Gatorade Triathlon Race 1 - St Kilda (2nd F20-24!)

It was an awful awful morning when I woke up at 6am! It was overcast, raining with bright flashes of lightning! not too cold though, about 22 deg. Nevertheless, I cycled 8km down to St Kilda...when I got there, I had 5min to set up transition and they were closing off the compound, and we were all marshalled to the beach for the race briefing at 745am. My wave, F20-24 was the last heat, at 8.53am! WHT, I was standing in the strong winds and rain, shivering and chattering.

Did a couple of short runs along the beach to warm up, then I swam some. The sea surface was quite chopping coz of the winds, but it was surprisingly rather warm. And I felt good in the sleeveless 2XU wetsuit...it was the perfect size for me, unlike last week's which was too big. My arms felt unrestricted and I could swim well.

I met Cam, Jo and Maddy there, so it was good! the field for this race was very strong! Many more competitors than last week's.

Finally, our wave start...just as the weather got worse and the rain got heavier...I felt really good in the water and I was pushing the swim. I reckond I swam a perfect course as well--as in the most direct route. Sighting was easy coz they had ITU style HUGE pink buoys and the HUGE bright yellow bolster shaped buoy for the corners of the triangular course.

It was a long run to transition, and the tight wetsuit was more difficult to take off than last week.

Out on the non-drafting 2 lap 20km course, I felt good until...the winds picked up with full force. Gale force. haha! The mainly crosswinds were INSANE! I was getting blown across the 3 lane course! At one point, a sudden gust of crosswind blew and I wobbled and flew a bit, so I let out a squeal/squeak. And I noticed some recreational joggers by the side turn and saw that the squeal came from a pig on a red bike. bleah! At another point, my 30+kmh speed was suddenly reduced to 20kmh with a strong gust of crosswind, that I considered stopping to hide behind a tree. I think a guy fell down...on the 2nd loop of the bike, it suddenly rained so hard it was painful!

For a flavour of the crazy bike course, Erin Densham (ITU Under 23 World Champion!!), who was the top female finisher biked 35.06 in the Elite draft-legal category. And I must add, the Elites started at 8am, when the conditions weren't as rough.

Anyway onto the run course, it was a very scenic course along the beach, with some short sharp uphills, and over road, grass and sand/gravel. The rain suddenly stopped and the sun starting peaking outta the clouds (actually by 11am, it was hot and now in the arvo, it's scorching)--that's Melbourne weather for you.

I started out fast on the run and felt good, overtook heaps of people. But then, my chest was hurting. My inhaler is actually expired. Anyway, at one point, I ran wrongly and had to turn back when I noticed I was charging into incoming runners. I didn't notice a sneaky right turn onto the beach and continued on straight on the footpath. Wonder why the marshall didn't point it out to me...

My legs starting feeling tired in the last 1km or so, but I tried to pace a girl and push it to the end...where I was greeted by a HOARD of flies...the fly population is at crisis level here. Flies like the heat and moisture--the sweaty and warm congregation of race finishers was the perfect location for the flies trying to find their way into people's eyes, ears, noses and mouths. FREAK!

Ok the official results are out!!!

SWIM: 7.03 (7th in F20-24)
T1: 1.33
BIKE: 38.21 (7th)
T2: 1.48
RUN: 21.26 (2nd fastest run in my category!!!!)
TOTAL: 1:10:12 (2nd in F20-24!!!!)

Ok, now for the most weird (and stupid) part...I decided to stay for prize presentation this time around just to make sure I collect my medal if any, though I didn't think I wld've made top 3 given the large field. I stood with Maddy near the stage during the prize presentation and...I didn't hear my name called out. I noticed the 2nd place podium was empty and assumed the girl had left...and that girl was me!? standing there like an idiot, concluding I must've finished 4th or 5th. ...WTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. and bigger WTH: 1st place winners win an Oakley Flak Jacket!!! WTF!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Last week I missed my 3rd place presentation coz I left, and this week, I stayed for the presentation and still missed collecting my prize!!! and my moment of glory. Sigh.


The race expo
Prize presentation...

Oh oh, and according to the Tri Series website, last week's ultra short run was actually 3.8km, not my estimated 3.5km--I almost can't believe I can run so fast...never underestimate yourself!

I went to the poast office and picked up a missed delievery today after swim squad. I was certain it was my medal for my 3rd place at the Tri Series race, sent by Start to Finish. But no, it was a big envelop from IBC Singapore!

Hmmm...what can it be?
OOOOOOOoooooooooohhhh yum!
Apparantly IBC sent gifts from S'pore to its overseas students so they don't feel homesick? And feel remembered by the church. It was a really sweet gesture! I've been wondering how they got my address. The few times I've been to the church were about 3 years ago...my family attends IBC though...I love dried mangoes! I think I will bring it to training next week and let the Aussies try it. haha.

Speaking of church...I've been attending St Judes Church here for the past few Sundays. They have an evening service for young adults--perfect! Yuhui invited me to the church and I've been going back ever since. It's good. It's an Anglican church but the young adults' service is contemporary.

Woke up this morn and I dreamt that it was pouring, storming, raining cats and dogs--the perfect justification for sleeping in. But no, of coz not, it was beautiful sunny and warm weather, like it has been most days. I reckon now it's warmer here than in S'pore, just much less humid. Makes my acclimatisation easier when I go home in just 6 days!!

We did some speedwork at swim squad this morning, and it was surprisingly fun and lively. Some competition between Ian and me on the 100s and 50s! haha. I used to beat Ian at sprints (he's an Ironman) but he's improved trememdously in the past few months, and I've lost to him quite a few times. haha. So this morning the heat was on, spurring me on despite my sore and weak muscles from massage yesterday evening. Not wanting to dissapoint George who had his bets on me, I sprinted to 1.13 and 32.6s in last 100m and 50m sprints (push off from wall)! Fastest I've clocked in a long long time! Fabulous!!

Yesterday I did some tough intervals on my bike trainer; ride till you get a stomachache and can't feel your legs anymore tough. haha. Not that I could feel my legs after Tues' "EASY SPIN" with Wille down to Black Rock. It was 50km of pain. Strong headwind going out, and I was just dying to keep on Wille's wheel--so much for the "just getting over the flu" and "easy spinning", Wille!! Or maybe you're just a monster on the bike. Haha but it was good, I certainly needed some race paced (and above) riding.

I think there is something wrong with my bottom bracket or pedals or sth around there. There's been a loud clicking/ticking/straining sound everytime I ride. Time for a bike tune up, change of handlebar tape, cleats, chain, new Sidi T2 bike shoes, and my Zipps! Train in the worst conditions, race in the best.

Held up well during the run training on Wed at Princes Park!! UGH! Trying to run fast on the loose sand/gravel path is really a bitch. But once again, training in tough conditions makes you stronger, and makes everything easier on race day.

Time for a piggy nap before my long run later. And I'm waiting for Tony to reply my email as to whether I should do an 800m or 1500m track race tomorrow arvo, before the Gatorade Sprint Tri on Sunday morn. Oh, Liam lent me his gf's new 2XU wetsuit for this Sunday's race--not sure I want to look so pro...haha. It's sleeveless though, would feel more natural swimming if my arms don't freeze and fall off. haha. I bought them (Liam, Ren and Sharon) small pretty truffle boxes from Haigh's Chocolatier in the city as thank you gifts for helping me out with the wetsuit. It feels good doing nice things for others, especially when you had to walk for 3 hrs!

Managed to wake up on Monday for swim squad..it was ok, glad I got thru it well. Bumped into Iylia after I had my breakfast of a muffin and chai. After a quick chat, I proceeded home to sign up for Facebook! I'll leave you to wonder about the contents of the chat! haha. I've been bugged to get Facebook but not till now have I done it--why? haha.

Din do much the whole day besides a 3.5hr nap, some studying and tending to my Facebook. I am amazed at how many people from all over the world are on it! And how many people are on Facebook most of the time. Within a few hours I got so many messages and friend notices.

Ran hill reps at run training in the evening, I felt great despite racing yesterday, and did 6x hill reps instead of the suggested 4. Timings were really good, so I'm pleased! haha.

Met Yuhui for dinner at Universal Pizza after trg. I had a rose sauce risotto with hot salami--it was delicious! haha. We were intending to catch a movie after tt, but ended up chatting for 4 hours straight! From 8.30pm to 12.30am!! haha! It was great...and there is still that sense of familiarity altho it has been soooo many years. haha.

Since it was so late, I called Jeremy to walk me home, and hear him tell me his great plans regarding chasing a particular girl. haha!

Heading out for a ride with Wille in a bit. Looks like a great day to be out!

Tri Series Race 1 - Mordialloc (3rd F20-24!)

Woke up at 5am this morn and my hip flexors were aching from yesterday's 200m reps! Oh wells, today's race is a "practice race".

Trains dont run till 7+am on Sundays and riding 30km down to the race site would just kill my already fatigued legs. So i booked a cab for 6am. Chatted to the driver, an Ethiopian dude who used to be a pro 5k/10k runner (who was brought to Aust to train) but stopped due to injury, and is now studying Bio Chem and working part time at various jobs. Interesting...

Anyway, it was a great day today--warm, about 25deg and sunny in the morn. My race started at approx 8.16am, the last wave (female <30 years old). The distances are "supposedly": 500m/20k/5k

There was a wide variety of competitors, from noobs in mountain bikes and cheap surfing wetsuits to pro-looking people in Orca/2XU wetties and race suits, race wheels and all. There were Elite M/F category, Open ITU U19 M/F, Open ITU M/F and age groupers (ME!). There were a total of 400 participants in the Sprint race. I felt kinda intimidated in my puny Asian body, old race suit, tearing apart bike shoes, torn handlebar tape and cheap Shimano training wheels.

Good thing I met Cam and George there so I didn't feel too alone.

The sea water was cold, 18-20deg. I felt dizzy after my short warm up swim. During the race, I was kinda scared during the swim coz the cold water made it very difficult to breathe, and the wetsuit was kinda pressing on my neck. The beach was pretty shallow and I could see nightmarish-looking brown and green seaweed, plants and rocks. EEEKKS.

During the run up to T1, I was feeling dizzy and my legs felt like 2 frozen ice pillars! I managed to pull down the wetsuit till my hips while running to transition, where I began hopping around like a one-legged frog trying to pull the suit off my ankles while trying to keep balance despite the dizziness. horrendous.

The bike course was 3x 6.6km loop. It was relatively windless and flat with 4 slight climbs in each loop. I felt strong on the bike, but finished off feeling like I could hold the pace for much longer. 20km feels so short!

After a pretty slow T2, it took me about 500m to get into the "running mode" and thereafter it was fantastic. I was feeling very strong, overtaking many people. The run was a 5km loop over road, sand, dirt trail and grass and had several sharp uphills--I surged past 4 people on one of the uphills...ha! I liked the run course tho--it was along the beach, scenic and interesting. Overall, I finished feeling strong as tho I could hold the pace over much longer.

Fantastic.

Ok official race results are out. Grossly inaccurate run distance!!

Swim: 8.22.0
T1: 1.22.1
Bike: 36.18.3
T2: 1.20.7
Run: 15.16.1 (5km? Hell yeah!)
Total: 1.02.39 (3rd in F20-24!!!)

I didn't even know I came in 3rd (of 13) since I didn't wait for the prize presentation and cycled 33km from Mordi home, stopping by Elwood to drop off the wettie at Sharon's place.

Cam won his age group (M20-24), with the 4th fastest run time of the day (12.13.1)!!

The swim could've been long since the Elite M swim times were in the 6.20s. But I won't doubt my inability to swim in a wetsuit in cold waters cld've produced such an off-target time. And what a disappointingly short run!! My estimate (based on Cam's time) is that it is about 3.5km.

Oh wells, great race, great practice! I'm looking forward to next Sunday's Gatorade Triathlon (sprint: 500m/20k/5k). Hopefully the distances will be accurate!

i'll live in a cardboard box at the street corner

househunting is killing me! I'd definately rather study than house hunt!! The problem is compounded by the fact tt i only need a 4-6mth lease of a studio/1 bedroom apartment. And I need it fully furnished as I do not want to buy furniture and have to find storage for it when i leave. Most single housing are expensive! and they offer only a minimum 12 mth lease. Problems problems.

I checked out a room at Exhibition Mews on Rathdown Street yest. Just behind Iylia's place! It looked fabulous from outside! Great scenic and peaceful location between uni, lygon st n the city. Rent's within my budget, studio...sounds perfect...except, it is unfurnished and small and old inside. The kitchenette area is abt half the size of my current one...and it was dark with dull dirty green carpet and walls inside...UGH! and they were for immediate lease...i only need a place in march next yr!

Shd i just put off searching till feb/march next year? hmm...then i might really have to live in a cardboard box at the street corner. Perhaps I could bring a tent and sleeping bag from S'pore...??

Anyway, i just signed up for a sprint race down at Mordi for this Sunday! It's the first race of the Tri Series Triathlons! I havent figured how to get down there by 730am this sunday...riding 30km down before the race wld take as long as the race itself. But anyway Tony says to use this race as just a transition practice and I will still train on Saturday, especially since I have another sprint Gatorade Triathlon race next Sunday, and am currently in a state of fatigue. haha.

All races in Victoria are wetsuit races so Liam helped me borrow a wetsuit yesterday. I tried it out drg the warm up at swim squad this morning and it was...warm in the 27deg pool. haha. It was slightly big, but overall ok. i cld put it on and take off easily. I'm still pretty nervous about the 18 deg sea water tho. I will be frozen. Reminds me of a sprint race in Korea i did 3 years ago. The water was like 20 deg and they said no wetsuits...actually when we practiced with wetsuits it still felt bloody cold. Well an incentive to swim faster and get outta there! haha.

I feel self conscious in a wetsuit coz i know i look like a seal...During the warm up today we did some rotation kicks and I sure felt like a seal in the water! Seals like to turn round and round while they glide through the water. Hmm...what if on race day i struggle to take it off at transition, maybe lose my balance or sth...i might be mistaken for a fat seal squirming on land...or an overturned beetle fighting with its legs...gawd. I just hope no one steps on me or throws me a red ball. haha!

What better way to fill the empty silence than some of Jay Chou's lovelorn crooning to tug at my heart strings? No wait, my (broken)heart has turned cold.

Why do people listen to sad love songs when they're sad and heartbroken? Perhaps it expresses what we're feeling, feelings and thoughts difficult for us to put into words ourselves. Or perhaps it's comforting to know others share our pain. Or perhaps we want to dwell in the pain--if that's the only way we still feel the connection with that someone.

Don't I just hate the way Jay Chou describes the pain.

I'm 3/4 done. Submitted my 2 final assignments and finished my Cognitive Psychology exam this arvo. All went really well and I'm glad they're over. One last Personality & Social Psychology exam on the 20th. Plenty of time to study for that. In the meantime, it's househunting and training. And maybe some shopping too.

Today's Melb Cup Day, part of the Spring Carnival horse racing, which is basically an excuse to get dressed up and get drunk...and lose money. Oh hang on, horse racing comes somewhere in between. Today was absolutely fabulous weather--warm, bright and sunny. except for the killer winds which almost killed my legs and threatned to blow off the ladies' large floppy hats and mini flowery clip-at-the-side-of-your-head accessory.

Anyway, the Spring Carnival is a really big thing in Melb. People buy new clothes and special fashion headgear and dress up to go down and watch the horse races. I doubt anyone cares abt the race--it's all abt drinking champagne and looking good.

I think horse racing is completely unethical. Last weekend a race horse was euthanised on the course during one of the previous races. Apparantly the horse injured it's leg seriously during a race in muddy conditions and the owner opted for it to be put down on the spot--to relieve its pain or because it is no longer of any use?!

Imagine you fell down during a race and broke your leg, and your coach/parent decide to kill you to 'relief the pain in your leg'. Sounds perfectly logical doesn't it?

And Australia opposes the death penalty...it's called human rights for a reason.

To end on a happier note, listen to Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight.



Yes, you were wonderful.

Yest evening I met up with Wenona and her friend, Howard for dinner and drinks. Howard bought us dinner at a nice Chinese restaurant--king prawns and roasted chicken...yum. We then went to Golden Monkey bar for drinks. It's a quaint and cosy underground bar, oriental furnishings, loud music and very dim. Apparantly it's won some Bar of the Year Award. I had a small glass of cocktail which I didn't really like. Alcohol is so not my thing anymore, not even in minute portions, unless in skincare products. I've been to Golden Monkey last year for a friend's birthday, but soon after morphed into a hermit crab which never saw the light of night.

After just 1 drink, we headed to Allure, a supposedly hip club on Bouk Street. It wasn't crowded at all...was it swot-vac, too early or was it just me? Anyway, after a little dancing and greedily polishing off Wenona's half-eaten muffin, Howard sent us home (before midnight, yes I'm not cool).

I noticed something--I'm not into the James Bond kinda lifestyle. Howard's 25, good looking (1/4 portugese, 3/4 chinese), runs his Dad's company, Blackberry touting, friendly, rich and drinks too much. Lives in a posh upmarket studio apartment at Clearwater, just above Crown Casino overlooking the Yarra River. Drives a brand new Mercedes sports car with avant garde voice activation and navigation functions. Blasts R&B music through state-of-the-art sound system as he speeds through the city. Suggests shopping for a dressy clutch bag at Prada. Jumps into a cab for a 2min ride to his car, just 2 blocks down. VVIP entry into the hottest nightclubs in town. Hires a personal trainer purely for vanity reasons. Basically, the kinda guy hot chicks would kill for. (Need an introduction, Val? haha.)

BUT, I'm not a hot chick and I don't care for the money and lifestyle.

Ok, back to my kinda lifestyle...

A couple of us from MUAC car pooled and made our way down to the Moonee Valley Athletics Track in Aberfeldie for Round 3 of the Athletics Victoria summer series track and field races. Thanks to well-prepared Tim who brought 5 foldable wood-and-cloth 'director' chairs and many picnic mats. We dragged out all our stuff and headed over to the MUAC tent and set up our picnic stuff on the grass.

Many of the guys and Al were running both 800m and 3000m, while I was only doing the 3k. So I plopped myself onto a chair and watched the races. Like last week, the program was delayed and I waited 4hrs before my 3000m race! It was a 25 deg partly-cloudy day. Napping on the picnic mat was frying my brains so I proceeded to climb up onto the park bench under our tent for a seat. Yes, climb. For some weird reason, the bench was pretty high--maybe soil erosion under it or sth, but my feet were dangling 20cm off the ground when I sat on it.

Anyway, Moonee Valley is a nice quiet neighbourhood and the track was amidst some houses, next to a river and dirt trail--perfect.

It was exciting watching the guys' 800m race! D2 and D1 ran 2.06 and 2.09 respectively in heat 2. In heat 3, Iylia initiated a daring breakaway on the 2nd lap, pulling ahead by almost 10m...before Tim ran him down in the last 70m or so. haha. And in heat 4, coach Tony...ran the first 400m conservatively in last place, then sprinted the 2nd 400m to finish among the top few. Tim suggested a mid race dope test for Tony...that blazing last 400m was highly suspicious. haha.

Finally we ran the 3000m race. Guys and girls start together, but runners were split into 2 heats--sub 11.30 and over 11.30. Altho my target time was 12min, Tony and the rest told me to run in the first heat with them, so I did.

Wala! I ran 3000m in 11.52!?!?!! Yes, over 11.30, but I wasnt last. haha. It was fantastic, besides the fact tt I kinda needed to pee. I felt strong and managed to maintain my set pace. In fact, I might've been able to run faster. Coz I ran the last 200m in 43 or 44s! Wayyy faster than my 95s/400m pace! Never underestimate yourself!

Oh wells, that was still a huge PB! I ran 3000m track 2 years ago for RJC, during the school nationals, and ran a pathetic 13.09! haha. Fantastic stuff.

Now all I need is some love. Er, I mean sleep.

It's been a pretty good week so far. Been productive with the studying and assignments--way ahead of schedule actually, so I'm pretty relax now...not that my highly efficient self had to be stressed out about work at any point.

It's only 4 days into the week and I've logged a fearsome amount of quality training. haha. and surprise, I'm still alive and moving. I have morphed into the ideal robotic machine I constantly strive to be.

Even more unbelievable, is the neat and clean state of my room. Trash taken out, toilet scrubbed, laundry done, floor vacuumed, dishes washed, tables wiped...

Perfect, everything is in perfect order. I'm ready to move on.

I feel calm, peaceful, quiet, detached and distant. Actually I'm not sure if i'm really feeling any emotions at all. I've tuned out the pain. I'm floating in a bubble.