On racing, disappointments and perhaps, getting stronger

I ran my first race of 2016 today - Venus Run, a 5km race - with a nett timing of 23:10.

Wasn't the best shot ever and was feeling pretty much hesitant about running because I felt unprepared and I successfully managed to fall ill the night before (probably due to the heat). Moreover, word from the organisers mentioned that they will be combining all teams of 4 into one category due to the lack of numbers and I was pretty afraid of competing with F1 or Shufflers. We didn't send in a strong team this year because Rachel was out and I was down but I was glad for Debs, Kristal and Michelle, who were positive and kept my spirits up.

Been talking to A more often nowadays and he mentioned that he'll be down to support but little did I expect him to go down to run with me! Really thankful for him helping me keep pace though I was lagging behind a bit. Sounds wrong but recently, I've been so thankful for him as a distraction to all my worries and issues. Honestly, it sounds even more wrong when A mentioned he attended church too :O So yes, we won 3rd for team category (yays!), at least still top 3 even though I was a little disappointment we dropped from 1st placing last year. But yea, I'm thankful.

After that, Debs and I went to watch the OCBC road cycling at Seletar. She went to support Dane and I was there to support David, Dwayne and Shuwie. Was a bit worried that I'll bump into E but thankfully no. Well, the race was exciting with crashes and sprint-offs but was quite disappointed that David didn't manage to hang onto the pack at the last 1.5 loops. Road racing seems scary though. I thought I saw E with the rest of the guys but it turned out he was likely in the sportive category and that he crashed out on the 3rd lap.

Momentarily I felt sorry for him but I guess after reading his post, maybe not so after all. Well, his girl went down to support him so perhaps, that was all that he needed...I really still can't let go of the whole issue at all..

Am I disappointed with what happened today? Yes..Am i perhaps getting stronger? Maybe.

Back-to-back Racing July-August - My First Olympic Distance Triathlon experience

10 August 2014, my first OD triathlon done at Port Dickson

Avillon Admiral Cove Hotel

Swim Start

Carbo-loading

Finisher Medal!

Our team of about 20 of us went up to Port Dickson over the National Day weekend (how patriotic we are!), most of the team were doing the relay races, a couple of us, did individual sprint/OD triathlons. I had to admit I was feeling super worried and scared because it was my first OD triathlon. I've done individual races leading up to this to prepare, but doing everything together is different altogether - such as the Trifactor 3km swim, 5-20-5 KM Duathlon (first for my category!), 36km bike ITT at coastal the week before (1:03 PB) and of course the run races, latest being Run for Hope. :S I think tbh, confidence is a HUGE issue for me...

Run on KM Duathlon

Participants of KM Duathlon

Team NUS at KM Duathlon! (plus Jason Loh)

"favourite course" on KM Duathlon

Read my KM Duathlon post on Trititude!

Although I was feeling lazy to write a post on this race and that I wasn't too proud of the race results, I thought it would be good to do a post-race reflection, as Coach David has always encouraged us to. This would not only serve as a physical reminder of what I thought I did well and what needs improvement on, something to look back to when I feel discouraged, and most importantly, to THANK all who has been helping me one way or another :)

2:38:40 - didn't hit my goal but at least not worse. Just nice it fell into 10th placing.

SWIM (plus a 800m beach run) - was 9th in my age group, off my watch out of the water it was a 27min. I guess I couldn't ask for more because it was one of the rare times that I felt that I was actually moving in the water. Drank a lot of salt water, got kicked on the face too but it felt good drafting. Time to work on my power and techniques, hopefully I can go much faster soon! 

BIKE - I really did enjoy the bike course although I was pretty much worried throughout the course that I might crash - a bad habit I must kick. It was a nice course despite the rolling hills, the roads weren't too narrow and scenery was pretty. It was my first time riding in such a huge pack of 20-30 in and out and it was certainly a much easier ride. There was a kind guy who helped to pull me to catch up with another pack, and I must say that I never expect anyone to do that for me! One regret was that I stopped at the U-turn point because I was still uncomfortable to turn clockwise, causing me to lose the pack and having to cycle a lot harder to catch up. Something I really need to work on.

RUN - The run route was interesting but it was my most disappointing segment because it was the time I gave up on my race and myself and started walking. I wasn't even panting hard but somehow my brain just kept telling me to slow down and stop. Finally i relented and found it harder to continue. This was supposed to be my best segment but somehow this was the part I SHOULD HAVE done better. So much more to work on for this, especially my willpower. Time for more bricks and harder runs...

Just would like to thank my coaches for so patiently encouraging me, correcting my swim/run positions and not giving up on me - Mr Ghana and Mr Robin Tan, as well as Uncle David. I will continue to train hard so as not to disappoint you! Thanks for inspiring me :D

The NUS Aquathlon team - JJ for taking the trouble to organise this trip up to PD :)) It was really fun to spend this holiday period with the team! And for all those who went up, the trip would be nothing without the jokes, the support during races, the countless selfies (especially Sherlynn - you never fail to excite everyone!) and most importantly, all the tips and encouragements offered to me, who was actually quite scared and nervous before this race,especially Justin, who reminded me to take it easy and enjoy the experience. Thanks Debs for doing this OD with me and congrats on completing your first OD too (WELL DONE YOU!) Thanks Jon (Tan) for your awesomely light wheels - psychologically & physically they helped :P

Not sure when my next OD is but hopefully, I'll be able to do this again next year, with a much more satisfying timing. Good job to all friends who completed the race too - going out to Andrew, Dave, Diana, Jason and Inn Inn from RD, Clement Chua, Nuo Shi, Khai Leng, Rui Mei, Yan Ling (thanks for the draft on the bike).Swee Hong, good job on your first tri and pls recover well-don't be discouraged ok! Congrats Jason (Loh), Sher-JJ-Josh & Aaron-Dwayne-Dex teams on winning too :) 

A week after PD, I did the 5km Shape Run, thankful for a 7th placing even though hitting a 23 min on my run isn't anywhere close to my PB :( It was quite a mentally painful run (which I need to break) - looks like I need to race more often. Meihui, on the contrary, is improving. Her 21min plus was one of her not-so-good results. But still, happy for her. I really need to find out what's wrong with me.

Great Eastern Women Pacer :)

Having fun post-race with the Shape Run RD Pacers

Me & Meihui 7th and 6th at SHAPE RUN 2014

Prize Presentation at SHAPE Run

Supporters/participants at Sing Tri

Oh yes, I was involved in Great Eastern Women's Run pacer programme too! Free Adidas jerseys & New Balance Shoes for me..hehehes :D Watched the Elites race at Singapore Triathlon too, pretty inspiring too..Hope I can reach that level someday...

Have to work hard on this road of doing better!

Watch this space for updates on AHM and Trifactor tri!

Marching on MARCH - A pretty memorable month for me

March 2014 has been quite an interesting month for me, full of ups and downs - physically and emotionally. And it has been a special month for me too, considering it began with my birthday.

March 1 - Coach David organised a 10km time trial for the aquathlon team - didn't do that well because I haven't been training but at least it didn't get worse from last year. After that we headed over to SPRUCE for a birthday brunch with JJ, Sher, Debs, Chunnie, David and Baris. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a team thing though :/ Maybe a team time trial on my birthday wasn't that much of a blessing. Nevertheless, it was great spending a special day with people who really mean a lot to me. For dinner, we had it at PITAPAN, where I finally managed to convince the family to try some vegetarian dining options. We had the Mediterranean Platter ($25.90) and Red Shashuka ($11.90).

Team TT on my birthday

Brunch at SPRUCE!!

Blueberry Pancakes - $16.90 but worth the $!

Meet up with the Wuhan group and prebirthday celebration:)

Pretty cosy brunch at SPRUCE

Pitapan Feast! :)

March 8 - Venus Run (refer to my previous post)

March 16 - Metasprint Duathlon 2014 and Coach David's first birthday celebration
My first ever duathlon done! It was really an experience as I couldn't feel my legs after the 10km bike! Gotta improve on my run by doing more brick sessions I guess.. Was really thankful for the first place under Discovery 16-39 as my bike wasn't exactly the strongest component. I was also pretty happy that Jon was first for his category, Dex was second but sad for John that he was 4th :(

After the race, we went to Botanic Gardens Food For Thought for lunch and celebrate Coach's real birthday. As it was raining, as some of them drove, they managed to bring our bikes there without us having to brave the rain :)

Food For Thought lunch :)

March 22 & 23 - SIA Road Race 2014 and Coach David's second birthday celebration
Kebun Baru Road Race

This weekend saw me racing a 4.3km at Bedok Reservoir and a 5km at Kebun Baru, tiring but pretty satisfying weekend. I managed to get a first for the SIA Road Race and a 2nd behind Sumiko for Kebun Baru, which was expected, though my timings were not as good. Well, do a give and take but I have to jot myself out of the comfort zone soon and break my barriers because being stagnant is really bad :/

Coach's birthday celebration on Saturday was pretty cosy because quite a large group came :) Although it was quite a rushed affair because I think everyone had to rush back to study, I hope Coach did enjoy himself at Pita Pan :)

Prize presentation at Kebun Baru

With Ghana, Mr Tan Pee Teck & Mr Goh Choon Phong

RWG group

Happy Birthday Coach David :))

March 30 - NUS Biathlon 2014

Back to not racing under Team NUS :( It helped that my race wasn't as early but still it was uncomfortably hot when my wave started at 945am. I wanted to reach earlier to watch the rest race but somehow that didn't happen and by the time I had arrived, the girls were in the midst of running and the guys were done. Somehow I feel that this year, the team was not as close, also because the Jons & Justin had WUT training after their race. Anyways, i was pretty stressed, having to race Shuwie and this Japanese triathlete in the Open Category, plus one Caucasian girl. Although my swim had improved to a 15:22, it wasn't enough to get me a podium :(. I was pretty disappointed but oh wells, time to buck up. John and Debs weren't here, or else the experience might have been more interesting. Anne did well in her novice category though, I was regretting not joining that..hahas.

Current girls' team (minus Charis)

The usual team photo! (sadly minus the planking Jon Ma)

Right, I spotted the camera, must pose a bit ;)

The third article - Race Review on VENUS RUN 2014 (out on RUNSOCIETY)

Hi guys!

My third posting is out on RUNSOCIETY :)

http://www.runsociety.com/2014/03/10/x-bionic-venus-run-2014-what-diamonds-running-is-my-best-friend/

In all, it wasn't a very good race for me because it reflects one of my worst season race timings. Despite that, I thought I had a pretty fulfilling day, having trained with the WUT guys and Coach David in the morning :) It was the first time it struck me that Coach was really really so dedicated to his team and the sport of triathlon. I do hope his actions will be remembered by TAS and that it will be fruitful to promote his passion in Singapore.

Glad that Coach also came down for the VENUS RUN to support us (me and Shuwie), as well as to take some photos.

Awesome goodies from the run

Rewards post-race

Post-race mandatory photo with Coach!

With JZ & Shuwie

With Vanja, one of the fastest girls around

Post-Race Review 2014 #1 - METASPRINT Aquathlon & SurfNSweat

16 February 2014 was indeed a memorable day for me as I managed a double gold for the 2 events I participated in today - Metasprint Aquathlon (Discovery) & Surf & Sweat Women's Doubles :)

I have taken part in both events before and honestly, I was gunning for a double podium on this occasion and I am really glad that God did bless me with the right conditions to be able to earn it. I had raced Metasprint (Sprint) category in 2013 under NUS and that was my first publicly-organised multi-sport race, which comprised of a 750m swim+5km run along Sentosa (technically the same route as this year) and was happy with a 4th positioning. I had raced Surf & Sweat on several occasions as well, once with Justin Sim (4th) and last year with Johanna (which she paddled), which we won 1st.

Post-race 2013 - Metasprint

Inexperienced me

Girls team Metasprint 2013 - So much larger than 2014

Metasprint 2013 team photo! :)

SurfNSweat with the aqua girls

1st for women's doubles 2013 - SurfNSweat

Well, I don't mean to say I'm very experienced this year but having done the races before makes pre-race jitters a lot lesser.  Just that I didn't know my competitors initially at all, which does scares me, but I was determined to put that aside and race to the best of my ability. This year was a little different too - I picked the Discovery Series for Metasprint & Women's Doubles SurfNSweat (with me paddling instead of running) as it was 1) Cheaper (now that I'm self-funded) 2) Higher chances of podium given the limited training time I have 3) Later start time which translates to longer time to sleep in. hahahas..It was pretty exciting because both events were held on the same day as well.

One important note: I realised pro-athletes (not me) like to race multiple events on a single day - Vanja raced Metasprint Elite, SurfNSweat Women Individual & later, Lovers Challenge; while Nuoshi & Sweehong did SurfNSweat Women Individual & Doubles :x

I travelled up to Sentosa with John and was really thankful for his advice/pre-race plan, which we did stick to quite well. It did wonders to calm the jitters! Basically (also going out to race-noobs like me), we went to get body marking first, then set up transition, put our bags down, last minute toilet break & warm up before the event. Please do a last minute check on the race route too! Thank goodness time flew and soon it was time for our races. John was flagged off first before myself and soon, I found myself in a ready position on the start line.

I must say the race went pretty smoothly, I was trying my hardest to keep up with the front girl on the swim, which was my race plan since the swim leg was so short, so that I can catch her on the run. It was a pretty furious swim though, because I wanted to stick to the lane ropes and draft to reduce my timing, which I managed to (proud of myself) and I was 3rd from my swim. Transition area was a whizz (I took about 1:15min) and I didn't realised I was first out of transition - which did create problems as I was unsure if I took the correct route because it felt so short. Thankfully I did and managed at 9:47 for the 2.5km run (although I think the distance was shorter).

However, when I got back, I was disappointed to learn that John (& couple of others) took the wrong race route, which cost them their podium :( I felt soooo terrible as I was the one who told him the route :(( I had really hoped to get a podium positioning with him. Moral of the story: Mind your own business. Yet another painful lesson learnt. And it's not the first..It was partially the route marshal's fault too, being small kids, I wasnt surprised that they confused the participants from Metasprint & SurfNSweat.

Oh well..I tried to eat a matcha-jelly ice cream to cheer myself up but :(

Thank goodness that issue was off my mind when I had to worry about Anne getting to Sentosa on time for registration for SurfNSweat. And the next thing was to worry about our competitors - Nuoshi & Sweehong..hahahs..I knew my paddling would be better than 2 years ago with Justin but probably not as good as Nuoshi.

I really gave it my best shot. Although I went offcourse & was overtaken by the girls, I tried to paddle to catch up and I really did :) Then in order to pace Anne, I rushed to grab my running shoes to look for Anne. It was a good race and we managed a 1st, ahead of the 2 NTU girls :D

Overall, I thought that both races were pretty well organised, with Metasprint having very good time management but SurfNSweat, despite some delays, did manage the whole event in good timing.

1st for SurfNSweat - Heavy Hamper!

Team at Metasprint!

First for Discovery