It seems my story has yet to reach its full eb and flow cycle. On a quick whim I signed up for the 2018 IM 70.3 in Subic Bay. There was several reason that this happened. The first reason was Anthony was actually doing the first ever full distance IronMan Subic Bay. This is the first full distance ever held in the Philippines. The second was it was my wife's native country and a lovely location. The last was to try and reclaim some glory from my Phuket flop. Glory was not meant to be quite yet I am afraid. Even though Anthony and I busted hump training, the hills proved to be to much for me in the end and I completed the bike course in 4h50m. Here is a break down of the IronMan and IronMan 70.3 Subic Bay 2018.
The wife and son flew over a few weeks earlier for her brothers wedding. It was a simple wedding but very emotional. That left the girl and I on our own! Yes I know, what a scary thought.
Turns out Anthony and his family flew on the same flight and that made the 9 hour flight time seem like nothing. Cailee and Ayelle played and slept.
Once we landed in Manila the first obstacle for the race presented itself...the Heat and Humidity. YOWZZZZA. At the airport I met up with the wife and boy. From there we got a rental van and headed north to Subic Bay. The traffic was almost unbearable. After a short run in with the local traffic police we were well on our way on the NLEX. Once out of the city we pulled over for some fuel and Jolibee of course. My favorite coffee shop is also in the PI, so I grabbed a nice vanilla latte and back on the open road. Now you may think all was well but it wasnt. Once we transitioned onto the SCTEX I knew about where the bike course was. You all know I like to be prepared. So once we reached the Floridablanca exit I knew we were on the bike course. Folks that course had more hills then Phuket. I was near panic buy the time we got to Subic Bay and our resort. Yikes. The following day Narl's family showed up and that settled me down a bit.
The following day Anthony showed up and we headed out for a quick swim practice in the swim course. Unfortunately for me I got mixed up at a buoy and swam the whole course. The good thing was my time was great!
After that it was off to the EXPO! Well done Sunrise events, so much better then the IM 70.3 Phuket. We wandered around and picked up the race kits and took in all the ambiance. There is just something special about being at the expo. Everybody is friendly and I have never had a bad conversation.
Anthony checking in. Since this was Anthonys first full distance IM, it was important for me to help capture his moment!
Anthony was sporting his new FIT Bahrain running shirt. One of the shirts he would later use on the very long run.
Cheese! Got that Bahrain Triathlon Club gear going strong!
Yeah I wont lie, I was excited to be in my wifes home country racing a course that would be my greatest challenge.
Again, well done Sunrise the bag and gear was very nice and worth taking home!
You know one thing they added to the gear bag was a bike cover, good thing as it rained the day before. It was laid out nicely but it was quite a run to get to my bike from the water exit.
A little bit uphill but not bad at all.
Lets get those bags dropped off and all signed in! Not to stressful for the 70.3 veteran.
Anthony on the other hand a tough time. Since this was his first Full IM, there was so much to consider. How many of this and that. Special needs bags were a new thing to him as well. After stressing about it for 20-30 minutes, everything was sorted and we took off!
Got those T1 bags dropped off!
One final picture before we headed back to be with the family and settle in for the big day! Subic Bay was an amazing venue the scenery was fabulous all around.
I wont lie I have a huge and amazing support crew!
Here is a little action photo taken by the Fit Bahrain support team!
After this climb I didnt have enough time and I was pulled from the race while in T2.
Anthony however rock this race!!!!!! What an accomplishment! Wel done buddy. Glad I was there with you on your journey.
Until next time.....keep moving forward.
The wife and son flew over a few weeks earlier for her brothers wedding. It was a simple wedding but very emotional. That left the girl and I on our own! Yes I know, what a scary thought.
Turns out Anthony and his family flew on the same flight and that made the 9 hour flight time seem like nothing. Cailee and Ayelle played and slept.
Once we landed in Manila the first obstacle for the race presented itself...the Heat and Humidity. YOWZZZZA. At the airport I met up with the wife and boy. From there we got a rental van and headed north to Subic Bay. The traffic was almost unbearable. After a short run in with the local traffic police we were well on our way on the NLEX. Once out of the city we pulled over for some fuel and Jolibee of course. My favorite coffee shop is also in the PI, so I grabbed a nice vanilla latte and back on the open road. Now you may think all was well but it wasnt. Once we transitioned onto the SCTEX I knew about where the bike course was. You all know I like to be prepared. So once we reached the Floridablanca exit I knew we were on the bike course. Folks that course had more hills then Phuket. I was near panic buy the time we got to Subic Bay and our resort. Yikes. The following day Narl's family showed up and that settled me down a bit.
The following day Anthony showed up and we headed out for a quick swim practice in the swim course. Unfortunately for me I got mixed up at a buoy and swam the whole course. The good thing was my time was great!
After that it was off to the EXPO! Well done Sunrise events, so much better then the IM 70.3 Phuket. We wandered around and picked up the race kits and took in all the ambiance. There is just something special about being at the expo. Everybody is friendly and I have never had a bad conversation.
Anthony checking in. Since this was Anthonys first full distance IM, it was important for me to help capture his moment!
Anthony was sporting his new FIT Bahrain running shirt. One of the shirts he would later use on the very long run.
Yeah I wont lie, I was excited to be in my wifes home country racing a course that would be my greatest challenge.
Again, well done Sunrise the bag and gear was very nice and worth taking home!
A little bit uphill but not bad at all.
Got those T1 bags dropped off!
I wont lie I have a huge and amazing support crew!
Anthony however rock this race!!!!!! What an accomplishment! Wel done buddy. Glad I was there with you on your journey.Until next time.....keep moving forward.
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