Jason Shortis - Champion of Ironman Langkawi 2006

Ironman Langkawi 2006 - Feb 26, 2006
It was a long long day for arnd 260 people in Langkawi last Sunday, Feb 26,2006. It was a very hot day with estimated temperature of 35 degree celcius.
Our ironman friends consist of Don Khor, Chee Kai Mun, Cheo Kim Swee and Mok Swee Kiang took part in the toughest show on earth. We and some others friends withnessed them entering the water with unstopable mood to complete the toughest event that we can find in Malaysia. Pro. Ironmen were wearing red caps while yellow caps swimmer were amateur ironmen. They made up the distance right after the starting gun was shot off.
We quickly had our breakfast at the nearest stalls. It was the lousy service the normally deserve when we had it during morning as the helpers all looked not fully woke up yet.We observed our watch closely as we intended to witness the fastest T1 Ironman.
After just 49 minutes of swim, first group of ironmen consisted of 5 men emerged from the water and dashed towards the T1. I was waiting patiently at the gate outside of T1. Brian Rhode from New Zealand was the first ironman cycled his bicyle during the event eventhough he is 2nd coming out from water.
After seeing all our friends getting on their bikes, we took our van and find our ways to cheers for them during the bike course. Chris Lieto was amazing on his bike and he is the no.1 during bike course with a leading time of 13 minutes off his bike for the running leg. We saw some ironman started to cramped, struggle during their first loop of the cycling and only them know how hard it was the ironman race.
After drove for 1 round of the cycling course, on our way back to aprt, we saw Jason was already running on his frist 10km, it's arnd 1pm. There are alot more others ironmen who are still cycling for their 2nd or 3rd loop.
We quickly had our lunch at Kuah town and waited at the finishing line to withness the Champion on Ironman Langkawi 2006. At arnd 4.36pm, Jason Shortis was smiling all his was crossing the finishing line. He is away of 20+ min from Chris Lieto, USA who finish at 2nd placing. It's all because he has a very strong running pace. He was the only man that run a sub 3hours marathon during the Ironman, lightning fast man.......
Chris and Brian was so dissapointed when they cross the finishing line as they both got passed by Jason only during their running leg.
Don Khor, our fittest couch finish his ironman race in 11H47m and according to him during the morning, he was damn nervous for it as there are some expectation for him from his sponsors. Not easy also getting others sponsors as u need to deliver as well ar ;)
Chee finished the race in 14H07M was so satisfied with his result and he even promised to us that he'll show a stronger come back next year. Yeah, U can do it Chee !!!
Ah Sui, our friendly ironman finished his 2nd ironman in 15H03M. He mentioned that it was very tough for him but at least he had improved his time to more than 2 hours!
Overall, I can say that to join the Ironman, it takes all the courages from yourself to do it. But most importantly is you must have your family members to support you as this will require a very long training sessions before you are prepare for it. I always believe, no pain no gain. If you are set to do it, you can do it but it's jsut the matter of how well you can finish it. Cheers ;)