my first triathlon

There are woman who call themselves models after participating in just one fashion show and there are man who call themselves a triathlete after doing just one triathlon. Well, I am that shameless bitch. I completed my first triathlon on May 1, 2010 and I am a triathlete!

The race is a sprint distance triathlon. It consists of a 750m sea swim followed by a 20km bike and top up with a 5 km run. This is no mean feat by any measure. Double this distance and you get a Olympic distance race and double that again you get your half iron man. Double that one more time and that's your iron man distance.

At 8.50am, about 250 grown man wearing orange swim caps gathered behind the starting line, all poised with right leg forward, and right hand on left wrist, ready to push on that start button on their timex. The horn sounded and we all charged toward the sea ahead, risking cuts on the foot and possible jelly fish stings.

The first 200m of the swim was chaotic. Coach KK did warned us of the washing machine effect, he however failed to mention that this is the 1000rpm spin cycle.

I made my first left turn at the first buoy, trying desperately to maintain my position in the center of the pack. Things got slightly better as the initial group spreads out, separating the strong swimmers from the weaker ones.

The sea is both salty as it is murky. Visibility under water is less than a foot. After the next turn, everyone was heading for shore. About 20m from shore the water becomes too shallow to swim. I tried running with high knee. Then I felt something cut my right foot. My first battle scare! Now, why did I signed myself for this.

Existing the waters, I ran toward the transition point. As I try to dry my foot I saw 3 small cut on my right foot. No time to waste, I pull up the sock, put on the shoes and helmet and headed for the 20km bike leg on my humble rented racer.

There will be 2 laps to cover and 3 u- turns to make. I planned to drink after each turn and consume my energy gel after the last u-turn. That should replenish my body with enough energy for the run that follows.

The cycling was exhausting. I am constantly being passed by other man on fancy bikes... Even fat man on fancy bikes. I told myself: mind over body and man over machine... And I pass a few woman riders and young children. What did they say about triathlon building your self esteem??? Anyway...

I made the final u-turn and continues on for the final 5km. I pull out the energy gel from my race belt, tear open the pack with one hand and my mouth like a seasoned triathlete. As I was about to take a sip of pure energy, I fumbled and the pack fell to the fast moving ground below.

Should I stop? I would have no energy left to run the 5km!?! The question raced through my head. Before I can decide, it was decided. I am already too far away now. This is a perfect chance to test out that "mind over body" theory! Why did i sign myself up for this?

As I dismount from the bike, I immediately realize what Coach KK meant when he nonchalantly said "It feels weird to run after biking for over 30mins" although I think a much much better word will be "torture" or "pure agony". Why did I signed up with this?!?

The run segment appears to be the worse part of the entire race. I started slow, and try to pick up momentum as I move along. Then I saw the drink station ahead. I slowed to a walk and grab 2 cups from the incredibly cheerful young girls. I finished the drinks and continues to run.

Then I saw the u-turn sign up ahead, only to realize 2 seconds later that it was for the kids race. As much as i want to, i told myself, there are other kids watching.

Finally, my u turn point came into sight. 4 cheerful girls are there shouting "you can do it" repeatedly. I shouted back at them "you really have to try this yourself before you say that!"

Why did I sign myself up for this!!!

1 more lap to go. Everyone around me were running at a snail's pace. Motivated by the though of finishing, I pick up the pace and over took 3 or 4 snails. And then 2 more and yet 2 more...

Why did I signed up for this? Well the answer only came to me 1hr 40min later when i finally crossed the finishing line. I signed up to finish and that's exactly what i did.