Singapore Aquathlon 2017

Men's Health Urbanathlon 2016

I didn't make it into the first wave. But that didn't matter much. 

I started in the third wave. This meant that most of the faster runners would be long gone by the time my wave was flagged off (7.06am). Some of the Gurkhas who were in my wave had managed to negotiate their way to the first wave start. I knew they'd be podium contenders. As for me, though a little disheartened that I couldn't see the Gurkhas in action (and a little worried if there would be bottlenecks forming, as each wave probably consisted of about 80 individuals), I had already decided I was hear to experience an obstacle race, not race one.

Yellow. Credit to Prischew.com.

From another angle. Credit to MHU's Race Video.

Promptly at 7.30am the first wave was flagged off; subsequent waves were flagged off in three minute intervals. I was pretty cautious about the lengthy race and the obstacles, therefore I tried to start cautiously and followed others who were leading my wave. It wasn't long before I found myself leading my wave just as I approached the Obstacle 1: Barrier Breakers. Though straightforward, I could foresee this could be more challenging for female participants. There were many participants from the earlier waves navigating this obstacle, though it wasn't a bottleneck yet.

Therefore, I proceeded along steadily, making my way under Benjamin Sheares bridge to arrive at Obstacle 2: Side Walk. This was probably one of the easier obstacles of the race, or at least it was easy considering most runners were still fresh. Thereafter came the three storey climb up to the top of the bridge. Some runners were running up, though I took my time, two steps at a time. I knew that the best way to complete this race was by pacing well - both during the run and during the obstacles (if possible).

The run atop the bridge was pleasant. Though the sun had already risen, it was fairly breezy. I gradually started reeling in runners while continuing at my steady pace. As I passed, I'd just pay some attention to their audible breath sounds - my marker of another's effort. Thereafter I arrived at Obstacle 3: Swinging Fortunes. This was essentially monkey bars - though that wasn't particularly easy as the bars weren't particularly dry and the grip wasn't the most secure. Thankfully for me, it wasn't too long. I noted participants falling off the bars onto the ground early (or intentionally?). Though race rules previously indicated that failure of a station would result in a time penalty of five minutes, I didn't see any of the crew enforcing it. Nonetheless, I had previously decided I wanted to complete the race according to the rules - even if they weren't enforced. Hence, I religiously ensured I completed every obstacle.

The brief Obstacle List. Credit to Men's Health Urbanathlon's Race Guide.

It was a long run to the fourth obstacle. The route took us along Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton and the Esplanade before reaching Nicoll Highway. It was during the long stretch of uninterrupted running that I recorded my fastest splits, in part due to the absence of obstacles but also because it was largely flat and it was simply enjoyable running along while still relatively comfortable. My rhythm was interrupted as I negotiated Obstacle 4: Lateral Move. The first set of parallel bars were not particularly easy due to my narrower shoulder width and the fact that they shuddered as I moved along. Thankfully the second set was considerably easier. 

The run then resumed and before long came Obstacle 5: Lift N' Load. I was previously expecting a 20kg sand bag but it was certainly significantly lighter, possible just past 10kg (if my estimation is to be trusted). No trouble here, though I did it slowly as after all, I knew that pacing was vital. I had previously overtaken a runner in Neon Green (I later found out was Baldwin) and he was doing this station faster than I was. Nonetheless I knew I would make up ground once the running resumed - and that was exactly what happened. 

I was certainly more exhausted (we were about 11km into the race by then) though I believe I was still maintaining a reasonable pace. Soon after was Obstacle 6: Maze Runner. I tried my best to identify a route before I proceeded on all fours, crawling my way under the net and around the barricades. The hydration station right after was well positioned as my hands enjoyed its fair share of water to clean off the debris accumulated from the previous crawl.

Shortly after was Obstacle 7: Network. I was pretty exhausted by then but fortunately this obstacle was pretty straightforward. Just ascending, transversing and descending the network. Thereafter we were in familiar territory again, right around our National Stadium. I caught sight of a Caucasian runner in Red up ahead and it wasn't long before I caught up with him and passed him, arriving at Obstacle 8: Metcon Madness. This was by far one of the toughest obstacles for me. My quads were burning as I performed the Box jumps, alternate lunge jumps. These were arguably more equal as they were bodyweight exercises. Red (bear in mind he's probably 1.8m in height and weighing closer to 80kg) then caught up with me as I proceeded on the other "Fixed weight" exercises such as overhead squats, sandbell overhead swings and wall throws. Bearing in mind that I was possibly dehydrated and weighing just past 50kg at that point of time (gosh I empathise with lighter female runners that diligently adhered to the requirements of those tasks), the tasks were a heavy (literally) burden.

I was very much relieved when I finally passed that obstacle as I knew the race was nearly completed. However, I felt a little twinge in my calves - the distance and obstacles had tested my endurance well. Prior to Obstacle 8 while looking at my watch, I suspected a sub 1:05 finish was possible, though now I knew I could risk cramps or sacrifice that attractive number (it's this thing some of us have about multiples of 5 eg 0:40, 1:00). I chose the former, remembering that this was meant to be an enjoyable experience. 

Thankfully I was spared the misery and pain of a cramp. I proceeded along the final stretches of the route (during which, a volunteer shouted "Number 8!" Though the race results below seem to suggest otherwise) to complete Obstacle 9: Final Obstacle (no better name for it?!). The potential of a cramp was particularly prevalent as I climbed the underside of the netting, with my calves twinging at every step (and I took quite a number of steps). Thereafter came a fun and refreshing zip-line swing down from the 3m platform into an inflated pool of water (thank goodness I was one of the earlier ones taking the plunge - it must have gradually accumulated lots of perspiration and well, other things). 

I should have done this with more style. Credit to MHU's Obstacle Highlights.

Strava data available here :)

That concluded this enjoyable race - an obstacle race for a change! Medal and Finisher's-tee claimed, along with a can of 100-Plus and a banana. Lingering around the Finish were a pretty huge bunch of Gurkhas, along with a few Caucasians and a Singaporean-looking runner (who I later got to know as Feroz). I had a brief chat with Red, sharing how I felt deeply challenged by the Crossfit station (Obstacle 8) and greatly preferred the running. He then remarked how he greatly preferred the couch. I also managed to catch up with Bijay and Dev (I hope I spelt that correctly!) whom I had previously got to know during other local running events. Another Gurkha asked if I was from Raffles as he thought he had seen me with them before... I was like...nahhhhh.

I then proceeded for a refreshing shower (that's one of my favourite things about races held at Kallang Practice Track), some freebies (Adidas water bottle) and thereafter home before heading for Sunday Service as usual ~

Results out 2 days after the race. There does seem to be a little error though,
as quite clearly I started in the third wave...making nett time no more than
 1:05:09~ Doesn't matter though :)

Singapore Duathlon 2015

I find it terribly difficult to resist sponsored race slots (I'm Singaporean after all(. Furthermore, multisport race entries don't come cheap in Singapore (approx $90ish for my category if I had registered by myself).

Yet, the past 2 months certainly weren't the way I expected them to be. Ever since the onset of my left IT Band syndrome, I severely limited running (not by choice), yet it seemed to be of no avail for awhile. Gradually, I decided rest alone may not be sufficient and specific rehabilitation may have been required. Thus far, I have had 3 months long of injuries this year that have deprived me of routine running. 1 month in the first half of this year, and 2 months (and counting) during this episode. 

Perhaps the sole advantage of my injury was that since I couldn't run, I dedicated much more time to bike and swim. As a duathlon was a run-bike-run, whereby the bike was going to take up a significant portion of my time, I supposed it increased my aptitude in that leg. Though of course, that was limited by my bike. Considering I wasn't willing to fork out a hefty $70 to rent a road bike, the next alternative was a $35 mountain bike (still not cheap...but acceptable considering I didn't pay for the race slot).

Well race day arrived and I was excited, yet a little nervous. Over the past 2 months, I had never ran the distance I was about to run today (supposed 5km + 2.5km). The intended purpose for participation was simply to complete and enjoy the experience of a multisport event, particularly since this would be my first bike race ever.

My wave (Sprint M20-39) was to start at 9.50am, therefore I arrived just before 9 since I wasn't able to collect my race pack during REPC. Bim from Metasport had previously informed me that if needed, I could conveniently collect the race pack on race day itself. However, it turned out that my bib number was no longer available. Though I did have to wait for Metasport to make some amendments, the volunteers were able to hand me another bib instead. 

Thereafter, I grabbed my mountain bike ($35 + $10 deposit). The lowest gear possible didn't seem as low as I would have liked (since I wanted to achieve a 90RPM cadence). In addition, the seat was a little lower than I wanted (in order to achieve a near-complete knee extension while paddling). Nonetheless, since flag-off time was approaching, I didn't bother much about it, though I guess the seat adjustment would later haunt me during the bike.

This would see me through the 18km and see me overtaken by countless road bikes.

Thereafter, I hurriedly entered the transition zone to mount my bike on the rack (there must have been hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of bikes in my vicinity). Occasionally I would spot a mountain bike - some source of comfort. Subsequently, I entered the race pen.

There seemed to be barely 40 individuals in my wave. I lingered around the middle as I had planned to run at just under 5min/km for the first run leg. Promptly at 9.50am, we were flagged off. I made sure to start comfortably, but just increased the pace mildly after the crowd dispersed. I gradually started overtaking a good number of participants and understandably so as I realised the first km was covered in 4:17, way faster than intended. Yet hating to be an example of poor pacing, running a positive split wasn't much of an option for me so I persisted in the effort, consistently running splits of about 4:10-4:15 for the rest of the run leg. The leg was actually quite significantly shorter than the supposed 5km. Garmin suggests about 4.1km - inexcusably deficient.

Round 1 perhaps? Credit to FinisherPix.

Round 2? Credit to FinisherPix.

The bike was what I was looking forward to as it would be an entirely new experience. I hurried over to my bike, wore my helmet and started wheeling the bike over (on grass - not that easy) to the mounting area, or at least where I thought it was. Apparently I was headed in the wrong direction for awhile, thankfully a volunteer redirected and I extended my gratitude. I did see an individual mount his bike in the transition zone - an indication for disqualification (according to the rules) but volunteers were kind enough to just remind him about it. 

It felt great to begin cycling. I made the funny attempt to try to achieve as aerodynamic a position as I could on my wonderful mountain bike. Understandably that was going to look funny. Furthermore, as earlier mentioned, my seat wasn't particularly high, which just made the position more awkward. Yet I tried nonetheless in the belief that the position would marginally make cycling easier. It probably did, though it did have its set of repercussions.

I was quickly overtaken by bikes. Some zoomed past, some were more forgiving. The single thing in common about them was that all were in road bikes. Many bikers shouted "right" though I was quite certainly already along the double yellow lines (of the road). It was pretty fun cycling and pretty comfortable as well with the wind in my face and my Sworke shades (that prize came in useful!) from NVM 2015 protecting me from the wind and the sun (gosh it was a blazing hot day, thankfully much of the route was sheltered).

Credit to Running Shots.

Evoking a stare from a curious cyclist. Credit to Running Shots.

I was cycling splits of between 2:10-2:30 on the first lap (6km long), depending on elevation. After a while, it got rather funny being overtaken as it was just happening continuously. As much as it was against the rules of this duathlon, I tried my best to draft wherever possible (which happened only for seconds on a few occasions, since most people on their road bikes were considerably faster). I suppose what I did well was that I was pretty consistent with my aerobic effort, though along the second lap, I experienced tinges of a potential calf cramp. That was worrying, considering that the race wasn't in any way going to be over. To mitigate the risks of cramping, I marginally reduced my effort, consequently my splits started slowing by a few seconds per km. The bike leg started to feel long and I realised my back was starting to ache (must have been the attempts at an aero position). My consolation was that I started overtaking some mountain bikes a few road bikes. The third lap was uneventful but I did start to get rather thirsty - I didn't realise that hydration wasn't going to be available on the bike course.

Upon dismounting, I tried to rack my bike. Oops, wrong way around. I was utterly inexperienced yet that made me laugh. After all, I just wanted to experience the aspects of a multi-sport race. Subsequently, I began the run - which was torturous at first, as I was really concerned about getting a calf cramp. As a hydration station was available pretty early in the run (like 200m in), I grabbed a couple of drinks and stretched for a brief moment before resuming the run. Thankfully, it was just a 2.5km (nah - as I knew from the first run leg, it was gonna be barely past 2km) run. With the sensation of an imminent cramp dissipating, I was more able to realise the overwhelming heaviness in my steps. My cadence was pretty acceptable (I think), yet my legs just felt heavy. I was expecting that the run would be rather slow, yet it turns out the splits were pretty acceptable, though the first km (considering the brief break at the hydration point) came in at 4:36 (the next km was 4:14 - not too bad).

Gosh my legs. Credit to Running Shots.

Eventually, it was down the home stretch before a sharp left turn to the finish. A tape was waiting today (I suspect it ends up waiting for everyone) and my name was announced - pleasantly surprising. Unlike the Singapore Aquathlon 2015 where I felt I was within the top-10, I knew that I was nowhere near today. I guess Metasport offers the tape for many many individuals - which is definitely a nice gesture considering Finisherpix provides finish-line shots.

Tape. Credit to FinisherPix.

Thereafter, the timing chip was collected and a finisher medal handed out. Live results were available right after the event. Racing today was undeniably enjoyable considering it was my first bike race. I know I was severely handicapped on a mountain bike, yet participation was more than just merely a timing or position :)

Official results available that evening! Sub 1:15 :) 

Singapore Aquathlon 2015

My first sponsored race ever! Not due to athletic performance, but instead, in exchange for a pre-race write-up and a post-race review. No complaints from me and many thanks for JustRunLah! for informing me about this opportunity :)

As this was my first multisport race, I was feeling pretty excited. The aim was to soak in the experience (figuratively... and literally). In addition, having glanced at the previous year's results, I felt that a top-10 finish in the category (Sprint, M20-39) was reasonable, though not a goal.

The night before, I hurriedly glanced through resources I could find pertaining to an aquathlon. I never bothered attempting to rehearse a transition (or an open water swim). I didn't even know what the transition area would look like! There was a pretty useful article on JustRunLah! and I was certainly thankful for that!

Come race day, I made my way to East Coast Park about an hour before flag-off. I spent some time watching earlier categories being flagged-off, prepared my transition area (and mentally went through the motions), deposited my bag and received my body marking. Thereafter, a quick stop to the restroom before attempting a short warm-up swim.

A few minutes before the scheduled flag-off, we entered the starting pen. I wasn't planning to be right near the front of the line (though towards the right end; the race was a counter-clockwise swim), though since no one else filled the area, I obliged. Promptly at 9.10am, my category was flagged off.

The first 30m was a mass (or mess) of flailing bodies. I deliberately wanted to experience such a start, having heard about such chaos being expected. Gradually, we strung out and then began the steady swim away from shore. I had no difficulty sighting, though I found myself constantly drifting to the right (recall that the course was counter-clockwise), possibly due to the current (or my inexperience). In addition, my wrist tag (for entry into the transition area) came loose. I definitely couldn't be swimming while trying to grasp onto it, therefore I stuffed it into my tights (thanks Bryan...and more on it later).

By the time I hit the major right turn however, I was immediately beside the buoy. It was a relatively uneventful swim back, apart from one occasion where I decided to swim blindly and I veered off course a little. Thankfully, a kayak reminded me to keep to my left in order to return on course. The swim was completed in slightly past 17mins. My target was 20mins for the swim and transition - and given my poor adherance to the tangents, I thought that was quite decent!

Transition was awfully slow, though I wasn't in much of a hurry. A volunteer informed me that I was in 16th and I knew that I would catch a handful along the run, it being my primary discipline. At the transition, I dried my feet, drank a sip of water, started my Garmin FR15, put on socks and double knotted the laces on my shoes, put on my HRM (chest strap), grabbed my singlet (with the race bib attached) and began the run out of the transition area.

I had trouble getting my shirt on, event as I was running. Despite choosing a relatively loose shirt, it certainly wasn't easy getting it on. To complicate matters, my HRM was constantly slipping down towards my belly. I also found out that I accidentally paused my Garmin. When I finally resumed the Garmin, got my HRM strap back up (only for it to slip down again) and wore my singlet, I found the race bib flapping violently - the right side of the bib was not attached! The bottom right pin was nowhere to be found, while the top right pin was still attached to the bib. In the midst of the run (and my falling HRM strap), I miraculously managed to pin up the top right corner of my bib and then began my quest to overtake as many as I could. I was feeling a sharp sensation along my tights as I ran, yet I was clueless as to what it was (and it isn't the easiest thing to adjust while running). With some modification, I tried my best to resolve the discomfort.

Trying to get the watch on. Credit to Running Shots.

Along Bedok Jetty. Credit to Finisherpix.

The run was relatively uneventful. I probably started a little faster than I wanted, having previously intended to run a strong negative split (instead of a minor one). I passed the distance markers constantly ahead of the beep of my Garmin, though that was probably due to me accidentally pausing my Garmin at the start of the run. Nonetheless, by the time I crossed the finish (with much overtaking going on), I was sure that the course was slightly (200m?) short (or else I'd have PB-ed in a 5km, while participating in a Sprint Aquathlon). My Strava data for the run is available here.

Oh, one interesting aspect was that the tape was held up for me at the Finish. I was pretty curious and wondered whether they did that to all participants (I noticed the runner in front getting the tape as well), as I was absolutely certain I wasn't anywhere near the Top 3 in my category. Thereafter, the medal was placed around my neck as the timing chip (which they constantly stressed to return!) was detached from my freshly bleeding ankle (sand abrasion). Thereafter, I also found out the sharp object in my tights was actually my wrist tag.

Couldn't quite bother to decide which one to upload so I uploaded all. Credit to Finisherpix.

Live results were accessible! :)

Preliminary results. Shocking! 1st for the run in the Sprint category :)

Official Results were released later the same day.

As expected, nowhere near the Top 3! Yet 4th place (cat) comes as a present surprise for my first multi-
sport event (and open water swim), with not many expectations and not much effort! :)

On a separate note, a quick check on the PSI revealed that it was in the unhealthy range :(