Filed under: - Sarah | Tags: Bike, Bintan, Bintan Triathlon, Break, Relay, Triathlon
I thought I’d interject my Israel series with a Bintan entry!
Early Friday morning, we gathered at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with bikes and baggage in tow.
After an hour-long ferry ride and short shuttle by bus,
We arrived at Nirwana Resort Hotel in Nirwana Gardens,
Quickly settled, registered for the race and went to check out the event area.
After which,
We hit the beach!
Can you spot the odd one out?
(By the way, the water was SUPER clear and calm)
Later in the afternoon, I went with the other cyclists to check out the route. We cycled approximately 2/3 of the route and I was dying 0_0! Plus it did not help that they all had road bikes while I was trying desperately to keep up with my mountain bike.
Anyway, mid-way through that route, my behind was already starting to ache. (And it continued to ache throughout the day)
And it was the same thing for the actual race on Saturday. (Sorry I don’t have photos from along the route. Was rather busy)
That’s me, in blue, just as I complete my 20km bike in 1:17:something-seconds (which was more than the time it took for a friend to complete TWICE my distance :/.)
READ: I.AM.UNFIT!!!
But I do admire all these, and I say this affectionately, old-foggies – 2 or 3 times my age – who completely kick my ass in terms of timing & fitness levels.
Well, the main point is that I SURVIVED!
And got a ‘Finisher’ medal!
(can you sense me beaming 
!!!)
Having experienced a triathlon, even as a relay participant, I can understand why? and how? people can get addicted to subjecting themselves to 1.5km swims, 40km bikes and 10km runs. (within a time span of several hours. NOT cumulative over several days/weeks/years. HOURS.)
My theory is that because they exercise so much, they’re all high on endorphins, thus everyone is really, really happy . The atmosphere is friendly and everyone is very supportive of one another. They’d stand at the sides of the route and cheer participants, encouraging them to keep going.
Also, its the sweetest thing to see parents running the finishing stretch with their children who are waiting for their parents to finish and join them as they run that home stretch. (:
All in all, it was definitely a memorable experience. And I do encourage, if you’ve been considering, to try out for at least one event in your lifetime.
P.S. Sorry for non-fashion-related posts. :/
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Woot! I’ve always wanted to complete a triathlon – must train if my knee gets better
xoxo
Comment by WEN BUNNY Friday 29 May 2009 @ 10:01 amX-Wen
http://www.fash-eccentric.com
yipes memories! i did the bintan triathlon two years back. but the relay race – did the swimming leg – and never again!! tho yes, the participants + atmosphere was really motivating and inspiring. everyone made it feel like it’s just big day out and we all happened to decide to be exercising.
Comment by greenlaundry Monday 15 June 2009 @ 10:53 amI was Google-ing for triathlon sites and found yours… Well done on the finish. And I miss SIN!
Comment by the old blue truck Monday 15 June 2009 @ 11:24 amhttp://JRPix.com.au
JRP