tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45436439868286812852024-03-05T16:46:06.049+08:00Dim Sum and Long RunsA mother and runner living the expat dreamJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-50010627918701802762014-05-16T06:35:00.000+08:002014-05-16T06:37:48.502+08:00Race-Day Nails<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ladies (and gentlemen I suppose), as you well know, if you <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/09/racing-like-lady.html" target="_blank">race like a lady</a>, you race faster. That is, if you have pretty hair, <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2014/04/look-hot-run-fast.html" target="_blank">a cute outfit</a> and are generally looking fab, you <i>will</i> beat the boys. I know this for a fact.<br />
And so part of my pre-race ritual has become to get Race-Day Nails (I'm trying to turn this into a proper noun). That is, pre-race, I get a very specific manicure with nail art (so very Hong Kong.)<br />
I must tell you ladies, this is a trend that is spreading. So far, I have convinced one other friend as to the merit of this. This weekend, my awesome friend Rachel from <a href="http://hkadventurebaby.com/" target="_blank">HK Adventure Baby</a> will be racing the <a href="http://www.thenorthface100.com.au/" target="_blank">North Face 100 in Australia</a>. Can you believe that? It's crazy, but amazing and inspiring! So last week we went and got a fabulous mani / pedi - her's complete with lightning bolts and leopard print. It doesn't get much more awesome than that.<br />
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Here are some of the amazing nail art I've been getting lately, in preparation for races.<br />
Without bragging, lets just say there has been a direct correlation between my running times and the fabulousness of my manicure.<br />
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See evidence below:<br />
<b>1. Standard Chartered 1/2 Marathon</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nails in preparation for this year's Standard Chartered 1/2 marathon. You can read about my results <a href="http://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1429090/jane-richards-finally-sees-victory-after-20-years" target="_blank">here</a>. Winning nails!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Sha Tin Riverside 10km classic. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I forgot to take a photo, but I had a perfectly manicured hot-pink left hand (to match my new pink ring and new pink hair... yes, my hair was pink!) and a perfectly manicured purple right hand. I took two minutes off my PB. Read about it <a href="http://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1455605/jane-richards-hits-her-stride-record-breaking-run-riverside-classic">here.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Hong Kong Track and Field Series Round Two Wan Chai.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was the first time I had raced on the track. I did the 10 000m and 5000m and was very happy with my times and how I ran. Much better than expected!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For these track races, I got lightening bolts in my club colours. I'm sure this was the main reason for my success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>4. Sarnico-Lovere 25km Race. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I ran 1.34 for this 25km race. Much faster than I dreamed I ever could. I also had stitches in my knee and and a cold for the race, so my time was even more unexpected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once again I put my performance down to my pretty nails.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">5. NorthFace 100 Australia</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://hkadventurebaby.com/">Rach</a> is a rockstar and is going to smash it this weekend. Look at those nails! <i>Fast</i> and <i>hot</i>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Leopard print... <i>so hot! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In conclusion, I would say that there is proof to my theory. Pretty nails = fast times. Get amongst it!</span></div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-27599737004154726912014-05-13T14:28:00.001+08:002014-05-13T14:28:57.501+08:00Fast Times on Foreign Courses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've started ramping up for my next marathon. I'm hoping to get into <a href="http://eugenemarathon.com/">Eugene Marathon</a> in Oregon on 27 July. That's less than 11 weeks away. I'm afraid!!!<br />
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Here's an article I wrote that was recently published in <i><a href="http://www.hk-runner.com/">Hong Kong Runner</a> </i>Magazine.<br />
Hopefully I can learn from my past mistakes!<br />
Hint: You may need to either zoom in to read the article below, or read the online version by c<span style="text-align: center;">licking on this link to read </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SGl5QYLkIlMVBNT3pobmdweDA/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-align: center;">page one</a><span style="text-align: center;"> and </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SGl5QYLkIlNkVYS3JfWDZJeWs/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-align: center;">page two</a><span style="text-align: center;"> of the article.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">My </span><a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/09/my-berlin-marathon-race-report.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Berlin Marathon Race Report</a>, my <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/12/fubon-taipei-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Fubon Taipei Marathon Race Report</a>, or my <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2014/05/quite-possibly-best-week-of-my-life.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Sarnico-Lovere Race Report</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEGfMHiPTFGG1LUXkgZ8gpugwe_FFiyxcAu8OHEy0ja07m6lFsfImwco23WfQl87psbcjFbpCR_FTuQs-7DUMtNshxJ-bIldKUMgph2W1Hhg8sb40muPxcwQx6BXaD26E0op5KUT-EWS9/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking terrified before Berlin Marathon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLh3mMjTy6RHpHAf_76c0usXeEMxXHDH46-O-3LS7OTnaGQjYSIMDZrBqdxsU4-5F9Iob1GaeJKnGHKILYAGuYFMY94_5e_rAPZk-vWnpilxuZWQ5r3OFDpNDc3wA4hp-bX4OE-sRXppO/s1600/IMG_0994+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLh3mMjTy6RHpHAf_76c0usXeEMxXHDH46-O-3LS7OTnaGQjYSIMDZrBqdxsU4-5F9Iob1GaeJKnGHKILYAGuYFMY94_5e_rAPZk-vWnpilxuZWQ5r3OFDpNDc3wA4hp-bX4OE-sRXppO/s1600/IMG_0994+5.JPG" height="150" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling terrified before Taipei Marathon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS_EcoFpvsMIzKphfkA4wtVmjU9c-wH2d2L6saP1UL0yyRms_cWIaHQrOB4G2RR7j4rTcDEAjOoxNnTmZYVJ1sTIalKfGhIm12lmcjty0FqPIEyE7r4bIs39MPgO8LSH17nsvZqwDCH3u/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS_EcoFpvsMIzKphfkA4wtVmjU9c-wH2d2L6saP1UL0yyRms_cWIaHQrOB4G2RR7j4rTcDEAjOoxNnTmZYVJ1sTIalKfGhIm12lmcjty0FqPIEyE7r4bIs39MPgO8LSH17nsvZqwDCH3u/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling relieved after Sarnico-Lovere run.</td></tr>
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Many of you know that I've just spent a week in Italy for which I went for an amazing race. I had the great privilege of representing my running club - Italia Running Club at the <a href="http://www.sarnicolovere.it/">Sarnico Lovere</a> Run. <br />
Apart from being an amazingly beautiful course in a stunning area, I got to spend the time with my good friend and amazing runner, Michelle Lowry. (Stay tuned for a blog post about her soon - you will be blown away!)<br />
In addition, I spent the few days before and after the race on my own in Milan.<br />
Basically, I was in heaven.<br />
Add to that, despite not feeling the best on the start line - I'd fallen over while running 10 days before the race and ended up with stitches, and by race day I had a cold - I ran faster than I ever dreamed I could. I finished 4th female in a time of 1.34.06 for the 25km run. Amazingly (well amazing to me anyway), I went through 21km in well under 80 minutes. Something I <i>never </i>dreamed I could really do. I was absolutely stoked.<br />
Michelle also ran so well to finish in a time of 1.36.53 and in 8th position. Last time she ran, Michelle finished 4th, but considering that she's now doing a PhD and has three sons, this is even more incredible. You can check out the full list of results <a href="http://www.tds-live.com/ns/index.jsp?login=&password=&is_domenica=0&nextRaceId=&dpbib=&dpcat=&dpsex=&serviziol=&pageType=1&id=5826&servizio=000&locale=1040">here</a>.<br />
I've got to say, the luxury of travelling to a race and having time to focus on just racing was amazing.<br />
And as much as I love my family, having some time to myself (mostly spent shopping - but hey, it's Milan!!! Did anyone say <i>designer outlet stores???</i> What's girl to do!) was also great. I never really appreciated having time to myself until I had a child. I felt like I was young and backpacking again - except that this time I could actually afford to buy food and drink in bars! Amazing! Incredible! The <i>best thing ever!!</i><br />
Here is what I got up to....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOF3kkYJ99ftqi3bQMeS1DQAT7fnXOsxPL8hzQbYm4dJ9m9Oczgh6kAEr-pUIz28JF1YVLsco4j_I2hyG4fmHpgJCXDAFvH1rWbpNjeQh_G-ZS8Z9UZPEi1wSIhAiljGM1NxbBzze_n5M/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOF3kkYJ99ftqi3bQMeS1DQAT7fnXOsxPL8hzQbYm4dJ9m9Oczgh6kAEr-pUIz28JF1YVLsco4j_I2hyG4fmHpgJCXDAFvH1rWbpNjeQh_G-ZS8Z9UZPEi1wSIhAiljGM1NxbBzze_n5M/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to board my flight to Milan... practicing the first in a series of week long selfies. Can you tell I've finally discovered Instagram?<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnUvdgmSyLZ_cykI7R3_SssnSszvKiLbgerV-A7tCXaHryJT4WfjS87aHxkF157UPQrr8cqgxj0VSuegULzCzWOcccgDK61yPfaJf2oXDXgknVLsfxPOjwt6DdhmFcbdtiyFX7dZ5Pier/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnUvdgmSyLZ_cykI7R3_SssnSszvKiLbgerV-A7tCXaHryJT4WfjS87aHxkF157UPQrr8cqgxj0VSuegULzCzWOcccgDK61yPfaJf2oXDXgknVLsfxPOjwt6DdhmFcbdtiyFX7dZ5Pier/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race warm up run in the beautiful and sunny Milan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimep7_AQ-wRJpYeJ2tDIh5HSeh1K10jyXOOo2ypJcGHAMdoPwmjUrytwiKvPQ6aVFBooqTHSCmQ5PgL-H7czt7C43yYEsrPZUSY5StqgV2b9YfPkKvbW7ltxBJKvTSRdYE9uDAIHTuXsYF/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimep7_AQ-wRJpYeJ2tDIh5HSeh1K10jyXOOo2ypJcGHAMdoPwmjUrytwiKvPQ6aVFBooqTHSCmQ5PgL-H7czt7C43yYEsrPZUSY5StqgV2b9YfPkKvbW7ltxBJKvTSRdYE9uDAIHTuXsYF/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race run with Michelle - we made it to Sarnico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgkfmDFr4wdfIjdfnu5AuGULTNlXIhpVh2BHUzX_ueZVhJyU9K1p9tKF3PoDFZDb4UN5GQm-L-Ztt3dwveEjqru22lle-r_VHDMX-k6W_8CO1XCY9mepdxjDsFw0txF8YL8KDnMwXuaTe/s1600/IMG_3487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgkfmDFr4wdfIjdfnu5AuGULTNlXIhpVh2BHUzX_ueZVhJyU9K1p9tKF3PoDFZDb4UN5GQm-L-Ztt3dwveEjqru22lle-r_VHDMX-k6W_8CO1XCY9mepdxjDsFw0txF8YL8KDnMwXuaTe/s1600/IMG_3487.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason I look so happy in this photo is because I know I'm done running until the race start.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjDToIRu3ontmv3ErQbX1AK-z9XlEr5C246B2lSrCYPqTcZx92g7csb6VO9NZ6hCFV0swW8LehTyLAiKlqlN2vv0b4VxX-L7lokvOGVaz-3hbX7VB4lba58kaO3lWOrqZQ0fZFbotjP_k/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjDToIRu3ontmv3ErQbX1AK-z9XlEr5C246B2lSrCYPqTcZx92g7csb6VO9NZ6hCFV0swW8LehTyLAiKlqlN2vv0b4VxX-L7lokvOGVaz-3hbX7VB4lba58kaO3lWOrqZQ0fZFbotjP_k/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The obligatory pre-race finish line photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicxPOjefpuUq2kJHPwVkZJpOuozxUc3hgxwMQpq4KyvhYFZHR1i4UuGBvu6K9DBZHU4qVmxm8ijMusuIpzv9j_-9iDK1PEmRZNtwql73pAyzM3XUaSmMhdWQaGa0dNcT1hrHR9rqhwTE5/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicxPOjefpuUq2kJHPwVkZJpOuozxUc3hgxwMQpq4KyvhYFZHR1i4UuGBvu6K9DBZHU4qVmxm8ijMusuIpzv9j_-9iDK1PEmRZNtwql73pAyzM3XUaSmMhdWQaGa0dNcT1hrHR9rqhwTE5/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We look so fit at the race pack pickup!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBOZm9Rp26K3eqNHqD1R-stPrkc35OnLY7-943dX9OqAqqccjR53bX1DbTtObx_2f9FWuyVVri0eAJItyixw_m1VTAHJnlWzJuUw29uMbrDlgzglFLBvzJTmZ2nWNXOgw-tBPungmVXY7/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBOZm9Rp26K3eqNHqD1R-stPrkc35OnLY7-943dX9OqAqqccjR53bX1DbTtObx_2f9FWuyVVri0eAJItyixw_m1VTAHJnlWzJuUw29uMbrDlgzglFLBvzJTmZ2nWNXOgw-tBPungmVXY7/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing for when I really cross the finish line</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDX9gHRSgP6nYif1DRnzzE3JFXCRl8RSPyTKKc3mjBYvVhIuj9tkLGhHAsSkLGTclayKOtIFMlbLX-Lpy0v5AuSd9XeG_kQHr18HIg5OgKNBKZJ25ImwxwLOQhDWHqkSI0h9o9Mggyuvc/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDX9gHRSgP6nYif1DRnzzE3JFXCRl8RSPyTKKc3mjBYvVhIuj9tkLGhHAsSkLGTclayKOtIFMlbLX-Lpy0v5AuSd9XeG_kQHr18HIg5OgKNBKZJ25ImwxwLOQhDWHqkSI0h9o9Mggyuvc/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race ham loading</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UgzzTAz7lV3a9fqWt8BIbBhx2tHp7vhyphenhyphenYvy1Hb9XkqvHqwpUPTUcimS73sNy-ALRli83QeEN9sKnVGR_aj6MVruFlu6pfsiBi0cXHQQj1trVWhaN-L5WstDjQp2bPTd1HcgX10wsUGEs/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UgzzTAz7lV3a9fqWt8BIbBhx2tHp7vhyphenhyphenYvy1Hb9XkqvHqwpUPTUcimS73sNy-ALRli83QeEN9sKnVGR_aj6MVruFlu6pfsiBi0cXHQQj1trVWhaN-L5WstDjQp2bPTd1HcgX10wsUGEs/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing food, though I don't think I've eaten quite so much ham in my entire life! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFjKyciAs2ITQwukkRE9fXwiOqdeEgG4H5vY51nI2BthDqr0FiuktxSXQl_5xDdBovUfbqMm-jHFBHYZMcfvCe048PgVNE3hHp2QALJGcsJNwJxUrnnfasaW1kjR070YoICoNPLS0IrJn/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFjKyciAs2ITQwukkRE9fXwiOqdeEgG4H5vY51nI2BthDqr0FiuktxSXQl_5xDdBovUfbqMm-jHFBHYZMcfvCe048PgVNE3hHp2QALJGcsJNwJxUrnnfasaW1kjR070YoICoNPLS0IrJn/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory pre-race gear shot. I'm such a newbie at getting an elite start that I still LOVE it when I get my own special number with my name on it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtusw_AyhMsPe96_sKIhVpKMDcsmxXnn8SXzfxewUpZwOIzRnandJXPu-rfmGYnSLkkYcGMfF8A46vUmY9NgFao7pb41lsstkAetxc1VO9O2vcOlZsyyiKqfNPfTJFcqcq2s0zvaQV9gHi/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtusw_AyhMsPe96_sKIhVpKMDcsmxXnn8SXzfxewUpZwOIzRnandJXPu-rfmGYnSLkkYcGMfF8A46vUmY9NgFao7pb41lsstkAetxc1VO9O2vcOlZsyyiKqfNPfTJFcqcq2s0zvaQV9gHi/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory pre-race pretty nails; I'm pretty sure they make me run faster. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYBPiuTILamBlRLJc6ScI4Jw5fDKIeWCLUm7fx4W-5YuRWSIllicuenr29_lIDyLDkRw7pq5Ncg27HBc9k2CRLxam7L0AhEsc5lBkZlPSZIdLmdiCIpYO4T90L5gCIie44vfE1qt_pAmn/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYBPiuTILamBlRLJc6ScI4Jw5fDKIeWCLUm7fx4W-5YuRWSIllicuenr29_lIDyLDkRw7pq5Ncg27HBc9k2CRLxam7L0AhEsc5lBkZlPSZIdLmdiCIpYO4T90L5gCIie44vfE1qt_pAmn/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start line on race day; wet, busy, crowded.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGUuVXHJm2CVdN-KNxJQOBo0bXhqwssCJN8Zjd2TJYrVDLUxDOdL4hacyYmDi_188F4fc79wseoJFPxwP6Vsm0_ZmW8srwlVpEyXNTQTU46MpEbayKk_NFtJjdUghM8FEcOTJQADfqVEc/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGUuVXHJm2CVdN-KNxJQOBo0bXhqwssCJN8Zjd2TJYrVDLUxDOdL4hacyYmDi_188F4fc79wseoJFPxwP6Vsm0_ZmW8srwlVpEyXNTQTU46MpEbayKk_NFtJjdUghM8FEcOTJQADfqVEc/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race; do we look nervous? You can barely see my scabby knees. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsAoSONKIuHNCfDKeqdd2GAPNMDQY2txDr2Lkq-BuMSQiHdHNp95Y3_Y2mm4C0er5ZBHBuSxvqd9pEkrh31Y_1tp1zhK4e5gN-jxP6zxyyuRnmLTw4kH2rffyPCbUyB_LwseFRCfrSS2k/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsAoSONKIuHNCfDKeqdd2GAPNMDQY2txDr2Lkq-BuMSQiHdHNp95Y3_Y2mm4C0er5ZBHBuSxvqd9pEkrh31Y_1tp1zhK4e5gN-jxP6zxyyuRnmLTw4kH2rffyPCbUyB_LwseFRCfrSS2k/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top three finishers; I took this photo so that if I'm ever back at this race, I know what I'm aiming for. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS_EcoFpvsMIzKphfkA4wtVmjU9c-wH2d2L6saP1UL0yyRms_cWIaHQrOB4G2RR7j4rTcDEAjOoxNnTmZYVJ1sTIalKfGhIm12lmcjty0FqPIEyE7r4bIs39MPgO8LSH17nsvZqwDCH3u/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS_EcoFpvsMIzKphfkA4wtVmjU9c-wH2d2L6saP1UL0yyRms_cWIaHQrOB4G2RR7j4rTcDEAjOoxNnTmZYVJ1sTIalKfGhIm12lmcjty0FqPIEyE7r4bIs39MPgO8LSH17nsvZqwDCH3u/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-race; wet and cold but happy. </td></tr>
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And now the fun bit; post race EATING!!!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17cp0FfpoLT1ZdgEanygkgOJFU-jK_CAKZ4aSpvigal9eefSPcrOYGzP9zzcnQp4ZVWX6AJEj9LQuwP9MIt4zul3Xfyn2CqKFycJIFYhNjvL6Ra8vAZ6LyLiDmHvoE8mQgDxHny45l3Ye/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17cp0FfpoLT1ZdgEanygkgOJFU-jK_CAKZ4aSpvigal9eefSPcrOYGzP9zzcnQp4ZVWX6AJEj9LQuwP9MIt4zul3Xfyn2CqKFycJIFYhNjvL6Ra8vAZ6LyLiDmHvoE8mQgDxHny45l3Ye/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can anyone say happy? Chocolate affogato! Bliss!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkUvZ5rlJSgDZ0A9phiUKb7OSXj8NG9N3lU_xhcWSKlfmnQhwbOPozMhiyjZPvKT4D3rUI_tbGuTy4yrpNLmgJRyE8sa0Iz68hiZ8UyQaEWWgfYIy-ZYhtwnTYMZNx5oQjzUh-xmyKICV/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkUvZ5rlJSgDZ0A9phiUKb7OSXj8NG9N3lU_xhcWSKlfmnQhwbOPozMhiyjZPvKT4D3rUI_tbGuTy4yrpNLmgJRyE8sa0Iz68hiZ8UyQaEWWgfYIy-ZYhtwnTYMZNx5oQjzUh-xmyKICV/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty happy about the size of the calzone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZCWjyP2SYkRcjSKKQ8ZvEszn6cLKk3-i1VyhotY7sZGk93GxMD_QFfI_shCHXoLD4an242qKMbG7q2ozV4CsNHZJDgbZ-CSnJwPQiLPebi_Va08UQy3Iwsclxk1LV5GxNdUaHqeYStED/s1600/IMG_3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZCWjyP2SYkRcjSKKQ8ZvEszn6cLKk3-i1VyhotY7sZGk93GxMD_QFfI_shCHXoLD4an242qKMbG7q2ozV4CsNHZJDgbZ-CSnJwPQiLPebi_Va08UQy3Iwsclxk1LV5GxNdUaHqeYStED/s1600/IMG_3618.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously, I finished the entire thing and I also may have helped Michelle with a slice of her pizza. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tyRnxMA2BYGooVuTVoahh9_LlbIplAiTRBK3eK5hIRv6CGz3t3m0zJ66N0B3ywMyWDLdghVk4b4zm51xrmxxwA9eKufRw4YLAZYWgibUCt_cB6hVWqnEbku9rSQNVo2S32mR4kjzAFEF/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tyRnxMA2BYGooVuTVoahh9_LlbIplAiTRBK3eK5hIRv6CGz3t3m0zJ66N0B3ywMyWDLdghVk4b4zm51xrmxxwA9eKufRw4YLAZYWgibUCt_cB6hVWqnEbku9rSQNVo2S32mR4kjzAFEF/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was still not too full for desert <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjcRfdMKrTKC2HaPcSkAuAo8uCvMtv5_jjLdOLMxWtzrrr5rqMEv78nqXD0SpS-cLqwZMKJgal4Hp26o99FzITIwD3jmq5DPmJNuc3DpXiR6ZOkOuzlnSX_tIRVG1kk2j-xsYmNiMxYu8/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjcRfdMKrTKC2HaPcSkAuAo8uCvMtv5_jjLdOLMxWtzrrr5rqMEv78nqXD0SpS-cLqwZMKJgal4Hp26o99FzITIwD3jmq5DPmJNuc3DpXiR6ZOkOuzlnSX_tIRVG1kk2j-xsYmNiMxYu8/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH7P0mQdUViqEK-PALh8w9g1qSvN0aDXVIX9RcWRbwvh_GTOGZ8_EUCaiiP9iIcPOH38JBpNAoxl-3fDozEF96kY9YjwHzDIp6lZrlP4FUTD4NBEEyw08Wh5LtsqKlN-HZHNyw87avMFo/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH7P0mQdUViqEK-PALh8w9g1qSvN0aDXVIX9RcWRbwvh_GTOGZ8_EUCaiiP9iIcPOH38JBpNAoxl-3fDozEF96kY9YjwHzDIp6lZrlP4FUTD4NBEEyw08Wh5LtsqKlN-HZHNyw87avMFo/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7UNyp14Taft2O1xi5cqWeZZhiAovDbaGFa8pogh5VXl5H99qi0hSvvf6IGb5jCtBjxgXigtaJePq_kVhoFrisjvfiLDE2yQvgdRplffX5X5Pdsbs-k17S60Mdd4y8dRPLSQifPWVI4ZN/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7UNyp14Taft2O1xi5cqWeZZhiAovDbaGFa8pogh5VXl5H99qi0hSvvf6IGb5jCtBjxgXigtaJePq_kVhoFrisjvfiLDE2yQvgdRplffX5X5Pdsbs-k17S60Mdd4y8dRPLSQifPWVI4ZN/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet more desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0fEhYfWzZnWRaISaUP9fCPDC72caNNgIBV6U2_Xg5StehrnCXHmgbwAIXQJ18AAcxxOhOoG8mHYhqyvKR0lQnAJvKUrH9-WMv3R4jJBme3HLQD0VkTa-gCT0-mMGUDI9y5sss7DANdpB/s1600/IMG_3453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0fEhYfWzZnWRaISaUP9fCPDC72caNNgIBV6U2_Xg5StehrnCXHmgbwAIXQJ18AAcxxOhOoG8mHYhqyvKR0lQnAJvKUrH9-WMv3R4jJBme3HLQD0VkTa-gCT0-mMGUDI9y5sss7DANdpB/s1600/IMG_3453.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best meals I've ever eaten. Love that lovely Milanese veal.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfIUfAkLjecUR569Guj1fwKcOjh1a3v7sM8CzdsvJBFeI9uk6_ZquK9JlpjaQMAq2HQLbxSMfXhbw_1XH702YS29HEIP2jx4SFqOFRO-sAzhfFRAYgPkM5Qe_d2ofqQTXF1e3mHyYx42T/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfIUfAkLjecUR569Guj1fwKcOjh1a3v7sM8CzdsvJBFeI9uk6_ZquK9JlpjaQMAq2HQLbxSMfXhbw_1XH702YS29HEIP2jx4SFqOFRO-sAzhfFRAYgPkM5Qe_d2ofqQTXF1e3mHyYx42T/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It just would not be Italy without chocolate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVSJTBFpbOLVlVjpUn7uU79L_xhpxspZ8VC7ZDPr6z4gjFB7lqrr57OFqUgcfOpYqkQS2QlwAKswD3DsJ_NU1RYqzlZF0WSXAMZWykGkgkBSaGNRCdH9JN2lMtBTNuSofzYe2hM57NM3e/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVSJTBFpbOLVlVjpUn7uU79L_xhpxspZ8VC7ZDPr6z4gjFB7lqrr57OFqUgcfOpYqkQS2QlwAKswD3DsJ_NU1RYqzlZF0WSXAMZWykGkgkBSaGNRCdH9JN2lMtBTNuSofzYe2hM57NM3e/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nor would it be Italy without appretivs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdiED9I4Z54cOQTig-5mh_Z72u6EZrNK9pk5CjO7T0xNTNzGCNd75FsE8U7D4_VVUzJBWlDhKtlTM465ojVArTlUJkof0Ly6zNslpkHU_r-wL2GuijpoevD_BTrPVyLfxdqsKz8KPGZpa/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdiED9I4Z54cOQTig-5mh_Z72u6EZrNK9pk5CjO7T0xNTNzGCNd75FsE8U7D4_VVUzJBWlDhKtlTM465ojVArTlUJkof0Ly6zNslpkHU_r-wL2GuijpoevD_BTrPVyLfxdqsKz8KPGZpa/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prosecco at the Armani Bamboo Bar. It had to be done. Plus the excellent Italian tradition of bringing snacks to accompany drinks meant I didn't need dinner. Amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgVsH1SVjruUyQAvmBiyMq4B146kDLsDGqrhkcNGFiIl_jCm8idTHZVCjpRHnHZaJe1omBFQjMMwISYFvY3XpigJJQ0CSnN3-JwJbvIkaDBGlBuR2MryVHQxGj7QlG3Sp37F2d6ADM_Y4/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgVsH1SVjruUyQAvmBiyMq4B146kDLsDGqrhkcNGFiIl_jCm8idTHZVCjpRHnHZaJe1omBFQjMMwISYFvY3XpigJJQ0CSnN3-JwJbvIkaDBGlBuR2MryVHQxGj7QlG3Sp37F2d6ADM_Y4/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredibly decedent afternoon tea on my last afternoon in Milan. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXOiPDCyX9YKexJ4MgSLwZ6QXpA8F102zA3IxXbi9H-OfsjJHVFN7ak1rH-YZSs2_iU3nciUyby_b4exjZByrchmdio1f3BgUteHfkLmxAcon-SeuPaL-SKSRUWB1U1DIuTeQogaKEFbN/s1600/IMG_3897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXOiPDCyX9YKexJ4MgSLwZ6QXpA8F102zA3IxXbi9H-OfsjJHVFN7ak1rH-YZSs2_iU3nciUyby_b4exjZByrchmdio1f3BgUteHfkLmxAcon-SeuPaL-SKSRUWB1U1DIuTeQogaKEFbN/s1600/IMG_3897.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far out! I love coffee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HmPLxIsu_f266O_Lc9wTpP-uHRtrO-ijF3Rq3iN8KwR6Z5PtZZ13w01ammZbzo2PGIGh0XoYU82ogMvJxx4Xmax8JjA3Np3USvsz0qORFA9b038o1RcstimSjpglK1U_zrrnoAhJ8wgI/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HmPLxIsu_f266O_Lc9wTpP-uHRtrO-ijF3Rq3iN8KwR6Z5PtZZ13w01ammZbzo2PGIGh0XoYU82ogMvJxx4Xmax8JjA3Np3USvsz0qORFA9b038o1RcstimSjpglK1U_zrrnoAhJ8wgI/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof I did not just sit in cafes and bars; Michelle took us to Bergamo post race; that girl has got energy! I was trying to avoid walking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvDVZYNN_tS2bcPCJv5Uml3dXMIjlqkQUPSxsgZ01yLkpyVvTlnl-iMnqEacgn8jTPqfomHOO2oZBriO_KT4AEh25BDypfOUXstzD8hpH56ieooXcqiDnY6lG-X9pERDNZfm-5Te8M6qM/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvDVZYNN_tS2bcPCJv5Uml3dXMIjlqkQUPSxsgZ01yLkpyVvTlnl-iMnqEacgn8jTPqfomHOO2oZBriO_KT4AEh25BDypfOUXstzD8hpH56ieooXcqiDnY6lG-X9pERDNZfm-5Te8M6qM/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also went to Como and Bellagio on Lake Como; possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfXHzzG-QiybRd04_-vcdnfdmGTuqtsk9a74jTVqYkbimsB36MoXncA59znsAtKNyAYHabDwuejpz3MLx-bnNzUPh_j54Dma9TH61LTTIadB6o8ilnfbsU4n8LtqilMtR3zZa-F0Ng5sJ/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfXHzzG-QiybRd04_-vcdnfdmGTuqtsk9a74jTVqYkbimsB36MoXncA59znsAtKNyAYHabDwuejpz3MLx-bnNzUPh_j54Dma9TH61LTTIadB6o8ilnfbsU4n8LtqilMtR3zZa-F0Ng5sJ/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjBh0_zeFyFfAaC0P2lrzwwHhYWYP1YQ_uz5PT3pfiSBSpICHQ4TU2-MwY6afMw98rXq71xjN22IHXYWplrr7AXuW4mRMiOb3Q43ZI-DYZY6zzvA5qdebhnpyxg1y-IUUjfYyNaT221pR/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjBh0_zeFyFfAaC0P2lrzwwHhYWYP1YQ_uz5PT3pfiSBSpICHQ4TU2-MwY6afMw98rXq71xjN22IHXYWplrr7AXuW4mRMiOb3Q43ZI-DYZY6zzvA5qdebhnpyxg1y-IUUjfYyNaT221pR/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Bellagio </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiJYjQZuiPnvyWh-yl9-2kzuKcw6fm4ZF3qBBywILM2DxglzM1NUsH1eN6Tr4c9tbA5vbjGPDgJnYMB1DE0LEm9ZmMXqCQax6q56KA8xTV_TtjysiP56Nl1muOOKSYDGp3RLaMr_esxs9/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiJYjQZuiPnvyWh-yl9-2kzuKcw6fm4ZF3qBBywILM2DxglzM1NUsH1eN6Tr4c9tbA5vbjGPDgJnYMB1DE0LEm9ZmMXqCQax6q56KA8xTV_TtjysiP56Nl1muOOKSYDGp3RLaMr_esxs9/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Michelle left, I concede that I spent a lot of time, sitting down in cafes. My legs were tired. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJlFdgSCmyV7EVPtjCyo7wKCtlj27E6Z5XaLXgrH18ZOebE5vC8meRTeke2PVnhaJjfA1Sd5v9AxF2nsEXNd420A0LZ__dCnMvLvGP_CIRzJfkPhtjtVyS7M3XLZ7LEnn03d9bghhs0Cp/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJlFdgSCmyV7EVPtjCyo7wKCtlj27E6Z5XaLXgrH18ZOebE5vC8meRTeke2PVnhaJjfA1Sd5v9AxF2nsEXNd420A0LZ__dCnMvLvGP_CIRzJfkPhtjtVyS7M3XLZ7LEnn03d9bghhs0Cp/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my hotel window in Milan; so Italian!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof I did more than shop and eat! The Duomo in Milan. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJgRFPZ5TxV3iK33SDeQcudh4VkUDUZW_cr69-MlP2vF8RzHnhdjwsX0mxLtbefKD9c9TMDLWwq4LtgRgacrWjiBuvgrpt5tWExT1X0XnyrSTAMzzAL9d8WBsm0regWvouD6LNffid2K4/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJgRFPZ5TxV3iK33SDeQcudh4VkUDUZW_cr69-MlP2vF8RzHnhdjwsX0mxLtbefKD9c9TMDLWwq4LtgRgacrWjiBuvgrpt5tWExT1X0XnyrSTAMzzAL9d8WBsm0regWvouD6LNffid2K4/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may have bought shoes at D&G.... (though only at the outlet!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA6McgqyXira3MZAjqo_EQtppjWJHNvgdSj9Mgd2xpK8NqWlIKbcH8N68B7mZhscPyccfxtMuzODfOcvHD3tPM7JF6LSHhsn3fgQ9bjPmpjoCmyajaIVwqkoGp7cSG6m3PfnMqlhwn0CN/s1600/IMG_3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA6McgqyXira3MZAjqo_EQtppjWJHNvgdSj9Mgd2xpK8NqWlIKbcH8N68B7mZhscPyccfxtMuzODfOcvHD3tPM7JF6LSHhsn3fgQ9bjPmpjoCmyajaIVwqkoGp7cSG6m3PfnMqlhwn0CN/s1600/IMG_3927.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe also at Gucci. I had no choice. I saw them, and they were so cheap. I was like, "C'mon! I have to!" I used all my willpower in the race. I had none left over to resist spending money on shoes. </td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-67609318150673062342014-04-22T07:29:00.001+08:002014-04-22T07:29:09.722+08:00Look hot, run fast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I'm getting a bit of a reputation for the very bright and crazy running tights I've been wearing down to the track. But if I'm going to be famous for something there are worse things (I think!) I spend so much of my time in running gear, I figure it's better to spend my money on that than other stuff. (Well, ok, let's be honest, I still spend my money on other stuff, but it's worth spending money on funky running gear too).<br />
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I thought I'd share some of my favourite, most out-there, but also functional, running tights. What I like about this stuff is that they both look cute, and don't fall down when you run. Both very important considerations. I promise if you wear this kind of stuff, you will both improve your times and impress the boys. (Haha).<br />
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<a href="http://teeki.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/unicorn_hp_1-445x475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://teeki.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/unicorn_hp_1-445x475.jpg" height="640" width="598" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://teeki.com/product/the-unicorn-wrangler-hot-pant/">Teeki - uniccorn hot pant</a><br />
My good friend Rachel got me into these. They have pictures of unicorns on them. Totally rad! I'm usually adamant that "tights are not pants" but these are so cool that you could actually get away with it I think! I got tonnes of compliments wearing these.<br />
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<a href="http://www.runningbare.com.au/Data/Media/Images/catalogue/B14752T_toniblack_3.jpg?maxheight=850&maxwidth=470&404=default.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.runningbare.com.au/Data/Media/Images/catalogue/B14752T_toniblack_3.jpg?maxheight=850&maxwidth=470&404=default.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.runningbare.com.au/Toni-Tight_504.aspx">Running Bare</a></div>
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OMFG I love these tights and sportsbra. When I was in Sydney last I bought the matching set. I <i>had </i>to<i>. </i>They look awesome. They make me run fast. Running Bare is an Australian company that does some of the funkiest stuff around. I want everything they make. And they ship. </div>
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<a href="http://d1w0dlwqaslwfs.cloudfront.net/static/media/product/images/650549/v_859c839cafa8de6587afd337db5d595c_650549-02-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d1w0dlwqaslwfs.cloudfront.net/static/media/product/images/650549/v_859c839cafa8de6587afd337db5d595c_650549-02-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/product/printed-core-capri-active-text-red/">Cotton On</a></div>
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These are such a bargain. In addition to very cool crop tights, Cotton On also have the best hot pants around and they are only around $AU10 / $HK70! Get in there and get some now. Love!</div>
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<a href="http://images.lululemon.com.hk/is/image/lululemon/LW7A42S_5442_4?$pdp_main$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.lululemon.com.hk/is/image/lululemon/LW7A42S_5442_4?$pdp_main$" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lululemon.com.hk/products/clothes-accessories/women-shorts/Boogie-Short-Full-On-Luon?cc=5442&skuId=hk_3531368&catId=women-shorts">Lulelemon</a></div>
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I'm so into hot pants for running right now. On the one hand they are practical - Hong Kong is so hot and sweaty that regular running shorts just stick to you. On the other hand, hot pants also look cute. I find that if I wear something just a little skimpier for races or hard track workouts then I run faster. I'm not sure how sound my theory is but I'm sticking to it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/5360095190/Nike-Women's-Nike-Dry-Fit-Epic-Run-Crop-Tight-SU14-Running-Tights-Red-Geranium-Silver-Q2-14-1.jpg?w=430&h=430&a=7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/5360095190/Nike-Women's-Nike-Dry-Fit-Epic-Run-Crop-Tight-SU14-Running-Tights-Red-Geranium-Silver-Q2-14-1.jpg?w=430&h=430&a=7" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wiggle.co.uk/nike-womens-nike-dry-fit-epic-run-crop-tight-su14/">Nike</a> </div>
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They are pink! I want them. The great thing Nike stuff right now is all the pretty matching sports bra to go with the pants. So many patterns, so many colours. I want!</div>
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I promise, get yourself some funky gear, and you will just fly on the track. Totally worth the investment. </div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-52018479151452453802014-04-06T20:40:00.002+08:002014-04-06T20:40:58.567+08:00Big Day Out!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Friday, Henry and I had an awesome adventure day. Seriously, it was like Kids Day, but better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCYOMskmNr84trGj0t58kdPzZlEeBOxteAJ6BsvGA-kbCgGYfnyLsYIGhgmR7Qsk0W0T4DdS4aDR0VH6rLQg9CEVQjP8VWYgScCsbFQcCpS6KFUMdfnLIWtavcMnaDu-aURkwPYeY-oyV/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCYOMskmNr84trGj0t58kdPzZlEeBOxteAJ6BsvGA-kbCgGYfnyLsYIGhgmR7Qsk0W0T4DdS4aDR0VH6rLQg9CEVQjP8VWYgScCsbFQcCpS6KFUMdfnLIWtavcMnaDu-aURkwPYeY-oyV/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hong Kong!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vQdSY-Mxx10Got1AMaawBBu3VhSvg1mitq6QPK2WJpxR1jmDQPD9dxLcBfF-qGBRNWZ7BUSJgQDguNo2q0W6I5hVC812EqbGIj94hKuduJDQSQBFdc52xPJ8zCaBcdkcwoCSzvSoRPC7/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vQdSY-Mxx10Got1AMaawBBu3VhSvg1mitq6QPK2WJpxR1jmDQPD9dxLcBfF-qGBRNWZ7BUSJgQDguNo2q0W6I5hVC812EqbGIj94hKuduJDQSQBFdc52xPJ8zCaBcdkcwoCSzvSoRPC7/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not his hometown, but that's his city!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UcYdqNfWVMmy5QF3_WbypKr1vY0P1RcHPGDAgOmngpcBnxnAafDbs8uJv61xbWqxdoyeS7OwY17C9byDRw3PdPjg_f55roJ8zBUxOqS0HNAngOgI2KfSVX8EGdnYeJhBQDEnLHVHIoaG/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UcYdqNfWVMmy5QF3_WbypKr1vY0P1RcHPGDAgOmngpcBnxnAafDbs8uJv61xbWqxdoyeS7OwY17C9byDRw3PdPjg_f55roJ8zBUxOqS0HNAngOgI2KfSVX8EGdnYeJhBQDEnLHVHIoaG/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little baby has turned into a little boy!</td></tr>
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First, we had a very decedent afternoon tea and shared a slice of molten chocolate Ferrero Rocher cake at the plush Isola in IFC.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9J3Xoh4EpOhgiSjdU-cFN5EK_Xt91Vr6r2Y9butDSBuJfmS5sb5yirYD7fuUtkJiKOJUb92bXVbpOaQd61uZzJHXvf5_E0ARHQdL56T8NY0RXkHm5b5eeGwPTiL5zKKUN52KITUo01Th/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9J3Xoh4EpOhgiSjdU-cFN5EK_Xt91Vr6r2Y9butDSBuJfmS5sb5yirYD7fuUtkJiKOJUb92bXVbpOaQd61uZzJHXvf5_E0ARHQdL56T8NY0RXkHm5b5eeGwPTiL5zKKUN52KITUo01Th/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I told Henry that he couldn't have any cake until he smiled for a photo.... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk6Ykjg2bm6xt3-NjJCgj33QlUfExytx658rjWiPBf8Bizx6MxC1_Ck6AJsJ3jypJOVbtYe_IKVoCT9jObt2wO38ttBiiT81XWGTbBviSLs_m48NcQLbJSvKJo2f3sTAApziilPDGmcNM/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk6Ykjg2bm6xt3-NjJCgj33QlUfExytx658rjWiPBf8Bizx6MxC1_Ck6AJsJ3jypJOVbtYe_IKVoCT9jObt2wO38ttBiiT81XWGTbBviSLs_m48NcQLbJSvKJo2f3sTAApziilPDGmcNM/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing what a little bribery does<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTFipNDIQOQBjAMMy-YoZ9uJfAAEiVdz4LI_aL-SdfmnBHSfwoAgcTr-R1ACA_M8CBo_Q7FPSjCGOVzGY0hhk3WnNHU1UYvixDEJ_9IYi9u9NjC0H3Fl_GmjycJErSF7bARXMT2zz4wAP/s1600/IMG_2857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTFipNDIQOQBjAMMy-YoZ9uJfAAEiVdz4LI_aL-SdfmnBHSfwoAgcTr-R1ACA_M8CBo_Q7FPSjCGOVzGY0hhk3WnNHU1UYvixDEJ_9IYi9u9NjC0H3Fl_GmjycJErSF7bARXMT2zz4wAP/s1600/IMG_2857.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intense concentration required. He didn't realise that the molten chocolate part ended up on my side on the plate. Haha.</td></tr>
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Then, we went and saw <i>Hairy Maclary </i>- based on the kids - books onstage. I thought it would be super fun because Henry's G-Mum has given him all the Hairy Maclary books for us to read together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lTr1AgUkKmgLIbOS1MBKOuYR7XbgTs_Kv1_Nh4pkoKTvrvyJkSPNEJI1kfSRcq511s0Bxufp9NSzSifhabruD27xLGqeOHui91S6nb1PsZc0nb9q4ISxsrPgkSUOG-UvcfneHzeuFrm3/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lTr1AgUkKmgLIbOS1MBKOuYR7XbgTs_Kv1_Nh4pkoKTvrvyJkSPNEJI1kfSRcq511s0Bxufp9NSzSifhabruD27xLGqeOHui91S6nb1PsZc0nb9q4ISxsrPgkSUOG-UvcfneHzeuFrm3/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the show to start. Super excited!</td></tr>
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He certainly got into it, yelling out to the dogs onstage and participating in the show. It was so much fun to watch him getting involved.<br />
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Finally, we headed to Bowrington Street Cooked Food Market. Unfortunately we couldn't find a taxi and so, despite already being a little exhausted, the poor boy walked the 2km from the theatre to the market. That's a long way for such little legs at dinner time!<br />
However it was worth it for what is possibly the best Canto food in town. Henry feasted on rice and I had some amazing seafood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN1yqZcWvAfXDO5vtlI6PMmJz2zsM8CbWMU4NZz7mk7dgxhnca48SRvAvWwggGH6-qzePg5p4NVdbe-65BNja6zc_pWokw9CwvA7cO_ZAtskWb0rTU9n-hBmFGI8MK878EWW37CCSVeKU/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN1yqZcWvAfXDO5vtlI6PMmJz2zsM8CbWMU4NZz7mk7dgxhnca48SRvAvWwggGH6-qzePg5p4NVdbe-65BNja6zc_pWokw9CwvA7cO_ZAtskWb0rTU9n-hBmFGI8MK878EWW37CCSVeKU/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Total Chinese boy; washing his bowl and utensils in the tea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0AHVXKSazVZ9OeVzsmg41_X5yEz6B7zOQbReff9MQHXCWJ8mDZ-CnEgKfBwddsTfysSdhYhEDMCPE2ViT6S6V9iXZ4uEz0rJP9SgjdzjHTNfBvC0BdLyfp3Un7mJAIGwVTED4yndBa0f/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0AHVXKSazVZ9OeVzsmg41_X5yEz6B7zOQbReff9MQHXCWJ8mDZ-CnEgKfBwddsTfysSdhYhEDMCPE2ViT6S6V9iXZ4uEz0rJP9SgjdzjHTNfBvC0BdLyfp3Un7mJAIGwVTED4yndBa0f/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry eating rice, the other stuff is for me. Haha! What a feast! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAUWqJIr3ChFcC2amE-O0rGaRCR_CTIu7hRzDaAXyTYEBRvLQO5r9L_8pxZiWqt1G7qy5rZvvYk8az0uixyxIca3fz3RsaSoVEIsJUl5sjFBQ_X_VZ6uLggz67yYV9mUEaNRunkCTLEc9/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAUWqJIr3ChFcC2amE-O0rGaRCR_CTIu7hRzDaAXyTYEBRvLQO5r9L_8pxZiWqt1G7qy5rZvvYk8az0uixyxIca3fz3RsaSoVEIsJUl5sjFBQ_X_VZ6uLggz67yYV9mUEaNRunkCTLEc9/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are going through a "no photo!" stage.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMiDlOfFhyq2T2E7xfnFnyROxa4q8xCCPKR8ewBMxj6uYSOWbs680opc6h-shxLonm_2jZblSDcgAqL-oVSWDVf65RqbP-9m9f9__pHDn2sohjwNsHuHcnU-nOGWDsb1kCwkEtZF3lIjl/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMiDlOfFhyq2T2E7xfnFnyROxa4q8xCCPKR8ewBMxj6uYSOWbs680opc6h-shxLonm_2jZblSDcgAqL-oVSWDVf65RqbP-9m9f9__pHDn2sohjwNsHuHcnU-nOGWDsb1kCwkEtZF3lIjl/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washing up after the day; I love going here, it reminds me of being back in China.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB90q6lzHlGZrQfo9PQG0oy3n99wVSjunVtDPJ2rw5Ps6KmsNu80ZttBsA9GPxXw2kj-63Filbuzd7OMEGZ_CfvPCcv48skho_YuwvE9f0a2PSmAwQIu22vAMae6uBoZIvzJBAZcu15XJ/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB90q6lzHlGZrQfo9PQG0oy3n99wVSjunVtDPJ2rw5Ps6KmsNu80ZttBsA9GPxXw2kj-63Filbuzd7OMEGZ_CfvPCcv48skho_YuwvE9f0a2PSmAwQIu22vAMae6uBoZIvzJBAZcu15XJ/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YqDlWm9Vpa-ahuXY1l5T6NZMwBW38GO04NHSG3zWoTmWtejSvp612zcIzzMajhB-EP-c36LkoNIG_ShcQnXTBp32zvxegohxrErSMW8nz9QkmN1McCXFxyAmuzdWIm-6d4teEB0ss91p/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YqDlWm9Vpa-ahuXY1l5T6NZMwBW38GO04NHSG3zWoTmWtejSvp612zcIzzMajhB-EP-c36LkoNIG_ShcQnXTBp32zvxegohxrErSMW8nz9QkmN1McCXFxyAmuzdWIm-6d4teEB0ss91p/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No taxis anywhere! </td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-19280893337500526752014-03-07T06:28:00.001+08:002014-03-07T06:28:33.010+08:00Running with the Kenyans......Crazy not Lazy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some of you will know that recently I've been doing some track sessions with the elite <a href="http://www.kipmovin.com/Home_Page.html">KipMovin</a> team, who are managed by my coach Thomas.<br />
It has been brutally hard, but I'm pretty sure it will pay off.<br />
Apart from the times when I've felt dizzy or wanted to vomit, it's also super fun. However, there is certainly a totally different mentality and training ethos, compared to the regular "Western" ways of training.<br />
To start with, actually getting to the track can be a comedy of errors. Nobody turns up on time, people get lost, we plan to go to one track only to find that it's shut so then have to find another.<br />
The pace is <i>super</i> relaxed, and everyone is cracking jokes the entire time.<br />
That is, it's relaxed until the session starts, and then it's game on in a big way.<br />
The sessions themselves are crazy; last week the set was 25x400m, although not everyone completed the session - the focus is on running <i>hard</i> in each interval, as opposed sticking to a relatively arbitrary previously decided set. It seems to be that it's more important to run yourself to the point of having nothing left on that day - while not writing yourself off for the rest of the weeks training - as opposed to a more "Western" idea of completing the set at all costs. Interestingly, I remember reading a quote by legendary American athlete and now coach Alberto Salazar that supported this notion. He said something along the lines that he would not watch while his athletes committed suicide, meaning that if the pace drops off too much, he will tell his athletes to stop the set rather than entirely burn themselves out and lose too much confidence.<br />
But in my experience, this is not how the majority of Westerners train. The <i>general </i>mentality is finish the set at all costs and consequences.<br />
Yesterday was another brutal session. The original suggestion was for 6x5000m on the track. Insane!! As one guy said to the guy that had suggested this set, 'the thing I like about you is that you are crazy, not lazy!"<br />
Thank goodness we did not do run that set!<br />
Instead we did 5000m, 3000m, 2000, 1000m, 800m, 400m.<br />
It was very difficult to stay positive and only focused on the lap you were running when you knew how many you had to go.<br />
Having said this, at least by the time we got to the 2000m, it started to feel a lot easier and that I had a chance - even if it was a remote chance - of completing the set.<br />
For me, it was particularly daunting because apart from once or twice at a school athletics carnival, this was the first time I've ever even run this distance on a track. While I'm not new to running per se, I am relatively new to doing this type of more serious training and competing - May last year was the first time I actually ran on a proper athletics track.<br />
It was also interesting to watch the guys train - they really work together and take turns pacing and leading the group on each lap. Again, in my experience, this is somewhat "unWestern" in approach. Conceded, I have very limited experience in this, but the other track group I train with on Tuesday nights do not tend to do this. While everyone starts off the same watch, it's then everyman (or woman) running for themselves - you tend to set your own pace more.<br />
The next striking thing is how relaxed these guys are. While the session itself might last an hour, it takes a long time to get everyone organised. For many of the non-Kenyan runners I know, the idea of spending half a day to get your training down would be both incredibly frustrating, and also not feasible. But I do believe that it helps with your actual training. Everyone is having a good time, and it's in part at least because they are so relaxed that they are able to train so hard and be so incredibly focused during the session.<br />
Nonetheless, most of us do not have the luxury of being career athletes and able to train in the middle of the day.<br />
The final, perhaps most striking thing about running with these guys is how positive they are. They believe in themselves and their ability to run well more than anyone I've ever met. Of course, they do have an incredible amount of talent, however I think a small part of that at least stems from the fact that they believe so strongly in their ability to achieve, that they train harder than just about anyone I've ever met. Their self-belief and strong work ethic is very strongly linked. And it's totally inspiring to see.<br />
They also have such a passion for running that you can't help but have a great time when you are running with them. At the very start of the session, one of the guys said to me, "Be happy, that is my advice to you!"<br />
This same guy hopes to one day attempt the world record in the marathon. And he's got a shot at it too - though he's yet to run a marathon, he told me that he'd been a pacer in one marathon until he did the obligatory drop-out at 35km; the winners of this race were only 3 seconds off the world record! This guy is only 25 and has so much talent and passion that I believe it's possible. So incredible and inspiring! What is most inspiring is meeting someone who is actually prepared to put everything on the line and try.<br />
And this seems to be the lesson that we can take from running with the Kenyans; believe, train, and be happy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/1960044_10152235711171070_1180330917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/1960044_10152235711171070_1180330917_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team (and me)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/923446_10152235711331070_1654818199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/923446_10152235711331070_1654818199_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy not lazy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1959539_10152235711391070_879672693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1959539_10152235711391070_879672693_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are not running, just chill and help out the others that are.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1796560_10152235825616070_1927039557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1796560_10152235825616070_1927039557_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the lovely Mercy.. she won a marathon in Taipei two weeks ago. Amazing to be in the company of someone so humble and yet so talented!</td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-10787233684874723562014-02-15T06:58:00.000+08:002014-02-15T06:58:34.286+08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRmqLQoUp6TkSr4GteVlqi7IMvDdwJSX2fwC8c9dgFRVn2IcNxEcdZKrJ3uu85MxGVXaEVoVQtgqQG4lt-ov1tcPlmdjSKZgoCJuDFxchvfZE0gSrhLcCbxjB343wB4ZuBy30cqsGGur_/s1600/IMG_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRmqLQoUp6TkSr4GteVlqi7IMvDdwJSX2fwC8c9dgFRVn2IcNxEcdZKrJ3uu85MxGVXaEVoVQtgqQG4lt-ov1tcPlmdjSKZgoCJuDFxchvfZE0gSrhLcCbxjB343wB4ZuBy30cqsGGur_/s1600/IMG_1801.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this photo on my morning run. The gardeners of Discovery Bay have obviously been planning for Valentines Day for sometime now!</td></tr>
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What did you get up to for Valentine's Day? We had a fab day, filled with lots of Valentine's love and all my favourite people!<br />
I started the day as a total tai-tai and got my nails done - I haven't done this for about 6 months. The girl doing my nails thought it was hilarious that anyone could go without a manicure for that long.<br />
In keeping with the spirit of the day, I chose the cutest ever love-heart theme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs9pruCbqi5ial3PFMiQvXKbU26jwsXBwHkH-N_KZheoPmw_b5YF50xzQXh08rVrfIJeqwMgfj2eFirH8ywYE8VgewgMeEqc1ucugW1A_Q6dZilcuUJWb4vUDRD5zOTqWdlO6L6tQvtNP/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs9pruCbqi5ial3PFMiQvXKbU26jwsXBwHkH-N_KZheoPmw_b5YF50xzQXh08rVrfIJeqwMgfj2eFirH8ywYE8VgewgMeEqc1ucugW1A_Q6dZilcuUJWb4vUDRD5zOTqWdlO6L6tQvtNP/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nails. Too cute! I was so excited</td></tr>
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Then I caught up with two of my best girlfriends for lunch. We lived in Shanghai together, and had babies there too. Now we all live here. It's so wonderful having enduring friendships like that when you are an expat. I don't know what I'd do without my girls!<br />
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Then it was time to be joined by our boys for some Valentine's cake and jumping on the trampoline to Avril Lavigne. So much fun! I honestly thought that being a stay-at-home mum would be like this everyday. While that may not be the case, it's days like this that make it worth it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVZuDKZ5xlmI4D_DgM7FL0cXwZZcwrPflfOXYCh4iMvKBxW_CKYxDIl5euG0-cY9K8ndGmHfD8Wa_2KhzyfXkHRll3i1pMFmvUVjW4ru_t5uUhKFPGdotIHlr88hiFKkEn9qBRbpXknnX/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVZuDKZ5xlmI4D_DgM7FL0cXwZZcwrPflfOXYCh4iMvKBxW_CKYxDIl5euG0-cY9K8ndGmHfD8Wa_2KhzyfXkHRll3i1pMFmvUVjW4ru_t5uUhKFPGdotIHlr88hiFKkEn9qBRbpXknnX/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys had a really hard time waiting to have cake so that they could have their photo taken. Look how happy they look knowing the treats they are about to receive!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwwo3c9aamLX67OeaQCS3HspFLE3Zt64nHmot7SvDUk1rz_IyFNjPTk2C4_Dx7Iu0EiKgPsCsRYVq2CT46EE2BzONmAKSkm8Eg_Yp4CGlcVpj696N359mkxIr5DW_hm8XnaYnUkb0UGIg/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwwo3c9aamLX67OeaQCS3HspFLE3Zt64nHmot7SvDUk1rz_IyFNjPTk2C4_Dx7Iu0EiKgPsCsRYVq2CT46EE2BzONmAKSkm8Eg_Yp4CGlcVpj696N359mkxIr5DW_hm8XnaYnUkb0UGIg/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much excitement!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1r_p55FG4Pc8A-56GsAEFITgbxL7RQFWzPi_XiXmfYyRsrcTn7EIa3dx0YvkSTqsz6um7NHF1JT0YjILXofbB5Cp_f8Aik97VFGfQTEX23jHr_ZnczoOWmTlLJN-dT1Pxe8h1libH2wt4/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1r_p55FG4Pc8A-56GsAEFITgbxL7RQFWzPi_XiXmfYyRsrcTn7EIa3dx0YvkSTqsz6um7NHF1JT0YjILXofbB5Cp_f8Aik97VFGfQTEX23jHr_ZnczoOWmTlLJN-dT1Pxe8h1libH2wt4/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much sugar!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N111OUp8ig0gUTm7oXFYCaftLG3qojHc9acxJDpT0uXiR0xeYcBgGYjfsg3rMwz847mSl8KU1ZPtHlkeGUP5smQOVf64csVwyBKnnTnJLGBlT_6O2eC1nv6TorOdA-3pWUSv-h1tz0Uw/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N111OUp8ig0gUTm7oXFYCaftLG3qojHc9acxJDpT0uXiR0xeYcBgGYjfsg3rMwz847mSl8KU1ZPtHlkeGUP5smQOVf64csVwyBKnnTnJLGBlT_6O2eC1nv6TorOdA-3pWUSv-h1tz0Uw/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much sugar means too much trouble for mums! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiOama71HslS2l74jeTkluXZVprmMT9qZoTGeygfbdEAjb7cNCy2LSA75Sg7SN-2ZtdOexiNIIDLhJ0C-Q1joJd3Dl-QfNNzmWFB9d1ceMFs9jKrPPyzXc0kRenGSpcrFLP6QtJIpnYzE/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiOama71HslS2l74jeTkluXZVprmMT9qZoTGeygfbdEAjb7cNCy2LSA75Sg7SN-2ZtdOexiNIIDLhJ0C-Q1joJd3Dl-QfNNzmWFB9d1ceMFs9jKrPPyzXc0kRenGSpcrFLP6QtJIpnYzE/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then we had a wolf and a crocodile jumping on the trampoline. I took the matching animal beanies to be a sign that the mums have great taste!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZR7Q71rqvTLZTRnmmNbwoYlvPJkBdRNzJXw0jXKrkgaIiiArKW_rPFwGT6y9ispQf-m9RTNol1YM97kdACfFsUr4v11QZYuxp_QQV08g8NiI8abTVEcD2_5PjA0Ehy1XtpAivTye08KF/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZR7Q71rqvTLZTRnmmNbwoYlvPJkBdRNzJXw0jXKrkgaIiiArKW_rPFwGT6y9ispQf-m9RTNol1YM97kdACfFsUr4v11QZYuxp_QQV08g8NiI8abTVEcD2_5PjA0Ehy1XtpAivTye08KF/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Total sugar high!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EFbny14YA-MXHjd6ejViBjP-vqjkPn23tMN0sGFYRCdDi2wM-aCAErRJkbfuHtGkilhV6cNZSJDCT_DACcHtk5_TCZHayk7fD8-DhrXqk5iLrjKJ_h4w9JQ3226E4Yj1kXlclerMSDhR/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EFbny14YA-MXHjd6ejViBjP-vqjkPn23tMN0sGFYRCdDi2wM-aCAErRJkbfuHtGkilhV6cNZSJDCT_DACcHtk5_TCZHayk7fD8-DhrXqk5iLrjKJ_h4w9JQ3226E4Yj1kXlclerMSDhR/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqnpbAWsEKlfbKblOeujQe9pQ43m4-jYIkHd4BDFIbIckelbNOLs8c8jkD9V7d_aq1_sIjguWeX8Gn6GiNQ6tnoxL9btUP_FRBnj-TriakHPJL-Hh8TArYl8nDBQmZHVx6DrVhC6mHU6q/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqnpbAWsEKlfbKblOeujQe9pQ43m4-jYIkHd4BDFIbIckelbNOLs8c8jkD9V7d_aq1_sIjguWeX8Gn6GiNQ6tnoxL9btUP_FRBnj-TriakHPJL-Hh8TArYl8nDBQmZHVx6DrVhC6mHU6q/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine's cuddle!</td></tr>
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Next, Henry and I called my Nana and his Great-Nana for her birthday. She turned 86! She said she got loads of cards, phone calls and had eaten so much cake that she was too full to eat any dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Mb9mU3EkxmOP1kOuDn8maNGnbC7yugxJ2LB-V2vkv9N_TWm_ZGW-1Ahk4564e-UruB0AaDOy69aeSGuJF7S_pjCjCV-jMLRLWvZD9Yme24l5hbUfB8RwTrchsUxVQAaVgQptrV4Ab1BA/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Mb9mU3EkxmOP1kOuDn8maNGnbC7yugxJ2LB-V2vkv9N_TWm_ZGW-1Ahk4564e-UruB0AaDOy69aeSGuJF7S_pjCjCV-jMLRLWvZD9Yme24l5hbUfB8RwTrchsUxVQAaVgQptrV4Ab1BA/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me with my Valentine, blowing kisses to my Nana. </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlijR3ULUXFCZ-GxCfrX1FhDGoOCKT9WxmaHiHRibQfwjjsVBkkHMALJQLvSKCtIad_wHXuVYQ7appmX9Riwu1rLLcN9ADxWCQ4dbWySg77bynKQj518LRuEQ6oK-bM9eXP1LvwZcpahq/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlijR3ULUXFCZ-GxCfrX1FhDGoOCKT9WxmaHiHRibQfwjjsVBkkHMALJQLvSKCtIad_wHXuVYQ7appmX9Riwu1rLLcN9ADxWCQ4dbWySg77bynKQj518LRuEQ6oK-bM9eXP1LvwZcpahq/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Finally, Lachlan came home and cooked us dinner. Henry got stuck into the garlic butter snails. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_r41LvPM4Z1GKV9nhIXC-yc096Or4EKYZGkVLgPjy9uFmfNh9s5Iy7F9u07sYQK4TQ5s6OGXX3i57TVAGNR7fAD2PZ0ZQS5GHfhRim4uy7O9L1HmTWoaPgDErIwCt5jqcb61pDdLHfqi/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_r41LvPM4Z1GKV9nhIXC-yc096Or4EKYZGkVLgPjy9uFmfNh9s5Iy7F9u07sYQK4TQ5s6OGXX3i57TVAGNR7fAD2PZ0ZQS5GHfhRim4uy7O9L1HmTWoaPgDErIwCt5jqcb61pDdLHfqi/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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What a great day! So much fun!<br />
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-31382221104707910512014-02-14T06:19:00.000+08:002014-02-14T06:19:01.918+08:00Beautiful Sydney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We've just returned home from 10 days in Sydney. We rented an apartment on the beach in Bondi, and the weather the absolutely idyllic. It was certainly hard coming back to Hong Kong's coldest winter for a very long time, especially knowing that we own a house at Bondi - right near the beach.<br />
When we were there, I had visions of Henry and I going for swims at the amazing 50 metre ocean pool <a href="http://icebergs.com.au/">Iceberg</a>s in the morning, and hanging out with a coffee at the Grassy Knoll in the afternoons. Bliss!<br />
But the best part about Sydney, (apart from seeing all our wonderful mates), was the running.<br />
There are so many incredible runs - along the ocean cliff walk, around Centennial Park, through Dover Heights and Watsons Bay. It's so beautiful that I'm sure you could never be bored. I've come to the conclusion that there is no excuse for not being a professional athlete if you live in Sydney.<br />
Of course, it pays to remember that visiting is very different to living somewhere, and that when you do live somewhere, it's not always summertime.<br />
Here are a few photos that I took on my runs. I had to stop myself from constantly stopping to take pictures. Clearly I've been living in Asia too long!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0S77OfQ4uhhq8OkR3pFMOQhkDlf-IZ7ljLi1aa4rrC9hSLsmbN-XJjdruOHPIlRFvjwZ8ElAOrb_GqD72tkeixvUpOiS87Vgl9lAvldBPE8g7HI0sRea6kzFeisQgM8vySq_JDwUjxnd0/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0S77OfQ4uhhq8OkR3pFMOQhkDlf-IZ7ljLi1aa4rrC9hSLsmbN-XJjdruOHPIlRFvjwZ8ElAOrb_GqD72tkeixvUpOiS87Vgl9lAvldBPE8g7HI0sRea6kzFeisQgM8vySq_JDwUjxnd0/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bondi! My first run - pretty incredible to be greeted by this view. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ30ql_GyK2WzyO_irI27buMzqBhWgmgJlNkrMIq-Xby1OLcCcfixyzDxKVuHei2QesCl0pgXcPEtTdubYJSRB2pqP3XUIDhSmEDmVJrONYBDo03hRADbYDIL6l0RmVGyA8Hm_fMKEv4Vr/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ30ql_GyK2WzyO_irI27buMzqBhWgmgJlNkrMIq-Xby1OLcCcfixyzDxKVuHei2QesCl0pgXcPEtTdubYJSRB2pqP3XUIDhSmEDmVJrONYBDo03hRADbYDIL6l0RmVGyA8Hm_fMKEv4Vr/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0C3S55pYcJmVFg9UJxMlb-pSc7uwABdtXeeNio1iH0r0DjfyB_zHX4ydnO59mVCNE0qpekt4gB1o0uXY3-feXgQGh40yAMOFtqMwESZEAJxbcLmDBbFKm_x6v9DjkH2FD8T1xthJJul2/s1600/IMG_1599+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0C3S55pYcJmVFg9UJxMlb-pSc7uwABdtXeeNio1iH0r0DjfyB_zHX4ydnO59mVCNE0qpekt4gB1o0uXY3-feXgQGh40yAMOFtqMwESZEAJxbcLmDBbFKm_x6v9DjkH2FD8T1xthJJul2/s1600/IMG_1599+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to be out running</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tXyLuvq3ZItq9XdBgERVvfVLISO0LQ0Jp8ws93mUoST7iVwvPmPgyZ0Rn7iVSBxYBjsT8JbNxFumELHqJX2bZ97rVHxd6SKaDJmMawYs_0U9ZvpLWZ0O19mxcSdVC4C8ZI1N5rUF08FH/s1600/IMG_1610+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tXyLuvq3ZItq9XdBgERVvfVLISO0LQ0Jp8ws93mUoST7iVwvPmPgyZ0Rn7iVSBxYBjsT8JbNxFumELHqJX2bZ97rVHxd6SKaDJmMawYs_0U9ZvpLWZ0O19mxcSdVC4C8ZI1N5rUF08FH/s1600/IMG_1610+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one beautiful ocean pool - Bronte<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk45WE9Tq6Xg_68JaNg1Hlb83qov6itOLCAWPl0G5ugFIPpWKs7xHi6TYNDKbQ2WjglkG2OOIW14PglH8qUa5NKr8gxc0VRNxfc8joWa3c5O_RfKIHiBe3Mn6g3OXHxQ40mNDPiAtZNXF/s1600/IMG_1612+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk45WE9Tq6Xg_68JaNg1Hlb83qov6itOLCAWPl0G5ugFIPpWKs7xHi6TYNDKbQ2WjglkG2OOIW14PglH8qUa5NKr8gxc0VRNxfc8joWa3c5O_RfKIHiBe3Mn6g3OXHxQ40mNDPiAtZNXF/s1600/IMG_1612+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVxNO6gisOiSmBGjssb57-vzC1yOn0WbPkUJ1J8GsagbaYHslq8ZORf9WPuiN3LY0ZN4VfeXgF_sTPug9mygCkY3VXnHSvl2dtToa5Afm6mZwnm79ue6Snjnk9vyg-9_hep0BbZCmNYg1/s1600/IMG_1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVxNO6gisOiSmBGjssb57-vzC1yOn0WbPkUJ1J8GsagbaYHslq8ZORf9WPuiN3LY0ZN4VfeXgF_sTPug9mygCkY3VXnHSvl2dtToa5Afm6mZwnm79ue6Snjnk9vyg-9_hep0BbZCmNYg1/s1600/IMG_1614.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine running along this path everyday. Incredible!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the city fro Dover Heights. Even on a cloudy day, it's still pretty impressive</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the swell - it was hard to not stop and watch the surfers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I could do that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite places in the whole world; Bondi's "grassy knoll"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's just like Baywatch only better; Bondi lifeguards, you can rescue me anytime. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you do get sick of the beach, there's always multiple cross-country options in the park. On this particular run, I did the outside loop which is around 8.5km of soft, grassy surfaces. Running heaven!</td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-66483794244438583752014-01-28T13:48:00.000+08:002014-01-28T13:48:16.219+08:00Welcome Back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear readers,<br />
I've had a few weeks away from blogging. I also had a few weeks away from running. 2013 was a somewhat stressful and crazy year for us and I was feeling burnt out and exhausted.<br />
In 2013, Lachlan, Henry and I moved from Shanghai to Hong Kong. While the life is a lot better for our family in Hong Kong, it was not an easy move and there are still a lot of things we miss about Shanghai. In particular, Shanghai's diversity is hard to beat. While it's a lot easier living in Hong Kong on a day-to-day basis, it's certainly not as rich or fulfilling an experience - I can't step out the door and everyday learn something new. And again, I <i>really </i>miss our friends. There is nothing like the bonding experience of having your first baby in mainland China. I met so many amazing people (other mums, my bosses at <i><a href="http://www.spinbackfitness.com/">Spinback Fitness</a>, </i>our driver Xiao Yu, Ayi and my Chinese teacher Cathy)<i> </i> and so saying goodbye was hard. I still miss these people terribly!<br />
Making the adjustment to living in a new city was not easy. Starting all over again, for the second time in two years was also not easy.<br />
I also made the decision to return to part-time work. This was a lot more challenging than I had hoped. Having very little work experience in Hong Kong, trying to break into a market where there is practically no concept of part-time work was demoralising. However, watch this space! I have secured a few writing gigs that I'm really excited about, and I have other plans I'm looking forward to sharing with you.<br />
I also ran three marathons - in Nagano, <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/09/my-berlin-marathon-race-report.html">Berlin</a> and <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/12/fubon-taipei-marathon-race-report.html">Taipei.</a> As you all know, I LOVE running, but training for a marathon certainly takes its toll. By the 15 December, I felt worn out and my body was sore.<br />
And Lachlan travelled <i>a lot.</i> This was not always easy - for any of us. While it's wonderful to have this amazing expat experience, it does at times come at a price.<br />
I felt I needed a little break.<br />
However, I've had the chance to refresh and re-prioritise. While I may not blog everyday (it was becoming a little obsessive) I'll still have tonnes of great things to share with you. I love hearing your comments and sharing our adventures. 2014 is going to be bigger than ever!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/74914_457411907652768_1206103777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/74914_457411907652768_1206103777_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This time last year we took my baby sister to the Harbin Ice Festival. It got down to minus 30 degrees celsius. It was so cold, and I HATE the cold. It's hard to believe how much has happened since then!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry and his best buddy in Shanghai. These two had plans to get married in Uruguay. We miss her (and her mum) so much!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/539779_10151571986511070_864195968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/539779_10151571986511070_864195968_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is when we first arrived in Hong Kong; our house in Stanley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1098261_10151778187366070_57576106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1098261_10151778187366070_57576106_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then we moved to Disco Bay. It's the first time I've ever moved house by ferry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family holiday to Hawaii. I am happy to be flown in an 8 seater plan by <i>this</i> pilot any day. He was a total rockstar! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were so lucky to have my brother Eddie and his lovely girlfriend Sunny visit us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1098160_10151792024081070_311809233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1098160_10151792024081070_311809233_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The star of <i>Dim Sum and Long Runs</i> - exhausted after swimming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/544734_10151578329401070_1369999476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/544734_10151578329401070_1369999476_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart melts; he was so proud of himself in his soccer uniform.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/998401_10151753496746070_269696285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/998401_10151753496746070_269696285_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin the stay-at-home-mum gig; here are the Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird cakes that I made for Henry's 2nd birthday.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/557686_10151849205571070_1287831770_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/557686_10151849205571070_1287831770_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing dress-ups in the backyard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/422089_10201154076320921_1956332596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/422089_10201154076320921_1956332596_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start of Nagano Marathon, April 2013. This was not a happy day. We'd moved to Hong Kong three weeks before, I was so injured I was having trouble walking let alone running, and then the night before the race temperatures dropped to minus 8 degrees celsius. Did I mention I hate the cold? It snowed the entire race!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/995039_10151696326466070_218222822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/995039_10151696326466070_218222822_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first race in Hong Kong with the KipMovin team!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/1470234_10201669443512330_1227816770_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/1470234_10201669443512330_1227816770_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my other Hong Kong family; us Team Italia girls like it up on the podium!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZrJDAdlYP-LEFi-7JordFgSSnceMwHMH1qvj53ofPhP0o34OXz-Vs3_iP2eGFHSoq8iRSl7PYZFYDMYsnJbuti0YRiKzPQqeZFngnK__IwOXkJ2pS9MTPwNqmdSotpXA-H1Z2-hjCTZy/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZrJDAdlYP-LEFi-7JordFgSSnceMwHMH1qvj53ofPhP0o34OXz-Vs3_iP2eGFHSoq8iRSl7PYZFYDMYsnJbuti0YRiKzPQqeZFngnK__IwOXkJ2pS9MTPwNqmdSotpXA-H1Z2-hjCTZy/s1600/photo.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race misery and pain in Berlin.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1509016_10152080638816070_736973717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1509016_10152080638816070_736973717_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of Taipei Marathon: a much happier day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p206x206/999921_10152111976811070_1976180884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p206x206/999921_10152111976811070_1976180884_n.jpg" width="479" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve Normandy Style: We know how to party!</td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-14028687262286833892014-01-04T00:35:00.001+08:002014-01-04T00:35:20.208+08:00How to run a sub 2.50 marathon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Because in the not-too-distant future I would like to run a sub 2.50 (or quicker than that even) marathon, I thought it might be useful to put together a guide on how to do so.<br />
Of course, this is something I am yet to achieve, so just like medical advice that is given by a lawyer. this information is not to be relied upon. Quite the contrary, my best time for the marathon so far is 2.59 which I ran in <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/09/my-berlin-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a> in September 2013. More recently, I ran 3.02 in <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/12/fubon-taipei-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Taipei</a> in December 2013. As such, if anything, perhaps you'd be better not only not relying on what I say, but instead advising me on how to achieve my dream.<br />
Of course, being a runner, I know quite a few people who run <i>a lot</i> faster than 2.50. For example, my coach, Thomas in his debut marathon ran 2.21. He has since run faster, but I feel even his debut time is not something to be sneezed at.<br />
Similarly, I have lots of friends in Hong Kong, including female friends who've smashed the 2.50 mark. Needless to say, they are my idols.<br />
As such, while my coach and running colleagues are great sources of information, because I am right now in rural France, I have had to rely on the very informative internet as to how to achieve this dream.<br />
Fortunately, there are both a ton of people who've run sub 2.50, and in addition, a ton of those people have written guides on how to do so yourself.<br />
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Here are some of the best;<br />
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1. <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Don't go the wrong way</span>; this seems like a good tip. 42.2km is far enough to run! Another good tip from the same <a href="http://www.runningandstuff.com/blog/2011/4/4/a-guide-to-marathon-awesomeness.html" target="_blank">blog</a> is to <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">be confident</span>. For example, you should start by trying to psych out your competition before the gun goes so that you beat them;<br />
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<li>Doing some really weird stretches that no one has ever seen before</li>
<li>Putting your Garmin around your ankle</li>
<li>Going up to people and saying “well obviously you know who I am, what is your name?”</li>
<li>Gregorian Chanting</li>
</ul>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">I must confess, I've been guilty of this kind of "psyching out" behaviour - at least in 10km races. Loudly and brashly asking those around me what the course record is, and saying I thought I could smash it, certainly got me a few funny looks. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">Another good psych out tip to use during ironman race briefings is to put up your hand when the questions section comes up, and ask, "what do you get when you win?"</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">2. Stop being such a sissy (ok, I paraphrased that, but in essence this seems to be the underlying message from <a href="http://www.rundreamachieve.com/key-to-fast-marathon/" target="_blank">this blog</a>). The writer goes on to say that, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(Running fast) can be taught regardless what ability level you are currently at but you have to understand, people who do things at the elite level aren’t any more special than you. I want to be very clear with this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The difference lies in their attention span not diminishing in the face of adversity. Do you want to know the difference?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">What you think of as pain, elite athletes think of as pleasure. You switch those two mindsets and you will be well on your way to do drastic improvement in your marathon times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">I've got to say, I'm not sure that I entirely agree with this. I kind of think that actually Paula and Kara and all the other female elites who are sponsored by Nike and the rest, are actually a bit more special than me. They </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">possess</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 26px;"> an </span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px;">innate</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 26px;"><span style="color: #222222;"> natural ability that I just don't. I'm sure they also train a hell of a lot harder, but there is still no accounting for talent. Still, I guess it could just be that I'm weak in the head and need to </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">toughen up</span><span style="color: #222222;">. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. High volume - do it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The way I ran 2.59 marathon was with high volume. However looking back I'm sure I did way too much and in turn went in to the Marathon very tired, just scrapping through under 3hrs! It was a disgusting pain from about 16miles and I think the only reason I did it was because for some reason I've never been so determined!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">While<a href="http://beyondendurancerh.blogspot.fr/2011/12/my-views-on-running-sub-3hr-marathon.html" target="_blank"> this blogger</a> only got to 2.59, I think the principal still stands. Essentially, it sounds like he might have run even faster if he wasn't exhausted. I think the real tip to take from this is </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">don't get exhausted. </span>I'm not sure how to achieve this though. It's a little like saying, "don't get injured". Of course, you can do things to prevent either scenario, but you certainly can't guarantee it won't happen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">4. Don't do too much volume and </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">stay relaxed.</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">You simply have to believe the advice of 2.31 marathoner, 2.59 ironman marathoner and Spinervals GOD </span><a href="http://www.coachtroy.com/public/605.cfm" style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Troy Jacobson</a><span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;"> if for no reason other than that, when it comes to riding the indoor trainer, he's <i>the man.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">One of his goals was to run a sub 3 hour marathon off the bike in ironman (i.e after a 3.8km swim, and 180km) . Having run very close to 3 hours several times in an ironman, he thought it would be easy. He discovered he was wrong. (Really? No way!) It took him quite a few attempts to break the 3 hour mark. He gives great tips on getting your already relatively speedy marathon time down, and importantly, tips that help shave off those crucial last few minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Some of my favourites are to stay relaxed and keep the bounce in your step. My coach is always on at me to stay relaxed, even when I'm about to vomit, Thomas is like, "relax Jane, relax". Haha. I find in a marathon if I relax, I stop. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Though I get </span><a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/09/pre-race-rituals-what-not-to-do.html" style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">pretty nervous pre-race</a><span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">, I'm not the only person pre-race that doesn't feel relaxed. For example, at the start-line of </span><a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/09/my-berlin-marathon-race-report.html" style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Berlin marathon</a><span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">, a guy next to me retied his shoelaces about twenty times. He was shaking badly as he did so. While I felt sorry for him, it also helped me feel a bit netter knowing that I'm not the only one who gets nervous. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">5. </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Don't vomit and keep your clothes on.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">These are very good tips. Especially since they were given in the context of what to do - or what not to do - on the start line. If you have time to read it, this is </span><a href="http://msfitrunner.com/?p=6023" style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">a great guide</a><span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;"> by an inspiring mum who ran a 2.48 marathon (my dream for this year!) I especially like that her makeup still seems intact at the end of the race. Talk about <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/09/racing-like-lady.html" target="_blank">racing like a lady</a>! Or maybe her cheeks are just rosy, either-way, she looks pretty fresh. Inspiring, and makes you think that it's possible if you work hard enough. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">In summary, <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">it's very simple to run a sub 2.50 marathon;</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Go the right way while not vomiting on yourself (easier said than done);</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Run a lot but not too much;</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Stay relaxed while you embrace the pain. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">Having this information, I can't believe I haven't run sub 2.50 already. Now to just start training.... </span><a href="http://cdn.jockular.com/assets/images/2012/03/4f50fa6ad61b1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 26px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://cdn.jockular.com/assets/images/2012/03/4f50fa6ad61b1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For more hilarious motivational marathon signs, try <a href="http://www.someecards.com/2013/06/17/the-worlds-least-motivational-marathon-signs/page/2" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br />
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-58773949356633329522014-01-01T23:13:00.002+08:002014-01-01T23:13:51.081+08:00So ghetto <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This time last year, Lachlan, Henry and I spent our first Christmas in our house in wet and windy Normandy. Lachlan thought that he was being hilarious when one day he came back from the shops, having spent a not inconsiderable sum of money on an adidas tracky for Henry.<br />
To put it politely, Henry looked like a bogan. At least he fit in with the locals!<br />
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This year, Santa went one better.<br />
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Check it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6a7CJiyMa_yJ1HdO5iIGXET-ikt-t_ISf8p6nNNfHVltPS0wCM_uVXo4TrCHkPz_jO4UQBMy3LEL0yVi3f35eikfUhqozUvzSOi4NJ_B6TvxAszKXkAjEI1vHHsyc4POV9XZl44B4BKQ/s1600/IMG_1899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6a7CJiyMa_yJ1HdO5iIGXET-ikt-t_ISf8p6nNNfHVltPS0wCM_uVXo4TrCHkPz_jO4UQBMy3LEL0yVi3f35eikfUhqozUvzSOi4NJ_B6TvxAszKXkAjEI1vHHsyc4POV9XZl44B4BKQ/s640/IMG_1899.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3m_Z4FW7MXn9e6L0B3i5t64bCHblrG64cVSVc_bcq3heqjGwdRRQvjgivowzcBaNIN8upoCZmkmJVmQIc-YKrLn0DovU5VpmyrwvwpAKJictQqtB5TI9ab9cAClYeVZ3eP1UUtMNvtHs/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3m_Z4FW7MXn9e6L0B3i5t64bCHblrG64cVSVc_bcq3heqjGwdRRQvjgivowzcBaNIN8upoCZmkmJVmQIc-YKrLn0DovU5VpmyrwvwpAKJictQqtB5TI9ab9cAClYeVZ3eP1UUtMNvtHs/s640/IMG_1902.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in French fashion, you may also like<br />
<a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/10/the-chic-ladies-guide-to-shopping-in.html" target="_blank">Shopping in rural France</a>, and <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/10/camembert-and-fashion-henry-turns-french.html" target="_blank">Henry's take on French fashion</a><br />
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-25230370975217315122014-01-01T00:20:00.000+08:002014-01-01T00:20:05.661+08:00Happy New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy New Year all!<br />
What are you up to?<br />
I know lots of interesting people in lots of interesting places are doing some really cool things!<br />
My friends from Shanghai - Jon and Jen - are getting married in the UK. Have a GREAT one guys!<br />
My friend <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.fr/2013/11/the-life-and-wife-of-professional.html" target="_blank">Lisa</a> is 8.5 months pregnant in WA. I don't envy you Lis, but it will all be worth it. Good luck and thinking of you!<br />
My friend Jordana in Sydney has a balcony to to watch the fireworks.<br />
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My friend Kate in Hong Kong is celebrating with pie... I like that idea!<br />
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My brother Edward went surfing at Bells Beach. Looks amazing!<br />
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Lachlan, Henry and I went to Ikea in Rennes in rural France. Henry loved it because we hired a truck. Lachlan liked the hotdog, but was less impressed by the overall adventure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating chocolate brioche, loving the truck ride!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry tried to steal this dog from Ikea. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good hotdog, bad trip?</td></tr>
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Now, we are back at our house in Normandy. It is wet and cold and it's going to be a <i>very </i>quite celebration here. We will celebrate with champagne, and I'm home-making aioli and bouillabaisse. Because of the time difference, we've already seen midnight in Hong Kong. That will have to be enough because I don't think we will see midnight in France!<div>
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Have a Happy New Year all! </div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-2793444020856306562013-12-31T01:14:00.001+08:002013-12-31T01:14:35.232+08:00Our Amsterdam adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear readers, loyal followers; I've been on a blogging hiatus, celebrating Christmas in Amsterdam.<br />
I hope you have been having a great Christmas break! Lachlan, Henry and I had a wonderful Amsterdam adventure. I love this city!<br />
On Christmas day, despite neither Lachlan or I being religious, we decided to take Henry to a Christmas Church service. I must say, I had a great time belting out Christmas carols and sharing in the spirit of the day with so many others. Though Henry slept through most of the service, he enjoyed the bits that he was awake for!<br />
We followed this by a non-convetional Christmas lunch of toasted Turkey sandwiches and apple cake, which were absolutely delicious. We then had an amazing 5 course Christmas dinner. Henry was happy as he got to eat his favourite spaghetti bolognese and then promptly slept through the rest of the meal. It meant Lachlan and I could enjoy a proper night out - well as much as you can with a sleeping toddler in tow.<br />
All in all, an excellent Christmas and an excellent week spent in one of my favourite cities of the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 hours into the 15 hour plane trip; we flew through the day, had about 3 hours sleep between all three of us, and Henry was an angel! I'm not sure who had kidnapped my son!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE shopping in Amsterdam!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jet-lagged and cross!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amsterdam Christmas Markets!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTajmBnxFhyphenhyphenjj_GP9XKuOGeqhTgOwSs-zEjBcjt_zmC8fydlqaoC9Ge_gCQxH696QaVjkkIGlLfDLmQs7bjUs6dP5yvcbONUxp1LxGiKY8r2f7KV3y0Xg2UiGZcmkPQ_Pm9uOXJ9rtDe4F/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTajmBnxFhyphenhyphenjj_GP9XKuOGeqhTgOwSs-zEjBcjt_zmC8fydlqaoC9Ge_gCQxH696QaVjkkIGlLfDLmQs7bjUs6dP5yvcbONUxp1LxGiKY8r2f7KV3y0Xg2UiGZcmkPQ_Pm9uOXJ9rtDe4F/s640/IMG_1038.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry's new thing; in freezing cold weather he insists on "no jacket!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stumbled upon an organic food market with live music. It was so cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc78zfsc_HB9LDMxIY5bDSGpJsWa-0-hzUFtzqWOL5wiwgzO1CsvL0eRVppg_jeid8HDPHevGdqAAv0yjxuMLJeS4fzmax5yKUAtzT2Ds9feXKwgGQU8oEFcGUhz-sj2fw5Y4m5EH_OnEu/s1600/IMG_1054+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc78zfsc_HB9LDMxIY5bDSGpJsWa-0-hzUFtzqWOL5wiwgzO1CsvL0eRVppg_jeid8HDPHevGdqAAv0yjxuMLJeS4fzmax5yKUAtzT2Ds9feXKwgGQU8oEFcGUhz-sj2fw5Y4m5EH_OnEu/s640/IMG_1054+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Amsterdam's famous Christmas circus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry is enjoying sleeping through the circus </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_8ApP2xihMK9QRukI3mvOAKUEuGEVJujH_9TjdIbZ5yLZh1BF4ztFHSOiYLZZ4_OyIOeGG5cn6SudNqw3-Cpf5q8f1rMPOllN5BsZTKac_UNJIKHX-y80Iquv02VlUdzy8A34i9yFETi/s1600/IMG_1069+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_8ApP2xihMK9QRukI3mvOAKUEuGEVJujH_9TjdIbZ5yLZh1BF4ztFHSOiYLZZ4_OyIOeGG5cn6SudNqw3-Cpf5q8f1rMPOllN5BsZTKac_UNJIKHX-y80Iquv02VlUdzy8A34i9yFETi/s640/IMG_1069+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry insisted that the left picture was of Lachlan, the right of me. Can you see the similarities? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYyMRhV_x4Q3hfAg-XzJgqT1I5gSoLZ_9ikc32JzzYYCpXI6prCXm6_JzPMaz3RwAAD9v-M0enGLqAz_9-N4oYzLmxrgIEphwPPfKwkdGBj8RY-H0UmZIwJtm70n76DPSxWfbFjKn1ME-/s1600/IMG_1083+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYyMRhV_x4Q3hfAg-XzJgqT1I5gSoLZ_9ikc32JzzYYCpXI6prCXm6_JzPMaz3RwAAD9v-M0enGLqAz_9-N4oYzLmxrgIEphwPPfKwkdGBj8RY-H0UmZIwJtm70n76DPSxWfbFjKn1ME-/s640/IMG_1083+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Moeders restaurant. We first went here when Henry was 8 weeks old. That first meal was a lot more peaceful! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H2HJ4lzdPB28o9Sgng_kD87eBeT0ki-aDeTeHwZF2SDn7m9HcFR8tJQBEj7Y3RnaBc-XkKnzUA9AG4AGDAjuBS_i19AcVligdfmSQpsZhvGtkxR8Mnr1Wl6SJvkbAiTuzMzQM_KHtblz/s1600/IMG_1012+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H2HJ4lzdPB28o9Sgng_kD87eBeT0ki-aDeTeHwZF2SDn7m9HcFR8tJQBEj7Y3RnaBc-XkKnzUA9AG4AGDAjuBS_i19AcVligdfmSQpsZhvGtkxR8Mnr1Wl6SJvkbAiTuzMzQM_KHtblz/s640/IMG_1012+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stedljik Museum - Amsterdam's modern art museum. Henry thought this was a picture of him. The typical reaction of a self-obsessed 2 year old!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Di-27keVer4B8kYyz1a2n59DXFTKEFfZEmoD3c4VoEf-oHR84rS-765rA4RGSI7V35Z4XGrQsySa3qkjYK9PMqxxwK6kommCaT6wb8E2Hl1OPC0L0GfpyXOsrT1LrTgItst-hZvzvJ8/s1600/IMG_1014+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Di-27keVer4B8kYyz1a2n59DXFTKEFfZEmoD3c4VoEf-oHR84rS-765rA4RGSI7V35Z4XGrQsySa3qkjYK9PMqxxwK6kommCaT6wb8E2Hl1OPC0L0GfpyXOsrT1LrTgItst-hZvzvJ8/s640/IMG_1014+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry getting amongst the art </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTN_VDLMVrA3eIxNurFl_9cRFMHN9KA2whle0_SgKFPln7qNQOvE01GV7tZ6MNgTAwnGIMwQJNuvDSpmcmzVhPHwuwKMQgZ3P6OoNF9XvGdxZ5ohWzF7_LD4P-GXtBm2rykI4XueT9yh-/s1600/IMG_1019+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTN_VDLMVrA3eIxNurFl_9cRFMHN9KA2whle0_SgKFPln7qNQOvE01GV7tZ6MNgTAwnGIMwQJNuvDSpmcmzVhPHwuwKMQgZ3P6OoNF9XvGdxZ5ohWzF7_LD4P-GXtBm2rykI4XueT9yh-/s640/IMG_1019+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCRkI7gZFzYUFVMjkqlmkMO6F61om7shjjbAiRGEWvTmf7B3ib30gbEXs92NfFJf4P_Bhz2YC1rxyPa1htrOdvzBnh2SVRoRxHPDdVQWoBI5a-5km4qY8Buuvv1kFoiZa1SPRJLJnhldJ/s1600/IMG_1021+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCRkI7gZFzYUFVMjkqlmkMO6F61om7shjjbAiRGEWvTmf7B3ib30gbEXs92NfFJf4P_Bhz2YC1rxyPa1htrOdvzBnh2SVRoRxHPDdVQWoBI5a-5km4qY8Buuvv1kFoiZa1SPRJLJnhldJ/s640/IMG_1021+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a kid who does not like the cold.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yU-ff0a0e5MSHDkRKBPf2rAguVt1QUKsaULpQvB70eYPPOoFHv46nYtkUZdnnZAAI0khwzhGT0BUrvYAIBX5vNJ4gMQ7xdPCqnJIgRIfDrPHws81eS7xHbSj7COdNaBn_88T1rem_CSJ/s1600/IMG_1091+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yU-ff0a0e5MSHDkRKBPf2rAguVt1QUKsaULpQvB70eYPPOoFHv46nYtkUZdnnZAAI0khwzhGT0BUrvYAIBX5vNJ4gMQ7xdPCqnJIgRIfDrPHws81eS7xHbSj7COdNaBn_88T1rem_CSJ/s640/IMG_1091+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After our third attempt, Henry and I FINALLY made it to the Van Gogh museum. It only took us 2.5 years!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr2h_DfbP781yfNLqInl0J4NfhoSQErSXJhUPOBOVXkzC9uqCEOmGkoVNZIwqQRXeViptFkYEXhyphenhyphenki_yv_dXGaN3XB415qYJROSq6ebGvcb2g4a5Cvwm-L0Pen1prPReN3YWmaSoB6TQk/s1600/IMG_1092+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr2h_DfbP781yfNLqInl0J4NfhoSQErSXJhUPOBOVXkzC9uqCEOmGkoVNZIwqQRXeViptFkYEXhyphenhyphenki_yv_dXGaN3XB415qYJROSq6ebGvcb2g4a5Cvwm-L0Pen1prPReN3YWmaSoB6TQk/s640/IMG_1092+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHBlJsfSw3my66IcffUq00PnkmngtKj71QiWYOIFE7WC-buX37JIngV5BMTb5d5BDxknOByFe5tdDmMALYnaxZ6y_vHt_WpXrJRb-Bi0CVTKcSzjT9FfuNgKynIxvuc6hfnkwZjwNiBY_/s1600/IMG_1106+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHBlJsfSw3my66IcffUq00PnkmngtKj71QiWYOIFE7WC-buX37JIngV5BMTb5d5BDxknOByFe5tdDmMALYnaxZ6y_vHt_WpXrJRb-Bi0CVTKcSzjT9FfuNgKynIxvuc6hfnkwZjwNiBY_/s640/IMG_1106+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part about museums? The cafe of course!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3jMXwxGu07yFm10GZKlXM5i5lKlknn_1MrR0qOFNs4AWjYzL10XfeTSqYGsMAFBtDusyq-tk8UeeW0b2OBUOp2iSaotURjhm5h7QyNlVEv1Vh6wrNmwEyWYNYM-CCXa5yZ4_HFcFXiPy/s1600/IMG_1117+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3jMXwxGu07yFm10GZKlXM5i5lKlknn_1MrR0qOFNs4AWjYzL10XfeTSqYGsMAFBtDusyq-tk8UeeW0b2OBUOp2iSaotURjhm5h7QyNlVEv1Vh6wrNmwEyWYNYM-CCXa5yZ4_HFcFXiPy/s640/IMG_1117+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free to run after the boring museum. Right after this photo, Henry fell face-first into the mud. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoJ2m-zhvVGOthM7IRo4UEp2a7kqjZ7NvEQ9i0tLb1GnXF-67_DjPD79m1IAF8V97mPokx-ax7KS1wTSjE-T6XVeDlkuwap1WynFu3vX6VTsRc1pxC-NsdnvjdlpRx3YVcyJNmYe1NBpE/s1600/IMG_1120+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoJ2m-zhvVGOthM7IRo4UEp2a7kqjZ7NvEQ9i0tLb1GnXF-67_DjPD79m1IAF8V97mPokx-ax7KS1wTSjE-T6XVeDlkuwap1WynFu3vX6VTsRc1pxC-NsdnvjdlpRx3YVcyJNmYe1NBpE/s640/IMG_1120+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmSYZOZL8Wv-QglXUO4jowIngTs3Aes-nEovsHLb_fe5C-bE7sjQkvcqQ_iuKUvxs0pYHdr20hjHqh6_UTka_Q7bpxJKH0ecI90_sQzoy59in50EU237xt2_5ftUJMoWT_bPWqfTYT1NH/s1600/IMG_1126+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmSYZOZL8Wv-QglXUO4jowIngTs3Aes-nEovsHLb_fe5C-bE7sjQkvcqQ_iuKUvxs0pYHdr20hjHqh6_UTka_Q7bpxJKH0ecI90_sQzoy59in50EU237xt2_5ftUJMoWT_bPWqfTYT1NH/s640/IMG_1126+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tram rides; much more fun than boring museums! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvmMes9UEacWRmA3pJkNklg9JL22aE65y5GSJu-1PMs4Uf3tok5vQ2-XxxUpOsdy0rLb7tC_T-fKAwxQTrUkgTLiSpyaEc8yKvh1r9Ks9iWYO2fY_qdEcAbfVJIU_nu2haqyUT8gIOGMM/s1600/IMG_1127+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvmMes9UEacWRmA3pJkNklg9JL22aE65y5GSJu-1PMs4Uf3tok5vQ2-XxxUpOsdy0rLb7tC_T-fKAwxQTrUkgTLiSpyaEc8yKvh1r9Ks9iWYO2fY_qdEcAbfVJIU_nu2haqyUT8gIOGMM/s640/IMG_1127+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry insisted on a photo in front of the Christmas tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin511DBHUN8_AzJqJ8YfjwCVptSZWWjVh3-kRZRZDh05R61ebptIJqiOdJ2aHv0BiZx_ekxdkHwzIDN3iRfYA1WqPIjSsIJEZK5XceXzjkHp3gxaeQX27Jp59Yte99G2Ic04swdFtcVHtc/s1600/IMG_1138+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin511DBHUN8_AzJqJ8YfjwCVptSZWWjVh3-kRZRZDh05R61ebptIJqiOdJ2aHv0BiZx_ekxdkHwzIDN3iRfYA1WqPIjSsIJEZK5XceXzjkHp3gxaeQX27Jp59Yte99G2Ic04swdFtcVHtc/s640/IMG_1138+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And he insisted on multiple photos in Santa's sleigh. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEmv4Ro1ZNAjZ6zTPsdxrSe1qitS37t_L0PhHGQG1osU5F1LsxMyC3msu_iKHsIi_XXvn0x1nTEyBJe1MJUPxteMnTpZe4ZCb9P_tvSOdIy-BOZkcHBEHyMfF8I6b9vHPJ8s6UkKoRs3q/s1600/IMG_1146+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEmv4Ro1ZNAjZ6zTPsdxrSe1qitS37t_L0PhHGQG1osU5F1LsxMyC3msu_iKHsIi_XXvn0x1nTEyBJe1MJUPxteMnTpZe4ZCb9P_tvSOdIy-BOZkcHBEHyMfF8I6b9vHPJ8s6UkKoRs3q/s640/IMG_1146+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMk5yA1gdV5ssLR0SPz-VQKFR-US_ewe3aXl2IXo3wVAVmVF4NLXQgbUfc466nE79PGbkVu1Nc8NVO-1QZ_CpYJH7UFqo-HmHAgH1hOIiRTS5peMwMi88e1Tu4y8MrKUvZ5o1gT2xhgt_/s1600/IMG_1152+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMk5yA1gdV5ssLR0SPz-VQKFR-US_ewe3aXl2IXo3wVAVmVF4NLXQgbUfc466nE79PGbkVu1Nc8NVO-1QZ_CpYJH7UFqo-HmHAgH1hOIiRTS5peMwMi88e1Tu4y8MrKUvZ5o1gT2xhgt_/s640/IMG_1152+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lachlan insisted on a Christmas photo too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2L2px4Z2vDXs62Mx66Zg17NL83v8W4pAVvTxqYoT6dqpygGLRq7zYSM153wQ3W-szmY7DlB9ga-cjumsdsyeOdgeAdh06WTcAdxgvlvkN3O65gxuD9yzHw4b1oGA1UvE4QDeUe9BE_HY/s1600/IMG_1160+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2L2px4Z2vDXs62Mx66Zg17NL83v8W4pAVvTxqYoT6dqpygGLRq7zYSM153wQ3W-szmY7DlB9ga-cjumsdsyeOdgeAdh06WTcAdxgvlvkN3O65gxuD9yzHw4b1oGA1UvE4QDeUe9BE_HY/s640/IMG_1160+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unconventional Christmas lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH7cpLb3jIXDc7dQ0o3Kgt21jrDKb621tLTuEc7NyLHosgHuJoJsSHK5JTpRZD4rmp6y5_EyQ9wVt3MHrvte2Oj1Dqsnb7qnFRL3x-pL8Ksi_qd2bvMyxZ4r13o3qdAUZ2J4LSFaxOryG/s1600/IMG_1172+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH7cpLb3jIXDc7dQ0o3Kgt21jrDKb621tLTuEc7NyLHosgHuJoJsSHK5JTpRZD4rmp6y5_EyQ9wVt3MHrvte2Oj1Dqsnb7qnFRL3x-pL8Ksi_qd2bvMyxZ4r13o3qdAUZ2J4LSFaxOryG/s640/IMG_1172+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unconventional Christmas dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixgFHySVgAhZjExHSG_9n_HH9TTIpXJyOUycNqUU-QvUjtjDHNVKfnAjSnUW-jJkOyVbt-EPrvBWTHT0UrLOpfKg8b6u7Ss1kHub9maxLeGZoRXHSOL8vYlZUMDGGo4ZpQ977TVNKv1T2/s1600/IMG_1174+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixgFHySVgAhZjExHSG_9n_HH9TTIpXJyOUycNqUU-QvUjtjDHNVKfnAjSnUW-jJkOyVbt-EPrvBWTHT0UrLOpfKg8b6u7Ss1kHub9maxLeGZoRXHSOL8vYlZUMDGGo4ZpQ977TVNKv1T2/s640/IMG_1174+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's some family Christmas photo!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN9U3LGJo6v1bXqonuIh_P3TviGgd4OO7rfcVH2RHa8eqPOFJGfQczg8Jzw_hvF1FbGnDjprWIg6qD2ynOQjuFQwxYY0JLrSHSzMPdQlJ-Ima1ecLgY9g04luF4-Brkl3qMY0lfLe3AQ_/s1600/IMG_1180+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN9U3LGJo6v1bXqonuIh_P3TviGgd4OO7rfcVH2RHa8eqPOFJGfQczg8Jzw_hvF1FbGnDjprWIg6qD2ynOQjuFQwxYY0JLrSHSzMPdQlJ-Ima1ecLgY9g04luF4-Brkl3qMY0lfLe3AQ_/s640/IMG_1180+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our last night, Lachlan and I got a babysitter and headed to the Michelin starred restaurant, <i>Envy, </i>it was incredible. Henry has actually been here - as an 8 week old, but we figured since he'd been before he wouldn't mind missing out. (And we wouldn't mind either!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYFhyphenhypheneaczdXrhjkogNMGNECWZKFtDeYm7nRT0WtN8qq_3dwAY1m2IpMf6TULQPQCD-j9mUprmB6T2n9LSRWSM0UD1x8aDULcDbTIWWNjrh34ZfHKmp4nka8ikCo-ISc4BXWJVE96AfEjQ/s1600/IMG_1187+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYFhyphenhypheneaczdXrhjkogNMGNECWZKFtDeYm7nRT0WtN8qq_3dwAY1m2IpMf6TULQPQCD-j9mUprmB6T2n9LSRWSM0UD1x8aDULcDbTIWWNjrh34ZfHKmp4nka8ikCo-ISc4BXWJVE96AfEjQ/s640/IMG_1187+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Amsterdam. Belated Merry Christmas from Henry and Elmo! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-34853745068538213342013-12-23T12:37:00.003+08:002013-12-23T12:37:29.036+08:00What's the weirdest compliment that you ever received?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What's the strangest compliment you've ever been given?<br />
<br />
At the hairdressers the other day, as he was was blow-drying my hair, the hair dresser remarked, "wow, that's so cool! You've got elfish ears!"<br />
He took a look at both of my ears, and went on, "I was watching the hobbit the other day and I was thinking to myself, those hobbits, their ears come up into a point. I love them!<br />
Your ears are a bit like that!"<br />
<br />
The hairdresser then went on to show me his ears, also somewhat pointed at the top - according to him, just like a hobbit or an elf. He told me that he really liked his ears too.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130627111819/lotr/images/d/da/Legolas_portrait_-_EmpireMag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130627111819/lotr/images/d/da/Legolas_portrait_-_EmpireMag.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently I have ears like a hobbit - this is supposed to be a good thing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other strange compliment I will never forget was given to me by a customer when, as a student, I was working at the ABC shop - the retail store affiliated with the Australian Broadcasting Network.<br />
<br />
An older guy was buying the monthly cricket digest, and as he was so doing he said to me, "excuse me, but would you mind me asking, are you related to Brett Lee? (The famous Australian cricketer.) You look exactly like him, I mean you are the <i>female version</i> of him. I would not say this lightly either, because he is an amazing cricketer. It's amazing; you are just EXACTLY like him. Wow, you are so lucky".<br />
I'm not a cricket fan, and so I found this rather odd. Though I guess it's good that the old guy meant well!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://celebrityhairstylez.com/wp-content/gallery/brett-lee/brett-lee-hairstyles8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://celebrityhairstylez.com/wp-content/gallery/brett-lee/brett-lee-hairstyles8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett Lee doing his thing; apparently I am the female version of him. Not sure what I think about this. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I'm interested to hear. What's the strangest compliment that you have ever received? And how did you take it?<br />
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-75898265936718930392013-12-20T12:36:00.000+08:002013-12-20T12:36:12.679+08:00Back in the 'Dam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/301222_10150419340121070_1163731607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/301222_10150419340121070_1163731607_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What was I thinking with that outfit? You can tell I'd been living in China for too long.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Readers, Lachlan. Henry and I have arrived for a very cold Christmas in one of our favourite cities in the world - Amsterdam.<br />
I mean, why would you sit on a beach in Thailand for Christmas if instead you can spend 17 hours flying, lose (yet another) baby stroller, and hang out in FREEZING cold Northern European style winters?<br />
Three words: Dutch Apple Cake.<br />
Love this place!<br />
In the past, we've only ever been on Lachlan's work trips, so this time it should be a little more fun. Lachlan will <i>never live it down</i> that on our first trip out of China when we were living in Shanghai, I travelled with an 8 week old baby on my own in economy, while he travelled business class. Let's just say, that was the first and last time that ever happened!<br />
<br />
It's such great timing as I'm on a little running hiatus. That means no treadmills and no running around in the dark and cold. Yippee! Instead it's all about the apple cake and Christmas Markets.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos from our first trip here. Henry was so little! I can't believe I came with an 8 week old baby! No wonder he is such a good traveller.<br />
Just a quick brag; despite doing a daytime flight yesterday, Henry was a little star. He didn't whinge, he watched a bit of TV, sat relatively still and played with his toy planes. He barely slept the entire time but was still so well behaved. Hurrah! We were helped a bit because of how much he loves planes. When we took off, he was so excited that he laughed us all the way "up, up in the sky!"<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0891.jpg?w=370&h=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0891.jpg?w=370&h=" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry was so small. I looked so tired.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0865.jpg?w=370&h=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0865.jpg?w=370&h=" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remember being so worried about not knowing how to keep him warm.<br />The second time we came, I was so "organised" that I bought a can-opener to make Henry meals, yet I forgot to bring him a single pair of shoes. It was 3 degrees when we landed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0980.jpg?w=370&h=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0980.jpg?w=370&h=" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Henry enjoying the sunshine - a stark contrast to Shanghai!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0341.jpg?w=700&h=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0341.jpg?w=700&h=" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love the slogan on this shop. This would never happen to me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0942.jpg?w=370&h=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img_0942.jpg?w=370&h=" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple cake.... as soon as the cafes open this morning, I'm going to be ALL OVER IT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
PS The <i>Inspirational Women Who Run s</i>eries will be back after Christmas. I've got more amazing ladies for you to be inspired by, so don't forget to check back then!<br />
Plus, for our Hong Kong folk, I've got some exclusive interviews with a team from MoonTrekker, and other great trail running features. It almost inspires me to hit the trails and get involved. Crazy people!</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-45238083748249653322013-12-18T19:47:00.003+08:002013-12-18T19:47:40.383+08:00Christmas hotties<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">At this time of year is there anything better than a cutie in a Christmas jumper? I don't think so!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoGKwaOOFSwXOpn_bnRiXjTndLOp8neZwSqj0AGF1DNtFGQu_sMESS6DdS6I7yhj7CYbpT4g5DE3yfNPhUII-3onaJGBtHhaVnH8R1Ug5HKUQyx1YJD_jIr5W0uD9k4_ktAAkfIFSegC_/s640/colin-firth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoGKwaOOFSwXOpn_bnRiXjTndLOp8neZwSqj0AGF1DNtFGQu_sMESS6DdS6I7yhj7CYbpT4g5DE3yfNPhUII-3onaJGBtHhaVnH8R1Ug5HKUQyx1YJD_jIr5W0uD9k4_ktAAkfIFSegC_/s640/colin-firth1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can toast me anytime Colin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hooplaha.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/sweater-Cee-Lo-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://hooplaha.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/sweater-Cee-Lo-.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's something undeniably sexy about Cee Lo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.allisonandbusby.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Darcy-christmas-jumper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.allisonandbusby.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Darcy-christmas-jumper.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh! Colin! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/threaded/files/2012/12/uglysweater_snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/threaded/files/2012/12/uglysweater_snowflake.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hot, and timeless!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.social.s-msn.com/images/blogs/001c0071-0000-0000-0000-000000000000_53966cad-6a12-4c07-a69e-f753048d1d21_20111228150523_Movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media.social.s-msn.com/images/blogs/001c0071-0000-0000-0000-000000000000_53966cad-6a12-4c07-a69e-f753048d1d21_20111228150523_Movies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can never have too much of Colin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://retailfix52.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/2-google-image-result-for-httpimages-starpulse-comnewsresize_image-php3fsource_image_uri3d-windows-internet-explorer-11112012-75354-am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://retailfix52.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/2-google-image-result-for-httpimages-starpulse-comnewsresize_image-php3fsource_image_uri3d-windows-internet-explorer-11112012-75354-am.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It even works on Matt </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And the cutest of the cute (in my biased opinion anyway)....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOsuEZZt2NmXKq5uiH87ye0Gc9QKac2bMHhk3fjebMXglIO46_7BRAv7leCSJU24xC1Gsl6XOenzCOdk3RwM7tGirzFILCnOcEUxiF4SP3ZUju8351_lZHtSkP_dLMc3mwiBalBAHL5Jp/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOsuEZZt2NmXKq5uiH87ye0Gc9QKac2bMHhk3fjebMXglIO46_7BRAv7leCSJU24xC1Gsl6XOenzCOdk3RwM7tGirzFILCnOcEUxiF4SP3ZUju8351_lZHtSkP_dLMc3mwiBalBAHL5Jp/s640/IMG_1784.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boy who refuses to pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK0YCvYAi8mfyqCc_34TUYffredGdRRdrUC8-TjVQJLbbNaJEW9LNl7ypCrHrEkvrFJlwO4uuBh5z7etYfqsnd7ed5h1X_0aK_xSdtaZJtTjCUqka05UETQuWbxkMsiYNBEMN5jmeGPGp/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK0YCvYAi8mfyqCc_34TUYffredGdRRdrUC8-TjVQJLbbNaJEW9LNl7ypCrHrEkvrFJlwO4uuBh5z7etYfqsnd7ed5h1X_0aK_xSdtaZJtTjCUqka05UETQuWbxkMsiYNBEMN5jmeGPGp/s640/IMG_1785.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too cheeky<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMCThxzMAaCOpfrnjGb4ECGiye9Jztw3BouU1-q8lGg_WQXRJfERNg0l_Pw1NXPOvXaKHqa0rE-7cMktWt9C18umgzCkvOgq0pz9yKovdHO5_mHQYbfFASfFBI6XY-Y4QNvt5ZC_OBfiQ/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMCThxzMAaCOpfrnjGb4ECGiye9Jztw3BouU1-q8lGg_WQXRJfERNg0l_Pw1NXPOvXaKHqa0rE-7cMktWt9C18umgzCkvOgq0pz9yKovdHO5_mHQYbfFASfFBI6XY-Y4QNvt5ZC_OBfiQ/s640/IMG_1786.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running away from his mummy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDotNmRlfrUUzn0R_yFnjkg_FB39a6iMxW2z-4e1UxYFOFxeFSbwihdDp-7YzGULbto8dambOULDjsIC-7ZNz5k6mvRyhHEwW9z-xySpTv3Pvxws5lkUZ1AsIe_d-W1KOOXFJY31KOxRaR/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDotNmRlfrUUzn0R_yFnjkg_FB39a6iMxW2z-4e1UxYFOFxeFSbwihdDp-7YzGULbto8dambOULDjsIC-7ZNz5k6mvRyhHEwW9z-xySpTv3Pvxws5lkUZ1AsIe_d-W1KOOXFJY31KOxRaR/s640/IMG_1787.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Merry Christmas!<br />
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-11442707493409017902013-12-17T10:08:00.003+08:002013-12-17T10:08:42.692+08:00Post race blues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It recently occurred to me that I haven't had a proper break from training for as long as I can remember. I trained on my honeymoon because I was going to Kona for the ironman world championships a few short months after.<br />
When we moved from Australia to China, despite being 5 months pregnant, I continued to swim and run - albeit at a slower pace.<br />
I did take 7 days off the week that Henry was born.<br />
You get the idea... I don't rest much.<br />
And so I've been looking forward to running Taipei marathon, because I've been looking forward to having a proper, total break.... for at least a few weeks!<br />
But after only a day, the "off season training blues" have kicked in.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ryan Schneider, for <a href="http://lavamagazine.com/mind-games-off-season-training-blues/" target="_blank">Lava Magazine</a> describes it like this, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">Common </em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">symptoms of OSTB include an </em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">over-eagerness to train</span></em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"> without listening to your body and</em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a false sense of confidence </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">that may lead to injury, fatigue, shattered ego, frustrated spouse, frightened pets and co-workers, a steep medical bill, and a list of cancelled races</span></em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">. </em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Side effects may include a willingness to eat junk food coupled with extended time spent looking at Facebook photos from previous race successes. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">In severe cases, OSTB sufferers may linger long after group workouts, repeating stories and lessons learned from previous races </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">ad nauseum</span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">. In these cases, bystanders should grab the nearest filled water bottle and douse the Blues-sufferer in the face until they return to the present.</em></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Reading this made me laugh, and reach for anther </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">cinnamon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> bagel. It's all too true! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">To explain: Despite not running a PR on Sunday, I had that post-race enthusiasm for signing up for more races, and started planning how I am going to break 2.55 and then 2.50. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I lay in bed that night thinking about how if I just add 3 gym </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">sessions,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> and 2 swim sessions, plus a few bike sessions to my run program, then I'll achieve my goal time really quickly. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Or I might end up injured and totally burnt out. Possibly my husband will no longer speak to me and I won't see my son. My only friends will be people who wear lycra all the time. I'll become one of those boring people who <i>only </i>talks about running. (Haha, maybe I'm like that already.)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Before my first ironman, my friend Alice warned me about post-ironman blues. </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Believe</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> me, it's a real thing. You just want to get out and train again. I mean, what do other people do with their time if you are not spending 2+ hours </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">running</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> on a Sunday, or 5 hours riding on Saturdays? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I'm going to find out ... any tips on what to do with my spare time, or how you cope in the off season, would be MUCH appreciated!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">This video makes me laugh everytime "it is worth it, because I will be an ironman". </span></div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-5110055761089987942013-12-16T16:20:00.001+08:002013-12-16T16:20:47.618+08:00Fubon Taipei Marathon Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I kept it a little quieter than usual that yesterday I was running a marathon (i.e. I didn't broadcast it on the internet.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and cheer squad member #1 - Taipei bound.</td></tr>
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But <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">yesterday I ran the Fubon Taipei Marathon in a time of 3.02.4?</span><br />
It was a hard day out in shocking conditions and I was absolutely stoked to finish 10th overall!<br />
However, though wonderful, getting my first ever money spot finish was not the very best part of the day.<br />
There were several highlights that I will remember long after I've forgotten what time I ran.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided I did not need to stand in the front row on this start line. Let's just say one of these kids is not like the others!</td></tr>
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Firstly, getting to run as an elite - I felt like a total impostor - but it was a great experience. Standing on the start line stacked with Africans, and then there was me. Just a little intimidating, but a pretty amazing experience! And getting hot coffee in the elite tent at the end of the race was also a nice touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/1506460_10202906723055994_1394798774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/1506460_10202906723055994_1394798774_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was more than a little starstruck! The Kipmovin elite team, Thomas (in the orange top) and me. </td></tr>
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I absolutely loved meeting some super cool Kenyans from the <a href="http://www.kipmovin.com/" target="_blank">Kipmovin</a> Elite team. I was both awestruck and humbled by all five team members grace, poise and determination. While their running was, of course, astounding, including a win in the 1/2 marathon and podium finishes in both the men and women in the full marathon, what was most impressive was how they carried themselves. Ever polite, considerate and just so kind. I was totally in awe.<br />
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It was also just fantastic running in the same race as some of my training buddies from Disco Bay - including James and Mark, but especially George with whom I've trained a couple of times a week for months - me for Berlin and now Taipei, and George for Osaka and also Taipei.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLh3mMjTy6RHpHAf_76c0usXeEMxXHDH46-O-3LS7OTnaGQjYSIMDZrBqdxsU4-5F9Iob1GaeJKnGHKILYAGuYFMY94_5e_rAPZk-vWnpilxuZWQ5r3OFDpNDc3wA4hp-bX4OE-sRXppO/s1600/IMG_0994+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLh3mMjTy6RHpHAf_76c0usXeEMxXHDH46-O-3LS7OTnaGQjYSIMDZrBqdxsU4-5F9Iob1GaeJKnGHKILYAGuYFMY94_5e_rAPZk-vWnpilxuZWQ5r3OFDpNDc3wA4hp-bX4OE-sRXppO/s640/IMG_0994+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting to JoeJoe while waiting to start. It helped calm me down a lot!</td></tr>
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It was great being on the start line with my friend JoeJoe. It calmed my nerves a lot. JoeJoe is an such an amazing and experienced runner, and seeing her at the start certainly helped me relax and stay focused. Having her other half, Peter, out on the course, in the miserable rain, with 9km left to run, telling me "it's just Bowen Road to go!" (an 8km road we run on here in Hong Kong) gave me just the boost I needed! I swear I could have kissed him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LZsrtznHF9e8R_JG_egFcLBkXeVXhY3CyvSZ9W5qnQ3ND-p5WN7LE4GDFk-5IXrejTkgw85YZT6reI5uOHk2M5wdHfWCHChCYoALKYn64BRp42S2eNOl2fV-RWNmspq4Ss1tqDuj4zAZ/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LZsrtznHF9e8R_JG_egFcLBkXeVXhY3CyvSZ9W5qnQ3ND-p5WN7LE4GDFk-5IXrejTkgw85YZT6reI5uOHk2M5wdHfWCHChCYoALKYn64BRp42S2eNOl2fV-RWNmspq4Ss1tqDuj4zAZ/s640/IMG_1781.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach of the year! He was there at the start of the race, and he caught me at the end too. This was lucky as there was no one from the race to catch me and otherwise I would have been lying on the ground in the rain. </td></tr>
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And of course, having my coach Thomas at the race was just so great. It made ALL the difference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race: he is not nervous at all! He had no trouble sleeping either.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race; Henry was more than happy to help me out by eating my post meal. </td></tr>
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And last by not least, my ever loyal support crew. I'm not sure how I would do it without them. </div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-50130104103852507922013-12-13T14:20:00.000+08:002013-12-13T14:20:11.217+08:00Inspirational Women Who Run.... Introducing Jennifer Williams (my mum!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>My mum came to sport later in life. She learnt to swim when she was 38. At the time she was a single mother of three and also studying at university to finally accomplish her dream of becoming a teacher. She has since gone on to complete more than 20 marathons, multiple ultra-marathons, and around 12 ironman triathlons. She continues to do all these races while working as a teacher, looking after my sister who has just finished her last year of school, and remaining very active in the local community - including having been director of the local theatre company. She is truly a master of many things, and always extremely busy. </i><br />
<i>I hope you enjoy her story. </i><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Can
you tell me a bit about yourself?</span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am
married with four children and one grandson. I'm the eldest of six children. I did some
sport through school, and loved it. I moved to Woolgoolga - a small town on the North Coast of New South Wales in 1975, and it's been my home ever
since. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">How
did you get into running and triathlon?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I have always
loved running. My eldest daughter was asked to join the local Athletics Club because a teacher thought she could probably ‘walk as fast as she could
sprint the 100 metre race’ and so we joined as a family. </span>(Eds note; back in high school this was true. Yep, I was a race-walker!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she then left home, the then
President, Steel Beveridge, said there was still the family membership, so why not give
it a go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did, and told Steel that I wanted to do the Sydney City to Surf. (A 14km race from Sydney City to Bondi beach.) Steel wrote me a
program, and it worked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some years later, Steel wrote me another program for the "Host City Marathon" (the trial run for Sydney Olympics). For my training, I just enjoyed the local Athletics club meet nights, and also did some regional fun runs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Marathon was April 2000, and
for nine months before I trained 6 days a week. I loved it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
was your first triathlon?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">During
the preparation for the Sydney Marathon, an ‘enticer’ triathlon was introduced at Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club. It was a 200 metre swim, 10km bike and 2.5 run. We were put with a
buddy to stay with us for safety. I finished and was so excited. I felt like I’d
won the Olympics. When I went home, my husband thought I’d been out running
with a friend; <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I hadn’t told anyone that I was participating for fear of failure!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
made you decide to do your first marathon?</span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
had watched Robert deCostella run the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. It
had been televised and I was at home with small children and whilst ironing,
thought wouldn’t that be wonderful to run a distance like that. He was
inspirational then and now. It was something I always dreamed of doing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In July 2012 when I had completed my 10<sup>th</sup>
Gold Coast Marathon I had a photo taken with him. It’s framed on the fridge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">And
then how did you make the jump to ironman?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Once
I’d started triathlons I was bitten. I wasn’t good at swimming. </span>All the Tri Club races are in Coffs Jetty Harbour. I breaststroked the whole 200 metres in my first triathlon and didn’t know until I completed the event that I could have put my feet on the bottom!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I was
petrified during the swim leg and have been rescued many times.</span> So I decided to
have swimming lessons. A local coach who had a swim school gave me private lessons
starting with the basics. His wife was also keen and so we learnt together. How to
breathe, float, do 4 big arms then a breathe, kicking all those things. After
20 weeks of doing lessons twice a week he said, ‘you can swim now get out there and do it.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
did, but I was still fearful so I joined the swim squad at Coffs Harbour Pool. I was so slow that I had to go in my own
lane for 6 months, after which I progressed into the ‘cheese and bikkies’ lane. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During
training one day I was talking to a friend who was also swimming - in a faster lane than mine - she said she would like to go to New Zealand for
the ironman. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had been thinking about it because I had done a few longer distances.
For my 50<sup>th</sup> birthday I had completed the Coffs Harbour Bananacoast Olympic Distance Triathlon that
I had long admired, and I placed third in my category. I was so delighted to spend a birthday that
way. So made my decision and started to train for the ironman the following year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What’s
the hardest thing about training and racing ironman?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The hardest thing about training
for ironman is the time. It takes such a long time, not just physically, but the mental
preparation is tough. Getting up in the dark to cycle and run is tiring. Going to bed in the
dark is a relief, but the nights seem short. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The hardest part of racing ironman is the people around me when they are
getting ready for the swim. It’s hard to block out their incessant chatter
about what they have and haven’t done. But once I’ve started and in my own space I’m alright.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What’s
the best thing about racing ironman?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All three parts! When finishing the swim I love getting out of the water and
getting ready for the bike. Then on the bike I love that feeling of pushing up
a hill and flying down. It’s exhilarating. Then there's the excitement of coming into
the transition. I can’t wipe the smile off my face. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But my favourite is the
run. I think, ‘oh no, it’s nearly over!’ I love being in the zone of moving along - albeit slowly - counting the kilometres as I go along and challenging myself from one kilometre to the next.
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">The last two kilometres are the best. I’ve set a goal, trained for it - through the good, the bad, and the ugly - and completed it to my best on the day.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2012/02/22/Triathlon_at_SWR_fct4000x2462x202_t460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2012/02/22/Triathlon_at_SWR_fct4000x2462x202_t460.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mum is far left, with some of her club mates from Coffs Harbour triathlon Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
race stands out in your mind as the most difficult and why?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My
most difficult was ironman Oz three years ago. I had just turned 55, I was training really
well, and had placed in a number of races. I had a good program and felt great. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">However, my mind started playing tricks on me when, at the beginning of the race, I was told that there were only 4 people in my age group and I
would have a good shot of qualifying for the ironman World Championships in Kona. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I got into difficulty in the water and I had an asthma
attack. </span>I was very anxious, but overcame it, and managed to get out onto the bike. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At this stage of the race, I was coming third in my age group. I felt more anxious and under pressure, so I decided I’d give it a good shot, ignore what everyone was saying and just focus on my own race. However, the medication I had
taken was giving me breathing problems. I was having palpitations and felt
uneasy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was determined to finish so continued on. Unfortunately my cycling
got slower and slower. I was taken off the course because I would not have made
the cut-off time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was difficult not finishing something I started. But it was a good lesson in mental toughness. Since then I have toughened up
and ignored advice unless it is from my coach, or a few select people who know me well whose opinions I value.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Mum,
you hold the record for the longest time in transition. What are you doing in
there?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Making
friends! Making sure I get all the bits and pieces in the correct order so I
don’t forget anything.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2006/03/31/ACFWAAa4ayty_t460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2006/03/31/ACFWAAa4ayty_t460.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum, second from the left. Wearing the Woolgoolga Athletics Club uniform proudly and training for ironman Oz in 2006. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Mum,
your race more than just about anyone I know. Why do you do so much?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
can only say I love it! Despite the time it takes, and the effort it requires being organised to complete the goals I have set for myself, I just love that freedom of being
on the road when cycling. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The outdoors where I train is spectacular. I see so
much, smell the bush, and enjoy every minute. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Running is the same. Our training ground is the best
part of the world. We can see the bush, the ocean, the city; there is no end of
scenery when training for an ironman, or any other goal that I’ve set.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It really is a
great way to see the world. <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">During a visit to Europe, a friend and I
decided we would go for a run around Venice. We found lots of dead ends, but we
also saw the city and had lots of laughs. </span>It’s like a mini adventure everyday!
It’s also great thinking time and helps me put lots of day to day decisions into perspective.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">How
do your juggle work / children / sport and all your other commitments?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’ve
always been lucky in that my husband has almost always been supportive. A
number of times I’ve almost turned back thinking I should do this or that at home, but then kept on because I believe that guilt is a wasted emotion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Marriage is a partnership
and working at it is hard. My husband, Bob does what he likes doing too, and so we discuss what our plans will be. That takes some effort, but it all seems to work out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With work, I always prioritise with that which is important, urgent, and creative; I like to make sure I’m involved with something
creative, it keeps all the brain active. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">How
long to you plan to keep doing ironman for?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For
as long as I am able. I know that’s a cliché, but I love it. The feeling of
achieving a set goal is important. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/350_43907921069_9726_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/350_43907921069_9726_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melbourne Marathon 2008. Me, my brother Martin (his first marathon) and Mum. Victorious finishers!<b style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What’s
your ultimate goal in racing, and how do you plan to achieve it?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My
ultimate dream is to qualify for Kona. Who doesn’t want to go? I’ve seen it once. I was fortunate
enough to share it with my daughters; my
eldest who is inspirational in her strong mental and physical attitude, competed (thanks mum!). Me and my other daughter Alice were there to watch her. It was emotional as I am astounded and in awe
at her power and the process in which she implements her goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My
plan in achieving this goal is to get focused. Sometimes I let excuses take over, but
I feel that now with my youngest child on the verge of starting her life as she starts university,
I can use the empty nest to thrust me into a bit of selfishness!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
advice would you give to someone who doesn’t come from a sporty background, but
wants to give running and triathlon a go?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Wise
words were given to me when I started: If you want to run, you just need to get
out there and do it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you want to cycle, just cycle. Same for swimming. Keep
at it because persistence pays off. Initially I gave myself a couple of goals
per year. I considered races that I could afford, places I could go, how the
training would fit in and then committed myself to do it. I’ve loved it!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527256_407078599352766_176380432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527256_407078599352766_176380432_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole family at Sydney running festival 2012; Me, Henry, Sunny, Edward (little brother - back), mum, Martin (other little brother) and Alice (little sister.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-79855796603869407222013-12-12T09:41:00.001+08:002013-12-12T09:41:58.790+08:00A winter's day in Hong Kong<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So far, winter in Hong Kong has been pretty great. It's certainly not like the acid snow of Shanghai! In fact, it has been so lovely, Henry and I have been hanging out at the beach. I get a coffee and then we enjoy the sunshine together.<br />
Being a stay-at-home-mum isn't all bad!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAHzjlWMLzH6m8uOAUO1zvtDYMKNy_C7oedZMj07OBpfJOx3nyoAWQFcUdjgzGHKS5Wgg1lPX-IiywrNW7ZfiaxwD90bVdiZC7nNn8OlViCLZ15ZhyY71yLEmFLgHtNcrShzgrvDRmUSs/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAHzjlWMLzH6m8uOAUO1zvtDYMKNy_C7oedZMj07OBpfJOx3nyoAWQFcUdjgzGHKS5Wgg1lPX-IiywrNW7ZfiaxwD90bVdiZC7nNn8OlViCLZ15ZhyY71yLEmFLgHtNcrShzgrvDRmUSs/s640/IMG_0884.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the swings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeJg9QvxCm7RazgsZEYTtf3NgkJXw8-aeOfSEPRBMFfcnf18_T8DukuornSTCrrF2RZpFJeQ0wVXKaA2GLwx7zLW3uyh650g-q2y884VYIRgQKMtIGwbi2BKKAynr4PzHCPplnmvnqAOW/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeJg9QvxCm7RazgsZEYTtf3NgkJXw8-aeOfSEPRBMFfcnf18_T8DukuornSTCrrF2RZpFJeQ0wVXKaA2GLwx7zLW3uyh650g-q2y884VYIRgQKMtIGwbi2BKKAynr4PzHCPplnmvnqAOW/s640/IMG_0887.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKepqMlaeEzU0KKQAmFC_LAqSziDpXTvFQ7vizb7ky08WriHS67WkoeIRQ0puvYzz4UtNIQxy9fPwIS47slZVZk0C7gCc0qtCISqLd9wlPklN9jpr70u6V8j-ISMnYc_AhzgwI2LzX1to/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKepqMlaeEzU0KKQAmFC_LAqSziDpXTvFQ7vizb7ky08WriHS67WkoeIRQ0puvYzz4UtNIQxy9fPwIS47slZVZk0C7gCc0qtCISqLd9wlPklN9jpr70u6V8j-ISMnYc_AhzgwI2LzX1to/s640/IMG_0897.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted a ferry!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0qhoghBXY-AJOi-ZxUg_TwcbR3lDYMHM7qsrH7HxzL3wgIxzgBIb2zEjiyxQ4bceccetva0em5eq4wECAg38FLvadZ-00EW2UbBsTZzLTZ0_vsmFlN-gaFIoGJdWS-vo8sgizbP1cN-Y/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0qhoghBXY-AJOi-ZxUg_TwcbR3lDYMHM7qsrH7HxzL3wgIxzgBIb2zEjiyxQ4bceccetva0em5eq4wECAg38FLvadZ-00EW2UbBsTZzLTZ0_vsmFlN-gaFIoGJdWS-vo8sgizbP1cN-Y/s640/IMG_0905.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdzsIsczzBCZZ-8ns87Arl-jYrdCjL_5dOj4AQQr7UMzh0IMz_nJZYSFHoJhRS5LWVLTxttkTSF9utiACzvI3qZEJc-hWGM7MvWHzrWU30JTYaXtIaRB5H1bJ-ZKPLVfrwSUtkCiq1j7A/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdzsIsczzBCZZ-8ns87Arl-jYrdCjL_5dOj4AQQr7UMzh0IMz_nJZYSFHoJhRS5LWVLTxttkTSF9utiACzvI3qZEJc-hWGM7MvWHzrWU30JTYaXtIaRB5H1bJ-ZKPLVfrwSUtkCiq1j7A/s640/IMG_0911.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is not too cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t5TZ6dYTTxTy7oQ4wbEmhhnQQK4ZsSuaycMS7Dp5acSAbcjfc_pjJ9no9z8XWzZFB6Mxx-qxJK_xpM0eAYTaoIH9nLtUhvcv6SxLbNTW3B7z-b_-p80uSekjTpw9P1hlnqMGwgeBqfTN/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t5TZ6dYTTxTy7oQ4wbEmhhnQQK4ZsSuaycMS7Dp5acSAbcjfc_pjJ9no9z8XWzZFB6Mxx-qxJK_xpM0eAYTaoIH9nLtUhvcv6SxLbNTW3B7z-b_-p80uSekjTpw9P1hlnqMGwgeBqfTN/s640/IMG_0923.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting more confident....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJN6cPLYrYqwW16zmPEaZfVS9knraRz5xx4TqZugF7PyXVxvQpZJJWNLpTnIY1mB5bEOx6m_kVq0sRZfMod1x7rWL_l0a3Tm5C4Yw9xR4cNBYJ2V9loIsueyJdeun1oseX_3k1kBOCWp5/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJN6cPLYrYqwW16zmPEaZfVS9knraRz5xx4TqZugF7PyXVxvQpZJJWNLpTnIY1mB5bEOx6m_kVq0sRZfMod1x7rWL_l0a3Tm5C4Yw9xR4cNBYJ2V9loIsueyJdeun1oseX_3k1kBOCWp5/s640/IMG_0924.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under! Those waves are big if you are little.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tV0ljnZgj2xFsGD_xIwjeIWZ16pw0ZfbhsY6D2hFr4JnUiK6akWDURt_x1KoZNELqfwmx1V2-ycNyeDZv2zzqdHCfP40IIgMkK5QX_nsZWPgUWW09g9E3ajr7fOqawL3MKGAigXSfFM_/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tV0ljnZgj2xFsGD_xIwjeIWZ16pw0ZfbhsY6D2hFr4JnUiK6akWDURt_x1KoZNELqfwmx1V2-ycNyeDZv2zzqdHCfP40IIgMkK5QX_nsZWPgUWW09g9E3ajr7fOqawL3MKGAigXSfFM_/s640/IMG_0925.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaU3PT31jmDXJiPqnQYoQ5TkeX7A8IARu_5v7_RMYucCFpK-Qy9iUV4Y5FybddHzrAtD8T5oJkJXh4mM4OXKx60Mgh-lVS92VTmhffOH9IVbJmK7EoghIfuaR55v0q1FDfRQNrket6Xw8/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaU3PT31jmDXJiPqnQYoQ5TkeX7A8IARu_5v7_RMYucCFpK-Qy9iUV4Y5FybddHzrAtD8T5oJkJXh4mM4OXKx60Mgh-lVS92VTmhffOH9IVbJmK7EoghIfuaR55v0q1FDfRQNrket6Xw8/s640/IMG_0926.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAteoTbSpKTAyGW_3yngsAB-mQ1E8s7_EVKc0Ga-ef47dcfEK0_OCmZmFHoVJORpztMvnAt4IG34tUKlvwLEYKKTIaXvQObJ4Q-74VMbURublXTC5UwlkMB_pc9-5GB9rcFBDSmE3oQqfX/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAteoTbSpKTAyGW_3yngsAB-mQ1E8s7_EVKc0Ga-ef47dcfEK0_OCmZmFHoVJORpztMvnAt4IG34tUKlvwLEYKKTIaXvQObJ4Q-74VMbURublXTC5UwlkMB_pc9-5GB9rcFBDSmE3oQqfX/s640/IMG_0927.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisb3Jqgj-9DRi2m4u-t9lZ7AQqKvlFwVKwKrt_IYPTCwjmFxk58KFFrx1dzmd0zZ8HRwKC1sHGZi42xXdFqc2_kJMdeZwC9maHrpvjRr_BknX0VD9hjy0lRE0eo0i08BgrGYQdOkTAMwV/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisb3Jqgj-9DRi2m4u-t9lZ7AQqKvlFwVKwKrt_IYPTCwjmFxk58KFFrx1dzmd0zZ8HRwKC1sHGZi42xXdFqc2_kJMdeZwC9maHrpvjRr_BknX0VD9hjy0lRE0eo0i08BgrGYQdOkTAMwV/s640/IMG_0935.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripped off and recovered. Love that little belly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D8I8QVCMvEQcjmiqnMcgVrXizZOod8gve8NvBM8bTe5kciMRnAZiU8ppqlt-qRRQe0wm2n32khmWfBG2d6MV66BPBC2FkmTdjF2G2Q8fz7GRvsFB1G5cnmqKH-CY8hdhpZeGInHADkz6/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D8I8QVCMvEQcjmiqnMcgVrXizZOod8gve8NvBM8bTe5kciMRnAZiU8ppqlt-qRRQe0wm2n32khmWfBG2d6MV66BPBC2FkmTdjF2G2Q8fz7GRvsFB1G5cnmqKH-CY8hdhpZeGInHADkz6/s640/IMG_0939.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balancing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_RNASie1-aLKbpwKufADHbx8TXNc77ewnsW-Ykh1RLBuJyVeRIc8uWZM3TVWblLdQMrAXjtRWEOpkDbpzvNqZDwhJL6Fxyd6CvSc6V9eapsqaMDZippowrd9eW6SbFgIar-2_LdWKzpc/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_RNASie1-aLKbpwKufADHbx8TXNc77ewnsW-Ykh1RLBuJyVeRIc8uWZM3TVWblLdQMrAXjtRWEOpkDbpzvNqZDwhJL6Fxyd6CvSc6V9eapsqaMDZippowrd9eW6SbFgIar-2_LdWKzpc/s640/IMG_0943.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up the stairs to go home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt8ZbrPDUUbLyx7U7ow0CZJxZAK8YBs3sBNtWnbbEwaIgbGzq3JoszIbkMH9JdfuOqUY4PrBvWg4-cbgi8I2eQI9iqUjbqsYOhQ_uaNC9dpZSXtfJtYPaUNQEd5FnZyMEjecIJv0eblFx/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt8ZbrPDUUbLyx7U7ow0CZJxZAK8YBs3sBNtWnbbEwaIgbGzq3JoszIbkMH9JdfuOqUY4PrBvWg4-cbgi8I2eQI9iqUjbqsYOhQ_uaNC9dpZSXtfJtYPaUNQEd5FnZyMEjecIJv0eblFx/s640/IMG_0948.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped to pick flowers; it's a full-body activity</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZy4PHG0JHtwzc-s3RD357LdMUGSWTQ9yAyHjVYwdBy4Uq8YFHoMuyyYiBk3W9-igfnLxr7J06r1pCd8EmVkCJTV0AVQP9bWbm1iQC-dewh0ddxVPevQddJMSsIYH74w7Wbmxs0XkkO-I/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZy4PHG0JHtwzc-s3RD357LdMUGSWTQ9yAyHjVYwdBy4Uq8YFHoMuyyYiBk3W9-igfnLxr7J06r1pCd8EmVkCJTV0AVQP9bWbm1iQC-dewh0ddxVPevQddJMSsIYH74w7Wbmxs0XkkO-I/s640/IMG_0950.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4ABJXdWC5T5eg-fcf9lOZEEXULx9FAOjd9bHoMFiVvOBcNQr_x1vcx4frhyphenhyphen97AnkOupCpCSigQIr5EryzfNpAnUFtJ3TtDdpShTiw2re4Q2RYIdT9jCig92cP7IaAY-Mi9axzpQy9W7o/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4ABJXdWC5T5eg-fcf9lOZEEXULx9FAOjd9bHoMFiVvOBcNQr_x1vcx4frhyphenhyphen97AnkOupCpCSigQIr5EryzfNpAnUFtJ3TtDdpShTiw2re4Q2RYIdT9jCig92cP7IaAY-Mi9axzpQy9W7o/s640/IMG_0956.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enough flowers picked, climbing under the fence to go home</td></tr>
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</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-23117781256743389532013-12-11T10:48:00.000+08:002013-12-11T10:48:12.055+08:00Our Christmas Tree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Finally, our Christmas tree is up! It was a lot easier than last year, as while Henry is still was not very capable of putting ornaments on the tree, at least he had the idea. Last year, he seemed to be able to pull ornaments off the tree and smash them on the floor at a rate much faster than I could hang them.<br />
Trying to be a good mum, we listened to Christmas music (it is so grating... why do they make it so bad?) for as long as I could tolerate it.<br />
Then after Henry went to bed, I ate choc-mint Christmas cookies. (He doesn't need the sugar.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qQ2S5ZYBlCaPfaWE2WAAhCRNw6kS0bAx-6DH7_J3u8UjblJH-8iEY3pRqgDn4waD3xvhSk4FkBXQm0BizdOlL4gVb1I41txIKATTH3qHWBDHpkJ4B3Xags_HRPjQkNkfWL-eXHuIrfrL/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qQ2S5ZYBlCaPfaWE2WAAhCRNw6kS0bAx-6DH7_J3u8UjblJH-8iEY3pRqgDn4waD3xvhSk4FkBXQm0BizdOlL4gVb1I41txIKATTH3qHWBDHpkJ4B3Xags_HRPjQkNkfWL-eXHuIrfrL/s640/IMG_1767.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring the tree; delivered from the Supermarket. Got to love Hong Kong's convenience! Much easier than last years trip to the Hongqiao flower market in freezing temperatures. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqkPvZi8PA8QzEbdug1qttU1gD1nZ1eEz9pfi49PgyA9q97Xjq_jTPIH8lEozOe3ELAmNoYzVxQI20S6UjgxXyjIuwIZqFbbZ3rSd2je1MlUaV68ggFBNedTVmn4aXVUgJhyRps5YTRbX/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqkPvZi8PA8QzEbdug1qttU1gD1nZ1eEz9pfi49PgyA9q97Xjq_jTPIH8lEozOe3ELAmNoYzVxQI20S6UjgxXyjIuwIZqFbbZ3rSd2je1MlUaV68ggFBNedTVmn4aXVUgJhyRps5YTRbX/s640/IMG_1768.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's in the bag?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Wj8ujXMs8Ytg2xI0T8cxFHTCb0RyPlsV_iR4zHSR0zgXtGEHteCRyf9ucSDZsmtNrODDiCuu5tGU9ApV7z_Z5V1fj9wn6Uzh1e2oGfTW6Xpk5_6KUWNyKY8c76Fp-7ikNp00y_3sLeRN/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Wj8ujXMs8Ytg2xI0T8cxFHTCb0RyPlsV_iR4zHSR0zgXtGEHteCRyf9ucSDZsmtNrODDiCuu5tGU9ApV7z_Z5V1fj9wn6Uzh1e2oGfTW6Xpk5_6KUWNyKY8c76Fp-7ikNp00y_3sLeRN/s640/IMG_1769.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry decides to throw the contents of the bag on the floor. Baubles go everywhere. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujXnsp0UZceWcHG3CJdori1sc6bOx8BHEswtWWHvO68Tehhvh6lzLx3nyM_H6i6Wm5z-Hz-DU6FdP7XseuHYs4kl7gQnNEeoT6YZq9AN012h3E0aUkX6pfOyZo6bzJCNfvTjFRc5ao6Df/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujXnsp0UZceWcHG3CJdori1sc6bOx8BHEswtWWHvO68Tehhvh6lzLx3nyM_H6i6Wm5z-Hz-DU6FdP7XseuHYs4kl7gQnNEeoT6YZq9AN012h3E0aUkX6pfOyZo6bzJCNfvTjFRc5ao6Df/s640/IMG_1770.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He has found some tinsel to tie around his neck. Great!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__S4vTq2m_-I9JmEXAxRYJSOddeKCPxu51FUZeVoY5aWxP5EhchqAgTj-GNE3eefKcBz6RIADNB0WYO2P9FGirui4ErPaW3TvF6lNMb-GAoU7Jg2CBWnQVQ6JNPigUdUj1qU0EzGnBnNp/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__S4vTq2m_-I9JmEXAxRYJSOddeKCPxu51FUZeVoY5aWxP5EhchqAgTj-GNE3eefKcBz6RIADNB0WYO2P9FGirui4ErPaW3TvF6lNMb-GAoU7Jg2CBWnQVQ6JNPigUdUj1qU0EzGnBnNp/s640/IMG_1774.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done! (You can see Henry's bit - the tinsel in the bottom right corner of the tree.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e60iNGdVNJssN81Yxg_4RvI9xfeeVLUp1HzTrAJ_VxITrr7QeJRQE4jLawSp5-6_UTP9OYjdOyRjXNltHvSwVzqW0TGDCLHgyhaQQQHyV5CmGDxZK0aURnS32d_B9XmIyJ_6kEgec-zq/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e60iNGdVNJssN81Yxg_4RvI9xfeeVLUp1HzTrAJ_VxITrr7QeJRQE4jLawSp5-6_UTP9OYjdOyRjXNltHvSwVzqW0TGDCLHgyhaQQQHyV5CmGDxZK0aURnS32d_B9XmIyJ_6kEgec-zq/s640/IMG_1771.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lying on the carpet; defeated. </td></tr>
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</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-40259655835124286122013-12-10T10:19:00.000+08:002013-12-10T10:19:46.107+08:00The Dim Sum and Long Runs Christmas Gift guide for the Sporty Lady in your life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sporty ladies deserve extra special gifts for Christmas. They work their butts off, not just at the gym and out on the track, but even more than this, they work really hard trying to fit everything in; running / cycling / mothering / working / cooking dinner / running the household - they do it all. And add to that, they spend a significant portion of their time in old, stinky, sweaty sports gear, and so they deserve to feel special and spoiled at times!<br />
<br />
Here is the <i>Dim Sum and Long Run </i>guide which will make your Sporty Lady feel special and spoiled.<br />
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<a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d5.scene7.com/is/image/adidasgroup/Q21563_02?wid=500&hei=500&fmt=jpeg&qlt=92,0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=1.1,0.5,1,0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d5.scene7.com/is/image/adidasgroup/Q21563_02?wid=500&hei=500&fmt=jpeg&qlt=92,0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=1.1,0.5,1,0" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Pretty and fast <a href="http://www.adidas.com/us/product/womens-running-adizero-boston-4-shoes/AU370" target="_blank">running shoes</a>.</span><br />
I loved my purple adidas adizero Boston 4 runners so much that I went out and bought a pink pair too. I'm not usually an adidas kind of girl, but when I got this pair, the guy in the shop told me, "this is what all the elite female marathoners wear". I thought to myself, "I better get myself in those then". And so I did, and I love them. Get them <a href="http://www.wiggle.co.uk/adidas-ladies-adizero-boston-4-shoes-aw13/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
If you are buying runners as a gift, they should be pretty. I know I run faster in a nice looking pair of shoes - preferably one with a fluorescent sole. I'm a firm believer that if you look fast, you go fast. These are my pick of shoes for this year, but some of my other all time favourites include shoes by K-Swiss, asics, brooks and also New Balance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.debihazelden.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/australian-flag-running-shoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.debihazelden.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/australian-flag-running-shoe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these Aussie flag K-swiss shoes - perfect for overseas races, but hard to find!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/blog/brooks2_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/blog/brooks2_0111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine having these Brooks Mach 13 leopard print runners for your track workouts... Faster than a leopard, nobody would ever catch you. Love!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">A great GPS watch</span><br />
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<a href="https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-00741-20/g/cf-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-00741-20/g/cf-lg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-01039-01/g/pd-01-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-01039-01/g/pd-01-lg.jpg" /></a></div>
For the lady who likes to download data and track her progress I prefer Garmin, however, if you are after something a little more straight forward and easy to work, <a href="http://www.polar.com/en/products" target="_blank">Polar</a> is best. I love my Garmin <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/running/forerunner-910xt/prod90671.html" target="_blank">Forerunner 910XT</a> for multisport so much that I'd save it if our house caught on fire. I also love Garmin's pretty colours for <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/running/forerunner-10/prod107143.html" target="_blank">running</a>. What I also like about their running watches is that they are not too big for women's wrists, and so don't look ridiculously masculine.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Sexy cycling kit</span><br />
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<a href="http://attaquercycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Leopard-Green-Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://attaquercycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Leopard-Green-Front.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
<a href="http://attaquercycling.com/shop/green-leopard-womens/#!prettyPhoto" target="_blank">This</a> will match your sexy racing flats / spikes. It's all about leopard print this season ladies.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Fast wheels</span><br />
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<a href="http://zipp.com/_modules/Product/Imageproxy.php?Path=|_media|images|dynamicproducts|SUPER-9-CC-DISC-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://zipp.com/_modules/Product/Imageproxy.php?Path=|_media|images|dynamicproducts|SUPER-9-CC-DISC-main.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Looks fast, is fast. Enough said. Every speedy lady needs <a href="http://zipp.com/wheels/super-9-carbon-clincher-disc/" target="_blank">a set of these</a> . Sure, it might cost the same as a small car, but think how happy she will be Christmas morning! And after all, a happy wife is a happy life.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">A "relaxing" getaway</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.adelto.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Luxury-Bali-Holiday-Villa-Indonesia-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://www.adelto.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Luxury-Bali-Holiday-Villa-Indonesia-08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Next year, a good friend of mine is going to celebrate a significant birthday by doing the <a href="http://www.balitriathlon.com/" target="_blank">Bali Triathlon.</a> Such a good idea! It's not too full-on (I wasn't all that relaxed in Langkawi as I had to do a freakin ironman), but it's still a great destination race. It's the prefect balance between sun, running and cocktails. Fun!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Free time!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thehealthybackblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sleeping-in1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.thehealthybackblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sleeping-in1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Sporty chicks tend to be busy chicks. They don't have much down time; so you can clean the house, do the shopping, look after the kids. Then she can chill out and read a book for a change.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Something to make her feel special - she's not just an athlete!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyNEzl40V4IH5Mu-8dXAUMdvw_HeSnZuG_k_j4lhXxdaKtbkVRkaSzkAyJ8YDXEUzGa8qT9bW9iJ2PmpmLFPDSwbNSff4FrYeN948K-tGjwghOpe6VGyFRDjPyIsxrqtKjk-2ZdbTwSYb/s200/tiffany-blue-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyNEzl40V4IH5Mu-8dXAUMdvw_HeSnZuG_k_j4lhXxdaKtbkVRkaSzkAyJ8YDXEUzGa8qT9bW9iJ2PmpmLFPDSwbNSff4FrYeN948K-tGjwghOpe6VGyFRDjPyIsxrqtKjk-2ZdbTwSYb/s640/tiffany-blue-box.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Every birthday, every Christmas, every gift giving occasion, my husband asks me, "what would you like for your birthday / Christmas / anniversary / graduation / etc?" And every time I answer, "something from Tiffanys." So far, no luck. Just because I'm sporty, doesn't mean that I just want gadgets. I spend so much of my time in sweaty lycra, I want something pretty dammit!<br />
I'll just keep trying.<br />
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-21426995353670030532013-12-09T08:22:00.000+08:002013-12-09T08:22:05.383+08:00What an amazing weekend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So many great races this weekend.... I was glued to the computer, tracking people online.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWUf2EJDjUHlh1e_FRvxlWlaR8tjz6XIj9ctPcFwisXg8ofzZX8fRZjBtcjHgAQIWgHVYuDVrUE2KFaRArFw-ICM93nNwZnrRS9uAUipMVkrLMHqnU1KTVxIe1islo537WZUO2t6yc6w/s1600/Picture+48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWUf2EJDjUHlh1e_FRvxlWlaR8tjz6XIj9ctPcFwisXg8ofzZX8fRZjBtcjHgAQIWgHVYuDVrUE2KFaRArFw-ICM93nNwZnrRS9uAUipMVkrLMHqnU1KTVxIe1islo537WZUO2t6yc6w/s640/Picture+48.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa in Bondi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lisa Marangon came third in Ironman WA in an incredible 9.19.28. She led out out the water, and maintained the lead for the first lap of the bike, though was ultimately overtaken by Mareen Hufe, and the overall winner Elizabeth Lyles who stormed home in the run.<br />
Read the full race report <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/news/articles/2013/12/internationals-star-in-western-australia.aspx#axzz2mvgH0AHd" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
Read the exclusive Dim Sum and Long Runs interview with Lisa <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/11/inspirational-women-who-run-introducing_29.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
It's an incredible result by Lisa, but my guess is that her strongest is yet to come!<br />
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The amazing Alice McClure ran an incredible 44.42, placing 4th in her category, in the Susan Women's 10km in Melbourne. This is an amazing achievement by the single mum of a 6 month old baby! Alice is the founder and coach of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mums-on-the-Run-Track-Session-Melbourne/236286743198867?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mums on the Run</a> in Melbourne - a track training group for mums in Melbourne, and lots of these mums trained for this race too. Alice got loads of other mums through this run, and ran an incredible race herself! What an incredible achievement!<br />
Read more about Mums on the Run, and running for mums, <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/12/mums-running-tips.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Closer to home, (well, my current home anyway) some great runs by <a href="http://www.kipmovin.com/" target="_blank">Kipmovin</a> athletes James, Jenny, Nerida and Lantau Buffalo amazing triathlete, Karen at the 15km Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Race. Great runs... I love that that it's triathlon off-season so Karen's decided to hit some trails. It adds a different kind of meaning to taking it easy!<br />
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And let's not forget, last weekend, some incredible running by <a href="http://www.kipmovin.com/" target="_blank">Kipmovin</a> athletes in Cambodia at the Angkor Watt 10km and 1/2 marathon events. Second from the left in this photo is Steph, who has improved at an incredible rate since she started running with Kipmovin. Steph ran an amazing 55.43 (despite having Cambodia belly!) It's great result for her international racing debut.<br />
Shout out also to Beth and James - long time Kipmovers, who ran great times that day too!<br />
Read more about the commitment in picking at a destination race <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013/11/inspirational-women-who-run-introducing.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFkei8TfdRJtCdd4Ck0rA4928z9rEqfDLLaFQ08z7DRANQdSoVUJn1TPyDoZ0mpW1DWabOD6sdFXyPLmIkQSsOF9ZouueznlHyzTeLTrjfLqeEf5ahw2rXCZa-KM4jre1zbRKLwsWGKJr/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFkei8TfdRJtCdd4Ck0rA4928z9rEqfDLLaFQ08z7DRANQdSoVUJn1TPyDoZ0mpW1DWabOD6sdFXyPLmIkQSsOF9ZouueznlHyzTeLTrjfLqeEf5ahw2rXCZa-KM4jre1zbRKLwsWGKJr/s640/download.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle Lowry winning the Unicef 1/2 marathon. Michelle is also a mother of three and PhD student! How does she do it all? Watch this space for an exclusive interview!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's definitely racing season here in Hong Kong. With races every weekend - including recent standout performances at the Unicef 1/2 marathon and 10km. We are also waiting to hear the results also of the Cocacola 10km held yesterday.<br />
<br />
And next weekend a number of Kipmovin athletes are running in the Fubon Taipei Marathon and 1/2 marathon. Watch this space for race reports!<br />
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<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-79840723933665346252013-12-06T07:16:00.001+08:002013-12-06T07:16:12.221+08:00Inspirational Women Who Run.... Introducing Trish Moffatt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Trish is truly inspirational. She is the mother of four - including Olympic Bronze medallist <a href="http://www.emmamoffatt.com/" target="_blank">Emma Moffatt</a> (stay tuned for a <i>Dim Sum and Long Runs </i>featured post on Emma!). She is a teacher, and an exceptionally talented athlete herself. </span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US">Today, Trish talks about getting your kids into sport and how to keep them motivated and enthusiastic for life. She is an amazing woman, and the reason that I first started running.</span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US">I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. </span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US">Please meet Trish!</span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN-US">Can
you tell me a little bit about yourself?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I can’t
believe it, but I’m now sixty-one and have been retired for nearly four years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
started teaching at nineteen and was posted to a very isolated town in northern
NSW. I taught at four different schools in the western area of the state
before being transferred to the area we now live in - Woolgoolga on the North Coast of New South Wales.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our
four children were all born in Moree, and so being transferred to the North Coast
was exactly where we wanted to stay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
have always been interested in most types of sports and played or competed in
anything that was being organised.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">After
thirty six years of teaching, I am now happily retired with my husband, Dave,
to do whatever!</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We
have six grandchildren to date to enjoy, lots of travel to look forward to and
plenty of time to stay fit and healthy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptbOOmM1HLhZzK23wTrl_tYbQSkFL23FCO7rrDnnqdMY_Wuw4HM9WFgRJuoh0GBQMVWyfGdUA1i_a9KgzMswmjZsOYgQKV6_zI9WKTmT-KRjAzcU15VNnhNdHXHLk15xUwzIVwDj9h0Pq/s1600/Trish+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptbOOmM1HLhZzK23wTrl_tYbQSkFL23FCO7rrDnnqdMY_Wuw4HM9WFgRJuoh0GBQMVWyfGdUA1i_a9KgzMswmjZsOYgQKV6_zI9WKTmT-KRjAzcU15VNnhNdHXHLk15xUwzIVwDj9h0Pq/s640/Trish+2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NSW Triathlon Club Championships 2013. I love that Trish is getting out of the water with a fit young woman and two burly guys. She finished first in her category in this race. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>How
long have you been running, and how did you get into it to start with?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
suppose I have always loved running but didn’t participate in anything
organised until High School.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Most
of my younger years were spent Swimming. I loved to train and competed at many
levels till the end of High School.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Running
was always on the cards at Primary School but nothing was organised, except by the
kids themselves. We all knew who the best runners were and so we always challenged each other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
probably didn’t start running till my early thirties, once we moved to the
Coast. Most running before that was limited to team sports.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">However, when we arrived in Woolgoolga, groups
of people seemed to be running everywhere and so we
just joined in. There seemed to be lots of places to run which provided variety
and kept us all motivated.</span><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>You
are also the mother of four extremely talented and hard-working athletes –
including an Olympic bronze medalist, and several time ITU (International
Triathlon Union) World Champion. How did you get your kids into sport?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
suppose because I came from a swimming background, it was important for me that
all my children would learn to swim and eventually join a squad. This did
happen and looking back, it made life easy because they all loved it. The
enthusiasm continued as they continued to achieve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Swimming
and Surf Club became a huge part of their lives throughout the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It
was not hard at all to keep them involved. Surf Club provided such a variety.
It consisted of Board and Swimming activities along with many activities on the
Beach.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Winter
was the time we all took to running. This probably started because of the
excellent State system we have in our schools.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The
opportunity to participate and compete was readily available, and so this was to motivation that began the
training throughout their school lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Having
four children who all had friends, the word spread that the Moffatts had a
running group and you can come along and join in. (Eds note - the group was totally free - amazing considering how much work must have gone into the programs and training!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My
husband, Dave was the coach; he had the background knowledge to set up programs
for us all to follow. Many parents joined in and it became a great social
outlet. These friends continue to be among our closest friends today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">We
were also very happy to take our kids anywhere to compete as long as they
continued to enjoy it. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Trish,
you know you are the reason that I started running. When I was 10, you suggested to my mum that I
should come running with your family. You seemed always to know how hard to
push kids, without causing burnout – I’m still running, and most of the kids who
used to run in our group are also still running - even after they’ve had their
own families and have jobs and are juggling other things.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
do you think the key is to getting kids into running, or sport, and how do you
keep them motivated?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
think when you are young it is extremely important that you are enjoying
yourself. Children must also feel that they are achieving at whatever level they are at.
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Running at an early age has to be social, and the best way to do that is with
your friends.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I think our running days were inventive and kept interesting with fartleks, sprints, hill work and long runs. Our sessions were serious because both parents and kids wanted to feel that they were not wasting their time. </span>Kids love to race each other, often using a handicap system kept everybody involved. It was important not to leave anybody out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dave and I were always interested in all the kids in our group, whatever their level of achievement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I think because we always trained in a group, the enthusiasm and competitive spirit was always alive and well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, there was always plenty of laughing and talking before and after!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was always mindful that our children behaved themselves and were respectful to their coaches. And t</span>hey had to have that ‘commitment’ for us to continue with our efforts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Children
have to learn disappointment, to make mistakes, and also that results are not the main
object of why they are doing sport. </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I
have found that parents who do sport with their children or have participated
themselves understand this better. Children don’t need pressure, most will give
up as it is not enjoyable any more. </span><o:p></o:p></span>I think parents’ attitudes to winning and losing and commitment is the key to whether children continue to participate in whatever sports they choose. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">How
did you ever juggle four kids, a husband, a fulltime job, and loads of running and
plenty of other sports when your kids were growing up?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
suppose now that I look back, our life was very hectic but we were young and
fit ourselves. I am a very organized person and Dave never sits still so we
always seemed to get wherever we needed to be!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
personally loved to drive my children to swimming training, it was also a time
for me to do my own swimming (while keeping in touch with what the coach was
doing).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
loved to be around with whatever sport they were doing at the time, so it
wasn’t ever a chore to be off somewhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dave
took more responsibility with the running in the Cross Country season, it was a
break for me, not having to do those very early morning starts into the Olympic
pool in Coffs Harbour. (Eds note; swimming training used to start at 5.30am sharp, and the pool was about a 25 minute drive away.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The
house seemed to run fairly smoothly as Dave became the chief cook and I looked
after everything else!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We
also had some very good friends to help with the ferrying of children. It did
help that we were both teachers and had the same work hours and holidays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/577814_10151164084647466_249570114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/577814_10151164084647466_249570114_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Moffatt family, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Do
you think that it was an advantage or disadvantage having your family in a
small town – Woolgoolga – and keeping them in sport?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Woolgoola
has been a very special place for us to bring up our children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It
was easy for us, I suppose, because although being a small community, it still
provided every opportunity the children needed to thrive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">We
were very lucky to have such supportive and talented coaches involved in our
children’s lives. </span>This, I think, was
very much the key to keeping them happy and involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"> Now that your family is all grown up, are you
still doing lots of running?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At
the moment I am injured (torn cartilage) so running on land has been on the
back burner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
love to run and do miss it but have taken up ‘water running’ to help me get
back on track.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dave
and I swim three times a week, mountain bike twice a week and road bike on a
Sunday if there is no Tri Club. (Trish and Dave are both members of the <a href="http://www.coffstri.com/" target="_blank">Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
also do some strength training and two pilates sessions a week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Tri
club, I suppose, is our main motivation to keep training. It is an excellent
club and gives us a fortnightly race to compete in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
would love to do some more individual running in events around the area but I have to be careful not to push too hard and end up becoming more injured. Cross
training is good for us at this stage of our lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We
are both still fit and as keen as ever to keep moving (maybe we are a bit
addicted)!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1010443_163513017162602_1942611075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1010443_163513017162602_1942611075_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With some of the grandkids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What’s
your favorite thing about running?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I
like to run because it is easy to organize, virtually shoes on and away you go.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’ve
always got my watch going as I love to time myself, because I just like to see how I’m
going.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I love the challenge and I also love the
company.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
love the variety running can bring. I
also think running is the best exercise for aerobic fitness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It
is that feeling you have at the finish of a run, (such a good workout!) that
keeps you going back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Is
there anything that you don’t like about running?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
absolutely love to run but really can’t think of anything too negative. </span>Maybe
those mornings when time is limited and it is raining and miserable. I
don’t mind getting wet while I’m out there but hate to start off in wet
conditions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
moments stand out for you, that you are most proud of, both as a mother and a
runner?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Although
all of my children have achieved at high levels in their sporting careers, some
moments are pretty special for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I am
very proud of all my children and what they have achieved but more importantly
how they conduct themselves. I like to think they are all good sports and can
have a laugh at themselves from time to time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
was so proud of my son, Chris, when he was selected in his first Athletics’
Team. I remember reading the note in his school bag and shaking, I was so
excited. He was five years old and I was pretty chuffed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He was my first
child and he could do something!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
also remember Emma’s first Cross Country race in Sydney. She was always very
slight compared to the other girls in her age group and often had to be careful
in a packed start.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We
were watching the start of her race from a distance and then suddenly saw this
girl fall flat as the gun went off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
could tell it was Emma. But the next minute she was up and chasing. We were very proud
to see her not give up. </span>She
was about eight or nine at the time and put in such a gusty effort that she
finished third.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It
was the State Titles, such a wonderful effort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">And
of course, I have to ask, what was it like when Emma won Bronze for the
triathlon at the Beijing Olympics? (I know I cried when I watched it on TV.) </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To
this day I still can’t believe Emma is doing what she is doing. She has
certainly astounded us with her commitment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We
are obviously very proud of her, but more importantly proud that she conducts herself
well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All
our family were in the stands in Beijing and to quote our son Chris, ‘the
atmosphere was electric’! We were all dressed up in the Australian ‘green and gold’ and
were sitting amongst a crowd of cheering, rowdy Aussies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
was very nervous the whole race and actually relieved when it was over.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It
was then time to just relax and soak up the atmosphere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The
National anthem is always emotional and to have it playing for the two Aussies
was very special. <a href="http://www.emma-snowsill.com/index.php?profile" target="_blank">Emma Snowsill</a> winning
gold, while our Emma won bronze. That was a great moment!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What’s
next for you? Are you doing any races? Do you have any other goals you are
aiming for?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Dave
always thinks I’m on a mission to achieve something. He is so much more
‘cruisey’ than me. </span>We do train well together though, a good balance, I suppose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I
would firstly like to get back to doing the local Tri club races when my injury
heals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The
Coffs Harbour Olympic distance triathlon event in early March is a priority as
well as the Club Championships for NSW in April. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
advice would you give to parents who want to make sport a part of their kid’s
lives?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sport
is a great life for all children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Children
have to have good teachers and coaches who always keep an eye on them but stay in
the background.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Encourage
your children but remember tough love may be needed on lots of occasions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Be
prepared to allow them to participate. It takes time and energy from the parents as well as the kids. </span>This may not suit many families, but it
was a way of life for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Get
involved in the clubs they join and be a supportive member/parent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Don’t
get too involved in the competitive side of things, most kids will try to
achieve all by themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Always
make sure your kids are healthy, eating and sleeping well. Diet is an important aspect right from the start of their
lives. <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Be a role model and it will pay off in later life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As a
parent there will be many highs and lows in your children's sporting career. Enjoy their
successes but be prepared that it won’t always be like that. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nsC0PMXO96IcmT3evVKWczy9RVb2IKxGcq8d8Vm0s15xokMFDJnHljmzut2E2rFgC-OADsZ6-snr6WRkGmiplRtJLsfKx0-3JLB_my6dvwMZm-yNtBcWH7syPYpgRbKttN8H-b5XyIhS/s1600/Trish+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nsC0PMXO96IcmT3evVKWczy9RVb2IKxGcq8d8Vm0s15xokMFDJnHljmzut2E2rFgC-OADsZ6-snr6WRkGmiplRtJLsfKx0-3JLB_my6dvwMZm-yNtBcWH7syPYpgRbKttN8H-b5XyIhS/s640/Trish+1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How amazing is Trish? She is 61 and still smiling at the end of the Coffs Harbour Olympic Distance Triathlon 2013. Still looking fast!</td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543643986828681285.post-69556740950888017622013-12-05T09:27:00.001+08:002013-12-05T09:27:58.673+08:00Mum's running tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just because you've had kids, doesn't mean you can't run. Quite the opposite - it's a reason to run... run away from the family for a little while. Haha.<br />
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Though as far as creating "me time", running is not always the best way. For example, before <a href="http://dimsumandlongruns.blogspot.hk/2013_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Berlin marathon</a>, I said to Lachlan "maybe I'll try to run 5 hours rather than under 3, then I'll get more time to myself." Of course, I didn't do that, I wanted to try to try fast. (Maybe that's why my mum also does ironman? That's a lot of time racing, and even more time training!)</div>
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However, apart from making you time pressed, those little darlings cause other issues for your running.<br />
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If you are a mum or are new to running, here are a few tips to get you started. No more excuses!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Needing to go</span><br />
Did you run through your pregnancy? I ran the day I went into labour and then started back again one week after my son was born. (I learnt my lesson from <i>that</i> mistake - next time I'm going to adopt the Chinese tradition of one month of confinement. Why did I think I needed to get back out there so soon, when I could have used a new baby as an excuse to watch DVDs?)<br />
Even if you didn't run throughout your pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles will never be the same again. Two tips: go to the bathroom as many times as you have the opportunity before any run or race, and when on a training run, never be ashamed to tell your running partner you need a bathroom break. Plan your runs to go past toilets, and if you are planning on a long run, tuck a little toilet paper under your shoelaces.<br />
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Also, if you are really concerned wear dark coloured shorts. They will hide any accidents.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 months pregnant hauling myself up the Great Wall of China. No excuses not to exercise ladies!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Wear two sportsbras </span><br />
Late in my pregnancy, and while I was nursing, I wore two sports bras. It helps to support the girls. Nobody will notice, and you will be more comfortable.<br />
Also, plan your runs around your nursing times. For example, when I lived in Shanghai, I had to do my run early in the morning before my husband went to work. I used to wake up, pump (that was when I had the best milk supply so I got a lot in a short time) then go straight for my run.<br />
That way, my husband got time with my son, he had milk on hand if need (though usually I was able to freeze this) and I was a lot more comfortable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/img_3738.jpg?w=470" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://whereswallyinshanghai.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/img_3738.jpg?w=470" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This post-race photo was taken right after the first race I did after Henry was born. It was an Olympic distance triathlon in Morganshan in China. Henry was 9 months old and it was Mothers Day. I was still nursing! He didn't seem to mind. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Be selfish</span><br />
Before Henry was born, a good (male) friend gave me some advice. He said, "Lady Jane" (a very nice nickname he had given me), "make sure that during this time - while you are pregnant, Lachlan looks after you, and make sure that it's all about <i>you</i>. This is the last time in your life it will be about you. As soon as that baby comes, it will be all about him".<br />
My mate Gav was so right.<br />
And so ladies, if exercising means that you have to bully your husband / friend / helper / carer / random stranger in the street, in order to get some much deserved time to exercise, DO IT. You deserve it; You deserve to be fit and healthy, and to have that great endorphin rush. You will be a better mother for it. It's not selfish to look after yourself. It's in everyone's best interests!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Be creative</span><br />
Of course, it is not always possible to find someone to watch the kid / kids so you can go off on a run. However, there are other ways to still get in some kind of workout, even with a kid in tow.<br />
When Henry was small, I used to put him in the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com.au/bouncers-and-jumpers/jolly-jumper/w1/i1197462_1181182/" target="_blank">Jolly Jumper</a> and do my Nike training app. He thought it was hilarious watching me run round and round in circles around our living room. And he loved the Jumper. I also used him as a "training aid". He was not only useful in lieu of handweights (up until a certain point anyway), but he was the world's best motivation for not collapsing while doing plank.<br />
And he used to love it. It cracked him up every time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry is having a great time - look at the smile on his face (I'm trying to smile, but it looks more like I'm gritting my teeth.) Just don't drip sweat on the baby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo makes it look as if Henry and I were parachuting. Not so. I put him in the ergo baby carrier and went for a walk in the soft-sand. It was hard work. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Enlist the support of other mums</span><br />
Instead of meeting your mum friends for a latte and muffin (bad) meet up for a <i>brisk </i>walk in the park (good).<br />
Better still, join a group or class specifically for mums. Lots of these allow you to take your baby along - for example parent and child yoga.<br />
Your best option, if you can, is to find some child care for an hour or so, and join a group exercise class, that is specifically desgned for mums.<br />
My favourite is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mums-on-the-Run-Track-Session-Melbourne/236286743198867?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mums on the Run</a> in Melbourne. Ironman athlete, Personal Trainer and single mum Alice McClure is the coach. What I love about Mums on the Run, and similar groups, is that it's a really supportive environment where mums can get together to do something positive for themselves, but who nonetheless understand the sacrifices that we all make juggling motherhood / careers / life generally.<br />
Joining a group like Alice's is not only more fun, it's also more motivating, and because you will work a little harder than you would on your own, you'll burn more calories. When you've got limited time and energy, that's <i>always </i>a bonus in my book.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mums on the Run - Melbourne track session. Go ladies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG! Check out <i>that</i> mum. It's Alice and her baby Grace. Proof that your excuse is not good enough. If Alice, who is a single mum can do it, you have no excuse. Get off your butt now!</td></tr>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10528860312617362780noreply@blogger.com0