Saturday morning greeted me with a mixture of excitement and lingering fatigue. I had been battling a cold for over a week, coughing often and feeling the effects of intense work, training load, and responsibilities from my role at the UWC Selection. My body felt slightly drained, but my spirit was more than ready for the weekend ahead—a triathlon training camp filled with nature, learning, and camaraderie.
Swapping a Brick Workout for Yoga and a Scenic Road Trip
Usually, my Saturday mornings involve a demanding brick session—around 70km of cycling followed by a 7km run. But knowing that the weekend would be packed with intense triathlon training, I listened to my body and opted for an hour of yoga instead. It was the perfect way to reset my muscles and mind.
After finishing my packing and dropping off my bike at the group’s gathering point, I met up with Tri, my training buddy, for a leisurely 3-hour drive to our training camp location. While most of the group chose to commute together, Tri and I decided to drive separately to have more flexibility and enjoy the scenery along the way.
As we cruised down the highway, I couldn’t help but admire the lush greenery and rolling hills that stretched out before us. The drive was a reminder of how stunningly beautiful Vietnam is—a country full of natural wonders that make me feel both lucky and proud to call it home.
A Road Trip Full of Insight and Inspiration
One of the best parts of traveling with Tri is our deep conversations. Tri is incredibly knowledgeable, and during our drive, we discussed a wide range of topics—Vietnamese history, political perspectives, world religions, and, of course, triathlon strategies. Both of us are gearing up to compete solo in the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Da Nang, so we also shared insights on training techniques, nutrition, and performance improvements.
Every conversation with Tri feels like a masterclass in life and endurance sports. His perspective motivates me, challenges me, and often sparks new ideas for how to become a better triathlete and person.
Arriving at Aloha Resort: A Paradise by the Sea
We arrived at Aloha Resort around 2 PM, a bit tired from the drive and hungry from the day’s activities. We treated ourselves to a delicious lunch of seafood fried rice, sautéed vegetables, sweet and sour squid, and fresh coconuts. There’s something magical about enjoying local coastal cuisine right by the sea.
The resort itself was a dream—charming bungalows overlooking the ocean, vibrant flowers, mini coconut trees, and lush tropical plants everywhere. A place like this makes training feel less like work and more like a wellness retreat.
About 20 minutes after we arrived, the rest of the training group showed up. I was assigned a room with sister Nhan, one of my triathlon idols. She only started her Ironman journey in May 2023, but her progress has been extraordinary. She’s now among the top riders and triathletes in Southern Vietnam. We’ve also worked together on several volunteering trips, which made the rooming situation feel like a happy reunion.
Diving Into Open Water: Our First Training Session
After a short rest, we kicked off our first training session led by coaches Thinh, Khoa, and Trung. They gave a detailed overview of open water swimming techniques and safety measures. We began with a structured warm-up and were divided into smaller groups based on our swimming levels.
Thanks to my progress from the last training camp, I felt ready to join the intermediate group. The task was to swim 500 meters out to a floating buoy and return to shore, for a total of 1,000 meters. The distance wasn’t daunting; the challenge lay in the choppy waves. Calm water makes for smooth sailing, but waves test your balance, breathing, and sighting skills.
I started strong, switching between freestyle and breaststroke with confidence. I sighted frequently and kept a good rhythm. But just as I reached the floater, a sharp pain surged through my thighs, arms, and legs. Panic flickered for a second before I realized—I had been stung by jellyfish.
Stung by Jellyfish, But Not Derailed
The pain was intense. My muscles screamed, and my skin burned, but I knew I had to keep going. I calmed myself and pushed through, swimming back to shore. Despite the discomfort, I started my second loop, determined to finish the session.
This time, as I was about 50 meters from shore, a massive jellyfish struck my face. Pain exploded across my lips, nose, and cheek. But instead of panicking, I focused on reaching the shore. Once I got there, I joined others who had also been stung. We all hurried toward the vinegar and lemon station we had prepared in advance. I squeezed lemon onto my stings—no relief. Then I poured vinegar over them, which helped a bit.
Despite the discomfort, I assisted others with treating their stings. The coaches reassured us that the pain would subside by morning, and their calm presence helped us refocus.
Dinner by the Ocean and Unexpected Laughter
After washing up, we regrouped for a team dinner by the ocean. The salty breeze, the sound of the waves, and the delicious food made it a soothing close to a physically taxing day. I met several new faces—some were training for Ironman like me, while others were preparing for Oceanman open water races. Despite the jellyfish stings, we found ourselves laughing over the shared experience.
It was a moment of camaraderie, resilience, and perspective. In triathlon and in life, challenges are inevitable. It’s how we respond that defines our journey. Whether it’s unexpected setbacks, physical pain, or mental barriers, the only way forward is to keep going.
Lessons From a Day in the Life of a Triathlete
This first day of training camp reminded me why I love triathlon so much. It’s more than just swim-bike-run. It’s about building physical and mental strength, creating connections, and constantly pushing beyond your limits.
Here are some key takeaways I left with:
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Listen to your body: Skipping a tough workout for yoga was the right choice. Sometimes rest or active recovery is the best training.
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Community matters: Training alone can be powerful, but training with others fosters growth, accountability, and joy.
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Expect the unexpected: Whether it’s jellyfish or tough waves, endurance training is unpredictable. Being prepared and adaptable is key.
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Pain is temporary, pride is forever: The stings will fade, but the pride of overcoming the challenge will stay.
Looking Ahead to Ironman 70.3 Da Nang
With Ironman 70.3 Da Nang just around the corner, every experience like this counts. Each challenge, each success, and even each failure adds another layer to the preparation.
As I head into the next day of camp—and eventually race day—I carry with me the stories, the stings, the laughs, and the lessons. I’m grateful for teammates like Tri and sister Nhan, coaches who care, and the breathtaking backdrop of Vietnam that makes every swim, cycle, and stride more meaningful.
