Little Superhero Girl

As much as I am grateful for all the help I get on the rides, I often feel embarrassed that they sometimes have to interrupt their own ride in order to do so.

There is no such thing as an easy ride. And for the formula (of improvement) to work, the rest of the equation needs to be filled by one’s own determination, effort and hardwork. There is only so much that other people can help me with.

And on those days when I find it hard to shrug off the sluggishness to drag myself out of the house for a workout… I feel extremely guilty.

Guilty.

Because there are people making the effort to help me… and just what am I making out of it???

Because I am able-bodied and in relatively good health, with no major ailments other than the possession of a rather ill-disciplined mind… and have no excuses for being lazy.

I am reminded that there are others who are far worse-off than me… people who were handed out the shorter end of the stick. Like the tetraplegics… who are so alive, yet sadly trapped in a body that can’t do much.

I have options.  I HAVE A CHOICE.  But sometimes, my will is weak.

They, on the other hand, do not have many options. And most times, they do not have a choice.  Yet, their will to live is strong.

They are a living inspiration.  Making my paltry and miserable excuses seem suddenly so insignificant.

In that moment, I made a decision to dedicate the 2009 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore race to the Tetraplegia Workgroup. They will be my motivation to get out there to train.

Better still, I can use this race to help raise money for them. And for all those people who have helped me, and are still helping me, along the way… This will be my way of PAYING IT FORWARD.

Charity, Thoughts, Training Charity, Cycling, Me, Tetra, Training, Triathlon

And help, I got… in the form of a much-needed push up the slope, when I find myself lagging behind as the others zip past.

Let’s just put it this way… Cycling with the pack is no ride in the park.

Every ride is a lung-exploding, muscle-burning experience… as I heave and pant to keep those legs moving (as fast as I can!) just so I can hang on to the group. And more often than not, that effort is just not good enough to keep up with them!

So, when a hand comes up from behind me to give me that extra boost of power… I welcome it with great relief.

Although it might not seem like much (to you)… but it helped me in a BIG way to take the pressure off cycling such a long distance (when what I really want is to take a cab home!), allay my fear of not being able to keep up, and give me that extra boost of confidence in my ability.

Most of all,  I’m touched that people are willing to help without being asked.

And so, I just want to say THANK YOU… to all those who helped push & pull me on the rides - Yusoff, Antonio, Chee Kian, Robert Tattoo, Gino (whom I didn’t even know then!), and some others whom I only know by face!  And the girls - Poh Lin, Juliana & Siew Hua- who took turns to pull me on those short-cut groupie rides, when I have no energy to pull my weight up in front.

And, of course, not forgetting the good company of the rest of the pack.

I couldn’t have done it without all your help!

Thoughts, Training Cycling, Me, Training

Thoughts, Training Me, Training

Welcome to the not-so-secret world of the Little Superhero Girl!

I love sports.  All kinds of sports.  And when I’m not out saving the world, you can find me swimming (this is my current struggle), biking (still quite a newbie) and running (my first love!)… I’m also dabbling in windsurfing & golf.  Oh, and did I mention I love skiing too? *smiles*

This space chronicles the highs & lows in my sporting life.  My aspirations, and anything that inspires me to daily to live the active life.

Thoughts Me