PD 2009: Race Day

I remembered sleeping very early on Saturday (10 p.m.) and realised that I kept on thinking, "Apsal tak pagi2 lagi ek?" Maybe it was cheer-leader anxiety or that I'm used to having less sleeping hours. I think I woke up to Faiq falling off the bed and Rafiq preparing himself for the race.

I left the comfortable bed and got ready by 6.30 a.m. It was raining quite heavily and I didn't have an umbrella with me. After Rafiq cycled to the race site, Jan and I decided to get ourselves umbrellas and breakfast.

All set!




Cycling away

We went to 7-Eleven and got ourselves raincoats and snacks. We bought breakfast opposite Bayu Beach Resort. Alhamdulillah by 7.30 a.m., the rain had stopped so we can watch the race in peace.

Upiq's Cheerleading Team




With fellow participants, Julie & Bandit

With Barath & Ishsal

Before the event started, many had gone in to test the water. As it just stopped raining, the sea was kind of choppy. As 8 a.m. drew nearer, more and more participants started assembling at the starting line according to their race numbers. We spotted Datuk Bernard Chandran amongst the crowd. There was a final race briefing where the participants were informed that they will be released in batch of 100s. After almost 10 minutes delay, the starting horn flared and off they swam. Rafiq was in the 3rd batch.

Swimming away

Another celebrity sighting: Samantha Schubert

She participated in the sprint event the previous day

The first participant who had completed the swimming event was from Hong Kong and he did his 1.5km swim within 30 minutes. I think the first 15-20 participants came out individually ahead of the rest. Later they came in batches of 5-7. Whilst waiting, I managed to chat with Datin Mary Lourdes. After introducing myself as the mother of the child who left blood traces at her house, she asked how Faiq was doing. We chatted for a while before going separate ways. I saw some of Rafiq's friends coming out of the water and after waiting for almost an hour, I spotted Rafiq swimming towards the shore.

1.5km swim completed

After completing the swimming event, Rafiq prepared himself for the 42km cycling event. As he was doing this for fun and training purposes, he took his time to get ready. Siap boleh duduk pakai socks. Some of those who were there to compete just ran to their bikes and started pushing them. They even have their cycling shoes attached to the bicycle pedals.

Preparing for the cycling event

Cycling away

Whilst Rafiq cycled, I was making arrangements with Amy to bring Faiq to the racing site so that he too will be able to witness Babah's victory. Rafiq completed his cycling event 1 1/4 hours later and proceeded to complete his final 10km run.

One more event to go!

Datin Mary Lourdes congratulating her husband for completing the race

Amy and Faiq arrived at the finishing line at about 11.30 a.m. Amy and I waited at the finishing line while Jan and Faiq went to the side at about 50m towards the finishing line. Rafiq had requested that Faiq ran with him to his victory. Infact I saw many people doing that.

Alhamdulillah the weather was very good. Due to the morning rain, the weather was cloudy throughout the race. Kalau tak perit jugak tunggu dalam panas. After almost 3 1/2 hours of being a spectator, I saw Rafiq from afar, running towards the finishing line. Jan saw him to and asked Faiq to wait for his Babah and run with him.

As usual, the drama. Most people run hand in hand with their children but Faiq being Faiq, of course ran ahead of Rafiq as if Rafiq was chasing him. It was really funny!

Babah, catch me if you can!!

A well-deserved finisher's medal

As I saw my husband running towards the finishing line, I beamed with pride. My heart bursts with joy upon seeing him running towards victory. This is his 4th triathlon and even though I felt proud when he told me his victory stories of the past 3, being there to witness the moment was a different feeling altogether. I watched in awe at the man who was about 150kg almost 5 years ago. At that time he never even dreamed of going jogging, let alone participate in this kind of event. Who would've thought that he was able to go the distance and inspire others? To cross the boundaries that he never imagined he would. And for his size, to not be the last to cross that finishing line.

Eventhough the first participant crossed the finishing line long before he even completed his cycling event, it didn't matter. What matters was that he was able to finish the race. To prove to himself that he can do it! I was just so proud of him, felt so lucky to be married to this man! Congratulations Sayang! You definitely do us proud. I was just so happy to be able to share your victorious moment with you!

Proud moment for all of us

Die-hard supporters

I really had a wonderful time with my family, and to watch Rafiq conquered the triathlon was a bonus. I was glad that both my sister and sister in-law were also there to lend a helping hand and share the exciting moment with us!