The Finish Line 

Olaf’s Account

Having completed all the checkpoints was a really good feeling. For the last time I could pretend to be useful by drafting my angels back to the finish line. They were rather quiet and needed some compliments and cheering, but being my angels they gave a good performance all the way to the finish line.

We crossed it together and I was quite surprised to see only a few teams had come back before us. Even better the race committee told me that completing all checkpoints was really good. Feeling good about ourselves it was time to tend to my angels and serve them orange juice.

Chi, the culprit for us being here, came a short while after us, all his attempts of sabotage having failed. The reunion felt nice and we all shared our stories, hanging out in the shade and feasting on the lunch buffet.

Later it was time for the prizes and I saw another team going to the podium to pick up prices and a complete mountain bike. So I thought “Ok, there goes the first prize” and basically disconnected from my surroundings to refocus on the inside of my eyelids. A few moments later my angels screamed, got up and ran off, babbling something about surprise and “great” and winning and I suddenly woke up from my blur lethargy to realize that we had won the race.

What a joy! We all went to the podium to get our prices. Shame that my angel Rebecca had dashed home already, I’m sure she would have loved it, too. We got so much stuff, a bike, sunglasses, hydrapacks, tires and a really nice trophy. Everybody came up to congratulate us and it felt really great having won.

Water, water water.. was all in our mind when we crossed the finish line.. As we exchanged "horror" stories with others, we realize we actually quite lucky in finding our way and the checkpoints. 

Being really a novice in this game, I was wondering how we did, Rebecca whispered that we might get a 4th or 3rd at best.. then she left. And as I saw with a heavy heart the fitter groups collecting the 4th, then 3rd, then 2nd prize.. I switched my mind off .. but to our shocking surprise, "Olaf's Angels" was called!I jumped for joy and ran up with the rest.. 

I could feel for awhile, surprised eyes were looking as they announced us as the only team with 3 girls, 1 guy..

To me, this was really an achievement, not so much what we won but how we did it. The moment of enthusiasm that turned to fatigue, to despair, we never once gave up at any point. 

I actually signed up knowing I had some gastric pain but more concern for my bad knees, I know my determination can carry me through any pain but I don't want to rehabilitate again. And as I watched the other teams dashing into the Bukit Timah trail which I only tried 2 times, I was really worried of also slowing the others down knowing but nonetheless bite the bullet. With Olaf's constant encouragement, I was glad I didn't falter behind at all, and when the injury and fall came, the team's enthusiasm just carried me through. I was actually enjoying myself, having fun.. And best of all, my knees are pretty fine thereafter!

Who cares about the scars and little injuries!

What we took with us was that we didn't let others (stronger) around us affect us, nor the environment (heat) and accidents (injury) and frustration kill our enthusiasm..there were moments when we felt like giving up but we didn't cos we stayed together and won the day..

Gee..I hate to use the phrase but I think it applies..

Impossible is Nothing!