A Journey of Excitement and Nervousnes
The night before the race, my team and I gathered for an early dinner at 6 PM. With a big day ahead, we wanted to get ample rest. After the meal, we each returned to our rooms to prepare for the next morning. Participating in a triathlon requires meticulous organization, as it involves three different sports: swimming, cycling, and running. To stay organized, I placed the necessary equipment for each segment in separate small bags and then packed them all into a larger bag for easy transport to the race site.
As part of my pre-race ritual, I followed my usual nighttime routine—reading, journaling, and meditating. For this trip, I brought Touching the Earth: The Five Prostrations and Deep Relaxation by Thích Nhất Hạnh and Chân Không. Having practiced meditation since 2018, I often take books on mindfulness and meditation with me during long trips. Despite my best efforts to relax, nervousness crept in, making it difficult to fall asleep. Though I went to bed at 9 PM, I found myself tossing and turning until 1 AM. Before I knew it, my alarm rang at 3:30 AM. It was time to get up and prepare for the big event.
Race Day Begins
By 4 AM, my team and I left the hotel, dressed in our trisuits and carrying our gear bags. The early morning air was cool and slightly windy. As I stepped outside, I looked up and saw a sky full of bright stars, a calming sight before the storm of competition.
After a short 15-minute drive, we arrived at the race venue. From a distance, I could already hear the loud, energetic music pumping through the speakers, setting the tone for the event. The excitement was contagious. We parked the car nearby and made our way toward the transition area, where all triathletes were assigned specific spots to store their bikes and gear based on their BIB numbers.
I placed my bag down and laid out my equipment in the order I would need them—swim, cycle, and run. Then, I checked my bike, ensuring the tires were fully pumped and the chain was smooth. As I worked, I chatted with some of the other first-time participants, all of us exchanging nervous laughs and race strategies.
Next to me was Nha, an older triathlete who had been racing for years. I noticed his bike chain was dry, so I offered to lubricate it for him. He smiled and thanked me, and we shared a brief conversation about the course. These small moments of camaraderie made the experience even more meaningful.
By 5:15 AM, we headed toward the swim start. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as athletes warmed up and made final checks. I ran into several familiar faces from the triathlon community, including Hoan, the Chairman and Founder of a large textile company. He had been an inspiration to me since I first watched him race at the Da Nang Ironman in May 2023. Seeing him again reminded me of how far I had come in my journey.
A Race-Day Crisis
As the race start time drew closer, my nerves heightened. Swimming was my weakest discipline, and despite months of training, I still felt apprehensive. I took deep breaths, trying to calm my mind.
With just eight minutes left before my wave entered the water, I reached for my swimming goggles—only to find them broken in half. My heart dropped. Panic set in as I realized that without goggles, my race was over before it had even begun.
“Shit, no more racing for me. What should I do?” My thoughts spiraled. I frantically asked around, but no one had an extra pair to spare. The realization hit me like a wave—I had trained so hard for this moment, and now it was slipping away.
I stepped out of line, devastated. Tears welled up in my eyes as I resigned myself to going home. Just then, I heard someone calling my name.
“Sunny, why are you not in line? It’s our turn in a few minutes!”
I turned to see Hoan running toward me. My voice cracked as I explained my situation. “My goggles broke. I have to wait another year to race.”
Without hesitation, Hoan reassured me, “Stay there. I have an extra pair.”
Before I could even process his words, he sprinted toward the bike station, where we had stored our gear. I stood frozen, speechless. Could this really be happening?
Within minutes, Hoan returned, breathless, and handed me his spare goggles. “Good luck, Sunny!” he said with a smile.
Relief washed over me. I quickly put them on and rushed back into line. Thanks to Hoan’s kindness and quick thinking, I was back in the race.
Diving Into the Unknown
The countdown began, and before I knew it, I was running into the water with the other triathletes. The coolness of the lake shocked my system, but I focused on steady breathing and rhythmic strokes.
As expected, swimming was tough. I struggled to find my pace and had to battle through waves of competitors. But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself of Hoan’s generosity and my months of training. Step by step, stroke by stroke, I pushed forward.
After what felt like an eternity, I reached the transition area. The hardest part was over. I quickly changed into my cycling gear, grabbed my bike, and set off on the next leg of the race.
The bike course was stunning—rolling hills, open roads, and a breathtaking sunrise over Bau Trang’s sand dunes. With each pedal stroke, I felt more in sync with the race, my confidence growing. I passed some competitors and exchanged cheers of encouragement, the triathlon spirit alive and strong.
By the time I transitioned into the run, my legs were heavy, but my heart was full. The final stretch was grueling, but I reminded myself why I started. With every step, I got closer to the finish line.
The Finish Line and Lessons Learned
Crossing the finish line, I felt a surge of emotions—exhaustion, relief, and immense pride. What had started as a near disaster had turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
This race taught me so much more than endurance and discipline. It showed me the power of community, the importance of staying calm under pressure, and the unexpected kindness that can turn a moment of despair into triumph.
As I hugged my teammates and celebrated our achievement, I looked back at the journey—the sleepless night, the nerves, the panic, and the rescue that got me to the start line. Every challenge had made the experience more meaningful.
Triathlons are more than just races; they are tests of resilience, both physically and mentally. And on that day, I learned that sometimes, the biggest victories come not from perfect preparation but from the support of those around us.
As I stood at the finish line, looking back at the swim course, the bike route, and the run I had just conquered, I smiled. This was only the beginning.
