Forging ahead
Frenchman Romain Guillaume was first to finish at 8:32.
“I was a bodybuilder, and I did that for 10 years before my diagnosis,” he says.
“But I gave it up and took up endurance sports. This is a more complete fitness activity, and the best thing is you get to do all three activities; swimming, cycling and running. I also think that surviving cancer gave me a lot of strength to take part in these sorts of activities.”
Before coming to Langkawi, Lim committed to a 16-week training programme. He spent 10 to 12 hours a week doing all three disciplines.
Closer to the event his training time increased to 15 hours, then 17.5 hours. He also took time off from work to focus on training, and considers himself fortunate to have a supportive boss.
For an amateur competitor, there are other things to consider as well. Ironman is an expensive pursuit. The standard entry fee in Langkawi is US$600 (RM2,497) and US$280 for Ironman 70.3, where athletes
A triathlon bicycle can cost upwards of RM20,000.
A refuelling station along the bicycle route.
race half the distance of the full Ironman.
A good triathlon bicycle can cost RM20,000 or more, depending on the material and accessories. Then there are running shoes, swimming gear, nutrition plans, massages, travelling costs and various other factors.
YOU ARE AN IRONMAN Lim completed his Ironman in 16 hours and 10 minutes. It was an improvement of 26 minutes, mainly through the bike stage.
He’d been hoping to shave his time by at least an hour, but adds, “What is more important is crossing the finish line and earning the Ironman title again. There’s always the next race to improve my results and get a new personal best.”
His performance was helped by his familiarity with the course. Weather played an important part as well. The sea was calm, and it was mainly cloudy when Lim was cycling.
“I understand there was some downpour in Kuah town but I was not affected by the rain. It had stopped by the time I reached there, so the road was wet and cooling. I was also conservative on my bike course, hence my leg was somewhat fresh for the run, at least for the first 21km. Overall it was a good race for me.”
He believes that with the right training and preparation, anyone can become an Ironman, regardless of age.
His advice for those aiming to compete in Ironman Langkawi in 2018 — if there is one — is to take part in as many triathlons as possible, including finishing several half-Ironman distances before the actual race itself.
“Have a proper programme in place and you need to train for at least 16 weeks leading to the race. Always train in groups, with friends who have the
Ahmad Fadzil coming out of the water after a 3.8km swim. same interest or those that have done Ironman races. For cycling, consider doing the Broga Loop between Selangor and Negeri Sembilan as the tough hills in Lenggeng, Jeram Toi and Genting Peras will prepare you for Langkawi.
“If you have not done any marathons, century rides (cycling events with distances of 100 miles or 160km) and triathlons, give yourself two to three years before attempting any Ironman race. There is no shortcut and never rush into doing Ironman. Learn to appreciate the three disciplines and you will enjoy the race even more.”