1. Few days leading up to the race itself was quite tough. 2 weeks before the race, I wasn't even sure I would start the race. My grandfather was ill and my 3rd child due date was actually in the week of the Ironman. I am certain I can't travel considering the (then) current situation. My grandfather passed away on Thursday and my baby was born on Monday. I won't reveal much but let's just say emotionally/physiologically it made me think a lot about what I'm doing and about to do. So, the most anticipated race of my life and I just can't find the mojo. It was a hard week trying to pick myself up. I didn't train much and when I did, I didn't care about pace/intensity. All I actually did was showed up and just workout. It was taper week anyway. But as the saying goes, do your best, and let God do the rest. Alhamdullilah, I started and finished the race.
2. My race strategy was quite simple. The theme would be to stay comfortable and keep moving. On the swim I decided early that I would focus on going as straight as I can and maintain a comfortable rhythm. And don't get stung by jellyfish. On the bike, to stay comfortable and fuel on the first loop and try to gain some time on the descend on the second loop. And hope not to experience any puncture/mechanical. On the run, walk at every aid station and maintain a decent respectable pace (by my standard). And not bonk. I relied on my heart rate monitor to validate my effort and to ensure I stayed "comfortable".
3. So, race morning, I went into transition and pumped my tires. Helped a buddy of mine pumped his tyres. Chatted with other athletes on the beach and got some last minute tips about the swim course which proved to be really helpful. I warmed up a bit trying to get my shoulder loose and just get the feel of the water. The water wasn't cold as I expected it to be. I warmed up pretty good. When I finished warming up, I didn't remember waiting for too long. So wave starts as I went and try to get to the front as much as possible. Once in the water, I started doing my thing. It was really a comfortable swim. Was bitten by some sea bugs but it wasn't the first time, so I proceeded even though the spot was burning. Sighting was good. There were buoys and flags all over the swim course and kayaks as well. You could practically sight the buoys or anything on land. I think it's unlikely that you'd go way off course with the kayaks marshaling swimmers and everything. But it was a long swim. Very long. I didn't get tired but I got bored. It was long. Long, Long, Loooooooooooooooooooong.
4. On the last stretch heading back to the beach, I up the pace a bit because I just wanted to get out of the water and also the spectator factor (you always go faster when people are watching, don't know why). Walking into T1 I saw my dad and he was really cheerful. Not to mention other supporters/buddies who came to give their support. It was electric as I got into T1. I love T1 and I think the best part about doing a triathlon is T1. Once in T1, got my bag and put on everything. Most of the athletes were delighted to finish the swim and took their time. But there were others who charged out of T1. As for me, I just stayed comfortable. It's going to be a super long ride. Looooooooooooooooooooooooooong.
 |
| Fuel, Take it Easy, Comfortable. The guy behind me seems to be doing the same. |
 |
| Probably nearing the end of the ride judging by the absence of water bottle on the frame. I discarded them on the final 20 km. |
 |
| Long training ride. |
7. It started to rain just as I got in MIEC (T2). The timing couldn't be more perfect. I was worried about my bike handling in the rain with the crazy descend on the bike course. But, I know the rain would help my run. It is proven in PD Tri where the same thing happened where just after completing the bike it started to rain. I ran a 10km PB that day and eventually PB'ed the race. So I was happy. And I wasn't the only one. T2 was buzzing. Smiles everywhere. I prayed and put on my stuff. And again, my entourage was there supporting me. My mum, dad and my son. So, it was a very good start to the run. I can usually gauge how good it would be on the start of the run and it seems promising. Since it was raining, I ran the first 2km faster than I should. Considering it was raining and cool, my effort was not off the charts like the usual run off the bike I did in training. However, I knew it was too early for any heroics. I still have a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way to go.
8. The first order of business was to stabilize my heart rate. And soon enough, I settled to a more realistic pace and effort. I broke up the run into a 21-10-11 targets. The first target was to run a half marathon. So I ran as planned. The next target was a 10km. No biggie. And then, the rain stopped. I remember the last 3 km to get to 30km was really hard. But I was still running although I spent a lot of time at aid stations basically trying to ensure everything was taken care of before I set off running again. This was when I realize there was no point trying to keep up this low heart rate strategy. I was well below my aerobic zone with all that stopping. So the last 3km of the 30km, I conciously made sure my heart rate didn't get too low. So I ran. It was weird. I slowed down to stabilize/lower my heart rate for the 1st half of the run but for the 2nd half of the run I actually had to run to get it back up again. But it worked and probably prevented me from walking too much. So, as I got to the 30km mark, I was actually feeling quite ok. This was when, like in any other running races I did, a decision had to be made. Either to go for it or just run comfortable. At that time I know a 10km run to the finish will feel long. Really looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong.
 |
| Gotta love the rain. Gotta love the pain. |
 |
| Made sure I press stop. |
 |
| Bottled up emotions finally bursts! |
 |
| Couldn't think. It's all about getting that Sub 5 target. |
 |
| We could buy our finishing photo from Fpix. Judging by this, thanks, but no thanks. LOL. |
14. I think I could finally sort of absorbed what had happened the night before on my way back to Kuala Perlis. I had somewhat rested and decided to get on the upper deck of the ferry as it started to move. The cool wind was blowing in my face as I sat on one of the benches. There were other athletes on board but most are just normal people. I really felt at peace. I have 1001 problems waiting for me, but that ferry ride back was not the time to think about them. It was one of those rare moment where everything was calm. No thought process whatsoever. I switched off. I was smiling the whole time as I watched the island of Langkawi moved away from me. I'm an Ironman. I then put my head on the bench and slept all the way to Kuala Perlis.
A dream was realized, and I wanted to dream again.
*My dad recalled that the announcer actually said "Mohd, you are an Ironman". People don't call me that but whatever. LOL.
