Review 2013

Here I am, at my Solace Star, doing my year end review again.

Started my New Year's Day with a short but good run along my favorite Quay route. Thank God for fine weather and being able to wake up in the morning. I was bushed by the time we were done with the countdown at SD...tried hard to walk (straight) through the drunk crowd back to the hotel. I'm once again amazed by the power of our minds.

"I have not wasted my life" was the thought bubble that struck me as I stopped briefly at MBS riverside to take in the sights. I had passed through Clarke Quay at the start of my run and saw clobbers still drinking and spouting gibberish. It was approaching 10am then. Haven't they partied enough the night before? :p I crossed over to MBS via Helix bridge and experienced a whole new sight. Kids were running about, some playing with their skates. A father was trying to let his kite up into the sky with his children. Everything is filled with so much hope and positivity! At that moment, I felt so blessed and glad that I have done meaningful things and have wonderful people in my life

2013 had been a rather eventful year. It was not without downs but I count the blessings of my ups.

Early part of the year, I took part in Translantau 100km and was cut off at 25km, which was pretty much very early in the race. It was a setback but I only have myself to blame for not training. The extension trip to Shangrila and Lijiang kicked in some good cheer.

Mid-year, I ran Sundown marathon and completed in bad timing. However later on, I received a long-awaited and much anticipated piece of news. After 3 years, I finally got into Nee York Marathon! It felt like striking lottery. Well..it was lottery. Just that one has to pay (the registration fee) after winning :p

With my entry to NYC marathon, my last quarter of the year turned out to be busier than expected but I'm not complaining :) I was going to travel to 3 continents! Despite burning a big hole in my pocket, I was delighted!

I flew to Melbourne to attend the ATLS faculty meeting over National Day and got to see this pretty city once again after 8 years.

In September, Joanne and I took part in Transalpine - an 8-day stage race that starts in Germany and spans through Austria, Switzerland and ends in Italy. Sadly, we decided to bail out in Day 2 and I missed the chance to visit Switzerland and Italy. Jo went home earlier than scheduled and that also started an unexpected travel plan. I revisited Salzburg and this time round, I had sufficient time to explore the place. When I finally embarked on my actual extension to Prague and Vienna, I was much
relieved.

October breezed through since it's my birthday month. Pampered myself with a 3 hr spa at Polo Club and spent close to $300. Holiday inn Batam is still the best!

November finally came and I was so ready to go USA! I never had a "valid" chance to visit this country and friends told me so much about the Big Apple. Everyone reminded me to make a trip to Woodbury regardless how packed my itinerary is going to be. But first of all, I needed to complete my mission - 42.195 within 6 hours. Having not put in enough training (again) and with the few setbacks early part of the year, I wasn't confident. In fact, I was so worried about DNF. But thank God that I cleared it...exactly a minute before the cutoff time that I asked God! Hallelujah!

Though some unhappy episodes took place during the trip, I would still want to visit NY again. It's a place where one can be whatever one wishes, if u dare to dream and act on it.

NYC pretty much ended my race season for 2013. I got into the holiday mood in December. So much that I felt so bored when everyone around me seemed to be going for holidays and I'm still working :p

What will 2014 be like? Whatever it's gonna be, I hope to embrace it with a thankful heart :)