Bye Triathlon & Marathon...

Bye my bike...

I gave away StandChart Marathon ticket last Dec, and gave away my roadbike last month. I would not do endurance sports again, unless there is a very good reason to pick it again.  I felt sad when I bid farewell to my roadbike.

I spent some money, energy and lotsa of time purchasing triathlon related items, participating in races, and training almost every day.  I understand why people can get addicted to triathlon. I understand why people could wake up at unearthly hour of 5am to cycle. I understand why people feel sad if they don’t exercise. I understand why people can be so inspired by triathlon.

I am really glad that I picked up the sport. It was a wonderful experience to feel alive and push my limit. I would also miss the time when I train with my friends. I would miss the excitement of participating in the race, swimming in the sea during sunrise, running hard even though I was tired...

The best thing about triathlon is that it breaks my self-limiting belief. There is immense self-satisfaction to overcome challenges and pushing myself hard. And it was kinda cool to do triathlon, as it is a lifestyle associated with the more affluent & fit people.

When i first started, I set my goal at finishing Olympic Distance Triathlon. Then I completed Half Ironman Triathlon, but I would never complete a full Ironman Triathlon. That’s okay with me.

Unfortunately, the doctor had recommended me not to do endurance sports anymore, and coincidentally, I think it is the right time to spend my time and energy on other more important aspects of life. It comes a time when I started asking myself: What do I achieve at the end of the day? Am I still enjoying triathlon as much as before? Should I spend my time, energy and effort on more important things? Am doing it to prove to others or myself?

Well, there is a time for everything. Been there Done that. Time to move on...

“The medals don’t mean anything and the glory doesn’t last. It’s all about your happiness” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I am happy that I have experienced it. I am happy to give it up as well. =)

RIP Ben Mok - Cyclist

Taken from: http://cyclinginsingapore.blogspot.com/2010/03/rip-benjamin-mok.html

ONE of two cyclists knocked down in Clementi on Sunday night by a suspected drink-driver died in hospital yesterday from head injuries. Freelance writer Benjamin Mok Chee Kong, 35, never regained consciousness after the accident. ..... A close friend, Mr Nic Mok, 23, said the cyclist was very particular about road safety and had always insisted on wearing full safety gear such as helmet and gloves, and having front and rear lights when on the road. 'I was distraught when I heard the news. It was shocking because he is usually very cautious,' he added.

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+++

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I was really sadden to read this news. I do not know Ben Mok, but being a fellow cyclist, I could understand the danger of cycling in Singapore. Despite being cautious and mindful of the traffic rule, cycling on Singapore Road is still dangerous. There are just too many reckless and inconsiderate drivers around.

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I never cycle at night, as there are too many f**king irresponsible drunk drivers around. Ben Mok had a bright future ahead, apparently he was going back to US to do his Phd. It is such a waste.
His blog: http://pedaldamnit.blogspot.com/
Memorial Link: http://www.benmokpedalon.com/

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Please do not drink and drive.

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Life is so impermanent and unpredictable.

May he rest in peace.

2010 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon

Yes, I have done it.

I did not finish in a good time, but I have completed it and I am happy about it.

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One year ago during 2009 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon, I was practicing my swim (around 1km) at Queenstown Swimming Complex, and I said to my friends that it was quite crazy to do half-ironman. I am a weak swimmer, I bought my bike 1 year ago, and I am an average runner. It was a daunting task for me, but with some trainings & perseverance, it is a good feeling to know that I can do it too.

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My Preparation

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Transition Area

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Race Statistics:

• Of the 1,396 entries for the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore, there are 465 Singaporeans and 1,018 athletes representing 60 other countries.

• A total of 61 nations are represented with Hong Kong, Australia, the UK and US, and Japan, Philippines, Malaysia and the UAE very strong in numbers.

• 86% of the field are male with 14% female.

• The most popular age group category for both women is 35-39 (33 women) and 40-44 for men with 272 competitors.

• The oldest competitors are Japan’s Kazuharu Tsujii (Male 74 years) and Australia’s Pamela Williams (Female 57 years)

• The youngest competitors are Singapore’s Siew Mei Chan (Female - 22 years) and Tiong Han Yeo ( Male -20 years)

• There are a record number of 95 teams also introducing competitors to the incredible Ironman 70.3 distance in 2010

..

The Race:

Prior to the race, I told myself that I would not push myself too hard, if necessary, I would definitely stop. I just wanted to participate and feel the energy. I was in the sea for a short swim to warm-up, and when I saw the speculator sunrise, I was really happy and glad to be alive.

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The Elites getting read for swim - Cowie on the Right.

(Taken from Lee T*** FB w/o permission)

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Swim-

To see the World Class Triathletes in action, was so cool. When my age category flag-off, I was one of the last few people to enter the water. I swam at my own rhythm, and decided not to push myself hard. I completed my 1.9km swim in 47mins and felt good about the swim. It was a good start.

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Cycling across Benjamin Shears Bridge

(Taken from: http://hooky3659.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/aviva-ironman-70-3-singapore-2010/)

Cycle-

I took my time to get ready for the 90km cycling (3 loops). After I exited the transition area and started paddling, it was quite bumpy on a smooth road. I knew something was wrong. I got off the bike, checked my chain etc... everything seems to be working. I started to paddle again, but it was still bumpy and I knew that I could not continue like this. I got off again to realise that I got a FLAT tyre!

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To make things worse, I have never change a flat tyre before, even though I have the Kit. To make even worse, it was the rear tyre that was flat, which meant that it would be more difficult to change. A lot of participants were cycling passed me. I was quite pissed off, as I am already a weak cyclist and this was happening to me. I tried to change it, but to no avail. A passerby (foreign worker) came to assist me to change as well, but after 5-10 minutes of trying, I knew that there was no way we could change the flat tyre.

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Fortunately, I was 500m away from the transition area. I pushed my bike back to the transition area and found Shimano Bike Mechanic to fix it for me. It was not easy for them too!!! After 15mins, they fixed my tyre and I was ready to go. In total, I wasted around 26mins because of this flat tyre. The transition area was completely empty when I left, and it was very demoralising. I was the second last person leaving the transition area, as another guy was still repairing his broken bike chain.

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The first lap (30km) was fine, and the highlight was when the elites raced passed me. I saw the number bid 0001 – Craig Alexander (The Reigning Ironman World Champion). I was cycling beside a world champion for a split second = Happiness. They must be in their 3rd lap already. For the second lap (60km), I was a bit demoralized to think that everybody was their third lap already. The last lap (90km) was quite tiring and to cycle across the Benjamin Shears Bridge for the 5th & 6th time was painful – there were people getting off their bike to push it. The positive aspect was that I hardly see anybody and I must say that it was quite a cool experience to have the whole expressway with the city view to myself. More importantly, it was the first time that I overtook people. Finally, I am not the last one!

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Craig Alexander - Bid No. 0001

(Taken from C*** FB w/o permission also)

Run-

I was really happy to get off the roadie and start running. I did not push myself too hard, as I could feel the strain on my heart and I just wanted to be safe. The afternoon heat was killing me, and thankfully, the sky was overcastted after my first 7km lap. The 21km seemed to be endless, and I was always looking forward to the next water point to cool myself. Around 2km before the finishing line, I was getting a bit emotional when I knew that I was going to finish the race, and thinking that I had seriously thought of not participating in the race.

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Total Time: 7hr 24min.
(Position: 843 out of 951 finishers)

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Rough Breakdown:

1.9km Swim  47min

Transition 1 6min

Bike Repair  26min

90km Cycle  3hr 30min

Transition 2  4min

21km Run 2hr 29min

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It is the BEST event that I ever participated. It was expensive though – S$375 for registration, excluding other expenses (bike servicing, bike accessories, supplements, taxi transportation etc..). But it is worth every cents. Below are the highlights:

1. Spectacular Morning Sunrise

2. Seeing the Elites in Action

3. Cycling across Benjamin Shears Bridge

4. Participating in the biggest 70.3 ironman in Asia

5. Craig Alexander cycled beside me (for a brief moment)

6. Feeling emotional and grateful that I completed the race
7. Wonderful Participants and Volunteers cheering for slow finishers like me

8. Participating with a group of wonderful friends. (Prior to the race, 2 of them got serious food poisoning – vomiting and bad bad diarrhoea, doctor recommended them not to participate, and they completed it. Respect!!!)

Lastly,

9. Really grateful to be alive.

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Full Ironman next? May be, May be Not...

I think I better see a Cardiologist first to have a peace of mind.

=)

1 Week more to Aviva Half-Ironman

This is the tapering week and I love it... my body can finally rest & recover at last!

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Last Week's Training:

Mon: Rest

Tues: 3km Swim (1hr 13min)

Wed: 25km Run (2hr 33min)

Thurs: 1.2hr Cycle & 4km Run

Fri: Rest

Sat: 9km Run (instead of 25km, as body was really tired)

Sun: 90km Cycle & 5km Run (4hr)

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I spent 10-11hours exercising last week.

The best thing - No irregular heartbeat detected.

I should be able to complete the race.

=)

Lessons from the recent episode

I felt that I was over-reacting to the irregular heartbeat (Heart Skipping a Beat). The GP that I visited advised me not to participate. I got a second opinion from a doctor, provided details on my heart history, and she felt that it should be normal.

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My heartbeat is perfectly normal now. I have done marathon and Olympic Distance Triathlon, and I did not face any heart problems. I have decided to participate the Aviva Half-Ironman in 2 weeks time. Will not push myself too hard especially if I do not feel well, and would stop if necessary. It is my own race.

Thanks for all the concerns!

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+++

These are some of the things I learned from this episode:

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1. There are many things in life beyond my control, as long as I have given my best I should be happy, and be at peace with it. Do not need to get frustrated, as I know I have tried my best. Success is knowing that I have done my best given my limitations and constraints.

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2. Enjoying the Journey is more important than Reaching the Destination. As I might never reach the destination, and quite often, the Journey is more interesting than the Destination.

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3. Stop thinking about "Why me?"

Last year, I did not reach Kalapatthar during the Everest Base Camp Hike because of Altitude Sickness. I was wondering "Why Me?". Today, I asked myself this question again. It is a useless question! Just accept it and MOVE ON.

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4. Death is not a statistics.

I was reading articles about fit and healthy triathletes who died, mainly due to cardiac/heart related problem. These are real healthy fit people, and i could be part of the statistics. Death is REAL... It is a totally different experience when I am able to visualise my death, and not looking at it from a dettached point of view. 

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5. Good to have friends, as always. =)

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+++

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I guess every triathlete has their own story.

Everytime I asked myself: Is it worth it?

I am not ready for this Aviva Half-ironman, and this is my short story:

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2nd Aug'09: Completed my first OD Triathlon

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31st Aug'09: Had a fall during cycling and fractured my wrist.

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Sep'09: Out of action & went traveling to Perth

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Oct/Nov 09: Went Nepal for 3 weeks (fell sick, and recovered 2 weeks after coming back)

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Dec'09: Struggled to run 5km & decided to skip StandChart Marathon.

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Last Week of Dec'09: Tried Cycling again after 3 months (fell down again with minor scratches). I wanted to throw away my cycling shoes & clips, but I told myself that I should not be defeated by stupid clips.

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2nd Jan'10: Struggled to keep up with RF during the 40km cycle (1st time after the fall).

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Jan'10: Having been Cycling with guards - having phobia of cycling & falling.

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28th Jan'10: Decided to sign up Aviva Half-Ironman. RF decides to skip and do OSIM OD Triathlon instead.

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Feb'10: Sick for 10days during CNY & fitness deteriorated. =(

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19th Feb'10: Swam with RF, who mentioned that he was surprised that I signed up for Aviva HIM, considering that I was struggling with 40km cycle a month ago.

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27th Feb'10 (Sat): 18km Run - 1hr 58mins (Struggled)

28th Feb'10 (Sun): 85km Cycle - 3hr 24min (Struggled too)

1st Mar'10 (Mon): Rest

2nd Mar'10 (Tues): 22km Run - 2hr 14min

3rd Mar'10 (Wed): 3km Swim - 1hr 13min

4th Mar'10 (Thurs): 1hr Cycle, 4km Run & 30mins Weights

5th Mar'10 (Fri): Rest

6th Mar'10 (Sat): 22km Run - 2hr 28min (Stuggled & The sun was killing me)

7th Mar'09: 90km Cycle & 4km Run - 4hours (Struggling as well)

Irregular heartbeats detected.

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I think I am overestimating my abilities & I am not that young anymore. I am not ready for Aviva Half-Ironman. May be the irregular heartbeat is telling me not to stress myself too hard. Last few training sessions had been PAINFUL.

Will I look back to think that I am foolish?

I just know that Life is not about seeing it from hindsight, but living the moment.

=)  

What would you do if you are in my position???

Recently, I have been training quite hard for Aviva Half-Ironman. I know I am not ready - it is a long story, will explain it next time.

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Today, after 90km cycle & 4km transition run, I was totally exhausted. Just now, while I was reading my papers, I felt my heart is beating weirdly. I decided to monitor it, and I was worried with my finding - my heart is beating irregularly. Shit!!! It is like missing a beat for every 4 or 13 or 5 counts. Damn it!

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To make things worse, I have an existing heart problem (My valves are not working as well as it should be). Some doctors said it is minor, but my insurance premium is 70% higher because of this condition, and anything related to my heart will not be compensated. In another words, if I die of heart-attack, my insurance company will not pay anything.

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I searched the net, and it was quite worrying for me. =(

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http://www.sportsdoctor.com/articles/heart.html

If you experience a premature beat more than once every 20 to 30 minutes, however; or if you have an irregular heart rate, palpitations or pauses in your heartbeat, it's extremely important to see your physician. She can determine whether you may have a benign condition called athlete's heart or a more serious problem.

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Some cardiac risk factors:

I. A history of fainting for no apparent reason, especially if the fainting occurred during or immediately after exercise.

2. Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, palpitations, skipped beats or fluttering heartbeat either when resting or exercising.

3. A close blood relative who died suddenly before the age of 55, or a family history of early coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, Marfan's syndrome or enlarged heart.

4. A family or personal history of seizures.

5. You are a male over age 40 or a female over 50, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you have a medical evaluation before you begin an exercise program.

Another Article: http://www.ehow.com/about_5535564_irregular-heart-rate-after-exercise.html

An irregular heart rate, or arrhythmia, can be caused by many different factors. These include smoking, too much caffeine and coronary artery disease. Experiencing an irregular heart rate only during or after exercise may be a sign of a very specific and life-threatening problem: catecholarminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).

.Exercise and CPVT

CPVT is a genetically based heart condition where mutations in the ryanodine receptor, a cardiac protein, causes problems with the regulation of calcium. An increase in calcium in the heart causes an irregular heart rate, a problem that can be deadly.Irregular Heart Rate

People with CPVT have normal heart rates when at rest. When epinephrine and other catecholamines produced by the body during exercise or stress encounter the heart of a person with this protein mutation, however, it causes a sudden irregular heart rate. This condition is so serious that exercise can cause sudden death for someone with CPVT.

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An irregular heart rate after exercise could be a sign of other heart conditions. A imbalance of electrolytes such as potassium or sodium could cause an irregular heart rate after exercise. Excessive smoking or caffeine consumption could also cause a postexercise arrhythmia. Also, exercise is a form of stress, and excessive exercise can cause in irregular heart rate.

++++

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This is really frustrating and worrying!

There are so many causes to irregular heartbeat.

I do not want to die jus because of I want to challenge my physical limit.

That's sheer stupidity!!

The Verdict is out...

Thanks for all the well-wishes and concerns for my previous post.

As my sprained wrist was still hurting after 1 week+, i decided to take a X-ray today and discovered that i fractured a bone in my wrist. Now, I am typing slowly with my hand in cast. 2nd time in my life that i have a fracture in my bone, but 1st time having a cast. At least, it is a new experience.

I am not in pain, jus that fracture would mean that i will take a long time to recover (Doctor said 6-8weeks), implying that i have to stop swimming and cycling. After my recovery, i would be in Nepal for 3 weeks. Not sure if i would be conditioned for next year's half-ironman. Well, that's life - certain things are beyond our control. Just be in peace that I have done my best. =)

Went to SGH A&E department - saw lotsa people in sufferings.

A reminder that I should count my blessings everyday.

Life is impermanent.

One Good View, One Bad Fall & One Kind Deed

Went cycling this morning at 6+, and the sunrise view across a misty field in Lim Chu Kang was awesome. The air was fresh and cooling. =)

Unfortunately, while i was along Lim Chu Kang Road, I lost concentration and swayed to the left and fell down. Tyre was punctured, wrist was sprained, and wounded my right calf and thigh. I felt frustrated immediately - knowing that I gotta stop my swimming for 2 weeks be'cos of the open wounds.

I never had so much body injuries in my life - well, I was never a sporty person. Knee injury due to long distance running, abrasion around my eyes due to wearing goggles during swimming (yah.. WTF?!?!), other wounds and injuries due to falling down during cycling etc... Triathlon is also an expensive sport, a time-consuming one and have alot of restrictions (e.g no late-night drinking as it will dehydrate the body & need to wake up early to train)
I guess it is part and parcel of trying to be a triathlete - I am aiming to complete my first half-ironman next march.

I have seen video-clips of people completing their races and the exhilaration on their faces, but seldom do we see the sacrifices they made. There are many reasons not to train (bad weather, no time, fatigue, injury, pain etc..), but there is only one reason to do it - to honor yourself.

Is it worth it?

Yes and No.

=)

Anyway, back to the story, I was stranded in Lim Chu Kang Road - No CAB (despite trying to make a booking), and I even did the hitch-a-ride hand gesture, but the drivers returned me with a weird look. Hitching a ride does not work in Singapore. Fortunately, there was a bus - 975 - the only bus. The bus driver (PRC Chinese) stopped and I explained to him my situation. He had some reservations, as i know bike is not allowed in the bus.

In the end, he still allowed me to board and asked me where i would be alighting (obviously, he was worried that his superior would see it). I alighted 2 stops before the bus terminal, as I didn't want to create any problem for this nice driver. I thanked him before I alighted.

It was one kind deed and I appreciated it.

=)

Osim Singapore International Triathlon 2009

I have completed my first Olympic Distance (OD) Triathlon
– 1.5km Swim, 40km Bike, 10km Run.
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My official race timing & Category Ranking:
(I believe the transition time is included in the Bike Leg)

1.5km Swim: 38min 46sec (44 out of 109)
40km Bike: 1hr 31min 42 sec (33 out of 109)
10km Run: 53min 36 sec (18 out of 109)
Overall Timing: 3hr 4min 3sec (22 out of 109)
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Even though I failed to hit my 3hrs target , I was quite happy with my overall performance. I was disappointed with my swim as it was 5mins more than my usual timing, but then, the sea was choppy and I did not get into my usual swimming rhythm. As for the cycling leg, I did not push myself too hard as I did not want to exhaust myself before the running leg. And I did push myself hard during the last 10km run.
That’s all that matters – giving my best.
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Nobody is going to care if I hit 3hr target time,
and I just want to be responsible to myself.
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I remembered watching Triathlon race on TV, and I asked myself:
Can I do it?I was very sure that I doubted myself,
As back then, I even struggled to swim 100m in freestyle.
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Arbor Buddies

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This race was special as it was the first race that I took part with both Jon & RF.
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Less than a year ago (14th Sept 2008), RF sent us an email with a link & a question:
Will you do this?


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Till this day, I still don’t know if I have the courage to do it.
But I have taken my first step and strike off one item from my to-do-list.
This item had been in my do-to-list for a few years already, and RF’s email rekindled the interest in me to pursue it. Jon was inspired by the clip as well.
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The timing of the Osim Triathlon race was perfect.
RF just came back recently after completing his fellowship programme at Stanford University, and Jon delayed his flight to US where he would be furthering his studies at Carnegie Mellon University. (Yah, I am the only one kena stuck in Singapore – not really complaining though). So it is a rare opportunity for us to take part together.
.
It was a great race with great friends.
The only sad part was someone died during the race.
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090803-158705.html

It was so unfortunate.
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Life is impermanent.
Cherish it. Love it. Live it.

Singapore Sprint Series Race 3 - Sprint Triathlon

Completed my first triathlon.

Even though it is only a sprint triathlon, I am still happy about it.

The race consists of 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

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Pre-Race photos

For me, the most happy part was to participate the race with friends!!!

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The center photo exudes the spirit in the gals => fun & competitive
Very fortunate to have a friend who took good photos.
Thanks CT!
=)
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My timing was not exactly what I am proud of, but...
I tried my best and enjoyed the race!!
That's all that matters.
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Total Time: 1hr 30mins 28secs
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Breakdown:
750 swim - 18mins 22secs
Transition Time - 2min 29secs
20km bike - 40mins 02secs
Transition Time - 1min 09secs
5km run - 28mins 26secs
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Category Ranking: 45 out of 108
Gender Ranking: 256 out of 586
Overall Ranking: 297 out of 746
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Triathlon is starting to get abit addictive.

Training for Sprint Triathlon

Recently, I am spending more time exercising and training for Sprint Triathlon (eventually, Olympic Distance Triathlon).
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I like to plan ahead and set goals/targets.
Well, being a lazy person by nature, i lack the self-discipline to push myself if I don't have target.
For example: Completing an Olympic Distance Triathlon is one of the resolutions for this year. Initially, I just wanted to complete it - regardless of timing. Then, I started to time myself (which is good) to push myself harder etc... When my timing did not improve, and even deteriorate (even at my low level of fitness), I get upset with myself.
I became very goal-oriented (which is good to a certain extent), and becoming obsessed with timing, so much so that I forgot to enjoy the journey.
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What do i like about Triathlon?
- The satisfaction of conquering my fear and weakness
- Improving my fitness and Challenging my limit
- The fun of competing
- The Joy of cycling in the morning in the midst of nature and breathing fresh air
- The Joy of jogging in the evening and enjoying the sunset
- The sense of freedom from swimming (feel like a fish... sometimes)
- Socialising with friends after training
- FEELING OF BEING ALIVE!!!.
While it is good to set targets/goals, this is an instance where I felt that the journey is more important. If the joy of savouring the journey is compromised, what’s the use of reaching the goal (ie. Good timing)?.
This applies to a lot of things in life. I learn to re-evaluate my life. Why am I doing certain things? What are the things that really matters? Are the destination/goal/target really matters? Why I did set those goals/targets?

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The Journey is definitely more important than the destination.

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While I am going to do my best for the race, I would soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the whole experience.

=)

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++++

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On another note:

Ralph's day out - in a triathlon
LIKE any 10-year-old, Ralph Payne enjoys the outdoors, but he cannot walk and has the mind of a six-month-old child. This is, however, not stopping him from taking part in the Tri Bob Singapore Sprint Series at Changi Beach tomorrow. His father Anthony Payne will first swim 750m alone, then ride a modified bicycle with Ralph for 20km, and finally run 5km pushing a buggy with Ralph on board. The Payne family hopes to use this opportunity to raise awareness of children with special needs and raise funds for the Asian Women's Welfare Association (AWWA) School. Online donations can be made at http://www.donation.org.sg/Cheque or cash donations can be made to AWWA's Early Years Centre at 11, Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547532.

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Taken from: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/420771/1/.html

SINGAPORE: Many take part in marathons and triathlons for personal satisfaction or just to keep healthy.

But one man will be taking part in his first triathlon for a completely different reason.

Anthony Payne is helping to raise funds for the Asian Women's Welfare Association School - a school for disabled children.

Anthony is taking part in the triathlon together with his 10-year-old son. Ralph Payne is just like any other kid - restless, playful and full of energy. But that is where the similarities end.

He has severe learning difficulties and is also unable to walk without help. His condition is so rare that no doctor has been able to diagnose his disorder.

But that is not going to prevent his father from helping him take part in - of all races - a triathlon!

Anthony said: "Somebody sent me a video of Team Hoyt from YouTube... It was absolutely inspiring. A man had so much love for his son and would go to such lengths to get his son to be able to compete in events such as the Ironman, which is an incredible event to do."

In the triathlon on April 19, after completing the swimming segment, Anthony will be running while pushing Ralph along. And for the cycling leg of the race, he has modified a bicycle he had bought from Denmark.

When the Payne family decided to move to Singapore 15 months ago, one of their main concerns was whether they could find a proper school for Ralph. When they were in the UK, Ralph attended school full time five days a week. Fortunately, they managed to find a school - the Asian Women's Welfare Association School.

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The father and son team are taking part in the triathlon not just to raise money for the school. Their aim is to change perceptions in Singapore about disabled children.

Anthony said: "What I've been told is there's an element of shame in having a disabled kid or maybe the families feel they are protecting the child from people staring or so on. They feel the child is safer being looked after at home.

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"I happen to disagree with that. Ralph loves being out and about. He loves nothing more than going to Vivocity with us in his push chair or going out on the bike with me and taking part in family days out."

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Anthony has been training only for the last two months and it is a physically demanding challenge not many would be keen to take on.

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But for Anthony, he said: "When I'm out with the push chair and the bike, he (Ralph) looks back at me and gives me an absolutely beaming smile and that's all I need."

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A simple enough reason to overcome even the most impossible odds.

To support their cause, you can go to the website at www.donation.org.sg.

++++
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Another reason to go for Triathlon.

Go Ralph and Anthony! =)

This is Singapore's version of "Team Hoyt"

http://ahboon80.blogspot.com/2009/01/can-team-hoyt.html

Singapore Sprint Series Race 2 - Sprint Duathlon

This is the 2nd of the 3 Sprint Series Races.

Sprint Duathlon (3km Run, 15km Bike, 3km Run)

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Prior to the race,

my dad asked me "You just bought your bike 1 week ago, and you are going for a race?"

My reply was a simple "Yup!"

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In fact, my concern during the race was falling down from the bike, as my cycling skill is not good. I learnt cycling when I was 12 years old, and this is my first time owning a bike. So cycling is not really my kinda sport, but I am enjoying it.

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I completed the race in okay timing.
Total Time: 1hr 02mins 50secs
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Breakdown:
3km run - 13mins 59secs
Transition Time - 2min 25secs
15km bike - 31mins 04secs

Transition Time - 1min 24secs

3km run - 13mins 55secs
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Category Ranking: 37 out of 95
Gender Ranking: 179 out of 451
Overall Ranking: 204 out of 628

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There was this lady who rode a unicycle to complete the 15km undulating slopes of mandai road.

(http://www.singaporesprintseries.com/images/duathlonracearticle.pdf)

Respect!!!

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Looking forward to the 3rd event in april.

=)

My First RoadBike

My First RoadBike.

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Previously, I thought it was crazy to pay anything more than $500 for a bike.

I mean I could easily buy a new mountain bike with $100 budget.

So when I wanted to get a roadbike, I set my budget at $500.

But when reality sets in... it was mission impossible.

Most of the roadbikes are 1K onwards... till $17,000!!!

I got a very good deal...

I spent around 1K for the bike, helmet ++ etc...

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Test "ride" it today.

It was a great feeling!

I LOVE it.

Definitely much better than jogging.

=)

Singapore Sprint Series Race 1 - Sprint Aquathlon

One of this year's resolutions is to complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon.

(1.5km Swim, 40km cycle, 10km run)

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It would be challenge for me especially for the swimming and cycling.

Fortunately, Singapore Sprint Series is a good buildup to the OD Triathlon.

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I was really excited, as it was my first swim-run race.

It was my first time swimming in the Sea for a race.

The race consists of 750m swim and 5km run.

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Found this picture on a stranger's blog

I am the guy in the white shirt posing for photos. haha...

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I was asking myself,

What was I doing in Sentosa Tanjong Beach on an early Sunday morning?

I should be in my bed.

haha...

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Getting Hyped up. =)

(Jon, Boon & Winnie)

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I completed the race in decent timing.

Total Time: 46mins 23 secs

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Breakdown:

750m Swim - 19mins 43secs

Transition Time - 1min 19secs

5km run - 25mins 19secs

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Category Ranking: 47 out of 108

Gender Ranking: 200 out of 477

Overall Ranking: 231 out of 636

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I believed I could do better.

But it was not bad for first timer,

considering that last december, I could hardly swim 100m in Freestyle.

Looking forward to more races...

=)

Marathon Photos & Statistics

Big Smile @ the finishing line

(btw, the man on the right with yellow tag was completing his half-marathon, not full one)

Walking with pain
(My stupid face!! haha...)

I am amazed that the organiser has all kinda statistics available.

Section 1: First 10km - 55min 5sec (10.9kph)

Section 2: Next 11km - 1hr 8min 11sec (9.7kph)

Section 3: Next 9km - 1hr 15min 51sec (7.1kph)

Section 4: Last 12.195km - 2hr 4min 56 sec (5.9kph) - embarrassing!!!

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Placing:

Result based on CHIP time: 4,473rd place out of 12,393 finishers

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From 30Km to Finish :

I passed13runners

And 1,696 passed me!!!

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Statistics speaks alot. haha...

Boon sucks @ Marathon

Yeah. The Verdict is out, and I sucks @ marathon. =(

My Timing is 5hr 24mins.

My training-mates' timing are 40-70mins better than mine.

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This is my timing:

First 21km: Less than 2hrs

Next 15km: 2hr ++

Last 6km: 1hr ++

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Jon was saying that we only trained up to 30km, and the rest is in the mind.

During the run, I know that my condition was not as good as 2 or 3 weeks back while i was training. While I believe that my flu & sore throat do plays a part, but the gap between my training mates and myself is abit too big.

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However, there are some experiences that I would remember for a some time:

- the embrassment of jogging and realising that the walkers were walking at the same pace as you

(As though I was literally jogging on the spot.)

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- even while i was walking, other walkers just walked pass me

(My long legs were useless)

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- the pain of not able to control your urinary track

(No Kidding. I had to walk SLOWLY as I could not control it. I had to go to toilet whenever there was an opportunity. At least, I now i could relate those old folks with urine problems. BTW, I am fine now. thankfully!)

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anyway, my flu & phlegm is back again.

Hopefully, i could recover in time for my backpacking trip to Burma in 5 days time!!!

woohoo.... =)

2 Days to Marathon

After seeing the doctor last night,
she told me that it was viral infection, so anti-biotic won't help. =(
She just gave me some medicines for phlegm, sore throat & inflammation.
Today, the body starts to ache.

After reading some forums, it seems that it is pretty normal to have flu during the tapering period

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=2359083
Hope I could recover in time.

Wish me luck! =)

3 Days to My First Marathon

I guess everybody has their own stories about marathon.

This is mine:

Back in 2005, 2 weeks before the marathon, I had a very bad viral cough which lasted 5months.

Back in 2006, my CFA exams fall exactly on the same day as the marathon.

Last year (2007), I had knee injury.

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This year, I am determined to finish a marathon.

Once is enough.

However, last few days, I was down with flu.

Today, I am having sore throat.

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I would not be in my best condition to run,

but I hope I could complete this Sunday's marathon.

There are so many things beyond my control - falling sick, injuries, bad weather.

This is life,

certain things are beyond our control and all we could do is to do our best.

=)