My first Triathlon experience Singapore International Triathlon, 29.09.2019

My first Triathlon experience
Singapore International Triathlon, 29.09.2019

While fixing my gears in the Transition Area, mixed feelings came into me. I was nervous, worried, uneasy, and unstable. I kept on thinking about my weakest discipline – swimming.

I tried to keep myself calm and focused, away from those negative emotions. As I was preparing at the Starting Point to swim the uncomfortable feeling came again. I started to panic as the flag went off. I ran to the open sea and focused on the technique I trained myself in. But every time I slammed my arms into the water, I found myself breathing so hard as if someone was choking and dragging me down. The water current was so strong that it moved me away from the swim course line.

I saw other triathletes signalling for help because they cannot fight the current anymore and they had given up. So the Jet Ski rescue came to take them off the waters, one by one. I then told myself, “I’m in deep trouble.” But my “never give up” mentality kicked in. “Finish it or you will regret it!” And so I slammed my arms into the waters once again and kept my mind straight, “Don’t freak out, just glide.” Every 4 strokes I would check my sight until I reached the shore line. As I ran to get my bike in the Transition Area, I felt my feet were jelly and my legs so weak but I kept on pushing myself. I put on my eye glasses, helmet, bib, and shoes, and rode on.

I know that I am good at biking and so I pedalled hard and fast so I could finish quickly. And when my loop was done and as my feet touched the ground, BANG! My legs went totally heavy and I felt awful. It went on like that for 5 minutes before I got my legs back again. I felt as if my entire body was starting to melt away but I still managed to run slowly and steady. As I saw the Finish Line, it’s like a miracle happened and it was the best feeling.

The crowd of various nationalities cheering for you, clapping, shouting, and lifting your spirit up! As I sprinted towards the Finish Line, I realized that in all that had happened, I was fighting versus myself. Triathlon does not build character. It reveals it…