I wont lie, but had someone told me 12 months ago that I would be returning to China to compete in the Ironman I would have laughed at them. Actually it was only 11 months ago, but I did the Ironman 70.3 race last year in China, in what was without question the toughest day in the history of the sport. The conditions were ridiculously hot, and I was lucky to make the finish line in China. I ended up winning the race, but as I crossed the line, I dived straight into an ice bath, looked up at the thermometer that was situated in the shade and read 48 degrees celcius. For the Americans that is 120 degrees, and the humidity was incredible. I called for the medics and told them they had to get people out there as these conditions were just inhumane. It was an oven, and no event in the World was as tough as China last year.
So now I find myself packing my bike in 2010 and heading back to China to compete again. And to top it off, this time I have signed up for the Full Ironman race. As I was packing today, I was thinking about last years race and I had a chuckle to myself. I am heading right back to the furnace and going to go again. I said to myself, "You Gotta Love it." It really is true. Despite it being probably one of the toughest races I have ever seen, the new event in China was a real blast last year. It was an intimate event with only about 600 athletes competing, but we all got to hang out and got on very well. The people were really supportive of the race, and to be honest the after party was one of the best on the circuit.
The great thing about our sport is that it takes you to some of the Worlds most exotic places. I have raced all over the world in the last 20 years, and Asia is the most facinating and challenging for so many reason. The culture is such a shock, the food is so different and the sport of Triathlon to them is so knew and amazing that the spectators are super enthusiastic. It is a buzz of a place to race. The heat makes al these events very tough and the smaller events makes the entire experience a nicer one. I am looking forward to kicking off my season 2010 in China and meeting everyone again at the event. It will be a buzz.
The picture I have uploaded here is a shot of myself and good mate Tim Marr who will also be racing in China. Tim is looking for a slot to Kona along with many others. I hope he gets it. Catch up with everyone in China and then the following week in Singapore. If you are around in Singapore please come out to our charity ride at Fitness First. Lets raise as much money as we can to fight Breast Cancer. It will be a great afternoon.
Enjoy Your Journey,
Macca
