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Congrats Danial!

Danial Crichton was a key ANZA Soccer player

ANZA Soccer congratulates player Danial Crichton, who has signed a contract with professional club team Young Lions! We are very excited for Danial, who has been an ANZA Soccer player since the 2017–18 season. The Young Lions club plays in the Singapore Premier League and serves as a feeder team for the U23 national team. As a Singaporean, 16-year-old Danial is eligible to represent his country in international competitions. We look forward to following his future soccer career!

Rising star
Danial joined ANZA soccer on the recommendation of Head Coach Yakob. “It was obvious from the start that a very strong player had joined us, and that he had high ambitions to play for the Singapore national youth teams and break into a Singapore Premier League club team academy, says his coach and competition teams coordinator Marcel de Bruijckere. “Later that season, Danial was indeed selected to play for the Singapore U15s.” While his national team commitments obviously came first, Danial still played for ANZA whenever he could.

Celebrating victory at JSSL 7s

A key ANZA player
Danial has been a key player for his ANZA Soccer teams. His most significant contribution came during last season’s JSSL Professional Academies 7s, the largest youth soccer tournament in Asia. He made many crucial plays and scored the winning goal in the Cup Semi-final 3v3 tiebreaker. He also contributed as team captain.
Danial showed selfless leadership in the 3v3 that decided the Cup Final, which ended in a draw at full time. ” The JSSL 7s tiebreaker works in an unusual, sudden-death format: if, after one minute of 3v3 play, the score is still tied, a player is taken off each team for a 2v2 contest, and after another minute, it becomes 1v1. Along with the vice-captain and goalie, Danial started in the 3v3. “The original plan was that our goalie would leave the pitch first,” recounts de Bruijckere, “but after that first scoreless minute, Danial made the call to come off himself. He was slowing down after playing every minute of the day’s four knock-out matches, and he knew that goalie Philippe had more energy left. Danial trusted his teammates and prioritising the outcome. His father Scott, who coached the team with me, could not have been prouder. Danial’s judgement proved sound when Philippe scored in the 2v2. That victory contributed to ANZA Soccer taking home the Paul Parker Trophy as the best club in the tournament!” Early this season, Danial was selected to play for the U18 Singapore national team in an international tournament. His performances impressed the Young Lions’ management, and they invited him to join them. This commitment means he can no longer play for our B16 competition team. He will be greatly missed in the second half of the season, but we are very happy for him and wish him all the best. “I’m confident he will do well for the Young Lions and may well be the first ANZA player to make it to the Singapore National Men’s Team,” says de Bruijckere. “If he does, he will be following in the footsteps of Head Coach Yakob, who played goalie for the national team and has been supporting Danial behind the scenes as he sought to break into the Singapore Premier League.” Good luck Danial!

Danial’s Journey:

“My father always says I started kicking a ball as soon as I could walk! From a very young age, my favourite memories were playing with him almost every night. Living in Korea for my father’s work was a wonderful experience, but it also had its down points. Playing football was difficult due to our location and my school schedule. In my early teens, I played for my school team. I have a great memory of a two-day competition in Jeju, where I scored 20 out of my team’s 26 goals. A lovely weekend! Football season was my time to shine, but that would only last for three months. I wanted more football, structured the way it was in Singapore, and to continue my dream of making it. I wanted to move back to Singapore to pursue my dream, and I’m blessed my parents supported me. When I returned from South Korea, I wasn’t sure which club to join. But from the first day at ANZA, everyone was very welcoming. They treated me like family. When Coach Marcel and Coach Yakob greeted me with a green jersey, I was honoured to be part of the club. One of the great things about ANZA was that the coaches had good links to both local and international football clubs, and Coach Yakob helped open doors for me to take the next steps to represent Singapore on the U15 and U18 national teams. The national team coaches were also fantastic, as they helped and continue to help develop me as a player. Playing for ANZA, for local club Warriors, and for Singapore, it was busy and I was having a great time, with one of the highlights definitely being the JSSL 7s 2019. In January 2020, I signed my first professional contract at the age of 16 to represent the Singapore Young Lions in this year’s S league, starting in February. I can’t wait to continue my journey! Special mention to my mum and dad for always supporting me, along with Coaches Marcel and Yakob.” As Danial looks forward to exciting new challenges, he wants his ANZA Soccer mates to know that “anyone can also do it!” Follow Danial on Instagram at @Danialcrichton.

Singapore Shophouse Strolls

Photographer Tatyana Kildisheva

What’s this book about?
It leads the reader on a visual and historical journey around Singapore’s Chinatown and the surrounding areas. I set out to showcase the Peranakan culture and architecture – photos illustrate the text and clear maps show the reader where to find the most picturesque and beautiful Peranakan shophouses and terraced houses around Chinatown, Blair Plain, Duxton Hill and Tanjong Pagar. It took around two years to complete.

Any highlights?
I rediscovered the Blair Road, Spottiswoode Road and Everton Road houses. While working on photos, I realised it’s my favourite area, each of the stunning terraced houses is unique and precious. One particular house, which has been in the same family for almost a century, has a stunning metal feature on top of the gate, going back to the 1920s. I absolutely adore how residents display many potted plants and even have little koi ponds in front of the houses for the public to walk through and admire. I’ve included a few photos of those jungle-like walkways in the book.

Yip Yew Chong murals

You also feature local street artist Yip Yew Chong?
Yip Yew Chong shares his memories of growing up in Chinatown and reveals how he started painting the wall murals and the significance of certain elements in the striking artworks. I photographed all the Yip Yew Chong murals around Chinatown. He also provided a hand drawn map indicating the murals locations, which you can find at the end of the book.

What did you learn from doing the first book?
I learned to be braver with what photos I included and how much text I used, which made the second book more voluminous.

Who else was involved in the book?
Jane’s Tours owner and certified Singapore city guide Jane Iyer wrote most of the text for the book, including fascinating historic facts and anecdotes. Julian Davison, a renowned architecture historian in Singapore, provided his research, so there is more educational narrative about the history and development of the neighborhood going back to the 1800s.

Where can we find it?
It’s best to buy directly: tatyana.kildisheva@gmail.com, tatyana@kildi.com +65 9029 1820  or from the following shops:
China Collection, 252 Joo Chiat Road
The AC, 420 Joo Chiat Road
Cat Socrates, 78 Yong Saik Street
Kim Choo, 111 East Coast Road

What’s coming up for you in 2020?
I’m thinking about a third book, but it’s a lot of work and it depends on how the second book sells!

Did you know?
ANZA’s old bright red door in Kampong Bahru was featured in Singapore Shophouse Walks – look out for it on page 52!

ANZA Scouts & Guide Dogs Singapore

“Working within our community is central to the Scouting ethos,” says ANZA Scout Leader Toph Brown. “Over the years, ANZA Scouts and Cubs have done community service with disadvantaged youth, environmental clean-ups, and wildlife research programs. Each year, we aim to do at least three or four service activities.”

Election Sausage Sizzle with ANZA Action at the Australian High Commission

Scouts & the community
Running the Election Sausage Sizzle with ANZA Action at the Australian High Commission in May 2019 was a great experience for ANZA Scouts and a chance to meet a furry new community group. “On the day, we were introduced to Guide Dogs Singapore, the beneficiary of the fundraising,” says Toph. “After the event, we talked with the youth leaders on our Scouts Troop Council (11-14 years) and Venturers Unit Council (15-18 years) about how the Sausage Sizzle had gone. They were keen to do more community service activities like this, and the Guide Dogs sounded like a great cause to support. The youth councils voted to work with GDS as our main cause.”

Gary and his guide dog Jordie

Understanding visual impairment
The next step for the Scouts was to find out more about visual impairment. “The team from GDS came to a Joeys (4-7 years) and Cubs (8-11 years) meeting so our younger members could learn about living with visual impairment,” explains Toph. “The Guide Dogs team used props and activities to let our kids experience the effects of different impairments.” The highlight was meeting Guide Dogs client Gary and his guide dog Jordie. “The Cubs and Joeys quickly learned when Jordie was working, and when it was okay to give the dog a scratch and pat.”

Future plans
GDS has a full calendar of awareness and fundraising events and the ANZA Scouts are excited to help where they can. “With a long-term partnership, ANZA Scouts will see the difference that their efforts make to lives of an under supported community,” says Toph. “Importantly, we can engage in different ways at different ages – critical for our diverse group.”

Join ANZA Action!
We are looking for a wordsmith to write up the ANZA Action magazine
page each month. Get in touch if you’re interested in helping our charity arm tell their stories. editor@anza.org.sg

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Myanmar with Kids

Living as expats in Singapore puts us in a wonderful position to easily explore Asia, without the cost and inconvenience of long flights. During our time here my wonderful wife Julia and I have explored some awesome off-the-beaten-track destinations, however none as unique and different as Myanmar.

We decided to brave Burma with our kids Miles (20 months) and Nina (5). To be truthful, every day brought a new tantrum, (sometimes several) however the challenge of travelling with kids in this newly accessible region was always compensated with the smiles and excited faces of the curious and friendly local people. It was more than worthwhile visiting this fascinating country.

Our ten-day trip from Singapore to Myanmar commenced in the former capital known as Yangon. We travelled in the wet season, (May – early October), which is usually not recommended, but for the most part we didn’t get rained out. Yangon is a busy Asian city, lined by the Yangon River on the west and the Bago River on the south and dotted with some wonderful parks, temples and history.

We stayed at the Savoy Hotel (savoy-myanmar.com), which originated as a lush private residence in the 1940’s and now operates as a boutique heritage hotel. The courtyard had a wonderful French provincial feel to it and the interior was beautiful, with grand wooden staircases, antiques and other stylish fittings. Rooms were comfortable and staff very warm and friendly (like all Myanmar people really).

Shwedagon Pagoda

Ten minutes’ drive from the hotel was the Shwedagon Pagoda – Yangon’s most famous landmark. The imposing 99-metre high gold-plated pagoda is 2500 years old and boasts a diamond studded spire. Our adventures included a trip to the gilded pagoda, which had a beautiful, peaceful feeling to it, even with a one and five-year-old toddling around.

Also, on the agenda for Yangon was visiting colourful markets with a wide variety of unique trinkets and taking a walking food tour run by SaBa Street Food Tours (sabastreetfoodtours.com). Sa Ba is Burmese for “eat please” and the tour was fantastic fun. It covered the old district, including tasty sweet and savoury pastries from an ancient bakery, a guided walk through the wet market, traditional noodles cooked on coals, and spicy salads of broad beans and tea tree leaves. We also tried Mohinga, unofficially known as the traditional dish of Myanmar, consisting of rice noodles served in a hearty herbal fish and shallot-based broth. We all grew very fond of this and would snack on it regularly throughout the trip. The kids really enjoyed trying the different foods and believe it or not, no one got sick.

Following Yangon, we jumped in a turbo prop plane for a little over an hour and headed to Bagan, a spiritual centre for Myanmar, located centrally in a drier part of the country. The UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its stunning temples, constructed in the 11th – 13th century. Approximately 2,000 remain, rising majestically from the landscape.

You do get a little “over-templed” after a while, especially if you’re travelling with young kids, but they’re all fascinating. I would highly recommend getting a guide, as the history surrounding the old city is truly incredible. If our kids were a little older, I would happily listen to our guide all day.

Bagan

There are plenty of hotels in Bagan, but we chose The Hotel @ Tharabar Gare, (tharabargate.com) as it was right in the middle of the action. Our room overlooked the old town’s walls, many temples were within a very short walk, and there was a lovely shaded swimming pool for the kids to splash around in and cool down.

We explored the temples in an airconditioned van at a reasonable rate, however in the evenings you could also jump on the back of a horse and cart. We did this at sunset, which was very special. There are also plenty of tuk tuk’s around. During the months of October to April, you can ride a hot air balloon over the old town, which is supposed to be magical, if a little on the pricey side.

Our amazing guide Win and driver Coco also took us to some of the more famous temples, a very local wet market, and a monastery to watch the young novice monks have their only meal for the day, as we were educated about life growing up in the area. They were both very kind and gentle with our kids, including accommodating us when we needed a break and playing with them while we had lunch.

Sofitel, Inle Lake

Our final destination was Inle Lake, the highlight of the trip. The 116km2 lake is home to around 150,000 people, many who live in stilt houses and farm on floating islands of vegetation. Tomatoes are the most farmed item, which results in around 90 tonnes of tomatoes a day, mostly for domestic use around Myanmar. The lake was very picturesque and well worth the additional 40 minute flight and 1.5-hour drive from the airport. We stayed at the brand-new, luxurious Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min (sofitel.accor.com) for a reasonable rate. Our beautiful villa on stilts had a private balcony overlooking the lake – the sunsets were super special and the whole experience was one we won’t forget.

Travel around the lake is by long boat – drivers pick you up from the hotel’s private jetty. We hired another guide with our own boat, which was very affordable, and visited more wet markets, temples, villages, traditional textile factories and floating farms. Life on the lake was calm, picturesque and very relaxing. All in all, we had a wonderful time and would highly recommend visiting Myanmar before it gets too commercialised!

Getting Ready for Pregnancy

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How do I know if I am fertile?

If you have regular periods this is a good indication that you are ovulating monthly. Ovulation usually happens between 10 and 16 days before the start of your period, so if your periods are regular you can predict when you will be ovulating by working out the start of your next period and counting backwards. There are helpful apps which can do this too!

There are quite a few physical signs that you are currently ovulating though not everybody will experience them all. Cervical mucus is one of the most common indicators of ovulation as around this time you may notice a thinner, clearer discharge, sometimes likened to egg white. There is a small rise in body temperature after ovulation which may be detectable with a thermometer. It is also possible to detect ovulation using a urine stick that measures changes in hormone levels at the time of ovulation.

Some but not all women experience additional signs, such as breast tenderness, lower tummy pain and bloating.

How many months on average does it take to get pregnant? Is it age dependent?

The time to get pregnant does vary with age.  In couples where the woman is under the age of 40, having regular unprotected sex (every 2 to 3 days) 80% should become pregnant in the first year and half of the remaining 20% will become pregnant the following year. So, 90% in total will become pregnant within 2 years.

Women over the age of 35 have an increased risk of complications, miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities than younger women.

Should I get a check-up before I start trying to get pregnant? What tests are done at a pre-pregnancy check up?

There are a few factors that can alter your chance of becoming pregnant, age is one, but other factors are your general health and reproductive health as well as how often you have sex.

It is definitely worth having a check-up before trying to get pregnant to talk through your general health with a GP and review your reproductive health. This is not a “one size fits all” consultation as we are all different.

Some of the things that may be discussed at a pre-pregnancy check-up are age, pregnancy plans, coming off contraception, previous pregnancies, exposure to hazards, vaccine history and updates, as well as any current chronic health issues, such as diabetes, thyroid or mental health conditions. Your GP will also want to know if you have any risk of genetic conditions. Smoking, alcohol intake, diet and body mass index (BMI) would usually form part of this discussion as well.

Any tests needed will depend on the patient. Some may need blood tests, and cervical screening will be recommended if not up to date.

I’m overweight. Will this affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Being overweight, obese or morbidly obese does affect the chances of becoming pregnant.

Obesity (BMI >30kg/m2) reduces the chance of pregnancy and also increases the rate of miscarriage.  Women who are obese during pregnancy have a higher chance of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia as well as complications at time of delivery.

Being underweight also reduces fertility and increases the chance of early miscarriage.

Does smoking affect fertility? Why are pregnant women told to stop smoking? What does it actually do to the baby?

Smoking affects both male and female fertility as the chemicals in cigarettes cause damage to eggs and sperm.  Passive smoking also has this effect.  In addition to a reduction in fertility, smoking is linked to miscarriage, small babies, birth defects, stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you or your partner need help to stop smoking, talk to your GP.

What does folic acid do? Should I take it if I am planning on getting pregnant?

Folic acid is known to reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and it is recommended for all women who are pregnant. It makes sense to start this when trying to conceive as you may not initially know when you become pregnant.  A dose of 400 micrograms every day is recommended for the majority of women.

Patients who are obese, have diabetes, certain types of anemia, take anti-epilepsy medication or have a history of neural tube defects should take a higher dose of 5mg a day.

In both cases, this should be taken until the 12th week of pregnancy.

How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?

Living a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise and no smoking or alcohol should increase your chances of getting pregnant and result in a healthier pregnancy. Caffeine should also be limited. Start taking folic acid early. If you need help with weight loss, to quit smoking or advice on your diet, or any pre-pregnancy advice, see your GP.

Any last comments?

Whilst the vast majority of couples do get pregnant in the timescales given above, some couples can find it difficult.  If this is something you are experiencing, we are happy to help.

Dr Sue Smith is a UK trained GP and based in IMC Camden. Contact: 6733 4440 or visit www.imc-healthcare.com to make an appointment.

ANZA has moved to Kampong Glam!

1. Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro
257 Beach Road, 199539
fikacafe.com
“Fika” is an institution in Sweden; it means having a coffee and a small bite (a cinnamon roll or a biscuit for example) with colleagues, friends, a date, or family. This sweet, airy café honours that tradition, also offering the unusual combination of Halal Swedish food in Singapore. Tuck into Swedish beef meatballs, served with baby potatoes, cream sauce, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers, a gravlax sandwich on freshly baked bread, or a warm kale quinoa salad.

2. Konditori
33 Bussorah Street 199451
konditori.sg
Fika’s little sister is Konditori – a European style patisserie that churns out fresh artisan breads and pastries. Patrons rave about the red velvet and black forest croissants, lemon meringue tarts, brioche, brownies, and Swedish semla buns. They also make showstopping customised cakes for weddings or parties.

3. Flying Monkey
67 Bussorah St, 199480
flyingmonkey.sg
Go bananas for Flying Monkey’s excellent modern Indian food and craft cocktails. Served tapas-style, the delicious plates are inspired by street food (Chaat and Vada Pav) and offer twists on Indian classics like the Black Truffle Naan, Dill Fish Tikka and elegant kebabs served on mini roti. The cocktails are also laced with Indian spices – try the Lassi Wassi – yogurt, mango and turmeric blended with a shot of rum.

4. Supermama
265 Beach Rd, 199544
supermama.sg
Design store Supermama was founded by Singaporean couple Mei Ling and Edwin, named after the leap of faith made by Mei Ling in supporting her husband’s dream of quitting his job and owning a store! The pair collect and create meaningful, beautiful objects, working closely with artists and designers. The perfect spot to pick up a thoughtful gift or something for yourself.

5. Sultan Mosque
3 Muscat Street, 198833
sultanmosque.sg
Built in 1824 by the first sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah, this magnificent mosque is a Singapore landmark and the largest unofficial centre of worship for local Muslims. Visitors are welcome to visit, wander around the large prayer hall and learn more about the religion and its history. Walk-in visits are available Saturday to Thursday between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm, and Fridays between 2.30-4pm. Visits can also be arranged in advance for larger groups. Dress in long sleeves and pants, or borrow a robe on arrival.

6. Papi’s Tacos
39 Seah St, 188395
papis-tacos.com
Expect legit tacos, burritos and quesadillas at this tiny, no frills taqueria – Executive Chef Mauricio Espinoza hails from Mexico and was trained in NYC. Take a seat at the cosy 16-seat bar, order a tangy frozen margarita and try an array of traditional bites – from chips and guac, to palm sized soft tacos stuffed with various fillings, including marinated steak, grilled white dory, shrimp, mushrooms and pork. No bookings – arrive early, or you’ll find yourself in a queue.

7. Gelam Gallery
Muscat Street beside Masjid Sultan
Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery features around 30 artworks by local and international artists, spread across the back alleys of Muscat Street. Framed pieces hang alongside wall murals and commissioned graffiti. The art ranges from colourful contemporary works to cultural statements that reflect Singapore’s diversity and history. Entry is free – bring your camera!

8. Blu Jaz Café
12 Bali Lane, 189848
blujazcafe.net
The neon lit Blu Jaz Café is a Singapore institution, spilling onto the pavement at the corner of Bali Lane with a buzzy crowd. Head down for regular live music sets and open mic sessions – the café hosts a list of famous jazz names and rising stars.

9. Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate, 198501
malayheritage.org.sg/en
Located at the historic Istana Kampong Gelam, this museum traces the rich history of the Malay community. There are six sub-galleries, permanent and rotating exhibits, and contributions made by Malay pioneers. There’s also a dedicated kids’ space and storytelling sessions.

** You can find ANZA’s new office at 261A Beach Road, Singapore, 199541

Join ANZA Click! Photography

Who are ANZA Click? 
Click is group of ANZA Members and friends that share an interest in photography and image making. The group has existed in one form or another for more than ten years. With over 120 members signed up, we have a broad range of photographic interests and experience represented.

Where do you meet?
Most of our activity is within our private Facebook Group (search for “ANZA Click” on Facebook) – it’s easy for us to stay connected, share our photography and benefit widely from the group’s knowledge. We host real world photo walks around Singapore every month, following a loosely planned route, pausing to make photos of the people and places we pass by. These are very informal affairs and not recommended for anyone who wants to get from A to B in any kind of hurry! We also host presentations and seminars, and enjoy catching up for a kopi to talk about our shared hobby.

Who can join?
This group is great for beginners, amateur enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in photography. We welcome new memberships, regardless of your experience, equipment or photographic interest. Many of our members use their camera phone – a very good option these days as the technology and image quality continues to improve. To join you must be a current ANZA member. Send us an email at click@anza.org.sg

Why join this group?
ANZA Click is a great way to share your interest in photography and learn from a large community of like-minded people. Our members regularly share their images, both online and in the monthly ANZA magazine page. We offer constructive feedback, plus tips and techniques to help our members improve their photography and develop their interest further. We also host a monthly photography project theme.

Best thing about the group?
The sense of community and goodwill amongst our members and the inspiration and encouragement available from seeing the world through someone else’s camera lens – whether it’s a $10,000 Hasselblad, an iPhone 8S, or early 1970’s Canon FT QL.

Anything else you’d like to share?
We are constantly working to improve the ANZA Click experience for our members and we have some good ideas for new content and avenues to explore in 2020 (both in a literal and figurative sense!). If you have any ideas or suggestions that you think would enhance the ANZA Click experience please let us know, we would love to hear from you. Finally – if I haven’t convinced you to this point – please sign up to our group, we would be very happy to welcome you as a new member!

anza.org.sg/groups/click-photography

Fit Tips to Boost Immunity

What’s the secret to picking fitness resolutions that are attainable and realistic?
Leigh, Head of Personal Training UFIT: The key is to really think about why you want to achieve your goals, and make the goals smart – I want to lose 3kg and drop a dress size by 1 March is a lot more powerful than just saying ‘I want to lose weight’. With a strong reason and an emotional goal it’s so much easier to stay focused once the New Year motivation fades away (usually by February!)

What’s the best way to set a fitness routine and stick with it?
Leigh: Firstly, do something you enjoy! Also focus on creating a manageable habit. For example, ‘I will train twice a week without fail’ is a lot easier and more beneficial than saying you are going to train five times a week at 6am! That’s setting yourself up for failure. Have fun and be realistic.

What are the common excuses you hear for not exercising?
Nathan, Manager and Personal Trainer at UFIT : I think the lamest one is ‘no time’. Usually this can be quickly debunked by getting someone to wake up 45-60 minutes earlier and walking/moving every morning before breakfast.

How can we avoid fitness becoming a chore?
Leigh: View your fitness as ‘training’ instead of ‘exercise’ and become results oriented. I guarantee once you achieve your first pull up or bodyweight deadlift you will find ‘training’ far more rewarding and enjoyable. Don’t just turn up and hope for the best. Having a plan, a goal, and focus will turn your fitness into a journey that not only improves your strength and confidence, but also gives you a sense of achievement.

Do you have some tips for great nutrition?
Nathan: Everyone is different, and you need to listen to your own body in terms of what makes you thrive and feel good. If I was to use one word that would be “fuel”. Treat food as fuel and choose only the best sources to energise your body and improve performance.
Leigh: My answer to this is always ‘it depends’, but focus on eating more veggies and fruit, more lean protein and carbs (to fuel your training), drink more water and give yourself 10% ‘wiggle room’.

6 small ways to stay motivated:

1. Set achievable deadlines.

2. Have a varied training schedule.

3. Do something you enjoy.

4. Use weekends for activity and sunshine.

5. Reward yourself on small milestones.

6. Keep a training journal to record progress.