18 Sep 2022, was called to do this by Jac. I wasn’t confident but since there was a free bib and sooner or later, I would need to do the Bintan Iron man, so I thought I might as well give this a shot. Just to see whether I am up for it.
A half Ironman consist of 1.9km swim, 90km riding and 21 km running to finish. Jac has originally signed up for this 113 as part of her so called wish list before she turned another decade next year. She managed to find someone who was not able to go and pass me the slot.
Running into the sea
Website: https://eventureglobal.com/events-3/113-triathlon-desaru-2022/
Held at the Desaru Lotus Resort, the swim is at the beach front of the hotel, Bike is towards the north of the Desaru resort estate and Run is within the estate itself. Swim was 2 loops of 750m, Bike is 2 loops of 45 Km while the run is 3 loops of 7km. Although it was said that the bike and the run is hilly, I personally felt that it was still manageable.
The transition area is within short distance to all the disciplines and sheltered well.
Arrival
Three of us collecting the race pack
Unfortunately, a lot of last minute changes, the original crew of me, Jac , Jane and her husband , Sarah was changed. Although Lotus has many large rooms, five people squeezing into a room can be challenging. In the end, Oswald and Jo ( my 10K swim gang) joined in instead. We decided to reserve another room because there are too many things, bicycle, running stuff and many more.
Just arrived
Jo has offered to help us book a 2 bedroom apartment, making it easier and more spacious for the three of us. It was a good deal as each only need to pay about S$ 110.
The transport contact was by Jac, its really not bad, the person comes to Singapore to pick us up ( 4 pax) each person pays $50 only. They send us direct to our homes too. So we need not have to lug the bike around or cycle back like the last time when we did our ride in Desaru.
Race Pack Collection
Everything was held inside Lotus Desaru, the Race pack collection was in one of the halls near to the entrance of the resort.
The race pack is simple and in bright yellow colour, inside , there are the peel off arm sticker for identification, the bib number, swim cap,2 tee shirts( event tee and the finisher tee). The organiser also had a briefing at the main hall during the evening to ensure that everyone know what to expect and is clear about the routes and the rules. There were some small booths selling essential items like watches, energy gel and nutrition, buoys, sunglasses and caps. For this race, buoys are essential, I guess it was more for safety reasons.
Dinner in the hotel
The organiser also had a dinner provided for all prepared by the hotel. Although simple, it was rather delicious and essential. Participants will not have to travel out just to have a meal, it was good as probably we need to rest early.
Morning Swim
Breakfast time
Out of the water
The elite team started off early at 7 am. We could check in our bikes and stuff at the transition from 5:30am and need to clear the area by 6:45am to prevent overcrowding. There were ample staff to assist the whole operations. I found my rack at the far far end which means I need to run a bit for my transition to the start lines. Feeling kinda demoralised , but well transition will not eat the time, I just need to be faster.
Transition
We had our breakfast at the grand hall which the briefing was held the night before. The breakfast was pretty good and there was coffee served, which was very essential for me. We could see the crowd at the beach while the participants do their loops, it was quite exciting.
Finally our turn came at 08:45 am. The sun was shining brightly, I thought we are in for a hot day of action. The swim was good, sea was calm, but towards the end of the second loop, rain poured in!
Bike
Pushing off
Trying to brave the rain
Say Cheese
As I ran to the transition area, the rain got even heavier. The bike leg was drenched throughout, it is actually quite relaxing to ride in the rain, only problem is the rain drops keep splattering to the face. Was thinking of wearing shades but I tot it might make visibility worse so didnt go ahead. To speak the truth, the bike leg was not too rolling. Just that the cold wind and rain makes it a bit tough. My bike is also no the fast type so maybe the slippery portion is not that worrying.
The bike leg was cut short, the second loop was a bit shorter by 10KM. I guess the organiser was worried as there was thunder and lightning. The rain also make the roads rather dangerous due to visibility. The road was not 100% closed and vehicles were still able to move.
Transitions
Selfie at the transition
To speak the truth, I know I should be fast for the transitions, but I was really taking my own sweet time. I did try to run a bit from point to point, but at the transition points, I simply sat down like nobody business and slowly changed up. Having to change 2 shoes was maybe another reason. Just changed to cleats recently and that meant another pair of shoes. I had seen the elites doing this transition really fast and I guess, I really need to buck up on that.
The transition area
One thing I know is my bike mounting is still a joke and I simply do not have the guts to just jump on the bike and go.
Final Run Leg
looking blur
Up Up Up!
The weather has began to clear up by the run leg. Having to do 3 loops of the run, I got to see more of the Newbie singapore group members. The organiser pass each of us a yellow rubber band to show that we have completed one lap. There were also time mats at both ends, in other words, cheating is out of the question. But I felt people who even bother to come all the way to do this kind of race should have some level of integrity.
The run leg was okay, I felt that having to do loops is much better than running one way. The loops kinda mentally countdown for you. The both ends of the loops were hilly but other than that it was just winding.
Jo was strong and she overtook me by the last lap. We finished almost together with me being slower. The finishing line was right in front of the Lotus hotel lobby. There were not many Singaporeans at the back. The Newbies group managed to take a happy group photo together.
After Thoughts
Happy Newbie group but alot of them are not newbies
Personal Finish shot
Yes, it was tough. But somehow I felt doing 100 K trail is more …. disgusting! Maybe its the same type of exercise throughout and my trail descent is really no good. For Triathlon, there are still moments where you can go fast too. Was quite shocked that many people got killed at the Run leg, and that’s why they say runners have it good when they decide to do tri.
I would say 113 Desaru is a good start for a fresh newbie like me. I love the organisation and also the closeness of the participants. Having it inside one location makes it easier for all also. The route was also rather manageable too. The main thing is the tons of Photos.
I do not know whether I will be going to Bintan IM 70.3. But we shall see. Glad to have done this with my Oceanman self made 10KM swim good buddies, Jo and Oswald. Indeed they are strong and serious atheletes!