​Having a bike never really crossed my mind until I met Sam. He was always cycling everywhere, which made me feel a bit left out when he went off for his rides. I didn’t own a bike, and there was no OFO or any of those rental bikes back then (which people don’t appreciate the accessibility of it).  FOMO quickly made me realise that I needed my own bike!
 
Sam gave me clear instructions not to buy a bike for its colour, so I bought I bought the prettiest pink bike that I could find. In bike spec terms it was like a tank, but I loved it. My first long bike ride was with a bunch of boys who clearly knew what they were doing. I was behind the pack the whole time, having no idea how to use my gears (which weren’t the best anyway), being scared for my life from all the traffic and having rubbish endurance in my legs. I was fit back then but clearly this bike ride put me to shame.

​When was the first time you started cycling?
At 38 years old, I had to lay off running due to plantar fasciitis and picked up cycling. That was when I realised my triathlon dream, which I harbored since I was 19 could become a reality!

Any races you have take part? And how did that go?
Completed my first Ironman at 40 years old in under 13 hours and my second 2 years later in under 12 hours, which I did not expect. I'm also qualified for the IM 70.3 World Championships in 2019 & 2020.
 
Now that you have been cycling for a while, what are some of your guidelines when purchasing a new bike?
The right size, a bike fit to be comfortable for those long rides is important.
 
What’s your favorite cycling apparel brand? From jersey to helmet?
Betty Designs & Purpose.
 
What do people not tell you about cycling?
That falling is part and parcel of cycling, even when  you’re a seasoned cyclist. Be prepared to wake up at ungodly hours of 430am to cycle while the traffic is light and while u may earn the respect from fellow cyclists due to your discipline, work ethic and results. 

When was the first time you started cycling?
Probably back in 2013 , I had a Trek MTB that was a wee bit too heavy but I wasn’t doing the Bukit Timah trails or competitions back then.
Road cycling I picked up perhaps 2015?
 
Any races you have take part? And how did that go?
My first road bike races were part of a duathlon and triathlon back in 2015, placed 2nd and 4th I believed, and then in New Zealand I completed the off-road 60km Lake Taupo.
 
Now that you have been cycling for a while, what are some of your guideline when purchasing a new bike?

• Depending on level of as a cyclist and what you would like to spend , you have to plan a little ahead of you, as you will get more serious to upgrade parts in the future.
• I’d look always at second hand bikes, there are so many on the market in fabulous condition.
• Make sure you have a bike that has parts on the market .

 
What’s your favorite cycling apparel brand? From jersey to helmet?
I wear Odlo as it was sponsored previously , but I like some of the Swiss made  items called Assos,
My gloves are Assos I picked up at East Coast.
Road Helmet Giro and Kask
MTB helmet -Troy Lee
Mountain bike shoes - five ten

What do people not tell you about cycling?
That you should go through a basic course and get to know your bike.  You should also get it fitted, as positioning is important so you don’t get injuries .
 
What’s your advice on women taking up cycling?
It burns so many calories,if that’s what you are looking for. It’s Low impact on the knees, it’s fantastic cardio and it’s as hard as you want to push .
 On a mountain bike,you learn so  many skill sets , it feels like real racing and keeps you on your feet and sharpen your decision making on the course.
Road biking for me is training my mental grit when I am alone and on longer more monotonous rides .I love cycling because you can be alone or In a group.

When was the first you started cycling?
I joined the RCC(Ralpha Cycling Club) in November 2016, but started cycling and exploring the roads and PCNs (Park connectors) since July the same year.

Any race you have take part? And how did that go?
The most memorable was the 100km race in Batam, ridden with one of our club cyclist, Jessica. It was painful, but fun to do it together with a friend. We suffered together and helped each other to finish the race. We were in so much pain, not knowing what we were in for, and physically my feet was hurting from ill-fitted shoes!

Now that you have been Cycling for a while, what are some of your guidelines when purchasing a new bike?
Get yourself an appointment with a professional bike fitter before making that (expensive) purchase! 

What’s your favourite cycling apparel brand from jersey to helmet?
I am privileged to be a Rapha ambassador, and I wear Rapha products - ranging from bibs, to baselayer, jerseys and socks. My shoes are the Rapha Pro Team shoes and they fit my feet like a glove. As for the helmet, I love the KASK Protone. I only own this model, but in several colours.

What do people not tell you about Cycling?
That cycling does show people’s true colours! When we are riding up mountains, racing on flat roads, your riding etiquette, how you react and behave when you are “suffering”, is a reflection of who you are personally. That being said, no one said cycling was easy! But the suffering brings joy, and the exploration on the bike with friends and loved ones brings unforgettable memories, that we all continue to speak fondly of, in years to come.

What’s your advice on women taking up Cycling?
Start easy, and if you have a friend who is into the sport, do it together, build confidence, support each other. When you are confident enough, join a group, ride together. You’ll realize that some of your lifetime friendships will be made within this community. And most importantly, have fun!

Part two is all about the gears. From helmets, jerseys and padded shorts, the list goes on. Of course most of these are non-essential for cycling but all help to provide comfort during a long ride. Also wearing a jersey, means that you don’t have to carry a bag with you. Cycling jerseys come with all these fancy pockets that can carry the essentials during your ride. Once you have transitioned yourself to taking cycling more seriously and have ogled at all the tight colourful tops from fellow cyclists, i'm sure you will want a pair. 

Cycling jerseys either keep you cool or warm, but high end options will also protect you from harmful UV rays. Their aerodynamic design and materials help reduce wind resistance, which will make you faster. 
 
When I first started cycling, I hated the look of my cycling shorts and refused to wear them, but I soon realised the difference they made. After my first long bike ride, I was hospitalized and needed a minor surgery, due to my vanity of riding with my tiny running shorts.....never again! Wearing padded cycling shorts feels like your sitting on a cloud, even after 50km of cycling.  

If you want to  level up your cycling. Here are some of my basic accessories to have and where to get them from below. Of course the more serious you become, even your socks and sunglasses matters. 

1) Cycling padded shorts 
2)Jersey
3)Helmet (most important)
4)Cycling shoes & clipless pedals

If you do come across any local stores that aren't in this list, do drop me an email. For now enjoy shopping! 

 ​We are a local home-grown company, started by 2 avid cyclists in 2015 under the moniker The Cyclist Mess. We believe in providing affordable jerseys for our fellow cyclists while giving what you deserve - Quality, Comfort and Style. 
Website: https://www.thecyclistmess.com

At Velo Velo Singapore, we are both retailer and proud distributor within Asia for the cycling apparel brands you've come to love. These include Morvelo, DeFeet, Pas Normal Studios, Velocio and Handlebar Mustache from America, Europe, and Denmark. We carry a comprehensive selection of cycling jerseys, bibs, riding skirts, socks, T-shirts and other accessories for the serious, leisure, petite or plus sized cyclist.
Website : https://www.velovelocycle.com

Heat and humidity can be detrimental to one’s race performance, affecting your form severely. It was through his own struggles with heat in triathlon races that set Noor Ashikin Aziz on this mission – to develop the most comfortable and cooling performance wear for triathlon, cycling and running.
Noor searched fervently for something that would help to keep him cooler and when he couldn’t find anything, that’s was when he decided to develop his own line of kits specifically tailored for the specific state of use in Southeast Asia.
This was how PURPOSE was born.
Website: https://purpose.asia/

A firm believer of quality goods and services, the company was  conceived in late 2012 with the aim to assist each cyclist's needs and fellow cycling stores around the globe to cultivate a cycling culture and friendly environment for bike commuting, our mission is to promote cycling to be part of our daily lives.
​Website : https://www.cycleprojectstore.com

Bikeinn, your online cycling shop, we have everything that is necessary depending on your needs. We are a company of cyclists dedicated to helping more people enjoy the benefits of riding a bike. At Performance, we believe we can improve lives and contribute to a better world through cycling. We all approach life with different stories and special experiences that have shaped us into who we are as individuals. Deep down, it´s a love of adventure that brings us together inspires us to push the limits of what we are capable of, and daily rediscover the freedom found when we first started pedaling. Check out our collection and find amazing deals and prices of top brands such as Mavic, Northwave, Sportful, Garmin, Spiuk, Castelli, Shimano, Ortlieb and even more.
Website: https://www.bikeinn.com/

Founded by Simon Mottram in London in 2004, Rapha makes the world’s finest cycling clothing. For 15 years, our products have redefined comfort, performance, and style for cyclists from absolute beginners through to WorldTour professionals.
Website: ​https://www.rapha.cc/ap/en_AU/

​How do you know if you made the most out of your Lockdown? 
Some have set goals; daily or weekly to accomplish during this lockdown to keep them occupied, some have just moan and shared how bored they are through social media, while some have taken this time to build bonds with their kids or re-engaged on hobbies that they lost.
 
Neither is wrong, different people have different way of coping and its always what’s best for you so I’m not going to judge you whichever course you take or change along the way for better or worst.
 
As for me, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon and was off working since I was 16. I enjoyed every single job I took up, from coaching netball, teaching adults to rollerblade, which is scarier than you imagine, when they pull you down along with them. I dabble in selling ice cream, modeling and standing around giving out flyers. Name it and I’ve given it a go! Nearly even considered pumping gas at a petrol station.
 
Working has been a norm to me, knowing that I could buy what I wanted and live by myself sooner than later. Yes I was the black sheep and was too stubborn to listen, I wanted thing my way but I am willing to work for it.
 
This lockdown have given me the time to reflect that a break is actually really nice. To be fair, I’m still working and doing online session at 6am on most days, but much lesser than I usually work. I have always managed to find a sweet spot of balance to ensure that I enjoy the job that I am doing.  The last month have been both fulfilling yet intoxicating, never would I imagine going for a run at nine in the morning right after doing 3hrs of virtual session. That’s usually one of my peak hours and no way I could go to the park and listen to birds chipping away and naming every squirrel I see. I can’t wait to do it for another month and appreciate every moment of being around the trees across my house. I do miss my daily cycle everywhere but I am putting some effort in cycling around my neighborhood and I can tell you every nook and cranny of my circles around my park. I’m going to say it! “Too blessed to be stressed”
 
 
I’m not even counting down the days or wondering of when I’m going to party or take my next flight. I do miss some friends but technology is far advance than sending a pigeon across.  I’m glad I have Sam who sings Disney songs in the kitchen and my cat that wouldn’t stop annoying me. Oh yeah we got engaged I designed my own ring, so I had say yes, jokes. Would talk more in my next post!
 
 
For now if you’re not doing what you really want to do, but instead are succumbed to society saying that you should be productive, e.g. read a book, get a new hobby or upscale yourself. Are you even living and enjoying this break that you might never have in the next decade or so?  I say do you! 

As you know about 6 month ago we welcomed two beautiful cats in our life. Yes we were both a dog person but it just wouldn’t work at this moment in time with our schedule and commitment to work. We both secretly love to work, workout and just do random thing that a dog will just throw us out of our routine.
 
 
I honestly am clueless about cats, still am! At most time they don’t make sense, they don’t listen, they do as they please but they have so much personality that I just enjoy coming home and hanging out with them in between my sessions. Yes I prefer cats then my workmates but don’t we all ;)
 
We finally moved and settled into a larger house as well and I can’t be anymore thankful with the space we have, the cleaning I have to do for a larger space…not so much. I moved out ages ago and it’s honestly the best decision ever. Here is why!
 

1. You are accountable for the lifestyle you choose, if you want to go out and party, no one care, if u want to just survive with instant noodles and bread no one judges you. This also mean learning from a young age how you want to mold your life.  Yes my family helped me raised me but I developed to the person I am because I made my own decision in my own life. 
2. You always got to hustle, rent is expensive! Buying a property is not even an option for me at the moment but rent in Singapore for a 2-3 bedroom ranges from $2500(we are talking about jurong, punggol basically 5000 trains stop away from your workplace) to $4000-$12000(yup! that much money If you live in the central) If u don’t hustle or learn to hustle for the lifestyle you want to live then better start now.
3. You learn to do shit, like shit that you actually need to learn that school don’t teach you

 

• How much soap goes in a laundry wash, which material needs conditioner and which don’t? (Honestly still am winging it)

 

• Bed sheet, unfortunately mom didn’t allow me to do it because I took so long and she never taught me (Asian parents). They still take forever now and are a pain in the ass to do it and in your head always wonder how they did it in the hotel.

 

• Cooking! Behold!! u will never cook delicious meals like your mom because they take too much effort so you learn about 5 different recipe that revolves around, pasta, cheese, chicken and more rice. Nothing you learn in Home Economic class came in handy because you cant be eating sponge cakes all day.

 

• Fill the ice tray because they don’t magically appear like when you were 12 and ran to the freezer and there’s always ice.

 

• Picking up your hair from everywhere, the toilet sink, floor, toilet drain, literally everywhere and still wonders how I am not balding…and how dishes piles up faster than my savings.

 

• Paying bills urgh.. Aircon bill, electric bills and now Netflix bills, whatever you earn about half is gone!

 

• I could go on an on but you just learn to do shit on your own or figure it out through Google how to fix a light bulb or sticking your hand in the toilet bowl because you dropped your hairpin In there and it will rust and leave a mark…

 
4.   No one tells you what to do, so you don’t do anything which is also a bad thing because you realized you haven’t put away 3 loads of laundry and been wearing the same socks for a month.
5.  It also comes with a lot of advantage like throwing parties, no one nagging at you, and doing basically what you want. #Adult
6.    You will appreciate every single furniture in your house because that shit is expensive or u can choose to sit on the floor, buy second hand item or DIY. Yes I know its expensive in Singapore but leave your comfortable cushy life with your parents and find someplace within your means, if u have to share a room with someone and pay $800-1000 a month do it. If you are afraid of difficulties and hate being by yourself, do it! Don’t allow your parent to make you feel bad of staying home because they would miss you.  My relationship with my family improved when I left because I make time to visit them and also appreciate time more with them when we spend time together. Be an adult and stop wasting your money on expensive bag and shoes instead start living and learning about life on your own two feet because I sure did with mine!
 
 

As you know i'm celiac or Coeliac disease which is permanent, autoimmune disorder that causes a reaction to gluten which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Coeliac disease (pronounced see-lee-ak) is a permanent intestinal reaction to dietary gluten. In coeliac disease the cells lining the small bowel (intestine) are damaged and inflamed.(click here to read more)

In other words I can't enjoy the simple things in life, like a warm toast dripping with peanut butter, pizza and  most importantly burritos,,, (cry me a river) This girl is so over it and i thought i share with u some easy to do meal even my 12 year old self could manage it, still can't manage the dishes though. 

I miss a good stir-fry noodle but do not lose hope, there's option for us , most asian noodles are made from rice well not all, here is an exact list -->  (noodles) so we could possible be spoilt for choice such as Kway Teow/ Bee Tai Mak/Mee Tai Mak/ Laksa Noodles / Mee Sua/ Bee hoon / Vietnamese Rice Noodles! 

I love the Bee hoon because its brainless, just add water and let it soak, easier than finding a boyfriend these days and also i consider it much healtheir option than the rest because its so thin.

Yes this is basically it.

• 4-6 eggs up to you
• cabbage 
• bean spout
• prawns
• bak choy
• bee hoon 

Make a massive omelette and chop them up like this ! 

Proceed to chucking everything in a pan with some olive oil ! 

So if u like it spicy add some chill with it else just throw whatever sauce you can find in your fridge,i went for dark soya sauce, fish oil and sesame oil , honestly don't ask me why.. they just happen to be in my fridge, throw the noodles in and give it a good stir and done! 10 MIN 

I am now 28! I still choose not to believe it (btw) and age is merely a number, it doesn’t stop me from doing anything besides of course crazy stuff like; last week I wanted to take my rollerblade and go down a massive ramp but thought twice as I do not intend to break anything.
 
Isn’t it weird that the older you get the more you fear being injured. There’s to much consequences having a boo-boo like lost of earning and also all the things you can’t do when your gammy, trust me I broke my hand and realized it’s importance when I had to get someone to tie my shoelaces or my hair. Oh yeah taking out a wet sport bra with a broken arm is a mission, a lot of visualization involve and planning if the head or the arm gets out first and continuous jumping on the spot like an idiot. Oh well, that didn’t stopped me as I was at work the next day with an hourly supply of ibuprofen.
 

Sam got me a pair of pet shrimps : 9

Sam's birthday and mine is exactly a week apart and there's lots of cake and food between that 7 day ! I am not complaining.

Two of my lazy breakfast ideas.
1)gluten free bread eggs cheese and avocado 
2) soy milk papaya banana pumpkin seed and honey!

Michael dropped by over the weekend so Sam got some man time besides just staying at home with me and singing Disney : )

Was invited by ASICS for a staycation at the new WAREHOUSE HOTEL for 2 day of activities with a bunch of ladies! One of the best time ever and also the food, was so good and yes TANYA POPPETT IS LEGIT ! Being a person trainer I'm very fussy of my exercise program and trust me it was no walk in the park with Tanya, purely just training no bullshit like some other fitness program i shall not mention ;) 

Finishing of the night celebrating our win with NZ FLYER! Fall in love with netball all over again with this team and next season is about to start and can't wait to get on court.

I've lived in Singapore for 20 years now and I haven't paid so much attention to it until recently , such a beaut isn't it!

My weekend meat treat for the week made by Sam, so glorious. I usually don't eat meat maybe once a week or so or sometimes never but if Sam the chef I'll eat it all! hah 

Back to studying anatomy enough of my life! xx

INGREDIENTS 

CARBS & VEGGIE
1 bell pepper
1 large onion
1 stalk of broccoli
3 carrot
400 gram of sweet potato
4 Portobello mushroom

PROTEIN
chicken breast for Sam
tempeh(soya bean) for me
 
SEASONING
salt
pepper
butter
coconut oil
mix herb
soya bean milk
 
SWEET POTATO MASH
PEEL, DICE and BOIL the sweet potato till soft.
MASH IT, add butter , soya bean, salt, pepper! Done
 
MAIN DISH
CHOP every vegetable
OVEN the onion first so it get nice and soft.
STEAM the broccoli and carrot.
PLACE all the other vegetable in the casserole.
Chicken and Portobello on top
Salt,Pepper, oil season it well
20 min 18O degrees Celsius
EASY! 
​

One of my favourite food is fried rice, its says it all,  JUST FRY EVERYTHING!
You can cook trust me and you should cook.
Eating cooked food made us human, read here if you don't believe me.

I wouldn’t survive Jakarta if it wasn’t for Crossfit Bengkel, bias-ly hands down best box in Jakarta.

​First game of netball, I honestly still get nervous playing up to this very day especially with a new team! Last team didn’t work out for me so made the decision to move and loving it so far.

i am definitely not vegan yet but 90% of my food consumption happens to be plant base.

Spend my weekend on the field playing with my new camera with Dy.

 I recalled being able to blog weekly, this was all before the existence of instagram and social media. I love being able to share my life with people,  the good and also the bad but obviously not all. I’m pretty much an open book and what you see is basically what I am. I have my lows that only the people close to me get to see but I sleep on it and totally forget it the next day. I forgive easily and my mind is like clockworks its always thinking but never really capable of carrying forward an idea long term. I lose focus quite easily which I’m trying to sort myself out currently.
 
Almost missed my flight today, 5 days in Jakarta is enough. I’m not bored I just find the fact that traffic makes my day unproductive, not being able to be outdoor that much makes me lethargic. This week was not to bad I got to do what I wanted but obviously if I had patience I could have done more but sitting in traffic with the car jerking every minute is not the best way to read a book without cursing.
 
I can’t wait to get home to snuggle with Sam, I use to think I can’t live without someone and could never be on my own in another country with without my other half, even if its 2 days apart. I guess I grew up and loved myself more to spend time with myself.
 
All this obviously did not happen overnight, failed relationships, getting hurt and being emotionally abuse, cheated and also cheating on my past relationships made the person I am today. Yes I admit it I’m no petals and bubbles but I choose me and I choose to accept my flaw and love it all, but obviously I wouldn’t be cheating anymore because I’ve learn to respect myself and my other half.
 
Have I had issues with my body ? obviously! Else I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have a bulletproof solution to your problem if u do have any issue in life, be it body image, love life, you are bored, what ever issues you can think off! If you don’t like it change it! No one’s going to help you but yourself obviously.
 
In the past 7 years here are some of my changes I made!
 
Did not like staying at home ! so I moved out, and don’t tell me you can’t afford it! If you can’t stand it so much you would have 3 odd job paying for your rented apartment shared by 10 people! Make it work!
 
Did not see the world because my parent could not afford it! I travelled more! I work and travel work and travel and made sure I consistently keep travelling 3-5 countries every year!
 
Did not think I was giving my dog a good life! I was at work all the time and yes I bought him and I was being unfair so I gave him up, you can call me irresponsible but giving him up means he had a chance to have a better life as a dog!
 
Picked up the courage to walk out my 5 years long relationship because I was done being cheated on, not once or twice but way to many times. I only stayed because I was comfortable and stupid.
 
Learning to say no !
 
Learning to say yes!
 
Make it happen, I stopped talking instead I started doing.
 
Well this are just some example what I am trying to say is. If you don’t like it CHANGE.

January went by like the wind, all I could smell was the rain. Boy did it rain a lot or what! Remember the day that it rained for 5 days non stop?
My grandma turned 90 was really nice as I got to see my entire family, which doesn’t happen that often anymore because I guess people grow up and people get busy right? I don’t think I would make it pass 70 before someone push me down the building for talking to much.

Started a sprint team with some folks and I’m working my 50 shade of tan every Sunday not sure if I enjoy it or the fact that it feel like I have someone to compete with.
 
I've also been watching a lot of rugby games and understanding the sport a little bit more, its actually quite interesting after 5 bottles of ciders and packets of crisp. Now that I have my camera I get to practice action shots with it! :)

​Oh yes I've been playing with a lot of babies, definitely not mine. When I was 18 I wanted a football field, now that I’m 28 I don’t think I want anything to come out from me, also stop asking me when I’m going to have kids, maybe in 5-8 years time. On a side note I’ve killed a cactus. 

I've been playing a lot of netball and my newly form team won our very first tournament a couple of days back. I never thought I enjoy playing defense but the moreI do I actually enjoy it. Its a lot more focus and I’m not going to lie cycling on the roads in Singapore have made me more focus in netball! Don’t ask me how… 

So been hanging out with my mom eating more ice cream than I should and also lost so much weight, it was unintentional, it just happened. Will talk more about it soon! 

Best news is that Sam is now Head Physio for Singapore Rugby, Yes this kid right here! I watched him grow and always believed that he was special and deserved whatever he have achieve thus far. Proud girlfriend over here!! I don't think I've watch a more over enthusiastic Physio in any rugby games.
OVER AND OUT!