tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post4300194876538128687..comments2023-10-23T23:12:27.656+08:00Comments on Genetically Challenged Athlete: Tri training: a grab bag of thoughts Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281336239355942919noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-55064262622532414762014-08-03T17:59:03.822+08:002014-08-03T17:59:03.822+08:00Have we really never discussed this food thing? T...Have we really never discussed this food thing? The fact that one I ADORE eating in Singapore, with Singaporeans: It is absolutely and completely expected that I jump in the moment the food hits the table, that I take as much as I want, and that if I'm fast enough to grab the last bite of a tasty dish, I darn well better take the chance and thank the lucky stars for my fast reflexes. [Elder deference at family dinners aside.] Singaporeans, in general, of both genders, positively adore food and don't feel ashamed about that. They will order extra dishes, eat more, and encourage each other to do the same. It's AMAZING.<br /><br />In the US, among many groups, there's still this female habit of not eating first, not seeming too eager, and DEFINITELY not taking the last bite (in fact, people will let the server clear a tray of even the most delicious dish with one final bit on because no one wants to appear too greedy and take the last bit). Women are more likely to eat salads, nibble around the edges, and steal a french fry here and there. And if you eat a big meal, it's because you had a small breakfast/did a huge workout/won't get dinner until late - and people (women, usually) make that fact clear to their companions when ordering. They will eat, while bemoaning how damaging what they are eating is for their figure/diet. Women feel pressured/expected not to eat too much (usually from each other, but possibly also from men - there is actual discussion over what is/isn't an appropriate amount/item to eat when going out on dates), and too much zeal for eating is "unladylike".<br /><br />Of course, this isn't the case in every group - and the degree/level varies. But even as someone with almost no food "issues", I have felt the unspoken (and spoken) pressures in the US. And I really, REALLY hope I can carry the devil-may-care attitude I've been able to freely cultivate in Singapore when I'm back in the US. In short, the Singaporean love for/appreciation of food is incredibly refreshing, and I absolutely LOVE to eat with locals. /end rantAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03359647783157414725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-51358578592194518872014-07-30T11:33:29.899+08:002014-07-30T11:33:29.899+08:00The trick is to be surrounded by a bunch of triath...The trick is to be surrounded by a bunch of triathletes of varying hardcore-ness; thanks to the group I train with, my starting-point and expectations of what is 'normal' were pretty intense, and so I pretty much raced all-out for my first sprint tri! Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08281336239355942919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-87079789742564686442014-07-30T10:17:54.962+08:002014-07-30T10:17:54.962+08:00I'm just starting to think about doing triathl...I'm just starting to think about doing triathlons, but I'm so intimidated because of my uber-n00b status. :/ Good thing there's a bunch of super short intro tri's around here... plus my friend D, who just completed her first Ironman, is totally patient and willing to help me out. But I guess what I'm saying is... I can relate, sort of. I mean, I bet even though you *say* your a n00b, you're still less of a n00b than I am. <br /><br />Loved all of the runger-inspired food references, btw. :)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07691910446074747797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-76587398107742763452014-07-29T10:38:10.866+08:002014-07-29T10:38:10.866+08:00Haha, tell me about it! I do kind of like the way ...Haha, tell me about it! I do kind of like the way tri training makes me feel though. Solid all over and never overly achy in one spot (just a general dull pleasant soreness)...good thing this is a running blog so I don't sound like a total lunatic to my readers. Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08281336239355942919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-80395215178577174252014-07-28T07:28:47.011+08:002014-07-28T07:28:47.011+08:00No easy days?!??! Go back to running, triathlons a...No easy days?!??! Go back to running, triathlons aren't worth it!Jeanohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09093299012409826185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-69585122355189842522014-07-27T15:32:14.355+08:002014-07-27T15:32:14.355+08:00Yes indeed and thank you for the original recommen...Yes indeed and thank you for the original recommendation! Good lord, how is he so productive?! Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08281336239355942919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-68339773032030885352014-07-27T11:49:51.242+08:002014-07-27T11:49:51.242+08:00I need to read more Charles Stross! I think the Cu...I need to read more Charles Stross! I think the Culture series might be too hard core SF for me, but I really enjoyed Glass House.Angela Knottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01596658700954456205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-12594589200635236392014-07-27T09:21:38.795+08:002014-07-27T09:21:38.795+08:00Ooh, I have got to work on cultivating the intimid...Ooh, I have got to work on cultivating the intimidating glare. Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08281336239355942919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7988009473800206542.post-79206038441437085612014-07-27T06:48:05.735+08:002014-07-27T06:48:05.735+08:00No one ever comments about what I eat. Maybe I'...No one ever comments about what I eat. Maybe I'm just that intimidating.Charhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13819714901550763235noreply@blogger.com