Duathlon Numero Uno

Duathlons are fun!

They're certainly less boring than running 10K, that's for sure. Tried out my first duathlon yesterday (was it only yesterday?!) which consisted of a 3K run, a 20K bike, then a 3K run again.

A duathlon is not the same as a biathlon, as some people might think. A biathlon generally refers to the sport of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Yes! Hm, that sounds fun too.

Not what I was doing.

So anyway, back to the duathlon. The first 3K was a nice run, then you hop onto your bike and start riding - a stretch of road in Sengkang was blocked off for the event. I loved how there were your hardcore competitors as well as regular folk and newbies. I saw more than a few fat tyres (hybrids, mountain bikes) and even 1 or 2 fixies and foldies! The depressing thing is, they ALL passed me. I was slow. Slow slow slow.

The second 3K I was wheezing and shuffling my feet badly. Barely faster than walking pace. Nice people ran past me and called out encouragement. That's how sad and pathetic I looked, ha ha. Even an uncle and auntie out for a stroll/picnic asked me if I wanted an umbrella. Uncle asked this. Then Auntie told him not to kachow me.

After 1 hour and 51 minutes, I finished. I was one of the last few, but I achieved my goal of not being the ACTUAL last person, and my personal target of getting in under 2 hours.

Yay! I've bitten the multisport bug. What now? Join me, runningstitch!

Some Ramblings

Today I ran! My GPS failed and I've no idea how much I covered today. I did stop to take a photo (しゃしんをします）of a fish 魚 I saw stuck when the tide went out.

It's hard to believe It's been 5 years, and one of the things I said to Opus during the run was, time to get new shoes!  My Asics have served me faithfully but they are old （古い ）and worn.

So....today I went to the New Balance store at I12 Katong and got myself a pair of minimus trainers!  Photo soon! Quite excited about learning how to "run naturally ". 新しい靴ですね！

More running related shopping in store; the elusive perfect bottle belt that can fit this giant phone.

I am also trying to practice Japanese! 頑張ります！

2013

Hellooo 2013!

Yes, I know it's already mid-March. Bear with me, for I am old and slow and sluggish.

Runningstitch reminded me that we started running 5 (5!) years ago. Hooray! There have been ups and downs for sure and less running and more running at times. This year, I'm upping the ante.

We started off the year with the Singapore City Race, a fun free-form running race where our intrepid Wonder Woman (ahem) team Mm Zai Si ran 14km! Yes, we thought it was 10. But it was 14. My legs were jelly. Carrie was just warming up.

Next up: a duathlon!

Yes. With a bicycle. And my legs. Mm zai si indeed.

The weather

It's hot. I was at Daiso the other day, and a bunch of wimmen were buying up those arm covers that are supposed to shield you from the sun as you drive. Interesting.

And I'm so tired, I'm seeing stars. 540am wake-ups are not fun.

I lie down on the floor and fall asleep.

This is the 2011 me. Heavier and less fit. Boo hoo.

And all I can think of is ramen at Iluma - L, you wanna go?

Fun Fact #1: Running is tiring

First, I took the dogs for a walkie, then I took myself for a run. I love running at dusk. The dullness of running was much improved with the lack of sun and slight breeze on my face. Ah.

I ran/walk and trudged my way through 3k. Not too bad for a start as I painfully work my way back to fitness. Some people might consider 3k just a warm up. But those people are jerks.

I have to say, even though I've stopped running for so long, I think the running I've been doing for the past few years has done some good, still! Starting from scratch isn't the same as last time - I think it's easier to pick up where you left off.

Still have a ways to go. Left foot, right foot, left foot...

Now, I want to sleep.

A new beginning. A heavy, unfit beginning

Oh cripes, how far we've backslided. By we i mean me.

Since 2009 it's been a heady backward slide of soda, chips and generally overeating. It was tasty for sure. But bad bad bad.

TO A NEW BEGINNING! starting tomorrow. hahaha

Anyone here?

This blog is getting dusty! Where's everyone? Why has Opus posted about her women's run - where I abandoned you and you still managed a good time?




I've been meaning to blog about these compression shorts for ages. I got them a few months back and until yesterday, have had only a few chances to wear them, and all indoors. On Wednesday I finally went for a run at the beach wearing them. Met a handful of other runners there, and half of them were sporting compression apparel! Hmmm, interesting, no?

Anyway, they feel nice and tight tho not so fun to get into. Imagine stuffing sausages, with lots spilling over. But once on, the jiggle factor is non-existent and it works great to wick away moisture and keep you feeling cool and dry and unsticky! 2 thumbs up for that!

Of course there's the UV protection and all the technical advantages - improved blood circulation, prevent muscle fatigue, etc.

PLUS you get to wear a size down (yes, it's got to be *that* snug).

Doesn't this make you want to run out and buy yourself a whole outfit right now?

I love my Skins!

StanChart run coming up, and with or without Skins, not looking forward to it!