19 April 2009: Tribob Sprint Triathlon:
Woke up like last Sunday at 5.30am and shxx! it was pouring outside! Not sure if the event would be cancelled. Took same breakfast as last Sunday TriFam event. Thankfully rain stopped at 6.30 and reached site at 6.50am; lucky few to park near the race site. After the rain it was cooling and met KM Wong and Zul! Maybe we can start training together at our PCRC!
Zul went for 2nd swim wave while I choose to go in the last wave; less people better. Took a pre-race dip in the sea and felt good. As I stand at the starting line on the beach, somehow I got sandwich in the middle of the pack! Too late to manoeuvre to the back, so just go along and hope for the best.
As usual, the start was so frenzy! The adrenaline overflows, I think! Found myself getting used to all the trashing of limbs and the sound of thrashing waters like that of hundreds of fishes thrashing in the water as the fisherman reel in the net. Being caught in the middle, I learned the meaning of being elbowed, kicked and pushed! Kana elbow in the face once and learned to 'siam' and fight back; you have to fight for your own space. If not they swim all over you! Had to push away some swimmers to gain space and protect face. Was very weary of the breaststrokers; a kick from their legs pack a punch. Was glad I did not receive any kick in the face. Surprisingly, I wasn't afraid of all these joistling around, in fact I found it to be quite fun! Didn't need to do lots of sighting as the swimmer next to me was doing breast stroke, so i presume he should be able to see the markers clearly. Some of these breat strokers are really good! Swam off-course a little, but better than last weekend. Relax the last 100m to enjoy the sensation of floating in the sea, take a good look at the blue sky and peep at myy fellow swimmers.
Transition was smooth and sped away as fast as I could in my son's bike. The first 5km seems like eternity! and everyone seems to be faster than me! The next 5km, managed to catch up with people using mountain bike. Then my mind began to drift and lost focus; resulted in inefficient paddling. And it seems so hard to catch the next guy. Forced myself to concentrate on technic and it did wonders; managed to overtake some more riders :). Still has a lot of work to put into my cycling, it sucks!
The running leg was/is/will be a drag during the beginning stage. As the mind began to drift again, i almost wanted to stop and walk but told myself to focus and take a step at a time. Regulated my breathing rate and be mindful of my running posture and it helps; found my rythm only at about the 2km mark! From then on the run became more enjoyable. The cooling isotonic drinks and icy plain water was a welcome relief for my head and body . Felt great to overtake youngsters in their 20s :). So relief to see the finish line and some girls were kind enough to hold up the finishing tape and I literally jumped into it! It makes me feel that I am a winner!
Congratulated a lady of 60 yrs at the finish line and she gave me a 'High Five"! Amazing lady and I hope I would still be able to do it at her age :) Well done lady!
Lesson Learned: Stay focus! Stay Focus!! STAY FOCUS!!!
Overall it was more enjoyable than last weekend, as it was my first Tri race. Looking forward to the longer distances for new challenges and with longer running distance, hope that I can catch up with more people! :)
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