OSIM Triathlon 10th April 2010

OSIM TRIATHLON 2010, 10TH APRIL 2010




<<-------Getting ready for the swim event

Well, didn't really find the time to blog about my experience in the OSIM Triathlon. Decided that I should eventually find the time to blog about it as it was my first triathlon event and it was a memorable one too.

How did my affair with the OSIM Triathlon and in fact triathlon begin? Well, my dear PE teacher, Mr. Hamim, himself a passionate triathlete, introduced me and Kris to participate in the OSIM triathlon during the Wings Cross Country event. He asked us to take part in the 'mini' event, which was for beginners like me. So, being someone who relishes a challenge and new experience, I signed on with Kris and Mr. Hamim. Mr Hamim took part in the sprint category. And so, begin my journey into triathlon.

Training for the triathlon was indeed fun and tiring. Indirectly, it forced me to lead a more healthy and balanced lifestyle which focuses not only on strength training, but also cardiovascular strength and endurance. Weekend evenings and certain weekday nights were spent training for this weekend. Visited the Clementi Swimming Complex for the swim event, cycled and jogged at the canal.

Besides the training portion, there were other matters which needed to be taken care of. For example, the food, collecting the race pack, and the logistics issue of transporting the bike to ECP.

April 10 finally arrived. My parents came along to provide support. Kris was there, as he was participating and Mr. Hamim came too to provide support. Filled with anticipation, I parked my bike at the transition area. It was a large area on the field that had thousands of bikes and people like me.

Finally the event started. First off, it was the 200m swim. It was the first time I swam at the sea for a competition. No sea training prior to that. Let me tell you, the experience of swimming at the sea and swimming pool is totally different. One has to brave the wave, people and murky sea water. I was struggling for breath in the last 50m. Fortunately, my mileage training in the swimming pool had helped a bit.

Next up, it was the cycling portion. Upon coming out from the sea, we had to jog to the transition area to collect our bikes. Somehow my legs felt heavy and wobbly, and I was out of breath. Haha.. So much for endurance. Once I was on the bike, it wasn't too bad. I made sure that I was pacing myself correctly. However along the way, several racers, those which I assume cost thousands of dollars, raced past me. After about half an hour, I completed the 10km cycling route.

Time for the final event, a 2km jog. Though it seems rather short, I was already out of breath. I could barely move my legs. Yet, I pushed myself, telling myself that this is one final event, and that I better make good of it. Finally I completed the race. So did Kris and Mr. Hamim, whose event was on the following day.


After resting and walking around, I took some photos with them and shared our wonderful experience. To me, the process of training for this event was itself a wonderful experience. The final day, which was the highlight, served as a closure and celebration to all the training.



I learnt that endurance has a lot to with the mind and less of the body. Our mind can actually tell us to do many things. I feel happy because in a way, I felt that this event has helped to develop my perseverance, mental endurance and health too. I look forward to my next triathlon event.

Till next time, cheers! :)