Ironman China account by Ching Hong

What an experience it was for all of us. We thought Langkawi was the toughest Asian IM, but Hainan took the honours this year. Many pros even commented their internal organs were cooked by the heat. But i am so so so so glad all of us finished. And so so so happy we have a Kona qualifier in Shawn - so proud of her.

Swim
As for my swim time, guys, the current was so strong on first loop, many of us drifted off course - i was so dis-oriented, but managed to find way back to beach and started second loop - this time round, smarter - stayed closed to the small loop and the ropes - but at buoy 3 turning, following a whole bunch of swimmers who were all attempting to navigate the current -- i missed buoy 4 =) and that is why i had a shorter second timing. So, not because of my swim training - and i did breast-stroke as i lost confidence in strong current - swam front crawl in down-stream, and breast-stroke upstream - all in wet-suit.

Bike
great setup done by Melvyn - Bike Butler - felt comfortable on aero without strain on elbows, shoulders, and neck - did 3hr 10 mins in 90km (where the transistion turnaround) - very happy - but second loop - boy, the heat and the headwind - many times wanted to just quit - so every aid station - one bottle for drinking - one for pouring down from head to toe

Run (or walk)

Heat at about 4pm was amazing - so walk first 3km with couple of new found friends - blisters started appearing in my sole - and felt pain - started to bleed at one corner of toes - i think i was soaked thru in trying to cool down - worried about heat stroke - and got my whole shoes and socks drenched. Looking at the time, if i walk at 5km in one hour - i could still make it by 11pm - so even though i tried to run - my blistered feet hurt too much to endure - and decided to walk -

Finish
beautiful end - lovely run chute - and so so so so glad to finish - David Chua and Logan were great help ushering me in, and Terence was an angel to bring me to medical tent to attend to my two feet - and got me ice-cream !!

No more
Famous last word - okay guys - what's next on the torture menu ?

Celebration
will organise a time for us to celebrate - keep out for this