This is a continuation of my previous post. These things just came to be randomly and I finally have the time to pen them down ;)
Embrace changes (in temperature).
These days, everyone is so used to having heater and hot showers. No one remembers the days we were still using cold water or having to boil them for a hot one. Swimming brought me back to basics, there is no hot shower at the swimming complex. After a swim under the hot sun, I have began to appreciate having a cold shower. Recently, there was a power failure at home and inevitably it has affected our heater, on certain days, it doesn't work and I have to endure a cold shower (fortunately swimming has prepared me for them)!
Be flexible and adapt to circumstances.
Things do not go how we want all the time, in fact, maybe even half the time! I have had a few occasions since school started, 80 students suddenly came plunging into the pool! I haven't got any space left, yet I had to finish my self-assigned laps. Being flexible doesn't mean cutting down the laps but instead work around it, instead of swimming the length, I need to do the width. Instead of swimming at my pace, I have to work around everyone's pace. That brings up the next lesson...
Be informed, go seeking to be informed.
So inorder to avoid another 80 students having their swimming lessons at the same time with me, I needed to know when they are not there! So I seeked for more information. Ask. Ask and you will get. Indeed, I have found the answer. So sometimes we can't just assume or presume or guess... if the factual information is available, go get them.
That's all for now, I will continue to note down more lessons when they come to me naturally!
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
26.11.13
5 life lessons I've learned from swimming (1)
This post is inspired by 5 life lessons I've learned from running.
If you don't try, you will definitely drown.
And if you do, you have a chance of survival. Most of us in Singapore grow up with us taking compulsory swimming lessons in school. I guess that's a good survival skill. I passed the beginner course with ease, but failed my immediate due to another human fault. But that didn't hinder me from swimming. Immediate course was to master "frog-style" and now I already did, I even invented "doggy-style" where you swim with the head above the waters. That said, it leads to the second lesson (below).
Don't let a failure set you back from achieving your goal.
Sometimes you have to drown to conquer that fear you have.
Exactly. I almost drowned once, not in the pool but in the sea (in Thailand). I always had this phobia of not being able to touch the ground with my feet. But this is exactly it, I can never touch the bottom of the ground in some situations. I have to learn to accept or overcome it. Of course, I have never thought about using drowning to conquer that fear, it was a freak incident. After that, surprisingly it did not deter me from swimming. I continued to swim in the pool (though usually those I can have my feet on the ground). More recently, I found myself conquering a new territory - swimming in the lap pool! To me, that's an achievement.
Stamina comes with practicing.
Like everything else in life, you usually get better and better by practicing. When I went back to the pool after months or even a year of not swimming, the first few half-laps left me panting like a dog. I used to have swim dates with a friend, it's a great motivation to have a sports buddy. But since she left for the States, I found my new friend (discipline). It's not as bad really. I have began to set myself a time frame to finish a certain number of laps. I began with 6 laps, then increased to 8, 10, 12 and occasionally 14 (all these in a few months)! 12 laps' pretty good for me since it's doubled of what I had started with.
Learn to enjoy it.
If you are passionate about something, you usually don't find it a chore. Doing it will help you relax. The best things about it - it keeps you active, clears your mind, relieves stress and also helps you to lose those extra kilos. In fact, I have shed a few and it does make me feel better about myself.
If you don't try, you will definitely drown.
And if you do, you have a chance of survival. Most of us in Singapore grow up with us taking compulsory swimming lessons in school. I guess that's a good survival skill. I passed the beginner course with ease, but failed my immediate due to another human fault. But that didn't hinder me from swimming. Immediate course was to master "frog-style" and now I already did, I even invented "doggy-style" where you swim with the head above the waters. That said, it leads to the second lesson (below).
Don't let a failure set you back from achieving your goal.
Sometimes you have to drown to conquer that fear you have.
Exactly. I almost drowned once, not in the pool but in the sea (in Thailand). I always had this phobia of not being able to touch the ground with my feet. But this is exactly it, I can never touch the bottom of the ground in some situations. I have to learn to accept or overcome it. Of course, I have never thought about using drowning to conquer that fear, it was a freak incident. After that, surprisingly it did not deter me from swimming. I continued to swim in the pool (though usually those I can have my feet on the ground). More recently, I found myself conquering a new territory - swimming in the lap pool! To me, that's an achievement.
Stamina comes with practicing.
Like everything else in life, you usually get better and better by practicing. When I went back to the pool after months or even a year of not swimming, the first few half-laps left me panting like a dog. I used to have swim dates with a friend, it's a great motivation to have a sports buddy. But since she left for the States, I found my new friend (discipline). It's not as bad really. I have began to set myself a time frame to finish a certain number of laps. I began with 6 laps, then increased to 8, 10, 12 and occasionally 14 (all these in a few months)! 12 laps' pretty good for me since it's doubled of what I had started with.
Learn to enjoy it.
If you are passionate about something, you usually don't find it a chore. Doing it will help you relax. The best things about it - it keeps you active, clears your mind, relieves stress and also helps you to lose those extra kilos. In fact, I have shed a few and it does make me feel better about myself.
12.11.11
11.11.11
First marathon. What a significant date for anything for the first time!
If you know me, you probably know that I am not a fan of running. I used to have running knee I called it, so painful that I couldn't even climb the stairs. Then after a series of pilates and self-care, I can hop and jump now. But I never was keen in running as a sports, even during my school days, I struggled to pass my NAFA test 2.4km. I still managed a silver just before I left school, but I think not anymore ;)
The company sent an email about a charity marathon - The Bull Charge. The route was fascinating - along Fullerton, Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer. Don't you agree what a scenic running track! So I was tempted, even if I wasn't running, I could walk. I decided to join in the fun, with almost half the Singapore's office colleagues.
Here's a photo of our "uniform", the company decided to make us kilts so we would stand out from the other companies. (No photo of me in kilt here, of course!) It was a crazy turn-out, we had difficulties running in the first 1km as it was too packed to get pass most of the slow people. I did half walking and the other half running and managed to clock about 42 minutes, need to see the exact time when the results are out :P
If you ask me, I would not do a marathon again, unless its for charity again ;)
If you know me, you probably know that I am not a fan of running. I used to have running knee I called it, so painful that I couldn't even climb the stairs. Then after a series of pilates and self-care, I can hop and jump now. But I never was keen in running as a sports, even during my school days, I struggled to pass my NAFA test 2.4km. I still managed a silver just before I left school, but I think not anymore ;)
The company sent an email about a charity marathon - The Bull Charge. The route was fascinating - along Fullerton, Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer. Don't you agree what a scenic running track! So I was tempted, even if I wasn't running, I could walk. I decided to join in the fun, with almost half the Singapore's office colleagues.
Here's a photo of our "uniform", the company decided to make us kilts so we would stand out from the other companies. (No photo of me in kilt here, of course!) It was a crazy turn-out, we had difficulties running in the first 1km as it was too packed to get pass most of the slow people. I did half walking and the other half running and managed to clock about 42 minutes, need to see the exact time when the results are out :P
If you ask me, I would not do a marathon again, unless its for charity again ;)
24.6.11
Stay with me
Today is my 6th spinning class!
I have attended classes of 4 different instructors. Today's instructor is Ron, I've heard his classes on Tuesday nights are always full. I had this impression that his sessions are very tough (derived from a video on their Facebook page). It's unusual to see him on a lunch time session, but I thought it's refreshing to have someone new. My other instructors are a Malay guy, a Chinese lady and an Indian lady. Ron's a caucasian, I can't tell his nationality. He's not very old, maybe middle-aged. He has a great clear voice, tattooes and a very amiable smile. The most memorable phrase I can quote from his instructions today is "Stay with me." It means try to be at the same rhythm/speed with him.
Strangely, I didn't exhaust myself too much today; I'm wondering if I have gotten used by the 6th time... or am I doing it (in the right way) finally. Many offered help to adjust my bike today, but I think it was stuck. LOL. Even the macho guys couldn't fix it. But I had my seat higher and it does seem to help! I'm beginning to get the hang of it, not perfect, but much better than the first 2 times. 2 more lessons to go and I am done... What shall I do next?
I have attended classes of 4 different instructors. Today's instructor is Ron, I've heard his classes on Tuesday nights are always full. I had this impression that his sessions are very tough (derived from a video on their Facebook page). It's unusual to see him on a lunch time session, but I thought it's refreshing to have someone new. My other instructors are a Malay guy, a Chinese lady and an Indian lady. Ron's a caucasian, I can't tell his nationality. He's not very old, maybe middle-aged. He has a great clear voice, tattooes and a very amiable smile. The most memorable phrase I can quote from his instructions today is "Stay with me." It means try to be at the same rhythm/speed with him.
Strangely, I didn't exhaust myself too much today; I'm wondering if I have gotten used by the 6th time... or am I doing it (in the right way) finally. Many offered help to adjust my bike today, but I think it was stuck. LOL. Even the macho guys couldn't fix it. But I had my seat higher and it does seem to help! I'm beginning to get the hang of it, not perfect, but much better than the first 2 times. 2 more lessons to go and I am done... What shall I do next?
9.5.11
Gentlemen
It's his birthday!
I know he just turned 34. Thanks to that we get a little slice of Cedele's carrot cake! It's still so yummy like before but I didn't remember it tasting so good the last time I had it. I guess the mood counts ;)
Also I had Four Leaves' chocolate cake topped with raspberries for Mothers' day just yesterday. If not for the second spinning class at lunch time, I would be feeling extremely guilty!
The spinning class today is an introduction class, I should be doing this as my first really but couldn't make it on the last few Mondays. It was nice and easy. This time, there were 2 guys and 3 girls (including me). The guy next to me was really helpful, and taught me how to adjust the seat, fasten the pedals and even picked up my dropped towel in the middle of the class. I knew I dropped it but it was too inconvenient to get down and so I just left it. Such a kind act makes me realise there are still gentlemen around! Well, the birthday boy is one too :)
For now, I like a good night's sleep and no aches in the morning!
I know he just turned 34. Thanks to that we get a little slice of Cedele's carrot cake! It's still so yummy like before but I didn't remember it tasting so good the last time I had it. I guess the mood counts ;)
Also I had Four Leaves' chocolate cake topped with raspberries for Mothers' day just yesterday. If not for the second spinning class at lunch time, I would be feeling extremely guilty!
The spinning class today is an introduction class, I should be doing this as my first really but couldn't make it on the last few Mondays. It was nice and easy. This time, there were 2 guys and 3 girls (including me). The guy next to me was really helpful, and taught me how to adjust the seat, fasten the pedals and even picked up my dropped towel in the middle of the class. I knew I dropped it but it was too inconvenient to get down and so I just left it. Such a kind act makes me realise there are still gentlemen around! Well, the birthday boy is one too :)
For now, I like a good night's sleep and no aches in the morning!
29.4.11
Fit, fit, fit
I was rubbing medicated oil all over my limbs. And I think I need to apply Counterpain cream before I turn in!
After an hour of spinning, my legs almost gave way when I had to climb down the stairs. They went jelly the moment I stepped down from the bike. But it is actually not as bad as I thought, at least I could follow the trainer's instructions and done most things, even though probably not the correct or best way. But my bum hurts! I am sure the next 7 sessions would train me up and hopefully help me tone up a lot more ;)
When I visited the studio the other day, I saw some ladies joining the class. To my surprise, today there was none. I was with 7 other men, and my trainer is a friendly, very pleasant looking Malay guy, Shah. As he knew it was my first time, he introduced me to the class and also helped me adjust the bike. But unlike the stationary bike you get in the gym, with RealRyder you can swing to the left or right and also adjust the pressure on the pedals so it was really like cycling on the road. But at least this time, I won't crash into the wall, bushes or kids! LOL. The trainer drew the path which we would be doing on a board at the start of the class and then with the music blasting, we raced non-stop for an hour. Man, that was a lot of sweat!
Check out RealRyder!
The aftermath is heaven. A cold shower definitely helped... I could feel the heat when I was cycling, almost imagining the fats are burning! How imaginative am I?
After an hour of spinning, my legs almost gave way when I had to climb down the stairs. They went jelly the moment I stepped down from the bike. But it is actually not as bad as I thought, at least I could follow the trainer's instructions and done most things, even though probably not the correct or best way. But my bum hurts! I am sure the next 7 sessions would train me up and hopefully help me tone up a lot more ;)
When I visited the studio the other day, I saw some ladies joining the class. To my surprise, today there was none. I was with 7 other men, and my trainer is a friendly, very pleasant looking Malay guy, Shah. As he knew it was my first time, he introduced me to the class and also helped me adjust the bike. But unlike the stationary bike you get in the gym, with RealRyder you can swing to the left or right and also adjust the pressure on the pedals so it was really like cycling on the road. But at least this time, I won't crash into the wall, bushes or kids! LOL. The trainer drew the path which we would be doing on a board at the start of the class and then with the music blasting, we raced non-stop for an hour. Man, that was a lot of sweat!
Check out RealRyder!
The aftermath is heaven. A cold shower definitely helped... I could feel the heat when I was cycling, almost imagining the fats are burning! How imaginative am I?
26.11.07
We lost 5 of us
Am I blind or something.. now it said only 780 posts...! I can't believe I see ghost.
Anyway, never mind about the number, they aren't really important. Today, my mood sank when I watched the news on the bus. 5 bodies found. The 5 Singaporeans whom went Cambodia for the Dragonboating event were drowned. I couldn't help but somehow feel that loss.
That horrible way of dying - drowning... That is so so scary! Tell me when you're struggling for air, for something to hold on but couldn't find any. Tell me when you try so hard to swim but only have your muscles failing. Tell me when you feel totally breathless and weak, unable to save yourself. Tell me when all the happy moments and thoughts of loved one suddenly flashed across your mind. Tell me when you do not even have the chance to tell them you love them and say goodbye.
Sigh. I feel for them. And at the same time, having joined dragonboating for a short period of time, I do really think that it is a tough sports. Even the best swimmers can drown, so why are people not given life vests. And when I think of the snorkeling trip I had without a life vest, I vow I will strangle the next person who's not giving me one!
That horrible way of dying - drowning... That is so so scary! Tell me when you're struggling for air, for something to hold on but couldn't find any. Tell me when you try so hard to swim but only have your muscles failing. Tell me when you feel totally breathless and weak, unable to save yourself. Tell me when all the happy moments and thoughts of loved one suddenly flashed across your mind. Tell me when you do not even have the chance to tell them you love them and say goodbye.
Sigh. I feel for them. And at the same time, having joined dragonboating for a short period of time, I do really think that it is a tough sports. Even the best swimmers can drown, so why are people not given life vests. And when I think of the snorkeling trip I had without a life vest, I vow I will strangle the next person who's not giving me one!
21.11.06
November wake-up call
After some days of early mornings, I seem to have adapted. Am I very adaptable? But there isn't any more birds' chirping, except on that first morning. How weird!!
Adventure Click is still keeping mum, when is the news going to be out?? Or am I not shortlisted... I'm still hoping to hear at least something from them!! Tell me, yes or no!!! The voting results have also changed, more and more people are voting for Germany, and it overtook Greece which was first on the list.
The dress code at work is smart (casual), moreover my surrounding tells that jeans are better kept for Friday since we're at the same level with the Board directors. Last night, I dug out a whole stack of clothes and began ironing. I had no idea what I should wear, I never need to dress formal for most of my previous jobs. So it's always a headache in the morning. The good thing is my sister is up at the same time, so we often exchange remarks about one another's dressing and help each other to make better decision. So having a sibling of the same gender is not that bad, isn't it.
Dragonboat is hurting me like hell, I wonder why it gets worse and worse after more sessions. My body felt like ripping apart on Sunday, wasn't a good time to relax. My poor fingers were 'injured' at the training because someone stupid wrapped plaster around the paddle and its rough surface was tearing at my flesh the whole 2 hours!! However, despite I was physically tortured, we did something hilarious. We paddled under the Merlion's spitting 3 times. Those tourists and people in the duck tour/sampan boats couldn't stop snapping pictures of us. I might have to give second thoughts about continuing, maybe I should return to pilates which I'd prefer more.
I haven't see any money coming in yet, though doing a temporary job now does mean situation is improving. I dislike $ but I still need them to live...
My dear friend is having job trouble and might not be home for Xmas, which is really a let-down because it's already so near to Christmas! I sometimes ponder over what's the main motivation for her to want to remain in a foreign place, is it the greed for money, the desire to succeed in career or is it for a man who is not worthy of her admiration - I hope she makes the right choice :))
After all these time, I realized a lot of places can be your home but the one with true friends and love (not just romantic love, but all other kinds) is the best one to be in. Stay true to your heart:)
Adventure Click is still keeping mum, when is the news going to be out?? Or am I not shortlisted... I'm still hoping to hear at least something from them!! Tell me, yes or no!!! The voting results have also changed, more and more people are voting for Germany, and it overtook Greece which was first on the list.
The dress code at work is smart (casual), moreover my surrounding tells that jeans are better kept for Friday since we're at the same level with the Board directors. Last night, I dug out a whole stack of clothes and began ironing. I had no idea what I should wear, I never need to dress formal for most of my previous jobs. So it's always a headache in the morning. The good thing is my sister is up at the same time, so we often exchange remarks about one another's dressing and help each other to make better decision. So having a sibling of the same gender is not that bad, isn't it.
Dragonboat is hurting me like hell, I wonder why it gets worse and worse after more sessions. My body felt like ripping apart on Sunday, wasn't a good time to relax. My poor fingers were 'injured' at the training because someone stupid wrapped plaster around the paddle and its rough surface was tearing at my flesh the whole 2 hours!! However, despite I was physically tortured, we did something hilarious. We paddled under the Merlion's spitting 3 times. Those tourists and people in the duck tour/sampan boats couldn't stop snapping pictures of us. I might have to give second thoughts about continuing, maybe I should return to pilates which I'd prefer more.
I haven't see any money coming in yet, though doing a temporary job now does mean situation is improving. I dislike $ but I still need them to live...
My dear friend is having job trouble and might not be home for Xmas, which is really a let-down because it's already so near to Christmas! I sometimes ponder over what's the main motivation for her to want to remain in a foreign place, is it the greed for money, the desire to succeed in career or is it for a man who is not worthy of her admiration - I hope she makes the right choice :))
After all these time, I realized a lot of places can be your home but the one with true friends and love (not just romantic love, but all other kinds) is the best one to be in. Stay true to your heart:)
21.10.06
Join the dragon!
Today an ang moh woman said I look more like a Filipino than a Chinese... not sure if I should take that as a compliment but whatever... it's not the first time someone questions me about my Chinese ethnicity! Try google and actually the findings are not so bad lah! But I'm impressed, she must have stayed in Singapore long enough to already able to distinguish Asian faces and nationalities. The others opt to ask for my nationality first before trying to decipher further... one asked if I am Malay and the other disagreed. It's amusing when I let other debate about what race I am, very interesting... lol.
My new sports interest has an exciting beginning today. That bad habit of mine of not being punctual today has in turn became a blessing in disguise. I ran into a friend, got acquainted with other teams as well... before finally meeting up with "my team" and having a beer treat together. The British team seems to remember me as the girl in green. Mmm...
My new sports interest has an exciting beginning today. That bad habit of mine of not being punctual today has in turn became a blessing in disguise. I ran into a friend, got acquainted with other teams as well... before finally meeting up with "my team" and having a beer treat together. The British team seems to remember me as the girl in green. Mmm...
31.5.05
23.7.04
A bus chase, is this the fastest I ran in my life?!
I impressed myself.
I ran at least 500 meters after a bus, and yes I got on it. It is insane thinking about it now. I was panting worse than a sweating dog! The driver closed the door right in my face despite that I have made an effort to run. There were a few passengers boarding, and I couldn't understand why he was this blind, he could have noticed me racing behind his side mirror!
If it was in London, it would be easier, just jumping on at the rear exit.
I didn't know what makes me go after the bus. Normal Trixy would have just wasted another 15 minutes or more for the next one. But I wasn't normal today. I know I wanted to get on that bus, and I will have to. I ran.
From the bus terminal. 3 traffic lights. Hundreds of meter. Gosh, how long have I not been running... My last gym visit was probably over 3 months ago. The bus had to make a turn around the terminal and probably held up by a few traffic lights, so I had to be fast. A lot faster than what I usually run on that treadmill.
I was chasing, in fact I was ahead of it. But that damned stop was so far away!!! I kept my eyes on my back, then I saw it coming. I kept running, this time I have to make known to the driver "ITS YOUR BUS I'M CHASING, SO PLEASE WAIT FOR ME!"
Those people at the bus-stop must have seen me running from that distance... I wonder if anyone on the bus have seen this crazy woman doing a marathon just to get a bus ride. Those people seemed to know, did they tell the driver to wait?? Or have the driver seen me running alongside with his bus!! The bus arrived at the stop 30 seconds before I did... and it did wait for me this time.
I was so grateful. In fact, I wanted to say "Fuck you, didn't you see me just now!!" But I said, "Thank you!" This is just me.
5.4.04
*yawn* Up at 1am
I watched Fight Club on Sunday TV. It made me laughed. Its a ridiculous film, I don't understand why is Brat Pitt in it - to act as an imaginary man!? He always get weird roles, don't you think... ;)
Volleyball wasn't that great, except I got to see a few hunks flaring their assets and skills in court. The rain has ruined the game, it was still fun hanging around with these bunch of "nutties"... I'll miss them so much when I leave. I'm getting "rough" with these guys, now I don't think they reckon I'm that quiet "china doll".
Pilates is still keeping my attention there, I'm beginning to look forward for every lesson. Somehow my instructor is giving me more attention - must be I'm a lousy new student. Err... better work it out the right way before I get all the pain and aching in future :)
29.3.04
Getting fit!
Picking up pilates.. playing beach volleyball... Guess what now? I've not been to the gym for a long time, there was a period when I visited regularly. Then I decided to drop it. It's addictive.
Lucky me eh. In fact I have never won many contests, or never once?! California fitness just rang me and told me I won a 2 weeks trial, 1 hour free personal trainer and free fat analysis (or something like this). I forgot what led me to this, I think some yahoo online contest which I filled up for fun.
My, I'm getting so active once again, how nice...
4.9.03
Join the Triathlon
I attended a press conference this afternoon for the launch of the event and its logo at Pan Pacific Hotel. Never seen something like that, so it was pretty fun. You see the press, media, speakers, invited guests and maybe some important people. Former three-time World Championship cyclist Russell Williams was sitting besides me. Oh wait wait... maybe u'll see me on tv or papers, I saw Channelnewsasia filming... lets squash my fat hope!!
It also officially launched the event website which I've designed. Not completely what I had in mind, but then the client is always right.
If you are an enthusiastic sports athlete, and you can:
1. swim without drowning
2. cycle without colliding
3. run without tripping
Come on and join the Singapore Triathlon 2003 in November! Visit & register at Singapore triathlon.
It also officially launched the event website which I've designed. Not completely what I had in mind, but then the client is always right.
If you are an enthusiastic sports athlete, and you can:
1. swim without drowning
2. cycle without colliding
3. run without tripping
Come on and join the Singapore Triathlon 2003 in November! Visit & register at Singapore triathlon.
26.8.03
Ball game
It has been a long long long time I laid my butt on the pool table. He he he.
It was a great night even though it was a short 90 minutes. Cheeros, my gals... (you gals are great, aren't u) I remember my first time playing billiard was in Johor, my coach was John. Hah, my colleague. I picked up a bit then. I luv it.
Its my 3rd time playing, and I felt like I've to do it more frequently. Get more practice on small pool tables before I can make a leap to big billiard! I need a pool/billiard partner, pls apply here --> leave me a comment.
It was a great night even though it was a short 90 minutes. Cheeros, my gals... (you gals are great, aren't u) I remember my first time playing billiard was in Johor, my coach was John. Hah, my colleague. I picked up a bit then. I luv it.
Its my 3rd time playing, and I felt like I've to do it more frequently. Get more practice on small pool tables before I can make a leap to big billiard! I need a pool/billiard partner, pls apply here --> leave me a comment.
4.8.03
Up and Bumping!!
Hey, thank you people... you have always made my day! *hugs* I was physically too exhausted to come on last night to write a line. It was the MOST EXCITING volleyball game ever. BECAUSE we finally won a match. He he he. Not too sure if the opponents were too worn out, or we are better. But I can't be more glad that we beat them! *YEAH* Cheers to all my Team Mates (Joy, Angela, Mingli, Benson & Jacky) ho ho ho... I was almost recovered yesterday (except for my voice which made me still sick!), but sometimes that does sound more sexy. ~wink~ Up and bumping today, I feel very fresh (after our first victory game & triumphed over the monster!!)... p/s: hella outta goooood time soccer as well.
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