I really didn't know how to start this report...perhaps a good starting point would be right after Camsur. Two bad things happened at Camsur - pacing and nutrition. I vowed I would try my best to stop these from happening again so when I resumed training post Camsur, I focused on my running. I did not want to walk again. Also, with the help of Harvie (
Hammer Nutrition Philippines), I was able to improve my nutritional plan. Upon analyzing my Camsur race, I realized that I took in too much fluids, and possibly overhydrated. Lesson learned.
In all honesty, all my focus was on running better. I've read so many articles about race day performance, and all say one thing - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GOOD BIKE, AND A BAD RUN. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but I did. I began admitting to myself that perhaps I paced too hard on the bike in Camsur, which may have caused me to tap out early in the run. So in White Rock, the plan was simple - A relaxed swim, a controlled bike, which would hopefully leave enough energy for a decent run.
Race Day came quick, and getting inked, all setup even quicker. Since there was very little of us, it was less hectic and more relaxed. For the swim, I decided to sit behind Harvie since he was a left side breather. The counter-clockwise swim posed a problem for most of us right side breathers.
The gun went off, and so did we. Right off the bat, I got stuck behind a group of Sabak boys. Got hammered and kicked a few times, and finally found some space. Rounding the bouy and heading back for the first of 3 loops was tough, since the sun was staring straight into our faces. I could not make out where to go, and tried my best to swim as straight as I could. Exiting the water for the first time, I spotted Harvie right ahead of me, and as we re-entered the water, I tried my best to keep at his feet. I did...for the next 2 loops..and we finally exited in just over 25mins...WHAT???? (We later found out that the bouys were stolen overnight and the course had to be redone and ended up shorter by 300-400m.)
Rolling out of T1
T1 went smooth and slow...I hopped on my bike, and I was off. Apart from passing Hiro, and Jomak and Kap Rayzon passing me...the first 60km was awfully lonely. I was riding solo with nobody in sight for almost 2 hours. At around 60km, Jumbo rolled up beside me, and I decided I would try keeping with him for the next 30km. We rode legally for the next 30km, and despite traffic in the last town, rolled into T2 in pretty good shape.
T2 was even slower, as I took time to put on socks, compression socks and my running shoes of course. Jumbo and I exited transition at the same time, and began running together. Our first few KMs went pretty quick, and without any drama. I was actually relaxed, and had a rhythm going...the complete opposite of Camsur. Then the hills came. On the first set of hills, I was able to keep up with Jumbo. However, on the second ascent, I began slipping back. Entering SBMA was a relief, knowing that we would have at least 7km of flats. The group of Makoy, Joyette and Matt were a pleasant sight as well. I made the run turnaround in just under an hour, and figured I was doing alright. I dared not push the pace knowing that I would have to encounter the same hills headed back.
Rolling into T2 with Jumbo of Tri-Clark
As I was exiting SBMA, Roy of Team Timex rolled past me. I tried to keep up but I was running out of steam. On the first set of hills, Amanda ran straight thru me. Again, I could not keep up. Little by little I was slowing down. I just kept telling myself 'It's only 5km left'. Heck, that was the longest 5km of my life. When the hills were done, there was about 3.5km left, and I was a dead man shuffling. In the last 2km, Meyo and Larry ran past me, and I could not stride with them. My pace was 8:12/km. Yes, that's close to a walk :P
Managing to Smile on the Run inside SBMA
Photo Courtesy of Ria
I entered White Rock and tried to surge (and look good for the crowd and my wife) but my legs were locking, so I shuffled along. I never felt so good to cross the finish line. I made it (again)...and this time it was better.
Finishing with a Smile...alot of us did.Hannah had a gig in the evening so right after the race we had to drive back to Manila. We missed the party but I heard it was fun. Congrats to George for finishing first, and Jomak and Kap for their strong finishes. Congrats also to Roy & Jumbo for podium-ing in our age group - I hope one day I can stand alongside you guys. And congrats to all the others who posted great times - Levy (podium finish), Ting (Champion), JP, Erick, Hector, Harvie, and all the other White Rock Warriors.
Headstand at the finish
Photo courtesy of JC Pineda
Thanks to Hannah for forever covering the race. Congrats to the Extribe group for once again, a great race.
The book and the package
Handwritten by Scott Rigsby himself
A personal note. It reads:
Back Cover
