Camaya Coast Aquathlon 2010

I knew that Camaya Coast Aquathlon was different from my experience in Ateneo Aquathlon because the run would be on a trail rather than a road, and the swim part would be in an open water rather than in a swimming pool. Experience tells me that the Camaya Coast Aquathlon was a totally different monster than the Ateneo Aquathlon.

Fighting a totally different type of monster rewards you with a totally different set of learning and experience. Let me share to you what I have learned

Do more heat training
I’ve been going to the beach a lot this summer and I thought that I was used to heat of the sun, but this has thought me a lot, never underestimate the power of the sun. The first 3.7km run was hot! I thought I could finish the first run without drinking but even before I got to the turn around point my body was in heat and my throat was almost dry. Luckily the organizers placed a water station at the turn around point and it was ice cold too. Next time I’ll do more heat training and finish the first run without drinking.
Never open your mouth while underwater
Sea water is salty. I knew that! But it has a lot of side effects when salt water is continuously going into your mouth. First, it dehydrates. Second, it caused my throat to produce too much mucus that I had a hard time breathing.
Learn open water swim techniques and apply them
During my chat with Keshia Fule on the bus heading back to Manila, she told me that there was one swimmer that was swimming away from the lane and people were shouting at him so that he could go back. I admit, there is a high probability that that person is me. It was at the beginning of my first lap, I was confident that my swim was straight so I did not do any spotting but when I decided that I should spot. I was facing perpendicular from the swim lane and was a bit far from the route! Panic button pressed! I quickly spotted for the tent and the swim lane. Plan A, swim to the floating tent while spotting frequently. Plan B, swim to the rope that guided swimmers andÂ then turn to swim to the floating tent. I chose to combine both, swim at an angle where I was moving forward and at the same time getting closer to the guide rope while spotting the tent and the rope.
Learn swimming etiquette and apply them
I knew how to swim, but when someone touched my feet I did not know what to do. Due to common sense, I knew that the person was faster than me but still did not know what to do. Must educate self.
Jellyfish are fun and frightening

I do not know how the other swimmers felt but when I saw a jellyfish I was frightened and at the same time happy. Frightened that it will sting me. Happy because it cuts the monotony of seeing the water and the sky while swimming. I did got stung while swimming, but it was bearable. I also unwittingly kicked, scooped and bumped a couple of jellyfishes. And these jellyfishes were about 8-10 inches in diameter.
Do more aquathlon simulations
I always trained run and swim individually. That is why when I finished the first 3.7km run, I was having a hard time adjusting myself to the swim leg. And after the swim leg, it was a walk in the park for me. Literally, walk. I still had strength but my will to go on was no more. I just walked and ran a few meters of the last 3.7km run. If I did simulations, I may have been much ready for the aquathlon.
Clear the sand on your feet before running the second leg

Transition Area

It will cause blisters and give you a hard time running.

Other than the race, I still enjoyed other things.

Me finishing my second aquathlon and my first open water swim.
Finish Line
Seeing my college friends again
Josine and Chinny

Mark Tan
Finished athletes pacing other atheletes.
Pepsi pacing a friend
Seeing members of Team Endure get Podium Finish.
Women's Podium Finish
Having a fun time with Team Endure on the bus to Camaya Coast and the after race Kulitan.
Team Endure at the Pavilion

Team Endure at the Finish Line
MPG Runners were also there.
MPG Runners