One of the main reasons, other than my regular medical checkups, why I had to delay this post was my loyal camera, a Nikon D50 no less, DNFed on me during the event. It is certainly Murphy’s Law acting on me. What, breaking down at the most crucial time of the race? It happened late in the evening when most participants were still on the run leg. My backup camera Nikon Coolpic 7200 did not do too well either; the usual lack of flash distance. I had to immediately send my camera to Nikon service center in PJ before I can download any photos into my Mac.
My wife and I made our annual pilgrimage to Langakawi to support May Senn, Arief and the gang for the Ironman Langkawi 2010. We had arrived by car, driving overnight, on 26 February to the ferry point at Kuala Perlis to board the 07.30 am ferry to the island. We arrived at Kuah Jetty an hour later and had our Langkawi Roti Canai Special at the terminal. Whilst eating at the Jetty terminal, we would see the usual car hirers coaxing visitors to hire their cars. This year we managed to hire a Proton Wira which had the best aircon in any old cars we had seen. Paying the extra RM20.00 was worth it, as we were into the hottest time in Langakawi, with temperatures averaging over 40 degrees centigrade. That is why Ironman Langkawi is touted as the toughest race in the world. We put up at the Motel Sinaran, having reserved our room a year ahead. The motel is located conveniently opposite where the gang was staying and also it was in a strategic location for viewing the run leg.
We met up with May Senn and the rest of the gang during check in time at the Start / Finish area. We also caught up with the usual support gang. Max, Patrick, Jason, Julie, Ahmed, John, Ivy and Bandit. As usual the gang would arrange for a Media Pass for me to go into the Start/Finish area. I took a lot of photos as participants were busy checking in their bikes and gears. Later at night we had dinner at a Thai restaurant with May Senn, Arief and his parents. We also met Arief’s two sons to our delight.
The race started promptly the next day at 07.15 am with the Pro group swimming off followed by the main group 15 minutes later. I saw the gang off and wished them a safe and successful race. I did not mention to the gang about the recent jellyfish scare in Langkawi. A tourist had died recently, swimming at Canang Bay after being stung by a deadly jellyfish. Apparently the current and waves were very strong that morning. Quite a lot of participants could not qualify the swim leg as we saw their bags were still in the transit area after cut off time for the first leg. Even May Senn came in half an hour later than her usual timing. Arief was much the same, and he seems to require more time than usual in the transit area than the previous races. All the gang came home safe from the swim leg.
The cycle leg took a big toll on the participants. It was really hot and humid. Many DNFed at this leg, including Ishal, Randy, Edwin and Arief, all of whom are experienced and strong candidates. Most participants complained shortage of water at the midway water points. Dehydration and stomach problems were the main causes of DNF. My camera too.
We were very worried for May Senn when the official race time passed the 16 hours mark. We had expected her to be in just about after 16 hours, because she had done it last year inspite of a leg injury. We had seen her ride well during the cycle leg. We saw her again in the Bike/Run transit area. She was cheerful and said she would be OK. We saw her several times again during the 5 run loops in the early hours of the night. She was quite consistent and had no problems. We then had a quick dinner and went to the finish area to wait for her.
Wait we did. Panic came when the official clock displayed close to the 17 hours cut off time. Still no May Senn. The remaining of Gang who did not DNF all had come in. We prayed that May Senn would not give up at this last leg, knowing that she was a true team player. Too many in the gang had DNFed earlier and she was very sad for them. We could see the mood and feelings in her. It was a great relief when Patrick pointed out that May Senn still had 15 minutes more as the official display time was for the Pro group. The main group started 15 minutes later.
True to form and style May Senn came home at 16 hours 48 minutes to our joy and tears. She has 12 minutes to spare. Thanks to Ishal, Arief, and everybody else in the gang who were with her in the last run loop. They had supported and paced her home.
We came back to KL the next day with mixed feelings, happy and proud for May Senn and sad for others who did not make it this time. Well, there is always Ironman Langkawi 2011 to look forward to. We will be there as we had booked our room again in Motel Sinaran.
Will upload all the photos shortly.
Allen Lai
