Time really flies when I'm not racing.
Still feeling that the StanChart Marathon had just passed not too long ago and 2XU Marathon comes beckoning at my running shoes.
Used to having a sizable number of races in my calendar to remind me which month is it, but it was a good decision to reduce the number of races in a year and just concentrate on a few key events.
Reduce my expenditure and I get more time to spend with Ryan.
Didn't really manage to clock a lot of mileage over the last couple of months.
The longest run that I did was only about 24km in one session, without gels or salt.
Will be relying on experience again to pull me through this run.
The race route is pretty flat, and unlike StanChart, there is no scaling of the Sheares bridge at the end of the race. Theoretically this should be an ok run for me, and I should be targeting to clock a sub-5 timing as usual, provided that my knee doesn't break down again.
Well, at least it has been holding up and not giving me any problems in the last 2 months.
I'll probably class this as a "B" race for myself, mainly for conditioning purposes in preparation for the upcoming KL 70.3.
Been reading quite a number of articles on bike training.
Since bike has always been my biggest weakness in Tris, which incidentally takes up more than half of the time for a Tri race, it's high time that I do more training on the bike.
Instead of intricate planning for a few key bike sessions, a more straight forward way to improve is to simply ride more at a higher intensity.
This will be my key training for the month of March apart from swimming.
~~~~~~~~
This is the 2nd week of child care for Ryan, and from the teacher's feedback, it seems that Ryan is starting to adapt to life in child care. I hope that he will learn how to socialize more and play together with other kids. And probably learn to be less willful when he is in a social setting.
There are so many things I'll want to teach Ryan as he grows up.
I should probably come up with a list soon.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Ryan's first day at Childcare
It was a long awaited moment, filled with both anxiety and anticipation.
Sending Ryan to the childcare centre.
We knew it was not going to be easy.
For Ryan and us
Some time ago, we had believed that Ryan is going to fit right into the class, when he was still not that averse to strangers, and not as sticky to Lishan and me.
But for the last couple of months, as the bonding between Ryan and us increased, the tendency for him to reach out to the unfamiliar decreases.
I had always thought that I'd be able to teach my son the right way.
I was wrong.
It ain't as easy as it looks.
It was only until today, then I came to realization that we had been too accommodating to some of his tantrums, without realizing that we were over-indulging him. And we did not take the appropriate remedial actions then, only to let undesired behaviour fester and grow.
All being said, Ryan's behaviour isn't bad, it is just that he has been accustomed to certain ways of expressing himself which he could get away in front of daddy and mummy, but generally not that likable elsewhere.
This is Ryan's 1st learning hurdle in his life, that he will have to overcome quickly.
Bad timing that I could only stay for the 1st day of school and have to travel for the rest of the week.
Hopefully Ryan will be able to adapt better to the childcare centre over the next few days, and start to play with the rest of the class.
Ryan must be strong and learn to embrace new experiences in life!
There are so many fun things waiting for you to explore!
Praying hard that Ryan will stay healthy!
Sending Ryan to the childcare centre.
We knew it was not going to be easy.
For Ryan and us
Some time ago, we had believed that Ryan is going to fit right into the class, when he was still not that averse to strangers, and not as sticky to Lishan and me.
But for the last couple of months, as the bonding between Ryan and us increased, the tendency for him to reach out to the unfamiliar decreases.
I had always thought that I'd be able to teach my son the right way.
I was wrong.
It ain't as easy as it looks.
It was only until today, then I came to realization that we had been too accommodating to some of his tantrums, without realizing that we were over-indulging him. And we did not take the appropriate remedial actions then, only to let undesired behaviour fester and grow.
All being said, Ryan's behaviour isn't bad, it is just that he has been accustomed to certain ways of expressing himself which he could get away in front of daddy and mummy, but generally not that likable elsewhere.
This is Ryan's 1st learning hurdle in his life, that he will have to overcome quickly.
Bad timing that I could only stay for the 1st day of school and have to travel for the rest of the week.
Hopefully Ryan will be able to adapt better to the childcare centre over the next few days, and start to play with the rest of the class.
Ryan must be strong and learn to embrace new experiences in life!
There are so many fun things waiting for you to explore!
Praying hard that Ryan will stay healthy!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Sooooo it's Valentine's Day
V Day used to hold a huge significance when we started dating more 11 years ago.
We were still (cash poor) students then, enjoying campus life in NTU.
I vividly recall the general atmosphere of Valentine's Week (events and sales going on throughout the week, so it's technically not Valentine's "Day") in NTU, when you see PDA - Public Display of Affluence (or affection if you'd prefer) all over the campus, to remind you that it's time to offer tributes to the God
Fast forward 11 years.
After years of dating, getting married, having a kid and facing the pragmatic side of life, the way that we look at Valentine's Day is no longer the same.
Spending time with our precious son >> wasting money buying over-priced "V Day" money blackholes
We were still (cash poor) students then, enjoying campus life in NTU.
so
I vividly recall the general atmosphere of Valentine's Week (events and sales going on throughout the week, so it's technically not Valentine's "Day") in NTU, when you see PDA - Public Display of Affluence (or affection if you'd prefer) all over the campus, to remind you that it's time to offer tributes to the God
Fast forward 11 years.
After years of dating, getting married, having a kid and facing the pragmatic side of life, the way that we look at Valentine's Day is no longer the same.
Spending time with our precious son >> wasting money buying over-priced "V Day" money blackholes
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Hong Kong Family Retreat 2014
Finally managed to have the whole family travel together for a few days of nice holiday together.
Great to have Dad and Mum along, and the kids probably enjoyed a fair bit at Disneyland as well.
The best reward for the grown ups is to see the young ones and the senior ones having fun.
It has been pretty tiring, and quite a lot of walking was done.
Logistics sucked a bit, but as long as the entire family is together nothing else is important.
Now having gone for a full overseas trip with Sis's family, I can fully appreciate how strong Sis has grown in order to take care of 3 kids that require constant attention, and how tiring it can be for me and Lishan to step into her shoes. It is NOT EASY...
Looking back, it's pretty amazing that we managed to tick off so many items on our check list.
Everyone in the family was pretty much hyped up to make things happen:
镛记
许刘山
咖哩鱼蛋，鸡蛋仔 off the streets
满记
Victoria Peak
Disney Land
Various Market Streets
Star Ferry
小肥羊
Tim Ho Wan
Dad was pretty game for many things throughout the trip. Even to the extent of drinking beer with the rest of us. Joined for some rides in Disneyland too and didn't utter a single word of complain throughout the trip. So glad to have Dad spend quality time with us.
As usual, Mum will assume the role of the super caretaker in the family, but it's really time for Mum to relax a bit more and let us carry more of the burden. I was amused by her enthusiasm for the parachute amusement ride at Toy Story Land. Didn't expect her to dare to take that pseudo free-fall ride.
Bro was at his usual game. Coordinating our movements and basically paying for almost every meal. Obviously he is our 地头蛇 and we didn't have to worry too much about moving around since he will make the proper arrangements. (I'll assume this role if the family decides to visit Taiwan together some day) Nice to see him playing more with the kids.
Seeing Sis in full display of her motherly prowess is an awesome sight to behold. The Naughty Trinity combination of Hyperactive Isaiah, princessy Isabel and attention seeking Isaac is probably tougher than scoring IPPT Gold. Seeing Sis flanked by Francis in taking good care of all 3 is amazing. Carrying a sleeping princess Bel and walking such a long way back to the hotel is a extremely taxing activity physically, and Sis managed to do it on multiple occasions. I'm not sure if myself as an IronDaddy will be able do the same without any complains
Ryan has gone more naughty over the last few days, but I wouldn't blame him entirely as Hong Kong isn't the most baby friendly places around. There are always huge crowds everywhere, and if I let Ryan had his way of walking untethered, he will probably be run over by the mob in no time. Carrying him on the baby carrier for over 95% of the time is probably not that much fun for him. Taiwan had been a much more enjoyable experience for Ryan.
Dear has been nothing short of amazing. Apart from having to work out the logistics plan, timetable and sourcing for cheaper tickets, taking care of a cranky Baby Ryan and running low on sleep while IronDaddy is not exactly helping a lot when having problems recharging himself, and not heaving any sighs of complains. Helping Sis to handle the Naughty Trinity had been extra taxing on Dear as well. The fact that she napped for 4 hours straight after getting home speaks volumes.
And for myself? What did I do during the trip?
I behaved exactly like an IronDaddy.
Gruff...Carry heavy stuff... gruff... carry Ryan all the time. gruff ... pay money... gruff... eat more fuel... gruff.
Oh, and Selfies.
Timed shoot with Camera on Tripods are old fasioned.
I'm the designated photographer for taking selfies for the entire family at various locations.
Though I don't take selfies alone, somehow I'm still able to squeeze everyone into a selfie shot
Nice to see Dad trying to learn how to take selfies as well during the trip.
Here's a sample of our nice group photo while on the train at Disneyland.
Just too bad we got photobombed by RandomAuntie....
Great to have Dad and Mum along, and the kids probably enjoyed a fair bit at Disneyland as well.
The best reward for the grown ups is to see the young ones and the senior ones having fun.
It has been pretty tiring, and quite a lot of walking was done.
Logistics sucked a bit, but as long as the entire family is together nothing else is important.
Now having gone for a full overseas trip with Sis's family, I can fully appreciate how strong Sis has grown in order to take care of 3 kids that require constant attention, and how tiring it can be for me and Lishan to step into her shoes. It is NOT EASY...
Looking back, it's pretty amazing that we managed to tick off so many items on our check list.
Everyone in the family was pretty much hyped up to make things happen:
镛记
许刘山
咖哩鱼蛋，鸡蛋仔 off the streets
满记
Victoria Peak
Disney Land
Various Market Streets
Star Ferry
小肥羊
Tim Ho Wan
Dad was pretty game for many things throughout the trip. Even to the extent of drinking beer with the rest of us. Joined for some rides in Disneyland too and didn't utter a single word of complain throughout the trip. So glad to have Dad spend quality time with us.
As usual, Mum will assume the role of the super caretaker in the family, but it's really time for Mum to relax a bit more and let us carry more of the burden. I was amused by her enthusiasm for the parachute amusement ride at Toy Story Land. Didn't expect her to dare to take that pseudo free-fall ride.
Bro was at his usual game. Coordinating our movements and basically paying for almost every meal. Obviously he is our 地头蛇 and we didn't have to worry too much about moving around since he will make the proper arrangements. (I'll assume this role if the family decides to visit Taiwan together some day) Nice to see him playing more with the kids.
Seeing Sis in full display of her motherly prowess is an awesome sight to behold. The Naughty Trinity combination of Hyperactive Isaiah, princessy Isabel and attention seeking Isaac is probably tougher than scoring IPPT Gold. Seeing Sis flanked by Francis in taking good care of all 3 is amazing. Carrying a sleeping princess Bel and walking such a long way back to the hotel is a extremely taxing activity physically, and Sis managed to do it on multiple occasions. I'm not sure if myself as an IronDaddy will be able do the same without any complains
Ryan has gone more naughty over the last few days, but I wouldn't blame him entirely as Hong Kong isn't the most baby friendly places around. There are always huge crowds everywhere, and if I let Ryan had his way of walking untethered, he will probably be run over by the mob in no time. Carrying him on the baby carrier for over 95% of the time is probably not that much fun for him. Taiwan had been a much more enjoyable experience for Ryan.
Dear has been nothing short of amazing. Apart from having to work out the logistics plan, timetable and sourcing for cheaper tickets, taking care of a cranky Baby Ryan and running low on sleep while IronDaddy is not exactly helping a lot when having problems recharging himself, and not heaving any sighs of complains. Helping Sis to handle the Naughty Trinity had been extra taxing on Dear as well. The fact that she napped for 4 hours straight after getting home speaks volumes.
And for myself? What did I do during the trip?
I behaved exactly like an IronDaddy.
Gruff...Carry heavy stuff... gruff... carry Ryan all the time. gruff ... pay money... gruff... eat more fuel... gruff.
Oh, and Selfies.
Timed shoot with Camera on Tripods are old fasioned.
I'm the designated photographer for taking selfies for the entire family at various locations.
Though I don't take selfies alone, somehow I'm still able to squeeze everyone into a selfie shot
Nice to see Dad trying to learn how to take selfies as well during the trip.
Here's a sample of our nice group photo while on the train at Disneyland.
Just too bad we got photobombed by RandomAuntie....