Ironman China account by Reese

The Swim;-
As this is my 2nd Ironman Race & to have such a strong current in the big China river, it really worry me ( I tot IM Race always have a nice calm swim course). Was still pondering which direction to head out when i see everybody dashing into the murky river. Upon reaching the inner loop of the 3rd buoy i was kind of struggling & feeling tired. Somehow i saw quite a number of swimmers walking along the shoreline. I then headed to the shoreline & decided to walk & got a few bad cuts from the rocks. When i got into the 2nd loop of the swim this safety boat came beside me & checked whether i was doing ok & actually telling me to head to the shoreline. Eventually I managed to clear the swim with exhausted body walking up to the Transition Area.

The Bike:-
I was very excited to head out to the bike route after my swim. And i was pedalling hard to battle with the head wind, gradual long climb & heat. After pedalling for 25km i was kind of feeling not rite on my quad(cramp seem to start coming in). Oh shit, not now! When i was at 30km aid station, Chris McCormick aka Macca & a few pros were zooming passed me. Wow, these boys were fast! Ah, at this point of time i started to get cramp. Damn, 150km to go & i had my cramped now. How to survive! Furthermore, i didn't carry any salt tablets with me at all. I had never experience this kind of bad muscle cramp in my training or even in my Langkawi Ironman race. I was cursing left,right,up,down all over as i am going to pay a high price for this( I doubt i can complete this time). Not long after what a relieve to hear someone behind calling my name. My saviour, I was so happy to see Mark as i desperately asking Mark for salt tablets. Thank you Mark of his kind soul for sparing 2 of his salt tablets to me.

Anyway it lasted me only for an hour & i started to get cramp again. When Shawn kona Ann Leong caught up with me i again asked for salt tablets. Thank you another kind soul Crazy2tri for sparing her salt tablets. The rest of the journey was just struggling, suffering, groaning with pain, stopping & resting. I was checking the time on & off to see whether i can make it as the bike cut off time was getting nearer.

After some calculation i was thinking i might not be able to make it in time but my mind was telling me i have to give all out & give my best so that even if i dont make it i would not live to regret. Without hesitation, i was sprinting the last 20km bearing the pain & throwing all the water bottles away so as to lighten the load (somehow psychologically it work). I came in just before the bike time cut off.

The Run:
The Race official came into the transition tent & asked whether am i going to continue the run. Of course i told him & i am gonna to make it to the finishing line. I remembered by the time i started to run it was 1745hr. I was full of confident as i was heading out to the run route. I was wrong, both of my legs just felt so heavy & simply just want to walk only. & i know if i were to walk all the way i definitely wont be able to make it. Along the way some of the crazy2tri was passing me salt tablets. Thank you once again.

When i was running my second loop i became the last runner at 30km mark. i checked my time & i was wondering again if i can make it. But when you have come this far it is really mind over body. My mental was telling yes you can make it. I tell myself you can do it & just continue to run, run, run as i was telling & pushing myself.

At the swim transition route, I was asking the Race official how far was i from the finishing line.
7.5km & my clock show 2315hr.

With great determination i pushed myself again & so happy to see Logan & David Chua came to me & encouraged me to push on near the finishing line. Finally i crossed the finishing line with 13 minutes left cut off time.

Having heard enough of the tough condition of China Ironman. I just want to Thank you our chief, Ching Hong for getting into this really Crazy2tri China Ironman Race.

I remembered when i finished my Ironman Langakwi somehow i was still feeling strong & energetic but Ironman China i was left with no energy & limping just to get back to the hotel & dumped everything aside. It was indeed a tough memorable IM Race.

In conclusion, developing the right pace is one of the most important lessons i must learn and also to carry plenty of sodium.

I am proud of myself to have completed, and i cant wait for my next IM Race. That is IMWA 2010. And i am hoping more Crazy2Tri kakis can join in this Race & have fun togehter.

Once again Thanks Boon Pin for updating such a exciting Ironman C2T report back home.
It's even better than tracking in ironmanlive.com.

Reese

Ironman China account by Shawn

When the going gets tough, the tough get going!!

One fine day, Lily and I were out for a run. We were panting quite a bit and Lily suddenly said: how did we manage to do the 42km run and worse still after a 180km bike ride? I told Lily that's the last one I intend to do - I never want to take part in any Ironman race ever again! But never say never. Another Ironman race was in the offing at the end of the year. Maybe I would change my mind long before then. Give me enough time to train and perhaps I would do just one more before my 50 years run out.

Then we began talking about taking part the Ultra Marathon 84km. Let’s do our training in secret until we are ready, I said silently, and then we will make a surprise announcement to the group. Lily laughed in agreement.

One Saturday several weeks later when I was called back to work Lily joined The Crazies for a bike ride in Desaru. Lily and Joe were encouraged by Ching Hong to join the group attempting the Ironman in China. Joe told Lily, if you jump, I jump. He remembered Jack saying that to Rose in the movie Titanic. Just like Jack and without hesitation, Lily said to Joe: lets jump together.

After the Desaru bike ride, Lily told me that she had promised to jump with Joe to attempt the Ironman Race in China. So what about me? I would not be able to train for the China Race in April in such a short time. Then I thought that even if I am not able to do this China Ironman, I could at least join the group to train. If I am ready for Haikou, it will be awesome and if not, too bad. At least I have trained for it. I started my training on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year.

As intense training would have it, I suddenly found myself en route to Haikou, China.

Our arrival in China was as chaotic as expected, with hundreds of competitors from all over the world checking in and we getting settled down and deciding where to eat. After dinner, it was decided we would go for a swim trial first thing in the morning.

My Ironman China journey starts here:-

The Swim
As usual, being a breaststroker, I always prefer to stay behind the strong swimmers. I never want to risk being pushed under by them in their excitement to get ahead in the race. I tried to swim according to the flow of the currents, but this one was particularly strong.

And like the rest of us, it was a real struggle for me and very disheartening. Time was running out. I got to the 2nd buoy. It was such a relief as I was finally breathing ok and got my momentum back. I asked the guy on the kayak where I was supposed to go. Just after the 3rd buoy, a swim marshall saw me struggling and he told me to swim towards the shore and go from there.

When I completed my second lap (time 2:02 hrs according to my watch), I was asked to do another lap. I told the marshal that I have done my two laps and he told me to go up the slope which means that I did not pass the “timer”, (it was my mistake) and that was also the reason why my swim time was not recorded immediately.

The Bike
I looked at my bike, took a deep breath and started pedaling hoping my muscles would quickly adapt to it. It was a slow start. After what seemed like a long time, I realised I had clocked only 10km. Another 170 km to go! Well, what choice do I have, the race is on, so just go on. After 30km mark, I looked across the road and there I saw Bernard Tay. Wow!!! He had already made a u-turn. Next person I saw was Ching Hong. He was very encouraging; he shouted: “Hey Shawn, I am very proud of you”. Next I saw David, Terrence, Andrew, Joe and Danny. Then Mark, who suddenly overtook me with a cheerful shout.

When I cycled into the village the road was lined with cheering fans encouraging us with the words “Jia You, Jia You” ( Go!! Go!! Go!! ) - and I was only on my 1st lap. I really did not have much You to Jia!

The sun was burning hot and I was becoming very dehydrated as well. My feet felt like lead; it was getting tougher and tougher. At times I felt I wasn't even moving. At the end of my first loop, I saw Logan and David Chua who as usual gave me more support.

Now I am on to my 2nd loop. I remember that Lily sent a message from Singapore to all the Crazies to enjoy the race, and the natural beauty of Haikou. I tried to enjoy the race and lovely scenery but to me at that time, all I could feel was the heat, the exhausting dehydration, the pain in my back and worst of all, TIME was running out. This time I was not competing with any competitors but instead I was competing against TIME.

The Run
Despite the pain, I was on cloud 9 when I started my run. The final leg. It was important to pace myself. Then I saw Ching Hong and Terrence were enjoying their breeze walking. How I wish I can walk like them but time is not on my side! I couldn't afford to waste even a seond - with another 7 hours to go. I could not be sure what will happen to me after the 20km or 30km mark.

I just carried on. At least I could stop at every water station to hydrate and cool myself with the icy water. I felt very refreshed after every station. The run continued. Each time C2T members by-passed me, the encouragement from them was heart- warming.

Ching Hong: I am so proud of you!
Andrew: Here you go Kona!
David Tan: Press on Shawn, you can make it.
Edwin: Shawn well done!
Mark: Shawn you are only 2km away from me, go on!
Terrence: Wow !! Shawn!
Danny: Well done!
Joe: Just another 1 ½ km to U-turn
Reese : Despite his cramps, he was still very encouraging – go on Shawn do not wait for me.

Summary: Very tough race, almost swept away during the swim, blisters on both my feet, bike was grueling and with the entire race was the toughest race for me so far.

Finally, I want to thank all you Crazies who have given so much encouragement. Last but not least, special thanks to Andrew who was willing to swim, bike and run with me to ensure that I qualified for Kona slot.

Ironman 70.3 China account by Logan

My race report on swim leg 70.3 IM CHina:

On Race day19 April, Reese woke me before leaving to transition area, it was around 0520 Hrs. Blessed him to have a good race. Went about doing my toiletries and breakfast. 0630 hrs got onto the bus from Royal Spa Hotel to transition site. I have registered for 70.3 IM and I am only allowed into the transition after 0715 Hrs.

The sky was clear and it was beautiful day to start a race not knowing what to expect later in the day. I met and wished our IM kakis from outside the transition site. I saw our strong crazy2tri contenders making their way to the race start: Andrew, Reese, Joe, Mark and Edwin.

0715 hrs, IM China Race started with colourful brief fireworks. Sharon and I watched in awe when a large group of swimmers were swept away just after 250 meters mark from start. I knew it was the current coming from 500 meter buoy to me. I was at 2 o'clock to the 500 meter triangular red buoy. I got very worried for our C2T IMs as there were many swimmers not moving for at least 20 minutes not able to get near the 500 meter buoy. Even the Pros were struggling but they were strong. 40 minutes passed, most of them gave in to
the current and bypass the first point. The next worst point was after passing the 2nd buoy. Many swimmers got pushed further away to the shore 200 meters away from the third floating buoy.

I got back to the transition to prepare myself with full of doubts if I am able to do one loop of swim. Time check was 0815 hrs and the sun was bright and felt the heat coming on. Reminded me of Thailand trip during my NS. I decided not to wear the wet suit since the current is so strong and weather is sensational.

0830 hrs made my way with Sharon to the start point. Got into the water and it was cool. It was around 23 degrees. Did some strokes to warm myself up. Still not knowing what to expect. Planned to head off course towards the floating boat far towards the right . And so did the rest of the participants.

0900 Hrs, Race started. I took the course as planned. I hit the first boat at 200 meters from start. headed for the second boat got swept away towards my left. Saw the first buoy 200 metes away, headed for it. Time check was 0930 hrs still trying to reach the first buoy. 0940 Hrs closer to the same buoy at least 150 meters to go. I looked around briefly could see a few heads heading in the same direction as I was. I cannot see anyone else. I
didn't feel right to bypass the buoy so I kept on going.

0945 hrs the refrees on a water scooter came infront of us and asked to carry on with the swim to the next buoy. It took me only 5 minutes to reach the second buoy, . I was not even swimming. I was trying to get back my breadth and was too tired to swim on. I saw swimmers getting up to the finish and running up to the transition. I realised I was out of time. I perservered and swam hard as I got only 10 minutes before cut off. I reached the the 3 buoy but was never able to move near the last turning buoy. I was in the same situation as I was at the 300 meter spot...fighting current. I saw the last few swimmers heading to shore full of rocks.

1015 Hrs - Finally, I realised I run out of time when I saw the safety boat stopping infront me. The refree signal me to stop and pulled me up to the boat.

lesson learned - Never fight the current and its ok to miss the buoys if you cannot reach it. Always keep watch of where the larger group are heading, which is usually not easy......

Well, I felt dissapointed not completing. However, I will always treasure the experience swimming in the lake in China. The water is fresh and drinkable....nothing happen to me so far...hehehehe

Ironman China account by Joe Chua

China Ironman indeed much tougher than Langkawi Ironman.Or maybe i'm not prepare for this race as i train seriously after i registered which was 3 mths before the race.

Swim:
Before race i was undecide wheather to wear wetsuit,reason because i'm a breast stroker,can't do leg kicking underneath water(wetsuit keep body buocy). Wake up 4.30am immediately look out the sky from hotel room,"ho sei liao", see full of starsall over,guess should be warmth weather,so decided no wetsuit! First loop swim was horrible,eventhough i sight every stroke also disorientated,swimmers everywhere,all sweep away by strong current. From 4th buoy to the beach most terrible! after kicking for so long"eh...how come i'm still swimming at th same spot?? 2nd loop i tell myself better swim smart,take short cut,if not i'm sure exceed swim time, so i miss 3rd and 4th buoy,manage to complete 1hr 29mins,haha..my PB!Think i swim only 3.6km.

Bike:
First loop (90km) was ok for me,hydrate myself,1 salt table/hr,1 small banana every aid station. But jus after transition for 2nd loop my right leg cramp up,guess due to hot weather, so add to 2 saltstick/hr. From transition area to U-turn point was my worst ever hit,the extreme hot weather and strong headwind force me down to average 20km/h.Every aid station(Orange tent every 15km apart) i will stop and volunteers will bath me with ice water in order to cool down my body temperature. Every aid station is my target to push me to carry on and not to give up for this race,i read my speedometer every 15km,105km...next 120km..next 135km..on and on always looking far ahead for orange tent. Tailwind from Shi Shan village to bike end 'si bei song!', most of the time can even reach 35-40km/hr.

Run:
Walau, so hot how to run?Caculated i still have 8 hrs for run,so no hurry,take my time,anyway i can't do my PB also.Same plan,bath with ice water every aid station.First 10km realised have blisters on both legs and groin below,walk like 'tao lump par',so just walk and bear with it.The support cheer from volunteers was fanastic,they even request to take pictures with me and ask for my signature on their notebook!Wow...make me feel like i'm a super stars!At that moment pain and suffer is nothing man.. Andrew and Edwin catch up with me at about 20km mark and keep me accompany,3 of us decided to stick to Andrew plan, run 10 lamp post and walk 5 lamp post, in order to reach finishing line on time. At about 35km, so happy to see Mark catch up with us (his 1st Ironman). We knew we are on time, chit-chat all the way,waving to the volunteers and audience,'sie sie','jia you','ni hao'...just like F4 from taiwan. Think we are more famous than them... 4 of us finished the same timing,16.20.59,we feel good at finishing line,we made it!!!!

Summary:
China Ironman toughshit! 40% DNF,i'm glad i can completed.Thank to our chief, coach, and all crazy2tri members, the motivation, encouragement and support from you guys made me finished it! if not i will never complete this Ironman alone.