Day two of our triathlon training camp in Bình Thuận was packed with excitement, growth, and a few jellyfish stings — but above all, it was full of joy.
Early Morning Wake-Up Call
The day began at the crack of dawn. My roommate, and now honorary sister, Nhan, gently woke me up around 5 AM after a restful night’s sleep. I was still half-asleep, slowly emerging from dreams as birds chirped outside. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, and I reminded myself: today is the long swim day.
Still recovering from jellyfish stings from the previous day, I hesitated as I got ready. My face, arms, and legs still tingled, but I applied a generous layer of sunscreen and anti-jellyfish cream, hoping today would be gentler on my skin.
Fueling Up for the Swim
Breakfast was a short walk away, about five minutes from our room. The coaches had thoughtfully prepared a light yet energizing spread: bananas, boiled eggs, bread, and energy gels. We gathered around the table, quietly munching and chatting about the upcoming swim. I admitted I was nervous about the jellyfish, but hearing everyone else share the same fear was strangely comforting. I’m not alone, I thought.
As we waited for the coaches to set up floaters to mimic an Ironman race swim course, Nhan and I took a brief detour to explore a nearby seafood market. The atmosphere was lively, filled with fishermen and fisherwomen showcasing their fresh catches. Nhan bought some squid that had just been caught, and the fisherman quickly packed them in an ice-filled box to preserve the freshness. It was such a simple but beautiful local experience.
Into the Ocean
We returned just in time to join the team’s warm-up. With a deep breath, we slowly entered the ocean together. I braced myself for more jellyfish encounters, but to my relief, the swim was smooth and sting-free.
As I got into my freestyle rhythm, I felt a sense of peace. My strokes were strong, but I forgot to sight occasionally and drifted off course — a gentle reminder that, like in life, even when you’re having fun, you need to keep checking in with your direction. I focused on maintaining a sustainable pace, not going too fast, to keep my heart rate steady. Swimming in the open ocean is such a unique experience — it’s humbling, freeing, and teaches you to flow with nature.
A Hot but Rewarding Ride
After the 45-minute swim, it was time for the next leg: the bike ride. I had brought my bike all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Bình Thuận — a three-hour drive — just to cycle along this beautiful coastal route.
Originally, my friend Tri and I were supposed to ride together. Unfortunately, his tire exploded the night before due to over-pumping, so I was riding solo. Despite the midday heat — a scorching 34°C — I set off with determination.
At first, I was loving the ride. The ocean breeze, the empty road, the rush of speed — it was invigorating. But soon, the heat began to take its toll. My cough, leftover from a lingering flu, started acting up. I hadn’t packed enough water, and as the sun beat down harder, the ride turned from fun to endurance training in its purest form.
I kept repeating mantras in my head to stay focused and keep going: “Sunny, you can do this. Just a bit more.” A few locals on motorbikes rode alongside me briefly, checking if I was okay — probably wondering what kind of mad person would be cycling in this heat.
At 45km, I finally made it back to the resort, exhausted but proud. After a quick shower, I felt like a revived houseplant — refreshed, rehydrated, and alive again.
Lessons from the Day
There’s something about triathlon training that teaches you so much more than just swimming, biking, and running. Every moment — from the first chilly splash of ocean water to the burning heat of the long ride — pushes you to learn.
Here are a few things I took away from Day Two:
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Face your fears head-on: I was terrified of the jellyfish, but getting back in the water anyway reminded me how strong I am when I don’t let fear control me.
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Listen to your body: Whether it’s adjusting pace during a swim or recognizing when you’re dehydrated, triathlon training teaches you to be deeply in tune with your physical state.
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Community matters: From early-morning chats at breakfast to small market detours with Nhan, these shared experiences add warmth and connection to what can often feel like a solo journey.
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Mindset is everything: Sometimes, the only thing that keeps you going in 34-degree heat is your internal dialogue. Mental strength is as important as physical training.
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Nature is your best teacher: Open water swimming, unlike pool practice, forces you to adapt, adjust, and stay aware. Just like life.
Attending a triathlon training camp is about immersing yourself in an environment that challenges you physically and mentally, while also building bonds with people who are on a similar path.
Training camps also offer structure, guidance from experienced coaches, and a shift from daily routines — allowing you to focus entirely on growth. They can transform not just your race performance, but your mindset and relationship with endurance sports.
Day two at the training camp wasn’t perfect. I was scared, I got sunburned, I coughed until my throat hurt, and I underestimated how much water I’d need. But it was real. And in that realness, I found joy, strength, and clarity.
Keep swimming, keep pedaling, and most importantly — keep going.
