Planet Junpiter: Singapore Biathlon 2008

Registration, collected my swim cap, did my body markings, did some competition route orientation and lastly some light stretching before I finally stand-by at the flag-off area at 0830 hrs.

Air-horn sounded, off 300 odds of competitors (my catergory) jumped into the icy sea, started to complete the first 1.5km swim. Weather started to drizzle. Joanne gonna find some shelter under the rain. For your info, she's my one and only supporter today!! (Thanks dear!)

I was kicked and punched in the sea! Every competitor was doing their best to outswim each other, me no different. For this salty swim, it was much easier than I expected. Well, I supposed my personal training helped. When I was participating in the Fina Open Swim in 2006, I constantly had to keep a lookout for Danger-Floating Coconuts. This time round, no major floating assault from the sea, but as usual the current was never kind. The distance was longer. The challenge was bigger.

Joanne was panicked when she started seeing others getting out of the sea at the Transit Area but I was no where to be found. At 39mins, I got out of the deep sea. Headed straight to the Transit Area. Goshh.. I couldn't find my shoes, haha! Near 20seconds were wasted on FINDING SHOES.

Normally during my swimming training, I tried not to use too much of my legs so as to preserve the strength for the run right after that. Due to the strong current and overtaking tactics, I used up lots of my kicking strength in the sea. I was feeling kind of "cramp" when I started my 10km run. Well, once the momentumn kicked-in, off I gooooo!!

By the time the adrenaline was pumped into my heart and brain, the weather did me a BIG favor; it started to rain. I do noticed that sunny weather is never my performing day. Today was great! I never felt the fatigue until the last 1km. Rain was heavier, legs were even more heavier.

Long anticipated Biathlon was over in 1hr39mins. This is my personal best record up to date! Previous record was set last month which was 7mins more. Throughout this entire Biathlon, in fact right from the start, the devil was never around on my mind. With that mentality, I thought I've won half of the race. I didn't turn back to see how many people were behind me. I didn't care how much people were in front of me. I only know that there's only one person who I'm gonna to beat; that's me.

I've brought myself up to another higher level; a level where I've conquered my mind and my body. Immediately I am thinking of my next challenge. Before I set my mind on the very next challenge, it's best for me to reflect on my past 2months preparation prior to this competition.

I might not be the very last lot to finish this race, but I was proud that I've managed to push myself to this stage. In the absence of all others, I had bulit a stage on my own and proudly waving to the people who have been supportive for the past 2months. Thank you! I love you guys!