Ironman Malaysia 2017
Race Experience and the Story behind the journey.
I have achieved a dream. Its Ironman. The dream I started to see since November, 2013. I heard from Partho Khan bhai about this dream. I experienced many ups and downs, many excuses, many hard work, & so many things throughout this time period (2013-2017). I was not an athlete but day by day I turned to Triathlete. For this mission I had little confidence to register in 2016 but in 2017 I gained some confidence to step up next stage as I have finished Teknaf to Tetulia The Great Bangladesh Run 1000 KM ultra run for 1st time and crossed Bangla Channel(Teknaf to Saint Martin’s 16 KM open water swim) for 3rd time. Let me introduce Ironman. It's a race consisting 3.8 KM swim, 180 KM Bike, and 42.2 KM run within a time limit of 17 hours.
In swimming and running, I had enough confidence, But the main thing is 180 KM bike course of Ironman, where I am a beginner till now. I don’t know much about bike and did 150 KM maximum ride before the race. Even though I didn't have a quality bike for this course. To be honest I have to acknowledge my limitations.
I tried to arrange some supports from our local and multinational companies but didn’t able to manage. My brother Abdullah Tahir Chowdhury was repeatedly saying ‘please don’t ride your bike. Its an international event, u shouldn't go with ur bike, at least u can bring my bike.’ I decided to bring his bike, his shoes, his helmet and his so many well wishes and inspiration. He also connected me to one of great heart Louco Cavaleiro in Malaysia, who also reserved a bike for me. I never used tri-suit. Imtiaz Ilahi brother wanted to know my preparation on various segments before the 3 weeks of my flight. He gave me some great advice and brought a Tri-suit from Singapore handed me over just two days before my flight. On the other hand, Sakib Al Hoque my younger brother a college going boy gave his Garmin watch to use during my race. The true scenario before my Ironman journey.
Every member from my family was asking me about my preparations but I never tried to understand them the actual scenario. I don’t know how they knew that the condition. They provided their great support to me. My friend NasirUddin is more than any support to me. During my ultra run he sacrificed his Nepal trip. At this time, he was in crucial moment in his business. But he told me not to worry with a smiling face.
Toufiq Ahmed brother a friend like brother always was trying hard to make my journey easier. He become father just a couple a days before my flight and he was working behind the scene not excusing anything. I called Humayun Azam Rewazn brother 3 days before my flight to take my flag from inspirational hand. Within few hours I heard from him an unbelievable news. Honorable chairman From PKSF Mr. Qazi K Ahmad sir is highly supportive to inspire such sports activities and I knew Palli Karma-Sohayok Foundation-PKSF is going to host flag off and press conference at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BCIC). It was completely out of my imagination. Then I informed my mentor Niaz Patwary, my swimming guru Lipton Sarker, and my friends to come and share some experiences.The day I met with another great person Mr. Md. Fazlul Kader sir DMD from PKSF. I got a new beginning and inspiration of hope from a discussion with Chairman sir, DMD sir and high officials from PKSF. I got new inspiration from a organization who are working behind under-privilege people. I was not forced to bring glory but I should try my best according to Qazi Q Ahmed sir.
The formalities over and I have taken my flag and ready to start the journey. On the same day, my friends came to the campus, made the things easy and boosted up my courage. On the other hand, Abhimonyu Saha, Wan Nieand brothers from Obhijatree done bike packing. Niaz Patwary my mentor, aware me about all possible risks and back up. Al Mamun bhai, Sultan Bayzid Bhai, Muhiduzzaman Muhit bhai, Farhad Jion bhai all were highly tensed for that mission and repeatedly inspiring me. My Friends Dipu Hasan, Taslim Hossain, জন অঝর, Ashiful Islam, মাহাবুবুল আলম, Ashifur, Aminul Islam Gloria Swarna Gomes Hridi Wajahat Noor, Ummay Hani Abeer, Afsana Ahmed all are great source of motivation. I share all the things with them they all individually is highly capable to reduce my stress. I had a good adda with them before my flight day.
Before the flight, I got surprised from our beloved Nishat Mazumder(First Femal Bangladeshi Everest Climber). She and her mates made me surprise. I was feeling better just before the race.I was highly tensed with my leave from my office. I struggle for more than 3 months to manage my leave with the help of Rakib Ahmad Sir and Fazlul Karim Rumi Sir. From the back Jashim Uddin sir also tried his best to help me. But, I was not eligible for leave in such moment. Rakib sir and Rumi Sir suggested me to apply for extraordinary leave and so i did. Finally the hard effort from Rakib sir I got my letter before the Flight.
My friend Kamrun Maya from Canada and Farhat Sir with me from the beginning of the mission. They inspired me a lot from thousands KM away from the very beginning of my Ironman Journey. During this time, I was accompanied by my lion heart friends Orko Awal, Shahariar Fardous, Rubayet bhai, Rayhan Rony, Sumel Moortuza, Md Tasnimul Haque, Mosaddek Minarar, Himel Faruk, Kibria BOkul, Sakib Taimur Tanvir, Saklain Shamu. When I came back to home, they made my day. We have so many stories behind the scene. Anyway I am ready to start my journey to Malaysia.
On 4th November, Nasir Uddin and me started journey to Malaysia. My nephew Md Mahabub and my elder brother came to the airport to see off my journey. We smoothly did our immigration. We spend the waiting time sitting at a beautiful Lounge. At 12:00 we said good bye to Bangladesh.
I was too tensed leaving my family. I said only goodbye to my love, Sumaiya Yeasmin she had many words to tell me. She couldn’t express, I understand her face. Finding a love from this kind of girl is really a great luck. However, in the morning 5th November we reached at KL international Airport and our friend Johan came to the airport in early morning. We booked our hotel in Putrajaya, Johan knew the hotel location. In the middle of on the way to hotel we took our breakfast. Nasir and Johan were in good discussion and I was silent most of the time.
We reached at Hotel around 9am but the check in time is 2:00pm. So we didn’t have options to drop our baggage in the hotel. We traveled to Johan’s House, checking and checked Johan's bike Avanti. Then we moved to purchase some technical gears, and back to our hotel. Decided to take rest for some hours. Johan again came around 9.00pm and started the bike fitting. But he found some problems and the bike is totally unfit for 180 KM Ride as it destroyed during air flight. He told me to bring his bike. We moved to his house and he packed the bike and dropped us in hotel. I was thinking his level of kindness. A great learning story started from the day when I met Johan.
In the morning of 6th November we started to travel to Langkawi. We reached in Langkawi around 12.00 o clock and took Uber ride to reach our hotel Destini Akef Villa. The man is Mr. Hafizee Senyum Smilefrom the beginning we understood that we are with a very good guy. We shared our purpose to visit Langkawi. He become so happy to hear that. Then we requested him to company us our Ironman journey. He pleasantly accepted our proposal and started to guide us. After finishing hotel check in formalities we visited Mr. Chy to fix our bike. He was pleased to hear me from Bangladesh and learned many things from him. He did my bike fitting. Had wonderful conversation with him. Then We moved to buy some gel, electrolyte, power bar. After having purchased we reached hotel.Though i was crazy to start my training seeing the training of Ironman participants.Nasir suggested not to do this time. So i was straight to my rest time.
In the 7th November morning, i was not late to get up. I took my breakfast as early as possible. I saw many athletes in training on the road. Some were running, some were cycling. I visited the Transition 1 Bike Start point and swimming route. Met with an Athlete from Asam, India my neighbor. Had some chit chat and started swimming practice at Danna. I swam one lap 1.9km and found swimming is alright. Then took T1 and started biking. I found the bike was not properly fitted and having difficulty to ride in uphill and downhill. The front shifter was not working. I planned to cycle 90 km but due to massive uphill downhill and rain I postponed my bike session doing almost 80 km ride. We took lunch break and rest. In the meantime I visited Mr. Chy again and consulted with him about the problem. Then I met a 57 year old guy Mr. Garret from Netherland and had wonderful conversation. In the mean time I was in rest mood. After having rest I did 10KM run with fantastic expectation of timing. Done some strength training. After having trained i felt more confident. But the day ended with growing tension on my left shoulder and right elbow. I was not in swimming practice more than a month due to having a serious road accident. My left shoulder injured due to sudden long distance swim. In hotel I talked with Muba and Mustafizur over phone.
In morning of 8th November, i started the day as like as the 7th morning. I did 1.92 KM swim, 56 KM bike, and 10 KM run on this day. After doing this training we had a wonderful dinner at Sea Side. It was race expo day, so i was highly exited to visit the expo.I visited the expo and wondered to see such type of arrangement. I completed my athlete check in and collected my kits. Took part a transition 2 tour session. I was seeing great athletes from around the world. Nasir and me was highly impressed.
In the morning of 9th November, I went to official swim session. Just had a light swimming season and planned to take whole day rest. Attended a Athlete briefing session and bought some gears from Expo. In the evening we have been scheduled for welcome dinner also called carb loading dinner. After dinner We Met Mr. Hydani who is working in my country and racing representing Bangladesh.
On 10th November, the complete rest day. The day was before the race day. So I was only focusing on the race. Having some meditation and seeing some videos. At 11:00 o clock I checked in my bike in T1 area, T 1 and T 2 bag. Then i was feeling that I was in completely race mood. I focused on eating well, drinking well, sleeping well. The only motto of this day was early bed.
Race Day
I woke up very early around 4am of the race day. Nasir made some light breakfast for me and I was visualizing the whole race course. I started doubting of how my Ironman journey will be heading into this having a serious injury in my right elbow and left shoulder. I must admit this doubt, but I didn’t want to put so many excuses during my journey. I just said to myself to let the thing go according to my goal. I was alone when I entered into the race zone. Nasir was outside. I was remembering the time, when I shared my dreams with my friends, seniors, juniors. I was thinking the time when i saw many Ironman stories in youtube. i was remembering about my commitment to myself, my passion, my love, my dedication. I was so nervous. I only hearing the commentary and remembering so many well wishes. I am a beginner cyclist that’s why i was in too much tension. Because having difficulty in 180 km bike course influences huge to the running course. But, i was recalled my training and thinking it was proper. So why not i can do it. Positively motivated. So many athletes around me having properly equipped and well trained, cordial and saying everyone goodluck. I met PhPhilip Billikopfuring my bike checking and said good luck to each other. I saw the athletes’ face with a dream, passion, commitment. That is more than that, yes this is "Anything is Possible-Ironman."
Swimming start was divided on few waves based on the expected swimming time. The male pro, female pro, and the age groupers. The swim cap colours are different for different wave. In age category swim start i was in first wave and started the swimming almost from the front at around 7:49 am.
Swim was pretty straight forward 2 laps of 1.9 KM clockwise direction. Water temperature was around 26/27 degree. So it was a non wet suit swim. I was prepared with my Tri Suit. Though I never use Tri suit swimming.After flagging off the swimming 4 of us in every 5 seconds started jumping on the water. I was having a crowd of swimmers and bumped by other swimmers. Some were kicking on my head and some were stroking at my leg. I decided to stay in the safe side and moved on to the left side. I was planned to keep me safe as the race was so long way to go. I kept my normal rhythm and consistency with steady face and draft. I didn’t push myself as I didn’t have any competitive target. I just wanted to finish the swimming and I did it with 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was thankful to almighty.
In Transition 1 I took it easy. Just taking my gears according to written token in my T 1 bag. When i was changing my gears I saw a one handed Athlete who just finished his swim. I was inspired and thinking if he can do it with a very smiling face why should I tense over my difficulties. Difficulties are part of life, we have to face it. Whatever the result. Having finished the T - 1, i jumped over my saddle. I knew, i had some issues with my bike and checking whether everything is alright or not. But, unfortunately it was not in good condition. The old problem is the front gear shifter. It was not working. However i just recalled the one handed athlete whom i saw just few minutes ago. Then stopped excusing and positively motivating myself. I found Datai segment with huge uphill and downhill with few short and steep kicker upwards. I kept paddling focusing on tempo and normal pace. Once again i told myself “don’t rush, u have 17 hours to finish it” and i kept myself safe mood. I didn’t become crazy. The two laps was 90 km loop. In bike section i saw Nasir several times, when i was crossing Datai he was shouting to inspire me and giving positive buzz. Nasir and Hafizi saw me at 50 KM and shouted again. I forgot how i was going the course with pleasant mood. I was seeing athletes crossing me one by one. but I didn’t feel down. Even I didn’t disheartened. I was struggling the finish the course and I just kept my face in easy mood and i never thought i was falling behind. Only i was struggling with my own limit. Most probably in 130 KM Mark, the weather took turn and it become worst. There was massive downpour which created limited visibility. I was not seeing 100 meters ahead of me. Managing this stretch was treacherous across the bike course due to 3 uphill and deep downhill in that area. I didn’t take any unnecessary risk but fallen once due to the misunderstanding between the direction of signboard and volunteers. However it was, I stepped up and finished it with 6 hours and 35 minutes.
Coming on the Transition 2 I entered into the air conditioned MIEC and done my transition having some dates. As i was not used to power gel i only depended on banana and dried dates. After T2, i saw nasir and Hafizi cheering very strong and said the timing was good. Nasir told me to pause for a photo. I just started running and i become confident to finish the race.
Most probably in 10 KM i saw the first turn just beside the finishing line, i saw the timing board with 8 hours and something. I was strange and thought i am too fast to reach my goal. Then I tried to keep myself slow to reach my goal safely. I become relax and didn’t push me up. Nasir was repeatedly shouting when he saw me. I felt better and moving strong. I was thinking alright but i was not in good condition took many ice packs to keep my muscle easy. Yes it helped me out to finish the race. The grueling running course done with 4 hours and 41 minute. A total of 12 hours 43 minutes and 27 seconds fighting finished. I reached the finishing line hoisting my country flag. That was the moment i will cherish forever. There were tears in my eyes and tons of joy when i was running over the M dot red carpet and crossed over Ironman arch over the finishing line. I heard someone in microphone telling my name and saying “You are an Ironman” and many were clapping around me. I loved this moment really. Its really wonderful feeling to reach my goal with much more better result than I expected. I am pleased really i am pleased.
The thing about me most of won’t know, during my training normally i went to bed thinking about my ironman dream and waked up thinking the same every single day. I thought about i can make it and i was too much hungry to finish my Ironman dream.
After all I am very much grateful to you, you prayed a lot, u supported a lot, and u wished a lot.
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