Tri-Factor Series: Swim 2015 vs Nila Swim – 28th SEA Games Swim (500m)

Trifactor Swim

The Trifactor Swim was the first race I could enter after eight weeks laid up with a fractured ankle. I missed out on the Green Corridor and the Ultra Marathon but I was not going to miss out on the Trifactor Series.

The swim was the first race in the Trifactor Series and I was originally signed up for the 1500m swim. Two months out of training, I would have been foolish to tackle the distance. Luckily the Trifactor team helped me out by downgrading my distance to 500m. Still not fully recovered I figured with a firm ankle guard and minimum run/walk on sand I should be okay to swim provided that I didn’t need to kick.

With only six swim training sessions of which four were the week before the race, I hoped that I had enough fitness still left in me to see me through the race.

Come race day and I was a bundle of nerves. Scared about my leg, scared that I may not be fit enough and just about everything else I could conjure to mess up my head completely. What I didn’t anticipate of course were goggle problems. What could have been a terrific swim, since I thought the sheltered Tanjong Beach Sentosa was a great location, turned into a very frustrating swim. All because of leaky goggles.

I spent 80% of my race breaststroking and each time I tried to freestyle my goggles would just fill up with water. An extremely tiring way to swim for sure, towards the end I managed some version of freestyle without fully immersing my head into the water just so I could stretch my arms out and make some tracks in my swim.

Eventually I surfaced at 15:20 minutes which was incredibly disappointing given that I can usually knock it off in under 12 minutes. I’m reasonably new to swimming (about 12 months) so I am not fast but I am definitely better than 15+ minutes.

The humorous element in all this was that given my veteran category, I still managed to place second. But wait there were only three in my category so I would have placed regardless. It was quite a surprise and didn’t know till my girlfriend, Michelle who also swam the 500m in 13:46 minutes let me know a few days later.

  

Off I went to the Trifactor offices to collect another medal and a new pair of goggles.

The day was not a complete waste since I always enjoy the company of my fellow Team Costans. As mentioned above Michelle raced the same category as myself, hubby completed the men’s 500m category, Veronika tackled 1500m (with very little training) and Jeff challenged himself with 3000m.

The severe congestion of the longer distance meant that many of the swimmers were slowed in their pace trying to get around or over the top of others, lots of kicking in the face or body was taking place and made the race less pleasing. To reduce the congestion the women’s 500m category was delayed by 10min which made the swim for Michelle and myself a breeze and free of congestion.

With our kids in tow, cheering on we finished up the day at the Port of Lost Wonder. We had our race, and the kids had their fun.

 

 

 

Nila Swim for the 28th SEA Games

As part of the official South East Asian (SEA) Games, Singapore tacked on a swim race for the public in which Michelle and I participated. I was particularly interested in this race because it gave me another opportunity to race 500m and hopefully improve my timing and preferably avoid leaky goggles. Even better it was held in my backyard at Angsana Park on East Coast Park.

Approximately 35 participants entered the open all women’s category. Michelle was super excited whereas I was extremely nervous. I figured the nervousness was a result of little real competition experience and the constant adrenaline spikes were just simply uncomfortable and counter-productive.

Anyway, as we prepared to enter the racing pen one look over our shoulder at the four 16 year olds, in their swanky bathers and athletic builds we knew we were done for. A bit hard to be 30+ and 40+ mums trying to compete with teenagers. We were whipped by all of them.

The extremely low tide hindered our best timing given the nearly 70 meters we had to run/walk before we could reach deep enough water to swim. Since I’m still recovering and unable to run it was tough covering the distance by hobbling and landing on exposed rocks. I was tired before I even started.

However, I was pleased there was no leaky goggles and the sea was reasonably pleasant in comparison to Tanjong Beach where we came out filthy.

I perhaps started out a bit too hard trying to make up lost time with walking but it was unsustainable. Michelle on the other hand took the chance to run in as fast as she could. She settled into the 6th position and held it all the way to the end. Towards the end she was competing against two other swimmers and with her toughness and competitive spirit she turned her legs into hyper-drive and powered through her swim leaving them behind.

  

Whilst I managed to overtake five other women and caught up to Michelle, I overtook her a couple of times but just couldn’t hold the pace. When she went into hyper-drive her legs were like a motor in the sea. I got a good splashing in the face and she left me in the dust.

For the last 100m I had a swimmer behind me at only one arm’s length distance and I was determined not to be overtaken. So when I reached sand, I hobbled and hopped and moved as fast as I could as I wasn’t about to be overtaken in the last 20m. Needless to say when I crossed the finish line, I needed to lie down and catch my breath.

I have mixed emotions about this race from a personal achievement perspective. Having to walk so much reduced my swimming energy and again didn’t feel like it was my best performance but I guess there are no perfect situations so I’ll just have to keep doing the shorter swim races before I consider anything lengthier or more challenging.

The low tide

Swim area past orange marker

On a positive note, it was great to participate in a race that celebrated the spirit of the SEA Games that hasn’t been held in Singapore since 1983. An excellent time to be host to the games given Singapore’s 50th year of independence from Malaysia. I feel privileged to participate.

 

 

 

Top 10 Running Series #5 – Botanic Gardens

It’s been a while since Team Costa has been on one of its run series. Busy schedules and overseas travels have a way of hindering even well laid out plans.

We finally made it out again and whilst I’m still not able to run due to a racing injury (fractured ankle and torn ligament) in March the team selected the beautiful Botanic Gardens for a morning jaunt.

A small team made up of Chris, John, Veronika, Michelle and myself, we mapped out a route starting at Tanglin Gate. John and I had a head start as we were power walking the route. The aim was approximately 5km dependent on how my ankle would hold up.

We took a northbound approach then headed east around Swan Lake which was nicely shaded on a sunny and hot morning.

Moved on past Ginger Garden and into Orchid Plaza where morning artists weaved their creations. Seemed to be part of some organised event.

We carried on past the Symphony Lake where kids were chasing each other with water pistols. At this point I tested my somewhat jerky dodgy like jog by striking midfoot. It lasted for about 70m before the ankle started protesting. I shifted back into power walking and very shortly found ourselves at the Bukit Timah Gate on the opposite side of the park.

Pleased with the power walking progress, we headed southward and then took a westward turn to head back to the start. Along the way we met delightful photographers snapping owls high above in the trees of the rainforest walk.

As we emerged from the rainforest we ran into Veronika and by the time we made it back to Tanglin Gate we caught up with Chris and Michelle.

 

It took John and I an hour to clock up 6km and I’m still months away from any running but it’s a step forward and I’m happy to slowly return to regular training.

With exercise complete and an open appetite we wandered up to Jones the Grocer on Dempsey Hill and devoured a hearty breakfast and fresh juice. Overall a great morning. Worth getting out of bed for it.

The Next Generation of Runners: Kids Races

In the last 18 months Team Costa has participated in multiple running, cycling, swimming and multi-sport races. We enjoy the atmosphere, the challenges, the accomplishments and accolades from our friends and families.

Somewhere in the middle of 2014 the idea of exposing our kids to sports took hold and Little League was born. A parents organised sports games day held in our condo. At Little League the kids learn sportsmanship, winning, losing (although they struggle with the losing still), athletic skills whilst hanging out with their friends.

As time passed greater challenges were needed for some of the older ones and in came the racing world. A recurring contingency of five Little Leaguers have tackled running races, obstacle races and swimming races.

The distances are increasing. Where once they raced in 750m dashes some of them have already worked up to 6km races.

Here are some highlights of our Little Leaguers’ journey in the world of racing for the last 12 months.

Cold Storage

An annual race completely geared towards children only, it is a sell out within weeks and much anticipated by children, especially those who have done it in previous years.

Besides a race pack full of goodies it is also a timed race for the individual category with prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

   

Jurong Lake Run (JLR)

The largest running event in the western region of Singapore, JLR’s running route is nothing short of spectacular. The 2.4km winding path whilst often narrow is easily overcome with the fun and non-chalant spirit of a child. Running through Japanese and Chinese inspired gardens, past pagodas and across arched bridges is a visual feast to any participant.

   

  

SAFRA Run

Where else can you join the armed forces as a foreigner other than on a running field. How about a bonding session in the Father and Child 800m category with matching tees.

My daughter often requests her daddy to wear the SAFRA Superdad tee whilst she’s wearing her Superkid tee when participating in Little League.

 

Standard & Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS)

An event of gigantic proportions it drew more than 53,000 participants in 2014. Adults aside, the 800m kids dash (which is actually closer to 950m) is a one way smash from the Esplanade Bridge via the Fullerton Hotel and all the way to the Padang.

Unless the parent is joining the child in the run it gets a bit dicey to manoeuvre the kids to the start line and get to the finish line before the kids do in order to collect them. Due to the size of the race extra alertness is necessary to ensure the child does not get lost or separated from the parent. Part of it can be mitigated by giving the child tips on what to do should they end up lost.

 

Safari Zoo Run

A massive 6km run for any young child (most of our Little Leaguers are under 8) but the opportunity to run through the Night Safari during the day, followed by the Singapore Zoo is a chance not to be missed.

A super cool finisher medal, tee, zoo towel and free entry into the River Zoo on the day makes the trip to Mandai and the registration cost value for money.

We packed in animal observation in all three zoos, waterplay and the race of course into one day. Who says kids aren’t tough enough to survive an action-packed day.

     

  

Marina Party Dash

A great afternoon out. Bring a picnic to enjoy the surroundings and family focused carnival. Lots of prizes can be won at the carnival games and the water pistols are part of the race pack.

Wind your way through the garden paths and fire your water pistol on unsuspecting pistol bearers. Hide behind trees and spring out shooting with all your might. Stealthily sneak up and fire at close range all the while making sure you’re getting wet whilst pretending otherwise.

 

Energizer Obstacle Race

A 3km race interspersed with nine obstacles on trail grounds. Since the Little Leaguers were ready for something more, this race gave them: hurdles to jump, tyres to hop through, angled ropes to climb through, a grid of ropes for prone position crawling, a mighty slide to tackle and finish off with a high net crawl. This is like the kids version of the Urbanathlon.

Filled with multiple physical challenges it would have been easy to choose not to complete an obstacle. With patience and perseverance however, each completed obstacle was a notch on the confidence belt. Watch the child shine from within when he/she knows what has been accomplished during that time.

The only disappointment is to the spectator. Given it’s trail location in Mandai, the spectator doesn’t see any part of the race including the finish line as the rail guards are fixed too far away from the Start/Finish line. Lucky hubby had the camera with him to capture all the great shots I was able to share in after the race.

  

   

  

ISCA Run 

A 750m kids dash, the race was the first opportunity where my daughter (6) and her friend Justin (7) were running their first race completely solo. Given that it was at Big Splash it was basically our backyard and familiar territory for the kids.

The race organisers started off well directing the kids, dividing them in appropriate age groups and directing them who to follow during the race. Expecting a looped race so that they may cross the finish line and return to their parents we were somewhat surprised and disappointed to find out that the route was in one direction and ending at Parkland Green (the route was not mapped on their website nor in the paper leaflet and no indication was given that the children would be having a one way race). When I asked how are parents supposed to collect the kids and do they all know, the volunteer just shrugged his shoulders. My husband along with our other participating kids’ parents had to run the race as well.

By not looping them back to the finish line the timing chips on their bibs were never activated. This could easily have been a timed race for the kids and a successful event had they considered all the elements of the children’s safety. Justin who came in first could have been a recipient of a first place prize just like the adults. If children are to be the next generation of runners then they should be treated in the same manner as adult races. They learn by example then we should lead by example.

Given that the kids ran back and the finisher medal was their target to keep them going they ended up completing 1.5km instead of the official 750m. Thankfully, they had a ball and mostly unaware of the disorganisation.

I wouldn’t write this race off. It is a great location and it’s small which is nice when compared to some of the behemoths out there. However, I would hope the organisers find a way to ensure the children’s route is better laid out.

   

   

 

Finisher’s Medals 

Whilst the display cabinets, hooks or drawers are filling up with finisher’s medals and the cupboards with tees, the highlight for these kids are the shiny, gorgeously designed medals they proudly wear after each race. One day the children will move elsewhere or return to their home country and may never participate in races in the way they do here but the memories will remain in the medals they treasure and the photos that are taken.

So to wrap it up here are the highlights of medals so far proudly worn.

   

   

See you at the next kids run the Mileage Father’s Day race in Pasir Ris Park. Cheers.