Singapore Aquathlon 2013 - A first for me ^^

   A year ago, I ran Singapore Aquathlon as a runner, in the tertiary relay with Enid. We both achieved first as a team but as the race was pretty small, there wasn't much competition and hence, I was happy but it lasted for a short while. However, at that time, I was only a rookie in the field of biathlon/aquathlon (swim & run), my hopes wasn't too high.

   This year, after about a year of racing and trainings (especially my swims), I was a little more confident of my swims (which compensates for the lack of confidence in my runs after being down due to injury) and forked out $70 to take part in Singapore Aquathlon 2013. This event seemed much bigger, based on the publicity, number of participants, Metasports as the event organisers and definitely the higher cost, as it was replacing Singapore Biathlon (not held this year).

   Arrived at the race venue early at 8am, thanks to Leon who decided to go for a morning ECP run and offered me a lift. The event ground was pretty neat, with all the tents clearly marked and I was able to find out where was the information booth, baggage deposit, body marking, drinks station quite easily. And everything was pretty well-organised and there was not much of a queue at any of the stations, despite the high participation rates - I guess Metasports is an expert in organising such events. The only downside, which I was not too happy about were the meals/food for post-race where there was only nasi lemak available (whoever eats that after a race?!) and the electrolyte drink was pretty bad (had to settle for water).

   Anyways, I wasn't expecting much from the race because I was a little shocked when I saw the number of participants for the Sprint Distance was so much more than the Standard Distance and I haven't been back to my usual speed for my run. :( In fact, I was a little more confident for my swim in comparison because I have been working hard at it. Josh Li, Dereck, Debbie and Sherlynn went first at 830 & 840 while me, Max and his brother, Clement waited for 940 and 950 to start our race. Race cap, Oakleys, shoes, goggles, race bib, gel checked. Moved them all to the transition area before Max and I did a short jog to warm-up. You see, unlike runs, there is quite a number of things to prepare for a aquathlon (and even more for a triathlon) - the benefit is that it does diffuses the pre-race tensions :) Looking at the ships direction, I made a mental note on the swim course I should go (following it strictly is another matter altogether though). 

   Watched Max and Clement go off, I made a final mental check on everything and slowly headed to the starting line. Decided to stay at the front and do my best to attempt to draft the front swimmers. hahahas..which kinda failed but at least it was a try. 3min, 2min 30seconds, the organisers were pretty punctual. GO. Telling myself not to be afraid of swim kicks I rushed ahead with the front pack and tried to follow them - at least for the first 100m. The course, though it was only 750m, felt super long but at least the waters were not too choppy.

   Soon, I got out of the water and ran to the transition site. I spotted Yiwei in front of me and recognised her to be the SMU girl who won me during the run in SUNIG 2012. I was quite determined to chase her but my race plan was to tail her from the back until the last 1km. Good thing my transition went rather smoothly and I was out in a jiffy. Following her was quite comfortable for the first 2k all the way to the Sailing Centre u-turn, where my stamina felt it had taken a bashing. Slowed down a little but was telling myself, COME ON, YOU CAN DO THIS!

   At the last 1k, the gap was widening but I managed to catch up with her at the last 200m. Summing all my strength, I sprinted to the finishing line but the gap was a little too wide and I lost to Yiwei by a mere 3 seconds!!! :( Thank God that He gave me the strength to complete the race in a good time and that I managed a 3rd position for the 20-39 category! :D yays!

   

   Although we didn't enter as TeamNUS Aquathlon, it was nice that Coach David, Kenley, Jon Tan and Chunnie came to support us and that there were some of us taking part! Sherlynn and Debs were 2nd and 4th for Standard Distance, Dereck and Josh were 1st and 2nd, Max and Clement were 2nd and 3rd. Pretty good achievements for the NUS family :)

Hopefully, I will be brave enough to up the level next year to do the Standard Distance. But for now, my aim is still to complete a Sprint within sub-40 :)

Yays..i lost to Yiwei by 3seconds but oh well..

Much room for improvements - both run & swim

The $70 trophy - that's how much its worth