Bangpoo Tri Dash — Jue’s first sprint triathlon

As my girlfriend made a decision to do her first triathlon only a few weeks ago, we didn’t really have a lot of time to prepare for this. But I’m proud tell you up front that she finished it unharmed and stronger than ever. Despite some struggles she had the day before including diarrhea and a number of consecutive sedentary months.

Anyway, she is an avid swimmer and runs strong. We brushed her skill up by going to Sanamchan palace two days before the race for an 800 m swim session race and a 5k run and she’s good to go!

Black Specialized with some retro touch on the wheels

Because her wave starts at 7:00, we arrived at Bangpoo Golf and Sports at 6:30 am ready to roll. I do suggest that you make it to the race venue way earlier than that. We basically set up the transition and immediately ran into the pool.

A Trisuit is not a must but a big boost for sexiness. I need to get one for myself once I lose 5 more kilos.

The pool is 50 meters long and has 8 lanes. You swim back and forth for 8 times in total while counting your own laps. An honor system here. More like a horror system if you have a goldfish’s memory. I was counting Jue’s laps on the side of the pool. My wave started at 7:30 am.

This is how to the pool looks like. Eight 50 meters swim lanes. We did 400 m swim and then ran straight to the transition. Tips: watch the timing mat when going to the pool.

And off she went to the pleasant 4 laps of 5 km loop around the golf course. I ran back to the pool getting myself ready.

I took one picture in my T1. I didn’t have the camera with me on the bike.

Here was where I made a mistake. I took off my shoes while getting of the bike just before arriving T2. The shoes slipped off my feet and hit the ground while I was still on the bike. I wiped out. My left knee took the impact. Trying to ignore the pain I came back to the transition, picked up the camera and went to chasing my girlfriend.

They had checkpoints like this everywhere to make sure you do not cut the course. There is no need to rush through timing mats. Just make sure the guy have your number.

In sunny days, these sponges will come in handy. You can even put it in your suit. The shoulder straps will hold them just fine. I personally do not do that. Besides It wasn’t that hot on that day too.

Here are some shots of Jue. She was really relaxed. Perhaps a bit too relaxed too most triathletes’ taste. We keep watching people overtaking us. I believe that we even discussed politics at some point during the run.

Then soon enough we hit the finish line. Great effort for the two of us!

Unfortunately they didn’t give away medals for everyone so we came back with a pair of bananas and buns. We both agreed that this accomplishment deserves a proper celebration but then settled for MK Suki, a long nap and croissants instead. I guess that still counts as a celebration?

Having finished the ordeal, Jue WALKED HERSELF to a massage session she was recommended on the next day. Very impressive for the first timer. I’m nt going to lie I do feel heaviness in my legs too. No such luxury for me, but I’m used to excessive lactic acid on Monday anyway.

I hope this article encourages people to get into triathlon or any kind of alike voluntary suffering.

Good night!