In a feeble attempt to clock some mileage, I went out and clocked 240km on the bike over the long weekend.
It is a matter of a little too late?
I would like to use my current job as an excuse for not training for the marathon.
But is it really the case?
In a way, the current working environment does take some shine away from my cycling schedule.
My work rotation is such that While students are probably waking up and preparing to go to school, my work day has already started.
Work week is Monday to Saturday, so that is why I started to ride on Sunday. A day bookmarked as Family Day...
Weekday Rides are possible.
But I tends to wake up with a headache...
Wanted to blame the job again...
Brain draining...
Will it get better?
Well... work is never ending...
Will see how it goes.
But I will definitely switch up a gear when Aviva IM 70.3 is here.
I have paid too much money for that to go to waste.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cycling 29th November 2009
Cycled directly to Mandai Shell.
I am still wondering how bad I will fare if I started off from Longhouse.
Along the route, an ang-moh overtook me.
We changed leads a couple of times.
At the BKE traffic junction, I rolled about 30m behind him and two other riders while waiting for the lights to change.
Somehow the three riders decided to just beat the traffic light and went ahead. =S
At the top of Mandai Hill, I wanted to roll down to Mandai Shell... But.....
I started to give chase... Finally overtook them just before the last bus stop. Yeah, sprint point won! =D Haha, cheap thrill.
Reached Mandai Shell at 7:05am.
Did a mini-loop.
Keep spotting riders in small groups, so I decided to turn back early to wait for the group.
The group turned up pretty soon.
Was chatting with Calvin, Adrian and gang.
I survived the ordeal and was glad to see that the exit is just right ahead.
Hmm.... the dogs must have made me rode at an incredibly fast pace. =D
Without anyone to catch, I decided to ride along Old Lim Chu Kang Road.
Hmm... a few slopes to conquer, but a lot quieter than the main road.
There are quite a number of teenagers on road bikes.
The adult trailing behind them looks like a coach? Future Kenneth Tans?
Caught Coach Blackie along Jurong West.
Coach has a flat and is using a pretty interesting pump to inflat his tire.
That has to be the coolest bike pump ever.
It is a CO2 inflator with a built-in pressure gauge and a backup hand pump all rolled into one.
The brand is Barbieri, but I am not able to find anything on the web. =/
Together with Blackie, we drafted a duo all the way to Jalan Buroh.
Blackie saw a container truck rode past and immediately took its draft. O_o
I must say that drafting behind a container truck is ultra cool, but also ultra risky.
Without Blackie for company, I am left to draft the duo alone.
Hmm... is it just me or I am suddenly feeling I am not welcome to take the draft?
Decided to ride ahead.
The duo caught up with me at the Merz Point.
I took their draft again.
This time round, the hostility is definitely there.
The guy I am drafting keep looking behind him.
Just outside a bus bay, he jammed on his brakes so hard that I am forced to veer into the empty bus bay to avoid colliding with him.
(I am sure Joyce will have tons of words for him if she is in the vicinity.)
I rode ahead and that was the last I saw of them.
Hmm... strangely for some reasons, I always feels that Caucasians dun like riders to draft them.
Either they are in a competitive mode, where drafting is not allowed... Or I really dunno what...
This is not the first time I encountered such problems, but this is definitely one with the most obvious move to shake me off their tails.
Along West Coast Flyover, the 7am pack overtook me.
Felt so bummed...
Was the last rider to ride into the Juice Bar, where I quickly settle down for my brekkie.
After a lengthy chit chat session, it was time to ride home. =)
I am still wondering how bad I will fare if I started off from Longhouse.
Along the route, an ang-moh overtook me.
We changed leads a couple of times.
At the BKE traffic junction, I rolled about 30m behind him and two other riders while waiting for the lights to change.
Somehow the three riders decided to just beat the traffic light and went ahead. =S
At the top of Mandai Hill, I wanted to roll down to Mandai Shell... But.....
I started to give chase... Finally overtook them just before the last bus stop. Yeah, sprint point won! =D Haha, cheap thrill.
Reached Mandai Shell at 7:05am.
Did a mini-loop.
Keep spotting riders in small groups, so I decided to turn back early to wait for the group.
The group turned up pretty soon.
Was chatting with Calvin, Adrian and gang.
Joyce rode up and announced "All's here" and rode past! =S
By the time I finished my drink and mounted up, only Adrian is there. =S
Together with an old guard, the 3 of us rode at a fast pace, hoping to catch the group, which was nowhere in sight.
Within a kilometer, it was only I, me and myself. =(
Decided to take the Lim Chu Kang Lane 3 shortcut.
Half way through the ride, a dog came biting at my heels.
Geez.... hopefully it is not the same dog that bit Kangaroo Glyn a few months ago.
Instintively, I started "barking" to confuse the dog. =D
Hardly have I left the dog in my wake, another dog came clipping at my heel as well.
WTF!!!
While I did my second round of "barking", a lorry full of workers drove past.
The workers looked pretty amused. O_0
I survived the ordeal and was glad to see that the exit is just right ahead.
Hmm.... the dogs must have made me rode at an incredibly fast pace. =D
Without anyone to catch, I decided to ride along Old Lim Chu Kang Road.
Hmm... a few slopes to conquer, but a lot quieter than the main road.
There are quite a number of teenagers on road bikes.
The adult trailing behind them looks like a coach? Future Kenneth Tans?
Caught Coach Blackie along Jurong West.
Coach has a flat and is using a pretty interesting pump to inflat his tire.
That has to be the coolest bike pump ever.
It is a CO2 inflator with a built-in pressure gauge and a backup hand pump all rolled into one.
The brand is Barbieri, but I am not able to find anything on the web. =/
Together with Blackie, we drafted a duo all the way to Jalan Buroh.
Blackie saw a container truck rode past and immediately took its draft. O_o
I must say that drafting behind a container truck is ultra cool, but also ultra risky.
Without Blackie for company, I am left to draft the duo alone.
Hmm... is it just me or I am suddenly feeling I am not welcome to take the draft?
Decided to ride ahead.
The duo caught up with me at the Merz Point.
I took their draft again.
This time round, the hostility is definitely there.
The guy I am drafting keep looking behind him.
Just outside a bus bay, he jammed on his brakes so hard that I am forced to veer into the empty bus bay to avoid colliding with him.
(I am sure Joyce will have tons of words for him if she is in the vicinity.)
I rode ahead and that was the last I saw of them.
Hmm... strangely for some reasons, I always feels that Caucasians dun like riders to draft them.
Either they are in a competitive mode, where drafting is not allowed... Or I really dunno what...
This is not the first time I encountered such problems, but this is definitely one with the most obvious move to shake me off their tails.
Along West Coast Flyover, the 7am pack overtook me.
Felt so bummed...
Was the last rider to ride into the Juice Bar, where I quickly settle down for my brekkie.
After a lengthy chit chat session, it was time to ride home. =)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Cycling 28th November 2009
Woke up with the thighs feeling very sng.
Nonetheless, I decided to go out for a recovery spin. =D
Rode down to Mandai Shell. Had hope to give FA a surprise.
Reached Mandai Shell at 7:05am. I am way too early.
The group probably won't arrive till 7:30am.
Decided to do the small Mandai loops.
Haha... got chance to do many "Mandai Hill Camp to Mandai Shell" roll.
Was doing a third loop when I spotted STP on the opposite side of the road.
Haha, that is a real surprise!!!
What happened when two lonesome riders meet? They ride together. =D
Did a big Mandai loop before proceeding to Longhouse for brekkie.
After a hearty breakfast, it is time to go home and bring the kids out for classes. =)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Cycling 27th November 2009
JoyRiders Holiday Rides are extremely long rides and today is no exception.
Estimated ride distance is 140km.
If I had done the full distance, I would have clocked 150km...
By riding straight to Mandai Shell (-20km) and bypassing Tuas (-20km), it is still my longest ride ever.
With this ride, all my dreams of ever taking part in an Ironman went down the drain...
Gone with the wind... Kaput...
I am not Ironman calibre.
There are people who won't train for a marathon.
But there is no way one can skip training and hope to complete an Ironman.
Cycling is my pet event, yet I struggled badly during the second half of the ride.
So many times, the temptation of flagging down a cab is there.
Here's the story...
Starting from my house at 7:05am, I have missed the 6:30am group and will probably get caught by the 7:00am group.
Plan is to ride straight to Mandai Shell and immediately onto the Kranji route, with that tiny hope of catching the 6:30am group.
Passing the Sembawang-Yishun traffic junction, I spotted 2 riders in the distance.
Tried as I might, I just could not close the gap.
Along Mandai Hill, I turned on the afterburners and went flying past the two riders.
The feeling of riding downhill at 47km/h is surreal...
I guess it is this kind of feeling that make riders give up their sleep to ride in the wee hours of the morning.
Spotted a latecomer at Mandai Shell and both of us started our chase together.
Lost the rider along Neo Tiew Road.
Proceed to ride through LCK Lane 3.
This stretch of road can really break a bike.
It add that Xterra feel to your ride.
Just as I am approaching Neo Tiew Road exit, the other JR rode out.
Tried to tally-ho but failed miserably.
Just before reaching Jln Buroh, I caught up with WaiJia and two other riders.
Woo hoo... I have finally caught up with the 6:30am group.
(It was at the Juice Bar that I got to know that the sweeper group spent a futile 20mins at Mandai Shell waiting for a new rider, which was actually riding ahead of them. =S)
Caught up with Ping Pong and Jes along Jln Buroh.
Ping Pong asked "7am group?"
Hehe, I answered "6:45am ride, solo ride. =D"
Saw a pack of 6 riders in front and started to give chase.
3 flyovers is enough to keep the gap constant between us.
When I got close enough during one of the traffic stop, my heart dropped.
One of the riders seems to be Stacy...
There is no way I can keep up with the lot.
Was dropped almost immediately after the light turns green.
Deja vu...
Along West Coast Flyover, Animal Matthew overtook me...
Haiz, the 7am group is here.
Rode directly to the Juice Bar and had my brekkie.
It wasn't long before the 2nd group of Tuas riders rode in.
Sang a b'day song for Calvin and soon we are on our way.
I rode ahead, as I know they will drop me along the way.
Everytime I rode into East Coast Service Road, it reminded me of Aviva IM 70.3.
Is that why it is my most memorable race?
The distance today felt extremely long.
It is to take me forever to reach CarPark E1 hawker center.
Car Park F2 seems to take forever...
Where is the entry to the park connector???
At the Changi Coastal traffic junction, I rode ahead while the two JR riders ahead of me waited for the rest of the group.
Within a few kms, I feel like throwing in the towel...
The headwind truly sucks...
I started to wonder how I even managed to complete 90km in a race...
I have only completed 75km and have stopped for brekkie.
Not enough mileage and the extremely hot weather seems to be the deciding factor.
I guess we were really blessed with good cloudy weather during the March race.
Would have been a total different story if the sun was out in full force on that day.
A shout from behind "Daniel, keep spinning!"
Geez, how did Joyce ever ride at this intensity day in day out.
The group soon disappear into the horizon and I am all alone...
Thoughts of quitting kept creeping in.
I am still a good 30km from home...
As my wife would always say, if you quit halfway, why even bother to start. =D
I persisted on...
Along Pasir Ris, I started yawning non-stop.
Geez... this must be the first time I yawned so much during a ride.
Decided to stop over at Elias Mall for coffee before continuing.
Felt much better after a rest, but the legs are weighing a ton each now...
Along West Camp Road, the entire torso started hurting...
Breathing became a chore...
Decided to take a break along Sungei Seletar.
I am about 3km from home but it has to be the longest 3km...
Am glad when I finally made it home.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Bintan Triathlon - No Go
Work related....
As long as I am working at my current workplace, Bintan Triathlon will be a No Go event for me. =(
Well, there will always be another Bintan Triathlon for me. =D
As long as I am working at my current workplace, Bintan Triathlon will be a No Go event for me. =(
Well, there will always be another Bintan Triathlon for me. =D
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Which Primary School should Shannon attend?
Time to take down the poll.
Thanks for all the feedback.
Not too sure why, but the votes went from 28 to 14.
As far as I can recall, Northland tops the list with Pei Chun in 2nd place.
Northland is where we are intending to send Shannon after a long consideration.
But since Parents Volunteer Group is not an option, although I tried to sign up in early March, I will have to try my luck at balloting in Phase 2B.
This essentially put me out of Phase 2 for Pei Chun. =(
13 years is a long time for chauffeur services.
Thanks for all the feedback.
Not too sure why, but the votes went from 28 to 14.
As far as I can recall, Northland tops the list with Pei Chun in 2nd place.
Northland is where we are intending to send Shannon after a long consideration.
But since Parents Volunteer Group is not an option, although I tried to sign up in early March, I will have to try my luck at balloting in Phase 2B.
This essentially put me out of Phase 2 for Pei Chun. =(
13 years is a long time for chauffeur services.
Cycling 22nd November 2009
After an entire week of non-exercise, I got permission to do a long ride on Sunday.
Left the house at 6:50am.
Was dismayed to find both cyclometer and watch are flat!!! =(
There is no way I can track my distance and time.....
After crossing under the BKE, was surprised to find that no riders have passed me yet.
Either I am early or I am late... There is no way to tell....
Decided to test out my theory of cruising from Mandai Hill Camp to Mandai Shell without pedalling for the 2nd time in as many weeks.
It truly works....
In fact, I still have some momentum left when I reach Mandai Shell... =D
There is an angmoh in JR jersey waiting, thus I checked if he is waiting for the 6:40am or 7am ride...
6:40am... Phew, I am early =D
The train soon arrive.
After a short brief, we rolled off in 2 packs.
Following the second pack, I find today's group more orderly than the last few rides...
We got stuck for a long time at the train crossing, thus all hope of tally-ho with the first pack has evaporated into the thin air.
Neo Tiew is pretty uneventful...
Everyone is riding in a single file. Great on all of u, mate...
Once out onto the Lim Chu Kang Road, I started to lead the group.
Intensity was high, but I cannot sustain the pace and was dropped mid-way through the stretch.
Last to roll in at the LCK re-grouping point. =S
After a quick water break, it is time to roll off again.
Along West Coast flyover, I started to draft other riders which rode past us and the whole group follow suit...
Suddenly, I heard Joyce called me out twice....
Turning back, I still see the group following closely, thus I continued pedalling. =p
At the traffic junction, Ping Pong told me to keep my pace consistent at 35kmh... Dun go beyond that.
Sorry, mate... No sense of speed today. =p
At the Clementi Road junction, Joyce lead the pack onto the second lane.
John and I were wondering "What happens to safety?"
The two of us decided to stay behind the long queue of trailers on the first lane.
When the light turns green, the group rolled off.
We never met up with the group again...
I just could not keep up.
John slowed to wait for me, but I waved him to go ahead...
Just before exiting onto Keppel Road, the 7am front quartet rode past me!!!
Boy, this guys are fast.
Hmm... probably not.
Today's 6:40am group is fast too, just that we spend lots of time waiting at the train crossing.
Proceed directly to Amoy Street Hawker Center for my One-Ton Noodles and MJ. =p
After brekkie, Ping Pong, John and I did a slow ride home.
Along the way, we encountered ultra strong headwind...
Geez, the strongest headwind I have encountered for a long time...
Left the house at 6:50am.
Was dismayed to find both cyclometer and watch are flat!!! =(
There is no way I can track my distance and time.....
After crossing under the BKE, was surprised to find that no riders have passed me yet.
Either I am early or I am late... There is no way to tell....
Decided to test out my theory of cruising from Mandai Hill Camp to Mandai Shell without pedalling for the 2nd time in as many weeks.
It truly works....
In fact, I still have some momentum left when I reach Mandai Shell... =D
There is an angmoh in JR jersey waiting, thus I checked if he is waiting for the 6:40am or 7am ride...
6:40am... Phew, I am early =D
The train soon arrive.
After a short brief, we rolled off in 2 packs.
Following the second pack, I find today's group more orderly than the last few rides...
We got stuck for a long time at the train crossing, thus all hope of tally-ho with the first pack has evaporated into the thin air.
Neo Tiew is pretty uneventful...
Everyone is riding in a single file. Great on all of u, mate...
Once out onto the Lim Chu Kang Road, I started to lead the group.
Intensity was high, but I cannot sustain the pace and was dropped mid-way through the stretch.
Last to roll in at the LCK re-grouping point. =S
After a quick water break, it is time to roll off again.
Along West Coast flyover, I started to draft other riders which rode past us and the whole group follow suit...
Suddenly, I heard Joyce called me out twice....
Turning back, I still see the group following closely, thus I continued pedalling. =p
At the traffic junction, Ping Pong told me to keep my pace consistent at 35kmh... Dun go beyond that.
Sorry, mate... No sense of speed today. =p
At the Clementi Road junction, Joyce lead the pack onto the second lane.
John and I were wondering "What happens to safety?"
The two of us decided to stay behind the long queue of trailers on the first lane.
When the light turns green, the group rolled off.
We never met up with the group again...
I just could not keep up.
John slowed to wait for me, but I waved him to go ahead...
Just before exiting onto Keppel Road, the 7am front quartet rode past me!!!
Boy, this guys are fast.
Hmm... probably not.
Today's 6:40am group is fast too, just that we spend lots of time waiting at the train crossing.
Proceed directly to Amoy Street Hawker Center for my One-Ton Noodles and MJ. =p
After brekkie, Ping Pong, John and I did a slow ride home.
Along the way, we encountered ultra strong headwind...
Geez, the strongest headwind I have encountered for a long time...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cycling 14th November 2009
Woke up at 5am.
Rode down to pick up FA before proceeding to LH together.
4 merry gangsters made our way at a pretty good pace to CCK coffeeshop through Kranji for a hearty breakfast. =D
Rode down to pick up FA before proceeding to LH together.
4 merry gangsters made our way at a pretty good pace to CCK coffeeshop through Kranji for a hearty breakfast. =D
Cycling 13th November 2009
Woke up at 4am.
Rode down to Mandai Shell directly.
Spotted the train at the Yishun-Sembawang junction.
Kept pedalling and was ahead of them till I hit the end of the slope (End of barracks).
The entire peloton overtook me in a whiff.
Bringing up the rear is Evelyn and Looi.
Gosh, I am no match for someone 20 years my senior. =(
Rode into Mandai Shell with Joyce, who seems rather 'slow' today.
It was a steady paced ride till Clementi.
A ride I could not keep up with, right from the start. =(
It was literally just Joyce and me for most part of the ride with the peloton some distance in front.
At Dover Road, Joyce mentioned that she is tired.
I responded with "How not to feel tired if one ride six times a week!"
She exclaimed "Nice compliment, ah..." =D
Ivo and Looi has fallen back, so the quartet rode to West Coast Flyover.
At the flyover, it was back to Joyce and me again...
Ivo and Looi become specks in the horizon... =(
When we arrived at the Fuji Xerox Tower, only 4 riders were left.
Six of us proceed to the Juice Bar for a hearty breakfast before taking a slow ride home.
Rode down to Mandai Shell directly.
Spotted the train at the Yishun-Sembawang junction.
Kept pedalling and was ahead of them till I hit the end of the slope (End of barracks).
The entire peloton overtook me in a whiff.
Bringing up the rear is Evelyn and Looi.
Gosh, I am no match for someone 20 years my senior. =(
Rode into Mandai Shell with Joyce, who seems rather 'slow' today.
It was a steady paced ride till Clementi.
A ride I could not keep up with, right from the start. =(
It was literally just Joyce and me for most part of the ride with the peloton some distance in front.
At Dover Road, Joyce mentioned that she is tired.
I responded with "How not to feel tired if one ride six times a week!"
She exclaimed "Nice compliment, ah..." =D
Ivo and Looi has fallen back, so the quartet rode to West Coast Flyover.
At the flyover, it was back to Joyce and me again...
Ivo and Looi become specks in the horizon... =(
When we arrived at the Fuji Xerox Tower, only 4 riders were left.
Six of us proceed to the Juice Bar for a hearty breakfast before taking a slow ride home.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Cycling 8th November 2009
After 2 weeks of dormant inactivity, I decided to get the butt off the couch.
Was late for the 7:00 am LH ride.
Then I realised that it is for the better.... No more 7:00am ride for me.
Sped down to Mandai Shell to join the 6:40am gang...
Completed 9.4km in 18:08min at a pace of 31.5kmh. That is if my Polar can be trusted. =D
Anyway, he is what happened....
Just crossing the Sembawang traffic junction, I spotted a big group of riders.
Most of them are on MTBs.
Overtaking them was not difficult... It was fun... Somehow the 2 weeks of non-exercise was kind to me... It did not bit me hard in the butt... =p
After Old Mandai Road, I am left with the front two riders...
Silently, I made a move on the Pinarello rider while negotiating the slope. =D
It is tiring, but I managed to sneak past him. =p
It was just me and the front rider.
This one is a lot more trickier...
He is on a MTB, but he is no pushover.
I managed to overtake him before Mandai Lake Road.
When I turned back to check, he was in my draft! =D
Haha.... this guy is good...
How I prefer the pre-dawn rides where I can spot the draftee using our shadows. =D
It was a 2-way then 3-way tussle as the lead exchanged hands a couple of times.
Alas, good things never last long and I just could not keep up with both riders...
The ride is just crazy, but it is fun...
A check on the group as they rode in...
Hmm... all MTB are hard-tails with road wheels and slick tyres. The roadies are ...
These guys aren't to be trifled with. =D
While waiting for the JR train, the CWX riders rode in...
Haiz...
Somehow I just do not like the group...
A couple of riders rode in without helmets...
They think they are Special Forces or what...
Even Special Forces guys are smart enough to wear a half-head helmet...
One crack on the head and good luck to them... Is it worth it?
Which begs an answer to a question... Was the cyclist who died in Kranji many years ago , due to an aggressive bus driver, wearing a helmet?
Adrian rode in and was surprised to see me...
Hehe... yeah, I usually do not ride Sundays...
But right now, Sundays seems like the only good time to ride...
The group was split into two. I started right at the back of the first group.
Pace was good.
Along Kranji, spotted Kah Han and Winnie doing their secret training. =)
Wenrui rode alongside me on his motor bike!!!
Haha, we have a special sweeper today.
After Kranji Bridge, the two riders in front of me could not stay with the group, thus I stayed with them.
The one in front seems to be struggling...
I went forward to take a look at his gears...
That was when he started to throw me a disgusted look, even before I have uttered a single word...
I will leave it at that...
Tried to catch up with the rest of the group, but was blocked by 3-4 cars...
On a single lane road in Neo Tiew, there is nothing you can do then to hope that the cars break off soon.
Once the cars broke off at LCK Lane3, I tried my best to catch up...
But they are always a step ahead...
Was truly surprised that after climbing the last slope before the LCK exit, the group has totally disappeared from view...
Wow... did I really climbed that slowly...
Before the climb, I was just 100m behind...
Turning into LCK, it was time to do catch up...
The cogs are turning, but the pace and speed is not there.
I literally rode alone for almost the entire stretch of LCK.
Along the way, spotted WenRui and SL.
WenRui is doing pacing for SL! *Faint*
What kind of training regime is that???
John from the second group caught up with me and we raced each other for a short while.
Now you know how bad my fitness is... Even the 2nd group is too fast for me...
When the group saw me approaching, they started moving off.
Geez... how many times have that happened...
It must have been "Ah, Daniel our last rider is here, let's move off" =(
Caught up with the group at the next traffic junction.
Spoke to Peter. Told him that I will be turning off along Jurong West.
He looked puzzled cos after 2 traffic junctions, I am still riding forward.
When I turned at the intended traffic junction, I realised my mistake.
It is "Boon Lay Way"! =p
So close yet so far.... =D
Rode past Botanical Gardens, Mount Pleasant Road home.
A pleasant ride...
Was late for the 7:00 am LH ride.
Then I realised that it is for the better.... No more 7:00am ride for me.
Sped down to Mandai Shell to join the 6:40am gang...
Completed 9.4km in 18:08min at a pace of 31.5kmh. That is if my Polar can be trusted. =D
Anyway, he is what happened....
Just crossing the Sembawang traffic junction, I spotted a big group of riders.
Most of them are on MTBs.
Overtaking them was not difficult... It was fun... Somehow the 2 weeks of non-exercise was kind to me... It did not bit me hard in the butt... =p
After Old Mandai Road, I am left with the front two riders...
Silently, I made a move on the Pinarello rider while negotiating the slope. =D
It is tiring, but I managed to sneak past him. =p
It was just me and the front rider.
This one is a lot more trickier...
He is on a MTB, but he is no pushover.
I managed to overtake him before Mandai Lake Road.
When I turned back to check, he was in my draft! =D
Haha.... this guy is good...
How I prefer the pre-dawn rides where I can spot the draftee using our shadows. =D
It was a 2-way then 3-way tussle as the lead exchanged hands a couple of times.
Alas, good things never last long and I just could not keep up with both riders...
The ride is just crazy, but it is fun...
A check on the group as they rode in...
Hmm... all MTB are hard-tails with road wheels and slick tyres. The roadies are ...
These guys aren't to be trifled with. =D
While waiting for the JR train, the CWX riders rode in...
Haiz...
Somehow I just do not like the group...
A couple of riders rode in without helmets...
They think they are Special Forces or what...
Even Special Forces guys are smart enough to wear a half-head helmet...
One crack on the head and good luck to them... Is it worth it?
Which begs an answer to a question... Was the cyclist who died in Kranji many years ago , due to an aggressive bus driver, wearing a helmet?
Adrian rode in and was surprised to see me...
Hehe... yeah, I usually do not ride Sundays...
But right now, Sundays seems like the only good time to ride...
The group was split into two. I started right at the back of the first group.
Pace was good.
Along Kranji, spotted Kah Han and Winnie doing their secret training. =)
Wenrui rode alongside me on his motor bike!!!
Haha, we have a special sweeper today.
After Kranji Bridge, the two riders in front of me could not stay with the group, thus I stayed with them.
The one in front seems to be struggling...
I went forward to take a look at his gears...
That was when he started to throw me a disgusted look, even before I have uttered a single word...
I will leave it at that...
Tried to catch up with the rest of the group, but was blocked by 3-4 cars...
On a single lane road in Neo Tiew, there is nothing you can do then to hope that the cars break off soon.
Once the cars broke off at LCK Lane3, I tried my best to catch up...
But they are always a step ahead...
Was truly surprised that after climbing the last slope before the LCK exit, the group has totally disappeared from view...
Wow... did I really climbed that slowly...
Before the climb, I was just 100m behind...
Turning into LCK, it was time to do catch up...
The cogs are turning, but the pace and speed is not there.
I literally rode alone for almost the entire stretch of LCK.
Along the way, spotted WenRui and SL.
WenRui is doing pacing for SL! *Faint*
What kind of training regime is that???
John from the second group caught up with me and we raced each other for a short while.
Now you know how bad my fitness is... Even the 2nd group is too fast for me...
When the group saw me approaching, they started moving off.
Geez... how many times have that happened...
It must have been "Ah, Daniel our last rider is here, let's move off" =(
Caught up with the group at the next traffic junction.
Spoke to Peter. Told him that I will be turning off along Jurong West.
He looked puzzled cos after 2 traffic junctions, I am still riding forward.
When I turned at the intended traffic junction, I realised my mistake.
It is "Boon Lay Way"! =p
So close yet so far.... =D
Rode past Botanical Gardens, Mount Pleasant Road home.
A pleasant ride...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thoughts....
Has been reminiscing for the past few days.
It still amaze me how I started my sporting life...
Haha... you guys must have seen this tagline once in a while, but to me everytime I think of it, it is from a different angle, thus everything felt so fresh. =)
This time around, it is more focused on friendship...
Without getting into running and triathlons, it is basically just work and family.
There was a time where I did wonder how people expand their social life when everything revolves around work and family.
Plunging into sports, I get to meet lots of people.
People from all walks of life.
I know people from races, organised weekly runs as well as readers from my own blog. =D
CBD was my favourite run. Always looking forward to the can of 100-Plus after the run. Thanks, bro.
Alas, when Novena Velocity Running Lab started organising their Tuesday runs, I jumped ship. =D
One, cos I dun need to pay ERP.
Two, it is nearer to home.
Three, I dun need to be wary of the large hat aunties who are still working at those unearthly hours. =D
All good things must come to an end and I have to forgo all organised runs when Joanne got preggie. =)
2008 is a blur to me...
I think it is just race after race after race...
2009... First half of the year was concentrated on training for my two major races.
Inevitably, it is due to the surge in morning rides that got me noticed among JR riders.
It was not meant to be a strategic move, but I started replacing runs with bike mileage.
Surprisingly, it truly helps...
Till date, RSR still cannot believe that a person can train for the Half-Ironman just by training on one discipline. =p
Not the best way to train, but I scrapped through...
Hopefully, next year will see some changes...
Got my first ever disciple when Kai contacted me for an orientation ride with JR.
Did another ride together before Kai disappeared with the wind. =D
Rode with Min for a Botanical Gardens Ride and she too disappeared with the wind right after that ride. =D
Oh well, the thoughts will end here....
It still amaze me how I started my sporting life...
Haha... you guys must have seen this tagline once in a while, but to me everytime I think of it, it is from a different angle, thus everything felt so fresh. =)
This time around, it is more focused on friendship...
Without getting into running and triathlons, it is basically just work and family.
There was a time where I did wonder how people expand their social life when everything revolves around work and family.
Plunging into sports, I get to meet lots of people.
People from all walks of life.
I know people from races, organised weekly runs as well as readers from my own blog. =D
CBD was my favourite run. Always looking forward to the can of 100-Plus after the run. Thanks, bro.
Alas, when Novena Velocity Running Lab started organising their Tuesday runs, I jumped ship. =D
One, cos I dun need to pay ERP.
Two, it is nearer to home.
Three, I dun need to be wary of the large hat aunties who are still working at those unearthly hours. =D
All good things must come to an end and I have to forgo all organised runs when Joanne got preggie. =)
2008 is a blur to me...
I think it is just race after race after race...
2009... First half of the year was concentrated on training for my two major races.
Inevitably, it is due to the surge in morning rides that got me noticed among JR riders.
It was not meant to be a strategic move, but I started replacing runs with bike mileage.
Surprisingly, it truly helps...
Till date, RSR still cannot believe that a person can train for the Half-Ironman just by training on one discipline. =p
Not the best way to train, but I scrapped through...
Hopefully, next year will see some changes...
Got my first ever disciple when Kai contacted me for an orientation ride with JR.
Did another ride together before Kai disappeared with the wind. =D
Rode with Min for a Botanical Gardens Ride and she too disappeared with the wind right after that ride. =D
Oh well, the thoughts will end here....
3rd November 2009
Waking up at 1am, I tried my best to plonk back to sleep without success.
Still wide awake at 4am, I ponder on whether to go for the Tuesday ride.
Go and risk yawning the whole day.
Dun go and missed out on a wonderful ride.
With a morning date tomorrow, I decided to pass....
I guess Tuesday rides are just not meant to be. =p
Still wide awake at 4am, I ponder on whether to go for the Tuesday ride.
Go and risk yawning the whole day.
Dun go and missed out on a wonderful ride.
With a morning date tomorrow, I decided to pass....
I guess Tuesday rides are just not meant to be. =p
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Marathons
Marathons today has evolved from a premier event to a public event for the masses....
Some marathons globally does implement cut-off time and qualifying time, but in Singapore the organisers have yet to done so.
Sundown Marathon, the organisers has implicitly specified a cut-off time of 15 hours for the ultra-marathons, which means that full marathoners will have a cut-off time of 10 hours.
As for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, most hard-cored marathoners are disappointed that no cut-off time is imposed.
Even then, most marathoners wanted the cut-off time to be in their comfort zone, which is typical Singaporean Selfish attitude.
5:30 hours
6:00 hours
6:30 hours - Ironman Cut-off time, if you maxed out your swim and run cut-off time.
7:00 hours - which one marathoner felt that if the organisers imposed such a "long" cut-off time, they are better off not having one.
A recent article in the New York Times "Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon?" reveals a hairy situation that race organisers are facing.
It requires a huge budget to organise a marathon.
It becomes a delicate task of managing expectations.
Increase revenue means no cut-off time.
Cater to the elitists means raising the registration fees.
In fact, by reading the Editors' comments, one can really sense the pride that every marathoner felt in completing a marathon.
Excerpts from some of the comments :-
"I'm a 2:40 marathon runner and I am proud to toe the line with anyone who plans to complete 26.2 miles. I don't understand how these sub-5 hour runners are turning their noses up to the plodders and don't expect the same treatment from those finishing in 2:30. At the end of the day, we all cover the same course and get to enjoy our own experiences. Don't diminish other peoples achievements just because you want to keep the bragging rights for yourself. Congratulations to anyone that has finished or is training to finish 26.2 miles. You're all marathoners in my book."
"I can see why faster, more "elite" athletes may be frustrated with the slower athletes at some of these events, but given the current state of health of so many people in this country I think it is ridiculous to criticize people for participating in these athletic events. We should be encouraging more people to train and participate in races and make fitness a part of their routine."
"In my experience, runners welcome anyone who wants to put one foot in front of the other, mile after mile. I ran, I walked, I staggered--I will never be able to say to anyone, no matter what their finish time, that they didn't really "run" a marathon. If anyone thinks running 26.2 miles "not a big deal," please come join me for my next marathon."
Tish Hamilton - Executive Editor, Runner's World magazine
"If a more serious venue is desired, let them go to the ultramarathons or try an Ironman triathlon. No plodders there."
"Elitists exist in every sport and every realm, and I think they need to remember their achievements are only good in relation to the rest of us, and that there is more honor in being humble about their achievements than in trying to rub it in our collective faces."
Some marathons globally does implement cut-off time and qualifying time, but in Singapore the organisers have yet to done so.
Sundown Marathon, the organisers has implicitly specified a cut-off time of 15 hours for the ultra-marathons, which means that full marathoners will have a cut-off time of 10 hours.
As for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, most hard-cored marathoners are disappointed that no cut-off time is imposed.
Even then, most marathoners wanted the cut-off time to be in their comfort zone, which is typical Singaporean Selfish attitude.
5:30 hours
6:00 hours
6:30 hours - Ironman Cut-off time, if you maxed out your swim and run cut-off time.
7:00 hours - which one marathoner felt that if the organisers imposed such a "long" cut-off time, they are better off not having one.
A recent article in the New York Times "Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon?" reveals a hairy situation that race organisers are facing.
It requires a huge budget to organise a marathon.
It becomes a delicate task of managing expectations.
Increase revenue means no cut-off time.
Cater to the elitists means raising the registration fees.
In fact, by reading the Editors' comments, one can really sense the pride that every marathoner felt in completing a marathon.
Excerpts from some of the comments :-
"I'm a 2:40 marathon runner and I am proud to toe the line with anyone who plans to complete 26.2 miles. I don't understand how these sub-5 hour runners are turning their noses up to the plodders and don't expect the same treatment from those finishing in 2:30. At the end of the day, we all cover the same course and get to enjoy our own experiences. Don't diminish other peoples achievements just because you want to keep the bragging rights for yourself. Congratulations to anyone that has finished or is training to finish 26.2 miles. You're all marathoners in my book."
"I can see why faster, more "elite" athletes may be frustrated with the slower athletes at some of these events, but given the current state of health of so many people in this country I think it is ridiculous to criticize people for participating in these athletic events. We should be encouraging more people to train and participate in races and make fitness a part of their routine."
"In my experience, runners welcome anyone who wants to put one foot in front of the other, mile after mile. I ran, I walked, I staggered--I will never be able to say to anyone, no matter what their finish time, that they didn't really "run" a marathon. If anyone thinks running 26.2 miles "not a big deal," please come join me for my next marathon."
Tish Hamilton - Executive Editor, Runner's World magazine
"If a more serious venue is desired, let them go to the ultramarathons or try an Ironman triathlon. No plodders there."
"Elitists exist in every sport and every realm, and I think they need to remember their achievements are only good in relation to the rest of us, and that there is more honor in being humble about their achievements than in trying to rub it in our collective faces."
A New Blog Layout
Simply sianz of my blog layout...
Had wanted to change it for eons, but cannot find the time to sit down and figure out how to re-do everything all over again.
Anyone can help?
3-column
A monthly calendar
A simpler "Roll of Honours"
A simpler Race Calendar
WordPress seems like a better place...
Easy to add widgets and plug-ins...
Time to migrate?
Had wanted to change it for eons, but cannot find the time to sit down and figure out how to re-do everything all over again.
Anyone can help?
3-column
A monthly calendar
A simpler "Roll of Honours"
A simpler Race Calendar
WordPress seems like a better place...
Easy to add widgets and plug-ins...
Time to migrate?
DNC
After being conned by the weather in the morning, I decided to go for an evening run.
800m into the run, I started breaking into cold sweat.
Not too sure what is happening, but I dun feel ill at all.
Decide to continue after some walking.
The situation did not improve at all.
Decided to call it a day.
Had wanted to walk the remaining 5km, but decided that turning back would be a better option.
While walking home, I started to run a self-diagnostic test.
Everthing seems ok....
Ohh... I did an un-holy thing soon after the run, but that was truly un-intentional.
Quitting is never easy... but you can always run another day...
I quit after 1.4km...
It had to be extremely hard for Burnz who had completed a full marathon distance and have to call it quits during TNF100.
Thoughts started to swing to IMWA again...
I got the green light...
Now is a matter of when...
Dare to Dream... I guess it is a Good Sign?
800m into the run, I started breaking into cold sweat.
Not too sure what is happening, but I dun feel ill at all.
Decide to continue after some walking.
The situation did not improve at all.
Decided to call it a day.
Had wanted to walk the remaining 5km, but decided that turning back would be a better option.
While walking home, I started to run a self-diagnostic test.
Everthing seems ok....
Ohh... I did an un-holy thing soon after the run, but that was truly un-intentional.
Quitting is never easy... but you can always run another day...
I quit after 1.4km...
It had to be extremely hard for Burnz who had completed a full marathon distance and have to call it quits during TNF100.
Thoughts started to swing to IMWA again...
I got the green light...
Now is a matter of when...
Dare to Dream... I guess it is a Good Sign?
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