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Pre Ironman Malaysia
So, Ironman Malaysia it is!
I must admit it is as different an environment as I could find from Lake Tahoe, but something I am relatively use to racing in Taiwan, and something I am very much looking forward to.
For me it was an easy choice. A few people have asked why I didn’t just go to Ironman Chattanooga just down ‘the road’ a week later. Chattanooga is a down river swim, flattish bike, and with over 50 guys on the start-list (bike packs), I felt it didn’t suit me or my style of racing.
I also enjoy racing in Asia, and being closer to home it is good for my sponsors.
It’s a very odd feeling focusing 100% on something, for it to then disappear when you can literally reach out and touch it. We were basically on the start line for Tahoe when the announcement was made. Long story short, it was definitely the right decision. That day the smoke was the worst it had been the entire week and it was also spread further around the course than it usually would.
Back to Malaysia, it will be tough in its own right. Hot water, hot air, high humidity, and I can’t forget the monkeys. Apparently there is a 12km section where you are barely allowed to breathe because of them!
My mind seems to have switched from a lot of nerves and pressure, to an eagerness to get out there and race. A 3 week taper will probably do that to anyone!
It’s going to be an interesting kettle of fish. There are a lot of unknowns heading in to Saturdays race. I don’t know the course, I don’t know the environment, I don’t know the monkeys, but most importantly I don’t know how my body will respond to all the travel and all the other stresses of a quick turn-around and extended taper.
What I do know is that the last few training sessions I managed before I jumped on the plane felt great and I’ll be hoping that when the gun goes nothing will have changed.
Fingers crossed!
Cheers
Dylan
