Beijing International Triathlon: intimidating if you think it is (5)

After hauling themselves up a short steep hill back to the transition area, racers docked their bikes, threw on their runners and pounded out toward the trail. Runners who train on flat pavements found themselves in unfamiliar territory that included stairs, narrow trails, and muddy sections. "My quads didn't like the undulation," moaned New Yorker Liu Bo-Yun, for whom the Beijing Triathlon was his sixth tri of 2013.

For me, I was finally in my element, and running was my chance to make up lost time. I squeaked past a number of people until the course stretched out alongside a beautifully blue and placid Qing Long Lake. During those moments I felt alone, peaceful, and happy.

When the finish line appeared, I threw my last reserves into my calves, charging at full speed. And then, in the final second of the race, a Chinese fellow suddenly appeared at my side, with his hands in the air and yelling at the top of his lungs, he was able to edge me out. Lungs heaving, it was all I could do to laugh and shake his hand.

Along with the other spent racers, we limply went to collect our things, medals dangling from our necks. Lunch, awards and the post-race party were cool-down events.