Just saw that my last update was just over a month ago, during which I had did lots of stuff, and didn't have the time to properly sit down to consolidate my thoughts.
SingTel TriFactor Triathlon on 18 August
Poor performance in this OD race, clocked in at around 3:31 if I remember correctly.
Swim: So so performance.
Even though I had identified my key weakness in the pool, somehow the improvement in technique did not fully translate into better performance in the open water. Realise that I'm more affected by the current compared to other swimmers. Still lots of room to improve in reducing drag to improve my swim time.
Bike: Poor performance
Only managed to clock around 28kmh for most of the bike leg. Was holding back a bit to conserve my legs for the run. Need to work on increasing my speed to above 30kmh during training.
Run: Bad performance
Walk stop run. Very poor by my standards. Got into cramps early in the run and didn't manage to shake it off. Did not push through on mental strength.
Conclusion:
Lots of excuses for coming in much slower than last year. Poor training frequency, too much travel before race, poor equipment due to drowned watch. The only good point to draw from this race was that it is a timely reminder to me that TwHIM is not too far away, and if I don't buck up now, I'll really suffer in TwHIM.
US Trip 25 Aug - 3 Sep
Went for the annual sales training at DC again, this time extending my trip by 3.5 days for a short stayover at NYC, skipping the usual outlet shopping since I just did that slightly over a month ago.
NYC was pretty fun. Finally visited so many landmarks that I had seen countless times on the silver screen, and the finally seeing them in person.
It was a pure sightseeing trip, very different compared to the usual shopping trips that I used to do when visiting US. Pretty much enjoyed myself.
Statue of Liberty, Wall Street with the charging bull, Times Square, Central Park, Madison Avenue, Avenue 5, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Building, Flatiron Building, Broadway, Wax Museum.
Caught 2 plays on Broadway, one was the anticipated The Lion King, which absolutely took my breath away with their spectacular setup and impressive rendition. Then caught Chicago on the next day with a discounted ticket. Not too shabby with the singing and dancing, but I will probably have enjoyed a lighter storyline.
One thing about this trip was that I did a lot of thinking and reflection, and wrote lots of stuff and questions for myself to answer myself truthfully. This exercise helped me to review and reflect on my goals and priorities in life, and what I should be doing. Helped me to get more focused on my work and life in general.
Sometimes it's pretty neat to travel alone on a short vacation trip so that I can have the time and space to clear my mind to do some critical thinking about my life. *though I miss my family lots then.
ICT
Just did a 5 days low key ICT.
This was my 3rd ICT, having clocked 1 high key and 1 low key previously.
I have to say that this was probably the most fun ICT so far.
OC spent a lot of time with me, teaching me a lot of useful stuff which are actually applicable in my daily work. Also opened my eyes on how to look at things differently.
Pretty impressed with him, whom is just 3 years my elder.
It has been a long time since I last captured that kind of camaraderie feeling. The last 2 times that I felt it was during OCS and then with the Year 1 Titans team.
Having a key event where it breaks the ice and gets everyone working towards a common goal, was definitely a good way to get the men to gel together.
And it was also been a long time, since CPT Chew left our platoon in OCS, that someone placed so much faith in my leadership skills.
Overall a pretty good ICT for me to have picked up quite a number of useful stuff.
Strange for me to say it but this actually makes me look forward to the next ICT.
