Joining this race for 3 years in a row, I prefer biathlon to a triathlon, because I really do not like to stress out cycling. I always feel cycling is a chillax activity and should be done in a relaxed manner where you can ride and eat.
At first there were no news about the event, usually there will be an e mail sent to past participants around the beginning of the year but there was no news, so I began to wonder if the organisers were going to do it this year. Then around mid Jan I saw the post on their Facebook publicizing the race this year. Without ado, I signed up, the registration this year was $30 for early birds.
Race Day
Reporting to the race site in the morning
I chose to ride the bicycle to Woodlands stadium this time thinking that it will be a good step up training towards the 70.3 in May. The ride to Woodlands stadium is about 16Km, Sunday mornings are the best for riding as there are lesser traffic. The organizer sent one e mail before the race on the reporting time and start time. Setting off about 6:30Am , I reached the stadium about 7:15 Am and had ample time to set up the transition area. This time I chose a Funkita one piece for the swim and for the run I lugged on an Under amour short pants.
Friendly Volunteers
Waiting to start
Transition Point
There was no stress at the swim portion since it was dispatched one by one like last year. This time I did a jump into the water, but from the photos, it seemed to be quite far from what I expected it to be. Swimming through the 8 laps , I managed to overtake at least 2 people this time although feeling a bit breathless, but got to give it to the Oceanman training last year, allowing me to understand speed work in pool a bit more.
Very ugly jump into the swim leg
Run Leg
Running off
Peeps getting ready!
I think my timing should be more of less the same as last year, after coming out of the water, I rush off to the transition and put on the run gear, this year I anticipated the sun and brought not just the hat but also the sunglasses to cover up. I must say the run this year gave me a bit of a mojo, and I was only taken over by Itsuko, a friend from MR 25. She is really fast and not just in the running but all other disciplines. As the weather gets hotter, I managed to finish the whole thing before 9 am.
Unexpected Podium
Champion Itsuko
This year Budi and Nat from the Singapore Front runners joined me and also Jo Lynn from my weekend swim joined too, I think she is quite a seasonal bi or triathelete.
So after collecting the goodie bag, I packed up and got ready to go home cycling. Was shocked to receive a call from the organiser that I got 3rd place! Stoked! As I thought my swim might not have gotten me any further. Quite happy to receive the 100 dollars NTUC voucher, making this race a free one for me.
This year Richard never joined in as he was on overseas trip. But I am sure he will come back next year to claim his placing again.