Ironman 70.3 New Zealand - 4 March to 10 March 2020
New Zealand (4 March to 10 March 2020)
4 March to 5 March 2020
After waiting for so long, we are finally travelling! This may not be a good time for travelling due to Covid-19 all around the world. As of 4 March 2020, New Zealand has 2 only confirmed cases so we are more worried that they will ban Singaporeans from entering New Zealand since we have 100+ confirmed cases. Thankfully, we could still fly to NZ!
We decided to take one day leave to rest and to pack our luggage. It’s good day to rest as I was feeling really tired. We went for breakfast together with Lexuan at Lot 1 Yakun before we sent her back to Teck Whye. Then we went home to do packing. Luckily, we took leave to pack if not will be so rushed. By the time we were done packing, it was already 1pm. We had a quick lunch at Nando’s, did some last minute shopping before we went back.
We didn’t get to rest much and it was time to go back Teck Whye. And my dear girl has to throw tantrums at this time. She wants to use my phone to watch YouTube but I refused to give her my phone. It’s terrible 2 I tell you. I really miss her when she’s much younger. Haha. After a while, we finally managed to calm her down and showered her.
So I took cab with my in laws and Lexuan while Jianhui took another cab with the bike box, my luggage, his luggage and his hand carry bag.
There wasn’t any jam and so we reached about 7.40pm. Airport is super empty. I Guess with the travel ban lately, we can’t really travel to anywhere. Happy to see that my parents were here to send me off!
We did self check in, printed our boarding pass ourselves before we dropped off our bags. The self check in is easy and seamless. I guess in time to come, we won’t have much face to face interaction.
After settling our check in, we went in to departure hall. We wanted to go Xin Wang for dinner but after going inside then we realized Xin Wang is outside. Haha. So we anyhow eat at the “atas Kopitiam”. I ate hor fun while Jianhui and Dad ate pork ribs rice. Mum ate YTF. It’s expensive and not so nice.
Then we slowly made our way to Gate B5. As usual, I helped Lexuan to change her diapers and pants too. Due to Covid-19, there is additional temperature screening in the airport. This time round, Lexuan is very active. She kept on running around and played on the ground. She even lie down on the floor and use her hands to touch anything and everything. In times like this, I really wish she is just a baby who can only lie on her pram and don’t touch anything.
Due to Coronavirus, there is additional temperate screening at the airport. By the time we reach gate B5, it’s almost time to go through the security check. So we helped her to change diapers then we entered the gate. Our flight time is 10.30 and we sat at the upper level on A380.
I was expecting an empty flight but it was a full flight. We chose the middle row and I thought nobody will sit beside me but to my disappointment, there was somebody sitting beside me. As usual, I was falling sleepy at this time but Lexuan was so excited that she was still very active. Luckily, they served supper very fast. So Lexuan was happily drinking ribenna and eating snacks like potato balls.
Lexuan finally slept about midnight after supper. I guess this is definitely her new record to sleep so late as her sleeping time is usually latest by 10.30pm.
As for me, I didn’t sleep much until 3am. Feeling so tired. And just when I was finally deep in sleep, it’s time for breakfast at around 5am. I watched Frozen 2. As Lexuan was sleeping, we only changed diapers 2 times on plane.
We finally touched down New Zealand time 1pm+ (NZ is 5 hours ahead of Singapore). By the time we cleared customs and did declaration for all the food we brought to NZ, it was already 2pm+. Jianhui rented a super big family car from Eurocar. It’s a white KIA car. Spacious and big but super dirty. They didn’t even bother to clean the car.
Anyway, it’s big enough for us to squeeze one bike box, 2 hard suitcases, 1 backpack, strollers and 3 hand carry bags! So thankful that we don’t have to squeeze our luggage this time round.
Then we are ready to go on car trip! For a start, we went Countdown to get some snacks and drinks in preparation for our 255km car ride to Taupo.
Along the way, we stopped 2 times. I can so imagine how tiring it is for Jianhui. But the car is too big so I am a bit scared to drive. Haha.
We finally reached Taupo - Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn at 7.30pm, a 3 bedroom apartment room at corner (room 835 at 2nd floor). The room is spacious, comes with a big bath tub. The bathtub is a saviour as Lexuan simply loves Swimming in it.
We had dinner at KFC then we went to Countdown for shopping. By the time, we were home, it’s already 9pm.
We slept at 11.30pm.
6 March 2020
I was so tired that I slept until 8am. We had light breakfast before going to race expo for shopping. At the same time, Jianhui could get his wetsuit checked and collect race pack.
Then we went to McDonald’s for breakfast cum lunch. We drove my in laws and Lexuan back before we went to check in Xiao P. Then we went to our favourite Taupo restaurant, Pub and Grub for our Southern man steak. This time round, it looks a bit different - the eggs are not yellow and too much salad with carrots. We also went Countdown to replenish our snacks and drinks. We are drinking at least 4 x 1.5 litres of water everyday.
We rested a while in the room before Jianhui and I went out to buy Domino Pizza for dinner. It cost us only NZD 8 for one large pizza. It’s so cheap man.
Everyday without fail, Lexuan would want to play in the bathtub for at least half an hour for 2 times a day. This is simply her favourite activity in NZ followed by pasting stickers. Oh ya, it’s strange that she suddenly likes pink colour this trip. She will keep saying pink colour, I want. Haha
We slept around 10pm but I didn’t sleep well as Lexuan kept on waking up throughout the night. Everytime she calls for me, I would have to climb down the bed to her pink blanklet to pet her.
7 March 2020
It’s race day! I woke up at 4.30am to get ready. I’m so excited for some action! I always enjoy watching Jianhui race, especially Ironman. Lexuan is very excited like me too! Just that this time I am kinda stressed as a supporter as I have to take care of my in laws and Lexuan. Hmm...
As there is road closure at 5.30am, we drove out at 5am. We managed to find a parking lot quite near to the starting point at Heuheu street. As it is still early, Jianhui went to put his race stuff while we waited in the car.
Then we walked to the starting point together with Jianhui. It’s a cold morning I would say. I wish I have my gloves with me. Luckily we bought a new UNIQLO windbreaker for Lexuan.
Race officially starts at 6.45am and it’s rolling start for the swim. The app is not working too well so I didn’t know what time did Jianhui start until he came out of swim. He started at 6.52am. As usual, I’m always happy to see him out of water.
Then, we slowly made our way back to our motel. I thought we wouldn’t be able to catch him in action after the transition but thankfully, we made it time.
Then we walked back 1.2km. My arms are breaking as I had to carry Lexuan for 1.2km. This girl refused to walk. Oh well, what to do?
I had light breakfast and helped to shower Lexuan before we prepared to welcome Jianhui back from the bike.
The app is finally working so I could finally estimate his ETA just outside our motel. Lexuan and I went outside to wait for Jianhui about 10.45am. Then we saw him bike in and run out. Lexuan fell asleep while waiting for him but then when Jianhui ran past us, she woke up. And she’s a lively dragon again back in the room.
It’s about lunch time so after Lexuan had porridge, we went out again. This time round, my Father in law joined us too. We cheered for Jianhui to do his final lap then we went back to our motel. It’s so convenient to have the bike and run course just outside our motel.
Lexuan was so excited about Jianhui racing that she didn’t nap. And justwhen I was about to go out to welcome Jianhui back at the finishing line, she fell also. So I got to walk to the finishing line myself.
I was enjoying my slow walk along Lake Taupo before i realized that I got to hurry as he’s almost back. I quickly went for a toilet break at the Great Lake Centre before running over to the finishing line.
True enough, I didn’t have to wait for Long before I saw him running back! So happy for Jianhui! His 11th Ironman. So proud of my Husband! And the medal is nice too!
We took photos then we slowly pushed Xiao P to the car. We ordered ice cream to eat at this kerbab shop before we decided to order one kerbab to eat too. It’s very scary thought. Jianhui didn’t have a satisfying lunch so we went to McDonald’s for 2nd round of lunch. The we drove to Tui Street to park our car since the main road in front of motel is still closed for race.
We rested a bit then we drove out to buy dinner from Noodles place. We ordered Hor fun, spring onion chicken with rice and dumpling noodles. It cost is NZD45z most expensive zi char ever! We wanted to buy Japanese food actually but the restaurant are closed. Luckily, the food tasted not too bad.
And of course, we got to go to our favourite Countdown. We came back about 8.20pm.
It’s a long day and Lexuan slept at 9.30pm
So this means that we could party with Corona beer, cheezels and Maggie mee. Just when I thought we were going to sleep, Jianhui suggested that we sneak out to go to the finishing line of the full Ironman. And so off we drove out at 11pm. It’s so exciting and fun. Doing this makes me feel young again. Haha.
It was really great to be at the finishing line. These finishers are amazing to complete 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run. I can’t even imagine doing 3.8km swim in the open sea. And it’s always fun at the finishing line at Taupo as the supporters and volunteers are amazing!
Then we went back and we made it back before midnight! Lexuan is still sound asleep!
It’s definitely a great late night adventure!
8 March 2020
I always feel more relaxed after Jianhui’s race. We slept till 8am+. Don’t know why, but this NZ trip, I am so tired as I don’t get to nap as much as compared to past trips. I’m like so busy with Lexuan the whole day.
Our dear girl is so tired that she slept till 9am which is very race as she is usually up latest by 7.30am in Singapore.
When she’s ready, we went to race expo to do more last minute shopping. I wanted to buy more shirts by women S all sold out by now. Haha.
We bought some shirts for my in laws and Lexuan then we went to The Coffee Club. We ordered all day breakfast and pancakes, iced coffee and hot chocolate. Not too bad.
We drove to Huka Falls which was very near to Taupo. Then we went to Crater of the moon. Jianhui and I decided to do the 45mins walk with Lexuan. Thank god we brought her stroller. Her poor stroller has to go through the rough pavement with us. Weather is good so it gets quite hot after doing this 45mins walk.
Then we drove to this place with a helicopter at the store front for lunch. We weren’t too hungry so we ordered a beef burger and grilled fish for 5 of us.
On our way back, we had a quick stopover at the scenic lookout before we reached our motel at 4pm. Somehow, time seems to pass extremely fast in NZ until we don’t have time to rest.
After Lexuan fell asleep, I decided to go for a short run along Lake Taupo. It was a good short run, running part of the Ironman running course. Some of the encouraging words for the Athletes were still on the running pavement. Happy that I’ve managed to do a short run at such a beautiful place. Meanwhile, Jianhui is happily enjoying his peace under a tree, overlooking Lake Taupo.
After I’ve washed up, it’s time to do Countdown again! We bought the roasted chicken while Mother in law cooked rice. Yes, we bought a small packet of Thai jasmine rice from Countdown too. Anyway, it cost us NZD2.80 only. Then we also ordered Domino Pizza for delivery! It’s so impressive can. It arrived after 20 minutes. Haha. And it’s only NZD15. I simply love NZ’s Domino Pizza!
Probably due to the late nap time at 5pm, Lexuan didn’t sleep until 11pm. 真的是累死我了!
9 March 2020
Today is our last full day at Taupo. We woke up about 7.30am and Lexuan also woke up same time. Then we went to eat breakfast at McDonald’s as we are going for 1.5hours car ride to Tongariro National’s Park. Today’s weather is gloomy and there is passing showers as and when.
We did a short 1km hike in and out while my in laws and Lexuan waited outside for us. The National Park is so peaceful and beautiful. We will definitely be back for the full 19.4km hike. The thought of it totally excites me! By the time we walked back to the car park, it was already 1pm+.
On our way back to Taupo, it was raining heavily. We initially Wanted to have lunch at Pub and Grub but since it was raining, we sent them back first. Then, we went to buy KFC. As it was raining, Jianhui wears my Kiwi jacket with the hoop while I wear my Uniqlo jacket. I’m surprised he can wear my jacket! Haha.
We bought 12 pieces chicken family feast. Happy right? It was so yummy and delicious. Then we rested in the room before Jianhui and I went for our couple date. After buying more snacks and drinks from Countdown, we went to buy ice cream from Gelato. I bought 2 cones which are too much. The ice cream isn’t very nice but the cone is fresh and nice. And due to my clumsiness, I got an extra cone for girl girl! Haha.
We wanted to go Pub and Grub for some celebration but we were told that we had to wait 20 minutes for the food and so we decided to go back home. Jianhui went to pump petrol and pump air for the tyres. Somehow whenever we come NZ, he will need to pump air into the tyres.
Since it’s our last night in NZ, we had to do packing. Lexuan was so active and kept on disturbing us while we pack. We were so thankful when she finally fell asleep. This is also the time for us to party since we had finished packing. Jianhui cooked Maggie mee and steak for us. The steak is so nice though we didnt put any flavouring.
Then, we slept at midnight.
10 March 2020
We woke up at 7am. We did the final packing and we left about 8.15am for our 255km ride to Auckland airport.
We also bought 20 pieces of nuggets for snacks. All in all, we stopped 3 times at McDonald’s for toilet break. We also pumped petrol before returning the car.
Around 1pm, we reached the airport. There’s a queue at SQ counter but thankfully we didn’t wait for too Long. It’s kinda late so we quickly ordered seaweed udon and it cost us NZD30. Then we rushed in to clear security checks. By the time we walked to our gate 16, we only left with about 40mins. And then Jianhui received a call that my father in law is upgraded to Business class! Wow! So lucky!
Jianhui accompanied him to business class while we went to our seats. Then I realized we changed our seats to premium economy seats! So lucky! It’s more spacious and more leg space.
As usual, Lexuan is so active that it’s making me so tired. She likes to go toilet to play with the tap. Also she drank so much water that I have to keep changing diapers for her. For this flight, they got serve peanuts and drinks once we are in the air. Jianhui ordered Singapore sling and it’s nice! Lexuan happily enjoyed her kids’ meals and fruit juice. And it’s all in a mess. As a result, she had to change her clothes 2 times too. She also kop my ice cream. For me I have no appetite to eat.
Lexuan finally fell asleep around 8pm+ and she slept for 2 hours before she’s very active again. Then she started watching her angry bird movies which kept her entertained for a while. For me, I watched running man, happy camp and sing China. I didn’t sleep at all so by the time we landed at Singapore time 9pm (NZ time 2am), I was so tired.
We cleared customs fast and baggage came out very fast too. However, jianhui didn’t see his bike box. We nearly thought that his bike box has extended his “holidays”. Then we got his bike box once we went to the lost and found counters.
I sent his parents home before I took cab back with Lexuan. Lexuan was so tired that she fell asleep on the cab. When she was home, she didn’t want to bathe but I dragged her to bathe before letting her to sleep. By the time, i settled everything, it was already 11pm.
Time to sleep! It’s already NZ time 5am! Almost 24hrs of no sleep man.
Anyway, it was a good trip for all of us. So happy that we made it safely to NZ and back home. Though we are unsure about how covid-19 will affect our trip to NZ, I’m glad we went ahead with it. It’s precious family time and I really needed this break from work. I really love Taupo and I’m sure we will be back there again. And most importantly, I’m so happy that Jianhui had completed another Ironman 70.3 in NZ, a special place for us. And he finally had photos of him at the finishing line in daylight! Also, this time round, his parents are here to see what he enjoys doing. Thanks Jianhui for planning this trip and being our reliable driver! ❤️
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Angeline winks
at |6:29 PM|
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