The Ateneo Aquathlon is first major event of the year. I consider it a major event, in that (1) it’s my first official 5-km run coming from an injury, and (2) it’s also my second attempt at a multisport event. There’s just a different level of excitement when you try doing something new… Even if this is my second time at the Ateneo Aquathlon, it still feels like it’s my first time. I guess ganun talaga dahil di naman ako talaga regular sa multisport.
The event felt a lot like it did two years ago… While it did feel like there were a lot more participants this year, it still really felt really small and cozy. Maybe that’s just the effect of being at my alma mater though. haha. Although it’s probably because these events are really much smaller compared to the running events I’ve joined in the past with thousands of participants. Another good thing with the Ateneo Aquathlon is it’s very spectator-friendly. You can have your family and friends watch over you at the bleachers overlooking the pool! Good job also for the organizers to improve the event by using timing chips. Iba talaga ang dating pag may timing chip. I’m really excited to see if I improved from two years ago – I was really excited when I finished that I forgot to take note of my finish time. My only problem with the event is the lack of a nearby water station after the swim segment. I don’t know about the others, but I was really thirsty after the swim.
I did miss having my good buddy Carlito with me. He was off making his mark at BDM102. Congrats again to Carlito for making it to BDM102 Gold! I promise kasama na uli ako sa support in 2014. It really is a bummer that the two events are always scheduled on the same date. Anyway, I didn’t have to go to the event alone naman since Cathy was there with me. While we both share in our passion for running, it’s the first time we had been to an event together. I was really surprised to find she knew a lot of people that were there. Well, she has been around the running scene a lot longer than I. I really look forward to running with her though… and maybe more swim dates because my form is terrible. 
. But I guess I’ll have to be content at being her waterboy at RU1 in two weeks. hahaha.
Photos by Cathy:
Congratulations, my dear!
More races like this for you — and for me (MUST!!) Wait til I get confident with my swim,.. I’ll race you to the finish line! *Joooooke!!!* I know I will never beat you in the swim leg, and maybe in the run, too. Haha!
You joke about it, but you’d probably catch up to me in the run leg with those long legs of yours. hahaha.