As we start a new year, some of us have resolutions or goals.

I have more of a wish: I just want to race.

I've mentioned it before - most of us in Singapore haven't been able to leave this tiny island since March 2019 without fear of being quarantined (on our own dime).

So, I'm a bit apprehensive about my next race, Melbourne, at the end of March.

While we can certainly go there and do the race, can we return home without too much trouble?

I'll only know that closer to the date.

Until then, I won't get too emotionally invested in the event - despite it being a place where I think I can set a PB.

But I will stay committed to the training leading up to it.

The upside is I see myself taking training and preparation a lot less seriously than usual, and it's refreshing.

And I'm having a lot of fun!

With this renewed approach I'm enjoying my training so much more, with less pressure, and just being grateful I can train in the first place.

Fast Fashion

Is fast fashion coming to triathlon?

The idea of fast fashion, or clothing and style trends that change quickly, which you wear once then throw out, is not exactly environmentally or socially responsible.

But it's an appealing prospect when you can find the latest styles and it's all cheap and trendy.

And I've started to see equally dirt-cheap tri products on the market.

Read my thoughts on this here.

Let's Talk to Laura Siddall

I was riding on Zwift one morning and suddenly I saw someone fly past me, with a green jersey.

A green jersey on Zwift means that person had the fastest lap. Who was it? Pro triathlete Laura Siddall.

I opened the Zwift companion app and messaged her, "Hey, Laura, nice to see you!"

I mashed hard through Watopia to try to catch her. It took me a few minutes - she was flying - but I rode with her for a good 15 minutes and chatted a bit more over the app.

Race your own Race

I've been playing with a new video style to outline some of the tips I have on the www.ironmanhacks.com site.

Here's one of my favorites, and it's #60, race your own race.

All too often we get goaded into chasing someone else - someone that probably has a totally different target, FTP, goal, and ability - and it's not a good thing.

Check it out and let me know what you think about this new video type in the comments.

Mindful Nutrition Groups

If you're in need of some nutrition guidance from a registered nutrition therapist and triathlete, check out Karelle Laurent's mindful nutrition group sessions.

Get 40 Euro off per booking with the code IRONHACKS.

Sprint Reads

  Is overtraining actually just undereating? Here’s the compelling new evidence.

 Meditate in the metaverse with Hoame with its VR meditation classes.

 Cheaper than a coach, more personal than Zwift. That’s Spoked’s claim, anyway. This AI cycling subscription is making pretty big claims.

 But then you wouldn't get to use this insane screen while riding on Zwift.

 Gloves on: Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayhweather are backing FightCamp, a connected boxing company, while Conor McGregor is behind another Zwift-like boxing setup called FAST.

 Then we’ve got Peloton, which added boxing workouts to its platform, sans any big name boxer. and Quell, which just raised $3M for its interactive boxing game.

 Last year we featured a post from Cody Beals on how much he earns, and similarly, Ruth Astle, who just turned pro, has revealed her earnings, here.

 Sam Long now sponsored by Zoot Sports.

 How can you not click on the newest Danny MacAskill videos every time they come out? Here’s the latest.
 
  A good piece on how to get back into Ironman shape after a break.

 In the Northern hemisphere and not crazy about sub-zero training? Here's a guide to indoor training.

 How to dry your running shoes – and keep them from stinking (I need to bookmark this).

 Here's what a quadruple Everesting does to the body and mind - thanks Gerald Manceau.

 Nike sues Lululemon over Mirror Home Gym.

 New Balance sued for exaggerating ‘Made In USA’ claims

 Can the Apple Watch really be a decent cycling device? CNET thinks so.

 Follow me on Strava and Instagram and I’ll follow you back