Ironman70.3 A glorious moment of my life

Langkawi, Malaysia is entirely new territory for me, and it's here that I'll have to complete a challenging race like Ironman70.3. After a year of preparation, the final test is just two days away 12th October 2024. After arriving in Langkawi and checking into the hotel, our first task was to unpack and assemble our bicycles. Transporting bikes often causes issues, but luckily Nahid, Rafat, and everyone helped out. They have some amazing, high-tech tools, even though my bike is a pretty basic road bike. I can't thank Mujahid Bhai enough; he brought the bike from London and took it from Dhaka to Jamalpur to Sylhet, and then left it with me before heading back. I tuned it up for the Ironman race.

For Ironman70.3 miles, we have to swim 1.9 km in the Andaman Sea, so we decided to scout the waters a bit. The race starting point is a bit far from our hotel. The swim will begin from a beach next to the Perdana Quay Lighthouse. The organizers have set up everything in a grand resort called 'The Danna Langkawi,' where several other participants from different countries are also staying. Early in the morning, we went to the sea in a car arranged by Dr.Saklayen Rassel Russel Bhai. We still had five days left. Event Organizers were setting up ropes and buoys in the sea. Some of our group had never swum in the open sea before, so we decided to swim out about 500 meters and then return. Pijush was a bit hesitant, but Rafat and Ataur joined in confidently. Nahid took off first and was out of sight in no time. Swimming in the open sea takes courage. The first few meters felt a bit nerve-wracking. Today the sea was choppy, probably due to the morning rain.

Since we'd have to bike 90 km right after the swim, we thought it would be helpful to familiarize ourselves with the route. The next day, we did a bit of cycling on some of the hilly roads. The scenery was beautiful, with lush jungles and smooth roads along the coast. The downhill sections were thrilling, but the climbs were exhausting. I had an issue with my bike chain breaking while changing gears. The group had gone ahead, so I walked about 5 km downhill and met up with everyone at a shop. A Grab (transport app) was called to take my bike back to the hotel. Luckily, the chain broke before the race, not during it. I bought a new chain for 70 ringgits and set it up on the bike.

Early in the morning, we planned to swim the full 1.9 km track. We'd previously rented a scooter for 30 ringgits a day and had already checked out the 90 km cycling route to familiarize ourselves. Getting ready in the morning, Nahid, Rafat, Ataur and I set out on two bikes. After passing the airport, Nahid realized the scooter was out of fuel. Rafat was ahead, so Nahid asked me to call him. I'd bought a Malaysian SIM card the other day, so I took my phone out of my bag, called Rafat, and let them know that our scooter had run out of fuel. A nearby petrol pump was about 4 km away. I absentmindedly placed my phone in my jacket pocket instead of my bag. Nahid and I started pushing the scooter forward, hoping Rafat and Ataur would come back for us.

While we were collecting our kits, we heard that Badar Bhai had an accident and had fallen off his bike. He was preparing for the full Ironman but struggled due to irregular sleep and food. Coming down a hill, he lost balance and hit his head. We rushed to the hospital to see him. The whole team was heavy-hearted and worried. An accident like this before such a demanding race was truly concerning. Badar Bhai received stitches and was prescribed complete rest, spending the following days in his hotel room. We busied ourselves with final race preparations, focusing on the smallest details. The mental pressure was building.

The alarm went off at 3:30 am. Today was the race day. The previous night was full of meal planning. Rafat and Ataur would have rice and eggs, Nahid would have bananas, bread, and dates. When I went to Dr. Samiul Bhai's room, I found shawarma, rice balls, and chicken all prepared on the table. He was set to do the full Ironman, so his preparation was even more precise. Those doing the full Ironman get an extra bag to keep food or hydration for the race, which is delivered at specific spots. I took a chicken shawarma, opting for the familiar taste from a Turkish Shawarma House near the Pelangi Hotel.

By 5 am. Dr. Saklain bhai had arrived with the car in front of Chenang View. Hafiz, his reliable Malaysian driver, had been with him for years. He spoke English quite well and knew alternate routes, which was useful since some roads were closed for the race. Langkawi was buzzing with excitement, ready to cheer on all the athletes. The entire town would wake up to support us today. It took us an hour to reach 'Dana Langkawi', and the sky was still dark. Shuttle buses kept arriving, bringing competitors and their companions.

When the whistle blew, I was off, diving forward with a powerful stroke and trying to find a steady rhythm amidst the waves. The saltwater stung my eyes, but I kept my focus, visualizing each meter. The swim wasn't easy—the waves were strong, and every stroke felt like I was fighting against the current. But with each pull and kick, I pushed forward, breaking through the mental barriers one by one. I found a clear space and started swimming. The course was marked by large yellow buoys and ropes, with volunteers in kayaks watching to prevent anyone from crossing the line.

Exiting the water, I felt slightly dizzy. I jogged towards T1 to grab my bike. Transitioning from swim to bike was always challenging; it took a few minutes to catch my breath, get my shoes on, and focus on the upcoming 90 km ride. At T1, I found my bag, drank water, and toweled off before putting on socks and shoes. I put on sunglasses, stuffed an oats bar in my jersey, applied sunscreen, and a bit of Vaseline. I quickly scanned my gear, left my swim cap and goggles in the bag, and ran to my bike.

Finally, I reached T2, where I quickly transitioned into my running shoes, bracing for the 21.1 km run. My legs felt like lead at first, the transition from cycling to running always making each step feel heavy and unnatural. But after a few kilometers, I settled into a rhythm. The route was hot, and the sun was relentless, but the cheering of spectators and the occasional spray of water from volunteers helped keep us going. The final run would take us through the Police Training Academy and along the airport.

Crossing that line, I was overwhelmed with relief, joy, and pride. All the hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance had paid off. I pulled out my red-and-green flag, raised my arms, and ran with every ounce of energy left in me. Tears welled up as I crossed the finish line, hearing my name and the name of my country announced over the loudspeakers. I had completed Ironman 70.3 in under 8 hours. A beautiful medal in blue and yellow was placed around my neck, and a towel emblazoned with 'Ironman 70.3 Finisher' wrapped around my shoulders. In that moment, every challenge, every setback, and every ounce of doubt was forgotten.