Xiamen 70.3 - Made in China

The relief that washed over me quickly turned to horror as the comfortable warmth flowed down my legs and rose up my chest. This was going to be ugly. ‎Nature's call could not have come at a worse time...

The relief that washed over me quickly turned to horror as the comfortable warmth flowed down my legs and rose up my chest. This was going to be ugly. ‎Nature's call could not have come at a worse time.  Sitting in the T1 change tent at Xiamen 70.3, after a quick, current-aided 25min swim, wetsuit still firmly zipped up to the neck. ‎I was literally sitting in a bag of my own piss. Oh well what's an Age Group hopeful gonna do? A quick scan for race officials (who would penalize me) and fellow triathletes around to witness the spectacle that was about to unfold... All Clear.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzip", I yanked the draw-chord and ripped off my wetsuit. Piss exploded all over the chairs, ran down my legs and seeped between my toes. "764", my race number, I reminded myself, as I handed over a steamy transition bag over to one of the   volunteers. " Xie Xie ne" I managed with a sheepish smile before dashing off to find my bike. The rest of T1 went smooth and it was good to be out on the open road. Right - Aero tuck, be patient, find your rhythm and just let the riding legs come on. We're flying down straight and perfectly sealed roads, 3 lanes wide, completely closed to traffic. I was in my favourite place;  Head down and hiding from the wind, piloting my own little rocket ship.  Average speed is climbing up to goal race pace and we're all systems go. God, I love my TT bike. 

A pack of 7 riders comes along and I decide to let them take over pace-making duties. The marshals have caught on with what's going on up front and they're cruising menacingly close to us. A 5 minute drafting penalty would surely put a spanner in the works today. I spot a couple of athletes get carded and I stay well back and well safe. 1 x 45km lap down, 1 lap to go. 1 x bottle Gatorade down, 1 to go. Time for that little bump of Shotz caffeine. Yum. I can feel yesterday's 2nd plate of tagiatelle feeding my legs, flowing out though the pedals. Purrrfect. Nutrition - Check. We're sitting slightly above goal race pace, I'm doing the maths and I'm getting excited. "Hold it down Shemboy", you still gotta run.

It's cool and it starts to drizzle. Roads get slick and I'm careful to guide her between the slippery painted lane markers. I must not be sweating much because I feel the urge to go again. " Is it actually, physically possible to pee while pedaling?", I wonder. Relax, keep pedaling, come on, relax some more, keep pedaling, Come On...  Nope - not happening today. I make a mental note to practice this (but how?). I relent, stop pedaling and check over my shoulder to make sure no one else is going to get wet. For the 2nd time in less than 2 hours, I wet my pants - besides the white hot razor blades where ammonia meet abrasion, it feels great. Head down back to business.

I've slowed the Gatorade intake as my tummy is full and I don't need more fluid. Still need calories though so I switch to gels for a more concentrated delivery. 200 calories plus the 100 from the 1st one, plus a bottle and a bit. We should be good. 15km to go on the bike and the adductors are starting to get a little tight so we don't hammer into T2. Ave speed has dropped a touch but we're still respectable. "Still got to run", I remind myself not to get carried away and play it safe.

Restock gels and salt in T2 and we're on the run course. A single brick run in training and a dodgy calf 3 weeks back tells me to start real easy. Small quick steps at 5'00 pace is not the end of the world. Fingers crossed, the running legs make an appearance later today. Even holding back, the pace slips down to 4'45 and we've settled easily at goal race pace. I'm not hurting and the calf is good so let's be patient and just get the 1st of 3 laps out if the way before seeing if we can open up a touch. Patience Shem. 

Another dab of caffeine and right on cue, 2 smaller lighter Chinese runners pull up alongside and pass me at the start of Lap 2.  Let's see if I can hang with these guys. I tuck in close behind, pull my cap down low and my eyes lock onto their  Vapor Flys kicking up at me. "Stay loose" is the mantra as my breathing deepens and stride length increases. "Stay loose". Systems stabilise and a quick check has me running at 4'30 pace. I'm pushing but I'm not hurting yet. I'm enjoying this. I'm absolutely loving this. The air is crisp but the sun has come up and feels good on my back. Perfectly organised aid stations are flying by. Sips of water to wash down the gel and cold sponges to stay sharp and in the moment. The caffeine has kicked in nicely and we're laser focused now. 

Our swift moving trio has been catching and ploughing through fading runners. We start the last loop and I'm biding my time. I move to the front with 6km to go; in my head, 3 x 2km done countless times at track. At 4'20 pace, we're still good. "You got this", as I shift up to a 1 - 1 breathing pattern. Let's go. I think I can manage 20 mins of proper hurt so I drain the gel flask and brace myself. See you later guys- Thanks for the ride.

I'm on my own now, where I have been on countless occasions in the last 12 years of racing Triathlons. Alone, and high as a kite on the endorphins running through my body. Alone, with my thoughts of family, friends and simply living a good life. Just running, just breathing, just loving the gift of moving well. The time on the race clock excites me and I'm smiling through the grimace- This is gonna be a good one. A final burst to pass some guys, just in case they be 40 - 44, and we're in.

Personal Best at 4h 40', medal, sit down, close my eyes and take my time taking it all in...

When Wanda bought Ironman several years ago, as a professional coach whose livelihood depends on the strength and wider perception of our beloved brand, I was skeptical, worried and if I'm honest, somewhat disappointed. 3.5 days in Xiamen has turned that around.

Race organisation was flawless. They had everything covered. From the expected; smooth registration / thoughtful scheduling  / well stocked and well laid out aid stations/ good feed at the banquet dinner, to finest details; rubber mats to cover road grills / swift and regular shuttle services /  well trained, friendly and supportive volunteers... You name it. 

Personally it is awesome to witness and share the course with so many Chinese triathletes at different points in their journey, embracing the sport and toughing it out all the same. From where I sit, Ironman continues to provide an excellent path for anyone and everyone who wants to inspire and / or be inspired towards a better version of themselves and celebrate the friendships forged along the way. Keep it coming!  

Never thought I'd say this but looks like  I'd better brush up on my Hua Yu...