OSIM Corporate Triathlon 2007 - I did it.... just....

About a month ago, I decided to rally up a team from ACN. I thought it would be fun and also to create an awareness of this sport which has recently managed to transform my previously less active life.

As it turned out, I managed to gather a team of 32 ppl(!) and we were all sponsored by a few of our generous partners. :)

From Team ACN, we had:
3 x Sprint Relay Teams
3 x Mini Relay Teams
7 x Sprint Individuals
7 x Mini Individuals

HOW GREAT IS THAT!!!

Having not trained much since Triladies, I initially wasn't planning on participating but after seeing the overwhelming response, I thought "How can I not be a part of this!!!"

I also had some friends who were going to be doing their FIRST tris. There was Shengko!, Pat, Lawrence (Emma's Godpa). Paul also decided to join in, so there was quite a group of us!

As I said, I didn't really train for this race and boy did I feel it every stroke, pedal, step, of the way!

THE SWIM was the toughest again. It was also the toughest swim compared to my previous race swims (OSIM and triladies)! I am not sure what it was but as soon as I was in the water, I felt like everyone was SO ROUGH! There were hands and feet everywhere, ppl tugging on my shorts, leg.... For a moment, I thought that my championship was coming loose. I stopped swimming, contemplating refastening my championship but finally decided against it as the chances of me dropping it into the ocean that way was much higher. Breast-stroking half the time,... I looked around and saw a whole mass of my wave ahead of me and I think there may even have been someone from the wave after mine overtaking me! Somewhat demoralised,... I persevered.... I was overjoyed to reach the shore, and it was even nicer when I had Wei Wei, Colin and Lin to cheer me on right there! I looked at my watch and it said 16:39min! What!? Wasn't half as bad as I expected....

THE RIDE was really just so-so for me. I was cruising along and didn't really "feel" it. Got real thirsty during the ride and tried to slow down to grab my bottle but ended up sticking my fingers into my front wheel instead (I know I am such a moron). Abandoned the idea of having a drink and decided that stopping would just be too disruptive. After dismounting the bike at the end of the 20km, I was pretty pooped. I think the actual ride took about 45min. Decided to catch my breath while walking my bike back to my transition area BUT there were so many ppl there cheering me on! Friends, colleagues,....Oh no.... pai seh.... how can I just be walking while they are cheering me. Surely I should be putting in just a wee bit more effort! Ok,... decided on a slow jog instead. :P

THE RUN was painful. I was just thinking "How can I do the Olympic Distance if I am already feeling like this on a sprint!" Well, ....the best part was the last stretch when I had my friends and family cheering me on. (otherwise you wouldn't be seeing the smile on my face below)

All in all, I think my entire race (inclusive of transition times) was about 1hr 37min. Despite my lack of training, I think my overall time improved by about 5min compared to my last race back in July. Most of the gains were from cycling I suppose since I was on a mountain bike then.

Lesson learnt: I don't think I ever want to do another race without putting in the necessary training.

One of the ACN Sprint Relay Teams comprising Linda, Jack and So Cheer. What a great team....They looked great!

Paul and Sheng - post-race smiles. Sheng's first tri! Go Shengko! Let's do another race together soon! Maybe Gin can join us too!!!

Paul and I with The Lims. (Ruth was taking the picture) This was Lawrence's First Tri too, I think he may be another one hooked....

Pat & I after the race - all smiles... This was her first tri too! You did great babe!!!

Thanks everyone for your support! (Ruth, Abi, Ginny, Wei, Shem, Mel, Colin, Lin, Angel, Kia Cheng) Our races are never the same without cheers of encouragement from y'all!