The AMAZING 2014

It's june 2015... half the year's gone...

2014, it was an amazing year. I wouldn't change a single bit of it. Even now, half a year after 2014 ended, I still do think about it. Loved it and wished it didn't end. I'm not saying 2015 have been crap so far. It's been great too. But in a different way.

Not too sure how I should format this post, tempted to do it like previous years but I think the easiest way is to do it month by month.... with lots of photos! I will be posting on the many FIRSTS, events that were memorable and stood out to me...

January
Cousin got my aunt and I tickets to watch About Time at St George Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquarie's chair. It was overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. What a luxury, it was simply amazing!

Did a trail run to Ruined Castle and Mt. Solitary during Australia Day long weekend. Was out there for almost 5 hours but this included plenty of resting time on the rock, just chilling and soaking in the amazing view.

Trapeze!! Bought vouchers to go "trapezing". Felt like we were in the circus. Quite a fun experience but don't think I'd do it again. 

February - a month of achievements

10th of Feb: 40 pull ups just on the day before I turned 26. 

11th Feb: Did a 10km birthday run and ran a PB of 48:06. 

15th Feb:

Wentworth Falls Run at the Blue Mts. Shaved off 30 mins from the previous run. It was raining but it was an amazing run. Felt so much stronger than last year. 

And at night... it was my birthday celebration at Holy Basil with a small group of close friends met through dragonboat and primary school :p It was a great night out... but not advisable for someone who had states trials early next morning... I still made it though! I'm just so thankful to have this group of friends. Easy-going and fun-loving. 

And I got fried ice cream with a monkey candle for my birthday cake!!!

February was also the last month of summer. I had a good summer. Filled with plenty of beach days over the weekend and beach volleyball. I have to say, I do miss summer in Sydney! (This is me typing in London's summer. It's still freaking cold!)

March 

Got into NSW team for dragonboat. Long water sessions. Was definitely a different level of paddling. Did not entirely enjoyed the experience. 

Apart from that, Tsunami was also prepping for States and Nationals. More intense water training and land training. I have to say, my shoulders definitely gotten bigger. 

Also, I ran in budgie smugglers for the very first time! It was a fund raising running event that I did with one of my work colleague who has a heart of gold who dragged me into it. No regrets at all!

And just like the year before, March seems to be family month. Aunts were over because it was cousin's wedding. Brother came over to Sydney for work and at the same time, to celebrate mom's birthday.

April

Became part of the audience in The Voice! Sorry no photos as we weren't allowed to take any but it was quite an experience. Friends of friend won free tickets so why not? Right? They were filming for the showdown. It was pretty cool to see what actually goes behind the scenes. We were told when to cheer, when to clap... Whether to cheer loud or soft... Sorta felt like we were in the zoo, just a bunch of animals obeying signals from the trainer on what to do. What we see on TV which is only an hour in actual fact takes over 3 hours to do. There was a lot of standing and at the end of it, was pretty tired from standing. Will I do it again? No. But hey... I was in the same room as Kylie Minoque, Ricky Martin, Joel Madden and Will.I.Am!!! 

This month was the peak of dragonboating as well. 

First it was States... and then followed by Nationals. 

For the very first time, I was travelling out of NSW for a race!! It was a pretty cool experience and it felt like those good ol' swimming days. Click here for the write up on Nationals. 

And for Anzac weekend?

A trip to Hunter Valley!! Lots of drinking and eating. All care-free because paddling season is over. Time to relax!

May

Introduction to gym and weights for the very first time: 

Due to the off season in paddling, I went to the gym a few times to do some weights - mainly squats, deadlifts and bench press. I would have liked to get into a proper routine and program because I found that it really helped with my running. However, it wasn't very sustainable because it costed quite a fair bit. Did this for about two months and then stopped.

It was also the month that MY OTHER HALF came to visit!

It's never a dull moment with this chic here. My light in the dark?? Despite only having her for two days, they were freaking epic two days!! It's amazing how our friendship continues to grow even when we are far apart. Love her to bits!! 

And.... 

Michael Buble came to Sydney that same weekend!

This marked the last of my concert attendance spree... Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Michael Buble... all in the span of 6 months. 

June

Paddled from Pyrmont to Manly RETURN!! 5.5 hours of paddling on the outrigger. Going there took 2 hours. When had to head back from Manly, it took 3.5 hours. It was so miserable and cold and was going much more slower. Had to pee really badly but because I hold it for too long, when I tried to let it out in the water, I just couldn't. A really awesome, epic experience nevertheless. Felt like a pretty awesome achievement that not many can say they did it as most just did one leg of the journey. 

Also, went for the Lion King musical...

Everyone I talked to said it was good. The expectations were high, there were so much hype for it leading up to the actual night. And so, I was a little disappointed. The costumes were very impressive but because I knew the whole story and what was going to happen, I got a little bored.

This was also the month that serious marathon training started as well. I continued to wake up most morning for my runs in this very attractive winter running outfit.

Eye sore much??

But before I finish off June's post...let me leave you with some of the magic I got to witness in the wee hours of the morning.... 

PRETTY in PINK!!

July

Attended my very first house themed party! The 4th of July!!

And of course.. my very proud sub 45 10km PB (44:27 to be exact :p) See post HERE

August

Another musical... 

Strictly ballroom

This... this musical I enjoyed it heaps! Not just because I had free tickets... I think I'd pay for this as well. Love the storyline, love the songs, love the dancing.... I was kept entertained throughout. 

September

Made another visit to the snow... this time with Sophie and Manu - hardcore french skiers/boarders. Much better snow trip than the year before. Managed to practice more heel and toe boarding. Snow was much better and had good weather on both days. Also, had cheese fondue for the very first time and mulled wine!! Sooooo good! Can't wait for Christmas 2015!! Hitting the French Alps!!

And of course, this is the month where I proved to myself that the months of training paid off in the marathon. I will not forget the sweet sweet results of a sub 3:45. Click here for the full story... 

Now this part is a little bit dull but it's something that I would like to share with you all. This is about a man called Andy... Click here to read more about Andy...

October

Ahhh... October... the Holiday month!! Yup... took a month off pretty much to travel, spend time with the family. You see, the initial plan was to go back to Malaysia, go on a month's long holiday and then fly to London and start my new chapter there. However, I decided to delay this plan as I wanted to enjoy summer in Sydney, and I wouldn't want to get out of winter and go into winter right away. So, since my flight to Asia had been booked and I had so many annual leave to clear... I decided to go ahead with it. And here's what I did...

Celebrated my brother's birthday after so many years of not being able to do so...

Massive reunion with the relatives...

And a swimmer's reunion dinner...

Travelled to a new country - China, with the parents and aunt...

And last but not least.... THE MOST EPIC dive trip EVER at Malapascua Island, Phillipines... I saw sharks for the very first time!!!

November

Did Narrowneck Night Run again. No race report for this. Completed in 2 hours 8 minutes, 9 minutes improvement from the year before. Would have like to do better but seeing that I just came back from holiday, I think it's a pretty good effort!

And this time, it was clear skies, no rain, during the run :) 

And to end the month of November... another boat trip!!!

My favourite French couple :D 

December

The last month of the year. I remembered feeling a little sad to know that the year's going to end. As you can see, it's been a great year. 

It was work Christmas party...

And it was also the month that I farewell Sophie and Manu, my favourite French couple. These two are living the life. Travelling everywhere. They've seen more of the Down Under than me in the span of 2 years... and now, they're off to explore Asia for half a year. What an inspiration!

This was farewell #1

Farewell #2

And farewell #3!!!

So, there you have it. My 2014. Lots of fitness achievements, lots of Firsts, lots of socialising, lots of adventures, lots of family time. There were lots of cooking also, but no photos. What about work? Yes... work...took on a few more students this year almost failed one but didn't have the heart to do so. Career progression? Not really. Guess I can say I'm taking a two year break, to discover what I like and what I dislike ... and of course, travel!!! 

Reflecting back in my 2013 new year's post, I mentioned about a big plan... And as you know by now, that the big plan for 2014 was to travel to the UK. Obviously, that got postponed to 2015. And you can see why I was so glad that I postponed it. Because if I didn't, I'd miss out on all the fun I had in 2014. 

2013 was a tough a year to beat... but 2014 nailed it!! I'd like to think it just gets better each year :) Or more like... every year is different in its own special way. And I'm loving every year that I have reflected on. 

Live and let loose... definitely did that in 2014! 

This is a little bit late but... 

Happy New Year to all. It's already halfway through 2015 and my wish to all of you (haha! not sure who's still reading... probably only the other half :p) is to make full use of the remainding year! Live it up, try new things, challenge yourself... because you might discover things that you never know about yourself. 

This photo sums it all really.... A very big, satisfying smile for 2014 :D 

A million apologies

New year post still not up. It has been a busy 3 months. Where did the time go? I guess I'll only be writing that post up during my stopover in Singapore before I jet off to London.

Today marked the last day of work. After 4 years. It's not like I've been working over the last few days. Came down with a very bad fever and sore throat, not your typical cold/flu. Was striked by a horrible throat infection which forced me to be in bed for the past two days. Couldn't force myself out of bed. And hence today, was just half day. Just headed into work to complete my student's end of unit assessment and packed my stuff and headed home. Did not do a proper goodbye to everyone as I wasn't feeling well, will plan another trip back to work next week to bid farewell to my awesome colleagues.

In less than 10 days, I'll be leaving Sydney. There's much more to do. Gotta pack up my whole room into boxes. Sort out bills, car, insurance, bank accounts etc. Looks like this will be my last post before I leave Sydney. Stay tuned! I hope to be blogging more when I arrive the UK!

The pieces of the puzzle is slowly coming together

Flights for next year all booked!

Sydney --> Perth --> Singapore --> London in April 2015!

It's been a long process, thanks to procrastination.

I've always wanted to travel Europe. I've been saving up for a big holiday. I wasn't sure when to travel, when to take time off, and how much time I should take off. I wasn't sure how much I would need. I want to do it right. Been wanting to set off on this big journey for awhile now. This thought came to me probably around the start of 2013. I've heard of many people doing it. I've seen photos on Facebook. I've heard and read stories and experiences of others. I had two choices:

1. Take 1 - 2 months off, travel Europe, do a Contiki perhaps, spend my savings, come back and it's back to reality.
2. Go on a massive big 2 year adventure, do an OE, leave everything behind, quit my job, travel, work, see Europe properly. Spend what I make there.

I chose the latter. I'm young, I've got no commitments, no mortgage, no loan, there's nothing and no one holding me back. I needed change. I needed to step out of my comfort zone once again. I've been working in the same job for 3.5 years now. I am starting to get comfortable with the life here. I have to admit I have no issues with the lifestyle here. I enjoy work, I enjoy my weekends, I enjoy dragonboat and my runs here. I've made wonderful friends in Sydney over the past few years. Friends that I do not want to lose. But, I really needed change. I emphasis on the word NEED. Not that I WANT to, but it was necessary. Why? Because I haven't seen nor experience much of the big wide world out there. It is all still so foreign to me.

I'm a little bit oblivious and ignorant. Or maybe, a lot more than you think I am. For example, a few days ago, I just googled what countries are part of the UK. That's how terrible I am. And for some reason, I wasn't sure if UK is part of Europe. I just assumed it is but if you ask me to bet my life on it, I wouldn't. Well, now I would. After doing some googling. Ask me where France/Italy is in relation to England, I have no idea. What are the capital cities of the European countries? I have no clue. This is why I NEED to travel.

I started to really consider it at the end of 2013 and slowly made my way to make it happen. At the start of this year, I thought I would make it happen in October. I even bought my flight back to Malaysia in October, thinking I would set off on my big journey after being in Malaysia. The ticket was bought in March. I ended up just going to Malaysia and travelled Asia (China + Phillipines) in October. It's because I wanted to enjoy another summer over here with friends, I wanted to do another season of dragonboat, and I do not want to go over when it's winter.

So, here's a brief timeline on me putting the puzzle together. It's not complete but I'm getting there.

Jan: Download HCPC application form.
Feb: Contacted Sydney Uni to get my course outline so I can apply for physio registration in the UK.
April: Sydney uni got the paperwork done, now it's my turn to get the others going
April - July: Massive procrastination on completing HCPC registration. Had to get professional reference from work etc.
July: Submitted application.
September: Application approved.
December: Flights booked. It is HAPPENING!!!!

What else is there to do over the next 3 months?
Working visa application, updating CV, contacting recruitment agencies, apply for jobs, find a place to stay. On top of that, I need to sort out my insurance, bank accounts, etc over here before I leave.

3 months. It's not long to go really. There's still so much to do, so much more exciting things coming up before I go off. Dragonboat regattas, States, Nationals in Perth, friend's wedding, Auckland trip...

I am scared, I have to admit. But I am excited too. It's going to be a whole new adventure. Perhaps a whole new discovery of me, finding a part of me that I never knew I had. There's so many uncertainties out there, but that is how life should be. That is what makes life interesting and that is what keeps us going.

2014 is coming to an end. It's been a rather awesome year I must say. I wouldn't change a thing of it. I can't wait to write my New Year post. 2015 is gonna be ... I don't know. I really don't know what it will be like. All I know is I am going to bid farewell to Australia and start a whole new adventure into the unknown.

"While you're still young, get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. The world is a stunning place, full of outstanding works of art. See it." - this is why I NEED to travel. From the article Travel While You're Young

Stay tuned next year!! It's gonna be EPIC!

Gutted and disappointed :(

The desire to complete Six Foot Track next year have been shattered. So angry at myself that I mixed up the dates. Always thought the 28th of November was a Saturday. That was when entries were open. When I realized Friday was the 28th, I checked the website and.... all entries were sold out!!! It was only 12pm. When I checked Facebook, I came to realize that entries were all sold out with 15 minutes. WOW!! Didn't know it was that popular.

Felt very disappointed as I ran that marathon with the main intention to qualify for Six Foot Track. And now, I need to wait till another year. Probably in 2-3 years time. It is still on the bucket list. But it means I need to keep running marathons to make sure I still qualify for it.

On a brighter note, as least that marathon time still did not go to waste. I can use it to sign up for London Marathon 2016. Fingers cross it does not sell out on me again!

Well, looks like I need not train so hard now for this Six Foot Track. Perhaps it's a sign for me to say I should focus more on my last season of dragonboat. Perhaps it's a sign saying I'm not ready for Six Foot Track, I need more trail run experience before Six Foot Track. It is afterall the toughest marathon in Australia.

Time to look for other trail runs. Chin up, and keep moving :)

Sydney Marathon - The battle between the two voices - 21.09.2014

It took me two years to decide to run another marathon. After my first marathon in Auckland back in 2012, the thought of attempting another marathon was totally out of the question. Reasons being 4 hours is a very long time, the amount of commitment and discipline was pretty huge, the amount of mental battle that went through during the race was rather unpleasant. Also, I started to favour trail running more than road races. Because with trails, especially new ones, there isn't a certain pace to aim for. Every trail is different, all that matters is that you finish it. There is no pressure in what pace you should be running at. 

So why the marathon again? 

Top reason being I need it to qualify for the Six Foot Track race. It was eiter running other trails under a certain time or complete a marathon under 4 hours 20 minutes. A road race seemed the most achievable one. I just have to shave 7 minutes off. As long as I don't hit the wall, I should be fine. After 2-3 months of contemplating whether I should sign up for the Sydney Marathon, and after a talk with an ultra marathoner, I decided to go for it. If you really wanna do Six Foot Track, you gotta wanna do this marathon. 

And so, I signed up. 16 weeks of training. Would have liked a bit more time but I just have to make do with it. To be honest, there wasn't much doubts. Since December 2013, I have made it a point to wake up at least 3 times during the weekday to run. The discipline is there. Fitness wise, dragonboat have definitely helped me with my aerobic and anaerobic fitness level. All the Walnuts land training have helped with building reasonable core and leg strength.

Now, I just need to work on specificity - run. 

Sacrifices made?

One hour less sleep during the week, sometimes just less one hour of TV a night. No Sunday mornings sleep ins. No Monday mornings paddling. Missed the occassional dragonboat training or land training. No alcohol (although wasn't totally alcohol free like the last time, you can't say no to mulled wine, but definitely no excessive drinking). 

Suspected/self-diagnosed injuries throughout the 16 weeks:

Extensor tendinopathy of the foot, tib post tendinopathy, adductor strain, and the usual DOMS in the calves. 

Race day

Got up at 4.45 a.m. They say to eat 3 hours before your race. Had a peanut butter wrap and went back to snooze for another 30 minutes. Got up, showered, rolled on the foam roller, stretched, covered my blisters, made sure I got all my gear - Garmin, empty Spibelt (to collect GU gels during the course), bib, shoes, socks, coffee money, and then it was out the door. 

Did a light jog to town hall to catch the train to Milson's point. Legs felt good, the left ankle was behaving. Thank goodness. Whilst on the train, I ate my second breakfast - a packet of Belvita breakfast biscuits. 

Got to the start line at 6 a.m. 1.5 hour before the race. Just in time for the half marathon. Grabbed my coffee and then looked out for Yean and Ivy to wish them luck and took some photos. Once the half marathoners were off, it was time to get ready.

Did my dynamic hip stretches, rubbed some deep heat over the calves, forced myself to take a dump, dropped my baggage off, and then headed to the start line. It started to drizzle whilst we were waiting for the gun to fire. 20% chance of rain and we are that lucky 20%. I'm glad I had prepared for it, I'm glad I ran in the rain a couple of times. Nothing is going to stop me. Revised the race plan in my head:

5km 5:30-5:45 race pace, RPE 3-5

8km 5:15-5:30 pace, RPE 6-7

2 km 5:00-5:15 pace, RPE 7-8 

Repeat

For the last 12 km: 

4km 5:30-5:45

7km 5:00-5:15

1 km all you got

If I stick to the plan, I'll hit under 4 hours. Very much achievable, but of course, there's always that secret goal. Secret goal? 

Yes, when I tell people my goals, I usually tell them goals I KNOW I will achieve, and I will be satisfied with it. But then there's this secret goal all the time... you know, deep down inside, if you achieve this secret goal, you'll be over the moon. What's the secret goal you ask? 

Sub 3 hr 50 min. 

7.30 a.m. and we're off! I was in the B group start and hence it took about 2 minutes to actually get to cross the starting line. From here on, let me introduce you to the two voices in my head that was with me the whole time : (AES) Arrogant/evil/cunning VS (CRS) chill/reality/sensible.

The start of the race felt really good. AEC wanted to go faster, because the legs felt light. Because AEC thinks that I can overtake all these people easily. AEC thinks I can go at a faster pace. But CRS said to run your own race, stick to the race plan. So I kept telling myself to take it easy, don't try to overtake all these people. You have 42km to go, don't be silly. Check my watch and it was a 5:15 pace. But RPE was low, I know I can push for more but because the pace is under the target pace, I decided to just stick to it, slow down if I can, and just enjoy the first 5km. Took in the sights of Sydney whilst running across the Harbour bridge, checked out the various running styles of other runners, check my own running technique, made sure my core is switched on, intentionally squeeze my gluts and see how it feels (my legs actually felt lighter but it was too much effort to squeeze my gluts the whole way), made sure my arms are not swinging around too much, worked on my breathing technique, varying it with 3 inhale:2 exhale and 4 inhale:3 exhale ... Nerd much? This is what I do to keep myself distracted. 

When I got to Botanical garden and hit the 7km mark, I saw the 3:45 finish pace setters. Clock was showing 35 minutes. Which meant I have been running at a 5:00/km pace. It didn't felt like it, it felt slower. But it was time to bring my RPE up and do a 5:15 pace. Somehow my pace was faster than planned, and so, I just decide to stick to RPE. I got excited running pass the 3:45 pace setters, there's that hope of doing sub 3 hr 45 m, not too sure which voice was winning then, AEC or CRS, but it's most likely AEC. Haha! But thanks to CRS, I made sure I'm keeping my RPE in check. AEC was telling me to keep going, you are a winner! You're gonna do a sub 3 hr 45 m for sure!! But CRS said, it's too soon to say. Just stick to your 3 hr 50 m secret goal, that pace setter will most likely run pass you later, stay calm and stick to the plan.

Took a few gulps of water along the way, when it was time for the 2km fast pace, I definitely overtook quite a few people, and going at a 4:40/km pace. It felt really good, it was all flat then as well. After the 2km push, it was back down to 5km easy. Was definitely going slower than the 1st 5km but still at the target pace. 

At the 20km mark, it was the first stop where they had GU gels. Time to refuel. Stopped and had my first GU gel, took another spare to put in my belt for later. Bad idea to stop.

When I started to run again, my calves were cramping up. It put me off a little, was a little frustrated. I had practice stop start stop start runs during my training, why is my calves stil cramping up. I still have more than halfway to go. And so, I slowed down, stopped looking at my pace and just run and get comfortable again. I tried to take my mind off my calves, but then I started to feel some discomfort in my feet, in my knees. I clenched my gluts, wriggled my toes, it took the pain off my knees. I kept going.

Eventually got back into my rhythm again. Pace definitely slowed down but I still tried to maintain the RPE plan. At 21km, I was at 1 hr 47 min, PB for a half! But I told myself don't get carried away, you are most likely to run the second half slower. But that's ok. We did a U-Turn and the 3:45 pace setter is still behind me. 

Hit the 30km mark on Oxford Street. 2 hrs 33 min. Yes, 12km to go. Self check: Have you hit the wall? Don't think so. I'm tired but I can still go. I don't think I can stick to my race plan. Not even the RPE. 

CRS said: It's ok, don't worry. Just run. Don't walk, don't stop. Just keep moving those legs, you'll get there. It's all familiar route, just imagine you are going for an easy run. You've done easy runs under 6:00 min pace. You can do it now.

Came to the 35km mark along Hickson Road, I sort of hit a tiny little wall. From here on, I totally discarded the race plan. I was going at a 5:30-6:00km/km pace for the last 7-8km. It was the battle of the two voices throughout. 

AEC: Yes, it's only 7km to go. But the thought of running all along the flat Hickson Road to Pyrmont and back, it just feels longer than 7km!! Ohhh look, you could possible just do a sneaky U-turn and run back. 

CRS: Are you insane? No, do not do this! You've done 35km in 3 hours 2 mins. If you run the next 7km at 6:00/km, you can still make it a sub 3 hr 45m!

AEC: But I would get a faster time. There's no time mat at pyrmont, it won't matter. I'll suffer less pain. 

CRS: You are just cheating yourself if you sneak in this U-turn. This race is all about you. Not anyone else. Why do you want to cheat yourself? Come on, 5km now. Just think of it as a cool down run now. 

By the time the two voices in my head battled it out, it was over 37km, it was the last slope at Allen Street and then the last U-turn. I had done a couple of hill sprints here. And so, I just told myself to sprint up it. Just imagine you are doing hill sprints, it's less than a minute sprint, just go for it! and bamm!! I sprinted up the slope and then turned, slow jog down. 

CRS won! Now, last 4km to go. It was 10-ish in the morning. The sun's out. Running the last 2 km along Hickson road, you could feel the scorching sun burning into your skin. Ideally I'd like to go a little faster. I should be able to. If I just imagine I'm doing a session and doing 4 mins intervals, I should be able to pick up my pace. But, I was afraid. I was afraid I might possibly encounter the wall again. And so, I just continued to stick to my constant pace. 

Last 200m, the 3:45 pace setter creeped up on me. Shucks!! No!!! But he was yelling at the same time, "don't slow down! Push it guys! Push it! Don't follow me, go ahead of me!" 

200m Shermayne, 200m only. It's time to give it all. You are going to suffer later irregardless, might as well make it even more worth it. The crowd was cheering, everyone around me was also picking their pace up and sprinting too. 

And so, chest up, shouders back, core on, high kickbacks, heel to butt cheeks, game face on, and off I go!! It'll be over soon. I felt strong, 3 hr 44m on the official clock, arms out for the last few metres, a big wide SMILE at the camera as I crossed the finishing line... BAMMM!!!! 

Watch/net time says 3:42:46, 5:17/km. Official time 3:44:50. Legs felt like they were gonna collapse. If I sat, I won't be able to stand anymore. Downed some oranges, isowhey, grabbed my finisher marathon shirt, grabbed my medal... and made my way to collect my baggage. 

I still can't believe I did a sub 3hr 45m. Well under my secret goal. Ecstatic. Over the moon. I have to admit, it's one of the proudest thing I have done and it deserves to be shared :p Those trainings and sacrifices paid of. It wasn't too bad come to think about it. It's sustainable. But I will definitely have to tweak it to make it a more balanced lifestyle. 

Could I have gone faster? I'd like to think so. I'm still very new in this marathon running thing. There's always the could-haves and should-haves. Should have prepared earlier. Could have paced myself better at the start. Could have pushed a little bit more at the end. Could have endured a bit more pain. But it's ok. It's all about the experience and you learn a bit more from every race, and even every training run. You discover what you need to work on when you are preparing for your next. And that is what I believe makes a better runner.

Part of me felt like, that's it. I can stop running road marathons. But part of me started to look up other marathons, and I realized that my time qualifies for the London Marathon. That will be in 2016. And so, I've made it a point. I will continue to run marathons, but never the same marathon. London marathon is now on the bucket list. Fingers crossed! Gotta make it happen! 

Thanks to everyone for the additional help:

The words of encouragement and support from friends and family, the people who accompanied me on my training runs, the colleagues who provided dry needling therapy to my foot and calves, the existence of dragonboat which provided me an alternative to maintain my fitness level when the foot is injured, Walnuts for strengthening and mental training... I wouldn't be able to do it without all these additional help. Best of all, very little money being spent :p 

Enough road races for now, time to hit the trails!!! 

Additional stats:

Overall Rank : 822 from 3235 finishers

Category Rank: 22 from 186 finishers :)

Gender Rank: 109 from 932 finishers 

A man called Andy...

So, ever since I moved to Sydney, there has always been this homeless guy living outside my apartment building. No one ever chased him away. I think it's because he doesn't cause any trouble. In a way, he sort of became part of Pyrmont. Those who stayed over at my place would have seen him as I do point him out. I've asked my cousin once about this homeless guy, and she said he's been there for years. Mind you, I have lived in Sydney for 6 years now. I've asked her why don't he go to the department of housing and get a better place to stay. And she said sometimes these people have some mental issues and they are not aware of what's out there for them. It's quite sad really. But anyway, on this very month, this gentle giant by the name of Andy passed away. What really touched me were the gestures made by the residents of Jackson's Landing, both young and old....

A little bit about the homeless guy... This was when I found out they called him Andy.... 

This was the spot where you would find him every night... even in the winter.... 

Little kids did drawings of Andy. It really looked like him and on some days during my morning runs, I'd see him doing exactly what's shown in the drawings - sitting on the bench and just admiring the views. 

Residents paid tribute by placing flowers on the bench he normally sits in. 

It just touches my heart to know that there's so many kind souls out there, and many of them are just around the corner. And it was also good to know that there's also kids out there who are being nurtured and taught to be kind, to the homeless, unfortunate people out there. 

May Andy rest in peace.