PIC2008 Update2

Race Day. We were awaken by the morning call. I was a little early that morning as it was quite hard to get a nice sleep the night before as it was hot. Clean up myself and got ready for the big day. Vest, shorts, shoes, powerbar,powergel, sunblock, counterpain. Everything was ready to get going. We had our breakfast then headed on speedboat to the starting point which was at Kampung, on the other island. We could see everyone all geared up ready for the big race. We waited for about an hour for everyone to be transferred and waiting for VIPs to arrive and officiate the event.

At exactly 10am. The novice racers were being flagged off. Another half hour to go or less. We had our last briefing just before the race. Then right at half past ten, off we go. As we were being flagged off, everyone headed to their kayaks, which was our first event.

finding for our kayaks

We had to kayak to the other island. When HL and I got into the water I could see some of the racers were already way pass us. Damn I gotta catch up. An initial burst of energy with our good coordinations *grins* we manage to glide across the water catching up with the others. As soon as we landed on the other island, we jumped out, hauled our kayak up to the beach, grabbed a can of cold RedBull and proceeded with our race. It was a hike up one of the peak of the island. Little did I know that hiking was way much tougher than running of flat land. I've already start feeling the tiredness and strain in the muscles. Probably I've over exerted during the kayak, and also the little knowledge of me towards kayaking got me sitted there still got my legs all numb as we jumped out of it lead to the strain in the leg muscles. However, the race must go on.
Slowly we hiked our way through. I had to make several stops just to catch my breath. It was quite a struggle through the first loop up the hill.
As soon as we see the beach, how glad i was to be back on flat land. We were back at the point where we left our kayak. We grab some water and proceed on foot to the other side of the beach. A less straineous route but still taxing my both legs leads us back to our campsite area where we were required to get wet and do some task. The first was getting a 20kg sandbag from the sea ( about 5 ft deep i guess ) and a short swim to and fro the marked position. We did that easily as it was suppose to give us a short break to relax. Then we grabbed some 100plus and water and proceeded. On our way we met some participants we were having cramps and the little counterpain i brought along actually helped. We need to hike to the otherside of the beach at Awana and hike back to our kayak point. That was one hell of a hike. I had several cramps along the way but still manage to make it back to the kayak.
Without wasting much time, we got on the kayak and make our way back across the sea to the other island. As we landed yet again, we had to do some obstacle crossing before continuing. Another hike all the way up to the windmills. The view up the windmill was just breathe taking. We stopped for a few moment to catch our breath and enjoy the wonderful scenary. When we reach back to the beach we had to run in flippers along the beach. *giggles* It was funny doing that but I was already out of energy just to laugh at it. Then we proceed our way back to the starting line which was also the finishing line. The sight of it immediately give us an extra burst of energy. We came back in about five and a half hours. What a relieve it was, tired we were but satisfied with our completion. Another achievement to be added into the list.
We waited for the boat transfer back to campsite. Although we may be tired but as we reach back we headed directly to the water. Relax and enjoying the cool clear water till about 6 when we had to clean up and get ready for dinner at Kampung.

cool..

...clear water, see the fishes?

We were served with bbq dinner. That's fantastic, but having few hundreds of people bbqueing over 3 fire could be a pain in the S. We were already starved since lunch. Yet we need to queue for dinner. Yet, we still manage to fill our grumbling tummy at bout 9. Then there were prize giving ceremony and some entertainment by local artist and cultural dance. And the whole event finished with a 5mins long fireworks display which was just perfect. It was right above us, simply beautiful.

after a tiring day

we feast.. hmm which is my chicken i wonder