Lessons from the recent episode

I felt that I was over-reacting to the irregular heartbeat (Heart Skipping a Beat). The GP that I visited advised me not to participate. I got a second opinion from a doctor, provided details on my heart history, and she felt that it should be normal.

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My heartbeat is perfectly normal now. I have done marathon and Olympic Distance Triathlon, and I did not face any heart problems. I have decided to participate the Aviva Half-Ironman in 2 weeks time. Will not push myself too hard especially if I do not feel well, and would stop if necessary. It is my own race.

Thanks for all the concerns!

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These are some of the things I learned from this episode:

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1. There are many things in life beyond my control, as long as I have given my best I should be happy, and be at peace with it. Do not need to get frustrated, as I know I have tried my best. Success is knowing that I have done my best given my limitations and constraints.

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2. Enjoying the Journey is more important than Reaching the Destination. As I might never reach the destination, and quite often, the Journey is more interesting than the Destination.

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3. Stop thinking about "Why me?"

Last year, I did not reach Kalapatthar during the Everest Base Camp Hike because of Altitude Sickness. I was wondering "Why Me?". Today, I asked myself this question again. It is a useless question! Just accept it and MOVE ON.

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4. Death is not a statistics.

I was reading articles about fit and healthy triathletes who died, mainly due to cardiac/heart related problem. These are real healthy fit people, and i could be part of the statistics. Death is REAL... It is a totally different experience when I am able to visualise my death, and not looking at it from a dettached point of view. 

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5. Good to have friends, as always. =)

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I guess every triathlete has their own story.

Everytime I asked myself: Is it worth it?

I am not ready for this Aviva Half-ironman, and this is my short story:

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2nd Aug'09: Completed my first OD Triathlon

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31st Aug'09: Had a fall during cycling and fractured my wrist.

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Sep'09: Out of action & went traveling to Perth

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Oct/Nov 09: Went Nepal for 3 weeks (fell sick, and recovered 2 weeks after coming back)

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Dec'09: Struggled to run 5km & decided to skip StandChart Marathon.

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Last Week of Dec'09: Tried Cycling again after 3 months (fell down again with minor scratches). I wanted to throw away my cycling shoes & clips, but I told myself that I should not be defeated by stupid clips.

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2nd Jan'10: Struggled to keep up with RF during the 40km cycle (1st time after the fall).

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Jan'10: Having been Cycling with guards - having phobia of cycling & falling.

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28th Jan'10: Decided to sign up Aviva Half-Ironman. RF decides to skip and do OSIM OD Triathlon instead.

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Feb'10: Sick for 10days during CNY & fitness deteriorated. =(

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19th Feb'10: Swam with RF, who mentioned that he was surprised that I signed up for Aviva HIM, considering that I was struggling with 40km cycle a month ago.

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27th Feb'10 (Sat): 18km Run - 1hr 58mins (Struggled)

28th Feb'10 (Sun): 85km Cycle - 3hr 24min (Struggled too)

1st Mar'10 (Mon): Rest

2nd Mar'10 (Tues): 22km Run - 2hr 14min

3rd Mar'10 (Wed): 3km Swim - 1hr 13min

4th Mar'10 (Thurs): 1hr Cycle, 4km Run & 30mins Weights

5th Mar'10 (Fri): Rest

6th Mar'10 (Sat): 22km Run - 2hr 28min (Stuggled & The sun was killing me)

7th Mar'09: 90km Cycle & 4km Run - 4hours (Struggling as well)

Irregular heartbeats detected.

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I think I am overestimating my abilities & I am not that young anymore. I am not ready for Aviva Half-Ironman. May be the irregular heartbeat is telling me not to stress myself too hard. Last few training sessions had been PAINFUL.

Will I look back to think that I am foolish?

I just know that Life is not about seeing it from hindsight, but living the moment.

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