Thursday, October 24, 2013

Ironman, Ferum Homo sapiens?

Ironman, no, I’m not talking about the rich, flamboyant armoured superhero. It’s all about a (super) long distance triathlon. I like the movie and the character though. He’s the most possible and logical superhero (if ever existed) in our world. He’s neither from other universe nor a failed experiment. By using science and engineering, he created powerful armours cum weapons. Ooh ok, I’m done with the non sport intro hehehe.

“An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, raced in that order and without a break.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironman_Triathlon

“An Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half Ironman, is one of a series of long distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The "70.3" refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironman_70.3

Official site
http://ap.ironman.com/#axzz2hc53UM00

The Ironman World Championship (also called Ironman Kailua-Kona) was held last week (13th October 2013) and the winners were Frederik Van Lierde (BEL) (8:12:29 - Men) and Mirinda Carfrae (AUS)( 8:52:14 – Women, new record!). Congratulations to them.

Malaysian netizens were frantic and abuzzed following the teaser from independent sources about the returning Ironman to Malaysia. We had Ironman back in 2010 and they pulled back due to bad organizer. I don’t know much about it but I believe this new organizer will do their best to deliver a world-class event. The official announcement is here http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/10/malaysia-to-host-two-new-ironman-events-in-2014.aspx#axzz2hc53UM00. Malaysia will host half distance Ironman, the Ironman 70.3 in Putrajaya on 13th April 2014 and full distance Ironman in Langkawi on 27th September 2014.

Ironman Asia Pacific
Ironman Langkawi
Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya

From that moment, my Facebook and twitter timelines were flooded with super duper excited runners and triathletes posts and tweets. I was excited as well. However most of us were shocked with the skyrocketed soaring high entry fee. Aiyo, mahal giler!

USD550+6% Admin fee!
USD240+6% Admin fee for individual! Team USD290+6%!

Since this event is an international event at world class standard and the fee is almost the same with other Ironman series in other part of the world, I somehow believe this fee is acceptable. A wise runner/triathlete said race or don’t race at all. Your call. If Ironman event is your top priority, please bear with the high entry fee and register yourself. There’s no guarantee this event will be held in Malaysia again in 2015.

Mortal Normal people might question why torture ourselves with the extreme distance, long-commitment training and pay high fees. We love paying a lot and getting tortured and beaten up in return, don’t cha hehehe. Sounds kinky much. Well it’s all about passion, ambition and self-satisfaction peeps. Some people might spend thousands on cars, branded handbags, gadgets, superbikes etc. Some people love spending most of their time on sports training as if they have no life. Well, the definition of life is subjective. We determine the meaning of life in our own mould. Ok, I’m done here with the ranting.

Why I talk about Ironman so sudden? I’m not even a duathlete/triathlete. I don’t own a bicycle. I don’t know how to swim efficiently. Why do I even have a blog post on Ironman? What the heck? If you are my twitter followers you might have noticed this at my profile page.

I'm a wannabe!

Yes, I’m a wannabe. A sincere confession. However, I did nothing (not yet) except running in becoming a duathlete/triathlete. I don’t think it’s enough. Maybe it’s time to step up. The announcement of Ironman is kind of a wake up call. Why swim-bike-run? Well, triathlon involves three different disciplines and activates different set of muscles. Endurance and flexibility are part of it. Not many people can do it. Not many want to do it. Why Ironman? I want to challenge and outdo myself. Ironman is super hard but the accomplishment feeling will be greater considering the training amount and intensity. I have two ultimate ambitions, to become a podium winner in major events and finishing an Ironman. Plus the title is nice too hehe. IM Rashid. Not the Imam Muda hehehe.

Why swim? I learnt how to swim back in 2009. A lab senior (thank you OSC) taught us how to swim back in our postgrad day. It was fun and challenging. I’m an Aquarius after all (tiada kaitan pun LoL). It seems easy but believes me it’s not. Took me a month to mastering floating and breaststroking. I’m such a slow learner, sigh. Haven’t swam for months and now it’s time to re-ignite the passion. Planning to enroll myself in an official swimming class. I need to learn how to do freestyle swimming as it’s an efficient way in a competitive event.

Why bike? I cycled to school back in my primary school. Wanted to buy a bicycle during varsity days. Luckily or perhaps not, I got a motorcycle. I’m planning to buy a bike, however a lot of considerations need to be made especially if I want to participate in a competitive event. Gonna cost thousand. But again, passion will triumph over other matters. Errr, at least I hope so. Wish me luck in getting myself a bike in near future ;)

I won’t participate in Ironman Langkawi but I will cheer friends who compete. Hope them can finish within cut-off time limit. Will I go to Langkawi? Don’t know yet. How about Ironman 70.3 in Putrajaya? I have this idea of participating in Ironman 70.3 relay as runner. However, I still need to search for cyclist and swimmer. If you want me as your relay partner please don’t hesitate to let me know.

No drama drama just TRI ;)