My first official completed triathlon. UPLB recap

What a beautiful area indeed. I am talking about Los Banos. It is green and clean even though there are a lot of traffic, it is just different in its own way than Manila. I would like someone to explain however, where are all those private pools that the guys are advertising next to the road and if it is advertised, is it still then so private?

Levy and I arrived at UP quite early as we did'nt want to test the faith of the weather and of traffic. After receiving a text from Marga that the traffic is bad on the motorway, we decided to leave early. The race did start a bit later however but I much prefer this. My reasons are as follow:

• One is able to wake up later in the morning and have a good night sleep before the race.
• One can have a good meal in advance before the race to build up extra energy.
• It is easier to remember all your gear as you have the whole morning to prepare.
• Lastly and the most important reason, I would like to share these events with my wife and children and when it is early in the mornings, it is just impossible to take them along. With this tri, it was great as everyone could enjoy the day with me. It was great!!!
  

PLEASE THINK ABOUT CHANGING THE TIMES OF THE TRI's IN FUTURE!!!!

My kids could go with and they enjoyed the day

Let me recap on my experience:

Swim 21:11

I must say the TI lessons is helping, and I will recomend it to anyone. Although I was not able to swim the complete distance without stopping, was it in a way much easier when I swam freestyle. It is definately all about the technique. I felt more refresh when I came out of the water. It was a bit crowded at some times but for me being in the back, I found it much easier. I had to fight for a spot only more so often. It was also to my advantage as it was only 800m and we could dive upon reentering the pool which save some distance. After completing the swim, I had at least 5 minutes disadvantge on Levy (not that we had a bet and not because we are competitive (Yeah right) but just for the fun). My wife also counted the laps for me as I would have gotten confused should I have remembered. She aslo kindly shouted to me (in afrikaans of course so that Levy and his wife would not know she is keeping me up to speed of where he is) my time behind him.

I almost have the technique

Levy before plunging into the water

After this dive my goggles was on the back of my head.

Distances are all according to my garmin 305.

Bike 1:01:09 30.5km

I dont know what happened but I thought I was going at a steady pace but I obviously was mistaken. He is much faster than what I thought, I wont be misled again by his speed on the bike... :) . The bike route was not to bad. It was only the two ends of the lap that was a gradual incline which made it hard in a sense. Overall a relative easy bike route. There were quite a few accidents especially at the turn around point at the start of the loop. Kawawa naman sila.

This is the turning point where there were a few crashes

Run 25:27 5.34km

As I came out of transition, I heard this voice behind me... "Come on Philip, I am going to catch you". As I turned aorund, it was no one other than Mr. Levy Ang. Wow I thought, there goes my chances of beating him. He was a complete 1.5km lap ahead of me and it will cost a lot for me to make that up in 6km. I also knew he had me in the back of his head even though he say he is not competitive where I like to differ, so I knew he will not slow down. I am quite disapointed with my run though as it is a 4:46/km. I know I can go faster but for one or other reason, I gave up quite early. Dont get me wrong, it is still a good time especially after a bike and a swim but I know I can do better as I have better times in my training. So yes, Levy was just to fast for me and I could not catch him. I have still 6 swimming lessons left so be afraid, be very afraid Levy for this foreignrunner is on your heels and ready to overtake you..... Bwah bwah bwah..... No more Mr. nice guy.... :)

Second loop of the run

This is the "I know you won" look but be afraid for next time!!!

Levy on his fast run, and wow did he go!!!! I think it was even a PR for him.

Overall, it was a great triathlon. I did loose out on third in my age group by one place as I was fourth but thirteenth overall is not bad at all. I am happy with that and also the fact that I was not disqualified, so this makes it my first official triathlon....

Even though he beat me, we are still great friends (I hope so) :)

Note the photos as my wife was with me and she could take some pictures......

The route on google earth

So untill the next triathlon at Ayala Alabang, greetings from the foreignrunner and remember to KEEP FIT!!!