Article written by:
Kalista Lau
Two weeks before the 2023 PTO Asian Open Race, our dental nurse of more than ten years, Rochelle, spontaneously signed up for the duathlon segment. She’s no stranger to sporting events as an active participant in marathons. Dr Neo Tee Khin, our dental specialist in Prosthodontics, also took part in the duathlon alongside Rochelle. Fun fact: Dr Neo enjoys cycling weekly. We are thrilled to hear about their accomplishment in a duathlon this time!
2023 PTO Asian Open was held at Marina Bay, Singapore, with a breathtaking circuit course surrounding stunning skyscrapers. A duathlon involves running and cycling in these stages – run-bike-run.
Hi Rochelle and Dr Neo! Is this your first duathlon? What made you decide to join a duathlon this time?
Roc: This is my second duathlon experience. I completed my first duathlon last March 2022 at the Metasprint Series Singapore. Although running has been my primary sport, I also love cycling. It was thus thrilling to take part in a race that combines both sports. When I chanced upon this opportunity, I immediately registered myself.
Neo: Yes, this is my first duathlon. I decided to join one this time as I like setting new challenges every two months. I enjoy having a goal to work towards, and this time it is a duathlon!
How did you prepare for the race?
Roc: I did not have much time to prepare for the duathlon, especially for the cycling segment, as I only learned about this event two weeks before race day. It was a spontaneous decision, but I am glad I completed my second duathlon!
Neo: I have been running and cycling on different days in preparation for the race. The tricky part would be to run immediately after cycling as my legs felt sore from all the cycling. I required some time to get used to it.
As compared to previous marathons you’ve participated, what are the main differences?
Roc: They are both equally challenging. However, one notable difference between a marathon and a duathlon is that you only need to focus on one thing in a marathon, which is running. However, in a duathlon, you have to be mindful of the change in segments. On top of that, the transition from cycling to running is yet another challenging factor to overcome.
Neo: A duathlon is indeed more challenging than marathons. After all, it is a different type of experience with varied transitions along the race. Another challenge is to prevent myself from getting injured as I get older. Thus, I consistently run, cycle and do strength training in the gym.
What is your favourite part of the duathlon? How about your least favourite part of it?
Roc: My favourite part would be the transitions throughout the race course from running to cycling and back to running at the end of the race. It was like an adventure!
As for my least favourite part of the race, the sharp turns, long loops, high climbs and the tropical heat in Singapore. At the start, it was admittedly hard to enjoy the process of these varying conditions. However, I learnt to embrace them as part of the race experience along the way as part of a self-challenge.
Neo: I enjoy the journey of training the most – to be fitter and participating in events like this, running and cycling alongside other commendable participants. After all, it’s the journey that matters, not the destination.
The least favourite part of the race was the knee injury that I regrettably sustained from this race event. Inevitably, injuries are part and parcel of such strenuous activities.
Are you happy with your achievement for PTO Asian Open?
Roc: Yes! I am satisfied with my overall achievement at 02:14:19.0. I haven’t had this much fun in a long while! 2023 PTO Asian Open was an unforgettable experience for me.
Neo: I think it is important to have a low baseline for any race and prevent setting high expectations for yourself. In that sense, I am satisfied with my achievement from this race at 02:01:26.0. The overall timing will be a good reference for improvement in my next race.
Do you have any anecdotes to share during this race?
Roc: I can’t remember how many times I heard my husband cheering for me “Go, mommy!” from the start of the race all the way to the finishing line! I’m not entirely sure how he managed to do it, but he was cheering everywhere, supporting me, which genuinely spurred me on.
Neo: There is a high slope during the race which requires a particular skill and control, resulting in many people falling behind. As I trained for it, I managed to overtake some participants during the race.
Now that you have attempted a duathlon, will you be going for a triathlon in the near future?
Roc: Now that you mentioned triathlons, I registered and trained for one last year, but unfortunately, I fell sick two days before the race day and had to give it a miss. It was regrettable, but completing a triathlon is still on my bucket list. I will do it one day!
Neo: I might join one in the near future if the opportunity presents itself and I am in good condition. However, I will probably not consider full marathons as the amount of training to be dedicated prior to the race is a lot more compared to a duathlon.
