Man of Iron

To the world, it is just another endurance race; to others, it's utter madness; to the competitors, it is an opportunity to cross off a new milestone.

On a personal note, this would probably be one of the most momentous days kicking off 2025 for me. I watched my other half display the fruits of his labor. I witnessed the results of daily training sessions, workouts, meal plans, shakes, early nights in, no naps, sleepless nights, runny noses, blocked noses, anxiousness, excitement, and, most importantly, the joy that comes from all of these.

My heart skipped a beat with every swim stroke, my anxiety hit the roof, and I found my body trembling watching him on the app throughout his bike route. My hands were sweaty holding my phone, watching him run the three loops before celebrating his amazing stride across the finish line, where I noticed my throat was completely dry, and I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. The rush of emotions continued to build inside me until I got home. Even when I saw him after his race, it was the reality that we were in public that stopped me from openly expressing how I felt. I actually didn't know how much I felt until that evening.

I was home alone; the kids and my husband were out. It was just me and the beautiful silence of our home. I looked through the photos and videos from the day. I smiled to myself at the different funny moments we all shared that day, realizing they are wonderful memories we are creating together as a family.

I had made it a point to ensure the first race after our marriage would be significant and one that we all will remember for years to come. It was brilliant to see us as a family wake up at dawn, rush to get ready, rush to get to the race, panic to look for "baba" amongst participants who dressed exactly like him in the dark, lose our voices cheering for him, hug each other, comfort each other, reminding each other that "he's okay" and "he can do this," keeping in touch with anyone who couldn't make it, posting on social media, and finally giving him that big hug at the end of the race.

Beyond all of this, as a person, I am extremely attentive to what is important to my loved ones. I try to understand why it is important to them, what makes it significant to them, and lastly, if I am capable of making it happen for them. I have to admit that this world of endurance training is completely new to me; I am still educating myself, and I don't believe I will ever stop learning, but I have certainly grown to have a lot of respect for those who practice it. The dedication, discipline, energy, and motivation are commendable, definitely not for everyone. I raise my hat to you all.

On this note and in closing, I want to dedicate this post to my own athlete.

Hayati, I know it has not been easy managing time between all your workout sessions, challenges, and races, and your own office work, us as a newly married couple, ensuring our kids have enough time and attention, meeting the expectations and needs of both our parents, siblings, and extended family, not to mention our friends as well. You have done a brilliant job, and all your efforts are appreciated. We are very proud of you; rest assured, you will always have our support.

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