Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon 2008

SWIM - 0:51:39
T1 - 0:06:01
BIKE - 3:28:59
T2 - 0:06:35
RUN - 3:02:03
TOTAL - 7:35:17

Unsay short ba, how long oi. He3
Wanted to end the run asap because of knee problem.

Okay then since uso man diay ning race report, I'll post mine here.

Back in 1997, I saw this very inspiring and moving video called the Ironman World Championships held in Kona, Hawaii (the longest distance and the mother of all triathlons at 3.9km swim - 180km bike - 42km run). Watching it somehow sparked the triathlon spirit in me. When I knew of a triathlon race a few months later, I joined as part of a relay team where I did the bike leg. I eventually evolved finishing triathlons individually. It feels different when you finish a triathlon. It's not only fun and fulfilling but most of all you feel like a winner even if you do not win! I was addicted by this feeling and fell in love with the sport.

Joining the Aviva 70.3 Ironman Singapore Triathlon last September 7, 2008, brings me a step closer in fulfilling my crazy dream, to finish a full ironman. The race however, is a shorter version (1.9km swim - 90km bike - 21km run). My friend, Bernard Tanchan, and another Cebuano Trino Transmonte signed up as well. Participants reached up to 1,400 consisting of 600 Singaporeans, 300 expats and 500 international competitors including 26 Filipinos.

Race day was full of excitement and energy. Woke up at 4AM, ate my cereals then did my stretching routine. By 5AM, Bernard and I were on our way to the venue. It was still dark when we got there. Athletes were already lining up for body marking for the race numbers. Loud music and an emcee greeted us as we went to the transition area. More than an hour later, the race began.

There were several wave starts. The pros go first then the age groupers follow. Watching how the pros did it was spectacular! After 4 wave starts, it was our turn. The starting area was jam packed (like sardines) with 300 swimmers. As the starting gun fired, everyone ran towards the water. As I started swimming, I could feel the other swimmers close by. Everyone was fighting for their own space. I did not push too hard, the traffic alone can already drain me of much needed energy, dodging kicks and arms. When I was about to finish the swim, I saw Bernard just a couple of meters ahead of me. He went off the water first and headed to the Transition Area (TA). I followed him and glanced at my watch clocking in about 52 minutes (7 minutes more than what I planned). I took my time preparing for the next challenge… the bike leg.

Bike leg was 90km in 3 loops. My plan was simple: Target was to average somewhere from 25 to 30kph and to take it easy. The bike route was a flat and fast course and the winds were tough but the scenes were awesome! I tried to ride my bike as fast and relaxed as I can but I guess I did not ride fast enough since I can see females passing by me. Boy that felt funny. That’s okay, I’m doing my best. After finishing my first loop, I saw Bernard standing by the sidewalk. Judging by his looks, I can already feel it was a flat tire and his race could be over if he doesn’t fix it. I wanted to help but it was not allowed so I continued on my way. Looking at the nice view and the athletes with their expensive bikes helped divert my attention from the pain I felt. Yes I was in pain. My legs hurt and my feet felt a little numb but I had to do it if I want to be an Ironman. To my relief, I finally finished the long ride without major problems after 3 hours and 29 minutes! I’m proud to say I have achieved my target time.

In the TA once again, I calmly mounted my bike and prepared for the 21km run (3 loops). I exited from the TA with eagerness to finish a 2.5 hour time. As I started running I felt my right knee in pain which left me no choice but to walk from time to time hoping for recovery. I picked up my pace every once in a while and tried to push some more but ended up with frustration. I realized that my mind and body were willing but my knee was not. I walked and ran, and walked and ran. On my first loop, I could see my friends (including Bernard) cheering for me from the side of the road. I continued running and looked at some triathletes finishing while I was still in my first loop. The cheers from the crowd, marshals and athletes were so encouraging; it helped me stay more focused and happy. As I tried to run backwards to alleviate some muscle pain, another triathlete across the road heading towards the opposite direction followed my running style. He smiled and raised his hands with two thumbs up! I responded with the same two thumbs up, and smiled. About 4km. to the finish line, I felt better and ran a little prouder and faster. Just a few more meters to the finish line, I felt an indescribable feeling of joy and relief. It felt awesome! As I stepped onto the blue mat, my name was called, “…and from the Philippines, race number 323, Anthony Regeeez!!!” My surname wasn't pronounced right but I didn't care! Boy it felt awesome! It felt like I finished a full ironman! With tears in my eyes, I raised my fist high and said to myself, yes I made it! My run timed 3hrs and 2min, a total time of 7hours 35 minutes and 17 seconds (including time in TA). The Aviva 70.3 Ironman Singapore Triathlon has ended but my journey has only begun. Now I look forward to the next one.