Osim Singapore International Triathlon 2008

Am very contented with the race this year :)

Trained quite a lot on running, did weekly biking as usual, but was not doing much on swimming. Went for only 2 training clinics, that were the open sea swims, and got panicked due to rough sea. I wondered if I could complete the sprint distance, and even wrote in to request to change to mini category. The organizer didn't allow, and that left me no choice but to give it a try.

It was lucky to have quite a calm sea that morning, despite strong current. The shore seemed so far while on the way back, I even clinged onto the rope as I kept bumping into others, and the rope kept following me :( Bike was easy, but I didn't use all my energy, as I really hoped to complete with a good run (and not walk!). Yes I did complete with a good run. The definition of 'good' is non-stop! ;) It started to drizzle during the run, and that helped a lot to cool down the body, thank god for that!

My race on 12-Jul:
Rank: 69 of 110
Bib: 1642
Timing: 00:29:43 (Swim 750m), 00:52:58 (Bike 20km), 00:34:34 (Run 5km), 01:57:14 (Total)

Here are our contented faces, my friends Patsy and Carol.






(Photos by Patsy)

About faith..

Faith is an excitement and an enthusiasm: it is a condition of intellectual magnificence to which we must cling as to a treasure...one that should never be squandered. ~~ George Sand

About great things..

All great things are as difficult to achieve as they are rare to find. ~~ Spinoza, 17th century Jewish-born Dutch philosopher

About encouragement..

Extracted from The Seven Levels of Intimacy by Matthew Kelly:

**
There is a saying in the Talmud: "Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow'". That is what I hope to be to the people I love: an angel of encouragement. That is what I hope the seven levels of intimacy will be for you: an angel of encouragement. That is what I hope you will be to others: an angel of encouragement.

From time to time, we all need to be encouraged. It is encouragement from those we love that gives us courage when we were afraid, hope when we are in despair, light when it appears that darkness will prevail, faith when we are consumed by doubt, joy when it seems that sorrow has overcome us, and peace when unrest holds our hearts hostage.
**

Are we angels of encouragement to our loved ones?

I know that I have angels of encouragement around me. My parents for sure. My good friend HH. She told me one day, that she believes strongly that everyone has a guardian angel. Little does she know that she is already one to others :)

About love..

Love never claims, it ever gives.
Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself.

~ Mahatma Gandhi