SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL TRIATHLON PARTICIPANTS!!

We would like to congratulate and applaud all of you who took part in this fitness challenge, and crossed the finish line on the sandy beach of Mui Ne on Sunday 27th, May, 2006.  You did it!!

The excitement of the 100 plus participants turning up for the event at 6:00am was met with some anxiety at the start of the race.  For many of us, this was our first triathlon event, and no previous experience left us a bit nervous.  But once the siren blared through the crowd, we found ourselves running into sea with smiles on our faces that masked all fear.

Once out of the water, we all lunged into gear and got on our bikes for the next challenge.  The first 100 meters was filled with sand and a steep hill awaited us – not fun!! Then a steady climb challenged our heart rates for another 300 meters until… bliss!  We have reached a beautiful path parting wide open land with green foliage carpeted by terra cotta colors that melted into the clear blue sky.  But the scenery was not enough to distract us from more and more gradual, torturous climbs that slowly dug into our defiant spirit.  “Don’t stop!” “Keep going!” “One, two, one two, we’re not quitters!” Words from our spin class reverberated in our heads and decidedly helped us finish the ride. 

Two down, one more run and we’ll be done!  But what is this? We were told we would have to run on sand, but where is the sand?  Oh no, it’s high tide, and we are forced to run through water on the beach! We did not sign up for this!! But we can’t quit now… Well then, we’ll have to dig deep into the strength reserve and power through this unpleasant malediction! Luckily, there were lots of encouraging fans, families and friends on the beach clapping and shouting out well wishes.  These faithful supporters handed us water and guided us all to the finish line.  Exhausted, we all stomped our heavy footprints into the sand as if to commemorate this event and print it to memory. 

May you always find the athlete in yourself to overcome any hardship in your life.  Congratulations!!