A journey of my 3rd Ironman - Ironman Langkawi 2017

The journey started early the year when OP Zalman my junior in RMC contacted me asking whether I'm interested to do Ironman this year. Although my last Ironman race was 7 years ago, I still remember the toughest part is the commitment to the training which I wasn't really keen on initially. I told him I want to let Fiza take the slot, but he said he can try to lobby to get the spots for both of us. Then, I replied... race on! We filled in all the necessary forms and documents and submitted them to My Major Events.

TRAINING

We didn't hear any positive news from MME until around the middle of the year. Then we started being serious following the training program. I don't really have a proper training plan, what I did was follow Fiza's plan over the weekend, and due to work commitments, I tried my best to do at least one training a day during weekdays. The first target is to race in the Iskandar Challenge with timing sub 7 hours. I did achieve the target and am very satisfied with my ongoing training.
Ironman Training

Continuing the training 2 times a day, 6 days a week for 6 weeks before Ironman takes a toll on my body. I felt extremely lethargic and sleepy during the day. Lost weight from 80kg early the year downed to 74kg during Ironman. Probably due to the age factor, recovery is also a lot slower than before. Luckily my immediate supervisor Meno understands my situation because he himself is an ultra-marathoner.

TRIP TO LANGKAWI

We took the flight to Langkawi 4 days before the race day. It is important to be there early for athlete check-in, briefing, checking out the racecourse, bike prep, swim test, bike check-in, carbo-loading, and having good rest before the race. At the expo, we met many of our fellow triathletes. It was a festival at Mahsuri International Event & Convention Center, and not only athletes but their supporters also enjoyed the atmosphere.
Before race

RACE DAY

SWIM

The swimming starts at Pantai Kok. The course was 3.8km in 2 loops. I registered to start in zone 1:30-1:45 hrs (orange swim cap). So far, my best 3.8km swim in the pool was 1:45, plus-minus on the navigation I thought I would take longer to finish the distance probably just slightly sub 2 hours. I think the timing is still ok and quite far away from COT 2:20 hrs. Fiza started in zone 1:15-130 hrs (purple swim cap). It was a rolling start and she started about 3 minutes in front of me.
photo credit: Finisher Pix, Jack Ah Beh

The first loop was a bit crowded, so I tried to stay away from the right lane. Start slow, and try to manage my heart rate from beating too fast. It was a smooth swim and lesser tense. After completing the first loop, I notice my stopwatch has stopped ticking. Now, I have no idea what was my timing in the first loop, should I go faster or slower in the second loop?? To be safe, I decided to push a bit in the second loop. I remember I overtook many people in the second loop, especially those wearing purple swim caps. Out of the water, I was rushing to the T1 because I do not want to be left behind by Fiza.

BIKE

When I rushed out to the bike hanger, I saw there were still many bikes, including bikes on both sides of my bike. I guess I must have swum quite fast. At that point in time, I still have no idea how fast I swam. Mount my bike and off I go.....
photo credit: Jack Ah Beh, Escape, Tey, FizSaid & Finisher Pix

The first climb to Datai was easy peasy, but on the way down my chain dropped, and it stuck behind the chain stopper. How can the chain drop behind the chain stopper? It took me more than 5 minutes to fix it. Then I continued to cycle as fast as I could trying to catch up with Fiza in front. My target is to beat my PB 15:09 hrs, clock sub 15, and catch up with Fiza during the run. I already purchased the official photos package cost me RM400 as a motivation to cross the finish line together with her.

Turning into the second loop I still haven't seen Fiza, I guess she must have gone too far in front for me to catch up. Just before the bike "special need" station, the bike chain dropped again. This time it was very difficult to fix, I almost wanted to throw the bike but I threw the bottle into the bush instead because the bike belongs to Fiza😄. I lost another 10 minutes here!! I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. I managed to fix it and continue the cycle toward T-junction to Datai. From this point onward, I became phobia about changing front gear. I tried not to change it too often.
My face dead serious when cycling

On the way downhill from Datai, I bumped into Fiza when she called me out, but I was so surprised that she was on the way up to Datai?? What is going on here? Why is she at the back? I felt uneasy about this situation. I worried that she got into an accident or she fell sick or maybe had a bike problem. But I'm pretty sure she swam faster than me but why did she behind me?? Then I decided to slow down a bit... I don't care anymore about clocking my PB or sub 15 hours. All I want is for her to finish the race within the cut-off. I completed the bike course at 7:15 hrs. It was slow compared to my best timing 6:30hrs in my first Ironman in 2009.

RUN

I took a longer rest in T2 for solat and waited for Fiza. When my body was about to get cool, I decided to continue running slowly with the hope Fiza will complete her bike leg within the cut. There's no point in me waiting if I don't know whether she will make it or not. Out from MIEC, I ran several km with Idzham. Then, he left me behind after 6km. I ran and walked to Meritus Pelangi passing by the finish line. By this time the pros already crossed the finish line. Luckily the weather was nice and cloudy.
photo credit: Azrul

After completing one loop, I bumped again into Fiza near the airport runway stretch. She doesn't know it was such a relief to find out she made it before the bike cut off. When I asked what happened, she said bike problem in a very moody voice and very sour face. When I want to know more in detail, she didn't respond and continued running toward MIEC leaving me behind.😪

I don't look like pushing to the limit😅
Passing the finish line for the second time was really mental. I was extremely tired and sleepy at the same time. By this time, it was nightfall and extremely dark around the breakwater area. After coming out from the breakwater, I sat down at the medic tent for a while because I felt like going to collapse. After several minutes I continue to walk back to MIEC before my last lap. 

photo credit: Jack Ah Beh & Knut

I made it to MIEC by counting the cars parking along the airport street next to the runway used to light up the course. I hate that place! I walked more after that knowing I will make it even if I walk all the way to the finish line. Then at the same place before, I bumped again into Fiza. Looking at her pace, I was very sure she will make it to the finish line within the cut-off time. Then I shouted at her that I'm gonna wait for her before crossing the finish line. At this point in time, I don't care anymore about clocking the PB. All I want is to cross the finish line with her. 
A dream comes true

I made it to the last timing mat at 15:36hrs which I didn't know the timing stop here and then I sat down on the carpet about 20m before "finishing arch" and waiting for Fiza. Supporters along the fences keep asking me "abang tunggu sape? kenapa tak habiskan?" Nearly an hour later, I saw her approaching the finish line... I stood up, took her hand and we ran together to the finish arch. It was one of the best moments of my life! 
I love you sayang! Well done, although you didn't achieve your target this year.

Since my first Ironman in 2009, I always wished someone I love will wait for me at the finish line like everybody else but 8 years later the dream came true, and even better, I crossed the finish line together with my loved one.
With our finisher Tee

Our medals

THANK YOU

I would like to thank My Major Events for sponsoring the slot. Thank you OP Zalman for proposing my name to MME. Thank you for training partners OP Zalman, Syuk, Diana, OP CK, and many others to mention here. Thank you to my supervisor Meno and my network procurement team in Celcom for backing me up during these few months of training. Thank you Faiz Amskins for delivering the best quality OP tri suit at a reasonable price. Thank you, Lucozade for the drinks. And last but not least special thank you with loads and loads of love to my Sayang for pulling me back into triathlon and ensuring my quest for the 3rd Ironman title is achievable. You're my best Ironman partner. Love you bebeh!!
Best swim time for IM distance, overall timing 27 mins slower than my PB. 

Location: Langkawi, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

Comments

Mohd Syafei Ahmad said…
So sweet nya. Untung Fiza dapat lelaki budiman macam kau bro.
Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 3:01:00 PM GMT+8
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