Back to Training

After a relaxed six weeks (after Asic 10km Time Trial to the whole month of December), its time to go back to training.

It turns out to be a lot harder than expected. First of all, the body weight is some 2.5kg heavier, therefore the impact to the legs are much higher. I have difficulties in LSD beyond 13km. The 'form' (via Race Predictor) indicates that I am now at the lowest since, well, since I start monitoring a year ago.

I have set a goal race- Twin City Run in April, however, I am not sure if I would be in form that I was in last year's Cybercity Run. 

Despite the low performance, group run can remain fun.

Tai Ping- Day 3

 Day 3 of Tai Ping Trip

The main program is the famous Tai Ping Lake. Program are boat ride and cycling. Luckily the weather is excellent. 

Tai Ping- Day 2

Day 2 of Tai Ping

1st Stop- Coffee Mill

This historical coffee mill is surprisingly worth visiting. The Espresso ice cream is pretty good too.

2nd Stop- Spritzer Mini Golf Course

Adults may be wondering why they are here but the kids are having fun.

3rd Stop- Coal Factory @ Sepetang

This short stop is worth visiting as it provides good 'education'. 

4th Stop- River Cruise @ Sepetang

The River Cruise is a must. It includes an introduction to the fishing village, eagle feeding session and a short visit at the fishing farm.

Tai ping- Day 1

 Tai Ping 3 Days 2 Night Family Trip

Day 1

1st Stop- Ipoh

Visit to places that we have been before and ate food that we have tried before. Ipoh just happened to be on the way to Tai Ping

2nd Stop- Accommodation

Airbnb - 5 bedroom super link that is resonably clean. 

3rd Stop- Night Safari

Evening program is a visit to Tai Ping night safari/zoo. Despite the long que, it is still a relatively pleasant experience. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 9

The 9th and final day of the trip. It feels long and is time to go home. We woke up slightly later than expected and have a short visit at a temple and Red House.

Summary of the trip.

Nominees for best food for the trip are:

- 锅贴 at Tao Yuan

- Ice cream at 宮原眼科

- Mua Chi at TaiChung

- Fried Chicken Steak at TaiChung Night Market

- Fried Chicken Ball and Squid at TaiChung Night Market

- Sausage and Rice wine at 日月潭

- 茶叶蛋 at 日月潭

- 面线 on the way back from 日月潭

- Fried Chicken Steak at TaiPei Night Market

Ranking for all program for the trip:

- TaoYuan Night Market  4*

- 宫原眼科 4*

- Tai Chung Park 2*

- Night Market 3*

- Rainbow Village 2*

- Wetland 4*

- Feng Jia Night Market 3*

- 日月潭 4*

- 情境农场 2*

- Science Museum 2*

- Cardboard Cafe 3*

- Art Street 1*

- Art Museum 2*

- Macaron Park 2*

- Xi Men Ding 2*

- Space Astronomy 3*

- Kids Fun Park 3*

- Shilin Flower Exh & Hs 4*

- Shilin Night Market 3*

Taiwan Trip- Day 8

One of the most eventful and best day of the trip due to beautiful weather and a day full of program. Today's weather, which is around 18C, is what we hope for the entire trip. 

First program of the day, we head to the Space Astronomy Centre. The Centre is big and good for education but the kids find the top floor (fun ride) most fun.

Next we visit the Amusement Park that is located next to the Space Centre. We only took two rides here (due to the que)- Pirate boat and roller coaster. 

Then we move to the Flower Exhibition & Jiang family house, which is not far from the Park. 

At night we visit the biggest Night market in Taipei - Shi Lin Night Market, which is walking distance from the Jiang's house. 

Finally, we are back to Xi Men Ding but the weather is so good we decided to spend more time in Xi Men Ding.

 

Taiwan Trip- Day 7

We fully utilise the last few hours in TaiChung by going to a children playground whilst I do some running. The park is not as big as I hope and the weather is not as cool as we wish, yet we still have a reasonable fun time here. 

By afternoon, we take a train ride and heads to TaiPei. We spent the evening at Xi Men Ding night market. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 6

We spent the day at the 'old' town- since Qing dynasty. It is not what we expect as the town is a mixture of new building, old building and commercial area. There are plenty to shop, however. This destination is a last minute on the spot plan. We took a bus there (and grab to get back). Its a tiring day due to the long travel. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 5

I woke up early and go for a 10km run by myself in the morning before the program with the family. The weather is not as cold as anticipated and the run is not as fun as the road is not as even and there are very few runners in the park. 

Program for today. First of all, its a visit to the Science Museum. 

Next up, food at Cardboard Cafe, just next to the Museum. 

Next up, a fancy art street. 

And last but not the least, the Art Museum. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 4

 Today we are on a 10 hour day trip. Plenty of time in the car.

First we go to 日月潭。There is a boat ride. There's rice wine tasting. 

Next we head to 情境农场。Feed the sheep. 

Overall the day is not as good as anticipated. A little bored due to too much of travelling time and too little program. The weather didn't help too. 

Taiwan Trip- Day 3

The third day of the trip. The first half of the day is to wonder around the hotel and wait for the second half of the day, which we hired a half day transporter to take us to outskirt area. The journey is five hours long.

The Hotel- a former 4 star hotel that is a bit 'dated' but the room is spacious, clean and breakfast is provided. The services are also excellent.

First Program- Shopping Mall near the hotel.

Half Day Program- Rainbow Village （彩虹村）

Half Day Program- Wetland （高美湿地）

Final Program- Big Night Market (逢甲夜市）