prospective perspective

5:59:31.. I was laughing and crying at the same time as I sprinted down the chute and past the finish line in a weak final attempt to break the 6-hour mark.. I could hardly believe my eyes and it could hardly be less convincing of a sub-6 but oh well, I suffered for it and I’m happy with it! :)

The famous triathlon in Busselton is one of those races where everyone who’s anyone has either done it or has an opinion about it.. There is the half-ironman that happens sometime in May and the full-ironman that takes place in December.. The words often used to describe the course are “flat as a pancake”, “fast”, “cool”, “beautiful”, “picturesque” and there was no lack of details when it came to course information..

I signed up for the race through a group deal with BPM at the end of 2011.. Nicole organized a girls-only BPM Angels on Tour and it sounded so good! At that point in time, I did not know what 2012 was going to look like nor had I even done my first 70.3 but decided to just take the plunge and go for it.. As they always say, triathletes are a little crazy :)

The 1st quarter of 2012 went by in a flash.. I spent Jan and Feb in Bangladesh on attachment, March travelling from Germany to Sydney to Singapore to Hong Kong for work, for dad’s 60th and just catching up on life! Before I knew it, April came around and I was 4 weeks from Busselton 70.3! Insane! I have been running somewhat consistently Jan through Mar but hardly did any swimming or biking (not the easiest sports to engage in while flying from one continent to another and one definitely cannot swim nor bike in Bangladesh). So I panicked and kick-started my 70.3 training at Sonic’s annual training camp in Nan Ao.

By the time I left for Perth, I had barely even done half the volume of training I did for Taiwan’s 70.3 last year, and my coach knew this! But still I trusted in his 4-week intensive training program and flew with excited spirits to Busselton! Coach was also very encouraging through his pre-race pep-talks and whatsapp messages!

So on race day, what was supposedly a “flat as a pancake” swim turned out to be choppy and horrible! Days before the race, thunderstorms came and dark clouds covered the waters.. My thoughts immediately floated to the “increase in shark activity” news article I read in the local newpapers days before the race.. Eeeeeepp! The waters looked ominous and was totally covered in seaweed swept from the deep ocean. Triathletes warming up for their wave starts came out of the water with seaweed hanging off their swim caps, goggles and wetsuits and a black powdery coating on their faces.. Quite a funny sight I must say! I decided in an instant that I was NOT going to warm up! The plan was to just run out into the waters when the whistle blows and take whatever the ocean throws at me.. I said a prayer for protection and safety and off we went!

The swim turned out to be the hardest I’d ever done.. Huge choppy waves meant that sighting was impossible.. Even the pros were swimming in zig-zags and odd shapes in a very rectangular swim course! A poor swimmer like myself didn’t stand a chance.. What made it worse was that I breathe on 1 side when I swim, and as you would guess, it was the same side as the waves crashing in.. Twice I had to float on my back because I drank so much seawater I was choking, gasping and spluttering and I very almost caved and raised my hands for the life-guards on surf boards to save me.. The second time I floated on my back was a result of a huge wave that dumped me onto itself causing a loud buzz in my ear.. At that moment, tears rolled down my cheeks and I really wanted to give up! I know, I’m a drama queen! :) But I’d come all this way to enjoy and race this course, I had teammates back home rooting for me, and most importantly, I knew God was watching over me.. So I turned myself over and started swimming (or what constitutes as paddling hands to move forward desperately) and before long, I finally made it to land.. I don’t think I’ve ever been this distraught coming out of a swim but the photographer really captured the moment.. At this point, I was still contemplating giving up because the swim had taken everything out of me.. Evan called out to me from behind and gave me a push to keep going..

Transition 1 came and went in a blur.. It was so cold leading up to the race that I brought a full wardrobe into transition but used none of it as the sun was beginning to come up and I thought it was going to be warm.. 10 mins into the bike course, my legs were already suffering from the lactic build-up from the effortful swim.. Again, I asked for strength and continued to push through.. Before long, I was getting into a rhythm and enjoying the scenery around me.. The trees and flowers and greenery as far as the eye can see truly was picturesque and took my mind off the peddling.. I really really enjoy cycling.. *cue “I want to ride my bicycle” by Queen* :)

Going into the run, I was mentally prepared for it to be painful as I usually struggle through the run leg of any triathlon race I’ve been in.. Somehow, running on fresh legs for me is very different from running off the bike.. Still I decided what’s the worse that could happen? I’d crawl back to the finish line if it turns out badly.. Amazingly, as I was putting 1 foot in front of the other, somehow my muscles remember all the hours I’d put into running since the beginning of the year.. I was feeling comfortable and continued to keep a steady pace, walking through all aid stations as Coach says and drinking coke for fuel.. Coke truly is the best race drink! It’s amazing! :) I put together all the run photos that marathon-sports took and laughed at the way my form just deteriorated as I chipped away at the 21.1km!

And then towards the end of the last lap, I looked at my watch and realize there could be a chance to break-6. So I upped my pace and didn’t feel too bad so I continued.. And the rest you already know.. Another dramatic moment at the finish line.. I could have sworn people were looking at me strangely as I alternated between giggling to myself and sobbing.. and this was wayyyy after I had crossed the finish line!

Waited for my friends to come through and spent the rest of the holidays at wineries, chocolate and cheese factories and just laying in bed resting my sore legs..

So thankful I didn’t drown or get eaten by sharks in the race.. Thankful that I didn’t give up.. I think I’m the better for it each time I overcome a race.. And thankful that I have an amazing coach who sets these programs that prepare me really well for races.. Thankful for life lessons I learn through this sport and thankful for friends who rooted for me all the way.. So blessed :)