This is also the first race where I race with a floating buoys (since it's compulsory) and I did not try the floating buoy except on race day which was a big mistake. The swim was a good one, two loops but exiting was difficult as you need a helping hand to pull you out from the floating pontoon. I finished my 1.5k swim in 35:10 (ranking: 37/105) with a significant improve. (Lake Kenyir 2013 - 45:17 and Pg Tri 2016 - 41:37). The extra effort at the pool really paid off!
The part where I dread the most - the bike leg. I have seen pictures of athletes pushing up their bikes during the Duathlon race a few months ago. On race eve, I drove pass an athlete that was training and it look really difficult. You have to really step on the gas pedal when driving up - that was how steep it is. I think it is an 18% gradient climb.
I have only been training on flats with some rolling hills (very minimal) and that affected my bike a lot. I didn't really feel the power in my legs after the 1st loop finishing 40k in 1:38:52 (ranking: 50/105).
We had an almost perfect weather, the sun was pretty shy that morning. The 10k run was flat all the way and most of it are covered by shades from trees. As I exited T2, I was excited about the run because I have been training at Botanic Gardens with my fiance every Sunday. Botanic Gardens is a bit hilly and we usually complete 10k under an hour - our PB, 54 minutes. But as soon as I hit the main road, I could feel my lower back tightening and it was almost impossible to run my normal speed.
It was quite a disappointing run finishing in 1:07:37 (ranking: 60/105). My overall time for the OD triathlon was 3:26:32 (ranking: 51/105) falling way behind my target time of 2:50:00 (not knowing the terrain of this course) which is almost impossible as that would put me in top 10 for my category. On top of that - I personally think the quality of athletes here are really high. I don't think they are the average triathletes in other triathlons races - however, this is not an excuse. I should continue to train hard and smart.
Lessons from this race:-
1) During my swim leg - I should look up every 15 - 20 strokes to prevent going off course. I was out from the swim course a few times.
2) I need to learn how to make the right decision quick. i.e I was on the saddle all the way and it affected my run. 4 times of 18% gradient climb was too much for me since climbing is not my forte. Maybe things would be different if I push the bike up.
3) If I don't plan to wear socks as least apply some Vaseline to prevent blisters and other necessary parts as well. i.e armpits, shoulder, groin area, etc
With all that has been said, it was still a fun and memorable race and it is the first time my parents and fiance watch me race. They were really supportive and I'm glad they turned up.
