INSPIRATION FROM A FRIEND

People do great things, and most inspiration stories comes from a person beating his limitations to achieve things beyond his reach. The further and more unreachable the goals, the more inspirational it becomes..

Here's one of those stories (I only wish my posting could do the story justice).

Rafiq Khan is the biggest guy in our batch. He's big.. what more with a KHAN's blood and KHAN's diet! Genetics and life style, the odds were against him to slim down.

Although he played a few games (tennis, squash, hockey- games typical of a Khan), people saw his appearance rather then the sportsman. He was often teased and looked down because of this. This was Rafiq a year ago!

Then the training began! His cousin 'dearest', OP Shazly Khan (90-94 Eagle) started a training regime. Such regime often coincides with activities where other royal 8ths took part in. For example, a 'stroll' up to Genting. (Refer to blog report: Lamb and Genting 21/9/07 http://royal8th.blogspot.com/2007/09/lamb-and-genting-2192007-make-sense.html )

 

Note: Shazly with a stick in hand

& they marched up to Genting!

Ni muka yang influence Rafiq naik

ke Genting!!

A month ago, Rafiq took the next step- purchasing his road bike.. and as reported in an earlier posting- the virgin ride was almost 100km!!

So, after the exercising, training, purchasing.. what was one to do? Well, this was where trickery and pressure comes in.. everyone in the group (except for me) went to take part in the A-Farmosa Triathlon. And these guys convinced Rafiq to do the sprint event. On the eve of the race, with everyone phsyced up and eager to go, they pressured (read Shazly pressured Rafiq in public) to do the full monty- 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. And that was what he did.... I don't think that he was prepared for it, nor did he believe that he could complete the course.. he knew that his body will take an extreme amount of punishing.. he had nothing to lose.. (except hospitalization?).. be if.. a BIGGGGG if, if could endure all the pain, fatigue and survive the ordeal, he could prove to himself and others that all the training and and effort is showing results.. Completing the course would mean that he was actually reaching for heights that he, himself, thought impossible to reach..

Anxiety got the better of him that evening. Nervous, scared, excited etc.. he slept at 3a.m.! After 3 hours of sleep, Rafiq woke up to face one of the biggest physical challenge of his life.

The photos below captured the moments..

Pre-race anticipation

After over one hour, he completed the 1.5 km swim..

then on the bike (40km) and finally the run.. almost at the finishing line, he had friends running along side to cheer him on!

Notice the FINISHER's Medal on his chest?

After Rafiq completed his Triathlon, I've received calls for me to also complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon.. There were the typical "wehhh.. Upiq dah buat.. engkau bila lagi?"..

To date, he has lost about 40kgs!! Please refer to the Bagan Lalang Ride report (April 08) to see how much he 'reduced'

My friend, you have inspired me.. and I will start my training this evening- Fitness First Menara Maxis- RPM Class!! I will be training and I'll keep training, and hopefully, in a few month's time, I be at the same ranks with you- as one of those 34 year old- over weight guys who have completed an Olympic Distance Triathlon- THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING!!

I hope that my report does not steal the thunder from the achievement's of Kam (also first time completed Olympic Distance Tri.. Ironman hopeful for 2009!), Ala Usat, Stupe, Chief Kutu, Shazly, OP Sofiyan...