Was called on to join this race with the Out In SG group whom I got to know from the Singapore Front Runners club. I did not even know who were my team members except for Andrew, who I did a couple of long ultras with back in the covid days. Paul, the team leader, signed for us first to create the team. The fees was $230 for one team of 5 where one member has to be a lady.
I was not very sure of joining this swim fest because I really suck at anything overnight, truly not nocturnal although I love the tranquility of the late nights and super early mornings. Despite having not much high hopes for this competition. I felt that I still should not be too shabby and clock at least a descent 5km or so.
Reporting to the Grind
So around 9 plus in the evening, I set off from home to NTU sports and recreation centre. Its my first experience, but knowing that my body will go very cold I made sure I brought some warming covers for the swim. I also stem on the idea that maybe there will be hot water for drinking at the water coolers. Basically, I brought the change of clothes and some snacks for the event.
The NTU swimming pool is very nice and clean and we were lucky that the parking was free. First time I saw the other two team mates, David and Peter. They are rather big sized some how the standard swimmer build. I thought we are in good hands. After our team found a spot to put our staff, team leader Paul just gave a simple update and passed us the swim cap which need to be worn all times in the pool. We all then gathered to the front of the pool for a quick brief which is easy, mainly we swim in our lanes it can be all of us inside or none at all. We will have a dedicated swim lap counter ( one of the NTU life saving committee members) to count for us. There were some refreshment corner by the pool with gummies, banana, canned coffee and Isotonic. I felt the price was really worth it somemore there were real ambulance on stand by for the safety.
The goodie bag is also pretty bountiful, you get a recycled bag with some swags and vouchers from the sponsors. We also get a finisher tee before hand for joining the event.
Into the Night
As usual after the first round z monster hit me. We were very enthusiastic in the beginning but as the night proceed, the stronger survivors in the team were Peter and David with very consistent speed and laps clocked. The rest of us were just on off, in fact I had a one hour sleep cos it was too cold and so reluctant to go back into the water. Originally I was sleeping outside at our patch but I realise the toilet changing area is warmer with a spot light shining on me. I decided to make there my pit stop. Peter even brought a hot water kettle and that was a life saver with hot drinks keeping the crew warm.
The other teams were youngsters from other schools or NTU itself. They are really all very strong and kept through the night. I do not know whether it is because of age or really its the swimmers instinct. I only went down total of 4 times and swam about 5-6 km in total. I guess the night mode and the coldness was the deterrent for me.
Surviving it and Ending
My last dip ended around 4:50 am and then we all chilled. Somehow soaking in the water is better than going out of it when the wind blows. Officials hit the horn at 05:30 am and results tabulated, total of 7 teams we came in 6 with a total of 355 laps done. I wished I could have done more but guess its a first time experience and I have to factor my following week Hong Kong 100. It was a nice event and 5 of us washed up and went for breakfast doing some review after that. Really happy to have joined this and yes I will be back!
