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Last Sunday, Drew, SueSu, and me (Alex) met at Zhang Jiang High Technology Park just before 7am to take part in the Shanghai Duathlon 2009 organised by the Shanghai Triathlon Club. We were all newbies to the this event of a 12km run, 42km cycle, and 4 km running. We nervously loaded our bicycles into the vans that had been provided and got on to the coach headed to Dishui Lake. The weather looked like it was not going to help us out but the rain never arrived luckily. However an hour later when we arrived it was cold and windy.
We had about an hour to prepare for the race; to set up the bicycles on the rack, prepare the changeover shoes, helmet, find the bathroom, and warm up. There were about 120 people that took part, but some people were doing the smaller race of 4km run, 17km cycle, and 4km run. Everyone was in good spirits and the race started promptly at 9am.
We set off and Drew sped off in front of me. I tried hard to keep him in sight and pushed fairly hard. I happily realised that I felt good. My body felt ready and my head was prepared for the oncoming slog. I was running next to a Chinese man who I later found out was the only entry in the 60+ category. We kept overtaking each other which was good because I think it pushed us to go faster. I finally gave it a big kick and overtook him for good.
I finished the run in just over 60 mins which I was happy with. Next up the bike, I was quick in the transfer area and started on my first lap out of 5 around the lake. It was so windy!!! For about half the lap when cycling towards the wind it felt like there was glue on the ground. It was very tough, at least there was some respite when cycling away from the wind. To my disappointment my running friend, the 60+ gentleman, quickly overtook me on his bike. There were some amazing racing bikes and a steady stream of cyclists went past me. I persevered as best as I could considering my bicycle only has 1 gear and can not really compete with the proper racing bikes.
As I was finishing the final lap about 1 hour and 30 minutes later I was wondering if I had anything left in my legs! I got off my bike and parked it in the transfer area. I was surprised to find Drew there also getting ready for the last running section. He had cramps in his legs which had hampered his cycling time. We set off together and at best it can only be described as a trot, or a turtle. I have never experienced anything like it, every muscle in my legs was threatening to cramp at any point. The other runners around us was also struggling, many were stopped by the side of the road stretching. As it was just 4 km we pushed on finally completed the whole course in 3 hours 4 mins and 32 seconds!
After the race most of the competitors went to a nearby hotel for a well deserved lunch! It was a great day and next year hopefully more Yiqi Pao members will take part. There is also a relay team option where one person takes on each section. |
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发表于 2009-11-5 12:30:15
Congratulation! It took me a long time to read English but it's lucky I have a good dictionary software to translate. Many new words was learned. But as to bicycle it's much easier for just running. Wish I will have a bike one day and take part in such a game. A man who finish the game is the Campion of himself!
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