Sporty Saturdays
Those who know me know that I don’t go anywhere but the sports hall on Saturdays. I have reserved this day for my badminton sessions at Tampines. But yesterday was by far the most exhausting Saturday I’ve had, though definitely it won’t be the last.
It started earlier than usual at 550 am. I was supposed to cook shrimp with broccoli last night, but our kitchen ran out of garlic so I had to make a run at the nearby wet market at so early an hour. Sadly they also ran out of oyster sauce which I use to infuse more flavor for the shrimp stock.
Good thing I had already packed the previous night, and my badminton gears were ready. By 715 I was on my way to the MRT to meet my biking buddies at Simei. We left our badminton gears at Nimfa’s, and we were off to the bike trail. We were excited about taking the Jungle Trail this time since it didn’t rain last night. The path would be dry and less challenging, something that just befits our cycling level as of this time. :o)
There were 7 bikers in all, 4 girls and 3 guys. Of this count, 4 has been to the trail before and served as guides. But the rest was just as adventurous, and led us to never-before-visited trails that left us gasping for breath and brought us new challenges. The Jungle trail never failed to challenge us as well, especially the new ones. When we fiinally emerged we felt like we could do one more round, but the BMX circuit distracted us.
The circuit is composed of about 10 humps, some small and some only slightly bigger. Others have crevices in the center while other are just plain humps. When I first tried the humps, I was scared and did not gather enough momentum to accelerate to the top, and so was always stopping in the midst of the climb. Nhing was behind me, and she was always forced to break speed too. I promised that this time, either I would be the last to try the circuit, or I would accomplish the humps with flying colors. The latter I did, which gave me such a thrill that I went and did it again. It was like going on roller coaster rides again, and again, and again.
We cooled down under a nearby gazebo and traded stories before finally returning our rented bikes at the Sun Plaza. Lunch was at Simei, where we feasted on our potluck food. We had zesty adobo, tasty asado, and saucy shrimp with broccoli. It was the girl’s lunch treat for Leslie too, who will be going back to the Philippines today. Company with this group is always fun and relaxing.
But it could be exhausting too, as was proven during the badminton sessions later at the PRSS. We endured 1.5 hours of badminton training, all the while sweating in the hot sports hall. That place sure needs improvements in its ventilation. Few members came so the courts were empty more often than not. Usually we wouldn’t notice the time, but yesterday I could not wait for 7pm to arrive so we can have dinner and go home.
I guess all that sun and cycling and training drained me, and even the more seasoned players of the group. But it was still fun and thrilling and exciting, which means I’d do it all over again if I have to! =D
Next in the girls’ list is mountain climbing and kayaking. Life sure is colorful with sports and friends! Thank God for both! :o)
