twy’s blog!

As usual, my target is 3 hrs. However, going into this race, I didn’t really train that much. Anyway, straight to the race.

It rained almost the entire Saturday, and the Sprint contestants had to swim in really rough seas. Thankfully, on Sunday morning, the rain stopped and the sea was calm. This time I stayed in PD, so didn’t have to rush. Didn’t want another repeat of Bukit Merah.

Due to the large number of contestants, the split the swim into 5 (I think) waves. The elite went off first, and I was in the 2nd wave which was the Men 18-30 category. As usual, started at the back. Some VIP flagged us off. The water was quite shallow for quite a good distance. Although I am slow, I think I am not the slowest. It was difficult overtaking at the beginning. Next time I think I start “near” the last. Actually, I didn’t know the swim route. I just follow the marker, which I have to say was pretty big (which is good). The problem with starting in waves is that after some time, those from the next wave started overtaking me. Lots of kicking, splashing, brushing, etc was going on. Somebody’s hand almost knocked off my goggles, but luckily it remained intact. From then on, it was rather splashy and wavy caused by the large number of contestants. My time: some 38 mins. I am quite shocked actually. Didn’t expect it to be this fast. I thought the distance might be shorter, but Stupe’s blog says it was 1.5km. Well, nothing to complain about.

T1 was quick. Starting to get used to the transition thing. The thing I like about starting in waves is that I am not that lonely anymore during the bike onwards. However, many overtook me, especially during uphill. I think this is where I need to work on. Since it is legal to draft, I tried once in a while, though there’s nobody with the same pace as me. So, most of the time I was cycling alone. Not really used to the drafting thing, as I usually train alone. The route was pretty interesting. It was the road towards Lukut, some small town in Negeri Sembilan. Anything that you’ve ever seen on the road, it’s there. Carcass (all sorts of animals: birds, snakes, iguanas, etc), cow-dung, and lots of other stuff. However, road condition wasn’t that good. Potholes here and there. This time, remembered to eat something. Had 2 powergels and one banana. It rained occasionally. Bike time: about 1 hr 20 something minutes. Close to my target. On track.

T2 again was quick. From a lesson learned in Powerman 2006, when it rained and my shoes got wet, this time I placed my shoes in a plastic bag. So, dry shoes and socks to start off with. My calf was pretty tight in the beginning. Stretched a little, but my legs weren’t that tired. However, still stopped occasionally. Nothing interesting to talk about. The u-turn was just after Avillion. My time was some 1 hr 5 minutes. I think the distance is shorter than 10km, as I don’t think I would have run that fast. Total time, some 3 hrs 10 minutes. Personal best. Quite delighted with my time.

So, overall, it was a pretty good race. 3 hrs seem quite realistic now. Trim 5 minutes in the swim, 5 minutes in the bike, and maybe another 5 minutes in the run.

However, I am sad to say that a triathlete passed away when he drowned during the swim. It is said that this was his first triathlon. I don’t know him, but may he rest in peace.

I don’t know what happened or who’s fault it is, but I want to say a few things about the swim. For beginners, it can actually be quite tense at the beginning. Everbody is kicking, splashing, shoving, trying to overtake each other. During my first sprint triathlon, I panicked and almost gave up. Luckily I remained calm, float on my back and took some breathers. Even at this year’s A Famosa, I had to go to the side and took some breather. For those starting out, it would be better to start at the back. Don’t worry about those announcers asking you to go in. Take your own time, and start swimming when you are ready. The important thing is to keep calm and remember to breathe.

Anyway, took some time off from training after the race. Did some stroke correction and improvement on my swim. Started running again. Sent my bike for service. Side note: it rained almost the entire journey from PD to Penang. My bike rusted wherever it could rust. So, had to send in for service.

Next major race: Powerman 2007 in Lumut. See you there!