"Beep-Beep", my phone sounded an SMS alert. The 15 km time trial has been brought forward? As a rookie, my heart skipped a beat. Our 42 km race has just been pushed back, and that means, another week for the Viruses to train!

"Beep-Beep", my alarm went on and on and on… Yawn. It's another early Sunday morning, what am I doing? Looking out the window with clear sunny skies, I hoped it would remain the same throughout the race. After a quick breakfast, I met up with the Viruses, all busy warming up already! While I rushed to gear up, Virus Bear turned to me and said, "Wah. The weather very nice to have a race today leh." However, things were not as simple as it seemed………..

"Beep-Beep", Virus Lady Speedster's heart rate monitor went. After a quick briefing, its time to go! Just as we were about to set off to the starting point, a strong wind blew. The leaves rustled, the sky overcast and the hairs on the Viruses stood. Oh no! It's going to rain! Virus CK and Lady Speedster scrambled to change to their wet weather wheels and within minutes we were ready to fly!

"Beep-Beep", the Viruses stopwatches went! Virus CK, Bear, Coolzone, Alert, Stealth, Freedom, KP and I zoomed off as the guys packed and faced the strong winds together. With Virus Evocative, Lady Speedster and Calm following 30 seconds behind, the Viruses skated like there was no tomorrow. The rain started as a light drizzle, but slowly and surely turned into a moderate downpour. The roads became slippery but the Viruses showed no sign of relenting. We pushed on despite the rain, throwing abandon to the wind, no one showing any intent to end the time trial prematurely.

"Beep-Beep", the stopwatch indicated the last lap. Most of the Viruses were still packed together! Breaking away was difficult with the wet weather conditions, and though some Viruses had physically succumbed to the slippery roads, none of them were going to let the rain defeat them mentally. Despite the hazardous conditions, 300m from the last turn, the Viruses broke off and all dashed fast as they could for the finish line for an amazing finish!

"Beep-Beep", Bouncy gal registered the last Virus's timing on the lap counter. Yeah! We have completed the 15 km time trial successfully! Though the wet weather had grazed Virus Coolzone, Calm, KP and Freedom, the never-say-die attitude prevailed as they successfully completed the 15 km. Well done Viruses!

"Beep-Beep", like Road Runners, Viruses continued to hit the road for some long distance training as the skies cleared after the rain. Finishing up 42 km in squishy, heavy boots was no easy feat (feet), but what can I say? We are Viruses, and proudly so.

Oh yes, we celebrated Virus CK's birthday today as well! Happy Birthday Virus CK!

"Beep-Beep", if you wish to come and have fun with the mad Viruses too, write to my Captain at jenn @ teamspeedvirus. com (remove spaces).