LAGUNA PHUKET 2011 TRI-FEST : The Laguna Phuket Triathlon and the Ironman 70.3

There is a double Triathlon taking place in Laguna Phuket (the same venue we went for Phuket marathon) this weekend, 27th Nov and next weekend, 4th Dec.  The Laguna Phuket Triathlon is sort of like an Olympic Distance but slightly longer.  Swim 1.8km, Bike 55km, Run 12km.  Then the Ironman 70.3 is ... well a half ironman distance.  Swim 1.9km, Bike 90km, Run 21km.  Yes.  I am doing both.  Yes. I am both FREAKING EXCITED and shitting bricks at the same time.  Check out the swim start lah!!! 

And this is only Wave 1???

Firstly, look at the amount of people.  Holy macaroni.  IF you are brave enough to stand in front, be prepared for all the kicks and punches.  IF you're apprehensive like me,  you'd better pray we're put in wave 3.  But we have no control on which wave we're put in. Why is there so many people? Well. The LPT is in the list of must do triathlons around the world.  For the 70.3? Well,  there are 30 qualifying slots to Kona. 

Now have you seen the swim route? As far as I know, this swim course of swimming in the sea and then the lake/lagoon is unique only to Phuket.

Start on the beach with that mega crowd.  Swim 1180m (for the LPT) and 1280m (for the IM70.3) within 45mins then run on the beach, jump into the lake/lagoon, swim another 620m and come out within 1 hour 10mins in total, before you get to T1. All bikes must be out of T1 by 1 hour 15mins from the swim start.   Excellent. Well done.  As if I don't have enough pressure right?

 The Bike course for the LPT and IM70.3 differs slightly.

I kinda recognise the route from Phuket marathon.... I think.  Do we go through the villages and rubber plantations??? I remember the rubber plantations being hilly.

Now the route for IM70.3 is different and here's an excerpt from the website.

Bike 90 km / 56 miles
The bike course differs from the Laguna Phuket Triathlon bike course by taking competitors towards the township of Thalang located on the main north-south highway 402 which cyclists will cross by dismounting to traverse a ramp and pedestrian bridge. Once on the east side of the 402 cyclists will continue on a partial out and back course with two coastal loops on narrow, winding roads before returning to the cross the 402 pedestrian bridge again to return to Laguna Phuket. The course includes some extremely steep hilly sections on a quiet coastal road in the Island’s north east. Drafting is illegal. Suggested equipment includes a minimum of two water bottle cages. Athletes should consider 24-28 tooth rear cassettes to ease the difficulty of hill climbs. Some of the road surfaces may be rough and athletes should use durable tires.

I have to dismount and CARRY my bike over a ramp and pedestrian bridge somewhere before 402 and again when I return!!!  

They even recommend that your rear tooth cassette is 24-28 in order to tackle the hills.  I only have 25.  And I don't have enough hill training.   Except for that hill in Miri tri.  And that bridge during Powerman.

WAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....................................   I am so dead.

The run course for the LPT seems pretty straightforward. Run two laps within Laguna itself.

I should be able to tackle this kuar...... I remember it is quite flat inside Laguna.  Err... except when we entered Laguna from those rich big bungalows during Phuket marathon. THAT WAS A HILL!  Oh wait.  I'm not going there right? Am I? sigh... we'll find out.

 Now the run course for the IM70.3 looks like this.

What is this??? Where are we going??? HELPPPPPP!!!!!  This one for sure I am passing by those hills. 

Comparing the two, you're supposed to have a different game plan for the LPT and a different one for surviving IM70.3.    According to http://phuketnews.phuketindex.com/sport/laguna-phuket-2011-double-triathlon-festival-186005.html   the LPT has 700 participants,  the IM70.3's target is 1100 but they have half of that, and more than 100 registered for both.  I am one of the 100.    Ooohh.... More friends to make!

I skipped Penang Bridge marathon to keep my legs fresh for Phuket.  I am definitely gona give it 300%.  This is it.  The finale for the year. Ironman 70.3 Phuket.  To avenge UK.  To avenge Desaru LD.   For what I couldn't do before, I sure as hell am gona make sure I do it this time.   When the horn blows for the swim start, I will not hesitate anymore. I will not wait for the crowd to clear first, anymore. I. Will.Go.All.Out.   May the best kicker and puncher survive.