 2010

Twenty Ten.

It's been 10 years since the millennium bug left us worried what would happen when our heavily reliant on IT society crosses the year 2000 mark. That ended up in dust. All our worries are for naught. Ten years on, has it been that long? We're now looking at 2012 to see if the world as we know it to be would cease to exist. I guess, for now, let's live it for the moment. And like Chris Allen or The Script would sing ...."gotta live like we're dying".

What's my resolutions this year? I was to declutter, get lean and get into grad school for 2009. And i said i would attempt 50%. I did, i think. I threw some old stuff, I got slightly leaner in my last day of 09, than i did in 08. I gave up the graduate school idea. Things happened along the way of 2009, i decided to sort out what my focus should be, and further evaluate what requires more of my time. So that's good.

For 2010, i want to

1. Be more focused in work and building my business
2. Be a lil more toned and lean.
3. Be more appreciative of my surroundings. The family & friends.

For 2010, i didn't want to start the first week on a bad note. I spent New Year's Lunch with the family. I did my lil party, resolved not to be too drunk. I went on my first bike ride.

The 2010 Triathlon Family Leisure Ride. A 30k (thereabouts) ride. It was enjoyable. And refreshing. I met a lot of old faces, and some new ones. Caught up with the drama, and the sweat. And many thanks to Yongfeng for that Christmas Present. Love it... and of cos, to bitch along the ride. The thing is i felt i need to ride more. The bar tape's coming off, which meant i need to spend more time with the machine.

End of the day, i felt slight saddle sore... but really happy. I am really happy.

2009 in perspective.

Ahhh yes, another year. I've been reading through my 2007 and 2008 entries with regards to my thoughts on the days that has passed. I felt truly appreciative of what went through the years, and how every event has changed and altered my life.

I have the same bunch of friends and maybe more. I still have my SBW. Although in the last month or so, i've severely neglected them due to work. I'm really sorry about this. I love them to bits still, and am amazed how wonderfully close we all are even if we are of different characters. We may not be spending as much time together, as our lives take a turn. Some, for work. Others, for family. We still are together, and never fail to have a great time while being out with one another. I felt we could truly understand each other. And we need to organize more rock band sessions! As well as a driving trip. There's a need for speed.

I have a new bunch of friends : the haters. They hate on each other so much, that even Erik thinks it's infectious. Nonetheless, they live close enough to me. And we're generally on the same wavelength, even if we're from all walks of life, and different age groups. They seem like one huge fantastic family. Birthdays are not quite the same, it's filled with fun, and extreme bouts of hating. I made a few closer friends through the amount of time spent hating everywhere. I am thankful... and quite frankly, looking forward to spending more time to know the others better. The group is too huge... and growing!

In triathlon, I haven't done much this year. I had a couple of runs, and two triathlons. I had my first DNF and DNS. I finished my 1st Marathon running

through the entire thing. I had a few PBs, in my OD race, my 10km, and of cos my marathon. I found a fantastic running partner, Matt. He's like a elder brother, who never fails to inspire me and motivate me to go further. I look forward to 2010 running sessions with him. And the amount of talk really lift my spirits. And his "nevermind, just eat. you deserve it" attitude... hahaha, i like. I also managed to hang out a lot more with a bunch of girls who dabble into triathlon. Joanne, i'm waiting for you to pop so we can get back to running those womens only runs together.

Work-wise, it hasn't been that great till December. But i am loving the madness so far, and really hope it'll be an excellent 2010 for my work! I managed to pick up diving during the lull period. And fallen in love with the ocean.

2009 has been an awesome year. I'm going to take a few days to figure what my 2010 resolutions are. But i am guessing it's still the same ol ' "i don't wanna get fat". I did get lean for a while. My marathon pic is pretty awesome, flat tummy & all. But you know what... i put it back on during Christmas feasting and New Year. So getting lean is still one of those things. That being said... i shall end my post here.

BRING IT ON, 2010

Things i grew appreciative of...

Out of the eight and half years i have been working, never once have i felt so appreciative of friends, nor the extent of work my employees deliver. I was recently given the chance to feel what it is like to forget what i was working on over the past few hours, only to realize it's 6pm (almost time to knock off), and i really haven't gotten anything done. Emerging out of office usually at 7-ish pm, or even 8pm, when the skies are dark, i realized how much i yearned for the company and warmth of being around my friends.

The past weekend was a fruitful one. Jana my longtime collegemate came back. And we always have a good time catching up on old days, and it's a nice reminder for Christmas of how much i miss being in Purdue and how much i miss the crazy friends who i knew were made for life. We sat together watching Victor get married, and having a chuckle here and there over how fast time flies.

I met Matthew my trusty pacer for a run on Saturday morning. I am appreciative that God has given Matt to come save my wretched running soul, motivating me as i run along. Matt's warped at times, but i am following. I was bitching about calorie overload over the 1 hour 30 mins run from F2 and to B1 along East Coast. He however thinks it's worth it. Ahh well... it was yummy nonetheless. Big enough a breakfast to last me thru the work day.. all till dinner. Had a good time during dinner... and that milk shake thereafter. The thing about triathletes is they go home early to sleep to prepare themselves to go out to bike or run the next morning. Weekends are precious to them, cos they can expand their energy in the morning and still squeeze their nap in.

I woke up late Sunday morning, rushing to work site, only to realize "bummer, i didn't get clearance to enter the premise". Decided i should spend time with Julian over breakfast, before hopping back to nap. I managed to get most of my holiday shopping done, except one or two items which are still missing.

I came to realize, with so little time on hand for myself, i try to squeeze a run in here and there. Sacrifice a few hours of sleep to be with friends. Yet i find the urge to bitch , and to complain, and to lament over the lack of sleep. A bit tad sad. But that's life.

life after marathon...

I have talked about post-race depression. So the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon marks the end of another year, and it's the last race of the year. I wondered about motivation and energy to head out to run, especially when it's a few weeks to Christmas.

In 08, i packed quite a fair bit of weight after marathon ended. Granted i was actually supposed to nurse my injury, i wasn't supposed to be out running or cycling. I didn't find the motivation to even go swim. I ate and partied like there's no tomorrow. I wasn't about to go down that same road again. Much as i wanted to head out of the door to go for a run or to go for a swim, i couldn't. I have quite a happy problem : i've got work! I've been tied up with work, clocking in 12 hours from 8am to 8pm. And having phonecalls from 9ish all the way till 12midnight. That's another hour added to it, before i go crashing into bed.

One week down... more ahead.

I have happy problems. And let me pray for added bonuses!

Singapore Marathon 2009

DRAFT COPY --- cos i am dazed after completing my marathon some 12 hours ago.

Sitting and huddled up in bed now at 11pm, i thought about how today went. The day of my 2nd Marathon. I woke up after receiving two wake up messages from Matthew. At 320am, you can't help but feel confused about where you were and what you should be doing. I dragged myself out of bed and changed into my outfit. FYI, i chose the white one. I grabbed some bread and slapped the peanut butter on. I wondered how fast it has been. It has been a year... how time flies.

As i started the marathon, i felt a pain across my chest, and knew today's not going to be my day again. When i got to MacDonald's East Coast, i knew i am behind schedule. At F2, i started to throw up, the start of many burps and inability to hold down any form of food / gel / liquids. At the 30km mark, i felt like it was an eternity. At the F1 pit area, i felt i had to get going to end my suffering.

At 42.195km, i am a finisher. A finisher, with a huge smile "like my GCE got all As", according to Matt. The experience is extremely humbling. A good reminder that i still lack good amount of distance running. I am glad, given i haven't really ran all year, to even finish a marathon, with minimal walking.

And To Matt, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Cos i know, without you, i may have walked the entire distance or may have given up. Thank You.

There are good days... and there would be bad days

I had pretty bad backaches leading up to the final week prior to Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. I am talking about the stress my body has been going through during the course of the week. A couple of bad news got me caught up. I lost my appetite along with the increment of work stress. Sigh... i guess i can't do much about it, except to suck it up and walk on! I have to walk on, with flair. If all else fails, i have to always look good.

So... it's less than 12 hours away to the start of the Standard Chartered Marathon/09.

Am i ready?

I can't say i am. But what should i wear?

Black top or white top?

Is this a fashion parade? I guess.. like i said, if all else fails, i have to always look good.

to go compression or not?

So the 42.195km race is coming this weekend. 6 more days away.

Do i feel scared? Yes. Well duh, i can't imagine 42km.

Do i feel prepared? Well, a little less than last year. Err... a lot less.

Now this morning, Matthew text messaged me about running in a pair of compression socks. This is a decision six days before a marathon. I question the style factor. It's going to look clownish. But like Matt says, we'll see if i look like a clown when i cramp. So whatever rocks one's performance while pounding the tarmac for 42km, i guess!

Joe Friel's blog wrote about it, and i quote

"* improving venous return to the heart,

* preventing muscles from moving unnecessarily as with excess vibration meaning less fatigue, and
* speeding recovery."

Thus the socks are supposed to delay the onset of cramps.

So what do you think? Fashion faux pax? Or it's going to help with the run?

Mileage worth mentioning....

Over the past week, i've found a new running partner : Matthew. He's finished his IM Western Australia in 08, and headed for IM Langkawi in 2010. We've always been talking. And talking to me almost never fails to motivate me to continue to throttle on, despite whatever the naysayers may say.

Truthfully, i never liked running with others. I know i will kill everyone cos i am not very fast. With the injury looming and gone, i just lacked the confidence to actually follow the pace or pace others. I liked the fact of running alone, accompanied by my choice of R&B and Rap music, to assist in the beat of pounding the tarmac.

So one faithful wednesday evening, i decided to give it a shot to try running with someone. We surprisingly have pretty decent pace chemistry. And so i decided we should do the same distance or longer on Sunday too. And now, we're approaching 30km tomorrow, the last of our long run before the 42.195km next Sunday. I aimed to finish in good fitness and good time, sans any form of injuries.

Oh... and i promised i will run with him... till IM Langkawi.

New Balance Real Run 2009

I had a pretty awful run on the morning of New Balance Real Run 2009. Been nursing an incredible pain on my left ear, due to a ear infection, i came down with the usual Ear Nose Throat symptoms : flu and sore throat. At 3am that morning, my nose clogged up with phelgm.

Still i persisted on going, as i haven't been waking up at 5am for a long time, and wondered what running in the morning felt like. I met my cousin Jeremy there, and managed to squeeze in a hug.

Race went on fine... although i stopped to take a breather, face flushed, heartrate went haywire (not because i met some cutie), and i started breaking into cold sweat. I will not run when i feel that badly on the morning of a race anymore.

For now, i am nursing my battered legs... and that nasty ear infection.

Till i run again! Adios.

Eve

Eve
Originally uploaded by kaacha!!.

A friend of mine took some pictures of me and my ride - My Mini CooperS recently. There were good ones and bad ones. Mostly due to the lack of sleep... and lack of exercise.

Ahhh well, i think i still look good.

Halloween...

I've been tired. Really tired. For the entire week leading up to Halloween. Perhaps it's the beer on tuesday with some

of the guys who finished The North Face 50km or 100km Duo through the trails. It was tough race with the heat and steepness of those hills, i heard. Tempted to jump on the 2010 version of it, just for the kick of it. I still do try my very best to keep up with some form of running. Twice a week at the very least, with a minimum of run walk 8km. That's not a lot... i know. But this is all i can manage for now.

Or that fatigue came from Thursday Night Drinking Club with some friends. Or that lil photo session i had on friday that got me three hours of sleep (this deserves a post on its own, for a picture or two). That fatigue and exhaustion all rolled into Saturday. I had a really crazy halloween on a bus shuttling to different places, eventhough i called it a night by 1am. Too tired that i fell asleep. But cheers to all who showed up... and partied out and the ones who hate. There were one too many dirty pictures, thankfully not from me. They were a huge form of entertainment, and serves as good memory as who's the crazy closet stripper amongst us. And I am happy with one halloween a year. Not too many, cos i am too tired. ZzzzzzZZzzz..

Now to get my ass back to running...

We need to talk

As with all friends, and family, we need to communicate. And talking is, in my opinion, the best way to communicate. Sure there's always bonding over food, seriously crazy bonding over excessive amount of beer. For others, there's team sports or even individualistic sports like swimming, and training together in packs. But there's always talk.

I do think my gift and downfall is my ability to talk. The gift of the gab has opened opportunities and doors to work, and my social life. That gift is also my downfall, when i talk too much, or react too fast without thinking.

Of late, i am cornered to think what is right, and what is wrong. Perhaps my mom is right. The world is round, and sometimes it's better not to say anything cos it might come back to you. Yet on the other hand, i am so compelled by my own emotions to take charge of the situation.

So i turned to running and swimming, hoping a little workout would kill my angst and thoughts. I figure if i am still thinking about the next day, i probably should act on it. Sometimes, i wonder if it's right to act on it. When i acted on it, i realized my emotions took hold of me. I am sure i am not regretting it. I only meant well, and looking out for the ones i care for. I choose not to speak, only when i do not know where to go, and when i figure it's time to let you go.

Perhaps only one song can sum up what i want to say :

"Step one you say we need to talk

He walks you say sit down it's just a talk

He smiles politely back at you

You stare politely right on through

Some sort of window to your right

As he goes left and you stay right

Between the lines of fear and blame

You begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best

Cause after all you do know best

Try to slip past his defense

Without granting innocence

Lay down a list of what is wrong

The things you've told him all along

And pray to God he hears you

And pray to God he hears you

....(continued)"

How To Save A Life --- The Fray

under the sea...

Barely a month or two ago, i have subconsciously made up my mind that i won't take up diving. The time and money committed to such a leisurely sport would surely take a toll on my wallet.

Fast forward to one day of mayhem hanging around, i thought "oh, why not?"

One week of mulling whether to do it... interrupted by fears earthquakes and aftershocks, and of course, tidal waves. One week of class and pool lessons. I am open water certified!

That weekend spent doing open water dives to ensure i know how to safeguard my own ass as well as my buddy's has made me embrace the sea even more. I a

m surprised to find clear waters just off of Pulau Dayang, off Mersing, Malaysia. The travelling there is tiring, accommodations were sparse, not that i mind. Not one bit at all. It was about loving the water, and taking in sights underwater.

Those images underwater would be etched in my memory. I remember, during a dive my instructor pointed at a fish and signal a sign for eating. So after that, i asked "so pomfret? you said can eat...". He shook his head and decided i'm always hungry and always sleepy. But you know what? It's meant to be a leisure sport. However, you need to be physically fit all the time to be able to withstand days of diving and the multiple dives it involves. It's an experience i think more people should partake in.

"under the sea under the sea,

down here it's better,

down where it's better,

take it from me"

Of September

I am reluctant to admit how fast every September always seem to fly by, despite being event packed. I realized now, how soon i am to running yet another marathon, it's been almost a year. I also realized how little i have seen my own training mates. It was nice to have receive a message or two from the usual training mates. :)

I posted a question on facebook asking, the friends i'm linked with, what they have done all September and how did they end it. I can't quite put down in words what happened in September.

All i know is October's here, and we gotta keep it moving.

All i wanna do is to see you smile...

Dear friend,

I hope you've been well. Everytime i see you smile, it tries to hide the amount of pain you have. The people around you feels it too. But we do not know how to approach it. We're all different when it comes to dealing with pain.

Some of us are not as sensitive or new age. We just shrug it off, and bury ourselves into work. Some of us focus on sports, and try something new. Some turn to spiritual help. Some turn to sappy love songs, to cry it all out. But remember, it's only worth that much tears. You may look back and think how silly it all is... as time goes by. I know i did.

"Time will always heal the pain, bring the sun and drive the rain" so sings Tommy Page, circa 90s? Old song as it is, it speaks of the truth. Then time would erase all bitter memories, and bring about happier ones.

I tried to just switch topic, much as i know you would like to discuss it. To me, the less you carry the topic off that tip of your tongue, the less you will think about it. Perhaps to you, by saying and discussing that pain would allow for more comfort. The topic will always be part of you, but it doesn't have to be now, when the pain is raw and out in the open. It's akin to rubbing salt on it, and just opening it a little bigger.

A friend once sang this song to me when i felt the exact same pain, and here i wish for you to be happy... and to smile again!

我無法幫妳預言
委曲求全有沒有用
可是我多麼不捨
朋友愛的那麼苦痛

愛可以不問對錯
至少要喜悅感動
如果他總為別人撐傘
妳何苦非為他等在雨中

泡咖啡讓妳暖手
想擋擋妳心口裡的風
妳卻想上街走走
吹吹冷風會清醒的多

妳說妳不怕分手
只有一點遺憾難過
情人節就要來了 剩自己一個
其實愛對了人 情人節每天都過

分手快樂　祝妳快樂
妳可以找到更好的
不想過冬　厭倦沉重
就飛去熱帶的島嶼游泳

分手快樂　請妳快樂
揮別錯的才能和對的相逢
離開舊愛　像坐慢車
看透徹了心就會是晴朗的

沒人能把誰的幸福沒收
妳發誓妳會活的有笑容

妳自信時候真的美多了

Turning a year older

I've been out of action from training. and for a good reason : my birthday !

I have to say, i had a good time this birthday.

Wed night : A very awesome love-hating group that decided that we should celebrate my birthday at the stroke of midnight at Butter Factory. That was peppered with many drinks, and of cos celebrity sightings.

Thursday : I went for stretch class, fell asleep there. No surprise to that! Was so tired from wednesday night. And went for dinner with family.

Friday night : Had drinks with friends and besties. That was crazy. I think my body digest alcohol & fun too fast.

Saturday : shopped for costumes, had dinner, and played cards

Sunday : lazed around and went for a movie

Monday : met with old friends... and played old-skool games.

All in all. I am loving it!

Perhaps i guess i have to admit i am getting older. Gifts are no longer as neccessary than before. Yes, it's a nice-to-have. Receiving text messages from a friend that i thought i lost to the wind and time warms my heart. And that feeling of being told i am missed leaves me teary. But being able to spend time with friends, even at a stretch of 10 to 11 hours, that's something to go down the memory lane with. Call me sappy & old. But i guess, that's what happen with aging.

I usually don't really like celebrating my birthday on 17th, due to the painful loss of the man i loved the most my entire life : my dad... on 18th September 1985. Not a day goes by, without the thought of him. More importantly, Thank You for making me who i am today. Be it for the better or for the worse, i am sure you are proud of every lil achievement i have made along the way.

Life goes on.

I love my family & friends.

More dinners on the way !

Laughter is the best medicine

Sometimes, you might just feel dreary and the sniffles are setting in.

Who do you call ? The doctor?

No... you call a bunch of friends who are crazy, who disses each other the minute they see each other, who eat a whole bunch, and laugh a whole lot.

:)

in life, you always meet idiots

I don't consider myself being absolutely friend-less. I consider myself blessed with friends from all walks of life. I have a bunch of lunch mates whom i consider my buddies in life, i have an old bunch of drinking friends who are always good for decent happy hour, and a bunch of triathlete friends who i share a good number of hours with, in lycra(how glamorous). Each group unique of each other. And i love them. These are people who you have activity or interactivity with, at one point or another.

Then comes into networking sites. People who might have met you once or twice, or do not know who you truly are, add you onto their network. This platform allows anyone and everyone to post all sorts of comment on your thoughts.

Unluckily, i ran into a couple of very discouraging posters who claimed to be my friends. What route do i pursue next? DELETE them. :) Life's good. You just have to embrace that in life, you always meet idiots.

Depression... for athletes

To my dear triathlete (swim.bike.run) friends : 

whether you're the pro, the wannabes, the weekend warriors, or just casual 

Ever suffered from depression? Ever wonder how it felt? I am not referring to the kind whereby you suffer a heartache or something miserable, neither am i referring to the post-natal, or the work related type or family stress. I'm picking a topic that hits close to my heart : post-injury depression.

As 'casual' as i may have claimed to be, i still am out doing something everyday. A simple 3km run can cheer me up, in ways that i can't just describe to you. A good stretching session or core strength session can work its magic, despite it being really low impact. Come to think of it, i work out at least 3 days a week, unless i am really busy. 

Being busy is never a bad thing. You forget about training. There are things to occupy your mind. Having a crazy social life meeting up with friends occupy a lot of time and your mind, and yet provide comic relief to the soul. But as triathletes, your life revolves not just around family and friends, your life revolves about swim, bike and run. You spend a lot more time with your friends who are almost always doing some sort of training. The way you bond with these friends are through doing the same activity together. You find common ground and common topic. How many of us triathletes do hang out with others on a normal day that is skirt, pants, and normal clothes instead of skin tight lycra (oooh sexy...)? Not many. When you fill your schedule with 4 to 5 days of training, you barely have time to yourself, and your family. 

When you train that much a week, you're more likely than not to suffer from overtraining (burnout!) or injuries. When that happens, you suddenly feel lost, and upset. You can't focus at anything you do, as your endorphin and adrenalin seeking activities are pulled to a halt. Your social life doesn't seem so revoltingly exciting any longer. You get envious of friends who are on the move. You feel useless, and just sink into depression. At that time, you feel like you're slumped to a corner, without any care and concern from anyone. But wait! Your friends do care, they advise you to stop to prevent more injuries, and they meant well. Except how do you tell someone who's always on the move to stop? 

As difficult as it may seem to be, it is inevitable that you who may be suffering from post-injury depression to stop and let  the injury recover. Tell yourself everyday that you'll get stronger. Find things to do : pick up a new hobby. Read more, you'll discover something you never knew. Spend time with those you might have to miss out everyday. I may have been having shin bone problem, and always wanting to run. But i have since learnt that sometimes i have to stop and smell the roses. I've decided to spend time with more friends. And you will soon realize sports isn't everything.

And especially to my bbbreeeeeasssstttt friend : 

pls get it into your head. I'm always on your case, and always will be. 

 Rest is to go a longer distance.

Erin Ashley Heng

Hi, this is Erin Ashley Heng

Birth Date : 26th Aug 2009

Hello World... isn't she a doll?

She's my lil god-daughter

at the end of the day...

Family...

The people who put up with whatever shytt you give. 

The people who standby you. 

The people who support you at your training. 

The people who always never fails to encourage you 

and of cos, believe you can do it. 

The people who love you. 

 Tends to be the ones you do not spend enough time with, 

largely due to swim.bike.run, training ... or races.

To my family. 

HELLO 

and here's to more 8 dishes within the few of us. 

Happy Birthday ET...

Happy Birthday ET...

And onwards to many more years... 

and youth sponsored by SK-II :) heh 

Recently, i started going more retro

I never liked vintage shops, or 2nd hand shops. I used to hate the feeling of used stuff, the same way i don't like others' hand-me-downs. Now, perhaps with the wave of going 70s, or 80s, in the style fraternity, i have embraced vintagey items. From my dad's watch, to having bags that look old but yet are new. And how about those chanel-inspired cardigans, shoes, and even that 2.55 that i've been lusting... ? Maybe because of the launch of movies like "Coco before Chanel" or "the September issue featuring the incredible Anna Wintour", something is sparking back my passion for clothes, shoes, and style.   

Truth is i always love style. Since young. High heels, bring them on. I love wearing my mommy's jewelry. So i've detoured and pursued a life as a leisure triathlete. But i am back to embracing what i love best : shopping...

i'll admit it, i have an injury forcing me to sit out sports. 

I dug out my old Miumiu bag... circa 97. hahaha, it's old in the fashion books, but it's a classic. Napa Leather, cream color. And buttery soft. Nice to hug and hold. It looks awesome, even as a shoulder bag, i altered the bag strap a wee bit. 

Happy Birthday Chingster

Exactly __ number of years ago, my mom gave me the best toy on earth. She has brought me joy, and sorrow, fears, and pain, despair and disappointment, hope and faith, happiness and craziness, bitterness and sometimes i feel like wringing her neck. All the emotions one can possibly think of... rolled into one size : sasquatch!

And she is my friend, my partner in crime, my sidekick. 

Most importantly, she is my sister. 

Happy Birthday Chingster. 

Hope you had fun at your 1st McDonald's birthday party. 

All things vintage and beautiful

My mom managed to find my late dad's watch. And it's still a gorgeous timepiece: Omega Seamaster DeVille, circa late 1960s. Even till now, i still think it looks good. 

But now at least i hold a piece of my father with me...

to rest is to go a longer distance.

So now that my aunt's been laid to rest, and i've had a good National Day weekend recharging myself. I spent that mostly sleeping. It's been a long time since i slept 10-11 hours at a go. I felt good and ready to rock the world again. 

 I've gone back to running. Mostly couple of kilometres, just to keep the engine going. And of cos, to check if the pain persists. I realized why i love running : the scenery, the calmness, the time to think. Mostly, cos it's not as time-consuming as cycling. Just put on a pair of shoes, and go. 

Unfortunately, the pain persists. I talked to the doc, and talked to friends. And i came to finally embrace : to rest is to go a longer distance.

For now... i shall take a short hiatus from running and cycling.

No one said i couldn't swim. And oh yes... and maybe finally getting back to the driving range. 

Tell everyone you love... that you care & love them..

A recent incident taught me to cherish and love the ones i love and care for even more. To not put off showing care and concern for that someone. To tell that someone they made a difference, an impact, and are significant in your lives. There'll be no regret then, just tears of happiness that you have been a part of them, and they are a part of you. 

....before they slip away.... 

or have this tinge of regret that you did not get something done. 

Getting prepped up for Desaru

It's been almost a year since i went for my first long distance race - Desaru Long Distance Triathlon.  Well, I'm still not prepared this year. This year, i guess it's worse. I know that it's a long race, that's hot, and miserable. The waves, and the water... 2 loops of 1km. Those hills... 3 loops of the bike course in the mid day sun. And running till the evening falls. Sigh... what have i done again? 

I stare my 2008 finisher certificate, with the timings, and have to repeatedly remind myself : i can't do worse. But that thought of riding around in mid-day sun, and the awful post race tan lines are definitely putting me off. A friend noted that something must be seriously wrong with this race, that no one he spoke to is actually enthusiastic about it. I guess we're all going for the seafood.  TWO DAYS more...

Shape Run 2009

I've been waking up at 5ish all weekend. I had one heck of a weekend. I feel so unbelievably drained on Sunday. For the sake of shape run, i will roll awake, and to get some sort of run going. 

At 6ish Sunday morning, I went to grab Jac to meet up with Carol & Maye-E for the run. Jac & metried to find them but failed in the end and decided to just do our own thing. It was crowded and humid. When we started out, all we wanted to do is to find a toilet. Such is our life now, taking things easy, and just having a good time. Jac "dropped" me once we're out of toilet, and i managed to catch a sight of Carol & Maye-E towards the end. And waited for them at the finish line. Meeting up with the girls again, for Shape Run, was a good thing. We may not have started together, but hey, at least we had breakfast together. O ... and we have to start thinking about working out together to fight the flab. GE Women's 10k? 

Before i forget, the clock read 1:00:something when i passed it. Did i just PB?

Port Dickson Triathlon 2009

This is my first Port Dickson Triathlon. My very 2nd Olympic Distance race (1.5k swim.40k bike. 10k run). I got a lil excited over it, the night before the group of us drove up north. I don't know whether because it's like a mini break for me, or if it's pre-race jitters. I think it has to be jitters, i forgot to bring my house keys off my own car, and i forgot to pack my cycling and running shoes into my car for the race. 

It poured on Saturday morning, as i made my way to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore to collect my passport. Yes, i the champion realized that i lost my passport on wednesday night while packing for the race. I managed to get an express one done, as a cost which i really don't want to bring it back up. Upon collecting the passport, i made my way to meet with the rest of the group. Had a pretty hearty breakfast, and made our way up north.

I really didn't give much care to the race, nor training preparations. I've been running, and hoping that will pay off. We went ahead with carbo loading at the night market in Port Dickson. Obviously, Reeves had a bad run-in last year with dirty water... and stuff. So he kept telling me not to drink the drinks. 

Race day --- woke up, Julian informed me it was raining. Woohooo... i screamed in delight, and wanted to hop back into bed. Alas, just drizzling. Went to have a light breakfast, we were pretty late. But seems like everyone else is also late. Got to the race site, packed everything up. Went to look at the sea. Realized it was never going to be a Personal Best (PB) course for swim. Damn those who told me FLAT swim. The winds were picking up, and the swells were huge. Didn't check my timing. 

Got out on the bike. Oops... forgot my race tag. Hahaha, at this point, i had this smile on my face thinking "i better 

not tell anyone how many races i've done, to forget i need my race tag". The bike course was relatively scenic, going through plantations, and temple, and palm tree plantations, and not to mention, piles of COW DUNG. Rolling hills with no major climbs, but still proving a little tough for me, who hasn't clocked enough mileage on my bike. Towards the end of the bike, i just rolled and spin back to the transition area. 

Finally put on my race tag, and running shoes and off i went. Had to keep telling myself not to walk. At the U-turn mark, i was still running. And i couldn't be more glad. And i had this smile on my face throughout the run. Nothing could stop me by then. Somehow i think i might have PB-ed my 10k run. Let's pray the results share my thoughts. 

And if anything, this song rang in my head : 

"Every step you climb another mountain, 

Every breath it's harder to believe, 

You make it through the pain, weather the hurricane, 

to get to that one thing. 

Just when you think you're going nowhere, 

just when you almost gave up your dream,

then take it by the hand, then show you that you can. 

There're no boundaries..."

yes...secretly, i like Kris Allen... :) well not such a secret anymore. 

Finally cycled!

I finally got off my lazy bum, and got myself on the saddle. And finally manage to sneak some mileage in on my bike. And i'm happy. Nevermind that i am slower than others. I just want to finish my Port Dickson race and of cos, thereafter the Desaru Long Distance Triathlon. I aim to finish, nothing more. Matthew pushed me along to go for a run, cos Reeves didn't feel good enough to go run. I am glad i did. At least i know i won't die, that is, if i kept my food going. 

Oooh, wish me luck! 

Sorry i've been busy...

Sorry.

I seemingly don't have time to workout.

I guess that's the excuse everyone uses when they don't want to workout. 

Truth is, i'm too tired to workout. And my mantra is if i am to

o tired, i'm not going to be reap any benefits from my workout. Sure, i try to run. The weather isn't very encouraging either. It's been too warm.

I should resolve to start training for 11th July weekend at Port Dickson Triathlon. I'm so dead, it's scary. O no... time to work it.

I did however spend what was a long run morning to packing my bags closet. So now it's proper.. according to the way i like it.

training life balance

I've been thinking and thinking. And tossing and turning. I can't help but feel that anxiety trying to get some sort of training schedule out for the upcoming triathlons. Sure i always tried to keep it cool, but i haven't cycled....

I think i can run. I think i can swim.
But now what? I'm sick. In bed. praying damn hard, that i don't get a cough or cold.

yippeeee yay yay...

my box is here.
yay yay.
clothes. clothes. clothes.
I love it..... :)
o only one thing, i failed to receive it.
So it's at the post office.
But what the heck.... my box is here.
yay yay.

that dilemma...

A guy i met through repeated sightings along East Coast Park a year ago once told me "the drinks will catch up with you. Drinks and triathlon don't mix." I remembered clearly i laughed at his remark saying "never, i will not let this sport take away my lifestyle".

Fast forward to mid 2009. Through the past few weekends, i cut down my drinks. Hey, I can't even recall when i had my last drink. I cut down late nights. And i'm in bed by 12 every friday night. Why? All for the sake of trying to go cycling on Saturday morning. So far it's been pretty unsuccessful. Weather hasn't been the most cooperative sort. I can't say for sure i'm the most enthusiastic cyclist around. It's not my fave part of the whole triathlon. This is the part where i have to wake up early, and really make an effort to get out on the road. I need to train. Yet secretly, i'm hoping it'll rain.

Reasons why we're on the road that early, there're fewer vehicles on the road, thus ensuring my road safety. Secondly and more importantly, i don't get as tanned.

But of course, what i am about to disclose doesn't tally with my reluctance to get tanned. I started to go swimming on Saturday mornings around 1030am. Argh! The tan lines are awful. But i love swimming. I remember vividly that as a toddler, i love going swimming with my dad when he was alive. It was the best times ever. I love going to the pool when my sis and i were growing up, learning how to waddle like lil' frogs, and how to hold your breath. Water just makes me alive and feel great.

So now what? Here i am worrying about the lack of training, yet wishing it would rain. And worrying i will get tanned... and yet go for a lunchtime swim.
Aiyyyyyeaaaayyyeaaaa.. How?

Friends & Running...

So Casey's birthday just passed some time back. Happy Birthday ...

But what i am really happy about is my own group of everything buddies have started picking up running. Mr. E has started running, Casey started running, Barry's running. Yay, more to do together.

I've been slowing down a fair bit, for my own good. I've been too tired, too busy at work. And with my SBW, these are the times i am willing to skip training with my crazy girls, to just go run with them and have fun.

Here's to more runs ahead... and maybe muay thai.