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During our 3-hour flight to China, my seatmate and I (let’s hide him under the name KQ2) compared reading material. He was reading a book entitled, “The God Delusion.”  My book of choice, on the other hand, was “The Existence of God is Self-Evident,” something which could not possibly have been more contrasting.  We had a good laugh about it, and I even tried to scan his book for a bit but I could not read it without wincing so I gladly gave it back. I took out my copy of Triathlete Magazine and we eventually found common ground–our love for the sport is indeed very strong.
 
Little did I know that just a few days after this, my commitment as an athlete would be brutally tested yet again.  My love affair with triathlon has had its share of ups and downs over the last ten years, but our relationship is solid. As I went into Ironman distance two years ago, it proved to be sweeter than ever. 
 
Until Ironman China.
 
This race tried to break me, and honestly, in those dark dark moments of the marathon I thought it had succeeded.  I have no idea how I finished, I only remember that it was the longest and most dreadful walk that I had to do. Heck, it was the only Ironman in which I ever recall having to walk at all.  I had suffered too much on the bike to be able to run. 
 
What happened??? It was a well-organized race, don’t get me wrong, and hats off to the organizers. I had also come to this race prepared as always, as my training partners can attest to. I had tapered well, rested well, eaten well–did all the things a good athlete is supposed to do.  It was a tough race, as tough as they can be, comparable to Kona itself–but I will not use this as an excuse.  When you sign up for an Ironman, you don’t expect to have it easy. If for some reason you do, then you are definitely in the wrong sport.  I showed up in Haikou fully aware of this.
 
So again, what happened?  As of this writing, the answer still escapes me.  It will take time to process.  What I do know is, I had a bad race.  No , I had a horrible race.  However, I also know, in a strange way, that this was good for me.
 
Why? It has taught me that even when I do hit rock bottom, trudging on just to survive and with all hopes of a stellar performance out the window, I could still manage to hold my head up high and raise my hands in victory as I crossed the finish line, a good 13 hours and 39minutes later– a spectacularly fantastic PW (Personal Worst 🙂 ) for me.  Yes Ironman, you have challenged me today, but my faith remains intact.
 
The wonderful thing is, my atheist friend KQ2 did amazingly well amidst a most formidable field of athletes from all over the world. He finished among the pros and was among the top age groupers, thus garnering him a slot for the Ironman World Championships in Kona like I knew he would.  Believer or not, I am beside myself with joy for him, and in fact will even accompany him.  After all, I am still his coach 🙂
 
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Thank you for always Believing. Cinnabon, Adidas, Hed, Timex, Aquasphere, Hammer, Rudy Project, Cobb Cycling, Zoot.  My dearest family and friends, you know who you are, thank you.  Pinay In Action, Fitness First, Sabak Tri, South Tri, Polo Tri, Xycos, the SuperTriKids and IronKids families.