Tri-Factor Series: Run 2015

It’s with trepidation I start every single running race nowadays. An ongoing problem with my ankle post injury in March, means that I never really know how I will manage on the day of the race. Having been committed to the Tri-Factor Series since I registered last year, regardless of how I feel, I continue to show up and participate the best way I can.

With hubby by my side, a pillar of strength every time I need him, we take off at a respectable 7.45am (if you’ve read my OSIM Pre-Race Review you’ll know we are not morning people) from Gardens by the Bay East headed towards Marina Barrage to the Cloud Dome return. Along the way we bumped into friends who were completing their 24km and 12km categories.

As the route stretches out before me and only a mere 5km at that, I concentrate on 100m completions at a time. Maintaining a pace of 6.57 for the first kilometre, it was short lived. The stretch in my ligaments causes havoc forcing me to power walk and reduced my pace to approximately 8.2km/h for the next two kilometers. Frustrated, I know there’s nothing much I can do but that doesn’t help when the mind is willing and the body is not.

Img credit: Running Shots

Throughout the race, John sticks by my side, letting me lead the way in whatever way it suits me best. Often I will jog flat footed on my left foot and mid-footed on my right (this is the injured foot) which creates all sorts of issues with changing my gait and adding too much pressure on my left calf muscle. By the time I crossed the barrage on the return trip, I could see John struggling to maintain my dodgy pace and I suggested he go ahead and finish the last two kilometers at his own pace. It also ensured one of us was there for our daughter’s 1km flag-off.

As I crossed the barrage, I picked up the pace a bit with a mix of running and power-walking. I finally crossed the finish line at 41min with an average pace of 7.48. Not out of this world for any regular runner but certainly a satisfying end given the circumstances and just in time for Trini’s race.

Once again Trini is racing with her buddy Justin. Another race they are both completing on their own without any parents by their side. We took position near the end to watch them come through the finish line. Justin typically is flying past, whilst Trini is keeping it steady so she can last without having to walk. She was extremely happy with herself declaring how she ran the whole way without stopping. This would have been her first time.

Last 100m.  Img by Running Shots

 

With the 3rd sporting event completed, we are now waiting for the Triathlon which is the final leg in late August to wrap up the Tri-Factor Series.

It has certainly been a very interesting year for me filled with mental and physical challenges. For now I will be happy to complete the Series and look forward to a time when my injured ankle doesn’t dominate each racing event or my writing for that matter.

Cheers for now.

Singapore International Triathlon 2015

It’s 9.45am and a small team of Costans are nervously waiting for their wave to commence. Michelle, working on becoming a seasoned triathlete (this is her 4th mini-triathlon in less than 12 months) is joined by triathlon newbies Paul, Caitriona and Maree.

It’s a terrific morning, great weather albeit a little hot given the hour but thankfully the we are well shaded as we wait. My job today is not as participant but photojournalist. Not too difficult given that I love taking photos, they are all good friends and the event is 300m from home. I am joined by several friends from the condo and half the Little League contingency here to support their mums and dad.

Little League Crew

Support Crew

Finally the female category is flagged-off and a group of 46 women take off into the sea. The course was a little strange in its triangular course but at least the tide was in, unlike the Nila Swim race we experience a couple of months ago.

 

As the Costan girls reach sand again Caitriona comes out first, followed by Michelle and then Maree. A typical issue in an open water competition is being blocked by other slower participants. Each one of them encountered being blocked by breastroke swimmers who were swimming parallel with another thereby limiting any opening to those behind. Short of swimming over them as some of the more serious triathletes might do, those seconds lost in trying to outmaneuver slower swimmers in front, costs in the overall timing.

  

With slightly over 3 minutes in the transition area, the girls embark on their 12km cycling race consisting of two loops of 6km. With them on their way I race back to the swimmers hoping to catch Paul in his category but the fella is way too fast for me and I barely catch him as he makes his way into the transition area.

 

 

Taking position in the cycling arena, it’s not long before Michelle knocks off her first lap. Fast as a bullet I’m thankful she’s wearing bright and recognisable gear otherwise I may have missed her flying by. At an average 30km/h Michelle’s cycling was a vast improvement from her 2014 effort and first outing in the triathlons. A new bike and regular bi-weekly 50km rides are definitely paying off.

Finding the others on the cycling track wasn’t quite so easy given that they were all wearing black and found myself shooting complete strangers thinking it was them. Eventually I narrowed down Caitriona with her pink belt, Maree with her blue helmet and Paul another speedy bullet with his charming good looks.

I nearly missed Paul on his second lap as I was expecting Caitriona to come through. In the last second I see him overtaking his wife and barreling down that finishing line at 30km/h like a man on a mission. Shortly after Caitriona enters transition and a few minutes later Maree.

 

  

Changing position again, I settled near the Finish line camera on the ready with the sports function in full mode. Not surprisingly anymore, it wasn’t long before Michelle showed up and finished her race in 43 minutes, shaving off 7 minutes from her previous triathlons.

Miss Smiley, as I came to consider Caitriona, given that she smiled throughout each leg of the race came behind her hubby Paul and shortly after followed Maree.

 

  

I really enjoy participating in races but I also experience just as much pleasure out of watching my friends challenging themselves. This was a great event, besides the extra bonus that it’s in our backyard in terms of home proximity, and there was an even greater pleasure to be had watching Michelle take podium and accept her First Place trophy.

For the first time triathletes, they weren’t too shabby I have to admit. Paul came in 4th in his category and so chuffed with himself he signed up for the Sprint version of the Trifactor Triathlon in 3 weeks. Caitriona came in 5th in her category and Maree who raced for the first time in Singapore and a triathlon at that came in 8th. An incredibly good morning for all.

  

So incensed by their experiences both Maree and Caitriona have registered for the Trifactor Triathlon in the Freshmen category. The buzz and excitement has spread itself amongst our Costa team that two more people have signed up for the next triathlon. This brings the Team Costa contingency to 13 participants making it the largest racing gathering since its beginning a year ago.

Cheers.