Bike Pract Lesson 3 (Part I; 3rd and 4th time)

STILL FAIL.

My 3rd time was 20 April and 4th time was 27 April. Nothing much to say about both except I seem to be getting from bad to worse.

On 20 April I actually dropped my bike twice. Insructor was nice though. He said something which I felt was really heartwarming. I was trying to lift my bike back up (and failing) and he ran over and told me wait (for him to come and help). Then he helped me pull it back up and told me "Bike spoil nvm dont later you spoil". Haha. I have never been able to lift my bike up when it fell, whole of this year. Previously years ago can. Guess I am getting weaker.

Anyway 3rd time that time I was doing the figure 8 and I think I went too low and felt something scrapping against the floor. Panicked and then mount kerb and bike crashed-.-

Failed at figure 8 cuz wobbly and ebrake because my ebrake cmi. Instructor told me my cornering was good tho. (:

However maybe because of the fall from 3rd time, during my 4th time I didnt dare to corner much and then same thing, figure 8 not very good. However instructor made us practise turning right and slope, along with figure 8, crank course and ebrake so we basically need to ride quite abit so he can observe our traffic rules as well. Stalled on the slope twice -.- And none of us passed that day. :(

My ebrake I successfully managed to all brake within the yellow lines but the instructor not pleased enough. He said too close to the yellow line.. So..okay:( I did manage to stop before the yellow line tho!! Quite upset about it, so strict.

But anyway I also know its for my own good, just really demoralised. And he said my traffic rules and checking blindspot still need improvement, so okay lor.

So Lesson 3, still fail. Next Tues is next pract and I really hope to pass. Fingers crossed!!

Bike Pract Lesson 3 (Part 1; 2nd time)

Realised that spending a long blogpost on my practicals are abit useless because they are quite repetitive. But nonetheless wanna jot them down so still blogging about them (mostly individually) but much shorter.

2rd time Pract 3 Part 1 on 13 April so.. more stressed. I mean if it's my 1st time there is no stress for me to pass. Because that's just impossible for me. But however from 2nd time onwards I feel stressed.

So anyway saw another classmate who was from my previous lesson and talked abit before class started. And we went to level 3!! So was quite fun(: But I guess level 3 is more of for cars so there were SO MANY CARS. Irritating sometimes because sometimes they are kind slow especially before the bend.

Anyway, didn't do very well and need to repeat. Ebrake posture incorrect, and for the courses kinda wobbly.

But good thing is that instructor said my crank course is quite ok, my figure 8 or S course needs brushing up. Because I keep going very near curb and kinda wobbly. But he did praise me saying I dare to corner (and he said he was quite surprised. Which is abit insulting because I assume that's cuz I'm a girl. But then again he was very nice so that's ok I don't think he meant it in an insulting way). He said I dare to speed and dare to corner, just that I tend to go near the curb and abit wobbly. Otherwise is ok

So, looking forward to yet abit afraid for next lesson! Which is tomorrow 20 April. Finally managed to book one which is nearer. Past few lessons are like 2 weeks once.

Hope I pass!! I dont wanna retake AGAIN!!

Mulan

Who am I to wish for a Shang when I am no Mulan.

The only similarities I have with her is that my name also starts with an M, am not a typical girly girl, and I dont fit in.

2XU Compression Run 2016!

My first ever 2XU run! Never joined it because I always felt 2XU is kinda.. more serious sports-people type. I mean just look at the 2XU compression leggings!! Expensive ttm so only those really serious ones would wear them!

*ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED! 19KM WITHOUT STOPPING!*

So anyway I was so busy with assignments before the run, and because I was so lazy way before that, I didn't train at all.

It was on Sunday 03 April and so on thursday I went down for some serious lastmin training. Intended to jog a 5km but just before hitting 5km, my inner right knee started to hurt. And I NEVER felt that kind of pain before. I don't mean its excruciating. It isn't. But I never had pain on my inner knee before so I was quite concerned.

So I stopped since I was reaching 5km anyway, and went up to rest.
On Friday I went down again for another last minute jog, my last one because Sat I intended to rest for my run on Sunday.
But less than 2km into my jog, my right inner knee started to hurt again. And it got progressively worse so I stopped before I even reached 2km.

So by then I was alittle worried because that could totally happen during my run and I didn't wish for it to happen.

Anyway, Sunday came and I woke up with an uncomfortable stomach. I ate alot of chilli on Friday and sufferred on Saturday already but I didn't think it would drag till Sunday.

So I was already not on form because I didn't train, I had knee pain, and I had stomachache.

So anyway went and the run started. And less than 1km into the run, my right inner knee pain kicked in. Which made me so worried but was tolerable so okay, I continued jogging.

And then about 12km I started having really bad stomachaches. Like my hair totally stand type. I really wanted to stop but I knew if I stopped I cant start again so I pushed on.

AND AMAZINGLY I MANAGED TO JOG 19KM WITHOUT STOPPING!! (except at hydration stations but once I drink fnish I jog again)

It is really amazing because I think the max I ever jogged without stopping was like 13 or 14km. And this time it is 19km!! But honestly I was quite upset because if not for my stomachache (which was what made me stop and it was so painful I couldn't jog again till the finishing line whr I just had to sprint across. But other than that I walked from 19km to near finishing line), I would totally have been able to complete 21.1km WITHOUT STOPPING. I know I could. Because amazingly my legs weren't tired and burning. It was the most amazing run so far in the sense that my legs didnt hurt/burn Except my knee. and I think PRECISELY BECAUSE of my knee, I focused all my energy on my knee and ensuring I land properly so I dont make it worse, and my stomachache, which made it such that I didn't realise any burning in my legs.

But the thing is also, the next day I didnt have any muscle pains in my calves or thighs as well though. Not sure what happened to me why my legs so power this time. Haha.

Rushed to toilet after the run and semi-diarrhea-ed. I think I am totally amazing for being able to persevere with that kind of stomach pain!! Woohoo! Even after going toilet it still hurt like hell so I totally wished for a cab but there was a queue and no cab. So mrt-ed back and went toilet another twice. Ate meds and sleeeeeep.

And got my run results!! Nett time 2hr57min08s. BEST 21.1KM TIMING SO FAR!! PROUD OF MYSELF!!

But unfortunately, its already Wed and my knee still hurts.

Overdue posts - Loong post ahead. Bike Practs, Green Corridor Run, meetup and etc

Long post ahead because it consists of afew different days and things done.

On 27 Feb I metup with Deanna and Eileen. And Zg joined us later. Actually in the morning I went to Funan to buy earpiece for Tony because needed to pass to his attach who is going over to Brunei. So I rushed out early in the morning (which is amazing considering I am a pig) to buy it. Then Deanna told me she will be early so lets meet earlier! So I rushed back to Yishun after buying and collecting my Green Corridor Run racepack and dropped by Tony's house to collect something because I also needed to pass it to his attach the next day. Rushed ttm.

Homed to put down stuff and off out again to meet Deanna! She trained towards yishun and I got on, our destination was FAR EAST! Because she was contemplating painting her nails. And I wanted to eat so we went to some restaurant which sold ramen (I didnt like it), and 'cuz Deanna actually already had lunch with her friends so only I ate. That was about 2plus 3. So at the same time Deanna was texting Zg and she mentioned that we were eating and he was like u all are eating? But you all are meeting eileen for dinner in about 2plus hours time right..? HAHAHA then we were like oh shit. And I was so damn full from the ramen. Had a good time just catching up and chatting with Deanna during the meal, just being ourselves.

Then we wandered around and Deanna went to paint her nails while I decided not to 'cuz my nails were tiny short. After that we rushed off to meet Eileen who was early and we were late. I think she waited for us like about half an hour. o.0 Sorry Eileen! 'Cuz Deanna and I were both full/not hungry so we shared a meal, and we ordered fries for all 3 of us to share. Also did some catching up especially with Eileen whom I havent seen since my 21st. That is a loooooooooong time!

After that we were not sure where to go but somehow we went to dhoby area to meet Zg. He havent eat so we pei him while he eat at kfc. In the end after abit of wandering around, they decided to sing k. I am fine with it, I always am. I dont mind going, as long as I dont sing. I dont mind paying full price too actually. Even though I dont sing with the mike but sometimes I do sing along. And basically just enjoy myself.

After that it was getting late and I had stupid curfew so we went to outside of SOTA for some polaroids! Took and then split off home. Deanna and I went to take train while Zg and Eileen bus-ed home 'cuz they both stay east and quite near.

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So 1 March I had bike Pract 2, my first ever lesson for Pract 2. So went there and basically was kinda uncomfortable because I am generally socially awkward. So anyway I got a bike which was not bad, and overall was quite ok. In the sense that everything also not done very well. HAHAHAHA

Slope I didnt roll back, but I cant seem to catch the feeling so I'm always struggling. Traffic rules I sometimes here and there forget to check blindspots and etc. Or some other things. Narrow plank ok-ish but sometimes fall. Pylon Salom or whatever it is called, ok but slow. Didnt hit cones at all (Specified because lesson 2 I did terrible at it).

So basically instructor after lessons went through 1 by 1 who was weak at which parts. Which I appreciate because it's nice to know what you are weak at, rather than if the instructor were to say ok you all are all ok but need improvement still. Then like erm ok but which one?

So my Pract 2 Lesson 1 was ok-ish, didn't fall, nothing much.

End of story for Bike Pract 2 Lesson 1

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On 6 March was my Green Corridor Run, which was one of my favourite runs last year! So was pretty excited about it although disappointed that the shirt this year not as nice. Last year's is one of my favourites in my cupboard so.. I must admit it's hard to live up to that. But nonetheless, not THAT bad. Just not very nice to me. Haha.

Anyway! Because I went for Compressport Corridor Run just 2 months back in Jan, so I was a little concerned because the route was very muddy then. So was super hoping and praying that the route would be fine! And it was!! Mostly fine la. There were afew portions which were a little muddy but I can live with that.

HOWEVER. I DIDNT TRAIN AT ALL. In Jan I jogged/swam quite abit but the terrain was muddy and totally not suitable for running.

But this time round, due to CNY and other reasons, like Tony came back and my general laziness, I didn't jog at all in Feb. And so I went for the run with absolutely cui stamina. Which was a pity because the route was pretty fine.

Also, my sis cooked dinner the night before and it was SPICY!! Therefore around 4km plus I started walking because I had quite a bad stomachache and if I continued running I think I would keep farting and maybe shit my pants. o.0 HAHAHAHA

And once you stop you cant start already. And once I tried to run my stomach hurt again.. So basically only jogged a little bit more of the last ~5-6km

However I must say the crew were awesome!! They were so enthusiastically cheering us on to run!! Totally appreciate because when I see them so enthusiastic, I feel I have to run so that their efforts are not wasted!! And because that route is nature-y, there were quite afew caucasians bringing their children out walking along there, I guess they like the nature part of it, so they cheered us on too!! Totally awesome experience.

My timing was very cui so a little upset. But I guess it just means I gotta buck up!!

It is the last Green Corridor Run because the area will be closed for construction of the MRT lines.. So I guess it's a little bitter sweet.

But we received a small towel along with our finisher medals, so I think it was a really nice surprise! I mean.. I don't recall them ever saying there would be a towel..

All in all I did enjoy my Green Corridor Run!!

End of Green Corridor Run 2016

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My 2nd bike Pract 2 was on 9 March. It was quite jialat. My Pylon Salom or whatever it is called, never once done properly. Which was strange because I did do it quite ok during my first pract. But then turns out somehow I always become neutral gear.

Infact, the instructor even had me sit at the back of the bike and demo-ed TWICE for me while I am behind. But somehow when I do it myself always kena to neutral. So of course had to retake.

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My 3rd bike Pract 2 was on 15 March. AND I FINALLY PASSED PRACT 2!! Actually I was quite shocked because the same problem happened, I kept going to neutral and therefore couldnt complete the course. But then I realised I did kick to 2nd gear (I stared at the 2 to make sure I really kick to 2) but somehow when turning I might have accidentally nudged the gear and it went to neutral. I asked the instructor about it and he said ya because SSDC bikes are abit old and etc, so sometimes if you put pressure on the gear it might go down. So.. means when I am turning I accidentally put pressure on the gear causing it to shift to neutral. :( Actually I didn't expect to pass, because I am really still very worried about my pylon salom.

Nonetheless! Finally saw my 'friend' from 1st ever lesson again! And he remembers my name wth. Guilty for not remembering his name!! Anyway so he was already at Pract 3. And he was really encouraging. Before lessons started he greeted me with a cheerful Hi! and we talked awhile. He said he thinks I'm very courageous to stick to it and continue my lessons, after which I told him actually its very discouraging to everytime retake. HAHAHA but he said he also.

Then he asked me, how did I tell my parents that I wanted to learn bike and how did I convince them to let me learn? Because he has a daughter (still young) and he was wondering how to respond if his daughter were to tell him. And I guess depends on how persuasive she is? Haha. So I told him, it was super easy. I went "妈我要学 bike" and she went "orh 学 lor"
And he was like HUH JUST LIKE THAT? Wah your mum very cool ah.
Haha. Told him it was 'cuz my mummy wanted to learn when she was young too. And as for my papa, I didnt really care.

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1st Bike Pract 3 was on 29 March!! Really sian because its 2 weeks after. I wanted to every week have bike lessons but then no slots avail!!:( I only want the 8.15 slot because its the best, I can go home after that and work. Other slots not feasible because I do have work u'kno. Anyway!

So I was the only one in the class to be first time, the rest were repeat students. And tbh just at the start I was already feeling demoralised. I almost crashed into my instructor when he turned in to park (I thought he was going straight so I didnt turn in time and ended up doing a sudden turn and going super close to him).
So he showed me the crank course and S course and.. told me to join the group. Haha so.. not too bad, didnt fall or anything but timing wise I am not too sure. But when getting my bike to join the group, my bike fell. And as usual I wasnt able to lift it back up. Super demoralising sia last time I can de leh!!

This class had alot of nice 'classmates' so it was nice(:

During the ebrake portion, instructor said I didnt hit the speed but I see on my speedometer is close to 40 already leh. Mayb the front light spoil. *excuses* HAHAHA OR MAYBE I REALLY NEVER HIT IT LA.
Or sometimes I over the 2nd yellowline, or brake before the 1st yellow line.

And everytime I went back to queue again, one of the classmate will ask me "so how?" And I would tell him what the instructor said and he would laugh and tell me he also. Then he told me he often get said that he brake before crossing the yellow line so now he just let it go abit more before braking more. So confirm wont kena brake before yellow line.

Well obviously I didnt pass in the 1st try (do I ever), but I have come to the conclusion that I am the slow and steady type. Not the gifted type. HAHAHAHA.

But really worried more about my pylon salom actually.

Ohwell! And next pract is more than 2weeks later. Sian.

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ALRIGHT THATS ALL. I had assignment to submit on Sun 27 March, Wed 30 March, and 1 more to submit 2morrow which that 1 I totally havent started. SO BURNT OUT.