Ironman Western Australia 2012, 6 Dec, my 1st Ironman

I wanted to pen down my 1st Ironman experience since completing it before taking part in another. However tomorrow, 6 June 2013 is going to be my participation is Ironman Cairns 2013 so I better take the chance of free time now to recap what happened exactly 6 months ago on 6 December 2013, also to help me with some confident to walk me through a more difficult course tomorrow..

Upon Arrival to Busselton jetty, I know I have to find myself a way to swim around the jetty before considering how I can complete the bike and run leg. The jetty is 1.9km out from shore and another 1.9km back. I never swim above 2km open water, it's cold like 15 degrees but I realized during test swim that it gets warmer as I swam outside just have to bare the cold for first 5-10mins.

Logistics on the race morning and the early start time made me start the race in sort of a daze mode, which was pretty good that it kept me in a low anxiety start.. Taking stroke at a time.. I woke up when I spotted the first stingray swimming among the weeds directly beneath me  like 15 mins deep. Yes, the water was that clear. With thought that it could sting me like how the Aussie crocodile man was stung and died. Became a little worried but it keep me alert to stroke forward. Finally I reached the end of the jetty! I turn back to look at the shore and laugh to myself, Yes! I made it! That's when I realized I didnt start my Garmin multi-sport time! Anyway got it started and head back towards shore, I just know that if I can swim out I should be able to swim back.. Spotted another stingray on the way back but this time my thoughts are if it's coming near I telling it. I'll eat it! Swim finish at 1:29 hrs

I wasn't expecting to see anyone I know since swimming is my weakest leg, but still managed to bump into Kang, spent 10mins in T1 and just before I leave for my bike. I felt the need to pee.. Guess what, Sky Kwah whom I was trying to link up upon reaching Busselton had the same thought and finally we met in aero helmet, shades and full bike gear, outside the portable toilet! We gave each other a big hug and head to our bikes and hit the road..

Bike course is 3 loops of 60km, I basically took one at a time, it was flat and lonely most of the route but I don't really mind, as at some point I really hope the cross wind will leave me alone! One loop at a time, I took my nutrition every 30 mins, with Gu chomps, roctane as well as some Jap jelly which was really nice but not as compare so I only had one on my bike. I took only gatorade from the aid station, till the final 15km I felt I needed some water .. In between I have to stop for a pee, haha! Finally I finished the bike 6:04hrs. Happy that I survived!

Reward myself with a 15mins transition, taking my time to hydrate and rest, wasted too much time in fact. Anyway I was celebrating that I will complete my first ironman by walking the marathon, I told myself. I just have to run the first 5 km past the crowds of supporters and I can start walking, but then I couldn't! I see Aaron, Peter, Kang, Sky they are all running and there were supporters along almost everywhere of the 10.5km loop! So I hit 10km, told my self I try hit 20km before I walk, then I hit 20km told myself I'll start walking at 30km! I didn't, though I stopped at every aid station for Gatorade, water and coke! The adrenaline just drag me to run slowly to the next aid station it goes on and on.. Last 500m I started to high 5 almost every supporter...
Finally I heard a voice, "MArk Lee from Singapore, first time Ironman, MArk Lee you are IRONMAN!"

I hope to something similar tomorrow, this time with my wife Christine at the end point waiting for me..