7hrs is almost a whole work day.
In 7hrs, I could fly to Perth, and back.
But on Sunday September 7, 2008, I, together with a bunch of adranalin junkie friends headed out to East Coast Park at 5 in the morning to compete in the AVIVA Ironman 70.3 race. Fuelled by Jesus, we completed it, with big smiles and tired muscles.
It was PAINFUL at the last 2km of the 70.3mile race for me, where competitors had to complete a 1.9km Swim, a 90.1km bike ride along the East Coast highway, and lastly a 21.1km run. Painful. But I loved every moment of it. I completed it with a decent timing (though my run was the weakest - as always)of about 7hrs, leaving me at 19th position in my age group category. I am happy.
I've learnt through many lessons that it's not the ending that we remember most; but the journey that leads up to the end that counts and replays over and over in my mind. God has been good! And as I recall the instances and accidents that happened throughout the year, I am reassured that God has a plan for me. I may not see the end result right now, and it's probably not about me. I'm sure I'm placed here in my current position for His own reasons and His own plans. Perhaps, its to save another soul or to Bless someone who is in need or hurting. Whatever the case, I hold on to His covenant made with us and try to enjoy whatever I do right now. With this anchored in my heart, I said a prayer and committed the race to God, click the REGISTER NOW! Button, and signed up for IRONMAN 70.3, Singapore.
waiting to get numbered!
lynn, van, me and jacko
Sunday morning. Dark and early. 3.30am. I wake as my hubby is just heading into bed after work (thanks for waking at 8 to come by as well... you are my rock) and try to have my usual breakky of oatmeal and cranberry cereal but I couldn't finish it. I started to have this vomit inducing feeling the whole way to B1 carpark where the team was to meet. I think the vomit feeling was induced by nervousness... The moment we got to transition, every minute went by so quickly. A lot of time was lost waiting to get chopped with our race numbers even though the queue was moving. Before we knew it, it was time to say a prayer before breaking up for our warm ups. We prayed for safety, good weather and a happy race.
a friend caught this fantastic moment of us going in the water
The Swim was Nice. Except that I felt a little like a salty prune on the run when I got out of the water. I felt happy the moment I saw the calm seas. It has to be the most calm waters I have ever raced in. There were no major mishaps and Thank God jac my buddy caught hold of her goggles when they got knocked off midway. I just stayed focussed during the swim and midway after the first turn, I found that I was swimming in my own space. There was one girl who was consistantly in front of me, and we were the same speed. That was not a problem. We didn’t hit each other. Swim Swim swim .. Focussed on strokes and kept my body straight... Did some sighting and had to breast stroke a little here and there to recover. The front fast swimmers broke away and left a small gap before my group of swimmers. Before long, we were out of the first loop... Ok .. Time for the next loop... Same thing. Swim swim swim, pull breathe pull breathe, surge forward, sight, then the men caught up.. .it got a little scary at the last part when the men started getting aggressive. But we were safe. Running out of the water was the worst feeling ever. I felt like walking out but remembered that coach said that transistioning is still racing. And the run to the bike felt like forever.
OK. Next. Biking after a 1.9km swim left me feeling groggy. I stuck a banana in my shoulder and ate it after the first u-turn. Wasn't hungry but didn't want to risk it. The hills felt good, and I just spun my way up. I felt stronger after each loop except for the HEAD WIND!!!! That was painful. Every ride up a hill was propelled by the thought of being able to fly down slope and make up for lost time uphill. I love the fact that I was riding on the roads I took to work everyday! I managed to stay FOCUS throughout the bike leg. I also made a small effort to avoid the rocks along the marina bay sands construction area.. Too scary and I'm not about to change my tubes. It got scary seeing so many people dealing with broken bikes, and punctured tires... I think they are so brave. If it was I, I would have given up.. Perfect excuse." Saw Jacq along the way.. Yay. Saw carol, dennis and coach overtook me over the hills.. Its ok.. They are men... They will overtake me.. Everytime a disc wheel passed me, I thought it was an aeroplane passing me.. The aero wind angle attack sounds were just sexy. To keep myself going, I sang songs in my head, I prayed to God and I thought about how jesus was tortured for us. That the pain I was going through was NOTHING compared to the sacrifices He made for us. Geez the songs ran out.. I must have looped them too many times.. "like a rose.. Thrampled on the ground, you took the fall, and thought of me, above all..." ".. In the power of Christ I'll stand..." then I ran out of songs, I started singing my Sunday school songs. "I love you jesus, deep down in my heart... " ah ok... That's like 3hrs worth of singing in my head.. But whatever works right.
ken and i on the power walk sequence
Finally. The run. This has got to be the most painful run I ever did. I felt very demoralised on the first 2km. It felt harder to stay focus and concentrate on my breathing. A very conscious effort had to be put it.. Perhaps I'd used up most of my energy during the bike leg.. Transitioning felt painful but I told myself to go on... I prayed for strength and no cramps. Passed the 3km mark, the rhythm came back. Run Run Run.. Slowly but surely... Then we came up to familiar faces. Crowds of supporters made the next few kms easier. Saw people I didn't expect to see.. Mayuko was there.. Shouting Gambate! I was happy. They were happy and we forgot the pain... Next loop, God sent me an angel. Ken. My swim mate.. We started talking and decided that we were running at same pace. We decided to keep each other at pace. And We took each aid station as a marker. We would run non stop till a drink station, then we'd stop for a short while to drink and re fuel later continuing again. It was like that all the way and we even saw hubby on his mountain bike. Last 2kms, I told ken to go on without me. This was a point where the mind was willing but the body was not. I ran slowly and power walked the rest of the way till I could sight the finishing point... I broke my lethargy and ran that last bit to a sea of familiar faces and said my last prayer and praised God as I crossed the finish line.
I guess they say pain fades with time. Perhaps we'll sign up for the next race. The one thing I keep dear to my heart is that Jesus Rules! He never let me down and he kept me standing tall. I raced for Jesus and I'm glad I made it. My friends, hubby, and family. Without family, I would never been able to take up this challenge. They have been so generous with caring for Nate, my 2 year old handful and being patient with me. And this wonderful team of tri-crazy people and the endur8 gang. We walked the walk together and crossed that line together. There'll be many more to come and we will do it together!
me, van and jac after the race!
Some of the many things I've taken away from this: 1. Giving birth felt way easier! 2. This finisher medal is the most painful one I've earned to date (SEA Games and ASIAN games medals didn't feel as painful) 3. Need to work on the running man.. The running... 4. Supporters .. .can't race without them. Too many to name but thank you all of you! 5. To believe you can cause you can. 6. Praying believing WORKS.
p.s. Jaq thanks for doing this together.. I'm proud of you for finishing and overcoming the fear of the sea. (;
