One of them

Two years ago, I started to gather the interest in doing this endurance sport called triathlon when I stumbled upon blogs of the local triathletes who wrote about their training and race experience, among other things. One thing for sure, most of the blogs were, and are still inspirational in their own respective ways. Fun to read stories, which may also at times, touched our inner feelings.

During that time, I never knew any of them personally, neither have I met any of them face to face, except for my ex-schoolmate, Aini the bebola api.

The truth is, I myself am still not really sure why did I start doing triathlon. Yes I was active during school time with hockey, volleyball, pingpong, tennis and a little bit of this and that, but never in endurance sports. I didn’t even know how to swim properly.

It is an underestimate to say that these blogs have influenced me to take up triathlon. It was through reading these blogs that I gathered the knowledge on how to train for triathlon. With the much needed help from JB triathlete friends, I joined their training sessions, listened to their race and training experience, and last July 2008, I was one of them crossing the finishing line of the PD triathlon, in my maiden Olympic distance event.

I would say, that was when I officially declared myself as a triathlete. As one of them.

As we all know, Ironman Langkawi had just closed its curtain last Saturday, but the after effect on me is still going on. With the limited free time during working hours, I fully utilize it to read the blogs of their Ironman experience. Looking at the wonderful photos taken during the event, I could see how much they had fun while suffering and struggling to finish the toughest game on earth, some would say.

It makes me feel, again, like I want to be like one of them.

Though I know the journey before I could reach there is going to be tough, and long, and painful, it is also going to be fun. So I hope.

To the question whether I’m going to do an Ironman, is something that I am unable to answer it today.

In addition to these blogs I frequently read, there are also a few Ironman(s) friends here in JB as well. Upon returning from Langkawi, it was only last night that I met them for a small celebration. Honestly speaking, the look at their faces are like those newly weds. Glowing in happiness.

To my surprise, one Ironman friend gave me this Ironman water bottle, together with a key-chain and some chocs as a souvenir. Not that I've asked anything from him. And this, truly is another inspirational boost for me. Thanks a lot Dale.

So, what did I do next? Sign up for Ironman 2010?

Are you kidding me?

No, of course I did not sign up.

Realizing that Rome was not conquered in a day and a long journey can never begin without the first step, I signed up for Kenyir Lake triathlon which will come up this March 29th.

Immediately upon registering for Kenyir tri, I looked up on the net for more information. Before this, I never knew where exactly Kenyir Lake is. According to the photos, the view of the surrounding is very nice and beautiful. It’s a good place to go for a vacation. But, according to previous blogs of those who participated in it, nothing looks interesting other than the satisfaction of crossing the finish line. Kenyir Lake triathlon is even being declared as the toughest triathlon in Malaysia, and many triathletes agreed to that statement.

Now, that really scares me. A lot. And I even felt nervous when signing up for it.

“I’ll see you soon…”