As part of our 2024 ender, my sister and I joined another open water swimming event! Coincidentally, the venue, Pico de Loro Cove is the same place where I nearly drowned more than 20 years ago, while on a camping trip with college friends, way before the resort and condominiums were built.
We checked in at Pico Sands Hotel, along with our ever supportive family, Len, my cousin and my sister's now husband, Dex. Before the afternoon briefing, we swam for a bit to get a feel for the water. Prior to this, I had been mainly training in the pool which is very different from swimming in open water. There are no waves for once. At the time, water condition was calm. I thought it was going to be a nice and easy swim.
How wrong was I! The next morning, the sun showed up late. At our scheduled start time, it was still pretty dark that the organizers pushed the start time by 30min (or was it an hour). When the sun finally came up, it was immediately swallowed by a blanket of grey skies. Then came the wind - cheerfully blowing over the waters like it was a birthday cake, making it very choppy!
From Pico Sands, we traveled by boat to Layag beach, stopping some 20 meters from the shore, our starting point. Every other swim event I’ve done has always kicked off from the shore so beginning right in the water added a new thrill for me.
The sea looked like it was waiting for a human sacrifice - dark skies, choppy but despite dreary atmosphere, I couldn't help but be in awe. From our left is another island crowned with massive, jagged rock formations that gave our swim a dramatic backdrop.
The swim itself is far from easy. It felt like getting slapped in the face repeatedly by salty hands, along with strong currents. My sister swimming beside me, kept getting pulled by the current, so we repeatedly bump into each other.
After recharging at Santelmo, we set off for the final stretch - 1.5KM back to Pico de Loro cove. It didn't get any easier. The waves stayed relentless and it was tricky to stay on course. The finish line was in view but it felt like forever to get there. Stroke by stroke, we pushed through and finally, we reached the finish line! I couldn't be happier to have crossed it side by side with my sister! Afterwards, I ran back to our room, where my reward was waiting : a hot cup of coffee and sushi I'd packed. After showering, I got a call from sister who asked me to return to the venue. Unexpectedly, she and I were both podium finishers, 1st place in our respective age groups!
While the award bought a rush of elation, it was never my reason for swimming. I had already spent many years in competitions, playing football from my teens up until I was in my mid 30s, these days, my goal is simple, to cross the finish line on time and with a happy face. That said, I'm very grateful for the recognition and for a beautifully challenging swim organized by coach Moi and H20 Man events.
We checked in at Pico Sands Hotel, along with our ever supportive family, Len, my cousin and my sister's now husband, Dex. Before the afternoon briefing, we swam for a bit to get a feel for the water. Prior to this, I had been mainly training in the pool which is very different from swimming in open water. There are no waves for once. At the time, water condition was calm. I thought it was going to be a nice and easy swim.
How wrong was I! The next morning, the sun showed up late. At our scheduled start time, it was still pretty dark that the organizers pushed the start time by 30min (or was it an hour). When the sun finally came up, it was immediately swallowed by a blanket of grey skies. Then came the wind - cheerfully blowing over the waters like it was a birthday cake, making it very choppy!From Pico Sands, we traveled by boat to Layag beach, stopping some 20 meters from the shore, our starting point. Every other swim event I’ve done has always kicked off from the shore so beginning right in the water added a new thrill for me.
We positioned ourselves in the middle of the pack. Up front where the extra spicy swimmers, the competitive ones who are aiming for the podium, so I made sure to steer clear. On a wrestling match on land, I may have a shot but definitely not in the water. LOL.
The sea looked like it was waiting for a human sacrifice - dark skies, choppy but despite dreary atmosphere, I couldn't help but be in awe. From our left is another island crowned with massive, jagged rock formations that gave our swim a dramatic backdrop.
The swim itself is far from easy. It felt like getting slapped in the face repeatedly by salty hands, along with strong currents. My sister swimming beside me, kept getting pulled by the current, so we repeatedly bump into each other.
Our next island stop was at Santelmo beach, a hydration point and where we got our race markers. This spot has a beautiful snorkeling spot just off the beach. I can't resist lingering a bit longer in the water to spot sea creatures. After all, it was one of the reasons I join these swims. We reunited with new friends we met thru Niel, my friend who also joined the event. Therese shared her gummy worms that she brought in her swim buoy and I couldn't help but be grateful. It was such a nice treat!
After recharging at Santelmo, we set off for the final stretch - 1.5KM back to Pico de Loro cove. It didn't get any easier. The waves stayed relentless and it was tricky to stay on course. The finish line was in view but it felt like forever to get there. Stroke by stroke, we pushed through and finally, we reached the finish line! I couldn't be happier to have crossed it side by side with my sister! Afterwards, I ran back to our room, where my reward was waiting : a hot cup of coffee and sushi I'd packed. After showering, I got a call from sister who asked me to return to the venue. Unexpectedly, she and I were both podium finishers, 1st place in our respective age groups!
While the award bought a rush of elation, it was never my reason for swimming. I had already spent many years in competitions, playing football from my teens up until I was in my mid 30s, these days, my goal is simple, to cross the finish line on time and with a happy face. That said, I'm very grateful for the recognition and for a beautifully challenging swim organized by coach Moi and H20 Man events.
After checking out from Pico Sands, we wrapped up the weekend with lunch at Seaview Ternate (Link to Google maps here). It has become our go to place whenever we're in the area - quiet with a great view, good coffee, delicious food and ample parking.