Racers got an early wake up call Tuesday morning for day two of “Accor Race to Survive Phuket 2010”. It came in the form of a saxophone solo wafting over Nai Harn Lake at 3am in the morning.
The spontaneous performance woke up most the camp – prompting the two Michaels (Parsons and Mangos) from Team Unbreakable to leave the comfort of their tent to walk half way around the lake to investigate. They discovered a German resident who thought it would be a good hour to get in quality practice time.
“He said he played there almost every night and no one ever complained before so we invited him back tonight. Everyone was too tired and sore to sleep, so we might as well entertain ourselves,” said both Michaels.
Team Three Gee missed all the commotion of the saxophonist, arriving back from a night out in down town Nai Hern just in time for race start this morning.
Several exhausted racers also reported paranormal activity, claiming they saw a ghost floating over the lake. Or maybe it was just a Race to Survive legend – at least this was one rumor circulating around the campfire.
Most racers were sore and nursing aches and pains from sleeping on the ground. But not a moan was heard during breakfast as they piled their plates with carbohydrates to start the day.
No one was sorer than Benedicte of team ‘Fysical fiscal’ after her cycle fall yesterday. Benedicte was back at it today like a trooper, although we believe there were several ultimatums given from fellow team mate (and some may say competitive) Louise Daley.
First order of business: team relay canoe paddle around Ya Nui island with a running start. One of the Thai racers was overheard asking “how deep is your ocean?”, before wandering off humming the tune to a famous Bee Gees song.
The paddle event was not without its amusing moments. There were clearly communication difficulties between team captain Wil Fieldhouse and his rear paddler from team South China Tigers. Calls could be heard from shore to‘go left, go left’ as the pair paddled right across the beach’s designated swimming area, seemingly only able to turn right.
The paddle ended in spectacular fashion with several wipeouts in the half foot of surf. Lamai Lapsirisopa from Team 3 Angels provide the day’s best action as she happily celebrated completing the paddle only to have a wave slam her canoe into the back of her head. It made an awful noise that was caught on tape, but luckily she walked away with only a bump and wounded pride.
Racers went quickly back into the water for a demanding 2.5 kilometre swim that left all except Rebecca of team Rewards Corp Racers breathless. Rebecca decided to stop half way through the race removing her goggles and PR the event to two German tourists who were swimming and amused with what was happening.
All were rewarded with a tasty lunch provided by Novotel Phuket Resort, before having to complete a very exciting bike/run relay around Nai Harn Lake as the temperature soared to 37 degrees.
Sarin of the Rolling Coconuts Team is now affectionately known as ‘bolt’ by other racers, showing off his running abilities today. Sarin ran so quickly in his relay leg that it created conjecture in other teams as to whether they should even finish their last leg of the relay, being a bike ride.
There has been some unconfirmed chatter heard amongst female racers today, that the male racers were out-staged by the girls in the relay!
Racers are now off being rewarded with a raft seafood dinner in northeast of Phuket before retiring to their comfy tents for some well earned rest - at least until the Saxophonist arrives for early morning revelry…
As the teams get increasingly weary from the intense day time activities and more affected by a lack of sleep, they could do with a few messages from friends and family. Get onto facebook and send through a message of support, check out the latest images of the uploads and contribute your own comments. If your not already a fan, befriend Yim Kids on Facebook or visit www.yimkids.com to learn more about how the funds that are raised from the Yim Kids Race to Survive Phuket 2010 will be put to great use.
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