After sharing my swimming experience in the last blog post, it only feels right to write about the next two parts of my triathlon journey: the 90km bike ride and 21km run. Unlike swimming, which has always been my weak point, I used to consider cycling and running my strengths. But this race was a humbling reminder that nothing is guaranteed on race day—especially when life throws a few curveballs right before the starting line.
The Lead-Up: Battling Injuries and Exhaustion
Leading up to the race, April was a tough month. I was dealing with multiple injuries and overall poor health, mostly due to high stress from work and other commitments. Training was interrupted, and important long rides and runs were skipped. I knew I wasn’t at my best physically, but I still showed up. Sometimes, just showing up is a victory in itself.
The 90KM Ride: Flat Course, Heavy Legs
The cycling route was ideal on paper: mostly flat with one bridge of high elevation. The weather was favorable—not too hot and not too windy. Yet, it felt like the longest 90 kilometers of my life. I used to average 32–33 km/h on rides. But during the race, my speed dropped to 26 km/h. It was disappointing, but not surprising, considering I hadn’t been able to train properly.
Transitioning from the swim to the bike took me 12 minutes. My body was sluggish, and I could feel every ache. My legs, especially, felt unusually heavy. I kept reminding myself that I had trained for this, even if imperfectly. I stayed hydrated, poured water over my head and neck at every station, and consumed energy gels and snacks I had prepped for the race. Every aid station became a mini reset button.
There were moments of doubt on the bike. I kept asking myself: “Can I really go on to run after this?” The internal chatter wasn’t kind, but I kept pushing. I reminded myself of the hours I had trained, the sacrifices I had made, and the reason I started in the first place. And somehow, I made it to the second transition. Tired, sore, but still in the game.
The Half Marathon: A Battle of the Mind
Running used to be my superpower. It was how I entered the endurance sports world. But this time, the injuries showed up early and stayed with me throughout the run. Still, I made one promise to myself: Don’t stop. I slowed down, yes, but I never walked. I kept moving.
My original goal was to finish by 12:30 PM. But due to the slower-than-expected cycling, I didn’t cross the finish line until nearly 1:30 PM. The heat started creeping in, and my body began to protest. The first 10 kilometers felt good; I found a rhythm, a flow. But I knew it wouldn’t last.
At around the 15-16 km mark, things got tough. Really tough. The distance stretched out longer than I had ever felt before. Every kilometer felt like a mountain. But I kept going, stopping only at water stations to pour water on my head, drink electrolytes, and eat watermelon. I took in everything they had—fruits, snacks, water, whatever would keep me upright and moving.
The run turned into a mental game. I remembered all those early morning runs, all the sacrifices. I told myself: This is your moment. Keep going.
Inspiration Along the Way: The 40% Rule
One book that has greatly inspired me throughout my endurance journey is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. In the book, Goggins introduces what he calls the 40% Rule: when your mind is telling you that you’re done, you’re only at 40% of your actual capacity. This mindset has stuck with me ever since I read it.
During the race—especially in those dark, lonely kilometers on the run—I thought a lot about this rule. My body screamed to stop, but I reminded myself that I had more to give. Much more. Goggins’ words echoed in my head: You are in control of your mind. You just have to decide to keep going. And I did.
This mental tool has not only helped me in triathlons but also in daily life. Whether it’s pushing through a tough workout, staying focused at work, or navigating personal challenges, I often ask myself: Is this really my limit? Or am I just at 40%?
Crossing the Finish Line: Alone but Empowered
Last year, the race swim was cut short due to a storm. So even though I finished, it felt incomplete. This year, I crossed the full finish line on my own—no storm, no shortcuts.
Unlike last time, my parents and friends weren’t there cheering. My teammates had finished earlier and were already relaxing in the recovery zone. It was just me and the finish line. And honestly, it felt powerful.
I proved to myself that even with injuries, setbacks, and less-than-perfect training, I could still push through. I completed the race in 7 hours and 19 minutes. It wasn’t my best time, but it was one of my proudest moments.
All the fears I had about the ocean swim—gone. All the self-doubt during the bike ride and the pain in the run—overcome. I finished. And in doing so, I became a different version of myself.
Lessons Beyond the Race
This race reminded me that perfection is not the goal—resilience is. Life will never give us ideal conditions. But we show up, we try, and we finish anyway.
The discipline, grit, and mental strength I gained from this experience bleed into other parts of my life. Whether it’s work stress, personal challenges, or long-term goals, I know I can crawl through tough times and still come out stronger.
Looking Ahead: Langkawi, Malaysia
Now, I have my eyes set on my next challenge: the Ironman 70.3 in Langkawi, Malaysia this November. That gives me six months to train, heal, and transform myself—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
I’m excited. I’m determined. And most of all, I’m grateful—for the journey, the growth, and the strength I didn’t know I had.
