Around this same time last year, I joined my first multisport race. It was the 2010 edition of the Ateneo Aquathon. I could barely complete a good 50 meter lap on the pool back then but I managed to finish the 400 meter swim in 14 minutes and the 3 kilometer run with a very pedestrian time of 15 minutes.

That was a photo of me last year. Excited. Full of enthusiasm. Poised to conquer. Ready for the water. But beneath all that was a fear that I wouldn’t be able to finish the race. Back then, I could not even think of swimming with out my earplugs. My strokes in the water were never close to perfect. My inexperience in the swim manifested itself in the finish results as I came out of the water after a very very long 14 minutes.

This is me just before race start of the 2011 edition of the race. I have less hair and have found a new love for the water. I went to the race more confident and more prepared. With over a year of swimming mileage under my belt, I came into the race with an eager drive to best myself from the year before.

I came with friends and it was a joy to do the race with them.

A 600 meter swim and a very easy 5 kilometer run separated me from redemption that day. Even though it was already my 5th multisport race, I always get that feeling of hurling just before the start. As Marvin said, it will always feel like the first time; Full of jitters and uncertainty; Full of fear and anticipation.

My wave finally jumped into the water and I was welcomed with a very piercing feeling of the cold water and it didn’t help to drive out the jitters. I was with at least 19 other guys in the pool and as soon as the starting horn was sounded, it was an explosion of energy rushing from the testosterone engorged pool. It was push or be pushed. There were guys overtaking me left and right and even over me. Being a small guy, I was being bullied in the water. As much as I wanted to fight back, my size didn’t permit me to. I stayed on course and swam. I zoned out and tried not to push myself too hard because there was still a 5k run after. After a couple more strokes, the next thing I knew was that I had finished the 600 meter swim. I am happy to report that I finished it in 13 minutes. I managed to swim at least 2:15 per 100 meters and I was happy. Transition came and it was time to put on shoes and my race belt.

I have always been a runner and I think I will always be one. I will always come back to my first love because it is what I enjoy the most. As I went out running, I could feel the joy creeping in. I ran one of me best 5 kilometers that day for me. I clocked my 5 kilometers with a time of 24:25.

I was targeting a total finish time of sub 43 minutes that day. My actual finish was 37:25 and I couldn’t be happier. I managed to achieve two things that day. I was able to put my swim training to the test. The countless hours at the army pool after work really paid off. With hard work comes results and that is what I got in the race. I was also able to redeem myself too. It was a great victory having bested myself from last year.

A big thanks to Team Endure for the cheers. A big thanks to Marvin for the photos!