Sante sets off - fast! (I was just behind - see my finger?)
The calm before the storm...(I am wearing the official Compressport tri-top).
The 60km race was flagged off at 7.02am, and the 30km field of athletes followed up five minutes after. It was already daylight, so visibility was assured and the fast runners tore off hurriedly. The first 10km was dominated by the strong runners, as the fastest registered a 34-minute performance. I paced myself near the front, focused on my friend, Sante Scartozzi - a recent Ironman New Zealand finisher, and respectable age-grouper. With his strong run, I knew if I stuck close to him, I would be close to my race-goal of a sub-3 hour finish. My expected timing splits would have been around 48minutes, 1:15, and 52 minutes respectively, excluding transition.
With the cheeky Peter Yap.
With swim Coach David 'Yellowfish' Lim
With Cebu-bound buddy, Winston Wong.
On the run: Too fast, you Wally! I followed Sante and the faster runners ahead of me, and braced for a pace that would be both comfortable and still not lose my ground. Coming into the Transition Area, I was mildly laboured however pleased that I almost did a PB in my 10km. Seriously, it was equal to my best time for a 10km, in both training or racing. I briefly basked in the moment of my achievement, and took 1:11 minutes for a quick-change. The only challenges for me were my new Shimano riding shoes/cleats, new fork (ENVE), new seat (ISM), and new bar-tape. As expected, my ride as stable and smooth and I could focus on the relevant factors. 'Focus on what you can manage' has always been my mantra. Note to self: Do more intervals for the run. Run like Sante.
Out of Transition Area in a minute: Sloppily slow, though.
A new ISM Adamo Racing seat, sits well.
On the ride: I took the first lap easy as I needed to find my pacing and familiarise myself with the course. Once I locked that in, I was able to focus on my pace, cadence and breathing. I did not check my timing, and chose to go by my 'mental-ticks' of over-taking fellow participants on the flat course (that ran parallel to the airport runway). I was pleased with the way my bike performed, and I think I kept to my planned timing of 1:15 closely. I believe I lost some time when I spun in (more relaxed) into Transition. From experience, I wanted to run on less-depleted legs. Thus, I drank my bidon of Hammer Nutrition 'Perpeteum' which fueled me for both then ride and subsequent run. Another two bottles of water accompanied me, as you were expected to be self-sufficient on the ride leg (in this race). Nutrition is, invariably, the Fourth Discipline in triathlons and the vital link to success or disappointment in a race.
With the imitable, Funny-Man, Marathon Mohan (with more than 250 marathons under his belt)
A cruel second, 10km run placated by the rising heat and fatigue.
On the second run: After a 2-minute transition, which included the consumption of two salt-capsules (CrampFix) and water, and a mild interaction (with David, Ser Luck and Jeffrey) I trundled off. The first kilometre was hard to run. In retrospect (wisdom of hindsight), I think I hit the gas too hard on the first 10km (44:04) which may have burnt up one extra match. You have a finite number of matches in your 'box' (body), and if these are consumed too soon, the remainder of the race becomes harsh. Pacing is a critical part of racing, so training your body to consume both fat and sugar is a key goal of training. I managed a slower (by exactly eight minutes) second lap with 52:04, which was still within my goal. It was a struggle for the first 5km, I assure you.
The Recovery Tent proved to be more fun and cooling, and finishers were pampered with a plethora of cooling delights such as cold Heineken and Asahi beer, fruity slurpee from two dispensing-machines, cold Gatorade, cold wet-towels, fruit, and a buffet-spread. There were cold-shower units to partake in, if one wished. I talked to a few finishers, including two who fell off their bikes earlier, and yet completed their respective races. Such true grit is admirable as the pain and discomfort is factored into an already grueling race.
Other highlights for me included seeing my triathlon and marathon friends, such as Marathon Mohan on his first duathlon (still motivating runners on with his whistle, verbal encouragement, and ever-ready camera); Adrian Mok, Teo Ser Luck (Guest-of-Honour and participant), Jeffrey Foo (organiser), Winston Wong, and David 'Yellowfish' Lim. I stayed on until the prize-giving ceremony was over. It was also satisfying to see a cheque of $6,200.00 presented to the charity known as CARE. I appreciate it when charity and sports mix, and both sides benefit as synergistic collaborators.
In summary, the race was well-organised by Infinitus Productions, with a clear route, adequate feed-stations, friendly volunteers, and a desirable recovery-tent. The participants' positive attitude added to the air of friendly (but intense) competition. I look forward to next year's edition. Such races, when timed properly provide useful evaluations that can be used to chart one's progress. I am glad my CrossFit/strength sessions have translated into actual muscular power and speed. Final assessment: On-track and on-target for a (hopeful) PB in Cebu.
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