Rain, rain go away.....

I had a good workout today (a bit different but fit in with the on and off raining this weekend) I didn't manage to run yesterday as I planned to (8-10k) as it was pissing down with rain but this morning Vince suggested that I should I ran to badminton, play badminton for couple of hours and then run back home. So that is just what I did. And this is my ran to and back in the eyes or Mapmyrun.com.

I'm very pleased with my effort today. The fact that I have been able to run anyway this weekend since weather has been quite bad the day before. I must admit, my run is quite slow as both times (to and back) I am running against the winds! Any excuse......

Run Baldwin, Run!

Woooohooooo.......I am buzzing! And I can't tell you yet at the moment why as I am preparing my personal challenge on another blog at the moment but I can't help wanting to write here that I did my run today - despite keep looking at the window seeing passers by that brave themselves running in this chilly condition this morning. Managed to do 5.1km without feeling tired but it seems like my lung (I'm born asthmatic) couldn't cope with it (should have brought the puffer with me!) Still, I am pleased. I didn't run at the beach today as I want to try how far I can run on the pavement today after been running on a soft base at the beach for 2 weeks. I am amazed my strides are better and I actually find my tip toe running are now looking rather more athletic! Ha..ha.. I am sooooo pleased.

Here are some of the songs that I listen to when I ran just now.

1. Stronger (Kanye West)
2. Breathe (Sean Paul ft. Blue Cantrell)
3. Round, Round (Sungarbabes)
4. Simple The Best (Tina Turner) - such motivation song!!!!
5. Look At Me (Geri Halliwell) - don't ask! Vain maybe?
6. Outside (George Michael)

Then the TRI begin......

For the continuation of my past achievements blog, I want to share my 2nd event that I did which happen to be a 393 Contact TRI Series in Takapuna. After completing my first bike event I only got 21 days to train for my first triathlon ever! It was a nerve wracking one as I have no idea what I put myself into (I am not fit and has very little training or idea what Triathlon is all about) With the help of my kind neighbour Karen that has done Half Ironman nearly a decade ago I think, it has given me lots of moral support and boost (she's a mum with 2 girls under 3 years old - mad!!!!) She is very humble with giving advice and training with me despite her involvement with lots of triathlon events in the past and bike events but the genuine wanting to see me made it to the event is just a very humbling experience with her. To swim at the sea with her (about 1.4km), bike about 20km and run about 3km for our first trial together at one weekend was just amazing to know that we got what it takes to do it even the transition is very slow and we took out time to finished it all (very leisurely) around 2 hours! She hasn't done any form of exercise since good 3 years ago with the babies and all but this woman got it takes and naturally fit (which is what I hate! Jealous in a nice way that is...)

So here is my previous entry of my blog on Facebook about my first ever Triathlon event that I did and hope to do more this summer onwards......

I should have written this right after my first try Triathlon finished but I was rushing to get everything bought and packed for a long weekend camping on Friday taken my time to get this blog prepared. Nevertheless, I am at the right mind now to describe what a feeling it was to do my first ever triathlon. Like the slogan of Tri 393 (as for 300m swim, 9km bike ride and 3km runs) You'll Never Know Until You Try, I really didn't know what I put myself into and what did it feel when I finished the event. I have been seriously training toward my last bike ride at the end of January since November and it paid off when I finished it in a comfortably good time for first timer (on top of my bike chain came off, blah dee blah) After the bike event I started to put more effort in running as I never like running, never be any good at it since school but to do this Tri I have to put some effort to it. So since the whole month of Feb, I did 4 runs a week of 3.5km just a little bit over than what my Tri 3rd discipline required. I know I should have done more but I didn't want to push myself too much in case I injure myself on top of my bike training and swimming. What I think I should have done more is swimming at open sea as I can do up to 100 laps of 25m swimming pool length without loosing any breath, but I have no confident at all swimming in the open water. Such a contrast. On the race day, I felt I am ready eventhough 2 days beforehand during taper week, I was really nervous. Poor my next door neighbour who also took part in the event (she done Half Ironman before and she's 40!) has probably gone deaf listening to me singing my heart out just to get rid of my nerve leading up to the event day. Karen has been so supportive and did train alongside of me few occasions and also did a Tri trial at our local beach just to get some idea what the Tri going to be on the day. Getting used and practising the transition was new to me as I haven't got a clue what Triathlon sport is all about since few months ago. We travelled to Takapuna with our partners and babies. Got our goodie bag at the local Boating Club. Placed our bike at the transition area. I laid everything that I have practised nicely in 2 parts under my bike in a bright blue towel. Front portion consist of my bike shoe, sock, helmet, sunglasses, my event number with belt and a bottle of water to wash my feet after the swimming. Second portion of the towel consist my running shoe, new pair of socks (as I know the water from the beach will soaked the socks from bike ride) a bottle of water and a cap. I bought a very nice 2 pieces of Tri suit as I don't want to get change at all since this Tri is such a short distance to be faffing around. I did a bit of stretching but funny enough, I didn't feel so nervous on the day. Maybe Karen and Renate (Karen's friend that also took part) are there chatting to me about others things and it seems to keep my nerve off my mind. After race briefing, I said goodbye to Vince and Yasmin and had great wishes from Helen, Stuart and their boys (Ryan and Josh) who came all the way from Howick to cheer on me. Some friends they are. We were asked to walk toward the right end of Buoy to swim straight across for 300m and run out of the water for 150m towards T1. When the siren goes off, I started swimming like everyone else but admit didn't know where I was heading as I was being kicked and flapped about from left to right. At one point I got someone in front of me kicked my face and I wasn't sure if they were doing a breast stroke! At the end when things are a bit calmer, I am still ploughing along and realised I was one of the few last at the back. At this point I decided to keep swimming and lifted my head up after 6 strokes and keep doing it until I reached the other Buoy. I swear I thought I was the last 2 that came out of the water and I didn't feel bad about it. I was proud. Even I was the last to come out of the water, I did finish my swim. One at a time Nora, one at a time.... Sods law, to run out of the water towards T1, it was quite a steep hill. My legs were like jellies at that point and I thought I have to keep going and push myself a bit here. I saw my bright blue towel, sat down, washed my feet and quickly put the sock and shoes on. I suddenly realised that I must secure my helmet before I get on the bike so I clipped it on quickly and put my sunny on. I lifted the bike and pushed to the starting line. From then on, I didn't see or look back if anyone left at T1 but according to my result, I was 59th of 72nd at T1 and I think my transition practise paid off. I really thought I was the 72nd for my swim but what counts was who left at T1 first and that's when they start to time you. I was flying all the time I'm on the bike. I felt the buzz and I was like being drugged. I kept shouting every time I saw Karen to cheer on her and Renate. I also keep shouting at Stuart and Vince whenever I passed them like some sort of non serious event. I was serious and at the same time I was pumped up. I swear that I took over sooo many girls and kept saying 'Passing' to them and I thought I would be able to finish with a very decent time or possible faster than my target time (under 1 hour) On my T2 result I came 33rd out of 72nd which means I did overtake lots of people from my 59th place at T1! I was really pleased with my bike ride. When I did my 6th loop of the course to complete 9km, I am using the masking tape method that I put on my bike with 1 to 6 numbered on it. Every time I went pass a loop I took a number off the tape. I do have a very decent wireless Cat Eye on my bike but I thought as a safety precaution in case my Cat Eye falls off, stolen at transition area (you never know!) or broken that I got a back up plan. One of the Olympian athletes that took part late evening that day - Contact Cup Elite Triathlon (which was televised on Channel One) did an extra lap on the bike and took herself off the race - see what I mean about precaution? Even a pro did it wrong! After I ditched the bike once finished the 9km ride, I felt my bike shoe and socks are soaked with sea water. It’s a good thing I did bring with me a spare socks! With the help of my transition practise (again) I managed to get the socks changed, slipped on the running shoes and I used the bungee cord shoe lace to quick tie my laces (a real life saver this one!) and slip a cap on very quickly. I started to run downhill the beach and alongside of the running course quite slowly. Again my legs are not coping very well but I knew if I keep the same consistent pace, I won't stop. I don't want to stop as it might get harder to start again. I only need to do 1 1/2 loop for the run as its only 3km but the first turning is a really steep hill. Bastard I thought! Why they have to choose this route right after you sprint like mad on your bike? I guess that's what you call a challenge hey? I did run all the way of the course and by then noticed Stuart, Vince, Helen and the kids are at the Belgium Bar where the finishing line is, waiting for me to get pass my first loop. Helen was strolling on the other side of the route telling me to keep going and I really feel pumped up at the time. I was proud and I was very pleased that she came to cheer on me. I think she knew how much this event meant to me. I don't think I can cope with the heat if the run is more than 3km as it was scorching hot that day and when I passed the first loop, I thought no way I am going to do another loop again. I was very thirsty and I kept saying to myself, whatever you do, don't stop. Walk if you need to. But I didn't. I keep running even it’s not fast. Near the 100m mark before the end line (I have practise this with Karen when we walked the route 2 days before the event) I sprinted as fast as my leg can take it and I didn't know until later Karen was waiting around less than 100m mark before finishing line holding on to baby Zoë shouting at me to sprint for the finishing line. I did sprint to the finishing line and ended my race at 1:01:33 which I thought for my first attempt is not bad at all. Funny enough, I noticed few people over took me during my run but I didn't realised I was overtook quite a bit! Damn! I came 59th for my run after came 33rd from my bike ride. It was quite disappointing with all the effort I put on the bike but now I know my weakness (I told you I'm not a good runner) and I will work on putting more training on it. Below is my result in details.

Swim: 59th: 10:38
Bike: 33rd: 26:16
Run: 59th: 24:38
Overall: 46th: 1:01:33

I did wait for the result to be finalised as few people didn't run the whole 1 1/2 loops that was supposed to be done and ended up being DQ. The provisional result showing at least 7 people managed to run under 11 minutes are under the assumption that they didn't do the 2nd loop especially when the came off the swim and bike from 60th place and over onwards! Cheating! I am very pleased with my first try to Triathlon. I have since signed up to Orewa Half HALF Marathon (quarter Marathon) on 5th April to motivate my run training and hope to get better at it and also signed up to another triathlon at Mission Bay on 26th April for Sprint Triathlon distance (500m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run) I have started my couple of weeks training since my last event and hope with my extensive 8 weeks training plan I will be able to complete my first ever running event and 2nd triathlon this year. I think its fair to say it is still in moderation as after these events, I am sparing my winter doing moderate and consistent training ready for next year events that I am thinking of taking parts. Next year I am aiming to do Sarah Ulmer Sub & Stride in North Shore for 70km bike ride and if I am consistent with my training maybe - just maybe I want to do a short distance Half Ironman Auckland event which is 1km swim, 30km bike ride and 7km run. I have the whole 8 months to prepare at least and I think it’s achievable. I noticed one thing while doing all the training and giving my all for these events that it is right, until you try you never know what you can do and what limits can you push yourself. I once very unfit, still overweight and have quite a bad asthma. I always used these excuses not to be able to do anything outside of my comfort zone. Who would have thought that maybe one day I can call myself a tri athlete? Make you wonders hey? P/S: Thanks Vince for supporting me all this time and bought me a road bike! I promise to do better next time and will make you proud.

Bring it on!!!!

I'm feeling really good after battling yet again with my demon for not wanting to run today (I can understand after I had a 25k bike ride this morning after not biking for a week) but I'm pleased I did it. It was tough going as I came back from bike ride at 10am, decided to clean all the window in my house upstairs and sing on the top of my lung (because cleaning is boring and singing is enjoying - remember my past theory 'try to incorporate what you like into what you hate?) and by 12.30pm I managed to hang a load of washing and fold couple of basket of washing, had my lunch, coffee break and catch up with the news on tele. By 1pm I am eyeing the clock all the time while telling myself 'I gotta go for a run soon and my cut off time is 1.30pm or else I will never run! That's how bad my mind is playing up and how the demon conquering my weakness!

I am glad, after changing my running tops few times (didn't like the colour coordination of my top and my socks) I drove the car to the beach and park as far as I can from the beach so I can add more mileage to my run. I am also excited with the facts that before I ran the same distance (and I had a bike ride this morning) with just under 10 songs! I normally did 12 songs on my iPod.

Here are the list of the songs that 'accompany' me with my run just now....

1. Kelly Clarkson (My Life Would Sucks Without You)
2. Taylor Swift (Love Story)
3. TLC (Creep)
4. All Saints (I Know Where Its At)
5. Girls Aloud (Jump) - this really keep me going!!!
6. Rihanna (Don't Stop The Music)
7. Christina Aguilera (Ain't Another Man)
8. Lady Gaga (Poker Face)
9. Pussycat Dolls (Jai Ho) - ha..ha..ha..
10. Pink (So What)

If you guys got running/biking or any work out songs that you like and you want to share on my notes/blogs please add it on your comment.

Lastly - Bring it on TOUGH GUYS AND GALS and AUCKLAND MARATHON!!!!!

A turtle I am....

After running on Tuesday I suffered post running terribly especially going up and down the stairs. Yasmin get very little cuddles as lifting her are just not comfortable. I really thought come Thursday I will not be able to run at all (here we go again - more excuses!) but it seems quite easy once you started running. I don't enjoy running at all (never has been) and it seems really hard trying to do something that you are not passionate about (only doing it as its part of triathlon) and I must keep doing this as my running isn't up to scratch. Or else I might as well forget about my future triathlon events completely.

One thing I like about running at the beach is the 'not so hard' and 'not so soft' surface that I'm running on which I find suitable for my post running ache and pain. I also like the beauty of the beach next to me while I'm running and I don't get any distraction crossing the road if I run on the pavement (which I hate) I also don't look on to the end of the beach where my end point will be as it can be very tiring just to see the distance while you huffing and puffing doing the run. What I also have programmed on my brain (since I hate running so much and I am pushing myself to do it) is to allow myself to look up to see how far left I got when the song finished on my iPod before it goes to the next one. It'll be only 10 seconds look and my head will be back down on the sand concentrating on my run. This method works for me as I'm on the beach and won't be worrying about cars or others that might bump into me , its much wider space to run and so less danger (oh yes, I will use absolute any excuse I can NOT TO RUN!), I don't have to keep stopping to cross the road and I also like the fact that running for 10 - 12 songs distance can be fun (as I love listening to music) So I am creating something that works for me based on what I love to do for the thing that I hate so much. I think all and all it works well.

So 8km yesterday although very challenging for my standard, I am pleased. Today I am not as aching as Tuesday and I am amazed. So maybe I should push myself more (in term of mileage) and let's worry about the speed and hills works later hey? One at a time, one at a time.

I consider myself a turtle runner and I rather be known that way than a failure rabbit. I am excited about prospect of tomorrow and Sunday where I will be running. Hope the weather stay dry for me as I can easily use that as another excuse!

Lazy + denial = agony

Although I am in agony today (all over my body) I'm pleased I did a 6k run yesterday at Orewa Beach. It was windy, I am fighting with my own demon but I did it! Today I suffer it badly, can't even go up the stairs. Still, I am going to do another run tomorrow if weather permitted.

I think this is just another hurdle of my commitment where I never venture running before in my life and training outdoor in this cold winter weather isn't something I am familiar with. Its bad enough I don't know how to run, I only just got a proper running shoes last couple of months and did my first running event (Orewa Quarter Marathon) , now I not only read to Running World magazines but I also thinking of buying some running gadgets (Nike iPod Nano running sensor - I didn't know anything about that until last week!) If I can better my run (with or without gadget that is) I think I can better my triathlon performance.

Tomorrow I am hoping to do 8km if I can hack it. The thought of being out there in the cold give me the chill already! Brrrrrr.......

Let's see what tomorrow bring.....

Run now or you will run away from you goal slowly....

Sent my bike for it first service since I got it in March. The gears has been making some funny noise at places and its really annoying during bike ride. I don't feel any lost today as the weather yet again has been pants and I am really trying to find some inspiration to run in this cold miserable weather. How did those people do it wearing sleeveless and shorts running their heart out? Make me want to pee just watching em!

I must get my marathon inspiration somehow and hibernating at home doesn't do me any good. If I want to at least complete half of my 2009 resolution, I got to give myself few slaps on the faces to wake up as I have been really lacking! Grrr....I am not loosing this battle!

I am pleased with the blog website so far although this is a completely new thing for me, I know exactly how I want it and what will make me wants to go here again and again sharing my passion to my heart content here (oh shall I say trying to find the passion again wherever it has been?!) I am hoping if I can put some countdown to the future events that I want to enter, it will be make me want to move my lazy bum to get out there and do something! Arghhhhh! I am soooo ashamed of myself at the moment as I just hasn't got the motivation at all! Its seems like everything is against me (or I am just making excuses) with the weather, no time to do the training, winter bug (gee - how pathetic does this sounds hey?)

I have now put the Nike training log on this blog so I must start putting some numbers or else it will look so bad with those zeros! Suddenly I fancy a drive down Orewa Beach and run the whole beach for few laps. Must do this today....no, no. I NEED to do this today!

I guess I better get change and drive myself to the beach.....