TRI-Factor Bike 2014

This is a super outdated post. Went overseas the day I completed the race; just found time to share my experience in my first bike race.

First of all, thanks to OCBC Cycle Singapore and Volvo Singapore for lending me their V40 Cross Country for a weekend drive. It came at a perfect time as I needed extra transport to travel to Changi for the race over the weekend. First of all, it was a white beauty and it's not known as a "tanker" for nothing. It's tough on the outside but stylish on the inside.

Best of all, the boot was big enough for me to fit my bike in.

The bike rack came in handy as I could offer another rider a lift. This beauty runs on diesel and I was told one full tank can take you to and fro Penang, from Singapore. That's very decent :)

Back to the TriFactor Bike race... I was early and had the chance to get close to the starting line. There were less than 50 female riders in the 40km race. Managed to say hi to a few familiar faces. Changi Coast Road was straight and flat. It was less crowded than I expected it to be and the 4 laps of 10km turned out quite nicely. The only complaint I had was the narrow u-turn at the 10/20/30 u-turn. I had to slow down and uncleat, just in case.

This race marks the 2nd race in the TriFactor Series and my 2nd medal for the puzzle. 2 down and 2 more to go.

Next up.... TriFactor Run in August. That would be my first 10.5km run :)

Ride For Rainbow 2014

This Children's Day, 3 October, I'm participating in a cycling fundraising event; Ride for Rainbow. I'll be cycling 100km to raise funds for Club Rainbow. Club Rainbow (Singapore) was set up in 1992 to provide a range of comprehensive support services for the families of children who suffer from major chronic and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

I've always wanted to cycle for a cause... So why Club Rainbow?

1) I count myself fortunate to have 2 beautiful and healthy children. Kids are in the center of my heart.
2) Late last year, my sister was diagnosed with Leukemia. She was fortunate that her insurance covered all her medical expenses. She had the best hospital care and didn't have to worry about cost. I understood the burden of medical bills.

100km is a long distance but it's not something I've not attempted before. This time it's going to be more exciting because I know that I am riding for a cause close to my heart.

As I do my part, you can help support my effort by donating. Any amount is greatly appreciated!! https://www.rideforrainbows.org/Support-a-Rider/Lee-Pui-Cheng-Dawn-57/

THANK YOU!!!

Meeting The "Iron Mummy"

I chanced upon the blog of "Iron Mummy" and was inspired by her journey to Triathlon. First of all, the word "mummy" appeals to me :) She is a full-time working mother to 2 young boys and started training for triathlon only after she and her family moved to Singapore 2.5 years ago. I was curious and wanted to read more on how she juggled work, family and training. The more I read, the more inspired I became. I thought why not email her and ask if she was open to meet up.... After a few email exchanges, we finally met up on 20 May!

I invited a few of my kakis along and it was a fun time of nothing, but just sharing about our passion for triathlon. We were initially nervous....not sure what to expect or what to ask her. She turned out to be a very friendly lady and this was her first time receiving request to meet up :)

Without sharing too much on her personal life, these were my takeaways....

- It is possible to live without a car in Singapore. She cycles to work and if it rains, she runs. It's all about planning.
- You can train without compromising on family time. She wakes up at graveyard hours to cycle and gets home before her children wake up. She jogs while pushing her 2 children on a twin buggy.
- Overseas races are also family holidays.
- A supportive spouse is much needed.
- Don't be afraid to ask for sponsorship; the worst you can get is a "no" :)

My greatest takeaway had to be this.... "as long as you are moving".

So it doesn't matter if you are swimming breaststroke or backstroke. Or whether you are cycling at 20km/h or 40km/h. Or whether you are running or walking and catching your breath.... In the words of the Iron Mummy, "as long as you are moving".

It was a great meet-up. Looking forward to meeting her in some of the upcoming races.

TYR TRI-Factor Swim 2014

TRI-Factor Series was founded in 2009 that sets a progressive platform which aims to help sporting enthusiast to complete their first triathlon. It is a 4-leg series of sporting event that starts with a mass swimming event – TRI-Factor Swim, followed by a mass cycling event – TRI-Factor Bike and mass run – TRI-Factor Run, ending with a finale TRI-Factor Triathlon.

As I won the race slot from a Facebook contest held by SwimBikeRun magazine, I did not have the choice of which category to sign up for. Which was a blessing because it "pushed" me to try out the Sprint category. I had to swim 1.5km; equivalent to 30 laps in an Olympic-sized pool.

Of the 4 races, 1.5km swim was my greatest challenge.
1) Open water swim
2) To prepare myself for the swim, I've only tried swimming 30 laps in the pool three times
3) Worse of all, I was suffering from a neck muscle strain

1 week before the race, I was trying a new "toy"; the hand paddle. I read that it helps to improve stroke technique while building arm strength. Its unique shape improves water feel and distributes pressure evenly for reduced shoulder stress.

However, instead of reducing shoulder stress, I ended up pulling a muscle instead :( I visited my usual TCM for muscle relief massage. I was told to rest. I tried swimming a day before the race. I could still feel a slight strain; but I managed to swim 15 laps on breaststroke.

The race was held at Sentosa, Tanjong Beach. On normal non-race days, it was a favourite hangouts for dudes and volleyball gals with washboard abs... Last Sunday, Mother's Day, was my first time at the beach.

Met some friends at the race

 

I was the last few to come back from my wave... But I was a FINISHER :) Exclusive from this year’s series onwards, individual event medals will be awarded for finishers. The four individual series event medals form part of a big puzzle medal composition.

Last month, TRI-Factor announced that they were partnering with QUICKSPEED, their Official Cycling Jersey! Full Series Finishers (All 4 Events) will receive an Exclusive Series Finisher Cycling Jersey and an invitation to a Series Finisher only event after... the Series!

 

Kudos to TRI-Factor for seeking to better the events :)

 

1 down; 3 more to go.... Next up....40km bike in June :)