 |
 My
journey towards my first Olympic distance triathlon started way back
October 2007. I had just completed the Half Marathon distance of the Beijing Marathon. It was my first as well but after the run, I felt I needed to continue on keeping myself in rhythm with trainings. A Triathlete friend, Richard Greaves mentioned about Ironman China 70.3 which would be happening in Hainan 6 months onwards. From October 2007 til March 2008, I was constantly monitoring my physical fitness training progress from good to better. Alongside with it was my diet, keeping close watch on what I eat and had literally given up weekend social events that would involve alcohol consumption. However, during the whole course of the trainings and monitoring and comparing workouts with my buddy Peter Hill (another Triathlete) who lives down in Singapore, I was already battling a skin problem that would erupt into lumps and rashes and irritably itchy, day and night. Doctors here in Beijing hospitals and clinics have given me different diagnoses and medications. None of them worked to eliminate the problem. And I have continually been covered with rashes all over the body except the face. Despite the rashes, I was still able to participate in the STRIC organized triathlon camp down in Haikou under the coaching expertise of Scott Penny. I survived the 3 days of daily workout and learned a lot of the things I will need for the Ironman China 70.3 in the 4 weeks to come. 2 weeks before the Ironman China 70.3, my skin started peeling like dandruff! Awful! I was then diagnosed with Erythroderma by the ‘new’ doctor and was immediately put into an IV for the next 5 days everyday after work finished. The IV was mixed with steroids and vitamin C to help my body from going into dehydration. I was still expecting to race in the next 2 weeks as I have paid for my flights, accommodation and leave of absence has been approved. But my skin couldn’t handle anything as I was highly sensitive to any fragrance, temperature and bruises quite easily. So, 2 nights before departure for Haikou, I’ve accepted that I’d live for another triathlon event. I went to thru registration and meetings and dinners and supported my friends and those from STRIC, taking pictures and just being there to witness the whole spectacle unravel every moment of the day. A truly amazing weekend! This would all be part of my journey toward my first triathlon event. Finally, last September 13, after months of an easier pace on my trainings I was finally there at the Beidaihe (China) Triathlon (Olympic Distance) starting line. My swimming was relaxed and had no trouble with the other swimmers going slow in front of me or those coming from behind as I took my own pace the whole way through, applying some of the lessons I learned from preparations for Ironman China. On the bike I made sure I was re-fueling for the run and keeping good pace that I wouldn’t have spent myself before the final 10km run. However, on my run I was ran over by an older athlete that has had a crash about 750m from the point I started running. There was blood all over his head and shirt; I thought it was from crashing into me as we both have stumbled over as he caught my left leg under his pedals. But no, he was already bandaged up on his head and whatever injury he had earlier, it had just gotten worse with another crashing. I was initially angry but upon seeing his condition I signaled to the volunteers to call for help (again) for this poor man, who is bleeding profusely on the road and trying to get back on the bike. I slowly staggered into a walk then into a light jog until I felt comfortable into running again. It was a relief that I was able to finally finish my first triathlon after a long journey towards it. My official time was 3 hours 5 minutes and 52 seconds. Number 16th in my age group category of 40-49 years old. I now look forward to my next triathlon. And, hopefully the 2009 Ironman China 70.3. Elmer Reyes |
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STRIC - Shanghai Tri Club is a
free and open club. We take no responsibility for injury during events
or training. |
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