Joey Diva Fitness: September 2011

The word THIN seems to haunt every girl, regardless of their size and age. It seems that the majority has drawn a conclusion on beauty equals thin.

I was reading this article on cnngo and couldn't agree less with the author. If we look back in the era 60s to mid-70's, women were curvier with hourglass figure and they were considered beautiful. These days, the media makes a huge contribution to promote beauty equals thin, and self-confidence comes from being beautiful, which gradually brainwash the majority of people and twisted the true value of beauty.

The value of beauty has more than appearance, it is also about a whole level of well-being - to pick the right food and lifestyle, respect your body and give it what it truly needs. Feel good to look good, we glow from within.

Be Your Best,

Joey

Blessed to be running out there

We have often admired those triathletes with their super-human strength and endurance but have you ever thought about becoming one?

In spite of having a few triathlete friends, I had never considered competing in triathlon, simply because I struggled to swim even 100m and my knowledge with biking only limited to BMX. Besides, having started running 3 years ago, I always believed that my heart was with marathon training. Then I did my first marathon this February, it was fun but took me 1 month to recover and running has never been the same since - I simply struggled. 2 months ago, after much encouragement and support from friends, I decided to try triathlon, but first there were 2 fears to overcome - swimming and biking.

2 months ago:
First road bike ride in Disney - I fell off the bike and got road rash on my elbow, knee, back, underarm and pelvic. Scars are still visible.

First swim (in ages) at SCAA - BIG struggle to swim 50m, freaked out big time when my feet couldn't touch the bottom of the pool. Swimming in the sea was outta the question!

My thoughts - WTF.

Fast forward to 2 weeks before my first race 2XTri:
Won the CEEPO prize - was feeling over the moon but freaked out deep down!
Bike - still struggling to mount and dismount, still feeling haunted by the fall....
Swim - got a hang of breathing rythm and as if by magic, I could swim 2k in the pool!

Another fast forward to 7 days before 2XTri:
Bike in Disney - I was actually riding without freakin' out!
First swim in open water - FREAKIN' OUT BIG TIME. Thought I couldn't make it but after much support from a friend, we both swam out to the floating platform. I was OVER THE MOON!!

2XTri - the most fun thing I've ever done, got a taste of triathlon and hooked ever since. Finished 4th in the age group.

Fast fast fast forward with much agression - Vietnam Triathlon
Swim - CHOPPY water, I mean freakin' choppy water, thought about giving up when I got washed off the swim course. Managed to clock 40 minutes with breaststroke.
Bike - Singing 'Leaving On A Jetplane' along the bike course, stopped a few times to stretch my poor back.
Run - Turns out to be the MOST enjoyable part. Love running through the village and high-fiving the kids. I felt really blessed to be running out there.
Result - 3rd in my age group.

What's NEXT.....

Hong Kong National Championship, October 9, 2011
Phuket Triathlon, November 27, 2011

It has been an adventurous journey to become a triathlete. It felt freaky to get outside the comfort zone to overcome some of the biggest fears but glad I have done that. I deeply thank those who have helped and encouraged me so much and without YOU, I wouldn't have been able to swim in open water or bike at all. Also have to thank Revolution Asia for the prize that I have won; CEEPO for the coolest, greatest MUMBA and 2XU for the kickass tri gear and compression wear.

We all have the power to better ourselves, sometimes we just need a little push. :-)