Race Review: Singapore Aquathlon 2020

Organised by Orange Room and the Triathlon Association of Singapore, the Singapore Aquathlon is a multi-sports event for multi- sports athletes who are keen to challenge themselves and push their limits. The event consists of both swim and run elements with individual as well as team relay categories.

The 2020 event took place at Casuarina Grove, East Coast Park.

Participating in the Mini Distance

I took part in the Mini Distance, which comprised of both a 400m Swim and a 3km Run.

I was up by about 7:15am for my pre-race ritual, and once I was done, I cycled down to Casuarina Grove, which was about 5km away from my home.

Arriving at the race site

I reached the race site with plenty of time to spare, to catch up with my friends, get my body markings done, and set up my transition area. It had been good to bump into Gil and his adorable little dog, “Coach Jack.”

As well, I also watched a few of the earlier waves flagging off, before my start time approached.

Eventually, it was time for me to enter the start pen. I put on my swimming cap and goggles and waited for the flag-off, a couple of minutes later.

The Swim

The swim leg consisted of two 200m loops in a clockwise direction. I attempted swimming freestyle at first, but because I found it too tiring and energy-sapping, I gave up after a short while and switched to frog style, which was definitely more relaxing, and helped to keep my breathing patterns under control.

On the way out, the current was not too bad and I was able to swim without too much difficulty, but on the way back though, I kept getting pushed against the lane ropes, which was quite annoying and disrupted my rhythm.

Transition

After my swim, I slowly walked to the transition area to give myself time to catch my breath before heading out for the 3km run leg.

The Run

My heart rate was already higher than normal when I started running, and I tried to manage it by keeping my pace under control and constantly monitoring my breathing patterns.

I quickly realised early on during the run, that it was going to be a hot and humid morning, no thanks to the late 9am starting time for my category. I was already perspiring profusely less than 1km into the run, but I kept myself going at a steady pace.

It was a relief to see the first u-turn point shortly before Myra’s Beach Club, after which we headed straight towards Bedok Jetty, making the second u-turn towards the finish line at Casuarina Grove.

Seeing another participant running up ahead of me towards the end of the run, I gave chase, and managed to overtake him in the last few hundred metres, picking up the pace and sprinting to the finish.

Finishing the Aquathlon

I crossed the finish line, happy that the Aquathlon was over and I collected my finisher medal as well as a bottle of water.

Now I needed to catch my breath. Despite my efforts to keep my heart rate down on the run, it hadn’t quite went according to plan. I suppose that the swim must have taken quite a lot out of me.

Catching up with Friends

I took the time to rehydrate myself after the exertions, and then caught up with a couple of friends for more photo opportunities.

Serene, who had done the Mini distance, was there, and so was Renee, who was supposed to have done the Standard Distance Relay category, but because her team mate was sick, Renee had ended up doing both the swim and run legs herself – despite lacking training.