26th Mar 2005
East Coast Park was beautiful.
Woke up at 545am, washed up, had breakfast and then went on did some last minute packing before Dad fetched me to Bedok MRT at 625. Supposed to be 615, oops, late and he was angry at me, cuz he was tired after the night’s ride already and needed to return the taxi before 730. :p Quarrelled with him. What a way to start the day. Felt rather guilty.
Dad dropped me off at Bedok MRT where I took the shuttle bus service provided to go to the event venue. Arrived at Bedok Jetty area at about 710. Upon reaching the venue, I could feel the high energy level that was in the air as the area was filled with athletes and campers who had camped at ECP over the night. There were many road marshals, namely the Navy guys. The venue was well-organised and spacious. Most importantly, there was a proper toilet!! I always hated cubicle toilets in these kinds of sports events cuz they’re disgusting. And u cannot even change properly in them!
I registered and got my race pack, consisting of 2 number bibs, safety pins, champion chip, an elastic band for tagging your bag for deposition & a swim cap. Then went on to mark my body. I was ‘1367’. Proceeded on to my transition box after that to arrange things. Realised I should go to the toilet 1st, so off I went and for the 1st time in so many events, I need not queue to go to the toilet!! Hah! But it was not so for the guys! The queue was long man! Being a girl in this kind of situations can be really good, cuz there will never be as many girls participating in a sporting event as there would be guys.
After the toilet visit, I made my way to one of the benches facing the sea and the sunrise was BEAUTIFUL. Shaded by casuarinas and weeping willows… The view was awwww… I can only say that…. And guess what? I did not bring my camera!
I pinned my number tags to the dri-fit tee I was going to be wearing later, strapped on the champion chip(for recording my timing) onto my left ankle, and just chilled for a while on the bench. Trying to do some mental prep as I looked out at the sea and imagined myself swimming the route later.
Went back to the transition box later and then placed my stuff there. It was big enough for my huge Deuter bag so decided not to deposit my bag. Saved $2! Took my running shoes out, socks together with it. Placed my run gear in proper place, with the rag for drying my feet on top. Not forgetting my frozen bottle of 100PLUS which I had placed in the freezer the night before. Also took along another small bottle of chilled 100PLUS which I was drinking ever since I stepped out of the house. Hydration is very important in long races. Don’t wanna suffer the cramps later during the run!
The girl in the box beside looked quite ‘pro’ with a Salomon bag (which looks brand new), a pair of shades on top of it, and she was wearing a 2-piece swim suit(but she has no abs!). Another girl was chatting with her friend in front of me and 2 of them sounded like it’s their 1st biath. She turned to me and asked if I know the swim route cuz she’s freaking out now, all the while smiling away. I tried to help by saying what I knew from the race booklet they have sent us. Then she asked the ‘pro’ girl beside me and all she said very coolly was “I’ll look at the other swimmers later.� And she kinda shrugged her shoulders. Found her to be quite proud. Shall take note of how she perform later.
The ‘Men’s Open 1’ flagged off at 8am, followed by ‘Men’s Open 2’ at 810. There were too many male participants, hence they gotta divide them into 2 timings. Whereas for the ‘Women’s Open’, it was flagged off together with ‘Men’s Veteran’ and ‘School’s Challenge’ at 820.
Walked over to see the flag off for ‘Men’s Open 1’ and it was such an adrenalin rush as 600+ participants ran towards the water and started swimming. The distance is quite far out, stretching the entire distance out to the Bedok Jetty. Whoa, the tides must be quite big as compared to swimming in the Sentosa lagoon.
After ‘Men’s Open 2’ was flagged off, I was already preparing to go queue up. Put on my swim cap and queued with all the others to stand near the start line. Actually, if u r asking me how I’ve been feeling so far, I must say that I’ve been calm surprisingly. No adrenalin rush for me. No extreme excitement for me. No anxiety. Certainly no ‘what ifs’ that clouded my clear mind. It was unlike any other event I had taken part in, including the Judo competitions in the past. I did not give myself any pressure, I guess. Told myself I’m there to enjoy the race and complete it. I know I could do it.
Looking at other groups, actually did hope that I would have other friends to do this together with me. I had written about this before in previous blogs. But somehow, I have come to accept it as I know the race is a solo one, and it will be me against myself. Not against anyone else as im not competing with anyone.
The horn sounded and off we went. The 1st part would be against the waves as we were still energetic, according to the organizer who briefed us just beforehand. Then we would have to turn to the left and swim beside the tide before turning again to swim back to shore where the tide would be with us then. It’s like a triangle formation if u can imagine it.
A total of 1.5km. Equivalent to 30 laps of the Olympic sized pool. It would take me less than 33 mins in the pool and since we were out in the open sea, I estimated I would take about 38-40 mins?
I was wrong, so wrong. Hmph. There were no lines to guide us and u have to look out for the bobbing yellow buoy as the marker where u would turn around. But many times, due to the open water conditions, it’s impossible to spot the buoy.
After the turn, it was worse as the 2nd part involves swimming BESIDE the tide. ARGH. I think I got swept inwards by a lot, which was the same case for many others as I could hear the marshals in the bumboats shouting ‘Swim to your RIGHT! Keep to your RIGHT!� And I was desperately trying to look for the yellow buoy.
I was very faraway from the buoy! It seemed like I had turned and swam for a long time but I still gotta swim such a long distance to the buoy before I could turn! Oh dear! I started looking at my watch then, something which I have told myself not to do during the race. When I saw that the time had already exceeded what I expected, I was quite sad that my 1st biath would produce such a lousy timing. And expending too much energy was another concern too, as I do not want to be drained even before my run!
Told myself to relax then and just continuing swimming. Tried to keep the buoy in sight and could see many others around me at the same time. I guess I wasn’t the only one in this situation!
Finally reached the buoy after what seemed like ages. Upon turning, I could see the huge banner with the words ‘SWIM EXIT’ on it. Forward on to shore man! I sped up a bit but was wary about getting my right calf cramped as well. In the trainings earlier, I have come to understand that my right calf cramps easily during the run if I kicked it too hard during my swim.
Reached shore. Ran up to the huge basin of water which they had placed for us to clear the sand off our feet and then rinsed myself with the fresh water they had placed at the side. It was really very well-organised. There were so many tubs, no one had to fight for them.
The basin of water really helped a great deal. No sand. Had been worried about getting sand in my socks and I would be crying while I run! Got to my transition box, dried my feet, wore my run attire, and socks. Gulped down some 100PLUS. Decided to get my receiver before I ran.
I did not need my receiver at all as there were so many other runners and the adrenalin and energy that filled the air totally got me. I did not need music to help me concentrate on my run. I could just make do with the atmosphere! And I ran the entire 10km holding the receiver in my hands, rotating between the 2.
I started off faster than I had planned. Any signs of cramp? Nope, but it still pays to be cautious and hence to slow down at the beginner. Tried, but could not. I was going at a faster rate than planned and I could not stop myself. I overtook many GUYS. Yes, guys. From both ‘Men’s Veteran’ and ‘Men’s Open’! Some ‘School Challenge students as well. It felt good. I did not revel in the fact that I overtook those guys, but more of my own mind and body that was surprising me.
Never in my trainings, those that I did both swim and run together, have I ever felt so strong before. It was both scary and incredible at the same time. I took check of how my right calf was feeling all the time and made sure that if there were any signs of it cramping, I would slow down. Nope. No such luck! :)
I was going strong. So strong that I overtook so many people! There were a few who overtook me-2 ladies, 2-3 young fellows, 1 older man. All in all, I remember there shouldn’t be more than 10 who sped past me. I’m so pleased with myself. All my trainings have paid off. I did not even felt any pain in my knees, nor any muscle spasms in my shoulders, nor pain in my hip, nor chest pains, nor stitches! All I felt was a bit of pain in my abdomen. But it was bearable. Not bothersome.
What a remarkable thing the human body is. It’s always capable of doing so much more without u knowing.
Took drinks at 2 stations. Once was very diluted Gatorade and the 2nd time was just plain water. Guessed they ran out of Gatorade. I simply grabbed my drink and ran past the counter, all the while continuing to run while having the drink on the go. Not easy, many guys stopped. And there was this one guy who seemed amazed at me and turned to look for a few seconds. He was one of those who stopped dead on his tracks to drink. Hey Bro, u can do it too if u want!
Only sipped 1-2 mouthful each time before I threw the cup away. Wonder if what those long distance runners really survive on this just one or 2 mouthfuls at every drink station. Don’t think so. They carry their own fluid and gel.
The last 2.5km. I visualized it as 6 rounds around the track. Not really useful but just trying to gauge the distance. It was fast. With the final kilometer, there were markers at every 100metres. The final 300metres enabled me to see the finish line already. It looked shorter than what I imagined on the track. As I don’t run on the track anymore ever since the Judo days, all my impressions came from how I used to gauge the distance during those arduous trainings. Those were the days when I used to hate running. And those physical trainings on the track. *weary laugh* Those were the days man…
Finished the run at the same speed which I was running all the while. At least that’s what I felt. I was totally surprised with my performance for the run and actually could have continued running past the 10km mark. Did not feel extreme fatigue. Great. Could be due to the 100PLUS. :)
I continued jogging on the spot to warm myself down and did some stretches afterwards. So many others would stop immediately and grabbed a drink. Then they stopped dead in their tracks and some even sat down! Oh man, u people are going to suffer the muscle aches the next day!
I overheard quite a number of people(both men and women) complain about the swim. “The swim was terrible!� “So many people cheated leh!� “ Whoa, siong leh…� Hah, im not the only one to feel the same way!
I drank, cooled down, walked around to look for the place to collect my goodie bag which would have my cert and finisher’s medal in it! Still quite long before I could get it. They told me I needa return after 20minutes later. They actually print the timings on the cert for u right away, saving u the hassle of collecting it on another day or them sending it to u. Great! I could know my timings straight away as well.
I went to bath and the toilets don’t have showers in all the cubicles. They’re changing rooms actually, but there’s an open shower outside and there’s a couple of shower heads. I joined other ladies in bathing in our swim suits. Did I say earlier that they played really good music during the event as well? Yup, under the open sky, with the sea next to u and bathing and scrubbing in your swim suits… Oh man, it really brought back memories of my OBS trip back in 2000... It was also the last time I ever bathed like that with my watchmate, XR. (Hey girl, if u r reading this, do u remember that both of us insisted on bathing outside cuz the bathrooms were so crowded after we returned from our sea ex? Really misses those days… There was such a strong sense of nostalgia overcoming me when I reminiscent them…)
After bathing, I went back to collect my goodie bag. The cert was ready by then n I was so thrilled by my timing! I got over my swim leg timing as I suppose it affected many others as well. A friend who was a veteran in these races already, told me he took 1hour! And his friend said I was faster than him! They’re in their 30s btw.
Swim leg: 46:17
Transition time: 1:49
Run leg: 55:15
Total: 1:43:21
I was so happy with my run. Never thought that I could sub 1 hour for a 10-km run! What’s more, it’s after a swim! Happy, happy……
I met 2 friends at the race and saw some people I have seen at other races before. I also saw my OBS instructor from my Sec3 camp. I had wanted to go say ‘hi’ but he was talking to others at both times when I saw him. The day had been perfect, but it would have been more perfect if I had gone up to show him that I have done my 1st biathlon. And he was my inspiration! It would be so significant. My 1st biathlon completed successfully, and I’m there to thank my instructor who was a participant as well.
Sigh.
East Coast Park was so beautiful. It was very windy at 11 as the dark clouds were rolling in and half the sky was dark, while the other half was bright. The whole setting gave a very peaceful and comfortable feeling. I was so at ease with myself. I’ve finally completed my 1st biathlon!
As I was writing my diary last night, I heard the song ‘One Moment In Time’ by Whitney Houston. I love that song. How appropriate.
Remembered I ever told a close friend of mine that I believe each of us has a talent in something. Each of us is born with something to be fulfilled, in a way. We had seen swimmers and sailors accomplish big things at competitions before. We were not meant to play Judo, as it’s not our cup of tea. But I have no doubts it has certainly help to mould me into what I am today. Our talents could be hidden and not discovered so early. Probably mine could be swimming. And hers could jolly well be sailing.
Whatever it is, I have found my love in multi-sports. Well, at least in swimming and running and cycling(thou im not that good on the bike yet!). Used to marvel at the triathletes. I’m getting a bit of taste as to what it is like now!
Used to think that a marathon is not for me as my knees would not be able to take it. After completing the half-marathon and now the biathlon, I’m looking forward to accomplishing more challenges. I had a record of running 5X/week during my training for my biathlon. And my knees felt good. In fact, it’s all these trainings that have made me so much stronger as a person both physically and mentally.
So… marathon may be up for grabs in the near future? And I would certainly love to try out a triathlon… I can’t believe this is all coming true… Hah…
SPECIAL THANKS TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE THIS BIATH POSSIBLE:
Mum: For the washing of my numerous pieces of clothing after every training… For supporting me in this kind of ‘unfeminine’ activity which caused me to become so big-sized… Mmm… Hah! :p
Dad: For fetching me to Bedok early in the morning although he was so tired already. He had fetched YL and me to City Hall last year for the half-marathon too. Thanks, Daddy!
KN(my OBS instructor) : The 1st triathlete whom I’ve ever known and who has always been an inspiration in many ways. I finally took the 1st step! Thank you!
SM: For the sms just before the race! Hah! Just when I was feeling lonely! :p Thank u!
LL: For the call right after the race! I could let my feelings out to someone who knows the inside-outs! Heh! :) Thanks for being such a great listener and for knowing how important this race is to me!
YL: For the sms the night before! Thanks for the constant encouragement!
LM: Hah… Even thou u’re faraway in Belgium, thanks for remembering I had the biath! It was a hell of a good fun!
MH: For the late sms… Heh… Appreciate it! Thanks for being such a great pal and staying in ECP so that I could go run that day! Also for such a good listening ear all the time!
XL: For the constant encouragements and for understanding when I don’t return calls cuz I’m training! :p
ZX: For the constant encouragements and for knowing who I am. Thanks for the listening ear whenever I wanna gush over someone or something! :p
S(my RG classmate) : For constantly coming back to this blog and thanks for the wishes. Seems like u’re the only one in class who reads this often enough to know me better. :) Thanks u!
All others whom I might have left out or who have prayed/hoped/wished for me secretly! Haha… Thank u! I am who I am because of u guys too!
In no way is the list above placed in degree of importance! If I could, I would place everyone in the top place! Serious! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I told a friend last month that im doing my 1st biathlon over the sms, his reply was: “great! finally u doing bia. U will ENJOY it!� He was DAMN RIGHT! I love it so much that I can’t wait to do it all over again!
"You can have anything you want, if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish, if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose."-Abraham Lincoln
