A quiet start to 2011

It was a quiet start to the beginning of New Year. We retired early in the night after cell group and a short celebration at Winnie's place. Woke up to sunny weather and clear blue sky at 9am on 1/1/2011, had some delicious Aunt Nellie's muffins and began our 10km hike from Bukit Timah to MacRitchie. Oh, what a great way to kickstart my new year like that! The adrenaline rush was terrific as we walked through a new route which we never took before, discovering little lookouts that amazed us and we said to each other that we should do this more often. 10km seemed all so long towards the end as I began to lament when would the end point be. And Hubs said to me that I should focus my energy on the beautiful nature around me and continue enjoying the walk. The advice was wise. I then began to see the misty greens, the changing color chameleon, the busy ants on the muddy roads...and i thought to myself. I must have missed out so many beautiful things for the past year with my focus on work.

2011 resolution is to make a conscious effort to slow down myself ( especially from work), be more patient and appreciate every beautiful moment of life. 3 hours of slow walk instead of half hour ride on the car is all I need at times......

First 10km

Finally, managed to finish one run for this year. My first 10km run without much training :) Signed on the race with the intention of spurring myself to run more in the midst of hectic work schedule but it did not really worked out that well.:) Seemed like I really need to commit to a class now.

Finished the race in 1h 25 minutes with only one stop at 7.5km for a water break and a final sprint at the end of the finishing run. Little pat for myself on the back as the pacing and mental strength were much better than what I had expected. As most people had mentioned to me, it definitely made a difference when you are running with 14000 woman for a cause. I love the whole idea of a woman's run. My adrenaline was pumping and I felt a sense of accomplishment when I made it to the finishing line.

Coussy and I definitely wanted to do it another time. Not for the goodie bags anymore but simply because of getting ourselves into this healthy exercise and routine.A few more 10km before we went on to a half marathon.Hubs rolled his eyes when he heard this. I shall prove him wrong.:P

Spin And Spin!

So weekend was so packed with activities,I was drained and couldn't get myself gg on a Sunday morning. Either, I have become so lazy or I have grown older. I just did not have the energy level which I used to have.

Saturday was energising!I went for my first spinning class at 9.30am. Gosh, it was a great workout for me. I totally worked my butt off on that morning for an hour. The music was motivating, the instructor was inspiring.She used visualization techniques to spur us and gosh, I feel like I am a competitive cyclist trying to make it to the finish line. The rest of the students in the class are so determined and focus. Literally, the girl besides me is just pedaling with all her might. So with each exhalation and inhalation, I tried to pace myself to get in the game but sad to say, I have to take a 5 minute break after 30 minutes of cycling. What a weakling!! I am so embarrassed when I have to get off my bike and have a drink.I am determined to build up my stamina now!!!

So after a great work out, the afternoon was spend in the Grand Asia Market with Ee Leng where I was just literally trying to stock up for the CNY dinner. We were intending to invite a couple of friends to celebrate.Evening was followed by two dinners. One with Susan and her family who has kindly invited us to her house. A pig out on hainese chicken rice and rendang.The other one was a birthday party celebration for Terry. I ended the day with more calories:)

Pump it up!!!

I finally got my Duke Spouse Card being made.I wish i have done this earlier so that I can keep a healthier regime.But nonetheless ,is better to be late than never.Now, I just fixed my schedule for the classes i am interested in so that I can fully utilised the recreation centre facilities for free:

Monday:Gym
Tuesday 5.30pm: Indoor cycling classes with power pact music
Wednesday 6.30pm : Cardio Tone class
Thursday 6.30pm: Pilates class and then indoor cycling
Friday 5.30pm : Pilates
Saturday: Hiking or swimming with BB

This is looking good. At least i am getting my new year resolution to exercise more than three times a week going. And with the classes set in the evening, I can have the time in the afternoon for my research work to be done in the library which i just found out that they have a really good selection of databases and publications....ooohhh...things are looking good!!

I kinda of regret not joining dear Ron for his ski trip today. Now i am all alone at home. No pictures and no workout. Don't ask me why...i think i am just a scrimp and want to save money lah!!